Document | Document Title |
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US07772131B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor device
In embodiments, when forming a metal line of the semiconductor device, a developer having an amine group may coated on the metal line layer such that the amine group remains on a surface of the metal line layer. Further, a method of fabricating a semiconductor device may include forming a metal line layer for interlayer connection of the semiconductor device, performing a first photo process by coating a first photoresist on the metal line layer, after performing the first photo process, removing the first photoresist for a rework, after removing the first photoresist, coating a developer having an amine group on the metal line layer, after coating the developer, coating a second photoresist on the metal line layer, and performing a photo process by employing the second photoresist. |
US07772124B2 |
Method of manufacturing a through-silicon-via on-chip passive MMW bandpass filter
A method for forming a through-silicon via bandpass filter includes forming a substrate comprising a silicon layer and providing a metal layer on a bottom side of the silicon layer. Additionally, the method includes providing a dielectric layer on a top side of the silicon layer and forming a top-side interconnect of the through-silicon via bandpass filter on a surface of the dielectric layer. Further, the method includes forming a plurality of contacts in the dielectric layer in contact with the top-side interconnect and forming a plurality through-silicon vias through the substrate and in contact with the plurality of contacts, respectively, and the metal layer. |
US07772123B2 |
Through substrate via semiconductor components
A structure and method of forming through substrate vias in forming semiconductor components are described. In one embodiment, the invention describes a method of forming the through substrate via by filling an opening with a first fill material and depositing a first insulating layer over the first fill material, the first insulating layer not being deposited on sidewalls of the fill material in the opening, wherein sidewalls of the first insulating layer form a gap over the opening. The method further includes forming a void by sealing the opening using a second insulating layer. |
US07772121B2 |
Method of forming a trench structure
A method of layer formation on a substrate with high aspect ratio features is disclosed. The layer is formed from a gas mixture comprising one or more process gases and one or more etch species. The one or more process gases react to deposit a material layer on the substrate. In conjunction with the material layer deposition, the etch species selectively remove portions of the deposited material layer adjacent to high aspect ratio feature openings, filling such features in a void-free and/or seam-free manner. The material layer may be deposited on the substrate using physical vapor deposition (PVD) and/or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques. |
US07772117B2 |
Methods of fabricating highly conductive regions in semiconductor substrates for radio frequency applications
Methods of fabricating highly conductive regions in semiconductor substrates for radio frequency applications are used to fabricate two structures: (1) a first structure includes porous Si (silicon) regions extending throughout the thickness of an Si substrate that allows for the subsequent formation of metallized posts and metallized moats in the porous regions; and (2) a second structure includes staggered deep V-grooves or trenches etched into an Si substrate, or some other semiconductor substrate, from the front and/or the back of the substrate, wherein these V-grooves and trenches are filled or coated with metal to form the metallized moats. |
US07772115B2 |
Methods for forming through-wafer interconnects, intermediate structures so formed, and devices and systems having at least one solder dam structure
A method for forming through-wafer interconnects (TWI) in a substrate of a thickness in excess of that of a semiconductor die such as a semiconductor wafer. Blind holes are formed from the active surface, sidewalls thereof are passivated and coated with a solder-wetting material. A vent hole is then formed from the opposite surface (e.g., wafer back side) to intersect the blind hole. The blind hole is solder filled, followed by back thinning of the vent hole portion of the wafer to a final substrate thickness to expose the solder and solder-wetting material at both the active surface and the thinned back side. A metal layer such as nickel, having a glass transition temperature greater than that of the solder, may be plated to form a dam structure covering one or both ends of the TWI including the solder and solder-wetting material to prevent leakage of molten solder from the TWI during high temperature excursions. Intermediate structures of semiconductor devices, semiconductor devices and systems are also disclosed. |
US07772106B2 |
Method of forming an inductor on a semiconductor wafer
A semiconductor device has a substrate with an inductor formed on its surface. First and second contact pads are formed on the substrate. A passivation layer is formed over the substrate and first and second contact pads. An insulating layer is formed over the passivation layer. The insulating layer is removed over the first contact pad, but not from the second contact pad. A metal layer is formed over the first contact pad. The metal layer is coiled on the surface of the substrate to produce inductive properties. The formation of the metal layer involves use of a wet etchant. The second contact pad is protected from the wet etchant by the insulating layer. The insulating layer is removed from the second contact pad after forming the metal layer over the first contact pad. An external connection is formed on the second contact pad. |
US07772104B2 |
Dynamic pad size to reduce solder fatigue
A semiconductor device is provided which comprises a substrate (501) having a plurality of bond pads (503) disposed thereon. Each bond pad has a major axis and a minor axis in a direction parallel to the substrate, and the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis increases with the distance of a bond pad from the center of the substrate. |
US07772094B2 |
Implant damage of layer for easy removal and reduced silicon recess
A method for semiconductor processing is provided, wherein a removal of one or more layers is aided by structurally weakening the one or more layers via ion implantation. A semiconductor substrate is provided having one or more primary layers formed thereon, and a secondary layer is formed over the one or more primary layers. One or more ion species are implanted into the secondary layer, therein structurally weakening the secondary layer, and a patterned photoresist layer is formed over the secondary layer. Respective portions of the secondary layer and the one or more primary layers that are not covered by the patterned photoresist layer are removed, and the patterned photoresist layer is further removed. At least another portion of the secondary layer is removed, wherein the structural weakening of the secondary layer increases a removal rate of the at least another portion of the secondary layer. |
US07772091B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor apparatus comprising alignment patterns in scribe regions
Alignment patterns are formed in scribe regions of a semiconductor substrate, and through grooves for exposing the scribe regions are disposed in an insulating layer formed on the semiconductor substrate. Formation positions of wiring patterns are aligned based on the alignment patterns, and a metal layer is patterned and the wiring patterns are formed. |
US07772086B2 |
Process for high voltage superjunction termination
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having an active region and a termination region includes providing a semiconductor substrate having first and second main surfaces opposite to each other. The semiconductor substrate has an active region and a termination region surrounding the active region. The first main surface is oxidized. A first plurality of trenches and a first plurality of mesas are formed in the termination region. The first plurality of trenches in the termination region are filled with a dielectric material. A second plurality of trenches in the termination region. The second plurality of trenches are with the dielectric material. |
US07772084B2 |
Process for self-aligned manufacture of integrated electronic devices
A process for self-aligned manufacturing of integrated electronic devices includes: forming, in a semiconductor wafer having a substrate, insulation structures that delimit active areas and project from the substrate; forming a first conductive layer, which coats the insulation structures and the active areas; and partially removing the first conductive layer. In addition, recesses are formed in the insulation structures before forming said first conductive layer. |
US07772082B2 |
Capacitor of semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a buffer insulating film over a semiconductor substrate including a conductive pattern. The buffer insulating film is etched using a storage node mask to form a buffer insulating pattern exposing the conductive pattern. The buffer insulating pattern defines a region wider than a storage node region. An etch stop film is formed over the conductive pattern and the buffer insulating pattern. An interlayer insulating film is formed over the etch stop film. The interlayer insulating film is etched using the storage node mask to expose the etch stop film. The exposed etch stop film is etched to form the storage node region exposing conductive pattern. A lower storage node is formed over the storage node region. |
US07772080B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of providing electrostatic discharge protection for integrated passive devices
A semiconductor device has an integrated passive device (IPD) formed on a substrate. The IPD can be a metal-insulator-metal capacitor or an inductor formed as a coiled conductive layer. A signal interconnect structure is formed on the front side or backside of the substrate. The signal interconnect structure is electrically connected to the IPD. A thin film ZnO layer is formed on the substrate as a part of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection structure. The thin film ZnO layer has a non-linear resistance as a function of a voltage applied to the layer. A conductive layer is formed on the substrate. The thin film ZnO layer is electrically connected between the signal interconnect structure and conductive layer to provide an ESD path to protect the IPD from an ESD transient. A ground interconnect structure is formed on the substrate and electrically connects the conductive layer to a ground point. |
US07772079B2 |
Vertical organic transistor
A vertical organic transistor and a method for fabricating the same are provided, wherein an emitter, a grid with openings and a collector are sequentially arranged above a substrate. Two organic semiconductor layers are interposed respectively between the emitter and the grid with openings and between the grid with openings and the collector. The channel length is simply decided by the thickness of the organic semiconductor layers. The collector current depends on the space-charge-limited current contributed by the potential difference between the emitter and the openings of the grid. And the grid voltage can thus effectively control the collector current. Further, the fabrication process of the vertical organic transistor of the present invention is simple and exempt from using the photolithographic process. |
US07772078B2 |
Germanium substrate-type materials and approach therefor
Germanium circuit-type structures are facilitated. In one example embodiment, a multi-step growth and anneal process is implemented to grow Germanium (Ge) containing material, such as heteroepitaxial-Germanium, on a substrate including Silicon (Si) or Silicon-containing material. In certain applications, defects are generally confined near a Silicon/Germanium interface, with defect threading to an upper surface of the Germanium containing material generally being inhibited. These approaches are applicable to a variety of devices including Germanium MOS capacitors, pMOSFETs and optoelectronic devices. |
US07772077B2 |
Method of forming a semiconductor structure comprising a field effect transistor having a stressed channel region
A method of forming a semiconductor structure comprises providing a semiconductor substrate comprising a first transistor element and a second transistor element. The first transistor element comprises at least one first amorphous region and the second transistor element comprises at least one second amorphous region. A stress-creating layer is formed over the first transistor element. The stress-creating layer does not cover the second transistor element. A first annealing process is performed. The first annealing process is adapted to re-crystallize the first amorphous region and the second amorphous region. After the first annealing process, a second annealing process is performed. The stress-creating layer remains on the semiconductor substrate during the second annealing process. |
US07772076B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device using dummy gate wiring layer
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a dummy gate wiring layer having a side surface and an upper surface on a first area of one major surface of a substrate, the major surface of the substrate including the first area and a second area, thereafter, forming a semiconductor film on the second area of the major surface of the substrate by using epitaxial growth, the semiconductor film having a thickness smaller than a thickness of the dummy gate wiring layer, and forming, on the semiconductor film, a gate sidewall which is made of an insulator and covers the side surface of the dummy gate wiring layer. |
US07772073B2 |
Semiconductor device containing a buried threshold voltage adjustment layer and method of forming
A method is provided for forming a semiconductor device containing a buried threshold voltage adjustment layer. The method includes providing a substrate containing an interface layer, depositing a first high-k film on the interface layer, depositing a threshold voltage adjustment layer on the first high-k film, and depositing a second high-k film on the threshold voltage adjustment layer such that the threshold voltage adjustment layer is interposed between the first and second high-k films. The semiconductor device containing a patterned gate stack is described. |
US07772070B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device and dummy pattern arrangement method
A semiconductor integrated circuit device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a functional circuit region including a functional circuit, a dummy region formed in a region other than the functional circuit region, and plural dummy MOSFETs formed in a dummy region and having a dummy gate electrode on a dummy diffusion layer, the plural dummy MOSFETs being arranged such that date rates of the dummy diffusion layer and dummy gate electrode are kept constant in a predetermined section. |
US07772068B2 |
Method of manufacturing non-volatile memory
A method of manufacturing a non-volatile memory including the following steps is provided. First, a dielectric layer, a first conductive layer and a patterned mask layer are sequentially formed on a substrate. A portion of the first conductive layer is removed using the patterned mask layer as a mask to form a plurality of first gates. An oxidation process is performed to form an oxide layer on the sidewalls of the first gates. The patterned mask layer is removed. A plurality of second gates is formed between two adjacent first gates so that the first gates and the second gates co-exist to form a memory cell column. A doped region is formed in the substrate adjacent to the memory cell column. |
US07772062B2 |
MOSFET having a channel mechanically stressed by an epitaxially grown, high k strain layer
A transistor, such a MOSFET, having an epitaxially grown strain layer disposed over a channel region of a substrate for stressing the channel region to increase the carrier mobility in the channel, and method for making same. The strain layer is composed of a high dielectric constant material. |
US07772061B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device using two crystallization methods
A semiconductor device in which a semiconductor layer of a thin film transistor and a first electrode of a capacitor are formed of amorphous silicon and the whole or a part of source/drain regions of the semiconductor layer and the first electrode of the capacitor are crystallized by a metal induced crystallization method, and a channel region of the semiconductor layer is crystallized by a metal induced lateral crystallization method. |
US07772058B2 |
Method of manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor device
A MOS type SiC semiconductor device having high reliability and a longer lifespan against TDDB of a gate oxide film is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a MOS (metal-oxide-semiconductor) structure having a silicon carbide (SiC) substrate, a polycrystalline Si gate electrode, a gate oxide film interposed between the SiC substrate and the polycrystalline Si gate electrode and formed by thermally oxidizing a surface of the SiC substrate, and an ohmic contact electrically contacted with the SiC substrate. The semiconductor device further includes a polycrystalline Si thermally-oxidized film formed by oxidizing a surface of the polycrystalline Si gate electrode. The gate oxide film has a thickness of 20 nm or less, preferably 15 nm or less. |
US07772057B2 |
Method of fabricating an integrated circuit with gate self-protection, and an integrated circuit with gate self-protection
An integrated circuit with gate self-protection comprises a MOS device and a bipolar device, wherein the integrated circuit further comprises a semiconductor layer with electrically active regions in which and on which the MOS device and the bipolar device are formed and electrically inactive regions for isolating the electrically active regions from each other. The MOS device comprises a gate structure and a body contacting structure, wherein the body contacting structure is formed of a base layer deposited in a selected region over an electrically active region of the semiconductor layer, and the body contacting structure is electrically connected with the gate structure. The base layer forming the body contacting structure also forms the base of the bipolar device. The present invention further relates to a method for fabricating such an integrated circuit. |
US07772056B2 |
Transistors for replacing metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors in nanoelectronics
Junction field effect transistors (JFETs) are shown to be a viable replacement for metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) for gate lengths of less than about 40 nm, providing an alternative to the gate leakage problems presented by scaled down MOSFETs. Integrated circuit designs can have complementary JFET (CJFET) logic cells substituted for existing MOSFET-based logic cells to produce revised integrated circuit designs. Integrated circuits can include JFETS where the channel comprises a wide bandgap semiconductor material and the gate comprises a narrow bandgap semiconductor material. Mixtures of JFET and MOSFET transistors can be included on an integrated circuit design. |
US07772053B2 |
Method for fabrication of semiconductor device
After forming a source-drain material film on an insulator layer, an opening portion reaching the insulator layer is formed in the source-drain material film. Then, a channel having desired thickness and a gate insulator are sequentially formed on the insulator layer and the source-drain material film in the opening portion. Thereafter, a gate material film embedding the opening portion is formed on the gate insulator. Subsequently, a cap film is formed on the gate material film, thereby forming the gate made of the gate material film. Then, a mask layer is formed on the source-drain material film. Next, the source-drain material film not protected by the mask layer is removed while protecting the gate by the cap film, thereby leaving the source-drain material film on both sides of the gate. The source-drain material film on one side becomes the source and that on the other side becomes the drain. |
US07772051B2 |
MOS devices with corner spacers
A MOS device having corner spacers and a method for forming the same are provided. The method includes forming a gate structure overlying a substrate, forming a first dielectric layer over the gate structure and the substrate, forming a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer, forming a third dielectric layer on the second dielectric layer, and etching the first, the second and the third dielectric layers using the third dielectric layer as a mask. The remaining first and second dielectric layers have an L-shape. The method further includes implanting source/drain regions, removing remaining portions of the third dielectric layer, blanket forming a fourth dielectric layer, etching the fourth dielectric layer, siliciding exposed source/drain regions, and forming a contact etch stop layer. The remaining portion of the fourth dielectric layer forms corner spacers. |
US07772049B2 |
Semiconductor device
An exemplary embodiment includes a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device can include a channel including one or more compounds of the formula AxBxOx, wherein each A is selected from the group of Cu, Ag, Sb, each B is selected from the group of Cu, Ag, Sb, Zn, Cd, Ga, In, Ge, Sn, and Pb, each O is atomic oxygen, each x is independently a non-zero integer, and each of A and B are different. |
US07772047B2 |
Method of fabricating a semiconductor die having a redistribution layer
A semiconductor device having a redistribution layer, and methods of forming same, are disclosed. After fabrication of semiconductor die on a wafer, a tape assembly is applied onto a surface of the wafer, in contact with the surfaces of each semiconductor die on the wafer. The tape assembly includes a backgrind tape as a base layer, and a film assembly adhered to the backgrind tape. The film assembly in turn includes an adhesive film on which is deposited a thin layer of conductive material. The redistribution layer pattern is traced into the tape assembly, using for example a laser. Thereafter, the unheated portions of the tape assembly may be removed, leaving the heated redistribution layer pattern on each semiconductor die. |
US07772045B1 |
Wire bond method for angularly disposed conductive pads and a device made from the method
A method and device relating the electrical interconnection of angularly disposed conductive is disclosed. Conventional wire bonding equipment is used to apply a wire ball on a first conductive surface in an electronic assembly. A conductive wire is drawn up vertically and terminated such that the central portion of the wire is proximal the second conductive surface. The electronic assembly is reoriented with respect to the travel of the capillary whereby a stitch bond is defined upon the second conductive surface to define an interconnect wire and a terminal wire portion, which terminal wire portion is removed. |
US07772040B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device, adhesive sheet used therein, and semiconductor device obtained thereby
The present invention includes a temporary fixing step of temporarily fixing a semiconductor element on an adherend interposing an adhesive sheet therebetween, a wire-bonding step of bonding wires to the semiconductor element, and a step of sealing the semiconductor element with a sealing resin, and in which the loss elastic modulus of the adhesive sheet at 175° C. is 2000 Pa or more. |
US07772032B2 |
Manufacturing method for electronic devices
A manufacturing method for manufacturing an electronic device includes a first electronic component and a second electronic component; and a bond part for the first electronic component joined to another bond part for the second electronic component. In a first process of this manufacturing method, the metallic bond part for the first electronic component is placed directly against the metallic bond part for the second electronic component, pressure is applied to the first electronic component and the second electronic component and, after metallically joining the above two bond parts, the pressure applied to the first electronic component and the second electronic component is released. In a second process in the manufacturing method, a clamping member affixes the relative positions of the joined first electronic component and second electronic component, and heats the first electronic component and the second electronic component to maintain a specified temperature. |
US07772027B2 |
Barrier regions for image sensors
Embodiments of the invention provide a barrier region for isolating devices of an image sensor. The barrier region comprises a charge accumulation region of a particular conductivity type in a substrate electrically connected to a voltage source terminal. The charge accumulation region is adjacent to at least one pixel cell of a pixel array. The charge accumulation region accumulates charge and prevents charge transference from a pixel cell or peripheral circuitry on one side of the barrier region to a pixel cell on another side of the barrier region. |
US07772021B2 |
Flat panel displays comprising a thin-film transistor having a semiconductive oxide in its channel and methods of fabricating the same for use in flat panel displays
Provided is a method of fabricating a semiconductive oxide thin-film transistor (TFT) substrate. The method includes forming gate wiring on an insulation substrate; and forming a structure in which a semiconductive oxide film pattern and data wiring are stacked on the gate wiring, wherein the semiconductive oxide film pattern is selectively patterned to have channel regions of first thickness and source/drain regions of greater second thickness and where image data is coupled to the source regions by data wiring formed on the source regions. According to a 4-mask embodiment, the data wiring and semiconductive oxide film pattern are defined by a shared etch mask. |
US07772018B2 |
Organic electro luminescent display and manufacturing method thereof
A method for manufacturing an organic light emitting diode includes a lower substrate, a luminous element provided with upper and lower electrodes, and disposed on the lower substrate, a shielding layer disposed on the luminous element for shielding outer moisture, the shielding layer being formed of at least one layer, and an upper substrate disposed on the shielding layer. |
US07772016B2 |
Method for composition control of a metal compound film
Measurement of the extinction coefficient k is employed for effective and prompt in-line monitoring and/or controlling of the metal film composition. The dependency of the extinction coefficient on the composition of a metal compound is characterized by measuring the extinction coefficients of a series of the metal compound with different compositions. A monitor metal film is then deposited on a wafer. The extinction coefficient k of the film on the wafer is measured and a film compositional parameter is extracted. The wafer processing may continue if k is in specification or the needed compositional change in the film may be extracted from the measured value of the k and the established dependence of k on the composition of the film for out-of-spec k values. |
US07772015B2 |
Observation method of wafer ion implantation defect
An analysis method of wafer ion implant is presented, the steps of the method comprises: (a) cleave a wafer for analysis, and (b) from these pieces of wafers determine which ones are wafer with defect and set an insulator on the wafer with defect, (c) finally, use scanning electron microscope to observe whether the ion implant on the wafer with defect was correct or not. Whereby, engineers can take less time to analyze whether the ion implant of the wafer is correct or not with 100% repeatability. |
US07772011B2 |
Method and kit for detection of autoimmune chronic urticaria
Disclosed is a rapid, non-invasive and highly specific and sensitive diagnostic assay for the identification of individuals with autoimmune chronic urticaria, which makes use of CD203c, and in some embodiments, additional proteins, as a marker for the disease. Test kits for diagnosis of an individual suspected of having autoimmune chronic urticaria are also disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of identifying compounds useful for treating autoimmune chronic urticaria and a method of treating autoimmune chronic urticaria. |
US07772008B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining liquid volume
A method, apparatus and kit for precisely and accurately determining the volume of a liquid aliquot which can be used to calibrate a liquid delivery device. Two dye-containing solutions, a sample solution and a diluent solution, are prepared such that each solution contains a different dye, with the solutions having different absorbance values at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength. The absorbance value of a known volume of diluent solution is measured at both wavelengths. Either one aliquot of sample solution is added to the diluent solution and then absorbance measurements are made at both wavelengths, or multiple aliquots of sample solution are mixed serially into the diluent solution and then absorbance measurements are made at both wavelengths after each aliquot is added. The volume of any single aliquot is calculated by using a two-step formula which is based on the Beer-Lambert law. |
US07772007B2 |
Assay device for direct measurement of LDL cholesterol
An assay device and method for measuring the concentration of LDL-associated cholesterol in a blood-fluid sample are described. The method employs selective precipitation of VLDL and chylomicrons and immunoseparation of HDL from a blood fluid sample. The assay device allows the assay to be performed entirely in a flow strip format. |
US07772005B1 |
Method of establishing an equine artificial insemination sample
Non-surgical artificial insemination is achieved for sexed and unsexed equines in a commercially practical manner and with dosages of insemination sperm which were not previously thought to be practical for commercial implementation. Practical and field usable techniques for insemination are presented as well as techniques which offer success ratios at level comparable to the existing routine, high dosage unsexed artificial insemination techniques in equines. Improved insemination and sorting systems particularly adapted to use for sex-selected sperm are disclosed. |
US07772004B2 |
Method and device for determining petroleum characteristics of geologic sediments
The invention relates to a method allowing to determine at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample, wherein the sample is heated in an oxidizing atmosphere, its temperature being successively raised to a first, then to a second value, said first value below 200° C. being reached very quickly, then maintained substantially constant for a certain time, said second value ranging between 600° C. and 850° C. being reached with a temperature gradient ranging between 1 and 30° C./min, from said first value. According to the invention, the amount of SO2 contained by the effluent resulting from said oxidizing heating is measured continuously, every moment of the heating period of said sample. |
US07772001B2 |
Directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells into an endoderm cell
Methods are described for mapping a pathway of differentiation of a population of embryonic cells that includes exposing the cells to an exogenous factor and measuring gene expression products that are characteristic of a particular cell type or lineage. Directing differentiation of human embryonic cells relies on dissociated embryoid bodies that are then exposed to one or more exogenous factors to enrich a culture for a particular cell type. The differentiated cells may be used for treating a medical condition in a human. Kits for determining differentiation pathways and screening exogenous factors for their utility in differentiation are provided. |
US07772000B2 |
Method and apparatus for mechanical stimulation of tissue in vitro
The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for mechanical stimulation in vitro of tissue, wherein tissue patches (1) are retained in a tissue carrier (2), thereby presenting first surfaces (3) to be stimulated in a plane (X) and wherein a roller (4) having a second surface (5) arranged at its periphery is moved parallel to said plane (X), thereby imposing selected forces on said first surfaces (3) by said second surface (5) for stimulating the tissue patches (1). By presenting the surfaces (3) to be stimulated in a common plane (X) and by moving the roller (4) parallel to said common plane (X) of the first surfaces (3), serving several tissue carriers (2) with one roller (4) is made easy, thus integration into an industrial production is made practicable. |
US07771997B2 |
Enhanced expression and stability regions
Expression-enhancing nucleotide sequences for expression in eukaryotic systems are provided that allow for enhanced and stable expression of recombinant proteins in eukaryotic cells. Enhanced expression and stability regions (EESYRs) are provided for expression of a gene of interest in a eukaryotic cell. Chromosomal loci, sequences, and vectors are provided for enhanced and stable expression of genes in eukaryotic cells. |
US07771991B2 |
Cell cultivating flask
A stackable flask for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture chamber is defined by a top plate and a rigid bottom tray of substantially rectangular shape connected by side and end walls, the body of the flask has imparted therein an opening connected to an angled neck, the neck being hydrophobic to keep fluid out. The neck is also modified to accept a snap-fit cap with a modified stepped skirt. The stepped skirt further prevents contamination by protecting the inner mating surface from contacting a surface. The size of the flask and location of an optional separate neck and cap section allows for flask manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, making the flask ideal for high throughput applications. |
US07771990B2 |
Bioluminescence monitor
A bioluminescence monitor comprises a photodetector 19 for detecting the amount of light emitted by a sample vessel 11 in a chamber 13. A reflector in the chamber 13 comprises a pair of elongate concave surfaces 16A, 16B which reflect a large proportion of the emitted light towards the photodetector 19. The monitor is calibrated by an LED 20 directed at the photodetector 19 and driven by a pulsed drive signal to provide a light output similar to the light output of an actual sample. The LED 20 is not continuously driven over the calibration period and thus does not heat up significantly enough to effect the level of the light output. |
US07771980B2 |
Production of poxviruses with adherent or non adherent avian cell lines
The present invention relates to a method for replicating poxviruses such as vaccinia virus comprising the steps of inoculating avian embryonic stem cells with viral particles and culturing said cells in a basal medium until cells lysis occurs and newly produced viral particles are released in said medium. |
US07771978B2 |
β1,4mannosyltransferases
The unique function of the gene egghead as a GDP-mannose: Glcβ1-Cer β1,4 mannosyltransferase is disclosed. The invention discloses isolated DNA molecules and DNA constructs encoding fragments of egghead and derivatives thereof by way of amino acid deletions, substitutions or insertions exhibiting egghead activity, as well as cloning and expression vectors including such DNA, cells transfected with vectors, and recombinant methods for providing egghead protein. Further, the invention discloses methods of obtaining β1,4-mannosylated glycosphingolipids by use of an enzymatically active egghead protein or by using cells stably transfected with a vector including DNA encoding an enzymatically active egghead protein as an expression system for recombinant production of such glycosphingolipids. Also a method for changing, altering or blocking the glycosphingolipid synthesis of cells by stably or transiently transfection with a vector including DNA encoding enzymatically active egghead protein. Furthermore, a novel method for stimulation of the immune system by cell surface presentation of βMan residues is disclosed. |
US07771976B2 |
Method for producing a non-aromatic L-amino acid using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family having expression of the csrA gene attenuated
The present invention provides a method for producing a non-aromatic L-amino acid using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, particularly a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia or Pantoea, which has been modified to attenuate expression of the csrA gene. |
US07771972B2 |
Gene cluster of pederin biosynthesis genes
The present invention relates to the cloning, sequencing and analysing of a gene cluster encoding a modular polyketide synthase enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the antitumor compound pederin. This novel cluster represents the first example of genes from an unculturable symbiont encoding the biosynthesis of a drug candidate. |
US07771970B2 |
Process for preparation of polypeptides of interest from fusion polypeptides
The present invention relates to a process of separation a protein of interest comprising expressing the protein of interest fused with a fusion partner, selectively adsorbing on matrix, and performing efficient cleavage reaction on the fusion protein adsorbed on matrix or separated from the matrix, and recovering the protein of interest. Also, the present invention provides a fusion protein comprising a protein of interest and a fusion partner, wherein the fusion partner comprises an amino acid sequence which can be cleaved by ubiquitin cleavage enzyme at its C-terminus, and which has a difference in isoelectric point of 1 or more from the protein of interest. According to the present invention, the proteins of interest can be purified in high yield and purity. In addition, complicated separating processes required in the production of recombinant proteins can be eliminated so as to cut down the production cost. |
US07771968B2 |
Gene upregulated in cancers of the prostate
The present invention relates to a novel protein designated 20P2H8 which shares homology with several heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs). A full length approximately 3600 bp 20P2H8 cDNA (SEQ ID NO: 1, encoding a 517 amino acid open reading frame (SEQ ID NO: 2), is provided herein. |
US07771966B2 |
Polypeptide cleavage process
A palladatepalladium-promoted hydrolytic polypeptide cleavage process which selectively cleaves the polypeptide at a Cys-His cleavage site comprising solubilizing the polypeptide in a reaction mixture comprised of a palladatepalladium promoter dissolved in a high-concentration acidic organic acid solvent. |
US07771965B2 |
Tumor endothelial marker 5α molecules and uses thereof
The present invention provides Tumor Endothelial Marker 5α (TEM5α) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing TEM5α polypeptides. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration, or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with TEM5α polypeptides. |
US07771962B2 |
CD10-activated prodrug compounds
The compounds of the invention are modified forms of therapeutic agents. A typical prodrug compound of the invention comprises a therapeutic agent, an oligopeptide, a stabilizing group and, optionally, a linker group. The prodrug is cleavable by the CD10 enzyme. Methods of treatment using the prodrug and methods of designing the prodrug are also disclosed. |
US07771949B2 |
Homogeneous multiplex screening kits
Kits for highly multiplexed homogeneous in vitro screening assays for numerous possible nucleic acid targets, any of which might be present in a sample, that utilize fluorescent hybridization probes that are combinatorially coded from a panel of fluorophores by subdividing each probe into portions and differently labeling each portion such that, when portions are combined, each probe has a unique code. The kits may include reagents and primers for target amplification and real-time detection. |
US07771948B2 |
Feline hemoplasma isolate
A newly identified hemoplasma agent, Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, is disclosed. Also disclosed are detection methods, screening methods and methods of diagnosis for the hemoplasma agent. |
US07771946B2 |
Methods, kits and compositions for single primer linear isothermal amplification of nucleic acid sequences
The invention provides methods for isothermal amplification of RNA. The methods are particularly suitable for amplifying a plurality of RNA species in a sample. The methods employ a composite primer, a second primer and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In another aspect, the methods employ a single primer (which is a composite primer) and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In some embodiments, a transcription step is included to generate multiple copies of sense RNA of an RNA sequence of interest. The methods are useful for preparation of nucleic acid libraries and substrates for analysis of gene expression of cells in biological samples. The invention also provides compositions and kits for practicing the amplification methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products. |
US07771945B2 |
Apparatus and method for preparative scale purification of nucleic acids
Apparatus and methods are described for pharmaceutical grade manufacture extrachromosomal nucleic acids from cell lysates using flotation to separate and eliminate undesired insoluble cellular debris including chromosomal DNA from the lysates. A gas is introduced to controllably generate bubbles that reduce the density of the cell debris and create a buoyant flocculent phase that can be readily separated from, and thus provide, a substantially clarified fluid lysate phase that is enriched in extrachromosomal DNA but substantially depleted of cellular proteins and chromosomal DNA. |
US07771942B2 |
Genetic marker for prostate cancer
The invention provides a method for determining a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer in a male human subject. In one aspect, the method comprises determining whether the subject has the genotype GG of refSNP rs125555, where the genotype GG of refSNP rs125555 indicates that the subject is genetically predisposed to prostate cancer. |
US07771938B2 |
Nonlinear spectroscopic methods for identifying and characterizing molecular interactions
This invention provides methods and devices for identifying and/or characterizing interactions involving molecules, including, but not limited to, identifying and/or characterizing interactions involving target molecules and candidate molecules. The present invention provides methods using multidimensional infrared spectrographic techniques, such as four wave mixing and pump-probe techniques, for identifying interactions involving biomolecules and therapeutic candidate molecules, and for characterizing such interactions in terms of their binding coefficients and/or equilibrium constants. |
US07771937B2 |
Methods for predicting late onset Alzheimer disease in an individual
Methods for diagnosis or prognosis of late onset Alzheimer disease in an individual are provided which comprise detecting at least one polymorphism of a low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein 6 gene. |
US07771935B2 |
Evolving new molecular function
Nature evolves biological molecules such as proteins through iterated rounds of diversification, selection, and amplification. The power of Nature and the flexibility of organic synthesis are combined in nucleic acid-templated synthesis. The present invention provides a variety of template architectures for performing nucleic acid-templated synthesis, methods for increasing the selectivity of nucleic acid-templated reactions, methods for performing stereoselective nucleic acid-templated reactions, methods of selecting for reaction products resulting from nucleic acid-templated synthesis, and methods of identifying new chemical reactions based on nucleic acid-templated synthesis. |
