Document Document Title
US07794770B2 Protein beverage and method of making the same
An improved protein beverage/drink composition which may provide a relatively high protein content, ranging from about 0.01% by weight to about 15% by weight, while optionally employing a carbonation concentration between about 0.1 volumes of carbonation (per volume of liquid drink solution or liquid drink suspension) to about 6 volumes of carbonation. Preferably the protein is a protein, such preferably as whey protein, or others. The protein beverage may contain juice and/or an additive which provides energy generation enhancement. The protein beverage may be heat treated to inactivate pathogenic microbes in the presence of the carbonation which may be used to provide taste and mouth feel for the drink. Typically, the treatment for pathogenic microbe inactivation is carried out in the individual package used for storage and handling of the protein drink.
US07794763B2 Bacterium of the genus bifidobacterium and fermented foods using the same
The present invention provides a bacterium belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium, which can exhibit a high viability in the storage under agitation and can produce a fermented food containing a large number of viable bacterial count. The present invention further provides a fermented food, which contains the bacterium belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium and exhibits various physiological effects such as inhibitory action against harmful intestinal bacteria and intestinal function controlling effects. The present invention further provides a bacterium belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium having a rate of viability of 30% or more, when the bacterium is stored in the aerobic condition under agitation at 10° C. for 14 days after culturing in a medium containing milk as a main ingredient until obtaining a viable count of 1×108 cfu/ml or more, and fermented food using the same.
US07794759B2 Cell activator, collagen production promoter, skin whitening agent, antioxidant agent, antiinflammatory agent, aromatase activity promoter, protease activity promoter, external preparation for skin, and food
The present invention provides a cell activation agent, a collagen production accelerator, a whitening agent, an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory agent, an aromatase activity accelerator, a protease activity accelerator, a skin external preparation, and food, which all contain an extract of Hibiscus makinoi.
US07794758B2 Compounds and methods for promoting cellular health and treatment of cancer
Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for promoting cellular health and treatment of cancer, and allied diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma.
US07794756B1 Methods of using antibodies to VEGF-C
Provided are purified and isolated VEGF-C polypeptides capable of binding to at least one of KDR receptor tyrosine kinase (VEGFR-2) and Flt4 receptor tyrosine kinase (VEGFR-3); analogs of such peptides that have VEGF-C-like or VEGF-like biological activities or that are VEGF or VEGF-C inhibitors; polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides; vectors and host cells that embody the polynucleotides; pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic reagents comprising the polypeptides; and methods of making and using the polypeptides. Methods of inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation are also provided.
US07794754B2 Methods for fine powder formation
Improved methods for forming fine particles of a material have been developed, wherein the method steps include dissolving the material in a solvent to form a dilute solution, immobilizing the dilution solution, and then removing the solvent to yield particles of the material. Methods of immobilizing the dilute solution include freezing, gelation, and chelation. In a preferred embodiment, the immobilized solvent is removed by lyophilization, i.e. reducing the ambient pressure while avoiding application of sufficient heat to power a phase transition. Essentially any material and solvent for the material can be used in the methods described herein. Proteins and peptides in an aqueous solvent are the preferred systems.
US07794750B2 Controlled-release formulations, method of manufacture, and use thereof
The present invention includes a controlled-release composition having a matrix. The matrix contains a pharmaceutically effective amount of an active agent or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, an ionic non-gelling matrix polymer, and a pH modifier. The ionic non-gelling matrix polymer is practically insoluble and unswellable at a first aqueous fluid pH and is soluble at a second aqueous fluid pH. The pH modifier is present in an amount to control the release of the active agent from the composition. The controlled-release composition is substantially free of a gelling or swellable excipient and does not contain a functional coating or a lipophilic component. The present invention also provides methods of making and using the controlled-release compositions.
US07794746B2 Prebiotic compositions
The present invention concerns nutritional compositions comprising oligosaccharides for controlling inflammatory bowel disease and related disorders, such as diarrhea and constipation.
US07794745B2 Edible compositions for lowering cholesterol
The present invention is related to improved compositions for reducing serum total and/or LDL cholesterol levels. The compositions are combinations of dietary fiber and plant sterol. The compositions are used as such or more advantageously in food products and comprise one or several fibers, preferably β-glucan, in combination with one or several plant sterols and/or stanols in their free and/or esterified forms.
US07794744B2 Nutritional modules
The present invention relates to a method for preparing an enteral nutrition at the bed of a patient, which involves the use of a standard enteral solution to which is added, via a closed system, one or more compositions in module form, containing selected nutrients, adapted for a specific clinical condition. The present invention also pertains to the different modules, that are preferably in dry form and to the use thereof in the treatment and/or nourishment of a critically ill person.
US07794742B2 Devices for promoting epithelial cell differentiation and keratinization
In one aspect, the present invention provides a biomaterial having at least one biocompatible surface. The biocompatible surface comprises a plurality of immobilized Notch ligand molecules, wherein the plurality of immobilized Notch ligand molecules are capable of promoting differentiation in one or more epithelial cells. In another aspect, the present invention provides an implantable medical device comprising a layer of a biomaterial. Another aspect of the invention provides methods for promoting epithelial cell differentiation. The methods of this aspect of the invention include the step of contacting one or more epithelial cells with a biomaterial comprising an amount of immobilized Notch ligand molecules sufficient to promote differentiation in the one or more epithelial cells.
US07794739B2 Nucleic acid based composition for cell proliferation
A method for effectively exerting a cell proliferation promoting effect of a purine nucleic acid-related substance, and a composition for cell proliferation containing a purine nucleic acid-related substance and a pyrimidine nucleic acid-related substance. Also a method for potentiating the cell proliferation promoting effect of the purine nucleic acid-related substance by using the purine nucleic acid-related substance in combination with the pyrimidine nucleic acid-related substance and a method for promoting cell proliferation, where the method includes the step of applying the purine nucleic acid-related substance in combination with the pyrimidine nucleic acid-related substance to the skin or mucosa.
US07794738B2 Compositions and methods for enhancing corticosteroid delivery
The present invention comprises a composition, method of enhancing potency and method of delivering corticosteroids in a vehicle comprising at least two penetration enhancers, and solvents and emulsifiers. The propylene glycol and penetration enhancers are present in ratio to the total of the propylene glycol, penetration enhancers, and solvents and emulsifiers of at least about 0.70.
US07794736B2 Canine Leishmania vaccine
The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo Leishmania KMP11 or an epitope thereof that elicits an immune response in a dog against Leishmania, compositions comprising said vectors, methods of vaccination against Leishmania, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.
US07794732B2 Anthrax compositions and methods of use and production
Compositions and methods effective for eliciting an immune response for preventing or reducing infection or improving clinical outcomes caused by Bacillus anthracis are provided. The compositions include a naturally occurring or synthetic protein, peptide, or protein fragment containing all or an active portion of an antigenic epitope associated with anthrax toxin proteins optionally combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The preferred antigenic epitopes correspond to immunogenic regions of protective antigen, lethal factor or edema factor, either individually or in combination. In addition, methods and compositions containing antibodies for reducing the effects of anthrax toxins are described. The methods involve administering to a human or animal the compositions described herein in a dosage sufficient to elicit an immune response or treat the anthrax infection.
US07794731B2 Use of flagellin in the immunotherapy of Yersinia pestis
The invention provides a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. Also provided are compositions comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. The invention also discloses methods of making a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. The invention further provides pharmaceutical formulations and methods for inducing an immune response against Yersinia pestis.
US07794726B2 Mutants of lysine decarboxylase, vaccines for periodontitis, and methods of use
The present invention is directed to mutants of lysine decarboxylase, nucleic acids encoding the mutants, and vaccines comprising the mutants for inhibiting and reducing the development of periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. The vaccine composition comprises a recombinant lysine decarboxylase mutant which is based on a native version of the enzyme from E. corrodens and induces production of antibodies that inhibit the activity of the lysine decarboxylase enzyme in the oral cavity. The recombinant lysine decarboxylase mutant, in one version, comprises a mutation at residue 365 or at other locations within the active site, and in a preferred embodiment is produced from E. coli in large amounts and to form inclusion bodies. The purified inclusion bodies can then be used in the vaccine composition to induce in vivo production of antibodies that inhibit the activity of native E. corrodens lysine decarboxylase.
US07794725B1 Isolated peptides derived from human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 containing fusion inhibitory domains
The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The peptides of the invention comprise DP178 (SEQ ID NO:1) peptide corresponding to amino acids 638 to 673 of the HIV-1LAI gp41 protein, and fragments, analogs and homologs of DP178. The invention further relates to the uses of such peptides as inhibitory of human and non-human retroviral, especially HIV, transmission to uninfected cells.
US07794723B2 Antigenic peptides derived from telomerase
This invention relates to proteins or peptides that elicit T cell mediated immunity, and to cancer vaccines and compositions for anti-cancer treatment comprising such proteins or peptide fragments. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the proteins or peptides and methods for generating T lymphocytes capable of recognizing and destroying tumor cells in a mammal. More specifically, a telomerase protein or peptide for use in a method of treatment or prophylaxis of cancer is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises generating a T cell response against telomerase.
US07794719B2 Anti-amyloid β antibodies
The present invention relates to antibody molecules capable of specifically recognizing two regions of the R-A4 peptide, wherein the first region comprises the amino acid sequence AEFRHDSGY as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof and wherein the second region comprises the amino acid sequence VHHQKLVFFAEDVG as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or a fragment thereof. Furthermore, nucleic acid molecules encoding the inventive antibody molecules and vectors and hosts comprising said nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition, the present invention provides for compositions, preferably pharmaceutical or diagnostic compositions, comprising the compounds of the invention as well as for specific uses of the antibody molecules, nucleic acid molecules, vectors or hosts of the invention.
US07794716B2 Antibody composition and passive immunization against pregnancy-induced hypertension
A composition is provided to prevent, limit the effects of, delay the onset of, or treat one or more of the causes, symptoms or complications of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia and/or intrauterine growth restriction. The composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that reacts immunologically with or binds digoxin and has a high dose of digoxin binding capacity as the active ingredient. There is also provided a method of preventing, limiting the effects of, delaying the onset of, or treating a cause, symptom or complication of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction, comprising the step of administering to a mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that reacts immunologically with or binds digoxin and has a high dose of digoxin binding capacity.
US07794713B2 Compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of hyperproliferative diseases
Monotherapies and combination therapies for treating hyperproliferative disorders are described, as are compositions for performing such methods.
US07794711B2 Agent for treating chondroma and chondrosarcoma
The present invention relates to a novel agent for treating chondroma and chondrosarcoma containing a substance which inhibits binding of parathyroid hormone related peptide to its receptor for improving the prognosis of chondroma or chondrosarcoma.
US07794710B2 Methods of enhancing T cell responsiveness
The invention features methods of enhancing the responsiveness of a T cell. Such methods involve interfering with the interaction between a T cell and a B7-H1 molecule.
US07794708B2 Pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating restenosis comprising peroxiredoxin 2 protein as an active ingredient and composition for screening therapeutics of restenosis comprising peroxiredoxin 2 gene or its protein product, and method for screening therapeutics of restinosis using said composition
Disclosed herein is a pharmaceutical composition for the prophylaxis and treatment of restenosis, comprising a peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx II) protein as an active ingredient. Optionally, the composition may contain other active ingredients suppressive of restenosis at the carotid artery, the coronary artery, the peripheral artery, and the renal artery. Also, a composition and a method are provided for screening therapeutics for restenosis. This screening composition comprises a peroxiredoxin 2 gene or protein. Together with the method, the composition is useful for searching and developing therapeutics for restenosis.
US07794704B2 Methods for producing enriched populations of human retinal pigment epithelium cells for treatment of retinal degeneration
This invention relates to methods for improved cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration and for differentiating human embryonic stem cells and human embryo-derived into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and other retinal progenitor cells.
US07794698B2 Composition and methods for cell killing
A method of generating a change in a cellular process of a target cell is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the target cell with a solid buffer, so as to alter an intracellular pH value in at least a portion of the cell, thereby generating the change in a cellular process of a target cell of a multicellular organism. The method may be used to kill either eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells. Pharmaceutical compositions and devices are also enclosed.
US07794695B2 Non-transfer cosmetic composition comprising a dispersion of particles of a silicon-free grafted ethylene polymer in a liquid fatty phase
The invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one dispersion of particles of a non-silicone-based grafted ethylenic polymer in a liquid fatty phase.Use for making up and caring for keratin materials, especially the skin and the lips.
US07794692B2 Methods and compositions for detecting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
The invention provides binding proteins that bind to misfolded or monomeric SOD1, and not to native homodimeric SOD1. The invention also includes methods of diagnosing, detecting or monitoring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a subject. In addition, the invention provides methods of identifying substances for the treatment or prevention of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and kits using the binding proteins of the invention.
US07794689B2 Method for steam reforming carbonaceous material
A method for steam reforming carbonaceous material into a synthesis gas by using a single stage process of heating the carbonaceous material in a rotary kiln at an elevated reforming temperature so that the carbonaceous material undergoes substantially complete conversion to synthesis gas or by using a dual stream, multiple-stage process of heating carbonaceous material to a reforming temperature, below that at which metallic materials will typically vaporize, to form gaseous and solid materials; further reforming the gaseous materials in a second stage reforming kiln at an elevated reforming temperature to form synthesis gas; and separating carbon char from the solid material for further processing.
