Document Document Title
US07785851B2 Mutant protein having diaphorase activity
A mutant protein having diaphorase activity is provided. A mutant protein includes an amino acid sequence obtained by deletion, replacement, addition, or insertion of at least one amino acid residue of a native-form amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. No. 1, wherein the mutant protein has diaphorase activity with an enzyme activity of 245 or more.
US07785850B2 Heterologus expression of trypanothione reductase from Leishmania donovani in a prokaryotic system
The present invention relates to a process for heterologous expression and large-scale production of functionally active enzyme trypanothione reductase of Leishmania donovani in prokaryotic system.
US07785848B2 Biomass conversion performance using igneous phyllosilicate minerals with high emission of far-infrared light
The present invention relates to applications of far-infrared-inducing natural minerals to improve biomass conversion performance by promoting the growth of microbes, especially in the fermentation process. The present invention further relates to the enhancement of other enzyme reactions during the fermentation process. The present invention is applicable for use in corn-to-ethanol fermentation to increase the ethanol productivity as well as for yeast manufacturing.
US07785847B2 Method for producing optically active alcohols from alkanones using a dehydrogenase of azoarcus
The invention relates to a method for producing the optically active alkanols of formula (I), wherein n is an integer of from 0 to 5; Cyc represents an optionally substituted, mononuclear or polynuclear, saturated or unsaturated, carbocylic or heterocyclic ring, and R1 represents halogen, SH, OH, NO2, NR2R3 or NR2R3R4+X−, wherein R2, R3 and R4 independently represent H or a lower alkyl or lower alkoxy group and X− represents a counterion. According to the invention, an enzyme (E) selected from the groups of dehydrogenases, aldehyde reductases and carbonyl reductases is incubated in a medium containing the alkanone of formula (II), wherein n, Cyc and R1 are defined as above, in the presence of reduction equivalents. The compound of formula (II) is enzymatically reduced to the compound of formula (I) and the reduction equivalents consumed during reaction are regenerated by reacting a sacrificial alcohol to the corresponding sacrificial ketone using enzyme (E) and at least partially removing the sacrificial ketone from the reaction medium, and then isolating the product (I) so produced.
US07785843B2 Target-specific compomers and methods of use
Provided herein are libraries of nucleic acid species each comprising a transcription unit having a promoter region operatively linked to a coding sequence. The coding sequence of each nucleic acid species encodes a RNA cleavage substrate comprising a unique compomer species and a cleavage site. Each compomer species has a molecular mass distinguishable from the molecular mass of other compomer species in the library, and cleavage at a cleavage site releases a polynucleotide comprising the compomer species from the RNA cleavage substrate.
US07785841B2 Methods for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer
The disclosed nucleic acid primer sets, used in combination with quantitative amplification (PCR) of tissue cDNA, can indicate the presence of specific proteases in a tissue sample. Specifically, the present invention relates to expression of PUMP-1 protease (matrix metalloprotease 7). The detected proteases are themselves specifically over-expressed in certain cancers, and their presence may serve for early detection of associated ovarian and other malignancies, and for the design of interactive therapies for cancer treatment.
US07785835B2 Methods of producing growth factor complex
An isolated protein complex is provided which includes a growth factor, growth factor binding protein and vitronectin. Preferably, the isolated protein complex includes an insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 or insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 and vitronectin. Also provided are methods of modulating cell proliferation and/or migration by administering said protein complex for the purposes of wound healing, skin repair and tissue replacement therapy. Conversely, by using agents that disrupt growth factor protein complexes formed in vivo, growth factor-driven cell proliferation and/or migration may be suppressed such as for the purposes of treating cancers, psoriasis, atherosclerosis and wounds prone to hypertrophic scarring.
US07785834B2 Soluble TNF receptors and their use in treatment of disease
The present invention relates to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists and corresponding nucleic acids derived from tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) and their use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. These proteins are soluble secreted decoy receptors that bind to TNF and prevent TNF from signaling to cells. In particular, the proteins are mammalian TNFRs that lack exon 7 and which can bind TNF and can act as a TNF antagonist.
US07785830B2 Expression vectors, transformed host cells and fermentation process for the production of recombinant polypeptides
The present invention relates to an expression vector, comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein comprising the signal sequence of the gac gene of Pseudomonas diminuta and a polypeptide of interest, a prokaryotic host cell transformed with such an expression vector and a process for production of a polypeptide of interest using said host cell and said expression vector.
US07785829B2 Nogo receptor binding protein
The invention provides Sp35 polypeptides and fusion proteins thereof, Sp35 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof and nucleic acids encoding the same. The invention also provides compositions comprising, and methods for making and using, such Sp35 antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof, Sp35 polypeptides and fusion proteins thereof.
US07785828B1 Production of antimicrobial proteins in fusion proteins
The invention relates to a method of producing cysteine containing polypeptides in fusion proteins by recombinantly expressing in a host cell sequences encoding an antifungal polypeptide, a maltose binding protein, and a histidine tag. The method is carried out in the presence of a reducing agent to prevent misfolding of the fusion proteins.
US07785823B2 Method for selective separation of free-astaxanthin from green algae Haematococcus pluvialis
There is provided a method of separating free-astaxanthin selectively from green algae and, more particularly, to a method of separating free-astaxanthin selectively from Haematococcus pluvialis, the method comprising: mixing a cell culture containing Haematococcus pluvialis with an alkanic solvent and stirring, thereby obtaining an alkanic solvent extract containing astaxanthin material including free-astaxanthin and astaxanthin ester (step 1); and mixing the alkanic solvent extract with an alcohol and stirring, thereby obtaining an alcoholic extract containing free-astaxanthin (step 2).
US07785819B2 Therapeutic and diagnostic uses of antibody specificity profiles
This invention provides a method for determining the antibody specificity profile in an individual. This specificity profile reveals the individual's immune response to multiple antigens and/or epitopes of autoantigens, allergens, graft antigens, etc. The antibody specificity profile is determined through the binding of patient samples comprising antibodies to the arrays. The array can comprises antigens and epitopes. The invention also provides the means and methods for determining antigen or epitope specificity profiles that can be used in the development of either generic and individualized diagnosis and treatment for immune related diseases, including autoimmune disease, allergy and graft rejection.
US07785813B2 Prefoldin 4 in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer
This invention provides methods employing prefoldin-4 (PFDN-4) nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences to detect cancer or a propensity to develop cancer, to monitor the efficacy of a cancer treatment, and/or for prognostic applications. Further, the invention provides methods of identifying inhibitors of PfDN-4 and methods of treating cancer by inhibiting the expression and/or activity of PFDN-4.
US07785810B2 Method and compositions for isolating metastatic cancer cells, and use in measuring metastatic potential of a cancer thereof
The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions for detection and isolation of cancer cells with metastatic potential. The invention further relates to assays for measuring the metastatic potential of such cancer cells and drug screening assays for the identification of agents having anti-metastatic potential. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for inhibiting the metastatic potential of cancer cells by modulating the activity of serine integral membrane proteases [(SIMP) consisting of seprase and dipedidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV)] expressed on the surface of metastasizing cancer cells.
US07785808B2 Treatment of inflammation using α7 receptor-binding cholinergic agonists
A method of treating a patient suffering from pancreatitis comprising treating said patient with a therapeutically effective amount of a cholinergic agonist selective for an α7 nicotinic receptor in an amount sufficient to decrease the amount of the proinflammatory cytokine that is released from a macrophage wherein said condition is acute pancreatitis. The compounds of the present invention include a quaternary analog of cocaine; (1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-carbamic acid 1-(2-fluorophenyl)-ethyl ester; a compound of formula (I), a compound of formula (II), a compound of formula (III), a compound of formula (IV), and an oligonucleotide or mimetic capable of attenuating the symptoms of acute pancreatitis wherein the oligonucleotide or mimetic consists essentially of a sequence greater than 5 nucleotides long that is complementary to an mRNA of an α7 cholinergic receptor. The variables of formulae (I), (II), (III) and (IV) are described herein.
US07785807B2 Voltage-gated, pH-sensitive anion channel and its novel splice variant involved in taste sensation
The invention provides a novel splice-variant of the ClC-4 protein, termed ClC-4A. ClC-4A is expressed in taste bud cells and is involved in sour taste perception. The invention provides ClC-4A polynucleotides and ClC-4A polypeptides, vectors, host cells and ClC-4A specific antibodies as well as designing high potency taste stimuli, determining taste preferences in animals, developing breed-specific foods, and modifying the taste of foods and medications.
US07785806B2 Method for determining the immunogenicity of an antigen
The present invention relates to methods for preparing an artificial immune system. The artificial immune system comprises a cell culture comprising T cells, B cells and antigen-primed dendritic cells. The artificial immune system of the present invention can be used for in vitro testing of vaccines, adjuvants, immunotherapy candidates, cosmetics, drugs, biologics and other chemicals.
US07785805B2 MAN2As as modifiers of the IGFR pathway and methods of use
Human MAN2A genes are identified as modulators of the IGFR pathway and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective IGFR function Methods for identifying modulators of IGFR comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of MAN2A are provided.
US07785802B2 Human T2R71 receptor and related assays for identifying human bitter taste modulators
The present invention relates to the discovery of a specific human taste receptor in the T2R taste receptor family, hT2R71 that responds to particular bitter compounds The present invention further relates to the use of this receptor in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of this taste receptor. These compounds may be used as additives and/or removed from foods, beverages and medicinals in order to modify (block) T2R-associated bitter taste. A preferred embodiment is the use of the identified compounds as additives in foods, beverages and medicinals for blocking bitter taste.
US07785801B2 Identification of surface-associated antigens for tumor diagnosis and therapy
The invention relates to the identification of gene products that are the result of tumor-associated expression and the nucleic acids encoding the same. The invention also relates to the therapy and diagnosis of diseases wherein these gene products are the result of an aberrant tumor-associated expression. The invention also relates to the proteins, polypeptides and peptides that are the result of tumor-associated expression and to the nucleic acids encoding the same.
US07785799B2 Compositions and methods related to flavivirus envelope protein domain III antigens
The present invention concerns methods and compositions involving flavivirus envelope protein domain III antigens for the detection of virus and detection of antibodies against the virus. Such methods and compositions may be used to detect TBE serocomplex viruses or West Nile virus infection in a subject, patient, animal or biological fluid. The present invention also concerns kits for implementing such methods. In some embodiments, kits contain a recombinant TBE serocomplex virus or West Nile virus envelope protein domain III antigen.
US07785798B2 Methods for prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities
Chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for a significant number of birth defects, including mental retardation. The present invention is related to methods for non-invasive and rapid, prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities based on analysis of a maternal blood sample. The invention exploits the differences in DNA between the mother and fetus, for instance differences in their methylation states, as a means to enrich for fetal DNA in maternal plasma sample. The methods described herein can be used to detect chromosomal DNA deletions and duplications. In a preferred embodiment, the methods are used to diagnose chromosomal aneuploidy and related disorders, such as Down's and Turner's Syndrome.
US07785797B2 Methods and compositions for diagnosing and monitoring transplant rejection
Methods of diagnosing or monitoring transplant rejection, particularly cardiac transplant rejection, in a patient by detecting the expression level of one or more genes in a patient, are described. Diagnostic oligonucleotides for diagnosing or monitoring transplant rejection, particularly cardiac transplant rejection and kits or systems containing the same are also described.
US07785794B2 Variant TLR4 nucleic acid and uses thereof
The invention provides methods to identify polymorphisms at the human TLR4 locus, as well as methods to identify individuals at risk of indications that increase their morbidity and mortality.
US07785791B2 Polypeptide variants with altered effector function
The present invention concerns polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region. More particularly, the present invention concerns Fc region-containing polypeptides that have altered effector function as a consequence of one or more amino acid modifications in the Fc region thereof.
US07785784B2 Detection of oligonucleotides by dual hybridization
The invention provides methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantifying modified nucleic acid oligonucleotides. These methods and compositions are useful for detecting and quantifying diagnostic and/or therapeutic synthetic modified oligonucleotides, such as aptamers, RNAi, siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides or ribozymes in a biological sample.
US07785783B2 Method of analysing a marker nucleic acid molecule
The present invention relates to a method of characterizing a nucleic acid region and, more particularly, to a method of analysing a marker nucleic acid region. The method of the present invention is based on identification of one or both of the nucleic acid regions flanking a marker nucleic acid region and provides a means of analysing a marker nucleic acid region which is characteristic of a clonal population of cells. The method of the present invention is useful in the context of enabling a range of applications including, but not limited to, monitoring the progression of a condition characterized by the presence of a clonal populations of cells (such as a neoplastic condition), monitoring the levels of one or more clonal cell population, predicting the likelihood of a subject's relapse from a remissive state to a disease state, for assessing the effectiveness of existing therapeutic drugs and/or new therapeutic agents and identifying the presence of a marker region.
US07785781B2 Method of diagnosis of a predisposition to develop thrombotic disease and its uses
The present invention refers to a method of diagnosis of a predisposition to develop thrombotic disease, to test systems and their use for the diagnosis of a predisposition to develop thrombotic disease, to a P2X1 promoter variant and its use for screening for an anti-thrombotic agent, and to methods for identifying an individual that can be prophylactically or therapeutically treated with an anti-thrombotic agent, or for adapting a therapeutic or prophylactic dose of an anti-thrombotic agent.
US07785774B2 Adjustable molecular motor micropower biosensor and its application
A regulable molecular motor micropower biosensor comprises: a rotary motor, an optical energy conversion device, a signal molecular output device, a power resource system, a protective layer, a supporting material, and a bilayer lipid membrane fixing material. The molecular motor micropower biosensor is used for detecting biological macromolecules, viral molecules, etc.
US07785764B2 Image transfer material and heat transfer process using the same
Provided is an image transfer material, comprising an optional support material, and a non-woven or woven fiber web layer, wherein the fiber web is impregnated or coated with a image receiving formulation. The fiber web layer is optionally attached to the support with an adhesion layer. Also provided is a heat transfer process wherein after imaging, the fiber web and adhesion layer are peeled from the optional support material and placed, preferably image side up (when imaged), on top of a receptor element. Alternatively, the fiber web and adhesion layer are peeled and then optionally imaged prior to being placed on the receptor element. Then, an optional non-stick sheet is placed over the imaged fiber web (if placed imaged side up) and heat is applied to the fiber web or the non-stick sheet, if present. The adhesion layer then melts and adheres the imaged web layer to the receptor element.
US07785762B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member for bearing a latent electrostatic image including a substrate, an intermediate layer containing a metal oxide, a photosensitive layer including a charge transport layer and a charge generating layer containing an organic charge genetrating material, an image forming device for forming the latent electrostatic image on the image bearing member, a developing device for developing the latent electrostatic image with a toner to form a visualized image, a transfer device for transferring the visualized image to a recording medium, a fixing device for fixing the transferred image on the recording medium; and a discharging device including a light source that provides light having a wavelength shorter than 500 nm for optically discharging the image bearing member to remove remaining charges thereon by irradiating the image bearing member with light having a wavelength shorter than 500 nm which is absorbed by the metal oxide in the intermediate layer.
US07785761B2 Transparent toner, developer including same, gloss-providing unit and image forming device
A transparent toner to be used for a transparent toner image formed with a color toner image, wherein a thermoplastic resin constituting the transparent toner is made of a resin obtained by melt-mixing a crystalline polyester resin and an amorphous resin under the conditions such that supposing that T0 (° C.) is the temperature at which the visual reflectance Y of 20 μm thick film formed by the resin obtained by melt-mixing the crystalline polyester resin and the amorphous resin for a period of time t0 (minute) is 1.5%, the melt-mixing temperature is T (° C.) and the melt-mixing time is t (minute), T (° C.) is predetermined to be from T0 to (T0+30), t (minute) is predetermined to be from t0 to (10×t0) and the temperature Tα at which the viscosity of the thermoplastic resin is 103 Pa·s is from 70° C. to 110° C.
US07785758B2 Triazole containing photogenerating layers in photoconductors
A photoconductor comprising a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and where the photogenerating layer contains a triazole.
US07785756B2 Overcoated photoconductors with thiophosphate containing charge transport layers
A photoconductor containing an optional supporting substrate, a containing photogenerating layer, at least one thiophosphate containing charge transport layer, and a top overcoating crosslinked polymer layer in contact with and contiguous to the charge transport layer.
US07785755B2 Exposure system, exposure method, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
An exposure system includes a exposure tool for projecting an image of a mask pattern onto a first resist with test values of a dose to form test resist patterns, a microscope for defining coordinates of mask positions along the mask pattern in a scan direction, measuring actual values of a mask line width of the mask pattern at the coordinates, and measuring actual values of a resist line width of each of the test resist patterns at projected positions, a collection module for collecting a relationship among the mask line width, the resist line width, and the dose at the coordinates, and a tool controller for controlling the exposure tool to project the image of the mask pattern onto a second resist with changing the dose depending on the coordinates to make the resist line width constant, based on the relationship.
US07785750B2 Solid alkaline fuel cell comprising ion exchange membrane
The present invention provides solid alkaline fuel cells comprising anion exchange membranes which comprise diamines or polyamines coupled to a support polymer via a sulfonamide linkage. At least one nitrogen atom of the diamine or polyamine is a quaternized nitrogen atom acting as an anion exchange group. The anion exchange membrane exhibits favourable properties that render it suitable for use in a solid alkaline fuel cell.
US07785747B2 Stack configurations for tubular solid oxide fuel cells
A fuel cell unit includes an array of solid oxide fuel cell tubes having porous metallic exterior surfaces, interior fuel cell layers, and interior surfaces, each of the tubes having at least one open end; and, at least one header in operable communication with the array of solid oxide fuel cell tubes for directing a first reactive gas into contact with the porous metallic exterior surfaces and for directing a second reactive gas into contact with the interior surfaces, the header further including at least one busbar disposed in electrical contact with at least one surface selected from the group consisting of the porous metallic exterior surfaces and the interior surfaces.
US07785745B2 Fuel cell apparatus
According to one embodiment, a fuel cell apparatus includes a cell stack of an active direct methanol type, and a DC-DC converter configure to receive output voltage of the cell stack and to control an output current of the cell stack so that the output voltage of the cell stack becomes greater than a lower-limit threshold Vt and the output current of the cell stack lies in a range of I1 to I2 (
US07785744B2 Fuel cell water purification system and method
A water purification system includes a fuel cell stack, a steam generator, and a water purification unit. The fuel cell stack is adapted to provide heat to the steam generator and the steam generator is adapted to provide steam to the water purification unit.
US07785743B2 Humidifying devices and methods for proton exchange membranes of fuel cells
The present invention discloses methods and devices for humidifying the proton exchange membranes of fuel cells with water obtained from the exhaust of the fuel cells. Humidifying methods include the following steps: cooling the hot and humid exhaust of the fuel cell to condense the water in the exhaust with the intake gas for the fuel cell; separating the water from the rest of the exhaust, and, delivering the water to the intake gas of the fuel cell. Humidifying devices include an outer shell containing a rotating inner shell. The inside of the inner shell forms a chamber where the exhaust is collected and cooled, and water is condensed and separated by the rotation of the inner shell. Openings on the inner shell allow the condensed water to pass through to one or more chambers containing the intake gas. The chambers are formed by the inside of the outer shell and the outside of the inner shell. Humidifying devices methods and devices of this invention can respond to the varying power output of the fuel cell. They also have high humidifying efficiency, low energy consumption, are cheap to operate, and work well during startup at low temperatures.
US07785742B2 Lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese containing composite oxide
Coagulated particles of nickel-cobalt-manganese hydroxide wherein primary particles are coagulated to form secondary particles are synthesized by allowing an aqueous solution of a nickel-cobalt-manganese salt, an aqueous solution of an alkali-metal hydroxide, and an ammonium-ion donor to react under specific conditions; and a lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese-containing composite oxide represented by a general formula, LipNixMn1-x-yCoyO2-qFq (where 0.98≦p≦1.07, 0.3≦x≦0.5, 0.1≦y≦0.38, and 0≦q≦0.05), which is a positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary cell having a wide usable voltage range, a charge-discharge cycle durability, a high capacity and high safety, is obtained by dry-blending coagulated particles of nickel-cobalt-manganese composite oxyhydroxide formed by making an oxidant to act on the coagulated particles with a lithium salt, and firing the mixture in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.
US07785740B2 Overcharge protection for electrochemical cells
The invention relates to an improvement in a cell which is normally susceptible to damage from overcharging comprised of a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte comprised of an overcharge protection salt carried in a carrier or solvent. Representative overcharge protection salts are embraced by the formula: MaQ where M is an electrochemically stable cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, tetraalkylammonium, or imidazolium groups, and Q is a borate or heteroborate cluster and a is the integer 1 or 2.
US07785735B2 Microporous composite membrane and its producing method and use
A microporous composite membrane comprising a microporous polyolefin membrane and a polypropylene-based coating layer formed on at least one surface of the microporous polyolefin membrane, the polypropylene having a mass-average molecular weight within a range of 5,000-500,000, and solubility of 0.5 g or more in 100 g of toluene at a temperature of 25° C., and the microporous composite membrane having air permeability (converted to the value at 25-μm thickness) of 50-10,000 seconds/100 cc.
US07785734B2 Secondary battery having an improved safety
Disclosed is a secondary battery. The secondary battery includes a battery can serving as a positive electrode terminal or a negative electrode terminal of the secondary battery, an electrically conductive substrate provided at an outer portion of the battery can, and a nonconductive film interposed between the battery can and the electrically conductive substrate in order to insulate the electrically conductive substrate from the battery can, wherein the electrically conductive substrate is electrically connected to an electrode terminal having polarity opposite to that of the battery can. Safety of the secondary battery is ensured even if the secondary battery is subject to external parameters, such as penetration of a sharp tool (e.g. a nail or a drill tip), pressing force of a tool (e.g. a nipper), external impact, and exposure to the high temperature.
US07785732B2 Lithium rechargeable battery having functional center pin
Lithium rechargeable batteries having functional center pins are provided. A lithium rechargeable battery has a center pin whose top and bottom ends are blocked by a thermal cut-off composition to reduce the void volume inside a bare cell during initial overcharge. The thermal cut-off composition melts at a temperature within a specific temperature range, e.g. between about 80 and about 250° C. This prevents the battery from exploding and igniting. Thus, the inventive lithium rechargeable batteries have improved thermal stability.
US07785729B2 Battery pack and battery pack producing method
A battery pack capable of sufficiently exhibiting performance of each secondary battery constituting the battery pack and its producing method are provided. The battery pack producing method of the invention comprises an obtaining process for obtaining a charge amount voltage curve C during charging and a charge amount voltage curve D during discharging, a selecting process for selecting more than one of the used secondary batteries close to each other in curves C and D from a group of the used secondary batteries whose curves C and D have been obtained, and an assembling process for combining the selected used secondary batteries to constitute the battery pack.
US07785725B2 Compound for a solid oxide fuel cell stack gasket
In a solid-oxide fuel cell assembly comprising a plurality of components having electrically-conductive mating surfaces therebetween, the surfaces are sealed by an electrically insulating gasket that include a mineral composition comprising about 66 mol % MgO and about 33 mol % SiO2, the mineral composition being known mineralogically as forsterite. A brazing alloy may be applied to enhance bonding of the gasket into place. The gasket composition may include additions of Al2O3 to enhance electrical resistivity while having little to no impact of matching expansion coefficients of the gasket and metal mating surfaces. Also, additions such as titania or zirconia to inhibit glassy phase grain boundaries and the formation of impurities and pores in the ceramic grain boundaries may be used. A recommended particle size distribution of precursor powders is disclosed that leads to an optimum microstructure of the sintered gasket.
US07785723B2 Battery device with plural joined-together batteries
A battery device includes a battery set, and a casing; the casing includes a right covering part and a left covering part, which are joined together to provide a holding room for the battery set; the battery set include at least two batteries, and are held in the casing with positive and negative poles thereof being exposed through front and tail ends of the casing respectively; a socket is held in the casing, and electrically connected with the positive and the negative poles of the battery set; thus, after a plug of a charger is inserted in the socket, the single-part batteries together will be charged through the charger without the battery device being located on the charger.
US07785719B2 Fluorene compound and organic light-emitting device
The present invention provides a fluorene compound having a novel substituent, and the fluorene compound is represented by the following formula [1]:
US07785718B2 Organic electroluminescent device and method for manufacturing the same
An organic EL device which drives over a wide range from low brightness to high brightness for light source applications, operates stably over a wide range of brightness and has excellent life property is provided. The device comprises at least one pair of electrodes 2 and 5, and a plurality of functional layers disposed between the electrodes 2 and 5, the functional layers comprising a layer 4 having the light emitting function, which is composed of at least one polymeric material and contains an organic solvent and a charge injection layer 3 composed of at least one inorganic material.
US07785715B2 Curable composition and method of preparing same, light-shielding paste, light-shielding resin and method of forming same, light-emitting diode package and semiconductor device
A light-shielding paste which contains a thermoplastic resin and an inorganic member as essential components or which contains a thermosetting resin and an inorganic member as essential components is provided. A curable composition and light-shielding paste comprising the composition are provided which contains, as essential components, (A) an organic compound comprising an organic main chain containing at least two carbon-carbon double bonds reactive with a SiH group in each molecule, (B) a silicon compound having at least two SiH groups in each molecule, (C) a hydrosilylation catalyst, (D) a silane coupling agent and/or an epoxy group-containing compound, (E) a silanol condensation catalyst, and (F) an inorganic member. The curable composition can further contain (G) silica. Also provided is a method of forming a light-shielding resin layer on a LED package having an aperture comprising a bottom and sidewalls. The curable composition is excellent in light-shielding ability.
US07785710B2 Superabsorbent particles containing carboxyalkyl cellulose and temporary metal crosslinks
Particles comprising a combination of a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer, wherein the particles comprise a plurality of non-permanent metal crosslinks.
US07785709B2 Spinning poly(trimethylene terephthalate) yarns
A novel process is provided for making spin-drawn yarn from poly(trimethylene terephthalate). The yarn, when packaged on a cheese-shaped spindle, can be produced in large sizes without crushing.
US07785708B2 Adhesive film for circuit connection, and circuit connection structure
The present invention provides an adhesive film for circuit connection which is to be interposed between circuit electrodes facing each other and used for electrically connecting the circuit electrodes to each other, which comprises a curing agent to generate free radicals with heating, a radically polymerizable substance, and a film-forming polymer, and in which a temporary fixing power to a flexible substrate having the circuit electrode is 40-180 N/m.
US07785706B2 Semiconductor wafer and process for its production
A layered semiconductor wafer contains the following layers in the given order: a monocrystalline substrate wafer (1) containing substantially silicon, a first amorphous intermediate layer (2) of an electrically insulating material having a thickness of 2 nm to 100 nm, a monocrystalline first oxide layer (3) having a cubic Ia-3 crystal structure, a composition of (M12O3)1-x(M22O3)x wherein each of M1 and M2 is a metal and wherein 0≦x≦1, and a lattice constant which differs from the lattice constant of the material of the substrate wafer by 0% to 5%. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing such semiconductor wafers by epitaxial deposition.
US07785703B2 Facer and faced polymeric roofing board
A prefabricated, faced roofing board composite includes a first board layer made of a polymeric material or a predominantly polymeric material and a fire and weather resistant fiberglass-based facer bonded to a top major surface of the first board layer and forming a top major surface of the composite. The fiberglass-based facer is substantially impervious to the passage of hot gases of combustion, water, and water vapor through the thickness of the fiberglass-based facer. The faced composite can be a cover board, an insulation board; can include cover board and insulation board layers; and can include cover board, insulation board, and baseboard layers. A second fiberglass-based facer that is substantially impervious to the passage of hot gases of combustion through its thickness can form a bottom major surface of the composite. The polymeric material or predominantly polymeric material of the board layer to which each fiberglass-based facer is bonded penetrates part of the way through, but not completely through, the fiberglass-based facer.
US07785702B2 Sorptive storage unit for gases
The present invention relates to a storage unit for gases, in particular a sorptive storage, with the storage unit comprising a sorbent for the reversible uptake of the gases to be stored and the sorbent being based on discrete sorptive particles. The sorptive particles are embedded in a solid gas-permeable three-dimensional support having a foam structure and/or are fixed thereto. The storage unit is particularly suitable for the storage of combustible or fossil gases, e.g. hydrogen, natural gas and the like, and thus as gas storage unit in power stations and motor vehicles.
US07785701B2 Carbon fiber composite material and process for producing the same
The present invention provides a carbon fiber composite material comprising an elastomer and a carbon nanofiber dispersed in the elastomer, wherein the elastomer has an unsaturated bond or a group, having affinity to the carbon nanofiber. Also disclosed is a process for producing the carbon fiber composite material.
US07785695B2 Honeycomb structured body
A pillar-shaped honeycomb structured body comprises large-capacity through holes and small-capacity through holes, a first partition wall between two adjacent large-capacity through holes, a second partition wall between a large-capacity through holes and a small-capacity through holes adjacent to each other. Each of the plurality of large-capacity through holes and small-capacity through holes extends from a first end face to a second end face. An aperture rate α (%) is a ratio between the sum of the area of the large-capacity through holes at the second end face and the area of the second end face. The difference in the thickness of the first partition wall and the second partition wall is β (mm). The relationship between α and β satisfies the following inequalities (1) and (2): 0.0022α+0.0329≦β≦0.0071α+0.2553 (1), and about 35≦α≦about 60(2).
US07785689B2 Raw material conserving optical data storage media
The invention provides for modifications to conventional optical data storage media to reduce the amount of raw material necessary in the media construction. More particularly, a portion of a thermoplastic substrate is modified to create one or more substantial void areas compared to a conventional substrate that defines flat parallel surfaces without void areas. The configuration, number, and size of the voids may be modified in order to substantially reduce inherent raw material cost while maintaining the specified physical thickness, clamping area, and mechanical stability of the medium.
US07785688B2 Optical disc and material for substrate thereof
An optical disc 10 includes a substrate. The substrate is formed by mixing polymethyl methacrylate and a polylactic acid-based resin composition. The polylactic acid-based resin composition contains polylactic acid-based resin in which the content of lactide is reduced to 1,000 ppm or less, and a mold release agent of 0.16 to 0.32 phr. The weight ratio of the polylactic acid-based resin to the polymethyl methacrylate is 70:30 to 50:50.
US07785680B2 Multilayer card
A multilayer card has (i) an opaque polyester film substrate containing 0.2 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the substrate, of at least one copolyesterether, (ii) a first ink-receptive layer on at least one surface of the substrate, (iii) a cover layer on the surface of the ink-receptive layer and/or surface of the substrate and (iv) a second ink-receptive heat-sealable layer comprising a polyester resin on a second surface of the substrate. The presence of the copolyesterether in the substrate reduces the tendency of the card to delaminate in use. Suitable for use, inter alia, in identification, magnetic, credit, pre-paid and smart cards.
US07785679B2 Support for image recording material and image recording material
A support for an image recording material for receiving at least an image recording layer. The center surface average roughness SRa of the support surface to be provided with an image recording layer is 0.15 μm or less when measured under a condition of a cutoff of 0.02 to 0.5 mm, and is 0.45 μm or less when measured under a condition of a cutoff of 1 to 3 mm. An image recording material having an image recording layer on the support. The center surface average roughness SRa of the surface of the image recording material which surface is to be provided with an image is 0.1 μm or less when measured under a condition of a cutoff of 0.02 to 0.5 mm.
US07785678B2 Liquid-crystalline mixtures and liquid-crystal displays
The present invention relates to liquid-crystalline mixtures and to novel compounds therefor, and to the use thereof in nematic liquid-crystal displays having positive dielectric anisotropy, such as, for example, STN or IPS displays, which are characterised in that they comprise one or more compounds of the formula (I) in which R1, A1, A2, Z1, Z2, n are as defined in claim (1).
US07785677B2 Liquid-crystalline medium
The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds which comprises at least one compound of the formula (I) in which R11, R12 and Z1 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to the use thereof for an active-matrix display based on the ECB, FFS or IPS effect.
US07785674B2 Delivery systems for delivering functional compounds to substrates and processes of using the same
Delivery systems for incorporating functional compounds into substrates for use in various consumer products are disclosed. Specifically, the delivery system includes a carrier component comprising an ultrasonically energized and electrically charged adsorbent and one or more functional compounds. The ultrasonically energized and electrically charged adsorbent can adsorb the desired functional compounds and bind the functional compounds to the surface of the substrate.
US07785671B2 Thermal barrier coating system and method of manufacturing the same
A thermal barrier coating system comprising a metal substrate, a metal bonding layer and a ceramics thermal barrier layer wherein the ceramics thermal barrier layer has a columnar structure of a stabilized zirconia containing a stabilizer or a stabilized ZrO2—HfO2 solid solution containing a stabilizer, and comprises 0.1 to 10 mol % of lanthanum oxide.
US07785667B2 Method of controlling edge definition of viscous materials
A method of controlling edge definition of viscous material applied to an application area on a substrate comprises dispensing a row of droplets of the viscous material onto the application area with a dispensing apparatus. While moving relative to the substrate along a path proximate the row of droplets, the dispensing apparatus dispenses a fan spray pattern of the viscous material. At least some of the viscous material dispensed in the fan spray pattern impinges and mixes with the row of droplets to define an edge of the fan spray pattern.