US07771934B2 |
Methods and compositions for generation of multiple copies of nucleic acid sequences and methods of detection thereof
The present invention provides novel isothermal methods of generating multiple copies of, detecting and/or quantifying nucleic acid sequences of interest based on limited primer extension or attachment of oligonucleotide pairs using composite RNA/DNA primers. Methods for generating multiple copies of and/or detecting and/or quantifying nucleic acid sequences, wherein products of primer extension or attachment of oligonucleotide pairs comprising a cleavable portion are generated, and wherein cleavage of the products results in dissociation of cleaved products from target polynucleotides, are provided. The invention further provides compositions, kits and systems for practicing these methods. |
US07771933B2 |
Localized temperature control for spatial arrays of reaction media
Individual temperature control in multiple reactions performed simultaneously in a spatial array such as a multi-well plate is achieved by thermoelectric modules with individual control, with each module supplying heat to or drawing heat from a single region within the array, the region containing either a single reaction vessel or a group of reaction vessels. |
US07771931B2 |
Methods for diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions associated with protein kinase Cλ
The invention provides methods of diagnosing diseases and conditions associated with PKCλ, methods for identifying compounds that can be used to treat or to prevent such diseases and conditions, and methods of using these compounds to treat or to prevent such diseases and conditions. Also provided in the invention are animal model systems that can be used in screening methods. |
US07771922B2 |
Biomolecule diagnostic device
A biosensor includes a substrate member with a pattern of active areas of receptive material and a pattern of blocking material layers. The receptive material and blocking material are attached to the substrate member with a photo-reactive crosslinking agent activated in a masking process. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. |
US07771919B2 |
High refractive index fluids for immersion lithography
Provided are liquid compositions suitable for use as immersion liquids in immersion lithography, and immersion lithography processes and apparatus using the compositions. |
US07771916B2 |
Polymerizable composition and planographic printing plate precursor
The present invention provides a polymerizable composition comprising (A) a compound represented by the following formula (I), (B) an infrared absorbent, and (C) a compound having at least one addition-polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated bond, and a negative planographic printing plate precursor having a recording layer containing the polymerizable composition. In the formula (I), R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group; and X− represents an anion. |
US07771914B2 |
Resist composition and patterning process
A resist composition comprises a polymer comprising recurring units having formula (1) wherein R1, R4, R7, and R14 are H or methyl, R2, R3, R15, and R16 are H, alkyl or fluoroalkyl, R is F or H, R5 is alkylene, R6 is fluorinated alkyl, R8 is a single bond or alkylene, R10 and R11 are H, F, methyl or trifluoromethyl, R12 and R13 are a single bond, —O— or —CR18R19—, R9, R18, and R19 are H, F, methyl or trifluoromethyl, R17 is alkylene, X1, X2 and X3 are —C(═O)—O—, —O—, or —C(═O)—R20—C(═O)—O— wherein R20 is alkylene, 0≦(a-1)<1, 0≦(a-2)<1, 0≦(a-3)<1, 0<(a-1)+(a-2)+(a-3)<1, 0 |
US07771912B2 |
Positive resist composition and pattern forming method using the same
A positive resist composition comprises: (A) a resin of which solubility in an alkali developer increases under the action of an acid, (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation, (C) a resin having at least one repeating unit selected from fluorine atom-containing repeating units represented by the following formulae (1-1), (1-2) and (1-3), the resin being stable to an acid and insoluble in an alkali developer, and (D) a solvent: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; R2 represents a fluoroalkyl group; R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group; R4 to R7 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, an alkyl group, a fluoroalkyl group, an alkoxy group or a fluoroalkoxy group, provided that at least one of R4 to R7 represents a fluorine atom, and R4 and R5, or R6 and R7 may combine to form a ring; R8 represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom or a monovalent organic group; Rf represents a fluorine atom or a fluorine atom-containing monovalent organic group; L represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; Q represents an alicyclic structure; and k represents an integer of 0 to 3. |
US07771906B2 |
Exposure method
An exposure method for exposing a pattern of a reticle onto a plate using a light from a light source and an optical system includes the steps of obtaining a relationship between an exposure parameter that determines a mode to expose a plate, and an electrical characteristic of a device derived from the device, determining whether the device obtained from the set exposure parameter has a predetermined electrical characteristic, and adjusting the set exposure parameter based on the relationship between the exposure parameter and the electrical characteristic, if the determining step determines that the device does not have the predetermined electrical characteristic. |
US07771897B2 |
Photomask for forming a resist pattern and manufacturing method thereof, and resist-pattern forming method using the photomask
A method includes; a step of setting square mask cells in rows and columns on a transparent mask-substrate surface by demarcating by orthogonal lines of equal intervals, each of which has one side having a length smaller than a resolution limit of an optical system; a step of setting the resist thicknesses corresponding to the mask cells; a step of assigning normalized light-intensities respectively to the mask cells as transmission intensities, corresponding to the film thicknesses and having three or more different values; a step of setting each of the mask cells a light-transmission area and a shade-area and determining a transmission-light intensity by an transmission area ratio; a step of providing shade films on the shade areas of the mask substrate. |
US07771896B2 |
Patterning device, method of providing a patterning device, photolithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A patterning device for a photolithographic apparatus is used to form a patterned radiation beam, by imparting a cross-sectional pattern to the radiation beam during reflection from the patterning device. The patterning device comprises a layer of phase-change material that is capable of locally undergoing an induced structural phase change into respective ones of a plurality of stable and/or metastable states. Furthermore, the patterning device comprises a radiation reflective structure with periodically arranged layers adjacent to the layer of phase-change material. The radiation reflective structures do not partake in the phase changes. By locally changing the phase of the phase-change material, the reflectivity of the whole structure is modified, for example due to thickness changes in the layer of phase-change material that lead to destructive interference of different components of the reflected light or due to changes in surface roughness of the radiation reflective structure. |
US07771895B2 |
Method of etching extreme ultraviolet light (EUV) photomasks
Embodiments of methods of etching EUV photomasks are provided herein. In one embodiment, a method of etching an extreme ultraviolet photomask includes providing a photomask comprising, in order, a substrate, a multi-material layer, a capping layer, and a multi-layer absorber layer, the multilayer absorber layer comprising a self-mask layer disposed over a bulk absorber layer, wherein the self-mask layer comprises tantalum and oxygen and the bulk absorber layer comprises tantalum and essentially no oxygen; etching the self-mask layer using a first etch process; and etching the bulk absorber layer using a second etch process different than the first, wherein the etch rate of the bulk absorber layer is greater than the etch rate of the self-mask layer during the second etch process. |
US07771894B2 |
Photomask having self-masking layer and methods of etching same
A photomask structure and method of etching is provided herein. In one embodiment, a photomask includes a translucent substrate and an opaque multi-layer absorber layer disposed over the substrate. The opaque multi-layer absorber layer comprises a self-mask layer disposed over a bulk absorber layer. The self-mask layer comprises one of nitrogenized tantalum and silicon-based materials (TaSiON), tantalum boron oxide-based materials (TaBO), or oxidized and nitrogenized tantalum-based materials (TaON). The bulk absorber layer comprises on of tantalum silicide-based materials (TaSi), nitrogenized tantalum boride-based materials (TaBN), or tantalum nitride-based materials (TaN). The self-mask layer has a low etch rate during the bulk absorber layer etch step, thereby acting as a hard mask. |
US07771888B2 |
Anode air purge valve design
A purge valve for a split fuel cell stack design that prevents a direct flow path between the anode sides of the split stacks. The purge valve includes an inlet port that receives purge air from a compressor, a first outlet port in fluid communication with the anode side of one of the split stacks and a second outlet port in fluid communication with the anode side of the other split stack. A spring biased shaft maintains a diaphragm in a closed position to close off the flow channels between the inlet port and the first outlet port, the inlet port and the second outlet port and the first and second outlet ports during normal fuel cell operation. A hole is provided through the diaphragm to provide pressure equalization in the chamber. |
US07771880B2 |
Solid composite electrolyte membrane and method of making
A solid composite electrolyte membrane for use in a lithium battery is provided which exhibits a conductivity ranging from about 10−4 S cm−1 to about 10−3 S cm−1 at ambient temperature. The membrane is formed by providing a glass or glass-ceramic powder formed from a mixture of lithium carbonate, alumina, titanium dioxide, and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate. The powder is mixed with a conditioning agent and at least one solvent, followed by the addition of a binder and one or more plasticizers. The resulting slurry is cast into a tape which is then subjected to a binder burn-off and sintering process to form the membrane. The resulting membrane may be a glass-ceramic composite having a porosity ranging from 0 to 50%, or the membrane may be further infiltrated with a polymer to form a water-impermeable polymeric-ceramic composite membrane. |
US07771871B2 |
Nanocrystal oxide/glass composite mesoporous powder or thin film, process for producing the same, and utilizing the powder or thin film, various devices, secondary battery and lithium storing device
The present invention aims to realize (1) manufacture of a mesoporous composite powder or thin film composed of nanocrystalline metal oxide—glass having a three-dimensional structure with a large specific surface area, (2) construction of a porous structure framework with nanocrystalline metal oxide crystal and a slight amount of glass phase (SiO2 or P2O5, B2O3), (3) control of crystal growth of metal oxide with a slight amount of glass phase (SiO2 or P2O5, B2O3), (4) simplification of the manufacturing process, and (5) use thereof in manufacture of a lithium intercalation electric device, photocatalytic device, solar battery and energy storage device. Provided are a nanocrystal oxide—glass mesoporous composite powder or thin film having a three-dimensional structure with regularly arranged mesopores, and a secondary battery comprising the same. |
US07771865B2 |
Battery unit
A battery unit comprises a bypass structure. The bypass structure includes a bypass exit opening formed at one end of a second direction traversing a first direction at a first end of the battery case, the first direction being oriented from the first end to a second end at which an outlet is formed, a bypass entrance opening formed in a central part of the battery case along the first direction and in a central part along the second direction, a bypass duct by which the bypass exit opening communicates with the bypass entrance opening, and a flow path which guides a cooling gas downstream of the bypass entrance opening to both sides of the second direction. |
US07771862B2 |
Cap assembly and a safety valve for a secondary battery
A secondary battery with a maximized cycle-life having a multi-stage safety valve so as to lower the inner pressure of the battery in stages. The multi-stage safety valve is installed on a case and the secondary battery is equipped with an electrode assembly including both positive and negative electrodes and a separator interposed therebetween. |
US07771859B2 |
Fuel cell
A fuel cell includes an electrolyte layer, a first electrode which is provided on one surface of the electrolyte layer and to which fuel is supplied, and a second electrode which is provided on the other surface of the electrolyte layer and to which an oxidant is supplied. The first electrode contains an additive having an oxidation-reduction potential which is higher than a potential of formation reaction for forming a proton from the fuel and which is lower than an oxidation potential of a component contained in the first electrode. |
US07771857B2 |
Proton-conducting polymer membrane
A polymer electrolyte membrane includes a membrane polymer made of monomer units that have aromatic polyarylenes groups with proton-conducting functional groups bound to the aromatic polyarylene groups. The polymer electrolyte membrane can be used as a proton-conducting polymer membrane between the electrodes in a fuel cell. |
US07771855B2 |
Fuel cell system including a two-position back-pressure valve
A fuel cell system that employs a two-position valve at the cathode exhaust gas output for controlling the pressure within the fuel cell stack to control the stack relative humidity. In one embodiment, the two-position valve is switchable between a fully open and a fully closed position, where the valve is opened when the fuel cell system is operating at a low operation temperature and the valve is closed when the fuel cell system is operating at a high operation temperature. A fixed restriction valve is provided in parallel with the two-position valve so that when the two-position valve is fully closed, the proper amount of pressure is provided at the cathode output. In another embodiment, the two-position valve employs sized leak paths so that when the two-position valve is in the closed position, the cathode exhaust gas can still flow through. |
US07771849B2 |
Method of reducing dislocations in group III nitride crystal, and substrate for epitaxial growth
An epitaxial substrate including a single-crystal base material and an upper layer of a group III nitride crystal film which is epitaxially formed on a main surface of the base material undergoes heating treatment in a nitrogen atmosphere at 1950° C. or higher for one minute. The result showed that, while a γ-ALON layer was formed only at the interface between the base material and the upper layer, the dislocation density in the group III nitride crystal was reduced to one tenth or less of the dislocation density before the heating treatment. The result also showed that the surface of the epitaxial substrate after the heating treatment had a reduced number of pits, which confirmed that high-temperature and short-time heating treatment was effective at improving the crystal quality and surface flatness of the group III nitride crystal. |
US07771839B2 |
Aluminum alloy brazing sheet
An aluminum alloy brazing sheet which has a clad of a sacrificial anode material/a core alloy/an intermediate material/a filler alloy, wherein number density ratios N1/N2 and N1/N3 each are 1.5 or more, in which a number density ((the number of grains)/μm3) of an intermetallic compound having a sphere-equivalent grain diameter of 0.1 μm or less present in the core alloy, the intermediate material, and the sacrificial anode material, is represented by N1, N2, and N3, respectively. |
US07771837B2 |
Derived timber board with a surface coating applied at least in parts
A derived timber board with a surface coating applied at least in parts is characterized in that at least one coating of a synthetic resin reinforced with fibers is applied as a surface coating. A method for applying the coating is also described. |
US07771836B2 |
Golden ornament and process for producing the same
A golden ornament includes a base material; a Ti coating film which is formed on a surface of the base material in an atmosphere of an inert gas other than nitrogen and whose Ti atom content is constant in the thickness direction; a TiN gradient coating film which is formed on the Ti coating film and whose N atom content has a gradient in the thickness direction; a TiN coating film which is formed on the TiN gradient coating film and whose contents of Ti atoms and N atoms are constant in the thickness direction; an Au—TiN mixture gradient coating film which is formed on the TiN coating film and whose Au atom content has a gradient in the thickness direction; and an Au—TiN mixture coating film which is formed on the Au—TiN mixture gradient coating film and whose contents of Au atoms, Ti atoms, and N atoms are constant in the thickness direction. The golden ornament may further include an Au coating film or an Au alloy coating film which is formed on the Au—TiN mixture coating film and whose Au atom content is constant in the thickness direction. |
US07771835B2 |
Copper electrolytic solution containing quaternary amine compound with specific skeleton and oragno-sulfur compound as additives, and electrolytic copper foil manufactured using the same
It is an object of the present invention to obtain a low-profile electrolytic copper foil with a small surface roughness on the side of the rough surface (the opposite side from the lustrous surface) in the manufacture of an electrolytic copper foil using a cathode drum, and more particularly to obtain an electrolytic copper foil which allows fine patterning, and which is superior in terms of elongation and tensile strength at ordinary temperatures and high temperatures. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to obtain a copper electrolytic solution for this purpose. This copper electrolytic solution contains as additives an organo-sulfur compound and a quaternary amine compound with a specific skeleton. |
US07771828B2 |
Binder composition applied for polyester type films and optical film using the same
A binder composition for polyester type films showing superior transparency, film hardness and solvent resistance as well as superior adhesion to polyester type films and an optical film using the composition are provided. The binder composition for polyester type films of the present invention contains a high-molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (a), an acrylic polyol (b), an isocyanate type curing agent (c), and a polyester resin (d). The optical film of the present invention is an optical film including a polyester type film and a functional layer provided on the polyester type film, the functional layer containing a high-molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (a), an acrylic polyol (b), an isocyanate type curing agent (c), and a polyester resin (d). |
US07771827B2 |
Composition for the cold preparation of composite materials for adhesive bonding
The present invention relates to a liquid composition for the cold preparation of laminate composite materials so as to confer to them, without preliminary sanding or abrasion, a surface state favorable to adhesive bonding with polyurethane type adhesives comprising (a) at least one polar aprotic solvent (TPA); (b) at least one ether (TE) selected from ethers, ether-esters, and ether-ketones having: a molar volume less than 200 cm3/mole and preferably less than 160 cm3/mole, a molecule devoid of a hydroxyl function, and (c) at least one activator (TA) comprising at least one reactive nitrogenous function of the —NH2 and/or —NH— type of molar volume less than 100 cm3/mole. |
US07771826B2 |
Antireflection film, producing method of antireflection film, polarizing plate and display device
Disclosed is an antireflection film having an antireflection layer excellent in chemical resistance, surface hardness and wet-heat-resistant adhesion. Also disclosed are a method for producing such an antireflection film, a polarizing plate using such an antireflection film, and a display. Specifically disclosed is an antireflection film which comprises a hard coat layer and an antireflection layer on at least one side of a transparent resin film. This antireflection film is characterized in that the hard coat layer contains at least an active ray curable resin, a silicone surface active agent and a polyoxyether compound, and the mass ratio between the silicone surface active agent content and the polyoxyether compound content is from 1.0:1.0 to 0.10:1.0. |
US07771819B2 |
Multilayer insulated wire and transformer made using the same
A multilayer insulated wire has a conductor and two or more extrusion-insulating layers to cover the conductor, wherein at least one layer of the insulating layers other than an innermost layer is formed by a resin mixture containing a polyphenylene sulfide resin (A) as a continuous phase and an olefin-based copolymer ingredient (B) as a dispersed phase, or wherein at least one layer of the insulating layers other than an innermost layer is formed by a resin mixture containing a polyphenylene sulfide resin (A) as a continuous phase, and an olefin-based copolymer ingredient (B) and a polyamide (E) as a dispersed phase; a transformer is made by the multilayer insulated wire. |
US07771817B2 |
Gasket material
A gasket material contains a steel plate and a foamed rubber layer disposed on both sides or one side of the steel plate. The foamed rubber layer is provided by a process including foaming a pre-foamed layer containing a pre-foamed composition. The pre-foamed layer has a thickness of 15 to 50 .mu.m, and the pre-foamed composition has a foaming factor of 2 to 4. |
US07771816B2 |
Information carrier precursor and information carrier produced therewith
Information carrier precursor comprising: a rigid sheet or support and a receiving layer configuration comprising at least one layer, wherein at least one layer of the receiving layer configuration is opaque, porous, has the capability of being rendered substantially transparent by penetration by a lacquer provided at the outermost surface of the receiving layer configuration and comprises at least one pigment, at least one binder and a pattern-wise applied diffusion inhibitor selected from the group consisting of silicones substituted with a polyalkyleneoxy-group, anionic surfactants having a fluoroalkyl-group with at least 7 carbon atoms and/or an alkyl group with at least 10 carbon atoms and/or an alkenyl group with at least 10 carbon atoms and/or two alkyl groups with at least 8 carbon atoms and cationic surfactants having a fluoroalkyl-group with at least 7 carbon atoms and/or an alkyl group with at least 10 carbon atoms and/or two alkyl groups with at least 8 carbon atoms; a method for producing the above-mentioned information carrier precursor; a method for producing an information carrier; and information carriers produced therewith. |
US07771814B2 |
Former for pavement-like sites
A former, process for making same, process for using same, and resulting pavement-like site, where the former is a one-time use structure made of wood fiber or paper pulp molded into a rigid shape and defining a plurality of hollow peak-like structures extending from a base sheet. Each peak is substantially closed at its extremity away from the base sheet and open at the extremity at the base sheet. This former is used for installing combination pavement and dirt/gravel surfaces such as those known under the tradename Grasscrete®. |
US07771809B2 |
Shaped honeycomb
This invention relates to a honeycomb comprising cells having edges forming a face of the honeycomb, the face defined by a plurality of points and having an area of curvature wherein at least two of the points are located in different tangential planes, the walls of the cells comprising 5 to 50 parts by weight thermoplastic material having a melting point of from 120° C. to 350° C., and 50 to 95 parts by weight of a high modulus fiber having a modulus of 600 grams per denier (550 grams per dtex) or greater, based on the total amount of thermoplastic material and high modulus fiber in the walls; wherein less than 25 percent of the honeycomb cells in the area of curvature have a re-entrant angle of greater than 180 degrees. This invention also relates to articles including panels and/or aerodynamic structures comprising the honeycomb. |
US07771808B2 |
Wet friction member
A carbon fiber composite material (10) is provided which includes carbon fibers (11), a matrix (12) binding the carbon fibers (11) together, and pores (13), and a volume fraction of the carbon fibers (11) exclusive of the pores (13) is not less than 45% and up to 80%. The carbon fiber composite material (10) may preferably have a porous structure of which a porosity is not more than 20% and up to 70%. This carbon fiber composite material (10) has a high static friction coefficient (μS), and low μ ratio, and thus is suitable for a wet friction member (e.g., carbon disc 5) which is excellent in both of static friction performance and dynamic friction performance. |
US07771805B1 |
Low organic vapor permeation resin composition
The invention relates to a novel composition comprising at least one polyphthalamide reactively extruded with at least one other polyamide, a polyester, and a modifier. The composition can be further modified with fillers to add increased strength. Other additives such as colorants, flame retardants, and UV degradation inhibitors are also contemplated. This composition exhibits superior barrier to organic vapors, impact strength and heat distortion temperatures. Also disclosed are articles using this novel composition such as fuel tanks for gasoline engines used to power lawn mowers and garden machinery. |
US07771804B2 |
Inkjet recording medium
An inkjet recording medium, including a support and an ink receiving layer formed on at least one face of the support, wherein the inkjet recording medium satisfies at least one of the following conditions (i) and (ii): (i) the arithmetical mean deviation of the assessed profile Ra, as specified in JIS-B-0601(2001), of a surface of the ink receiving layer, determined with an evaluation length of 2.5 mm and a cutoff value of 0.8 mm, is 0.3 to 1.2 μm, and the peak value (reflectance) of the surface of the ink receiving layer, as determined by a goniophotometer, is in the range of 30 to 80%; and (ii) the arithmetical mean deviation of the assessed profile Ra, as specified in JIS-B0601(2001), of a surface of the support, determined with an evaluation length of 2.5 mm and a cutoff value of 0.8 mm, is 0.3 to 1.5 μm, and the peak value (reflectance) of the surface of the support, as determined by a goniophotometer, is in the range of 20 to 80%. |
US07771802B2 |
Optical compensation film, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display apparatus
An optical compensation film having: a retardation value Re in a film plane of the optical compensation film; and a retardation value Rth in a thickness direction of the optical compensation film, the retardation value Re and Rth being reduced by an elongation, satisfying the formula (1) and (2) without the elongation, and satisfying the formula (3) to (6) after the elongation: Re=0 to 30 nm (1) Rth=−50 to 50 nm (2) Re(n)=−500 to 0 nm (3) Rth(n)=−800 to 0 nm (4) Re(n)−Re(0)<0 (5) Rth(n)−Rth(0)<0 (6). |
US07771798B1 |
Method for producing composite layers using a plasma jet source
A method is for producing a functional coating, e.g., composite layers or metal alloys, on a substrate using at least one plasma jet source able to be operated in a fine vacuum up to an almost atmospheric pressure range. For this purpose, the plasma jet source produces a plasma, which emerges from the plasma jet source in the form of a plasma jet and acts on a substrate. In this context, at least two precursor materials, which are modified or fused in the plasma jet and subsequently deposited on the substrate, are introduced into the plasma. |
US07771792B2 |
Method and apparatus for alkaline saponification of polymer film
The present invention provides a method for alkaline saponification of a polymer film, comprising: an alkaline-solution coating step of coating a polymer film with an alkaline solution; a temperature keeping step of keeping the polymer film coated with the alkaline solution at temperature equal to or higher than room temperature; a reaction terminating step of terminating the reaction by applying a diluting solvent or an acid solution to the polymer film kept at the temperature; and a washing step of washing away the alkaline solution from the polymer film on which the reaction has been terminated, wherein the reaction terminating step uses a bar coater having a flat-surface bar to apply the diluting solvent or acid solution to the polymer film and remove the alkaline solution from the polymer film. |
US07771790B2 |
Method and system for fabricating a nano-structure
A method and system for fabricating nano-scale structures, such as channels (i.e., nano-channels) or vias (i.e., nano-vias). An open nano-structure, is formed in a substrate. Thereafter, a conformal material film may be deposited within and over the nano-structure using an optional first deposition process condition, and then the open nano-structure is closed off to form a closed nano-scale structure using a second deposition process condition, including one or more process steps. |
US07771788B2 |
Spherical ultrafine particles and process for producing the same
The method of the present invention can 1) produce spherical and scaly ultrafine particles without pulverization, 2) obtain spherical ultrafine particles having a sharp spherical particle diameter distribution without requiring a sieving step, 3) produce spherical ultrafine particles extremely approximating a true circle and possessing a particle diameter of 100 nm˜50,000 nm allowing selection of a size suitable for the particular purpose of use and 4) produce spherical ultrafine particles on a commercial scale at low cost. There is also provided spherical ultrafine particles produced by the above production process. The spherical ultrafine particles of the present invention are characterized by a form having circularity of 0.9 to 1.0 and a particle diameter of 0.01 μm to 10 μm without pulverization. The spherical ultrafine particles can be produced by the method of the present invention using as a nozzle a base having special through holes and hole density. In this base nozzle, the through holes have a diameter of 0.05 μm˜50 μm, a through hole aspect ratio of 5 to 200 and a hole density of 100 to 7,000/cm2. |
US07771787B2 |
Particle lithography method and ordered structures prepared thereby
Particles having a non-uniform property, such as non-uniform charge, can be used to form complex yet controlled particle assemblies. In one method of fabrication, particles are located on a substrate, and a surface treatment applied to the exposed portion of the particle surface. The surface treatment modifies the particle properties within the exposed portion. One or more lithographed regions are not exposed to the surface treatment, providing spatial selectivity in inter-particle bonding after the particles are removed from the substrate. |
US07771785B2 |
Magnetic film and method of manufacturing magnetic film
A magnetic film comprises a platinum layer having a (001) plane orientation and an island-shaped iron-platinum crystalline arranged on the platinum layer and having a (001) plane orientation parallel to the (001) plane orientation of the platinum layer, wherein the island-shaped iron-platinum crystalline has a composition region consisting of 50 atomic % of each of iron and platinum and exhibits a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy having a high coercive force in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the platinum layer. |
US07771784B2 |
Thin film production method and apparatus
A method for forming a thin film material which comprises depositing solid particles from a flowing suspension or aerosol onto a filter and next adhering the solid particles to a second substrate using an adhesive. |
US07771779B2 |
Planarized microelectronic substrates
The instant invention is a process for planarizing a microelectronic substrate with a cross-linked polymer dielectric layer, comprising the steps of: (a) heating such a substrate coated with a layer comprising an uncured cross-linkable polymer and a glass transition suppression modifier to a temperature greater than the glass transition temperature of the layer, the temperature being less than the curing temperature of the uncured cross-linkable polymer to form a substrate coated with a heat flowed layer; and (b) heating the substrate coated with the heat flowed layer to a curing temperature of the uncured cross-linkable polymer of the heated layer to cure the uncured cross-linkable polymer to form a planarized substrate wherein the percent planarization at 100 micrometers is greater than fifty percent. The instant invention is a microelectronic device made using the above-described process. The instant invention is a composition of matter, comprising: an essentially solvent free composition comprising an uncured cross-linkable polymer and a glass transition suppression modifier, the composition having a glass transition temperature sufficiently less than the curing temperature of the uncured composition so that if the uncured composition is heated to a temperature above its glass transition temperature but below its curing temperature, the uncured composition will flow. |
US07771773B2 |
Nano-crystalline, homo-metallic, protective coatings
The present invention provides orthopedic prosthesis having at least one metallic component that includes a metallic substrate on which an integrally formed nano-crystalline coating is formed. The coating and the substrate have at least one metallic constituent in common having an average atomic concentration in the coating that differs from an average atomic concentration in the substrate by less than about 10 percent. Further, the nano-crystalline coatings includes crystalline grains with an average size in a range of about 1 to 999 nanometers, and more preferably in a range of about 10 to 200 nanometers. A transition region that exhibits a graded reduction in average grain size separates the coating from the substrate. The coating advantageously exhibits an enhanced hardness, and a high degree of resistance to corrosion and wear. In one application, the nano-crystalline coatings of the invention are utilized to form articulating surfaces of various orthopedic devices. |
US07771772B2 |
Fat compositions for use in food
Fatty acid esters, such as the unsaturated fatty acid esters of sterols and/or stanols, are used as a replacement for a substantial portion or all of the undesirable saturated and trans-unsaturated fats used as structure giving hardstocks in edible foods such as margarines, mayonnaise, cooking oils, cheeses, butter and shortening. Because of the similarity in the crystallinity and physical properties of the esters to those of the undesirable hardstock fats, the substitution or replacement contributes favorably to the flavor, texture and other sensory properties of the foods. Only the fatty acid portion of the phytosterol esters defined herein as texturizing agent is digested or absorbed with the sterol part being unabsorbable, thereby resulting in a reduction in total caloric uptake. Furthermore, the phytosterol fatty acid esters reduce the absorption of both dietary and biliary cholesterol from the digestive tract, thereby lowering the blood serum cholesterol level, especially the LDL-cholesterol. |
US07771770B2 |
Packaged coffee drink
A packaged coffee drink containing chlorogenic acid in high concentration and having excellent flavor and suppressed precipitation when stored for a prolonged time is provided. The heat-sterilized packaged coffee drink contains (A) monocaffeoylquinic acid, (B) ferulaquinic acid and (C) dicaffeoylquinic acid, the drink containing (i) a total of from 0.19 to 4% by mass of the components (A), (B) and (C) in a dissolved state, (ii) 80% by mass or more of water and (iii) from 0.005 to 0.028% by mass of a brown colorant in terms of edible yellow dye No. 4, wherein (iv) the mass ratio of magnesium/sodium is from 0.04 to 1, and (v) the mass ratio of quinic acid/brown colorant is from 0.5 to 30. |
US07771768B2 |
Food packaging method
A method of pasteurising and vacuum packing food (2), comprising the steps of placing the food (2) on a tray 81) having a flexible bottom (7) and stiff lateral walls (8) extending in the vertical direction of the tray (1), up to a filling degree of 410-60% of the maximum volume of the tray (1), covering the tray (1) with a flexible cover layer (3) to form a package, providing a one-way valve (4) for one-directional communication from the interior of the package (5) to the exterior thereof, pasteurising the contents inside the package (5) thus formed by means of microwaves, closing the valve (4) upon completed pasteurisation of the package and cooling the package (5), whereby a vacuum is created in the package (5) in such a manner that the package (5) with the vacuum-packaged food (2) therein presents a centre portion where the distance between said flexible cover layer (3) and said bottom (7) is shorter than the distance between said flexible cover layer (3) and said bottom (7) at the peripheral edges of the package. |
US07771764B2 |
Method for producing an extract of coffee beans
A method for producing an extract and/or a squeezed liquid, which includes: feeding a food to be extracted and/or squeezed into a crushing apparatus; adding a solvent into the crushing apparatus immediately after and/or while milling the food; extracting and/or squeezing a useful food component of the food into the solvent; and carrying out liquid-solid separation by removing the resulting extracted residue and/or squeezed residue with a continuous solid-liquid separation apparatus. |
US07771762B2 |
Enzymatic process to produce highly functional soy protein from crude soy material
This invention relates generally to the processing of soy-derived materials for use in various products. More particularly, the invention relates to a process producing highly functional soy protein using ultrafiltration followed by an enzymatic treatment. |
US07771761B2 |
Cheese with calcium lactate crystal inhibitor
A calcium lactate crystal inhibitor is added to the typical cheese-making recipe to inhibit the growth of calcium lactate crystals as the cheese ages. The calcium lactate crystal inhibitor is preferably a sodium salt of an organic acid, and is preferably added with sodium chloride or shortly after sodium chloride as part of the salting step. The calcium lactate crystal inhibitor can be identified in a solubility model as being effective in preventing calcium lactate crystal formation by having no or essentially no visually observable crystals and a minimal reduction (less than 5.0%, and more preferably less than 1.0%) in the calcium and lactate content of a calcium L-lactate pentahydrate solubility solution after 14 days of storage at 7° C. The amount of calcium lactate crystal inhibitor salt is within the range of greater than zero to 10% of the weight of the curd, to result in a cheese having 0.26 to 2.8% calcium lactate crystal inhibitor in a cheddar cheese. The amount of calcium lactate crystal inhibitor salt added for other cheeses can be based upon the lactate content and salt retention of the cheese. |
US07771759B2 |
Natural oriental medicinal composition for the promotion of hair growth and method of preparing the same
Disclosed herein is a natural oriental medicinal composition for the promotion of hair growth. The oriental medicinal composition comprises a black bean extract, a tangerine extract, a potato extract, a pine needle extract and a quartzite powder.Since the oriental medicinal composition comprises crude drugs extracted from natural substances that can prevent hair loss, it is effective for hair growth and has ensured biostability. Particularly, the oriental medicinal composition allows newborn hair to grow in the form of stiff hair. |
US07771756B1 |
Nutritional supplement to enhance learning, academic, and behavioral functioning
A nutritional supplement to improve learning, academic, and behavioral performance, particularly of children in academic settings, comprising a quantity of flavonoid compounds with oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) derived from a multitude of plant substances, lipoic-carotenoid compounds, and a neurotransmitter amino acid. |
US07771752B2 |
Animal feed supplement for the nutritional enrichment of animal produce
An animal feed supplement includes fish meal as a source of omega 3 long chain fatty acids for inclusion in the diet of an animal. The animal feed supplement also includes at least one naturally-occurring antioxidant; at least one synthetic antioxidant; an antibacterial agent; an anti-mold/anti-fungal agent; and an anti-chemical activity agent. The omega 3 long chain fatty acids are provided at a level which maximizes the nutritional value of food produce from the animal, but without taint of the food produce. The feed supplement is greater than 5% of the total dietary intake of the animal. |
US07771750B2 |
Controlled release oral dosage form
A once a day bupropion hydrochloride formulation is disclosed. |
US07771745B2 |
Fast dissolving tablet and method of preparing the same
The present invention provides a method for making a fast dissolving tablet. The method includes the steps of (a) preparing a first solution containing a hydrophilic polymer and a starch; (b) preparing a second solution containing a pharmaceutically active ingredient and a surfactant; (c) blending the first and the second solution together to form a plurality of granule powders by granulation; (d) mixing the granule powders with excipients; and (e) applying a compression-molding process to form the fast dissolving tablet. |
US07771737B2 |
Medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions
The present invention relates to compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, methods for making these compositions, and methods for reducing the population of a microorganism. The compositions can include advantageously high levels of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, can be readily made, and/or can exhibit reduced odor. |
US07771734B2 |
Process to color and permanently restructure hair
Process to simultaneously color and permanently restructure hair, wherein (a) an oxidative hair colorant is applied to the hair based on at least one developer substance and least one coupler substance, (b) the oxidative hair colorant is left on for 5 to 60 minutes, (c) the oxidative hair colorant is rinsed out of the hair, (d) an acidic intermediate treatment agent with a pH of from 2 to 6 is applied to the hair, (e) after an action period of from 1 to 10 minutes, the intermediate treatment agent is rinsed out, if necessary, and the hair is then rolled up onto curlers, (f) a keratin-reducing permanent restructuring agent is applied to the hair, (g) after an action period of from 1 to 30 minutes, the keratin-reducing agent is rinsed out, if necessary, (h) the hair is fixed with an oxidative material, (i) after an action period of from 3 to 15 minutes, the hair is rinsed with water, if necessary and then treated with an acidic rinse. The process is intended to enable better, faster, and gentler coloring of human hair, particularly natural hair, than was previously possible, as well as to maintain the color intensity of colored hair or to refresh (renew) it, and to improve the hair shine while simultaneously restructuring the hair. |
US07771731B2 |
