最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US07767347B2 Battery grid
A battery grid includes a frame that includes a top element, a bottom element, a first side element, and a second side element. The battery grid also includes a plurality of wires provided within the frame and defining a plurality of open areas and a current collection lug extending from the top element in a first direction. The battery grid further includes at least one feature provided in the battery grid that is configured to reduce the amount of growth of the battery grid in the first direction due to corrosion of the battery grid during the life of the battery grid.
US07767344B2 Lithium secondary battery
A lithium secondary battery includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector (3b) having an irregular surface and a negative electrode active material layer (3a) formed on the surface. In the lithium secondary battery, the negative electrode active material layer (3a) is composed of a material that alloys with Li; thickness of the negative electrode active material layer (3a) (μm)/10-point mean surface roughness Rz of the negative electrode current collector (3b) (μm) is in the range of from 0.5 to 4; and tensile strength of the negative electrode current collector (3b) (N/mm2) at 25° C.×the negative electrode current collector base thickness (mm)/thickness of the negative electrode active material layer (3a) (μm) on one side of current collector is 2 or greater.
US07767342B2 Positive electrode active material including a lithium transition metal complex oxide and an oxide of a dissimilar element
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery that can restrict lowering of battery performance during battery preservation is provided. A negative electrode that a negative electrode mixture including graphite is applied on a rolled copper foil and a positive electrode that a positive electrode mixture including lithium manganate is applied on an aluminum foil are used. An oxide in which one element selected from Al, Si, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Mo, W, Pb and dissimilar to elements constituting the lithium manganate is oxidized is intermixed with the lithium manganate. An intermixture amount of the oxide is set such that a molar number of the dissimilar element contained in one gram of the positive electrode active material to a molar number of lithium contained in one gram of the positive electrode active material is not more than 5/1000. Charge transfer is restricted by the oxide during battery preservation.
US07767338B2 Method for manufacturing a bipolar battery and a biplate assembly
The present invention relates to a bipolar battery having at least two battery cells comprising: a sealed housing, a negative end terminal, a positive end terminal, at least one biplate assembly arranged in a sandwich structure between said negative and positive end terminals, and a separator, including an electrolyte, arranged between each negative and positive electrode forming a battery cell. The biplate assembly is provided with an inner barrier of a hydrophobic material around the negative and the positive electrode, respectively, and an outer seal around the edge of each biplate. Each end terminal is provided with a terminal seal. The edge of each biplate is positioned close to the sealed housing to provide means to conduct heat from each biplate assembly to the ambient environment. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a bipolar battery and a biplate assembly.
US07767334B2 Battery module having an improved unit battery assembly coupling structure
A battery module is provided. The battery module includes a battery body having a plurality of unit cells arranged in series and having a respective barrier disposed between adjacent unit cells. End plates are disposed on opposite outermost sides of the battery body. A fixing unit fixes together the end plates and the battery body by enclosing an outer circumference of an assembly of the end plates and the battery body.
US07767333B2 Separator for storage battery, storage battery and method of producing storage battery
The separator for storage battery of the present invention is a separator for storage battery mainly composed of microfibrous glass and an expanded microcapsule which has been kept in shape with its shell rendered water-permeable by expansion is incorporated in the aforesaid microfibrous glass so that an electrolyte can be retained in the gap between the glass fibers and in the expanded microcapsule to provide a high electrolyte retention and allow the aforesaid expanded microcapsule to act as a cushioning material, whereby the separator is provided with an enhanced restoring force under pressure and is thus kept the adhesion to the electrode over an extended period of time, making it possible to attain the enhancement of the storage battery capacity and the prolongation of its life and apply only a low pressure to incorporate the electrode group in the battery case during assembly of storage battery.
US07767328B2 Fuel cell optimum operation point tracking system in power supply device using fuel cell and power supply device provided with this fuel cell optimum operation point tracking system
The present invention provides a fuel cell optimum operating point tracking system capable of ensuring optimum operation of a fuel cell, by detecting the optimum operation voltage of the fuel cell taking not only temperature dependence of the output characteristics thereof, but also chemical reactions into consideration. The fuel cell optimum operating point tracking system is configured so as to vary a voltage of a fuel cell (1) output upon activation of a power source device (2) up to as high as a maximum voltage for the maximum power point tracking control by the fuel cell output voltage variation command unit (11), to measure the power state using a fuel cell output power measuring unit (12), to monitor the output power measured by the fuel cell output power measuring unit using a fuel cell maximum power point judging unit (13) to thereby judge the maximum power point of the output voltage of the fuel cell, and to track an optimum operating point through maximum power monitoring to thereby keep the power source operation constant at a stable condition using an optimum operating point variation command unit (15), and additionally giving a minimal voltage change at around the current operating voltage value.
US07767327B2 Method of activating vehicle fuel cell
The method of activating a vehicle fuel cell for ensuring maximum performance, improves performance of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, reduces a hydrogen usage, and has stable performance after manufactured. The method includes: placing a fuel cell in an activation device so as to be activated; changing a humidification state of a humidifier which supplies vapor to the fuel cell and a state of a cooling water; supplying a reactant gas to the fuel cell and maintaining a no-load state; maintaining a load state while changing a flow rate of the vapor and gas supplied to the fuel cell; changing the sate of the fuel cell to the no-load state, and re-supplying the reactant gas to the fuel cell; and comparing data measured when the fuel cell operates in the no-load state and data measured when the fuel cell operates in the load state respectively with a reference value.
US07767322B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium, method of producing the same, and magnetic storage device
A perpendicular magnetic recording medium is disclosed that includes a recording layer having a columnar granular structure possessing an appropriate diameter distribution and uniform arrangement of magnetic particles. The perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, and a soft-magnetic underlayer, a seed layer, an underlayer, a recording layer, a protection film, and a lubrication layer stacked on the substrate in order. The underlayer includes granular crystals formed from Ru or a Ru alloy and interstices separating the granular crystals from each other so as to isolate individual granular crystals. A continuing film formed from Ru or Ru alloys may be provided below the underlayer.
US07767314B2 Weld joint formed with stainless steel-based weld metal for welding a zinc-based alloy coated steel sheet
Disclosed are a weld joint and a stainless steel-based weld metal composition for the weld joint. The composition and weld joint made therefrom are suitable for welding a zinc-based alloy coated steel sheet. The weld is excellent in corrosion resistance and liquid-metal embrittlement crack resistance. This is accomplished by inhibiting liquid-metal embrittlement cracks of the stainless-steel-based weld metal when the zinc-based alloy coating steel sheet is welded using the stainless-steel-based weld metal. The weld joint comprises a welded portion of weld metal made of stainless-steel-based components, the weld metal containing in mass percent (%): C: 0.01-0.1; Si: 0.1-1; Mn: 0.5-2.5; Ni: 5-11; and Cr: 17-25, and the balance being iron and residual impurities, wherein the following expression are met: −0.81×Cr equivalent+23.2≦Ni equivalent≦0.95×Cr equivalent−8.1 . . . (1); Ni equivalent=Ni+30×C+0.5×Mn+30×N . . . (2); Cr equivalent=Cr+Mo+1.5×Si . . . (3).
US07767311B2 Adhesive compositions derived from highly functionalized ethylene copolymers
Disclosed are adhesive compositions comprising nonfunctionalized base resins and functionalized ethylene copolymers such as ethylene/maleic anhydride (E/MAH) or ethylene/ethyl hydrogen maleate (E/MAME) copolymer, which are synthesized directly in a high pressure autoclave. These adhesive compositions can be applied as self-supporting films or can be co-extruded or extrusion coated onto a substrate. Also disclosed are multilayer structures, films, pipe coatings and building panels comprising these compositions.
US07767309B2 Imprinting mold and process for its production
To provide an imprinting mold, of which a coating layer formed on its surface is hardly susceptible to peeling, and a process for its production.An imprinting mold comprising a mold body and a coating layer made of a release agent, formed on the surface of the mold body, wherein the release agent contains a compound of the following formula (1), and a process for its production: wherein R is Rf—X—, both R are the same group, Rf is a perfluoroalkyl group, X is at least one member selected from —(OC3F6)—, —(OC2F4)— and —(OCF2)—, provided that the sum of such units is at least 1, Y is an organic group, is an average of n is from 2 to 10, Z is —Si(R1)m(R2)3-m, R1 is a hydroxyl group or a hydrolysable group, R2 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group, and m is from 1 to 3.
US07767308B2 Moisture-curable adhesive composition
A moisture-curable adhesive composition that may be formulated to be free of volatile organic compounds, or substantially free of volatile organic compounds which is safe for chronic exposure, resistant to combustion, and provides a high peel strength useful for securing a rubber membrane material to a rigid roof deck includes a polymer having silicon-containing hydrolyzable terminal groups, a phenolic resin, and a non-polymeric silicon-containing hydrolyzable compound, wherein the ratio of the amount of polymer having silicon-containing hydrolyzable terminal groups by weight to the amount of phenolic resin by weight is greater than 2:1.
US07767306B2 Heat treatable coated article with diamond-like carbon (DLC) and/or zirconium in coating
In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes respective layers including hydrogenated diamond-like carbon (DLC) and zirconium nitride before heat treatment (HT). During HT, the hydrogenated DLC acts as a fuel which upon combustion with oxygen produces carbon dioxide and/or water. The high temperature developed during this combustion heats the zirconium nitride to a temperature(s) well above the heat treating temperature, thereby causing the zirconium nitride to be transformed into a new post-HT layer including zirconium oxide that is very scratch resistant and durable.
US07767305B1 High efficiency tantalum-based ceramic composite structures
Tantalum-based ceramics are suitable for use in thermal protection systems. These composite structures have high efficiency surfaces (low catalytic efficiency and high emittance), thereby reducing heat flux to a spacecraft during planetary re-entry. These ceramics contain tantalum disilicide, molybdenum disilicide and borosilicate glass. The components are milled, along with a processing aid, then applied to a surface of a porous substrate, such as a fibrous silica or carbon substrate. Following application, the coating is then sintered on the substrate. The composite structure is substantially impervious to hot gas penetration and capable of surviving high heat fluxes at temperatures approaching 3000° F. and above.
US07767300B2 Hydroxyapatite calcium phosphates, their method of preparation and their applications
The present invention is directed to calcium phosphates in granular form having an X-ray diffraction pattern characteristic of hydroxyapatite in which a portion of the anions of the crystal lattice are substituted with carbonate anions and which have good compressibility and flow properties in direct compression applications. The invention is also directed to the methods for preparing the calcium phosphate aforesaid granules characterized in that the methods include the processing of a brushite dicalcium phosphate solution having a specified particle size distribution using a solution of an alkaline earth carbonate for a sufficient period of time to allow the transformation of the brushite calcium phosphate into hydroxyapatite calcium phosphate.
US07767296B2 High strength, long durability structural fabric/seam system
A high strength, high modulus structural fabric product and the method of manufacturing the product are disclosed. The incorporation of a specific fiber/fabric treatment coupled with a resin impregnation and coating process produces a composite material. This composite material comprises high strength and modulus fibers embedded in and linked to a matrix. The resulting fabric product is useable in the formation of seamed structures, which carry and distribute high-level loads under extreme environmental conditions.
US07767295B2 Reinforced packing tape with tamper indicator
A reinforced packing tape having a tamper indicator is disclosed. The reinforced packing tape is constructed of a base layer of kraft paper having a lower surface coated with a water-activated adhesive and an upper surface printed with a tamper indicator pattern. A portion of the tamper indicator pattern is overlaid with a reinforcing film of transparent plastic. The plastic film is strongly bonded to the base layer such that when an attempt to remove the plastic film is made, the tamper indicator pattern is altered, degraded or destroyed; thus, a tamper attempt is indicated.
US07767288B2 Web for fluid filled unit formation
A web for the manufacture of fluid filled units with a novel machine and process is disclosed. The web includes an elongate heat sealable, flattened plastic tube comprised of face and back imperforate layers. The layers are imperforately joined together along spaced side edges. The layers include superposed longitudinal lines of weakness disposed generally transversely midway between the side edges. The web has longitudinally spaced, pairs of transverse seals. Each transverse seal extends from a respective side edge to an end near but spaced from the longitudinal lines of weakness. The transverse seal pairs include transverse lines of weakness extending from one side edge to the other generally centrally of each seal in a longitudinal direction. The side edges, transverse seals and lines of weakness together delineating two oppositely oriented strings of pouches with each pouch having three imperforate sides and a centrally located fill opening at its fourth side. The transverse lines of weakness are spaced slightly more than one half the circumference of a cylindrical fluid fill nozzle used to fill the pouches such that the web closely surrounds the nozzle during pouch fluid filling.
US07767285B2 Phase-change optical recording medium
A phase-change optical recording medium has a recording film that brings about reversible phase-change between a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase upon irradiation with light and an interface film formed in contact with at least one surface of the recording film and comprising hafnium (Hf), silicon (Si), oxygen (O) and carbon (C).
US07767282B2 Copolymers of vinyl alcohol and itaconic acid and uses thereof
The present invention is a film that is soluble in cold water, and useful in such applications as detergent sachets. Films of the present invention are PVOH copolymers that comprise itaconic acid.
US07767277B2 Fluorophenyl compounds for liquid-crystalline mixtures
Disclosed are compounds of formula I processes for the preparation thereof, and liquid-crystalline media and electro-optical displays containing said compounds.
US07767276B2 Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display including the same
The present invention discloses a liquid crystal composition having a first class compound including a fluorine-containing compound, and a second class compound including a neutral liquid crystal compound, where each terminal group of the neutral crystal compound includes an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, or an alkenyl group. If the neutral liquid crystal compound includes an alkenyl group at the terminal group, the liquid crystal composition includes less than 7 wt % of the neutral crystal compound including the alkenyl group. The present invention also discloses a liquid crystal display including the aforementioned liquid crystal composition.
US07767265B2 Microstructure, pattern medium and process for producing same
It is an object to provide a microstructure having cylindrical microdomains oriented in the film thickness direction and arranged in a regular pattern, for which a microphase separation phenomenon of a block copolymer is utilized. The process for producing the microstructure includes 2 steps; the first step for arranging, on a substrate (40), a polymer layer at least containing a block copolymer having a first block which constitutes a continuous phase (10) of the microstructure (30) and a second block which constitutes microdomains (20) dispersed in the continuous phase (10) and oriented in the thickness direction; and second step for thermally treating the substrate (40) at a neutral temperature (Tn), at which a first material (A) and second material (B) which constitute the respective first and second blocks have substantially the same interfacial tension with the substrate (40) surface (X).
US07767263B2 Method of manufacturing a mould part
A method of manufacturing a mould part (8) for forming an article. The method comprises: providing a master (1) of an aluminium alloy or a zinc alloy with a surface (7) corresponding to the surface of the article to be formed by the mould part. A copper layer (3) is deposited on top of the master surface (7). Then a mould part layer (4) of nickel, a nickel alloy, cobalt or a cobalt alloy is plated on top of the copper layer. The master (1) is dissolved in a solution. The copper layer (3) is selectively etched from the mould part layer (4) in an alkaline etchant comprising free Cu(II) ions, a first complexing agent forming strong complexes with Cu(I) ions but not Ni ions or Co ions, a second complexing agent forming strong complexes with Cu(II) ions but not Ni ions or Co ions. Oxygen is supplied to the etchant for oxidizing Cu(I) ions to Cu (II) ions.
US07767261B2 Methods for forming passivated semiconductor nanoparticles
Compositions, inks and methods for forming a patterned silicon-containing film and patterned structures including such a film. The composition generally includes (a) passivated semiconductor nanoparticles and (b) first and second cyclic Group IVA compounds in which the cyclic species predominantly contains Si and/or Ge atoms. The ink generally includes the composition and a solvent in which the composition is soluble. The method generally includes the steps of (1) printing the composition or ink on a substrate to form a pattern, and (2) curing the patterned composition or ink. In an alternative embodiment, the method includes the steps of (i) curing either a semiconductor nanoparticle composition or at least one cyclic Group IVA compound to form a thin film, (ii) coating the thin film with the other, and (iii) curing the coated thin film to form a semiconducting thin film. The semiconducting thin film includes a sintered mixture of semiconductor nanoparticles in hydrogenated, at least partially amorphous silicon and/or germanium. The thin film exhibits improved conductivity, density, adhesion and/or carrier mobility relative to an otherwise identical structure made by an identical process, but without either the semiconductor nanoparticles or the hydrogenated Group IVA element polymer. The present invention advantageously provides semiconducting thin film structures having qualities suitable for use in electronics applications, such as display devices or RF ID tags, while enabling high-throughput printing processes that form such thin films in seconds or minutes, rather than hours or days as with conventional photolithographic processes.
US07767260B2 Monodisperse core/shell and other complex structured nanocrystals and methods of preparing the same
The present invention provides new compositions containing nearly monodisperse colloidal core/shell semiconductor nanocrystals with high photoluminescence quantum yields (PL QY), as well as other complex structured semiconductor nanocrystals. This invention also provides new synthetic methods for preparing these nanocrystals, and new devices comprising these compositions. In addition to core/shell semiconductor nanocrystals, this patent application also provides complex semiconductor nanostructures, quantum shells, quantum wells, doped nanocrystals, and other multiple-shelled semiconductor nanocrystals.
US07767258B2 Polymer particle composition and process for producing the same
The molding thermoplastic polymer, which can solve a problem with fine particles in a suspension polymerization process, a problem for a reduction in energy consumption at the time of drying in an emulsion polymerization process, and a problem in compounding procedures for processors. The invention relates to molding thermoplastic polymer particles comprising 100 parts by weight of suspension polymer particles having a glass transition temperature of 60° C. or more and an average particle diameter of 50 to 500 μm produced by suspension polymerization, the said suspension polymer particles being coated with 5 (inclusive) to 22 (exclusive) parts by weight of an emulsion polymer produced by emulsion polymerization.
US07767257B2 Method for preparing a porous inorganic coating on a porous support using certain pore formers
Methods for preparing porous inorganic coatings on porous supports using certain pore formers, and porous supports coated with porous inorganic coatings. The porous inorganic coatings may serve as membranes useful in, for example, liquid-liquid, liquid-particulate, gas-gas, or gas-particulate separation applications.
US07767250B2 Bioceramic coating of a metal-containing substrate
A process for coating a surface of a metal-containing substrate with a bioceramic material includes activating the surface of the metal-containing substrate by applying a voltage to the substrate in a liquid containing an electrolyte; and, immersing the substrate in a deposition solution containing the bioceramic material or precursors for the bioceramic material. The coated substrate may be heat treated to enhance coating bond strength. The bioceramic material may be hydroxyapatite. Coated substrates are useful for the fabrication of prostheses.
US07767244B2 Cooking oil antioxidant composition, method of preparation and use
Frying processes utilizing cooking oil at elevated temperatures can cause various degradation effects in the oil including oxidation, hydrolysis and/or polymerization. In the absence of additives to protect the oil, the nutritional profile and cooking performance of degraded oil diminishes the quality of food cooked therein. The disclosed methods and compositions provide beneficial and cost effective improvements in the cooking performance of oil used at elevated temperatures, for example, in food frying equipment.
US07767242B2 Peeled infused dried buoyant cranberries and method for making same
Disclosed is a peeled whole dried infused buoyant cranberry. Further a process for preparing the cranberry is disclosed. The process includes sizing individually quick frozen cranberries by collecting those that pass through a mesh screen with 16 millimeter openings and that are retained on a mesh screen with openings of 9 millimeters. The sized cranberries are then peeled and infused in an infusion solution having a Brix of from 40 to 80 at a temperature of from 29 to 44° C.±5° C. until the cranberries have a Brix of at least about 40. The cranberries are removed from the infusion solution and dried at a temperature of from 73 to 85° C. until they have a water activity level of from 0.25 to 0.6 and a buoyancy of at least 30%. The final dried infused cranberry preferably has a Brix of 76 to 84.
US07767240B2 Microbiological control in poultry processing
In the processing of poultry, equipment, instruments, apparatus and/or water used in such processing, and/or carcasses and/or parts of poultry resulting from the processing of poultry, are disinfected with aqueous solutions of certain halogen-based microbiocides, especially certain bromine-based microbiocides. Described are the particular microbiocides used and the substantial advantages of using such materials, in some cases as concentrated solutions and in other cases as dilute solutions.
US07767239B1 Methods and formulations for hydrating dry skin, employing a low-energy beverage
There are disclosed beverages for the maintenance of healthy, hydrated skin and the avoidance of dry skin and related problems, for mammals, particularly human beings, comprising whey protein, electrolytes, vitamin C and, optionally, aspartame with a low concentration of sugar, typically 4.15 g sugar per 237 ml serving, and a ratio of sugar to protein of typically 1.1:1. Also disclosed are methods for maintaining healthy skin and repairing dry skin by administering these beverages either alone or in conjunction with external topical moisturizers.
US07767235B2 Grape extract, dietary supplement thereof, and processes therefor
The present invention relates to a novel grape extract, and processes for making such, that is useful for, inter alia, treating pre-hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome and/or the conditions that comprise Metabolic Syndrome. The processes of the present invention produce a highly concentrated polyphenol product by maximizing extraction of monomeric and oligomeric procyanidins and minimizing extraction of polymeric procyanidins. The grape extract of the present invention comprises between about 5-15% monomers, about 5-20% dimers, about 3-10% trimers, about 2-10% tetramers, and about 2-10% pentamers by weight. The grape extract of the present invention can be formulated into dietary supplements, including capsules, tablets, powders, solutions, gels, suspensions, creams, gels, and the like. These dietary supplements in, for instance, powder or solution form, may be added to nutraceuticals, foods and/or beverages to form functional nutraceutical, food, and/or beverage products.
US07767228B2 Pharmaceutical composition for oral application and method for preparing thereof
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for oral application comprising: i) an anthelmintic agent; ii) a first excipient having a porous structure with an inner surface of about 500 to 1500 m2/g and a surface area according to BET of up to about 5000 m2/g; as well as to a method of preparing such a composition.
US07767219B2 Localized drug delivery using drug-loaded nanocapsules
Nanocapsules are disclosed which comprise (a) a drug-containing core and (b) a polyelectrolyte multilayer encapsulating the drug-containing core. The nanocapsules include particles whose largest dimension typically ranges between 50 nm to 10000 nm. In some embodiments, the nanocapsules contain a single drug. In others, the nanocapsules contain multiple drugs, either within the same nanocapsules or within separate populations of nanocapsules. In some embodiments, the nanocapsules comprise surfaces that are functionalized, for example, with ligands that allow for attachment to bodily tissue. In some embodiments of the present invention, the nanocapsules are rendered magnetic or are rendered susceptible to magnetic fields. Also disclosed is a drug delivery method that comprises the steps of (a) providing nanocapsules such as those above; and (b) placing the nanocapsules at a desired location within the body of a subject using an implantable or insertable medical device.
US07767214B2 Goniochromatic/light reflective cosmetic makeup compositions
Goniochromatic/light reflecting cosmetic compositions well suited for making up the skin, lips, hair or integuments, contain (a) at least one goniochromatic coloring agent and (b) an amount of light reflective particles different from said at least one goniochromatic coloring agent and selected from the group consisting of (i) particles of a natural or synthetic substrate at least partially coated with at least one layer of at least one metal, (ii) particles of a synthetic substrate at least partially coated with at least one layer of at least one metallic compound, (iii) particles which comprise a stack of at least two layers of materials having different refractive indices, at least one of such layers optionally comprising a polymer, and (iv) metal oxide particles, formulated into (c) a topically applicable, physiologically acceptable medium therefor.
US07767209B2 Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) mutant and use thereof
The present invention is directed to a MVA mutant and its use in the immunotherapy and vaccination against numerous diseases, in particular in the prevention and therapy of cancer and infectious diseases.
US07767208B2 Noninvasive vascular therapy
The present invention is drawn to methods and compounds for transcutaneous photodynamic therapy (“PDT”) of a target tissue or compositions in a mammalian subject, which includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a photosensitizing agent or a photosensitizing agent delivery system or prodrug, where the photosensitizing agent or photosensitizing agent delivery system or prodrug selectively binds to the target tissue; and irradiating at least a portion of the subject with light at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizing agent or if prodrug, by a prodrug product thereof, where the light is provided by a light source, and where the irradiation is at low fluence rate that results in the activation of the photosensitizing agent or prodrug product. These methods of transcutaneous PDT are useful in the treatment of specifically selected target tissues, such as: vascular endothelial tissue; abnormal vascular wall of tumors; tumors of the head and neck; tumors of the gastrointestinal tract; tumors of the liver; tumors of the esophopharyngeal; tumors of the lung; lymphoid tissue; lesions in the vascular system; bone marrow and tissue related to autoimmune disease.
US07767207B2 Antibodies that bind IL-18 and methods of inhibiting IL-18 activity
Antibodies that bind human interleukin-18 (hIL-18) are provided, in particular antibodies that bind epitope(s) of human IL-18. The antibodies can be, for example, entirely human antibodies, recombinant antibodies, or monoclonal antibodies. Preferred antibodies have high affinity for hIL-18 and neutralize hIL-18 activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Method of making and method of using the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hIL-18 and for inhibiting hIL-18 activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hIL-18 activity is detrimental.
US07767202B2 Modulation of systemic immune responses by transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells transduced with genes encoding antigens and antigen presenting cell regulatory molecules
The invention provides methods and compositions for the modulation of systemic immune responses by transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells transduced with genes encoding antigens and antigen presenting cell regulatory molecules. The invention includes bi-cistronic lentiviral expression vectors adapted for antigen expression in antigen presenting cells for use in DNA vaccines directed against pathogens and tumor antigens as well as for the treatment of autoimmune disease and for the establishment of antigen tolerance.
US07767199B2 Compositions of IL-21 produced in prokaryotic hosts
The expression vectors and methods using an E. coli expression system for the large scale production of IL-21 are described. The vectors utilize the IL-21 coding sequence with specific changes in nucleotides in order to optimize codons and mRNA secondary structure for translation in E. coli. Using the expression vectors, the IL-21 gene was produced in E. coli to a level of greater than 1 g/L in fed batch fermentation. Also included are OmpT deficient E. coli strains transformed with an IL-21 expression vector.
US07767198B2 Storage stable powder compositions of interleukin-4 receptor
The present invention provides storage stable dry powder compositions of IL-4R. The powder compositions demonstrate superior chemical and physical stability over their solution counterparts, particularly upon storage under varying conditions of temperature and humidity. Moreover, the powders, as prepared, possess good aerosol properties, which are maintained upon storage.
US07767194B2 Optical diagnostic and therapeutic agents and compositions
Cyanine and indocyanine dye compounds and bioconjugates are disclosed. The present invention includes several cyanine and indocyanine dyes, including bioconjugates of the same, with a variety of bis- and tetrakis (carboxylic acid) homologues. The compounds of the invention may be conjugated to bioactive peptides, carbohydrates, hormones, drugs, or other bioactive agents. The small size of compounds of the invention allows favorable delivery to tumor cells as compared to larger molecular weight imaging agents. Further, use of a biocompatible organic solvent such as dimethylsulfoxide may be said to assist in maintaining the fluorescence of compounds of the invention. The compounds and bioconjugates herein disclosed are useful in a variety of medical applications including, but not limited to, diagnostic imaging and therapy, endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, localized therapy, photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.
US07767185B2 Method of producing a carbon nanotube and a carbon nanotube structure
An amorphous carbon rod (13) is formed in contact with a catalyst fine particle (11). The fine particle (11) is liquefied by heat treatment, and moved along the amorphous carbon rod (13). The trail of the movement is converted to a carbon nanotube.
US07767184B2 Diamond films and methods of making diamond films
The present invention provides films and substrates coated with films that comprise a nano-crystalline diamond matrix that is substantially free of graphite inclusions. The present invention also provides a method of chemical vapor deposition to prepare the films. The method of chemical vapor deposition operates at a DC bias voltage that substantially precludes the formation of a plasma ion capable of causing a region of a nano-crystalline diamond matrix within a forming film to allotrope when the plasma ion collides with the film.
US07767179B2 Method for producing adsorbent, adsorbent, and adsorption apparatus
A method for producing an adsorbent which is stable toward a liquid such as an eluant and which shows excellent reproducibility in selectively adsorbing and separating an object compound, the method includes the steps of: preparing a base material having a surface, in which at least part of the surface of the base material is formed of a material containing as its major component apatite which is represented by the composition formula Ca10(PO4)6((OH)1-aXa)2; preparing a solution containing ions of at least one metal element; substituting at least part of Ca of the apatite by the at least one metal element by bringing the base material into contact with the solution to obtain a substituted base material; and subjecting the substituted base material to heat treatment at 50 to 400° C. for 0.5 to 10 hours, wherein the base material and the substituted base material are not exposed to a temperature exceeding 500° C. for 4 hours or longer from the substitution step to the completion of production of the adsorbent.
US07767177B2 Device permitting the reduction of NOX emissions from FCC fumes
The present invention describes a new device which permits a reduction of NOx emissions contained in the fumes from FCC regenerators. The device consists essentially of a conveyance conduit which connects the two regeneration stages and which has an outlet opening into the dilute phase of the second stage.
US07767176B2 Zone coated catalyst to simultaneously reduce NOx and unreacted ammonia
Provided is an emissions treatment system and method for reducing NOx emissions in the exhaust stream produced from an internal combustion engine. The system has an injector for periodically metering ammonia or an ammonia precursor into an exhaust stream; and a first substrate with a first SCR catalyst composition, downstream of the injector. The first substrate has an inlet end, an outlet end, a length extending between the inlet end to the outlet end, and wall elements. The first SCR catalyst composition is disposed on the wall elements from the inlet end toward the outlet end to form an inlet zone. The first substrate also has an NH3 destruction catalyst composition with a platinum group metal component dispersed on a refractory metal oxide. The NH3 destruction catalyst is disposed on the wall elements from the outlet end to form an outlet zone.
US07767175B2 Ammonia SCR catalyst and method of using the catalyst
A DPF with an SCR catalyst and a method for selectively reducing nitrogen oxides with ammonia, filtering particulates, and reducing the ignition temperature of soot on a DPF are provided. The catalyst includes a first component of copper, chromium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, iron, niobium, or mixtures thereof, a second component of cerium, a lanthanide, a mixture of lanthanides, or mixtures thereof, and a component characterized by increased surface acidity. The catalyst may also include strontium as an additional second component. The catalyst selectively reduces nitrogen oxides to nitrogen with ammonia and oxidizes soot at low temperatures. The catalyst has high hydrothermal stability.
US07767172B2 Shell-type reactor with radial baffles
The object of the present utility model is to cope with the problems of large volume of the presently known cellpacking type of reactor and the poor effect of heat transfer, and to provide a shell-type reactor with radial baffle, which transfers heat well and reduce the volume of the reactor, comprising a shell (1) and an internal cold plate assembly (2), the internal cold plate assembly (2) fixed within the shell (1); wherein a gas radial distribution vessel (9) and a radial gas cylinder (10) fixed within the shell (1); the radial distribution vessel (9) and the radial gas cylinder (10) could counterchange according to the difference of the gas flow direction; several circles of radial baffling assemblies (12) are provided between the radial distribution vessel (9) and the radial gas cylinder (10), the radial baffling assemblies (12) consisting of several baffling components fixed in an interval mode, an axial baffling through groove or hole is provided between the adjacent baffling components. The present utility model has advantages of the great effect of heat transfer, the simple structure, the small overall size.
US07767169B2 Electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner system and method to oxidize volatile organic compounds
Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an air transporter-conditioner having a housing with an inlet and an outlet. An ion generator is disposed within the housing, the ion generator being adapted to create an airflow between the inlet and the outlet. The ion generator can comprise a emitter electrode array and a collector electrode array, with a voltage generator electrically connecting the arrays. A grid having a photocatalytic coating can further be disposed within the housing such that the grid is upstream of the arrays, and within an airflow generated by the ion generator. An activator, for example a UV lamp, can still further be disposed within the housing and upstream of the arrays, and positioned such that the grid is irradiated by UV light from the UV lamp, activating the photocatalyst and causing VOCs to breakdown in the presence of the photocatalyst.
US07767164B2 Catalytic converter apparatus for purifying exhaust gas
The present invention relates to a catalytic converter apparatus for purifying exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine for vehicles. The catalytic converter apparatus includes a first catalytic converter that holds a first catalyst and that is to be coupled to a side of the engine, and a second catalytic converter that holds a second catalyst and that is coupled to a rear of the first catalytic converter. Each of the first and second catalysts has a catalytic support on which a wash coat layer having a thickness equal to or less than 0.2 mm is formed. The wash coat layer includes a first wash coat layer and a second wash coat layer, and each of the first and second wash coat layers has voids therein. This catalytic converter apparatus achieves an improved purification property with a small number of cells and a small amount of noble metal.
US07767148B2 Staining/covering system
The present invention provides a staining/covering system comprising a staining apparatus and a covering apparatus arranged in close proximity to each other, in which slide glass attached with a specimen sample stained in the staining apparatus can be transferred to the covering apparatus without using an apparatus for conveying the slide glass in the staining apparatus. The staining/covering system comprises the staining apparatus (10) for staining the specimen sample sliced and pasted to the slide glass, and the covering apparatus (12) being arranged in close proximity to the staining apparatus and covering a cover film or a cover glass onto the specimen sample of the slide glass subjected to desired staining in the staining apparatus (10), and the system is characterized in that means for transferring the slide glass having a specimen sample stained in the staining apparatus (10) from the inside of the staining apparatus to the inside of the covering apparatus is provided in the covering apparatus (12).
US07767147B2 Substrate for transporting liquid, a system for analysis and a method for analysis
Conventional liquid transport substrates having a fluid channel formed along an array of electrodes have a problem in which throughput decreases, depending on driving conditions. In order to avoid two-way passage in a fluid channel from the inlet to a measuring section and a fluid channel from the measuring section to the outlet, the measuring section is located in the middle of the fluid channel connecting the inlet and the outlet, so that manipulation from the inlet to the outlet takes place in one direction on the substrate. Even when analyzing a large number of sample droplets, by transport of the droplets substantially in one direction, it is possible to complete measurement in a short time.
US07767141B2 Method for reducing allergens in an enclosure
Provided is a method for reducing the amounts of fungal spores and small airborne particles in an enclosure, where the enclosure has or is in communication with an air handling system. The method comprises the steps of applying vacuum suction to the air handling system and contacting the air handling system with a first antimicrobial agent; applying a cleansing agent to the carpets and upholstery in the enclosure; fogging the enclosure with a second antimicrobial agent; releasing ozone within the enclosure for a period of time and terminating the release of ozone to allow the ozone concentration to return to normal levels; placing a reservoir containing tea tree oil into the air handling system, and initiating operation of an air purifier air in the enclosure, wherein for a period of at least 90 days, the airborne particles in the enclosure are fewer than 1.0 million airborne particles per cubic meter of air; the airborne fungal spores in the enclosure an amount at least 1.1 times below the amount of airborne fungal spores in the air outside the enclosure before performing the method; and, the surface fungal spores in the enclosure are at least 3.0 times below the surface level of fungal spores in the enclosure before performing the method.