US07785662B2 Method for manufacturing magnetoresistive element
There is provided a method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive element having a magnetization pinned layer, a magnetization free layer, and a spacer layer including an insulating layer arranged between the magnetization pinned layer and the magnetization free layer and current paths passing through the insulating layer. The method includes, in producing the spacer layer, depositing a first non-magnetic metal layer forming the current paths, depositing a second metal layer to be converted into the insulating layer on the first non-magnetic metal layer, and performing two stages of oxidation treatments in which a partial pressure of an oxidizing gas in a first oxidation treatment is set to 1/10 or less of a partial pressure of an oxidizing gas in a second oxidation treatment, and the second metal layer being irradiated with an ion beam or a RF plasma of a rare gas in the first oxidation treatment.
US07785661B2 Methods of preparing composite carbon-graphite-silicon particles and using same
A process for production of coated silicon-carbon composite particles includes providing a carbon residue-forming material, providing particles of a carbonaceous material, and coating in a liquid suspension mixture the particles of carbonaceous material with the carbon residue-forming material to form coated carbonaceous particles. Providing silicon particles added to the mixture, coating the silicon particles embedded on the coated carbonaceous particles to form silicon-carbon composite particle. Some embodiments utilize the composite particle in an anode of a battery.
US07785657B2 Nanostructured layers, method of making nanostructured layers, and application thereof
A first population of semiconductor nanocrystals to create electron transport conduits, a second population so semiconductor nanocrystals to create hole transport conduits; and a third population of semiconductor nanocrystals to be used for either light absorption or light emission can be combined to form an inorganic nanostructure layer.
US07785655B2 Liquid crystal dispensing system and method of dispensing liquid crystal material using same
A liquid crystal dispensing system includes a container to contain liquid crystal to be dispensed, a discharge pump to receive the liquid crystal from the container and to discharge the liquid crystal, a nozzle to dispense the liquid crystal discharged from the discharge pump onto a substrate, and a control unit to control a dispensing amount of liquid crystal discharged from the discharge pump and to compensate the dispensing amount when the dispensing amount of liquid crystal exceeds a limitation value.
US07785654B2 Method of producing cosmetics-impregnated sheet
A process for producing a cosmetic-impregnated sheet which comprises applying and infiltrating a cosmetic base to and into a base sheet having on the surface thereof a retentive sheet capable of absorbing and retaining the cosmetic base at a shear rate of 102 to 106 s−1, the cosmetic base being applied to and infiltrated into the retentive sheet of the base sheet, and the cosmetic base, when subjected to a steady shear deformation at a shear rate of 2 s−1 for 100 seconds followed by a steady shear deformation at a stepwise increased shear rate of 20 s−1, showing no shear stress growth or showing such a shear stress growth that the difference between the peak shear stress B at a shear rate of 20 s−1 and the equilibrium shear stress A at the same shear rate, B−A, is 20% or smaller of the equilibrium shear stress A in the transition between the two shear rates.
US07785653B2 Method and apparatus for loading a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device
The present invention relates to method and apparatus for dispensing a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device. The method includes the step of placing an expandable medical device on a support and dispensing a beneficial agent into a plurality of openings in the medical device with a shield gas for controlling a local environment surrounding the dispenser.
US07785652B2 Coating dispensing system and method using a solenoid head for coating medical devices
System and method for coating a medical appliance is provided. In accord with one embodiment, a system for applying a coating to a medical appliance having accessible patterned surfaces is provided. The system may include: a processor, an appliance support, and a solenoid type fluid dispensing head having an electromagnetically controlled valve. In the system, the appliance support may be adapted to hold the medical appliance and to provide direct access for a coating to contact the exposed external patterned surfaces of the medical appliance. The solenoid type fluid dispensing head in this system may move with respect to the medical appliance and may be in communication with a source of coating and with the processor. The processor in this system may contain commands that instruct the solenoid type fluid dispensing head to force coating onto the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance in a pattern that correlates with the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance.
US07785650B2 Method for dip coating dosage forms
Water soluble, gelatin-free dip coatings for pharmaceutical solid dosage forms such as tablets comprising HPMC and xanthan gum, carrageenan, and mixtures thereof, or HPMC and castor oil or maltodextrin.
US07785647B2 Methods of providing antioxidants to a drug containing product
A method of providing an antioxidant to a medical device is described.
US07785646B2 Method for drying a saccharose solution, product thus obtained and use thereof
The invention relates to a compressible, powdery sugar composition having an apparent density of more than 0.5, especially 0.6 and approximately 0.8, preferably equal to 0.6, said composition consisting of hollow particles. The invention also relates to a method for preparing a compressible sugar solution, comprising a drying stage involving the atomization of an initial saccharose solution with at least one added anti-crystallizing agent, wherein the saccharose content of the initial saccharose solution is lower than the saturation rates, advantageously exhibiting a dry matter rate of approximately 60 wt. % in relation to the total weight of the composition.
US07785643B2 Preparation method of retort roast chestnuts using far infrared ray thawing
The present invention related to a preparing method of retort roast chestnuts using far infrared ray thawing, more particularly a preparing method characterized in that it comprises a step of ageing a harvested chestnuts by storing in the state of refrigeration to increase sugar content; roasting said aged chestnuts at 170˜200° C. during 5˜10 minutes to increase its taste and flavor; peeling and then washing followed by rapid freezing it; thawing frozen chestnuts by far infrared ray at 170˜230° C. during 30˜60 minutes to inhibit generation of microorganism and remove generation of an extraordinary taste or smell and deformity during a processing procedure; and pasteurizing with multi-steps after packing thawed chestnuts with a nitrogen substitution to minimize degradation of texture.
US07785641B2 Method of cooling a beverage
A method of keeping an alcoholic beverage in an open topped vessel cool, said beverage comprising a water content and a dissolved gas content, and said method comprising forming ice in the beverage in the open-topped vessel said ice having a cooling effect on the beverage, said ice being formed in the beverage from water of said water content.
US07785640B2 Effervescent composition including cranberry extract
Disclosed is an effervescent composition that includes an effervescent agent and cranberry extract, preferably in an amount sufficient to decrease the measurable amount of bacteria present in the urine of an individual having a urinary tract infection.
US07785636B2 Insoluble powder, powder for restoring barrier function of skin, powder for preventing/mitigating skin chapping, and preparation containing the same for external use on skin
A first subject of the present invention is an insoluble powder characterized in that a zeta-potential is a negative value.It is preferable that barium sulfate is a main ingredient in the insoluble powder.It is preferable that an average primary particle diameter is 3 to 100 μm, and an aspect ratio is 3 to 250 in the insoluble powder.It is preferable that the insoluble powder is a metal-doped barium sulfate powder obtained by reacting a barium ion and a sulfate ion in the presence of a metal ion.It is preferable that the metal ion is one or more selected from the group consisting of a lithium ion, a sodium ion and a zinc ion in the insoluble powder.A second subject of the present invention is a skin barrier function recovering powder, or a skin roughening preventing and improving powder, which comprises the aforementioned powder.A third subject of the present invention is a skin external composition characterized in that a content of the aforementioned powder is 1 to 40% by weight.
US07785634B2 Bone graft materials derived from mineralized gelatin
The present invention provides novel methods of forming mineralized gelatin carriers from bone. The present invention further provides mineralized gelatin carriers themselves; bone products that include such mineralized gelatin carriers including DBM bone products; and kits that include mineralized gelatin carriers formed from bone. The present invention further provides methods for making DBM bone products, wherein both the DBM and a mineralized gelatin carrier for the DBM are derived independently from a bone lot.
US07785633B2 Agent for preventing or suppressing hepatopathy and functional food for preventing or suppressing hepatopathy
The present invention provides an agent for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction which may be taken daily and continuously, has excellent safety, and is capable of effectively preventing and/or suppressing hepatic dysfunction, such as hepatocellular necrosis, and functional food, such as foods for specified health uses, for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction containing this agent. The agent for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction of the present invention contains whey as the active component, and the functional food for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction contains the agent for preventing or suppressing hepatic dysfunction.
US07785630B2 Preparation and administration form comprising an acid-labile active compound
Novel administration forms and preparation for acid-labile active compounds are described. The novel administration forms contain individual active compound units, the active compound being present in the active compound units in a matrix made of a mixture comprising at least one fatty alcohol and at least one solid paraffin, in a matrix made of a mixture of a triglyceride and at least one solid paraffin or in a matrix made of a mixture comprising at least one fatty acid ester and at least one solid paraffin. In particular, the active compound units are microspheres which can be produced by prilling.
US07785627B2 Pharmaceutical formulation containing a biguanide and a thiazolidinedione derivative
A pharmaceutical dosage form comprising a controlled release component comprising an antihyperglycemic drug in combination with a second component comprising a thiazolidinedione derivative is herein disclosed and described.
US07785625B2 Lipophilic-coated microparticle containing a protein drug and formulation comprising same
A solid lipophilic microparticle having an average particle size ranging from 0.1 to 200 μm, comprising a lipophilic substance, hyaluronic acid or an inorganic salt thereof and an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of a protein or peptide drug, retains the full activity of the active ingredient, and when formulated in the form of an oil dispersion or oil-in-water emulsion, it releases in an in vivo environment the active ingredient in a controlled manner over a long period.
US07785622B2 Adhesive patch for fentanyl administration
An adhesive patch for percutaneous fentanyl administration which is easily produced, has long-term continuity, and is excellent in adhesion and conformability to the skin. The adhesive patch comprises a backing layer and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on one side thereof, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises fentanyl as an active ingredient, a pressure-sensitive adhesive base, and a tackifier resin, the pressure-sensitive adhesive base comprising polyisobutylene and a styrene/isoprene/styrene block copolymer, the proportion of the polyisobutylene in the adhesive base being, 8 to 15 wt. %, and the ratio of the concentration of the polyisobutylene to that of the styrene/isoprene/styrene block copolymer being from 2:3 to 3:2.
US07785620B1 Cholesterol lowering and blood lipids lowering composition
The present invention is a composition containing cholesterol lowering and blood lipids lowering components such as phytosterols in a biologically easily available form in combination with unsaturated fatty acids or esters, short chain fatty acids or esters and/or hydrolyzed flour containing β-glucan and amylodextrin; food containing such a composition and a method for manufacturing of such a composition.
US07785619B2 Pharmanutrient composition(s) and system(s) for individualized, responsive dosing regimens
Individualized responsive dosing pharmanutrient systems, compositions, methods of dosing, and processes of producing the same, which allow a consumer to generate individualistic biological responses/effects. More specifically, a pharmanutrient system for generating individualized biological conditions/responses which utilizes ultra-low dosage amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, co-enzymes, organics substrates, inorganic or synthetic substrates, biological components, and/or other nutrients incorporated or provided with a pharmacologically active ingredient in a bio-active delivery system which preferably avoids first pass metabolism, such that an individual may take multiple doses of the same or different pharmanutrient based on varying desired biological response within each dosing period.
US07785615B2 Biodegradable medical implant with encapsulated buffering agent
A medical device for placement at a site in a patient's body and for controlling pH levels at the site in the patient's body includes one or more structural components made of a first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material or, alternatively, one or more structural components having a coating thereon made of a first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. The device also includes a buffering agent and at least one second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material on or in the one or more structural components, or alternatively, on or in the coating on the one or more structural components. The at least one second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material encapsulates the buffering agent and the buffering agent is dispersed from the at least one second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material in response to hydrolysis of the first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. Additionally, the device can include a drug that is either also encapsulated by the at least one second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material or is included with the first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material.
US07785612B2 Polyamino acid for use as adjuvant
Use of a polyamino acid as an adjuvant; an application of a polyamino acid as an adjuvant in the production of a vaccine; a vaccine comprising a polyamino acid as an adjuvant; a biodegradable nanoparticle having a virus antigen immobilized thereon; and a vaccine comprising the biodegradable nanoparticle.
US07785611B2 Parenteral vaccine formulations and uses thereof
Parenteral vaccine formulations and adjuvant compositions comprising certain salts as adjuvants are disclosed. Such parenteral vaccine formulations are used for generating an immune response in a subject following administration of the vaccine formulation or the adjuvant composition. Also disclosed is the use of these salts as adjuvants in parenteral vaccine formulations and adjuvant compositions, and to vaccine adjuvants comprising such salts.
US07785608B2 Immunogenic compositions for the prevention and treatment of meningococcal disease
The present invention relates to Neisseria ORF2086 proteins, crossreactive immunogenic proteins which can be isolated from nesserial strains or prepared recombinantly, including immunogenic portions thereof, biological equivalents thereof, antibodies that immunospecifically bind to the foregoing and nucleic acid sequences encoding each of the foregoing, as well as the use of same in immunogenic compositions that are effective against infection by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.
US07785600B2 Compositions and methods for treating allergies, auto-immune diseases, and improving skin condition by ganoderma lucidum (reishi) polysaccharides
A method for treating an allergy by providing a pharmaceutical composition containing at least Ganoderma lucidum extract and administering a therapeutically effective amount of the composition to a patient in need thereof. Also disclosed is a method for treating an allergy by first purifying Ganoderma lucidum extract into at least one fraction, then providing a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one of the Ganoderma lucidum fractions, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of the composition to a patient in need thereof. A method for alleviating symptoms of an allergy is disclosed. The symptoms of the allergy are alleviated by providing a pharmaceutical composition containing at least Ganoderma lucidum extract and administering an amount of the composition effective to decrease at least one of an IgE and IgG2a level, whereby the symptoms of the allergy are ameliorated.
US07785595B2 Stabilized anti-hepatitis B (HBV) antibody formulations
The present invention provides liquid formulations of antibodies or fragments thereof that specifically bind to a hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen, which formulations exhibit stability, low to undetectable levels of aggregations, and very little to no loss of the biological activities of the antibodies or antibody fragments, even during long periods of storage. Furthermore, the invention provides methods of preventing, treating or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated with HBV infection utilizing the liquid formulations of the present invention.
US07785592B2 Stabilized liquid anti-RSV antibody formulations
The present invention provides liquid formulations of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that immunospecifically bind to a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigen, which formulations exhibit stability, low to undetectable levels of aggregation, and very little to no loss of the biological activities of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, even during long periods of storage. In particular, the present invention provides liquid formulations of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof which immunospecifically binds to a RSV antigen, which formulations are substantially free of surfactant, inorganic salts, and/or other common excipients. Furthermore, the invention provides method of preventing, treating or ameliorating symptoms associated with RSV infection utilizing liquid formulations of the present invention.
US07785587B2 Therapeutic methods for muscular or neuromuscular disorders
The disclosure provides methods for treating neuromuscular disorders in mammals. The disclosed methods include administering therapeutically effective amounts of a GDF-8 inhibitor and a corticosteroid to a subject susceptible to, or having, a neuromuscular disorder, so as to maintain desirable levels of muscle function.
US07785585B2 Compositions comprising sclareol or derivatives thereof and uses thereof
The present invention provides a composition which includes a sclareol or a derivative thereof, wherein the sclareol or a derivative thereof is bound by a glycoprotein matrix. The composition of the invention provides improved potency, stability and bioactivity characteristics of sclareol, or its derivatives.
US07785573B2 Solubilizing agents for active or functional organic compounds
An active or functional organic compound is solubilized by an ester of an aryl alcohol, e.g., phenethyl, benzyl or substituted benzyl alcohol, and an alkyl or cycloalkyl carboxylic acid, or by a carbonate of said aryl alcohol and an alkyl or cycloalkyl carbonic acid.
US07785568B2 Compositions and methods for enhancing contrast in imaging
Example compositions of liposomes with hydrophilic polymers on their surface, and containing relatively high concentrations of contrast-enhancing agents for computed tomography are provided. Example pharmaceutical compositions of such liposomes, when administered to a subject, provide for increased contrast of extended duration, as measured by computed tomography, in the bloodstream and other tissues of the subject. Also provided are example methods for making the liposomes containing high concentrations of contrast-enhancing agents, and example methods for using the compositions.
US07785567B2 Growth hormone-releasing peptides in the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia
According to the invention there is provided a method of treatment or prophylaxis of atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia or a cardiovascular disease associated with atherosclerosis, which method comprises administration of one or more Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs) to a patient in need of such treatment or prophylaxis. There are also provided methods of reducing blood plasma cholesterol levels, as well as methods of modulating the expression of the scavenger receptor CD36 and genes involved in cellular cholesterol efflux.
US07785562B1 System and method for separating hydrogen gas from a hydrocarbon using a hydrogen separator assisted by a steam sweep
A power generation system and a fuel processor for use therein. The system produces steam from a water supply. A highly heated reaction chamber is provided. A common hydrocarbon fuel is mixed with water and introduced into the heated reaction chamber. The hydrocarbon fuel and water react at pressure and temperature, producing less complex gases. The resultant gases are passed into a hydrogen separator that is directly swept with steam. The hydrogen separator separates hydrogen from the resultant gases. The separated hydrogen is carried away from the hydrogen separator by the steam, thereby making the hydrogen separator more efficient. The hydrogen is separated from the steam is used to power a fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity and water is recycled back into the system.
US07785560B2 Purification of finely divided, pyrogenically prepared metal oxide particles
Process for removing halide compounds adhering to finely divided metal oxide particles by means of steam, wherein the metal oxide particles are applied to the upper part of an upright column and migrate downwards by means of gravity, the steam is applied at the bottom end of the column, the metal oxide particles and the steam are fed counter-currently, the metal oxide particles freed of halide residues are removed at the base of the column, steam and halide residues are removed at the head of the column, wherein the column is heated in such a manner that the temperature difference Tbottom−Ttop between the lower part and the upper part of the column is at least 20° C. and a maximum temperature of 500° C. prevails in the column, and the metal oxide particles have a residence time in the column of from 1 second to 30 minutes.
US07785558B2 Method of manufacturing carbon nanostructure
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a carbon nanostructure for growing crystalline carbon by vapor deposition from a crystal growth surface of a catalytic base including a catalytic material, and in particular, to a method of manufacturing a carbon nanostructure where at least two gases including a feedstock gas are brought into contact with the catalytic base simultaneously. Preferably, the at least two gases are constituted by at least one feedstock gas and at least one carrier gas. Preferably, the carrier gas is brought into contact with the crystal growth surface, and the feedstock gas is brought into contact with at least a part of a region except for the crystal growth surface with which the carrier gas has been brought into contact. Preferably, the material gas contains an ion, and further preferably, it contains a carbon ion.
US07785556B2 Method of recovering ammonia
A method of recovering ammonia by the distillation of an aqueous solution containing ammonia, carbon dioxide and hydrogen cyanide. The distillation is conducted using a distillation apparatus having at least its portion which comes into contact with the aqueous solution made of an alloy 1 or alloy 2. The alloy 1 contains 3% by weight or more of molybdenum, 15% by weight or more of nickel and 15% by weight or more of chromium. The alloy 2 contains 1% by weight or more of molybdenum, 9% by weight or less of nickel and 20% by weight or more of chromium. The use of the alloy 1 or alloy 2 prevents the corrosion of the distillation apparatus and enables the stable recovery of ammonia for a long period of time.
US07785555B1 Synthesis of lizardite from olivine
Methods of converting olivine to lizardite without formation of chrysotile or brucite are disclosed. The methods comprise heating a mixture of olivine, silica, water, and a caustic agent. The addition of silica allows for complete conversion of the olivine to lizardite through a more thermodynamically favorable reaction. The olivine and silica are preferably of small particle size to increase reactivity.
US07785554B2 Process for manufacture of silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieves
A process for manufacturing a silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve comprising at least one intergrown phase of AEI and CHA framework types, the process comprising the steps of (a) combining at least one silicon source, at least one phosphorus source, at least one aluminum source, and at least one structure-directing-agent (R) to form a mixture; and (b) treating the mixture at crystallization conditions sufficient to form the silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve, wherein the mixture prepared in step (a) has a molar composition of: (n)SiO2/Al2O3/(m)P2O5/(x)R/(y)H2O wherein n ranges from about 0.005 to about 0.6, m ranges from about 0.6 to about 1.2, x ranges from about 0.5 to about 0.99, and y ranges from about 10 to about 40.
US07785550B2 Process and device for separating hydrogen from gas flows by a pressure swing adsorption process
A process for separating hydrogen from a gas flow having an oxygen constituent and including predominantly hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane and/or other hydrocarbons, as well as a device for conducting the process, is disclosed. The gas flow undergoes a process to thermally convert oxygen prior to the pressure swing adsorption process.
US07785542B2 Hydrogen iodide manufacturing method and hydrogen iodide manufacturing apparatus
A hydrogen iodide manufacturing method which includes a step of producing aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide and sulfuric acid by causing iodine-containing aqueous solution and sulfur dioxide to react with each other in a pressurized condition. The pressurized condition may be of not lower than 0.1 MPa in gauge pressure. The method may further include: a separation step of adding iodine to the aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide and separating an upper phase containing sulfuric acid relatively to a large extent and a lower phase containing hydrogen iodide relatively to a large extent; and a step of producing hydrogen iodide by adding sulfur dioxide to the upper phase in a pressurized condition and extracting the produced hydrogen iodide to the lower phase.
US07785540B2 Exhaust emission control device
For an exhaust emission control device of an internal combustion engine with a support which has a catalytically active coating for absorbing oxygen (O2) in the reduction of the exhaust gas and for releasing oxygen in the oxidation of the exhaust gas, it is proposed that the catalytically active coating comprises different materials (A, B, C) which can store oxygen and which each form a component storage unit (MA, MB, MC) for the oxygen (O2), the first material (A) at lambda λ<1 changing its oxidation stage and constituting a first component storage unit (MA) for oxygen (O2), the second material (B) at lambda λ=1 changing its oxidation stage and constituting a second component storage unit (MB) for oxygen (O2), and the third material (C) at lambda λ>1 changing its oxidation stage and constituting a third component storage unit (MC) for oxygen (O2).
US07785539B2 Method of controlling a hydrogen generator
A method and apparatus for use in generating hydrogen are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fuel processor capable of producing a reformate from a fuel; a hydrogen purifier capable of generating a purified hydrogen gas stream from the reformate; a compressor capable of providing the reformate from the fuel processor to the pressure swing adsorption unit at a desired pressure; and a control system capable of integrating and controlling the operation of the fuel processor, the pressure swing adsorption unit, and the compressor. In another aspect, the invention includes a method for controlling the operation of a purified hydrogen generator, the method comprising: controlling the operation of a hydrogen generator; controlling the operation of a hydrogen purifier; and synchronizing the controlled operation of the hydrogen generator with the controlled operation of the hydrogen purifier.
US07785536B2 Photon reducing agents for fluorescence assays
The present invention provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample using at least one photon producing agent and at least one photon reducing agent (e.g. dye-based photon reducing agents). The present invention further provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g. a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one collisional quencher. The present invention also provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one quencher, such as an electronic quencher. The present invention also provides a system and method of screening test chemicals in fluorescent assays using photon reducing agents. The present invention also provides compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for practicing these methods.
US07785533B2 Chip, device using the chip, and method of using the same
A channel formed on a chip is opened without contaminating contents of the channel. Channels (107a) and (107b) provided on a substrate (103) are covered by pressing a lid (113) composed of a resin layer (102) and a plate-like lid (101) to a surface of the substrate (103). A fixing device has a retainer plate (104), which retains the plate-like lid (101) of a chip (112), a board (108) on which the substrate (103) is placed, and a screw (106). When covering the channels (107a) and (107b), the screw (106) is fastened and the lid (113) is pressed to the substrate (103) to be fixed. And, when opening an upper portion of the channels (107a) and (107b), the screw (106) is turned upward and a pressure is released, and the lid (113) is removed from the upper potion of the substrate (103).
US07785523B2 Mold and method for forming plastic products
Mold (20) for manufacturing plastic products provided with a bottom and a sidewall, wherein the mold comprises at least a first (21) and second (22) mold part which jointly define at least partly at least one mold cavity (100) and are movable in a first direction, wherein the at least one mold cavity comprises at least one first, in particular bottom-forming part (101) and one second (102), in particular sidewall-forming part, wherein on the first mold part at least one fixed wall part (24) is provided which supports a first movable wall part (20) which is movable relative to the respective fixed wall part (24) in at least a second direction which includes an angle with the first direction, wherein in said first movable wall part a second movable wall part (35) is provided, on the side facing the mold cavity, which is movable between a forwardly moved position and a retracted position relative to the first movable wall part.
US07785517B2 Methods for reducing or eliminating defects in polymer workpieces
The present disclosure provides novel methods of producing a composition, such as, but not limited to, a polyimide composition. The methods in their most general form comprise providing a workpiece, suspending the workpiece and subjecting the suspended workpiece to processing such that the workpiece undergoes a transformation from a first state to a second state. By maintaining the workpiece in a suspended state during processing, processing-related defects are reduced or eliminated. Using such methods, the present disclosure provides compositions that are have no or reduced processing-related defects. In addition, the compositions are more consistent in chemical and physical properties and are cheaper and more economical to produce (since less product is rejected as unsuitable).
US07785515B2 Heat applied melted-on faceted beads
This invention is a method to attach beads to garments. The process is as follows: draw the art work, digitize the drawing and write it in a Laser cutting machine language, using a high heat resistance material, cut the material to the same shape as artwork, glue fabric on the back of screen to prevent beads from falling through, dip the screen in a container of beads in which the beads would fill up the holes and stay only where the cut holes are and where the beads extend beyond material. Laying the fabric on top of the pattern that have the beads and apply top heat with a lot of pressure, so the plastic bead portion that is sticking out of the screen melts into the fabric and bonds to it in seconds creating a beautiful beaded design that would have taken hours and days to make using the traditional sewn-on beading methods.
US07785507B2 Spinning poly(trimethylene terephthalate) yarns
A novel process is provided for making spin-drawn yarn from poly(trimethylene terephthalate). The yarn, when packaged on a cheese-shaped spindle, can be produced in large sizes without crushing.
US07785506B2 Method for rotational moulding of a workpiece comprising a thermoplastic foam layer
A foam layer is formed by rotomoulding including heating a foaming polymer, and wherein the heating is interrupted before the foaming temperature is reached. A thermal inertia of the system also composed of the mold and previously placed layers assures completion of heating, but not sufficient to cause disorderly foaming. The foam layer is uniform and bonding. Dense layers surrounding the foam layer may be different.
US07785504B2 Thin film patterning apparatus and method of fabricating color filter array substrate using the same
A fabricating method of a color filter array substrate includes the steps of forming a black matrix on a substrate, forming red, green, blue color filters on the substrate on which the black matrix is formed, forming an overcoat layer including a white color filter on the substrate on which the red, green, and blue color filters are formed, aligning a flat panel soft mold to the overcoat layer; and smoothing the overcoat layer using the flat panel soft mold.
US07785500B2 Electrically conductive adhesive
The present invention provides an electrically conductive adhesive which prevents migration and sulfuration of a metal component in electronic component mounting. The electrically conductive adhesive includes a thermosetting resin and metal filler particles dispersed in the thermosetting resin. It is possible to use, as the metal filler particles, metal filler particles having a composition including an alloy of Ag with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Sn, Cu, In, Bi and Ni, a mixture of such metal filler particles and Ag filler particles, and metal filler particles including Ag filler particles and a coating layer formed on the surface of the Ag filler particles using a metal such as Sn.
US07785498B2 Method of producing conducting polymer-transition metal electro-catalyst composition and electrodes for fuel cells
A method of producing an electro-catalyst composition for use as an electrode, gas diffusion layer-supported electrode, catalyst-coated solid electrolyte layer, and membrane-electrode assembly in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) type fuel cell. The method comprises: (a) preparing a proton- and electron-conducting polymer having an electronic conductivity no less than 10−3 S/cm and a proton conductivity no less than 10−4 S/cm; (b) mixing and reacting this conducting polymer with a plurality of transition metal coordination complexes to produce the desired electro-catalyst composition having at least one heteroatom per backbone monomer unit thereof and a plurality of neutral transition metal atoms covalently bonded to at least a portion of the heteroatoms. The step of reacting preferably comprises (b1) complexing the conducting polymer with the plurality of transition metal coordination complexes to form a polymer-transition metal complex and (b2) reducing the polymer-transition metal complex to place the transition metal in a neutral oxidation state. A hydrogen-oxygen PEM fuel cell or a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) featuring such an electro-catalyst composition in a thin-film electrode exhibits a superior current-voltage response.
US07785495B2 Electric double-layer capacitor
An activated carbon comprising a carbonized and activated compound represented by the formula (1): (wherein, R represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, said hydrocarbon group may be optionally substituted with hydroxyl group, alkyl group, alkoxy group, aryl group, aryloxy group, sulfonyl group, halogen atoms, nitro group, thioalkyl group, cyano group, carboxyl group, amino group or amide group, R′ represents hydrogen atom or methyl group, and n represents an integer of 4, 6, or 8).
US07785490B2 Pr-doped inorganic compound, luminescent composition and luminescent body containing the same, and light emitting device
A Pr-doped inorganic compound contains a solid solution having been formed by substitution of at least a part of at least one kind of substitutable ions, which are contained at a substitutable ion site in a matrix oxide, by Pr. The Pr-doped inorganic compound satisfies the condition represented by the formula: 0.91r2≦r1≦1.05r2 wherein r1 represents the mean ionic radius of ionic radiuses of all of elements, including Pr, which elements constitute the substitutable ion site having been doped with Pr, and r2 represents the ionic radius of Pr.
US07785486B2 Method of etching structures into an etching body using a plasma
Additional variants of the method of etching structures into an etching body, in particular recesses in a silicon body that are laterally defined in a precise manner by an etching mask, using a plasma, is described. In addition, the use of this method in the introduction of structures, in particular trenches having a high aspect ratio, into a dielectric layer or a dielectric base body and in a layer of silicon is described, isotropic underetching and/or isotropic, sacrificial-layer etching, in particular using fluorine radicals or a highly oxidizing fluorine compound such as ClF3, being performed after the production of the structures in at least some areas in the case of the layer made of silicon.
US07785485B2 System and method for creating linear and non-linear trenches in silicon and other crystalline materials with a router
A method for manufacturing blades for surgical and other uses from either a crystalline or polycrystalline material, preferably in the form of a wafer, comprises preparing the crystalline or polycrystalline wafers by mounting them and machining trenches into the wafers. The methods for machining the trenches, which form the bevel blade surfaces, include a diamond blade saw, laser system, ultrasonic machine, a hot forge press and a router. When a router is used, through-holes are drilled in the wafer to define the starting locations of the trenches. After the trenches are formed, the wafers are placed in an etchant solution which isotropically etches the wafers in a uniform manner, such that layers of crystalline or polycrystalline material are removed uniformly, producing single or double bevel blades, with each bevel having one or more facets. Nearly any bevel angle can be machined into the wafer which remains after etching. The resulting radii of the blade edges is 5-500 nm, which is the same caliber as a diamond edged blade, but manufactured at a fraction of the cost.
US07785483B2 Exposure mask and method for fabricating semiconductor device using the same
An exposure mask for recess gate includes a transparent substrate and a recess gate pattern. The recess gate pattern is disposed over the transparent substrate. The recess gate pattern includes a first portion having a first line width and a second portion having a second line width smaller than the first line width. In the second portion, elements of the recess gate pattern are separated.
US07785482B2 Method of making an ignition device
A method of manufacturing an ignition device is provided. The method includes patterning a plurality of resistors on a membrane to form heating elements and thermally isolating the heating elements from an external environment via a cavity disposed adjacent to the heating elements.
US07785481B2 Method for fabricating micromachined structures
A method for fabricating micromachined structures is provided. At least one cavity is formed on a substrate and then a dielectric material different from the material of the substrate is filled in the at least one cavity. Next, a circuitry layer including a first etch-resistant layer and a dielectric layer is formed above the at least one cavity filled with the dielectric material. A portion of the circuitry layer exposed by the first etch-resistant layer is then etched. Finally, the dielectric material in the at least one cavity is etched out.
US07785480B2 Solvent filtration system and methods
A filter system has a first filter from which solvent is recovered in a cleaning cycle using a rinse fluid in forward flow, and from which particulates are removed using flush gas in reverse flow. At least part of the solvent and the flush gas are recycled to the system, and in still further preferred aspects, filtration of the solvent continues during the cleaning cycle via a bypass circuit through which the solvent is routed to a second filter.
US07785479B1 Apparatus and method of separating
The present invention advances tank-based aquaculture by providing a low cost, high efficiency solid waste separator. The invention combines the simplicity of centrifugal-gravitational separation with the practicality of automatic separator cleaning. Low-pressure air from a blower or air pump induces water flow through the separator. The compressed air source is also used to purge accumulated sludge from the separator and to scour internal separator surfaces. Installation of a captive floating granular media bed within the separator further stabilizes the centrifugal flow pattern, enhances the scouring action during sludge flushing events, and provides substrate for nitrifying bacteria colonization. Separator purging and scouring processes are simply and easily automated with small, low-voltage electric valves and timers. Operational cost-savings are magnified in multiple tank systems where multiple separators are operated by a centralized compressed air system and controller.
US07785478B2 Method for controlling protozoa that harbor bacteria
A method for controlling protozoa trophozites and cysts wherein biocides or control agents are encapsulated within microcapsules or manufactured into the core of liposomes, thereafter the biocide containing microcapsules or liposomes are then introduced into an aqueous system.
US07785476B2 Protein skimmer with stationary fan
A protein skimmer having a water column chamber and a fixed deflector. The fixed deflector including a plurality of blades that impart a swirling action on water flowing through the deflector. The deflector further providing an even distribution of bubbles within the water column chamber during protein filtering operation. The deflector including a central hub that aids in maintaining the velocity of water flowing through the deflector.