Altered fibronectin-binding protein of Staphylococcus aureus
An isolated, altered fibronectin-binding protein (Fnb) of S. aureus having at least one mutation in an amino acid selected from residues corresponding to Gln103, Gln105, Lys157, Lys503, Lys620, Lys702, Lys762, Gln783 and Gln830 of FnbA of S. aureus strain ATCC49525 is described. Replacement of these reactive residues within the fibronectin-binding protein renders this protein less capable than wild-type Fnb of covalently cross-linking with fibronectin and fibrin. The altered fibronectin-binding protein effectively interferes with adhesion of S. aureus to fibronectin and fibrin, and therefore, an immunogenic composition comprising such altered Fnb exhibits improved immunogenic properties and is safer to use. |
US07771728B2 |
Method for identification, isolation and production of antigens to a specific pathogen
Described is a method for identification, isolation and production of hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens from a specific pathogen, a tumor, an allergen or a tissue or host prone to autoimmunity, said antigens being suited for use in a vaccine for a given type of animal or for humans, which is characterized by the following steps: —providing an antibody preparation from a plasma pool of said given type of animal or from a human plasma pool or individual sera with antibodies against said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity, —providing at least one expression library of said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity, —screening said at least one expression library with said antibody preparation, —identifying antigens which bind in said screening to antibodies in said antibody preparation, —screening the identified antigens with individual antibody preparations from individual sera from individuals with antibodies against said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity, —identifying the hyperimmune serum-reactive antigen portion of said identified antigens and which hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens bind to a relevant portion of said individual antibody preparations from said individual sera and —optionally isolating said hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens and producing said hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens by chemical or recombinant methods. |
US07771724B2 |
Modulation of platelet adhesion based on the surface-exposed beta-switch loop of platelet glycoprotein IB-alpha
The invention relates to the adhesion of platelet GpIbα to strand β3 of domain A1 of von Willebrand factor (vWF), the strand β3 comprising amino acid residues at amino acid position 560-566 and/or a functional part or equivalent thereof, the platelet GpIbα, the GpIbα region comprising an amino acid sequence corresponding to a beta-switch loop of platelet GpIbα, comprising amino acid residues at amino acid position 227-242 and/or a functional part or equivalent thereof. The invention provides a method of interfering with adhesion of blood platelets to vWF that includes modulating adhesion. The invention further provides proteinaceous compounds, antibodies, medicaments and pharmaceutical compositions to that end. The invention also provides means and methods to increase platelet adhesion by topical application of a compound increasing platelet adhesion. |
US07771723B2 |
Remedies for myeloma to be used together with nitrogen mustard antitumor agents
A therapeutic agent for myeloma comprising a combined use of a nitrogen mustard anticancer agent and anti-IL-6 receptor antibody. Thus, a therapeutic agent for myeloma comprising anti-IL-6 receptor antibody for use in combination with a nitrogen mustard anticancer agent; a therapeutic agent for myeloma comprising a nitrogen mustard anticancer agent for use in combination with anti-IL-6 receptor antibody; and a therapeutic agent for myeloma comprising a nitrogen mustard anticancer agent and anti-IL-6 receptor antibody. |
US07771721B2 |
Methods for using chimeric vascular endothelial growth factor receptor proteins
The present invention is directed to novel chimeric VEGF receptor proteins comprising amino acid sequences derived from the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors flt-1 and KDR, including the murine homologue to the human KDR receptor FLK-1, wherein said chimeric VEGF receptor proteins bind to VEGF and antagonize the endothelial cell proliferative and anglogenic activity thereof. The present invention is also directed to nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding these chimeric VEGF receptor proteins, host cells harboring such expression vectors, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising such proteins, methods of preparing such proteins and to methods utilizing such proteins for the treatment of conditions associated with undesired vascularization. |
US07771720B2 |
Humanized PAI-1 antibodies
The present application relates to compositions of humanized anti-PAI-1 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof which convert PAI-1 to its latent form. One aspect relates to antibodies having one or more modifications in at least one amino acid residue of at least one of the framework regions of the variable heavy chain, the variable light chain or both. Another aspect relates to antibodies which bind and neutralize PAI-1 by converting PAI-1 to its latent form or increasing proteolytic cleavage. Another aspect relates to the use of humanized antibodies which inhibit or neutralize PAI-1 for the detection, diagnosis or treatment of a disease or condition associated with PAI-1 or a combination thereof. |
US07771719B1 |
Pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and therapeutic uses of antagonist antibodies to IL-17E
The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides having sequence identity with IL-17, IL-17 receptors and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. Further provided herein are methods for treating degenerative cartilaginous disorders and other inflammatory diseases. |
US07771716B2 |
Methods of using regenerative cells in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders
Regenerative cells present in adipose tissue are used to treat patients, including patients with musculoskeletal diseases or disorders. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of regenerative cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Accordingly, in a preferred method, regenerative cells present in adipose tissue are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic musculoskeletal benefit. |
US07771713B2 |
Chemical composition that attract arthropods
Compositions and methods employing the compositions for attracting arthropods. The compositions comprise at least one compound of formula I and at least one compound from group II. |
US07771712B2 |
Composition for attracting blood sucking arthropods and fruit flies
The present invention is directed to a composition for attracting blood sucking arthropods and fruit flies. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a method of attracting blood sucking arthropods and fruit flies and to a kit or trap, comprising the components of said composition. |
US07771709B2 |
Alternating copolymer of organopolysiloxane with grycerol derivative and a cosmetic comprising the same
An alternating copolymer comprising a repeating unit of α,ω-organohydrogensiloxane residue (A) and a repeating unit of a glycerol derivative residue (B) having 1 to 11 hydroxyl groups, the copolymer having the number of a repeating unit (AB) of from 2 to 100. |
US07771708B2 |
Anti-fat composition for hair and scalp
This invention is about anti-fat cleansing composition for hair and scalp with an active ingredient derived from natural sources. Active ingredient used is butyl esters of fatty acids of avocado oil, which is known as 5-α-Avocuta. |
US07771706B2 |
Method for monitoring protein translation
Disclosed is a method for monitoring early treatment response of a cancer treatment comprising measuring by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), for example, proton MRS, the amount of Choline present in the tissue adjoining or surrounding the cancerous tissue before and after treatment; the treatment comprises administration of an angiogenesis inhibitor, for example, a VEGF inhibitor, whereby a decrease in the amount of Choline after treatment is indicative of a positive response. The decrease in the amount of Choline represents the decrease in the internal cell membrane as a result of down regulation of the organelles and their secretory granules and their transport vesicles. Disclosed also is a method for determining effectiveness of an angiogenesis inhibitor in the treatment of cancer. Also disclosed are methods of monitoring early treatment response in diseases where an angiogenesis effector, i.e., an inhibitor or promoter of angiogenesis, is employed. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring protein translation related to angiogenesis. |
US07771705B2 |
Radiographic contrasting agents and radio-opaque polymeric materials for medical devices
The present invention discloses a radiographic contrasting agent containing multiple aromatic groups, each of which is substituted with at least three halogen atoms. The radiographic contrasting agent can initiate a polymerization process. The present invention also discloses a radio-opaque polymeric material that comprises a biodegradable polymer having at least one radiographic contrasting moiety covalently attached thereto. The radio-opaque polymeric material provides enhanced contrasting intensity in radiographic imaging. The radio-opaque polymeric material can be applied on at least a portion of one surface of a medical device. The radio-opaque polymeric material can also be used to construct a medical device, a component thereof, or a portion of a component thereof. |
US07771695B2 |
Complexes of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes with molecular-clips and use thereof
Separation of carbon nanotubes or fullerenes according to diameter through non-covalent pi-pi interaction with molecular clips is provided. Molecular clips are prepared by Diels-Alder reaction of polyacenes with a variety of dienophiles. The pi-pi complexes of carbon nanotrubes with molecular clips are also used for selective placement of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes on substrates. |
US07771694B2 |
Crimped carbon fiber and production method thereof
A crimped carbon fiber having a multilayer structure comprising a hollow structure in the inside, with the inner layer part having a carbon structure containing a herringbone structure and the outer layer part having a carbon structure differing from the carbon structure of the inner layer part. A method for producing a crimped carbon fiber, comprising contacting a carbon source and/or a catalyst source with a sulfur source in a heating zone to produce a vapor grown carbon fiber, wherein the ratio of the molar number of sulfur atom in the sulfur source to the molar number of the catalyst metal atom is 2.0 or more. |
US07771691B2 |
Compound and method for the selective extraction of higher fullerenes from mixtures of fullerenes
A compound of formula I and a corresponding method for the extraction of high-order fullerenes from a carbonaceous mixture including at least one solid-liquid extraction. |
US07771688B2 |
Method for preparing titanium dioxide particles co-doped with nitrogen and fluorine
A method for preparing titanium dioxide particles co-doped with nitrogen and fluorine includes the steps of: mixing boric acid with ammonium fluorotitanate in an aqueous medium to form ammonium oxotrifluorotitanate; liquid-phase depositing the ammonium oxotrifluorotitanate on a silicon-containing substrate; and thermo-treating the ammonium oxotrifluorotitanate on the silicon-containing substrate at a temperature ranging from 300 to 1000° C. |
US07771687B2 |
Method for preparing granular polycrystalline silicon using fluidized bed reactor
The present invention relates to a method for mass preparation of granular polycrystalline silicon in a fluidized bed reactor, comprising (a) a reactor tube, (b) a reactor shell encompassing the reactor tube, (c) an inner zone formed within the reactor tube, where a silicon particle bed is formed and silicon deposition occurs, and an outer zone formed in between the reactor shell and the reactor tube, which is maintained under an inert gas atmosphere, and (d) a controlling means to keep the pressure difference between the inner zone and the outer zone being maintained within the range of 0 to 1 bar, thereby capable of maintaining physical stability of the reactor tube and efficiently preparing granular polycrystalline silicon even at a relatively high reaction pressure. |
US07771684B2 |
CO2-sequestering formed building materials
CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material. |
US07771683B2 |
Air pollution control
In a method of controlling air pollution, a combustion gas is passed through a slurry of an alkaline-earth metal sulfide and a redox buffer (e.g., a phosphate), preferably in combination with an alkaline-earth metal carbonate and/or hydroxide. A composition for removing a heavy metal from a combustion gas is also provided, as an aerosolized, aqueous dispersion or slurry of an alkaline-earth metal sulfide and a buffering agent. A solid residue of the air pollution control process is also described. |
US07771679B2 |
Process for the recovery of titanium dioxide from titanium-containing compositions
The present invention seeks to improve beneficiation of a titanium oxide-containing composition (such as a low-grade or highly radioactive TiO2 ore) by combining a roasting and selective leaching steps. |
US07771676B2 |
Preferential oxidation reactor integrated with heat exchanger and operating method thereof
A PROX reactor integrated with a heat exchanger and an operating method thereof capable of effectively controlling temperature of a preferential oxidation reactor so as to obtain optimal activation and yield. The PROX reactor integrated with a heat exchanger of the present invention includes a pipe having an inlet and an outlet, a heat exchanger cooling gas passing through the pipe, a catalyst part positioned at the rear end of the heat exchanger, upon considering the flow of gas, and shifting carbon monoxide contained in the gas into other substances; and a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the gas coming out through the catalyst part. |
US07771674B2 |
Multitubular reaction apparatus for contact gas-phase reaction
The present invention relates to a multitubular catalytic gas-phase reaction apparatus, comprising a plurality of reaction tubes arranged in parallel, a baffle capable of changing the direction of movement of a heat medium introduced into a reactor shell to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reaction tubes, a space that is disposed in a region including a part of a section where the heat medium flows in the direction of the face of the baffle and does not have the reaction tubes arranged therein, and flow-adjusting rods, disposed in between the space and the reaction tubes, having the same longitudinal direction as that of the reaction tubes. |
US07771672B2 |
Air purification device
A variety of reactors that are arranged to treat aerosol particulates that are carried in a fluid stream passing through the reactor is described. In one aspect, the reactor includes a plasma chamber arranged to receive the fluid stream and subject particulates carried in the fluid stream to a cold plasma that has a sufficiently high concentration of reactive species to treat at least some of the particulates passing therethrough. A catalyst is provided downstream of the plasma chamber. The catalyst is arranged to enhance the conversion of reactive species that are contained in the fluid stream before the stream emerges from the reactor. In another aspect, a catalyst electrode is described. The catalyst electrode may include a catalyst material carried on an electrode. A potential may be applied to the electrode during use to attract charged species towards the catalyst. In some embodiments, the catalyst electrode includes a metal frame that serves as the conductive electrode and a catalyst material such as manganese dioxide is applied to the metal frame. |
US07771669B2 |
Soot oxidation catalyst and method of making
A catalyst composition for facilitating the oxidation of soot from diesel engine exhaust is provided. The catalyst composition includes a catalytic metal selected from Pt, Pd, Pt—Pd, Ag, or combinations thereof, an active metal oxide component containing Cu and La, and a support selected from alumina, silica, zirconia, or combinations thereof. The platinum group metal loading of the composition is less than about 20 g/ft3. The catalyst composition may be provided on a diesel particulate filter by impregnating the filter with an alumina, silica or zirconia sol solution modified with glycerol and/or saccharose, impregnating the filter with a stabilizing solution, and impregnating the filter with a solution containing the active metal oxide precursor(s) and the catalytic metal precursor(s). The resulting catalyst coated diesel particulate filter provides effective soot oxidation, exhibits good thermal stability, has a high BET surface area, and exhibits minimal backpressure. |
US07771665B2 |
Chemical delivery assembly
A chemical delivery assembly includes a heating element which provides an exothermic chemical reaction, a chemical storage device configured for emitting a volatilized chemical therefrom, and a container including a bottom section and a top section, the heating element coupled with the bottom section, the chemical storage device coupled with the top section, the heating element being in thermal communication with the chemical storage device. |
US07771664B2 |
Reactor heat transfer systems
A reaction system in which a heat transfer fluid is carried through a process fluid in a conduit and the heat transfer surface area between the conduit and the process fluid can be varied according to the heat generated or absorbed by the reaction as determined by the temperature change in the heat transfer fluid across the reaction and the mass flow of the heat transfer fluid through the conduit. |
US07771663B2 |
Catalytic combustors keeping contained medium warm in response to hydrostatic valve
Water in a fuel cell accumulator is kept above freezing by a hydrogen/oxygen catalytic combustor fed hydrogen through a mechanical thermostatic valve in thermal communication with the container and connected to a hydrogen supply. The system includes an ejector hydrogen/oxygen combustor and a diffusion hydrogen/oxygen combustor for warming a medium within a container such as water in the accumulator of a fuel cell in response to a mechanic hydrostatic valve which conducts hydrogen to a combustor responsive to the temperature of the container. |
US07771662B2 |
Vial system and method for processing liquid-based specimens
A vial-based system and method for handling and processing specimens of particulate matter-containing liquid directly in the vial. A processing assembly, which includes a stirrer and a particulate matter separation chamber, is releasably coupled to the inside of the vial cover. The processing assembly remains with the cover when the vial is opened to insert a specimen therein. Application of a particular external force to the closed vial detaches the processing assembly from the cover so that it remains in the vial, for access by automated or manual laboratory equipment, when the cover is subsequently removed. |
US07771659B2 |
Arrangement and method for the analysis of body fluids
The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for the analysis of body fluids (21), whereby an image recording device (30) is arranged in a low-reflection, preferably zero-reflection chamber (16), provided with an illumination device (45) and connected to an electronic image analyzer. The image recording device (30) is focused on a container (20), containing the body fluid (21) in an analysis position (22), in order to take at least one image of the body fluid (21), analyzed by means of an image analysis software which determines the quality of the body fluid (21). |
US07771656B2 |
Automatic analyzer
A reagent dispensing mechanism (15), first and second dispensing-mechanism transfer means (26, 27), and a second reagent vessel (reagent cassette) carrying-in/out mechanism (24), which are constructed by employing an XY-mechanism, are arranged so as to travel above a reagent table (25) to carry in/out a reagent cassette (22). As compared with the case where the reagent cassette carrying-in/out mechanism (24) is installed radially of the reagent table (25), the area of an automatic analyzer in the horizontal direction can be reduced and a reagent vessel (16) can be moved to a predetermined position in a shorter time by combining the rotation of the reagent table (25) with the movement of the XY-mechanism. Further, as compared the case of dispensing reagents from reagent vessels in a matrix pattern by using the reagent dispensing/transferring mechanism, the travel distance of the transferring mechanism can be shortened and so can be the travel time. Thus, an analyzer adaptable as a machine of high processing capability with a shorter cycle time can be constructed. |
US07771643B1 |
Methods of making an unsupported article of semiconducting material by controlled undercooling
The invention relates to methods of making articles of semiconducting material and semiconducting material articles formed thereby, such as semiconducting material that may be useful in making photovoltaic cells. |
US07771642B2 |
Methods of making an apparatus for providing aerosol for medical treatment
Embodiments of the present invention include apparatus and methods for aerosolizing liquid. One embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for generating an aerosol. The apparatus includes an actuator having a first face and a second face and defining an opening therethrough, as well as a vibratory element in mechanical communication with the actuator, and a sealing member configured to isolate the vibratory element from a surrounding environment. In accordance with certain embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an aerosolization element mounted on the actuator and disposed substantially over the opening, wherein the aerosolization element defines at least one aperture therethrough. Hence, the vibratory element may be operated to vibrate to cause movement of the aerosolization element in such a manner that a liquid at the first face of the aerosolization element can be dispensed as an aerosol through the at least one aperture. Some embodiments feature an electrode coupled to the vibratory element. |
US07771640B2 |
Orthodontic treatment methods, systems and apparatus for use therewith
Systems, methods, and apparatus for creating a mold of a patient's teeth to which are installed orthodontic appliances with a support assembly bonded to a tooth. The appliances may include a corresponding corrective assembly with a wire engaging portion removably coupled to the support assembly. The systems and methods may include removing a corrective assembly from a support assembly, applying unset molding compound to the patient's teeth and corresponding support assemblies, setting the molding compound into a mold, and nondeformably removing the mold from the patient's mouth. The support assemblies may include a marker portion to indicate the position of the wire engaging portion of a corrective assembly that may be removed prior to making a mold and/or installed after making the mold. Marker assemblies adapted to removably engage a support assembly, and including such a marker portion, may be temporarily coupled to support assemblies prior to making a mold. |
US07771637B2 |
High-speed meta-aramid fiber production
The invention relates to a continuous dry spinning process for preparing a fiber from a polymer solution having concentrations of polymer, salt, solvent and water. After the fiber is extruded and quenched, the fiber is placed in contact with a conditioning solution comprising concentrations of solvent, salt, and water. The conditioning solution acts upon the fiber to plasticize the fiber prior to being drawn. The conditioning solution has concentrations of solvent, salt, and water so that the fiber is plasticized to the extent necessary for drawing but does not plasticize the fiber to such an extent as to re-dissolve the fiber into a polymeric solution. A heat-treated fiber manufactured from this process has improved shrinkage and can be colored to darker shades. |
US07771636B2 |
Single stage drawing for MPD-I yarn
The invention relates to a continuous dry spinning process for preparing a fiber from a polymer solution having concentrations of polymer, salt, solvent and water. After the fiber is extruded and quenched, the fiber is placed in contact with a conditioning solution comprising concentrations of solvent, salt, and water. The conditioning solution acts upon the fiber to plasticize the fiber prior to being drawn. The conditioning solution has concentrations of solvent, salt, and water so that the fiber is plasticized to the extent necessary for drawing but does not plasticize the fiber to such an extent as to re-dissolve the fiber into a polymeric solution. A heat-treated fiber manufactured from this process has improved shrinkage and can be colored to darker shades. |
US07771635B2 |
Melt cooler and valving system for an underwater pelletizing process
A melt cooler and valving system for an underwater pelletizer has a diverter valve that facilitates multiple modes of melt processing. The cooler has a cooler inlet line that conveys the melt to the cooler, and a cooler outlet line that conveys the cooled melt from the cooler. The diverter valve is configured to convey the melt to and from the cooler during a cooling mode of operation, to convey the melt around the cooler during a bypass mode of operation, and to drain the melt from the cooler and the diverter valve during a drain mode of operation. The diverter valve is compact and therefore contains a minimum of product inventory. The valve is streamlined and direct in its bypass mode, and includes a drain capability to allow for faster, easier cleaning of the process line, which in turn provides a fast changeover time with less lost product. |
US07771634B2 |
Method for the production of a support web that is made of plastic with a modified MFI
A method produces a support web (10) made of a predefined amount of plastic material by a plurality of molding elements (16, 17) formed in hollow spaces (12) of a mold (5). The plastic material is fed to the mold (5) via at least one extruder nozzle (1) of an extruder apparatus (18). To be able to lower the processing temperature while the plastic material obtains a very good molding behavior into the hollow spaces of a mold, the plastic material is intrinsically provided with at least one additive such that the melt flow index (MFI) of the plastic material remains constant or preferably increases. |
US07771633B2 |
Method of manufacture of three-dimensional objects for absorption of hydrocarbons and low-polarity chemicals
The present invention relates to methods of recovering hydrocarbons or low polarity organic chemicals from hard surfaces, water and water surfaces, in their vapor state and from porous substrates. The hydrocarbons or low-polarity organic chemicals may be included in a spill. More particularly, the invention relates to the absorption of certain hydrocarbons and low-polarity organic chemicals by applying thermoplastic elastomers of a triblock copolymer of the general configuration A-B-A. The preferred A-B-A copolymer of the invention is a low to medium molecular weight hydrogenated polystyrene-poly(isoprene+butadiene)-polystyrene or polystyrene-b-ethylene/ethylene-propylene-b-styrene block copolymer. The method of forming a three-dimensional object from a hydrocarbon or low-polarity organic chemical absorbing substance includes: applying pressure to particles of a polymeric material comprising a styrene-ethylene/ethylene/propylene triblock copolymer containing from approximately 20 to 40 percent styrene, and; heating the particles for a period of time sufficient to form the three-dimensional object. |
US07771624B2 |
Nanoparticles, conductive ink and circuit line forming device
A nanoparticle for conductive ink including a ferromagnetic core and a conductive layer surrounding the ferromagnetic core. The ferromagnetic core is 5 to 40 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the nanoparticles. The conductive ink provides electrical reliability by allowing a uniform distribution of nanoparticles in ejected ink and prevents the coffee stain phenomenon and migration. |
US07771620B2 |
Polyelectrolyte composition for humidity senser, polyelectrolyte ink and preparation method of poly electrolyte membrane for sensor by inkjet printing
This invention relates to a polyelectrolyte composition for a humidity sensor, polyelectrolyte ink and a preparation method of a polyelectrolyte membrane for a humidity sensor by inkjet printing. The polyelectrolyte composition according to this invention is composed of polyelectrolyte, crosslinking agent and organic solvent comprising a single component or in the form of a mixture of two or more solvents such as alcohols. The object of this invention is to provide a polyelectrolyte composition and a polyelectrolyte ink composition suitable for humidity sensor and a preparation method for a reliable humidity sensor with uniform thickness achieved through inkjet printing. |
US07771611B2 |
Oxypentafluorosulfate compositions and processes for making them
Novel compositions are provided containing a compound represented by the formula YOSF5 or ZOSF5, where: (a) Y is: (i) an organic cation other than (Me2N)3S+ or (ii) an inorganic cation, provided that when Y is the inorganic cation, the composition further includes a complexing agent; and (b) Z is C1-20 alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, combinations thereof, or analogues thereof containing at least one heteroatom, provided that the compound represented by the formula ZOSF5 is a molecular compound. Processes of making the cationic compounds are disclosed as are processes for using the compositions containing cationic compounds in nucleophilic replacement reactions to prepare the compositions containing molecular compounds including the OSF5 group. |
US07771609B2 |
Methods and compositions for preparing silica aerogels
Cross-linked sol-gel like materials and cross-linked aerogels, as well as methods for making such cross-linked sol-gel like materials and cross-linked aerogels are described. |
US07771603B2 |
Process for polishing glass substrate
A process for polishing a glass substrate, which enables to polish a glass substrate having a large waviness formed by mechanical polishing, to have a surface excellent in flatness, is provided.A process for polishing a glass substrate, comprising a step of measuring the surface profile of a mechanically polished glass substrate to identify the width of waviness present in the glass substrate, and a step of applying dry etching using a beam having a beam size in FWHM (full width of half maximum) value of at most the above size of waviness, to polish the surface of the glass substrate. |
US07771598B2 |
Apparatus, methods and systems for handling and processing waste material
Apparatus, methods and systems for processing waste are provided. For example, a system for processing waste, wherein the waste comprises hard particulates embedded therein, can be provided. The system can comprise a waste disruptor, wherein the waste disrupter disrupts the waste and releases at least one of the embedded hard particulates from the disrupted waste; a segregator, wherein the segregator segregates at least one of the released hard particulates from the waste; and a dilution unit, wherein the dilution unit dilutes the waste. In some embodiments, the system can include a waste loader that provides waste continuously to the waste disrupter, which is configured to disrupt at least a portion of the continuously provided waste. |
US07771595B2 |
Filter element with flow directing end cap
A filter element includes a ring of filtration media circumscribing a central axis, and first and second end caps. The first end cap includes i) an annular body portion defining a central opening around the central axis, sealingly bonded to the first end of the media ring, ii) an annular sealing ring having an annular, peripheral resilient sealing portion; and iii) axial support stanchions around the periphery of the body portion. The stanchions support the sealing ring at a location spaced apart from the body portion, and define radial flow openings between adjacent stanchions. One or more non-radial flow members extend from each stanchion along the outer surface of the annular body portion to direct flow in a spiral or helical manner, where the flow then passes through the flow openings and downwardly along the outer surface of the media in a swirling manner. |
US07771594B2 |
Apparatus for removing suspended solids from aqueous fluids
An apparatus for cleaning solids-laden aqueous fluids includes a settling tank having a sloping floor, which drops off into a collection area; primary and secondary mixing tanks, the lower regions of which are in fluid communication via fluid transfer means; and agitators in each of the mixing tanks. Solids-laden fluid is introduced into the primary mixing tank along with selected coagulant and/or flocculent chemicals, whereupon the agitator in the primary mixing tank is actuated to induce downward fluid flow toward the fluid transfer means and into the secondary mixing tank. The agitator in the secondary mixing tank is actuated to induce upward fluid flow in the secondary mixing tank, from which the fluid mixture overflows into the setting tank. Solids settle or precipitate into the settling tank, and move downward along the settling tank's sloped floor and into the collection area, from which the solids can be removed for further treatment or disposal. Clean water is collected from the upper region of the settling tank, preferably via a spillway along the perimeter of the settling tank. |
US07771593B2 |
Debris removal device
A moss and debris removal device having an elongated member with a top edge and a bottom edge wherein the top edge and bottom edge have teeth. A line is mounted to the elongated member. The elongated member has a plurality of holes. In one embodiment, the teeth of the top edge and bottom edge of the elongated member have a V-shaped cross section. |
US07771589B2 |
Screen blockage measurement and flow performance optimization system
An apparatus and method are provided that enable the control of a screening operation based on a calculated screen blockage percentage and the velocity throughput of the screen. The apparatus includes an upstream level detector, a downstream level detector and a flow determining device which determines the volumetric flow through the screen. The apparatus may further include a blockage determination unit which determines the percent screen blockage based on the flow level upstream of the screen, the flow level downstream of the screen and the volumetric flow. |
US07771587B2 |
Method for removing nitrogen compounds from gasoline or diesel fuel using molecularly imprinted polymers
A method and product for removing nitrogen compound molecules from gasoline or diesel fuel includes exposing the gasoline or diesel fuel to a plurality of molecularly imprinted polymer beads (MIPS) that have receptor sites on the surfaces thereof that include imprints that match the physical shape of at least a portion of a nitrogen compound molecule. A quantity of the nitrogen molecules align with and adhere to some of the receptor sites and, accordingly, they are removed from the gasoline or diesel fuel producing a remediated or sweetened gasoline or diesel fuel. According to one embodiment, the MIPS are contained in an enclosure having a plurality of openings large enough to permit the solution to pass through and small enough so as to prevent the MIPS from passing through. According to another embodiment the MIPS are applied (i.e., coated) to the inside surface of a conduit and the gasoline or diesel fuel is forced or allowed to flow through the conduit thereby removing some of the nitrogen molecules therefrom. The MIPS are treated after use to remove a sufficient quantity of the nitrogen molecules from the receptor sites and are reused. |
US07771585B2 |
Method and apparatus for the separation of a gas-solids mixture in a circulating fluidized bed reactor
The system of the present invention includes a centripetal cyclone for separating particulate material from a particulate laden gas solids stream. The cyclone includes a housing defining a conduit extending between an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet. In operation, when a particulate laden gas-solids stream passes through the upstream housing inlet, the particulate laden gas-solids stream is directed through the conduit and at least a portion of the solids in the particulate laden gas-solids stream are subjected to a centripetal force within the conduit. |
US07771566B2 |
Embossed multi-ply tissue having a softening lotion
A multiply tissue article having a softening lotion and an embossment of the external surface. The embossment forms a network of discrete depressions. The embossment has particular configuration and induces a ply separation force within a defined range. The multiply tissue exhibits enhanced performance for softness, strength and ply delamination. The invention also relates to the process of making such a multiply article. |
US07771562B2 |
Etch system with integrated inductive coupling
An integrated capacitively-coupled and inductively-coupled device is provided for plasma etching that may be used as a primary or secondary source for generating a plasma to etch substrates. The device is practical for processing advanced semiconductor devices and integrated circuits that require uniform and dense plasma. The invention may be embodied in an apparatus that contains a substrate support, typically including an electrostatic chuck, that controls ion energy by capacitively coupling RF power to the plasma and generating voltage bias on the wafer relative to the plasma potential. An etching electrode is provided opposite the substrate support. An integrated inductive coupling element is provided at the perimeter of the etching electrode that increases plasma density at the perimeter of the wafer, compensating for the radial loss of charged particles toward chamber walls, to produce uniform plasma density above the processed wafer. The device has a capacitive coupling zone in its center for energizing etching ions and an inductive coupling zone at its perimeter of the wafer. Both zones together with plasma create a resonant circuit with the plasma. |
US07771560B2 |
Methods to prevent ECC (edge chipping and cracking) damage during die picking process
A method for preventing edge chipping and cracking damage encountered by semiconductor chips in a die picking operation during separation from an adhesive sheet. Also provided is a device for preventing potential edge chipping and cracking damage encountered by a semiconductor chip during die picking processes. |
US07771558B2 |
Adhesive and method of manufacturing image display apparatus using the same
An adhesive used for bonding a spacer to a face plate and a rear plate constituting an envelope of an image display apparatus so as to keep space between the face plate and the rear plate. Since the adhesive contains an aqueous sodium silicate solution and Ti grains dispersed in the aqueous solution, it improves adhesion and shortens curing time. |
US07771556B2 |
Apparatus and process to apply adhesive during labeling operations
A labeling apparatus and method for applying individual labels onto individual objects moving along a conveyor includes a label delivery mechanism configured to hold a plurality of the labels and operable to deliver individual ones of the labels adjacent to the conveyor. A non-contact adhesive spray applicator including at least one nozzle having a plurality of individual adhesive discharge orifices may be positioned and arranged to discharge adhesive from the orifices onto either the labels or the objects such that the labels may be respectively adhered to the objects. |
US07771553B2 |
Processing apparatus
The present invention relates to a processing apparatus, such as a laminator, for performing operations involving effecting adhesive bonding on substrates. |
US07771547B2 |
Methods for producing lead-free in-situ composite solder alloys
Methods are disclosed for producing in-situ composite solders having a particulate intermetallic phase homogeneously distributed throughout the solder matrix. An eutectic solder is mixed with the components of the intermetallic phase, melted and rapidly cooled to form the desired solder. In-situ composite solder alloys formed by the disclosed method provide greater solder joint strength and fatigue resistance. |
US07771545B2 |
Amorphous metal alloy having high tensile strength and electrical resistivity
An amorphous metal alloy having high tensile strength and high electrical resistivity is provided. The amorphous metal alloy has the following chemical composition, in atomic percent: (Co1-aFea)100-b-c-dCrbTcXd, where, T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Mo, and V; X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, Si and P, and a, b, c and d satisfy the formulas of: 0≦a≦100, 4≦b≦25, 0≦c≦40, 15≦d≦35, respectively. An amorphous metal alloy is obtained having a tensile strength greater than 3500 MPa, and an electrical resistivity greater than 145 μΩ-cm. |
US07771544B2 |
Cleaning or care apparatus for medical of dental instruments
A connecting device of a cleaning or care apparatus or a cleaning cassette comprises a blocking device which is movable between a first position and a second position and prevents loosening or displacement of an instrument that is to be cleaned during a cleaning or care operation because of the pressure exerted by the cleaning or care media. In some embodiments, a direct or indirect operative connection between the blocking device and a component of the cleaning or care apparatus or between the blocking device and at least a part of the cassette is provided, which transmits to the blocking device the force required to move the blocking device from the first position into the second position. In other embodiments, the blocking device is moved from the first position into the second position by the action of the media in the line, e.g., either by direct contact with the media or indirectly through contact with another intermediate element. |
US07771540B2 |
System for cleaning dental and/or medical appliances and implements utilizing a sonic wave bath
A cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning dental and/or medical implements, and in particular to a system for quickly and thoroughly cleaning dental and/or orthodontic retainers, dental/orthodontic aligners, dental appliances, dentures, bridges, and the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a cleaning system utilizing a vibrating sonic wave bath comprising a vibration means to oscillate a container having at least some fluid therein engaging the item to be cleaned, coupled with the utilization of a preferably flavored tablet containing a non-toxic cleaning material, the tablet preferably also formulated to effervesce upon contact with water, generating bubbles and foam. It has been found that the sonic bath substantially enhances the cleaning and flavoring ability of the effervescent cleaning tablet, while reducing the amount of time to clean the dental appliance. The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a relatively cost effective, safe, easy to use and reliable system for cleaning and flavoring dental appliances and the like. |
US07771539B2 |
Holder for fabricating organic light emitting display
A holder for fabricating an organic light emitting display comprises: a holder main body; and a plurality of supporters provided on opposite sides of the holder main body; wherein each supporter has a ‘┐’-shape and comprises a side wall having a predetermined height, and a supporting plate bent from the side wall. The supporting plate is formed with a plurality of stepped parts to support a substrate, a film tray and a mask, to hold the substrate, the film tray and the mask while the substrate, the film tray and the mask are being transported, and to prevent a pattern from being distorted, thereby transporting and processing a substrate, a film tray and a mask in a single chamber at the same time. |