US07767140B2 Method for manufacturing zinc oxide nanowires and device having the same
A method for manufacturing ZnO nanowires with a small diameter and increased length and a device comprising the same. The manufacturing method includes: forming a ZnO seed layer containing a hydroxyl group on a substrate; and growing ZnO nanowires on the ZnO seed layer containing the hydroxyl group. Preferably, the ZnO seed layer is a thin ZnO seed layer containing more than 50% of the hydroxyl group.
US07767139B2 AlRu sputtering target and manufacturing method thereof
An AlRu sputtering target that is a sintered body composed of an AlRu intermetallic compound of 95 vol. % or more is provided. It is manufactured by a stable and low-cost method that provides it with an even texture, significantly reduces oxygen, prevents or suppresses the generation of particles, and improves the yield ratio of deposition goods.
US07767137B2 Sealing apparatus for a slag door of a metallurgical furnace
A sealing apparatus for a slag door of a metallurgical furnace, having a mounting assembly for mounting the apparatus to the furnace, and at least one closure element, moveable from an open position that is exterior of the slag door opening, to a closed position that effectively seals against the slag door and extends into the slag door opening with the rear panel of the closure element(s) being proximally aligned with the interior wall of the furnace. The apparatus may also have at least one wiping component moveable so as to sweep across the lower surface of the slag door to remove obstructions.
US07767136B2 Apparatus for the combustion of gas exiting from a furnace, for the preheating of scraps entering the furnace itself and related process
Apparatus for the combustion of gas exiting from an electric arc furnace where the heat of combustion is used for the preheating of scraps entering the furnace wherein the apparatus has an insertion device for introducing comburent substance into a preheating chamber or loading tunnel for scrap metal where the loding tunnel has an inlet section for scrap metal, a seal section to prevent an uncontrolled entrance of air in the tunnel, a heating section and an unloading section for delivering scrap metal to the furnace. The insertion device for the comburent substance has one or more adjustable openings placed in the loading tunnel, and said apparatus comprises a device or a series of devices.
US07767133B2 Method and apparatus to produce stretchable products
The invention provides methods and apparatus for producing flexible, stretchable, and/or elastic products comprised principally of material such as natural elastomers and other synthetic polymers. The method and apparatus for producing stretchable products by spraying product material over a workpiece former, and method and apparatus for creating perforated products by spraying product material over a perforated surface or partly breathable surface, The invention also provides methods and apparatus for making double sided fibre coating of the product and, or to at least coating the product surface on the side facing the wall without the need for removing the product from the wall. The method and apparatus also enable easy removal of the product from the former. Workpiece formers are also provided.
US07767128B2 Apparatus and methods for forming composite stiffeners and reinforcing structures
Method of forming a curved composite structure are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting at least one ply of preimpregnated material on a first surface of a curved mandrel. The first surface of the mandrel has a first radius of curvature. The mandrel further has at least one second surface that has a second radius of curvature. A tension gradient is introduced on the ply adjacent to the first radius of curvature and the ply is then pressed over the curved mandrel to form the curved composite structure.
US07767125B2 Method for producing polymer blends suited for use as filters
Process for production of polymer blends which are suitable as filter aids and are composed of polystyrene and of crosslinked water-insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidones via processing of the two components in an extruder, which comprises melting polystyrene in an extruder and then treating it with the polyvinylpyrrolidone, and adding, to the mixture of the components, from 0.1 to 10% by weight of water, based on the total amount of polystyrene and popcorn polymer, and extruding and comminuting the mixture.
US07767115B2 Metal particle dispersion liquid, method for manufacturing metal particle dispersion liquid, method for manufacturing conductive-film-forming substrate, electronic device and electronic apparatus
A metal particle dispersion liquid comprises: a compound including a sulfur atom; metal particles whose diameter ranges from 1 to 100 nm and made of a material including a precious metal material; and a dispersion medium. The metal particles is covered by the compound.
US07767113B2 Method of manufacturing metal-graphite brush material for motor
A method of manufacturing a metal-graphite brush material for a motor, which allows high-density formation of copper particles on the surfaces of graphite particles. The method: attaches copper complex to graphite particles; heat-treats the graphite particles attached with the copper particles, thereby to pyrolyze the copper complex to form copper particles on the surfaces of the graphite particles; forms the graphite particles having the copper particles formed thereon, together with a resin, into a formed product; and reduction-sinters the formed product under a reducing atmosphere to pyrolyze the resin, thereby to form a sintered body and also to reduce copper oxide formed in surface layers of the copper particles during the heat-treating.
US07767107B2 Process for producing aluminum electrode foil for capacitor and aluminum foil for etching
A process for producing an aluminum electrode foil for a capacitor, which includes a first step of preparing an emulsion from a mixture including a first phase of a liquid resin or a resin solution obtained by dissolving a resin in a solvent, a second phase of a liquid that is incompatible with the first phase, and an emulsifier; a second step of coating the emulsion on a surface of an aluminum foil; a third step of removing the second phase to form a resin film having a plurality of pores on its surface; a fourth step of etching the aluminum foil having the resin film formed thereon; and a fifth step of removing the resin film after etching. The production process can form high-density etching pits with high accuracy.
US07767099B2 Sub-lithographic interconnect patterning using self-assembling polymers
The present invention is directed to the formation of sublithographic features in a semiconductor structure using self-assembling polymers. The self-assembling polymers are formed in openings in a hard mask, annealed and then etched, followed by etching of the underlying dielectric material. At least one sublithographic feature is formed according to this method. Also disclosed is an intermediate semiconductor structure in which at least one interconnect wiring feature has a dimension that is defined by a self-assembled block copolymer.
US07767098B2 Method for harvesting fat cells from a fat-fluid mixture
The present invention teaches a method for separating a fat component of a fluid-fat mixture extracted from a patient. More particularly, the method of invention places a sponge formed of a fluid-absorbing material, such as polyvinyl acetal, in contact with the mixture so as to absorb the fluid component, thereby separating the fat component of the mixture. The separated fat component can then be injected into a selected body portion of the patient.
US07767091B2 Method for encapsulating pollutants from water using modified dendrimeric polymers
The invention deals with lipophilic modified dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers that can encapsulate organic pollutants of a diversity of sizes and shapes and which are prepared following the modification of the functional groups present at the surface of the polymer. These functional polymers are characterized by the fact that their nanocavities do not have predetermined dimensions but their size and shape are affected by the size and shape of the pollutant they will encapsulate or otherwise they will be so-adjusted to it.
US07767089B2 Membrane supported biofilm process for autotropic reduction
A hollow gas transfer fiber is arranged in tows and potted into a module. The module may be used to treat wastewater by supplying hydrogen containing gas via the interior of the fibers to a biofilm present on an exterior surface of the fibers.
US07767088B2 Water treatment clarifier baffle
A water treatment plant for water purification or the removal of organic matter, suspended solids and other pollutants from water or wastewater is formed from multiple sections of polymer that are assembled to form a pre-treatment chamber, a treatment chamber and a settling chamber. The plant is preferably formed of a polymer, such as HMWPE. The treatment chamber is preferably a biofilm-aeration chamber. An outer tank is comprised of first and second upper sections and first and second lower sections secured by mating flanges. A divider baffle forms an inner wall separating the pre-treatment and treatment chambers. A hanging clarifier baffle is formed to be suspended from the outer tank between the treatment chamber and the settling chamber and includes a lower wall with specific angled portions near an angled wall of a lower section of the tank.
US07767087B2 Floating filter holder
A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.
US07767080B2 Self contained dissolved air flotation system
A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.
US07767078B2 System for treating produced water
A system and method were used to treat produced water. Field-testing demonstrated the removal of contaminants from produced water from oil and gas wells.
US07767077B2 Membrane filtration system
The present invention provides a membrane filtration system (1) including: a filtering membrane portion (3) for removing impurities in feed water; a drain line (16) for draining a part of concentrate from the filtering membrane portion (3) to an exterior of a system; a concentrate return line (17) for returning a remainder of the concentrate from the filtering membrane portion (3) to an upstream side of the filtering membrane portion (3); a return flow rate adjusting portion (28) for concentrate provided in the concentrate return line (17); and a control portion (30) controlling the return flow rate adjusting portion (28) based on a drain flow rate of the concentrate or a flow rate of product water from the filtering membrane portion (3). With this construction, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption in a feed pump (7) for feeding water to the filtering membrane portion (3) and to prevent clogging in the filtering membrane in the filtering membrane portion (3).
US07767076B2 Process and apparatus for treating heavy oil with supercritical water and power generation system equipped with heavy oil treating apparatus
The reforming of heavy oil with supercritical water or subcritical water is accomplished by mixing together supercritical water, heavy oil, and oxidizing agent, thereby oxidizing vanadium in heavy oil with the oxidizing agent at the time of treatment with supercritical water and separate vanadium oxide. The separated vanadium oxide is removed by the scavenger after treatment with supercritical water. In this way it is possible to solve the long-standing problem with corrosion of turbine blades by vanadium which arises when heavy oil is used as gas turbine fuel.
US07767075B2 System and method of producing heat in a fluid catalytic cracking unit
Systems and methods of reducing refinery carbon dioxide emissions by increasing synthesis gas production in a fluid catalytic cracking unit having a reactor and a regenerator are disclosed. In one example, a method comprises separating spent catalyst from a hydrocarbon product in the reactor, the spent catalyst having trapped hydrocarbon thereon. The method further comprises reacting an additional feed with the spent catalyst in the reactor to deposit additional coke on the spent catalyst, defining a gas product. The method further separating the gas product and the trapped hydrocarbon from the spent catalyst with a stripping gas. The method further comprises removing coke from the spent catalyst in the regenerator, thereby increasing the amount of synthesis gas production.
US07767074B2 Method of etching copper on cards
Etching of copper on a card is achieved by applying an electrical voltage between a cathode (102) and the card (42), the card (42) thereby forming an anode. The cathode (102) and the card (42) are immersed in an electrolyte comprising a first component, which may be reduced from a first state in the form of an ion having a metal atom with a first positive oxidation number to a second state in the form of an ion having said metal atom with a second positive oxidation number, which is less than said first positive oxidation number. A first redox potential in the electrolyte for reduction from the first to the second state is larger than a second redox potential in the electrolyte for reduction of divalent copper ions to metallic copper. During the etching metallic copper on the card is oxidized and transferred into positively charged copper ions while the first component is reduced from its first state to its second state. The quality of the etched structures on the card is improved since no metallic copper is precipitated on the cathode.
US07767068B2 Heterogeneous membrane electrodes
The present invention relates to planar electrochemical sensors with membrane coatings used to perform chemical analyses. The object of this invention is to provide unit-use disposable sensors of very simple and inexpensive construction, preferably with only a single membrane coating on an electrode. The invented devices are potentiometric salt-bridge reference electrodes and dissolved gas sensors constructed with a heterogeneous membrane coating of a conductor. The heterogeneous membrane, which is an intimate admixture of a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic compartment, concurrently supports constrained transport of non-volatile species through its hydrophilic compartment and rapid gas and water vapor transport through its hydrophobic compartment.
US07767067B2 System for maintaining pH and sanitizing agent levels of water in a water feature
A system automatically maintains at least one of a pH level and a sanitizing agent level of water in a water feature. The system includes a sensor assembly responsive to at least one of a pH level of the water and a sanitizing agent level of the water. The system further includes a controller which generates control signals in response to signals from the sensor assembly. The system further includes at least one of a first source containing a sanitizing agent material and a second source containing a pH-modifying material. The system further includes a third source comprising a valve assembly and a third container containing a liquid calibrant material. The valve assembly is responsive to at least a portion of the control signals from the controller by selectively allowing the calibrant material to flow from the third container through the sensor assembly to the water feature.
US07767066B2 Integrated electrochemical reactor and process therefor
An electrochemical reactor and process for electrolyzing a substance to change at least a portion of the substance from a first state to a second state. The reactor comprises a tubular body having a first end portion defining an opening and a second end portion defining an electrolysis chamber. The electrolysis chamber includes a well adapted to hold the substance and at least two electrodes for electrolyzing the substance in the well. The volume of the well is less than about 3 milliliters. The reactor further comprises a coupling for releasably and sealingly connecting the reactor body to an auxiliary device body. The coupling is adapted to provide a vacuum tight seal between the reactor body and the auxiliary device and to allow the reactor body to rotate about an axis of rotation independent of the auxiliary device while the reactor body is sealingly connected to the auxiliary device.
US07767065B2 Device and method for electrolytically treating an at least superficially electrically conducting work piece
A problem during electrolytic treatment of printed circuit boards having a very thin basic metallization is that the treatment yields irregular results in various regions on the surface of the printed circuit board. In overcoming this problem the invention provides a device for electrolytically treating an at least superficially electrically conducting work piece having at least two substantially opposing side edges. The device comprises current supply devices for the work piece, said current supply devices each comprising contact strips located on the opposing side edges which are capable of electrically contacting the work piece at the substantially opposing side edges.
US07767064B2 Position controlled dual magnetron
A dual magnetron for plasma sputtering including a source magnetron and an auxiliary magnetron, each of which rotate about the center of the target at respective radii. The positions of the magnetron can be moved in complementary radial directions between sputter deposition and target cleaning. The magnetrons have different characteristics of size, strength, and imbalance. The source magnetron is smaller, stronger, and unbalanced source magnetron and is positioned near the edge of the wafer in sputter deposition and etching. The auxiliary magnetron is larger, weak, and more balanced and used for cleaning the center of the target and guiding sputter ions from the source magnetron in sputter deposition. Each magnetron may have its plasma shorted out in its radially outer position.
US07767060B2 Creping machine
A machine for creping sheet material such as paper, textiles, metal foils, or plastic, comprises a driving drum, and a pressing plate for pressing a length of sheet material against the drum to drive the material lengthwise in the machine direction, and a retarding member arranged to contact the lengthwise-driven sheet material to cause it to crepe. The pressing plate has a plurality of pressure application points or areas distributed across the width of the sheet material on the drum, the pressure application points or areas being associated with pneumatic cylinders for applying different pressures to different parts of the material across its width according to a given pressure profile. The pneumatic cylinders can be arranged in groups to provide an adjustable pressure profile across the material wherein the pressures applied at the opposite edges of the material and at intermediate parts of the material are adjustable independently of one another. A machine retrofitted according to the invention operates at increased speed with less defects and higher efficiency.
US07767058B2 Non-woven wet wiping
Wet wipe products are made from continuous wet wiping web material having thermoplastic fibers of type, concentration and dispersion capable of being heat-set to set the overall web material in a reformed shape. A succession of ridges and grooves is formed by passing the performed material through a dry creper apparatus in absence of adhesives, the action characterized by pressing the material with a stationary pressing surface to engage an advancing drive surface, the driven material bodily collapsing into a succession of adjacent ridges and grooves that increase the volume of the material. The wet wiping material is heat set in the ridge and groove configuration, enabling the ridge and groove configuration to be preserved when the wet wiping material is wetted and when squeezed and released. The self-restoring ridge and groove configuration provides stress concentrating edges and improves liquid delivery and wet wiping in a number of respects.
US07767054B2 Plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus includes a vacuum processing chamber, supplying means for introducing a processing gas into the vacuum processing chamber, a mounting electrode in the vacuum processing chamber for mounting a specimen on the mounting electrode, and a pusher pin for raising the specimen placed on the mounting electrode and holding the specimen over the mounting electrode, wherein the mounting electrode includes an inner area for mounting the specimen, an outer area for mounting a focus ring, and a high-frequency power source for supplying electric power to the inner area and the outer area, and wherein high-frequency electric power is applied to the outer area to generate plasma at the outer edge of the backside of the specimen while the specimen is raised with the pusher pin.
US07767053B2 Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method
To effectively prevent a micro arc causing damage to an apparatus and a substrate, by detecting a generation of the micro arc. A substrate processing apparatus is constituted so as to generate a plasma P, by applying a high frequency power to an electrode 210 provided in a processing chamber 200 from a high frequency power supply part 100 through a matching unit 300. A directional coupler 121 is provided between a high frequency power source 111 and the matching unit 300, so that a reflected wave reflected from the electrode 210 and a traveling wave advancing toward the electrode 210 are coupled to a detector 122. The detector 122 outputs a detection signal, when a level of a reflected wave Pr and a differential level thereof exceed each set value. In order to place an initial period of discharge out of a detection period, a delay traveling wave, which is a delayed traveling wave, is also outputted. A controller 130 determines the generation of a harmful micro arc, when coincidence of three detection signals outputted from the detector 122 is obtained, supplies an RF cut signal to a CPU 116, and temporarily stops or temporarily decreases a high frequency power from the high frequency power source 111.
US07767051B2 Method in production of packaging laminate
Method in connection with the continuous joining of a first layer (10, 38) of a first material and a second layer (16, 40) of a second material, to produce a packaging laminate (44, 48) comprising said first and second layers. According to the invention, a free surface of said first layer (10, 38) and/or a free surface of said second layer (16, 40) is subjected both to plasma treatment (24) and to flame treatment (20), where after said free surfaces are joined together (12, 14). The invention relates also to a packaging laminate thus produced and to a packaging container manufactured from such a packaging laminate.
US07767048B2 Electronic apparatus and method for manufacturing electro-optical device
A method for manufacturing the following device is provided: an electro-optical device which includes a pair of substrates holding a display material having optical properties varied by electric stimulation and which has a curved shape. The method includes covering the front and rear faces of a display with a pair of protective films and then bonding end portions of the protective films to each other with an adhesive containing a thermoplastic resin, the end portions being located outside the display; heating the bonded end portions to melt the adhesive and then bending the display depending on applications; and solidifying the melted adhesive by cooling to allow the protective films to hold the display bent.
US07767040B2 Titanium alloy and automotive exhaust systems thereof
An oxidation resistant, high strength titanium alloy, particularly adapted for use in the manufacture of automotive exhaust system components and other applications requiring oxidation resistance and strength at elevated temperatures. The alloy comprises, in weight percent, iron less than 0.5, or 0.2 to less than 0.5%, oxygen 0.02 to less than 0.15%, silicon 0.15 to 0.6%, and balance titanium. Optional alloying elements are Al, Nb, V, Mo, Sn, Zr, Ni, Cr and Ta, with a total content of less than 1.5.
US07767039B2 Martensitic stainless steel
A martensitic stainless steel having a resistance to sulfide stress corrosion cracking superior to Super 13 Cr steel and having a strength and corrosion resistance comparable to dual phase stainless steels has a chemical composition consisting essentially of, in mass %, C: 0.001-0.1%, Si: 0.05-1.0%, Mn: 0.05-2.0%, P: at most 0.025%, S: at most 0.010%, Cr: 11-18%, Ni: 1.5-10%, sol. Al: 0.001-0.1%, N: at most 0.1%, O: at most 0.01%, Cu: 0-5%, solid solution Mo: 3.5-7%, the composition satisfying the following Equation (1), optionally at least one element selected from at least one of the following Groups A-C, and a remainder of Fe and impurities and undissolved Mo, if undissolved Mo is present. Ni-bal.=30(C+N)+0.5(Mn+Cu)+Ni+8.2−1.1(Cr+Mo+1.5Si)≧−4.5  Equation (1) Group A—W: 0.2-5% Group B—V: 0.001-0.50%, Nb: 0.001-0.50%, Ti: 0.001-0.50%, and Zr: 0.001-0.50% Group C—Ca: 0.0005-0.05%, Mg: 0.0005-0.05%, REM: 0.0005-0.05%, and B: 0.0001-0.01%.
US07767029B2 Dishwasher and method of controlling the same
A dishwasher includes a drying fan formed on a side of the door to suck wet-vapor existing in a tub, a fan driving motor for rotating the drying fan, a sump formed on a bottom of the tube to reserve washing water, a drain motor for draining the washing water out of the sump, and a control unit for controlling the fan driving motor as well as the drain motor. The control unit controls the operation of the drain motor while the fan driving motor operates.
US07767027B2 Method and apparatus for removing combustion residues using different cleaning media
A method removes combustion residues from a wall of a chamber which carries combustion gases and/or from at least one component which is disposed in the chamber. The method includes making contact between the combustion residues and a first cleaning medium, and making contact between the pretreated combustion residues and a second cleaning medium. The first cleaning medium and the second cleaning medium differ at least with regard to a physical state. An apparatus for removing the combustion residues has different cleaning appliances and operating areas which at least partially overlap. The method and the apparatus allow, for example, heat exchanging surfaces in steam generators to be cleaned in a particular careful and thorough manner.
US07767023B2 Device for containing catastrophic failure of a turbomolecular pump
A device for containing the catastrophic failure of a vacuum pumping system is described. The vacuum pumping system includes a turbo-molecular pump (TMP) configured to be coupled to a vacuum processing system at an inlet end. The TMP includes a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the TMP and a first lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The vacuum system also includes a containment device configured to mitigate the catastrophic failure of the TMP by impeding only one translational degree of freedom (DOF) and only one rotational DOF of the movement of the TMP. Impeding only one translational DOF includes impeding translational motion of the TMP in a first lateral direction substantially parallel to the first lateral axis. Impeding only one rotational DOF includes impeding rotation of the TMP about the longitudinal axis.
US07767020B2 Method for manufacturing single crystal semiconductor
A method for manufacturing a single crystal semiconductor, in which, in a process of pulling up the single crystal semiconductor from melt for growing it, an impurity is incorporated more uniformly into the single crystal semiconductor so that a variation in impurity concentration across the semiconductor wafer surface can be reduced, and thus, the planarity of the wafer can be improved. In the process of pulling-up the single crystal semiconductor (6), fluctuation in a pulling-up speed is controlled, whereby the variation in concentration of the impurity in the single crystal semiconductor (6) is reduced. Especially, a width of speed fluctuation (ΔV) in 10 seconds is adjusted to less than 0.025 mm/min. Furthermore, in carrying out the control for adjusting the pulling-up speed such that a diameter of the single crystal semiconductor (6) becomes a desired diameter, a magnetic field having strength of 1,500 gauss or more is applied to the melt (5).
US07767016B2 Coating solution composition of photo-alignment material
There is provided a coating solution composition of a photo-alignment material. The coating solution composition of the photo-alignment material, adaptive for a photo-alignment process, employs a imidazolidinone-based solvent instead of a typical NMP-based solvent. In a coating method, the photo-alignment material is coated on a substrate in a state that its structure is stabilized in the coating solution through optimization of the coating solution composition. Accordingly, the photoreaction yield increases and a reaction product is stabilized so that a twist angle and a pretilt angle can be improved.
US07767015B2 Bitumen emulsion-based composition
The invention concerns a bitumen emulsion-based surfacing composition or bituminous mix consisting of an amphoteric surfactant and its use in road highway engineering for making materials for new roads, for reinforcing or maintaining old roads or for punctually repairing same.
US07767009B2 Solution and process for improving the solderability of a metal surface
The invention is directed to a solution and process for improving the solderability of a metal surface. In one embodiment, the invention is a silver deposit solution comprising an acid, a source of silver ions, and an additive selected from among pyrroles, triazoles, and tetrazoles, as well as derivatives and mixtures of those components. In another embodiment, the silver deposit solution also includes a 6-membered heterocyclic ring compound, wherein three members of the 6-membered heterocyclic ring are nitrogen atoms. Still another embodiment is a process for improving the solderability of a metal surface which involves applying a silver deposit solution as previously described to a metal surface.
US07767006B2 Ozone processing apparatus and ozone processing method
Water vapor is mixed to O3 gas generated by an ozone generator of discharge type. The mixed fluid is cooled by a cooler, thereby impurities such as metals and nitrogen oxides contained in the O3 gas dissolve into condensed water. Subsequently, a gas-liquid separator separates the O3 gas from the condensed water. Water vapor is mixed with the O3 gas again. The mixed fluid passes through a metal trap composed of a container containing plural silicon chips as a metal adsorbent, thereby to remove the remaining metals therefrom.
US07767004B2 Functionalized adsorbent for removal of acid gases and use thereof
The present invention provides a functionalized adsorbent for removal of acid gases, which comprises a pore-expanded mesoporous support having a pore volume of between 0.7 and 3.6 cc/g, a median pore diameter of between 1 and 25 nm, and a BET surface area of between 500 and 1600 m2/g. The support is functionalized by addition of acid-gas reactive functional groups within the pores and external surface of said support material. Also provided are methods of manufacturing the adsorbent and methods of use.
US07767000B1 Regenerable hydrogen chloride removal sorbent and regenerable multi-functional hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen chloride removal sorbent for high temperature gas streams
A novel regenerable composition for removing hydrogen chloride and hydrogen sulfide from a gas stream, the sorbent comprising a mixture containing from about 5 wt % manganese oxide to about 99 wt. % manganese oxides where manganese can exist in various oxidation states.
US07766999B2 Process for vaporizing the product CO2 at two different pressures during CO2 separation
An improved process for the separation of carbon dioxide from the flue gas of an oxy-combustion power plant is provided. At least a first product stream and a second product stream are separated from a flue gas stream, wherein the pressure of the first product stream and the pressure of the second product stream are different. The first product stream is warmed and vaporized. The second product stream is then warmed and vaporized.
US07766998B2 Water extraction apparatus
In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for the extraction of water from air incorporated into a wall of a building has a cavity formed in the wall. The cavity has an air inlet and an air outlet. A condensing surface is disposed within the cavity and is adapted to direct condensed water to a water storage unit. In another aspect of the present invention, the cavity is formed between two different building walls.
US07766997B2 Method of reducing an amount of mercury in a flue gas
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a method of reducing an amount of mercury discharged to an environment in a flue gas (12) generated by combustion of a fuel source. The method includes contacting the flue gas with a moist pulverous material upstream of a particle separator (24), mixing powdered activated carbon (PAC) in an amount between about 0.5 lb/MMacf and 10 lbs/MMacf with the flue gas (12) upstream of the particle separator (24), wherein the PAC interacts with at least a portion of mercury containing compounds in the flue gas (12), and separating the mercury containing compounds from the flue gas (12) containing the moist pulverous material and PAC, thereby reducing an amount of mercury in the flue gas (12).
US07766996B2 Twin blowers for gas separation plants
The present invention relates to a method of reducing or elimination pressure pulsations and noise created by blowers in a gas separation plant. The method employs two identical and 180° out of phase blowers synchronized together to provide both a large flow of air and active noise cancellation to eliminate pressure pulsations. The two blowers are synchronized in such a way that pressure pulses created by one blower will actively be cancelled by the pulses generated by the other blower. At the same time, both blowers will work together to force a large quantity of gas flow in or out of the plant. The twin set of blowers can be used for feed or vacuum applications in the plant. This way large tonnage plant capital costs can be reduced by eliminating the need for an expensive silencer and a single large custom-made blower.
US07766994B2 Ultrasonic solution separating method and ultrasonic separating apparatus used in this method
An ultrasonic solution separating method wherein a solution is ultrasonically vibrated and atomized into mist in a carrier gas in an ultrasonic atomizing chamber (4) and the carrier gas including atomized mist is transferred to a collecting part (5) and in the collecting part (5) the mist component comprising solution atomized into mist is separated from the carrier gas. In the ultrasonic solution separating method, in the collecting part (5), mist component is separated from the carrier gas in an adsorbing step of causing mist component to be adsorbed onto an adsorbing agent (15) by bringing the carrier gas including mist component into contact with the adsorbing agent (15) and a separating step of separating mist component adsorbed onto the adsorbing agent (15) in the adsorbing step from the adsorbing agent (15), and mist component is separated from the carrier gas with the pressure of the separating step being made lower than the pressure of adsorbing step.
US07766992B2 Producing metallic articles by reduction of nonmetallic precursor compounds and melting
A metallic article is produced by furnishing one or more nonmetallic precursor compound comprising the metallic constituent element(s), and chemically reducing the nonmetallic precursor compound(s) to produce an initial metallic particle, preferably having a size of no greater than about 0.070 inch, without melting the initial metallic particle. The initial metallic particle is thereafter melted and solidified to produce the metallic article. By this approach, the incidence of chemical defects in the metal article is minimized. The melted-and-solidified metal may be used in the as-cast form, or it may be converted to billet and further worked to the final form.
US07766989B2 Separator assembly
A separator assembly for removing material that is entrained in a gas stream. The separator assembly comprises a housing having a head part which provides the upper end of the housing and a body part which provides the lower end of the housing. The separator assembly also comprises a shield which extends across the housing towards the lower end thereof so as to leave a collection space between it and the lower end in which material that is separated from the gas stream can collect. There is at least one opening in or around the shield through which the material can flow past the shield into the collection space. The separator assembly further comprises a liner sleeve which covers at least a part of the inside wall of the body part between the shield and the upper end of the body part.
US07766988B2 Lint trap liner
A disposable filter media removably attachable to a conventional lint trap utilized in automatic clothes dryers is provided. The disposable filter media is in the form of a flexible, lightweight meshed liner adapted for snug, releasable attachment atop the lint collecting surface of a lint trap. The liner functions to provide optimum lint capturing efficiency without an inordinate drop in the air volume in a clothes dryer and is easily removed and disposed of after use.
US07766985B2 Coal drying method and equipment, method for aging reformed coal and aged reformed coal, and process and system for producing reformed coal
In drying coal to be used as fuel for a coal-fired boiler, the coal is dried at a temperature of 80 to 150° C. by using combustion exhaust gas having passed through an air heater for the coal-fired boiler. Moreover, after medium-quality or low-quality coal is heated to a temperature of 300 to 500° C. at a heating rate of not less than 100° C. per minute and then cooled to a temperature of 250° C. or below at a cooling rate of not less than 50° C. per minute, the resulting reformed coal is cooled to a temperature of 70° C. or below and stored for 1 month or more in a state of isolation from the atmosphere. In producing the aforesaid reformed coal, the medium-quality or low-quality coal is heated by using combustion exhaust gas obtained at the outlet of an economizer included in the coal-fired boiler equipment or at the outlet of a denitrator included therein.
US07766982B2 Fuels compositions and methods for using same
A fuel composition and methods for using it for controlling deposit formation in a spark-ignition internal combustion engine, such as a direct injection engine, comprising a spark-ignition fuel, a detergent, and a deposit inhibitor compound.
US07766981B2 Electrode stack for capacitive device
Capacitive devices are described having electrical interconnects of electrodes which possess efficient electrical contact between current collectors, electrical isolation of electrodes, and/or electrochemical stability, while minimizing the mechanical stress and strain applied to the electrodes. The capacitive devices are adaptable to a wide range of electrode dimensions and electrode stack heights.
US07766978B2 Acidic hair dyeing method
Provided are acidic hair dye compositions in which the dye has a high permeability into hair, the dye can be applied uniformly, and the composition has excellent staining property, safety and sense of use at the time of hair dyeing. The acidic hair dye compositions of the present invention comprise at least one dibasic acid ester compound represented by general formula I below: wherein, in general formula I, R1 is an alkylene group which may have a substituent with 2 to 4 carbon atoms, R2 and R3 are, independently from each other, an alkyl group which may have a substituent with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R4 and R5 are, independently from each other, hydrogen, methyl group or ethyl group, m and n is, independently from each other, an integer of 0 to 4, wherein m+n≧1 (with the proviso that the case is excluded in which R2 and R3 are both ethyl group, and m and n are both 1).
US07766975B2 Water repellant curable aqueous compositions
The present invention provides water repellant curable compositions comprising (i) one or more polyacid comprising at least two carboxylic acid groups, anhydride groups, or salts thereof, (ii) one or more polyol comprising at least two hydroxyl groups, (iii) one or more reactive waterproofing agent chosen from a C5 to C30 alk(en)yl 2-hydroxyethyl (alk(en))amide, C5 to C30 alk(en)yl bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amide, C11 to C30 alk(en)yl 2-hydroxyethyl (alk(en))amine, C11 to C30 alk(en)yl bis(2-hydroxy-ethyl)amine, C11 to C30 alk(en)yl tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, C5 to C30 alk(en)yl monoglyceride, C5 to C30 alk(en)yl monocarboxylate of a trihydric polyol, and mixtures thereof, and, (iv), optionally, one or more phosphorous-containing accelerator, wherein the ratio of the number of equivalents of said carboxylic acid groups, anhydride groups, or salts thereof to the total number of equivalents of said hydroxyl groups is from 1/0.01 to 1/3. The compositions provide concentrates dilutable with water to make thermosetting aqueous binder compositions for use in methods to treat or contact substrates chosen from a non-woven, woven and a composite, e.g. glass fiber substrates, followed by drying and curing.
US07766971B2 Constrained liner locking ring and polyethylene liner congruency feature
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a prosthesis, comprising: an acetabular cup, wherein the cup has an open end and a closed end, wherein the open end of the cup is defined by a rim and wherein the rim has an outer facing surface; at least one cavity disposed in the rim, wherein the cavity extends from a first end of the cavity at the outer facing surface to a second end of the cavity that is towards the closed end of the cup, and wherein the cavity comprises an undercut at the second end of the cavity; a locking ring; and at least one tab extending from the locking ring, wherein the tab comprises a first leg and a second leg having a separation therebetween, wherein each leg has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each leg is at the locking ring, wherein the second end of the first leg comprises a tab protrusion, and wherein at least the second leg is resilient such that the separation between the first leg and the second leg is reduced when the second leg is deflected towards the first leg; wherein the locking ring is removably locked to the cup by placement of the locking ring adjacent the rim and insertion of the tab into the cavity such that the second leg presses against a sidewall of the cavity to initially deflect the second leg towards the first leg as the tab enters the cavity and the tab protrusion of the first leg is urged into the undercut by the second leg subsequently deflecting back away from the first leg.
US07766966B2 Artificial intervertebral disc
An artificial intervertebral disc includes housing members including spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer surfaces for engaging spaced apart vertebral surfaces. Bearing surfaces extend from each of the inner surfaces for engaging each other while allowing for low friction and compression resistant movement of the housing members relative to each other while under compression. Load sharing pads are disposed between the inner surfaces and about at least a portion of the bearing surfaces for sharing absorption compressive loads with the bearing surfaces while limiting the relative movement of the housing members.
US07766965B2 Method of making an intervertebral disc prosthesis
A method of treating a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus. The method includes the steps of accessing and preparing the intervertebral disc for receipt of the biomaterial by removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create a nuclear cavity. A quantity of the curable biomaterial is delivered under pressure to the nuclear cavity. The delivered biomaterial is at least partially cured in such a manner to retain it in the nuclear cavity. The at least partially cured biomaterial is contoured to achieve a desired conformation approximating that of the nuclear cavity.
US07766964B2 In situ graft preparation for knee ligament reconstruction
Methods of ligament repair are provided. A ligament graft is arranged in a tensioning device and placed adjacent to a heating surface. The heating surface is activated to heat the graft. The graft is tensioned while on the substantially dry heating surface to provide laxity to the graft. The size of the relaxed graft remains the same until the graft is implanted in a bone tunnel as either an anterior or posterior cruciate ligament graft.
US07766963B2 External breast prosthesis
An external breast prosthesis includes an elastomeric skin in the form of a human breast surrounding an inner material such as a silicone gel or hydrogel. The inner material may be of a defined shape or may be amorphous and conform to the shape of the elastomeric skin. The elastomeric skin can be formed from a front skin and a rear skin, and the skins can be made of a soft styrenic elastomer having attributes similar to a gel. The elastomeric skin can be substantially soft to the touch and have an elastic memory that tends to maintain the skin in a pliable yet pre-defined shape.