US07785474B2 Method for contacting liquid with ion exchange resin
The invention provides a method for contacting liquid with an ion exchange resin comprising introducing liquid into a process tank containing ion exchange resin at an inlet (2) and removing liquid that has been contacted with resin from the process tank at an outlet, the outlet being located above the inlet (2), the process tank including a resin containment region (7, 9) disposed between the inlet (2) and the outlet to impede the upward flow of the resin as it becomes entrained in the liquid flowing from the inlet to the outlet, and a contactor region for promoting contact between the resin and the liquid located below the containment region (7, 9), said containment region (7, 9) containing an array of settling members through which the liquid and resin upflow and which impede the flow of the resin to a sufficient extent that it is substantially contained within or below the containment region (7, 9). Apparatus for performing this method is also provided.
US07785471B2 Chromatographic membrane separation
This invention relates to a polymer membrane assembly for selective separation of permeate compositions by carbon weight. This invention also relates to a process for utilizing these polymer membrane assemblies in separation processes for selective carbon weight separation of hydrocarbon feedstreams components. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the use membrane assemblies for the selective separation by carbon weight of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream.
US07785470B2 Enhanced water treatment for reclamation of waste fluids and increased efficiency treatment of potable waters
Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.
US07785465B2 Apparatus and method for de-watering and purifying fuel oils and other liquids
This invention relates to the removal by centrifugal force and by coalescence of water and other impurities from diesel fuel, jet fuel, gasoline, kerosene, bio-diesel fuel, ethanol enriched fuel, heating oil, hydraulic oil, cutting oils, and other liquids with a specific gravity of less than one. The invention provides a contaminate removing apparatus, in particular for de-watering and purifying fuel liquids, comprising modular components consisting of but not limited to a water-separator module, a filter module, a pump module, and a control module to be used in plurality or as standalone components to de-water and purify fuel oils and other liquids.
US07785463B2 Extracorporeal renal replacement modeling system
A system, program product and method continuously optimize an ultrafiltration rate during an extracorporeal renal replacement process by modeling physiological and actual rate data. The system maps the sensed, physiological data to a mathematical model to assess the data in terms of the ultrafiltration rate. The model provides parameters used to predict where the treatment is headed based on current conditions. The system processes the parameters in terms of preset criteria to generate the optimized ultrafiltration rate. Where the system is networked, communication of the data may be accomplished using remote and online communication techniques.
US07785458B2 Capillary array
A capillary array includes a light detection portion, a sample supply portion, a buffer solution supply portion and a voltage application portion which are necessary functions for electrophoresis, thereby, when assembling the capillary array into an electrophoresis apparatus, the same can be immediately used. Accordingly, a capillary array is provided which can be easily incorporated into an electrophoresis apparatus.
US07785455B2 Cross-contaminant shield in sputtering system
A multi-chamber processing system is described for depositing materials on multiple workpieces (wafers, display panels, or any other workpieces) at a time in a vacuum chamber. The system includes a sputtering chamber and a separate pre-clean chamber, where wafers can be transferred between the two chambers by a robotic arm without breaking a vacuum. The wafers are mounted one-by-one onto a rotating pallet in the pre-cleaning chamber and sputtering chamber. The pallet is firmly fixed to a rotatable table in the sputtering chamber. Copper tubing in the table couples RF energy to the wafers, and a liquid running through the copper tubing controls the temperature of the wafers. Multiple targets, of the same or different materials, may concurrently deposit material on the wafers as the pallet is rotating. Multiple magnets (one for each target) in the magnetron assembly in the sputtering chamber oscillate over their respective targets for uniform target erosion and uniform deposition on the wafers. An electrically insulated target backing plate between each magnet and a target has a liquid channel running through it for controlling temperature. The distance between the magnets and the targets is made very small by a thin aluminum plate fixed to the bottom segment of the target backing plate by a dip brazing process. Various shields are described to prevent cross-contamination from the targets and prevent the sputtered target material from entering gaps in the chamber and shorting out insulators.
US07785454B2 Gas diffusion electrodes, membrane-electrode assemblies and method for the production thereof
A gas diffusion electrode comprising an electrically conductive web, a non-catalyzed gas diffusion layer comprising at least one electroconductive filler and at least one binder, and a noble metal coating obtained by subjecting an electrically conductive web to a first ion beam having an energy not higher than 500 eV, then to a second beam having an energy of at least 500 eV, containing the ions of at least one noble metal.
US07785452B2 Apparatus and method for finishing light metal article
An apparatus and method for finishing an electrically conductive part through electrochemistry is disclosed. The cathode electrode is configured so as to fit simultaneously in one or more windows or pockets or in a combination thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention a disc-covering cathode electrode is provided that can simultaneously finish all of the windows and pockets using an electrolyte.
US07785451B2 Portable oxygen maintenance and regulation concentrator apparatus
The fast and convenient usage of clean and pure oxygen supply devices will meet the requirements of medical application and special environment safety issues. The electrochemical oxygen concentration is a device by using an electrochemical reactor of one electrode of oxygen reduction and another electrode of oxygen generation. The operation of electrochemical reactor can achieve the easy control of air oxygen from one side to another side of this thin mask structure and the materials, design and engineering of this electrochemical oxygen concentration is workable for medical application.
US07785450B2 “On-site” carbon dioxide generator
Systems are described for the “on-site” production of substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The systems include a stack of multiple electrochemical cells, which decompose organic carboxylated compounds into CO2 and H2 without leaving any residue. From a bench-top small generator, producing about 1 lb of CO2 per day to a large-scale generator producing 1 ton of CO2 per day, the process is essentially identical.Oxalic acid, either anhydrous or in its dihydrate form, is used to efficiently generate the gases. The energy required is less than 0.3 Kilowatt-hours per lb of CO2 generated. Individual cells operate at less than 1.2 volts at current densities in excess of 0.75 amps/cm2. CO2 production rates can be controlled either through voltage or current regulation. Metering is not required since the current sets the gas production rate. These systems can competitively replace conventional compressed CO2 gas cylinders.
US07785446B2 Flow sheet for paper machine and method of manufacturing the same
To smooth the surface of a flow sheet that is used in a paper machine and make the flow sheet easy to handle, reinforced fibers are disposed in a mold 5. The entire mold 5 is covered with enclosing members 10, 11 so that an enclosed space 12 is formed inside the enclosing members 10, 11. While air in the enclosed space 12 is being suctioned through one end of the enclosed space 12, matrix resin is supplied to the reinforced fibers through the other end of the enclosed space 12 to impregnate the reinforced fibers with the matrix resin, and the matrix resin is hardened, whereby there is obtained a flow sheet whose surface smoothness is 0.25 μm or less in terms of arithmetical mean roughness.
US07785444B2 Cylindrical suction box assembly
The present invention provides a cylindrical suction box assembly with a suction box having two or more suction chambers that operate at different suction pressures. A lower suction pressure suction chamber is configured to provide lower suction pressure suction and is used in conjunction with the texturing process. At least one higher suction pressure suction chamber is configured to provide higher suction pressure suction and is used in conjunction with the de-watering process of the present invention. Therefore, according to the present invention two processes that are traditionally performed on two different devices are performed on a single cylindrical suction box assembly.
US07785443B2 Process for producing tissue products
Tissue products are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition may be incorporated into the tissue web as the web is being formed. Alternatively, the additive composition may be topically applied to the web in a post processing operation. For instance, in one embodiment, the additive composition may be applied to the web as a creping adhesive during a creping operation.
US07785442B2 Method and arrangement for feeding chemicals into a papermaking process
A method for feeding one or more chemicals into a papermaking process is disclosed. More specifically, a method for feeding chemistry into a thick stock of a papermaking process is disclosed.
US07785441B2 Plasma generator, plasma control method, and method of producing substrate
The present invention aims to provide a plasma generator capable of creating a spatially uniform distribution of high-density plasma. This object is achieved by the following construction. Multiple antennas 16 are located on the sidewall of a vacuum chamber 11, and a RF power source is connected to three or four antennas 16 in parallel via a plate-shaped conductor 19. The length of the conductor of each antenna 16 is shorter than the quarter wavelength of the induction electromagnetic wave generated within the vacuum chamber. Setting the length of the conductor of the antenna in such a manner prevents the occurrence of a standing wave and thereby maintains the uniformity of the plasma within the vacuum chamber. In addition, the plate-shaped conductor 19 improves the heat-releasing efficiency, which also contributes to the suppression of the impedance.
US07785440B2 Formaldehyde-free lignocellulosic adhesives and composites made from the adhesives
Method for making lignocellulosic composites by adhering lignocellulosic substrates together. A first variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) first ingredient selected from a soy protein or lignin and (ii) at least one substantially formaldehyde-free curing agent that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide, or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the soy protein. A second variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) a protein or lignin, (ii) a first compound that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the protein and (iii) a curing agent.
US07785439B2 Method for connecting a catheter balloon with a catheter shaft of a balloon catheter
A method for connecting a catheter balloon with a catheter shaft of a balloon catheter that improves the welding quality of a weld between the catheter balloon and the catheter shaft of the balloon catheter. Preferably, a welding energy absorbing device is arranged, preferably in the form of a colored tubing, in the area of a fixation site after attaching a pre-fixation and then to irradiate this welding energy absorbing device with the radiation energy to carry out the welding. After the welding the pre-fixation and the welding energy absorbing device are removed.
US07785438B2 Multilayer composite vascular access graft
A multilayer composite vascular access graft and a method of constructing such a graft are disclosed. The mcVAG has improved performance characteristics, which include desirable handling characteristics such as ease of suturing, kink resistance and the ability to serve as a cannulation route soon after the implant procedure.
US07785437B2 Anti-microbial carpet underlay and method of making
A method for making antimicrobial rebonded carpet pad includes mixing zinc pyrithione with a polyol to form an antimicrobial polyol mixture concentrate, blending the antimicrobial polyol mixture concentrate with a binder stream, mixing the binder with foam particles and curing the binder. The percentage of zinc pyrithione mixed with the polyol and the addition ratio of the antimicrobial polyol mixture concentrate with the binder stream are selected to provide an overall concentration of zinc pyrithione in the binder of at least about 7500 ppm. The particles and binder are cured into a block and sliced to form carpet pad.
US07785436B2 Laminating method for forming a laminate layer on a recording surface of a recording medium
A laminating apparatus and a laminating method for finely finishing laminate processing without performing edge processing after the laminate processing is performed to a recording medium. A laminate material having a size larger than that of the recording medium is placed to cover the recording medium, bonded with heat and pressure, and a laminate layer protruding from the recording medium is transferred to a means to be transferred to, which is arranged on an opposite plane side to a recording plane of the recording medium. When the means to be transferred to is arranged apart on the opposite plane side to the recording medium, the laminate layer is pulled into the opposite plane side to the recording medium. As a result, an edge of the laminate layer formed on the recording plane of the recording medium becomes fine, matching with an edge of the recording medium.
US07785431B2 Compressible plate for flexographic printing, and process for obtaining
The invention concerns a compressible plate for flexographic printing, designed to be positioned on a support cylinder of a printing machine. The invention is characterized in that said plate (1) comprises a photopolymer layer (10) and a compressible layer (11) made of a material exhibiting voids forming between 10 and 60% by volume of said compressible layer, the material comprising at least 70% by weight of a polymer or a mixture of polymers chemically compatible with the photopolymer.
US07785428B2 Method of forming a hardened surface on a substrate
The invention includes a method of producing a hard metallic material by forming a mixture containing at least 55% iron and at least one of B, C, Si and P. The mixture is formed into an alloy and cooled to form a metallic material having a hardness of greater than about 9.2 GPa. The invention includes a method of forming a wire by combining a metal strip and a powder. The metal strip and the powder are rolled to form a wire containing at least 55% iron and from two to seven additional elements including at least one of C, Si and B. The invention also includes a method of forming a hardened surface on a substrate by processing a solid mass to form a powder, applying the powder to a surface to form a layer containing metallic glass, and converting the glass to a crystalline material having a nanocrystalline grain size.
US07785426B2 Welded joint of tempered martensite based heat-resistant steel
A welded joint of a tempered martensitic heat resisting steel includes a fine-grained heat affected zone of weldment of a heat resisting steel having a tempered martensite structure which exhibits a creep strength of 90% or more of the creep strength of the base metal thereof. The welded joint is inhibited in the formation of the fine-grained HAZ exhibiting a significantly reduced creep strength.
US07785424B2 Method of making a magnetic core part
Magnetic powder contained in a resin composition for use in injection molding is coated with an insulating material, and a soft magnetic green compact or a hard magnetic green compact is insert molded into the resin composition. Increased magnetic flux destiny, reduced size, a simplified shape, and/or increased filling density can be achieved in a core part of an electric instrument.
US07785414B2 Process for manufacturing wafer of silicon carbide single crystal
A process for manufacturing a wafer of a silicon carbide single crystal having: cutting a wafer from an α (hexagonal)-silicon carbide single crystal so that the off-angle is totally in the range from 0.4 to 2° to a plane obtained in perpendicular to the [0001]c axis of the silicon carbide single crystal; disposing the wafer in a reaction vessel; feeding a silicon source gas and carbon source gas in the reaction vessel; and epitaxially growing the α (hexagonal) silicon carbide single crystal on the wafer by allowing the silicon source gas and carbon source gas to react.
US07785412B2 Additivated coal dust with water soluble carbohydrates for use in the green sand composition for casting molding
Coal dust additivated with water soluble carbohydrates for use in the green sand composition for molding of castings refers to a process for obtaining coal additivated with carbohydrates to be used in the green molding sand composition, commonly used for making casting molds, having as a scope to inhibit the sand sintering on the castings and so to improve their finish.
US07785411B2 Anthrapyridone compound or salt thereof, magenta ink composition and colored product
The present invention relates to a novel anthrapyridone compound represented by the following formula (1) or a salt thereof and provides a magenta coloring matter having a very vivid hue suitable for inkjet recording, being strong in fastnesses of recorded matters, and having an excellent storage stability: wherein, R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and the like, R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methoxy group, and R3 represents an alkyl group which may have an aryl group, a heterocycle group, a sulfonic acid group, a carboxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an acyl group, a carbamoyl group, a cyano group, an alkoxy group, a phenoxy group, a hydroxy group, a nitro group and the like on the alkyl group and further may have a substituent on the aryl group and the heterocycle group respectively.
US07785409B2 Fire-resistant ground cover and fire-resistant coatings for biomass, wood and organic mulches
The present invention discloses a fire-resistant ground cover and a composition and method for treating cellulosic material such as biomass, wood and organic mulch to increase its resistance to flame to provide a fire-resistant ground cover material.
US07785408B2 Particle collection apparatus and method
A particle collector comprises a housing defining an enclosed chamber. An inlet opening in the housing provides fluid communication between a source of gas and particles and the chamber and an outlet opening provides fluid communication between the chamber and the exterior of the housing. The outlet opening is connected to a pump for drawing gas and particles through the housing from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. A collecting member having an adhesive on at least a portion of the surface is disposed in the chamber between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The adhesive surface of the collecting member is positioned adjacent to the inlet opening. When gas and particles are drawn through the housing, the inlet opening directs a stream of gas and particles at the surface of the collecting member. Particles having an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of less than about 2.5 μm are captured.
US07785406B2 Apparatus for volatile organic compound treatment and method of volatile organic compound treatment
It is intended to provide a volatile organic compound treatment apparatus having: an absorption treatment chamber in which absorption frames having absorbents for absorbing volatile organic compounds are aligned in a direction of a gas flow; an absorbent recovery treatment chamber that is provided with a discharge unit having a high voltage electrode, a ground electrode, and a dielectric; and a transfer mechanism for transferring the absorption frames present in an upstream of the gas flow to the absorbent recovery treatment chamber and transferring the absorption frames in the absorbent recovery treatment chamber to a downstream of the gas flow. The volatile organic compound treatment apparatus is capable of decomposing VOC without generating a large amount of harmful NOx and reduced in apparatus cost.
US07785405B2 Systems and methods for gas separation using high-speed permanent magnet motors with centrifugal compressors
Systems and processes are provided for gas separation using high-speed permanent magnet variable-speed motors to accelerate and decelerate centrifugal compressors suitable for use in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) processes.
US07785402B2 Removable verticle media insert system for air treatment
A support framework for containing a media that is used to remediate corrosive vaporous pollutants in an air stream. The support framework is situated within a plenum and comprises two concentric open-lattice weave frameworks made from corrosion resistant fiberglass reinforced plastic “FRP”. The frameworks are of differing diameters and the media is placed into and contained within the open space formed between the inside wall of the outer framework and the outside wall of the inner framework. The open-lattice weave design allows a greater radial flow through the media per unit of time, doing so with less pressure drop and using less energy than the prior art. The use of FRP to form the framework walls allows creation of large units that are suitable for use in municipal and industrial settings, which was not possible previously.
US07785401B2 Fluid separation device
The present invention relates to a fluid separation device (10) for separating fluid, oil and oil spray from a gas. This fluid separation device (10) comprises a base carrier (21) in which fluid separator elements (20) in the form of flow-through tubes with worm-like segments (23) arranged therein, are integrated. The worm-like segments (23) at the same time form spiral flow paths (25) for the gas. They have a maximal length of half a pitch of the worm-like segment (23) so that the base carrier (21) together with the associated fluid separator elements (20) may be formed as one piece. Several base carriers may be arranged one after the other in a manner such that individual fluid separator elements of various base carriers form a common flow path for the gas.
US07785395B2 Method for the recovery of gold from sulphide concentrate
The invention relates to a method for recovering gold from a sulphidic concentrate, particularly one containing arsenopyrite and/or pyrite, hydro-metallurgically. The concentrate is first subjected to leaching with a concentrated solution of alkali chloride and copper (II) chloride, by means of which the copper minerals and some of the gold in the concentrate are made to dissolve. Elemental sulphur and precipitated iron and arsenic compounds are separated from the leaching residue using physical separation methods, whereby the first intermediate is obtained, which contains gold-bearing sulphide minerals and gangue minerals as well as the gold that remains undissolved. The free gold that remains undissolved is separated by means of gravity separation methods. After gravity separation, additional comminution is carried out, after which the sulphide minerals are decomposed and the gold-containing solution or residue is routed to the concentrate leaching circuit.
US07785394B2 System and method for in-line molten metal processing using salt reactant in a deep box degasser
An in-line deep box treatment of molten metal wherein, instead of gaseous Cl2, a solid salt reactant containing a halide salt (e.g., MgCl2) as one of its components may be injected into the molten metal along with an inert gas (typically argon) through the existing degasser impellor. The salt flux may be metered into the inert gas stream at a controlled rate. A salt injector flux tank may be retrofitted to current rotary degassing equipments without requiring a specialized rotor design or changes in the degasser unit design. Using the halide salt-based solid flux, the benefits of alkali, alkaline earth, and inclusion removal may be achieved without the industrial hygiene, environmental, and safety issues associated with storing and using the gaseous and hazardous Cl2 during molten metal degassing.
US07785393B2 Refinement of steel
A method of forming and refining molten silicon-bearing steel by addition of a calcium-containing silicon additive. Determine if the amount of calcium in the calcium-containing silicon additive is more or less than the amount of calcium desired in the finished steel. If it is more than the amount of calcium desired in the finished steel, add the amount of calcium-containing silicon additive corresponding to the excess calcium early during steel deoxidation or in refining to combine with oxygen, sulfur and other impurities in refining, and add the calcium-containing silicon additive containing the total amount of calcium desired in the finished steel after the desulfurization of the molten steel and before casting. If the amount of calcium in the calcium-containing silicon additive does not provide the total amount of calcium desired in the finished steel, adding an additional amount of calcium after desulfurization of the molten steel and before casting to the molten steel during refining.
US07785391B1 Dendritic metal nanostructures
Dendritic metal nanostructures made using a surfactant structure template, a metal salt, and electron donor species.
US07785390B2 Molybdenum metal powder and production thereof
Molybdenum metal powder has surface-area-to-mass-ratios in a range of between about 1.0 meters2/gram (m2/g) and about 3.0 m2/g, as determined by BET analysis, in combination with a particle size wherein at least 30% of the particles are larger than a size +100 standard Tyler mesh sieve. A method for producing molybdenum metal powder includes providing a supply of ammonium molybdate and a reducing gas; causing an exothermic reaction between the ammonium molybdate and the reducing gas at a first temperature to produce an intermediate reaction product and a supplemental reducing gas; causing an endothermic reaction between the intermediate reaction product and the reducing gas at a final temperature to produce the molybdenum metal powder.
US07785387B2 Chemically and physically modified fertilizers, methods of production and uses thereof
Modified fertilizer materials are produced, comprising a) at least one fertilizer granule coated with a dispersant to form at least one fertilizer granule-dispersant particle, b) a dispersant, which comprises at least one agrochemical blended with at least one powder, and c) an overcoating material that is applied to the at least one fertilizer granule-dispersant particle. Methods of producing a modified fertilizer materials comprise: a) providing at least one fertilizer granule, b) providing a dispersant that comprises at least one agrochemical blended with at least one powder, c) providing an overcoating material, d) applying the dispersant to the at least one fertilizer granule to form at least one fertilizer granule-dispersant particle, and e) applying the overcoating material to the at least one fertilizer granule-dispersant particle to form the modified fertilizer material.
US07785384B2 Pleated diesel particulate filter assembly
A filter assembly is configured to be incorporated into an exhaust treatment device. The filter assembly comprises a frame, a filter media element, and a plurality of dividers supporting the filter media element within the frame. The frame has a first end and a second end defining a frame length therebetween. The filter media element is disposed within the frame and extends generally perpendicular to the frame length as a series of pleated contours. The plurality of dividers includes a first divider and a second divider. The first divider is disposed adjacent to the filter media element at the first end of the frame. The second divider is disposed adjacent to the filter media element at the second end of the frame.
US07785377B2 Sealed battery and method for manufacturing the same
A sealed battery includes a metal case which functions as a connection terminal of one polarity and an electrode post which is mounted to the case in an insulated manner and functions as a connection terminal of the other polarity. A sealing section with electrical insulation properties is disposed between the electrode post formed from a hollow cylinder with one closed end and an electrode post through-hole provided in the case. A compression deformation section is produced by deforming the closed end of the electrode post radially outward, for compressing and sealing the sealing section, and for securing the electrode post to the case.
US07785373B2 Prosthetic knee and leg assembly for use in athletic activities in which the quadriceps are normally used for support and dynamic function
The present invention provides a new prosthetic knee and lower leg device that enables an above-the-knee amputee to participate in demanding athletic activities in which the quadricep muscles are used extensively for support and dynamic function. The prosthetic device includes a residual thigh attachment plate that is pivotally coupled to a shin frame. An adjustable suspension strut is coupled to both the residual thigh attachment plate and the shin frame. The functional length of the strut can be adjusted, as can be the lower mounting position thereof. The prosthetic device can be adjusted with regard to functional characteristics, performance settings, and “home position” angles of the knee. The extent of adjustability enables the user to adapt the device for different levels of aggressiveness, different activities and different circumstances, and also allows the device to be adapted to users of different weights and size.
US07785371B2 Modular humeral head
A modular humeral head system includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. A hemispherical socket formed on one end of the inner surface and threads formed on the other end of the inner surface. A cap is attached at the threaded end of the housing. The cap has one or more threaded holes that run from the top surface to bottom surface of the cap. A screw may be inserted in each hole. The modular humeral head system also includes an intermediate piece having a hemispherical head at one end of a tapered shaft. The tapered shaft is inserted in a humeral stem. The hemispherical head and the hemispherical socket form a ball and socket coupling. A trial head may be impacted on the housing. The trial head has one or more holes that are aligned with the screws inserted in the cap.
US07785369B2 Artificial intervertebral disk
An artificial intervertebral disk, insertable between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient and joining the two adjacent vertebral bodies an articulated manner, includes an intermediate element embodied as an elastic ring and is inserted into one respective molded portion of two outer elements configured as metal plates. The outer elements are joined to the bones of the vertebral bodies via anchoring pins, especially titanium anchorings previously known in hip endoprosthetics. The radius of the concave molded portion is greater than the diameter of a circular cross-sectional area of the intermediate element such that compression of the intermediate element caused particularly by the patient's movement allows for a defined deformation.
US07785368B2 Spinal tissue distraction devices
Spinal tissue distraction devices that include a member which has a pre-deployed configuration for insertion between tissue layers and a deployed configuration in which the member, by change of configuration, forms a support structure for separating and supporting layers of spinal tissue.
US07785367B2 Scleral prosthesis for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders
Presbyopia and other eye disorders are treated by implanting within a plurality of elongated pockets formed in the tissue of the sclera of the eye transverse to a meridian of the eye, a prosthesis adapted for contact with the sclera of an eyeball, and comprising a body having a first end and a second end wherein the body has (i) a planform adapted to expand the contacted sclera to increase the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle of the eyeball, and (ii) means for stabilizing the prosthesis within the surgically formed pocket within the sclera of the eyeball.
US07785363B2 Skewed nodal-fibril ePTFE structure
The ePTFE structure includes an ePTFE tubular structure having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure is formed from rotating the opposite ends relative to one another in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure has a node and fibril micro-structure in which substantially all of the fibrils are oriented in the direction of rotation.
US07785356B2 Bone anchoring nail
A bone anchoring nail is provided having a threadless shaft with a free end, a head opposite to the free end, the head having a substantially U-shaped recess for accommodation of a rod or a rod-shaped element, a longitudinal bore extending through the shaft and opening towards any one of the head and the free end and a plurality of openings extending through the wall of the shaft and being in communication with the bore. The bone anchoring nail allows quick insertion and reliable fixation enhanced by the in-growth of blood vessels.
US07785352B2 Modular spinal fixation system
A spinal fixation system having a modular construction to allow universal application to varying spine anatomy and load requirements of individual vertebral attachment members, while reducing requirements for large inventories to optimize spinal fixation. Modularity allows the individual attachment members, once attached optimally to bone, to be attached to a variety of interconnecting structural members optimized for load carrying capacity.
US07785349B2 Pedicle screw for intervertebral support elements
The pedicle screw (1) for intervertebral support elements (3) consists of a shaft (10) and a head (2) comprising at least two parts (20, 22). The head is formed as a securing means for at least one support element (3). Each support element consists of a piece of a cable-like band (31) and a cylindrical support body (30) with an axial lumen (31″ containing the band. The band is securable outside end surfaces (32) of the support body in the head. The head is formed with a contact surface (23) via which a pressure stress can be exerted on the support body in the band direction, and indeed using the band and in cooperation with a further pedicle screw. A part (20) of the head (2), which is firmly connected to the shaft (10) at the one end of the latter, contains a base groove (21) which is oriented transversally to the shaft and into which the part of the band (31) to be secured or a connecting piece (292) which contains the band can be introduced during the securing of the support element (3) by means of a translatory movement in the direction of the shaft and fixed there.
US07785348B2 Devices and methods of locking and cutting a suture in a medical procedure
Devices and methods are provided which may be used for suturing, including performing a totally transoral surgical procedure, such as a posterior gastropexy procedure. A suture lock and cut assembly is provided to lock and cut one or more sutures in one motion, which motion can be a non-curved, non rotational linear motion. The suture lock and cut assembly with one or more sutures threaded therethrough may be pushed through, for example, a patient's esophagus and into the stomach by the tip of an endoscope, or alternatively, sized to be fed through the working channel of the endoscope.
US07785346B2 Headache reduction method and apparatus
The invention relates to method and apparatus for relieving headaches. The method broadly comprises the step of applying a sufficient force to a given area of the triangular fossa region of the patient's ear for a sustained period of time effective for treating the patient by reducing the perceived pain of the headache. Apparatus is disclosed for employing the method, the apparatus comprising a banded earplug device having a biased headband positionable about the head of the patient and a pair of pods at opposite ends of the biased headband. The pods are placeable in compressive engagement with an area of the triangular fossa region in each of the patient's ears.
US07785337B2 Surgical micro-burring instrument and method of performing sinus surgery
A surgical micro-burring instrument including an outer tubular member coaxially maintaining an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member defines a proximal section, a distal section, and a central lumen extending from the proximal section to the distal section. The distal section forms a pocket and an elevator tip. The pocket has a bottom wall and an opposed upper opening. The elevator tip extends distal the pocket. The inner tubular member forms a bur received within the pocket. Upon final assembly, at least a portion of the bur is exposed relative to the outer tubular member via the upper opening of the pocket. The elevator tip is configured to facilitate lifting of soft tissue, such as mucosa, while positioning the bur, via the pocket, in an appropriate location for cutting contacted harder tissue, such as turbinate bone or septal bone/cartilage.
US07785336B2 Vacuum sense control for phaco pulse shaping
A method and apparatus for precisely controlling particle movement relative to a phacoemulsification needle tip is provided. The design monitors actual vacuum present and calculates a pulse shape amplitude waveform proportional to the amount of measured vacuum. An increase in vacuum indicates that the handpiece/needle is becoming occluded by a large particle. The present design determines whether additional power is required to bump or move a large particle away from the needle tip. The present design may employ a control loop that senses and continuously monitors vacuum. The design may dynamically vary the amount of ultrasonic energy delivered to the surgical area in response to the observed actual vacuum, and can actively vary the amount of power delivered to the surgical area based on the size of the particle and the resultant vacuum realized.
US07785335B2 Device for clamping organic tissue
A device for clamping off organic tissue has a tissue clamp with clamping bars in holders. A proximal clamping bar can be displaced in a guide groove of an application crosspiece by a tappet, while the distal clamping bar maintains its position until the tissue has been clamped off. The clamping bars have guide pin, or the distal clamping bar has a fixation shoulder. The pins or shoulder fit into crosswise grooves in the application crosspiece, and thus the clamping bars can be inserted into them vertically. The proximal clamping bar has a holder pin on its base that engages into a holder bore of the distal clamping bar. This produces a force-fit and shape-fit connection with this bore, while simultaneously clamping off the organic tissue. The guide pins shear off if the force required to clamp off the organic tissue is exceeded.
US07785333B2 Overtube and operative procedure via bodily orifice
An overtube includes an insertion portion that has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and at least the distal end portion thereof is inserted into a subject; a first lumen that is formed in the insertion portion and that allows freely inserting and removing a device for carrying out medical procedures in the subject; puncture needles that pass through the insertion portion, have a control member connected to the proximal end portion of the insertion portion, and puncture tissue; and second lumens that are provided in the insertion portion and through which puncture needles are passed, the second lumens having on the distal end portion of the insertion portion openings through which distal ends of the puncture needles extend and retract, and the openings being provided on an inside of the insertion portion defined by the first lumen.
US07785331B2 Acetabular liner extraction device, kit and associated method
An extraction device for removing a liner from an acetabular cup is provided. The extraction device includes a jaw and a handle. The jaw is for cooperation with the liner and including a portion of the jaw for penetrating into the liner. The handle is operably associated with the jaw and is adapted for gripping the extraction device.
US07785330B2 Method and apparatus for distal targeting of locking screws in intramedullary nails
A system that enables targeting of an instrument placed within a drill bushing aligns the axis of a drill bushing with the axis of a transverse hole in an intramedullary nail. The system includes a probe having an elongated member with a distal end, a magnet that is polarized along its longitudinal axis that is mounted perpendicularly to the distal end of the elongated member; and a processor executing programmed instructions to determine a position and orientation of the magnetic sensor array with respect to the targeting magnet.
US07785329B2 Reamer spindle for minimally invasive joint surgery
An adjustable reamer spindle is provided to aid a surgeon in controlling an instrument. The reamer spindle is easily disassembled for cleaning. The spindle has a repositionable handle, a locking ring, and an elastic device. The locking ring aids in holding the reamer spindle together. Removal of the locking ring against an elastic bias of a spring unfastens an end of the assembly in order to facilitate disassembly and/or cleaning. Adjustment of the position of the handle about the spindle enables the palm/grip of each hand to be changed in order to provide maximum control in different orientations.
US07785325B1 Multi-articulated fracture fixation device with adjustable modulus of rigidity
A multi-articular intramedullary fracture fixation device having a adjustable modulus of rigidity. The implant apparatus includes modular tensioning elements that can be disposed in a ball-and-socket linear array along a length of connecting wire within a medullary canal. The connecting wire includes a threaded end and a stop member at the opposite end, and when a lock nut is threadably disposed on the threaded end and tightened, at least two of the tensioning elements in the array may be swiveled relative to one another and arranged to introduce curvature as desired along the length of the array. Tightening the lock nut is also employed to adjust the modulus of rigidity to be retained during healing.
US07785322B2 Tissue treatment system
A tissue treatment system has a radio frequency generator and a handheld treatment instrument that generates a gas plasma jet for delivering thermal energy to a tissue surface to be treated. Incorporated in the housing for the generator is a calibration device for adjusting the energy output of the generator, if necessary, at the beginning of a treatment session. The calibration device has a target element with a target surface, a transducer for sensing changes in temperature of the target element with respect to the temperature of a reference element, and an energy output adjuster for adjusting the radio frequency energy output of the generator in response to a calibration signal generated by the transducer. The generator housing has a receptacle for locating the nozzle of the handheld instrument in juxtaposition with the target element so that when a plasma burst is generated as part of a calibration sequence it is incident on the target surface. The generator output is automatically adjusted to compensate for any deviation of a calibration value, produced from the calibration signal, from a reference value. Also disclosed is a method of regenerating the reticular architecture of tissue, the method including calibrating the energy delivery of a tissue treatment system.