US07771537B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling temperature during microfeature workpiece processing, E.G. CVD deposition
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for controlling temperature. The method has particular utility in connection with controlling temperature in a deposition process, e.g., in depositing a heat-reflective material via CVD. One exemplary embodiment provides a method that involves monitoring a first temperature outside the deposition chamber and a second temperature inside the deposition chamber. An internal temperature in the deposition chamber can be increased in accordance with a ramp profile by (a) comparing a control temperature to a target temperature, and (b) selectively delivering heat to the deposition chamber in response to a result of the comparison. The target temperature may be determined in accordance with the ramp profile, but the control temperature in one implementation alternates between the first temperature and the second temperature. |
US07771535B2 |
Semiconductor manufacturing apparatus
A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus has a nozzle with a plurality of tiny holes. The nozzle is connected to a vacuum pump through a valve without closing its end so as to be evacuated and purged independently of the reaction chamber. |
US07771534B2 |
Method of growing oxide thin films
Process for producing silicon oxide containing thin films on a growth substrate by the ALCVD method. In the process, a vaporizable silicon compound is bonded to the growth substrate, and the bonded silicon compound is converted to silicon dioxide. The invention comprises using a silicon compound which contains at least one organic ligand and the bonded silicon compound is converted to silicon dioxide by contacting it with a vaporized, reactive oxygen source, in particular with ozone. The present invention provides a controlled process for growing controlling thin films containing SiO2, with sufficiently short reaction times. |
US07771533B2 |
Atomic-layer-chemical-vapor-deposition of films that contain silicon dioxide
Process for producing silicon oxide containing thin films on a growth substrate by the ALCVD method. In the process, a vaporisable silicon compound is bonded to the growth substrate, and the bonded silicon compound is converted to silicon dioxide. The invention comprises using a silicon compound which contains at least one organic ligand and the bonded silicon compound is converted to silicon dioxide by contacting it with a vaporised, reactive oxygen source, in particular with ozone. The present invention provides a controlled process for growing controlling thin films containing SiO2 with sufficiently short reaction times. |
US07771528B2 |
Processing for producing zein articles with limited solubility
Zein articles are prepared by a melt process where zein is mixed with glyoxal and an inorganic base solution at temperatures above about 40° C. The melt processing can take as a batch process (e.g., as in a torque rheometer) or in a continuous process (e.g., as in reaction extrusion using a screw extruder). This process provides a zein article that has greatly reduced solubility in most of the standard organic solvents that will dissolve unaltered zein. |
US07771525B2 |
Water-soluble azo compound or salt thereof, ink composition and colored product
The present invention relates to a water-soluble azo compound or a salt thereof represented by the following formula (1): (wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a sulfo group, n, m, x and y represent an integer of 1 or 2, 1 to 3, 2 to 4 and 1 to 3, respectively.) and an ink composition containing the same; the above compound or a salt thereof has a hue possessing a high vividness suitable for inkjet recording, provides various fastnesses to recorded matters, and is useful as a yellow coloring matter excellent in storage stability when prepared into an ink composition, and suitable for ink compositions, especially inks for inkjet recording. |
US07771522B2 |
Separator for multi-phase slug flow and method of designing same
A slug flow separator facilitates the separation of a mixture flow into component parts. The separator includes an upper-tier elongate conduit, a lower-tier elongate conduit and a plurality of spaced apart connectors. Each of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an outlet and at least one of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an inlet for receiving the mixture flow. The upper and lower-tier elongate conduits also each have a plurality of openings such that one connector of the plurality of connectors may interconnect one of the upper-tier elongate conduit openings with a one of the lower-tier elongate conduit openings. The connectors enable communication of at least one of a liquid component and the at least one of another liquid component and a gas component of the mixture flow therebetween. |
US07771521B2 |
Hyperbranched polyimide-based hybrid material
It is an object of the present invention to provide a polyimide-based hybrid material which is industrially and advantageously utilized because of having better gas permeability, electric characteristics, heat resistance, mechanical strength, and the like as compared with the conventional polyimide-based hybrid materials, while keeping chemical resistance, forming characteristics (process characteristics), and the like inherently possessed by polyimide. Provided is a hyperbranched polyimide-based hybrid material constituted of an organic-inorganic polymer hybrid, wherein the organic-inorganic polymer hybrid has a hyperbranched polyimide moiety and an inorganic oxide moiety which are combining each other via covalent bond and constituting a composite structure. |
US07771517B2 |
Filtering method
A fluid filter is preferably constructed from a relatively thick batting of high loft, non-woven, fluid permeable fibrous material. The filter batting is then passed through a manufacturing device, which slices the batting in the vertical as to create two continuous filter batts from the parent filter batt. The slicing also creates a relatively deep V-shaped zig zag or waveform pattern in the anterior filter surfaces of the top and bottom of the batt. The top half deep V-shaped zigzag patterns peaks and valleys correspond or line up with the bottom half's valleys and peaks since the waveform landscape of the first child batt is essentially a negative impression of the second child batt. Accordingly, the patterns nest within one another. When separated, the two children batts each comprise a waveform landscape for dynamically directing fluid streams from the anterior filter surface to the posterior filter surface. |
US07771516B2 |
Method of removing ozone remaining in water
The present invention provides a method of removing ozone remaining in water by separating residual ozone which remains in water after ozone is mixed in the water and kills microorganisms in the water including the steps of storing water containing the residual ozone in a pressure tank, supplying the pressure tank with compressed air, generating coarse bubbles larger than the residual ozone existing in water in the form of micro bubbles in pressurized condition, making the residual ozone in the form of micro bubbles adhere to the coarse bubbles, separating the residual ozone from water as the coarse bubbles go up, and discharging the micro bubbles from the pressure tank.Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of removing ozone remaining in water to remove ozone remaining in water inexpensively and efficiently. |
US07771511B2 |
Oxygen concentration system and method
The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM <9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity. |
US07771505B2 |
Controlled release fertilizer composition
A controlled release fertilizer composition and methods to produce the controlled release fertilizer composition are described. The controlled release fertilizer composition comprises a water soluble fertilizer core that is coated with a polymeric layer, intermediate layer, and a sulfur layer. If desired, the sulfur layer can be coated with an outer water-insoluble layer. |
US07771504B1 |
Producing liquid organic fertilizer from organic substrates
The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of organic liquid fertilizer from waste using a two-phase process. The first phase comprises a successive extraction process whereby liquid leachate is drained from one plant or storage container and the process subsequently re-started with new fresh water. The second phase comprises an accelerated bio-leaching process wherein plant material is stored in a solid bed similar to a batch process, and a leachate (e.g., water and bacteria) is re-circulated through the solid bed until the process of hydrolysis and acidification results in dissolution of organic material into the re-circulating leachate. The leachate is thus concentrated without losing the nutrient and is subsequently used as an organic fertilizer. |
US07771498B2 |
Superabrasive tools having improved caustic resistance
Superabrasive tools having improved caustic resistance and their methods of manufacture are disclosed. One aspect may include a method of providing caustic resistance along an entire working surface of a superabrasive tool having embedded superabrasive particles. Such a method may include forming a protective layer through reaction between a reactive source and a reactive element in situ along substantially all of the working surface at an interface between the reactive source and a support matrix including the reactive element, and between each of a plurality of superabrasive particles and the support matrix. At least a portion of the reactive source may then be removed to expose the protective layer. In some aspects, the protective layer may be substantially continuous. |
US07771496B1 |
Reduction of impurities in battery electrolyte
A method of a reducing impurities in an electrolyte includes contacting one or more components of an electrolyte with a zeolite. The method also includes activating one or more anode and one or more cathodes with the electrolyte. Contacting the one or more components with the zeolite can include contacting the electrolyte with the zeolite. In some instances, the method includes preparing the electrolyte after contacting the one or more components of the electrolyte with the zeolite. |
US07771484B2 |
Modular tibial implant
A modular tibial implant includes a tibial baseplate having a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second openings extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and a bone engaging element having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal and proximal ends, the proximal end of the bone engaging element having a threaded opening alignable with the first opening of the tibial baseplate and a post insertible into the second opening of the tibial baseplate. The implant include a threaded fastener insertible into the aligned first opening and threaded opening, wherein the threaded fastener is rotatable for securing the proximal end of the bone engaging element to the bottom surface of the tibial baseplate, and a cam element insertible into the second opening of the tibial baseplate for engaging the post. The cam element is rotatable for moving the baseplate relative to the bone engaging element along an axis that traverses the longitudinal axis of the bone engaging element. |
US07771482B1 |
Method for tissue expansion and regeneration using bioresorbable inflatable devices
Bioresorbable inflatable devices and tunnel incision tool and methods for treating and enlarging a tissue or an organ or a tube or a vessel or a cavity. The device is composed of a hollow expanding pouch made of a resorbable material that can be attached to a filling element. The pouch can be filled with a biocompatible materials, one or more times in few days interval, after the insertion of the device. While filling the pouch every few days the tissue expands and the filling material if it is bioactive start to function. The tunnel incision tool composed of a little blade that emerges from the surface of the tool in order to make shallow incisions in the surrounding tissue therefore enabling easy expansion of the tissue. This device and method can be used for example for: horizontal and vertical bone augmentation in the jaws and the tunnel incision tool is used to make shallow incisions in the periosteum when using the tunnel technique, sinus augmentation when the device is placed beneath the Schneiderian tissue, vessels widening if the pouch become a stent etc. |
US07771476B2 |
Curable orthopedic implant devices configured to harden after placement in vivo by application of a cure-initiating energy before insertion
An orthopedic implant device is non-rigid, i.e., flexible and/or malleable, in a first form for insertion into a desired in vivo site, and then transformable into a rigid, or hardened, form for providing a load-bearing function or providing other structural and/or mechanical function after implant. The device includes a biocompatible sheath and a curable material sealed within the sheath. The curable material is provided in a first form that provides flexibility to the device and is structured to rigidize in a second form after insertion to an in vivo location as a result of application of a cure-initiating energy to the material prior to insertion. Related methods and kits are also provided. |
US07771473B2 |
Expandable spinal fusion cage
An expandable spinal fusion device is provided. The expandable device comprises a first part slidingly coupled to a second part. An removable expandable member extends between the first part and the second part and is coupled to a rotating operator such that rotating the operator causes the first part and the second part to move away from each other and distract vertebral bodies. A spacer or clip is used to lock the first part in relation to the second part to allow bone growth the fuse the vertebral bodies. |
US07771472B2 |
Bronchial flow control devices and methods of use
Disclosed is an assembly for loading a bronchial flow control device into a container, such as into a delivery catheter. The assembly includes a funnel housing and a puller housing that mate with one another. The funnel housing defines a funnel-shaped loading cavity that receives a flow control device and that gradually reduces in size moving in a first direction. The puller housing is removably attached to the funnel housing and is also removably attachable to a bronchial flow control device that can be positioned in the loading cavity. The puller housing pulls the bronchial flow control device in the first direction through the funnel housing to gradually contract the bronchial flow control device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to the expanded state. |
US07771470B2 |
Ophthalmic apparatuses and methods
Blue light blocking chromophore (BLBC) ophthalmic devices are disclosed. In an embodiment, BLBC is relatively concentrated in the device center gradually decreasing to the device edge to create a BLBC gradient. |
US07771461B2 |
Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient
Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient comprises an enclosure defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of a patient's body therein. The enclosure has at least one gusset that is resiliently deformable for accommodating patients of various sizes. A supply conduit fluidly connects an inlet of the enclosure to a reservoir, and a return conduit fluidly connects an outlet of the enclosure to the reservoir. A first coupler joins the supply conduit and the return conduit to the reservoir and a second coupler joins the supply conduit and the return conduit to the enclosure. The reservoir generally comprises a bag and at least a portion of the supply conduit is integral with the bag. |
US07771459B2 |
Fastener having torque optimized head
Disclosed is a medical fastener that can be mounted to a bone of a patient. The medical fastener can include a head portion comprising a recess having a first portion, a second tapered portion extending from the first portion, and a third cylindrical portion extending from the second tapered portion. A threaded body portion can extend from the head portion. The first portion and the second portion can have a Torx geometry or star-shaped configuration. Also disclosed is a driver usable to mount the medical fastener to the bone. The driver can include a tip that is complementary to the recess and an end that enables the driver to mount to a drill or other device that can rotate the driver. |
US07771455B2 |
Closure medical device
A closure device for closing a puncture wound has a distal section that can be placed against the interior wall of a vessel and a proximal section that bunches in the tissue tract to close the wound. |
US07771454B2 |
Autologous wound sealing apparatus
Apparatus (10) is provided for sealing a vascular puncture tract by forming the autologous plug within the puncture tract, and extruding that plug into the puncture tract. The apparatus of the present invention forms an autologous blood plug by drawing blood into the apparatus from a vessel, mixing a blood congealing agent with the drawn blood, and ejecting a plug formed from the clotted blood within the puncture tract. Also provided are various closure elements (22) to isolate the drawn blood from the vessel during mixture with the blood congealing agent, and to facilitate placement of the apparatus relative to the vessel. |
US07771448B2 |
Catheter device and method for selective occlusion of arteries of the descending aorta
An improved catheter device includes an elongate shaft having a distal portion adapted to be disposed with the abdominal aorta and a plurality of expandable members disposed thereon. One expandable member is dimensioned and configured so that it rests within the iliac bifurcation when expanded. At least two expandable members are spaced apart from the one expandable member and configured to selectively occlude blood flow to different abdominal/pelvic arteries when expanded. Preferably, the distal-most and the proximal-most expandable members are spaced apart at a distance more than 20 cm and less than 40 cm (and most preferably on the order of 30 cm). The expandable members are preferably realized by four inflatable balloons controlled by fluidic pressure supplied thereto via corresponding inflation lumens in the shaft. The catheter device can be fixated within the abdominal aorta and manipulated in order to quickly and efficiently identify and isolate a hemorrhage flowing from an abdominal artery. In another aspect, the catheter device can be used in treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm. |
US07771446B2 |
Balloon dilator
A medical apparatus for widening a stenosis or for deploying a stent in a patient. The apparatus has a central axis and an inflatable outer dumbbell-shaped balloon. The apparatus is insertable into a lumen of a patient for movement of the balloon therein between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. The balloon stays in position over the stenosis or the area in need of the stent when it is inflated. The apparatus can include a flexible support member mounted on the external surface of the balloon with at least one microsurgical blade, which forms an effective cutting edge upon inflation of the outer balloon. The apparatus can also include one or more inner balloons that allow higher dilation pressures to be generated from inside the outer balloon. The apparatus can also include a hollow central core that may permit ventilation of the airway during the dilation process. |
US07771444B2 |
Methods and devices for removing material from a body lumen
A debulking catheter comprising a debulking assembly for debulking a body lumen. The catheters of the present invention can include a flexible proximal portion coupled to a rigid distal portion. A tissue debulking assembly can be disposed within the rigid portion to debulk the body lumen. In exemplary embodiments, the rigid portion is rotatably coupled to the flexible portion such that rotation or deflection of the rigid portion, relative to the flexible portion, can expose the tissue debulking assembly through a window in the catheter to debulk the body lumen. |
US07771443B2 |
Anastomosis device approximating structure configurations
A surgical tool including an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, first and second sets of tissue approximating structures having deployed and retracted positions relative to the elongated body, an actuating mechanism at the proximal end of the elongated body for independently deploying and retracting each of the first and second sets of tissue approximating structures, and a drainage lumen extending from a drainage aperture at the distal end of the elongated body to the proximal end. The tool further includes a main balloon adjacent to the distal end of the elongated body, wherein the first set of tissue approximating structures has a different configuration than the second set of tissue approximating structures. |
US07771442B2 |
Graft core for seal and suture anastomoses with devices and methods for percutaneous intraluminal excisional surgery (PIES)
The present invention is a combination anastomosis device that both sutures and seals connections between two native body tubes and a graft—better proof against leaks than prior art of suturing alone or as some propose, by sealing. The invention is also a combination of supporting devices and methods that allow the anastomoses to be performed in seconds rather than the minutes required by present art, causing no more collateral bodily damage than percutaneous entry, requiring no time on a cardiac bypass system, either no heart stoppage or less than a minute thus potentially increasing the population who can tolerate coronary bypass as an out-patient procedure. The tract of application is not limited to coronary but includes vascular, urinary, pulmonary, alimentary, cerebral-spinal or other mammalian tract. May be manufactured of biodegradeable or biocompatible material and graft may be harvested or synthetic. |
US07771441B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing suture in a passageway
A surgical apparatus may include a guide apparatus to be used in an arthroscopic procedure and to interact with a passageway through a body portion formed by intersecting first and second holes that may lead into the body portion from different positions, e.g., from two different locations on a bone. The guide apparatus may include first and second guide members having first and second passages, respectively, that communicate with the first and second holes. The surgical apparatus may also include a suture retriever arranged to retrieve, from the second passage, a suture fed into the first passage. A method may include forming a passageway including first and second intersecting holes. First and second guide tubes may be positioned relative to the first and second holes, a suture or suture-like material may be provided into the first guide tube, and the suture or suture-like material may be retrieved from the second guide tube. |
US07771440B2 |
Method and apparatus for endoscopically performing gastric reduction surgery in a single pass
A gastric reduction apparatus provides for the secure attachment of multiple fasteners into the gastric wall, the fasteners being linked with a flexible member in a manner permitting the reduction of the effective size of an individual's stomach. The apparatus includes an applicator head including a proximal end and a distal end. The applicator head of the gastric reduction apparatus includes a cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving tissue. A fastener attachment mechanism is positioned within the cavity for access to tissue that is pulled within the cavity and the fastener attachment mechanism includes a plurality of fasteners. |
US07771439B2 |
Gastric band insertion instrument
An endoscopic surgical instrument is used in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for inserting a gastric band into a patient's abdomen through a laparoscopic port. The gastric band insertion instrument includes a handle, an elongated shaft and a distal end assembly. The elongated shaft includes an actuator rod that opens and closes a movable jaw at the distal end. A pin at the distal end assembly engages a hole in the front of the gastric band, and the movable jaw is closed thereby securely capturing the front end of the gastric band. The shaft and the captured gastric band are inserted through a laparoscopic port into the patient's abdomen. |
US07771434B2 |
Bone distractor apparatus
An improved distractor apparatus of the type having at least a pair of opposing bone plates secured distally and proximally to a pair of bone segments created by cutting an osteotomy gap, wherein the mounting brackets for securing the bone plates to the distractor means comprise abutment members that extend into the gap and abut the exposed ends of the two bone segments, such that distraction force is transferred to the bone segments by both the bone plates and the abutment members, wherein at least the abutment member on the distal mounting bracket is collapsible in the distal direction. |
US07771433B2 |
Bone fracture fixation plate shaping system
Removable guide tips are pre-assembled into threaded holes of a fracture fixation plate. The guide tips may be used with or without drill guides to guide a drill along the axes of threaded holes defined in the plate. In addition, the tips may be used with bending tools to contour the plate laterally, longitudinally and with twist. More particularly, such plate contouring can be performed while the plate is located on the bone. |
US07771431B2 |
Systems and methods for placing materials into bone
A method for delivering material into bone deploys a cannula through soft tissue to establish a subcutaneous path into bone. The method deploys a cavity forming instrument through the cannula to form a cavity in cancellous bone. The method introduces a material into the cavity through the cannula, which includes the advancement of a tamping instrument through the cannula to urge material into the cavity. |
US07771429B2 |
Surgical tool for holding and inserting fasteners
Surgical tools and methods for inserting fasteners into a patient. The tools may be loaded to hold multiple fasteners at a single time. The tools may include an elongated shape for insertion into the patient and placement at a predetermined position. A dispensing mechanism within the tools individually releases the fasteners. The tools may further be equipped to completely or partially mount the fasteners within the patient. Methods of using the tools include preloading chambers with multiple fasteners prior to the surgical procedure. The fasteners may then be individually released from the tools during the surgical procedure and carefully positioned within the patient. |
US07771428B2 |
Intramedullary rod with spiraling flutes
This invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for the internal fixation of bone fractures, and particularly, to intramedullary fracture fixation devices such as those used in, for example, the treatment of long bone fractures. An IM rod preferably is provided with multiple curved sections in different planes preferably designed to conform with the long bones of a patient, both during insertion and in the rod's final position in the long bone. In addition, the overlap of portions of the curved sections results in a co-planar curvature of portions of the IM rod which assist in the insertion process by guiding the proper rotation of the IM rod as it is inserted into the bone. Spiraling flutes extending down the distal portion of the rod also assist in properly guiding and orienting the rod about its longitudinal axis during insertion such that the appropriate segment of the curved rod conforms with the appropriate portion of the long bone at the appropriate place. |
US07771426B2 |
Bone treatment instrument and method
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used in the case of bone. A photosensitizing drug is administered to a mammal. A bone insertion member is secured into bone. A fiber optic cable sheath extends from within the bone insertion member and is accessible. A fiber optic cable is inserted in the fiber optic cable sheath to deliver light to the bone. A locking member is then attached to the insertion member. Non-thermal light at a specific wavelength is then delivered to activate the drug. The insertion member and the fiber optic cable sheath may remain inside the mammal for further photodynamic therapy. |
US07771425B2 |
Vessel sealer and divider having a variable jaw clamping mechanism
An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at its distal end, which includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source, enabling them to affect a tissue seal to tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is included within the housing for moving the jaw members and it includes first and second gear-like cam members. A movable handle is also included, such that movement of the handle rotates the first gear-like cam member into cooperation with the second gear-like cam member to actuate the drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to each other. |
US07771424B2 |
Integrated metalized ceramic heating element for use in a tissue cutting and sealing device
A tissue cutting and sealing device, having a pair of opposing elements dimensioned to grasp tissue therebetween; and a heating assembly on at least one of the opposing elements, wherein the heating assembly includes: a ceramic body; and a metalized portion extending along a top surface of the ceramic body. The top surface of the ceramic body preferably has a width greater than the metalized portion. |
US07771420B2 |
Saline-enhanced catheter for radiofrequency tumor ablation
Catheter for the radiofrequency ablation of tissue, comprising at least one pair of bipolar electrodes adapted to function in bipolar mode, each bipolar electrode comprising supply channels adapted for the perfusion of saline solution around the electrodes, the catheter further comprising at least two end electrodes arranged towards opposed ends of the catheter, on either side of the pair of bipolar electrodes, said end electrodes adapted to function in monopolar mode. |
US07771419B2 |
Biomedical dispersive electrode
Herein is disclosed a biomedical dispersive electrode which can redistribute the current in the subject body, increase subject safety, reduce the chance for burns and other tissue damage as well as discomfort experienced by subject during or after usage. Electrodes based on the principles of this invention can be made smaller than electrodes based on the principles of the prior art. |
US07771416B2 |
Control mechanism for flexible endoscopic device and method of use
Control devices and methods are provided for controlling tension applied to a tensioning element extending through a flexible shaft, such as on an endoscopic device. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are configured to allow free movement and optionally provide slack to a control mechanism on an endoscopic device during insertion to allow free flexion of the shaft of the device, and to tension the control mechanism when desired to actuate, articulate, or otherwise control the working end or other portion of the device disposed within a patient's body. |
US07771414B2 |
Controlled release devices for therapeutic treatments of spinal discs
A device includes a first reservoir configured to include a degrading agent, a first valve in fluid communication with the first reservoir, and a reservoir driver configured to manipulate the first reservoir to effect a first reservoir condition based on a first tissue condition. The first valve is configured to open in response to the first reservoir condition associated with the first reservoir. |
US07771413B2 |
Fluid medication delivery device
A fluid delivery device for transdermal delivery of a fluid to a patient. The device comprises an envelope that may be applied to a patient's skin. The envelope comprises at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least a chamber is defined therebetween. Other embodiments include internal diffusion layers, and thus possess additional chambers, as well. In one arrangement, an adhesive boundary layer permits the device to be removably secured to a patient and inhibits radial migration of fluid beyond the periphery of the device. In another arrangement, preferably, an anti-microbial layer is provided to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. |
US07771412B2 |
Environmental seal for fluid delivery device
An environmental seal for a fluid delivery device may include a 2-shot molded cap including a carrier and a low durometer silicone plug. The seal also may include a cap receptacle that applies compressive force to the plug displacing the plug material and forming a seal between the cap, the plug and the cap receptacle. A cannula may be slidably received in the plug and may move freely through the plug without compromising the seal. |
US07771410B2 |
Pipe having at least a portion with a variable flexibility
Tube, in particular for the use in medical devices in the form of catheters for endoluminal operations, wherein in at least one portion of its wall there are obtained notches (either slits or grooves) such as to locally increase the flexibility of the tube. The notches are provided in at least one distal zone of said tube. |
US07771409B2 |
Devices, systems and methods useable for treating sinusitis
Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.) into the paranasal sinuses or other structures in the ear, nose or throat. Specific devices (e.g., tubular guides, guidewires, balloon catheters, tubular sheaths) are provided as are methods for manufacturing and using such devices to treat disorders of the ear, nose or throat. |
US07771407B2 |
Method of producing disposable pants having discontinuous elastic elements
A method of producing disposable under-shorts having a fit gather laminate at high speeds. The method includes disposing an elastic member (1) between a pair of upper and lower non-woven fabric sheets (6, 7) in the width direction, intermittently securing the elastic member (1) to portions of the non-woven fabric sheets (6, 7) and cutting a non-secured section of the elastic member (1). The method also may include cutting the fabric sheets into pieces of a predetermined size and shape, folding the pieces along a center line, attaching together the left edges and attaching together the right edges to form a fit gather laminate. The method may further comprise attaching a reinforcing sheet (3) to the under-side of the fit gather laminate (2), and disposing an absorber (4) on the upper-side of the laminate (2), and a back sheet (5) on the under-side of the reinforcing sheet (3). |
US07771405B2 |
Absorbent article comprising disposal fastening means
An absorbent article including an inner cover sheet, an outer cover sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the inner coversheet and the outer coversheet, said article further including at least one disposal fastener, the disposal fastener having a fastening element adapted to fasten to at least a portion of the outer coversheet which allows the article to be secured in a configuration that provides a convenient disposal after the article has been used, the disposal fastener further including a pull-tab, the article further including a pocket formed by at least one of the inner cover sheet and the outer cover sheet, one end of said disposal fastener being attached to the one of the inner cover sheet and the outer cover sheet at a location within the pocket and the pull-tab protrudes from the pocket so that the disposal fastener can be pulled out from the pocket. |
US07771401B2 |
Selective renal cannulation and infusion systems and methods
Renal infusion systems include an infusion catheter having a bifurcated distal end with a first branch and second branch, the branches being biased to deploy laterally when unconstrained. Systems also include a delivery sheath having a lumen which receives the infusion catheter and constrains the first branch and second branch. A distal opening of the delivery sheath is formed asymmetrically to allow one of the first and second branches to open laterally while the other of the branches remains constrained. Methods of using renal infusion systems are also provided. |
US07771391B2 |
Disposable infusion device with snap action actuation
A wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, an outlet port that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient, a pump that displaces a volume of the liquid medicament to the outlet port when actuated, and a control that actuates the pump. The control comprises a snap action actuator. |
US07771390B2 |
Syringe adapter with a driver for agitation of the syringe content
Administration by injection or infusion to patients of an injectable liquid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes is provided by a syringe adapter connectable with an automatic syringe pump and a syringe containing contents to be dispensed. The syringe adapter includes an adapter body receivable by the syringe pump, a syringe retainer for retaining the syringe, and a syringe driver for agitating the contents of the syringe. More particularly the invention relates to an adapter connectable with a syringe pump and methods for delivery of an injectable liquid using such adapter. By connecting an adapter according to the invention to a syringe and a syringe pump, rotation of the syringe is achieved and homogeneity of the injectable is preserved. Particularly, the injectable liquid is an ultrasound contrast agent comprising an aqueous dispersion of gas-filled microbubbles or of particulate matter. |
US07771376B2 |
Inflatable massage garment
A massage device for massaging a body part of a person in an unsupervised and unattended setting is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the massage device comprises an inflatable garment (200) having a plurality of inflation bladders (250), to apply pressure to the body part, and an inflation assembly (300) includes a manifold (324) into which the pressurized fluid flows, a plurality of inflation valves (326) which control the flow of fluid from the manifold to the bladders, and a manifold valve for controlling the maximum pressure level within the bladders. The inflation assembly may have a predeterminated inflation capacity which defines a maximum bladder size as well as an array in which the bladders are arranged. The massage device may further comprise a connector for connecting tubes from the bladders to the inflation assembly, wherein the connector includes a garment-identifying component for identifying the type of garment connected to the inflation assembly. |
US07771373B2 |
Control device and control program of walking assisting device
A control device and a control program of a walking assisting device, wherein a desired assist ratio, which is a desired value of the ratio of a force to be supplied by a walking assisting device in a total tread force of a user relative to the total tread forces is set, the shares of a lifting force to be applied to the user from a seating part which are to be borne by the leg links are determined from the desire assist ratio and the tread forces of the legs of the user measured on the basis of outputs of force sensors, and actuators of the leg links are controlled such that the determined shares of the lifting force are generated from the leg links. Thus, a force required for the user to support himself/herself by his/her legs on a floor can be reduced while reducing the number of parts to be attached to each leg of the user, and an assisting force for achieving such reductions can be properly shared between the leg links corresponding to the legs of the user. |
US07771372B2 |
Ultrasonic catheter with axial energy field
A catheter system for delivering ultrasonic energy to a treatment site within a body lumen comprises a tubular body. The tubular body has a proximal end, a distal end and an energy delivery section positioned between the proximal end and the distal end. The catheter further comprises an inner core configured for insertion into the tubular body. The inner core comprises a first ultrasound radiating member axially separated from a second ultrasound radiating member by an intermediate flexible joint region. The inner core further comprises an electrically conductive portion configured to allow a voltage difference to be applied to at least one of the ultrasound radiating members. The inner core further comprises a high impedance cap positioned proximal to at least one of the ultrasound radiating members. |
US07771370B2 |
Guide-wire mounted balloon modulation device and methods of use
An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid such as a gas within the expandable portion of a guide wire catheter. A preferred embodiment apparatus features a means for controllably gripping and releasing the open, proximal end of a tubular guide wire, means for introducing a fluid to a desired pressure and volume into the expandable portion of the tubular guide wire through the open end, and, while maintaining the pressure and volume of fluid in the tubular guide wire, a means for introducing a sealing member into the open end of said tubular guide wire to seal the fluid in the tubular guide wire. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the apparatus also features a deflation tool for piercing the seal and letting the fluid out. Using this apparatus, the tubular guide wire can be re-sealed and re-opened as necessary. |
US07771369B2 |
Guide catheter with removable support
Catheters such as guide catheters can be configured for delivery of devices to vasculature portions such as intracranial spaces while retaining a desired level of flexibility. A catheter having an elongate shaft can include removable support means that can provide column support to the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft can include anchoring means that releasably secure the removable support means. The catheter can be deployed within a patient's vasculature, followed by deploying the removable support means. |
US07771368B2 |
Body fluid collecting device
A body fluid collecting device which is easy to operate to collect body fluid and which is capable of detecting specific components in body fluid with a small amount of sample includes a sensor to detect a prescribed component in the body fluid, and a first supporter to support the vicinity of the measuring part of the sensor and a second supporter to support the sensor at a place closer to the proximal end than the first supporter. The first and second supporters form between them a non-contact space, wherein the first supporter has at its proximal end a concave that communicates with the non-contact space. |
US07771365B2 |
Method and apparatus for laryngeal examination
Method and apparatus for laryngeal examination of a subject (1) during exercise on apparatus such as a treadmill (2), for example to detect laryngeal dysfunction such as vocal cord dysfunction or exercise-induced laryngomalacia. The apparatus comprises a support unit (11) attached to the head (10) of the subject, and a laryngoscope (15) attached to the support unit. The subject exercises whilst the support unit and laryngoscope are attached to the subject. A fibre optic (18) of the laryngoscope is used for transnasal laryngoscopy during exercise and images are stored in a recording device (21). |
US07771363B2 |
Coronary sinus sensing device
The present invention provides a new mechanical sensor approach to maneuvering catheters and other cardiac devices into blood outlets, with particular application to maneuvering cardiac devices into the coronary sinus and beyond. Additionally, the inventive sensing device provides assessment of the viability of branching veins and other potential device sites, such as within the coronary venous system. |
US07771361B2 |
Blood pressure measuring apparatus and method of measuring blood pressure
Provided is a blood pressure measuring apparatus and a method of measuring blood pressure. The blood pressure measuring apparatus includes a plurality of blood pressure measuring units disposed on a substrate, a plurality of optical sensors disposed on the substrate to correspond to the blood pressure measuring units, and a control unit that measures blood pressure by analyzing signals received from the optical sensors and the blood pressure measuring units, wherein each of the blood pressure measuring units comprises a plurality of blood pressure sensors. |