US07794682B1 Methods for fullerene recovery
A method of extracting fullerenes from a carbon matrix in which they are produced. The method is applicable to both fullerenes that exhibit greater than 0.1 mg/ml solubility in toluene and to fullerenes that are essentially insoluble in toluene, i.e., those exhibiting less than or equal to 0.1 mg/ml solubility. The method disclosed herein extracts more of the soluble fullerenes from the carbon matrix than extraction conducted by solely contacting with solvent. A method is also provided for creating salts of the extracted fullerenes.
US07794680B2 Nitrogen oxide-reducing catalyst and method for reducing nitrogen oxide
A first catalyst for reducing nitrogen oxides comprising a crystalline silicate containing an iron in β-framework structure wherein a SiO2/Fe2O3 mol ratio is 20-300 and at least 80% of the contained iron is an isolated iron ion Fe3+. A second catalyst for reducing nitrogen oxides comprising a crystalline silicate containing an iron in β-framework structure wherein a SiO2/Fe2O3 mol ratio is 20-300 and log(SiO2/Al2O3) by mol is at least 2. A predominant part of the contained iron is isolated iron ion Fe3+ and at least a part thereof preferably has a tetrahedral coordination. These catalysts have high hydrothermal stability and exhibit enhanced activity for reducing nitrogen oxides by a reaction with a reducing agent such as ammonia, urea or an organic amine in a broad temperature range between lower temperature and higher temperature.
US07794678B2 Effluent gas scrubbing
An effluent gas scrubber and a method of scrubbing effluent gases are provided. An inlet port receives an effluent gas. The gas passes through successive chambers in which it is sprayed with a scrubbing fluid. An oxidizer within the scrubbing fluid is effective to oxidize non-water soluble gases within the effluent gas. An oxidation-reduction potential probe measures the oxidation-reduction potential of the scrubbing fluid and adds the oxidizer to the scrubbing fluid as needed. A pH probe measures the pH of the scrubbing fluid and adds a base to the scrubbing fluid as needed to maintain the pH at or above a threshold such as pH 7, or pH 12.
US07794676B2 Reactor for a catalytic conversion reaction
Reactor for a catalytic conversion reaction comprising within a catalyst housing a perforated catalyst support plate supporting a catalyst bed, the perforated catalyst support plate being supported by a plurality of elongated support elements, and catalyst particles in the catalyst bed being placed outside the elongated support elements, the perforated catalyst support plate being attached to the lower ends of the elongated support elements, the perforated catalyst support plate being divided into a plurality of perforated catalyst support plate segments, at least one perforated catalyst support plate segment being supported by an elongated support element.
US07794673B2 Sterilizer
A lamp assembly comprising one or more lamp clusters. Each lamp cluster comprises one or more electrodeless UV lamps which are excited by microwaves emitted from a microwave generator. The microwave generator and power supply are enclosed within a housing that is integral with the lamp clusters. The lamp clusters are wholly surrounded by a waveguide. The waveguide, comprising a flange and a distal end cap connected by a mesh, forms an enclosure. The waveguide is essentially UV transparent to allow UV light to pass through but effectively opaque to microwaves in order to substantially contain the microwaves within the waveguide enclosure.
US07794672B2 Catalytic converter with sensor cavity
A catalytic converter assembly is provided that includes a metallic tubular member having a first end and a second end. The metallic tubular member includes an aperture centrally formed between the first end and the second end. A sensor is received in the aperture and extends into an interior of the metallic tubular member for sensing a content of gas flowing through the metallic tubular member. At least one substrate is disposed within the metallic tubular member. The at least one substrate has a cavity formed in an exterior surface of the at least one substrate and extends radially inward. The cavity is aligned with the aperture of the metallic tubular member and receives a portion of the sensor extending into the interior of the metallic tubular member.
US07794671B2 Holding sealer and exhaust gas processing device
There is provided a holding sealer comprising inorganic fibers, in which the holding sealer has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface has a reentrant portion within a region that is a fixed distance inside from an end of the first surface.
US07794670B2 Method and apparatus for producing polymers
Method and apparatus of producing polymers in a gas phase polymerization reactor, which has an elongated reactor body, and an essentially vertically disposed central axis. The reactor comprises an upper part and a lower part, which are separated by a distribution plate, which promotes distribution into the fluidized bed of monomers flowing from the lower part into the upper part. According to the invention, at least a part of the gas stream fed into the lower part of the reactor is conducted along the inside of the reactor walls past the distribution plate to prevent the formation of stagnant zones in the fluidized bed at the reactor walls in the vicinity of the distribution plate.
US07794669B2 Chemical reaction cartridge
Disclosed is a chemical reaction cartridge including a substrate which is a rigid body and an elastic body, and a flow path and two or more chambers connected by the flow path are formed inside the cartridge, the cartridge is structured so as to move or block a fluid substance in the flow path or the chamber by partially sealing the flow path, the chamber or the both of the flow path and the chamber by applying external force to the elastic body from outside, and the substrate includes convex portions which protrude further than the elastic body at a surface of the substrate, on which the elastic body is formed.
US07794668B2 Reaction block for parallel synthetic chemistry and vessel therefor
A reaction vessel for use in an apparatus for parallel synthetic chemistry with a reaction chamber space for containing contents of a chemical reaction and a discharge channel for selectively removing liquid contents of the reaction chamber. The invention includes an apparatus for receiving a plurality of the reaction vessels, a method for using the apparatus and a method for forming the vessels.
US07794666B2 Method and apparatus for controlling reaction temperature in bio-chemical instruments
Method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of one or more reaction vessels in a bio-chemical analyzer comprises a heat-exchange block, preferably made of cast aluminum or the like, and a thermoelectric device for heating or cooling the block to within a desired temperature range. The heat-transfer block cradles one or more reaction vessels in a thermal energy-transferring relationship, and further supports, in a thermal energy-transferring relationship, one or more fluid conduits serving to transmit a liquid or gas to the interior of the reaction vessels. Preferably, the heat-transfer block is cast from aluminum, and the fluid conduits are disposed inside the casting. By supporting the reaction vessel(s) and fluid conduit(s) in a common block, a single thermoelectric device and controller can be used to simultaneously control the respective temperatures of multiple fluid reagents and/or gases, as well as one or more reaction vessels, thereby reducing the power requirements of the thermal control system.
US07794665B2 Fluidic device
A fluidic device includes a first material defining a first region, a second material defining a second region that is separated from the first region, and a connector coupled between the first region and the second region. The connector includes a brittle material and has an open end and a closed end, the open end being disposed in the second region, the closed end being disposed in the first region. The first region is closed off from the second region by the closed end of the connector. The connector is configured such that when the closed end of the connector is broken, the connector defines a passage from the first region to the second region.
US07794663B2 Method and system for detection of solid materials in a plasma using an electromagnetic circuit
A method for solid material detection in a medium includes receiving an exhaust gas downstream with respect to a workpiece from which a photoresist material is removed. An electromagnetic circuit is configured to include the exhaust gas, the exhaust gas is excited with electromagnetic energy and an impedance value of the electromagnetic circuit is determined, wherein the impedance value corresponds to an amount of solid material within the exhaust gas.
US07794660B2 Fluid content monitor
A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a calorimeter adapted to generate a signal indicative of contents of a fluid sample contained in the cuvette, a container for holding a reagent, and a pump assembly for delivering reagent from the container to the cuvette. The pump assembly includes a tube extending from the container to the cuvette, check valves preventing reverse flow in the tube, and a hammer driven by a solenoid for repetitively compressing the tube to pump reagent to the cuvette. The cuvette can be removed for cleaning and replacement.
US07794656B2 Device for handling and analysis of a biological sample
An apparatus for detection of an analyte of interest in a solid, semi-solid, or liquid biological sample, using a lateral flow assay test strip, is described. The apparatus minimizes sample handling and manipulation upon introduction of the sample into a sample-receiving chamber and transfer of the sample to a test chamber containing the assay strip.
US07794652B2 Noble dental alloy
A dental prosthesis may be cast and machined from a cobalt-, iron- and/or nickel-chromium base dental alloy comprising at least 25% metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, and gold wherein the major portion or at least 15%, whichever is larger, of metal in this group is ruthenium; from 15 to 30% chromium; and a principal balance of metal selected from the group consisting of iron. nickel and cobalt.
US07794647B1 Method of selective laser sintering with improved materials
A method of providing improved powder materials for selective laser sintering (SLS). and related sintering including High Speed Sintering and Selective Inhibition Sintering, processing by orienting a polymer material. The improved materials increase the melting temperature thus increasing the process temperature window, reduce or eliminate amorphous regions thus reducing water absorption, reduce the toughness thus making size reduction easier, and increase heat of fusion. The orientation may be accomplished by deforming the polymer by drawing, rolling, machining, equal channel angular extrusion or similar processes, or by a high shear two roll mill.
US07794644B2 Thin-walled optical obturator
The invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a thin-wall, single-piece optical obturator having an integral tip and shaft. The invention includes providing an injection mold defining a mold cavity having a core pin positioned within the mold cavity. The mold includes at least one gate and multiple core support pins between the core pin and the mold cavity walls, with at least one primary core support pin positioned on a side opposite the at least one gate. The method also includes injecting a transparent molten polymeric material having high flow properties into the injection mold such that the polymeric material flows between the surface of the mold cavity and the core pin. The core support pins substantially prevent the core pin from shifting while the polymeric material is injected into the mold. The high-flow nature of the polymeric material allows for complete filling of the mold cavity.
US07794639B2 Method for manufacturing carbon nanotube composite
A method for manufacturing a carbon nanotube composite, comprising the steps of:(a) preparing a solution of a polymer precursor; (b) immersing carbon nanotubes in the solution and ultrasonically cleaning the solution; (c) polymerizing the polymer precursor in order to obtain a polymer matrix having carbon nanotubes uniformly dispersed therein; (d) forming the polymer matrix into a composite having carbon nanotubes distributed therein by way of extrusion; and (e) elongating the composite so as to cause the carbon nanotubes to be orderly distributed therein.
US07794638B2 Transferring resin for forming fastener products
Method and apparatus for making fastener products (117) having molded projections (110) or other molded features carried on a surface (130) feature a transfer device (135) having an outer surface with at least one transfer area (H) relatively raised with respect to another area (L) of the outer surface of the device.
US07794630B2 Lithium dispenser for lithium evaporation
Mixtures are provided of lithium salts with reducing agents for lithium evaporation. The mixtures may be particularly used in the manufacture of electroluminescent organic displays. Lithium dispensers based on the use of these mixtures are also provided.
US07794622B2 Preparation method of a liquid crystal film having uniaxial alignment and liquid crystal device
Disclosed is a method for preparation of a liquid crystal film having uniaxial alignment, comprising steps of: elevating temperature of a substrate coated with a nanostructure formed of liquid crystal molecules to a value sufficient to alter the nanostructure into a liquid phase; and decreasing the temperature to another value sufficient to again alter the liquid phase into a liquid crystal phase in the presence of a magnetic field to horizontally align the nanostructure of liquid crystal molecules.
US07794620B2 Cholesteric monolayers and monolayer pigments with particular properties, their production and use
The invention provides novel cholesteric monolayers and pigments obtained therefrom with high brilliance and viewing angle-dependent color change (color-flop/tilt effect) with additional particular properties such as magnetizability, conductivity, fluorescence, phosphorescence and increased hiding power, a process for their production and their use.
US07794619B2 Refrigeration lubricant composition and refrigerant working fluid composition
A refrigeration lubricant composition contains an ester compound obtained from a polyol and a fatty acid, and a five- or six-membered ring cyclic ether compound having a side chain with an ester bonding. The content of the cyclic ether compound is adjusted to 0.01 to 5 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the ester compound.
US07794618B2 Azeotrope-like compositions of pentafluoropropene and 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane
The present invention provides azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245cb) with either the Z isomer of 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225yeZ) alone or with mixtures of the E and Z isomers of 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225 yeZ and HFO-1225 yeE) and uses thereof, including use in refrigerant compositions, refrigeration systems, blowing agent compositions, and aerosol propellants, and in process for separating azeotrope-like mixtures.
US07794615B2 Plasma processing method and apparatus, and autorunning program for variable matching unit
A plasma processing apparatus includes an upper matching unit 44 which is a variable matching unit whose impedance can be varied, and a main controller 100. The upper matching unit 44 includes a controller 104 for variably controlling the impedance positions of a variable reactance element of a matching circuit 102, a RF sensor for measuring a load impedance including the matching circuit 102, and a VPP measuring circuit 112 for measuring a peak value (peak-to-peak value) of a radio frequency voltage in a waveguide line at the output side of the upper matching unit 44. The main controller 100 executes and controls an autorunning of the matching units 44, 88 for optimizing an off preset of the impedance positions thereof. The plasma can be readily get ignited without requiring to set or change special processing conditions while influencing none of the processes.