US07785321B2 Minimally invasive glaucoma surgical instrument and method
Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.
US07785318B2 Catheter having plurality of stiffening members
The invention includes a catheter having an elongate main body having a proximal section and a distal section. The elongate main body further includes a plurality of stiffening members disposed along the length of the elongate main body. The plurality of stiffening members includes a first stiffening member and a second stiffening member. The first and second stiffening members can be disposed in an overlapping and spaced relationship. Alternatively, the second stiffening member can be disposed distal to the first stiffening member such that a gap is defined between the stiffening members.
US07785315B1 Methods for irrigation of ethmoid air cells and treatment of ethmoid disease
Devices, systems and methods for stenting, spacing, draining, ventilating and/or delivering drugs and other therapeutic or diagnostic substances to desired locations within the bodies of human or non-human animal subjects, including methods and systems for treating paranasal sinusitis and ethmoid disease.
US07785312B2 Convenience IV kits and methods of use
A convenience kit assembled and organized to measure, fill and dispense medication and flush solutions to patients through connections to patient lines and catheters while improving safety and efficacy of such procedures by requiring fewer post-sterilization makes and breaks when compared to similar filling and dispensing methods using conventional components. Further the kit improves flush compliance by facilitating dispensing of flush solutions and decreases likelihood of infections by providing for flushing of patient lines and catheter connecting fittings without any additional line breaks. The kit is provided in resealable, tamper evident kit packaging which permits sealed transport of kit parts after initial opening and follow-on parts use. Convenience of operation is provided by a two syringe assembly which is operable by a single hand by which selective dispensing is accomplished from either of the two syringes while obstructing flow from the other syringe. The kit comprises a clip for the stabilizing the two syringe assembly for use by a single hand.
US07785304B2 Sterile sampling methods and apparatus
Apparatus and method for use in the sterile sampling of liquid from a container, the apparatus having a normally vertical tubular sight chamber coupled by its lower end to a sample port assembly. The upper end of the chamber is fitted with an inlet tube through which sample liquid can be received and a filtered vent to allow air to flow to and from the sight chamber while preventing the ingress of bacteria in to the chamber. The sample port assembly has a tubular body encasing a sheathed needle assembly so that evacuated phials can be inserted into the body and pressed onto the needle assembly to withdraw samples of liquid collected in the sight chamber, the sight chamber preferably having transparent walls that are marked with graduations so that each phial can be withdrawn from the needle assembly after the desired amount of liquid has been collected.
US07785299B2 Vascular access device time sensitive status indication
A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.
US07785298B2 Method and apparatus for co-injection
Systems and methods of co-injecting a solid object and an amount of fluid into a patient's tissue includes separably coupled syringe and needle portions. The syringe portion includes a barrel, a plunger, and a pushrod for disposing the solid object that is capable of independent movement with respect to the plunger. The needle portion includes a hollow needle configured to allow both the object and the fluid to pass out of the needle and into the patient's tissue. The needle portion may include a housing located behind the needle that is configured to hold the solid object. Once the needle portion and the syringe portion are coupled together, the device is operated in accordance with methods of the present invention to effectively co-inject the patient with the object and the amount of fluid.
US07785297B2 Injection device with rotatable dose setting
An injection device comprising a housing and a dose setting mechanism including a dose setting element. Contrary to prior art injection devices, the dose setting element can only be set at a few different dose settings. This is established by forming the dose setting element as a rotatable dish concealed within the housing and having a number of projections projecting outside the boundaries of the housing through a slot in the housing. A dose is set by activating a projection which in addition provides the user with a tactile guidance. Usually one projection is provided for one dose setting limiting the number of doses to be set to the number of projections.
US07785296B2 Needle tip spring protector
A needle tip spring protector for a needle having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft extending therebetween. The needle tip spring protector includes a spring that circumferentially surrounds a portion of the needle shaft and is restrained in a state wherein its inner diameter is large enough to allow the shaft to move freely within the spring. When the needle is moved to a position in which its distal end is at least partly within the spring, at least one of the ends of the spring releases from restraint such that the spring automatically returns to a state in which its inner diameter is sized so as to grippingly engage the shaft of the needle. Thus, after activation, the spring securely surrounds the distal end of the needle to protect healthcare workers and others from accidental contact with the needle's distal end. When used in conjunction with a catheter assembly, the needle tip spring protector may passively release from the catheter hub after the spring is automatically activated.
US07785293B2 Infusion device and driving mechanism for same
A drive mechanism for delivery of infusion medium has a coil and an armature moveable toward a forward position, in response to the electromagnetic field produced by activation of the coil. A piston is moveable axially within a piston channel to a forward position, in response to movement of the armature to its forward position. The armature and piston are moved toward a retracted position, when the coil is not energized. In the retracted position of the piston, a piston chamber is formed between the piston and a valve member and is filled with infusion medium. As the piston is moved to its forward position, the piston chamber volume is reduced and pressure within the piston chamber increases to a point where the pressure moves the valve member into an open position through an outlet.
US07785292B2 Injection device
The invention concerns an injection device with a housing adapted to receive a syringe having a discharge nozzle and a plunger. There is a trigger and a drive arranged to act upon the plunger on actuation of the trigger to advance the syringe from a retracted position to an extended position through an opening in the housing. A locking mechanism is arranged in and moveable relative to the housing. The locking mechanism is engaged with the plunger when the syringe is not in its extended position and disengaged from the plunger when the syringe is in its extended position. This means that movement of the plunger relative to the syringe is prevented when, in use, the syringe is advanced from a retracted position to an extended position. Hence the contents of the syringe are not expelled from the syringe during advancement from the retracted position to the extended position. The contents are only expelled when the syringe reaches the extended position.
US07785290B2 Non-shortening high angle wrapped balloons
The present invention provides a balloon which achieves diameters greater than 6 mm for securement to a catheter. The balloon includes an elastomeric generally hollow pressure expandable body which exhibits essentially radial symmetry and constant length when expanded under an internally applied minimum working pressure from an uninflated state.
US07785289B2 Catheter with flexible, non-kinking elongate member
A catheter may include an elongate member and a distal end therapy-providing portion attached at a distal portion of the elongate member. The elongate member may have an outer generally tubular structure having, firstly, an inner tube structure of rigid material having a circumferential cut through at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the inner tube structure to allow bending of the circumferentially-cut portion of the inner tube structure while maintaining a substantially uniform cross-sectional area and shape at a point of bending, and secondly, a separate outer tube that surrounds and is spaced apart from at least the circumferentially-cut portion of the inner tube structure. The circumferential cut may be a helical cut having a pitch that may vary over the portion of the longitudinal length. An inner diameter of the outer tube may be approximately 0.003″ greater than an outer diameter of the inner tube.
US07785286B2 Method and system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body
A method and system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. More particularly, a manually steered “rapid exchange” type catheter for a system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises a catheter body configured to be introduced to an area of interest in a patient's body, a device for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating the area of interest contained within the catheter body, and a manual steering device attached to the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device to allow an operator to manually steer the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device, wherein the catheter is configured to be mounted on a commercially available guidewire.
US07785283B1 Ankle stabilizing device
A functional ankle brace is custom tailored to optimize the magnitude and direction of the stiffness and fit of the ankle brace, so as to slow down the inverting motion of the ankle joint enough to allow the muscles enough time to act on their own.
US07785280B2 Variable stroke air pulse generator
An apparatus for high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) comprises a patient interface which includes an expandable air chamber and an air pulse generator in fluid communication with the patient interface. The air pulse generator includes a variable displacement air chamber and programmable controller which controls the air pulse generator to vary the frequency and volume of air pulses delivered to the patient interface such that HFCWO therapy may be programmed for a particular patient.
US07785271B2 Sensor for blood component analysis
A sensor for blood component analysis, which allows even a trace amount of blood to be led to an analysis portion reliably. The sensor for blood component analysis includes a substrate, a spacer, and a cover. The cover is disposed on the substrate with the spacer intervening between the cover and the substrate, whereby a space that serves as an analysis portion and a channel for leading blood to the analysis portion is formed inside the sensor. Through holes are formed in the substrate and the spacer, respectively, so that a common through hole through which a needle of a lancet can pass is formed when the spacer is disposed on the substrate. The through hole of the spacer communicates with the channel and a top of the through hole of the spacer is covered with the cover, whereby a lancing portion is formed by the common through hole and a portion of the cover covering the top of the through hole of the spacer. In use, the sensor is placed at a position where blood collection is to be performed, the portion of the cover covering the lancing portion is broken through with the needle of the lancet so that the needle is allowed to pass through the common through hole to puncture the position, and blood that has come out is guided by a downwardly protruding burr formed when the cover is broken through so that the blood is led to the channel and flows through the channel to be led to the analysis portion.
US07785270B2 Catheter testing system and uses thereof
The present invention relates generally to devices and systems for detecting infection within catheters. In particular, the present invention provides catheter testing systems configured to sterilely collect a biological sample from the interior of a catheter for purposes of testing the biological sample (e.g., for the presence of fibrin, sepsis, etc.).
US07785268B2 Implantable device for recording intracranial pressures
To assure, in the case of an implantable device for determining intracranial pressures, the biocompatibility of the implant in the long term, wherein a pressure measuring device is used, which is operatively connected to a sensor for a telemetric measured value transfer, it is proposed that the pressure measuring device is a microchip, that the microchip is located in a rigid housing, and that the pressure transfer from the outside inwards occurs through a very thin biocompatible membrane, the pressure-dependent movement of which acts on the pressure measuring device via a transfer medium.
US07785267B2 Method and device for the management of lactating animals
Method and device for the management of lactating animals wherein the reproduction stage of an animal is correlated with the lactation stage of the animal. A state of the animal is determined by means of automatically obtained sensor data. The state of the animal is graphically illustrated.
US07785266B2 Medical thermometer for determining body core temperature
A temperature sensing device including at least a first contact type temperature sensing element determines body core temperature of a warm blooded animal or human based on an estimated skin temperature of the patient which is computed based on temperature measurements obtained by the first sensing element.
US07785257B2 System and process for non-invasive collection and analysis of physiological signals
A system and method for detecting, monitoring and analyzing physiological characteristics. Signals from a subject are acquired from a suite of sensors, such as temperature, carbon dioxide, humidity, light, movement, electromagnetic and vibration sensors, in a passive, non-invasive manner. The signals are processed and physiological characteristics are isolated for analysis. The system and method are to analyze sleep patterns, as well as to prevent bed sores or detect conditions such as illness, restless leg syndrome, periodic leg movement, sleep walking, or sleep apnea. However, numerous other applications of the invention are also disclosed.
US07785254B2 Surgical tool holder
A surgical tool holder that includes a base portion, an incremental retraction portion, and an attachment portion. The base portion is configured for releasably mounting to a first surgical tool support in a fixed association. The incremental retraction portion includes a drawing mechanism configured for operably engaging and incrementally drawing a surgical retractor under tension to a selected position and holding the surgical retractor in the selected position, and a crank member configured to operate the drawing mechanism. The attachment portion includes a post configured for rotatably mounting a yoke of a second surgical tool support, and a securing member operably associated with the post for releasably fixing the second surgical tool support thereto.
US07785251B2 Port extraction method for trans-organ surgery
A surgical method for removing a port element disposed in an incision or perforation in a wall of a hollow internal organ in a trans-organ surgical procedure. A distal end portion of a tubular member is inserted into the internal organ through a natural body opening. A capture member is ejected from the distal end portion of the tubular member and receives the port element.
US07785249B2 Biofeedback method and apparatus
The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for relieving stress using biofeedback techniques. In embodiments, the method and system are used according to a specified regimen to enable a user to achieve a relaxed state. The apparatus comprises a sensor 10 wirelessly connected to a CPU 20, which processes signals from the sensor 10 to produce a visual display 36 and/or auditory display 44 that is representative of the relaxation state of the user.
US07785243B2 Resistance training exercise device, system and method
A resistance training exercise device, system and method having at least one elastic, elongated and hollow cord with a tether secured to each end of the cord, a strain relief sleeve and a clip secured to the free end of each tether, each tether being secured to their respective end of the cord by a grommet, plug and sleeve and each clip preferably comprising an o-ring that receives the free end of the tether and a spring-loaded biasing flange for clipping onto a handle, strap or the cord itself.
US07785242B2 Variable unweighting and resistance training and stretching apparatus for use with a cardiovascular or other exercise device
A device for variably unweighting or unloading and performing resistance exercises and stretches while performing cardiovascular exercises on a cardiovascular exercise machine or other exercise device, including a plurality of exercise elements at different locations above the machine or device, the exercise elements being graspable individually or in a selected number and resiliently extended in a variety of directions for reducing forces applied against movable elements of the exercise machine or device and for performing a variety of resistance exercises and stretches.
US07785239B2 Magnetically adjustable dumbbells
A magnetically dumbbell device and method are disclosed. The dumbbell device has a central base unit with at least one magnetic piece at each end of the base unit and one or more weights attachable to the ends of the base unit by means of magnetic force.
US07785237B2 Exercise machine and gripping component thereof
An exercise machine having a frame, at least one resistance element supported by a frame and at least one gripping element a user interface and connected to at least one resistance element by means of at least one operating cable; the gripping element having at least one coupling element for at least one end of said cable; the coupling element including a joint freely rotatable with respect to said user interface in such a way that the end of cable becomes stressed solely in traction.
US07785235B2 Variable stride exercise device
The present invention provides for a variable stride exercise device having a variable size close curved striding path during use. The exercise device described and depicted herein utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary his stride path during exercise. An exercise device conforming to aspects of the present invention provides a foot path that adapts to the change in stride length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. A user's exertion level may have several components impacting the stride length provided by the machine, such as leg power, torso power, and (in embodiments with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. Other embodiments of the exercise device include a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in a stepping motion.
US07785233B1 Collapsible hurdle with quick reset
A hurdle has a crossbar and a pair of vertical legs. The hurdle is designed to give way or collapse when the crossbar is struck by a user to minimize the risk of injury and thereby decrease the user's fear of injury. This is done either by splitting the crossbar into separate left and right sections, or by splitting each of the legs into separate top and bottom sections. This permits the separate sections to break apart from an aligned, end-to-end orientation which they possess in an operative position of the hurdle into a nonaligned orientation after the hurdle has given way or collapsed. An elastic member connects the separate sections and urges the sections back into their aligned, end-to-end orientation when a user picks the sections of the hurdle up and resets the hurdle.
US07785230B2 Variable displacement engine powertrain fuel economy mode
A vehicle drive system for adjusting vehicle fuel economy is described. In one example, the vehicle drive system includes an operator interface for adjusting vehicle operation so as to increase or decrease fuel consumption according to a driver preference.
US07785226B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
US07785224B2 Annular solenoid with axially overlapping electromagnet and armature
An electromagnetic actuator having an annular pole piece and an annular armature with surfaces formed thereon through which a magnetic flux passes. One of the annular pole piece and the annular armature is axially movable relative to the other between a first position, in which the surfaces are spaced axially apart by a minimum distance, and a second position in which the surfaces are spaced axially apart by a maximum distance. The surfaces axially overlap one another but do not touch when the one of the annular pole piece and the annular armature is positioned in the first position and in the second position.
US07785223B2 Oscillating internally meshing planetary gear reducer
To provide an oscillating internally meshing planetary gear reducer capable of realizing a low cost and a high speed reduction ratio, the oscillating internally meshing type planetary gear reducer is constituted so as to include: an input shaft provided with an input gear which is circumscribed and meshed with a pinion provided on a motor; an input shaft gear formed on the input shaft; a plurality of eccentric body shafts each provided with an eccentric body for oscillating an oscillating external gear; an eccentric body shaft gear which is formed on each eccentric body shaft; and a distributing gear which is meshed with the input shaft gear and the eccentric body shaft gear.
US07785215B2 Golf ball containing photoluminescent material and a light source
A photoluminescent, light-emitting golf ball comprises a substantially solid core with an outer shell, both formed of a light transmissive material. Photoluminescent particles are distributed within the light transmissive material. A light-emitting circuit assembly embedded within the core includes at least one battery, a control circuit coupled to the at least one battery, a plurality of light-emitting diodes coupled to the control circuit, and an impact switch electrically connected between the battery and the control circuit. The control circuit actuates the light-emitting diodes for a predetermined time period in response to an impact of the golf ball by a golf club. Actuation of the light-emitting diodes by an impact on the golf ball excites the photoluminescent particles, causing the particles to glow in excess of the predetermined time period of actuation of the light-emitting diodes.
US07785211B2 Golf swing trainer having balanced center of mass
A golf swing trainer providing a resiliently flexible shaft having a first shaft end coupled to a swing element and a second shaft end coupled to a grip having a tapered external surface gripably received by the hands.
US07785209B1 Billiard rack
A billiard ball rack includes a spring loaded pusher bar for accurately positioning billiards balls, and extensions on the rack provide a gripping surface for a user. The rack may include one or more adapters that permit the rack to position balls for games of three-ball, six-ball, seven-ball, eight-ball, nine-ball and ten-ball. The rack has a low profile, and therefore fits into existing storage spaces in pool tables and the like previously used for conventional racks.
US07785207B2 Water amusement system with elevated structure
A water amusement system may include a composite tree and an elevated structure. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. The base may be coupled to the surface. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The system may include at least one structure coupled to the base. At least one of the structures may function to contain one or more persons above the surface. The water amusement system may include a water amusement ride coupled to the base. The water amusement ride may include an access point configured to allow participants to access the water amusement ride from the structure.
US07785205B2 Cross groove constant velocity universal joint
A cross groove constant velocity universal joint for a drive shaft or a propeller shaft of an automotive vehicle includes an inner ring and an outer ring each having ball grooves which are alternately slanted in respective directions opposite to each other while alternating with each other in a direction circumferentially thereof. Torque transmission balls are positioned at a crossing area where each of the ball grooves in the inner ring and the associated ball groove in the outer ring are crossed with each other. A cage is provided to retain the torque transmission balls. The number of torque transmission balls is ten, and a crossing angle between the axis of the inner or outer ring and each of the ball grooves in the inner or outer ring is within the range of 10 to 15° or 6 to 9° for the drive shaft or the propeller shaft, respectively.
US07785204B2 Method for downloading data to gaming devices
Memories coupled to a gaming terminal, are reprogrammed by a method and apparatus which includes identification, negotiation, downloading and verification information from an external information source to a gaming terminal. Hardware devices are used to identify gaming terminals or components.
US07785191B2 Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain payouts based on selection of one or more symbols (power pays)
A method of playing a slot machine game in which a player wagers upon one or more symbols and then collect awards for combinations of two or more symbols wagered upon appearing in adjacent to each other in the symbol matrix. The slot machine game may also provide a symbol repositioning feature in which one or more symbols are moved from their original positions to other positions in the symbol matrix.
US07785189B2 Central determination gaming system which provides a player a choice in outcomes
A central determination gaming system which provides a player a choice in outcomes. In one embodiment of the present invention, upon a player initiating a game play at one of a plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller, the central controller selects a plurality of game outcomes from a pool of game outcomes. The selected game outcomes are communicated to the gaming terminal and the gaming terminal provides one of the selected game outcomes to the player based on at least one choice made by the player regarding the game play. The provided game outcome is prevented from further selections from the pool of game outcomes.
US07785185B2 Gaming device having a wheel with multiple indicators
A wagering game including a wheel and multiple section indicators. The wheel includes a plurality of sections having awards associated with each of the sections. The section indicators associated with the wheel simultaneously indicate sections on the wheel. The awards associated with the sections indicated by the activated section indicators are summed and provided to a player. The number of activated section indicators is predetermined, randomly determined, determined by the player's wager in the primary or base game, determined in a primary game or determined by a sub-game or a set.
US07785184B2 Computer-implemented simulated card game
A monitor-based Texas Hold'em Poker game, where a plurality of game entries are displayed to a player and each game entry is associated with a winning odds and potential payout. After the player places a wager on one of the game entries, the system generates a set of community cards and determines a winning hand according to a set of predefined rules.
US07785174B2 Method of producing cut blades for instruments used in root canal treatment
A blank for use in producing an endodontic instrument using a grinding technique includes a cylindrical portion, and a generally conical portion which is to be machined by the grinding technique to form the active part of the endodontic instrument. The generally conical portion of the blank approximates, and is slightly larger than the envelope of the final shape given to the active part of the endodontic instrument after machining. A method is also provided for producing an endodontic instrument having at least one helical cutting edge using the blank.
US07785168B2 Transformable toy
A toy with an exterior structure. Constructed to transform from a rollable first shape to a second shape. An interior structure inside the exterior structure is endowed with a magnetic body that moves by way of a magnetic force that acts from the exterior of the toy, an interior locking portion that moves simultaneously with the movement of this magnetic body, and a biasing member that effects a force which moves or turns this interior locking portion in a particular direction. If the magnetic force does not act from the exterior of the toy, the first shape of the exterior structure maintained. In the event that a magnetic force has acted from the exterior of the said toy, the exterior structure transforms from the first shape to the second shape.
US07785164B2 Method for making an emissive cathode
A method for manufacturing a triode type cathode structure including depositing and etching: a cathode layer as cathode conductors; a grid layer as grid conductors; an electrical insulation layer and the grid conductors until reaching a resistive layer to provide cavities; and the cathode conductors to have a perforated structure at the intersection of the cathode conductors and grid conductors. Etching the grid conductors and the electrical insulation layer includes: a) depositing a resin layer on the grid layer, b) lithography and development of the resin layer according to a pattern that will form emissive pads, c) etching the grid layer according to the pattern, d) etching the insulation layer subjacent to the grid layer by extending the etching beyond emissive pad patterns, e) etching the grid layer at zones exposed by etching the insulation layer until reaching the resin layer, f) depositing a catalyst layer in openings of the resin layer to form emissive pads at the bottom of the cavities, and g) eliminating the resin layer.
US07785163B2 Wave energy buoy
A wave energy buoy includes a spar that may be anchored to the sea bed and a float fitted to the spar for movement axially of the spar. The spar includes a spar tube and the float includes a generally annular shell defining an opening through which the spar tube extends. The spar tube and the float shell are made of composite material.
US07785162B1 System and related methods for marine transportation
A system and related methods for manned and/or unmanned marine transportation involving equipping a vessel capable with a linear pump for propelling the vessel through or substantially over a body of water.
US07785159B2 Female terminal and chain terminal thereof
A female terminal, includes: a tubular portion which is formed by bending a metal sheet into a tubular shape; a peripheral wall which has a trapezoidal cross section having a pair of opposed shorter and longer sides to form a space extending in an axial direction of the female terminal inside the tubular portion; and a spring portion for pressing a male terminal inserted in the space, in a direction toward the shorter side of the peripheral wall. A maximum width of the male terminal is longer than the shorter side and is shorter than the longer side.
US07785154B2 Network jack and processing method for the same
The network jack and processing method for the network jack are provided. The network jack connects a device to a network and includes a jack body, a printed circuit board configured inside the jack body, and a contacting pin including a transmitting portion having a straight configuration and a fixing portion fixed to the printed circuit board.
US07785153B2 Power connector with sealed inner base member
A power connector (100) includes an insulator (2) and a cap (1). The insulator defines a bottom wall and three mounting holes (21, 22 and 23) extending upwards from the bottom wall, the three mounting holes array in a triangle along a vertical surface, and each mounting hole opens forwards and upwards adapted for receiving a terminal (3). The cap is slidably mounted on the insulator, and comprises a plate (14) extending vertically to cover front surfaces of the mounting holes of the insulator and a roof (12 and 13) extending horizontally from an upper end of the plate to cover upper surfaces of the mounting holes. The plate of the cap forms three through-holes (141, 142 and 143) respectively communicating with the corresponding mounting holes and three frames (1411, 1421 and 1431) extending horizontally into the corresponding mounting holes from inner walls of said three through-holes.
US07785151B2 Connection system, in particular a plug-in connection system for the transmission of data and power supply signals
A connection system for the preferably contactless transmission of data and power supply signals between a sensor means and a base unit in a measuring and transmission system comprises a sensor-side and a base-side connection element. There is provided in at least one of the connection elements an optical diagnosis display unit for displaying state parameters within the measuring and transmission system.
US07785147B2 Conductive contact holder and conductive contact unit
A conductive contact holder and a conductive contact unit with improved corrosion resistance and with excellent durability are provided. To this end, there is provided: a holder substrate having a first opening that accepts a signaling conductive contact that inputs and outputs a signal to and from a circuitry, and a second opening that accepts a grounding conductive contact for supplying a ground potential to the circuitry; a first holding member that is inserted into the first opening to hold the signaling conductive contact; and an insulating coat that is made of an insulating material, and covers at least one surface of the holder substrate.
US07785145B2 Electrical connector for attenuating vibrations, in particular for the injector of a motor vehicle engine
The inventive connector includes a locking device for elastical interlocking which is provided with an axial stop surface forming jointly with the associate stop surface of the complementary locking device of a counterpart an mutual rest preventing the disconnection of the connector and the counterpart. Said connector includes an elastic vibration attenuating member arranged in such a way that it produces the mutual elastic rest force of the stop surfaces when the connector and the counterpart thereof are coupled. The invention can be used for connecting the injector of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine.
US07785143B2 Coaxial connector having movable terminal
A coaxial connector (1) having a moveable terminal includes a metallic bracket (10) defining a receiving space (100) therein. A contact terminal (20) is insulated assembled to the bracket and configured a stationary first part (31) and a second part (33) telescopically assembled within the first part.
US07785140B2 Modular electrical connector with opposing contact support members
A contact sub-assembly is provided for an electrical connector. The contact sub-assembly includes a base configured for mounting to a mating component. The base includes a pair of opposite side surfaces. A pair of separate contact support members are mounted on the base. Each contact support member holds a separate set of electrical contacts. Each contact support member includes a mounting portion engaged with a corresponding one of the side surfaces of the base such that a portion of the base extends between the mounting portions of the contact support members. The sets of electrical contacts held by the contact support members cooperate to define a mating interface for a mating connector.
US07785139B1 Electrical outlet having grounds-out receptacles and method
The present invention provides a method, apparatus and means to address the problem of attempting to utilize two large power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs simultaneously with one duplex power receptacle. This invention discloses a duplex power receptacle in a ground-up and ground-down configuration, such that two conventional large three prong power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs can be used simultaneously. This configuration can be utilized while still maintaining many of characteristics of the conventional duplex power receptacles such as the left and right orientation of the neutral and hot conducting busses. By maintaining the characteristics of the conventional duplex power receptacle one knowledgeable in the art can install this invention without having to be retrained in a method of installation and a conventional wall outlet box and cover plate will accommodate this invention. Additionally, by maintaining these characteristics users of this invention will not have to learn any new method of having to use the device.
US07785137B2 Integral meter jaw assembly mounting riser
An integral riser structure for a watt-hour meter enclosure to provide a mounting structure for a pair of meter jaw assemblies includes a pair of laterally spaced riser walls formed integrally with a back wall of the enclosure and positioned in forwardly spaced relation to the back wall. The riser walls are separated by a recessed wall positioned in a recessed plane located between the plane of the riser walls and the plane of the back wall. The riser walls include holes to receive fasteners to secure the meter jaw assemblies to the riser walls.
US07785136B2 Power connector and a method of assembling the power connector
A power connector (100) has a mating plug (10) having an internal printed circuit board (15) and a light-emitting component (151) mounted to the internal printed circuit board, a cable (30) connecting with the internal printed circuit board and provided with a connecting section (34), a guiding pipe (50) enclosing the connecting section of the cable to transmitting the light from the light-emitting component, and a tube (35) made from insulative material and enclosing the cable by injection molding. The guiding pipe has a recess (51) defined thereon to receive a block member (90) to prevent the insulative material from reaching the internal printed circuit board when the tube is injection molded over the cable.
US07785135B2 Electrical connector having an improved magnetic module
An electrical connector (100) has a housing (10) defining an opening therein (101), a magnetic module (3) mounted to the housing and a shield (50) surrounding the housing. The magnetic module includes a printed circuit board (31), a first set of terminals (20) mounted to a front face of the printed circuit board and received in the opening, a second set of terminals (21) mounted to a rear side of the printed circuit board, a toroidal coil pair (32) mounted to the printed circuit board and having a first toroidal body and (321), and a second toroidal body (322) electrically connected with each other by a circuit provided on the printed circuit board.
US07785129B2 RF connector having sealing member
An RF connector (1) for mating with a plug connector (3) has an outer housing (1) defining an axial bore (101) for receiving the plug connector, a locking member (14) received in the axial bore, an insulative body (12) retained in the axial bore of the outer housing and defining an axial hole (121), a terminal (13) assembled to the axial hole of the insulative body, a first sealing ring (15) and a second sealing ring (16). The first sealing ring is assembled between an interior surface of the outer housing and an outer surface of the locking member. The second sealing ring is disposed around an inner surface of locking member for resisting against an outer surface of the plug connector when the plug connector is inserted in the RF connector.
US07785123B2 Electrical connector
A weather-resistant electrical connector having an environmental seal and including an insulating post supporting the male contact. The mating connector has a sleeve that is correspondingly shaped and dimensioned to receive the post. The post is of sufficient length to seal and contain any arcs from live connections.
US07785122B2 Clip cord power connector
The clip cord power connector has a U-shaped body (12) with a prong or L-shaped clip (16) attached to each end. A lug extends from each prong (16). A two-conductor power cable (32) is attached to the lugs so that a separate conductor attaches to each of the lugs. The power cable (32) is designed to attach to the power supply for a tattoo machine (30).
US07785118B2 Coaxial cable connector having a compensating tab
A coaxial cable connector includes a connector housing configured to receive a coaxial cable having inner and outer conductors, and a ground shield including a plurality of walls cooperating to define a shielded chamber. The connector housing is received within the shielded chamber, and the walls are configured to be connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The coaxial cable connector also includes a center blade contact having a flat planar body, wherein the center blade contact is configured to be connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable. The center blade contact is supported by the connector housing between the walls of the ground shield in a stripline geometry. At least one of the walls includes a compensating tab extending inward therefrom, wherein the compensating tab is configured to be positioned proximate at least one of the center blade contact and the inner conductor of the coaxial cable.
US07785116B2 Rescue terminal structure
A block body made of insulating synthetic resin having a terminal supporting plate in one piece therewith. A plurality of elongated ribs project on one surface of the terminal supporting plate and a rescue terminal is arranged on the other surface of the terminal supporting plate. A bus bar is mounted in the block body. A clamping portion of a booster cable can grasp both the rescue terminal and the rib at one time. The plurality of ribs are parallel to each other. The dimension of the rib is defined such that the rib is placed under compressive deformation when the rib is clamped by the clamping portion. The block body has a hole through which the rescue terminal is passed such that the rescue terminal extends along and in contact with the other surface of the terminal supporting plate.
US07785115B2 Distribution connection module for telecommunications and data systems technology
A distribution connection module (1) for telecommunications and data technology includes a housing (3) in which input and output contacts (4, 5) for the connection of cables or wires are arranged such that they are externally accessible. The housing (3) is designed with a cavity in which functional elements are arranged between the input and output contacts (4, 5).
US07785114B2 Modification of connections between a die package and a system board
Modification of the connections between a die package and a system board is described. In one example a pattern redistribution module is used in a socket. The module has a first array of contacts on one side of the module. The contacts have a first configuration to connect to the socket. A second array of contacts is on another side of the module opposite the first array of contacts and has a second configuration to connect to a package containing a die. A board is between the first and the second array of contacts to interconnect contacts of the first array of contacts to contacts of the second array of contacts.
US07785113B2 Electrical connection structure
An electrical connection structure allowing reduction in height and easy disassembly, wherein a first connecting member comprises a flexible substrate comprising a flexible insulating film, at least one conductive pad formed on at least one side thereof, a conductive circuit pattern extending from the rim of the pad, a through-hole formed through the thickness thereof at a planar position within the pad, and a small aperture formed at a planar position within the pad and communicating with the through-hole, and a second connecting member comprises a conductive projection formed at least one side thereof and electrically connected with a conductive circuit pattern formed inside or on the second connecting member, where the electrical connection is formed in the manner such that the conductive projection of the second connecting member is inserted in the through-hole of the first connecting member, through the small aperture in the pad, bending the pad and the portion of the insulating film under the pad, along the direction of insertion of the conductive projection, so that the pad is pressed onto the conductive projection due to elastic force of the pad and the insulating film bent.
US07785109B2 Monitoring cleaning of surfaces
A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
US07785108B2 Denture attachment system
A denture attachment system includes an implant member adapted to be secured in a mandible such that a head of the implant member projects out of the mandible. A locking mechanism is adapted to be received in a denture so as to cooperate with the implant member to releasably secure the denture to the implant member. The locking mechanism has a receptacle for receiving the head of the implant member. A locking member is movable between a locking position in which the locking member blocks an access out of the receptacle by opposing a surface complementary to the shape of the head of the implant member to hold the implant member captive in the receptacle with points of contact between the head of the implant member and the locking member being diametrically opposed with respect to the head, and a release position in which the head of the implant member may enter/exit the receptacle).
US07785101B2 Self-ligating bracket for use in orthodontics
A self-ligating bracket for use in orthodontics includes a bracket also closeable by a slide which is undetachably held in both a closed position and in an open position. The slide is easy to open and to close, which gives the bracket an acceptably attractive appearance and which provides little risk of food residues getting trapped that are difficult to remove.