US07771357B2 |
Devices and methods for occlusion of the uterine arteries
Devices and methods are disclosed for treating a uterine disorder which receive its blood supply from a uterine artery. In particular, uterine fibroids are effectively treated by occluding the uterine arteries using trans-vaginal, trans-uterine, transrectal, or retroperitoneal approaches. The devices and methods are advantageous because the inventive procedures may be performed by a patient's gynecologist in the course of treatment, avoiding the need for referrals to specialist practitioners and for more radical treatments, such as hysterectomies. The methods include both temporary and permanent occlusion of the arteries. A cannula carries an imaging device and a member which will easily penetrate tissue, the member including a device which partially or completely, and temporarily or permanently, occludes a uterine artery. |
US07771355B2 |
System and method for medical imaging with robust mode switching via serial channel
In one embodiment of the invention, there is an ultrasound processing system that communicates images over a single asynchronous serial channel according to a scheme that does not require an isochronous serial channel and that switches among ultrasound imaging modes robustly. For example, the system is configured to packetize ultrasound image data of at least one ultrasound imaging mode into a stream of data frames and to convey the stream of data frames via the asynchronous channel. Each data frame includes indication of the ultrasound imaging mode and includes ultrasound-imaging-mode-specific imaging parameters. Other embodiments exist. |
US07771352B2 |
Low oxygen in vivo analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous and subcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. |
US07771349B2 |
Endoscope
An endoscope comprises: an insertion portion that is to be inserted into a coelom; a treatment instrument elevation support, pivotally provided at a distal end of the insertion portion, that is used to guide a treatment instrument introduced at the distal end; and an observation section that obtains an image observed at the distal end, wherein, when the treatment instrument elevation support is reclined, part of the treatment instrument elevation support is included in the image obtained by the observation section. |
US07771347B2 |
Method for treating tissue with an implant
A method for forming a valve-like mechanism in a body of a mammal having an esophagus extending through a lower esophageal sphincter to a stomach and formed by a wall having a muscle layer and a mucosal layer. The method comprises the step of forming at least one implant in the muscle layer of the wall in the vicinity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The at least one implant inhibits opening of esophagus at the lower esophageal sphincter and causes the mucosal layer to appose in the vicinity of the implants. |
US07771342B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing vision problems as a result of floaters
An apparatus and method for treating floater problems of the eye. In some embodiments, a magnet is non-invasively held in place against the face, and in particular, over the lower eyelid of the patient over an extended period of time, in order to control the position of the floaters and to stimulate the eye to better focus. In other embodiments, the device is included in eyeglasses that hold the magnet next to the lower eyelid. In some embodiments, the magnet is placed next to the lower eyelid. In some embodiments, the magnet is replaced by or supplemented with electrical stimulation. Some embodiments use a permanent magnet, while others use an AC or DC electromagnet. In some embodiments, a tapping device or heating device is included. The electro-magnetic force, tapping, and/or heat are controlled with a chip, circuit, and/or switch. In some embodiments, the device is placed under the skin. |
US07771341B2 |
Electromagnetic brain animation
This invention pertains to apparatus methodology formulated to perform electromagnetic brain animation (EBA) for the purpose of partial or complete alleviation of specific mental impairments relating categorically to infant, early childhood, and adolescent target populations. EBA expressly refers to an original system and mechanized manner for determining and redirecting particular areas of the brain found to suffer from endemic and/or environmental injury. Electromagnetic brain animation is an enhanced initiative for positive influence on brain region neuron activity with the impetus to habilitate, rehabilitate and/or redirect dysfunctional cellular structure in direct correlation with greater pliability of evolving nervous systems in conjunction with superior biological plasticity due to specified group cluster. The EBA technical inclination, evolution and fruition of “animation” are specifically related to safety and success with early developing brains. Special areas targeted, but not limited to, include depression, dysthymia, attention deficit disorder, learning disability, memory loss, overanxious disorder, mild retardation, and autism. |
US07771340B2 |
Method and apparatus for modifying distance from a brachytherapy radiation source to sensitive anatomical structures
A balloon brachytherapy applicator has either a single or double chambers, with the capability of “blistering” outwardly at a specified area on one side of the balloon. This is useful to move sensitive tissue farther away from a radiation source within a source guide inside the balloon. In one case a secondary compartment is formed on the primary balloon, and is separately inflatable so as to allow blistering as desired when needed. In another form the balloon comprises a single chamber but with a “window” or area in which the balloon wall is elastic, or substantially more elastic than the main balloon wall, so that inflation of the balloon up to a certain point forms a substantially regular balloon shape, and the addition of further pressure will blister out the elastic area to increase the distance between the shaft and the sensitive tissue in a desired orientation of the balloon. |
US07771337B2 |
Self-centering tucker assembly for a folding roll
An interfolding machine includes a first folding roll with a series of the gripper assemblies and a series of tucker assemblies uniformly and alternately spaced to interact with a series of gripper and tucker assemblies of an adjacent second folding roll. The series of alternately spaced gripper and tucker assemblies interact to grip, carry, and release a sheet of material in a manner so as to generate an interfolded stack of sheets. Each tucker assembly includes an outwardly biased tucker element that is operable to self-center in a slot formed in the folding roll. The tucker assembly further includes a roller mounted by a pin to the tucker element such that the tucker element rolls along a surface defined by the slot. Another embodiment of the tucker assembly includes a pivot spring and bumper to self-center the tucker element in the slot. |
US07771334B2 |
Machine and method for pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like product assembly
A method and apparatus for assembling a plurality of independently formed solid components is provided thereby forming a single delivery vehicle for a pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical-like product. The solid components can be held and fed to the apparatus via a plurality of magazines. Pusher rods and the like can be used for positioning each of the solid components. Where the components are connected via a bonding liquid, a sprayer is provided and compression pins or the like press the components with the bonding liquid together to form the final product. A rivet or other connection structure can also be used and driven through holes in each of the solid components to form the final product. |
US07771330B2 |
Selectorized dumbbell having shock absorbing system
A selectorized dumbbell has a handle that can be inserted into a gap between stacks of nested left and right weight plates. A selector determines how many left weight plates are coupled to the left end of the handle and how many right weight plates are coupled to the right end of the handle. Each weight plate is held between a pair of flexible arms on a forked carrier. The arms allow the weight plates to deflect out of a normal, substantially upright, orientation if an impact shock is delivered to the dumbbell. The arms are restored to their normal orientation once the impact shock dissipates. This allows the impact shock to be absorbed without damaging the dumbbell or while minimizing damage to the dumbbell. |
US07771328B2 |
Exercise apparatus with resilient foot support
An exerciser including a movable body support mounted on an exerciser frame for movement along tracks provided by the frame. A movable foot support extends from the exerciser frame. The movable foot support is adapted to be engaged by the user's feet to absorb the energy of movement in a first direction and to provide the user with a bouncing movement, which the user may translate into a movement of the movable body support in the opposite direction. The movable foot support may be provided as an attachment and retrofitted to existing exercisers. The exerciser may include a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable body support and a set of pull lines with user grips trained over pulleys carried by the exerciser frame. Also disclosed are methods for enabling users to exercise. |
US07771325B2 |
Exercise bicycle
A unique structure for an indoor exercise bike that provides strength in its design, as well as the flexibility to create an aesthetically appealing frame structure. The monocoque frame design, including two symmetrical halves joined together, forms a very strong, light shell that can take on a variety of shapes and sizes. The seat structure, handlebar structure, drive train and support platforms are all able to be readily attached to the primary frame structure to provide an exercise bicycle that is sturdy, easy to manufacture, and light enough to easily move when necessary. |
US07771323B1 |
Fold away wrist roller with connectable flexible line
An exercise apparatus includes a leg exercise arm assembly pivotally attached to a frame or user support assembly. A user can perform leg extension exercises and leg curl exercises with the leg exercise arm assembly. The exercise apparatus also includes a wrist roller assembly that is also pivotally attached to the user support assembly, frame, or leg exercise arm assembly. The wrist roller assembly can be locked into at least one storage position that allows a user to perform leg extension and leg curl exercises without interference from the wrist roller assembly and locked into at least one use position that allows a user to perform wrist rolling exercises. The wrist roller assembly includes a flexible line that can be connected to a high station free flexible line end, a mid section free flexible line end, or a low section free flexible line end based on the ratio of resistance desired. |
US07771321B2 |
Exercise management system
A system for managing exercise of an animal such as a human being so that the motion of the animal is induced with an appropriate scale and rhythm in accordance with the physiological conditions of the animal is provided. According to the exercise management system (1) of the present invention, during the process where the user's walking motion is induced by an operation of a walking motion induction device (20), a walking ratio (k) and a physiological variable such as consumed energy are measured. Then, the walking ratio (k) in the state where the physiological variable attains an appropriate value in consideration of activation of physical functions or reduction of body load of the user is set as a recommended walking ratio (k0). This ensures that the recommended walking ratio (k0) is set as appropriate in consideration of activation of the physical functions of the user or the like. As the walking motion is induced based on this recommended walking ratio (k0) by the walking motion induction device (20), the induction scale and rhythm can be controlled appropriately so that the step width (q) and the walking rate (p) are appropriate in consideration of activation of the physical functions of the user or the like. |
US07771311B2 |
Enhanced catalyst performance by engine load adjustment
A method comprises operating an engine of a vehicle to provide output torque to an input of a torque converter, determining whether the engine is in a cold start condition, fixing an input shaft of a transmission when the engine is in the cold start condition, and coupling the input shaft of the transmission to an output of the torque converter. A control module comprises a combustion control module that operates an engine of a vehicle to provide output torque to an input of a torque converter, a NPD module that determines whether the engine is in a cold start condition, and a transmission control module that fixes an input shaft of a transmission when the engine is in the cold start condition, wherein the input shaft of the transmission is in communication with an output of the torque converter. |
US07771309B2 |
Control device for vehicle drive device
A drive apparatus for vehicle is disclosed having a coupling device (switching clutch B0 or switching brake C0) operative to switch a transmission mechanism 10 between a continuously variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state with both advantages including improved fuel consumption achieved by a transmission, enabled to electrically control a speed ratio, and increased power transmitting efficiency provided by a gear-type transmitting device in which drive power is mechanically transmitted. With the transmission mechanism 10, switching control means 50 allows a differential portion 11 to be maintained in the continuously variable shifting state or the differential portion 11 is preferentially placed in the continuously variable shifting state during a start-up of an engine. This allows an engine speed NE to rapidly increase beyond a given engine speed NE′ to immediately transit a given engine speed area NER, thereby suppressing the occurrence of vibrational noise of the vehicle during the start-up of the engine. |
US07771307B2 |
Rolling element screw device
A rolling element screw device is provided with a power transmission mechanism for moving a retainer ring 14 in an axial direction in accordance with lead angles of spiral grooves 11a, 12a while rotating the retainer ring 14 in a condition of maintaining a constant relationship with respect to a rotational phase of a rotating side member in accordance with the rotation of the rotating side member. The power transmission mechanism is provided with an external tooth 17 formed to a screw member 11, an internal tooth 18 formed to a nut member 12 and a plurality of planetary gears 19 held to be rotatable to circumferentially predetermined positions of the retainer ring 14 in a condition meshed with the external tooth 17 and the internal tooth 18, respectively, the external tooth 17 is formed so as not to overlap with the screw side spiral groove 11a formed to the screw member 11, and the internal tooth 18 is formed so as not to overlap with the nut side spiral groove 12a formed to the nut member 12. According to such structure, there can be provided a rolling element screw device capable of maintaining always constant the moving amount in both the axial directions of the retainer ring. |
US07771303B2 |
Chain guide device
A chain guide for guiding a chain includes a chain passage formed by an outer side wall and an inner side wall for surrounding the chain passage. A front end portion of the inner side wall is retracted to and is positioned at a rear side of a vehicle body than a front end portion of the outer side wall. Guide ribs are formed on an upper wall and a bottom wall and are brought into sliding contact with upper and lower sides of the chain. A discharge recessed portion which is opened frontwardly from the front end portion is formed in the inner side wall, wherein the chain passage is in communication with the outside through the discharge recessed portion. Mud or the like which is carried into an inlet falls in the inside of a vehicle body disposed outside the chain guide from the discharge recessed portion |
US07771298B2 |
Expandable broadhead with rear deploying blades
An improved expandable broadhead with rear deploying blades. The rear deploying blades deploy reliably upon impact of the blades with a target. The expandable broadhead resists deflection by the target regardless of the angle of entry. Consequently, the present expandable broadhead maximizes kinetic energy on impact and increases the probability of substantial penetration into the target. |
US07771293B1 |
Basketball shooting training aid and method for its use
The present invention provides a shooting aid for basketball players including a device worn by a basketball player to aid the player's shooting forearm to be kept parallel to the centerline of the body during the shooting motion without any apparatus restraints. The centerline of the body is an imaginary line dividing the player vertically down the middle of his or her body. The shooting aid comprises a sleeve adapted to fit around the forearm or wrist of the shooting arm of the basketball player. The sleeve carries a light that brightly illuminates in response to the forearm of the shooter being in a vertical position. |
US07771288B2 |
Golf club head with face insert
A golf club head is disclosed. The golf club head has a body member and a face insert formed of different materials. The body material is relatively soft and ductile to allow the club to be customized, and the face insert member is relatively hard and wear resistant to ensure that the face groove geometry remains substantially unaltered through use. |
US07771285B2 |
Golf club
A golf club head having a body and a strike face for striking a golf ball. The strike face is arranged at the front of the body, and a projection projecting forwardly of the body at one side of the strike face. In use, the projection extends in the same direction as a strike direction of the strike face. The golf club head further comprises an alignment marking which extends along an upper surface of the projection. |
US07771284B1 |
Golf ball aiming device
A golf ball aiming device is provided that allows a golfer to accurately position a ball relative to its intended target. The device includes a laser for aiming and pointing the device along with an alignment feature for aligning the ball relative to the device. |
US07771283B2 |
Propshaft with constant velocity joint attachment
A propeller shaft assembly includes a substantially cylindrical hollow propeller shaft, a stub shaft and a constant velocity joint having inner race and an outer race drivingly interconnected by a plurality of balls. The stub shaft has a first end fixed to the propeller shaft and a second end drivingly coupled to the inner race. The second end includes a portion positioned adjacent to the inner race that defines an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter defined by the interface between the inner race and the plurality of balls. |
US07771282B2 |
Fixed type constant velocity universal joint
The present invention provides a fixed type constant velocity universal joint suitable for applications where vibration is harmful. A fixed-type constant velocity universal joint (1) includes an inner member (20) fitted in an outer member (10) with a retainer (40) therebetween, and balls (30) provided between track grooves (14, 24) of the outer member (10) and the inner member (20) as well as retained by the retainer (40). The outer member (10) is constructed as a multilayer structure of three or more layers formed of an outside member (15), one or a plurality of intermediate members (16), and an inside member (17), and at least one of the intermediate members (16) is constructed of an elastic material. Cushioning action of the intermediate members (16) can reliably absorb vibration transmitted from either of the outer member (10) and the inner members (20) with the members (10, 20) set to a predetermined operation angle. |
US07771278B1 |
Casino cashless ticket identification system
A slot machine gaming device and method to target advertisements and promotions on cashless tickets. Players can be identified by their player's card, and a record associated with a ticket can be associated with the identified player. Upon redemption, the player, based on his or her player profile, can be presented with a targeted message and/or a special bonus offer. |
US07771276B2 |
Method and apparatus for a gaming network architecture
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to wagering games and, more particularly, to a gaming network linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming network has a plurality of servers dedicated to providing a shared game to a plurality of gaming terminals. The shared game may be either competitive or collaborative between players and may be a combination of both competitive and collaborative game play. The dedicated game servers are connected to a core support network that has commonly used computer resources. The communication link between the gaming terminals and servers are supported by a communication server with message directing software that allows events that occur at individual gaming terminals to be broadcast to all other gaming terminals and servers associated with that shared gaming events. |
US07771275B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing insurance policies for gambling losses
A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user. |
US07771272B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring activities on a gaming table
A gaming system includes a gaming table and a podium. The podium is located adjacent to a back portion of the gaming table and carries one or more optical readers. The readers are configured to read at least one wager placed approximately within a demarcated wagering area on a playing surface of the gaming table. The readers can be optical imagers, optical scanner, and/or video imagers. The podium and/or gaming table can carry a number of gaming automation components such as a card reader, a discard reader, chip tray, etc. |
US07771268B2 |
Electronic game apparatus and method providing a secondary game triggered apart from a primary game
A gaming device and method where there is a primary game and a bonus game. The player makes a wager and plays the primary game to obtain an outcome. Before, during or after the primary game a bonus game is played, apart from the primary game, which can trigger an separate, unrelated award. A bonus award display displays any award from the bonus game. |
US07771262B2 |
Apparatus for analysing composition of crops in a crop elevator
An apparatus for analyzing crop composition of crops moving in a grain elevator, the elevator including paddles moving up on an up-going side of the elevator and down on a down-going side of the elevator, the apparatus including a crop entrance for entry of crops from the up-going paddles to the analyzing apparatus and a housing for containing a portion of crops to be analyzed. The crop entrance is located in a plane parallel to the elevator's outer wall at the up-going side of the elevator. The apparatus further includes a sloped gutter portion for bringing crops from the crop entrance towards the housing. |
US07771260B2 |
Distribution leveling for an agricultural combine
A method for controlling distribution of crop material to a cleaning sieve of an agricultural combine, for reducing grain loss, including while the combine is tilted sidewardly relative to horizontal, involving controlling the angular orientation of a distributor disposed between a threshing system of the combine and the sieve, for distributing a mat of the crop material onto the sieve evenly across an extent thereof. The angular orientation of the distributor can be set in advance of tilting of the combine, to adjust for a variety of conditions, including uneven outputting of the crop material from the threshing system, and the set orientation can be automatically maintained or actively adjusted to control a desired operating parameter such as grain loss, even as the combine is variously tilted and the angular orientation of the sieve relative to the combine is independently adjusted to maintain the sieve horizontal. |
US07771256B1 |
In-feed can
A feed section of a de-boning apparatus connected with an output section. The feed section comprises a cylinder forming a loading section and a packing section. The portion forming the loading cylinder section has a larger radius than the cylinder portion forming the packing section. A tapered face interconnects the cylinder portion forming the packing section. An auger having a helical flight of a constant radius passes through the cylinder forming a void along its length between the cylinder portion having a larger radius and the helical flight. The void allows product fed into the feed section to completely surround the auger and fill the helical void within the loading section with reduced pressure against the product. |
US07771251B2 |
Three-dimensional network for chemical mechanical polishing
The polishing pad (104) is useful for polishing at least one of magnetic, optical and semiconductor substrates (112) in the presence of a polishing medium (120). The polishing pad (104) includes a three-dimensional network of interconnected unit cells (225). The interconnected unit cells (225) are reticulated for allowing fluid flow and removal of polishing debris. A plurality of polishing elements (208, 308 and 408) form the three-dimensional network of interconnected unit cells (225). The polishing elements (208, 308 and 408) have a first end connected to a first adjacent polishing element at a first junction (209, 309 and 409) and a second end connected to a second adjacent polishing element at a second junction (209, 309 and 409) and having a cross-sectional area (222, 322 and 422) that remains within 30% between the first and the second junctions (209, 309 and 409). The polishing surface (200, 300 and 400) formed from the plurality of polishing elements (208, 308 and 408) remains consistent for multiple polishing operations. |
US07771249B2 |
Corner saw
A cutting apparatus for cutting corner pieces formed of stone or other materials for use as building faces or for cutting flat pieces is disclosed herein. The cutting apparatus includes a frame with a first and a second conveyor operatively attached to the frame. The first and the second conveyors are configured to carry a workpiece from a first end of the frame to the second end of the frame. The first conveyor is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees to a ground surface supporting the cutting apparatus. The second conveyor is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees to the ground surface supporting the cutting apparatus, wherein the second conveyor is positioned perpendicularly to the first conveyor so as to form a V-shaped channel therewith. The cutting apparatus further includes a first cutting blade operatively attached to the frame and positioned generally parallel to the first conveyor and a second cutting blade operatively attached to the frame and positioned generally parallel to the second conveyor. |
US07771247B2 |
Novelty light-up toy
A hand-held light-up toy including a see-through housing, a handle connected to the see-through housing, a light source assembly rotatably mounted within the see-through housing, the light source assembly comprising a housing and a printed circuit board mounted within the housing, a plurality of light sources mounted on the printed circuit board, a power source disposed within the handle, motor disposed within the handle and connected to the power source, having a motor shaft extending therefrom, a rotation means disposed within the handle and connected to the motor shaft, and to the printed circuit board assembly for rotating the printed circuit board assembly when the motor is turned on, and an on/off switch assessable on the handle for selectively activating the power source and the motor. |
US07771246B2 |
Method of forming film pattern, film pattern, device, electro optic device, and electronic apparatus
A method of forming a film pattern by placing a functional liquid on a substrate, comprises: forming a bank on the substrate, wherein the bank corresponds to a region for forming the film pattern; placing the functional liquid in the region for forming the film pattern partitioned by the bank; and curing the functional liquid to form the film pattern; wherein the functional liquid is placed under conditions that a difference between an advancing contact angle and a receding contact angle of the functional liquid with a top surface of the bank is 10 degrees or more and that the receding contact angle is 13 degrees or more. |
US07771245B2 |
Assembly of buoys for flexible submarine pipe
An assembly of support buoys for a flexible submarine pipeline which is designed for the transport of hydrocarbons. A plurality of buoys which can be installed gradually on at least one portion of the flexible submarine pipeline. A fixing device blocks translational movement of the buoys on the portion of the pipeline. The fixing device includes a hitching or coupling line which connects each of the buoys successively to one another. The translational movement of each of the buoys is gradually blocked on the coupling line. Connecting devices maintain the coupling line taut at locations along the portion of the pipeline. |
US07771244B1 |
Electrical connector
The present invention relates to an electrical connector used for connecting a mating device with multiple pins and comprising a body and at least one terminal. The terminals are secured in the body and have at least one coarse surface and at least one glossy surface with a protection layer of noble metal. The coarse surfaces and the glossy surfaces locate at a position for making the pins scrape with the coarse surfaces and finally contact the coarse surfaces and the glossy surfaces simultaneously. |
US07771241B2 |
Terminal block with U-shaped conducting part for connecting electric wires
Terminal block for connecting electric wires comprising an insulating body and a conducting part housed inside it and associated with means for retaining the free end of the electric wire, said conducting part having a U-shaped form. |
US07771239B1 |
Power receptacle device with rotatable sockets
A power receptacle device has a stationary base and at least one rotating base. The at least one rotating base is mounted rotatably in the stationary base and has at least one socket. The at least one socket is covered when the rotating base is rotated to a position to prevent users from touching the at least one socket and getting electric shock. Further, because the at least one rotating base is rotatable, the at least one socket on the at least one rotating base is exposed and accessible when the at least one rotating base is turned out from the at least one rotating base. |
US07771235B2 |
Shielded connector with an inner shield tightly fitted into an outer shield
A shield connector includes a housing that has a metal terminal, a conductive inner shield shell that contains the housing, and a conductive outer shield shell that contains the inner shield shell. The inner shield shell includes a first shell body in a tubular shape for covering an outer face of the housing. The outer shield shell includes a second shell body in a tubular shape, and a fixing portion which fixes the inner shield shell. The fixing portion has an annular wall which is formed inside of the second shell body along in a circumferential direction of the second shell body. An inner face of the annular wall is tightly face-contacted on an outer face of the first shell body of the inner shield shell over an entire circumference of the outer face of the first shell body. |
US07771233B2 |
High speed, high density electrical connector
An electrical connector with electrically lossy materials bridging ground members. The lossy conductive members may be formed by filling a settable binder with conductive particles, allowing the partially conductive members to be formed through an insert molding process. Connectors assembled from wafers that contain signal conductors held within an insulative housing may incorporate lossy conductive members by having filled thermal plastic molded onto the insulative housing. The lossy conductive members may be used in conjunction with magnetically lossy materials. The lossy conductive members reduce ground system do resonance within the connector, thereby increasing the high frequency performance of the connector. |
US07771232B2 |
Electrical connector having a shell with a portion retained in an insulative housing
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (10) comprising a fitting room (13) for receiving a mating connector and a pair of side walls, a plurality of terminals (30) arranged along a longitudinal direction, and a shell (20) coupled to the insulative housing. One side wall of the shell (20) comprises a middle portion (23) received in corresponding one side wall (11a) of the insulative housing and a pair of connecting strips (25) integrally connecting with the middle portion and a part of the shell shielding an outside of the insulative housing. |
US07771226B2 |
Structure for leading out power code of electric apparatus
A structure for leading out a power code extended from a wiring board on which electronic components of an electronic apparatus are mounted, the structure includes: a first housing, accommodating the wiring board, and comprised of resin; a second housing, accommodating the first housing, and formed with an opening communicating an external space of the electronic apparatus; a regulating member, hanging up the power cord above the wiring board and guiding the power cord to the opening, and being monolithic with the first cover. |
US07771225B1 |
Low profile electronic module with ejector
An electronic module (100) includes a housing having a body portion and a mounting portion extending rearward from the body portion, a printed circuit board (3) accommodated in the housing, a cable (4) terminated to a rear portion of the printed circuit board and an ejector. The ejector includes a slider (61) slidably mounted to a channel defined in the mounting portion; an actuator (62) including a transversal beam across the mounting portion and two legs connected to opposite ends of the transversal beam and disposed outward of lateral sides of the mounting portion, said legs pivotally engaged with the mounting portion of the housing and linked to the slider; a pulling member (64) connected to the transversal beam of the actuator, with a tie (644) attached to the pulling member and wrapping the cable. |
US07771224B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector (1) comprises a base (10) with a plurality of contacts (19) received therein, a cover (12) slidably mounted on the base (10), a protecting mechanism (14) comprises a cover plate (141) retained in the cover (12) and a bottom plate (142) retained in the base (10), a cam actuator (16) rotatably assembled to the base (10), the cover (12) and the protecting mechanism (14) for actuating the cover (12) to slid on the base (10), the base (10) comprises one or more block members (1011) extending upwardly, the bottom plate (142) defines a second through hole (1421), when assembled, the block member (1011) is positioned in the second through hole (1421) and the cam actuator (16) goes through the second through hole (1421). |
US07771222B2 |
Card edge connector
A card edge connector adapted for rotatably receiving a larger daughter board to a mother board includes an insulating housing defining an elongated slot therein, a plurality of contacts received in the housing, a pair of stopping arms setting to the ends of the housing respectively and a supporting wall integrating with the stopping arm and being longer near to the stopping arm. The stopping arms and the supporting walls are immovable when the daughter board rotating. |
US07771220B2 |
Electrical connecting apparatus
An embodiment of an electrical connecting apparatus comprises an electrical insulating plate, an elastic plate made of an electrical insulating material arranged on the electrical insulating plate, a sheet-like conductive plate arranged on the elastic plate, and first and second contacts. The conductive plate comprises a hole area having at least one first hole portion allowing the probe tip portion of the first contact to abut to the conductive plate and a plurality of second hole portions not allowing the probe tip portions of the second contacts to abut thereon regardless of whether or not overdriving acts on the contacts. |
US07771219B1 |
IC socket with offset cam capable of preventing warpage of cover
An IC socket (1) for receiving an IC package having a plurality of pins extending downwardly includes a base (2), a plurality of terminals (7) received in the base, a cover (5) mounted upon the base (2), and a cam (6). The cover (5) includes a carrying section (50) for carrying the IC package and a cam-receiving section (51). The carrying section (50) forms a plurality of through holes (500) for insertion of the pins of the IC package. The cam (6) is disposed at the cam-receiving section (51) for actuating the cover (5) to move with respect to the base (2) in a first direction A. The cam (6) is offset from a central line CL of the carrying section (50) which extends along the first direction A. |
US07771216B2 |
Rotating power outlet assembly or door
The present invention is an accessory jack for use in an interior panel of an automobile, having a rotating assembly, including two or more sides. An accessory jack is operably associated with the rotating assembly and a pivot point. In a first embodiment, the pivot point is located in the center of the rotating assembly equidistant from the two or more sides, along a substantially vertical axis. In a second embodiment, the pivot point is located where one of the two or more sides connects to another of the two or more sides, along a substantially vertical axis. The rotating assembly rotates about the pivot point, exposing the accessory jack, making the accessory jack available for use. |
US07771213B2 |
Solderable electric contact terminal
A solderable electric contact terminal includes; an insulating foam rubber having a predetermined volume; an insulating non-foam rubber coating layer adhered to the insulating foam rubber such that the insulating non-foam rubber encloses the insulating foam rubber; and a heat resistant polymer film having inner surface adhered to the insulating non-foam rubber coating layer such that the heat resistant polymer film encloses the insulating non-foam rubber coating layer, and outer surface on which a metal layer is integrally formed. |
US07771206B2 |
Horizontal dual in-line memory modules
Horizontal dual in-line memory modules are disclosed. In one embodiment, the memory module includes a circuit board, a plurality of memory chips attached to a top surface of the circuit board, and a plurality of connector contacts disposed under a back surface of the circuit board and extending away from the memory chips, the connector contacts being electrically coupled to the memory chips, the back surface opposite the top surface of the circuit board. |
US07771205B2 |
Wiring board and optical disk drive using the same
A wiring board of the present invention has a terminal section and a wiring section connected to the terminal section. The terminal section is configured so as to have a plurality of long connection terminals placed at predetermined intervals along a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the wiring board is to be inserted; and short connection terminals arranged between adjacent long connection terminals so as to be located behind the respective long connection terminals with respect to the direction of insertion. At least one adjacent pair consisting of a long connection terminal and a short connection terminal is short-circuited, and the length of the thus-short-circuited short connection terminal is made shorter than non-short-circuit short connection terminals. |
US07771204B2 |
Light-emitting system with a plug connection
A light-emitting system is provided, in which a flexible printed circuit (2) is connected to a plug connection (4) which connects the flexible printed circuit (2) either to a power source or to a second flexible printed circuit (20). The connection of the flexible printed circuit to a second printed circuit or to a power source can be made easily, and can be produced in large quantities. |
US07771200B2 |
Devices with push button-type mechanism and methods for using said devices
The present invention relates to a device having a push button-type mechanism and also relates to methods for using such devices. The push button-type mechanism to be used has at least two variable positions that can be changed by the user to mark the occurrence of an event. The device is useful for teaching or learning as well as for meeting non-educational needs such as filling household grocery lists, recipes, miscellaneous lists, and work status sheets in the manufacturing and service industries. The device may be contained on pages of a book and/or cards and/or a plate. |
US07771199B2 |
Bone cutting osteotome tool and method for preparing a surgical sinus-lift osteotomy
A surgical tool for preparing a surgical sinus-lift osteotomy has a defined thread geometry in series with an osteotome tip to cut, crack and push bone from the sinus floor upward into the sinus cavity in a tactual, gentle and controlled motion. The apical osteotome tip is driven into a pre-drilled pilot osteotomy after the cutting threads are engaged and rotated until the sinus floor is cracked free. Once the bony sinus floor is cracked free, a fluid passageway can be pressurized with a sterile fluid at a defined pressure to release and push the sinus membrane upward into the sinus cavity to create a desired apical cavity for grafting while minimizing the risk of compromising or tearing the sinus membrane. |
US07771195B2 |
Polar attachment devices and method for a dental appliance
Systems and methods are disclosed for producing a digital model by providing a digital model of a tooth; providing a digital model of at least one attachment device having two or more portions, the digital model of the attachment device having the two or more portions extending through two or more surfaces of the tooth; and positioning the digital model of the attachment device on the digital model of the tooth to produce a combined computerized model. |
US07771190B2 |
High pressure injection molding nozzle with low pressure manifold
A hot runner system includes a having a cavity. Melt is fed from a source of melt into the cavity, and a valve isolates melt in the cavity from melt in the source. A plunger within the cavity is driven forward to inject melt in the cavity into a mold cavity at high pressure without significantly increasing the pressure of melt in the source. The plunger optionally functions as both the plunger and the valve by opening and closing communication between the cavity and the manifold as it is rotated. |
US07771186B2 |
Flexible tube aging apparatus and method
An aging apparatus has a roller group consisting of a front roller, a middle roller and a rear roller, and a table for supporting the roller group. The middle roller takes a press state pressing a flexible tube with a constant force and a retraction state staying away from the flexible tube. In aging operation, while the middle roller comes in the press state, the table moves from a start position being a farthest end of the flexible tube to an end position. After the aging operation, the middle roller comes in the retraction state and the table returns to the start position. The aging operation is performed a predetermined number of times on the same flexible tube, so that the flexible tube is bent more largely with increase in the number of execution. |
US07771181B2 |
Gasket molding system for membrane electrode assemblies
The present invention is a system for molding a gasket to a membrane electrode assembly. The system comprises a cavity defined at least in part by closable mold blocks, at least one injection gate for injecting gasket material into the cavity, a mount for retaining the membrane electrode assembly adjacent to the cavity, and a mold insert independently movable relative to the closable mold blocks for applying pressure to the membrane electrode assembly retained on the mount. |