US07794613B2 Method of fabricating printhead having hydrophobic ink ejection face
A method of fabricating a printhead having a hydrophobic ink ejection face is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a partially-fabricated printhead comprising a plurality of nozzle chambers and a relatively hydrophilic nozzle surface, the nozzle surface at least partially defining the ink ejection face; (b) depositing a layer of relatively hydrophobic polymeric material onto the nozzle surface, the polymeric material being resistant to removal by ashing; and (c) defining a plurality of nozzle openings in the nozzle surface, thereby providing a printhead having a relatively hydrophobic ink ejection face. Steps (b) and (c) may be performed in any order.
US07794611B2 Micropump for integrated device for biological analyses
A micropump includes a body (10) of semiconductor material, accommodating fluid-tight chambers (32), having an internal preset pressure, lower than atmospheric pressure. The fluid-tight chambers (32), sealed by a diaphragm (35) that can be electrically opened, are selectively openable using a first electrode (37) and second electrodes (38), accommodating between them portions of the diaphragm (35).
US07794607B2 Composition and method for enhanced sanitation and oxidation of aqueous systems
Compositions and methods for their use are presented that substantially increase the rate of inactivation of microbiological organisms, especially those resistant to inactivation from free halogen based sanitizers, and oxidation of oxidation resistant organic based compounds in aqueous solution. Aquatic facilities susceptible to accumulation of organic N-chloramines, cyanuric acid and other oxidation resistant compounds, as well as oxidation resistant parasitic organisms such as cryptosporidium and Giardia, obtain dramatic improvements in the rate of oxidation and subsequent inactivation of these undesirable contaminants.
US07794605B2 Horizontal belt filter with vacuum pan alignment
A mechanism in a horizontal belt filter controls the position of the drainage belt to ensure its alignment with the vacuum pan. A section of belt rollers supporting the drainage belt is mounted on a movable structure capable of shifting the rollers laterally to the degree necessary to compensate for misalignments between the drain holes and the vacuum pan. The control operation is implemented with a detector capable of sensing the position of the drain holes in the belt with respect to the vacuum pan. A signal is sent to an actuator that causes the belt rollers to move laterally in the direction required to maintain alignment of the drain holes with the vacuum pan. A dual-drive system is preferably utilized to provide a more uniform force distribution along the drive pulley and to increase torque, thereby also advantageously increasing the capacity of the filter.
US07794598B2 Bioreactor and method for the biological purification of water
The invention relates to a bioreactor (1) for the purification of waters, said reactor comprising a cross-sectionally essentially circular or elliptical tank section (2) provided with inlet means (5) for water to be purified and outlet means (6) for purified water. The tank holds thereinside carrier material (3) on which a biofilm may develop. The tank is further provided with means (4) for supplying a fluid which contains a reaction gas required by the purification process, such that the water to be purified develops gas bubbles containing a reaction gas. The tank section is adapted to be essentially full of water during the purification process. The fluid supply means (4) are disposed on the tank wall and the reactor comprises control means for operating the fluid supply means in such a way that a spinning motion of the carrier, the water, and at least some of said reaction-gas bearing bubbles is effected thereby around a rotation centerline passing essentially through the tank's cross-sectional center. The control means are adapted to optionally effect a deactivation of the fluid supply means at desired times and/or a replacement of the fluid with an oxygen-free fluid for providing an anaerobic process. The invention relates also to a method for the biological purification of waters in a bioreactor.
US07794597B2 Treatment of waste mixture containing liquids and solids
A facility for treating solid and liquid waste includes a receiving station, a screening station, a preprocessing station, a press station and a processing station. The screening station is connected to an inlet capable of receiving liquid and solid waste and includes a screen for capturing at least some of the solid waste. The preprocessing station is in fluid communication with the screening station, and includes a degrit chamber for settling out an additional amount of the solids. The press station included at least one alkali mixing tank and a screw press for separating out an additional portion of the solids. The processing station includes at least one aerobic microorganism generating unit for converting nitrites into nitrogen gas and consuming carbon-based waste material.
US07794596B2 Method and apparatus for waste water treatment
A method for treating wastewater wherein the wastewater is introduced in prescribed doses of wastewater to a first treatment zone, establishing a negative pressure gradient using mechanical ventilation within said zone causing exhaust air flow to remove gases and promote evaporation in the zone. Excess wastewater passing through the zone is collected and reintroduced. The zone contains particulate material with a large wetted surface area covered in a microbiological slime layer.
US07794595B2 Method for encapsulation, remediation and recovery of spilled oil
Diacylglycerol PEGs (DAG-PEGs) are used remediate oil contaminations. DA-PEGs encapsulate the oil into lipsomes in an aqueous environment. The lipsomes sequester the oil from causing damage.
US07794594B2 Filter module
The invention relates to a filter module (1) comprising filters layers (4a, b) made of a filter medium, especially comprising filter layers made of filter strata. Said filter layers alternate with layers made of draining spacer elements 910, 10a, b, 20), the first and last layer of the filter module (1) consisting respectively of a draining spacer element (10a, b, 20). The draining spacer elements respectively and mutually comprise flow elements (12a, b) and sealing elements (11a, b) for the filtrate chamber and the non-filtrate chamber (40, 41). Means are provided for the mutual connection thereof. The aim of the filter module (1) is to combine the advantages of known filter modules with improved sealing at the edges of the filter layers, and to make the filter module backwashable. The filter module (1) comprises draining spacer elements (10, 10a, b, 20) which are embodied in such a way that they enable the filter layers to be pressed in a sealing manner. At least some of the draining spacer elements (10, 10a, b, 20) comprise connecting means in the region of at least one filtrate chamber or non-filtrate chamber (40, 41), which co-operate with the connecting means of at least one other spacer element. The connecting means include lugs, stirrup straps (16a, b, 23a, b), and T and arrow-shaped catch elements. In this way, a stable and both backwashable filter module (1) is created.
US07794590B2 Entrapping immobilization pellets for purifying breeding water, process and apparatus for purifying breeding water, and aquarium set
Entrapping immobilization pellets for purifying breeding water in an aquarium to breed aquatic animals, wherein microorganisms are entrapped and immobilized in an aqueous polymer gel and the entrapping immobilization pellets are colored.
US07794588B2 Hydrocarbon conversion process to decrease polyaromatics
A process is provided for producing low sulfur diesel having a reduced poly-aromatic level where at least a portion of the poly-aromatics are converted to mono-aromatics. In one aspect, the process separates the temperature and pressure requirements for obtaining low levels of sulfur from the temperature and pressure requirements to saturate poly-aromatics to mono-aromatics. By one approach, the process first converts a diesel boiling range hydrocarbon stream in a hydrotreating zone at conditions effective to produce a hydrotreating zone effluent having a reduced concentration of sulfur with minimal saturation of poly-aromatics. Hydrogen is then admixed in the hydrotreating zone effluent or at least a portion thereof, which is then reacted in a substantially liquid-phase continuous reaction zone to effect saturation of poly-aromatics to provide a liquid-phase continuous reaction zone effluent having a reduced level of poly-aromatics relative to the diesel feed.
US07794587B2 Method to alter coke morphology using metal salts of aromatic sulfonic acids and/or polysulfonic acids
A method for altering coke morphology in a delayed coking process of heavy oil is provided. An effective amount of oil dispersible or oil soluble metal salts of aromatic sulfonic acids and/or polysulfonic acids is added or contacted with the resid or heavy oil at a point before or after the step of heating the heavy oil to coking temperatures. The addition of additives facilitates the formation of shot coke and inhibits the formation of sponge coke.
US07794586B2 Viscoelastic upgrading of heavy oil by altering its elastic modulus
A method for upgrading the viscoelastic properties of a heavy oil by altering its elastic modulus. An effective amount of one or more elastic modulus lowering agents are used, wherein preferred elastic modulus lowering agents include mineral and organic acids and bases, preferably strong bases, such as hydroxides of metals selected from the alkali and alkaline-earth metals.
US07794585B2 Hydrocarbon conversion process
Methods of hydroprocessing hydrocarbon streams are provided that employ substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing conditions. In one aspect, the method includes directing a hydrocarbonaceous feed stock to a first substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone wherein an effluent from the first substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone is directed to a second substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone generally undiluted with other hydrocarbon streams. In another aspect, the method recycles a liquid portion of a liquid hydrocarbonaceous effluent from the second substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone, which preferably includes an amount of hydrogen dissolved therein, to the hydrocarbonaceous feed stock so that the feed to the first substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone has a relatively larger concentration of dissolved hydrogen relative to the hydrocarbonaceous feed stock.
US07794583B2 Synergistic corrosion management systems for controlling, eliminating and/or managing corrosion
The present invention generally relates to synergistic corrosion management systems designed to deliver two or more different types of corrosion inhibiting compounds (e.g., two or more different types of corrosion inhibiting compounds) to an enclosure, and to method for using same. More specifically, the present invention relates to synergistic corrosion management systems designed to eliminate, manage, control and/or mitigate corrosion in containers, enclosures, cisterns and/or storage tanks (e.g., above ground storage tanks). In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes a combination of at least one cathodic-based corrosion prevention or mitigation system, at least one soluble corrosion inhibitor, and at least one volatile or vapor phase corrosion inhibitor. In another embodiment, the present invention utilizes a combination of at least one cathodic corrosion prevention or mitigation system, at least one soluble corrosion inhibitor, and at least one volatile or vapor phase corrosion inhibitor to control, mitigate and/or eliminate corrosion in the bottom portions of above ground storage tanks.
US07794581B2 Process for the surface treatment of a component, and apparatus for the surface treatment of a component
Components which are subject to operating loads can often be passed for refurbishment by means of an acid treatment. The time for which the components remain in the acid has hitherto been determined empirically, which means that individual loads are not taken into account. The process according to the invention for the surface treatment of a component proposes that at least repeatedly a measurement voltage be applied to the component, resulting in the flow of a current, the time profile of which represents the state of the surface treatment and is used to decide upon when to terminate or interrupt the acid treatment.
US07794580B2 Thermal and electrochemical process for metal production
A method of winning a metal from its oxide ore by heating the ore in a partial vacuum or under an inert atmosphere in the presence of a reductant. The resulting product may be further reduced electrochemically to produce a purer metal.
US07794579B2 Production of chlorates and derivative chemicals from ammonium perchlorate
A process for the production of chlorates and derivative chemicals from ammonium perchlorate as a starting material. Ammonia is produced in a first step wherein a metal hydroxide is reacted with ammonium perchlorate to produce ammonia and a metal perchlorate. If the metal hydroxide used is sodium hydroxide, sodium perchlorate is formed. The ammonia generated is recovered and sent to a reformer to produce hydrogen which is used to fuel a fuel cell that generates water and electrical energy to run an electrochemical reactor where the metal perchlorate is converted to a metal chlorate and derivative chemicals.
US07794578B2 Method for preparing a circuit board material having a conductive base and a resistance layer
A plating bath, able to form a resistance layer with a uniform thickness distribution on the roughened surface of a conductive base, including nickel ions and sulfamic acid or its salt as essential components and at least one of phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, hypophosphorous acid, and salts of the same; a conductive base having a thin resistance layer with a stable resistance, and a resistance circuit board material using the same.
US07794576B2 Protein resolution enhancement by using matrix containing DMSO
An electrophoresis gel matrix is provided for conducting proteomics, in particular the steps of separating and/or identifying proteins. The matrix comprises at least one chemical reagent being at least one of a denaturing, buffering, disaggregating, reducing, staining or dissolving reagent, and a volume of dimethylsulfoxide. The use of such a matrix, which is provided to be filled into an electrophoresis capillary being part of a microfluidic device for carrying out proteomics, leads to an enhanced resolution of proteins. The matrix is prepared adding a volume of dimethylsulfoxide ranging from 4% to 15%, preferably from 5% to 10%, most preferably from 6% to 8% with respect to the total volume of chemical reagents being comprised in the matrix. A method is provided for preparation of the matrix for conducting proteomics and a method is conducted to carry out proteomics by the use of this matrix.
US07794575B2 Monitoring of gas sensors
A monitor is disclosed for monitoring an atmosphere for the presence of a target gas. The monitor includes an electrical gas sensor having a working (sensing) electrode and a counter electrode, an operational amplifier connected between the sensor electrodes, a detector, and a circuit. The sensor provides a current between the electrodes that is indicative of the amount of a target gas in the atmosphere. The operational amplifier generates an output signal according to the current flowing between the terminals where the output signal is indicative of the amount of target gas in the atmosphere. The detector detects when the current flowing between the sensor electrodes exceeds a predetermined threshold. The circuit restricts the potential difference between the sensor electrodes when the current between the terminals exceeds the predetermined threshold by supplying additional current or removing current from the working sensor electrode.
US07794573B2 Systems and methods for electrochemically processing microfeature workpieces
Systems and methods for electrochemically processing microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system includes (a) a processing unit having a first flow system configured to convey a flow of a first processing fluid to a microfeature workpiece, (b) an electrode unit having an electrode and a second flow system configured to convey a flow of a second processing fluid at least proximate to the electrode, (c) a barrier between the processing unit and the electrode unit to separate the first and second processing fluids, and (d) a water balance unit for maintaining the concentration of water in the first processing fluid within a desired range.