US07766958B2 Vascular stent with composite structure for magnetic resonance imaging capabilities
A stent is adapted to be implanted in a duct of a human body to maintain an open lumen at the implant site, and to allow viewing body tissue and fluids by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) energy applied external to the body. The stent constitutes a metal scaffold. An electrical circuit resonant at the resonance frequency of the MRI energy is fabricated integral with the scaffold structure of the stent to promote viewing body properties within the lumen of the stent.
US07766957B2 Biological organ dilating stent and method of manufacturing the same
A stent is formed as a substantially tubular body possessing an outer diameter suitable for insertion into an organism, with the body being expandable when a radially outwardly directed expansion force is applied from inside the tubular body. The stent is fabricated from an alloy containing at least two noble metals selected among gold, platinum, silver, and copper, with the alloy possessing a density of not less than 14 g/cm3, a proof stress of not less than 300 MPa, and a elongation-to-break of not less than 20%.
US07766951B2 Vessel treatment devices
A catheter system for treating lesions is provided. The system is suitable for treatment of bifurcation lesions, has a low profile and provides substantially predictable translational and rotational positioning. In one embodiment, the system includes a fixed wire balloon catheter and a partially attached guidewire lumen, wherein the guidewire lumen is attached to the catheter at a crotch point. The location of the crotch point is predetermined so as to provide substantially predictable positioning. Several embodiments of the system are described for various types of lesions and vessel configurations.
US07766950B2 Hypothermia treatment sack
A hypothermia treatment sack comprising a top sheet and a bottom sheet releasably connecting along their perimeters to form a patient receiving cavity between the top and bottom sheets while allowing for patient access from any location around the perimeter. The top and bottom sheets include a weatherproof exterior side for repelling wind and water, and a heat reflective interior side for preventing heat from escaping. A plurality of self-activating heating pads are carried in the top sheet for producing heat when exposed to air. The heating pads have a first side exposed on the weatherproof exterior side of the top sheet to provide for a generally unrestricted airflow to the heating pads, and a second side exposed on the heat reflective interior side of the top sheet for radiating heat directly into the patient receiving cavity.
US07766947B2 Cervical plate for stabilizing the human spine
A dynamic spinal fixation plate assembly includes a spinal plate, a receiving member, and a fastener resulting in a low profile orthopedic device. The plate may comprise a hole for maintaining the receiving member. The relationship between the receiving member and the plate may allow the plate to adjust during graft settling. The receiving member may be locked to the plate utilizing the mechanical or chemical properties of the device, or the receiving member may be configured to move and rotate freely within the plate hole, even after the fastener has been secured to the bone. The receiving member may have a tapered sidewall defining a through hole to matingly engage the fastener, which may also have a tapered portion forming a tapered lock-fit therebetween. The receiving member may comprise a lip for retaining the fastener within said receiving member.
US07766942B2 Polymer rods for spinal applications
A method of manufacturing a curved spinal rod is disclosed. The method includes heating PEEK; injecting the PEEK into an arcuate spinal rod mold; holding the injected PEEK in the mold until the PEEK substantially sets; and removing the injected PEEK from the mold. In another aspect, a spinal rod is disclosed. The spinal rod includes an arcuate main body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion. The central portion has a non-circular cross-section with a height greater than its width. The first and second end portions and the central portion of the arcuate main body are integrally formed of a polymer such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The spinal rod also includes a rounded end cap adapted to mate with at least one of the end portions. The end cap is radiopaque.
US07766932B2 Vessel filter
The invention relates to a vessel filter comprising at least one conductor loop (21) which forms the inductance of an electric resonance circuit. According to the invention, the conductor loop (21) forms the vessel filter or parts of a vessel filter. The invention provides a vessel filter which is characterized by good mechanical properties, especially a high degree of flexibility and stability, offering good representability in MR imaging systems.
US07766931B2 Apparatus and method of supporting patient tissue
A perianal support device is provided that is configured to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body. A method is provided to apply the perianal support device to patients during childbirth to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body.
US07766927B2 Surgical tool and method for extracting tissue from wall of an organ
The present invention is concerned with methods and equipment for the treatment of the eye and more particularly with an instrument to increase eye filtration and treat glaucoma. The instrument is surgical tool operated entirely by the surgeon's hands and is composed of a hand-piece and an eye-penetrating intraocular segment each having two opponent and reciprocally operating fork-like arms and blade-sharp leaves, respectively. The eye-penetrating segment is a rigid embodiment of a size to create a limbus-pointing tunnel in the cornea, penetrate the eye of a patient through a water tight incision and, in a five step dissect and extract procedure, remove from within the eye a trabecular tissue block leaving the incision to self-seal by intraocular pressure. In the same “modus operandi”, a sample tissue can be extracted from any other hollowed or parenchimatous organ.
US07766925B2 Surgical suturing apparatus
A surgical suturing apparatus includes a suture housing, a needle mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path, and a drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue. The drive assembly includes a friction camming member that moves along the suture housing under the control of the drive mechanism, wherein actuation of the drive mechanism causes the friction camming member to selectively engage and disengage the needle causing the needle to move about the arcuate path.
US07766924B1 System for performing anastomosis
An anastomosis tool includes a handle connected to a tissue effector that may be capable of being oriented in two or more positions relative to the handle. The tissue effector holds a graft vessel having at least one flap defined in at least one end thereof against the side of a target vessel. Actuation of a trigger or other mechanism on the handle causes the tissue effector to deploy one or more connectors into the flaps of the graft vessel and the side of the target vessel, thereby connecting the graft vessel to the target vessel.
US07766916B2 Plate holder and bone plate arrangement
An assembly includes a plate holder having (i) a body, and (ii) a coupling component rotatably supported by the body. The assembly also includes a bone plate defining (i) a plurality of fastener openings, and (ii) a recess. The coupling component has a set of external threads. The bone plate has a set of internal threads located within the recess. The set of internal threads are configured to mate with the set of external threads.
US07766903B2 Patterned laser treatment of the retina
Patterned laser treatment of the retina is provided. A visible alignment pattern having at least two separated spots is projected onto the retina. By triggering a laser subsystem, doses of laser energy are automatically provided to at least two treatment locations coincident with the alignment spots. All of the doses of laser energy may be delivered in less than about 1 second, which is a typical eye fixation time. A scanner can be used to sequentially move an alignment beam from spot to spot on the retina and to move a treatment laser beam from location to location on the retina.
US07766900B2 Method and apparatus for application of a fluid
A method and apparatus for separation, concentration, and/or applying a biological or bio-engineered fluid. Generally, the fluid application device includes a sprayer body to enable the application of the fluid and a container adaptable to enable the separation of the fluid into at least a first component and a second component. The container is releasably coupled to the nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to withdraw at least one of the first component or the second component from the container after the fluid has been separated to apply the fluid to a selected site.
US07766899B2 Partial-length, indwelling prostatic catheter using coiled inflation tube as an anchor and methods of draining urine and flushing clots
An indwelling catheter is positioned in a urinary tract to drain urine from the bladder to a position distally adjacent to a sphincter muscle. A balloon of the catheter is inflated through an inflation tube extending through the urinary tract. A coiled section of the inflation tube contacts the constriction caused by the sphincter muscle. The balloon and the coiled section resist movement of the indwelling catheter while still permitting natural urination. The indwelling catheter is inserted by an insertion tool which is separably connected to the catheter. Once the indwelling catheter is positioned, the tool is disconnected and withdrawn from the urinary tract. Risks of blood clots obstructing the flow of urine through the indwelling catheter immediately following a surgical procedure on the prostate gland are avoided by flushing fluid through the insertion tool and the catheter to clear an internal urine flow passageway in the catheter.
US07766897B2 Protective priming cap for self-sealing male Luer valve
A cap for use in priming a medical connector that has a distal end at which is disposed a distal connection tip with an aperture through which fluid may flow, and the connector having an internal valve. The cap has a reservoir device with an internal volume and a first opening at a proximal end that is connected with the aperture of the connection tip. The reservoir has a second opening at which is disposed an hydrophobic filter for allowing gases to vent to the atmosphere while retaining liquid in the reservoir device. Over the reservoir device is mounted a slidable housing device used to activate the internal valve of the connector to a flow configuration at which fluid flows from the connector into the reservoir device. The user monitors the reservoir device and when gas has been vented so that only liquid remains, the user slides the housing device.
US07766895B2 Methods, systems, and kits for lung volume reduction
Lung volume reduction is performed in a minimally invasive manner by isolating a lung tissue segment, optionally reducing gas flow obstructions within the segment, and aspirating the segment to cause the segment to at least partially collapse. Further optionally, external pressure may be applied on the segment to assist in complete collapse. Reduction of gas flow obstructions may be achieved in a variety of ways, including over inflation of the lung, introduction of mucolytic or dilation agents, application of vibrational energy, induction of absorption atelectasis, or the like. Optionally, diagnostic procedures on the isolated lung segment may be performed, typically using the same isolation/access catheter.
US07766891B2 Lung device with sealing features
This invention relates generally to a design of lung devices for safely performing a transthoracic procedure. In particular, the invention provides devices and methods of using these devices to access the thoracic cavity with minimal risk of causing pneumothorax or hemothorax. More specifically, the invention enables diagnostic and therapeutic access to a thoracic cavity using large bore instruments. This invention also provides a method for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using a device capable of sealing the wound upon withdrawal of the device. The invention includes a device comprising an elongated body adapted to make contact with a tissue of a subject through an access hole, and a sealant delivery element. The invention also includes a method of performing tissue treatment or diagnosis in a subject.
US07766883B2 System and method for proportional mixing and continuous delivery of fluids
A system and method for mixing and delivering fluids such as contrast media and saline is disclosed including at least two fluid sources, a pump, a joining fluid path connecting the at least two fluid sources to an inlet to the pump, and a valve device in the fluid path upstream of the pump. The valve device includes an actuator adapted to restrict flow in at least one of respective fluid lines connecting the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet. A patient interface device may be associated with an outlet of the pump. The valve device actuator is generally adapted to restrict the flow in at least one of the respective fluid lines such that an incremental positional change in valve device actuator position provides a substantially linear change in fluid mixture ratio of the fluids from the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet.
US07766880B1 Method of securing a line to a patient, fasteners and their use to secure a line to a patient
Fastener for securing a tube to a patient having a sleeve of variable length capable when lengthened of gripping the tube.
US07766875B2 Catheter for reduced reflux in targeted tissue delivery of a therapeutic agent
A catheter for delivery of a therapeutic agent directly into a targeted tissue that reduces or substantially prevents reflux and back flow by providing rigidity and strength via a stylet thereby eliminating the need for a guide or delivery sheath during positioning. The catheter has a flexible proximal section and a substantially rigid distal section formed from a plurality of distal subsections. The proximal and distal sections having decreasing outer diameters starting from the proximal end and advancing towards the distal end. The distal subsection closest to the distal end providing an adjustable flow rate via multiple output ports defined radially therein while the distal end itself is closed off.
US07766868B2 Deflectable medical therapy delivery device having common lumen profile
A medical therapy delivery device that includes a shaft formed by an outer layer and a deflectable tip that includes a tapered portion. A manipulator wire extends through the shaft to adjust deflection of a second portion of the shaft relative to a first portion. The outer layer forms a single shaft lumen having a first lumen portion positioned about a thru lumen tubing and a second lumen portion, offset from and in fluid communication with the first lumen portion, the second lumen portion having a first side wall, a second side wall and a bottom wall extending between the first side wall and the second side wall. The thru lumen tubing, first side wall, the second side wall and the bottom wall position the manipulator wire within the second lumen portion.
US07766862B2 Baseline acquisition for infection monitoring
A method includes obtaining a baseline value for an indicator of infection in proximity to an implantable medical device and monitoring the indicator of infection in proximity to the device. The method further includes determining whether the monitored indicator is indicative of infection in proximity to the device. The determination as to whether the monitored indicator is indicative of infection includes comparing a value associated with the monitored indicator to the baseline value.
US07766859B2 Self-occluding catheter
A self-occluding catheter includes a body portion for connection to extracorporeal equipment. An elongated tubular extension is provided for insertion into a body cavity. The body portion includes a resiliently biased spool supported therein which is slidable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting and stopping the flow of blood through the catheter during a given medical procedure. The biasing device for resilient biasing the spool preferably comprises one or more magnets fixed within the body portion which generate a magnetic force for urging the magnetically polarized spool to its closed position.
US07766843B2 Biopsy method
A biopsy method is disclosed. The biopsy method can be used to provide a fine needle aspiration sample and a core biopsy sample. The biopsy method can include adjusting a sample port length without removing the biopsy device from the patient.
US07766831B2 System, tools, devices and a program for diabetes care
A method for diabetes care, the method (which also may be referred to as, involve or incorporate at least one of a tool, device or program) allowing for the characterization of the relevance of errors of parameters affecting glucose concentration on a postprandial glucose concentration outcome for a person with diabetes mellitusm, wherein the method involves at least one of sensing, determining, calculating, predicting, describing and communicating the effects of potential errors of parameters affecting glucose concentration on postprandial glucose concentration values within a clinically relevant glucose range.
US07766827B2 Method and system for predicting human cognitive performance
An apparatus and a method for predicting cognitive performance of an individual based on factors including preferably sleep history and the time of day. The method facilitates the creation of predicted cognitive performance curves that allow an individual to set his/her sleep times to produce higher levels of cognitive performance. The method also facilitates the reconstruction of past cognitive performance levels based on sleep history.
US07766821B2 Bendable portion of an insertion tube of an endoscope and method of producing it
A bendable portion, which is arranged at the distal end of an insertion tube of an endoscope, comprises a plurality of tube segments, each of said tube segments having connecting means that cooperate with the connecting means of the adjacent tube segment, as well as control wires that can control the bending of the bendable portion. The respective connecting means of a tube segment are provided such that they axially protrude from the faces of the tube segment and are located within the mantle of the tube segment and such that they do not exceed the thickness of the mantle. The connecting means, which are provided on the respective faces of adjacent tube segments and which are located opposite each other, complement each other in the manner of a hinge-type connection.
US07766818B2 Electronic endoscope system
An electronic endoscope system according to the present invention has a video-scope that has an image sensor, and a light source unit that is capable of selectively emitting normal-light and excitation-light. The electronic endoscope system further has a signal processor and a display processor. The signal processor generates normal color image signals, which corresponds to the normal color image, on the basis of the normal image-pixel signals. Similarly, the signal processor generates auto-fluorescent image signals corresponding to the auto-fluorescent image on the basis of the auto-fluorescent image-pixel signals, and generates diagnosis color image signals corresponding to the diagnosis color image on the basis of the normal color image signals and the auto-fluorescent image signals. The display processor processes the normal color image signals, the auto-fluorescent image signals, and the diagnosis color image signals so as simultaneously to display a normal color movie-image, an auto-fluorescent movie-image, and a diagnosis color movie-image.
US07766815B2 Electroactive polymer actuated gastric band
Methods and devices are provided for remotely adjusting a size of a gastric band disposed around a patient's stomach. In one exemplary embodiment, a gastric band is provided having a first end and a second end that mate to one another to encircle a stomach. A latch mechanism can be formed on the band, and at least one actuator can be coupled to the latch mechanism and it can be adapted to expand and contract the latch mechanism when energy is applied thereto to adjust a diameter of the band. In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator(s) is an electroactive polymer actuator.
US07766813B2 Methods, devices and systems for counterpulsation of blood flow to and from the circulatory system
Counterpulsation methods and systems for assisting the heart of a patient involve, for example, coordinating the operation of a pulsatile pump to suction blood from an artery through a first conduit while the heart is in systole and expel the blood into the first conduit and the artery while the heart is in diastole.
US07766812B2 Methods and devices for improving mitral valve function
The various aspects of the invention pertain to devices and related methods for treating heart conditions, including, for example, dilatation, valve incompetencies, including mitral valve leakage, and other similar heart failure conditions. The devices and related methods of the present invention operate to assist in the apposition of heart valve leaflets to improve valve function. According to one aspect of the invention, a method improves the function of a valve of a heart by placing an elongate member transverse a heart chamber so that each end of the elongate member extends through a wall of the heart, and placing first and second anchoring members external the chamber. The first and second anchoring members are attached to first and second ends of the elongate member to fix the elongate member in a position across the chamber so as to reposition papillary muscles within the chamber. Also described herein is a method for placing a splint assembly transverse a heart chamber by advancing an elongate member through vasculature structure and into the heart chamber.
US07766811B2 Methods and devices for improving cardiac output
Methods and devices are provided for improving cardiac output. The methods involve establishing a fluid communication pathway between the left ventricle and another natural or prosthetic structure. In one method, a conduit is implanted between the left ventricle and the descending aorta where ventricular blood flows from the left ventricle directly into the descending aorta and bypassing the aortic valve. The devices include such conduits and valves for forming the fluid communication pathways.
US07766807B2 Roller structure and method for the manufacture thereof
A core is provided with a coating formed by an agglomerate obtained by hardening of a mixture comprising a granulated stone material, preferably of the type having a high hardness factor and light color, and a hardening resin, preferably an epoxy resin, for manufacturing a roller or cylinder of a non-porous external surface, the roller being used for the processing of materials and products. For the manufacture of the roller, a formwork having a cavity for housing a core is prepared so as to provide an interspace which is filled with the mixture, following which compacting of the mixture present in the interspace and then the resin hardening step are performed to obtain a non-porous agglomerate.
US07766804B2 Abdominal exerciser and method
An abdominal exerciser can be used while standing up. The user stands on the anchor base and rests the neckpad on his shoulders while gripping the handlebars. The user can then bend forward and backward to strengthen the abdominal and lower back muscles or side-to-side to strengthen the obliques. The unit is adjustable to fit various sizes of users and/or styles of workouts and can be partially disassembled for easy transportation. The unit comprises an elongate stem/tail assembly, a handlebar assembly including the neckpad to attach at the upper end, and an anchor base to attach at the bottom end. Resistance bands removably attached to hooks between the anchor base and the stem/tail assembly provide variable resistance to the user.
US07766800B1 Exercise weight stack methods and apparatus
Weights are arranged in a vertical stack and movably mounted on a frame. On some embodiments, variable length members are provided to exert upward force against a weight supporting member associated with the stack when the weight supporting member is proximate its rest position relative to the frame. On other embodiments, the weights are rotated relative to the frame to selectively engage and disengage the weights for purposes of providing resistance to exercise motion.
US07766795B2 Trampoline system
A fence surrounds a trampoline and extends above the rebounding surface, reducing the risk of injury. Shock absorption is aided by a support system of independent poles. Variable placement net fasteners also are detailed.
US07766790B2 Selectable one-way clutch
A controllable selectable one-way clutch is provided for use within a hybrid transmission. The clutch comprises an outer and inner race, and a first and second selector plate. A transmission motor controller synchronizes the speeds of the races to facilitate application and release of the clutch, and a transmission controller communicates a signal to the clutch for re-positioning of the plates to apply and release the clutch. The clutch has three operational modes, including freewheeling and holding torque in one direction or both directions. A method is also provided for applying a selectable one-way clutch in a vehicle having a hybrid transmission with a motor controller and a transmission controller, including synchronizing the clutch speed using the motor controller, detecting the direction of the race speed difference, communicating the race speed difference to the transmission controller, and selecting between the clutch operational modes in response to the detected speed difference.
US07766787B2 Hand-held rotating power tool
A rotating power tool has a transmission assembly having a transmission casing, a common annulus, at least two planetary gear assemblies and a thrust washer assembly. The common annulus is tubular, is mounted securely in the transmission casing and has an inner surface and multiple teeth. The planetary gear assemblies are connected in series in the common annulus, and each planetary gear assembly has a sun gear, a planet carrier and at least three planetary gear assemblies. The planet carrier is an annular bracket. The planetary gear assemblies are mounted around and engage a sun gear and the teeth in the common annulus. The thrust washer assembly is mounted between adjacent planetary gear assemblies. Consequently rotation of the transmission assembly is smooth and stable. The thrust washer assembly damps reactive force to prevent damage and guarantee normal operation of the hand-held rotating power tool.
US07766784B2 Eight speed automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and a brake.
US07766778B2 Drive device for vehicle
A vehicular drive system which includes a first electric motor, a power distributing mechanism (first gear device), a second electric motor, and a step-variable automatic transmission (second gear device), and in which the first electric motor and the power distributing mechanism constitute a first unit, while the second electric motor and the automatic transmission constitute a second unit, and wherein the power distributing mechanism has an output shaft, and the automatic transmission has an input shaft which is connected to the output shaft, whereby a drive force can be transmitted between the first unit and the second unit. The individually prepared first unit and the second unit are assembled together into the vehicular drive system such that the output shaft of the power distributing mechanism and the input shaft of the automatic transmission are connected to each other. Accordingly, the drive system has an improved efficiency of assembling.
US07766771B2 Circonic game
Circonic Game, a simulated indoor or outdoor basketball game, is played on a circular court outlined by three concentric circles. The outer circle acts as the court boundary and is conjoined by four smaller circles placed tangentially in a location that conforms to the four cardinal points of the compass (i.e., north, south, west and east). Four similar smaller circles are placed in a location that conforms to four cardinal points of the compass (i.e., north, south, west and east) inside the two inner concentric circles of different radii forming a cluster of rings. A center pole in an upright position is mounted at the center of the court. Towards the top of the center pole are two primary ring baskets circumscribed by a larger circumferential ring basket supported by a transverse bar attached or welded to the rebounding center post centered in between these two primary ring baskets.
US07766770B2 Programmable ball throwing apparatus
The present invention includes devices, kits and methods for an automated ball feeding device for a ball throwing machine. The present invention provides an automatic ball feeding and throwing apparatus having a ball holding container with one or more sides and a bottom in communication with a propeller. The propeller is positioned to communicate with a rotatable support mast that has a ball channel and supports a ball ejection mechanism. The ball channel extends from the ball holding container to the ball ejection mechanism. The ball is fed by the propeller through the ball channel to the ball throwing apparatus regardless of the pivot angle or rotational angle of the ball ejection mechanism.
US07766766B2 Methods and apparatuses relating to findable balls
Golf balls and methods and systems for manufacturing golf balls. In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of a golf ball comprises a core material having a void, a semiconductor component disposed at least partially in the void, and a filler material in the void and surrounding the semiconductor component, the filler material being placed in the void in a liquid state and occupying a first volume in the liquid state and the filler material transforming into a solid state which occupies substantially the first volume. Methods for manufacturing golf balls and fixtures and apparatuses for manufacturing golf balls are also described.
US07766764B2 Method for practicing golf employing an apparatus which allows a golfer to simulate the angular stances frequently found during play on a course
An efficient, low cost and versatile golf practice device, which stimulates the angular stances frequently found during play on a course. The practicing golfer stands on top of a turf practice platform. This platform sits flat on top a region comprising a plane. The plane cuts off a slice of the area of a sphere. The plane faces north towards the sky while the opposite side is comprised of a curved arc portion that faces south, towards the earth. The spherical slice, (containing the flat platform), fits as a male portion into and on top of a female inverted dome region. The female spherical slice itself encompasses a space less than a full hemisphere. The female spherical slice is set inside the top surface of a rectangular box of length and width proportions roughly similar to an average driving range mat. The golfer stands on the platform and is capable of simulating a plurality of hitting conditions using the simple process of manual adjustment.
US07766763B2 Putting track
A golf stroke training device includes a base that has a first section and a second section, and a vertical guide coupled to the base. The vertical guide is substantially perpendicular to the base. The first section has an arc extending from an approximate midpoint of the device to a first end of the device, and the second section comprises a substantially straight edge extending from the approximate midpoint of the device to a second end of the device. In another embodiment, the second section comprises a substantially straight edge extending from the approximate midpoint towards the target and an inside along an arc.
US07766759B2 Putting training device
A putting training device comprising a putter module which is selectively attachable and detachable to a putter and a target module. The putter module includes at least one indicia viewable when a users head is substantially vertically above the module. The putter module further includes a signaling element and the target module including a receiving element, and an indicating element. In use, the putter is directed towards the target module. A golf ball is struck in the direction of the target module and the indicating element alerts the user of impact condition.
US07766757B2 Golf swing device
A golf device is provided that includes a storage mechanism to store information related to a desired swing of a golf club, and a swing identifying device to identify when the golf club has moved a desired distance based on the stored information related to the desired swing.
US07766755B2 Sandbox cover apparatus
A cover for a sandbox comprising a plurality of vertical poles situated around the perimeter of the sandbox and a cover assembly. The cover assembly comprises an outer frame, inner frame, and flexible cover. The inner frame comprises a plurality of support members, which support a flexible cover and are fixedly attached to the outer frame. Each vertical pole comprises a pulley system and a vertical slot. The pulley system is connected to the outer frame with an attachment means and is fully enclosed within the vertical pole except for a portion of the attachment means. The attachment means travels up and down within the vertical slot. Each vertical pole comprises a pole cover that is slightly shorter than the vertical slot and moves laterally to expose or conceal the vertical slot.
US07766752B2 Torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus
A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus provided between a driving source and a transmission and transmitting torque from the driving source to the transmission, the apparatus absorbing fluctuations in the torque and limiting a maximum value of the torque, the apparatus includes a flywheel, a supporting member, a first plate having a sliding surface, a second plate having a sliding surface, a disc spring supported by the supporting member and biasing one of the first and second plates towards the other one thereof, a friction material sandwiched tightly between the sliding surface of the first plate and the sliding surface of the second plate, a damper mechanism connected to the friction material and transmitting the torque from the driving source to an input shaft of the transmission, and a cover member demarcating the sliding surfaces of the first and second plates from an exterior of the torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus.
US07766748B2 Method of interfacing on a computer network by visual representation of users, method of interacting and computer network
A method of interfacing used on a network having a central computer system and a plurality of remote computer systems is provided. Each remote computer system includes a video display. Applied to video games, the method creates a first visual representation of a first player on a first remote computer system, identifies an interest and a skill level of the first player for at least one video game, indicates predetermined personal characteristics of the first player, saves the visual representation, interest, skill levels and personal characteristics of the first player, accesses the central computer system from the first remote computer system, selects a second player who has accessed the central computer system from a second remote computer system, and invites the second player to play a selected video game. The second player may access the visual representation, interest, skill levels and personal characteristics of the first player.
US07766747B2 Gaming machine with surround sound features
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes selective application of surround sound. The selective application of surround sound allows certain key gaming events to be emphasized over other gaming events. The surround sound may be varied to produce certain effects, such as a tactile effect and a gradual building up of suspense and anticipation that increases player excitement and enjoyment. A surround sound decoder may be added in some embodiments to convert monophonic and stereo wagering games into surround sound. The surround sound may be implemented as true surround sound or as virtual surround sound.
US07766745B1 Accounting system
An accounting system for use with at least one gaming machine having one or more games stored thereon is provided. The accounting system includes a memory means operatively connected to the gaming machine, wherein the memory means comprises a set of active game meters for each active game on the gaming machine, and one set of removed game meters accumulating data corresponding to all games removed from the gaming machine. The accounting system also includes an accounting processor for accessing the game meters and using a theoretical win value to determine the overall gaming machine performance.
US07766743B2 Methods and apparatus for evaluating a user's affinity for a property
A system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code for facilitating or allowing a user's affinity for a property to be evaluated, recognized, rewarded and/or monetized. A user may access a Web site, computer system, kiosk, or other resource operated by, for or on behalf of a property. For example, a server may implement a Web site on behalf of one or more properties. The user may then provide or authorize a payment that allows the user to receive or take a test directed to examining the user's knowledge of a property and/or to receive information regarding one or more actions that the user may complete to demonstrate the user's affinity for the property. A user demonstrating affinity for the property may receive recognition or other benefit associated with the property.
US07766742B2 Slot machine hybrid pin and ball game
An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually fill a number of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.
US07766741B2 Method, apparatus, and program product for presenting results in a bingo-type game
Each bingo card representation matched with a game designation set in a given bingo game (a “matched bingo card representation”) represents a respective game play record providing a result in the bingo game. The result represented by a matched bingo card representation is displayed to a player in the bingo-type game through a result representation provided at a suitable player station. Each result representation is correlated to one or more game results in the bingo-type game so that each game result in the bingo-type game is associated with a result representation. According to the invention, each result representation includes a graphical representation unrelated to the bingo-type game. That is, although the game results are simply bingo game results defined by predetermined patterns of matches between the various card designations and the designation set produced or called for a particular bingo-type game, the game results are displayed to the players with a graphical display including a graphic that is not merely a graphical representation or reproduction of a bingo card. Displaying the result of the bingo-type game to the player thus involves displaying the result representation associated with the particular game result in lieu or at least in addition to the representation of the matched bingo-type game card.
US07766738B2 Gaming machine of the type wherein a large number of players participate in game
A gaming machine includes: a plurality of game terminals each including an operation section for accepting operation of a player, an acceptance unit for accepting game medium, and an image display unit for displaying a predetermined image; a plurality of cumulative storage units for storing a predetermined value of the game medium; a game control unit for controlling a game based on a base game or a bonus game; a first lottery unit for performing a lottery as to whether or not the bonus game is generated for each of the plurality of game terminals; a second lottery unit for performing a lottery as to whether or not game medium are paid out for each game terminal when the bonus game is generated; and a cumulative game medium payout unit for paying out the game medium to the determined game terminal.
US07766737B2 System and method for analyzing golfer performance
In a method for analyzing performance of a golfer, a number greens hit in regulation by the golfer during at least one round of golf and a number of long game strokes taken by the golfer during the at least one round of golf are determined, a long game efficiency index of the golfer is calculated by dividing the determined number of long game strokes by the determined number of greens hit in regulation, and a long game handicap of the golfer is determined based at least in part upon the calculated long game efficiency index and a known relationship between long game handicap versus long game efficiency index. The method may be performed by a computer system if desired.
US07766734B2 Method and apparatus for passively controlling airflow
A system and method for providing a substantially constant volume exhaust or ventilation air terminal system is shown for controlling exhaust and/or return airflow rates in a system having a central fan or ventilator. The system and method permits zone-by-zone or area-by-area airflow regulation or control in non-demand areas in response to a demand or call for ventilation in demand areas. In one embodiment, the system employs at least one constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a damper. Another embodiment shows a combination of a first constant airflow controller or regulator situated or mounted on a damper with a second constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a duct associated with the damper. In still another embodiment, a constant airflow controller or regulator is provided in a duct, and used in combination with a solid damper.
US07766730B2 Carcass tracking
A system and method for storing, selecting and sorting animal carcasses for fabrication. A storage area has at least one storage rail upon which carcasses may be stored. A feed rail leads to the storage area. Carcasses are selected from the storage area based on a first set of criteria and are transferred to an exit rail. The selected carcasses can be sorted based on a second set of criteria using a sorting rail connected to the exit rail. Carcasses are selected and sorted based on carcass information stored in a database based on identification codes associated with each target. A processor compares the carcass information with the desired criteria and identifies carcasses meeting the criteria using one or more readers positioned near the storage rail or exit rail.
US07766724B2 Method for simultaneously slicing at least two cylindrical workpieces into a multiplicity of wafers
Slicing multiple cylindrical workpieces into wafers by a multi wire saw with a gang length LG, is performed by: a) selecting a number n≧2 of workpieces from a stock of workpieces with different lengths, satisfying the inequality L G ≥ ( n - 1 ) · A min + ∑ i = 1 n ⁢ ⁢ L 1 ( 1 ) and making right-hand side of the inequality as large as possible, where Li with i=1 . . . n are for the lengths of the workpieces and Amin is a predefined minimum spacing, b) fixing the n workpieces successively in the longitudinal direction on a mounting plate while maintaining a spacing A≧Amin therebetween such that the relationship L G ≥ ( n - 1 ) · A + ∑ i = 1 n ⁢ ⁢ L i ( 2 ) is satisfied, c) clamping mounting plates workpieces in a multi wire saw, and d) slicing the n workpieces perpendicularly to their longitudinal axis by means of the multi wire saw. Preferably, the wafer stacks are separated from one another by separating pieces after slicing, and at the same time are laterally supported.
US07766717B2 System for representing an autonomous entity
A system is provided for representing an autonomous entity, which may be a winged entity. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a vessel having an interior that is viewable from outside the vessel. The system further includes a rotational drive system, a flexible shaft connected to the rotational drive system for rotation by the rotational drive system, and a display object positioned in the interior of the vessel and connected to the flexible shaft at a position that is spaced from the rotational drive system. In a particular embodiment, the display object has a plurality of wings, including a first wing and a second wing that is generally opposed to the first wing. Rotation of the flexible shaft causes the display object to move within the vessel.
US07766712B2 Method for fabricating organic electroluminescent display and fabrication apparatus used in the method
An organic EL light emitting layer is formed in a housing including an air atmosphere having a lower moisture concentration than that of the ambient atmosphere and a lower ozone concentration than that of the ambient atmosphere.
US07766710B2 Disconnectable buoyant turrent mooring system
A mooring system includes a vessel with a lower-side cavity, a turret extending from deck level to the cavity, and a coupling mechanism releasably attaching a mooring buoy to the cavity, at least one buoy-supported riser. The riser end has a coupling member, the riser being slidable via a buoy opening, a riser connector member being attached to a movable transport member upwardly displaceable by a drive element, for: when the buoy and vessel are coupled, attaching the riser connector member to the transport member transporting the transport member upward while sliding the riser through the buoy and attaching the coupling member to a vessel transfer duct, and for lowering the riser while sliding the riser through the buoy until the connector member is supported by the buoy, prior to coupling member release, and release of the riser connector member from the transport member, followed by buoy lowering.
US07766708B2 Control device of boat propulsion system and boat
An engine in an outboard motor includes a first rotation angle sensing device arranged to sense a rotation angle of a crankshaft and second rotation angle sensing device arranged to sense a rotation angle of an exhaust camshaft. A reverse rotation determination section is arranged to determine an occurrence of a reverse rotation of the crankshaft based on of a rotation angle sensed by the first rotation angle sensing device and a rotation angle sensed by the second rotation angle sensing device. A gear mechanism operation section forceaby shifts a shift gear mechanism into a neutral state when a reverse rotation of the crankshaft is sensed by the reverse rotation determination section. Water is surely prevented from entering the internal combustion engine and can minimize an increase in the manufacturing cost and simplify the maintenance work of the internal combustion engine.
US07766707B2 Hybrid electrical pins
In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a pin for an electrical connector is provided. The pin includes a head that is fixedly mated with a shaft to form the pin.
US07766700B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals fixed in the insulating housing and a shell mated with the insulating housing. The insulating housing has a base portion and a mating portion extending from a front surface of the base portion. The mating portion defines a plurality of terminal grooves penetrating through a rear surface of the base portion. Each terminal has a fixed portion received in the corresponding terminal groove and two shoulder portions respectively projecting sideward from two opposite sides of one end of the fixed portion. The base portion defines a receiving trough communicate rear ends of the terminal grooves and outside of the base portion for receiving the shoulder portions. Thus, the terminals can be assembled to the insulating housing conveniently and rapidly during using a tool to push the shoulder portions to insert the terminals into the terminal grooves.