US07771178B2 |
Vapor injection system for a scroll compressor
A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, a motor, and a vapor injection system. The compression mechanism may be contained within in the shell and include a non-orbiting scroll axially displaceably mounted to the shell. The non-orbiting scroll may have an exterior portion, an interior portion, and a vapor injection passage extending therethrough from the exterior portion to the interior portion. The motor may be contained within the shell and may be drivingly coupled to the compression mechanism. The vapor injection system may include a vapor injection device, a vapor injection fitting, and a vapor injection valve. The vapor injection fitting may be in communication with the vapor injection device and the vapor injection passage. The vapor injection valve may be disposed between the shell and the interior of the non-orbiting scroll. |
US07771176B2 |
Micropump and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a micropump comprising a pump membrane (5) which can be moved by modifying the volume of a pump chamber which is adjacent to the pump membrane (5) and a base part (1), also comprising two valves which are arranged in recesses (10,11) in the base part and react to the pressure in the pump chamber in order to alternately open and close an inlet channel (8) and an outlet channel (9) for a medium to be pumped. According to the invention, the valves are formed by functioning valve modules (40,41) without any common components. The pre-manufactured valve modules, base modules comprising the base part and hose connections (2,3) and actuator modules comprising the actuator and the membrane are combined in order to produce said micropumps. |
US07771174B2 |
Reciprocating slurry pump with a continuous feed rate
In a two-cylinder slurry pump for the continuous feeding of, in particular, concrete, in which pump two feed cylinders remove the high-viscosity material from a pre-charging tank and deliver it to a feed line, a diverter valve is provided with a cross-section that narrows from an inlet opening assigned to the cylinders to a discharge opening assigned to the feed line, which diverter valve connects, in any position, at least one feed cylinder, over its entire cross-section, to the feed line, a support arrangement (20) and a plate cam (15) securely connected thereto being assigned in accordance with the invention to the diverter valve (11) on its side facing towards the cylinders (3, 5). The plate cam (15) comprises not only the inlet opening (21) of the diverter valve (11) but also an intake opening (23), which is arranged at sufficient distance from the inlet opening (21) to cover an opening of one of the feed cylinders (3, 5) completely. Additionally, a process for controlling this continuous-feed slurry pump is described. |
US07771166B2 |
Welded turbine shaft and method for producing said shaft
The invention relates to a turbine shaft that is aligned in a longitudinal direction. Said shaft comprises a central region and two outer regions, which are fixed to the central region in the longitudinal direction. The central region is produced from a material with a higher heat resistance than the two outer regions. |
US07771165B2 |
Fan device
A fan device includes a fan body having a connecting portion and two corresponding side portions, wherein each side portion is provided with at least a corner edge consisting of an aperture, a fan frame, a frame connecting end connecting with the connecting portion, a side wall for dividing the fan body, and a wrench having a wrench connecting end and an exerting end, wherein the wrench connecting end has two protrusion portions disposed on both side thereof. When installing the fan body in the fan frame, the exerting end is used to exert force to turn the wrench so that is abuts against a side wall thereof, thereby exerting force on the side wall and the exerting end to detach the connecting portion from the wrench connecting end. |
US07771163B2 |
Disk wheel of a rotor of a turbomachine
Disk wheel (10) of a rotor of a turbomachine of the type equipped with a series of blades (12) integral with a central annular portion (14) which is fitted on a shaft (20) of the turbomachine, the disk wheel comprises at least a first insertable portion (18) of the female or male type situated close to a base end of the central annular portion (14), which is suitable for being coupled with at least a corresponding second insertable portion (38) of the male or female type integral with the shaft (20) so as to increase the reliability of the disk wheel (10) itself. |
US07771160B2 |
Ceramic shroud assembly
A ceramic shroud assembly suitable for use in a gas turbine engine comprises a metal clamp ring shrink fitted around a ceramic shroud ring and an insulating and compliant interlayer. The interlayer is positioned between the metal clamp ring and the ceramic shroud ring. |
US07771154B2 |
Vehicle ramp system
A vehicle payload conveyance system located inside the hollow of a vehicle gate which provides ramps which deploy from the hollow by rotation about the axis of a ball slidly engaged in a track to allow the ramps to be positioned for the loading and unloading of a payload into or out of the vehicle, and further provides a line deployed from the hollow of the vehicle gate which can be attached to the payload and adjustably tensioned to facilitate transfer of a payload into or out of the vehicle. |
US07771153B2 |
Automated material handling system for semiconductor manufacturing based on a combination of vertical carousels and overhead hoists
An Automated Material Handling System (AMHS) that allows an overhead hoist transport vehicle to load and unload Work-In-Process (WIP) parts directly to/from WIP storage units included in the system. The AMHS includes an overhead hoist transport subsystem and a vertical carousel stocker having a plurality of storage bins. The subsystem includes an overhead hoist transport vehicle traveling along a suspended track defining a predetermined route running adjacent to the stocker, allowing the vehicle to access a WIP part directly from a storage bin. At least one storage bin includes a movable shelf operative to move laterally from a first position along the carousel path to a second position near the vehicle. The storage unit is partially open to allow the movable shelf to move to the second position, allowing the hoist to access a material unit directly from the shelf for subsequent transport along the track. |
US07771152B2 |
Rack module and method for rearranging stored goods in a rack module
A rack module for, in particular, rod or plate-shaped storage goods accepted in transportation cases as well as a method for repositioning storage goods in a rack module is provided. The rack module is provided with several shelf spaces serving to receive the transportation cases as well as a storage and retrieval unit with a gripping device that can be displaced in reference to the storage and retrieval unit for repositioning the transportation cases. The transportation cases comprise pallets, with at least one lift truck for moving under and repositioning the pallets being provided, and a lifting device for raising and/or lowering one or more pallets, which can be operated by the gripping device of the storage and retrieval unit. Accordingly, the transportation cases in the form of pallets are repositioned by way of at least one lift truck, and for said purpose the lift truck undercuts at least the pallet to be repositioned and parts of the lift truck perform a lifting motion for raising the pallet, with the lifting motion of the lift truck again being caused by a gripping motion of the gripping device of the storage and retrieval unit. |
US07771148B2 |
Expandable sealant for fasteners
An expandable sealant is provided for a fastener including a threaded defining surface. The fastener includes the expandable sealant as a coating adhered to at least a portion of the thread-defining surface to lock the fastener in place and to expand to fill space between the thread-defining surface of the fastener and an aperture through which the fastener is passed to seal the aperture to prevent fluid and gases from passing therethrough. |
US07771146B2 |
Apparatus and method for shaving the inside of barrels
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for shaving the inside of barrels. In particular, the present invention relates to reconditioning used wine barrels by shaving the inside surface to a predetermined depth, ready for re-crozering, toasting, and re-use. Conventional shaving methods typically involve routing the internal surface by hand, but this technique is problematic in that it is a very slow process, the quality of the wood is often adversely affected, and there is no way of ensuring that the surface will be shaved to the same depth across the entire surface. Therefore, the resultant internal dimensions of the barrel are not reflective, relatively, of the original barrel surface. The apparatus of the present invention includes a scanning device adapted to scan the internal dimensions of the barrel, and a cutting device adapted to shave the internal surface to a predetermined depth relative to the scanned internal dimensions. |
US07771145B2 |
Method and apparatus for machining deep hole
There is provided a method for machining a deep hole, which enables prevention of scattering of a coolant and efficient discharge of shavings.The deep hole machining method includes: feeding a spindle to a deep hole machining start position while jetting a coolant toward a workpiece from an external normal pressure coolant supply line; closing the external normal pressure coolant supply line and opening a spindle normal pressure coolant supply line at the start of machining of a deep hole, and machining the deep hole to a predetermined intermediate depth while supplying a coolant to a machining point; and closing the spindle normal pressure coolant supply line and opening a high-pressure coolant supply line when the depth of the hole machined has reached the intermediate depth, and machining the deep hole to the final depth while supplying a high-pressure coolant to a machining point. |
US07771143B2 |
Drill bit assembly with adjustable drill stop sleeve
A drill bit assembly is disclosed and can include a drill bit and a drill stop sleeve disposed around the drill bit. The drill stop sleeve can include a locking collar that can be movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the drill stop sleeve can be movable along the drill bit to one of a plurality of drill stop depths. In the locked position, the drill stop sleeve can be locked along the drill bit in one of the plurality of drill stop depths. |
US07771141B2 |
Milling tool for roughing workpieces
A milling tool for roughing workpieces is provided with a plurality of cutting flanks and flutes disposed in between. The cutting flanks are provided on the cutting side with a predetermined rake angle, and the cutting edges have moreover a profile of wave form that extends over the width of the cutting flanks. The profile of wave form is provided with a bevel having a width corresponding to at least the height of the crest, and having a wedge angle that is more obtuse than the wedge angle of the milling tool. When the tool is subjected to heavy operational demands, a chipping or breaking off of the crest edges is thereby prevented, thus increasing the service life of the tool. |
US07771138B2 |
Multi-stage modular road paving equipment and method of manufacture and sales
A multi-stage modular road building equipment system where a first stage base tractor is coupled to an intermediate stage, such as a spreading screw, and a third stage screed road paving tool attachment or other attachment such as a widener. |
US07771132B2 |
Shutter unit, shutter unit with built-in lens, and imaging apparatus
A shutter unit is equipped with a base plate, a yoke, a coil that is attached in the middle of the yoke to excite the yoke, and a rotor that rotates in a predetermined direction by excitation of the yoke. A lens frame is formed on the base plate. The yoke has a substantially annular shape so as to be disposed on the base plate encircling the circumference of the lens frame. Thus, by forming the yoke in a substantially annular shape, the yoke and the coil can be moved toward an optical axis, and consequently, the shutter unit can be downsized. |
US07771131B2 |
Camera mount
A camera mount including an adjustable bracket for securement to a tree trunk. The bracket has a base portion for engaging a tree trunk. A carrier portion is pivotally fastened to the base portion for movement around a first horizontal axis. A pivot portion is pivotally fastened to the carrier portion for movement around a second horizontal axis being oriented at right angles to the first horizontal axis. A tree trunk-encircling belt extends through a passageway in the base portion. A hinged support arm extends outwardly from the bracket and is pivotally fastened to the pivot portion. |
US07771130B2 |
Method of producing optical fiber positioning component, and optical fiber positioning component
A flow of a resin which is injected for insert-molding a wiring plate into an end face of an optical fiber positioning component is regulated by regulating portions disposed in side portions of a die. Therefore, leads of the wiring plate can be prevented from being fixed while remaining to be positionally displaced by the force of the flowing resin. As a result, three-dimensional electrical wirings can be formed easily and correctly. |
US07771129B2 |
Ferrule holding member for an optical receptacle, method of manufacturing the same, and optical receptacle using the same
Provided is a ferrule holding member with a transparent body attached to an inner hole of a sleeve. The transparent body has a primary end face for bringing into contact with an end face of a plug ferrule at a halfway position in an axial direction of the sleeve. The primary end face of the transparent body has a convex curved surface obtained through heat treatment. The convex curved surface is preferably an unpolished surface, and a region with a radius of 75 μm or more, centered around a shaft axis of the sleeve at the convex curved surface, has a convex spherical surface. Alternatively, the transparent body is directly fixed to an inner surface of the sleeve through heat treatment. |
US07771128B2 |
Optical connector
In an embodiment of the invention, an optical connector for optically coupling respective end faces of two optical fiber cables including an optical fiber composed of a core and a cladding and a covering layer covering the optical fiber includes a protection sleeve, a cable insertion tube disposed in the protection sleeve for inserting thereinto and butting the respective end faces of the two optical fiber cables, an uncured refractive index matching material disposed between the protection sleeve and the cable insertion tube, and a supply hole formed in the cable insertion tube for supplying the uncured refractive index matching material to an inside of the cable insertion tube. The cable insertion tube includes a cable receiving room for receiving an end of the two optical fiber cables inserted, a fiber receiving room for receiving the optical fiber, and a covering removal member formed at a boundary of the cable receiving room and the fiber receiving room for removing the covering layer. |
US07771127B2 |
Bearing assembly for supporting a transmission shaft in a housing
Bearing assembly (1) for supporting a transmission shaft (2) in a housing (3), comprising an axially non-locating bearing (5) and a pair of angular contact bearings (7,8) which locate the shaft (2) against movement in axial direction (AA′), whereby the shaft (2) is subjected to radial and/or axial load forces (Frad,Fax), characterized in that the housing (2) is adapted in order to obtain the desired stiffness for each of the two angular contact bearings (7,8), whereby a load sharing between said two bearings (7,8) is induced. |
US07771124B2 |
Bearing apparatus for a wheel of vehicle
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has a wheel hub integrally formed with a peripheral wheel mounting flange at one end and a double row rolling bearing. The double row rolling bearing has an outer member integrally formed with a peripheral body mounting flange and with double row outer raceway surfaces. An inner member, including the wheel hub, is formed with double row inner raceway surfaces each arranged opposite to each of the double row outer surfaces. Double row rolling elements are freely rotatably contained between the double row outer and inner raceway surfaces. The double row rolling bearing is adapted to receive a predetermined preload. A separate outer or inner ring is arranged on at least one of the outer or inner members. A preload varying mechanism is arranged at an abutting portion between the outer and inner members to vary the preload applied to the bearing. The preload varying mechanism can be extended or contracted based on an output signal from a detecting sensor to detect the vehicle running conditions. |
US07771118B2 |
Method and configuration for examining a measurement object by way of invasive radiation
A method and an arrangement for investigation of an object to be measured (1), the object to be measured (1) being subjected to invasive radiation. An interaction of the invasive radiation from a radiation source (3) is detected by way of a radiation-sensitive sensor device (6). An anticipated detection result for the sensor device (6) is calculated from a set geometry of the object to be measured (1) and material properties by a calculation (13) and/or an anticipated detection result is determined by measurement of a standard body and the anticipated detection result is compared with an actual detection result from the sensor device (6) by a comparator device (11). |
US07771114B2 |
Electrical installation with a cooling element and method for operating said installation
The installation contains a current conductor producing Joulean heat in the operating state, a cooling element and a monitoring device. The cooling element has a condensable working medium and an evaporator, which can be heated by the current conductor of the installation, and a condenser which has been withdrawn from the heating effect of the current conductor. The monitoring device comprises at least one sensor for detecting a parameter of the cooling element and an evaluation unit, which receives output signals from the sensor. In the evaluation unit, the output signals of the sensors are evaluated and a signal describing the state and/or the functionality of the cooling element is formed there. This installation is characterized by high operational reliability with a high current-carrying capacity and dimensions which are kept small. |
US07771113B2 |
Sensor rationality diagnostic
A sensor diagnostic method, such as to determine rationality of one of three temperature sensors used in an exhaust aftertreatment system, includes determining the temperature difference between the first and second sensor, determining the temperature difference between the second and third sensor, determining whether the temperature differences are within an acceptable threshold range and comparing the two temperature differences to determine which sensor is in error, if any. |
US07771111B2 |
Liquid phase reactor
A liquid phase continuous reactor which includes a screw rotatably disposed within a barrel and defining a mixing zone therebetween whereby the relative rotation of the screw with respect to the barrel is adapted to axially transport materials disposed between the screw and the barrel while mixing the components wherein the land surface area between the spiral groove forms at least 50% of the surface area of the screw in a mixing zone. |
US07771110B2 |
Twisted static paste mixer with a dynamic premixing chamber
A device for mixing two paste components, such as a dental impression substance and a catalyst, comprising a tubular housing, two inlet openings for the two paste components to be mixed, and an outlet opening for delivering the mixed paste, is presented. The housing consists of a premixing chamber at the front end and a tubular mixing chamber at the rear end. The two paste components are mixed first in the premixing chamber by a dynamic rotor and then mixed in the tubular mixing chamber by a twisted static shaft, resulting in a well mixed, bubble-free paste at the outlet opening of the housing. |
US07771105B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for assembling the same
Disclosed are a liquid crystal display device and a method for assembling the liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device has a display section for displaying images, a receiving container for receiving the display section, a power supplying section for supplying a power source to the display section, a signal converting section for converting signals from the display section and a fixing section for fixing the power supplying section and the signal converting section to the receiving container. The power supplying section and the signal converting section are disposed between the display section and the fixing section with directly facing to a rear surface of the receiving container. Accordingly, a total thickness and weight of the liquid crystal display device can be minimized and an assembly facility of the liquid crystal display device can be improved. |
US07771101B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module includes a light guide plate, at least one first lighting element, and at least one second lighting element. The light guide plate has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface. The first lighting element is disposed on the first side surface and has at least three light emitting diodes of different colors. The second lighting element is disposed on the second side surface and has at least three light emitting diodes of different colors. The arrangement of the light emitting diodes of the first lighting element is different from the arrangement of the light emitting diodes of the second lighting element. |
US07771099B2 |
Electronic device with backlit display
An electronic device comprises a housing having a half-mirror region molded into the housing, and a light source disposed within the electronic device and configured to transmit light through the half-mirror region to an exterior of the housing. |
US07771093B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device comprises a first metal member, a light emitting element mounted at one end of the first metal member, and a translucent covering material that covers at least the light emitting element, wherein the surface of the first metal member has a depression that determines the region where the translucent covering material is formed, and the inner wall of the depression is continuous. |
US07771089B2 |
High intensity and low power signaling device with heat dissipation system
A luminous signaling device with a heat dissipation system is provided. The heat dissipation system is configured to set up a natural convection current flow to remove air heated by the LED emitter and enable cooler ambient air to flow towards the LED emitter. The signaling device includes a generally tubular element having a hollow inner cavity and a first slot through the tubular element. An LED emitter is operatively connected to the tubular element, with the LED emitter being operable to emit light in response to power. The signaling device includes an electronic driver circuit configured to provide an adjustable current to the LED emitter. Wires connecting the circuit and the LED emitter run through the first slot and the inner cavity of the tubular element. |
US07771087B2 |
LED light fixture with uninterruptible power supply
A permanently-installable LED light fixture including a housing including a substantially water-tight chamber, at least one electronic normal-operation LED-driver enclosed within the chamber and receiving power from a general off-location power source during normal operation, an LED assembly secured with respect to the housing, the LED assembly having at least one LED-array module, and at least one backup battery within the chamber capable of providing power during a power outage. In certain preferred embodiments at least one electronic backup LED-driver unit is enclosed within the chamber, the backup LED-driver unit drawing battery power during a power outage. |
US07771084B2 |
Light emitting system
A light emitting system is disclosed, including a light generator, a complex lens and an activating unit. The light generator provides a light beam emitted in a first direction in parallel to an optic axis. The complex lens, disposed on a path of the light beam, includes a plurality of micro structures for refracting the light beam. The activating unit includes an activating member coupled to the complex lens. The activating member activates the complex lens with an activation frequency to reciprocally move in a second direction alternate to the first direction. By the disposition of the complex lens, the energy of the light beam is uniformly distributed. Additionally, speckle produced by the light beam is reciprocally moved within an area by the activating unit, creating a photogene reaction, to successfully eliminate existence of the speckle. |
US07771083B2 |
Retrofit with a fluorescent based lighting assembly
Retrofitting lighting fixtures (e.g., HID based lighting fixtures) using a pin mounted PL style fluorescent based energy efficient light assembly and methods of installing retrofitting lighting fixtures are disclosed. |
US07771082B2 |
Lamp with heat conducting structure and lamp cover thereof
A lamp with heat conducting structure includes a lamp cover made of heat dissipating material. The lamp cover has a hollow configuration therein. An interlayer is horizontally arranged in the lamp cover. The lamp cover is divided into a first space and a second space therein by the interlayer. A LED lamp assembly is disposed in the first space of the lamp cover. A power plug is disposed in the second space of the lamp cover. The power plug has a control circuit board in the second space. The control circuit board has an electronic element disposed thereon. A heat conducting tab protrudes from the interlayer of the lamp cover towards the second space. The heat conducting tab has a heat conducting surface corresponding to the electronic element to thermally contact with the electronic element. |
US07771080B2 |
Multifunction edge device for powered doors
An edge device for an elevator door includes an elongate array of infrared transmitters and/or receivers and a proximate elongate array of illuminable elements, both arrays extending for a substantial part of the length of the door. The illuminable elements are adapted to be illuminated when the door is in motion. The two arrays are disposed in a common carrier structure, being either vertically interleaved or extending vertically in parallel with each other. |
US07771079B2 |
Compact reflector fluorescent lamp with good heat dispersion
A compact reflector fluorescent lamp unit includes a lamp cap, a lamp tube, an electronic ballast assembly, a circuit board, a housing, an intermediate plate, a reflection cup, and a transparent plate. The intermediate plate and the housing, the intermediate plate and the circuit board, and the intermediate plate and the reflection cup are tightly assembled together. The reflection cup is connected to a lower surface of the intermediate plate and arranged independently underneath the housing, and has an internal surface having a high degree of fineness, and an external surface having a high degree of roughness by frosted finishing, thereby allowing the radiation heat generated through the body of the reflection cup to be dissipated by the external surface. |
US07771078B2 |
Lamp fixing holder and back light assembly having the same
There is provided a lamp fixing holder. A lamp fixing holder for fixes a lamp to a receiving container. The lamp provides a liquid crystal display panel with light. The lamp includes a first portion of a face and a second portion of the face. The light emitted from the first portion of the face advances toward the liquid crystal display panel. The lamp fixing holder comprises a lamp fixing body and a fixing member. The lamp fixing body holds a third portion of the face of the lamp. The second portion includes the third portion. The fixing member fixes the lamp fixing body to the receiving container. The lamp fixing holder according to the present invention fixes the lamp so that the lamp does not sway, while minimizing an amount of light that is shielded by the lamp fixing holder. |
US07771074B2 |
Device and method for projecting a marking onto a boundary
The invention concerns a device for projecting a linear optical marking onto at least one boundary of a room, such as floor surface for example, comprising a light source (12) that emits laser radiation along an optical axis (16) as well as a cuboid lens (14) connected in series with the light source, penetrated by the optical axis and reflecting as well as refracting the radiation. To facilitate fanning and reflecting of light originating from the light source through constructively simple means, the invention proposes that provided in the frontal surface (20) is a channel-shaped depression (40) and provided in the rear surface (22) is a projection (24), both of which are geometrically designed and arranged so that the radiation can be totally reflected and that totally reflected radiation striking the depression can be fanned out, where the optical marking runs to both transverse surfaces of the lens. |
US07771073B2 |
Luminous water bottle
A luminous water bottle includes a bottle body, a lid, and a lighting assembly. The bottle body has a bottom wall, and a surrounding wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the bottom wall and cooperating with the bottom wall to define a space. The surrounding wall has an upper end opposite to the bottom wall. The lid is releasably engaged with the upper end of the surrounding wall. The lighting assembly is disposed at least partially in the space and includes a light-generating unit for generating and emitting light, and an illumination member for dispersing the light emitted by the light-generating unit. |
US07771072B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device having the same
A backlight unit and a display device using the same include a light-guiding plate having a plurality of grooves, a plurality of light-emitting lamps in the respective grooves of the light-guiding plate, and a light-diffusion sheet above the light-guiding plate and the lamps. |
US07771068B2 |
Light reflection plate
A three-dimensional light reflection plate that can successfully prevent deformation of the light reflection plate, reduce initial cost and product cost, and facilitate increase in size and reflectance. The light reflection plate includes a bottom plate in which a plurality of mutually parallel slit holes are formed on a flat, light-reflective plate material and a mountain plate that is rectangular from a planar view of which a width direction cross-sectional shape is a mountain shape and in which insertion sections are formed in both width-direction end sections. The mountain plate is fixed to the bottom plate by the insertion sections of the mountain plate being inserted into the slit holes of the bottom plate. |
US07771066B2 |
Light pulse multiprocessing unit, light pulse generator using the same, and light pulse multiprocessing method
A light pulse multiprocessing unit has a half mirror and N delay elements, each having a refractive index n. The N delay elements are arranged on one side of the half mirror from one end of the half mirror toward the other end and have thicknesses Δ, 2Δ, . . . , 2N−1Δ different from each other, where Δ is the smallest thickness. The half mirror is placed in parallel in the proximity of an intermediate position between two mirrors and the N delay elements are arranged between one of the mirrors and the half mirror. Each of the N delay elements is a plane-parallel plate and is placed at an angle such that the direction of the normal line of the surface of the plane-parallel plate is different from a direction followed from one end of the half mirror toward the other end. |
US07771063B2 |
Exterior rearview mirror for vehicles, preferably for motor vehicles
The exterior rearview mirror is comprised of a mirror housing, having at least one transparent light window, behind which at least one light is disposed, comprising at least one illuminant, whose light passes through the light window to the outside. In order provide the exterior rearview mirror so that different light functions and light directions can be performed by the light, at least a portion of the light is disposed adjustable. |
US07771060B2 |
Anti-glare vehicular mirror
A mirror element for a school bus is mounted to the front to provide wide angle viewing of the ground in front of and to the side of the bus. An upper portion of the mirror element which is generally dome shaped is treated to reduce glare. |
US07771059B2 |
Conformable retroreflective film structure
The present invention includes conformable retroreflective structures. In some embodiments, the conformable retroreflective structures are also shrink resistant. The conformable retroreflective structures include a transparent plasticized polyvinyl chloride film having a first side and a second side; a first transparent polymer layer overlying the first side of the plasticized polyvinyl chloride film; a second transparent polymer layer overlying the second side of the plasticized polyvinyl chloride film; an array of retroreflective cube-corner elements underlying the second transparent polymer layer; and a plasticizer resistant adhesive underlying the array of retroreflective cube-corner elements. In some embodiments, the first and second transparent polymer layers are transparent, radiation-cured polymer layers. |
US07771057B2 |
Peripheral with projection display
A device for projection of an operations panel includes a printer portion, a media feedpath extending through the printer portion having a media input and a media output, an image projector forming an image on one of the media input or an image receiving surface, the image projector defining an operations panel for making operation selections. |
US07771056B2 |
Light source unit and projection type image display apparatus having the same
First and second reflectors are provided. The first reflector has a function of reflecting a light ray emitted from a light source and directing it toward an image display element and the second reflector has a function of changing the direction of a light ray so as to be reflected by the first reflector which light ray is emitted from the light source and not reflected by the first reflector. An outer periphery shape of the second reflector is changed correspondingly to an effective area of a first array lens 10. |
US07771051B2 |
Near eye opthalmic device
The ophthalmic device comprises a memory, display, image data and user input. Image data stored on the memory is used to generate a plurality of visual acuity images. The user input is operable by a user to select selected visual acuity images from the plurality of visual acuity images for display on the display. |
US07771050B2 |
Ophthalmic apparatus
To provide an ophthalmic apparatus capable of performing efficient measurement of a plurality of eye characteristics of an examinee's eye, which comprises a first measurement unit comprising a first measurement system for performing measurement of a first characteristic of the eye, a second measurement unit comprising a second measurement system for performing measurement of a second characteristic of the eye, a measurement unit in which the measurement units are placed such that heights of first and second measurement axes of the respective systems are different from each other, a movement mechanism unit moving the measurement unit in a vertical direction, and a control unit controlling the mechanism unit such that the height of the first measurement axis at the time of first measurement by the first measurement unit becomes almost the same as that of the second measurement axis at the time of second measurement by the second measurement unit. |
US07771043B2 |
Eyewear with enhanced air flow and/or absorption features
Eyewear having an enhanced air flow and/or absorption features which may be used for safety, sports, and the like. The eyewear may desirably provides features in design and/or function of the structure to enhance air flow and reduce moisture. Additional elements such as removable pads and/or cartridges may be used with the eyewear to enhanced airflow and reduce moisture adjacent a user's eyes and face as well. |
US07771037B2 |
Liquid spraying method using a recording liquid having a pH of 4-6
An ink containing a hydrophobic colloid charged with a positive zeta potential when the pH of the ink is within a range of over 4 and under 6. Silicon or silicon compound can be limited from being eluted into the ink from a circuit board formed from a silicon wafer or the like. Additionally, silicon or silicon compound, if eluted into the ink can be prevented from being deposited on a resistance heater and causing “cogation”, or to prevent the silicon or silicon compound from being deposited in an ink channel and nozzle to clog the nozzle. |
US07771031B2 |
Ink refill unit with a mechanical tank compression arrangement
An ink refill unit for a print engine includes a body assembly defining an ink ejection port at one end thereof. A compressible tank is located inside said body assembly. A mechanical compression arrangement for compressing the tank includes a threaded wall and circular plunger assembly and an elongate drive gear mounted within the body assembly and engaging with the plunger assembly. |
US07770997B2 |
Printhead die warming
A method for printing with a plurality of dies. A plurality of dies is provided, with each die having a plurality of drop generators that are configured to eject drops of a same colored fluid. The drops from each die have a corresponding nominal drop weight at a reference temperature of the die. At least one of the dies is warmed to a corresponding elevated temperature higher than the reference temperature in order to substantially equalize the nominal drop weights of all of the dies. |
US07770996B2 |
Transporting method and recording apparatus
The invention is a transport method that transports a medium by causing a transport roller to rotate based on a corrected target transport amount, after correcting the target transport amount that is targeted based on a correction value and includes: printing a first pattern on a medium, printing a second pattern after the medium has been transported by causing the transport roller to rotate by a rotation amount of less than one rotation from a rotation position of the transport roller at a time of printing the first pattern, printing a third pattern after the medium has been transported by causing the transport roller to rotate by a rotation amount of one rotation from a rotation position of the transport roller at a time of printing the first pattern, printing a fourth pattern after the medium has been transported by causing the transport roller to rotate by a rotation amount of one rotation from a rotation position of the transport roller at a time of printing the second pattern, calculating a first correction value based on the first pattern and the third pattern, calculating a second correction value based on the second pattern and the fourth pattern, transporting the medium by correcting the target transport amount based on the first correction value or the second correction value depending on the relative position of the medium. |
US07770988B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
A printing apparatus including a plurality of ink cartridges each supplying ink; an image processor generates print data for each ink based on input print data; a buffer which stores the print data generated by the image processor for each ink; a print head for discharging the ink supplied from each ink cartridge from a nozzle group for each ink based on the print data for each ink stored in the buffer; and a supply line that supplies print data from the buffer to the print head. |
US07770985B2 |
Kitchen appliance having floating glass panel
A kitchen appliance includes a door having an outer panel portion and an inner panel portion, with a plurality of mounting members being spaced about the outer panel portion of the door. A glass panel assembly, including a glass panel and a plurality of mounting elements, is detachably mounted to the door through the interengagement of the plurality of mounting elements with the plurality of mounting members. The mounting elements are adhesively secured to the glass panel. Neither the plurality of mounting members nor the plurality of mounting elements are readily visible normally when viewing the kitchen appliance such that the glass panel appears to float relative to the door. |
US07770984B2 |
Track belt tension system and method
A machine including: a frame assembly including one or more drive wheels and one or more idler wheels affixed to the frame assembly; a track belt disposed about the drive and the idler wheel; a hydraulic actuator arrangement including a hydraulic cylinder and accumulator affixed to the idler wheel that provides a force to tension the track belt; and a tension management system in operable communication with the hydraulic cylinder that maintains a pressure inside the hydraulic cylinder within a specified range. |
US07770982B2 |
Electrohydraulic braking system
An electrohydraulic brake system having a muscle-force-actuatable auxiliary brake and an external-force-actuatable service brake includes operating mode switchover valves triggerable by an electronic control unit for switching from the service braking state to the auxiliary braking state. A piston/cylinder unit with a pressure medium connection between a master cylinder and a wheel brake which is interrupted by the switchover valves to simulate the pedal travel in the service braking state. The piston/cylinder receives the pressure medium displaced in the master cylinder by actuation of the brake pedal by the driver's foot. The piston/cylinder unit can be hydraulically blocked in the auxiliary braking state so that pressure medium positively displaced in the master cylinder is available to the greatest possible extent for building up pressure at the wheel brakes. The subjection of the piston/cylinder unit to pressure medium is controlled via one of the operating mode switchover valves. |
US07770981B2 |
Dump bed connection apparatus and vehicles including same
An apparatus connects a dump bed to a frame structure of a vehicle and facilitates tipping of the dump bed in a selected one of a plurality of directions from a load carrying position. The apparatus includes a ball joint assembly. The ball joint assembly is configured to selectively facilitate tipping of the dump bed as directed by an actuator. Vehicles including a ball joint assembly are also provided. |
US07770976B2 |
Multi-functional auxiliary headrest
A multi-functional auxiliary headrest for car seat is disclosed. The auxiliary headrest comprises a body mounted with a suspension strap at the rear side of the seat and one side of suspension strap being stitched and the other side having a male Velcro fastener, and the center of the suspension strap being a female Velcro, characterized in that the auxiliary headrest is provided with a securing strap or a securing strap stitched onto a seat cover, and the securing strap is positioned at the suspension strap at the back of the auxiliary headrest, and the securing strap and the seat cover are secured to the headrest at the car seat, the suspension strap of the auxiliary headrest passes through the securing strap such that the male Velcro can be freely mounted to adapt to the physical size of the driver. |
US07770975B2 |
Locking device
A locking device, such as a pawl and sector latch for a vehicle seat, is provided. The locking device includes a first fitting part having a body portion and an insert form-fitted in a recess in an outer periphery of the body portion. The insert has an outer contour having a plurality of teeth. The locking device further includes a second fitting part configured to be moved into a releasable form-fitting engagement with the first fitting part. |