US07794570B2 Headbox apparatus for a papermaking machine
A headbox apparatus is disclosed for a papermaking machine. The headbox apparatus defines a flow path for stock flowing between an upstream header and a downstream slice lip. The apparatus includes a plurality of elements which are anchored within the flow path between the header and the slice lip. Each element and an adjacent element of the plurality of elements defines therebetween a flow tube for the flow therethrough of the stock. The flow tube has an upstream portion and a downstream portion that gradually widens in a direction from the header to the slice lip.
US07794569B2 Support band
A support band for a drying arrangement for drying one of a paper, a board, a tissue and a fibrous web in a papermaking machine for at least one of producing and finishing the same, the support band including a water-impermeable sealing layer and at least one water-absorbing storage layer. The at least one water-absorbing storage layer being adjacent to the water-impermeable sealing layer. At least one of the water-impermeable sealing layer or the water-absorbing storage layer being made, at least partially, of a highly thermally conductive material.
US07794567B2 Uncoated facestock for adhesive-backed labels
Disclosed is an uncoated facestock product having enhanced printability, holdout, and edge wick properties, which are attained through a combination of manufacturing techniques including increased refining of the furnish, sizing, increased hard nip calendering, and the use of extended nip calendering. The resulting uncoated facestock product has the following properties: a density between about 0.7 and 1.0 g/cc and/or an ash content of less than about 15% as measured by the 525° C. standard test method; and a finished surface having a Sheffield smoothness between about 50 and 150 Sheffield units and a Parker Print Surf roughness (PPS-10) less than about 5.0 microns.
US07794565B2 Method of making low slough tissue products
The present invention is a soft tissue sheet having reduced lint and slough. The tissue sheet comprises papermaking fibers and a synthetic co-copolymer. The synthetic co-polymer has the general structure: wherein R1, R2, R3 are independently selected from a group consisting of: H; C1-4 alkyl radicals; and, mixtures thereof; R4 is selected from a group consisting of C1-C8 alkyl radicals and mixtures thereof; Z1 is a bridging radical attaching the R4 functionality to the polymer backbone; and, Q1 is a functional group containing at least a cationic quaternary ammonium radical. w, x, y≧1 and the mole ratio of x to (x+y) is about 0.5 or greater.
US07794563B2 Etching depth measuring device, etching apparatus, and etching depth measuring method
An etching depth measuring device for measuring the etching depth of an object to be processed, when etching the object to be processed by using active species present in a plasma, the etching depth measuring device comprising: a chamber in which is formed an introduction port for introducing a part of the active species; a member to be processed which is housed in the chamber and etched by the part of the active species; and a mass detecting element which receives a substance generated from the member to be processed and detects the mass of the received substance.
US07794562B2 Method of manufacturing a chemical mechanical polishing pad
A method of manufacturing a chemical mechanical polishing pad is provided, comprising: providing a polishing layer; providing a chemical mechanical polishing pad manufacturing assembly, comprising: a subpad layer having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least two wrap around tabs; a backing plate having a top side and a bottom side; a sacrificial layer having at least two recessed areas designed to facilitate attachment of the subpad layer to the backing plate; an unset reactive hot melt adhesive applied to the top surface of the subpad layer, wherein the unset reactive hot melt adhesive is applied in a pattern of parallel lines; wherein the subpad layer is disposed on the top side of the backing plate and the sacrificial layer is disposed on the bottom side of the backing plate, and wherein the at least two wrap around tabs extend to the bottom side of the backing plate; stacking the polishing layer and the chemical mechanical polishing pad manufacturing assembly with the unset reactive hot melt adhesive interposed between the polishing layer and the subpad layer forming a stack; applying an axial force to the stack; allowing the unset reactive hot melt adhesive to set forming a reactive hot melt adhesive bond between the subpad layer and the polishing layer; separating the at least two wrap around tabs from the subpad layer; and, removing the subpad layer with the polishing layer bonded thereto from the backing plate.
US07794560B2 Method and system of sheet-wise binding of documents
A method and system for binding of sheets includes providing an adhesive layer supported on a first side of a backing material. Plural sheets are accumulated against the adhesive layer, and heat is applied to a side of the adhesive layer adjacent the backing material to locally melt only a portion of the adhesive layer in a vicinity of an additional sheet accumulated against the adhesive layer.
US07794558B2 Method of bonding fluororesin films, and fluororesin film
A method for bonding fluororesin films, a wide fluororesin film obtained by the method, and a covering material for agricultural use, made thereof, are presented. A method of bonding films (A), wherein two sheets of films (A) made of a fluororesin, are disposed so that their edges overlap each other, a central part (b1) of the overlapping portion (B) is press-bonded under heating at a temperature within a range of from lower by 5° C. to higher by 20° C. than the melting point of the fluororesin, and then the entire area of the portion (B) is press-bonded at a temperature within a range of from lower by 30° C. to lower by more than 5° C., than the melting point, to weld the two sheets of films (A); a wide fluororesin film obtained by the method; and a covering material for agricultural use, made thereof.
US07794553B2 Thermoplastically processable amorphous metals and methods for processing same
High strength, thermoplastically processable (TPF) amorphous alloys composed of Beryllium and at least one ETM and at least one LTM, as well as methods of processing such alloys are provided. The TPF alloys of the invention demonstrate good glass forming ability, low viscosity in the supercooled liquid region (SCLR), a low processing temperature, and a long processing time at that temperature before crystallization.
US07794549B2 Drip shield for a drawer-type dishwasher
A drip shield is mounted to a drawer of a drawer-type dishwasher so as to extend along an outer rear surface of the drawer and catch droplets of washing fluid falling from a lid of the dishwasher. The drip shield includes a shelf that extends between up-turned wall portions. The shelf is angled away from the tub so that any droplets of washing fluid that may fall onto the drip shield will migrate away from the drawer. The shelf is also formed such that first and second end portions are positioned higher than a central or intermediate portion. This construction forces the droplets of washing fluid to collect in a centralized drain point from where the droplets of water can be guided to a controlled location.
US07794547B2 Flue pan washer for maple sugar evaporator
The present invention is directed to an automatic washer system mounted within a maple sugar evaporator above the rear flue pan for removing niter and sediment built up during the boiling of sap. The evaporator comprises a furnace, a steam hood, a pan and a nozzle for washing the pan. The steam hood extends over the furnace. The pan is mounted to the furnace and under the steam hood. The nozzle is mounted over the pan. Cleaning fluid is sprayed from the nozzle to clean the pan by an automated process.
US07794546B2 Sealing device and method for a processing system
A method, computer readable medium, and system for treating a substrate in a process space of a processing system that is vacuum isolated from a transfer space of the processing system is described. A sealing device is disposed between a first chamber assembly configured to define the process space and a second chamber assembly configured to define the transfer space. When the sealing device is engaged, vacuum isolation is provided between the process space and the transfer space. The sealing device comprises two or more contact ridges with one or more pockets formed therebetween. When the sealing device is engaged between the first chamber assembly and the second chamber assembly, gas is trapped in the one or more pockets. This trapped gas assists the release of the sealing device upon disengagement of the sealing device between the first chamber assembly and the second chamber assembly.
US07794543B2 Method of growing GaN crystal, method of producing single crystal GaN substrate, and single crystal GaN substrate
A low dislocation density GaN single crystal substrate is made by forming a seed mask having parallel stripes regularly and periodically aligning on an undersubstrate, growing a GaN crystal on a facet-growth condition, forming repetitions of parallel facet hills and facet valleys rooted upon the mask stripes, maintaining the facet hills and facet valleys, producing voluminous defect accumulating regions (H) accompanying the valleys, yielding low dislocation single crystal regions (Z) following the facets, making C-plane growth regions (Y) following flat tops between the facets, gathering dislocations on the facets into the valleys by the action of the growing facets, reducing dislocations in the low dislocation single crystal regions (Z) and the C-plane growth regions (Y), and accumulating the dislocations in cores (S) or interfaces (K) of the voluminous defect accumulating regions (H).
US07794542B2 Bulk single crystal gallium nitride and method of making same
A single crystal M*N article, which may be made by a process including the steps of: providing a substrate of material having a crystalline surface which is epitaxially compatible with M*N; depositing a layer of single crystal M*N over the surface of the substrate; and removing the substrate from the layer of single crystal M*N, e.g., with an etching agent which is applied to the substrate to remove same, to yield the layer of single crystal M*N as said single crystal M*N article. The bulk single crystal M*N article is suitable for use as a substrate for the fabrication of microelectronic structures thereon, to produce microelectronic devices comprising bulk single crystal M*N substrates, or precursor structures thereof.
US07794541B2 Gallium nitride-based material and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a GaN-based material having high thermal conductivity. A gallium nitride-based material is grown by HVPE (Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxial Growth) by supplying a carrier gas (G1) containing H2 gas, GaCl gas (G2), and NH3 gas (G3) to a reaction chamber (10), and setting the growth temperature at 900 (° C.) (inclusive) to 1,200 (° C.) (inclusive), the growth pressure at 8.08×104 (Pa) (inclusive) to 1.21×105 (Pa) (inclusive), the partial pressure of the GaCl gas (G2) at 1.0×104 (Pa) (inclusive) to 1.0×104 (Pa) (inclusive), and the partial pressure of the NH3 gas (G3) at 9.1×102 (Pa) (inclusive) to 2.0×104 (Pa) (inclusive).
US07794540B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, in which on a region of silicon oxide (5) situated next to a region of monocrystalline silicon (4) at the surface (3) of a semiconductor body (1), a non-monocrystalline auxiliary layer (8) is formed. The auxiliary layer is formed in two steps. In the first step, the silicon body is heated in an atmosphere comprising a gaseous arsenic compound; in the second step it is heated in an atmosphere comprising a gaseous silicon compound instead of said arsenic compound. Thus, the regions of silicon oxide are provided with an amorphous or polycrystalline silicon seed layer in a self-aligned manner.
US07794539B2 Method for producing III group element nitride crystal, production apparatus for use therein, and semiconductor element produced thereby
A method for producing Group-III-element nitride crystals by which an improved growth rate is obtained and large high-quality crystals can be grown in a short time, a producing apparatus used therein, and a semiconductor element obtained using the method and the apparatus are provided. The method is a method for producing Group-III-element nitride crystals that includes a crystal growth process of subjecting a material solution containing a Group III element, nitrogen, and at least one of alkali metal and alkaline-earth metal to pressurizing and heating under an atmosphere of a nitrogen-containing gas so that the nitrogen and the Group III element in the material solution react with each other to grow crystals. The method further includes, prior to the crystal growth process, a material preparation process of preparing the material solution in a manner that under an atmosphere of a nitrogen-containing gas, at least one of an ambient temperature and an ambient pressure is set so as to be higher than is set as a condition for the crystal growth process so that the nitrogen is allowed to dissolve in a melt containing the Group III element and the at least one of alkali metal and alkaline-earth metal. The method according to the present invention can be performed by using, for example, the producing apparatus shown in FIG. 7.
US07794538B2 Self-assembly method, opal, photonic band gap, and light source
A suspension of particles is rapidly self-assembled with a minimal number of defects into a three-dimensional array of particles onto a substrate under simultaneous sedimentating and annealing forces. This array of particles may be ordered as an opal structure. Optionally, the synthesized structure may incorporate an electrolyte into the suspension and be used as a sacrificial form for micromoulding an inverse structure. The inverse structure may exhibit a photonic band gap. Optionally, necking and material composition may be adjusted after micromoulding. These structures are useful to a wide variety of applications. The photonic band gap structure may be heated to function as a light source. The light source may be fitted into standard sockets.
US07794536B2 Method for manufacturing pigment dispersion
A method is provided for pigment dispersion. The method includes preparing a solution in which the pigment is dissolved in an organic acid, preparing a reaction liquid capable of decreasing the solubility of the pigment in the solution, and mixing the solution and the reaction liquid in the presence of an additive represented by a General Formula (1) below, CmH2m+1(OCH2CH2)nOH  (1) wherein m is an integer higher than 14 and lower than 18, and n is an integer equal to or higher than 15 and equal to or lower than 25.
US07794533B2 Oil-based ink composition for writing utensil and writing utensil employing the same
The present invention provides an ink composition containing an olefinic wax dispersion added so as to impart smooth writing properties without causing starving at the starting of writing, and the ink composition has noticeably improved stability over time. The present invention provides an oil-based ink composition comprising a solvent selected from the group consisting of a monohydric alcohol, a polyhydric alcohol and glycol ether, and a colorant selected from the group consisting of a pigment, a dye, and a mixture of the pigment and the dye, the oil-based ink composition further comprising a dispersion of reprecipitated olefinic wax particles.
US07794531B2 Organic solderability preservative comprising high boiling temperature alcohol
An organic solderability preservative (OSP) composition comprising an alkyl cyclic alcohol and an azole compound having enhanced composition stability against crystallization of the azole compound.
US07794530B2 Electroless deposition of cobalt alloys
Systems and methods for electroless deposition of a cobalt-alloy layer on a copper surface include a solution characterized by a low pH. This solution may include, for example, a cobalt(II) salt, a complexing agent including at least two amine groups, a pH adjuster configured to adjust the pH to below 7.0, and a reducing agent. In some embodiments, the cobalt-alloy is configured to facilitate bonding and copper diffusion characteristics between the copper surface and a dielectric in an integrated circuit.