US07766699B1 Audio adapter with a slideable plug body
An audio adapter includes a base body, a plug module and a receptacle disposed in the base body. The base body defines a receiving cavity at an upper portion thereof and a holding chamber at a lower portion thereof. A portion of the receiving cavity extends upward to penetrate through the base body to form a guiding channel. The plug module includes a plug body received in the receiving cavity and an audio plug. The audio plug has a connecting portion embedded in the plug body and an inserting portion projected out of the plug body. The plug body is provided with a guiding portion thereon. The guiding portion is slidably disposed in the guiding channel. The guiding portion can be pushed along the guiding channel to drive the plug body to slide in the receiving cavity and further drive the inserting portion to be stowed into the receiving cavity.
US07766698B1 Power adapters for powering and/or charging peripheral devices
A power adapter for a peripheral device such as portable electronics device is disclosed. The power adapter includes a housing that contains electrical components associated with the power adapter. The power adapter also includes a data port provided at a surface of the housing. The data port is configured to provide external power to the peripheral device.
US07766691B2 Land grid array (LGA) socket loading mechanism for mobile platforms
Techniques for a land grid array (LGA) socket loading mechanism for mobile platforms are described. An apparatus includes a LGA socket mounted to a printed circuit board, and an LGA package seated in the LGA socket. The LGA package includes an LGA package substrate and a semiconductor die mounted on the LGA package substrate, and a heat pipe attached to the semiconductor die, wherein the heat pipe is to apply a compressive load to the semiconductor die. The heat pipe includes at least two leaf springs to apply a compressive load to the LGA package substrate. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07766690B2 Connector assembly having a plurality of discrete components
A connector assembly includes a boot body, a contact housing, and a contact. The boot body extends between a boot coupling end and a boot back end. The back end receives a cable that includes a conductor. The boot body defines an internal chamber. The contact housing extends between a housing mating end and a housing back end. The contact housing includes a housing coupling element between the housing mating end and the housing back end. The housing back end is coupled to the boot coupling end. The housing mating end is configured to mate with a mating connector to electrically connect the connector assembly and the mating connector. The contact is held in the housing and electrically connected to the conductor. An adhesive is disposed in the internal chamber to secure the boot body and the contact housing together.
US07766689B2 Plug adapter for an electrical switching device
A plug adapter for plugging a connecting lead having at least two poles onto a switching device having a respective secondary contact, for a respective lead conductor, disposed parallel to a combination plug-in orifice includes, on a bottom side facing the switching device, a housing cutout. Associated with each of the at least two poles is a respective access contact including a contact spring. The access contact has a housing opening, and a respective plug, a respective conductor bar. The free end of the contact spring is elastically preloaded, and a clamping device is configured to simultaneously clamp the lead conductors to the contact spring and actuatable via an actuator bracket.
US07766687B2 Connector having different size recesses
A connector connects first electrodes of circuits to pair of cables having different sizes, such as different sized conductors or different sized insulators around same sized conductors. The connector has two parts connected by a hinge. The two parts include recesses that form two different sized openings in a closed position of the connector, for receiving the different sized cables in a non-interchangeable way. Forks or pins of different sizes stick out from the recesses for contacting the conductors of the cables.
US07766686B2 Pluggable form factor release mechanism
Briefly, various embodiments of a pluggable form factor release mechanism are described. For example, but without intending to limit the scope of claimed subject matter, a transceiver module may include the following: a module housing; a bail lever; an actuator; and a spring adjacent to the actuator. The bail lever and the actuator may be movably connected to the module housing in such a manner so that pivoting the bail lever away from the housing engages an end of the actuator to move towards the module housing. The actuator may rotate about a fulcrum with an opposing end of the actuator moving away from the module housing.
US07766683B2 Cover attaching structure, housing and cover
A cover attaching structure in a connector includes: first and second locking portions provided on a first attaching member; and third and fourth locking portions provided on a second attaching member which is attached to the first attaching member. The first locking portion is locked on the third locking portion from an outer surface side of the connector. The second locking portion is locked on the fourth locking portion from an inner surface side of the connector.
US07766682B1 Flexible connector interface rib with saw tooth cross section
A saw tooth shaped flexible rib in between a connector interface provides asymmetric sliding resistance and a one sided sealing effect. The asymmetric sliding resistance provides for low frictional engaging resistance and for a high disengaging resistance of the connector interface. The one sided sealing effect provides in conjunction with an interface cavity for back flow resistance into the cavity during disengagement movement in the interface and for a vacuum effect that assists in opposing the disengagement movement. The flexible rib may be monolithically fabricated together with the entire housing of the respective connector.
US07766681B1 Waterproof electric plug or receptacle for LED light string
Waterproof electric plug or receptacle for LED light string is provided. In one embodiment, the plug includes a housing comprising two prongs, two fuses, an internal space, rear passages, compartments between the space and the passages, a wall for separating the space and the compartments; an electrical assembly comprising a PCB electrically to the prongs via the fuses, and rear conductive posts in the compartments; a power cord passing the passages and having two sleeves secured to the posts, and a shell mounted around the housing. Waterproof adhesive is applied on the wall, the compartments, and front and rear ends of the PCB.
US07766676B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes an enclosure, a protecting member, and a power plug. The enclosure includes a top wall, a bottom wall, sidewalls, a socket, and a slot to receive an electronic card. The socket and the slot are defined in one of the sidewalls. The protecting member includes a receiving portion bounding the socket and the slot and a sliding plate capable of sliding to an open position and a closed position in the receiving portion. Movement of the sliding plate in the open position does not allow insertion of the power plug into the socket and allows the electronic card to be inserted into or removed from the slot, and movement of the sliding plate in the closed position allows insertion of the power plug into the socket and does not allow the electronic card to be inserted into or removed from the slot.
US07766675B2 Connector
According to the present invention, there is provided a connector for a cable whose conductor is covered with an insulator and a braided shield. The present invention's connector includes: a housing including a shield, the shield being configured to be electrically connected to the braided shield of the cable; and a ferrule housed in the housing and configured to be connected to the cable, the ferrule including: a swaging portion that is configured to be swaged onto the cable and to provide electrical connection to the braided shield; and two spring portions provided on opposite sides of the swaging portion along the cable axial direction, each spring portion being in contact with the shield of the housing, the two spring portions being configured to fix the swaging portion and the cable in the housing.
US07766672B1 Electronic connector with a circuit board sandwiched between two spacers and enclosed in a frame
An electronic connector includes a circuit board, an upper spacer, a lower spacer, and a front frame. The circuit board having a front segment that is provided with contact pins is formed with at least one first positioning hole. The upper spacer and the lower spacer are coupled to the circuit board through the first positioning hole from above and below, respectively, so that the circuit board is sandwiched between the upper and lower spacers. The front frame has a through opening and is mounted around the front segment so that the front segment of the circuit board, the upper spacer, and the lower spacer are jointly received in the through opening of the front frame. Thereby, the upper and the lower spacers are positioned between the circuit board and the front frame for preventing electrical contact therebetween.
US07766670B1 Electrical connection device
An electrical connection device is used for electrically connecting an electronic element having solder balls, and includes an insulating body and a plurality of pins. The insulating body has a plurality of receiving slots formed by a plurality of first rib boards and second rib boards respectively and crossly disposed along the X and Y-coordinate direction. Each pin has a base portion extending upwardly to form a first and a second flexible arm. The end of the first and the second flexible arm respectively form a first contact portion and a second contact portion. At least one of the receiving slots receives the first flexible arm of the pin and the second flexible arm of another pin. The first and the second contact portion located in the same receiving slot are disposed staggered in an upper and a lower location along the X-coordinate direction and not connected to each other.
US07766662B2 Surface mount coaxial connector assembly
A disclosed coaxial connector can be surface-mounted on a circuit board without degradation in signal transmission characteristics. The coaxial connector includes a center conductor, a surrounding conductor by which the center conductor is surrounded, and an insulating housing. The center conductor has a leg portion at its base end. The surrounding conductor has six lugs at its base end that extend radially. The leg portion and the lugs are exposed on a bottom surface of the housing. The coaxial connector is mounted on the circuit board with the leg portion pressed against a signal pad on the circuit board for electrical connection and the lugs pressed against a ground pad for electrical connection.
US07766656B1 Dental delivery device
A single use cartridge 10 is disclosed for dispensing a medicament or other substance for dental, medical, or veterinarian applications. A motive fluid can contact the medicament to mix and dispense from reservoir 12, or the motive fluid can act on a plunger 21 to dispense the medicament. A handpiece 15 can sealably connect the cartridge 10 to a source of the motive fluid. The cartridge 10 can be easily replaced to facilitate the use of multiple cartridges with a single handpiece 15. An ultrasonic cleaning element 30 with a channel for fluid flow can be used in a handpiece 25 with a single use medicament cartridge 28 to dispense medicament during ultrasonic dental procedures. A cartridge 72 can contain a mixing element 70 to mix the motive fluid and abrasive particles for tooth surface polishing.
US07766654B2 Device and method for determining and controlling the degree of polymerization of polymerizable dental material
A device (10) and method for determining and controlling the degree of polymerization of polymerizable dental material (14), which device includes a light and/or heat source (18 or 20), with which the dental material (14) is impinged. The device further includes a control device (26) and a sensor (24) connected to the control device (26), whereby the sensor (24) detects radiation (natural radiation) emitted from the dental material (14) of a predetermined wavelength.
US07766653B2 Method and apparatus for selecting a prescription for an orthodontic brace
A prescription for an orthodontic brace is selected by providing data representing a number of teeth of the dental arch and by displaying images of the teeth in two or more different positions. Images of at least one tooth when in the first position and when in the second position are simultaneously displayed in superimposed fashion, and any difference in orientations of the displayed tooth images between the first position and the second position appears in contrast. As a consequence, the relative difference in positions can be readily observed. The invention is particularly useful for selecting a prescription of a brace from two or more prescriptions, and is also useful for observing the relative effect of a single prescription when used on certain teeth in comparison to the position of the same teeth during an earlier stage of treatment.
US07766650B2 Gas-powered tool
A controller includes a shell, a valve, a temperature-sensitive regulator and a cover. The shell defines an intake, a first space in communication with the intake, a second space in communication with the first space and an outlet in communication with the second space. The valve is installed in the first space for shutting the intake. The temperature-sensitive regulator is installed in the second space for contact with the valve. The cover is used to shut the second space and contact the temperature-sensitive regulator.
US07766649B2 Multi-ported, internally recuperated burners for direct flame impingement heating applications
A direct flame impingement method and apparatus employing at least one multi-ported, internally recuperated burner. The burner includes an innermost coaxial conduit having a first fluid inlet end and a first fluid outlet end, an outermost coaxial conduit disposed around the innermost coaxial conduit and having a combustion products outlet end proximate the first fluid inlet end of the innermost coaxial conduit and a combustion products inlet end proximate the first fluid outlet end of the innermost coaxial conduit, and a coaxial intermediate conduit disposed between the innermost coaxial conduit and the outermost coaxial conduit, whereby a second fluid annular region is formed between the innermost coaxial conduit and the intermediate coaxial conduit and a combustion products annular region is formed between the intermediate coaxial conduit and the outermost coaxial conduit. The intermediate coaxial conduit has a second fluid inlet end proximate the first fluid inlet end of the innermost coaxial conduit and a second fluid outlet end proximate the combustion products inlet end of the outermost coaxial conduit.
US07766648B2 Coating in multiple injection molding part cavities
A molding apparatus includes a mold (12,14) defining a plurality of mold cavities (34,36). Fluidly connected to the mold cavities (34,36) are one or more first composition injectors (30) and one or more second composition injectors (32) for delivery of, respectively, the molten material from which the molded article is to be formed and a composition to coat the article so formed.
US07766645B2 Method of controlling the opening and closing of a blow mold and blowing device for implementing same
A molding device for manufacturing thermoplastic containers by blow-molding or stretch-blow-molding heated parisons. The molding device having a blow-molding mold of the hinged mold type with at least two mold halves which can be separated from one another by rotation about a common axle of articulation under the action of an actuating device. The actuating device is designed in such a way that the two mold halves have respective angles of opening on each side of the parting plane of the mold which are not equal.
US07766644B2 Injection mold having a movable slide member
An injection mold including a connecting structure for separating confronting faces of a slide member and a mold base, respectively, during a movement of the slide member. In accordance with several embodiments of the invention, the connecting structure may include a compressible member such that the slide member is biased away from the mold base, and wherein a positive contact between the confronting surfaces is configurable in response to an applied clamping force between the slide member and the mold base. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention a cam arrangement links the slide member and the mold base enabling a positive contact between the confronting surfaces when the slide member is arranged in the in-mold position, and providing a gap between the confronting surfaces during at least a portion of an interval when the slide member is moving.
US07766643B2 Moulding threaded articles
An apparatus comprises a forming arrangement closable in a direction to form an object, said forming arrangement comprising at least two reciprocal movable elements along respective arched trajectories to disengage from said object, said arched trajectories having respective components parallel to said direction.
US07766639B2 Forming die for forming a head on a rope
A forming die for forming a head on a rope includes a first die block provided with a first die cavity which is provided with at least one first clamping rib, and a second die block provided with a second die cavity which is provided with at least one second clamping rib. Thus, the second clamping rib of the second die block is movable to abut the respective first clamping rib of the first die block to form an annular clamping rib which presses the head of the rope to form an annular clamping groove in a peripheral wall of the head so that the head is fixed on the rope closely by compression of the annular clamping groove to prevent the head from being detached from the rope due to a larger pulling force.
US07766637B2 Method and apparatus for the preparation of capsules
An apparatus for a continuous encapsulation process is provided. The apparatus is a vibrating tubing used alone, in series, or in combination with an encapsulation apparatus, which is used alone or in series. The vibrating tubing is a flat coil, a standing spiral, or a flume. The encapsulation apparatus includes a winding having coils disposed in an aqueous gelling solution. The winding is rotatable about its longitudinal center axis. The winding has adjacently spaced coils forming a plurality of chambers. Objects to be encapsulated are added to the apparatus such that when the winding is rotated, the chambers transport a volume of objects through the length winding in the aqueous gelling solution in a predetermined time.
US07766630B2 Fluid delivery device identification and loading system
A medical pump includes a chassis having a fixed seat, and a main carriage having a carriage footing for receiving a fluid delivery device and restricting its movement. An actuator automatically moves the main carriage between open and closed positions to engage the fluid delivery device to the seat. The seat establishes the position of both the main carriage and fluid delivery device in the closed position. The actuator is connected to the main carriage by a rear carriage assembly having a manual release element for disengaging the actuator from rear carriage assembly and thereby from the main carriage. A processing unit detects jam conditions by processing carriage position data and electrical load data from the actuator.
US07766621B1 Split shank rotor blade
A shroudless turbine rotor blade of the type having a platform damper interface, is provided with at least one slot which extends from the aerofoil side of a platform flow boundary to a point in the root. The slot extends between opposing flanks of the blade so as to divide the platform and partially divide the root. The segregated root is made more flexible by the slot which provides for greater platform vibratory amplitudes for a given length of root. The increased platform motion provides for improved dampability when the blade vibrates. The slot also provides a pair of confronting platform surfaces which are urged into mutual contact by centrifugal load acting on the blade to create an additional damping interface.
US07766619B2 Convectively cooled gas turbine blade
A gas turbine has a cooling air passage which extends along the leading edge of the blade airfoil, which cooling air passage has an outlet opening which is arranged in the region of the blade tip. The contour of the outlet opening is geometrically similar to the cross section of the cooling air passage. As a result, flow inhomogeneities of the cooling air flow, which locally negatively influence heat transfer, and consequently cooling efficiency, are avoided.
US07766615B2 Local indented trailing edge heat transfer devices
A turbine engine component has an airfoil portion having a pressure side and a suction side, a trailing edge discharge slot, and a suction side lip downstream of an exit of the trailing edge slot. The suction side lip is provided with negative features for increasing local heat transfer coefficient in the region of the suction side lip.
US07766613B2 Pump and liquid supply system
A pump includes a pump unit, a pump case, a motor unit, a plurality of guide blades forming plural guide paths in tangent directions of the impellers; and a multiplicity of return blades to form paths for collecting the liquid under pressure from the guide paths into a suction opening of a next-stage impeller. The return blades have a configuration in which a total cross sectional area of inlet openings of concave paths formed by a plurality of ribs is set to be equal to or larger than a cross sectional area of the suction port, while a total volume of the concave paths is set to be smaller than the total volume of non-path portions excluding the paths.
US07766611B2 Method for setting a radial gap of an axial-throughflow turbomachine and compressor
The invention relates a method for improving the hot-starting behavior of a turbomachine. By virtue of the setting of a radial gap formed between a brushing edge of a blade profile and a guide face lying opposite this, in which setting a guide ring forming the guide face can be acted upon with a coolant, the hot-starting behavior can be improved, in that the guide ring is cooled before the start of the machine.
US07766609B1 Turbine vane endwall with float wall heat shield
A float wall heat shield for use on an endwall of a stator vane used in a gas turbine engine. The heat shield includes an attachment extending from a center of the heat shield to secure the shield to the vane. A plurality of ribs formed on the inside surface of the shield forms cooling channels extending in the streamwise direction. The leading edge of the shield curves downward over the leading edge of the endwall and forms a cooling air inlet. The trailing edge of the shield forms a cooling air exit extending in a straight direction to provide purge air for a rim cavity of an adjacent rotor blade assembly. The heat shield includes pressure and suction sides that conform to an outline of the airfoil of adjacent vanes, and forms cooling air exit gaps so that the cooling air passing through the channels can discharge to prevent inflow of the hot gas flow. The heat shield eliminates the need for film cooling holes.
US07766606B2 Turbine airfoil cooling system with platform cooling channels with diffusion slots
A cooling system for a turbine airfoil of a turbine engine having suction side platform cooling channels and pressure side platform cooling channels for cooling hot spots in a platform attached to a turbine blade. The cooling system may include one or more pressure side platform cooling chambers having a diffusion slot for cooling downstream platforms on the suction side of the turbine blade. The diffusion slots reduce the velocity of the cooling fluids released from the platform to increase the capacity of the film cooling of downstream platforms.
US07766605B2 Centrifugal pump
The present invention relates to a centrifugal pump for pumping of liquids containing pollutions mainly in the form of solid particles, which pump comprises a drive unit, a hydraulic unit, whereby the hydraulic unit comprises a pump housing (20) and a pump impeller (12) rotationally arranged inside the housing, the pump impeller comprising an upper (14) and a lower (16) cover disc and a number of intermediate vanes (18). The invention is characterised in that a bottom wall (22) of the pump housing, having a central inlet opening (24), is arranged with at least one spirally extending back flow affecting means (32, 34) on the side facing the lower cover disc extending parts of or full turns around the inlet opening.
US07766604B2 Fuel pump
Fuel pump (10)comprises a casing (18) and an impeller (20). A group of concavities (20a) are formed in an upper or a lower face of the impeller. A groove (24) communicating a discharge hole (25) is formed in a inner face of the casing. The groove has an opening portion (27e) that directly communicates with the discharge hole. The opening portion is shaped so as to extend in the rotation direction of the impeller, within a span extending from a position corresponding to substantially the central position of the concavities of the impeller, in the radial direction thereof, to a position corresponding to substantially the outer peripheral edge of the concavities of the impeller. The opening portion is be formed so as to extend in the rotation direction of the impeller beyond the position (29b) where the inner peripheral edge connects therewith.
US07766603B2 Rotor blade containment assembly for a gas turbine engine
A fan blade containment assembly (38) for a turbofan gas turbine engine (10) comprises a cylindrical, or frustoconical, casing (40) arranged to surround an arrangement of fan blades (26). At least one hollow tubular member (66) is arranged radially within and secured to the casing (40) and the at least one hollow tubular member (66) contains a filler material (68). The at least one hollow tubular member (66) extends circumferentially. The hollow tubular member (66) is helical and the axial spacing between the adjacent turns of the tubular member (66) varies and the density of the filler material (68) varies in order to match the severity of the impact expected at each axial location along the casing 40 of the fan blade containment assembly (38).
US07766601B2 Vertical-axis wind turbine
A vertical-axis wind turbine which has a central rotary tower upon which are fixed substantially vertical blades. The blades are capable of rotating and moving radially relative to the central tower, the movement of each blade being independently controlled based on the conditions to which it is constantly subjected so as to optimize the overall performance of the wind turbine.
US07766600B1 Savonius rotor with spillover
A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor has first and second curved vanes having remote substantially vertical edges widely spaced form each other, and proximate substantially vertical edges more closely horizontally spaced from each other and horizontally overlapping are associated with a substantially vertical central shaft construction. The shaft construction is operatively connected to the vanes and mounts the vanes and adjacent the proximate edges. The central shaft construction may comprise a perforated shaft (e.g. a single perforated shaft), or multiple shafts. In any event, the shaft construction, and mounting of the rotor vanes, allow, during use, spillover of wind from the proximate edge of one vane to another vane during powered rotation of the vanes in response to wind. The rotor is preferably omni-directional. The rotor may have a third set of vanes, and different vertically spaced sets of vanes circumferentially offset with respect to each other. The rotor may be in combination with a mount to provide a wind turbine, and may be in combination with a driven device such as a generator, propeller, or pump.
US07766598B2 Bundle transport apparatus for paper sheet materials and handling apparatus for the same
The configuration comprises a carrier equipping an ejection plate on the front for ejecting the bundled-paper sheet material P and equipping a plurality of cutout parts, which are open in their top parts, at a predetermined interval on both the left and right sides; and a drive transmission unit being equipped by a plurality of drive rollers, each of which comprises a plurality of bosses in a predetermined interval on a single circumference around the rotation center thereof, in a predetermined interval on both the left and right sides of the bundled-paper sheet material transport path, wherein a drive force is transmitted by allowing bosses of each drive roller, which rotates by receiving a drive force from a drive source, engage in the respective cutout parts of the carrier sequentially, thereby allowing the carrier travel in the front and back directions of the bundle transport path.
US07766590B2 Cargo pallet cover
A cargo pallet cover having a main panel and a plurality of side panels extending therefrom, the main panel being adapted to overlie a load on a pallet in use and the side panels being adapted to hang down against the sides of the load, each side panel being attached to an adjacent side panel along adjacent edges to define a corner, the pallet cover including a plurality of net attachment devices for attaching a pallet net to the pallet cover.
US07766587B2 Small radius end mill tool
An end mill including a shank having one end gripped by a chuck which is rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis, and a blade body attached to the other end of the shank and rotatable together with the shank. The blade body has a shape in which the area of a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis decreases as the distance from the shank increases, and includes a linear cutting edge parallel to, and at a certain distance from, the rotation axis. An end cutting edge adjoining the cutting edge in the longitudinal direction thereof may be provided. The blade body includes, for example, a rake-face-side surface including a rake face and adjoining the flank-side surface in two portions, and a linear cutting edge formed at one of the positions at which the flank-side surface and the rake-face-side surface come in contact with each other.
US07766586B2 Quick change power tool chuck
An improved quick change power tool chuck is provided which is principally used on a wood working router but could also be used in many other power tool applications. Key features of the quick change chuck include the unique way that it secures the cutting bit from unwanted slippage, the large mechanical advantage thereof and the speed in which a cutting bit can be removed and replaced. The chuck can be aligned and attached to the power tool in the same manner that a standard collet is aligned and attached to the router spindle or to a router or other drive shaft in a number of different ways.
US07766585B2 Irregular-shank tools and drivers therefor
A tool (1) has a distal operative portion and a proximal shank (2) with a mounting portion (3), for mounting the tool in a holder (10). A substantial portion of the mounting portion has a cross-sectional shape with at least one and fewer than six 60-degree segments thereof having segment ends joined by a flat surface (5). The holder has a distal axial aperture or mounting hole (12) for receiving the tool (1), the aperture having a cross-sectional shape which has 60-degree segments thereof having segment ends joined by a flat surface (13), but no more such flat surface segments than those corresponding to flat surface segments of the tool. The holder further has a ball-detent (21) mechanism or other locking mechanism for engaging the mounting portion (3) of the tool (1).
US07766582B2 Device and method for transporting trench boxes
A handling device for depositing a trench box into an open excavation includes at least one reciprocal trench box wall contact member movable along a first axis; motor means for selective movement of the wall contact member; and a coupling for attaching the contact member and the motor means to a prime mover for selectively moving the handling device along an axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. A system for depositing a trench box in an open excavation includes the handling device and a trench box having a plurality of apertures engageable with the at least one wall contact member. A method for depositing a trench box in an open excavation includes operating the handling device with the trench box having the apertures.
US07766579B2 Process and device for building a tunnel immersed on a sub-sea soil
A tunnel is built in successive sections by a machine suitable for operating at the surface and in immersion that is displaced in the water on the sub-sea soil. This machine includes a fluid-tight working space (6) for accommodating the personnel and equipment required for construction. Further, this space has a rearward-facing opening for building and erecting a section at the rear of the machine. The forward section of the machine includes a ballastable chamber (7) which prepares and grades the soil for erection of a section.
US07766575B2 Internally splined part
An internally splined component for transmitting torque wherein the splines are cold formed to predetermined tolerances.
US07766569B2 Method for reducing media skew in a media advance mechanism
The method comprises the steps of feeding media from a media roll, arranged about an axis, through an input driving device and an output driving device of the media advance mechanism, wherein the output driving device engages the media with lower friction than said input driving device; releasing said input driving device such that it does not engage the media; and causing the media to move in the media advance mechanism such that the media is pulled taut between the roll and the output driving device and later the media slips with respect to said output driving device, whereby the media is aligned at right angles to the roll axis by effect of the friction between the media and the output driving device.
US07766565B2 Substrate drying apparatus, substrate cleaning apparatus and substrate processing system
A substrate processing system includes a substrate processing apparatus and a cleaning/drying apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus includes an indexer block, an anti-reflection film processing block, a resist film processing block, a development processing block, a resist cover film processing block, a resist cover film removal block and a first interface block. The cleaning/drying apparatus includes a cleaning/drying processing block and a second interface block. An exposure device is arranged adjacent to the second interface block. In the cleaning/drying processing block, cleaning processing is applied to a substrate before exposure processing and drying processing is applied to the substrate after the exposure processing.
US07766562B2 Support cradle and strap for large camera lens
A lens support system for stabilizing and securing a large camera lens when it is attached to a camera is disclosed. The lens support system consists of a lens cradle that is attached to the tripod mount of a large camera lens, and a neck strap attached to the lens cradle that will be worn around the photographer's neck. The lens support system can also be used to secure a lens when unattached to a camera, and can be used as a balanced hand-hold without the neck strap.
US07766561B1 Environmentally robust liquid crystal polymer coated optical fiber cable and its use in hermetic packaging
The invention relates to high-strength, abrasion-resistant optical fiber cable having a supplemental layer consisting essentially of a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) to enhance the cable's tensile strength and hermetically seal it, and an outermost encasing layer to protect the LCP supplemental layer from damage that could otherwise diminish the tensile strength or destroy the moisture barrier properties of the cable gained by adding the supplemental liquid crystal polymer layer. The encasing layer is preferably a thin layer of a smooth, non-crystalline thermoplastic that can be easily removed with chemicals that do not affect the properties of the supplemental layer so that the supplemental layer can be made accessible for promoting the formation of hermetically sealed interfaces between the cable and other structures. Cross-head extrusion methods for coating optical fibers with LCP and encasing layers are described along with laser and ultrasonic bonding techniques for fabricating hermetic packages.
US07766559B2 Fiber orientation for optical transceiver
A compact optical transceiver is provided in which a substrate provides for an alignment surface for optical fibers and a lens assembly provides the necessary optical paths for coupling to photodiode and photodetector structures. Appropriate electrical connections on the substrate enable the substrate to be directly connected to a printed circuit board, grid array socket, and the like.
US07766558B2 Optical transceiver
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an optical transceiver includes a printed-circuit board, an optical module that converts a received optical signal into an electrical signal and converts an electrical signal into a optical signal, and transmits the converted signal, the optical module being mounted on the printed-circuit board, and an edge connector that inputs and outputs the electrical signal, the edge connector being mounted on the printed-circuit board. In the optical transceiver, at least an edge portion of the edge connector is formed in a direction roughly perpendicular to the optical signal transmitted/received at the optical module, and the printed-circuit board is removably connected to the host substrate through the edge connector in such a manner that the printed-circuit is roughly perpendicular to the host substrate to be connected.
US07766549B2 Method, system and device for automated configuring of an X-ray source apparatus
A method, a system and a device for automated configuration of a high power X-ray source apparatus (10), which has multiple modules (20, 28, 30, 50, 53). A first module (20, 28, 30, 50, 53) of the high power X-ray source apparatus (10) has an identification unit (25, 27, 31, 52, 54) storing at least one parameter of the first module (20, 28, 30, 50, 53) and transmitting the parameters to a configuration control unit (60). At least one operating parameter of a second module (20, 28, 30, 50, 53) is determined by the configuration control unit (60) based on characteristics of the transmitted parameter of the first module (20, 28, 30, 50, 53). The high power X-ray source apparatus (10) is configured by setting the operating parameter of the second module (20, 28, 30, 50, 53) to the determined value.
US07766543B2 Method for controlling an expandable mixture
A method is disclosed that monitors and controls the condition of an expandable mixture before injecting it in a mold and that maintains the conditions for filling so as to make a casting mold having a uniform strength.The method comprises (a) a step of measuring the temperature of the expandable mixture, (b) a step of determining each reference value of the one or more characteristic parameters that show a characteristic property of the expandable mixture based on the measured temperature and the predetermined relationship between a characteristic property of an expandable mixture and its temperature, (c) a step of measuring the one or more characteristic parameters that show the condition of the mixing of the expandable mixture, (d) a step of determining whether each characteristic parameter is within the corresponding reference value, and (e) a step of determining whether the expandable mixture has been made under the normal condition or if it needs to be adjusted.
US07766535B2 Panel guide member and display device having the same
Provided are a panel guide member and a display device having the same. The display device includes a receiving container, a light source, a display panel, a pane guide member, and a top case. The receiving container includes a bottom plate and sidewalls protruding from edges of the bottom plate. The light source is disposed in the receiving container to generate light. The display panel faces the bottom plate and displays an image using the light. The panel guide member includes a plurality of panel guide bodies dividing and supporting an NEDR around an EDR of the display panel on which an image is displayed, and warp preventing members connecting the panel guide bodies with each other and suppressing warping of the panel guide bodies caused by contraction/expansion of the panel guide bodies. The top case includes a first cover, and a second cover to couple to the sidewalls.
US07766533B2 Illumination module, and a display and general lighting apparatus using the same
The present invention provides an illumination module, and a display and a general lighting apparatus using the same. Said illumination module includes a plurality of light guiding strips arranged in juxtaposition with a predefined distance; a plurality of light sources, disposed on at least one end of said light guiding strips respectively for providing the light into said light guiding strips; and a plurality of light reflecting units, disposed between said light guiding strips for reflecting the light from said light guiding strips. The light reflecting units according to the present invention can guide the light from the sides of light guiding strips or other light not toward the right side of the illumination module back to the right side of the illumination module, and thus improving the light output efficiency and uniformity.
US07766530B2 Backlight, a lens for a backlight, and a backlight assembly having the same
A lens for a backlight, including: a light transmissive body including outer and inner surface areas, the outer surface area having a convex surface and a concave surface, the inner surface area having a convex surface and a concave surface, wherein the convex surface of the outer surface area has a curvature different from a curvature of the convex surface of the inner surface area and the concave surface of the outer surface area has a curvature different from a curvature of the concave surface of the inner surface area.
US07766527B2 Low power LED light engine for light guide
A light engine assembly that includes a LED having a standard preselected output. The light engine assembly accepts a light guide into the assembly. The assembly includes a two-sided PCB, one side of which is a heat sink to reduce heat build-up on the board and the other side of which is a circuit that provides power to a LED positioned on the board. The circuit includes a connector for connection to a power supply and circuitry that regulates the current supplied to the LED, which is housed on the PCB. The assembly further includes a housing for the PCB that carries the PCB while protecting it from damage. The housing permits ventilation for cooling the board. The housing also includes a light guide holder barrel, which has a substantially square cross-section and is open at one end. The light guide holder barrel accepts a light guide having a substantially circular cross-section, the light guide contacting the light guide holder barrel in four positions, the light guide transmitting light from the LED when the LED is energized. The light guide can be rotated in any position and inserted into the light guide holder barrel to allow light to be transmitted in any preselected direction by the user.
US07766526B2 Illumination system
Disclosed is an illumination device. The device includes a light engine in an acoustic tile that introduces light into a plurality of optical fibers using an LED. In between the LED and the fiber ends, an LCD is used to modify the light introduced. To do this, the LCD is programmed to display petal-shaped sections which individually change in contrast to become more occluded and then more transparent. This creates an aesthetically pleasing effect resembling stars.
US07766524B2 Vehicle lamp including optical axis variable light source
A vehicle headlamp 10 is provided with an upper stage light source unit 20, a middle stage light source unit 40, a lower stage light source unit 60. The upper stage light source unit 20, the middle stage light source unit 40, the lower stage light source unit 60 are provided at a lamp body 14 constituting a lamp member by way of a support member 15, and a light distribution pattern for low beam is formed on a front side of a vehicle by overlapping light from the respective light source units 20, 40, 60. The middle stage light source unit 40 is supported to be able to change the optical axis independently from the other light source units 20, 60.
US07766523B2 Vehicle headlamp
A lamp unit 18 is provided with a reflecting face 25b for an overhead sign and a light receiving face 28 for the overhead sign. The reflecting face 25b for an overhead sign reflects light from a light source 23a and is provided on an upper side of the light source 23a and rearward from a rear side focal point F of a projector lens 11. The light receiving face 28 for the overhead sign is provided on a front side of a movable shade 30 arranged between the projector lens 11 and the light source 23a. The light receiving face 28 forms overhead sign irradiating light P2 by reflecting light from the reflecting face 25b for the overhead sign to the projector lens 11. Illuminance reducer for reducing a portion of irradiating light is provided at a position of a vicinity of an upper end of the movable shade 30 of the light receiving face 28a for the overhead sign.
US07766522B2 Headlight device for vehicle
A headlight device for a vehicle that improves external appearance by varying irradiation light reflected by a reflector. The reflector is in a shape of a bowl opening to a front side of the vehicle. An outer housing supports the reflector so that the reflector can swing back and forth. A ring member formed separately from the outer housing covers an opening edge of the reflector.
US07766513B2 LED lamp with a heat dissipation device
An LED lamp includes a heat sink, a triangular-shaped ridge positioned on the heat sink and an LED module mounted on the ridge. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of first and second fins respectively extending from a first and a second surface of the base, with a plurality of channels defined between the first and second fins. The ridge is positioned on the second surface of the base. The ridge has a lateral surface which has a height decreasing from a middle to a lateral side of the ridge and decreasing from a rear end to a front end of the ridge. The LED module is mounted on the lateral surface of the ridge.
US07766512B2 LED light in sealed fixture with heat transfer agent
An LED light system has an LED light module for inserting into a standard fixture. The fixture has a housing and cover for sealing the enclosure. The LED module contains a shell or outer surface having a matching form factor as the housing for making physical contact with the housing over a sufficient surface area to provide good thermal contact. A substrate is mounted on a support structure. A plurality of LEDs is disposed on the substrate. A heat transfer agent or medium transfers heat from the LEDs to the housing. The outer surface of the LED module spreads the heat over its surface area and firmly contacts the surface of the housing for good thermal transfer. The heat transfer medium is made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum or copper and formed to contact a surface area of the LED module.