US07770974B2 |
Height adjustment device of a vehicle seat and a vehicle seat fitted with it
A height adjustment device of a vehicle seat comprises a control valve means for governing the degree of filling of a compressed air actuator. Following an alteration in the weight to be carried by the compressed air actuator there is a relative switching over movement between a component bearing a control cam slide and a component bearing an actuating member entailing the switch over of the control valve means. The relative switching over movement is a linear movement, the two components bearing the slide and the actuating member being guided for relative sliding linear motion in the direction of the switch over movement. Furthermore a vehicle seat having such a height adjustment device is provided. |
US07770968B2 |
Stackable chair
A stacking chair having a seat, a back support, and a frame for supporting the seat and back support. The frame includes a pair of spaced apart leg members, a back support member, and a seat support member. The leg members have a front portion and rear portion interconnected by a connecting portion to give the leg members a generally U or V shape. The chair further includes a stacking member disposed on each leg member. The stacking member shaped to receive the upper surface of a leg member of a like chair such that the stacking member rests on the connection portion of a like chair and the upper chair in the stack is positioned forward of the lower chair thereby offsetting the stack's tendency to lean back due to the weight and position of the back support thus providing for the stability of a stack of chairs. |
US07770967B2 |
Head rest device
A head rest device that improves reliability of detecting a head on the basis of a change in capacitance without complicating a wiring structure. A head rest device is provided with a head rest rear portion configured to be supported to a seat back, and a head rest front portion freely moving forward and backward between a fully-closed position coming close to the head rest rear portion and a fully-open position separated from the head rest rear portion. The head rest front portion is moved by an actuator. The head rest front portion has a sensor electrode structured such that its capacitance is changed as a head of an occupant approaches, and an ECU controlling the actuator so as to move the head rest front portion and detecting the approach of the head of the occupant on the basis of a change of the capacitance of the sensor electrode thereon. |
US07770964B2 |
Spring strut mounting
A spring strut mounting for holding an upper end of a spring strut of a motor vehicle contains a spring strut dome with an articulation point for articulatedly connecting the upper end of the spring strut. The spring strut mounting further has a lower dome carrier which can be connected to a longitudinal member of the motor vehicle, and an upper dome carrier which can be connected to an A pillar of the motor vehicle, with the upper dome carrier engaging over the articulation point. |
US07770962B1 |
Dynamic automobile wing
Apparatus and method for an airfoil being disposed on the rear of an automobile or like vehicle. The angle of the airfoil is controlled by a bob weight connected to the airfoil through a series of linkages so that when the vehicle accelerates or de-accelerates, the angle of the airfoil is adjusted. The linkage between the airfoil and the bob weight controls the angle of attack of the airfoil so as to optimize vehicle down force on the tires so as to optimize performance. |
US07770954B2 |
Console assembly for a vehicle
A vehicle interior assembly includes: a center console having front and rear terminal ends defining a longitudinal axis; and a sliding portion slidingly engaging the rear terminal end of the console such that the sliding portion is operable to slide in frontward and rearward directions substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the console to cover and uncover at least one storage bin, wherein the sliding portion includes a first portion extending under the rear terminal end of the console and a second portion extending over the rear terminal end of the console to cover and uncover the at least one storage bin. |
US07770951B2 |
Micro gripper and method for manufacturing the same
A micro gripper and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The manufacturing method of the micro gripper supplies a fluid to a penetration hole of a gripper jaw, and discharges the fluid from opposite surfaces of the first and second structures of the micro gripper, thereby completely detaching the object attached on the opposite surfaces of the first and second structures by electrostatic force and removing the stiction. Furthermore, the present invention can grip the object more strongly by sucking the fluid from the penetration hole of the gripper jaw, when the first and second structures of the gripper jaw grip the object. |
US07770949B2 |
Reduced door opening force and enhanced security flight deck door mechanism
An aircraft door mechanism includes a solenoid connected to a support assembly. The solenoid displaces the latch pin between a solenoid energized and a solenoid de-energized position. A catch assembly rotatably connected to the support assembly is positioned to engage a 3½ degree or less taper portion of the latch pin in the solenoid energized position. When the latch pin moves to the solenoid de-energized position, a latch bolt supported by the door rotates the catch assembly. The latch bolt includes a distal bulbous end which multiplies the force applied to the door to rotate the catch assembly. If the latch pin is extended, a substantially greater force is required to force the latch pin to the solenoid de-energized position owing to the reduced taper of the latch pin. Authorized door entry is therefore easier and unauthorized door entry is made more difficult. |
US07770948B2 |
Tubular lock latch assembly
A tubular latch assembly for a door and adapted for operation by either an “opener” such as a thumbpiece on one side and/or a knob on the other. The tubular latch comprises a central latch subassembly mounted inside the door and including a latch casing seated in the door, a bolt slidably mounted in said latch casing for extension/retraction (such as through an open face plate), a pivoting retraction lever coupled to the bolt, a spindle hub having a pair of offset cam surfaces, and a pivoting reversing lever engaged at one end with the bolt and at the other end with the second cam surface on the spindle hub for driving the bolt. The central latch subassembly allows opening by either the opener (e.g., thumbpiece) or by rotation of the knob, operation of the knob not affecting the opener and vice versa. This entirely eliminates any need for off-axis motion translation or accompanying mechanisms that are ordinarily used to adapt the axis of rotation of an opener to the orthogonal axis of rotation of a latch or spindle hub, thereby reducing the total number of parts as well as internal friction. |
US07770945B2 |
Door lock system
An input shaft of a key lever that transmits a rotating drive force from a key cylinder in response to a key operation is arranged in a lower side of a door housing so that the rain water and the like does not easily reach the input shaft. |
US07770942B2 |
Locking arrangement with a swivelling locking hook and a movable retaining rod for hooking into position
The releasable locking arrangement for two components consists of a hook-connecting element arranged on a first component (10) and a spring-loaded locking hook (26) with swivelling axis (22) arranged on a second component (20). The locking hook (21) and the hook-connecting element can be connected with one another to form the lock. The hook-connecting element on the first component (10) is a retaining rod (11) whose ends are movable in a guide track (12, 12′). The swivelling axis (22) of the locking hook (21) on the second component (20) is connected with a holder (27). The holder (27) has a sliding bevel (24-S, 25-S) for the retaining rod (11). When the two components (10, 20) approach one another, the retaining rod (11) slides upwards on the sliding bevel (24-S, 25-S) of the holder. This causes the retaining rod to move in its guide track (12, 12′) at the same time. |
US07770941B2 |
Apparatus and method for supporting a pipe coupling
A pipe coupling support having a substantially rigid body with an inner surface formed to mate with at least a portion of the exterior surface of a pipe coupling installed on pipe. In many cases, the exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling will be non-cylindrical. For example, when pipes of differing diameters or pipes manufactured from different materials must be joined with commonly available pliable couplings. In this instance the inner surface of the body of the pipe coupling support may be formed to mate with a majority of or substantially the entire exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling. |
US07770936B2 |
Multiple coupling locks and multiple docking devices containing said multiple coupling locks
In a multiple coupling lock system and method for an environmentally sealed filling or refilling of a first container or a first hose, a first coupling lock has an opening area which is opened. A first flexible conveyance unit has a first end connected to the first coupling lock in an environmentally sealed manner. A second opposite end of the first flexible conveyance unit connects to a second coupling lock in an environmentally sealed manner, the opening area of the first coupling lock being sufficiently large when opened to allow the second coupling lock to pass therethrough. The second coupling lock connects in an environmentally sealed manner to the first container or first hose. The system or method provides the ability to environmentally fill or refill the first container or first hose-in an environmentally sealed manner. |
US07770933B2 |
Printing paper
A printing paper includes a sheet having a first surface and a second surface, an adhesive layer formed on the second surface, a release paper attached to the adhesive layer, a plurality of boundary lines including first folding direction boundary lines and second folding direction boundary lines that divide the sheet into page regions, the release paper having a plurality of release-assist formation lines, wherein when folding along the first folding direction boundary line, first partial surfaces of adjacent page regions are brought together and when folding along the second folding direction line, second partial surfaces of adjacent page regions are brought together. When folding along the first folding direction boundary line, at least one tab portion of the release paper detaches from the adhesive layer and extends outward from the second surface, and the at least one tab portion enables removal of the release paper. |
US07770931B2 |
Pole grip
A description is given of a handle (1) for in particular (cross-country) ski sticks and Nordic walking sticks, having a hand-retaining device (17), such as a hand loop or glove, which can be fastened in a releasable manner to the stick handle (1) via a coupling element (12) secured on the hand-retaining device (17), the stick handle (1) having a top end (22) and a bottom end (23), on or in which a stick tube can be, and/or is, fastened. A particularly straightforward releasable fastening arrangement which is stable, of reliable design and can also be utilized at low temperatures and in the presence of snow is made available by a retaining element (4) being provided on and/or in the stick handle (1), this retaining element having at least two lateral grooves (19) which are open essentially in opposite directions and, at least in certain regions, run essentially from top to bottom in respect of the stick handle (1), and by the coupling element (12) having, for the purpose of fastening on the retaining element (4), two corresponding protrusions which engage laterally in these grooves (19). |
US07770930B2 |
Exercise weight for ice skates
An exercise weight for a skate comprising a pair of similar elongated weight pieces. The skate comprises a boot, an elongated blade holder having spaced posts and a runner. The blade holder is secured to an underside of the boot and the runner is secured to blade holder. The weight is configured to be cooperatively releasably attached to the blade holder in a manner such that the weight pieces mateably conform to and engage with opposed side portions of the spaced posts below the boot and above the runner. |
US07770929B2 |
Vehicular seatbelt restraint with selectively disabled inertia reel assembly
A locking mechanism of an inertia reel assembly of a vehicular seatbelt restraint system is selectively disabled based on a latch status of a seatbelt buckle of the seatbelt restraint system. In one embodiment, a sensor at a latch assembly determines whether the seatbelt buckle is engaged with the latch assembly and provides an output signal based on this determination. A controller receives the output signal and selectively drives an actuator based on the output signal so as to enable or disable the locking mechanism of the inertia reel assembly. By disabling the locking mechanism of the inertia reel assembly when the seatbelt buckle is detected as unlatched, an occupant is able to quickly latch the seatbelt buckle even in the event of an inertial event that otherwise would have prevented any further extension of the seatbelt. |
US07770928B2 |
Platform trailer with extruded floor panel cross members
In accordance with one aspect of the present development, a platform trailer includes a chassis comprising first and second aluminum beams each including an upper flange and a lower flange connected by a web. The first and second beams are arranged parallel to each other and each extend from a forward end to a rear end in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the trailer. The first and second beams are each defined with an arch comprising an upwardly oriented apex located between the forward and rear ends. At least one axle assembly connected to the chassis and includes a left wheel and tire assembly and a right wheel and tire assembly. A platform is supported on the first and second beams of the chassis. The platform includes spaced-apart left and right side rails and a plurality of extruded aluminum panels that each extend from a left lateral end abutted with said left side rail to a right lateral end abutted with said right side rail. Each of the panels comprises an upper wall, a lower wall spaced-apart from the upper wall, and first and second spaced-apart end walls that are connected to and extend between the upper and lower walls. The extruded aluminum panels are abutted in series with the first end wall of one panel abutted with the second end wall of an adjacent abutted panel such that the respective upper walls of adjacent abutted panels of the platform together define an upper, cargo supporting surface of the platform. The platform is arched to correspond with the arch of the first and second beams. A method for constructing the platform trailer is also disclosed. |
US07770924B2 |
Liquid cooled hybrid
An inflator that includes a quantity of gas generant housed within a chamber. A liquid and a piston are also housed within another chamber. This chamber is sealed by a burst disk. The piston includes an opening. During deployment of the inflator, the burst disk is ruptured and the piston moves towards the distal end of the inflator. The movement of the piston hydraulically expels the liquid through the opening in the piston such that the liquid cools and contacts the gas formed by combustion of the gas generant. |
US07770920B2 |
Vehicular seats with fluid-containing weight sensing system
System for measuring the weight of an occupant in a vehicle seat having a bottom portion and a back portion at an angle to the bottom portion and for controlling a safety restraint system responsive thereto which includes a fluid-containing bladder mounted within or beneath an upper surface of the bottom portion of the seat and supported by a base of the seat, a pressure sensor operatively coupled to the bladder for generating a signal responsive to pressure of the fluid within the bladder caused by pressure applied to the upper surface of the seat, and a processor coupled to the pressure sensor for determining the weight of the occupant from the signal and generating a control signal for controlling the safety restraint system responsive to the weight determination. The weight of the occupant can be used to control components in the vehicle or the seat itself. |
US07770919B2 |
Side curtain airbag
A module comprising a packaged airbag, wherein the airbag is configured to deploy on an interior side of a vehicle in a curtain arrangement; wherein the airbag is packaged so that the bottom of the airbag is folded then rolled in an outboard direction; and wherein the packaged airbag includes a folded portion located above the outboard rolled portion; and wherein the top portion is folded along a longitudinally extending crease to create a folded section located adjacent and outboard the rolled and folded sections. A module further comprising a Z-shaped folded portion above the outboard rolled portion, a second fold of the bottom portion in the outboard direction, a Z-shaped fold located between the bottom and top portions of the airbag, an inflator system, a plurality of mounting straps, and at least one tether on each of the fore and aft ends of the module. |
US07770917B2 |
Inflatable curtain venting
Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems for inflatable curtain venting. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain airbag is tested using a 50th-percentile dummy. The inflatable curtain airbag comprises a vent opening positioned such that during the crash test, the head of the 50th-percentile dummy strikes the airbag at the location of the vent such that the exit of inflation gas through the vent is at least partially blocked. The same inflatable curtain airbag may then be used in a test involving a 5th-percentile dummy, in which case the head of the 5th-percentile dummy would not strike the airbag so as to block the vent, thereby allowing for venting of the airbag. |
US07770909B2 |
Articulated vehicle stabilization system
An articulated vehicle is provided including a stabilization system configured to resist roll-over of a trailer portion of the vehicle. |
US07770908B1 |
Human-powered engine
An improved human-powered engine which is actuated by forward and rearward movement of the body to cause extension of a resilient member which serves to provide driving motion to a wheel, propeller or the like. |
US07770907B2 |
All terrain vehicle
An all terrain vehicle includes left and right vehicle body frame portions and left and right suspension arms, respectively suspending left and right rear wheels, and capable of moving up and down together with the left and right rear wheels. The left and right vehicle body frame portions have a portion bent toward the center in a vehicle width direction, and a suspension arm support portion connected to the bent portion toward the rear of the vehicle and inclined to the center in the width direction of the vehicle. The left and right suspension arms are connected to the pair of left and right suspension arm support portions. The all terrain vehicle is provided with a more compact frame. |
US07770905B2 |
Stroller wheel suspension
A stroller wheel suspension mechanism has a generally rigid carrier with a top mounting section connectable to a stroller frame and a downward facing surface. The carrier also has a depending spring section that extends downward from the top mounting section adjacent an end of the downward facing surface and that has a generally vertically oriented surface. The carrier also has a bottom spring section that extends from the depending spring section and that has an upward facing surface. The depending and bottom spring sections are resiliently deflectable relative to the top mounting section. A wheel mount is provided on the bottom spring section. A solid body damper of a resilient, flexible material is positioned within a damper region formed adjacent the downward facing, generally vertically oriented, and upward facing surfaces of the carrier. |
US07770904B2 |
Stability system for an industrial vehicle
A materials handling vehicle may include a vehicle frame, a drive wheel, a first caster assembly located on the right side of the drive wheel, and a second caster assembly located on the left side of the drive wheel. A weight distribution assembly connects the first or second caster assembly to the vehicle frame and may include an adjustable preload mechanism to provide a preload force to the first or second caster assembly. |
US07770902B1 |
In-arm compressible fluid suspension system
An in-arm suspension (12) is provided for actively controlling a suspension arm (20) mounted to a vehicle frame (14). The suspension arm (20) has a housing (60) in which the a compressible fluid strut (32) and a fluid control section (90) are enclosed. The compressible fluid strut (32) includes a cylinder (134) and a piston rod (136) which is urged to extend from within the cylinder (134) in response to fluid pressure applied to compressible fluid disposed within the cylinder (134). A damper piston (174) is mounted to an interior portion of the piston rod (136), and moves with the piston rod (136) to pass the compressible fluid through the damper piston 174 and attenuate bounce and rebound of the piston rod (136) within the cylinder (134). A damper lock (210) is mounted to the piston rod (136) for selectively preventing the flow of compressible fluid through the damper piston (174). |
US07770895B2 |
Segmented seal portion and assembly
A segment of a seal assembly for sealing a higher pressure area from a lower pressure area is disclosed. The segment comprises a radial external surface, a radial internal surface for sealing against a rotating member, a transverse groove for maintaining a pressure around portions of the segment, and one or more pads including a scooping groove. The scooping groove is positioned at or in proximity to an edge of the transverse groove and provides for a transition flow between the one or more pads and the transverse groove. |
US07770894B2 |
Prize acquisition game device
Provided is a prize acquisition game device in which a control unit constituted from a microcomputer controls a prize acquisition unit that moves in a game space with a plurality of prizes disposed therein, and controls the acquisition of the prize. The control device moves the prize acquisition unit to the target prize based on an operation signal, judges the success of the acquisition of the prize, and moves the prize acquisition unit that acquired the prize to apposition where the prize can be paid out to the player. And an obstruction unit for obstructing the prize while it is being transported, or when the prize is to be dropped in the prize payout slot has been provided. |
US07770892B2 |
Gaming device with action unit and prize object displays and method of use
A gaming device having a container configured to hold a plurality of display objects, an agitator for moving the plurality of display objects, a prize object holder configured to hold a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner, a prize object display located inside of the container and configured to receive at least one prize object from the prize object holder, and a controller configured to select a prize object from the prize object holder and cause the selected prize object to be displayed in the prize object display, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the prize object display includes a tubular exhibition container. In another embodiment, the display object container of the gaming device is configured to provide a jumbled ball display. In addition, a method for playing a game by providing the prize object display inside of the display object container of the aforementioned gaming device is disclosed. |
US07770891B2 |
Method for providing multi-game reel strips
A method for varying the symbols used on a mechanical reel strip are disclosed. A reel strip comprises a plurality of symbols, each of the symbols associated with a symbol group. Each of the symbol groups is associated with a symbol group designation position on the reel strip. By varying the designation position on the reel strip, the symbols used with each reel strip can be modified. When multiple mechanical reels are used in a gaming machine, the symbol designating position for each reel strip can be the same as any other reel strip or can vary from any of the other reel strips. As such, an endless number of games and game variations may be created and deployed. |
US07770885B2 |
Variable stiffness friction buckler
A media buckler comprises a media engagement surface, a support structure having at least one dimension drafted from a first thickness to a second thickness, the engagement surface having varying stiffness. |
US07770876B2 |
Creasing device, post-processing apparatus equipped therewith, creasing method, image forming apparatus and crease-added printing method
A creasing device includes a feeding mechanism, a creasing mechanism, sensors, and an aligning mechanism. The feeding mechanism conveys paper on which an image has been formed in a post-processing apparatus main body direction. The creasing mechanism makes a crease on the paper. The sensors detect a deviation of the paper with respect to the feeding direction. The aligning mechanism, based on an amount of deviation in a result of a detection by the sensors, causes the creasing mechanism to rotate in such a way that the creasing mechanism is aligned parallel to a crease direction of the paper. |
US07770870B1 |
Tow ball winch mount
A portable winch system mounted to a standard trailer hitch tow ball of a vehicle permits steep incline pulling angles of the winch without cutting into the neck portion of the tow ball. To achieve a broad range of inclination angles, the cup plate (socket that fits over the tow ball) and/or the ball-locking portion of the winch system includes relieved neck-clearance areas. In some embodiments, the cup plate and/or ball-locking mechanism includes neck contact points that are softer than the material of the tow ball. |
US07770869B2 |
Portable winch
A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris. |
US07770867B2 |
Plug valve with flow area equal to or greater than the flow area of the connected piping
A plug valve having an entry region, a chamber, and an outlet region, each with a flow area that is equal to or greater than the flow area of, for example, a standard wall ANSI B 36.10 (M) pipe connected to the inlet and outlet flanges of the valve. The valve's plug has a cylindrical front sealing face and a planar rear face. The axis of the sealing face is parallel to, but off-set from the axis of the plug. When the valve is fully open the planar rear face allows unimpeded flow through the chamber and substantially reduces friction to the flow. The valve's seat is cylindrical for mating with the cylindrical front sealing face of the plug. The seat has a rectangular outline shape. |
US07770865B2 |
Hang level suspension system
A Hang Level Suspension System, hereafter known as Suspension System, for articles such as frames for pictures, mirrors, or other articles to be supported on a wall in a level attitude. The Suspension System for the frame includes two wall hangers, which are attached to a wall in a level attitude, two suspension elements comprising two washers, two equal lengths of chain and two eye-screws. These two suspension elements are mounted, one on each side of the frame, at a precise distance from the top of the frame. Two hangers are spaced apart, on the wall in a level attitude, the same distance as the suspension elements attached to the back of the frame. When the Suspension System is completed, a washer of the Suspension System is placed on the corresponding wall hanger on the wall. The suspended article will hang level at all times. |
US07770864B2 |
Reading stand
The invention provides a reading stand or document holder to support a document for review by a user. The reading stand may include a base portion including at least one aperture to allow the user to grasp the reading stand, as well as a platform portion for supporting the document. The platform portion is hingedly connected to the base portion. The platform portion includes at least one page holder for retaining the document upon the platform portion. Further, the reading stand includes a prop member. The prop member extends from a backside of the platform portion. The prop member is adapted to engage with the base portion so as to support the platform portion in an angled position. |
US07770863B2 |
Seat apparatus for vehicle
A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor and an upper rail slidably supported relative to the lower rail and having a U-shaped cross section opened downward. The seat apparatus includes a supporting member integrally formed with a bottom wall portion and fixed, at both longitudinal ends thereof, to an upper portion of the upper rail and a side wall portion extending upward from at least one width directional end of the bottom wall portion. The supporting member supports a vehicle seat. The supporting member includes a curved portion integrally formed at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall portion of the supporting member and curved upward to be distant from the upper rail. |
US07770858B2 |
Field device comprising a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to an attachment surface
A mounting bracket is adapted for mounting a field device, as well as to a field device that for the purpose of attachment to a mounting surface comprises such a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket comprises (a) a first bracket strap which includes a first rotary bearing, (b) a second bracket strap, spaced apart from the first bracket strap by a space, including a second rotary bearing and (c) at least one movable lock on one of the two bracket straps. The rotary bearings are designed to articulate on two opposing sides of a field device that may be arranged in the space so that the field device may be rotated, on an imaginary axis that extends through the space, from a first angle position to a second angle position. The lock is designed to engage the field device in order to in this way resist a torque of the field device in that the lock converts the torque to a pair of forces which is removable by way of one of the rotary bearings and by way of the lock itself. |
US07770853B2 |
Two piece snap-fit cap or glide
A protective cap or furniture glide is provided that includes a main body and a secondary body. Each body has multiple protrusions and multiple openings such that the protrusions from the main body are inserted into the openings on the secondary body and the protrusions on the secondary body are inserted into the openings on the main body. The main body further includes a circular base that includes a removable material attached to the bottom. |
US07770852B2 |
Stackable mount assembly including indexing/locking features
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a stackable mount assembly that includes indexing and/or locking features. The stackable mount assembly includes a plurality of mounts. Each mount includes a hub and a fastener. Indexing features prevent the hub from freely rotating about the fastener, but allow the hub to index or rotate about the fastener at an index angle. The locking features prevent the hub from rotating about the fastener, locking the hub in a desired position and/or orientation. |
US07770849B2 |
Rigidly attached cable support for ductwork having at least three flat side surfaces
A cable clamp-bracket combination for rigidly connecting to an item to be suspended, especially a HVAC duct suspended from the ceiling of a structure. The combination utilizing, e.g., a commercially available cable clamp rigidly but removably connected to the clamp in a position where openings in the bracket surfaces mate with the cable channels through the clamp and a slot through the bracket mates with a clamp release projection on the clamp. The cable clamp includes a clamp clutch adjacent each cable channel for holding a support cable. The combination resulting in a rigid connection between the clamp and the item (e.g., duct) and a non-slip connection between the supporting cables and the item. The bracket can be formed from a flat plate having preformed openings and connecting elements by bending the plate into the desired form for holding the clamp and being securable to the, e.g., duct. |
US07770848B2 |
Clamp for securing an object to a structure
Apparatus and methods provide an electrically isolating clamp that is suitable for use, among other locations, within a composite wing structure and other fuel environments. According to embodiments described herein, the clamp includes a clamp body and cushion. The clamp body is manufactured from a non-conductive material and includes a strap and a base. The cushion may be manufactured from a different non-conductive material to provide at least two layers of electrical isolation between the tube or other object being secured and a structure. The cushion material allows for axial movement of the tube through the cushion. The cushion is disposed between the strap and the base. Shoulder flanges prevent axial movement of the cushion with respect to the clamp body. The clamp may have a cushion retention mechanism to secure the cushion within the strap prior to installation around the tube. |
US07770846B2 |
Fixing system for a leading edge to the structure of an aircraft lift plane
Fixing system for a modular leading edge (2) to the structure of an aircraft lift plane (1), in which the leading edge (2) has a covering (4) formed from a first lamina (5) and a second lamina (6) between which there is an interior airtight chamber, and the fixing system comprises a main attachment element (3) whose cross-section has a central element (13), a first arm (14) which is fixed to the first lamina (5) of the covering (4) of the leading edge (2), and a second arm (15) which is fixed to the second lamina (6) of the covering (4), and the central element (13) is in turn fixed to a covering (10) of the torsion box (8) of the structure of the lift plane (1). |
US07770842B2 |
Aircraft flight control surface actuation system communication architecture
A flight control surface actuation system includes a plurality of smart actuators to move aircraft flight control surfaces between extended and retracted positions. The system includes a high availability network between the flight control avionics and the smart actuators, and between each of the smart actuators. The system configuration allows network nodes associated with each smart actuator to monitor and control one another, under higher level control of the aircraft flight control avionics, to provide multiple levels of health monitoring, control, and shutdown capability. |
US07770841B2 |
Inverted airfoil pylon for an aircraft
An aircraft including a wing and a pylon, wherein the pylon provides an airfoil inverted for an airfoil of the wing, and an improvement and method for improved flight dynamics for 20 and 30 Series LEARJET® is provided. The improvement includes an increased distance between a leading edge of a wing and an intake of an engine of the aircraft, which reduces drag and increases lift for improved flight dynamics of the aircraft. The inverted airfoil of the pylon negates an influence of the pylon on flight dynamics for improved overall flight dynamics of the aircraft. The method includes steps of removing an original engine from an original pylon, removing the original pylon from the fuselage of the aircraft, and mounting a new pylon in a new location adjacent to the fuselage, wherein the new location is aft of the original location. |
US07770840B2 |
Engine assembly for aircraft
An engine assembly for aircraft including a turboshaft engine, an attachment strut, and a plurality of engine mounts interposed between the attachment strut and the turboshaft engine. The plurality of engine mounts include two forward mounts arranged in a staggered manner in relation to each other in a vertical direction of the turboshaft engine, the first forward mount configured to assure uniquely taking up of stresses brought to bear along the transversal direction of the turboshaft engine, and the second forward mount configured to assure uniquely taking up of stresses brought to bear along the transversal and vertical directions. |
US07770836B2 |
Locking unit for seat belt retractor
The present invention provides a locking unit for a seat belt retractor which is provided on one end of a spool, around which a seat belt is wound. The locking unit of the present invention locks the seat belt when the seat belt is rapidly unwound and prevents the seat belt from being locked when it is retracted. The locking unit includes a locking arm, a central gear, which is unrotatably provided on the center of the spool, an actuating gear, and a locking pin, which stops a locking protrusion of the locking arm when the belt is retracted. |
US07770830B1 |
Method and apparatus for desalination of seawater
A method and an apparatus for the modification of seawater, brine, or alike, to render it suitable for irrigation, industrial use, or for further treatment in a drinking water purification plant, as well as to extract desired substances from brines, such as boron, and to clear waste from mining processes, by reducing environment endangering contaminants, like petroleum hydro-carbons, or radioactive substances, as well as inactivating microorganisms and virus in biosolids, by means of exposing the substances to high-intensity macrosound, i.e., alternating mechanical energy radiation at (ultra-) sonic frequencies. The treatment enhances the separation of salt, or/and other desired materials, from the water, and activates in situ the adsorption of the materials on sorbefacient substances supplied to the desalination process in form of dust of pulverized, liquefied, or vaporized substances, or by elements (of walls) of treatment chambers, or filters. The separation of the adsorption material together with the adsorbed salt, or/and any other extract from the liquid, is accomplished by common techniques, such as sedimentation, decanter, filter, or (electrostatic) separator. |
US07770829B2 |
Method and apparatus for protected coal mill journals
A method of protecting coal mill journals from abrasive wear due to impingement of coal fines includes the steps of fabricating and attaching a mild steel liner form to the journal and welding wear plates to the liner form. Welding the plates to the form can occur before and/or after the form is attached to the journal. The liner form is made up of plates providing only flat exterior surfaces. |
US07770828B2 |
Method of manufacturing resin particles
Method of manufacturing resin particles capable of manufacturing resin particles of controlled particle size stably and efficiently by removing bubbles from the surface of a molten kneaded product as the raw material for resin particles thereby sufficiently ensuring action sites for a surfactant on the surface of the molten kneaded product, is provided. The method includes a coarsely-pulverizing step of pressurizing a mixture of a molten kneaded product containing a synthetic resin and an aqueous medium containing a surfactant to 15 MPa to 120 MPa thereby removing bubbles attached to the molten kneaded product containing the synthetic resin, and a finely-granulating step of finely granulating, by a high pressure homogenizer method, an aqueous slurry containing coarse particles of a molten kneaded product passing through a pressure proof nozzle in the coarsely-pulverizing step and in a state where bubbles attached to the surface are removed. |
US07770826B2 |
Rotary sprayer for spray coating material, an installation including such a sprayer, and a method of verifying the operation of such a sprayer
The invention concerns a rotary nozzle combination (P) for coating product comprising an atomizing bowl (3) and a rotor (11) adapted to rotate the bowl about a geometrical axis (X-X′), and means (4, 5, 6, 7) for controlling the presence and/or proper mounting of the bowl (3) on the rotor (11). The rotor (11) is spaced apart from a non-rotating part (P1) and the control means comprise first means (4, 5) enabling a force (F3) to be applied on the bowl (3) tending to vary the thickness of an air-film of the pneumatic thrust bearing (P1), as well as second means (7, 8) for determining the air pressure in the bearing (P1). The pressure of air in the thrust bearing (P1) can be determined when the latter is normally supplied and compared with at least one reference value. |
US07770816B2 |
Lance head for a snow lance and nozzle arrangement
In a snow lance head for use with a snow lance with a housing having nozzles for the outlet of water and/or air and with at least one first chamber formed in the interior of the housing, through which water emerging from at least some of the nozzles flows, the surface area of the inner surface of the chamber is at least equal to, but preferably greater than the outer surface of the housing. |
US07770814B2 |
System and method for irrigating with aerated water
An irrigation system for supplying aerated water to plants includes a diffuser. Oxygen is diffused into water by the diffuser to generate aerated water. The aerated water is supplied to an irrigation device which supplies the aerated water to the plants. |
US07770802B2 |
Stored-value card with multiple member housing
A stored-value card includes a housing, an auxiliary member and an account identifier. The housing includes a base and a cover coupled to the base. The cover and the base each include a primary panel and a side wall extending therefrom. An edge is defined by the side wall of the cover and is positioned to abut an edge defined by the side wall of the base to define a chamber between the base and the cover. The auxiliary member is formed separately from the housing, is at least partially positioned within the chamber, is accessible from a position external to the housing, and is configured to move relative to the housing upon user interaction with the stored-value card. The account identifier is coupled to the housing and signifies a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. Other cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed. |
US07770799B2 |
Optical reader having reduced specular reflection read failures
There is provided in one embodiment an optical reader having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, the image sensor array can include a first subset of pixels and a second subset of pixels. The first subset of pixels can be devoid of light polarizing filter elements, and the second subset of pixels can be light polarizing pixels including light polarizing filter elements. An optical reader can be configured to selectively read out image data from an image sensor array's light polarizing pixels. In one embodiment there is provided a portable apparatus having a first image sensor array and a second image sensor array. |
US07770798B2 |
Automatically-triggered digital video-imaging based code symbol reading system for use in a point-of-sale (POS) environment
An automatic digital video-imaging based code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing automatic illumination control, multi-tier modular software architecture and digital video-imaging based code symbol reading techniques, which ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments, while providing the versatility required to accommodate the different ways in which operators present objects for code symbol reading at POS environments. |
US07770794B2 |
Methods and systems for transferring information between a movable system and another system
Methods and systems for transferring information between a movable system and another system. The movable subsystem includes an electrical component providing electrical signal including information. Electromagnetic radiation is modulated according to the information. The other subsystem includes a receiving component that receives the modulated electromagnetic radiation and converts the received electromagnetic radiation into other electrical signals. |
US07770789B2 |
Secure payment card transactions