US07794526B2 Advanced methane and ammonia recovery system
An advanced methane and ammonia recovery system captures gaseous waste produced by domestic livestock to reduce the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and to generate energy. The system includes a gas capture system residing at a peak of a barn. At large commercial operations, the captured gasses pass through a separator to separate methane from ammonia gas. The ammonia is processed to obtain a fertilizer. The methane is stored in a tank, and drawn from the tank to provide fuel for an electrical generator. At smaller operations, the captured gasses may be stored in a tank for periodic collection by a tanker truck or other transportation, or where economically feasible, piped to a central processing location. The system is designed to substantially reduce the amount of methane gas released into the environment while providing additional income to the domestic livestock operations.
US07794516B2 Filter bag mounting assembly
A filter bag includes a bag structure of filter material. A panel is adhered to the bag structure and has a fill opening. A securing tab is attached by a hinge to the panel. The panel is configured to have a mounted position in which a fill tube projects through the fill opening into the bag structure to exhaust air into the bag structure. The panel can be secured in the mounted position by the attachment tab being manually pivoted about the hinge into attachment with an attachment structure coupled to the fill tube.
US07794515B2 Cyclone separating apparatus for vacuum cleaner
A cyclone separating apparatus for a vacuum cleaner includes a first cyclone with an air entrance disposed on a lower portion of the first cyclone and an air exit disposed at an upper portion of the first cyclone; a first contaminants chamber substantially enclosing the first cyclone to collect contaminants discharged from the first cyclone; a plurality of second cyclones above the first cyclone, the plurality of second cyclones being substantially perpendicular to a center axis of the first cyclone; and a second contaminants chamber disposed outside the first contaminants chamber to collect contaminants discharged from the plurality of second cyclones.
US07794514B2 Two-stage gasification apparatus coupled with heat recovery and washing and its applications
A two-stage gasification apparatus coupled with heat recovery and washing includes a columnar shell (7), an entrained flow gasification chamber (1), a fixed bed gasification chamber (18), a waste heat boiler (19) and a gas cooling-washing chamber (14) set coaxially from top to bottom inside the columnar shell (7). Process nozzle chambers (3) are set at a sidewall and/or a top of the entrained flow gasification chamber (1), and process nozzles (2) are set in a nozzle chambers (3). A feed-in lock hopper (25) is set and a fixed bed gasification chamber (18). An eccentric grate (10) is set in the middle of a lower part of the fixed bed gasification chamber (18), and the grate is connected with an ash-pan (11), which is conjoined with a motor (36) via transmission mechanism. An inverse cone (22) is erected at an upper part of a cooling-washing chamber (14).
US07794511B2 Battery separator for lithium polymer battery
A battery separator for a lithium battery is disclosed. The separator has a microporous membrane and a coating thereon. The coating is made from a mixture of a gel forming polymer, a first solvent, and a second solvent. The first solvent is more volatile than the second solvent. The second solvent acts as a pore former for the gel-forming polymer.
US07794509B2 Tricationic dyes
Disclosed are tricationic dye compounds, useful for dyeing hair, wool, leather, silk, cellulose or polyamides. The dye compounds are of formula (1), where the groups are as defined in the specification and claims. [D-E1=E2-K]3+(An1−) (An2−) (An3−)   (1)
US07794501B2 Expandable intervertebral spacers and methods of use
An intervertebral spacer is inserted between vertebral members in a compact configuration and expanded post-insertion to contact the adjacent vertebral members. The intervertebral spacer comprises a first member and a second member movable with respect to the first member between retracted and extended positions.
US07794499B2 Prosthetic intervertebral spinal disc with integral microprocessor
A device for storing data related to movement of a prosthetic implant includes at least one transducer for generating at least one real time movement signal responsive to movement within the prosthetic implant. A processor generates movement data parameters and associated time stamps in response to the real time movement signal. The generated data parameters and time stamps are stored within a memory associated with the processor. A communications link may be used to selectively access the movement data parameters and the time stamps in the memory from an external source.
US07794496B2 Tissue shaping device with integral connector and crimp
A tissue shaping device adapted to be deployed in a vessel to reshape tissue adjacent to the vessel. In some embodiments the device includes first and second anchors and a connector disposed between the first and second anchors, with the connector being integral with at least a portion of the first anchor. The invention is also a method of making a tissue shaping device including the steps of removing material from a blank to form a connector and an integral anchor portion; and attaching a non-integral anchor portion to the integral anchor portion.
US07794495B2 Controlled degradation of stents
Stents fabricated from hydrolytically degradable polymers with accelerated degradation rates and methods of fabricating stents with accelerated degradation rates are disclosed.
US07794492B2 Stent and stent graft
A stent formed in a shape of a generally tubular body having a central axis. The stent has a spring function with which the tubular body is diameter-contractible toward the central axis, and the tubular body is expandable to an initial diameter after contraction. The stent maintains a configuration curved along a longitudinal direction of the stent when the stent is not inserted in a sheath. The stent is elongated in a form of a generally straight line along the longitudinal direction when the stent is inserted into the sheath. The stent, being housed in a sheath in the form of a generally straight line, is inserted into a diseased part together with the sheath, is released from the sheath, and radially expands, outwardly after release, to restore and maintain a configuration curved along the longitudinal direction of the stent.
US07794485B2 Compress with cooling effect in sterile pack
The invention relates to a compress with a cooling effect, based on particles (6) of a polymer that has a high water absorption capacity, which comes enclosed with a reserve of water to activate it in an item (2) which comprises, inside a watertight outer sachet (3), on the one hand an inner pouch (4) filled with water and sealed in a watertight manner by a wall comprising a frangible region (10) and, on the other hand, the compress (1) produced in the form of a wrapper (5) at least partially permeable to water and containing the polymer particles (6) in the dry state. The sachet (3) is made of a material of a nature able to keep the pouch (4) and the compress (1) sterile.
US07794482B2 Device for osteosynthesis
A device for osteosynthesis that includes a fixation element having at least one through hole designed to receive a pivotable bushing for a bone screw. The through hole has a central axis and a cross-section extending orthogonally to the central axis defined by two incomplete semicircles connected to each other by at least two non-circular cut outs forming grooves in the fixation element. The device also includes at least one bushing insertable in the through hole. The bushing has top and bottom surfaces, a longitudinal axis, a central bore designed to receive a bone screw, and a peripheral outside face having at least two outwardly extending protrusions defining an axis of rotation of the bushing extending through the protrusions. A cross section of the bushing orthogonal to the longitudinal axis is shaped such that the bushing is pivotable about the axis of rotation defined by the protrusions.
US07794479B2 Spinal support coupling device
The present invention is directed to a spinal support coupling device (10) comprised of first and second radial frames (44A and 44B), each pivotably coupled to a center pivot hinge (30). A traveling arm (20) is provided, coupled to the first and second radial frames (44A and 44B) at the center pivot hinge (30). The traveling arm (20) is configured to rotate with respect to the first and second radial frames (44A and 44B) around the center pivot hinge (30). A coupling rod (80) is attached to the traveling arm (20) and configured to connect a first and a second surgical screw (60A and 60B), placed into a patient. The first and second radial frames (44A and 4413) are configured to retain corresponding first and second extension rods (64A and 64B), extending away from the top of the first and second surgical screws (60A and 60B).
US07794475B2 Surgical staples having compressible or crushable members for securing tissue therein and stapling instruments for deploying the same
A staple having a crown, a deformable leg extending from the crown, and a spring extending from the crown configured to compress tissue between the spring and the deformable member. Owing to the flexibility of the spring, the staple can accommodate a wide range of tissue thicknesses while still compressing the tissue captured therein. As a result, a single staple design can be used in a wide variety of surgical procedures thereby reducing the amount of staple designs that must be provided to the surgeon. In at least one embodiment, the staple includes a crushable member. This crushable member can include a plastically deformable first portion and an elastically deformable second portion. The present invention can also include, in various embodiments, a crown, a first deformable member extending from the crown, and means for compressing the tissue against the first deformable member.
US07794472B2 Single wire intravascular filter
Single-wire intravascular filters for use in filtering blood clots within the body are disclosed. An intravascular filter in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include a single filter wire defining a first end section, a second end section, and one or more filter loops adapted to collect blood clots contained within a blood vessel. Each of the filter loops can be configured to slope outwardly at an angle away from a central longitudinal axis of the filter to form a conical-shaped structure having an apex section and a base section.
US07794471B1 Compliant anastomosis system
An integrated anastomosis tool may include an effector that both makes an opening in the wall of a target vessel and connects a graft vessel to the target vessel. The connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel may be compliant, and may be achieved by deploying a plurality of connectors such as staples into tissue. The effector may include a cutter assembly and a connection module that are independently actuatable. The cutter assembly and/or the connection module may be cable-actuated.
US07794469B2 Adjustable universal surgical platform
A surgical platform usable for performing a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the surgical platform comprises a base portion configured to receive at least one probe; a plurality of adjustable legs configured to support the base portion, each adjustable legs having a first end portion and an opposite, second end potion defining a length therebetween; and at least one movable portion configured to adjust the length of at least one adjustable leg.
US07794468B2 Middle ear reconstruction process and apparatus for performing the process
Erosion of elements of the ossicular chain in the middle ear, resulting in hearing loss, is corrected by creating a bridge between the eroded elements, employing a bone cement formed as a paste of a self-hardening material, which is molded into an elongated bridge, secured at its two ends to the elements to be bridged, and supported in its desired position until the material hardens to fuse the two elements, at which time the support may be removed. The material is preferably hydroxyapatite cement, bone source, or similar material, such as ionomeric bone cement. These materials strongly bond to the contacting bone and may stimulate bone in-growth, resulting in osseointegration. The apparatus for forming the bridge consists of a reservoir of the bridge material in liquid or paste form connected to a bridge supporting tube. The tube is preferably placed in contact with the two elements to be bridged and the bone source material is injected into the tube using a manually actuated plunger until the tube is full. The tube is then supported, manually or otherwise, until the material hardens and the supporting tube is removed.
US07794458B2 Bipolar radio frequency ablation device with retractable insulator
An ablation device, comprises a first tubular element and a first electrode which, when in an insertion configuration, is received within the first tubular element, the first electrode being deployable from the first tubular element to anchor in a target portion of tissue at a first electrode operative position in combination with a second electrode which, when in the insertion configuration, is received within the first tubular element, the second electrode being deployable from the first tubular element to anchor in the target portion of tissue at a second electrode operative position separated from the first electrode operative position, the second electrode being deployable independently of the first electrode and an insulating element movable relative to the first electrode to insulate selected portions of the first electrode. The device is employed to ablate first and second portions of tissue.
US07794456B2 Systems and methods for electrosurgical intervertebral disc replacement
The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure.
US07794455B2 Wide area ablation of myocardial tissue
The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body having a substantially fixed diameter, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen for permitting passage of a cooling fluid from the proximal end to the distal end; a second lumen permitting return of the cooling fluid from the distal end to the proximal end; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the catheter body to a second diameter that is at least twice the diameter of the catheter body, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more balloon and/or a flexible element that is deformed by moving the distal end of the catheter toward the proximal end of the catheter. The surface of the balloon can further be shaped by regulation of pressure within the one or more balloons. In an exemplary method a tissue ablation device is provided and tissue in the antrum of the left atrium is ablated with the device. In an exemplary method, only tissue in the antrum is ablated, and the ablation is created by freezing tissue.
US07794453B2 Apparatus for treating age-related maculopathy (arm)
Apparatus for treating age-related macular degeneration, the apparatus comprising a light source which, in operation, serves to emit a therapeutic light beam presenting an emission wavelength lying in the range 1.2 μm to 1.3 μm, and preferably equal to 1.26 μm to 1.27 μm. The laser source is preferably comprises an optical fiber Raman laser.
US07794445B2 Needle safety and protection device
A fluid delivery device for delivering fluid to a patient includes a fluid delivery tube, a needle in communication with the fluid delivery tube, a base connected adjacent a distal portion of the fluid delivery tube and a flexible shield connected at one end to the base. The shield includes an adhesive portion located on an outer surface, wherein in an insertion configuration the needle fits through a shield aperture and the adhesive portion contacts a target skin region, and when in a protection configuration a needle tip contacts a portion of an inner surface of the shield spaced apart from the shield aperture when the fluid delivery device is removed from the skin region.
US07794440B2 Disposable absorbent articles with masking topsheet having one or more openings providing a passageway to a void space
The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, training pants, adult incontinence article, having a specific topsheet with an opening to receive bowel movement waste (BM) and which is such that it masks the waste present underneath said topsheet. The topsheet is air permeable and it has a uniform pore size distribution with small pores only and it has a low surface energy and therefore an alcohol repellency of at least 7, typically at least 9 or even preferably 10.