US07766511B2 LED light fixture
A light fixture using LEDs includes a lower skin layer possessing heat transfer properties. A circuit board is affixed to the lower skin layer, and a single LED, or a plurality of LEDs, is electrically connected to the circuit board. The single LED, or plurality of LEDs, when electrically activated, emits light through substantially around a vertical axis. The light fixture also includes a core possessing heat transfer properties that is in thermal contact with the LED and has an interior cavity for the LED. The core is affixed to the lower skin layer, and an upper skin layer, containing a window or windows over the LED or LEDs, is affixed to the core. The LEDs may be white, infrared, ultraviolet, and/or colored and may be mounted on a printed circuit board or individually.
US07766510B2 Cooling structure for street lamp using light emitting diode
Provided is a cooling structure for a street lamp using light emitting diodes. The cooling structure comprises a heat-dissipating case having an installation portion therein, a printed circuit board installed within the installation portion, one or more light emitting diodes installed under the printed circuit board, a heat transfer unit for transferring heat to be generated from the light emitting diodes to the top of the heat-dissipating case and dissipating the heat to the outside, and reflection plates disposed at the bottom of the heat-dissipating case. The cooling structure is efficiently improved to quickly and rapidly dissipate heat generated from the light emitting diodes during turn-on. With this configuration of the cooling structure, the street lamp is protected from failure and has greatly improved durability. In addition, the light emitting structure is improved to inhibit loss of luminance. Therefore, the energy efficiency of the street lamp can be effectively improved.
US07766509B1 Orientable lens for an LED fixture
A mounting surface for mounting a plurality of LEDs has a plurality of orientable lenses each individually affixed about a single LED. Each orientable lens has a primary reflector and a refracting lens that direct light emitted from a single LED to a reflective surface of the orientable lens that reflects the light off a primary LED light output axis.
US07766502B2 Self-illuminated structural panel units and systems including the same
Position adjustable self-illuminated panel units may be used in combination with conventional shelf supports. Preferred shelf-units include a light-transmissive panel, a shelf frame holding the panel and having an illumination element for providing a light source to illuminate the panel, and a magnetic connector electrically interconnected to the illumination element and adapted to being magnetically and electrically coupled to a source of electrical power. The illumination element most preferably includes an LED strip housed within one member of the frame and positioned adjacent to an edge of the panel. A magnetic connector includes a pair of electrically conductive side panels, an electrically non-conductive spacer sandwiched between the side panels, and a pair of magnet bars fixed to the spacer. The magnet bars define an air gap therebetween such that electrical contact may be established between the magnet bars and a respective one of the side panels. Shelf lighting systems according to the present invention will most preferably include a self-illuminated panel unit as described briefly above, and a ferromagnetic power strip for supplying electrical power thereto. The magnetic connector is therefore capable of magnetic and electrical interconnection to the power strip (e.g., via the magnet bars thereof so as to in turn supply power to the panel unit (e.g., via lead wires connecting the side panels to the LED strip).
US07766492B2 Projector with enhanced grounding effect
A projector comprises a light machine, a housing accommodating the light machine, a circuit board disposed above the light machine, a semi-sealed shell covering the circuit board, a copper post supporting the semi-sealed shell and connecting the housing and the semi-sealed shell, and at least one contact element contacting the copper post to prevent electromagnetic interference.
US07766488B2 Projection type image display apparatus
A projection-type image display apparatus for projecting an image, enlargedly, onto a projection surface, comprises: an image display element; a lens group, being disposed behind the image display element, comprising therein, a front lens group made up with a plural number of lenses, including, at least, a refractive lens, having a positive power and being rotationally symmetric in a surface configuration thereof, and a rear lens group made up with a plural number of lenses, including, at least, a lens having a free curved surface configuration and being rotationally asymmetric, thereby emitting the image displayed on the image display element; a reflection mirror for reflecting the light from the lens group, thereby projection onto the projection surface, obliquely; a first mounting base, on which the rear lens group is mounted; and a rod member, which is provided on the mounting base for moving the mounting base.
US07766487B2 Projection-type image display apparatus
A projection-type image display apparatus for projecting an image, enlargedly, onto a projection surface, comprises: an image display element; a lens group, being disposed behind the image display element, comprising therein, a front lens group made up with a plural number of lenses, including, at least, a refractive lens, having a positive power and being rotationally symmetric in a surface configuration thereof, and a rear lens group made up with a plural number of lenses, including, at least, a lens having a free curved surface configuration and being rotationally asymmetric, thereby emitting the image displayed on the image display element; a reflection mirror for reflecting the light from the lens group, thereby projection onto the projection surface, obliquely; and a movement member for moving the plural number of lenses of the rear lens group.
US07766486B2 Projecting apparatus and method and recording medium recording the projecting method
An apparatus includes a projection system having a spatial light modulator and projection lens and configured to project a light image, an image capture system having an image capture lens and CCD and configured to capture a screen-direction image, a distance measuring sensor and distance measuring processing section configured to detect a distance and angle to the screen, a control section configured to, while extracting a screen frame position from the image obtained by the image capture system and, from respective detection results of the distance measuring and an angle-of-view detections, obtain a corrected value while referring to a correction table of a memory section storing corrected values of a parallax of the projection system and image capture system in a table form and match an image projected by the obtained corrected value to a screen frame position extracted.
US07766482B2 Methods and apparatuses for altering relative curvature of field and positions of peripheral, off-axis focal positions
A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling optical aberrations to alter relative curvature of field by providing ocular apparatuses, systems and methods comprising a predetermined corrective factor to produce at least one substantially corrective stimulus for repositioning peripheral, off-axis, focal points relative to the central, on-axis or axial focal point while maintaining the positioning of the central, on-axis or axial focal point on the retina. The invention will be used to provide continuous, useful clear visual images while simultaneously retarding or abating the progression of myopia or hypermetropia.
US07766477B2 Extendable and retractable telescoping eyewear retaining strap assembly
An extendable and retractable eyewear telescoping retaining strap assembly consisting of an outer tubular strap member and an inner strap member slidably disposed within the tubular member. Means are provided to secure the inner strap within the outer strap in the retracted position and to prevent the separation of the two straps when the inner strap is in the extended position. The assembly is attachable to the temple of an eyewear frame either by attaching the outer tubular strap to the temple or by attaching the inner strap to an additional retaining strap disposed within the temple. Each strap of the assembly is flexible and either longitudinally stretchable or inelastic to provide for different modes of use.
US07766474B2 Method and apparatus for creating an image on an article, and article resulting therefrom
A method of printing an image on an object includes the steps of: providing an object having an exterior surface having a planar portion and a channel recessed from the planar portion; applying a first ground coat on the exterior surface; drying the first ground coat; and spraying droplets of ink on the dried ground coat to form an image, wherein the droplets are sprayed from an ink jet printhead that is maintained at a constant distance from the plane of the planar portion of the object.
US07766463B2 Fluid dispensing subassembly with compliant film
A fluid dispensing subassembly includes a diaphragm arranged to be operated on by a transducer, an aperture array through which fluid is forced onto a substrate, a manifold body between the diaphragm and the aperture array, a spacer between the manifold body and the aperture array, the spacer arranged to form a gap at least partially overlapping the manifold, and a compliant film arranged between the manifold body and the spacer such that the fluid resides on a side of the film adjacent the manifold, and that the film is unsupported by the spacer over a least a portion of the manifold. A fluid dispensing subassembly, includes a first set of plates including a diaphragm to be operated on by a transducer, a second set of plates including at least one manifold plate to direct ink to an aperture plate forming an exterior surface of the second set of plates, and a polymer compliant film arranged in between the first and second sets of plates to attach the first and second sets of plates together to form the fluid dispensing subassembly. A method of manufacturing a fluid dispensing subassembly includes forming a first structure of at least a diaphragm, forming a second structure of at least a manifold body, placing a polymer compliant film between the first and second structures, and using the polymer compliant film as an adhesive to attach the first and second structures of plates together, forming a fluid dispensing subassembly.
US07766462B2 Method for forming a fluid ejection device
A method of forming a fluid ejection device includes forming a pair of first glass layers and forming a second glass layer. Each first glass layer includes a first side and a second side with the second side defining a first fluid flow structure. The second glass layer includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, with each respective first side and second side defining a second fluid flow structure. The second glass layer is bonded in a sandwiched position between the respective first glass layers with each respective second fluid flow structure of the second glass layer in fluid communication with the respective first fluid flow structure of the respective first glass layers to define a fluid flow pathway for ejecting a fluid.
US07766460B2 Liquid-droplet jetting apparatus
In an ink-jet head as a liquid-droplet jetting apparatus, a manifold channel which supplies an ink to pressure chambers has a first area communicating with the pressure chambers and a second area communicating with a dummy nozzle formed therein, with the first and second areas sandwiching a projection therebetween. Air exists at an upper portion of the second area, and the air is in contact with the ink in the manifold channel. When a pressure is applied to the ink in the pressure chambers by a piezoelectric actuator so as to jet the ink from nozzles, a pressure wave is generated in the pressure chambers and is propagated to the manifold channel. The pressure wave propagated to the manifold channel is attenuated in the second area by the air which is in contact with the ink in the manifold channel.
US07766459B2 Multi-coloured printhead nozzle array with rows of nozzle assemblies
A printhead nozzle array includes groups of nozzle assemblies configured to eject respective colored inks. Each group has its nozzle assemblies arranged in rows. Each nozzle assembly includes a common substrate assembly. A nozzle is configured to contain ink and defines a nozzle opening through which the ink can be ejected. The nozzle includes a static wall portion extending from the substrate assembly and a movable crown portion defining the nozzle opening. An actuator extends from the substrate assembly. A lever arm extends from the actuator and is fast with the crown portion so that, upon actuation of the actuator, the lever arm moves the crown portion relative to the static wall portion to eject the ink out through the nozzle opening.
US07766458B2 Inkjet head capable of suppressing hindrance of deformation of a piezoelectric element
An inkjet head includes an ink passage unit, an actuator unit; a printed circuit board; a metallic bond for electrically connecting a land to a terminal, the metallic bond being disposed in at least one of a region between the land and the terminal and a region extending over the land and the terminal along the peripheries of the land and the terminal; and a protrusion disposed on the connecting portion between a main electrode portion and the land.
US07766456B2 Electrostatic actuator, liquid droplet discharging head, methods for manufacturing them, and liquid droplet discharging apparatus
To allow formation of an insulation film to be applied even to a glass substrate without depending on a substrate material so as to improve pressure generated by an electrostatic actuator, as well as to achieve improvement in driving stability and driving durability of the electrostatic actuator at a low cost. [Solving Means] An electrostatic actuator including an individual electrode 5 formed on a substrate, a vibration plate 6 arranged opposite to the individual electrode 5 via a predetermined gap and a driving means for causing a displacement of the vibration plate 6 by generating an electrostatic force between the individual electrode 5 and the vibration plate 6 includes an insulation film 7 provided on one or both of opposing surfaces of the fixed electrode and the movable electrode and a surface protection film 8 provided on the insulation film 7. The surface protection film 8 is made of a hard ceramic film or a hard carbon film.
US07766454B2 Liquid discharge head, liquid discharger, and image forming apparatus, including silicone resin layer formed on discharge side of head
A liquid discharge head configured to discharge liquid is disclosed that includes a silicone resin layer formed on the side of a surface from which the liquid is discharged. The silicone resin layer serves as a water-repellent layer. The number of water-repellent molecular chains is greater than or equal to half of the number of hydrophilic molecular chains on the surface of the silicone resin layer, and the number of hydrophilic molecular chains in the silicone resin layer is greater on the side of the interface with a base material on which the silicone resin layer is formed than on the surface of the silicone resin layer.
US07766453B2 Printhead with overlapping arrays of nozzles
The printhead for a digital ink jet printer where arrays of nozzles (3) are arranged in an overlapping configuration to preserve continuity between the printing from adjacent arrays (3). Each array (3) receives print data from TAB films (6). The TAB films (6) extend from the same side of each array (3) to allow for a relatively compact printhead design. The arrays (3) are configured so that predominantly all of the arrays (3) have, at most, one end obscured by the end of an adjacent array (3). This reduces the amount that the TAB films (6) need to narrow or ‘neck’ in order to avoid the obscuring adjacent end.
US07766448B2 Ink-jet head
An ink-jet head includes a head main body having a metal portion, an actuator, a power supply member, and a heat sink that makes an outer surface of the ink-jet head. The power supply member includes a base, and a driver IC chip that is mounted on the base and drives the actuator. A first heat-transfer member is positioned between the driver IC chip and the heat sink. A second heat-transfer member is positioned between the base and the metal portion. The first heat-transfer member is in contact with the second heat-transfer member without interposition of the base.
US07766447B2 Banding adjustment method for multiple printheads
A banding adjustment method for an ink jet imaging device having a plurality of printheads comprises printing a plurality of test bands, each test band being printed by a plurality of printheads such that each printhead of the plurality prints a section of each test band. The drop mass generated by each printhead of the plurality is selectively adjusted between a default drop mass and an adjusted drop mass to print each test band of the plurality such that the plurality of printed test bands have various combinations of sections having the default drop mass and the adjusted drop mass. The user is then prompted to select a test band from the plurality of printed test bands.
US07766444B2 Method for controlling media feed in an imaging apparatus
A method for controlling the media feed of a print media sheet in an imaging apparatus having a media feed roller includes selecting between using absolute positioning of the media feed roller and relative positioning of the media feed roller for various media feed roller moves.
US07766435B2 Pivotable tool box
A tool box includes a body with drawers and the body is rotatably connected to a base. A brake unit is received in the base and includes a first board fixed to the base and a second board movably located on the first board by connection plates pivotably connected between the first and second boards. A brake disk is rotatably located on the first board and the shaft is securely connected to the brake disk so that the brake disk is co-rotated with the body. The second board is controlled to move and contact the brake disk on the first board by a clutch pedal. When the second board contacts the brake disk, the body together with the base is moved as one piece, and when the second board is disengaged from the brake disk, the body can be rotated independently relative to the base.
US07766432B2 Motorcycle brake system
A hydraulic motorcycle brake system includes an accommodating member for the hydraulic connection of two master brake cylinders to the front-wheel brake and rear-wheel brake having several pressure channels for the front-wheel circuit and rear-wheel brake circuit, and allowing manufacture in a simplest possible manner, and a pair of wheel brake connections connectable to the rear-wheel brake and front-wheel brake open into a lateral surface of the accommodating member, the wheel brake connections being arranged between a pair of pressure connections that are connectable to the two master brake cylinders.
US07766430B2 Second row seat assembly having fold flat mechanism with forward cushion movement
A seat assembly is adapted to be coupled to a vehicle floor and includes a seat back (16) and a seat cushion (12). The seat back is pivotally coupled to a support bracket (50) mounted to the floor. A fold flat mechanism (58) includes a transfer link (60) pivotally coupled to the support bracket, a seat cushion link (68) coupled between the seat cushion and the transfer link, and a seat back link (76) coupled between the seat back and the transfer link for transferring pivotal movement of the seat back through the transfer link to the seat cushion link to automatically move the seat assembly between a seating position wherein the seat back is in an upright position and the seat cushion is spaced above the floor, and a stowed position wherein the seat back is pivoted to a fold flat position overlying the seat cushion and the seat cushion is lying flat against the floor.
US07766425B2 Bench seat with movable bolsters
A rear seat assembly is provided for supporting occupants. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion. A pair of spaced apart outer seat backs is pivotally secured to the seat cushion. A middle seat back is pivotally secured to the seat cushion and disposed between the pair of outer seat backs. Each of the pair of outer seat backs includes a pair of spaced apart bolsters pivotally hinged thereto for movement between a retracted position and a deployed position. Each of the outer seat backs also includes an actuating mechanism operatively connected between the pair of bolsters for moving the pair of bolsters between the retracted and deployed positions as one of the outer and middle seat backs pivots relative to the seat cushion.
US07766423B2 Active material head restraint assembly
A head restraint assembly is provided that is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The head restraint assembly includes a support member and a deployable member. A link is rotatably mounted with respect to the support member and the deployable member. A shaft is mounted to the link for rotation therewith. The active material is actuatable to rotate the shaft and thereby cause the deployable member to move from its retracted position to its deployed position.
US07766420B2 Front structure of vehicle body
The present invention aims at providing a vehicle body front-part structure which can efficiently disperse an impact load acting on the front part of a vehicle. In the vehicle body front-part structure in accordance with the present invention, a portion 6a of a radiator support supporting an upper part of a radiator arranged in the front part of a vehicle 2 is connected to a skeleton 9 of the vehicle body by a pair of first radiator support supporting members 4 which support it from both sides in the vehicle width direction, and second radiator support supporting members 11, 12 which are arranged on the inner side of the pair of first radiator support supporting members 4 in the vehicle width direction and support it from the backside. Therefore, at the time when vehicles collide, the impact load on the portion 6a of the radiator support supporting the upper part of the radiator can be transmitted to the skeleton 9 of the vehicle body through the first radiator support supporting members 4 and the second radiator support supporting members 11, 12 which are arranged on the inner side of the first radiator support supporting members 4 in the vehicle width direction, so as to be dispersed efficiently.
US07766418B2 Mounting structure with a frame-shaped construction
A mounting structure for the front end of a car or small truck has a frame-shaped structure that surrounds an air cooled pass-through area and exhibits an upper crossmember, a lower crossmember and sidemembers connecting them. The upper crossmember is designed as a closed wall for receiving a hood lock and forms a sealing rib that borders on the air cooled pass-through area for an air-blocking connection of a radiator component. To provide the upper crossmember as the lock crossmember at the mounting structure with a high moment of inertia and to reduce the air cooled pass-through area only to a negligible degree, the upper crossmember is strutted using a lattice structure that is adjacent to the sealing rib and protrudes into the air cooled pass-through area, where the lattice openings form a part of the air cooled pass-through area with their entire opening area.
US07766414B2 Mixed metal closure assembly and method
The production of lightweight closure assemblies with a selection of materials optimized to have sufficient formability for each component of the closure assembly, while providing the necessary performance standards at a lighter weight. A mixed metal vehicle closure assembly with an inner panel and an outer panel operatively connected to one another such that they define a cavity therebetween. The closure assembly includes a unitary reinforcement panel attached to the inner and outer panels and inside the cavity therebetween. At least one of the inner, outer and unitary reinforcement panels is composed of a first type of sheet metal and at least one other of the remaining inner, outer or unitary reinforcement panel is composed of a second type of sheet metal.
US07766413B2 Folding top for a convertible
A folding top for a convertible is proposed, comprising a folding-top cloth (16) and a folding-top linkage (14) which is provided on both sides with a main link (28) which is mounted on a main bearing (26) and to which a frame part (38), which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the closed position of the top, and an intermediate link (44) are coupled. A front, rigid folding-top element (22) is connected via a first folding-top element link (58) to the intermediate link (44) and via a second folding-top element link (60) to the frame part (38). According to the invention, means are provided on the folding-top linkage (14), said means bringing about a continuous slowing-down of the front, rigid folding-top element (22) during the sequence of movement of the top from a storage position to the closed position.
US07766400B2 Door stay
A door stay having a first part adapted to be supported by door handle on one side of the door, a second part adapted to be supported by the door handle on the other side of the door, and an intermediate part that is adapted to extend over the edge of the door to prevent the latch tongue from engaging with the keeper.
US07766398B2 Door lock system
A door lock system for vehicle doors includes a lock mechanism including a switching lever. The switching lever can be moved freely between a neutral position and a locking position and between the neutral position and an unlocking position. The door can not be opened when the switching lever is moved from the neutral position to the locking position and can be opened when the switching lever is moved from the neutral position to the unlocking position. A link unit that receives a lever operation force from outside of the door and conveys the lever operation force to the switching lever. A holding unit holds the switching lever at the neutral position when the link unit does not receive the lever operation force.
US07766396B1 Liquid tight coupling for non-metallic conduit
A coupling for non-metallic flexible electrical conduit is formed of a one piece lightweight molded thermoplastic cylindrical sleeve having a pair of threads extending inwardly toward opposite ends. Spaced axially inwardly from the inner end of each thread is an annular sealing ring having a sloped leading face and a perpendicular trailing face with the faces intersecting at a sharp annular edge. Lengths of conduit are engaged over opposite ends of the coupling and rotated to advance the conduit lengths over the sleeve. A liquid tight engagement is effective between each conduit length and the coupling when the conduit length advances past the sealing ring.
US07766395B2 Working fluid feeding device
A device (30) for feeding working fluid to an assembly (14) requiring working fluid includes at least one fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) extending from a surface (16a) and at least one screw element (22, 24) capable of being screwed from the surface (16a) into the at least one fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) for feeding working fluid into the fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) or for closing the fluid channel (20, 20a-20d), the at least one fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) having a first section (32) directly adjacent to the surface (16a) with a larger width, a second section (36) with a smaller width and, between the first section (32) and the second section (36), having a first transition region (34) with an annular surface (34a), and the screw element (22, 24) having at least one sealing surface (22c, 24c) capable of being brought into sealing engagement with the annular surface (34a). The fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) is deformable in the second section (36) by a pressure applied by the screw element (22, 24) to the annular surface (34a) in the sense of reducing the volume of the fluid channel in the second section (36).
US07766390B2 Securing arrangement of loose elements in draft arrangement on work surface of hand portable object
An apparatus for securely holding and protecting a layout of elements includes a portfolio having a first cover and a first overlay. The first overlay and the first cover are releasably cohered together, preferably utilizing magnetic forces. A loose arrangement of elements can be secured to a work surface of the first cover using the first overlay for safe storage and transport. The apparatus is used in rubber stamping design, stained-glass design, and quilting design.
US07766389B2 Vehicle seatbelt apparatus
A vehicle seatbelt apparatus includes a inhibiting section for inhibiting a belt-reel driving motor from being driven when it determines, on the basis of an output signal from a rotational position detecting unit associated with a belt reel, that variation in the rotational position of the belt reel, which is less than or equal to a predetermined value, has occurred, on condition that a door opened/closed state detecting units detects that a vehicle door has shifted from a closed state to an opened state.
US07766388B1 Modular base assembly for vehicle model-making
One embodiment of a modular base assembly comprises a frame and leveler assemblies used to support a vehicle model. The frame has a frame segment with several parts including a cross-support and a side-support having a surface defining a plurality of holes where model-making components can be attached and unattached thereto. Leveler assemblies level the base assembly, and each can include a wheel hub locator that adjustably fixes a hub along a longitudinal horizontal, a vertical, and a lateral horizontal direction. Another embodiment comprises a motorized vehicle undercarriage that carries a frame. The frame has a platform with a top surface defining a plurality of holes in the form of a matrix. Model-making components can be attached and unattached thereto.
US07766379B2 Side airbag apparatus and method
An inflatable side airbag restraint for use in passenger vehicles. The airbag includes a relief portion providing clearance for the arm and elbow of an occupant or test device which reduces or eliminates lateral compression of the arm on the chest and abdomen regions of an occupant or test device.
US07766375B2 Pedestrian airbag apparatus
A pedestrian airbag apparatus in which smooth inflation and deployment of an airbag are achieved without using an inflator having a high output is provided. An opening 3a for allowing passage of the airbag provided on a bonnet hood 3 is covered by a lid 20. A rear edge 20r of the lid 20 is rotatably joined to the rear edge side of the opening 3a via hinges 21, and a front edge 20f and the rear edge 20r of the lid 20 are disengageably engaged with a peripheral edge portion of the opening 3a by clips 30, respectively. The clips 30 on the front edge 20f side and the hinges 21 on the rear edge 20r side are arranged so as to be shifted in the vehicle width direction. The clips 30 on the front edge 20f side and the clips 30 on the rear edge 20r side are arranged so as to be shifted in the vehicle width direction.
US07766372B2 Vehicle instrument panel with nonvisible airbag tear seam and deployment door and method of making the same
An interior trim panel is provided that is adapted to house a supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system when installed in a motorized vehicle. The trim panel includes a rigid substrate configured to attach to the vehicle. The rigid substrate includes opposing inner and outer surfaces, and defines a cavity therein with an opening formed through the inner and outer surfaces. The cavity is configured to nest the SIR system therein. A standing rib protrudes from the rigid substrate outer surface, elongated about at least a portion of the opening. An outer skin is injection molded over the rigid substrate, covering the outer surface and opening. The outer skin includes a reduced thickness portion, formed between an external surface thereof and the standing rib, which is configured to weaken the outer skin such that the inflatable cushion can break therethrough when transitioning from a non-expanded state to an expanded state.
US07766370B2 Rear pillar to center pillar trim joint connection for rear seat passenger airbag side curtain deployment
An interior trim structure covers a stowed side curtain airbag and allows deployment of the side curtain airbag through an interface joint to a position along a sidewall of a passenger compartment adjacent a rear seat location of a two-door coupe style vehicle. A center pillar trim piece and a rear pillar trim piece can be assembled to one another with at least one projection releasably interlocking with a corresponding aperture formed along adjacent edges of the trim pieces. Each projection is located in a complementary position with respect to a corresponding aperture formed along the adjacent edge to temporarily secure an interface joint defined between first and second edges when in an abutting relationship with respect to one another in a closed position. The interface joint defines an openable passage along the first and second abutting edges allowing deployment of a side curtain airbag through the interface joint.
US07766369B2 Air-bag
An air-bag is disclosed which is formed from fabric (12, 13) and has an inflatable region (1), and at least one protruding mounting tab (9). The or each mounting tab (9) is formed from fabric woven to have a random or quasi-random, distribution of floats. In a preferred embodiment, the floats each pass over between two and eight underlying yarns.
US07766366B2 Foldable baby stroller frame
A foldable baby stroller frame comprises a collapsible wheeled frame, a foldable upper frame, and at least a release mechanism. The collapsible wheeled frame comprises at least a front strut, a pair of rear struts, a pair of lockable articulated arms, and a swivel base. The swivel base is pivotally connected with the front strut and the rear strut, and further has a vertical shaft hole for pivotally connecting and supporting the foldable upper frame. The pair of lockable articulated arms is pivotally connected between the front strut and the rear strut, and has a locked position for keeping the collapsible wheeled frame in an un-foldable state and a foldable position for folding the collapsible wheeled frame. The release mechanism is operatively mounted on the foldable upper frame and associates with the pair of lockable articulated arms via a connecting member for actuating the folding of the collapsible wheeled frame and the foldable upper frame.
US07766364B2 Strap for snowboard boots or bindings
A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap. The tightening arrangement may be configured with a mechanical advantage whereby the force applied to the tightening element results in a greater force applied to the strap. To take up any excess amount of tightening element after the strap has been tightened, a retraction device, such as a self-winding spool, may be utilized. To separate the strap from the boot or binding, a hook and catch arrangement may be employed.
US07766363B2 Assembly for retaining a boot on a gliding board
An assembly for retaining a boot on a sports apparatus. The assembly includes a base, a disk having at least two elongated holes parallel to one another, and at least two screws each extending through an elongated hole. The assembly further includes a plate that is parallel to the disk, the plate sliding along the length of the elongated holes, at least two holes extending through the plate in its thickness, each screw extending through a hole of the plate, and retaining elements retaining the screws on the plate.
US07766359B2 Trailer/jogger combination
A combination stroller/jogger configured to be converted from a stroller or jogger to a bicycle trailer and then reconfigured for use as a stroller or jogger. The product can be interchanged between a bike trailer and a stroller/jogger and vice versa without the need for a conversion kit, as all of the necessary components are built into the unit.
US07766358B1 Device for connecting bicycles in tandem
There is disclosed a device for connecting a lead bicycle and a trailing bicycle into a tandem configuration consisting of first and second connectors attachable to, for example, the seat post of the lead bicycle and to the head post or frame of the trailing bicycle, respectively; a telescoping linking bar releaseably attachable to the two connectors, the linking bar having a section that allows a limited amount of flexing longitudinal travel; wherein the linking bar connections permit horizontal, vertical and torsional rotation and which release and de-couple the bicycles when rotation exceeds predetermined limits, which may occur when one bicycle falls or the trailing bicycle begins to pass the lead bicycle.
US07766351B2 One piece flexible skateboard
A flexible skateboard may include a pair of direction casters mounted for steering rotation on a twistable one piece skateboard. A center section may be made sufficiently narrower than outboard foot support areas so that the board may be twisted by a rider to add energy for rolling motion to wheels in the casters. The center section may also be made sufficiently resistant to bowing and twist so that the skateboard may be ridden as a conventional, non-flexible skateboard. Wells may be provided to resist twisting and provide gripping surfaces on the board for the rider's feet.
US07766348B2 Combination mobile display and shipping device
A combination mobile display and shipping device that allows product to be loaded onto the mobile display such that the display can be shipped in a loaded condition. The mobile display includes a product display and a support platform having a plurality of wheels mounted to the bottom surface of the support platform. When the mobile display is received at a retail location, the mobile display can be moved to a desired position through the rolling movement of the plurality of wheels. During shipment, the support platform is securely attached to a shipping pallet designed such that the plurality of wheels are suspended above the ground surface to prevent the rolling movement of the mobile display during shipment. After shipment, the support platform and shipping pallet are separated such that the mobile display can be rolled into a desired location with the product loaded on the display rack.
US07766346B2 Stabilization device suitable for skate training
A stabilizing training device suitable for use on an ice-skate is disclosed. The device provides a foot retaining portion and a stabilizing portion directly under the foot retaining portion. The unit is designed to provide at least partial resiliency to permit limited lateral movement in use. The device is positioned about the foot or footwear by positioning the former into the foot retaining area. A base extends between foot retaining members of the foot retaining area. The base contacts the sole of the foot or footwear and has, extending downwardly and outwardly therefrom, arms which provide for the stabilizing aspect when the device is in use.
US07766345B2 Telescopic actuator
A telescopic actuator includes a housing, an output rod which is slidable in an axial direction with respect to the housing, at least two slide bearings via which the output rod is supported by the housing, and a stopper disposed between the two slide bearings. The stopper regulates a moving end position of the output rod.
US07766342B2 Wheelchair attachments
Attachments for a manual wheelchair are provided for navigating a wheelchair over obstacles and uneven terrain, such as a typical curb on a street. The attachments provide for regulating the movement of the wheelchair as the wheelchair descends the curb and to prevent the wheelchair from flipping over during such movement. The attachments include a front caster wheel slider assembly on each side of the wheelchair, a follower wheel assembly and a track belt damping bar. The front caster wheel slider assembly includes a piston that will quickly push the front caster wheels down after they roll over the top edge of the curb. The follower wheel assembly acts as a sensor that will release the piston in the assembly after the front caster wheels roll over the top edge of the curb. As the back wheels of the wheelchair roll over and down the curb, the track belt damping bar slows the descent of the wheelchair.
US07766340B2 Two-piece sealing device
Rings described herein can be installed in a stuffing box assembly about a rotary element without the need for dismantling the apparatus. A system can comprise at least two rings. Each ring can have a first section and a second section. The first section of the ring has an outer rounded edge, a first mating edge, an inner rounded edge, and a second mating edge. The second section has an outer rounded edge, a first mating edge for abutting the first mating edge of the first section to form a joint, an inner rounded edge, and a second mating edge for abutting the second mating edge of the second section to form a joint. The outer rounded edges of the first and second sections comprise the circumference of the outer edge of the ring when the first and second sections are mated. Each ring can be positioned on top of another ring to align the outer edges of the rings.
US07766339B2 Seal ring
A seal ring for sealing an annular clearance between two members, which are made rotatable relative to each other. The seal ring is provided with a relief 5 throughout the circumference of a sliding face side to confront the side wall face 72 of an annular groove 71. This relief 5 is set to have a radially smaller width in the vicinity of a separate portion 2 and a radially larger width at a position apart from the separate portion 2, and the portion of the relief 5 to transit from the narrower portion to the wider portion is set to have a gradually changing width.
US07766334B2 System and computer-executable instructions for physically randomizing a plurality of playing instruments in absence of a random number generator
Aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods relating to online gaming utilizing virtual playing instruments generated from physical playing instruments. According to one aspect of the invention, physical playing instruments are utilized in a gaming environment that may be scrambled, shuffled, and/or played remotely over a network. In one embodiment, the physical playing instruments are traditional poker-style gaming playing cards. The playing instruments include at least one identifier that may be read upon being dealt, such as identified and stored on a computer-readable medium before a game. In one such embodiment, computer-executable instructions may utilize the information on the computer-readable medium in conjunction with one or more games. Further aspects relate to validating the playing instruments and/or systems before, during, and/or after conducting one or more games with the playing instruments.
US07766333B1 Method and apparatus for shuffling and ordering playing cards
A card shuffling system and method operates with four card hoppers arranged into first and second pairs. In the operation of the system, a first pair of card hoppers holds approximately two halves of a deck, which are then selectively interlaced together and supplied to the other pair of hoppers with the cards interlaced first into one of the second pair of hoppers and then into the other. The cards then are selectively interlaced from the hoppers of the second pair of hoppers back to the hoppers of the first pair of hoppers, with the operation being repeated, if desired.
US07766330B2 Combined gaming machine and relaxasizer
A device for relaxing a participant while participating in an activity is provided. The device may comprise an amusement machine and a relaxasizer. The amusement machine may be interactive with the participant. Also, the amusement machine may have a receptacle having a starter circuit for permitting the participant to interact with the amusement machine. The relaxasizer may be positioned adjacent to the amusement machine for massaging the participant's lower body while the participant interacts with the machine. Also, the relaxasizer may be activated by the starter circuit of the amusement machine.
US07766327B2 Sheet buffering system
The present disclosure provides a printing device comprising a sheet buffer including a paper path having a plurality of nip pairs for selectively receiving and releasing a plurality of printer sheets. The plurality of nip pairs include a fixed load nip pair, a fixed unload nip pair, and at least another intermediate fixed nip pair therebetween. In a first operation each subsequent sheet of the plurality of sheets is shingled over a previous sheet wherein the plurality of sheets can be stopped in the intermediate nip pair or pairs. Individual sheets of the plurality of sheets can be advanced to the unload nip pair sequentially in a second operation whereupon the individual sheets are successively unloaded as needed in a first in first out order.
US07766324B2 Sheet stacking apparatus, sheet processing apparatus and image forming system
A sheet stacking apparatus having: a sheet discharge tray to move upward and downward; an alignment section including first and second regulating members to align a side edge of a sheet on the tray; a first drive section for moving the tray upward or downward; a second drive section for moving the regulating members in a conveyance width direction; and a control section for controlling the first and the second drive sections so as to: align the side edge of the sheet discharged on the tray on the basis of the position of the first regulating member; when a predetermined amount of the sheets are discharged on the tray, separate the sheets from the first regulating member and the second regulating member by moving the tray or the alignment section and, after that, move the regulating members in the conveyance width direction; and align the side edge of the sheets.
US07766320B2 Media handling system for maintaining stack top within given range of pick positions during feeding sheets from stack top
A media handling system includes a platform, a bin supporting the platform below and for undergoing movement toward and away from a sheet feeding position, a first motion transmitting assembly coupled between the platform and bin and tailored to counterbalance the weight of the platform and any stack such that as the weight decreases the platform is lifted toward the sheet feeding position to maintain the stack top below a lower limit position thereof, a control mechanism to sense the position of the stack top relative to a given range between the lower limit position to an upper home position, and a second motion transmitting assembly drivingly coupled to the platform via the first motion transmitting assembly and responsive to the control mechanism sensing to cause the first motion transmitting assembly to further lift the platform to and maintain the stack top position within the given range.