US07785100B1 Burner assembly with turbulent tube fuel-air mixer
A burner assembly including a housing having an air inlet and a burner end, a motor, and an impeller mounted in the housing. The impeller is in fluid communication with the air inlet, in mechanical communication with the motor, and adapted to direct air from the air inlet towards the burner end of the housing. The burner assembly also includes a plurality of gas injection tubes that are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Each of the plurality of gas injection tubes includes a tube inlet end, a tube outlet end and at least one aperture. In addition, the burner assembly includes a first tube sheet disposed near the tube inlet ends of the plurality of gas injection tubes and a second tube sheet disposed near the tube outlet ends of the plurality of gas injection tubes. The burner assembly further includes a spin vane having at least one spin vane blade. The spin vane is mounted in the burner end of the housing and adapted to direct the flow of air in the burner end. The burner assembly still further includes an igniter mounted in the burner end of the housing. The igniter is adapted to ignite the air and fuel mixture in the burner end of the housing to produce a main flame.
US07785086B2 Supply device
The invention relates to a supply device for the supply of pressure fluid into at least one vehicle brake or into a pressure fluid accumulator, wherein a piston is movably arranged in an accommodating member, a carrier bears a non-return valve arranged coaxially to the piston for the purpose of ventilating a working chamber into which the piston plunges , and wherein a resetting spring is arranged between the carrier and the piston.It is the essence of the invention that a multi-piece cage allows inserting the resetting Spring into the cage parts, the cage parts comprise fastening means that lock the cage due to relative displacement of the cage parts, and the resetting spring is caged and simultaneously elastically preloaded under the relative displacement of the cage parts.
US07785085B2 Piston pump
A piston pump includes a pump housing having a suction port, a discharge port, and an internal cavity; a first cylinder member having a cylinder bore; a piston built into the cylinder bore of the first cylinder member to thereby form a pump chamber and adapted to change the volume of the pump chamber by means of axially reciprocating movement; a suction valve provided in the piston; and a discharge valve provided at the discharge side of the pump chamber. A circumferential protrusion is formed externally at an axially intermediate portion of the first cylinder member. The first cylinder member is press-fitted, at the circumferential protrusion, into the internal cavity of the pump housing. A leading end portion of the first cylinder member from which the first cylinder member is inserted into the pump housing has a diameter smaller than that of the internal cavity of the pump housing.
US07785082B2 Sealless pump
A rotating shaft is supported by journal bearings that can support without contacting the rotating shaft itself. Then, one end of both shaft end portions of the rotating shaft has a main impeller installed and the other end is provided with a sub impeller. By utilizing a force being generated by rotation of the main impeller, liquid being pumped (fluid being pumped) is sucked in through a suction port and discharged through a discharge port. On the other hand, by utilizing a force being generated by rotation of the sub impeller, fluid is transported to the journal bearings, thereby having the journal bearings support the rotating shaft.
US07785066B2 Bleed system for a low-pressure compressor of a turbomachine
The bypass turbomachine comprises, between a primary flowpath (2) and a secondary flowpath (3), a structural intermediate casing (14). A bleed passage (29) allows the diversion of a portion of the gas stream toward the secondary flowpath (3), downstream of support arms (18) situated at the periphery of the intermediate casing. A bleed opening (28) emerges upstream of the support arms (18). A slide valve (22) slides between three positions, namely a closed position in which the slide valve (22) completely blocks off the bleed passage and opening, an intermediate position in which the bleed opening (28) emerging upstream of the support arms (18) is blocked off, while the bleed passage (29) for diverting a portion of the gas stream downstream of the support arms (18) is open, and an open position in which the bleed opening (28) emerging upstream of the support arms (18) and the bleed passage (29) emerging downstream of the support arms are both open.
US07785063B2 Tip clearance control
Aspects of the invention relate to a system and method for actively managing blade tip clearances in a turbine engine, particularly under start up and steady state operating conditions. During start up, the rotor can be cooled while the blade ring can be heated. During steady state operation, the rotor may be heated while the blade ring may be cooled. The sources of the heating fluid and cooling fluid can be compressor delivery air, boiler steam and ambient air. The fluids can be compressed to maintain efficiency.
US07785062B2 Separating device
The invention relates to a separating device (1) with a manipulating device (5) and with at least one carrier support (2) with at least one stacking shaft (3) for workpieces (4) disposed on it, in particular metal plates made ready for a bending operation on a bending press, and with a gripping mechanism (14) for removing the workpiece (4) from the stacking shaft (3) and transporting the workpiece (4) from a pick-up position into a transfer position. The manipulating device (5) and the carrier support (2) are positioned relative to one another by means of positioning means (65), and at least one fixed positioning space (27) for the carrier support (2) is provided in a reference position of the stacking shaft (3) with respect to the manipulating device (5).
US07785061B2 Apparatus and method for reorienting a tire and core assembly in a tire manufacturing line
Apparatus and method for reorienting a toroidally shaped core configured to carry a green tire. The core includes a central axis defined through first and second oppositely facing tapered recesses respectively including first and second locking mechanisms. The apparatus includes a core support structure including a base and a reorientation member connected for movement relative to said base and a core coupling member. The core coupling member connects for movement with the reorientation member and includes a core locking mechanism that couples with the core coupling member and locks the core coupling member to the core. A drive system couples with the reorientation member and operatively moves the reorientation member so as to change the orientation of the central axis from a first orientation to a second, different orientation transverse to the first orientation.
US07785058B2 Mobile wheelchair carrier
A personal vehicle transportation device to protect, secure, and transport a personal vehicle. The personal vehicle transportation device reduces the load placed on the towing vehicle and the personal vehicle transportation device is mechanically operable. The device includes a frame with a platform, a ramp and protective shell attached to opposite sides of the frame. The ramp and protective shell operate substantially simultaneously via a mechanized action. The protective shell includes inflatable bladders to secure the interior cargo.
US07785056B2 Cargo transport system and method
A system for loading cargo containers into a storage hold, and offloading cargo containers from the storage hold, especially of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The system includes at least one guide rail and a motorized platform, onto which cargo containers are loaded, cooperating mechanically with the guide rail. The guide rail guides the cargo laden motorized platform into the storage hold, and the motorized platform deposits the cargo upon remote command. The motorized platform has a chassis; a power source; a control module controlling drive motors of the wheels of the platform; and a device for reciprocating at least a portion of an upper surface of the platform sufficient to elevate a load placed thereon above the guide rail height.
US07785055B2 Thread forming screw
The invention relates to a screw (1) having a threaded shank (2) and a screw tip (6). The threaded shank (2) is composed of a shank core (10) and a thread which extends helically over the shank core (10). Two flanks (15, 16) which converge in an outer thread edge (14) has a height (H) measured radially from the shank core (10) to the thread edge (14). The thread (12) has a specific apex angle (α) formed between the adjacent flanks (15, 16). Preferably the outer thread edge (14) extends in a wave form in the radial direction with an amplitude (U) between wave crests (20) forming indentations (24) which interrupt the surface of the flank (15/16). At least one of the two flanks (15, 16) of the thread (12) is formed concavely in the region between the shank core (10) and the thread edge (14), seen in radial profile, in such a way that the apex angle (α) is less than a flank angle (αF). With preference, the thread (12) respectively has in the regions that are not interrupted by indentations (24).
US07785049B2 Fastening device for a hand router on a milling table
A fastening device (61) for fastening a hand router to the underside of a work platform (2) of a workbench (1) has radially outwardly extending projections which are associated with a base ring for the hand router and which may be introduced into associated fastening pockets by rotating the base ring in the work platform (2). The fastening pockets can be formed by fastening members (12) associated with the underside (2′) of the work platform (2).
US07785045B2 Insert with a mounting hole and toolholder including a cutting insert
The present invention relates to cutting tools with cutting inserts and, more particularly, to cutting tools with cutting inserts that have mounting recesses. The cutting insert includes a body having a mounting hole having an axis extending therethrough, and a surface portion in the mounting hole. The surface portion is substantially circular when viewed in a direction of the axis and is non-parallel to the axis and including at least two contact points disposed at a lesser distance from the axis than a region between the at least two contact points. A cutting tool is also disclosed.
US07785043B2 Apparatus for controlling or regulating the distribution of particles in dust or granule form in one or a plurality of carrier gas streams
The invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the distribution of particles in dust or granule form in one or a plurality of carrier gas streams. The invention further relates to the use of an apparatus in a conveying pipe. An advantageous adaptation of the volumetric flow within the individual flow cross sections is achieved with the invention, so that in particular no channeling can occur, which has favorable effects for a specified material flow rate or material flow rate control particularly in coal-fired power plants. The apparatus according to the invention is furthermore very simple in construction and requires few components.
US07785037B2 Spillway hydroelectric turbine
A hydroelectric system comprising a support member, a rotational torque converter, a drive member being disposed at one end of a support arm, a water driven mechanism in rotational communication with the drive member, wherein the support arm can be pivotally adjusted by a retraction mechanism are disclosed. A spillway deflector comprising a spillway deflector wedge, a deflector anchor, and a flat portion extending between the deflector anchor and the deflector wedge are disclosed.
US07785032B2 Arresting motion of a vehicle having wheels with tires
A barrier (B) for arresting motion of a vehicle driven in an incoming direction (V) and having wheels (18) with tires that couple to fasteners (20) retained in a substrate (10). The substrate has a thickness (T) and is disposed on the ground (G). The fasteners are single-piece fasteners configured for self-retention into the substrate thickness and into a wheel driven over a fastener. A fastener may be configured for engagement via the top surface (14) of the substrate or via the bottom surface (16) of the substrate which has a base (31) with at least one prong (30) or a base (31) with at least one prong and at least one hook (35). The substrate is either a three-dimensional woven web of loops, or a full, or a foamed substrate. The fasteners are introduced into and may be retrieved out of the substrate either manually or mechanically.
US07785031B2 Energy absorbing system
A heavy duty ground retractable automobile barrier for a railroad crossing. Concrete bunkers are placed at each side of a roadway. An upstanding concrete-filled steel pipe fixed in each bunker has a sleeve for rotational and axial movement. Shock absorbers are mounted on each sleeve. A net extends across the road and is attached to the opposite ends of the shock absorbers. Collision of an automobile with the net creates tensile forces in the net. The shock absorbers expand while rotating about the pipe's axis in response to tensile forces from the net that meet or exceed a minimum threshold. Forces from the net pass through the axis of the steel pipe. The net is stored in a pit transverse the roadway parallel to the railroad tracks and is raised and lowered as appropriate. The net includes a cable that extends across the road in a wave pattern, having peaks, valleys and midpoints, wherein tangents of the wave midpoints are at least 90 degrees from tangents of the peaks and valleys.
US07785029B2 Ball joint
A ball joint, particularly an axial joint, having a housing, a bearing shell which is arranged in the housing, and a ball pin with a ball head which is arranged in the bearing shell, is characterized in that the bearing shell is bent open elastically by the ball head so that the restoring force resulting from its deformation applies a prestress onto the ball head which attempts to press the latter out of the housing.
US07785028B2 Covering element for manual-use articles particularly set for laying of at least one substance, and manual-use article provided with such a covering element
A covering element (1) for manual-use articles such as pens, felt-tip pens, correction fluids and the like, comprises a case (3) adapted to receive a respective article (2) by insertion. The covering element (1) further comprises coupling means to ensure engagement of the covering element (1) with the respective article (2). Advantageously, the covering element is also provided with abutment means (5) associated with the case (3) to cause shifting of the covering element (1) between a coupled condition and a released condition, by effect of at least one manual action. The abutment means (5) consists of respective abutment surfaces (7, 9) protruding from the case (3) to enable a manual thrust to be exerted on the covering element (1).
US07785023B1 Miniature camera lens system
A lens system for a miniature camera includes an imager and four cylindrical lenses disposed concentrically on an optical axis of the lens system. The lenses include, in order from a front end of the lens system to a back end thereof, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens and a fourth lens. The first lens has a positive power and aspheric front and back surfaces, the second lens has a negative power and aspheric front and back surfaces, the third lens is made of glass, has a positive power, a plano front surface and a spherical convex back surface, and the fourth lens has a negative power and aspheric front and back surfaces.
US07785018B2 Fiber optic adapters with integrated shutter
The present disclosure is generally directed to a fiber optic adapter assembly for mating fiber optic connectors. The fiber optic adapter includes a body, an alignment cap, and a shutter door. The alignment cap and the body together define a space with the shutter door pivotally disposed in the space for inhibiting debris from entering through the opening and into the body. The shutter door is configured to pivot inwardly when contacted by a fiber optic connector being inserted through the at least one opening and into the body. Additionally, the shutter door includes at least one standoff and at least one latch, wherein the latch is configured to engage and assist in retaining a fiber optic connector that is inserted into the fiber optic adapter assembly.
US07785017B2 Strain-relief assemblies and methods for a field-installable fiber optic connector
A strain-relief assembly for a field-installable fiber optic connector is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a ferrule holder, an intermediate sleeve, and a crimp sleeve. The ferrule holder back section holds a buffered section of a fiber optic cable, while the ferrule holder front end holds a ferrule and a splice assembly. A stub fiber is held within the ferrule and the splice assembly so as to interface with a section of field optical fiber protruding from the buffered section. The intermediate sleeve engages and generally surrounds a portion of the ferrule holder back section and thus surrounds a portion of the buffered layer. An intermediate sleeve handler may be used to handle the intermediate sleeve and attached the intermediate sleeve to the ferrule holder back section. Stress-relief strands from the fiber optic cable are flared around the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve. A crimp sleeve is placed over the intermediate sleeve to hold the ends of the stress-relief strands in place. The crimp sleeve is then crimped, which fixes the strand ends in place and also fixes the intermediate sleeve in place on the ferrule back section.
US07785015B2 Fiber optic drop cables and preconnectorized assemblies
A preconnectorized outdoor cable streamlines the deployment of optical waveguides into the last mile of an optical network. The preconnectorized outdoor cable includes a cable and at least one plug connector. The plug connector is attached to a first end of the cable, thereby connectorizing at least one optical waveguide. The cable has at least one optical waveguide, at least one tensile element, and a cable jacket. Various cable designs such as figure-eight or flat cables may be used with the plug connector. In preferred embodiments, the plug connector includes a crimp assembly having a crimp housing and a crimp band. The crimp housing has two half-shells being held together by the crimp band for securing the at least one tensile element. When fully assembled, the crimp housing fits into a shroud of the preconnectorized cable. The shroud aides in mating the preconnectorized cable with a complimentary receptacle.
US07785011B2 Roller element
A roller element (10) is provided which has a central body (1) and a roller unit (2). The roller unit (2) is mounted so as to circulate on a non-circular race (21) about the central body (1) and so as to be mobile with respect to the central body (1) by the rolling movement of the rollers (3) of the roller unit (2) on the central body (1). The rollers (3) are configured as balls or substantially cylindrical elements. A peripheral surface of the rollers (3), for a substantial part, is shaped as a rolling surface that corresponds to the central body (1) and for rolling off on the central body (1). The elements of the roller unit (2) have play in relation to one another and/or the roller unit has play regarding its mobility in relation to the central body (1).
US07785008B2 Planar loaded operably conformable material containment system
A BigFoot™ Bag material containment system which provides a material container (2) having a flexible layer (26) which can be established in a substantially planar configuration (3) on a support surface (4) for loading material (5) and which operably conforms by closure (15) to provide an enclosed space (20) to contain the loaded material (5).
US07785006B2 Medical diagnostic apparatus with length-adjustable arm structure
A medical diagnostic apparatus using X-ray photography and having a length-adjustable arm structure is disclosed. The medical diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention comprises an X-ray generation unit, a first arm moving the X-ray generation unit forward and backward, a detector unit, a second arm connected to the detector unit, and a main body, a vertical drive motor and a rotational drive motor. The second arm comprises a guide rod connected to the main body; a drive motor rotating the guide rod; and a guide groove unit including a guide rod hole which is screw-fitting with the guide rod; a second guide plate disposed on both sides of the guide rod, and a guide rail formed on an inside of the second guide plate; a plurality of rollers to contact with the guide rail, and a guide rail groove to insert the guide rail therein.
US07785005B2 Cassette accommodating device, radiation detection system, and rechargeable battery accommodating device
A cassette accommodating device accommodates cassettes with various sizes. Each cassette houses a rechargeable battery and a radiation detection unit that generates a radiographic image according to an amount of received radiation and each cassette is provided with a power receiving unit for recharging the rechargeable battery on at least one of two connected side faces of each cassette. The device includes a groove portion formed with a sloping face that faces one of the two connected side faces of an accommodated cassette and a bottom face that faces another of the two connected side faces of the accommodated cassette. The bottom face is inclined such that the cassette moves toward the sloping face when the cassette is loaded. A power supply unit is formed to the sloping face and/or the bottom face so as to supply power to the power receiving unit when the cassette has been accommodated.
US07785000B2 Venting system for drywell calibrators
In one aspect of the invention a drywell includes a heated receiver for receiving a temperature probe. The receiver has upper and lower ends and an inner shield positioned around the receiver to define a first air channel extending between the upper and lower ends. A flow plate is positioned above the upper end of the receiver and extends outwardly from the receiver. The flow plate defines a plate opening positioned over the receiver opening and has a lower surface sloping away from the receiver with distance above the receiver. A blower positioned below the lower end of the receiver induces air flow through the air channel. The lower surface of the flow plate directs the air flow away from the temperature probe.
US07784999B1 Eductor apparatus with lobes for optimizing flow patterns
An eductor apparatus has an inlet nozzle section with a primary inlet and a nozzle, a mixing chamber connected to the inlet nozzle section and in fluid communication with a narrow diameter opening of the nozzle, and a diffuser section connected to the mixing chamber opposite the inlet nozzle section. The diffuser section has throat formed therein. The throat has a plurality of lobes formed thereon. The plurality of lobes extend longitudinally along the throat. The lobes are generally equally circumferentially spaced from each other around the throat. The narrow diameter opening of the nozzle has another plurality of lobes formed therearound and extending in longitudinally alignment with the plurality of lobes of the throat.
US07784996B1 Mortar mixing apparatus
A mortar mixing apparatus includes a screw conveyor disposed below the bottom of a mixing container in which a selectively operable agitator is located. An elongate opening in the bottom of the mixing container is open into the housing of the screw conveyor so that mixed mortar may flow into the screw conveyor. The screw conveyor may be rotated in a reverse direction to force materials upward into the mixing container, or it may be operated in a forward direction to convey mortar away from the mixing container. The agitator and the screw conveyor are independently driven by hydraulic motors.
US07784994B2 Aggregate mixing apparatus having spherical batch mixing vessel with jet pump to help load material and single pneumatic source to pressurize mixing vessel and drive jet pump
Mixing apparatus includes a batch mixing vessel with an inlet to receive constituent material, an agitation assembly for mixing the constituents and an outlet to convey batches of the mixed is provided. The apparatus includes a pressurizing device for pressurizing the vessel to assist in evacuation of the mix, and a conduit through which the mix is conveyed. A single pneumatic source is used both to pressurize the mixing vessel and to drive a jet pump including the batch loader. During the mixing cycle, the compressor used to discharge the finished mix is generally idle. This compressor can be used during these periods to drive a jet pump to load the mixing vessel. Therefore, manual loading is avoided and can be achieved such that the mixing cycle time is not interrupted.
US07784993B2 Watertight LED lamp
Disclosed is a three-piece light emitting diode lamp. The lamp comprises a lamp holder that encapsulates and seals various connectors and connections. A removable light emitting diode is inserted into contact sockets so that the light emitting diode can be easily replaced. Various techniques are used to provide proper polarity for placement of the light emitting diode in the contact sockets. A lens cover is engaged in a ring cavity between an inner annular wall and an outer annular wall that seal and hold the lens cover to the lamp holder and provide a watertight seal.
US07784992B2 Apparatus for a solar window nightlight
An apparatus for a solar window nightlight includes at least one battery contained within a circuit housing. Solar panels are disposed on an outside surface of the circuit housing for charging the battery. Control circuitry connects the battery, the solar panels and LED lights to control operations of the LED lights and charging of the at least one battery. A photocell is connected to the control circuitry where when ambient light falls below a predetermined level, the control circuitry activates the LED lights. Translucent lenses include a bore hole in a base for receiving one of the LED lights and reflective material on outside edges. Suction cups retain the apparatus on a window surface where, during day light hours, there is sufficient ambient light to charge the battery and, during night hours, the translucent lenses illuminate a desired area.
US07784985B2 Dual function headlamp for a motor vehicle
A dual function headlamp for motor vehicle fulfilling a first function as a beam with cut-off, in particular a dipped beam, and a second function as a second-type beam, in particular a full beam, comprising: an elliptical reflector with an interior focal point and an focal point on an optical axis; a light source placed in the vicinity of the interior focal point; an optics placed forward of the reflector and with a focal point merged with, or next to, the exterior focal point of the reflector; and a retractable shade that can occupy an active position for the beam with cut-off and a withdrawn position for the second-type beam, the shade in active position presenting a cut-off edge situated in the vicinity of the focal point of the optics. The retractable shade presents a reflective surface which, in withdrawn position, is placed in the lower part of the reflector, is turned forward and contributes to the second-type beam.
US07784979B2 Reflector assembly for a recessed luminaire
The reflector assembly maintains the integrity and shape of a multi-member reflector for a recessed luminaire. The reflector assembly includes a reflector having multiple members. The members are arranged in a geometric form, such as a rectangle. A frame is disposed around the reflector. The frame includes at least one integral member manipulated around a joint formed between adjacent members of the reflector. For example, the integral member can include a clamp or tab. The frame and the integral member secure the positions of the members of the reflector relative to one another and prevent light from leaking through joints between the members. One or more connectors are coupled to the frame for connecting the reflector assembly to a lighting fixture. For example, each connector can include a torsion spring coupled to a lever configured to engage a corresponding catch of a collar on the lighting fixture.
US07784975B2 Apparatus for linear illumination of a moving product web
An apparatus (1) serves for linear illumination of a moving product web (6), the apparatus (1) having at least one light source (4) emitting light. In order to achieve high luminance in a linear subregion of the product web (6), at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source (4) is reflected towards the product web (6) by at least one tubular reflector (5). The tubular reflector (5) in this case has at least one light exit slit (7) which is assigned to the product web (6). Moreover, the tubular reflector has at least one observation slit (8) which lies opposite the light exit slit (7). The illuminated product web (6) can be observed through this observation slit (8) by means of a line camera (2).
US07784973B2 LED lamp
An LED wall lamp includes a heat sink having a base, an LED module attached to a top surface of the base of the heat sink, an envelope attached to the top surface of the base and receiving the LED module therein, and a cover coupled to a top of the base and covering a part of the envelope. The heat sink includes a circular base, a cylindrical transferring portion extending downwards from a bottom surface of the base, and a plurality of radial partition fins. The fins extend evenly and outwards from an outer surface of the transferring portion and simultaneously extending downwards from the bottom surface of the base. Engaging poles extend downwardly from the base of the heat sink for securing the LED wall lamp to a wall.
US07784972B2 Thermal management system for LED array
A device, comprising (a) a chamber having a liquid disposed therein, (b) an LED array having a first surface which is in contact with said liquid, and (c) at last one actuator adapted to dislodge vapor bubbles from said first surface through the emission of pressure vibrations.
US07784961B1 Clip-attachable light strings for Christmas tree branches
A decorative Christmas tree lighting system with individual light strands for each tree bough or branch is herein disclosed, comprising a central bus wire located near the trunk of the tree and a series of five (5) to ten (10) single-ended lighting strands originating in an outward or radial pattern therefrom the central bus wire. Each of these lighting “branch” strands has approximately ten (10) to twenty (20) individual light bulbs, depending on the overall size, and is routed along or around an individual branch or bough of the tree. Each individual light strand is held in place with at least two (2) clip means, one (1) near the outer end of the branch, and one (1) near the tree trunk, which help hold the lights in place. The central bus wire comprises a plurality of electrical plugs on each end to allow for end-to-end connection of multiple light systems. In such a manner, any size tree can be illuminated by simply adding additional light systems.
US07784959B2 Whirlpool type aqua-lamp-based candle-like lighting device
A whirlpool type aqua-lamp-based candle-like lighting device includes a stand accommodating therein a motor for driving rotation of a magnetic piece and an aqua lamp that defines a chamber mounted to an open end of the stand. The aqua lamp receives therein a magnetically-driven moving piece located on a bottom thereof and corresponding to the magnetic piece and a light generation assembly is set under the aqua lamp. An illuminator for generating twinkling lighting is arranged at an opening of the chamber. Thus, the motor, once set in operation, rotates the magnetically-driven moving piece, which in turn causes a liquid flow inside the aqua lamp in a whirlpool and dazzling/shining manner; meanwhile, the illuminator on the chamber provides a function of simulating a twinkling candle flaming. The whirlpool type aqua-lamp-based candle-like lighting device shows dual interests of visual effects in light twinkling and entertainment of observing liquid flowing.
US07784955B2 Apparatus for aiming LED headlamp
Disclosed herein is an LED (light emitting diode) headlamp aiming apparatus, which aims a mounting module that is provided with LEDs and is installed in a headlamp housing. The LED headlamp aiming apparatus includes a vertical aiming unit, which is provided on the rear side of the mounting module and is coupled to the headlamp housing, a horizontal aiming unit, which is provided on the rear side of the mounting module and is coupled to the headlamp housing, and a pivot unit which is coupled to the headlamp housing and is provided under the lower portion of the mounting module to support the mounting module and provide the center of the aiming operation.
US07784953B2 Quick-attach mirror mounting structure facilitating assembly
An apparatus includes a mirror head assembly including a rearwardly-extending ball section, and a mirror support assembly including a tube having a larger-diameter mid-section and a smaller-diameter tapered end section. A socket on the mirror support assembly, when in the end section, captures the ball section with friction to permit angular adjustment but with enough friction to maintain a selected angular position. A spring biases the socket from the mid-section into the end section, but is compressible so that assembly is possible by pressing the ball section against the socket, causing the socket to move from the end section into the mid-section where the ball section snaps into the socket. It is conceived that the ball section and socket components can be reversed, and also that the mirror support assembly can include a two-ball mount, with a ball-and-socket connection at each end.
US07784952B2 Enclosed lens type retroreflective sheet with wide-angle reflective performance and external illumination system
The retroreflective sheet of the present invention comprises a surface layer (1) including at least one layer, a focusing layer (2) containing glass spheres (3), and a metal reflective layer (4) on the back side of the focusing layer (2), wherein the glass spheres (3) are disposed at random locations in the thickness direction of the focusing layer (2). The external illumination system of the present invention comprises a sign having a sign face including the above-mentioned retroreflective sheet, and an external illumination source, and the distance from the illumination source to the sign face is within a range of at least 1 m and no more than 100 m. The present invention thereby provides a retroreflective sheet and an external illumination system with which wide-angle reflective performance with a wider incidence angle and observation angle can be ensured.
US07784945B2 Display Apparatus, display method, display program, integrated circuit, goggle-type head-mounted display, vehicle, monocle, and stationary display
A display apparatus includes: a light outputting unit which outputs a visible beam to be projected onto an eyeball and an infrared beam to be projected onto eyelids; a deflection unit which deflects, toward the user's eyes, the visible beam and infrared beam outputted by the light outputting unit; a light sensing unit which senses the reflected light of the visible beam reflected off the user's eyeball; an eyelid opening and closing judgment unit which judges the open or closed state of the user's eyelids based on the result of the reflected light sensing by the light sensing unit; and an infrared-irradiation range control unit which changes the irradiation range of the infrared beam so that the eyelids are selectively irradiated with the infrared beam, by controlling the light outputting unit according to the open or closed state of the eyelids judged by is the eyelid opening and closing judgment unit.
US07784942B2 Fundus oculi observation device, a fundus oculi image display device and a fundus oculi image display method
A fundus oculi observation device comprises: a first image forming part for optically obtaining data and then forming a fluorescence image of a fundus oculi of an eye administered with a fluorescent agent in advance based on the obtained data; a second image forming part for optically obtaining data and then forming a tomographic image of the fundus oculi based on the obtained data; a display; and a controller for causing said display to display said fluorescence image formed by said first image forming part side-by-side with said tomographic image formed by said second image forming part, as well as to display cross-sectional position information that represents a cross-sectional position of said tomographic image in said fluorescence image by overlapping it with said fluorescent image.
US07784941B2 Fundus observation device
A fundus observation device which can simultaneously capture both surface images and tomographic images of the fundus oculi is provided. The fundus observation device 1 has a fundus camera unit 1A, an OCT unit 150, and an arithmetic and control unit 200. The fundus camera unit 1A has an illuminating optical system 100 and an imaging optical system 120. The arithmetic and control unit 200 forms the surface image of fundus oculi Ef based on signals from fundus camera unit 1A. The OCT unit 150 divides low coherence light LO into the signal light LS and the reference light LR, and detects the interference light LC that can be obtained from the signal light LS passing through fundus oculi Ef and the reference light LR passing through reference mirror 174. The arithmetic and control unit 200 forms tomographic images of fundus oculi Ef based on these detecting results. A Dichroic mirror 134 combines the optical path of the signal light LS toward fundus oculi Ef into the optical path for imaging of the imaging optical system 120, and separates the optical path of the signal light LS towards fundus oculi Ef from the optical path for imaging.
US07784940B2 Eye viewing device comprising video capture optics
There is described in one embodiment an eye viewing device for viewing a structure of an eye such as a retina. The eye viewing device can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an eye viewing device can be adapted to facilitate both visual viewing of an eye structure and electronic image capture.
US07784919B2 Methods for improving flow through fluidic channels
Methods for improving fluid flow in one or more flow features of a micro-fluid ejection head and micro-fluid ejection heads having improved fluid flow. One method includes bonding a substrate having a flow feature layer to an ejection head body using a relatively low stress, substantially flexible adhesive containing a relatively volatile polar organic compound. The adhesive is cured under conditions sufficient to induce outgassing of at least a portion of the relatively volatile polar organic compound on at least a portion of a flow feature surface sufficient to increase fluid wetting of the flow feature surface.
US07784914B2 Fluid ejection device
A method of manufacturing a fluid ejection device. A plurality of drive transistors is disposed on a substrate, the drive transistors each comprising contacts. A metal layer is disposed over the contacts. The plurality of drive transistors includes a primitive group of drive transistors, and the metal layer includes a power buss covering each of the contacts of the primitive group of drive transistors.
US07784913B2 Mounted structure, liquid droplet ejection head, liquid droplet ejection apparatus and manufacturing method
A liquid droplet ejection head that ejects liquid droplets through deformation of a driven element, includes: a first substrate having a pressurizing chamber with a nozzle aperture that ejects liquid droplets, and a first surface on which is formed a first wiring electrically connected to the drive element; a second substrate disposed on the first surface of the first substrate and covering the driven element, the second substrate having a second surface and a side surface, the second surface facing in a same direction as the first surface of the first substrate and on which is formed a second wiring, the side surface on which is formed a third wiring that combines the first wiring and the second wiring; a semiconductor element disposed on the second surface of the second substrate, and which drives the driven element; and plating that electrically connects the first wiring, the second wiring, the third wiring, and a connection terminal of the semiconductor element.
US07784906B2 Refill unit
A refill unit that includes: an ink cartridge; a case having an opening formed in a front face thereof for inserting/extracting the ink cartridge and a holding portion communicated with the opening for housing the ink cartridge; an urging mechanism disposed in the case and engaging with an upper face of the ink cartridge housed in the holding portion, the urging mechanism urging the ink cartridge elastically toward the opening; a door disposed on the case and capable of moving between a closed position, at which the opening is closed with the ink cartridge being housed in the holding portion, and an opened position; and a presser member disposed on the door and capable of pressing the ink cartridge housed in the holding portion toward the opening when the door moves from the closed position to the opened position.
US07784905B2 Nozzle assembly for an inkjet printer for ejecting a low speed droplet
A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor. The velocity of the ink droplet is less than 8 m/s.
US07784904B2 Liquid jet head
A liquid ejecting head includes a plurality of nozzles, each including an ejection outlet for ejecting a droplet, an ejection energy generating element, disposed at a position opposing the ejection outlet, for generating energy for ejecting a droplet, a pressure chamber provided with the ejection energy generating element and fluidly communicating with the ejection outlet, and a supply passage for supplying the liquid to the pressure chamber. The nozzles include a first nozzle and a second nozzle, which are connected with respective supply passages having lengths different from each other. The first nozzle and the second nozzle are disposed at one end portion with respect to a widthwise direction of an elongated supply chamber for supplying the liquid to the first nozzle. The supply passage for the first nozzle extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction of liquid ejection from the ejection outlet and fluidly communicates with the supply chamber, and wherein the supply passage for the second nozzle extends in a direction parallel with the direction of liquid ejection.
US07784900B2 Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus is disclosed that includes a carriage that moves back and forth along the main scanning direction, plural recording heads mounted on the carriage that discharge recording liquid, a guide that guides the carriage in the main scanning direction, a power source and a drive pulley that drive the carriage to move in the main scanning direction, a driven pulley that transmits the drive power from the power source to the carriage, and a motion transmitting element that is arranged over the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The carriage is forced toward the guide by a tension generated by deflecting an extending direction of the motion transmitting element.