Payment card transactions at a point of sale (POS) are secured in certain embodiments by intercepting, with a POS security layer installed on a POS terminal, payment data from the POS terminal, transmitting the payment data from the POS security layer to a server security application installed on a POS server, and providing false payment data from the POS security layer to a POS terminal application installed on the POS terminal. The false payment data in various embodiments is processed as if it were the payment data, such that the POS terminal transmits an authorization request to the POS server using the false payment data. In addition, the authorization request may be transmitted from the POS server to a payment gateway. |
US07770788B2 |
Method and system for creating and delivering group messages
A method and system for managing the creation and delivery of an electronic group message is disclosed. The electronic group message can be provided to two or more (i.e., a group) of signers to sign the electronic group message. Once signed, the electronic group message can be provided to one or more recipients. Alternatively, the electronic group message can be provided from a signer to a plurality of recipients, where different recipients receive different messages. One type of electronic group message is an electronic card known as a care card. |
US07770787B2 |
Credential communication device
A credential communication device and method adapted to transmit and receive data, including means to process said data in order to effect credential verification and trusted mutual recognition between the device and a second credential communication device, without reference to a third party, further including at least one proximity conductor adapted to transfer at least some data only when in such physical proximity to a second credential communication device as to effectively exclude the possibility of third party involvement in the transaction. |
US07770780B2 |
System and method for assembling motor-vehicle body structures or sub assemblies thereof
Motor-vehicle bodies or sub-assemblies thereof are assembled in a welding-assembly station with the aid of frames arranged at the two sides of the conveying line that traverses the station, said frames being provided with fixtures for locating and clamping the various parts of the body. The side frames are moved between their operative position in the station and an inoperative position at a distance from the station with the aid of multi-axis manipulating robots. Said robots, however, do not carry the frames up to their final operative position for assembling the body, but rather unload them on two rigid structures, which are prearranged at the two sides of the line and are movable in a transverse direction with respect thereto between an open condition and a closed condition. The movable structures, once they have received the frames from the robots in their open condition, displace into their closed condition, thus carrying the frames into their final operative position. |
US07770770B2 |
Carrier system
A system for carrying articles on a user's belt, comprising a belt (10) having multiple loops (22) on its outside surface and an article carrier (1) having a sleeve (40) sewn to the body of the carrier at a first end (42) and detachably connected to the body of the carrier at a second end (44). A stiff tab (60) is sewn at one end thereof into the sewn connection of the body of the carrier to the sleeve. The other end of the tab (64) is unattached and overlapped by the sleeve when the sleeve is wrapped around the belt for supporting the carrier from the belt. The carrier can be moved along the belt and placed in different positions unless the free end of the tab is inserted through a loop on the belt in which case the carrier will be fixed in position with respect to the belt. |
US07770767B2 |
Mountain Mike's reproductions ATV gun rack/pop-up shooting rest
A convertible gun carrier is to be mounted on a front of an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) which quickly transitions from a horizontal gun rack position to a vertical gun rest position. This gun carrier holds a gun or rifle securely during ATV travel and also doubles as a shooting rest when the ATV is stopped. |
US07770758B2 |
Element for fixing a fluid product dispensing member and fluid product dispensing member comprising same
A fastener element for fastening a fluid dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, on a fluid reservoir, the fastener element including a deformable snap-fastener portion for snap-fastening on the neck of the reservoir, the snap-fastener portion including a stiffener insert for substantially preventing the snap-fastener portion from deforming after snap-fastening. |
US07770756B2 |
Bulk container assembly
A substance container may be used for containing substances such as liquids or powders. The container assembly includes a body. A top panel of the body includes a flap that folds into the back panel of the body. A first aperture is located on the front panel to accommodate a dispensing assembly. A second aperture is also located on the top panel to accommodate a filling assembly. The filling assembly does not protrude past an uppermost plane represented by a top surface of the body. |
US07770752B2 |
Plastic coffee container with corner handle
A plastic container for a particulate product has a footprint and includes a base and at least two and preferably four sides upstanding therefrom which generally define a container main interior volume. A top connects to the sides and includes a large opening which is closed by a lid. One corner includes a pass-through handle located therein having a generally vertical segment which may define a hollow cavity in communication with the main interior volume. The opening of the top is sufficiently large to extend over a portion of the hollow cavity; or is sufficiently wide to receive about a 5″ diameter cylinder therethrough, and has a ratio of a minimum span to a bottom diagonal of at least about ⅔. A shoulder between the top and sides has an angle of less than about 40°. The handle is configured and sized for easy grasping and holding. |
US07770747B2 |
Synthetic closure
By achieving an extruded, foamed core formed from plastic material peripherally surrounded and integrally bonded with a plurality of cooperating synthetic, plastic, extruded, outer layers, a unique, multi-component, multi-layer synthetic closure is provided which may be employed as a bottle closure or stopper for any desired product, whether the product is a liquid, a viscous material, or a solid distributed in a bottle or container and dispensed through the open portal of the container neck. The present invention achieves a mass producible, resilient, synthetic bottle closure which is employable for any desired bottle, including wine. By employing the present invention, a multi-component or multi-layer synthetic closure is attained which possesses physical properties substantially equal to or better than the physical properties found in cork material, which has caused such cork material to be the principal closure material for wine bottles. |
US07770746B2 |
Tubular container comprising tamper-proof lid
A tubular container with a tamper-proof device (19) between the tube (1) and cap (2) and an assembly (14, 15) that creates a sound signal between both, in which the blind projection (24) on the tube is made in a smaller diametrical and longitudinal dimension and with the incorporation of an insert (13) that facilitates the manufacture and also the use of the container by the user. |
US07770744B2 |
Rope winding system for winding and unwinding steel ropes of cranes
The present invention relates to a rope winding system (1) for winding and unwinding a steel rope (4) of a crane (7). A rope winding system (1) according to the present invention has a rope drum (6), onto which the steel rope (4) can be wound in a plurality of layers, and a magnetic system (7) which is configured to generate a magnetic field over a section of the steel rope (4) with its magnetic flux being deflected by a movement of the steel rope (4) in such a way that the steel rope (4) is braked. A crane (7) is also discloses which is equipped with such a rope winding system (1) for winding and unwinding a steel rope (4). |
US07770738B2 |
Classifying device and method of classification
A classifying device for classifying particles using a centrifugal force contains a microchannel includes a curved portion including a first tubular channel and a second tubular channel; and a diaphragm that is provided within the curved portion, and that is located at a position between the first tubular channel and the second tubular channel; and wherein the diaphragm has at least a first apertured group formed in a central region of the diaphragm and a second apertured group formed in a first end region and a second end region of the diaphragm, the first apertured group and the second apertured group communicate the first tubular channel with the second tubular channel along a direction of the centrifugal force, the first apertured group has a mesh, and the second apertured group has a mesh that is different in size from the mesh of the first apertured group. |
US07770736B2 |
Method and apparatus for froth washing in flotation
A method and apparatus for introducing wash water into a flotation froth in a flotation separation system, where the wash water is injectioned into the froth in the form of a horizontal sheet of water. The sheet is typically formed by impinging a downwardly directed liquid jet issuing from a nozzle onto a horizontal plate or disc where it changes direction and travels radially outwards as an axi-symmetric planar liquid jet or sheet. The depth of the disc can be adjusted by a support rod. Other embodiments are described where the horizontal sheet is ejected through a horizontal slit, or where the sheet of wash water is rectangular rather than axi-symmetric. |
US07770733B2 |
Pocket-sized vacuum-packed diapers
Vacuum packed absorbent articles including diapers, kits thereof, and retail packages including vacuum packed and non vacuum packed absorbent articles are disclosed. |
US07770732B2 |
Blister packaging
A packaging includes a tray and a sheet. The tray has a series of spaced apart sections. Each spaced apart section is generally rectangular in shape and has a recessed compartment and an upper surface. The sheet is fixed in part to the upper surface of the tray and has a plurality of tab portions that are not fixed to the tray thereby creating a tab. Each tab portion corresponds to one of the spaced apart sections and has first and second ends. Each tab portion can be graduated in width from the first end to the second end. The first end can be positioned in a corner of the corresponding spaced apart section. The tab portion has a length measured parallel to the length of the corresponding spaced apart section and the second end is adjacent to the sealed portion of the sheet. |
US07770728B2 |
Package
The invention is an easy to open package, in particular a package of the kind comprising two blanks of a sheet material (101) joined along the edges, thereby constituting one or more enclosed compartments (102) e.g. for a medical utensil, such as a urinary catheter. The edge joint comprises at least one peeling zone (18) permitting separation of the two foil walls and at least one foil sheet comprises or defines gripping means to enable a firm grip, such as a tear-open flap (12), a gripping string (499) or a flap with a finger-size hole (11). The package may further comprise means for one-hand opening, e.g. an adhesive element (2299) for bonding the package to exterior objects. |
US07770726B2 |
Catheter product package and method of forming same
A sheet material wrapped about a catheter to form a package. The catheter extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter. Confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed thereto which causes the package to open along an intended opening line. A gas permeable, liquid impermeable barrier divides the sealed cavity into a first compartment within which the catheter is contained and a second compartment within which a wick wetted with an aqueous liquid is entirely confined. |
US07770725B2 |
Capsule endoscope storage case
In a storage case for accommodating a capsule endoscope in which a power supply can be operated by a predetermined magnetic force, when the capsule endoscope is retained by both a retaining portion provided in a blister pack and a hole portion provided in an inner cover portion while accommodated in the storage case, the blister pack, the inner cover portion, a sterilizing sheet, and a shield of the storage case are configured to cover an operable range for power supply of the capsule endoscope, and the storage case prevents malfunction of the capsule endoscope accommodated therein even if a magnet is unintentionally approximated. |
US07770724B2 |
Rigid, slide-open package for tobacco articles
A rigid package (1) for tobacco articles (3), having a first container (2) housing a group (3) of tobacco articles and in turn housed inside a second container (4) to slide, with respect to the second container (4), between a closed position, in which the first container (2) is fully inserted inside the second container (4), and an open position, in which the first container (2) is partly extracted from the second container (4); the package (1) has two connecting strips (22), each of which is connected, on one side, to a major lateral wall (14) of the first container (2), and, on the opposite side, to a major lateral wall (7) of the second container (4), and has a deformable portion (23) at the first container (2). |
US07770723B2 |
Glove shaper kit
A glove shaper kit for drying, forming and merchandising a golf glove is disclosed. The kit includes a moisture absorbing glove form having four fingers substantially parallel with each other proceeding from a wrist area with a hole formed in the wrist area, where the hole has an animal shape associated with a professional sports figure, means for attachment inserted within the non-uniformly shaped hole, a glove and a container. |
US07770720B2 |
Conveying device for conveying goods on pallets along a horizontal conveying line
A conveying device (1) is provided for conveying preferably heavy goods on pallets or the like on an essentially horizontal conveying line or track (5, 6) on the floor (4) of a room or outdoors. The conveying line is, in the longitudinal direction, divided into a first conveying track (5) and into a second conveying track (6). A dividing area is formed by at least one moving partial piece of the same kind that can be folded upward in the form of a folding piece (3) similar to a drawbridge in order to provide an unobstructed transversal passage (D), for example, for a fork-lift truck. |
US07770717B2 |
Device for transfer of items
A device for transfer of items, in particular food items such as pieces of meat, with the device having a base part using a vacuum source, a conveyor belt having a plurality of openings formed in the conveyor belt, a driver for the conveyor belt and a support adapted for supporting the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is arranged in a path or course such that the conveyor belt is supported by the support. Further, the base part has a first part corresponding to a vacuum transport zone and a second part corresponding to a friction transport zone. The invention also relates to a method of transferring items, in particular food items such as pieces of meat. |
US07770715B2 |
Screen conveyor for panel-pressing system
A conveyor displaces a succession of identical screens along a closed annular path having a generally horizontal upper stretch and a lower return stretch spaced below the upper stretch. Particle mats are formed on the screens on the upper stretch. A press along the upper stretch downstream of the mat-former compresses the mats into rigid panels. A screen changer includes a unit for removing a bad screen from the conveyor and a unit for feeding a fresh screen to the conveyor and thereby replacing the bad screen with the fresh screen. One of the units is generally entirely within the path, below the upper stretch and above the lower stretch. |
US07770713B2 |
Storage hopper, and combination weighing device and packaging device provided with the same
A storage hopper temporarily stores articles supplied from above and then discharges the articles downward. The storage hopper includes a holding member of an article holding change mechanism in a storage portion. The holding member changes a state in which the articles are held in the storage portion according to a state of the articles. |
US07770711B1 |
Rebar guide attachment for a conveyor
A rebar guide attachment for a conveyor for preventing the rebar from coming out of the conveyor while be cut and for aligning the rebar for dispensing into a rack. The rebar guide attachment for a conveyor includes a rebar guard and alignment assembly being attached to a dispensing rack for preventing rebar from spilling out of a conveyor upon being cut and for aligning the rebar prior to being dispensed onto a receiving rack. |
US07770707B2 |
Axially engaging and disengaging one-way clutch and a stator having an axially engaging and disengaging one-way clutch
The present invention broadly comprises a stator for a torque converter with first and second plates. The first plate is connected to a rim for the stator and includes at least one first opening. The second plate is connected to the a hub for the stator and includes at least one first protrusion lockingly engageable with the at least one first opening. The first plate is rotatable about an axis for the hub and the at least one first protrusion and the at least one first opening are lockingly engageable when the first plate is rotated in a first direction with respect to the axis. The at least one first protrusion and the at least one first opening are slidingly engageable when the first plate is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. |
US07770706B2 |
Strut based overrunning pulleys
Embodiments of the present invention include strut based overrunning pulleys that provide one or more of greater durability, lower heat generation, high torque loads carrying capability, potentially tunable vibration dampening, tunable to maximum permissible torque loads before elastic (repeatable) slippage, and/or ease of end of life assessment. In some embodiments, a pulley assembly includes a shaft; a pocket plate having a plurality of pockets; a notch plate adjacent the pocket plate and having a plurality of notches facing the pockets of the pocket plate; a plurality struts disposed in the pockets; a resilient member disposed within the pockets and biasing the struts towards the notches; and a body disposed about the shaft, pocket plate, and notch plate; wherein one of the pocket plate or the notch plate is rotationally coupled to the shaft and the other of the pocket plate or the notch plate is rotationally coupled to the body. |
US07770705B2 |
Forged piston plate drive lugs
A drive lug for a piston plate in a torque converter, including a base operatively arranged for attachment to the piston plate and a protruding portion integral to the base and extending axially from the base. The protruding portion is operatively arranged to engage with a damping element in the torque converter. In some aspects, the plate is arranged for attachment with a plurality of drive lugs, while in other aspects, the drive lug is arranged for attachment to the plate with at least one rivet. In some aspects, the lug is made of a hardenable material or by forging. In some aspects, the piston plate further includes an outer circumference and the drive lug is arranged to be secured proximate the outer circumference. In some aspects, the damping element further includes a spring and the drive lug is arranged to engage with the spring. In some aspects, the piston plate further includes an axial width, the drive lug further includes a radial width, and the radial width is greater than the axial width. |
US07770704B1 |
Universal multiplate torque converter clutch system and method of use
A multiplate torque converter clutch system, which is adapted for installation in torque converters of different automatic transmission manufacturers, namely, BORG WARNER, ALLISON, FORD, GENERAL MOTORS, and CHRYSLER transmissions. The present multiplate torque converter clutch system is provided in kit format including a hybrid lock-up piston/damper plate subassembly, multiple clutch plates including friction rings, a set of outer damper springs, and a set of inner damper springs. The present multiplate torque converter clutch system also includes a torque converter cover subassembly and a turbine hub subassembly configured to adapt the present torque converter clutch system to different vehicle engines and transmissions respectively. The hybrid lock-up piston/damper plate subassembly can be tuned to match a peak engine torque value by changing the number of damper springs. Advantageously, the present hybrid lock-up piston/damper plate subassembly is disassembled by removal of a single retaining ring to facilitate changes to the damper springs. |
US07770700B2 |
Brake apparatus for linear motor and method for positioning movable section of linear motor
When respective magnetic fluxes are generated by coils and pass through a plate spring, an electromagnetic force, which results from the magnetic flux, is generated within a plate spring, screws, and a magnetic flux-passing member. Therefore, a brake pad is separated from a slide table in accordance with an action of the electromagnetic force exerted against a resilient force of the plate spring. On the other hand, when generation of respective magnetic fluxes from the coils is halted, the electromagnetic force is extinguished, and thus the brake pad presses against the slide table, in accordance with an action of the resilient force of the plate spring. |
US07770695B2 |
Vehicle lift device including scissor lift and telescopic upper platform
A vehicle lift device and method are provided wherein the lift device has upper and lower platforms that may receive vehicles for parking or storage. The lower platform may be selectively raised or lowered between two levels of a parking structure. The upper platform is mounted on telescoping supports. When the car lift device is raised to place the lower platform at the upper level of the parking structure, the telescoping posts retract allowing the upper platform to lower, thereby providing clearance between the upper platform and a ceiling of the parking structure. The posts retract by the weight of the upper platform, and no hydraulic assist is required. When the lift device is lowered to place the lower platform at the lower level of the parking structure, the upper platform engages the floor of the upper level of the parking structure and thereby covers the opening in the floor. The telescoping posts then extend as the lower platform travels to its lowered position at the lower level. |
US07770692B2 |
Engine acoustic treatment
An example embodiment of an acoustic treatment for an engine having at least one engine component extending substantially therefrom includes a base layer having a first base surface and an opposing second base surface. The first base surface is configured to mate with an exterior surface of the engine. The example embodiment also includes a secondary layer having a secondary layer mating surface and an opposing secondary layer outer surface. The secondary layer mating surface is configured to mate with the second base surface at a mating interface. The interface provides a pass-through location for the at least one engine component. |
US07770690B2 |
Double-flow exhaust system for an internal-combustion engine
A double-flow exhaust system for an internal-combustion engine, having exhaust-gas-carrying pipes and at least one muffler and catalyst housing. A separate end muffler is provided for each exhaust line, on which the end mufflers are both fluidically connected by at least one preferably mountable connection pipe. |
US07770688B2 |
Device for superimposing rotational speeds for a steering system
A rotational speed superimposing device for a vehicle steering system has an input shaft with an output shaft, which is oriented toward the input shaft in the axial direction thereof, and has a supporting arrangement, which positions the input shaft and the output shaft so that they are at least, in part, rotationally mounted. An auxiliary drive provided with a rotor, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a wave generator, such as an oval disk on whose periphery an external toothed flexible ring is directly or indirectly mounted, this external toothing engaging in an internal gear at least at two opposite peripheral points. The supporting arrangement is fixed to the vehicle body. The output shaft is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the internal gear, and the input shaft is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the external toothed flexible ring. The input shaft and the output shaft are mounted so they freely rotate independently of one another. |
US07770687B2 |
Hydraulic steering
The invention concerns a hydraulic steering with a steering motor arrangement having at least one steering motor, and with at least two steering circuits, each having a steering valve that interrupts a path from a pressure supply to the steering motor arrangement in the neutral position and releases a path from the pressure supply to the steering motor arrangement on a movement out of the neutral position. It is endeavored to simplify the embodiment of such a steering. For this purpose, the steering valve (5a, 5b) has two end positions, one on each side of the neutral position, in which positions a path from the pressure supply (15, 21) to the steering motor arrangement (2) is interrupted. |
US07770685B2 |
Propulsion system for a work vehicle having a single drive pump and differential capability
A hydraulic drive circuit for a work vehicle including a positive displacement flow divider positioned intermediate a hydraulic pump and a plurality of hydraulic motors. |
US07770684B2 |
Airbag device for pedestrian
An airbag device 4 for pedestrian structured to drain water in a case to a cowl includes a case 8 for storing an airbag 5 in a folded state, an inflator 9 for inflating the airbag 5, and a lid 10 which closes an opening 3a of a hood 3, which allows passage of the airbag. Discharge passages 9 for draining water which has intruded into the case 8 to a cowl louver 2 are formed at both ends of the case 8 in a longitudinal direction. |
US07770681B2 |
Traction control method in machine using lockable differential
A method of operating a machine having a lockable differential includes monitoring a first operating parameter indicative of wheel slip, and monitoring a second operating parameter different from the first parameter, the method further including controlling locking and unlocking of the differential responsive to the second operating parameter. A machine is provided having an electronic controller including software control logic for controlling locking and unlocking of a differential, the electronic controller being configured to lock the differential where the machine is in an operating mode where wheel slip is likely, such as a digging/dozing mode. Satisfaction of criteria for locking may be recognition by the controller of a predetermined pattern of sensor inputs corresponding with a likely wheel slip condition, or actual slip detection. |
US07770676B2 |
Method for operating a parallel hybrid powertrain of a vehicle with at least one internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor
A method for operating a parallel hybrid powertrain (1) of a vehicle having one internal combustion engine (2) and one electric motor (3). The electric motor is located in the drivetrain between an output and the internal combustion engine. Between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, a frictionally engaged shifting element is provided, while between the electric motor and the output, a starting element (6) having a hydrodynamic torque converter (6A) and a converter lock-up clutch (6B) is disposed. A target output torque to be applied to the output is dependent on the slippage of the starting element. During a starting phase of the internal combustion engine via the electric motor, an input torque produced by the electric motor is directed at least in part via the torque converter and in part via the converter lock-up clutch. |
US07770675B2 |
Engine controlling device and method for a hybrid vehicle
An engine controlling device and method for a hybrid vehicle that includes an engine and a motor-generator as driving sources and has an electric-vehicle (EV) drive mode in which the vehicle is driven using only the motor-generator as a driving source and a hybrid (HEV) drive mode in which the vehicle is driven while including the engine as a driving source. When the vehicle is in a stopped state while the driving force of the engine is not being used, the device estimates a minimum driving torque required for starting the vehicle from the relationships among a brake torque, a motor-generator torque and a vehicle speed during a transitional period of a brake-pedal releasing operation. Based on the estimated minimum driving torque, the device determines prior to pressing of the accelerator pedal whether it is necessary to use the engine for a driving force of the hybrid vehicle. |
US07770673B2 |
Battery powered shuttle car
A battery powered shuttle car (10) incorporates features and components that facilitate use and operation and effect efficient application in a mining environment. The shuttle car (10) incorporates at least one battery (20) that is secured to the vehicle frame (11) between one of a left front wheel (17) and a left rear wheel (17) or the right front wheel (17) and the right rear wheel (17). A battery change-over mechanism (51) facilitates battery replacement. Additionally, the shuttle car (10) may be provided with an integral discharge end (81) having a substantially fixed height (82). A full load indicator mechanism (83) provides an indication when the conveyor (16) is substantially full to maximize use and operation of the shuttle car (10). |
US07770672B2 |
Layered hardfacing, durable hardfacing for drill bits
A drill bit having a bit body having at least one blade thereon, at least one cutter pocket disposed on the at least one blade, at least one cutter disposed in the at least one cutter pocket, hardfacing applied to at least a selected portion of the drill bit is shown and described. The hardfacing includes a first hardfacing layer disposed on the selected portion of the drill bit, a second hardfacing layer disposed on the first hardfacing layer, wherein the first hardfacing layer has a hardness different than a hardness of the second hardfacing layer. |
US07770665B2 |
Use of cuttings tank for in-transit slurrification
A system for preparing a slurry in-transit including a first cuttings storage vessel disposed on a transport vehicle, a module configured to operatively connect to the first cuttings storage vessel, and a fluid supply line in fluid communication with the first cuttings storage vessel, the module including, a grinding device configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids and reduce particle size of drill cuttings, wherein the system is operated while the transport vehicle is moving. A method of operating an in-transit slurrification system including using a first vessel disposed on a moving transport vehicle for cuttings storage, and operating the first vessel in a slurrification process while the transport vehicle is moving. |
US07770664B2 |
Wear indicators for expandable earth boring apparatus
An expandable underreamer apparatus disposed on a distal end of a drillstring and configured to drill a formation includes a substantially tubular main body adjacent a cutting head, the main body providing at least one axial recess configured to receive an arm assembly, and the arm assembly configured to translate between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus further includes a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the arm assembly, and a plurality of wear indicators imbedded in at least one arm assembly and positioned behind the cutting elements with respect to a direction of rotation of the arm assembly, wherein the wear indicators are configured to provide an increased torque to the drillstring upon contacting the formation. |
US07770661B2 |
Intermediate and assembly assistance components for fluid driven tools and tools incorporating the same
A fluid driven tool has an outer housing and an inner motor housing nested in the outer housing and defining a cavity therebetween that has a first end with a first exhaust passageway and a second end with a second exhaust passageway. The inner motor housing has a motor chamber with an inlet port for a fluid driven motor and fluid inlet, and an inlet manifold disposed in the cavity. The inlet manifold has a recessed portion with a surrounding seal that engages the inner motor housing and connects the fluid inlet to the at least one inlet port of the inner motor housing. An inner surface of the outer housing and an outer surface of the inner motor housing have portions that mate upon nesting the inner motor housing in the outer housing and provide reinforced areas for clamping regions of the outer housing located over the reinforced areas. |
US07770656B2 |
System and method for delivering a cable downhole in a well
A system for delivering a cable through a tubing string to a downhole location in a well, includes a plug and a receiver. The plug includes a first connector configured to be operably connected to the cable and further includes a plug housing adapted to fit within the tubing string. A check valve operably associated with a passage in the plug housing restricts fluid flow through the passage in a downhole direction and allows fluid flow through the passage in an uphole direction. The receiver is configured to be positioned at the downhole location and includes a receiver housing and a second connector configured to be operably connected to a downhole device. The second connector is adapted to communicate with the first connector when the receiver and plug housings are engaged. |
US07770654B2 |
Pipe handling device, method and system
A pipe handling device for mounting to use with a top drive and possibly a pipe engaging apparatus, includes a link arm having a first end pivotally connectable to move with the top drive and an outboard end pivotally connectable to a pipe elevator segment, and a drive system to drive the outboard end of the link arm at least between a lower position and a raised position. A pipe handling system and method are also described. |
US07770653B2 |
Wellbore bypass method and apparatus
A valve (136, 136′, 136″, 200) adapted to replace an existing valve of a wellhead (114). Valve (136, 136′, 136″, 200) can have similar dimensions as the existing valve it replaces to utilize existing wellhead connections. In one embodiment, a replacement bypass master valve (136) incorporates a fluid bypass pathway (168) to enable communication and conveyance of a production enhancing fluid (132) from a location external to the well through small diameter tubing (126) to a specific downhole location independent the position of a flow control member in interior chamber (166). Replacement bypass master valve (136′) can include anchor seal assembly (122′) disposed in locking profile 180 of upstream inlet bore (162) to enable communication from fluid bypass pathway (168) to lower injection conduit (128). In another embodiment, replacement valve (200) includes a groove in gate (208) sealingly receiving capillary injection tubing (204) when in a closed position. |
US07770652B2 |
Ball release procedure and release tool
A ball release tool includes: a tubular body including an upper end, a lower end, an inner bore defined by an inner wall surface and extending from the upper end to the lower end; a pocket in the inner wall; a slidable sleeve carried by the tubular body and including a throughbore positioned in line with the tubular body inner bore, the slidable sleeve moveable along the inner bore from a first position substantially covering the pocket to a second position exposing the recess to the inner bore; a check valve in driving communication with the sleeve, the check valve selected to permit flow of fluid through the inner bore from the upper end to the lower end, but to act against flow from the lower end to the upper end and, when resisting flow, operable to drive the sleeve upwardly toward the second position, and a ball positionable in the pocket to be either held in the pocket behind the sleeve or released into the inner bore when the sleeve exposes the pocket. |
US07770651B2 |
Method and apparatus for sub-sea processing
A submersible process environment for sub-sea processing is provided. Such environment can include a modular encapsulated unit having an interior volume and one or more processing units disposed therein, a first valve in fluid communication with the interior and exterior of the unit, and a second valve in fluid communication with the interior and exterior of the unit. The first valve and the second valve can be in fluid communication with the processing unit, and the processing unit can receive a fluid from the first valve and discharges the fluid to the second valve. |
US07770644B2 |
Self diverting matrix acid
A method is described for treating a subterranean formation with a low viscosity fluid system that contains a viscoelastic surfactant at a concentration too low to viscosify the fluid, but that is concentrated in the formation so that the fluid system gels. The fluid optionally contains a formation-dissolving agent. The fluid is used in matrix acidizing, acid fracturing, and diversion. |
US07770643B2 |
Hydrocarbon recovery using fluids
The recovery of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon bearing rock, sands or other geological materials (collectively “rock”) uses a recovery fluid. In certain embodiments, the recovery fluid includes miscible compounds or an azeotrope-forming mixture (including an azeotrope), used alone or with other compositions. Two or more compounds in the recovery fluid yield a mixture with different and/or improved characteristics over those of one or more of the component compounds in both liquid and vapor states. |
US07770642B2 |
Methods for recovering oil from an oil reservoir
There is a method for enhancing the recovery of oil from a reservoir. The method has the step of a) introducing a flooding fluid into the reservoir and b) extracting the oil through a wellbore at a location different than the point of introduction of the flooding fluid into the reservoir. The flooding fluid has water and an amount of one or more non-polymeric viscoelastic surfactants sufficient to provide an interfacial surface tension of about 1 mNm or less and a viscosity of about 10 cps or more. The one or more surfactants is selected from the group of one or more cationic surfactants, one or more zwitterionic surfactants, one or more amphoteric surfactants, one or more anionic surfactants, and combinations thereof. |
US07770627B2 |
Venting assembly for a casting mould
A vent assembly (453) for a high pressure die casting system including a pair of opposed chill blocks (450, 452) having corresponding chill surfaces defining a continuous vent chamber therebetween, each of the chill surfaces comprising a plurality of adjoining chill faces (62, 136, 162, 163, 170) extending the length of the vent chamber, each chill face having a corresponding chill face on the paired chill block defining a section of the vent chamber, the plane of each chill face being oriented at an angle to an adjoining chill face on the corresponding block. Preferably the chill face on a chill block is substantially equidistant from the chill face of the corresponding chill block defining the respective section of the vent chamber. |
US07770626B2 |
Method and apparatus for spraying release agent in die casting machine
A release agent spray method and apparatus for a die casting machine. As a movable die plate is moved in a die closing direction, a spray head is moved in a perpendicular direction to a spray position. The movable die plate is stopped when it has reached a position at which the distance between the spray head and a die cavity surface of a movable die and the distance between the spray head and die cavity surface of a fixed die both become equal to a spray distance. A release agent is sprayed from the spray head onto the cavity surfaces of the movable die and the fixed die. |
US07770624B2 |
Overhead garage door
An overhead garage door has an apparatus for pinch resistant operation. The garage door may include horizontal sections and the door may be formed from a plurality of these sections, arranged in a stack, and pivotally connected to adjacent sections. The apparatus, such as meeting rails, may be attached to adjacent horizontal sections to mask the appearance of a seam created as adjacent sections are joined or provide pinch resistant operation. |
US07770617B2 |
Safety workbench having double-walled floor trough
The present invention relates to a safety workbench having a working inner chamber enclosed by a housing, whose bottom terminus is formed by a floor trough and which is accessible on a housing front side via a work opening closable using an adjustable front pane. The floor trough is implemented as double-walled and has an internal and an external wall, which enclose an intermediate chamber, which may be placed under vacuum, between them, at least one of the walls having at least one opening which is connected to means for generating the partial vacuum. |
US07770614B2 |
Funnel system
A funnel system and method for introducing and dispensing a material are presented. In this funnel system two frusto-conical devices having intake ports which have a larger diameter than the diameter of their exit ports may be mated. When mated, a passage exists through the devices' exit ports. Both frusto-conical devices may have partially eclipsed exit ports such that when one device rotates with respect to the other, the passage throttles between a substantially open and a substantially closed position. In this method the devices may be rotated such that the passage may be in the substantially closed position and a material may then be introduced into the second device's intake port. To dispense the material, the devices may be rotated such that the passage may be in a substantially open position whereupon the material may be dispensed from the first device's exit port. |
US07770611B2 |
Peelable seal closure assembly
The present invention provides a peelable seal for a multi-chambered container including a first edge and a second edge. At least one of the first edge or second edge includes a stress bearing portion and a non-stress bearing portion. |
US07770609B2 |
Method of supplying a powdered chemical composition to a wellsite
A method of conditioning a compacted polymeric powder to a flowable and meterable state. The polymeric powder is compacted during transport such that the flowability is hindered. To increase flowability, gas is introduced into the polymeric powder to condition the same to an improved flowable and meterable state. |
US07770607B2 |
Double weft/warp airbag fabric and related airbags and manufacturing methods
A double yarn airbag fabric is disclosed, which may include an inflatable fabric portion, comprising multiple first yarns that form multiple sets of first yarns, and multiple second yarns. At least two sets of first yarns are alternately woven around at least two adjacent second yarns at each weave. The result of weaving are two opposing woven fabric layers formed from two pairs of the alternating second yarn sets, such that a space to be inflated is formed between the two opposing fabric layers. The two opposing fabric layers may be formed in a continuous weaving process. The fabric also includes a non-inflatable fabric portion by alternately weaving two pairs of alternating first yarn sets around two adjacent second yarns at each weave, to form a single, woven fabric layer. The multiple first yarns may include warp yarns and the multiple second yarns may include weft yarns, or vice versa. |
US07770605B2 |
Fabric support for a weaving machine
Fabric support and a weaving machine using the support, in which the fabric support (1) includes several supporting elements (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) which can be arranged next to one another and a profiled section (20, 30, 40, 50, 60) which is supported by the supporting elements (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 18, 19) and includes a guide surface (22) for a fabric (3). |