US07766313B2 Spring clamp system
A spring clamping system includes improved spring clamping mechanisms and a gimbal mechanism. Removable attachment clips securely join each clamping mechanism to the gimbal mechanism while allowing positive-lock positioning and rapid repositioning of a workpiece through at least two planes of motion. Curved strengthening and alignment sections resist lateral misalignment during operation while maintaining handle alignment and clamp opening scope.
US07766306B2 Device for removing wheel end components as an assembly on vehicles with ball joints and method for servicing vehicle ball joints
A device for removing a vehicle wheel end assembly includes a base having an upright section; and a hub support movable with respect to the upright section, the hub support having a first section translatable with respect to the upright section, and a hub adaptor pivotally connected to the first section so as to permit the hub adaptor to be angled with respect to the first section. A method for servicing ball joints of a motor vehicle includes jacking the motor vehicle so that a wheel is off the ground; removing a wheel from a wheel hub; removing the wheel end assembly including the wheel hub from the vehicle having ball joints using a device supporting the entire wheel end assembly; and servicing the ball joints of the motor vehicle.
US07766301B2 Tube occluder and method for occluding collapsible tubes
The present invention involves, in some embodiments, mechanisms and methods of occluding collapsible tubing with an occluder to prevent fluid flow therethrough. In some embodiments, a tube occluding mechanism is disclosed that includes a bendable occluding member for creating a force that can be applied to a collapsible tube to occlude the tube. In some embodiments, the collapsible tube can be an inlet/outlet tube on a removable pumping cartridge that is coupled to a reusable pump drive component when the system is in operation. In such embodiments, the occluding mechanism can be attached to the reusable component and can be used to block fluid flow to and from the pumping cartridge. In some embodiments, the occluding member can comprises a spring plate which can create a force to occlude tubing when in a relaxed, unbent configuration, and which can be bent to unocclude the tubing. In some preferred embodiments, in a default configuration of the tube occluder mechanism (when no external force is applied to the occluding member) the tubes are occluded, so that the tube occluder mechanism provides a fail-safe configuration preventing fluid flow to and from a pumping cartridge to which the tubes can be connected.
US07766300B2 Machine with support elements
The invention relates to a machine, whereby at least one machine bed (2) of the machine is linked to a floor (1), by means of at least one support element (9a), said support element (9a) being pivotally mounted in relation to the machine bed (2) and the floor (1). The invention also relates to a support element (9a), for bearing a machine, whereby said support element (9a) comprises means (10a), by which the support element is pivotally linked to the machine and means (11a), by which said element is pivotally linked to the floor (1). The invention thus avoids horizontal movements of the machine bed.
US07766299B2 Support post for a flexible substrate
A support post for a flexible substrate includes a primary base and a secondary base adapted to rest upon the primary base. The secondary base supports an upright substrate support member. The secondary base is selectively secured to the primary base to orient the upright substrate support at such angle as may be required to maintain the flexible substrate in a taut condition.
US07766297B2 Display device having a rotatable mechanism
A rotatable mechanism includes a U-shaped holding seat having left and right arm, a spring unit having a limiting stem received in a reception space defined between the right arm and a protection sheath extending from the left arm toward the right arm, a control shaft extending from the left arm toward the right arm and a torsion spring sleeved the control shaft to provide a torque, and a U-shaped holding frame fastened securely to the control shaft simultaneous rotation of the holding frame together with the spring unit with respect to the holding seat.
US07766294B2 Beverage/cell phone support container
A holder for supporting a beverage container against an automobile air conditioner/heater grill includes a housing having a base for holding a beverage container bottom, and open top surrounding the beverage container sides, an open back and upstanding sidewalls inner connecting the base and the open top. Sidewalls include an open front for enabling passage of air therethrough and circulation of air around the container sides. A pair of spaced apart ribs extending vertically between the base and the top across the open back and a slidable element disposed between the ribs enable vertical positioning of the housing in front of the grill. Arms, separate from the housing, are provided for engaging the grill and including an interconnecting portion for removably engaging a slidable/deflecting element. An elastic member spanning the housing open back and a pair of spaced apart hooks attached thereto enable attachment of the holder to the grill.
US07766293B2 Lighted cup holder for seating arrangements
A method and apparatus include attaching a lighted cup holder to a seating arrangement. The lighted cup holder includes a cup holder body and a light-producing light source, with the cup holder body being attached to the seating arrangement and having a cup receptacle therein, the light-producing source being disposed within the cup receptacle for illuminating the receptacle. A light-sensitive element operatively connected to the light source selectively controls production of light by the light source in such a manner that illumination of the cup holder is provided only under conditions where visibility is reduced to the point that it becomes difficult to locate the cup holder. The light-sensitive element is mounted on a master lighted cup holder and controls illumination of the master lighted cup holder and one or more slave lighted cup holders operatively connected to the master lighted cup holder.
US07766289B2 Line management device
A patient line management device to manage one or more patient care lines. The line management device includes a line manager coupled to a support. The support is adapted to be coupled to a patient support.
US07766287B2 Brush holder
A brush holder designed to hold brushes used to apply liquid coverings to surfaces. The holder is securely attached to the brush. The holder allows the brush to then be supported form the top of the liquid container. The holder further allows the distance between the brush and the container surface to be adjusted as required.
US07766285B2 Line hanger
A line hanger for securing lines, such as transmission, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and other types of lines, to a support structure. The line hanger includes a wire structure with an attachment section configured for mounting to the support structure and a pair of clamping arms depending outwardly from the attachment provision. The clamping arms are configured to resiliently separate to receive a line and to resiliently relax for applying a clamping force to secure the line. The clamping arms are clasped together by engaging hook members defined at the open end of the wire structure. Multiple line hangers may be interlinked or stacked relative to the support structure for support multiple lines.
US07766283B2 Device for displacing a tongue blade in addition to a height-adjustable roller device
The invention relates to a device (1) which is used to lift and displace the tongue blade (2) of a rail (6), comprising at least two rollers (12, 14) whereby the axes thereof are arranged in an essentially parallel manner in relation to a running rail (4), in order to displace the tongue blade (2) in a transversal manner in relation to the running rail (4), at least two support carrier pins (22, 24) which respectively support a roller (12, 14), and a base body (8) which supports the carrier pins (22, 24). The rollers (12, 14) have a projection which projects in at least one first direction in relation to the base body (8). The inventive device is characterised in that a covering (10) is arranged between at least two adjacent rollers and is oriented towards the first direction and at least partially covers a passage between the at least two adjacent rollers (12, 14).
US07766279B2 Vortex ring generator
A vortex ring generator adapted to be associated with a body subjected to fluid flow, the vortex ring generator being adapted to produce a fluid flow in the form of a vortex ring with the fluid flow moving over the body from the vortex ring generator.
US07766276B2 Aircraft fuselage with upper and lower deck
Aircraft fuselage with an upper deck, constructed as a passenger area, and a lower deck, including a freight area, and with a ventilation installation for the upper deck and lower deck, wherein a bilge area is constructed as a vacuum chamber against the freight area and is connected to the lower deck solely via flow orifices in the abutment area between a lower floor and the fuselage wall.
US07766275B2 Aircraft having a pivotable powerplant
Aircraft including an airframe having a fuselage extending between a forward end and an aft end opposite the forward end. The aircraft further includes a powerplant pivotally connected to the fuselage adjacent the aft end. The powerplant produces exhaust during operation of the aircraft. The powerplant is selectively pivotable to direct exhaust at multiple angles with respect to the fuselage.
US07766274B1 Active maple seed flyer
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has a payload or body affixed at one end of an elongated airfoil. The entire airfoil/payload combination rotates about a center of mass to define a rotor disk. Thrust is provided by air-augmented rocket engine thrusting tangentially at a location remote from the payload. A control system maintains knowledge of its environment, as by a camera, to produce directional control signals which actuate lift control means in synchronism with the rotational position of the vehicle. A deployable object may be carried. Protection of the stowed vehicle is provided by blister packaging.
US07766266B2 Sound generator help system of shredder
A sound generator help system of a shredder is disclosed. A disorder signal during the operation of the shredder is transmitted to the sound generator help system which then suggests the user how to correct operate the shredder and fix the problem in voice. When a problem occurs, the system flashes light to notify the user. By making a switch, the user can determine whether to play voices of the suggestion.
US07766263B2 Granulator mill
A granulator mill has a mill housing which has an openable part and a fixed part, and an infeed hopper; the fixed part includes a rotor with a number of blades which co-operate with fixed blades in the mill housing; the openable part has a discharge section which is discrete from the interior of the mill housing by means of a grid which surrounds approximately 160° of the rotor and extends in beneath it; where the fixed part and the openable part are connected to one another by the intermediary of a pivot device with a vertical pivot axis and the end of the openable part facing away from the pivot axis is fixedly lockable in the fixed part at the journal box of the rotor and is centered there by a guide surface at the journal box and a guide surface on the openable part, the openable part is thus horizontally pivotal and may be opened manually; the infeed hopper is vertically pivotal about a horizontal axis and opened by means of a motor, where the infeed hopper and the openable part have mutually engaging locking means which lock the infeed hopper in the closed position when the openable part is closed.
US07766262B2 Irrigation systems including flush valves, and methods for flushing debris from irrigation systems
Valves for use in irrigation systems include a moveable sealing member disposed within a valve body. The moveable sealing member is configured to close automatically the valve when the magnitude of a pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet of the valve body reaches a predetermined threshold value and to open automatically the valve when the magnitude of the pressure differential falls below the predetermined threshold value. Irrigation systems include such valves and methods for flushing debris out of the irrigation systems using such valves.
US07766260B2 Showerhead
A switchable showerhead has a body, a switching device, a water-spraying device and an operating device. The body has a mounting recess, a front through hole, a rear through hole, a mounting chamber, a connecting frame, an inserting hole and an inner tube. The switching device is mounted in the body and has a holding element, a front guide base, a rear guide base and a valve stem. The valve stem is movably mounted in the guide bases. The water-spraying device is mounted in the body, communicates with the switching device and has a shell and a cover. The shell is mounted in the mounting recess. The cover is mounted on the shell and has an inserting tube and multiple spouts. The operating device is mounted on the body, is connected to the switching device and has an operating panel connected to the valve stem.
US07766257B2 Variable discharge mechanism for hopper spreader apparatus
A variable discharge mechanism for a hopper spreader apparatus includes first and second flow control members that allow varying the discharge rate by providing relative rotation between flow gate members to adjust the size of a delivery opening and thus the discharge volume flow rate. The distribution pattern can be changed by changing the location of the delivery opening with respect to an axis extending in the direction of travel of the vehicle.
US07766255B2 Method and system for the application of liquid pesticides
A system and method for applying an aqueous pesticide solution comprising a motor and a pump combination wherein the pump is operable in the 1000-3000 pounds per square inch range; a reservoir for holding the solution to be dispersed; a regulator and pressure monitoring gauge; a hose and nozzle system configured to disperse the pesticide solution at a rate of about 1.5 to about 2.5 gallons per minute and to atomize the solution being dispersed into droplets of between 1 to 30 microns, wherein an adhesion property of the dispersed aqueous pesticide solution is significantly enhanced by such configuration, and wherein the solution is hydro-kinetically charged when released from its hydrostatic state as the solution flows through the dispersion nozzle assembly.
US07766252B2 Dry sprinkler assembly
A dry pipe sprinkler assembly is provided including a sprinkler body having a thermally responsive trigger mounted thereto. A housing, including an inlet end and an outlet end is provided with the outlet end being connected to the sprinkler body. A seal member is disposed at the inlet end of the housing, and a load mechanism extends between the thermally responsive element and the seal member. The load mechanism may include a support portion, a passage tube portion, and an outlet orifice portion slidably received within the housing and movable within the housing upon activation of the thermally responsive trigger to allow the seal member to be dislodged from the inlet end of the housing to allow suppressant fluid to flow therethrough. The dry pipe sprinkler assembly allows the use of different outlet orifice members to provide dry pipe sprinkler assemblies having different K factors while utilizing common components for the remaining dry pipe sprinkler assembly.
US07766248B2 Model toy train track
A model toy train track segment in accordance with the present invention comprises an elongate roadbed having a first and a second end and a first and a second side. The said first and second ends of the track segment are configured for attachment to adjacent track segments. A track segment in accordance with the present invention further includes a side member configured to be detachably coupled to at least one of the first and second sides of the roadbed. A track segment in accordance with the present invention still further includes a first and a second elongate rail segment connected to the roadbed. Each of the first and second rail segments having a first end proximate to the first roadbed end and a second end proximate to the second roadbed end.
US07766244B1 System and method for processing transactions using a multi-account transactions device
A system and method for processing transactions using a multi-account transaction device. The method comprises the steps of: receiving at least one transaction particular relating to a transaction conducted with a multi-account transaction device; determining at least one first desired account associated with the multi-account transaction device to which the transaction will be posted; posting the transaction to the at least one first desired account; receiving at least one second desired account to which at least a portion of the transaction should be posted; posting the at least a portion of the transaction to the at least one second desired account; and reconciling the at least one first desired account.
US07766243B2 Method, system and smart card reader for management of access to a smart card
The described embodiments relate generally to devices, methods and systems for managing access to a memory card, such as a smart card, by a plurality of accessing devices. Certain embodiments relate to a smart card reader (SCR) for managing access to a smart card by a plurality of accessing devices. The SCR comprises: a processor; a channel manager responsive to the processor for interfacing with the smart card; and a communication interface responsive to the channel manager for communicating with the plurality of accessing devices.
US07766237B2 Mobile radio communication apparatus
A mobile radio communication device can automatically initialize the mode of a SAM card (or the SAM function area of an IC card) after executing radio communication with an external radio communication apparatus. The mobile radio communication device transmits/receives data to/from an external radio communication apparatus located in an area that allows radio communication. In the mobile radio communication device, an IC card that receives power supply from a mobile radio communication device main-unit, that manages data transmitted/received to/from the external radio communication apparatus, and that manages a communication mode state of the mobile radio communication device is detachably connected to the mobile radio communication device main-unit. The mobile radio communication device further includes radio-signal strength determining means for determining whether or not a strength of radio signals received from the external radio communication apparatus is less than or equal to a preset threshold value, and IC-card-mode initializing means for resetting a mode of the IC card to an initial state when the radio-signal strength determining means determines that the strength of the radio signals is less than or equal to the threshold value.
US07766233B2 Vote by mail envelope that protects privacy of voter's signature
A vote-by-mail return envelope includes a pouch for receiving a ballot. The pouch is formed from a front sheet and a rear sheet. A signature space is provided to be signed by the voter. The envelope also includes an adhesion region at which the front sheet is adhered to the rear sheet to define a boundary of the pouch. The adhesion region separates the signature space from the pouch. Further, the envelope includes a flap to be attached to at least one of the rear sheet and the front sheet to cover the signature space. The signature space may be on the flap, the rear sheet or front sheet.
US07766231B2 Devices and methods for determining the amount of individual usage of a shared commodity
Devices and methods of commodity usage monitoring determine the amount of commodity used by individual elements of multi-element systems having a common source. An amount of commodity drawn from the source by all the users is determined. A user-state that indicates use of the commodity by each user is determined. Individual user consumption of the commodity for each of the users is determined using repeated determinations of the amount of the commodity and the user-state, for a number of repetitions greater than or equal to the number of users. Determining individual consumption can be performed using minimum least square estimation, singular value decomposition, discriminant function analysis, or other computational or analytical solution method. Duration and consumption information can be used to calculate the total amount of the commodity consumed by the particular user. Useful commodities include, but are not limited to, gas, electricity, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and water.
US07766229B2 Bill/coin processing system
A bill and coin processing system including a bill and coin processing apparatus having: an interface unit capable of exchanging information via a communication unit with the point-of-sales terminal machine; a money receiving unit receiving money by way of a price of a commercial product; a discriminating unit discriminating between at least denominations of the bills and coins received from the money receiving unit; a storing/discharging unit stored with the received bills and coins on the basis of a result of the discrimination made by the discriminating unit and capable of discharging the bills and coins by giving a discharge instruction to the bill and coin processing apparatus from the point-of-sales terminal machine; a money discharging unit discharging the bills and coins outside a machine, which have been discharged from the storing/discharging unit; and a control unit controlling the money discharging unit to discharge the bills and coins from the storing/discharging unit on the basis of a discharge instruction accepted by the interface unit and given to the bill and coin processing apparatus from the point-of-sales terminal machine.
US07766226B2 Code based access systems
A system including at least two parts or stations wherein a transaction or connection between any two or more of the parts or stations is conducted or established by means of an access code, the access code being available to an accessed part or station and requiring an identical access code to be provided to an accessing part or station at the time of conducting the transaction or establishing the connection. The system is characterised in that the access code is one of a plurality of codes provided to the accessed part or station and available to the accessing part or station. The system is further characterised in that the access code is selected from the plurality of codes at the time of conducting the transaction or establishing the connection, such that no two transactions are conducted or no two connections are established with the same access codes.
US07766223B1 Method and system for mobile services
A method for providing mobile services, such as mobile financial services, includes providing a wireless handset or other device as an adjunct access device for a user account. The device is assigned a unique identification number, such as an MDN, MEID, or both. The unique identification number is associated with the account and in an exemplary embodiment, comprises at least a portion of the account number(s) with the service provider. Transactions are conducted with the handset access device and enhanced multi-factor and biometric security authentication may be provided. Handset voice, data, or other usage is settled and billed within the financial account. The service provider is able to download software, advertising, or content applications to the adjunct device and maintains the capability to disable the device. In a further aspect, a system for the execution of mobile transactions is provided.
US07766219B2 Carton with curved end and dispensing features
A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel and a first side panel and a second side panel. The carton has a dispenser for allowing access to the articles in the carton. The dispenser has a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening. The carton can also have a curved end.
US07766216B2 Self-centering braze assembly methods
Braze and electrode wire assemblies, e.g., used with an implantable microstimulator, include a wire welded in the through-hole of an electrode, which electrode is brazed to a ceramic case that is brazed to a metal ring that is welded to a metal can. The braze joints are step or similar joints that self-center the case, provide lateral support during braze assembly, and provide increased surface area that prevents braze material from exuding from the joints. The end of the ceramic case that is brazed to the metal ring need not be specially machined. The shell has a reference electrode on one end and an active electrode on the other, and is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials.
US07766212B2 Spool wound with a gold alloy wire used for a bonding process
A spool includes a body and a chromium layer. The body integrally includes a first portion having an annular shape and a second portion having a tubular shape. The body is formed using plastic. The first portion is provided on both sides of the second portion. The chromium layer is plated on the body. The chromium layer has a uniform thickness of about 0.1 μm to about 100 μm. A gold alloy wire is wound on the chromium layer. The chromium layer has a glossy surface. The spool is combined with a bonding device such that the spool electrically connects the bonding device to the gold alloy wire wound on the chromium layer. The shape of the spool is not easily changed by an external impact. When the gold alloy wire is wound on the spool, a scratch is not formed on the spool. Furthermore, the cost required for forming the spool is relatively small so that the spool may be used as an expendable supply. As a result, a recycling process is not required.
US07766209B2 Surgical stapling instrument with improved firing trigger arrangement
A surgical stapling instrument including an actuator knob which can be moved from one side of the stapling instrument to another side in order to reposition the actuator knob without having to reposition the stapling instrument within a surgical site. A stapling instrument can include a pusher bar, a housing having a first side and a second side, and an actuator knob rotatably mounted to the pusher bar wherein the actuator knob can be configured to be rotated between a first position in which the actuator knob can be moved along the first side of the housing and a second position where the actuator knob can be moved along a second side of the housing. Alternatively, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise one or more actuator knobs which can be operably engaged and disengaged with a pusher bar in order to selectively utilize the actuator knobs.
US07766208B2 Low-profile vascular closure systems and methods of using same
A closure device for an arteriotomy includes an elongate hollow shaft and an elongate driver slidably disposed therein. The elongate hollow shaft includes a pair of a pair of opposing actuation tips disposed at a distal end thereof defining a staple chamber there between. An anvil extends into the staple chamber from one of the actuation tips. The closure device includes a release mechanism for spreading apart the pair of opposing actuation tips to provide a gap associated with the anvil, the gap dimensioned such that the staple may pass there through. A method of using the closure device is also disclosed.
US07766207B2 Articulating curved cutter stapler
An articulating surgical stapler having a proximal end and a distal end includes a handle at the proximal end and an end effector at the distal end for selective articulation to improve access to tissue requiring treatment and ease of use of the present linear surgical stapler. A support shaft connects the handle to the end effector. An articulation mechanism is positioned between the support shaft and the end effector permitting selective movement of the end effector relative to the support shaft.
US07766204B2 Hand-held drive-in tool
A hand-held drive-in tool driving fastening elements (60), e.g., nails in a workpiece (U) includes a magazine (61) projecting sidewise from the muzzle part (15) and having a spring-biased transporting slide (63) for displacing the fastening elements (60) in the magazine guide channel (62), a safety device (25) including a press-on member (14) secured on the tool muzzle part (15) of the tool, and a device (40) actuatable by the press-on member (14) for positioning of the transporting slide (63) and for displacing the transporting slide (63) against a biasing force of the transporting spring.
US07766199B1 Baby carrier
A baby carrier which is adjustable as to width at the hips of the baby. The baby carrier may comprise a body covering panel from which may project a right strap and a left strap for engaging the torso of an adult wearer. An arrangement of fasteners which may be located near the bottom edge of the body covering panel provides a selection of connections one of which will cause the body covering panel to form a first closed loop for encircling the baby at the hips, and another of which will cause the body covering panel to form a second closed loop for encircling the baby at the hips. The respective circumferential dimensions of the first closed loop and second closed loop are different, so as to accommodate different hip dimensions, for example for babies of different ages and body sizes.
US07766196B2 Horizontal-jetting structure aerosol product
This invention provides an aerosol product for use in control of bees or horseflies, and more particularly a horizontal jetting structure aerosol product provided with a grip movably attached to a position orthogonal to an aerosol vessel body when contents are jetted, wherein during jetting when the grip is located at a position orthogonal to the aerosol vessel body, a maximum arrival distance of an effective component is 10 m or longer and a jetted quantity of the contents for an initial 5 sec is 40 g or more, thereby capable of jetting the contents of the aerosol vessel afar and exactly by a simple operation.
US07766195B2 Rotary feeding system
Methods and apparatus for accurately and repeatably depositing edible particulates on edible products. A dual-drum rotary feed system accurately meters an amount of edible particle for each edible product with a first rotary drum while a second rotary drum deposits the edible particulates onto or within the edible product. The dual-drum rotary feeder can comprise replaceable drums wherein drums can be quickly removed and replaced for cleaning, sanitization and to adjust processing conditions such as, for example, changes in production rates and/or product size.
US07766194B2 Motorized household liquid dispenser
A household liquid dispensing apparatus includes a container for holding a household liquid and a pump for pumping the household liquid out of the container. The pump includes a pump chamber. A dip tube is adapted to be positioned in the container and communicates with the pump chamber. An exhaust tube communicates with the pump chamber and an outlet for the household liquid. A pump actuator mechanically drives the pump. A motor operatively engages the pump actuator. The motor is electrically connected to a power source. A switch is electrically connected to the motor and the power source. A trigger assembly is operatively connected to the switch to control power delivered to the motor. The trigger assembly is positioned under the outlet for the household liquid for easy actuation by an upturned hand.
US07766193B2 Dispensing device
The invention consists in a dispensing device that can contain a dispensable preparation or product. The device comprises a wearable item including a body adapted and constructed to contain the dispensing product and allow it's dispensing therefrom or filling or refilling. The dispensing device is substantially ring-shaped with a gap in its circumference that is formed or manufactured as such. Also disclosed is refill/storage/display stand enabling the display of at least one dispensing device and/or refilling therefrom.
US07766188B2 Dose indicator device for a fluid or powdery product dispenser
A dose-indicator device for using with a dispenser device for dispensing fluid or powder, in particular a pharmaceutical, so as to indicate the number of doses that have been emitted or that remain to be emitted from the dispenser device, the indicator device comprising a first rotary disk (10) and a second rotary disk (20) that is preferably opaque, said first disk (10) including indicator numbers and/or symbols (11) that are disposed in peripheral manner about the axis of rotation (X) of said first rotary disk (10) around at least two concentric circles, and said second disk (20) including at least one viewing window (21).
US07766184B2 Collapsible pan
A collapsible pan includes a base portion, a plurality of side portions, and a flexible connector for connecting each of the side portions to the base portion along edges thereof. Each of the plurality of side portions is configured to be pivotable relative to the base portion, thereby permitting adjustment between a use configuration, whereby each of the plurality of side portions is arranged generally upright relative to the base portion, and a collapsed configuration, whereby each of the plurality of side portions is arranged to lay generally flat relative to the base portion.
US07766182B2 Cap with threaded gasket vent
A closure cap comprises a base having at an inner side thereof an annular gland for receiving an annular seal. The annular gland has a bottom surface and an annular side surface depending from the bottom surface. A skirt depends from base and has an internal fastening thread for attaching the cap to a correspondingly but externally threaded body. Additionally, the annular side surface of the annular gland has a venting thread depending from the bottom surface of the gland to enable venting of air that may otherwise be trapped behind the annular seal when fitted in the gland. Also disclosed is a method of molding the cap.
US07766178B2 Closure for a retort processed container having a peelable seal
A closure for maintaining pressure against a seal affixed to a container lip during a thermal sterilization process includes a top wall and an annular skirt depending from said top wall, at least one retaining structure extending from the annular skirt, a reseal structure rotatably disposed above said retaining structure and adjacent said top wall, an inner seal rotatably disposed above the retaining structure and beneath a lower surface of said reseal structure, wherein said inner seal and said reseal structure are both rotatable relative to said closure.
US07766177B2 Fatigue-resistant emergency release device for rail transit vehicle coupler
A release device for a draft gear assembly comprises a draft gear housing for slidably supporting a yoke shaft and capturing a cushion unit associated with the yoke shaft between buff and draft stops. The buff stop comprises a release ring within the interior of the draft gear housing being radially divided into two or more sections. A plurality of release bolts designed to shear under emergency buffing forces extend through the draft gear housing and into the sections of the release ring to draw the sections radially outward to the interior surface of the draft gear housing eliminating gaps and minimizing flexing of the release bolts.
US07766176B2 Mobile lift crane with lift enhancing attachment
A mobile lift crane includes a central crane unit, a boom unit and a counterweight unit. The central crane unit has a carbody, moveable ground engaging members and a rotating bed mounted to the ground engaging members with a rotatable connection such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members. The boom unit has a support member, at least one moveable ground engaging member, and a boom pivotally mounted on the support member. The counterweight unit has counterweight on a support member. Rigging connects the boom and counterweight unit such that a load lifted by the boom can be counterbalanced by the counterweight. The boom unit and counterweight unit are connected to the central crane unit by structural members that carry compressive loads and maintain the boom unit, the rotating bed and the counterweight unit in lateral alignment with each other, but allow relative vertical movement between the boom unit, the rotating bed and the counterweight unit. A main mast is pivotally mounted on the combination of the central crane unit, the boom unit and the structural member between the central crane unit and the boom unit. In another embodiment, a counterweight unit with a swing axis and boom unit are connected directly together with a structural member. Ground engaging members on the boom unit can be rotated relative to a boom unit support member such that the boom unit i) can travel in an arc around the swing axis of the counterweight unit and ii) travel in direction in line with the structural member.
US07766175B2 Shelf accessory for a dishwasher rack
A shelf accessory for a dishwasher rack is provided, comprising a spine extending in parallel with a structural member of the rack. A plurality of loops extends perpendicularly from the spine, and the loops are spaced apart in relation to each other along the spine, and cooperate therewith to define a shelf member. A clip member is operably engaged between the shelf member and the structural member, and is configured to be capable of rotating about the structural member such that the shelf member correspondingly orbits about the structural member. The clip member further comprises at least one retention member operably engaged therewith. The at least one retention member is configured to cooperate with the rack so as to retain and support the shelf member in at least one of a plurality of angular positions with respect to and about the structural member. Associated apparatuses are also provided.
US07766172B2 Friction based material sorter
A method and apparatus are provided for separating elastomeric materials from mixed material streams. A separator includes a bank of parallel rollers extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The bank of parallel rollers having a predefined inclination with the first end elevated higher than the second end. Mixed material streams are fed onto a top surface of the high end of the inclined parallel rollers. A material having less friction and elasticity slides down the inclined roller bank top surface are collected into a collection bin positioned adjacent the second, lower end of the roller bank. Other materials having a higher friction coefficient grip the rollers more and are lifted out of the valley due to friction migrating perpendicular to the rotating rollers and are collected in a collection bin positioned adjacent one side of the roller bank parallel to the longitudinal roller axis.
US07766170B2 Transport unit and method of manufacture thereof
A transport unit comprises a load carrier, a load which comprises at least one coil of a web; the web being wound on a reel, a load distributing element, and a tightening strap, the load being carried by said load carrier in such a manner that the reel of said at least one coil is arranged perpendicular to the load carrier, the load having an upper surface facing said load distributing element, the load distributing element being arranged on the upper surface of the load, and the tightening strap enclosing a force-absorbing structure formed of the load carrier, the reel and the load distributing element and adapted to secure the load to the load carrier. The load carrier has a flat load surface, and the web comprises interconnected container blanks, the load having a lower surface which rests on the load surface and comprises an end face of the reel of the at least one coil and a bottom surface formed of a bottom edge of the web of interconnected container blanks. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a transport unit.
US07766167B2 Capsule endoscope storage case
When an inner cover portion is accommodated in a blister pack, a retention space area a for accommodating a capsule endoscope is formed between the bottom face of the inner cover portion and the inside bottom face of the blister pack. The capsule endoscope, retained by a retaining portion formed in the blister pack and by a hole portion formed in the inner cover portion, is set into a storage case. The entire capsule endoscope accommodated in the storage case is uniformly and satisfactorily sterilized by blocking the opening of the blister pack with a sterilizing sheet.
US07766152B2 Freeze dryer
A freeze dryer comprises a chamber having a rectangular slot through which vials are inserted into the chamber. An assembly for loading the chamber comprises a bar extending across the slot to engage vials to be inserted into the chamber. The bar is attached to a mechanism for moving the bar laterally into and out from the chamber. In a retracted position of the bar, at least part of the mechanism is wound around a sprocket. Rotation of the sprocket unwinds the mechanism to move the bar into the chamber.
US07766150B2 Passenger conveyor handrail with a unique sliding layer
A passenger conveyor handrail (30) includes a sliding layer (40) that is non-woven in some examples and non-fabric in other examples. A first polymer material is used to establish a body portion (32) of the handrail (30) to provide, for example, a gripping surface (34). The sliding layer (40) is secured to a surface (38) of the handrail (30) to cover at least a portion of that surface to meet the needs of a particular situation. Disclosed examples include a variety of configurations and a variety of techniques for applying such a sliding layer (40) to a handrail (30).
US07766149B2 Inspection system for rolled products of a milling station
The aim of the invention is to create an inspection system (1) for rolled products (2) of a milling station, which is to reliably prevent the texture of the substrate from being impressed and/or pressing through during processing of the rolled product (2), especially during grinding. Said aim is achieved by disposing a number of vertically adjustable rolled product clamps (6, 8) on a conveyor belt (4) for rolled products (2) in the inspection system (1).
US07766148B2 Money handling unit provided with a removable coin receptacle
A money handling unit provided with a removable coin receptacle consisting of a fixed structure includes a housing (1) and a trap (2) for accessing into the box internal space movable between an open position and a closed position and a receptacle (3) insertable into the trap (2) and forming a reception structure, wherein the receptacle (3) has an orifice (4) for inserting coins and a closing shutter (5) movable between an open position in which the orifice (4) is accessible and a closing position in which the orifice (4) is closed. The inventive receptacle has actuating elements (6, 7) for closing shutter (5) and the housing (1) has guiding members (9) interacting with the actuating elements (6,7) in such a way that the movement of the movable shutter is linked to the movement of the access trap (2).
US07766140B2 Freewheel bearing device with torque limiter
The invention concerns a freewheel bearing device including an outer element and inner element arranged inside the outer element, and a free wheel provided with at least a wedging element, arranged between the inner element and the outer element to allow a free rotational movement in one direction between the outer element and the inner element and for transmission of a torque in the other direction between the outer element and the inner element, the free wheel including a ring provided with a cylindrical inner surface and a cylindrical outer surface, substantially aligned on a radial plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the device, and a torque limiting member adapted to limit the torque transmitted by the free wheel, the torque limiting member being arranged radially between said ring and the outer element or the inner element in contact with said ring and said element.
US07766138B2 Arrangement for telescopic fork leg with parallel damping
A device for telescopic fork legs, preferably for a motorcycle or bicycle. The device is a compact removable unit that comprises parallel medium flow passages that run between upper and lower sides of the piston. This unit that is simple to adapt to different front fork dimensions and to use as a kit for providing an existing front fork with parallel damping. Parallel damping achieves simple adaptation of the damping characteristics to different types of terrain.
US07766135B2 Front bicycle suspension assembly with inertia valve
A front bicycle suspension assembly having an inertia valve is described. The front bicycle suspension assembly may include at least upper and lower telescoping tubes and include a damping tube containing an inertia valve. The inertia valve may include an inertia mass movable along the outer surface of a valve shaft as the inertia valve moves between first and second positions.
US07766132B2 Disc brake caliper
A disc brake caliper (4) comprising a first half caliper on the support side and a second half caliper on the wheel side (20, 24), at least one of said portions comprising a seat (28) having a prevailing extension that defines an axial direction (X-X). The caliper comprises at least one inclined bridge element (40) suitable for structurally connecting said first and said second half caliper (20, 24), said at least one bridge element (40) defining a substantial longitudinal prevailing extension direction (S-S) inclined by a predetermined angle (A) relative to the axial direction (X-X).
US07766130B2 Wear pin assemblies for carbon-carbon composite brake systems
Apparatus including a carbon-carbon composite pressure plate (32, 42) having a friction surface (33, 43) on one side thereof, a non-friction surface (37, 47) on the opposite side thereof, and a body (39, 49) between said surfaces. A wear pin housing (36, 46) containing a wear pin retainer (35, 45) is located in the pressure plate body (39, 49), the wear pin housing opening to the non-friction surface (37, 47) but not opening to the friction surface (33, 43). A wear pin (31), preferably made of carbon-carbon composite material, is located in the wear pin retainer (35, 45). The wear pin retainer (35, 45), which may be made of carbon-carbon composite material, is held in place in the wear pin housing (36, 46) by the interaction of threading in the wear pin housing (36, 36) and threading in the wear pin retainer (35, 45) and optionally also by a carbonizable resin adhesive located between the wear pin housing threading and the wear pin retainer threading.