US07794437B2 Reservoirs with subretinal cannula for subretinal drug delivery
Featured are devices and methods for administering a therapeutic medium to the posterior segment of an eye including instilling or disposing the therapeutic medium sub-retinally. Such instillation is accomplished by providing a reservoir containing a therapeutic medium to which is fluidly coupled a cannula and inserting a portion of the cannula sub-retinally, whereby the therapeutic medium within the reservoir is coupled to and dispersed subretinally via the cannula.
US07794436B2 Controlled gastric bolus feeding device
A gravity bolus feeding device having a cylindrical body with and intake valve to control or prevent flow of fluid through the feeding device. The device also has a check valve to receive fluids expelled from the patient back into the feeding device. The check valve allows such fluids to rejoin the fluid path and be re-fed to the patient, while allowing air to vent. A burp baffle for use with this or another feeding device to prevent spillage or splashing, while taking in or venting air. The burp baffle has a bottom section which snugly fits into the device, with a notch or opening near its outer periphery, allowing fluid to pass. A center section connected to the bottom section allows fluid to flow around it and into an opening generally opposite the notch. A top section covers the feeding device, and has a hole that allows fluid to vent out the top of the feeding device.
US07794435B2 Syringe barrel with reinforcing rib
Since this syringe has projections provided on the rear surface of a flange of a syringe barrel, when it is inserted in an insertion groove of a cylinder holder, the tips of projections are compressed and the flange is fixed. Consequently, even when a solution having high viscosity is injected at higher pressure, breakage does not occur easily. Further, pressure-receiving area may also be increased by providing a guide defining mounting direction of a syringe, alternatively, a positioning mechanism may be provided so as to obtain mounting at a correct position, or the surface of a flange may be roughened.
US07794433B2 Assembly of plunger and needle hub safety syringe needle device
An improved assembly of plunger and needle hub for a safety syringe needle device is disclosed, which comprises a syringe barrel, a needle hub and a plunger. The syringe barrel is shaped as a tube and has an interior periphery thereof shaped as a straight tube. The needle hub is inserted into the syringe barrel and has an integrated combining ring, which is bent inward as a hook and has a crease whereon the combining ring is bent inward. The needle hub has a nozzle jutting out of the syringe barrel for connecting a needle. The plunger comprises a plug for being fitly received by the syringe barrel and a front end thereof can be pierced through and coupled with the combining ring.
US07794428B2 Operating an infusion pump system
Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device and a removable controller device. When the pump device and the removable controller device are removably attached to one another, the components may provide a portable infusion pump unit to dispense medicine to a user. In particular embodiments, the removable controller device includes a user interface to readily provide information, for example, about the operation of the pump.
US07794423B2 Re-certification system for a flow control apparatus
A flow control apparatus adapted to load a re-certification feeding set is disclosed. The flow control apparatus comprises a sensor for sensing the loading of the re-certification feeding set to the flow control apparatus, and a software subsystem in operative association with the sensor that includes a re-certification procedure for verifying that at least one component of the flow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range. Also disclosed is a method for verifying that at least one component of a flow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range.
US07794422B2 Catheter port assembly for extracorporeal treatment
A catheter port assembly (100) having a body (101) having a distal end (110), a proximal end (120) and a longitudinal channel (116,124,136) extending therethrough is disclosed. The catheter port assembly further comprises a valve (150) disposed along the longitudinal channel. The valve (150) is adapted to restrict flow in at least one direction, and the distal end (110) is adapted to be connected to a catheter (200). The distal end (110) is adapted to be at least partially subcutaneously inserted into a patient after being connected to a catheter, and the proximal end (120) is adapted to be connected to an extracorporeal device. A distal cover (170) is disclosed to assure the connection of the port to the distal end of the catheter. Additionally, a bracket (190) is disclosed that stabilizes a plurality of catheter port assemblies after insertion into a patient. The present invention also discloses a method of inserting a catheter assembly comprising including the catheter port assembly.
US07794421B2 Aspirator sleeve and tip
The present invention provides a coupling device for attaching a sleeve (40) to a surgical aspirator tip (10) that allows airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40). The coupling device includes a male member (26) attached to the tip (10) and a female member (42) formed in the proximal end of the sleeve (40). The male member (26) includes at least one longitudinal groove (100). When the male member (26) is received into the female member (42), at least one venting channel (80) is defined between at least one longitudinal groove of the male member (26) and the inner surface of the female member (42). Venting channel (80) permits airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40).
US07794417B1 Footwear for medially directing big toe
Footwear has strap for medially directing the big toe. The footwear may be in a form of a sandal; the strap may be adjustable; and a bunion deformity may be addressed.
US07794416B2 Orthosis with multiple hinges
An orthopedic device has a structure with two substantially rigid parts, for instance, rods, which rods are coupled to each other by a hinge apparatus and each rod attaches to a fastener for optional temporary fastening to a limb part, wherein a pivot axis of the hinge apparatus extends in the region and in the direction of the pivot axis zone of the relevant joint. The device has an upper hinge and a lower hinge with pivot axes. The respective pivot axes of which extend in directions which make an angle with each other of 90°±40°.
US07794415B2 Surface treatment device
A surface treatment device comprising a body, a motor disposed in the body, an applicator operably coupled to the motor, and a container coupled to the applicator via a fluid flow path, the container containing a surface treatment substance.
US07794412B2 Device for applying and gauging cricoid pressure
The invention is a device for objectively applying cricoid pressure. A healthcare provider, using a locator on the face of the device, aligns the yoke with the patient's cricoid cartilage. While the healthcare provider applies force to the cricoid cartilage, a stem portion affixed to the yoke and projecting from the first end is coupled to a force sensor in the housing. The electrical signal from the force sensor is translated to a digital value by an analog-to-digital converter. The digital signal is then compared by a microprocessor to pre-established threshold values, which is reflected in a visual, auditory, or tactile signal to gauge the force being applied to the patient's cricoid cartilage.
US07794410B2 Tissue sampling device and method
A device for obtaining a sample from inside a body includes a tubular body portion defining a chamber for receiving a sample of material therein; a plunger assembly operatively associated with the tubular body portion, the plunger assembly having a stopper slidably disposed within the chamber of the body portion; feedback elements provided on the tubular body and/or the plunger assembly for providing a user with audible and/or tactile indications regarding an amount of displacement of the plunger assembly relative to the body portion; and a cutting element is provided to facilitate sample removal.
US07794405B2 Cuff for blood pressure monitor, and blood pressure monitor having the same
A cuff for a blood pressure monitor has an air bag inflated/deflated as the air comes in/out. The air bag has an inner wall portion located on the inner side in the fitted state of the cuff and an outer wall portion located outer than the inner wall portion, and a side wall portion connecting side end portions of the inner and outer wall portions and folded inwards in the deflated state of the air bag to form a gusset at each side end portion of the air bag. A bonded portion is provided at a region of the air bag in its winding direction around the living body, for reducing expansion of the gusset formed by the side wall portion. Thus, occurrence of lateral displacement of the cuff is prevented, and a highly reliable blood pressure monitor of high performance can be obtained.
US07794404B1 System and method for estimating cardiac pressure using parameters derived from impedance signals detected by an implantable medical device
Techniques are provided for estimating left atrial pressure (LAP) or other cardiac pressure parameters based on various parameters derived from impedance signals. In particular, effective LAP is estimated based on one or more of: electrical conductance values, cardiogenic pulse amplitudes, circadian rhythm pulse amplitudes, or signal morphology fractionation values, each derived from the impedance signals detected by the implantable device. Predetermined conversion factors stored within the device are used to convert the various parameters derived from the electrical impedance signal into LAP values or other appropriate cardiac pressure values. The conversion factors may be, for example, slope and baseline values derived during an initial calibration procedure performed by an external system, such as an external programmer. In some examples, the slope and baseline values may be periodically re-calibrated by the implantable device itself.
US07794403B2 System for measuring pulsatile vascular resistance
The invention relates to acquiring information concerning the hemodynamic status of the brain (or any other organ) by measuring and analysing the pulsatile properties of blood flow (velocities) in the organ's feeding vessels in relation to the pulsatile properties of the systemic arterial blood pressure. Provided is a system for the analysis of arterial blood flow velocity measurements, comprising means for receiving input signals delivered by an arterial blood flow velocity (FV) sensor and by an arterial blood pressure (BP) sensor, wherein said FV and BP signals are recorded simulataneously and continuously, further comprising means for processing and outputting signals, wherein said processing comprises calculating the pulsatile apparent resistance (PaR) or the Pulse Flow Velocity Mismatch (PFVM). Plotting PAR or PVFM against mean arterial blood pressure and/or end tidal CO2 levels can serve as an indicator for the effectiveness of imposed therapy.
US07794396B2 System and method for the automated zooming of a surgical camera
A system and method for automatically reconfiguring the magnification or zoom level of a surgical camera based upon the detection of a surgical instrument or defined anatomical feature. Utilizing image analysis algorithms, the video images generated by the surgical camera are analyzed for the presence of defined patterns, colors, motion and the like, representing a defined surgical instrument or anatomical feature. Upon detection of a surgical instrument or anatomical feature, the system can automatically adjust the actual or effective focal range of the surgical camera, and thus change the magnification or zoom level of the camera, based on the type of surgical instrument or anatomical feature detected.
US07794394B2 Device for wavelength-selective imaging
An imaging device captures both a visible light image and a diagnostic image, the diagnostic image corresponding to emissions from an imaging medium within the object. The visible light image (which may be color or grayscale) and the diagnostic image may be superimposed to display regions of diagnostic significance within a visible light image. A number of imaging media may be used according to an intended application for the imaging device, and an imaging medium may have wavelengths above, below, or within the visible light spectrum. The devices described herein may be advantageously packaged within a single integrated device or other solid state device, and/or employed in an integrated, single-camera medical imaging system, as well as many non-medical imaging systems that would benefit from simultaneous capture of visible-light wavelength images along with images at other wavelengths.
US07794392B2 Bent state holding mechanism of an endoscope
A bent state holding mechanism of an endoscope including a bending mechanism having a rotatable bending member, includes a bent state holding member for switching between a bent-state holding state and a bendable-portion free state; and a click mechanism for providing a tactile feel to the bent state holding member when rotated to the bent-state holding state and/or when rotated to the bendable-portion free state. The click mechanism includes a click leaf spring having a protrusion formed therein, and a click projection projecting toward a surface of the click leaf spring, one of the click leaf spring and the click projection being configured to rotate together with the bent state holding member upon rotation thereof. Rotating the bent state holding member causes the click projection to abut against the protrusion and ride over the protrusion with a click action while resiliently deforming the click leaf spring.
US07794385B2 System and method for treatment of anal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse
Using a sling that includes a central portion and at least two arms extending from the central portion, a method of treating anal incontinence may include positioning the central portion posteriorly to the rectum and/or anus of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective obturator region. Using a sling having the same or similar structure, a method of treating pelvic organ prolapse may include positioning the central portion beneath the ano-rectum of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective thigh incision near the obturator region.
US07794384B2 Dual communication interface for artificial heart system
An artificial heart pump system has a heart pump implanted in a patient. A pump control unit worn by a patient includes a programmable device for adapting a secure aspect of heart pump operation in response to pump operating commands. The pump control unit has a wired interface and a wireless interface. A clinical external unit is adapted to be connected to the wired interface for delivering a pump operating command to the pump control unit. An auxiliary external unit is adapted to be connected to the wireless interface for collecting patient and/or pump system performance-related data from the pump control unit. The wireless interface is unable to consummate a pump operating command.
US07794382B2 Manual dunnage converting system and method
A motor-free dunnage conversion system for converting a sheet stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage includes a container having a wall with an opening therethrough, a supply of sheet stock material within the container, and a forming member. The forming member has converging sidewalls that define a passage alignable with the opening in the wall. The forming member is a converging chute having a relatively larger inlet spaced from the outlet, which is relatively smaller than the inlet. The forming member functions to crumple the sheet stock material as a packer draws the sheet stock material through the forming member to form a crumpled strip of dunnage. The forming member has a dimension that is larger than a corresponding dimension of the opening to keep the forming member from escaping the container as the packer pulls the stock material through the forming member.
US07794381B2 Z-folding apparatus and sheet processing apparatus
A Z-folding apparatus of an embodiment of the invention includes a pair of feed rollers to transport a sheet along a specified transport passage, a contact portion with which a head of the transported sheet comes in contact, a press member to press a specified position of the sheet apart from the head, and a pair of folding rollers to form a fold line on the sheet and to transport the sheet on which the fold line has been formed. When the head of the sheet comes in contact with the contact portion, the press member presses the specified position of the sheet apart from the head in a transport direction toward the pair of folding rollers, and guides it to a nip between the rollers of the pair of folding rollers.
US07794374B1 Elastic device
An elastic device made of a flexible and stretchable resistance tube on the inside covered by a flexible and stretchable sleeve or sheath. The sleeve or sheath may be formed in an accordion-type pleat. An end connector is formed by providing a reversed loop in the center resistance tube that is engageable with a strap means that is threadable through the loop to form a knot for securing the strap means to the end of the flexible and stretchable resistance tube. The strap means may be provided in several different forms including a handle, link or clip. In another embodiment of the invention an elastic device is comprised of a flexible and stretchable resistance tube, and a connector means that is disposed at least one end of the tube, a solid ball member that is for insertion into a hollow end of the tube, and at least one strap disposed about a loop of the flexible and stretchable resistance tube adjacent to the rigid ball member.