US07784897B2 Method of measuring printing characteristics
A method (300) is described of determining characteristic of an ink jet printer (15). A chart containing multiple regions or patches is printed (320) on a print medium (115) using the ink jet print (15). The chart includes at least a first region printed using a first set of nozzles, and at least a second region printed using a second set of nozzles. The first and second sets of nozzles are a predetermined distance apart in the printer head of the printer (15). The printing of the first and second regions is also separated by a print medium advance operation equal to the predetermined distance. This causes the first and second regions to be aligned in the direction of the print medium advance operation. The chart is then imaged using scanner (16) chart to form a chart image. The positions of the regions appearing in the chart image are next determined (340). The spatial alignment characteristic of the printer is calculated from the distance, in the medium advance direction, between said first and second regions.
US07784893B2 Image-forming device
A multifunctional device including a lower frame, a main control board, and a cartridge holder. A conveying space is formed in the lower frame farther forward than a recording unit and includes a discharge space for receiving discharged recording sheet. The main control board is disposed horizontally above the conveying space when viewed from the front. The recording unit is disposed farther rearward than the conveying space, with its topmost part substantially equal in height to the main control board. The cartridge holder is disposed to the side of the conveying space and the main control board and fits vertically within the top part.
US07784892B2 Printer and method of controlling the same
A scale is provided with a plurality of marks or slits arranged in a first direction such that a distance between centers of adjacent marks or slits in the first direction assumes a first length. An encoder is opposing the scale and includes: a photo emitter, operable to emit light; and a plurality of photo detectors, each of which has a light receiving region adapted to receive the light emitted from the photo emitter and transmitted by way of the marks or slits, and is operable to output a detection signal in accordance with a quantity of the light received by the light receiving region, so that the detection signal has a first cycle corresponding to the first length. A control signal generator is operable to generate a control signal having a second cycle which is (½n1) of the first cycle. A controller is operable to estimate a rotation speed of a motor based on a third cycle which is defined by subsequent (2n1) second cycles. Here, n1 is an integer no less than one.
US07784891B2 Image recording apparatus
In an image recording apparatus, there are oppositely arranged an image recording section capable of recording an image all over the recording width of a recording medium, and a platen section which holds the recording medium and which conveys the recording medium perpendicularly to a width direction of the recording medium. A platen driving unit can vary a space between the image recording section and the platen section. Positioning pins of a carriage are engaged with slide hooks to set a space between the platen driving unit and the image recording section.
US07784890B1 Biaxial flow damper for drawer
A biaxial flow damper used in an auto-close mechanism of a sliding rail assembly is disclosed to include a cylinder body defining flow parallel flow chambers, two first end caps respectively mounted in the front and rear sides of the cylinder body to close one end of each of the flow chambers, two second end caps respectively mounted in the front and rear sides of the cylinder body to close the opposite end of each of the flow chambers, two pistons respectively slidably mounted in the flow chambers of the cylinder body, and two piston rods respectively connected to the pistons and respectively extending out of the first end caps at the front and rear sides of the cylinder body.
US07784889B2 Switchgear cabinet with a rack and/or panel elements
A switchgear cabinet with a rack and/or panel elements, wherein a mounting plate can be attached to an interior of the switchgear cabinet. A lower edge of the mounting plate has sliding elements, wherein one or several spacing elements are fastened on a rear panel element and/or on rear parts of the rack, by which the mounting plate is supported in the mounting position. The mounting plate can provide fastening receivers in the area of the lower edge and the upper edge which, in the installation position of the mounting plate, cooperate with fastening elements of the lower and upper contact elements and fix the mounting plate rigidly in place. With sliding elements supported on the bottom or the cover plate and fastening elements at the spacing elements and fastening receivers on the mounting plate, an installation without sliding rails is possible, wherein the switchgear cabinet can be installed facing the attachment area with the bottom plate or the cover plate.
US07784888B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a body; a compartment within the body; a container within the compartment, the container being moveable along a first direction; an electrical device, the electrical device moving along with the container in the first direction when the container moves along the first direction; and a conductor for providing an electrical signal to the electrical device, the conductor being extendable and retractable in the first direction when the electrical device moves along the first direction.
US07784883B2 Vehicular brake hydraulic pressure controller
A vehicular brake hydraulic pressure controller has a reference hydraulic pressure acquisition section 21a for acquiring hydraulic pressure achieved on the other side of an electromagnetic valve as reference hydraulic pressure, a differential pressure calculation section 21b for calculating a differential pressure Py by subtracting previously-estimated hydraulic pressure achieved on one side of the electromagnetic valve from the reference hydraulic pressure; a pressure gradient coefficient calculation section 21c for acquiring a pressure gradient coefficient K correlating with a drive current of the electromagnetic valve and the differential pressure Py, and an estimated hydraulic pressure calculation section 21e for estimating current hydraulic pressure by adding a product, which has been produced by multiplying the differential pressure Py by the pressure gradient coefficient K, to the previously-estimated hydraulic pressure achieved on one side of the electromagnetic valve.
US07784880B2 Braking system for a floor conveyor
A braking system for a floor conveyor, which features at least one travel motor for at least one driven wheel, an electric steering control for at least one steered wheel, a service brake with a braking transmitter generating a braking signal and an electromagnetically releasable spring brake as an emergency stop brake, which is amongst others actuable when an error signal is generated in the steering control or a braking signal otherwise, which further features a superordinated vehicle control for various functions of the floor conveyor and a battery for supplying the individual electric consumers, wherein the steering control actuates a first switch at an error signal, which cuts off the electric connection between the battery and the emergency stop brake, wherein an additional switch is connected in series with the first switch and is actuable by a PWM actuator of the vehicle control, and a control line is connected between the steering control and the vehicle control, such that both switches are switched according to the clock of the PWM actuator when an error signal or a braking signal occurs.
US07784877B1 Wheel shield apparatus
The wheel shield apparatus provides a selectively folded first panel and second panel, each having a plurality of hingedly adjoined radial segments and also provides clear panels so that wheels and hubcaps can be seen. The optional elastic cord hooks the apparatus to a wheel and tire. The folding radial segments provide for compact storage and transport when desired. The segments are easily folded out and the two panels fastened together to quickly form a shield for wheels and hubcaps, against chemicals, especially sprays which are typically used. Each segment of each panel is doubly hinged to the next to ensure durability.
US07784876B2 Motorcycle wheel assembly and method for protecting bearings and for providing security for mounting bolts
A motorcycle wheel assembly having a wheel with a central hub and an axle extending centrally through the hub with interior wheel bearings and at least one brake disc in abutment with the outside surface of the hub is provided with at least a wheel cover fitted onto a spacer surrounding the axle between the brake disc and the lower extremity of an adjacent fork in order to protect the wheel bearings and the mounting bolts from sand and grit. The wheel cover includes a shoulder portion on one side through which a spacer and an axle extend and an outer lip overlying the brake disc and mounting bolts.
US07784868B2 Stadium seat
A seat frame of a stadium seat includes a lower cross beam, bench-engaging support arms configured to mount over a top, flat surface of the stadium bench, and upright support members. The upright support members include rounded upper ends that may be rearwardly canted.
US07784867B2 Seat assembly for a vehicle
A seat assembly for a vehicle, such as a school bus, accommodates two or three passengers, depending on the size and stature of the passengers. The seat assembly is equipped with three seatbelts and five buckles spaced along a seatback. When three passengers are utilizing the seat assembly, each of the three seatbelts and three of the buckles are utilized. When two passengers are utilizing the seat assembly, two of the seatbelts and the remaining two buckles are utilized. The seatbelts and buckles are visually coded and/or keyed to prevent improper use. When the buckles are not being utilized, they are housed in cavities formed in the seatback to avoid interference with the passengers.
US07784865B2 Vehicle seat, motor vehicle, and airbag module
A technology is provided effective for aiming at improving an assembling capability of an airbag module in a vehicle seat, on which an airbag module is mounted having a construction in which an airbag is developed and expanded from a downside to an upside of the seat cushion, against a movement of the vehicle occupant in a front of the motor vehicle, in a condition of the occupant being seated in the vehicle seat, at a time when an accident occurs. A vehicle seat with respect to the present invention is constructed such that a hollow portion that is caved downward, which is provided in a seat pan is capable of holding an airbag module.
US07784864B2 Holding device for automobiles
A holder for personal effects in a vehicle comprising a base that fits around the support rods of a headrest, a mount that may adjustably connected to the base and designed to hold the strap or other hanging feature of one or more personal items, and at least one securement block that may be used to sure up the base, limit its ability to move laterally, or help it to support heavier items. The base may be detachable and reversible so that it can be used in combination with the headrest support rods of a seat on either side of the car and so that the arm can be positioned in a maximum number of variations for the convenience of the user. In some embodiments, one or more of the securement blocks is easily removable and re-attachable to the base to accommodate a large variety of headrest and support rod configurations.
US07784863B2 Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat has a back rest, a head restraint, which is adjustable in the height and which has a head cushion, and a ventilation device, whose exhaust vent for blowing out a warm airflow is arranged on the upper side of the back rest. The vehicle seat that has a construction that is simplified and aesthetically pleasing and that is characterized in that a diverting mechanism is provided in a lower area of the head restraint and is integrated into the head cushion. The warm airflow issuing from the exhaust vent is diverted into the head and/or neck area of a seat passenger via this diverting mechanism.
US07784862B2 Tray table assembly
A tray table assembly for a reclinable seat that includes a tray table support arm including a support arm guide member and a slot for receiving a seat frame guide member therein for providing vertically translation of the assembly with seat movement, a support arm guiding member defining a guiding surface and an assembly stowing detent, a tray table pivotably attached to the tray table support arm, and a mechanical stop for limiting rotating of the tray table support arm.
US07784861B1 Folding frame for a folding chair with seat back and seat cover
A spring locking knob and a fixed stop at the upper ends of the front legs of a chair frame cooperate to restrict movement of a slideset joining the front legs, rear legs and seat support struts of a chair in making the chair with its cover seat more stable and resistant to an inadvertent folding closure.
US07784860B2 Cinch/lock of leg to ensure engagement
A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a seat cushion and an output shaft rotatably coupled to the seat cushion. An actuator is fixedly coupled to the seat cushion and operatively coupled to the output shaft for rotatably driving the output shaft. A front leg is operably connected to the actuator for movement between a support position supporting the seat cushion and a retracted position folded underneath the seat cushion. A front latch is mounted on the front leg and is positioned to selectively engage a striker bar along a motor vehicle floor for maintaining the front leg in the support position. A link assembly extends between the output shaft and the front latch for selectively unlocking the front latch as the output shaft is rotatably driven by the actuator to drive the front leg between the retracted position and the support position.
US07784857B2 Fastener assembly
A retaining structure and fastener assembly for securing a resin panel to a vehicle body. The panel has an inner surface and a retaining structure extending outwardly from the inner surface. The retaining structure has a retaining wall with a slot for receiving a shoulder of a bolt therethrough, so that a head of the bolt is retained between the inner surface and a washer for securing the panel to the body of the vehicle. The slot is oversized relative to the shoulder of the bolt so as to define a predetermined gap therebetween to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the panel, thereby preventing building of the panel relative to the vehicle.
US07784856B2 Dynamic load bearing composite floor pan for an automotive vehicle
A composite floor pan may be joined with other structural members of an automotive vehicle. External loads imparted to the structural members may be transferred to the floor pan. The floor pan may be configured to absorb and/or transfer these external loads without separating.
US07784854B2 Aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus
An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of a series of nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.
US07784853B2 Protection device for motor vehicles
In order to design a protection device for motor vehicles, comprising a protection element protecting again draft and/or radiation, wherein for the mounting on a motor vehicle body the protection device has two fixing devices which are arranged on oppositely located sides and in which at least one locking element movable back and forth between an operative position and an inoperative position is mounted, so that it is easier to mount it is suggested that the fixing devices be coupled by means of a coupling device in such a manner that the at least one locking element of the one fixing device and the at least one locking element of the other, oppositely located fixing device can be transferred together from the operative into the inoperative position.
US07784845B2 Expandable vehicle-mounted shelter
An expandable vehicle-mounted shelter is a construction connected to a vehicle, in which a shelter container body 2 thereof is laterally enlarged to have an enlarged internal space in which special equipment, such as communication equipment, medical equipment, etc., and other equipment is provided, or otherwise to be utilized as a compartment for carrying goods. In the shelter container body, expandable frames are laterally oppositely provided, each frame having folding sections. In each of the folding sections, a support plate is pivotably connected, at the upper or lower end thereof, to the body via hinge means, and at least one folding plate is foldably connected to the support plate, so that the folding section can be pivoted around the hinge means to spread out, thereby enlarging the space inside the shelter.
US07784844B2 Interior trim member of work vehicle and method of manufacturing the same
A concave notch portion to which an interference body is fitted is formed in an interference region with the interference body existing in an incorporated portion of at least one side edge portion of an interior trim member. A cushion body made of an elastically deformable material is arranged in a periphery including the concave notch portion, and a structure member made of a material which is light and harder than the cushion body is arranged in the other region than the arranged region of the cushion body in the interior trim member. The skin member, the structure member and the cushion body are integrated by a molding. Consequently, an interior trim member is removable from an incorporated position, even in the case that a post exists in a driver seat, in the rigid interior trim member incorporated in the driver seat of various work vehicle.
US07784842B1 Hole digging device
A hole digging device comprising a shaft having a crossbar perpendicularly attached; a push rod parallel to the shaft; a circular base on the second end of the push rod and a handle on the first end of the push rod, wherein the handle, push rod, and base can altogether move between an up position and a down position; two braces attached to the shaft on opposing sides; two digging blades pivotally attached to the braces, wherein the digging blades can pivot between an engaged position or a disengaged position; two blade shafts parallel to the central shaft, wherein the digging blades are pivotally attached to the blade shafts; two grasping loops pivotally attached to the crossbar opposite each other and moveable between an up position and a down position; wherein the grasping loops are biased in the down position caused by springs.
US07784840B2 Apparatus and method for lubricating railroad tracks
A system for increasing the efficiency of the movement of a railroad car over a length of rail, including a fluid reservoir for containing a quantity of efficiency enhancing fluid, a fluid dispensing member, a fluid pump connected in fluidic communication between the reservoir and the fluid dispensing member for dispensing a predetermined quantity of fluid through the fluid dispensing member, a microprocessor operationally connected to the fluid pump, and a first sensor for generating a first sensor signal in response to a railroad car crossing a predetermined section of track and operationally connected to the microprocessor. The fluid dispensing member is positioned along a railroad portion substantially equal in length to the circumference of a railroad car wheel to provide a substantially continuous flow of efficiency enhancing fluid substantially equal in length to the circumference of a railroad car wheel onto the rail portion when the predetermined quantity of fluid is dispensed.
US07784831B2 Seat belt load limiting device
A load limiting device for mounting a seat belt buckle includes a plow shoe attached to one of the buckle and the vehicle and a pair of opposed plates attached to the other of the buckle and the vehicle. The plates have the plow shoe captured therebetween so that upon imposition of an occupant restraint load on the buckle, the plow shoe travels therebetween the plates and absorbs energy by deforming at least one of the plates. An adjuster mechanism adjusts the distance between the opposed plates to selectively increase or decrease the energy absorbing capacity of the load limiting device by determining the extent of metal deformation occurring upon the travel of the plow shoe.
US07784829B2 Gas generator for airbag
A gas generator, relating to a gas generator for a side air bag or the like, is provided. The gas generator has an inner cylindrical member is stored in a housing, wherein the inner cylindrical member has a second outside diameter portion abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the housing, and a first outside diameter portion smaller in outside diameter than the second outside diameter portion, the tip end of the first outside diameter portion side abuts against the closed end portion (one end portion) of the housing, the filter is provided on the outside of the inner cylindrical member in the radial direction of the first outside diameter portion, and the ignition means is provided on the opposite end portion (the other end) from the closed end portion of the housing.
US07784827B2 Variable output using piezo valve technology
An airbag inflator that contains a first quantity of inflation gas. This gas may be housed in a chamber. A quantity of liquid fuel may also be added. This fuel may be housed within a liquid fuel chamber. The quantity of inflation gas may operate to pressurize the liquid fuel chamber. A piezo-valve is also added. The piezo-valve seals the liquid fuel chamber. The piezo-valve is capable of variably releasing liquid fuel from the chamber such that when this secondary liquid is ignited, the airbag inflation gas can be augmented as desired.
US07784823B2 Vehicle occupant restraint system
A vehicle occupant restraint system has a side gas bag which is arranged folded along a roof frame of a vehicle. The side gas bag is configured such that in an inflated condition a front inflatable section at a front end of the side gas bag projects further into the vehicle interior than an inflatable portion adjoining the front inflatable section in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
US07784822B2 Inflatable airbag
An inflatable side curtain airbag for a passenger vehicle is provided. The airbag incorporates a new diode design that restricts gas flow, creating a plurality of substantially isolated cells. A delivery tube delivers gas to the cells through a plurality of outlet orifices that open to the cells. Upon inflation of the cells with a gas, flow of gas between each of the plurality of substantially isolated cells is restricted during occupant loading.
US07784821B2 Device for decreasing peak pressure of airbag
The present invention relates to an airbag deployment device for decreasing peak pressure of an airbag in which an inflation tube is provided to a tear seam of a cover and an inflation tube is connected to an inflator through a gas supply tube. When the inflator is operated, the tear seam is torn due to the inflation of inflation tube before the airbag is deployed toward the outside of the cover. Accordingly, when the airbag is deployed, the peak pressure is significantly decreased. As a result, even though a passenger collides with the airbag to be deployed, it is possible to obtain an advantage of decreasing the degree of injury.
US07784820B2 Air bag deployment chute
An integrated air bag support structure that includes a support base for attachment to the rear side of a substrate. The support base is configured to surround a door support panel and both are configured for attachment to the rear side of a substrate in an area that is pre-weakened to define an air bag deployment door in a vehicle instrument panel or a steering wheel air bag module. The upper surfaces of the support base and door support panel are attached to the rear surface of a substrate and a test tab extends from the base that is attached to the rear surface of the substrate in the same manner as the support base and the door support panel. The test tab has an unattached extension portion for the purpose of gripping and pulling to sample test that the attachment of the test tab without affecting the attachment of the support panel.
US07784819B2 Airbag system
An embodiment of an airbag system includes a cavity configured to store an airbag, wherein the cavity has an aperture that provides an outlet for the airbag during deployment. The embodiment also includes a cover releasably attached over the aperture via an attachment mechanism having an initial attachment strength. The initial attachment strength is configured to reduce to a release attachment strength in response to receipt of a release signal at the attachment mechanism.
US07784818B2 Side curtain airbag directional deployment apparatus
At least one guide member extends longitudally along at least a portion of a stowed side curtain airbag. At least one guide ramp directs deployment of the side curtain airbag toward the openable passage defined at least in part by one or more trim pieces. The guide member surrounds the side curtain airbag on three sides to define an airbag deployment opening facing a rear surface of the one or more trim pieces adjacent the openable passage. The interior trim stucture covers the stowed side curtain airbag and allows deployment of the side curtain airbag through an interface joint to a position along a sidewall of a passenger compartment adjacent a rear seat location of a two-door coupe style vehicle. The interface joint defines an openable passage along the first and second abutting edges allowing deployment of a side curtain airbag through the interface joint.
US07784814B2 Skis and ski boots combination
The combination of ski boots of different sizes, and skis provided with mounted bindings consisting of fixed front and rear jaws. The ski boots are embodied in at least two types (1, 1′, 1″) which differ from each other by a sole length (a, b, c) and are suitable for inserting internal shoes (3a to 3d, 3′a to 3′d, 3″a to 3″d) into at least two boot sizes (2a-2b, 2′a-2′b, 2″a-2″b). The skis (6, 6′, 6″) are provided with fixed jaws (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) mounted in such a way that they correspond to the sole lengths (a, b, c) of the different types of boots (1, 1′, 1″).
US07784813B2 Multi-task trailer hitch assembly
The multi-task trailer hitch assembly of the present invention provides receiving tubes for the attachment of one or more trailer hitch-mounted receiver-type accessories while retaining a trailer hitch for pulling a trailer in the single hitch receiver provided on many trucks and ATVs. This permits the simultaneous use of multiple accessories while retaining the concurrent ability to tow. Multiple receiver tubes can be provided, both horizontal and vertical, and oriented not only toward the rear but also at right angles from the ball mount. This permits fastening one or more attachments from not only the rear but also from the top and inward from both sides toward the ball mount. Extra hitch ball mounts and other towing accessories may also be conveniently stored in the receiver tubes of the present invention while towing with a particular Class II or Class III hitch ball mount in the appropriate vehicle-mounted hitch receiver.
US07784801B2 Brake unit for a baby stroller
A brake mechanism for a baby stroller has a wheel brake device, a connecting element, an actuator and a retainer. The wheel brake device is operatively connected to a wheel set of the stroller. The actuator is controllable connected to the upper portion of the stroller for driving the wheel brake device via the connecting element to brake the wheel of the stroller. The retainer is used to engage with the actuator to keep the actuator in a locked position.
US07784799B2 Apparatus and method for sealing surfaces
The apparatus and method for sealing at least two surfaces includes a sealing member with an attachment portion fixed to one of the surfaces, and a seal portion connected to the attachment portion. The seal portion of the sealing member includes a deformable segment that may be received and retained by a receiving aperture that is defined by at least one of the surfaces. The receiving aperture may further be defined by at least one engagement member extending from at least one of the surfaces. At least one coating, such as paint, may also be located on a side of the sealing member opposite the surfaces. The seal may be engaged and disengaged without requiring reapplication of the coating. Thus, the present invention provides an effective technique for sealing parts of an object, such as sealing a door, panel, cover or the like to a surrounding structure.
US07784797B2 Seal and slip assembly for expandable downhole tools
A sealing and gripping element for an expandable downhole tool features a ring supporting a sealing material with radially extending rings into the sealing material during run in. Expansion of the underlying ring brings the sealing material into contact with the surrounding tubular. It also forces the radially extending rings through the sealing material and into contact with the surrounding tubular. As a result the tips of the extending rings are blunted to create metal to metal seals on the surrounding tubular. Hardened inserts are also located within the sealing material for run in. Upon expansion of the underlying base ring, the inserts break through the sealing material and penetrate the surrounding tubular to enhance grip when high differential pressures are encountered.
US07784794B2 Paper archery tuner
A frame structure holds a paper roll in the top part and releasable spring loaded pressure bars hold the roll and the leading edge of the paper stretched taut across the frame for shooting arrows through the paper and release to allow feeding a hole-free portion of paper from the roll. Once the paper is fed, springs pull the pressure bars together to apply pressure to the top of the paper roll and the leading edge of the paper on the opposite side of the frame so that the paper is held tight. An arrow may be shot through the tight paper to determine the trueness of flight. If the arrow flies true, the tear of the fletching is evenly spaced around the hole of the shaft.
US07784793B2 Roping apparatus
A roping practice apparatus includes a base and at least one wheel rotatably mounted to the base about a horizontal wheel axis oriented transverse to the base and below the top surface of the base, the wheel defiling at least one slot extending from a rim of the wheel toward the wheel axis. The rim of the wheel extends above the top surface of the base. An upper portion defines a wheel well on a bottom surface thereof, and is configured such that the wheel extends upward into the wheel well. The upper portion is supported above the base such that a gap is formed between the upper portion and the base. The wheel is configured such that a selected object drawn through the gap enters the at least one slot on the wheel and causes the wheel to rotate. A retainer mechanism is operative to prevent the upper portion from moving upward away from the base.
US07784785B2 Apparatus for forming sheet stacks and delivery of a sheet-fed rotary printing machine having a stop
An apparatus for forming stacks in sheet-processing machines, in particular printing machines, includes side stops moving back and forth. The stops are divided into upper and lower parts. The lower part can be displaced vertically or in slotted guides and can interact with a switch in order to switch off a stack lift drive.
US07784781B2 Sheet cassette used for a printer
A sheet cassette used for a printer has a tray, a cover, and a sheet indicator. The tray accommodates a sheet stack therein, the tray having an open upper portion. The cover covers at least a part of the open upper portion. The sheet indicator is provided in the cover and configured to contact with an uppermost sheet of the sheet stack and indicate a thickness of the sheet stack.
US07784780B2 Manual sheet-feeding device and image forming apparatus
An adjusting member is positioned in a sheet feeding opening. The adjusting member is adjusted according to the size of the paper sheet. The adjusting member does not jut out of an exterior surface of an apparatus body.
US07784779B2 Apparatus for discharging wad of media in automated media dispenser
The present invention relates to an apparatus for discharging a wad of media in an automated media dispenser. The present invention provides an apparatus for discharging a wad of media in an automated media dispenser, comprising: a main frame 30; a lower frame 61 provided in the main frame 30, the lower frame being provided with a lower media delivery unit 70 for conveying media in one direction; a delivery regulating unit 90 provided in the lower frame 61 to selectively convey the media; an upper frame 32 provided in the main frame 30 in correspondence to an upper side of the lower frame 61 and being selectively in contact with the lower frame 61, the upper frame being provided with an upper media delivery unit 40, the upper media delivery unit cooperating with the lower media delivery unit 70 to convey the media in one direction; and a delivery regulation operating unit 50 provided in the upper frame 32 to selectively operating the delivery regulating unit 90. According to the present invention so configured, there is an advantage in that the media in a wad shape provided to a customer so that a convenience of the user is enhanced.
US07784777B2 Sheet loader, sheet folding apparatus, and sheet finishing system
A sheet loader for loading a folded sheet bundle provided from a sheet bundle provider with a folded edge of the folded sheet bundle in a lead, including: an undersurface support configured to support an undersurface of the folded sheet bundle provided from the sheet bundle provider; a folded edge blocker configured to take a blocking position to block the folded edge of the folded sheet bundle on the undersurface support and a releasing position to release the folded sheet bundle; and a joint configured to evacuate from an orbit of the folded edge blocker returning from the releasing position to the blocking position, the joint is configured to join the undersurface support with the folded edge blocker at the blocking position after the returning to the blocking position.
US07784773B1 Isolator useful for in-line mounting with a strut
A system for limiting the exchange of shock and vibration motions and forces between a load and its supporting structure including an isolator. In one aspect, the isolator is designed for in-line mounting with a support strut. The isolator includes an elastomer member that may be substantially permanently maintained in a compression/shear state.
US07784769B2 Agitating device and method for sewage treatment
The invention relates to an agitating device, in which a hyperboloid agitating body (6) is connected to a drive mechanism (2, 3) by means of a shaft (4). Several ribs (7) running from the circumferential boundary (Ur) in the direction of the shaft (4) are provided on the upper side (O) of the agitating body (6). According to the invention, the efficiency of the agitating device may be improved, whereby a height (h1) of the ribs (7) at least incrementally increases from the circumferential boundary (Ur) of the agitating body (6) in the direction of the shaft (4).
US07784764B2 Low-adhesion material, mold for molding resin using the same and contaminant adhesion preventing material
A low-adhesion material containing a rare-earth element is formed as a layer or a film on a mold surface of a mold for molding a resin. A main component of the low-adhesion material is a rare-earth compound, and Y2O3 is used as an example. A content of the rare-earth compound in the low-adhesion material is not less than 40 percent by volume. Thereby, a mold for molding a resin having excellent releasability can be obtained.
US07784760B2 Motorcycle turntable
A motorcycle turntable includes an elongated ramp assembly pivotally supported for slidable rotation about an approximate mid-point. The elongated ramp assembly includes an outer low friction skid plate attached to its reverse side generally adjacent each of its opposed outer ends. The weight of a conventional motorcycle is sufficient to cause the elongated ramp assembly to flex so that its ends bend downwardly towards the floor. As the elongated ramp assembly with its drooping ends is rotated about its midpoint on a pedestal-bearing assembly, the low friction skid plates skid across the floor. Most of the weight is born by the pedestal-bearing assembly, which includes at least one low friction plate. The thickness of the skid plates and the flexibility of the structure are such as to allow the ends to droop into light contact with the floor. This permits slidable rotation to be accomplished. Additional low friction pads of a suitable thickness may be provided between the outer ends of the elongated ramp assembly and the mid-point about which it rotates.
US07784755B1 Clip assembly
A clip assembly having first and second clip members. In an example embodiment the first and second clip members are generally matching. Each clip member includes a mounting member adapted to envelope and slide along an edge of an associated mounting support, such as a ceiling T rail. Each clip member further includes a spacer member arranged generally parallel to the mounting member. The clip members are adapted to be mutually engaged by the engaging means included in respective spacer members when the first and second clip members are drawn together as a result of the respective mounting members sliding toward each other along opposed edges of the mounting support. The clip assembly is secured to the mounting support by an external screw and capable of being easily released from it, when necessary.
US07784752B2 Electronic device with support legs
An exemplary electronic device (30) includes a main body (40) and two supporting mechanisms (60). The supporting mechanisms are formed at two adjacent corners of the main body respectively. Each supporting mechanism includes a support leg (62), a positioning leg (64), and an elastic member (65). The support leg is rotatably connected to the main body, and configured for supporting the main body. The positioning leg is rotatably connected to the support leg, and configured for supporting the support leg. The elastic member is resisted between the support leg and the positioning leg, thus producing an elastic force to drive the positioning leg away from the support leg.
US07784748B2 Swing away mailbox post
The invention relates to a swing away mail box post which is simple to operate and manufacture. It includes two parts: a stationary base; and, a rotating stem (the latter of which is attached to the mailbox post itself). There is only one moving part, the stem rotates on the base as you desire. You just set the desired direction upon base installation by relying on a directed notch or keyway that interacts with a stem mounted screw to bias the location of the stem with respect to the base post. The installation of the base is straight forward, and the stem is adaptable to any standard type mailbox post, i.e., 3″ round metal, 4″×4″ wood, and 3½″×3 ½″ P.V.C. sq. type post. This mailbox post system also includes two base configurations, one for stable packed soil, grass, etc. and one for sandy (i.e., loose) soil.
US07784745B2 Tube clip
A tube clip is mounted to a channel-section track and is used to secure a pipe. The channel-section track includes a pair of upper engagement surfaces having inwardly turned flanges spaced apart by a slot. The tube clip includes an integrally molded, one-piece elongated cylindrical body that extends along a first axis and defines a center bore for receiving the pipe therethrough. A base is fixedly secured to the cylindrical body and includes a pair of support surfaces spaced apart along the first axis. Each support surface includes a fin for engaging one of the upper engagement surfaces of the channel-section track to bias the tube clip therefrom. A pair of flexible legs extends from the base portion. The legs are spaced apart along the first axis and each leg is adapted to selectively lockingly engage one of the flanges when the tube clip is mounted to the channel-section track.
US07784741B2 Multi-mode unmanned and manned vehicle systems and methods
An apparatus for converting a manned aircraft of a type including at least one pilot control capable of manipulation to affect operation of the aircraft for unmanned flight operations includes first and second actuators, each configured to selectively provide movement or resistance to movement in a first manner including linear or rotational motion, first and second clutches, each configured to selectively couple movement of the associated actuator to the pilot control, and a vehicle controller capable of being selectively enabled to operate the pilot control actuators and clutches and thereby provide unmanned operation of the aircraft, or of being disabled, thereby providing for manned operation of the aircraft. The first actuator has a first scope describing a first amount of allowable movement, while the second actuator has a second scope larger than the first scope.
US07784740B2 Star blanking method, device and assembly therefor
The invention relates to a self-contained device (4) for blanking out the light rays from at least one star (1), which device (4) comprises means (43) for controlling propulsion means (44) which are in turn capable of moving or halting the device (4) in space and/or on a pseudo-orbit in space around an observation telescope (2) comprising an observation opening (21), characterized in that it comprises a blanking-out screen (40), wherein the means (43) for controlling the propulsion means (44) are further capable of positioning the screen (40) on the sighting axis (3) between the telescope (2) and the star (1) during an observation period such that the light rays from the star (1) are at least partially blanked out during said observation period as far as said observation opening (21) is concerned. The invention further relates to an assembly comprising at least one such device and a method for using said device or said assembly.
US07784732B2 Boundary-layer-ingesting inlet flow control system
A system for reducing distortion at the aerodynamic interface plane of a boundary-layer-ingesting inlet using a combination of active and passive flow control devices is disclosed. Active flow control jets and vortex generating vanes are used in combination to reduce distortion across a range of inlet operating conditions. Together, the vortex generating vanes can reduce most of the inlet distortion and the active flow control jets can be used at a significantly reduced control jet mass flow rate to make sure the inlet distortion stays low as the inlet mass flow rate varies. Overall inlet distortion, measured and described as average SAE circumferential distortion descriptor, was maintained at a value of 0.02 or less. Advantageous arrangements and orientations of the active flow control jets and the vortex generating vanes were developed using computational fluid dynamics simulations and wind tunnel experimentations.
US07784723B2 Layered tape guide spool and alignment device and method
A layered tape guide spool having a plurality of guide rods, each of which have a first and a second guide member. The gaps between adjacent guide rods and the gaps formed between the first and second guide members define a gap that urges the tape stacks together into a desirable rectangular shape. The resulting tape stacks are then wrapped onto a tubular core or onto existing layers on a tubular core.
US07784717B2 Methods and apparatus for fabricating components
A method for fabricating a nozzle includes providing at least two plates. At least one of the at least two plates includes a first opening. Each plate includes at least one mating surface. The method also includes stacking the at least two plates together such that a mating surface of a first of the at least two plates is substantially flush against a mating surface of a second of the at least two plates, and such that a fluid passage is at least partially defined by the at least two plates. The method also includes orienting the at least two plates relative to each other such that the opening within at least one of the at least two plates at least partially defines an outlet for discharging fluid from the fluid passage.