US07766129B2 Elevator control system
For entry of calls in an elevator system, a destination call is entered outside the elevator car if the starting floor is a floor with intensive departing traffic. On other floors, a collective-control up or down call is entered traditionally and then a destination call in the elevator car. An identified regular customer may be allowed to select and confirm a destination floor from among one or more preprogrammed alternatives. Destination preprogrammed floors most frequently used are stored, the starting floor being fixed. Preprogrammed floors can be set for several different starting floors separately. For occasional customers system or regular customers going to floors other than preprogrammed floors, a call is entered as a destination call in the elevator lobby on floors with intensive departing traffic and as an up or down call according to collective control in the elevator lobby and on other floors.
US07766127B2 Barrier assembly for a wheelchair lift
A barrier assembly for a wheelchair lift assembly is provided. The wheelchair lift assembly includes a lift frame and a platform reciprocally coupled to the lift frame. The barrier assembly includes a frame having a first side rail and a second side rail. The frame is coupled to at least one of the lift frame or a structural frame. The barrier assembly also includes a barrier slidably disposed between the first and second side rails. A drive assembly is operably coupled to the barrier for selectively moving the barrier between at least a stowed position and a deployed position.
US07766125B2 Collapsible work horse
A collapsible work horse has legs pivotally mounted to opposing surfaces of a support beam. The legs are secured in the extended position by a two-part locking arrangement. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a first part of a locking arrangement is mounted to each of the first ends of the legs adjacent the pivot point of its respective leg, and a second part of the locking arrangement is mounted to the supporting member. When the legs are in the extended position, the first and second parts of the locking arrangement engage one another to securely fix the legs in the extended position. In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a plurality of work horses are assembled with a tool support and work piece supports to provide a work station. The tool support and work piece supports are designed to be fixable in a compact storage arrangement.
US07766124B2 High rise evacuation system
A system for the evacuation of persons from a multi story structure during circumstances in which the normal escape mechanisms such as stairs and elevators are unusable for any reason. The system mounts externally of the affected structure and provides at least one evacuator upon which a person may ride in a controlled descent from an area of danger to an area of relative safety. The evacuator rides on a post and the evacuee may control the speed of his or her descent with a simple braking mechanism. A safety belt and foot rests provide a sense of security during the descent from danger.
US07766122B2 Acoustic energy projection system
The sound generating and transmitting apparatus is based on a radiator including at least a first, and possibly two or more, shaped reflecting surface(s) having a forward radiant axis. Each of the shaped reflecting surfaces defines sets of equivalent acoustic input locations, with each set being a ring of non-zero circumference centered on the forward radiant axis. The sound source is a distributed, functionally continuous sound source adapted to exploit this feature. In its preferred form the sound source is a sort of closed line array of loudspeakers providing a toroidal shaped acoustic source to direct at the hyperbolic cone, the transducers being disposed in a circle with all of the loudspeakers oriented inwardly toward or outwardly from the forward radiant axis.
US07766121B2 Methods and apparatus for conditioning and degassing liquids and gases in suspension
A method and apparatus are provided for the controlled application of ultrasonic energy for conditioning of mixtures of gas and liquids by evolving and/or agglomerating gas bubbles existing with or in a liquid or for coalescing droplets of liquid dispersed in another liquid. The invention in preferred embodiments thereof comprises a coalescing apparatus for increasing the droplet size of a mixture formed as a liquid dispersed in another liquid, and a de-gassing apparatus arranged to evolve and/or agglomerate gaseous bubbles in a gas/liquid mixture. In the apparatuses, ultrasonic transducers are used to impart vibrational energy to the mixtures.
US07766120B2 Cap for use as hearing protection
The present invention relates to a cap (11) intended for use as hearing protection and adapted to enclosed the external ear of a user, characterized by at least one vibration-damping weight element (18, 38a-b) of the cap (11), which weight element is arranged so as to at least partly block an audio mode of vibration that would have existed in the cap in the absence of said weight element (18, 38a-b). The invention also relates to a method of producing such a cap, and use of the same.
US07766116B1 Vehicle with optimized on-demand front drive system
A vehicle that includes front and rear wheels, an engine, an engine-driven rear angle drive for supplying torque to the rear wheels, and a power train for supplying torque from the engine to the front wheels. The power train includes driving and driven members and a coupler having an actuator switchable between on and off positions, the actuator, when off, permitting the driven member to turn freely and independently of the driving member and, when on, enabling the coupler to respond to predetermined minimum differences in rotational speed between the driving and driven members to lock these members together to rotationally couple the engine to at least one of the front wheels.
US07766115B2 Electrical component attachment structure for two-wheeled vehicle
A electrical component attachment structure for a two-wheeled motor vehicle includes a main frame supporting components of a vehicle body such as an engine, a pair of right and left center frames extending vertically behind the engine, and a rear swing arm swingably supported by a pivot shaft provided to the center frame. In this structure, a drive chain which transmits a driving force from the engine to a rear wheel is arranged along the rear swing arm. An electrical component is arranged on a vehicle inner side of the right and left center frames above the drive chain behind the engine.
US07766114B2 Driving mechanism for the motorized bicycle
A driving mechanism for motorized bicycle is provided. The driving mechanism comprises a motor driving transmission device, a front driving sprocket and a pedal driving transmission device. The motor driving transmission device inwardly includes a motor shell, a magnet stator, an electromagnetic wire-coiled rotor and a cylindrical hollow rotatable shaft. The front driving sprocket has a transmission rotatable sleeve disposed therein for insertion of the hollow rotatable shaft there between. The pedal driving transmission device includes a pair of pedal cranks and a pedal driving shaft passing through the transmission rotatable sleeve and hollow rotatable shaft. First and Second single direction irreversible transmission devices are arranged such that either the motor driving transmission device or pedal driving transmission device may drive the transmission rotatable sleeve and front driving sprocket in proper rotational direction.
US07766113B2 Mount structure for electric unit
A mount structure for an electric unit is a mount structure for a PCU mounted in an engine room of a hybrid vehicle. The mount structure includes a vehicle body, the PCU mounted in the engine room, an engine mounted on the vehicle body and spaced from PCU, a cable connected to the PCU and having a portion positioned between the PCU and the engine, and a wire-protecting portion positioned between the PCU and the engine and keeping the distance between the PCU and the cable and the distance between the engine and the cable at respective distances that are at least distances necessary for wiring protection.
US07766111B2 Selective closing of at least one vehicle opening at a front portion of a vehicle
Mechanisms are described for selectively closing grille and/or bumper openings. These mechanisms may be operated in response to one or more vehicle parameters. Closure mechanism control signals may be delivered to such mechanisms along a vehicle databus. In addition, vehicle parameters used in determining the control of such mechanisms may be sensed and provided along the databus to a controller which then processes the parameter information for determining whether to open or close the vehicle grille closing mechanism and/or the vehicle bumper opening closing mechanism.
US07766101B2 System and method for making drilling parameter and or formation evaluation measurements during casing drilling
A casing drilling system includes a casing having a drill bit at one end. The drill bit is capable of drilling subsurface formations and formed from a material removable by drilling or chemical exposure. The chemical is substantially harmless to the casing. The system includes a centralizer affixed to an interior of the casing. The centralizer includes a receptacle therein for engaging a measurement while drilling tool. The centralizer is formed from a material removable by drilling or chemical exposure, wherein the chemical is substantially harmless to the casing. The system includes a measurement while drilling tool configured to move along the interior of the casing and to engage with the centralizer. The tool includes a device to measure a drilling parameter or a formation parameter. The tool including a latch at an upper end thereof for engagement with a retrieval tool moved through the interior of the casing.
US07766099B2 Methods of drilling and consolidating subterranean formation particulates
The present invention relates to improved methods for drilling well bores penetrating producing zones while controlling formation particulates. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of consolidating formation particulates surrounding a well bore comprising the steps of providing a drilling composition comprising a drilling fluid and a consolidating material, using the drilling composition to drill at least a portion of the well bore, allowing the consolidating material in the drilling composition to penetrate into the walls of the well bore, and allowing the consolidating material in the drilling composition to consolidate at least a portion of the formation particulates surrounding the well bore.
US07766098B2 Directional drilling control using modulated bit rotation
A system for steering the direction of a borehole advanced by cutting action of a rotary drill bit by periodically varying the rotation speed of the drill bit. The steering system comprises a motor disposed in a bent housing subsection and operationally connected to a drill string and to the drill bit. The rotation speed of the drill bit is periodically varied by periodic varying the rotation speed of the motor or by periodic varying the rotation speed of the drill string. Periodic bit speed rotation results in preferential cutting of material from a predetermined arc of the borehole wall which, in turn, resulting in borehole deviation. Both the drill string and the drill motor are rotated simultaneously during straight and deviated borehole drilling.
US07766097B2 Portable electric power tool
A portable electric power tool powered by a battery pack, which includes: a motor that operates the tool; the housing that houses the motor; at least one elastic member that is supported by the housing; and a battery pack holder supported by the elastic member. The battery pack holder is provided with an engaging portion that is detachably engaged with the case of the battery pack and connecting terminals that are electrically connected to the output terminals of the battery pack installed by the engaging portion. Thus, vibration of the battery pack is prevented even when the electric power tool vibrates.
US07766094B2 Hitch attachment for mounting of an accessory of an ATV
An ATV hitch attachment includes a first mounting point defined by a hitch coupling and two further mounting points defined by two brace arms inclined upwardly and outwardly to a respective connection location on the rear rack. A rigid connecting member has a pair of arms extending rearwardly for rigid connection by a sliding fit to a forward end of a pair of parallel frame members of an implement such that the rigid connection holds the implement in the operating position in a common horizontal plane with the arms. The implement can be lifted to a raised transport position by an electric actuator causing pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis transverse to the rear hitch. Ground wheels which are spaced from the ground in operating position which can contact the ground when the implement is raised to limit squatting movement of the ATV.
US07766093B2 Hydraulic lift rolling basket structure for a tillage implement
Rolling basket structure facilitating movement of the rolling device to and from a field-working position includes arm structure pivotally connected to the aft end of tine support members fixed to the rear of the implement frame. Hydraulic cylinders connected between the support members and the arm structure provides quick on-the-go disengagement of the rolling basket with the ground, for example, when wet or sticky ground conditions or the like are encountered. A cylinder lost motion connection facilitates movement of the baskets over ground irregularities and obstacles without operation of the cylinders.
US07766092B2 System and method of assembly of CPVC fire sprinkler system employing mechanical couplings and supports
Fire sprinkler system comprising a network of CPVC pipe lengths in which at least some of the pipe lengths are interconnected with mechanical devices having resilient sealing members that are chemically compatible with the CPVC composition. Repairs and system modifications can be made without the use of solvent cement. In-line joints are formed with a coupling device including a pair of arcuate coupling segments having a first end, a second end, and an interior concave surface extending between the first end and the second end. A longitudinal channel extends along the concave surface. At least one mechanical fastener is operative to detachably connect the pair of coupling segments. A resilient annular seal is located within the longitudinal channel of each segment. A branching device connects a branch pipe to a main pipe through an orifice in the main pipe utilizing a saddle-like sealing member. The pipe assemblies are able to pass UL testing protocols for wet fire sprinkler systems.
US07766087B2 Methods and apparatus for placement of well equipment
A method and downhole tool are presented herein for driving completion equipment in a borehole. The method comprises the steps of positioning the completion equipment in the borehole; and moving the completion equipment along the borehole by operation of a downhole driving tool connected to the completion equipment. Operation of the driving tool comprises accumulating energy in the driving tool and releasing the energy to force a moveable member against an impact surface in the driving tool to provide a driving force which is applied to the completion equipment to move the completion equipment in the borehole, wherein the step of accumulating energy in the driving tool comprises providing energy to the driving tool by means of an energy source located at the surface selected from the group consisting of an electrical energy source provided by a wireline cable, a hydraulic energy source provided by a pipe, and combinations thereof.
US07766082B2 Flexible liner for drilled drainhole deployment
A liner for inserting into a drain hole, comprising a resilient tubular member with a central bore; wherein the tubular member is formed from a first continuous helically wound wire provided with a passageway to allow fluid communication across the member.
US07766076B2 Spot cooler for heat generating electronic components
A cooler for heat generating electronic components comprising a heat exchange plate configured for heat exchange communication with one or more heat generating electronic components includes a fin stack having a plurality of heat exchange fins and one or more heat pipes and/or thermosyphon tubes in heat exchange communication with the heat exchange plate and said plurality of fins, and a fan for directing air to and/or from the fins, each of said fins having a centered interior circular opening or hole, the fins stacked with the holes coaxially aligned and substantially centered in the fin stack and defining an elongated cavity having a first open end adjacent to the heat exchange plate and a second open end adjacent to the fan, and an elongated insert centrally positioned lengthwise along the cylindrical cavity and having a exterior surface of revolution smaller than the diameter of the cavity and defining an airflow channel between the insert and the fin openings and wherein the exterior surface of revolution of the insert is shaped, tapered or slanted and/or the interior openings of the fins are of the same or different diameters to provide an airflow channel width increasing from the fist end to the second end.
US07766072B2 Molding machine, clamping system, burr detection method, and abnormality detection method
A molding machine able to detect a burr or other abnormality by detecting the position of tie bars. A control device detects an occurrence of burrs according to whether or not displacement amounts of pistons associated with the tie bars, using position sensors which detect the position of the pistons. The position sensors detect position from the start of injection to the completion of the injection to determine whether detected values are within a permissible range.
US07766071B2 Processing of metal alloys in a semi-solid state
A rheo-casting container for containing a charge of semi-solid metal alloy includes an elongate body defining a side wall of the container, a mouth at a first end of the body, an opening at a second end of the body, and a closure member to close the opening. The closure member is configured to be displaceable along an interior volume of the body from the second end towards the first end to display a charge of semi-solid metal alloy contained in the container. The closure member is of a metal alloy the same as or similar to the semi-solid metal alloy for which the container is to be used and has a melting point which is not less than the temperature at which the metal alloy is to be introduced into the container.
US07766068B2 Adjustable bottom rail for venetian blinds and use of adjustment means therefor
Known bottom rails fulfill the requirements stiffness and adjustability at the time of installation, but a noted inequality in the load on the individual raising cord cannot be corrected without a complex dismantling of the bottom rail. According to the invention the bottom rail is suspended in clips (7) that on the one hand holds the lowermost slat (5) and the raising cords (4), on the other hand has means (10) so that the tightening of the raising cords may be adjusted individually.
US07766066B2 Coating film transfer tool
A coating film transfer tool has a front end portion of a case main body with a head cap slidably disposed in front and rear directions between an advanced position in a state of covering a transfer head and a rear position in a state of exposing the transfer head. The head cap is urged in a direction of the advanced position by a spring, when started to be used. By pressing a front end portion of the head cap against a face, the head cap can be moved to the rear position. Inside the case main body is a tape reeling out means for reeling out a transfer tape to the transfer head. The tape reeling out means moves in cooperation with movement of the head cap to the rear position when started to be used, to be able to reel out the transfer tape to the transfer head.
US07766061B2 Recessed tread wear indicator
A tread band having a primary groove opening onto a front face of the tread band, a secondary feature molded into the tread band, and a wear indicator molded into a section of an undertread portion of the tread band. The wear indicator is useful for providing an end-of-useable tread indication when the front face of the tread band wears even with a top portion of the wear indicator. Furthermore, the secondary feature may be characterized as opening onto a back face of the tread band, a side face of the tread band or combinations thereof. The section of the undertread portion may extend less than about 4 mm or less than about 3 mm from the back face of the tread band. In other embodiments, the section of the undertread portion may extend less than about 1.5 mm from the back face of the tread band.
US07766059B2 Hinge and strike plate mortise kit
A kit for forming mortises in door edges and door frames for flush-mounting door hinges, strike plates and latch plates is provided. The kit generally includes a template holder and a plurality of templates mountable to the template holder. The templates provide guides for various size hinges, strike plates or latch plates. The template holder includes an adjustment mechanism for easily adapting the template holder from doors having a first thickness to doors having a second thickness. The adjustment mechanisms include a rotatable cam and knob. The kit may optionally include an alignment schedule providing distances for locating the templates relative to a door end or a frame. Further, the templates may include tab engagement slots for engaging a tape measure.
US07766056B2 Combined device to feed and compact preset doses of ground coffee or other similar substances
A combined device to feed and compact preset doses of ground coffee or other similar substances includes the combination of two operating devices, the first operating device including a measuring screw in an upright position, the second operating device including a compacting piston in an oblique position that is arranged perpendicular to concavities which are geometrically congruent with the morphology of the doses to be compacted inside dies located on a polygonal conveyer.
US07766051B2 Stabilized flexible pipe for transporting hydrocarbons
The invention relates to a flexible pipe for transporting hydrocarbons, comprising the following, from the inside towards the outside: a cylindrical structural set adapted in such a way that it can withstand radial stress and at least one first armure lap, said first armure lap comprising a plurality of armure threads wherein the armure threads consist of formed and flattened metal threads, the width of said armure I being greater than the thickness e when they are wound in parallel in the form of a spiral with a longitudinal pitch around the structure set, said threads forming an angle of less than 60° angle with the generators (G) of said structural set, and the width/thickness ratio of the armure threads is greater than 4.
US07766046B2 Plugging system for use during an offshore pipeline laying operation
A plug for use during a pipeline laying operation for sealing off sections of the pipeline in case of water ingress. A sealing and gripping assembly is formed of slip segments around a partially conical shaped surface, the slip segments being moved by a piston/cylinder arrangement. A valve connected to a pressure vessel actuates the piston/cylinder in response to the detection of conductivity of fluid around the plug.
US07766036B2 Discharge valve and valve assembly of reciprocating compressor having the same
A discharge valve (100) of a compressor is disclosed. The discharge valve (100) contains a spring-loaded valve body (120). Valve body (120) is preferably made of nonferrous metal like aluminum or magnesium and is coated by a covering (110) of uniform thickness, the covering (110) being preferably made of plastic material like polyetheretherketone (PEEK) by insertion molding. By that way a wear resistant and light-weight discharge valve is produced.
US07766035B2 Fluid jet for providing fluid under pressure to a desired location
A fluid jet for providing fluid under pressure to a desired location is disclosed wherein the valve body includes and integral valve element retaining region. Preferably, the valve body and integral valve element retaining region are die cast as a one-piece component. More specifically, the fluid jet includes a die cast one-piece valve body having a valve element retaining region extending longitudinally within at least a portion of the valve body, at least one fluid passage extending longitudinally within at least a portion of the valve body and in fluid communication with at least a portion of the valve element retaining region, and at least one fluid-exiting aperture through the valve body in fluid communication with the at least one fluid passage.
US07766034B2 Pressure control valve
A pressure control valve has a non-uniformly tapered valve bore that has an increasing diameter as it extends downstream. An interface angle, defined in part between a valve ball and the valve bore in the area of the smallest gap between them, increases as the valve ball is increasingly displaced away from a valve seat of the valve bore.
US07766032B2 Fuel container for fuel cell
A fuel container for a fuel cell, comprises a container body, the container body having a liquid fuel chamber for the storage of liquid fuel and a discharge means accommodating chamber for accommodating means for discharging the liquid fuel, a valve disposed in the container body to discharge or shut off the liquid fuel, and a partition wall member disposed slidably in the interior of the container body, wherein the partition wall member partitions the interior of the container body into the liquid fuel chamber and the discharge means accommodating chamber, the liquid fuel chamber and the discharge means accommodating chamber are in communication with each other through the partition wall member, and at least one of sliding surfaces of the container body and the partition wall member contains a material of a low frictional coefficient.
US07766028B2 Pressure regulator
A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.
US07766025B2 Periodic regenerative heat exchanger
A regenerative heat exchanger includes a pair of heat exchangers, an inlet valve assembly and an outlet valve assembly. Each valve assembly includes two corresponding pairs of valve ports and two poppet discs each being movable between said corresponding pairs of valve ports. The poppet discs have rods extending to distal ends. Distal ends extending from the inlet valve assembly are pivotably interconnected to distal ends from the outlet valve assembly and pivotably interconnected to a crank of an eccentric mechanical drive to operate one of the inlet poppet discs and one of the outlet poppet discs in tandem.
US07766023B2 Portable structure with linking pole
A portable structure includes first and second support poles, each having one lower end for resting on a ground surface. First and second connectors attach at upper ends of the first and second support poles, respectively and two or more linking poles connect the first support pole with the second support pole via the first and second connectors. The linking poles form obtuse angles with the first and second support poles at the first and second connectors. The linking poles form an eye shape between the first and second support poles when joined with the connectors.
US07766014B2 Article and method for absorbing bodily substance discharge from and delivering medicinal substance to mouth or nose
The present invention provides a wearing article for absorbing bodily substance discharge from mouth or nose. The article is formed from a material which is capable of receiving a holding bodily substance device and which is simply retained on the forearm or elbow of the user. The invention also provides a wearing article for delivering medicinal substance to mouth or nose.
US07766008B2 Endoscopic bite block system
An endoscopic bite block system for increasing the speed and efficiency of an endoscopic procedure. The endoscopic bite block system includes a base member including a central opening and at least one tube attachment, a channel member latitudinally extending from an outer edge of the central opening and a strap member removably attached to the base member, wherein the strap member removably attaches the base member to the mouth of the patient.
US07766005B2 Gas radiation burner and controlling method thereof
A gas radiation burner includes a gas supply unit for spraying a mixed gas of a gas and air; a burner body having a burner pot accommodating the mixed gas supplied by the gas supply unit and a burner housing provided on the burner pot to configure a combustion chamber; a burner mat provided over the burner pot to emit a radiant heat generated by combustion of the mixed gas supplied by the burner pot; and an air supply unit supplying air to the burner housing.
US07766004B1 Outdoor cooking apparatus
An outdoor cooking apparatus includes a burner frame that has a base with a portion that engages an underlying support surface during use, an upper grill or grate that receives a pot during use, the upper grill having a cooking surface. The frame includes a plurality of legs that extend between the base and the grill. In the preferred embodiment, the base can be a ring. In the preferred embodiment, the grill can include a ring and a plurality of radially extending struts. In this fashion, the ring surrounds a pot that is placed upon the struts, limiting the lateral movement of the pot. The pot has a diameter and a height, the pot is sized and shaped to fit inside the frame envelope during shipment or storage. The legs extend around the pot and the burner element in the storage position. A wind guard shroud is attached to the underside of the radial struts. This shroud is also contained within the pot when in a storage position.
US07765999B1 Paintball marker with convertible mechanical and electronic cartridges
An apparatus for firing a projectile, such as a paintball, that comprises a trigger frame assembly that is detachable from either a mechanical cartridge or an electronic cartridge. The trigger frame assembly includes a trigger, a sear, and a frame on which the trigger and the sear are mounted. The trigger has a mechanical actuating surface and an electronic actuating surface. Both the mechanical cartridge and the electronic cartridge are configured to selectively attach to and detach from the frame. It is an aspect of the invention to allow a user to selectively and readily convert the apparatus between mechanical firing actuation and electronic firing actuation.
US07765997B2 Magazine for a firearm
Magazine (1) for a firearm, in particular for a semiautomatic CO2 or compressed-air firearm, comprising a basic magazine body, a number of projectile supports (2) for the reception of projectiles (3) as well as a transport means for the projectile supports, whereas the transport means is designed for receiving the projectile supports (2) movably with respect to the basic magazine body, whereas the transport means is designed for moving the projectile supports (2) in a circuit, whereas the transport means has at least one endless transport belt (4), whereas the projectile supports (2) are connected to the transport belt (4).
US07765996B2 Device and method of controlling exhaust gas sensor temperature, and recording medium for exhaust gas sensor temperature control program
A control input (DUT) for controlling a heater (13) which heats an active element (10) of an exhaust gas sensor (8) includes at least one of another component depending on the difference between temperature data of the active element (10) and a target temperature, a component depending on the target temperature, and a component depending on the temperature data of the active element (10). The control input is determined by an optimum control algorithm. A component depending on the temperature of an exhaust gas and the component depending on the target temperature are determined based on a predictive control algorithm. The temperature of the active element (10) of the exhaust gas sensor (8) is thus controlled stably at a desired temperature.
US07765988B2 Method for an internal combustion engine, and an internal combustion engine
The description relates to an internal combustion engine, and a method for an internal combustion engine with at least one cylinder, at each of which at least one spark providing device for ignition being provided. The engine is operated, in connection to a start procedure of the engine, in a controlled self-ignition mode comprising at least one controlled combustion without spark ignition. The controlled combustion without spark ignition can comprise homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI).
US07765987B2 Apparatus for actuating at least one piezoelectric actuating drive of an injection nozzle for an internal combustion engine
An apparatus is described for actuating at least one piezoelectric actuating drive (1) of an injection nozzle for an internal combustion engine, comprising a control device (6) which cyclically actuates a charging circuit and a discharging circuit (2, 3) of the piezoelectric actuating drive (1). In order to enable a power-increasing actuation of the piezoelectric actuating drive (1) it is proposed that a capacitive equivalent load (9), which is connected to a charging stage (13) and electrically simulates the piezoelectric actuating drive (1), and an additional discharging stage (7) for piezoelectric actuating drive (1) and a changeover switch (8) which can be actuated by a control circuit (11) are provided, which switch connects the equivalent load (9) or the piezoelectric actuating drive (1) to the discharging circuit (3) which is controlled via the control device (6), and that after it has been decoupled from the discharging circuit (3) the piezoelectric actuating drive (1) can be discharged with a delay, via the additional discharging stage (7) which can be actuated by the control circuit (11), depending on at least one parameter which changes with the loading of the internal combustion engine.
US07765976B2 Component part with integrated seal
A lid component part of an internal combustion engine with integrated elastic seal, such as, for example, is provided to a cylinder head gasket or oil pan and a process for its manufacture. The component part exhibits a circumferential flange area for the arranging of the integrated seal. The component part is based on a plastic-material, while the seal essentially comprises an organic elastomer material. The component part and the seal are chemically bonded with one another. The seal is applied by injection molding onto the component part.
US07765973B2 Motorcycle provided with valve-operating mechanism
The present invention provides a motorcycle having a valve-operating mechanism for actuating a valve which opens and closes a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The valve-operating mechanism includes a biasing means for biasing the valve toward a valve closing direction and a drive means for driving the valve toward the valve opening direction against the biasing means, the biasing means is a gas spring formed by filling a gas spring chamber with compressible gas, and a compressed-gas container for supplying the compressible gas is connected to the gas spring chamber, and the compressed-gas container is disposed in an outermost line of body components of the motorcycle except for the compressed-gas container when the motorcycle is viewed from above.
US07765972B2 Fully variable mechanical valve train in an internal combustion engine
A variable mechanical valve train for actuating a valve in an internal combustion engine includes a two-part follower operatively coupled between a cam shaft and a valve, so that the follower: in a fully-activated mode, causes a maximum lift of the valve in response to a rotation of the cam shaft; in a partial load mode, collapses partially so as to cause a partial valve lift during the rotation of the cam shaft; and in a deactivated mode, collapses in response to the rotation of the cam resulting in no valve lift.
US07765970B2 Valve cover with a display window
A valve cover includes a base that attaches to an engine and a display window that attaches to the base. The display window is made of material that can withstand the operating environment of the engine, including temperature and resistance to petroleum-based substances. The display window is secured to the base using a flexible gasket that encircles the display window and snaps into a groove in the base to secure the display window to the base. The display window may be see-through so the valves are visible. The display window may also include one or more display elements, such as light-emitting diodes, optical fibers, electro-luminescent panels, incandescent bulbs, liquid crystal displays, etc. The display window may include embossed or etched portions, and may include multiple colors and sequenced operation to provide any desired effect on the display panel.
US07765969B2 Vertical internal combustion engine provided with belt-drive transmission mechanism
A vertical internal combustion engine E has a crankshaft 18 enclosed in a crank chamber 20, a belt-drive transmission mechanism 50 held in a belt chamber 63 and including a rubber belt 53 for transmitting power of the crankshaft 18 to a camshaft 24 in a valve train 23, and a transmission case 60 defining the belt chamber 63. The belt chamber 63 communicates with the crank chamber 20 by way of vent holes 70 and 71, the transmission case 60 is provided with an internal wall Wi disposed between the vent holes 70 and 71 and the belt 53 in the belt chamber 63 to deflect the flow of an oil-containing gas flowing from the crank chamber 20 into the belt chamber 63 such that the oil-containing gas flows in directions deviating from a direction toward the belt 53. The belt 53 is lubricated with oil in the oil-containing gas. The belt 53 is prevented from being excessively exposed to the oil-containing gas from the crank chamber 20 to extend its life.
US07765966B2 Hybrid vehicle system having engine with variable valve operation
A system for adjusting valve timing of an engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, valve timing is adjusted during an engine start before the engine is started. The system may reduce engine emissions during engine starting.
US07765965B2 Fully variable valve actuation
A Fully variable mechanical VVA, or FVVA, achieves more than the Lost Motion VVAs and the Constant Duration VVAs can jointly offer, because the FVVA provides the infinite valve lift profiles a Lost Motion VVA can provide, and the infinite valve lift profiles a Constant Duration VVA can provide and infinite more infinities of different valve lift profiles.The FVVA provides an infinity of valve lifts, and each valve lift can be combined to any duration, from infinite available.
US07765960B2 Device for cleaning the fire tubes in a boiler
A device for use when cleaning the heating surface of a tube changer, such as the fire tubes in a boiler, having a scraper member that is fixed to a movement member for moving the scraper member through one fire tube at a time and a guide for positioning the scraper member directly in front of the open end of a fire tube, such that said scraper member can be moved from the guide into the fire tube and conversely from the fire tube into the guide. The guide can be moved on a frame transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fire tubes for automatic cleaning of the fire tubes both when in service and out of service.
US07765958B2 Entrance gate for a livestock sorter
An entrance gate for a livestock sorter which includes a pair of entrance gate members which are movable between open and closed positions. The amount of opening movement of the gate members is selectively adjustable without the need of a wrench or the like.
US07765957B2 Pet collar
A barrier capable of being removably secured to a protective collar. The barrier can include a fastener and a partition, wherein the fastener is capable of positioning the partition inside the protective collar or about an outer arcuating edge of the protective collar.
US07765952B1 Pet bed
The present invention may be used by pets. A bed frame may have a side wall with an open portion with a door frame positioned and attached in the open portion. A bottom cover assembly may have a bottom cover with a side wall cover attached at a peripheral edge. The side wall cover may be positioned on the side wall when the bottom cover may be positioned under a bottom edge of the side wall. A bottom pad may be attached to the peripheral edge at a side open portion of the side wall cover. The bottom pad may be insertable through the door frame to be positioned in interior to the side wall when the bottom cover assembly may be positioned on the bed frame. A top cover assembly may have a cover portion with a bottom wall portion that may be positioned on the side wall cover exterior to the side wall. The top cover assembly may have a door frame portion positionable at a door frame strip on the door frame.
US07765949B2 Extrusion/dispensing systems and methods
A device for extruding/dispensing materials on a substrate includes a housing with at least two channels formed to facilitate flow. The housing includes entrance ports for each of the channels for receiving different materials. The housing further includes an exit port for co-extruding the materials on the substrate to generate a relatively fine feature with a relatively high aspect ratio.
US07765948B2 Device and method for identifying the row number on a tubesheet
A device and method for identifying the tubes in a tubesheet, including locating a support element along a portion of the tubesheet with at least one means for identifying the location or condition of the adjacent tubes.
US07765946B1 Integrated bow thrusters
A system and apparatus for providing integrated boat thrusters which eliminates interfering with the integrity of the hull, and undesirable drilling and cutting of the hull to accommodate separate glass tubes or pipes that are conventionally used to form thruster tunnels. The instant system provides integrally molded thruster tunnel sections within the hull, and unique keystone inserts which are complementary to the molded thruster tunnel sections and complete the water flow chambers through the hull about the propellers. Separate tubes are not utilized. Thruster motors and mounting mechanisms are securely fastened in flat planes enhancing strength, performance and maintenance of the assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, the keystone insert is generally wedge shaped to provide a secure fit and bond within the molded tunnel section having angled walls.
US07765944B2 Grain drill with accurate metering of the rate of planting of seed
The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.
US07765943B2 Dual function seed meter
A seed meter comprises a plastic casing defining a volumetric compartment and a singling compartment. The casing has three basic parts including the singling side, the volumetric side and the center portion. The basic parts are held together by integrally molded fastening assemblies. A slidable gate is mounted to two channels in the center portion for selectively directing seed into one of the two compartments. A metering drum having a volumetric section located in the volumetric compartment and a singling section located in the singling compartment is rotationally mounted to the casing. The metering drum is also plastic with each section comprising two identical pieces that can be mounted around a drive shaft.
US07765937B2 Table system
A table system including at least one primary module and at least two secondary modules. The primary module includes a tabletop plate and a plurality of crossbars disposed parallel to each other and secured to the underside of the tabletop plate. A secondary module comprises a table leg having an upper end and a plurality of interlocking and bracing mechanisms disposed at the upper end of the table leg. A primary module and a secondary module together have an attached state and an interconnected state. The interlocking and bracing mechanisms have an open state and a closed state. In the attached state, each interlocking and bracing mechanism is in the open state, and is achieved by vertically setting the primary module onto the secondary module. In the interconnected state, each interlocking and bracing mechanism is in the closed state, interlocked independently into the interior portion of a crossbar.
US07765936B2 Transporting system with fire door, rail apparatus with fire door, and transporting system
A transporting system with a fire door (100) is provided with: a rail (1) installed within a facility; a transporting carriage (3), whose wheel (4) is set so as to roll over a surface for rolling of the rail; a fire door plate (7) for segmenting a space within the facility in a direction intersecting the rail at a predetermined position of the rail; and a door plate moving device (8) capable of moving the fire door plate from an open position for the transporting carriage to pass through the predetermined position, to a close position for the fire door plate to segment the space. A first cut (1a) is formed obliquely with respect to a width direction of the rail when planarly seen on the surface for rolling, in the rail at the predetermined position. The fire door plate has a shape capable of passing through the first cut when being moved to the close position.
US07765932B2 Shock tube initiator
Described in this specification is a shock tube initiator that is suitable for one, two, or more shock tubes. The initiator has a number of safety features to avoid inadvertent firing of the shocking primer. Features include a rotary safety and a firing plunger that selectively interfere with the firing pin. There may further be a safety pin for fixating the rotary safety onto the housing of the initiator, so users must deliberately remove the safety pin before the rotary safety can be disengaged.
US07765927B1 Method of printing on article of clothing using an adjustable area platen
A platen for use in printing on an object, wherein the platen has an adjustable area of a working surface on which to place the object. The platen surface includes a plurality of elements, wherein each element includes a flat surface that can be positioned at a working level at which the object is to be placed, and wherein an operator can insert or remove each element and thereby the corresponding flat surface of that element from the working level as required in order to provide a desired area of the working surface. In one embodiment, the platen includes a base plate and a plurality of elements which can be positioned on the base plate or removed to form a desired configuration of the working surface.
US07765923B1 Motorized press device for replacing or repairing transmission parts
A motorized press device comprising a housing; a first and second vertical bar extending from the bottom through the top of the housing; a horizontal bar that connects the tops of the vertical bars; a first and second pressure arm extending downwardly from the horizontal bar; a pressure ring attached to the pressure arms; an electrical jack on the bottom of the housing that can expand upwardly; a shaft support tube attached to the electrical jack adapted to receive a transmission shaft, when the electrical jack is expanded the transmission shaft traverses the top of the housing through a shaft opening; wherein the electrical jack pushes the transmission shaft and drum up against the pressure ring which causes the pressure ring to compress the return spring.