US07794370B2 Exercise unit and system utilizing MIDI signals
An exercise unit (20) and system (104) comprising a target (22) having at least one area (24) to be struck by a user and at least one sensor (26) located at the area (24) is disclosed. The sensor (26) generates an electrical signal in response to being struck by the user. A processor (48) is in operative communication with the sensor (26) and a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) converter (50) is disposed between the sensor (26) and the processor (48). The MIDI converter (50) converts the electrical signal from the sensor (26) to a MIDI signal and transmits the MIDI signal to the processor (48) for generating a MIDI strike track (52). The MIDI strike track (52) is used to determine an accuracy and a force of the strike by the user to provide interaction and feedback to the user to continue to help motivate the user.
US07794368B2 Shoe assembly for strength training and fitness exercise
Insole constructions for shoes including articulated components that allow for the connection of attachments having various devices are described. The insole constructions provide a supported attachment point for various components while not compromising the flexibility of the shoe. The insole constructions allow for attachment of devices at the heel, toe or sides of the shoe. Devices for attaching to shoes having the insole construction are also described, along with apparatuses for use with shoes having the insole construction.
US07794366B2 Vertically adjustable stilts
A height adjustable stilt comprises a base and an extensible leg having a lower end secured to the base and an upper end. A foot support extends laterally from the extensible leg and is supported by the extensible leg. The foot support is height adjustable relative to the base as the extensible leg is extended or retracted. A height adjuster is configured to selectively extend the foot support relative to the base and configured to selectively fix the position of the foot support relative to the base.
US07794359B1 Process and apparatus for exercising an operator
A process is disclosed for enabling an operator to exercise on an exercise device. The process includes measuring a range of movement of the operator during exercising on the exercise device for generating an electronic range of movement data. A strength is measured of the operator during exercising on the exercise device for generating an electronic strength data. An electronic program is designed based on the electronic range of movement data and the electronic strength data. The electronic program is stored in an electronic media. The electronic program is displayed as a moving scale on a screen for instructing the operator to exercise at the same rate as the moving scale to complete the exercise in a timely and controlled matter.
US07794357B2 Control device for power train
A control device is provided for a power train including: a differential mechanism having a first rotating element linked to a first rotary electric machine, a second rotating element linked to a second rotary electric machine and a third rotating element linked to an internal combustion engine; a switching mechanism that switches between a first state that permits relative rotation of the first, second and third rotating elements, and a second state that prohibits relative rotation thereof; and a transmission mechanism connected to the differential mechanism which transmits torque from the differential mechanism to a wheel. The control device includes: a first control portion that controls the switching mechanism so as to switch between the first and second states; and a second control portion that compensates for an amount of change in the torque transmitted to the wheel when the switching between the two states is performed.
US07794356B2 Power output apparatus, control method thereof, vehicle equipped with power output apparatus, and driving system
When a vehicle speed V is out of a non-rotational synchronizing range, V≦Vref1 or Vref2≦V, in a neutral state of a transmission set in response to an operation of a gearshift lever to an N (neutral) position during operation of an engine, the engine and a motor MG1 are controlled to make a ring gear shaft rotate at a target rotation speed Nr*, which is expected in response to an operation of the gearshift lever to a D (drive) position or an R (reverse) position, and to enable self-sustained operation of the engine at the greater rotation speed between an idle speed Nidl and a minimum engine speed Nmin calculated from a minimum rotation speed Nm1min of the motor MG1. Such control effectively reduces a potential shock occurring in the case of the operation of the gearshift lever from the N position to the D position or the R position without causing negative overspeed of the motor MG1.
US07794343B2 MKV takraw ball
A takraw ball is woven from takraw ball strips of springy material having soft material pads mounted into recesses in a strip face, the pads are, at least in part, bounded by strip face parts which function to lend stiffness to the strip, and/or protect pad edges and/or assist in mounting pads onto the strips.
US07794342B2 Quick change backboard bracket system
A quick change backboard bracket system for a basketball goal permitting the quick removal and replacement of a basketball goal can include a backboard assembly and a basketball goal support assembly. The backboard assembly can include a backboard, a first yoke member, and a rim assembly. The basketball goal support assembly can include a second yoke member, a connecting pin, and bracing means for coupling the backboard to a basketball goal support. When the basketball goal is assembled, a slot of the first yoke member is coupled to a coupling shaft of the second yoke member, the connecting pin is engaged to both yoke members, and the basketball goal support is coupled to the backboard by the bracing means. When the basketball goal is in need of replacement, all of the points of coupling, as described above, are decoupled and the old basketball goal is removed, and a new basketball goal is coupled at the points of coupling.
US07794341B2 Golfrisbee basket/sporting for re-bouncing lightweight golfring/disk
The killer applications of golfrisbee are comprised of the golfball, golh club, golfrisbee disc and golfrisbee basket, golfrisbee target, grenade, water golh gun club, etc. Swiveling the golh club, the flying object is thrown to fly into the golfrisbee basket. The golfrisbee basket has either the wind-bell-chain or the wind-chime reverted umbrella structure to protect the golfrisbee from damage. The flying object has golfball, golfrisbee disk, golfring, disk-ring, boomerang, polygon boomerang, multi-boomerang ring, multi-boomerang disk-ring, golfishing, golh hunting practice, grenade, gun golh club, water grenade, water gun golh club, etc. The golfrisbee further comprises a slotted skirt made of rubber material to make it safe for playing in the park and the backbone made of the shock-resistant plastic material. The core technologies are the swiveling club throwing technology, wind-bell-chain or wind-chime reverted-umbrella golfrisbee basket and the universal direction wing flying disk. The golh killer applications comprise the course golh, park golh, snow golh, night golh, golfishing, golh-gun, golh-grenade and the baseball type golh sport named as basedisc.
US07794339B2 Pull-the-trigger hitter batting practice apparatus and method
A baseball hitter batting practice apparatus incorporates an unbalanced and potentially non-planar plurality of targets which are mounted onto a spindle. The spindle rotates about a central generally horizontal axle. The unbalanced targets in one embodiment are spaced at ninety-degree intervals from an adjacent target, thereby causing the spindle to first spin in one direction after a target has been struck, and then to oscillate or rock alternately clockwise and counterclockwise before finally coming to a rest. Striking selected targets in accord with the method of the invention teaches a batter to pull-the-trigger at the appropriate time. A novel support further enhances the utility of the spindle and targets by enabling the spindle to be coupled to many diverse supporting poles and structures.
US07794335B2 Club heads with contoured back faces and methods of manufacturing the same
Embodiments of club heads with contoured back faces and methods of manufacturing the same are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein
US07794331B2 Golf club interchanging connection structure (III)
A golf club interchanging connection structure for interchanging a club head and a shaft includes a positioning mechanism, a club sleeve, an internal screw, and an anti-rotation external screw. The positioning mechanism is placed within the club head. The club sleeve, having one end being connected to and fixed with the shaft and the other end having a first male screw, is placed within the positioning mechanism. The internal screw comprises a nut hole, which is screwed with the first male screw of the club sleeve to lock the shaft connected to the club sleeve. The anti-rotation external screw comprises a second male screw on an outer surface thereof corresponding to a female screw in the club head, in which the second male screw of the anti-rotation external screw is screwed with the female screw, and the anti-rotation external screw leans against the internal screw.
US07794330B2 Amusement apparatus
An amusement apparatus has a platform, pulleys mounted below the platform, a cable extending around the pulleys, a motor coupled to a pulley to cause the cable to move, a passenger vehicle supported by wheels on the platform, and a swing coupling having a horizontal arm coupled to the passenger vehicle and a vertical element coupled to the arm and coupled to the cable. The cable traverses a path having both left and right turns. In one embodiment, the platform defines a continuous slot located above and substantially following the path. In another embodiment, the platform defines a continuous slot with first portions above but laterally parallel the cable on one side of the cable, second portions above and laterally parallel the cable on the other side of the cable, and third portions crossing over the cable and connecting the first and second portions. Different swing coupling arrangements are described.
US07794329B2 Torque overload clutch
A radial detent torque overload clutch has a retaining ring inside the outer housing to retain the hub in the housing and a thrust bearing between the ring and pawls to bear thrust loads that tend to pull the hub out of the housing. The pawls exert driving torque in only one direction so that the hub can be turned manually relative to the housing in the opposite direction by the pawls camming on gently sloped surfaces of the housing.
US07794327B2 Game apparatus and storage medium
A display device 12 covered by a touch panel 13 displays a game space on a display screen. Position coordinates (tx, ty) obtained when the touch panel 13 is touch-operated are detected at a predetermined periodic cycle. At least one of a movement speed (V) and a movement direction (θ) is calculated as a movement parameter for a second object based on current position coordinates (tx, ty) and position coordinates (tpx, tpy) having been detected in an immediately preceding time. A new movement parameter (V and θ) is determined using movement parameters having been previously determined (Vp and θp) and the newly calculated movement parameter (V and θ). When the first object and the second object satisfy a predetermined positional relationship therebetween, the second object is moved and display-controlled based on the updated movement parameter.
US07794321B2 Video game processing apparatus, video game processing method and video game processing program
An on-line video game video game control server serves to read out a mini-game score information generated every player, in which three scores used for determining parameter of a summoned beast used for a main story in sub-game scores having no relation to a main story of the video game and a player who obtained that score are matched, and to renew a mini-game score information A of a player A by setting three scores in the score set in the mini-game score information A of the player A and a score set in a mini-game score information B of a player B.
US07794317B2 Gaming device having award generation with multiple indicators and indicator determination device
A gaming device including a wheel and multiple award 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 number of activated section indicators is determined based on at least one award indicator activator symbol generator which is adapted to generate one of a plurality of award indicator activator symbols that are each associated with zero, one or more of the award indicators of the wheel. The awards associated with the sections indicated by the activated section indicators are summed and provided to a player.
US07794314B2 Slide door device for air conditioner
An object of the present invention is to prevent vibration of a sliding door within a guide groove through a fundamental review of the structures adopted in sliding door devices in the related art having a sliding door made to move along a direction intersecting an air flow path to control the flow rate or direction of air within the air flow path. The present invention is characterized in that a tension-applying means is disposed at a sliding unit of a sliding door, which is inserted at a guide groove formed on the inside of an air-conditioner case to apply tension between the sliding unit and the guide groove.
US07794310B2 Stunning animals such as poultry with gas
Animals such as poultry are stunned while still caged and on the vehicle that carries them to a processing plant, by exposing the animal to an atmosphere of gradually lessening oxygen content.
US07794300B2 Transformable toy vehicle
A toy vehicle includes a central housing having first and second oppositely disposed sides. A first wheel is rotatably mounted on the first side of the housing, and a second wheel is rotatably mounted on the second side of the housing. Each of the first and second wheels has a central hub and a plurality of individual vanes rotatably attached to the hub. Each hub has a center disposed along a first axis of rotation. Each vane is rotatable about a second vane axis extending transversely with respect to the first axis. An end of each vane distal to the hub forms a circumferential surface portion of one of the first and second wheels.
US07794294B2 Water intake grill for personal watercraft
A water intake grill for attachment to a water intake port of a jet watercraft. The water intake grill comprising a plurality of elongate members situated in between and mounted to fore and aft mounts. The fore mount comprising a base having an angularly orientated bottom surface for receiving and attaching first ends of the elongate members and an angularly orientated top surface for optionally situating atop thereof a removable key element having an overall geometric structure substantially coinciding with the geometric configuration of a mount socket integral to a forward wall section of the water intake port. The aft mount comprising a horizontally positioned base having rearward and forward sections for optionally accepting and resting atop of each thereof at least one removable spacer and an angular edge for receiving and attaching second ends of the elongate members. Each elongate member comprising a teardrop geometric profile incorporating an outward bottom section having a general rounded appearance and a tapered top end having sides commencing from an apex and extending angularly outward therefrom toward the outward bottom section, a geometric profile of which effectively reduces the amount debris into the water intake port while allowing continued passage of water into the water intake port to yield sustained operating performance of the jet watercraft and maintain effective cooling of the combustion engine generally associated therewith.
US07794291B2 Electrical transmission line repair service
An electrical conductor repair device for restoring mechanical and electrical integrity to a compromised section of an electrical conductor. The device includes a body that serves as an electrical shunt and a mechanical support. The body includes a first end section for attachment to the conductor at a location on one side of the compromised section, and a second end section for attachment to the conductor at a location on the other side of the compromised section. The end sections are connected by an intermediate section.
US07794287B1 Electrical connector configured by wafer having coupling foil and method for making the same
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (40) and a terminal module (10). The terminal module includes a dielectric wafer (2), a number of terminals (1) assembled within the dielectric wafer and a coupling foil (3) disposed on the dielectric wafer and having a plurality of circuit traces (31-34) extending along a first plane. Each terminal is formed with a joint (134-164). The circuit trace includes a body portion (312-342) aligned with a selected terminal of the number of terminals and a connection portion (311-341) fanning out from the body portion toward a specific terminal. The joint of the specific terminal comes to contact with the connection portion along a contact direction orthogonal to the first plane.