US07784716B2 Fuel injection valve and method for manufacturing swirler
A valve seat 14 having an injection hole 14b is fixed at one end of a hollow valve main body 15, a valve body 12 slidably supported so as to be separated from and brought into contact with the valve seat 14 to open and close the injection hole 14b and a swirler 16 for surrounding the valve body 12 to slidably support the valve body 12 and for imparting a swirling motion to fuel flowing into the injection hole 14b are equipped, a swirling groove 16b in the swirler 16 includes a curvature part 16b3 in a groove outlet, and a sectional configuration of the swirling groove 16b is constituted so that the depth of the central part is larger than the depth of the end part.
US07784712B2 Micro-droplet generator
A micro-droplet generator comprises a main body, having a chamber accommodating liquid to be sprayed and a lateral opening, a spraying plate, placed in the opening and having a plurality of spraying holes as well as an inner side, a vibrating element, glued on the spraying plate and driving vibrations thereof, and a projection, placed inside the chamber and having an outer side touch with the inner side of the spraying plate, wherein a narrow space is left between the inner side of the spraying plate and the outer side of the projection, which upon the vibrations of the spraying plate has a varying width, upon becoming wider sucking in liquid from the chamber, and upon becoming narrower pressing out liquid through the spraying holes.
US07784703B2 Data tag with a position detection pattern
A two-dimensional printed data tag for detection by an optical tag reader has a position detection pattern configured so that an optical tag reader can locate the tag. Data areas are located within the confines of the position detection pattern, the data areas containing encoded data.
US07784697B2 Methods of driving a scanning beam device to achieve high frame rates
The present invention provides methods and systems for scanning an illumination spot over a target area. The present invention removes stored energy from a scanning element to stop the scanning element from vibrating and to substantially return the scanning element to its starting position so as to enable high frame rates.
US07784696B2 Indicia reading apparatus having image sensing and processing circuit
There is provided in one embodiment an indicia reading apparatus with enhanced functionality which can filter image data prior to the capture of image data into an image frame memory for further processing. In one aspect the indicia reading apparatus can have an image sensing and processing circuit that can contemporaneously output, on respective first and second interfaces, both filtered and raw pixel values so that both filtered and raw frames of image data can be captured contemporaneously for further processing. Filtered and raw frames of image data or pixel values can also be serially output through a single interface in an interleaved manner. An image sensing and processing circuit which outputs either or both raw and filtered pixel values can be provided on a single integrated circuit. In another aspect an image sensing and processing circuit can be provided that develops data indicating a location of a decodable indicia representation within image data prior to capture of a frame of image data into an image frame memory so that when pixel values are first addressed for further processing, a decodable indicia representation such as a bar code representation has already been located. By processing of image data within an image processing circuit prior to capture into an image frame memory a trigger to read time (TTR) can be reduced.
US07784694B2 Reflective encoder with lens on code strip
An encoder that includes a code strip and an emitter-detector module is disclosed. The code strip has alternating reflective and opaque stripes and an imaging element in contact with a surface of the code strip. The optical element directs light incident thereon to the code strip. The emitter-detector module includes a light source that generates light and directs a portion of the generated light to the imaging element. The emitter-detector module also includes a photodetector that generates a signal representing an intensity of light received by the photodetector. The imaging element images light reflected from the code strip onto the photodetector. The imaging element can include a lens having a planar surface in contact with the surface of the code strip. The imaging element can be structured such that the imaging element collimates light from the light source such that collimated light is incident on one of the reflective stripes.
US07784692B1 Single access vehicle
The described embodiments contemplate a system, method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium with computer-executable instructions for accessing multiple accounts. The apparatus may be an interactive access card and/or portable electronic device that includes a memory component for storing data associated with multiple accounts, an input component for selecting an account, and a processing component for retrieving data associated with the selected account. The apparatus also may be an access card that includes a rectangular shaped substrate and an interface component for storing data associated with multiple accounts. The apparatus also may be an electronic reader that includes an interface component for reading an access card, a software component for identifying the accounts stored on the access card, an input component for selecting an account, and a processing component for accessing a database associated with the selected account, transmitting data associated with the selected account, and completing a transaction.
US07784691B2 Security functionality for magnetic card readers and point of sales devices
A magnetic card reader including a magnetic head, located in a non-secured region, at least one signal path extending from the magnetic head in the non-secured region to a secured region, signal processing circuitry located within the secured region, an obscuring signal injector located within the secured region and an obscuring signal remover located within the secured region, for receiving a combination of at least one signal output and an obscuring signal and for providing an unobscured signal output, corresponding to the at least one signal output, to the signal processing circuitry.
US07784689B2 Radio frequency identification method and system of distributing products
A method and system for vending products from a defined area, such as a micro-warehouse with a door. The method includes fitting each product with a radio frequency identification tag, positioning the plurality of products in a micro-warehouse, sensing opening and closing of the micro-warehouse door, scanning the plurality of products in the micro-warehouse upon sensing closing of the door to determine the number and type of products in the micro-warehouse, generating a message based on the number and type of products in the micro-warehouse, transmitting the message to a remote processor or server, and maintaining an inventory in the remote processor based on the message.The system is designed to be accessed by authorized individuals possessing some type of code or identifying mechanism. The micro-warehouses may be cabinets, refrigerators, secured rooms, or similar storage units or areas. Each micro-warehouse has an output device such as a light or display, a door, an antenna mounted on or in the micro-warehouse, and a controller coupled to the antenna. Using a signal from the antenna or other input device, the controller is operable to check the identity of the individual accessing the micro-warehouse. If the user is authorized, the controller opens the door and the user may remove products from the micro-warehouse. Once the user closes the door, the controller performs a scan of the products remaining in the micro-warehouse to determine the identity of each of the products. The controller then generates a message including the identity of each of the products, and sends that message to the server.
US07784688B2 System for tracking elements using tags
A management system for tracking elements through steps and stages of a chain employing fixed tags permanently attached to elements that progress through the steps and stages. The elements are tracked by the fixed tags from an initial stage, through multiple work-in-process stages to a final stage of the chain. The fixed tags include radio-frequency (RF) communication units that have wireless communication with RF communicators in one or more of the stages of the supply chain. The wireless communications between the RF tags and the RF communicators operate with a tag communication protocol that defines the operations and sequences for storing information into and retrieval of information from tags. The hierarchy of data storage in RF tags, in RF communicators and otherwise in storage locations in the system is controlled to operate within the memory hierarchy.
US07784687B2 Payment cards and devices with displays, chips, RFIDS, magnetic emulators, magnetic decoders, and other components
A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other card or device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. User interfaces are provided in a number of different configurations in order to achieve a number of different functionalities.
US07784686B2 Transaction card with enclosed chamber
A transaction card includes a chambered member, a cover substrate and an account identifier. The chambered member defines a rear surface, a front surface and a chamber extending from the front surface toward the rear surface. The front surface and the rear surface are sized similarly to each other. The cover substrate defines a first surface, which is securely coupled to the front surface to enclose the chamber, and a window aligned with the chamber. The window is one of translucent and transparent such that at least a portion of the chamber is viewable through the window. The account identifier is connected to the chambered member and links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. Other embodiments, stored-value cards and associated methods are also disclosed.
US07784685B1 Secure card
Systems and methods for monetary cards are described. The cards are free from personally identifiable data, e.g., no name or embossment. In an example, the card includes a first number that activates the card and a second number written to the card at activation away from the card manufacturer. This helps prevent theft at the manufacturer. This second account is a bearer account where anyone who knows the account number can withdraw the funds from the account. The account may be funded with either the account number or the authentication number.
US07784684B2 Wireless computer wallet for physical point of sale (POS) transactions
Methods and systems provide a secure transaction server (STS); provide an authentic point of sale (POS) device, according to a first authentication parameter of the STS; provide an authentic mobile purchasing device, according to a second authentication parameter of the STS; provide a short-range communication method between the POS device and the mobile purchasing device; correlate by the STS a personal identification entry (PIE) and the authentic mobile purchasing device; transmit, by the POS device, a time dependent transformed secure POS authenticable POS purchase action to the STS; input the PIE to the mobile purchasing device to transmit a time dependent transformed secure user authenticable POS purchase action to the POS device via the short-range communication method; and approve, by the STS, the POS purchase action for the POS device and for the mobile purchasing device, according to the authentic POS device, and according to the authentic mobile purchasing device and the STS correlating of the PIE and the authentic mobile purchasing device.
US07784683B1 Systems and methods for automated benefit verification and application
Systems and methods for providing automated benefit verification and application are described. The apparatus may include a receiving module to receive a transaction, a transaction processing module to process the transaction and parse a unique identifier, a verification module to verify eligibility for a benefit and a data store to store a plurality of unique identifiers. The method may comprise receiving a credit card transaction, determining if a unique identifier contained within the transaction matches one of a stored listing and prompting a user to accept a benefit if the unique identifier matches one of the stored listing. The method may, alternatively, comprise processing a payment device, determining if the user is entitled to a benefit based on information contained within the payment device, prompting the user to accept or decline the benefit and providing the benefit if accepted.
US07784681B2 Method and apparatus for security document tracking
A method of tracking a security document having disposed thereon or therein a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the security document. The method includes having a computer system receive indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device being responsive to sensing of the coded data to generate indicating data indicative of the identity of the product item. The computer system uses the indicating data to update tracking data stored in a data store, the tracking data being indicative of the identity of the security document and tracking information.
US07784674B2 Bulk materials container
A bulk materials container having a first wall-forming blank of corrugated paperboard sheets made of at least a flute member and a liner sheet, and scored to provide a series of main panels foldably joined together at opposing edges with each main panel having opposing top and bottom flaps foldably joined to respective edge portions and laminated to a second wall-forming blank having at least a flute member attached to a liner sheet scored to provide a series of main panels each having opposing top and bottom flaps foldably joined to respective edge portions, and a liner sheet and one of the first or second blanks extending beyond a distal edge of the respective top and bottom flaps, and folded over the distal edge and attached adhesively to the opposing surface so that the open channels of the flutes at the distal edge are covered.
US07784671B2 Apparatus and method for arranging magnetic solder balls
An apparatus for arranging magnetic solder balls includes: a stage for placing and fixing the substrate thereon; a magnet which is incorporated in the stage and is movable in parallel with a lower surface of the placed and fixed substrate so as to cause a magnetic force to act in an upward direction of the stage; and a mask frame capable of being positioned above the stage. An arranging method using this arranging apparatus is also provided. An apparatus for arranging magnetic solder balls includes: a stage for placing and fixing the substrate thereon; a mask frame capable of being positioned above the stage; and a magnetic generator which is movable above the mask frame and causes a magnetic force to act on the stage. An arranging method using this arranging apparatus is also provided.
US07784667B2 Apparatus and method for friction stir welding using a consumable pin tool
The present invention provides a friction stir welding apparatus operable for welding one or more metals, metal alloys, or other materials, and a method for friction stir welding. The friction stir welding apparatus includes a pin tool holder, a shoulder having a surface coupled to the pin tool holder, and a pin tool coupled to the pin tool holder, the pin tool at least partially protruding from the surface of the shoulder, wherein the pin tool is made of a consumable pin tool material. The method includes introducing the pin tool into a workpiece; traversing the pin tool along a joint to be welded on the workpiece; and substantially continuously feeding the pin tool into the weld joint as it is traversed along the joint, thereby incorporating at least a portion of the consumable pin tool material into the volume of the joint to be welded.
US07784662B2 Surgical instrument with articulating shaft with single pivot closure and double pivot frame ground
A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use includes a proximal portion that is manipulated external to a patient to position an attached elongate shaft and end effector to a desired surgical site inside of the patient. An articulation joint pivotally attaches the end effector to the elongate shaft to give further clinical flexibility in reaching tissue at a desired angle. A closure tube assembly includes a single pivoting portion that overrides the articulation joint in order to distally translate to the end effector to close, yet pass over an articulated shaft by having a multiple pivot frame ground encompassed therein to accommodate the longitudinal change in closure sleeve pivot. Thereby, additional clinical flexibility in positioning the end effector is achieved without losing the ability for separate closure and firing motions transferred by the shaft.
US07784656B2 Bumper and bike rack assembly
A Bumper and bike rack assembly especially suitable for use as the front bumper assembly of a bus. The assembly includes a rigid structural member adapted to extend transversely of the bus and defining a series of laterally spaced slots extending vertically in a front wall of the member; a rubberized fascia member including a vertical front wall spaced forwardly of the front wall of the structural member and constituting the forward contact surface for the bumper and a series of laterally spaced notches respectively aligned with the slots in the structural member; and a bike rack including laterally spaced pivot arms each having a lower pivot end journaled on the structural member rearwardly of the front wall of the structural member and below a top wall of the structural member and extending from the pivot end outwardly through a respective slot in the structural member front wall and through an aligned notch in the fascia member for connection to a main body structure of the rack whereby to mount the rack for pivotal movement between a working position in which the pivot arms extend forwardly through the slots and aligned notches in the fascia to position the main body of the rack forwardly of the fascia and a raised, stowed position in which the pivot arms extend upwardly through the slots to position the rack above the fascia and rearwardly of the forward contact surface of the bumper.
US07784653B2 Discharge device and discharge method
By means of a fluid material discharge device of simple construction, a technique for fluid material discharge is provided which has few or no inadequate discharge, high productivity, and which enables easy modification and adjustment of the amount of fluid material discharge. The fluid material discharge device comprises a nozzle for discharge of fluid material and a filament-shape member inserted into the nozzle for use. The filament-shape member has a tip portion AA, which is exposed outside of the nozzle when no pressure is exerted on the tip of the filament-shape member, a portion BB which can be inserted into the nozzle, and a portion CC, on the side of the filament-shape member opposite the tip portion AA, and being bent from the portion BB. The spring structure of the filament-shape member is utilized to discharge fluid material.
US07784652B2 Dispensing valve with hydraulic hammer resistance
A fluid dispensing valve is provided with a peripheral mounting portion and a connecting sleeve connecting the peripheral mounting portion with a head which defines a dispensing orifice. The valve head includes a central inner surface portion that bulges axially inwardly to project from a radially outer surface portion.
US07784648B2 Press-out tool
A press-out tool for squeezing material out of containers (7) containing single-component or multi-component substances, has a receiving space (12) for the container (7), a piston rod (16) having a first end (17) which can dip into the receiving space (12), a first guide portion (18) and a second guide portion (20) that extends from an end area of the first end (17) of the piston rod (16) to the first guide portion (18) and has a cross-section with a reduced height in comparison with the height of the cross-section of the first guide portion (18), and a displacement mechanism (26) having a driving device (28) and a clamping lever (27) through which the piston rod (16) extends and which is pivotable relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the piston rod (16).
US07784646B2 Screw-type metered dispenser with feed-containing piston drive mechanism
A metered dispenser includes a housing including a reciprocable piston drive stem including an inlet opening at a first end thereof, a floating piston at a second end, and a passage between the first and second ends. An inlet valve is provided adjacent the first end for permitting entry of liquid product into the passage. A biased cocking mechanism is reciprocally disposed substantially within the housing. A biased loading mechanism is movable in a second generally opposite direction by the cocking mechanism, and is engageable with the piston drive stem to move the drive stem in the second direction. When the cocking mechanism is moved from an initial rest position toward the second direction, a series of operations allow the loading mechanism to project the drive stem in the first direction to dispense a metered dose of liquid product through a discharge orifice provided adjacent the second end.
US07784645B2 Cap for closing containers
A cap for closing containers includes a dispenser placed in connection with the interior of a container for dispensing a fluid contained in the container, a first sleeve integral with the dispenser and able to be screwed on the neck of the container to make the dispenser integral with the container. The cap further includes a second sleeve coaxial and surrounding the first sleeve and coupling elements active between the first and the second sleeve to couple mechanically the second sleeve to the first sleeve during a rotation of the second sleeve (7) in a first direction and to uncouple the second sleeve from the first sleeve during a rotation of the second sleeve in a second direction, opposite to the first. A covering element encompasses the dispenser and can be uncoupled from the cap coordinating a sequence of operations on the cap.
US07784644B2 Tandem gate release mechanism for a vending machine
A vending machine includes first and second integrated dispensing systems mounted at front portions of adjacent product shelf dividers establishing at least first, second and third product queues. Each of the first and second dispensing systems includes first and second release mechanisms having a plurality of hinged plates supported by a frame. The plurality of hinged plates are selectively shifted into and out of corresponding ones of the first, second and third product queues, such that each product queue has associated therewith two opposing release mechanisms. Preferably, at least one of the first and second release mechanisms for each dispensing system includes a queue spacing member which is mounted to one of the hinged plates and projects into the product queue to establish a desired spacing between the release mechanisms.
US07784639B2 Preform of a plastic container particularly designed for packaging foodstuffs
This invention relates to the preform to produce a plastic container for packaging foodstuffs, and especially to blow mould thin-walled containers which can be hermetically closed with a metal lid by double seaming. The preform (1) includes a body (4) and a convex hemispherical bottom (6). The body (4) has a conical shape that flares towards a cylindrical neck (2) surrounded by a flange (3) that terminates in a thickened rim (5). Preferably, the angle (α) at which the internal body surface (4) flares towards the cylindrical neck is greater than the angle (β) at which the external body surface (4) opens upwards, and the thickness (g2) of the cylindrical neck (2) is less than the thickness (g3) of the bottom (6).
US07784633B2 Container and lid and related method
A device used to aid in the opening of a container that further protects against the inadvertent opening of the container, as well as provides greater hoop strength when compared to similar containers for use in, among other things, the containment, storage, transport and/or handling of a material, is described herein.
US07784632B2 Collapsible cargo organizer
An organizer for holding and organizing cargo comprises a case and a collapsible wall. A case comprises a pair of hinged case halves. The case is adapted to contain a collapsible wall that comprises two end walls and two side walls. Each side wall can include two side wall panels that can be pivotally joined together. The collapsible wall is configurable into a generally square-in-plan-view open configuration, or a generally flat, collapsed configuration. The case and the collapsible wall form an open-ended bin for holding the cargo. One or more extensible poles can be used to assist in restraining the cargo. The collapsible wall can be set to the collapsed configuration and stored in the case along with the extensible pole(s). The case can then be placed in the closed position, whereupon the organizer is completely contained within the closed case, facilitating storage and transport thereof.
US07784630B2 Gasket for horizontal venting and related method
There is provided a gasket element having at least one first inner layer and at least one first outer layer. Each of the at least two layers have differing material properties. The gasket element is well suited to cooperate with an ingress/egress opening of a container that in turn is well suited to retain an active pressure and/or temperature sensitive substance. The gasket element may be operatively connected to a cap element that is suitable to selectively close the at least one ingress/egress opening of the container. The cap element may be a stand alone sealing cap or may be operatively associated with a spray nozzle or the like.
US07784628B1 Leak resistant drinking container apparatus
A leak resistant drinking container apparatus includes a container with a bottom wall, a peripheral wall and a top wall. A drinking member is integrally coupled to the container and is fluidly coupled with an interior of the container. The drinking member includes a nipple with a perimeter wall extending away from and being integrally coupled to the container. The nipple includes a distal wall with respect to the container that closes an outer end of the nipple. The distal wall has a plurality of drink apertures therein. The perimeter wall extends around an internal area of the nipple. The container has a plurality of fill apertures therein fluidly coupled to the internal area.
US07784627B2 Device for suspending a rail, particularly a running rail of an overhead conveyor or of a lifting apparatus
A device for suspending a rail, particularly a running rail of an overhead conveyor or of a lifting apparatus, on a traveling mechanism or supporting framework with a traction element, which is fastened at one end to the rail. The traction element is passed through by a bolt, which is fastened to the rail via a fixing device. The traction element consists of a single part and comprises a lower borehole for the bolt and an upper borehole for fastening to the traveling mechanism or to the supporting framework.
US07784621B2 Ultrafiltration membrane and process
An inorganic membrane suitable for ultrafiltration or nanofiltration, and methods for making and using the membrane. The membrane has a organic polymer deposited on the feed surface, but is not able to perform separations by solution-diffusion.
US07784619B2 Method of making microporous filter membrane
A filter membrane, methods of making such filter membrane and apparatus employing such filter membrane are disclosed, in which the filter membrane is a monolithic polymeric membrane that includes a polymeric filter layer including a micron-scale precision-shaped pores and a polymeric support layer that has a precision-shaped porous support structure for the filter layer. Several methods are disclosed for making such a membrane using micromachining techniques, including lithographic, laser ablation and x-ray treatment techniques. Several filter apparatus employing such a membrane are also disclosed.
US07784616B2 Dispenser for progestin used for acute maintenance treatment of DUB
A dispenser including a first dispensing portion including one group of storage units for each of ten to twenty-eight days, and a second dispensing portion, including at least one storage unit for each of seventeen to thirty days. In the first dispensing portion, a first set includes a group of four storage units for each day, a second set includes a group of three storage units for each day, and a third set includes a group of two storage units for each day. The first dispensing portion contain a progestin. In the second dispensing portion, the first fourteen storage units contain a placebo and the remaining storage units contain a progestin. First and second dispensing portions may be provided as separate dispensing packs, or as a multi-pack of second dispensing portions. The dispenser is useful for treatment of acute episodes of dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) and maintenance treatment for preventing future episodes of DUB.
US07784613B2 Reusable windshield pallet
A fully collapsible pallet is provided with easily adjustable rear stops, lower rear stops, and side restraints. A telescoping member is provided to allow shipment of partial pallets of windshields. Extensions allow the pallet to be used with windshields of various heights. The pallet is stackable in a folded condition as well as a loaded condition, even when extensions are used. A latch is provided to prevent leaning of the pallet even when the load is not centered in the pallet.
US07784612B2 Packaging container for acupuncture needles
A packaging container for acupuncture needles capable of storing a plurality of acupuncture needles is provided. The packaging container (storage containers) in which the acupuncture needles to be used are stored can be opened at one time, according to the number of acupuncture needles to be used. On one end portion side of a packaging container (blister package) including a container body and a sheet member detachably attached to a planar surface of the container body, a free portion in which the sheet member is not attached to an outer frame portion of the container body, is disposed. Further, perforated lines (cut portions and uncut portions) are disposed along center lines of boundary portions from one end portion of the packaging container to the other end portion thereof. Here, the length of the uncut portion on the free portion is made longer than the length of each uncut portion on a portion other than the free portion.
US07784610B2 Protective film application kit and method
A kit apparatus has a package holding at least one film sheet having an adhesive layer on one side, a bottle containing a solution for activating the adhesive layer of the film sheet, and a miniature squeegee. The film sheet, bottle of solution and squeegee are secured within the package. The sheet corresponds in extent to a surface of an electronic device, preferably a surface of a display device of the electronic device. The solution is used for initially cleaning the surface that is to receive the sheet and finally to wet the adhesive layer in order to secure the sheet in place. Excess solution is removed from the surface while evenly distributing the adhesive using wiping motions with the squeegee.
US07784608B2 Contact lens packages
The invention provides contact lens packages in which removal of the lens is facilitated by elevating the lens when the package is opened.
US07784606B2 Belt conveyor transporting containers used in semiconductor fabrication
A conveyor and conveyor system is defined for moving a container used to hold semiconductor wafers. The conveyor includes a first belt having a first support surface for movably supporting the container and a second belt having a second support surface for movably supporting the container. The first belt and the second belt each have a raised guide. The conveyor further includes a drive assembly for moving at least the first belt and causing the container to move over the first and second belts when placed on the first and second support surfaces. Methods for making the conveyor and operating the conveyor are also defined herein.
US07784603B2 Gripping device for containers
A gripper for containers, in particular for bottles, with at least first and second gripper arms (1, 2) which are mounted such that they can pivot and are acted on in the gripping pivoting direction by magnetically interacting permanent magnets such as, permanent magnets which simultaneously repel one another and attract one another are arranged in such a way that the sum of the repelling and attracting forces which act in the gripping pivoting direction on the gripper arms is substantially constant within a predetermined gripping range (d1 to d2) of the gripper which covers different container gripping sizes.
US07784602B2 Conveying system
A conveying system to be used in the printing industry, especially in mailroom technology, includes a revolvingly driven conveying member that is provided with supporting elements that are fixed to a traction rope in a stationary and optionally torsion-proof manner. The conveying member can be provided with another rope that has the same length as the traction rope, revolves substantially parallel thereto, and is used as a guide rope or second traction rope. Grippers that are disposed laterally on the belt-shaped conveying member, which is formed by ropes and supporting elements, are arranged on the supporting elements in order to grab and hold individual printed products or groups of printed products. The conveying member is deflected onto different deflection planes via guiding devices while being twisted between such deflections such that the three-dimensional position of the supporting elements and the conveyed printed products can be modified. The guiding devices are equipped with revolving guiding members that are positioned so as to be in contact with the supporting elements.
US07784597B2 Telescoping conveyor drive system
An extendable conveyor apparatus is disclosed and comprises a stationary conveyor section, a movable conveyor section extendable with respect to the stationary conveyor section, and a movement assembly configured to move the movable conveyor section with respect to the stationary conveyor section. The movement assembly comprises a plurality of teeth mounted on a first conveyor section, and a teeth engaging apparatus mounted on a second conveyor section and configured to engage and move the teeth on the first conveyor section with respect to the second conveyor section. A system for moving a first elongate structure with respect a second elongate structure comprises a plurality of teeth in a substantially linear arrangement for mounting on the first elongate structure, and a teeth engaging apparatus configured for mounting on the second elongate structure, the teeth engaging structure comprising a chain loop engaging the teeth such that rotation of the loop moves the first elongate structure relative to the second elongate structure.
US07784592B1 Straddle balance mill correction
A method is provided for balancing a disc brake rotor having a first annular friction plate, a second annular friction plate, and a core gap. The first annular friction plate includes a first circumferential surface. The second annular friction plate includes a second circumferential surface. Respective regions are determined for removing material within the first circumferential surface and the second circumferential surface for balancing the disc brake rotor if the disc brake rotor is out of balance. A rotary straddle cutting tool is aligned with respective regions of the first circumferential surface and the second circumferential surface. Material is cut from the respective regions of the first circumferential surface and the second circumferential surface with the rotary straddle cutting tool. Cutting material from the respective regions includes removing material within the width of the first circumferential surface and the second circumferential surface.
US07784591B2 Defined brake pad abutment
A brake pad assembly includes a brake pad including a base portion, a first ear portion, and an opposed second ear portion. The first ear portion and the second ear portion extend outwardly from the base section. The first ear portion includes a first upper section, a first central section, and a first lower section. The second ear portion includes a second upper section, a second central section, and a second lower section. A first clip receives the first ear portion and a second clip receives the second ear portion. The first ear portion includes a first defined contact location and a second defined contact location in relation to the first clip. The second ear portion includes a third defined contact location in relation to the second clip.
US07784587B2 Controller combination for a vehicle lift
A control system for a vehicle lift apparatus is provided, having an infrared wireless controller and a wired controller for operating the lift. The wired controller includes an infrared sensor for receipt of the signals from the wireless controller. The wired controller is removably attached to the vehicle lift apparatus in a position normally capable of receiving the infrared control instructions.
US07784584B2 Device for reducing noise and heat emissions
A device (10) for reducing noise and heat emissions from a laboratory instrument in a laboratory, comprising a casing (20) with sound-absorbing walls (240), wherein the casing (20) forms an interior space (210, 220) for accommodating the laboratory instrument. At least one of the sound-absorbing walls (240) has an air inlet (30). The device (10) further has a flue (40) arranged on one of the sound-absorbing walls (240), so that the interior space (210, 220) of the casing (20) can be vented via the air inlet (30) and the flue (40). During operation of the laboratory instrument situated in the interior space (210, 220) of the device (10), the sound generated by the laboratory instrument is absorbed by the walls, so that essentially no noise, or only significantly reduced levels of noise, generated by the laboratory instrument can escape the device (10). The walls (240) and their connections are also designed in such a way that essentially no heat generated by the laboratory instrument can escape the device (10). The air that flows into the interior space through the one air inlet (30), or preferably through several air inlets (30), being again evacuated through the flue (40) makes it possible to remove waste heat produced by the laboratory instrument from the device. Such a device (10) makes it possible to operate a laboratory instrument in a laboratory without people located in the laboratory being significantly impaired by waste heat and/or noise from the laboratory instrument.
US07784582B2 Drive switching lever structure for vehicle
A drive switching lever device for a vehicle for a vehicle in which a single control lever can operate both two-wheel-drive/four-wheel drive switching means and a differential lock on/off switching mechanism includes a bell crank swingably supported by a vehicle body side. A pull rod adapted to operate a switching lever of a two-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive switching means is connected to a lever bracket and a control cable adapted to operate a switching lever of a differential lock on/off switching mechanism is connected to the bell crank. When a control lever is swung independently of the lever bracket, the bell crank is swung in engagement with the shaft portion of the control lever. The resulting configuration provides flexibility for the layout of the linkage between the control lever and the operating portion of each switching mechanism.
US07784576B2 Selective closing of at least one vehicle opening at a front portion of a vehicle
Mechanisms are described for selectively closing grille and/or bumper openings. These mechanisms may be operated in response to one or more vehicle parameters. Closure mechanism control signals may be delivered to such mechanisms along a vehicle databus. In addition, vehicle parameters used in determining the control of such mechanisms may be sensed and provided along the databus to a controller which then processes the parameter information for determining whether to open or close the vehicle grille closing mechanism and/or the vehicle bumper opening closing mechanism.
US07784567B2 Earth-boring rotary drill bits including bit bodies comprising reinforced titanium or titanium-based alloy matrix materials, and methods for forming such bits
Earth-boring rotary drill bits include bit bodies comprising a composite material including a plurality of hard phase regions or particles dispersed throughout a titanium or titanium-based alloy matrix material. The bits further include a cutting structure disposed on a face of the bit body. In some embodiments, the bit bodies may include a plurality of regions having differing material compositions. For example, the bit bodies may include a first region comprising a plurality of hard phase regions or particles dispersed throughout a titanium or titanium-based alloy matrix material, and a second region comprising a titanium or a titanium-based alloy material. Methods for forming such drill bits include at least partially sintering a plurality of hard particles and a plurality of particles comprising titanium or a titanium-based alloy material to form a bit body comprising a particle-matrix composite material. A shank may be attached directly to the bit body.
US07784566B2 Bit balling treatment
A solid body contains a surfactant and crushed walnut hulls. The solid body is shaped to predetermined dimensions that permit passage through the central interior opening of drill pipe. The solid body dissolves in drilling mud for delivery of a pill to the annulus through the drill bit nozzles. The pill is an effective treatment against bit balling.
US07784564B2 Method to perform operations in a wellbore using downhole tools having movable sections
Apparatus and methods to perform operations in a wellbore using downhole tools having movable sections are described. In one described example, a downhole tool for use in a wellbore includes a first extendable anchor to contact a wall of the wellbore to fix the tool at a location in the wellbore. The downhole tool also includes a first tool of the downhole tool to perform a first operation at the location in the wellbore, and a second tool of the downhole tool spaced from the first tool and to perform a second operation. Additionally, the downhole tool includes an extendable member to move the second tool to the location while the anchor is in contact with the wall of the wellbore to perform the second operation after the first operation.
US07784557B2 Soil aeration device
A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.
US07784555B2 Horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinklers
A horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinkler is provided, including a deflector having a vertical face, transverse to the fluid flow from the output orifice, and a horizontal shelf positioned above and perpendicular to the vertical face. A portion of the horizontal shelf extends in the fluid flow direction by a first length, with respect to the vertical face, and this first length is less than about half of a total length of the horizontal shelf in the fluid flow direction. The sprinkler is installed in a support cup having a raised mounting platform configured to receive the sprinkler body and a cylindrical outer surface, with a front edge in a fluid flow direction, and a back edge. The mounting platform of the support cup is closer to the front edge of the support cup in an axial direction thereof than to the back edge.
US07784553B2 Downhole waterflood regulator
A downhole waterflood regulator installs in a side pocket mandrel to regulate fluid flow in a waterflood completion. The regulator has an internal piston and can have a check dart. The piston and check dart regulate fluid flow within the regulator's housing. Packings on the regulator's housing packoff the mandrel's ports that communicate with a surrounding annulus. When initially installed in the mandrel, a blanking plug on the regulator's latch prevents fluid flow through the regulator so that the regulator acts as a dummy valve and allows operators to set and test packers or perform other operations. To begin the waterflood operation, operators use a slickline to remove the blanking plug disposed in the latch. With the plug removed, fluid communicated from the tubing string can pass through the ported latch and into the regulator where the piston and check dart regulate the fluid flow out to the annulus.
US07784552B2 Liner drilling method
An installation system for installing a liner in a well includes drilling while simultaneously running the liner. A string of drill pipe with a bottom hole assembly including a drill bit on a lower end is lowered into the liner while the liner is suspended at the rig floor. The bottom hole assembly engages a lower sub of the liner for torque transmission. A running tool secured to the drill pipe engages the upper sub such that the running tool supports the weight of the liner and transmits torque. The drill pipe and liner are rotated to drill deeper into the wellbore. The liner hanger can be set to engage the casing, then released and reset at a different point.