US07765920B2 Air-lift dryer for processing high-lactose aqueous fluids
An air-lift dryer for processing a high-lactose aqueous fluid (HLAF), such as permeate from ultrafiltration of whey fluid, is provided. The air-lift dryer has an enclosed drying chamber with diverging interior sidewalls that define an intermediate interior space having a cross-sectional area that increases as the diverging interior sidewalls extend away from a lower portion toward an upper portion.
US07765914B2 Displacer unit with a valve plate body
A displacer unit with a valve plate body is disclosed. The displacer unit having at least one displacer space which is arranged in a cylindrical drum rotating about an axis of rotation and which can be connected to an inlet connection and an outlet connection by a control surface. The control surface is formed on a valve plate body which is provided with a first control opening, which is connected to the inlet connection, and with a second control opening, which is connected to the outlet connection. The first control opening and the second control opening are spaced apart radially, where the displacer space can be connected to the first control opening by a first connecting passage and to the second control opening by a second connecting passage. The connecting passages are provided with a respective mechanical face seal for sealing relative to the control openings.
US07765911B2 Deployable projectile
A method for protecting a second location against a first projectile fired from a first location at the second location. The method including: firing at least one second projectile toward the first projectile; and increasing a footprint of the second projectile via a deployment from the second projectile to prevent the first projectile from striking the second location.
US07765906B2 Method of forming through-hole and through-hole forming machine
The method of forming a through-hole is capable of preventing formation of burrs, improving machining efficiency and reducing machining cost. The method of forming a through-hole in a circular wall of a cylindrical part of a work piece comprises the steps of: setting the work piece in a die; inserting a punch, which is provided to a rod-shaped metal core and whose length projected from the metal core is shorter than thickness of the circular wall, into the cylindrical part; relatively pressing and moving the punch toward the die so as to drive the punch into an inner face of the circular wall and bore the through-hole; sucking a scrap, which is formed by boring the through-hole, via a discharge hole of the die.
US07765901B2 Method and device for cutting off a thick-walled pipe
The invention relates to a method for cutting off a thick-walled pipe 3, wherein the pipe to be cut comprises an inner circumference closer to the longitudinal axis of the pipe and an outer circumference further from the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The method comprises bringing the cut-off point of the pipe to the cut-off point of a sawing unit, locking the pipe in its place by means of a fastener, sawing the pipe at the cut-off point by moving a saw 2 of the sawing unit towards the center of the pipe 3, the sawing unit comprising at least two saws. The method is characterized by moving each saw 2 of the sawing unit during the sawing radially towards the centre of the pipe until the saw blades pass through the inner surface of the pipe, and rotating the pipe during the sawing with respect to its longitudinal axis by means of a rotating device 10 connected to the fastener until the pipe is cut off, whereby, due to the rotating of the pipe, the blades 25 of the saw 2 work the pipe during a blade revolution only in one direction, which is directed from the outer circumference towards the inner circumference. Furthermore, the invention provides a saw assembly and a rotating device for implementing the method.
US07765898B2 Rotary tool
For accurate holding, easy attachment and detachment, and sufficient rotation force, a rotary tool has a holding and transmitting part 1 to hold a hexagonal column of a rotated body and give rotation force, comprising a recessed part 2, which has an inner face having an approximately regular triangle cross sectional shape, run-off parts 2a at corners of the triangle shape, and a uniform shape in depth direction, and plate springs 3, which are fixed at a bottom of the recessed part 2 and have pawl parts 3a at tips thereof positioned at the opening side of the recessed part 2, and the pawl parts 3a can be moved into the run-off parts 2a while contacting to three side faces of the hexagonal column H and generate spring force, when the hexagonal column H is inserted into the recessed part 2.
US07765895B2 Fluid-operated torque wrench for and method of tightening or loosening fasteners
A fluid-operated torque wrench for tightening or loosening a fastener has a housing having two housing portions including a cylinder portion and a driving portion, cylinder-piston means arranged in the cylinder portion and movable along a first axis, a lever-type ratchet mechanism arranged in the driving portion and connected to the cylinder-piston means to be driven by the later, the lever-type ratchet mechanism having a ratchet turnable about a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis, at least three connecting elements including first and second connecting elements receiving a given turning force acting in one direction during operation of the wrench, and a third connecting element receiving a turning force in an opposite direction during operation of the wrench and being equal to the given turning force acting in the one direction, so that one of the turning forces turns a fastener to be tightened or loosened while another of the turning forces is transferred to a stationary object.
US07765893B2 Pedal equipped with displacement detecting sensor using like magnetic poles
Disclosed herein is a pedal equipped with a displacement detecting sensor using like magnetic poles. The pedal includes a pedal unit, a shock-absorbing unit, a sensor inserting unit, a rod unit, and a sensing unit. The pedal unit includes a support plate, an actuating pedal coupled to the support plate, a shock-absorbing hinge, and a coupling hinge. The shock-absorbing unit includes a shock-absorbing mounting part, support shafts provided in shock-absorbing cylinders, and shock-absorbing springs. The sensor inserting unit includes an insertion housing in a center of the shock-absorbing unit, an upper permanent magnet seated in an upper support seat, a lower permanent magnet seated in a lower support seat, and a sensor support. The rod unit includes a rod mounting part having a rod mounting hole, and cylindrical insertion rods. The sensing unit includes a sensor housing at a center in the rod unit, and a displacement sensor.
US07765892B2 Multi-degree-of-freedom motion mechanism
A multi-degree-of-freedom motion mechanism comprises a first linkage unit, a second linkage unit, a driven unit, a connection block and a third linkage unit; the first linkage unit and the second linkage unit are respectively disposed with a first curved projecting section and a second curved projecting section; a driven rod of the driven unit is respectively movably coupled to the first curved projecting section and the second curved projecting section; the connection block is respectively pivotally coupled to a first pivot element of the driven unit and a second pivot element of a third linkage unit. Whereby, the driven unit can then be nimbly controlled to move up and down as well as left and right and rotate relatively to a geometric center point of the connection block through few drive mechanisms.
US07765890B2 Industrial robot
An industrial robot has an arm, a wrist element rotatably interconnected to the arm, a work tool mounted on a distal end of the wrist element, and a motor mounted on the wrist element. An umbilical-member connected to the work tool and a flat cable connected to the motor are disposed to run along the wrist element from the arm side to the work tool or to the motor. A pipe member extending in a direction of a rotation axis of the wrist element is provided inside the arm and the umbilical-member connected to the work tool is passed inside the pipe member. The flat cable connected to the motor is wound around outside of the pipe member, with the flat cable arranged to become slack in a rotating direction of the wrist element.
US07765886B2 Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission that includes oil passages with a simple structure provided for twin clutches can allow the number of production steps to be reduced. The automatic transmission includes a number of gear trains equal to the number of speeds between a primary shaft and a countershaft. The automatic transmission performs connection and disconnection of a rotational driving force between a crankshaft and a gearbox by means of twin hydraulic clutches including first and second clutches, which are made of the same components and disposed on the axis of the primary shaft back to back. Oil passages can be formed into a more simple shape and can be configured to have the same total length. The first clutch performs connection and disconnection for first and third speeds, and the second clutch performs connection and disconnection for second and fourth speeds.
US07765884B2 Vehicle powertrain having live power take-off
A power take-off assembly for transmitting rotary power from the powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a torque converter for an automatic transmission and including an impeller shaft connected driveably to a power source, a housing having a opening through a wall of the housing, and a power takeoff gear secured to the impeller shaft, located in the housing, aligned with the opening, and supported for rotation about an axis.
US07765882B2 Apparatus and method for presenting a particulate sample to the scanning field of a sensor device
An apparatus and method for presenting various surfaces of particles within a sample to a sensor device is provided. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a pair of concentric counter-rotating surfaces and a dividing member fixed radially therebetween so as to form a scanning chamber wherein sample particles are reoriented relative to the scanning field of an adjacent sensor device by the counter-rotation of the surfaces and the consequent recirculation of the sample particles through the scanning chamber.
US07765881B2 Programmable, digital vacuum-operated liquid sampler
A programmable liquid sampler for obtaining and digitally analyzing multiple, sequential samples in real time from an external source of liquid to be analyzed comprises an adaptive feedback algorithm for correcting sample weight measurements occasioned by vacuum delays. A sampling assembly receives and at least temporarily stores a sample drawn by suction through an air port that can also pressurize the chamber. A load cell determines sample mass through a logic controller that implements adaptive feedback by recognizing a desired target sample size, requesting an initial sample, and measuring the initial sample size. A variable scaling factor is derived by comparing the target sample size to said measured sample size and the subsequent requesting size is scaled. Samples can be stored in multiple compartments of a radial table that is indexed by the computer software for proper sample control.
US07765877B2 System for preloading piezoelectric actuators and method
A system for preloading piezoelectric actuators includes a fixture, a preloading mechanism configured to apply a mechanical force to a piezoelectric element supported by the fixture, and a sensor configured to sense an electrical property induced by the mechanical force in an electrical circuit having the piezoelectric element therein. A control device is coupled with the sensor and configured to generate a signal based on the sensed electrical property. A method of setting or testing preload includes applying a mechanical force to a piezoelectric element, and correlating an electrical property induced by the mechanical force with a magnitude of the mechanical force. Closed loop control allows preload to be set highly accurately.
US07765873B2 Pressure diagnostic for rotary equipment
A system comprises a rotary machine, a sensor and a processor. The rotary machine has a component that operates on a fluid. The sensor senses pressure in the fluid. The processor generates a diagnostic indicative of wear on the component, based on process noise on the pressure.
US07765872B2 Flow sensor apparatus and method with media isolated electrical connections
A flow sensor apparatus that utilizes a pressure sensor with media isolated electrical connections. A cap can be attached to topside of the pressure sensor over a diaphragm to protect bond pads and wire bonds from a fluid media. A flow channel can be etched on the cap with an opening and exit on the sides of the cap so that liquid can flow through the flow channel. An inlet port and an outlet port can be attached to the channel's opening and exit to allow for fluid flow over the diaphragm. The flow channel creates a larger pressure over portions of the diaphragm that increases the deflection of the diaphragm, which increases an output signal of the pressure sensor. V-grooves can be created on two sides of the pressure sensor and in the cap to create the channel for the fluid in and out of the cap's cavity.
US07765869B2 Combined accelerometer and gyroscope system
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a combined accelerometer and gyroscope system. The combined accelerometer and gyroscope system includes a combined accelerometer and gyroscope for maintaining vibration of a mass body at a constant amplitude using an applied drive voltage, and detecting vibration signals in directions of an acceleration axis and an angular velocity axis. An acceleration axis vibration signal obtainment unit obtains the vibration signal in the direction of the acceleration axis. An amplitude maintenance control unit outputs an acceleration axis vibration maintenance control signal using the vibration signal. An acceleration axis driving input unit receives a voltage signal from the amplitude maintenance control unit and applies the voltage signal to the combined accelerometer and gyroscope. An angular velocity axis vibration signal obtainment unit obtains the vibration signal in the direction of the angular velocity axis. A force balance control unit outputs an angular velocity axis vibration maintenance control signal using the vibration signal received from the angular velocity axis vibration signal obtainment unit. An angular velocity axis driving input unit receives a voltage signal received from the force balance control unit and applies the voltage signal to the combined accelerometer and gyroscope.
US07765866B2 Pressure sensor having insect entering restriction element
A pressure sensor is provided. The pressure sensor includes a sensing element, a case, a line element, an insect entering restriction element. The case has a space for receiving the sensing element. The case includes a pressure introduction passage, which is in communication with the space to introduce a pressure medium into the sensing element. The line element has a first portion electrically connected with the sensing element and a second portion to be electrically connected to an external element. The insect entering restriction element extends across a path on the exterior surface of the case, the path interconnecting between the second portion of the line element and the open end of pressure introduction passage.
US07765863B1 Phosphorescent wind indicator
A wind gauge includes particles dispensed from their container as a floating cloud which is carried along by ambient wind and thus illustrates wind speed and direction. The particulate media may also include a mixture of phosphorescent and chalk particles, so that the floating cloud is illuminable and thus more easily visible especially during low-light and nocturnal conditions. The particles may also embody a scent and be used to form a scent trail as they are carried along by the wind and as they gradually settle out of the air. The container includes an internal light source for discreetly phosphorescing the particles while inside the container. The container may also be compressible with a restricted exit that forcefully ejects particles therefrom.
US07765852B2 Air flow nozzle for air flow meter
The aspects of the present invention provide for an apparatus for conveying air into foam so that the flow of air within the foam may be monitored to determine one or more characteristics of the foam. The apparatus includes a nozzle and a member having a substantially planar surface. The nozzle includes a tube sized and dimensioned to be inserted easily into the foam. The tube has a wall and an aperture formed in the wall. The aperture is sized and dimensioned to allow air to flow through the aperture and into the foam, and the aperture extends partially about the circumference of the tube. The member is mounted to the nozzle and is also connected to an air flow meter.
US07765843B2 Flexible rod manufacturing apparatus and method for a spinal fixation and the flexible rod manufactured through the same
The present invention relates to a rod capable of securely connecting pedicle screws in a pedicle screw system for correcting a damaged or transformed spine and a method and an apparatus for fabricating the same and, more particularly, to a flexible pedicle rod with superelasticity in order to provide a flexibility to a fixation between spine segments and a method and an apparatus capable of fabrication the same in mass production. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a body; an X- and Y-axis moving element mounted on a top surface of the body, the X- and Y-axis moving element simultaneously moving in X-axis and Y-axis directions to wind a material at an angle of 90 degrees; a magazine mounted on the X- and Y-axis moving element to load a material; a material withdrawing element for withdrawing materials one by one from the magazine; and a material molding element mounted on the X- and Y-axis moving element, the material molding element gripping both ends of the material withdrawn from the material withdrawing element and rotating to mold a portion of the material in a spring shape.
US07765840B2 Dual locking padlock
By providing a single housing and shackle assembly constructed for enabling the shackle to be opened and/or closed using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activating tumbler construction, with the movement of the shackle being controlled by a trigger member, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which incorporates two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock. In addition, the trigger member and shackle each incorporate uniquely constructed, cooperating surfaces, each of which comprise a grooved zone or concave curved zone which is positioned directly adjacent a cooperating convexly curved zone. By employing these two curved surfaces on both the shackle and trigger member, the controlled pivotal movement of the shackle is realized.
US07765839B2 Drum type washer and door
A drum type washer and a door thereof are provided to eliminate moisture inside a door glass using natural convection. The door of the drum type washer includes a door glass, an inner door having a holder integral to the inner door to support an outer surface of the door glass, an outer door having a support rib integral to the outer door to support an inner surface of the door glass, the support rib including a hole set formed in the support rib such that an inside of the door glass communicates with an exterior of the drum type washer. With this configuration, the moisture created inside the door glass can be rapidly eliminated.
US07765830B2 Automatic discharge device for lithium bromide absorption chillers and methods of using the same
The invention teaches an automatic discharge device for a lithium bromide absorption chiller unit, comprising an automatic pump apparatus, a pump chamber, a gas-liquid separation chamber, and a gas storage chamber. A valve F1 is disposed at the outlet line of the liquid pump. A valve F2 and a gas discharge and liquid feed line disposed between the liquid pump and the valve F1 are connected to the gas storage chamber. A valve F3 is set on the gas duct and liquid return line between the gas storage chamber and the gas-liquid separation chamber. A liquid choke self-closing discharge rubber ball valve, a one-way spring discharge valve, and additionally, an electromagnetic valve or a motorized valve are set on top of the gas storage chamber. The invention simplifies effectively the chiller construction and increases operational reliability.
US07765825B2 Apparatus and method for thermal management of a memory device
A system and method for thermal management of a memory device is described. In an embodiment, one or more thermal sensors sends a signal to a thermal control module indicating that a pre-determined temperature threshold for a memory device or devices has been reached. The thermal control module may then begin tracking memory thermals or initiate thermal management operations based on the signal and history of memory device temperatures over time.
US07765822B2 Air conditioning system having self-sustained power supply apparatus for engine-driven transportation tools
The provided air conditioning system includes a self-sustained power supply apparatus, a motor coupled to the apparatus and receiving a first power supply, a first transmission system coupled to the motor and transmitting a first kinetic energy, a second transmission system coupled to the engine of a transportation tool and transmitting a second kinetic energy, a compressor coupled to one of the first transmission system and the second transmission system, receiving one of the first kinetic energy and the second kinetic energy and generating an air conditioning operation to an inner air of the transportation tool, and a switching apparatus coupled to a second power supply and employed to make one of the following results happen: the first transmission system is connected to the compressor, the second transmission system is connected to the compressor and the first and the second transmission systems are both separated from the compressor.
US07765821B2 Seal device and sealing structure
A seal device has a for sealing a through hole in a partition includes a first seal for providing a first abutment portion that abuts against a periphery of the through hole in an entirety thereof, and a second seal for providing a second abutment portion that is made of an elastic material for abutting against an outer peripheral surface of a component disposed in the through hole. The first seal and the second seal are connected to cover an entire periphery of the through and the component, and a support member on the second seal has an inner surface shaped in a corresponding form of the component.
US07765816B2 Start-up control method for refrigeration cycle apparatus and refrigeration cycle control apparatus using the same
In a refrigeration cycle apparatus having an expansion mechanism, a method to swiftly generate a pressure difference upstream and downstream of the expansion mechanism of, thereby enhancing the starting performance of the refrigeration cycle apparatus The apparatus has a compression mechanism, a utilizing-side heat exchange, an expansion mechanism for recovering power, and a heat source-side heat exchanger. The revolution number of the heat source fluid transfer means is made smaller than a target revolution number or the heat source fluid transfer means is stopped during a predetermined time after the compression mechanism is started. When the compression mechanism is started, the pressure difference can be generated upstream and downstream of the expansion mechanism for a short time, the operation of the expansion mechanism does not become unstable, vibration and noise can be prevented, and the refrigeration cycle apparatus can swiftly be started.
US07765815B2 Refrigerator and method for controlling the same
A refrigerator which includes a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, a first evaporator and a second evaporator corresponding to the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment, respectively, a compressor compressing refrigerant to be supplied to the first and second evaporators, a first fan and a second fan supplying cool air to the compartments, respectively, an external temperature sensor detecting an external temperature of the refrigerator, a multi-directional valve supplying the refrigerant to at least one of the evaporators, and a control unit operating the compressor and the multi-directional valve, and driving the first fan and the second fan until temperatures of the compartments reach a predetermined reference temperature. When the detected external temperature meets a low temperature condition, the control unit controls the multi-directional valve to supply the refrigerant to the first evaporator such that the compressor is operated and an operation of the first fan is halted.
US07765813B2 Apparatus and process for cooling and de-steaming calcined stucco
The present invention is an apparatus and process for cooling and de-steaming hot calcined stucco used in the production of gypsum boards or bagged plaster. The apparatus is a fluid bed stucco cooler and comprises a cooler housing having a plenum having a stucco inlet and stucco outlet. The stucco cooler includes a rotating disk in the plenum. The rotating disk includes nozzle for spraying fluid, and is attached to a rotable shaft extending from the side of the cooler also includes a fluidization pad and agitator to help to mix the air and the stucco powder to insure fluidization, prevent channeling, and prevent the stucco powder from building up on the various components. The air also forces steam from the hot calcined stucco out through an air outlet located at the top of the stucco cooler, thereby de-steaming the stucco. The stucco flows through the plenum and passes over the cooling coils, thereby cooling the stucco as it reaches the stucco outlet.
US07765812B2 System for detecting mis-connected state between communication lines for multi-type air conditioner and method thereof
A system for detecting a mis-connected state between communication lines for a multi-type air conditioner and a method thereof. The system comprises an indoor unit pipe temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature of an indoor unit pipe, and a microprocessor for controlling an opening of an electronic expansion valve based on a temperature detected by the indoor unit pipe temperature detection unit, comparing a temperature response characteristic of the indoor unit pipe with a preset temperature response characteristic of a normal indoor unit pipe based on an opening of the electronic expansion valve, and thereby judging whether the communication lines are mis-connected to one another or not. An indoor unit from which the mis-connection has been generated is fast detected, and error information is displayed. Accordingly, the mis-connected state between the communication lines is restored, thereby preventing a damage of the system due to the mis-connection.
US07765808B2 Optimized internal manifold heat shield attachment
A fuel manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine includes an annular fuel manifold having at least one fuel conveying passage and defining at least one slow fuel flowing location. A heat shield at least partly encloses the fuel manifold and a plurality of intermittent joints attach the heat shield to the fuel manifold. The joints are circumferentially distributed about the fuel manifold as far away from the slow flowing location as possible while maintaining the fuel manifold dynamically balanced.
US07765806B2 Atkinson cycle powertrain
A powertrain includes an Atkinson cycle engine having at least one cylinder, a crankshaft, and an air intake system that provides selective fluid communication between the at least one cylinder and the atmosphere. A motor is in hybrid combination with the engine, and a compressor is configured to selectively pressurize air in the air intake system. The powertrain provides the fuel efficiency of an Atkinson cycle engine while compensating for the reduced torque output of an Atkinson cycle engine.
US07765805B2 Enhanced supercharging system and an internal combustion engine having such a system
The invention refers to a supercharging system for an internal combustion engine incorporating in combination, a turbine, a compressor and an electrical driven system that is connected by any power transmission system to the crankshaft or any other vehicle drive shaft of an internal combustion engine and which are arranged along a common axis, where the turbine inlet is subjected to exhaust gases, causing the turbine wheel to rotate and thereby via the drive shaft causing mechanical rotating power.
US07765803B2 Crankless reciprocating steam engine
We present a high-efficiency crankless reciprocating steam engine that loses only a small amount of energy when the rectilinear motion of its piston is changed into the rotary motion of its driveshaft. The present invention continuously rotates a valve in one direction while alternately introducing steam into two piston housing chambers to generate the rotary force of the driveshaft. Therefore, engine efficiency is greatly increased because the inertial force losses in the valve are much smaller compared to the case when the valve rotation stops or changes direction.
US07765801B2 Exhaust gas treatment device with insulated housing construction
An exhaust gas treatment device for internal combustion engines and the like includes inlet and outlet end caps, two catalyst substrates, and a two-piece housing. A first, cylindrically-shaped housing member has a hollow interior in which one of the substrates is retained, a first end sealingly connected with the inlet end cap, and an opposite second end with a radially reduced section. A second cylindrically-shaped housing member has a hollow interior in which the other one of the substrates is retained, a first end sealingly connected with the outlet end cap, and an opposite second end with a radially enlarged section sized to receive therein the second end of the first housing member, whereby the reduced section of the first housing member and the enlarge section of the second housing member are spaced radially apart a predetermined distance to define an annularly-shaped space or gap which thermally insulates the associated portion of the exhaust gas treatment device.
US07765800B2 Exhaust gas purification apparatus
Excessive generation NO2 by oxidation catalyst arrangement upstream of a selective reduction catalyst is suppressed to prevent falling of NOx reduction rate.A selective reduction catalyst 4 capable of selectively reacting NOx with ammonia even in the presence of oxygen is incorporated in an exhaust pipe 3 from an engine 1. A pair of oxidation catalysts 5A and 5B are arranged in parallel with each other and upstream of the selective reduction catalyst. In an operation condition with low exhaust temperature, amounts of the exhaust gas 2 distributed to the oxidation catalysts 5A and 5B are adjusted so as to make NO/NO2 ratio in the exhaust gas 2 to about 1-1.5. In an operation condition with higher exhaust temperature where the NOx reduction rate is less affected by the NO/NO2 ratio, as a countermeasure against increasing, leaking ammonia, passage changeover is conducted to pass the exhaust gas 2 in backflow through the selective reduction catalyst 4 and the oxidation catalysts 5A and 5B, so that ammonia passing through the selective reduction catalyst 4 without reacted is oxidized in the oxidation catalysts 5A and 5B.
US07765795B2 NOx control using a neural network
A method of controlling engine NOx production is provided. The method may include determining a desired amount of NOx production for at least one engine cylinder at a first time and determining at least one engine operating parameter to produce the desired amount of NOx using a feed-forward neural network.
US07765794B2 Method and system for obtaining exhaust gas for use in augmenting crude oil production
A method and system of providing compressed low NOx exhaust gas for industrial purposes including for use in augmenting crude oil production including the steps of extracting exhaust gas from an engine consuming a controllable mixture of hydrocarbon fuel and air, compressing and cooling the exhaust gas to condense water therefrom, measuring the pH of the condensed water, employing the measured pH to adjust the ratio of the hydrocarbon fuel and air supplied to the engine to achieve a substantially neutral pH measurement and thereby obtain compressed exhaust gas having a low NOx content.
US07765793B2 Exhaust emission control device of internal combustion engine
To provide an exhaust emission control device of an internal combustion engine able to well atomize a reducing agent and ensure supply of combustion air. Since a controller of the exhaust emission control device also controls a nozzle opening degree of a variable geometry turbocharger for purpose of spraying a urea water, even in the state where the engine works in a low load range of T1 to T2 where supercharging pressure normally can not be increased, supercharging pressure P suitable to atomization of the urea water can be obtained by controlling the nozzle opening degree of the variable geometry turbocharger to be closer to a closing side compared to the conventional art (shown by the chain double-dashed line), while the urea water can be securely atomized by a part of the supercharged air. Further, by increasing the supercharging pressure up to the value P, combustion air supplied to the engine is increased, therefore favorable combustion can be realized, and generation of particulates and exhaust of unburned fuel can be reduced.
US07765789B2 Apparatus and method for assembling gas turbine engines
A gas turbine engine assembly is provided. The gas turbine engine assembly includes a core engine. The gas turbine engine assembly further includes a first rotor spool including a first fan assembly, an intermediate-pressure turbine, and a first shaft. The first fan assembly includes a single stage fan assembly coupled upstream from the core engine. The intermediate-pressure turbine includes a single stage turbine coupled downstream from the core engine. The first shaft extends between the first fan assembly and the intermediate-pressure turbine. The gas turbine engine assembly further includes a second rotor spool including a second fan assembly, a low-pressure turbine, and a second shaft. The second fan assembly includes a single stage fan assembly coupled upstream from the first fan assembly. The low-pressure turbine includes a single stage turbine coupled downstream from the intermediate-pressure turbine. The second shaft extends between the second fan assembly and the low-pressure turbine. A method of assembling the same is provided.
US07765788B2 Cooling exchanger duct
A heat exchange system for use in operating equipment in which a working fluid is utilized in providing selected operations thereof, including for use in lubricating systems for aircraft turbofan engine equipment, the heat exchange system for providing air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool the working fluid at selectively variable rates in the operating equipment developed airstreams. A heat exchanger core is provided in a controlled air flow duct system opening at its entrance to those airstreams and having its outlet end opening downstream in those airstreams.
US07765786B2 Aircraft engine with separate auxiliary rotor and fan rotor
A fan for an aircraft engine, particularly a gas turbine aircraft engine, is disclosed. The fan has a fan rotor with fan blades, which extend radially outwardly from a hub to an outer flow path wall of a fan flow path. The fan has an auxiliary rotor that is positioned upstream of the fan rotor and has auxiliary blades that extend radially outwardly from a hub and end at a distance from the outer flow path wall of the fan flow path. The auxiliary rotor and the fan rotor are designed as separate rotors, such that the auxiliary rotor can be operated at a higher speed than the fan rotor.
US07765784B2 Thermally compliant APU exhaust duct arrangements and associated systems and methods
Thermally compliant auxiliary power unit (APU) ducts arrangements, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes an auxiliary power unit exhaust, that in turn includes an exhaust flow conduit, a housing disposed outwardly from the conduit, a support providing a load path between the conduit and the housing, and a baffle positioned along the flow conduit. At least one of the support and the baffle can have a resilient, radially compressible portion between the flow conduit and the housing.
US07765783B2 Open-end spinning device with an aerostatic axial bearing for a spinning rotor, an aerostatic axial bearing and a process for manufacturing an aerostatic axial bearing
An open-end spinning device (1) with a spinning rotor (2) whose shaft end (11) is supported by an aerostatic axial bearing (10) with an air gap (18) located between a bearing plate (17) of the axial bearing (10) and the shaft end (11). The aerostatic axial bearing (10) comprises a bearing plate (17) and a throttle device (19) made from a porous graphite material placed before the bearing plate (17). The throttle device (19) is an stamped pressed, tablet-shaped molding with largely homogenous porosity. In a process for manufacturing an aerostatic axial bearing (10) for a spinning rotor (2) of an open-end spinning device (1), a throttle device (19) made from a porous graphite material is placed before the axial bearing (10). The throttle device (19) is stamped pressed in a press tool as a tablet-shaped molding.
US07765782B2 Cleanout mechanism for grass discharge and collection chute
A cleanout mechanism is disclosed for a grass discharge and collection chute on a mower. The cleanout mechanism includes a door pivotable downwardly from the chute to provide an opening in a bottom surface of the chute, and a wiper pivotable rearwardly along the bottom surface of the chute toward a position adjacent the opening. An operator control is connected through linkages to the door and the wiper to pivot both of the door and the wiper while permitting continued operation of the mower.
US07765781B1 Scrapping plate for a cotton picker
A scrapping plate includes alternating channels or pockets offset in the fore-and-aft direction relative each other to accommodate the different spindle paths associated with spindle bars having spindles which are non-aligned or offset at an angle relative to each other. The offset pockets provide optimal spacing between the different spindle paths and the plate to ensure maximum contact between the spindle picking ends and the cotton bolls to maximize overall picking efficiency. In one embodiment, the pockets are identical but offset in the spindle travel direction from each other and include leading and trailing ends which are angled or curved for conforming closely to the different spindle paths.
US07765778B2 Machine for the strapping of compressible packaged goods in particular, such as corrugated cardboard layers
A strapping machine includes a supply unit, a guidance frame, a pressing plate, feeder runners, a closure aggregate, a storage unit, a feeder, an insertion device and a guidance structure. The closure aggregate is vertically aligned with the pressing plate and maneuverable, whilst the supply unit is located within close proximity of the strapping area and the pressing plate. The guidance structure includes one canal-like transfer line leading at least to the closure aggregate. The insertion device is accessible from outside, is aligned with the supply unit and is attached to a lower section of an automatically opened guidance canal. The strapping material is fed synchronically to the transfer line with the pressing plate adjustable for height. The insertion mechanism incorporates feeder and runners. The storage unit adjacent to the supply unit is aligned to the exterior of the strapping area.
US07765777B2 Devices for introducing air into, or removing air from, containers
Devices comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. One embodiment utilizes a plug that occludes an opening in a housing. The plug is displaced from the opening to inject or evacuate air from a container. An alternative embodiment utilizes a plug having air channels therein which can be sealed once air has been injected into or evacuated from a container. The devices are utilized with hose adaptors connected to vacuum or air hoses having specialized hose tips for coupling with the housing.
US07765776B1 Systems and methods for dispensing pharmaceutical/medical product and branding pharmaceutical/medical containers
In some embodiments, containers can be, for example, labeled with a uniquely identifiable customer label. The labeled containers can be loaded into a carrier that caries containers. The carrier can be transported to and from various stations by a transport system. The container carrier can travel through, for example, a solid pharmaceutical dispensing system where all or some of the containers in the carrier can be filled with a specific quantity of pharmaceutical product. The carrier can be transported to a capping and branding station where the containers can be capped and branded. The caps can be pre-branded, blank, or a combination of pre-branded and blank. Where at least some of the containers are branded with blank caps, a carrier and/or container can be transported to a branding station that can brand caps with cap labeling information (e.g., logos, graphics, artwork, text, etc.) that can be specific to each cap.
US07765765B1 Method of assembling polystyrene forms for building foundations
A method of assembling molded forms of expanded closed cell polystyrene to receive poured concrete for foundations and walls for buildings, including a laid course of forms molded of expanded polystyrene having vertical spaces in the forms and a plastic or metal strip With claws attached to the plastic or metal strip, and the strip is placed in a groove channel in the form and the strip extending into a groove in next abutting form of expanded polystyrene, and the strip width extending into a groove in the next laid course of expanded polystyrene forms and reinforcing bars placed vertically in vertical spaces in the forms of expanded polystyrene, and the reinforcing bars placed vertically in the vertical spaces and held in position by an aperture guide wire having a bias cut on leg end of the aperture guide wire and spanner wires extending across from side to side of the forms of expanded polystyrene, and the spanner wires having bias cut leg ends to stab into the top edges of the forms of expanded polystyrene, and a horizontal reinforcing bar extending into at least one abutting form of expanded polystyrene and, pouring concrete into the laid course.
US07765764B2 Device for connecting beams and pillars or similar structural elements
A device for connecting beams and pillars or similar structural elements, particularly for prefabricated concrete structural elements, comprising a bracket, which forms, when installed, by means of its upper face, a support for the beam, and a first connection for connecting to the pillar the end of the bracket that is designed to be directed toward the pillar, the device further comprising a second connection for connecting a region of the bracket, spaced from the end directed toward the pillar, to a region of the pillar located above the bracket and arranged on the side of the pillar that lies opposite with respect to the side that bears the bracket.
US07765763B2 Pleated roofing membrane and roofing shingle system
This invention relates to an underlayment for use under a plurality of courses of roofing shingles. The underlayment includes a water impermeable membrane layer containing at least one flap extending horizontally across the membrane layer. The flap is movable between a flat position and a raised position. In the raised position, an upper edge of a roofing shingle can be positioned under the flap. The upper edge of the roofing shingle can then be subsequently overlapped by the flap when the flap is moved into the flat position. The flap can then subsequently be overlapped by another course of roofing shingles.
US07765762B2 Ceiling panel
A ceiling panel is provided for use in a grid-type suspended ceiling, wherein the grid includes a plurality of spaced grid runners. The ceiling panel comprises a tile base with perimeter segments and perimeter profiles along at least a portion of at least two of the perimeter segments. Each profile is supportable by the grid runners during suspension. A facing material is secured across the perimeter segments, and extends beyond the perimeter profiles in order to at least partially conceal two of the grid runners when the tile is suspended from the two grid runners and viewed from below.
US07765760B2 Light transmission panels, retaining clip and a combination thereof
A glazing panel system is provided with improved glazing panels, retention clips and/or U-shaped connectors. The retention clip may engage the glazing panels at locations lower than top ends of the upstanding seam flanges. In one embodiment, an internal U-shaped connector is positioned to engage the seam flanges while an external U-shaped connector covers the internal connector and the seam between adjacent glazing panels. The glazing panels may be formed with pockets adjacent the base of the upstanding seam flanges to receive a portion of the retention clip to apply retention forces at locations below the upper ends of the seam flanges. The retention clips may be formed with an upper transverse portion that is movable relative to the base portion of the clip to accommodate panel expansion and contraction. Also, a thicker plate or portion may be provided at a top flange for the retention clip to provide increased resistance to uplift loads trying to bend the flange.
关于PatentHub
关于我们 加入我们 联系我们 帮助中心
PatentHub产品
专利百科 商标查询 专利交易 大学排行榜 行业专题库
API接口 排行榜 专利资讯 最新中国发明专利 最新美国发明专利
PatentHub联系方式
QQ：3307693423 QQ：3236401158