US07784549B2 Self-propelled swabbing device and method
A self-propelled swabbing device and method for use in removing liquid to surface from within an installed wellbore casing. The device includes a longitudinally extending plunger sized to fit within said wellbore casing, and having an internal surface defining an internal flow passage extending longitudinally therethrough; a seal between said plunger and said wellbore casing; a valve stem including a valve operative to be shuttled between an opened position and a closed position to seal said internal flow passage, said valve stem extending longitudinally through said plunger to form a piston and sealed chamber maintained at a pressure below that desired for closing said valve; a biaser for biasing said valve in said opened position until a set pressure is reached, whereby said valve is shuttled to said closed position and flow through said internal flow passage is stopped; and a snap-closed device and a snap-open device for ensuring that said valve within said internal flow passage is either fully opened or fully closed until the set pressure is reached.
US07784546B2 Tension lift frame used as a jacking frame
An offshore oil well drilling assembly is provided that includes an offshore platform; and a tension lift frame, which supports a coiled tubing injector and a blow out preventer connected thereto and for further connection to a wellhead, wherein the tension lift frame is a free standing assembly that is supported by the platform.
US07784545B2 In-situ method of fracturing gas shale and geothermal areas
A method is provided for in-situ production of oil shale, gas via gas (methane) hydrates and gas shale, and steam via geothermal formations wherein a network of fractures is formed by injecting liquified gases into at least one substantially horizontally disposed fracturing borehole. Thereafter, heat can be applied to liquify the kerogen or to dissociate the gas (methane) hydrates so that oil shale oil and/or gases can be recovered from the fractured formations.
US07784543B2 Device and system for well completion and control and method for completing and controlling a well
A tubing component for use in a downhole environment including a tubular having a plurality of openings therein and a plurality of beaded matrixes disposed in the plurality of openings the beaded matrixes being configured to be pluggable in situ in the downhole environment. A method for controlling flow in a wellbore.
US07784536B2 Packer insert for sealing on multiple items used in a wellbore
A packer insert for sealing multiple items used in a wellbore includes an elastomeric member having one or more channels configured to seal on the multiple items when compressed by a packing unit, wherein the elastomeric member is made of a material selected from rubber, an elastomer, and a composite material, and wherein the packer insert is not affixed to a pressure control apparatus having the packing unit disposed therein. The packer insert is axially fixed to at least one of the multiple items.
US07784535B2 Top drive systems with reverse bend bails
A bail support and a top drive system for an oilfield drill rig. The top drive system includes a drive apparatus, and the bails have bodies with upper head portions and two spaced-apart legs. Each leg includes an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion. The upper leg portions are non-parallel to each other and extend from the head portion at an angle to a centerline of the bail. Each lower leg portion extends down from its corresponding upper leg portion in a reverse bend.
US07784534B2 Sealed drive for a rotating sucker rod
A drive assembly for powering a rotating rod string (14) passing through a surface wellhead (18) includes a torque conveying housing (32) containing a radially outer member supporting a plurality of outer member magnets and rotated by a motor. A radially inner member (48) supports a plurality of inner member magnets and is rotatable within the outer member, with magnetic forces between the plurality of outer member magnets and the plurality of inner member magnets rotating the inner member magnets and thus the radially inner member.
US07784530B2 Heat exchanger
In manufacture of a heat exchanger, heat exchange tubes, fins, and header section bodies are arrange in an assembled condition. Projection pieces provided on caps of header sections are fitted into corresponding slits formed in side plates, thereby engaging end portions of the side plates with the caps. In this condition, the caps are arranged in such a manner as to bridge end portions of the header section bodies, and the side plates are arranged on the outer sides of the leftmost and rightmost fins. The heat exchange tubes and the fins, the heat exchange tubes and the header section bodies, the header section bodies and the caps, the side plates and the caps, and the side plates and the fins are respectively brazed together simultaneously. This method enables the side plates to be accurately arranged at respectively predetermined positions.
US07784528B2 Heat exchanger system having manifolds structurally integrated with a duct
A heat exchanger system includes a duct having a duct wall with a duct wall outer surface and a duct wall inner surface; and a heat exchanger partial shell hermetically joined to the duct wall inner surface. The heat exchanger partial shell and a shell portion of the duct wall inner surface constitute a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger inlet manifold is defined by a nonplanar inlet sheet of material hermetically joined to the duct wall outer surface. A heat exchanger outlet manifold is defined by a nonplanar outlet sheet of material hermetically joined to the duct wall outer surface. A heat exchanger inlet opening extends through the duct wall between the inlet manifold and the heat exchanger, and a heat exchanger outlet opening extends through the duct wall between the outlet manifold and the heat exchanger.
US07784525B1 Economical methods and injection apparatus for high pressure die casting process
A method of and an apparatus for high pressure die casting are disclosed. The method uses a die casting apparatus which comprises a group of three plungers for casting metal. The two of which, injection plunger 1 and assistant plunger 3, are used to reduce metal loading time and reduce entrapped gases in die casting during a fast injection stage. By moving into injection sleeve 2, the assistant plunger separates the mold cavity 11 from the space defined by assistant plunger 3, injection sleeve 2, and injection plunger 1. The flow power device for moving said assistant plunger 3 is mounded on a back plate 8. A third plunger, the intensification plunger 12, is used to squeeze casting as soon as the injection plunger advances to a position in which the runner is separated from the closed space. This separated injection and intensification systems eliminates slow shot speed and fast shot deceleration stages and can use a position-limiting switch to start intensification which eliminates the need for a complex hydraulic valve system.
US07784522B2 Locator and shutter slat
A rolling shutter and a slat for use in a rolling shutter are provided. The slat comprises an engaging track located at a first edge and a receptacle track located at a second edge. Illustratively, the engaging track has a hook-shaped profile and is disposed at an acute angle relative to an adjacent part of the body portion, is disposed at an angle of less than 180° relative to a vertical axis of the slat, or has a hook-shaped profile that curves for more than 180°, and the receptacle track comprises a lip and a guard defining a space adapted to receive therein an engaging track of an adjacent slat.
US07784520B2 Garage mechanism protector
The safety shield is formed of an elongate L-shaped rail shield engaged to a vertical surface adjacent a vertical rail located within the interior of a garage door. An L-shaped panel shield is engaged to the interior of each garage door panel proximate to the vertical rail. The L-shaped panel shield is on the opposite side of the rail relative to the L-shaped rail shield. A generally U-shaped end covering shield may be integral or engaged to said L-shaped rail shield, where the L-shaped panel shields are positioned interior to the panel shield face side of the U-shaped end covering shield.
US07784515B2 Sheet sticking apparatus and sticking method
Wafers W are supported respectively on inner tables 52 of a table 13, and after a strip of sheet S is fed out to the upper surface side of the wafers W, a press roller 14 imparts a press force. The adhesive sheet S is cut along the outer periphery of the wafers by a cutter blade 63 mounted at the free-end side of a robot 15. The robot 15 has a function to exchange the cutter blade 63 with a suction arm 100, to transfer the wafer W from a magazine 200 to the table 13 and to transfer the wafer W stuck with the sheet to the next process.
US07784512B2 Pneumatic tire and tire/rim assembly
To provide a pneumatic tire capable of improving the durability of connection points between partition wall parts and a tire inside surface.In a pneumatic tire 10, partition wall parts 24 that extend inward in a tire radial direction from a tire inside surface 17 of tire shoulder parts 21 and whose tire radial direction inside ends contact a rim 12 are disposed. A pair of right and left reinforcement layers 38 are disposed in regions ranging from the partition wall parts 24 to tire side parts 20 via connection parts 29 between the partition wall parts 24 and the tire inside surface 17 such that the reinforcement layers 38 continue from the partition wall parts 24 to the tire side parts 20 via the connection parts 29 between the partition wall parts 24 and the tire inside surface 17. Because of the reinforcement layers 38, the portion of each of the connection parts 29 between the partition wall parts 24 and the tire inside surface 17 where a first carcass ply 32 is disposed and the portion thereof where a second carcass ply 37 is disposed can be prevented from separating, whereby the durability of the connection parts 29 of the partition wall parts 24 can be improved in comparison to what has conventionally been the case.
US07784507B2 Router with improved safety system
A router is described for cutting workpieces with router bits. The router includes a safety system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and a router bit. The safety system includes a reaction subsystem configured to perform one or more predetermined actions in the event a dangerous condition is detected. In one embodiment, the safety system is configured to detect accidental contact between a person and the router bit, and then at least partially retract the router bit the person.
US07784502B2 Method and system of supply and delivery of product contained in a carrier
Systems and methods for supply and delivery of a product incorporated into a carrier are provided. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a system that comprises a fresh storage vessel for receiving and storing fresh. The system further includes a fresh transferring apparatus communicably linked to the fresh storage vessel for transferring of fresh to a user when the user is connected to the transferring apparatus. The system further includes a spent storage vessel for receiving and storing spent (spent being defined as fresh with at least some product and/or product element removed therefrom), and a spent transferring apparatus communicably linked to the spent storage vessel for transferring spent from a user when the user is connected to the transferring apparatus. Optionally, the system further includes of an intermediate spent storage vessel disposed in the communicable connection between the spent transferring apparatus and the spent storage vessel. The intermediate spent storage vessel optionally includes a controllable communicable connection for selective transfer of spent from the intermediate storage vessel to a contamination storage vessel or the spent storage vessel. The carrier may be in any physical state or any combination thereof. In addition, the carrier may involve any known mechanism to capture, retain, or release product, for example, chemical reaction, adsorption, dilution, among others.
US07784501B2 Efficient system and method for delivery of product and return of carrier
Systems and methods are provided for distributing a product, like hydrogen, contained in a carrier to a user, and for recovering the spent from the user. In one embodiment, the invention is a system for distributing a product releasably incorporated within a carrier, recovering spent, and conveying spent to a rehabilitation facility. In this embodiment, the system comprises a mobile delivery vehicle, the vehicle comprising a first storage vessel for storing fresh and for dispensing fresh using a connected fresh dispensing apparatus and for receiving and storing spent from a spent dispensing apparatus, the storage vessel further including means for separating fresh from spent. The system further includes fresh, spent, and a first user. The first user comprises a fresh storage vessel for receiving, storing, and dispensing fresh, and further comprises a first spent storage vessel for receiving, storing, and dispensing spent. The system further includes a fresh dispensing apparatus for linking the first storage vessel and the fresh storage vessel of the first user for dispensing of fresh to the first user, and a spent removal apparatus for linking the first storage vessel and the spent storage vessel of the first user for removal of fresh from the first user for storage in the first storage vessel. Use of a mobile delivery vehicle to deliver fresh and recover spent for rehabilitation from a plurality of users avoids logistic inefficiencies, and reduces potential for contamination and/or loss of product, carrier, fresh, and spent.
US07784499B2 Shaft connecting device for a heald shaft
A shaft connecting device (18) having a thrust rod (8) and a lateral support (4) that fit into each other with minimal transverse play. In addition, the shaft connecting device (18) has a clamping device (16) with a stop arrangement (60, 60′, 66) and a fixation arrangement (30, 30′), the latter connecting the lateral support (4) and the thrust rod (8) exclusively on their respective upper ends to each other. Any opening, closing and adjusting of the connections between the thrust rod (8) and the lateral support (4) is possible in a particularly simple and convenient manner. The lateral support (4) and the thrust rod (8) support each other, thus resulting in a high dynamic load-bearing capacity. The overall design is simple, clear and cost-effective.
US07784497B2 MSM component and associated gas panel assembly
A gas panel assembly having at least one U-shaped MSM interconnection component is disclosed where the interconnection component straddles at least a pair of adjacent modular inserts and is fastened to planar support plate such that the fluidic inserts are held immobile.
US07784495B2 Microfluidic bubble logic devices
An all fluid-based no-moving part micro-mechanical logic family of microfluidic bubble logic devices is constructed from complex sequences of microfluidic channels, microfluidic bubble modulators for programming the devices, and microfluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for chemical storage and retrieval. The input is a sequence of bubbles/droplets encoding information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets. For performing a set of reactions/tasks, the modulators program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the microfluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries. Various devices, including logic gates, non-volatile bistable memory, shift registers, multiplexers, and ring oscillators have been designed and fabricated.
US07784493B2 Manual valve of a hydraulic pressure control system for an automatic transmission
A manual valve of a hydraulic pressure control system for an automatic transmission includes: a valve body including a first exhaust passage that includes an exhausting hole and an intake hole that are communicated with a drive range port in a neutral range, such that a transmission fluid, which is supplied from the drive range port when the vehicle is shifted from drive to neutral, is exhausted; and a hydraulic pressure exhaust control unit that is disposed in the exhaust hole so as to control an exhaust amount according to an exhaust pressure.
US07784492B2 Direction control valve
In a direction control valve, a bottom face of an insertion hole of a first movable member is at a predetermined distance from a second movable member with respect to a first axial direction when communication between a first communication switching port and a communication object port is made and communication between a second communication switching port and the communication object port is broken. The bottom face contacts and pushes the second movable member in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction after the first movable member moves in the second axial direction by the predetermined distance while the first and second movable members move in the second axial direction to switch a port communicating with the communication object port from the first communication switching port to the second communication switching port.
US07784490B1 Valve monitoring and controlling system
A valve monitoring system including at least one valve having a movable handle with an activator therein mounted adjacent to a support panel on which are disposed a plurality of sensor devices responsive to the activator and a separate indicator panel for displaying the position of the valve handle. The activator at the handle and the sensor devices interact to selectively indicate operational conditions of the valve. In addition, a motor can be used to move the handle, and reconfigure the valve, as desired.
US07784489B2 Check valve for a self-priming pump
A check valve of the flapper type structured for use in a self-primer pump is structured for attachment to the pump casing in a manner that facilitates servicing of the check valve, and includes securement means that are positioned external to the casing and a flapper that is located through an opening of the casing in a manner that enables the servicing of the valve without dropping the flapper or the hardware into the interior of the pump.
US07784484B2 Fuel leakage preventing valve
Disclosed is a fuel leakage preventing valve, involving no variations in valve closing characteristics, in which a vertically movable float valve is arranged in a chamber defined inside a housing and in which a valve seat of the housing communicating with an outside is opened and closed by the float valve, which has a protruding step portion formed upwardly at the center of an upper surface of the float valve, a retainer fixed to the upper surface side of the float valve, the retainer having a flange portion covering the upper surface of the float valve and a cage portion raised from the flange portion to define an accommodating space in conjunction with the protruding step portion of the float valve; and a valve body for opening and closing the valve seat of the housing is rockably accommodated in the accommodating space defined by the cage portion.
US07784482B2 Pressure relief device assemblies
The present invention is directed to pressure relief devices and to corresponding pressure relief assemblies that have improved vacuum resistance, improved fragmentation resistance, and/or improved burst control while maintaining low mass. The pressure relief device includes a substantially flat flange section and a domed section. The domed section may include a transitional line that defines a change in the shape of the domed section. The pressure relief device may also include a bracket for securing or aligning a domed section to a flange section. The pressure relief device may further include a stress distribution feature that is disposed transversely to a line of weakness in the domed section. The pressure relief assembly may include a fastener having a wire that is configured to break and release the pressure relief device when subject to a predetermined tensile load.
US07784479B2 Adjustable lighted walking aid
An adjustable lighted walking aid adapted to be used in low light or dark areas is disclosed and may include a cane having a front light for illuminating obstacles being encountered in front of the user and a back light for simultaneously illuminating the area proximate the feet of the user so that the user may see and thus help avoid upcoming obstacles in front, as well as observe the area at his or her feet while walking. The cane may be used in its generally vertical manner during use to assist properly the stability of the user, and is adjustable in its length to accommodate a variety of users.
US07784478B2 Acoustic energy system, method and apparatus for processing flat articles
A system, apparatus and method for processing flat articles, such as semiconductor wafers, with acoustical energy. In a cleaning process, the inventive system, apparatus and method can remove particles from both sides of a wafer more efficiently and effectively. In one aspect, the invention is a system for processing flat articles comprising: a first dispenser for applying a liquid to a first surface of a flat article; a second dispenser for applying liquid to a second surface of a flat article; a first transducer assembly positioned so as to transmit acoustical energy to the first surface of the flat article; and a second transducer assembly positioned so as to transmit acoustical energy to the second surface of the flat article.
US07784475B2 High pressure arch for a vehicle wash system
A vehicle treatment apparatus for a vehicle cleaning system includes a frame structure having a pair of vertical side supports that are secured to the ground and are spaced apart from one another. The pair of vertical side supports have a generally horizontal treatment member extending therebetween. The horizontal treatment member has a first end and a second end and is configured to communicate with a vehicle that passes thereunder. Each of the pair of vertical side supports include a retention mechanism formed therein for engaging a respective one of the first end and the second end of the generally horizontal treatment member. The generally horizontal treatment member is in communication with a controller to allow substantially vertical movement within each of the retention mechanism from a home position to at least one lower position where it communicates with the vehicle. The generally horizontal treatment member is in communication with a sensor to monitor application of a force thereto. If the force applied to the generally horizontal treatment member is greater than a predetermined minimum acceptable force, the generally horizontal treatment member moves vertically upward to the home position and automatically repositions the end in the event the force applied to the horizontal treatment member is sufficient to dislodge the ends from their retention mechanism.
US07784472B2 Disposable wig
A disposable wig has a base 1 formed of an extremely thin sheet, hair segments 3 implanted onto the base and an adhesive layer 7 formed on the underside of the base. The thickness of the base is of the order of microns (μ). The adhesive layer is uniformly formed on the entire underside of the base with such a thickness that there is a little unevenness with projected portions 9 and remaining portions. The projected portions engaging the root portions 5 of the implanted hair segments protruding from the underside of the base, and are raised toward the surface side of the base when the wig is fitted onto a human skin. When the wig is fitted onto scalp 13, the unevenness at the underside of the base is depressed and raised by the surface of the scalp so that, at the base surface, the projected portions engaging the root portions of the implanted hair segments are raised when compared with the remaining portions.
US07784470B2 Cigarette filter with beaded carbon
A smoking article such as a cigarette comprises a tobacco rod and a filter component having a cavity filled with spherical beaded carbon. As mainstream tobacco smoke is drawn through the filter component, targeted gas phase smoke constituents are removed as the smoke passes through the carbon. During the filter manufacturing process the spherical beaded carbon flows like a liquid and substantially completely fills the cavity. Point-to-point contact between the spherical beads together with substantially complete filling of the cavity produces minimal channeling of ambulatory gas phase as well as maximum contact between the gas phase and the carbon surface of the spherical beads during smoking.
US07784467B2 Skin lesion protector
An adhesive skin protector that filters sunlight harmful to skin lesions. The protector includes at least one adhesive layer adapted to adhere to an area of skin having a skin lesion; and at least one filter layer attached to said adhesive layer, the at least one filter layer being adapted to filter sunlight harmful to the skin lesion.
US07784457B2 Oven
The oven (1) which is the object of the present invention, comprises an outer cabinet (2) preferably in a rectangular prism shape, a cooking chamber (3) located inside this outer cabinet with spacing between, fan(s) (9) moving the air inside the oven, heater(s) (10) that heat the air, a fan cladding (11) located at the back of the cooking chamber (3) that directs the air moved by the fan, a side wall (4) enabling the transfer of the air moved by the fan and received from the inlet, towards the middle and the back sections of the cooking chamber at required temperature and pressure rates.
US07784452B1 Archery bow system
An archery bow system incorporating a bow riser and dual limbs supporting cams or a cam and wheel mounted for rotation about respective axles. The dual limbs are independently adjustable to correct for cam lean and are individually supported in pockets that incorporate variable limb angle attachments to the bow riser. The limbs extend from the riser to flex, when at full draw, to positions that cause the respective axles to initially travel rearward toward the archer upon release of the bowstring. The limbs are adjustably attached to the riser to permit the limb angle with respect to the riser to be changed.
US07784449B2 Vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle with a tank ventilation system
The invention relates to a motor vehicle, with a fuel tank which has tank ventilation, the tank ventilation for adsorption of fuel vapors having an activated charcoal filter through which a flushing air flow can flow, and with a vehicle unit which has a vacuum pump, in particular a brake booster. It is provided that the delivery side of the vacuum pump produces compressed air for driving the flushing air flow and/or that the compressed air forms the flushing air flow.
US07784447B2 Fuel injection system comprising a high-pressure variable-delivery pump
The injection system has a high-pressure pump (7) having at least one pumping element (18) operated reciprocatingly to perform an intake stroke and a delivery stroke. Each pumping element (18) has a corresponding intake valve (25) communicating with an intake conduit (10) supplied by a low-pressure pump (9). The intake conduit (10) is fitted with an on-off solenoid valve (27) controlled by a control unit (16) asynchronously with respect to the intake of each pumping element (18). And the control unit (16) may control the on-off solenoid valve (27) by means of frequency-modulated and/or duty-cycle-modulated control signals (A, C).
US07784446B2 Conveying device comprising a fuel pump
A conveying device (1) has a fuel pump (5) for supplying an internal combustion engine (2) of a motor vehicle with fuel. The conveying device further has a monitoring apparatus (10) for determining the wear condition or the degree of soiling of the fuel pump (5). To this end, the monitoring apparatus (10) compares the power consumption to the hydraulic power of the fuel pump (5). A diagnostic display (11) is activated when a predefined value for the power consumption is exceeded.
US07784443B2 Spark-ignition gasoline engine
A spark-ignition gasoline engine having at least a spark plug, the engine including an engine body having a geometrical compression ratio set at 14 or more, and an intake valve and an exhaust valve provided, respectively, in intake and exhaust ports connected to each of a plurality of cylinders of the engine body. The intake and exhaust valves are adapted to open and close corresponding respective ones of the intake and exhaust ports. The engine further includes an operation-state detector adapted to detect an operation state of the engine body and a control system adapted, based on detection of the operation-state detector, to perform at least an adjustment control of an ignition timing of the spark plug, the control system being operable, when an engine operation zone is a high-load operation zone including a wide open throttle region within at least a low speed range, to retard the ignition timing to a point within a predetermined stroke range just after a top dead center of a compression stroke.
US07784440B2 Combustion engine with a priming pump
A combustion engine includes a carburetor, which is a fuel supply device for introducing fuel into an intake air of the engine, and a fan housing for enclosing a cooling fan mounted on a front end portion of a crankshaft. The fan housing is formed with a flange so as to extend towards a position proximate to the carburetor, and a manually operable priming pump is fitted to the flange.
US07784437B2 Air intake porting for a two stroke engine
A two stroke engine of a particular configuration can have its power output increased by running bigger pistons and using ports in the piston skirt through which to conduct compressed air within the skirt through short passages in the cylinder housing that conduct the air from within the skirt to above the piston. As a result a larger piston can be used for the same spacing and opening size in the block to save the need to redesign the block and the crankshaft. A position adjuster for the piston moves it axially without rotation of the piston ports out of alignment with inlet ports in the housing. The piston rod is held in the crosshead using a flat to prevent rotation while an adjuster nut that is turned creates axial movement in the piston rod with a lock nut securing the final piston position.
US07784431B2 Animal stanchion with selectively releasable feature
An animal stanchion having fixed stanchion structure and a pivotal release stanchion laterally spaced apart to define a head opening. The animal stanchion further comprises an upper top control rail which is configured to interact with a latch to selectively hold and release various portions of the pivot rod from connection with the latch. This device further comprises a plurality of individual locking brackets which are configured to interact with handle catch devices so as to hold various devices within their designated location within the device.
US07784430B1 Plastic pet door assembly
A door section for fitting in a sliding door frame is preferably made of plastic, e.g., PVC. The door section contains a built in pet door. The door section is formed by tubular sides and cross members, and has plastic brackets that press fit within the tubular members and preferably also may be screwed in place, or otherwise fixed in place, e.g., using epoxy, or both screws and epoxy. The door section has brackets on its side edges for hanging or connecting to the inside of the sliding door frame, and the door section may also have a bracket or catch on the other side edge from which the door section connects to the frame. This bracket or catch is for the existing sliding door's lock. Preferably, insulation strips are provided and preferably an H-shaped vertical section may fit on top of the door section and inside the frame for a fit with less play, and for a smoother or cleaner look. Rubber or rubbery elements may be placed over the sliding door's bottom track, for the door section to sit more securely. The door section preferably also has a glass or other clear material in it above the pet door.
US07784427B2 Device for keeping pets' ears clean or substantially clean
An ear prop prevents a pet's ears from contacting or substantially contacting food or water in a bowl or dish. The ear prop has members for elevating, supporting or displacing the pet's ears, and the ear prop may comprise a shield. A dish for holding food or water for a pet is constructed to keep the pet's ears from contacting or substantially contacting food or water in the dish. The dish comprises a bowl section and an ear prop section. The bowl section has a floor piece with a boundary continuously connectable to a boundary of a side wherein another boundary of the side defines an opening of the dish. The ear prop section is operably connected to the opening to provide a mechanism for elevating, supporting or displacing the pet's ears.
US07784423B1 System and method for dispensing material onto a semiconductor wafer
A delivery system for dispensing material onto a semiconductor wafer is provided that includes an opening device and a dispensing device. The opening device is operable to open a packet of material. The dispensing device is operable to dispense the material from the packet onto the semiconductor wafer.
US07784420B2 Cover system for a boat
A cover system for a boat that can be articulated between a lowered covering position, to provide some level of protection to the interior of the boat when the boat is not in use, and one or more other positions. The one or more other positions may include, for example, a raised covering position, a raised retracted position, a lowered retracted position, and/or any other suitable position, as desired.
US07784419B2 Floating dock structure
A floating dock structure is comprised of a pair of single-piece side rails secured together in spaced-apart substantially parallel relationship by a plurality of single-piece cross-members connected between the side rails to a lower tubular portion thereof. The side rails are hollow, tubular aluminum extruded side rails defining a top wall, an exterior side wall, a bottom wall and an interior side wall spaced inwardly from the exterior side wall. Elongated deck support stringers are secured in spaced-apart relationship on a top wall of the cross-members. Decking floor members are supported by the deck support stringers elevated from the top face of the cross-members a distance of up to about five inches (5 inches) to create underfloor passages adapted for the passage of conduits and services material. Floatation support casings are secured under the cross-members.
US07784415B2 Solid fuel burner-gasifier methods and apparatus
A method and apparatus for delivery of a solid particulate fuel to a heating system. The present invention provides a lock-up transport system to deliver particles of solid fuel in a downstream direction while maintaining the position of the particles relative to each other. The lock-up transport system provides a linear mass flow through the gasification stages of the fuel.
US07784414B1 Shelving system
A shelving system includes a primary panel having a top side, a bottom side, a back edge, a front edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The bottom side includes a plurality of guides. Each of a pair of secondary panels has an upper surface and a lower surface. A plurality of engaging members is attached to the upper surfaces of the secondary panels. The guides receive the engaging members and slidably couple the secondary panels to the primary panel. The secondary panels each have an inner edge and an outer edge. The outer edges are aligned with a respective one of the first or second lateral edges to define a stored position. The outer edges are extended outwardly from the primary panel to define an extended position. Each of the secondary panels has one of a pair of supports attached thereto.
US07784413B2 Rack system for housing animals in cages having different widths
Embodiments of a rack assembly for housing cages comprise at least one shelf, the shelf having a shelf section comprising a runner capable of being positioned in a least a first position and a second position. The shelf section is constructed and arranged to accommodate two cages having a first and second widths when the runner is positioned in the first position. The shelf section is constructed and arranged to accommodate a single cage having a third width when the runner is in a second position, the first and second widths being less than the third width.
US07784409B2 Drag reducing devices for stacked intermodal rail cars
Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. The series includes at least a first, leading set of containers and a second, trailing set of containers. The first, leading set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto facing a forward direction. The attachment frame includes at least one mounting device configured to be removably mounted in the tunnel of the top container of the first, leading set of containers. Additionally, the second, trailing set of containers may include a second, aerodynamic drag reducing device. Curtains may also be attached between a plurality of intermediate or adjacent sets of stacked containers to assist in reducing drag on the train when moving.
US07784407B2 Ensilage trolley, shuttle and system for container handling and storage
A storage system for containers including a plurality of cells for reception of containers and means of transferring containers within and outside of the cells. The transfer means include shuttles for translation between the cells and ensilage trolleys which are carried by the shuttles to face a cell and which are motorized to enter and exit from the cell and transfer containers between the cell and the shuttle. The ensilage trolleys are fitted with at least one transport unit made up of a base frame with motorized wheels for running on rails for the entrance and exit movement and with loading platform arranged above the base frame and designed to support a container. Between the platform and the base frame there are fluid hoisting sets distributed longitudinally to the trolley for controlled hoisting of the platform and which also realize elastic attenuation parts.
US07784406B2 Train-to-platform gap mitigator
An improved gap filler in the form of a single plate or a plurality of plates attached to the train car exterior or emanating from below train car vestibule floor which permits transit line system operator to utilize one device to obtain any desired gap minimization at every train car door in a trainset relative to its corresponding platform edge at all stations on its transit line regardless of platform and/or track configuration while simultaneously adhering to its gap clearance standards pertaining to safe passage of any train within its fleet through any station.
US07784405B2 Vehicle transfer during operation of an omnimover ride
An assembly for transferring passenger-carrying vehicles to and from an amusement park ride conveying a train of vehicles without stopping for passenger loading. The assembly includes a transfer vehicle and a vehicle receiver positioned in the vehicle train. The vehicle receiver includes a connection mechanism, such as an electromagnet selectively operable to capture and release the transfer vehicle. A turntable is positioned adjacent to the track and selectively rotates at a rotation rate. The turntable includes an engagement mechanism, such as an electromagnet, on its periphery operable to capture and release the transfer vehicle (e.g., to capture when the vehicle receiver releases and vice versa). The rotation rate and the ride speed synchronize turntable rotation with travel of the train to mesh placement of the turntable engagement mechanism proximate to the connection mechanism of the vehicle receiver to facilitate hand off of the transfer vehicle without stopping the vehicle train.
US07784404B2 Dual fault safe and arm device, adaptive structures therewith and safety and reliability features therefor
A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially in line with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided.
US07784402B2 Method for loading printing plate on imaging device
A method for aligning the leading edge of printing plate (110) to an axially disposed slot (70) in a cylindrical surface (30) of an imaging drum (20) comprising at least one printing plate clamp (90) having a clamp surface (100) disposed parallel to the slot, the method comprising straightening (210) the leading edge against the clamp surface and positioning (220) the leading edge to protrude over the slot by rotating the imaging drum under the plate. The straightening comprises resting (200) the leading edge of the plate on the cylindrical surface of the imaging drum and rotating the imaging drum about its cylindrical axis (60) to contact with the clamp surface a point along the leading edge of the plate and to rotate the plate until its leading edge is in alignment with the clamp surface.
US07784401B2 Reaction field independent jig and reaction chip processing apparatus using the jig
The invention provides, with a simple technique, a jig for reliably stemming one or a plurality of flow paths and/or a portion of reaction fields continuously provided in a reaction chip, and for making the flow paths and/or reaction fields independent, and a reaction ship processing apparatus.A reaction field independent jig for making a plurality of reaction fields of a reaction chip independent, the reaction chip including a substrate and a lid material, the substrate including at least the reaction fields and a flow path that brings the reaction fields into communication with each other, the lid material being disposed on the substrate on a side where the reaction fields and the flow path are provided, wherein the reaction field independent jig includes one or a plurality of reaction field independent blades that carry out a squashing operation for squashing the flow path from above the substrate and/or from above the lid material, and the reaction field independent blade includes a heater unit that carries out a heating operation.
US07784395B2 Zero emissions reciprocating pump
A sealing system for a pump having a plunger includes a housing having an internal chamber adapted to receive a portion of the plunger. Primary and secondary seals are located within the internal chamber and adapted to sealingly engage the plunger. The primary seal communicates with the fluid being pumped. A barrier fluid chamber contains a barrier fluid in contact with the primary seal and the secondary seal. A pressure referencing device has an inlet port in communication with the pumped fluid and an outlet port providing fluid at a pressure magnitude equal to a peak pressure of the pumped fluid. A pressurizing device is in communication with the fluid at the peak pressure and the barrier fluid to maintain the barrier fluid pressure at a magnitude greater than the peak pressure of the pumped fluid such that the pumped fluid is restricted from leaking past the primary seal.
US07784389B2 Anti-terrorist system
A system and/or method for securing areas (e.g. airport terminals, courtrooms, embassies, borders, property surrounding critical infrastructure, areas within cities/towns, etc.) against terrorists is provided. In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method is provided wherein individuals pass (e.g. walk, drive, etc.) through a gateway before gaining access to a secured area. Signals capable of detonating certain explosives that might be carried by the individuals passing through the gateway are emitted in or proximate the gateway. The gateway may be shielded to minimize damage to the surrounding areas. In certain example embodiments, arc currents are generated to trigger the detonation of explosives. In certain example embodiments, explosives may be detonated using cellular signals.
US07784388B2 Blade clamping device
A blade clamping device comprises a main body which includes two opposited sidewalls and a base plate connected therebetween for defining a cavity for receiving a blade therein. A fixing device mounted between the two sidewalls. A pivot lever is pivotly mounted on the main body about an axis for driving the fixing device to fix or release the blade. A spring is biased between the main body and the pivot lever, which can hold the pivot lever in a predetermined position at which the fixing device clamps the blade tightly. The blade clamping device of the present invention can be kept in the position where the blade is released such that the blade can be easily detached or inserted as required. Furthermore, the operation becomes convenient and easy because of the short moving distance of the operation handle when an operator turns round the pivot lever to fix or release blade.