US07794285B1 Audio jack connector
An audio jack connector for receiving an audio plug connector includes an insulating housing and a contact terminal. The insulating housing defines an insertion hole from a front end to a rear end thereof for receiving the audio plug connector and a recess communicating with the insertion hole. The contact terminal has a connecting portion received in the recess. Two opposite ends of the connecting portion are extended towards a same side to form a base portion and a first elastic arm. A first contact portion is protruded towards the base portion from a free end of the first elastic arm. A second elastic arm is bent towards the connecting portion from one end of the base portion. A second contact portion is protruded towards the first elastic arm from a free end of the second elastic arm. The first and second contact portions protrude into the insertion hole.
US07794284B1 Electric connector with improved contact arrangement
An electrical connector (100) defining a receiving opening (7) for receiving a corresponding plug, includes: an insulative housing (1), an optical module (5) retained in the insulative housing (1) and a plurality of contacts (2) attached to the insulative housing (1). The insulative housing (1) has a tongue (11) extending to the receiving opening (7) and a cavity (101) under the tongue (11) and communicating with the receiving opening (7). The optical module (5) has an optical component (52) extending toward the receiving opening (7). Each contact (2) has a contact portion (211, 221) extending to the tongue (11), a tail portion (213, 223) and a body portion (212, 222) connecting the contact portion and the tail portion. The tail portions (213, 223) are arranged in rows along an inserting direction of the plug and located at an outside position of the optical module (5).
US07794279B1 Plug connector
A plug connector connected with a cable has a base and an insertion portion at a front of the base. A terminal is fixed to the base, having a soldering slice connecting with the cable. A first shell is coupled with the insertion portion. A second shell coupled with the base has a lip plate covering a top surface of the base. An edge of the lip plate is extended to form a lateral plate at a front thereof, attached to a side of the base, and a connecting arm at a rear thereof and extending apart from the lateral plate. An opposite edge of the lip plate is extended to form a parcel plate bent around the base to connect the lateral plate. The parcel plate has a support arm extending beneath the connecting arm to form a passageway for allowing the cable to pass therethrough.
US07794277B1 RF connector
A RF connector having a filter function is disclosed to include an electrically insulative housing, a metal terminal block mounted inside the electrically insulative housing and holding a terminal therein, a plurality of capacitors arranged in the top wall of the electrically insulative housing and having the respective bottom contact ends kept in contact with the top wall of the metal terminal block, and a metal clamp clamped on the electrically insulative housing and pressed on the top contact ends of the capacitors and having two spring arms that are kept in contact with the metal shield of the system casing in which the RF connector is installed.
US07794276B2 Insulating structure between conductive members of electric device
An insulating structure is employed between conductive members of an electric device. The electric device has a housing accommodating electric components therein and a cover member covering the housing, the conductive members being disposed through communication holes of the housing and the cover member. The insulating structure includes contact prevention members for preventing water infiltrated into a gap between the housing and the cover member from contacting water collected in the communication holes for the conductive members, wherein the contact prevention members are interposed between the housing and the cover member. Each contact prevention member has a substantially annular shape, surrounding one of the conductive members.
US07794272B1 Serial bus power cable
A power cable for an electronic device. Implementations may include a serial communication plug and one or more battery adaptors that each include a core including an electrical insulator where the core is coupled at a first end to a positive terminal and at a second end to a negative terminal. The positive terminal may be coupled to a diode coupled to the serial communication plug to which the negative terminal may be coupled. The one or more battery adaptors may be each configured to couple within one or more battery compartments included in an electronic device. The electronic device may receive power from the serial communication plug through the one or more battery adaptors when the one or more battery adaptors are coupled within the one or more battery compartments and when the serial communication plug is coupled within a serial communication receptacle of another electronic device.
US07794267B2 Card edge connector with IDC wire termination
A card edge connector and a card edge assembly that utilizes the individual card end connectors are disclosed. The card edge connectors have slotted insulation displacement terminals to connect to wires. Each electrical connector has a housing with first mounting project extends from a first sidewall of the housing and a mounting recess extends from an oppositely facing second sidewall. The mounting projection is dimensioned to be received in the mounting recess of a second electrical connector, thereby allowing the connectors to be mounted to each other. This type of connector assembly allows the connector assembly to be built according to the needs of the end user. This modular aspect of the connector assembly adds flexibility while reducing the overall cost of manufacture. In addition, the use of the slotted insulation displacement terminals further enhances the flexibility of the connector assembly, as various wiring schemes can be effectively and cost efficiently utilized.
US07794258B2 Card socket assembly
A card socket assembly includes a base, two latching mechanisms, and an elastic member. The base includes a mounting surface. The two latching mechanisms are oppositely fastened to the mounting surface. The two latching mechanisms and the mounting surface cooperatively enclose a card slot, used to receive a data card therein. The elastic member is disposed adjacent to the card slot and exposed within the card slot. The elastic member elastically biases the data card against the latching mechanisms.
US07794254B2 Submersible electrical connector
A connector for use underwater or in a wet or severe environment comprises first and second connector parts adapted to be interengaged to establish an electrical connection. The first connector part has at least one pin, and the second connector part has at least one electrical contact for engagement by the pin when the connector parts are interengaged. The pin comprises an axially extending electrically conductive portion and an axially extending electrically insulating sleeve around said conductive portion, and the pin is supported by and projects axially forwardly from a support whereby its insulating sleeve is exposed along a longitudinally extending portion thereof to ambient conditions when the connector parts are disengaged. The insulating sleeve of the pin has a first portion with a first diameter in front of a second portion with a second diameter wider than the first diameter, and the connector part has a protective rigid metal sleeve member arranged to extend at least partly along the first portion of the insulating sleeve and at least partly along the second portion thereof. The rigid metal sleeve provides mechanical support to the protected portion of the pin.
US07794253B2 Coaxial connector with a new type of contact
A coaxial connector for receipt of a central contact of a complementary coaxial connector to be inserted therein, comprising an insulative case including an upper insulative case portion and a lower insulative case portion; an upper fixed contact, a movable contact and a bottom fixed contact essentially stacked in the space section; the upper fixed contact arranged to be sandwiched by the upper insulative case portion and the lower insulative case portion, the upper fixed contact having a planar contact part along a lengthwise direction; the movable contact having a central planar contact section, the central planar contact section arranged to initially come into contact with the contact part of the upper fixed contact; wherein the contact section of the movable contact is arranged to be movable from a position at which the movable contact is in contact with the upper fixed contact to a position at which the movable contact is separated from the upper fixed contact while not coming into contact with the bottom fixed contact in accordance with attachment and detachment of a complementary coaxial connector.
US07794246B2 Electronic storage device having multiple-direction rotation and allocation electrical connector
An electronic storage device for connecting with a host system in accordance with the present invention includes a cover having a body section and a protection section bending from one end of the body section, and a main body having an electrical connector with an interface and defining a receiving space. The body section forms a positioning section of polygonal shape at the other end of the cover. The main body includes at least one cooperating portion disposed in the receiving space and having a flat cooperating surface. The body section of the cover covers the main body with the protection section covering the interface of the electrical connector to protect the interface. The positioning section is received in the receiving space of the main body and the main body is capable of rotating relative to the cover with the at least one cooperating portion rotating along the polygonal edge of the positioning section and being compressed by the positioning section to produce deformation.
US07794242B2 Conductive elastic sheet structure and electronic device using the same
The invention discloses a conductive elastic sheet structure mounted on a metallic cover of an electronic device eliminates static electricity. The conductive elastic sheet structure includes a main panel, a first extending portion, and a second extending portion. The main panel includes a first side wall, and a second side wall opposite to the first side wall. The first extending portion and the second extending portion extend from the side edges of the first side wall and the second side wall respectively, and each forms a sharp angle with the main panel. The first extending portion and the second extending portion extend from two opposite sides of the main panel respectively. The invention also provides an electronic device using the conductive elastic sheet structure.
US07794237B1 Electrical connector having improved retaining arrangement between the housing and the contacts
An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing defining a plurality of passageways, the passageways each defining an upper section, a lower section of a diameter larger than that of the upper section, and a plurality of contact sets respectively disposed in the passageways. Each of the contacts sets includes an upper contact loosely captured within the upper section and a lower contact retained in the lower section. The upper contact defines a lower end extending in the lower section and is able to abut against an interface between the two sections, so as to retrain upward movement of the upper contact. The upper contact is movable relating to the lower contact under condition that one of said upper contact and the lower contact is deformed to provide a restored force to ensure electrical connection between the two contacts when the upper contact is moved toward said lower contact.
US07794235B2 Continuous wireform connector
Apparatuses and methods of manufacturing woven electrical connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connector is formed with a continuous wire having adjacent sections with passageways formed from the wire through which loading elements may be inserted. In some embodiments, the loading elements include spring band clips and/or helical spring coils.
US07794224B2 Apparatus for the continuous production of plastic composites
A continuous production system for fabricating composite articles from a moldable material includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a pair of opposed closed loop cleated belt conveyors spaced apart a predetermined distance. Each cleated belt includes a plurality of cleats, and each cleat includes a notch. The forming system also includes a pair of opposed endless profile mold belts positioned at least partially between the pair of cleated belts. The mold belts are located at least partially in the notches of the cleats.
US07794223B2 Tri-plate injection die with changeable male and female die cores
A tri-plate injection die with changeable male and female die cores, it has a movable-side die plate having therein a receiving space for changeably assembling in the space a male die core and a supporting plate, a movable-side mounting plate having two spaced blocks being respectively abutted on a junction between a supporting plate and the movable-side die plate to form contact areas to bear the injection pressure. And a fixed-side die plate with a receiving space for changeably assembling in the space a female die core and a changeable casting channel die core. The casting channel die core has therein a substituting casting channel that can change position deviation; thereby an injection point of hot molten plastics injected into the die can be changed in pursuance of the shape of the cavity of the female die core.
US07794222B2 Mold, pattern forming method, and pattern forming apparatus
A mold applicable to imprinting includes a first surface having an area of a pattern to be transferred, a second surface located opposite from the first surface, a first mark for alignment provided at the first surface, and a second mark for alignment provided at a position at which the second mark is spaced from the first surface.
US07794220B2 Apparatus for manufacturing oriented sheath-core type filaments
The object of this invention is to make possible the manufacturing of sheath-core type super microfilaments from sheath-core type filaments such as hollow filaments, optical filaments and conjugate filaments continuously and stably by a simple and convenient means without requiring any apparatus of high-accuracy and high-level, characterized in that original filaments delivered from sheath-core type filament supply means are heated by infrared beams and the heated sheath-core type filaments are drawn at 100 times or more by a tension provided by the own weight or under a tension of 1 MPa or less.
US07794218B2 Roots type pump and fuel cell system
There is disclosed a Roots type pump in which two rotors are rotated synchronously in a pump chamber to compress fluid therein, wherein respective stop positions of the rotors in the pump chamber at a time of stopping the pump are determined independently of each other.
US07794214B2 Pump and method
A pump for pumping a liquid comprises a rotor, a stator having at least one electrical winding and at least one cooling path, and a working conduit extending from a pump inlet to a pump outlet, the working conduit being in liquid communication with the cooling path at least at a cooling path inlet to permit a portion of the pumped liquid to circulate through the cooling path when the pump is in use.
US07794213B2 Integrated acoustic damper with thin sheet insert
An exemplary noise damper for a compressor of a turbocharger includes a compressor housing comprising a cavity substantially adjacent a gas flow surface of a conduit to a compressed gas outlet of the compressor housing and an insert that spans the cavity and forms a wall of the cavity where the wall includes one or more openings to the cavity to thereby allow acoustic energy to be damped by the cavity. Various other exemplary technologies are also disclosed.
US07794203B2 Joining device for joining two assemblies, for example for a stator of a turbomachine
A joining device including a clevis and a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member includes a through hole which is housed between a first and a second lug of the clevis. These lugs respectively have a first clevis hole and a second clevis hole. The device further includes a shear pin system passing through each of the holes and includes a threaded end collaborating with a nut system which abuts against the second lug. The shear pin system includes a widened portion passing through the first hole and forming a shoulder situated between the two lugs. The member is situated away from the first lug. A first side of the member is pressed against the shoulder and a second side of the member is pressed against the second lug.
US07794200B2 Turbocharger with a variable nozzle device
A turbocharger comprises a center housing (3) and a turbine housing (1) with a variable nozzle device arranged there between. The turbocharger further comprises an annular arrangement of adjustable vanes (7) interposed in an annular nozzle (9) for defining a plurality of nozzle passages, wherein the vanes (7) are axially resiliently supported on the center housing (3) or the turbine housing (601), respectively.
US07794198B2 Centrifugal fan and apparatus using the same
A lateral plate and a main plate are provided inside a casing, and a plurality of blades are circularly arranged on this main plate. A plurality of asperities are formed from the front blade edge toward the rear blade edge on at least one of dorsal and ventral sides of each blade.
US07794197B2 Aerofoil blades with improved impact resistance
An aerofoil blade for a gas turbine engine, the blade having a metallic core defining a number of cavities that contain a foamed material. The cavities are shaped such that the force of an impact on one surface of the blade is dissipated through the foam and transmitted to the metallic core. A fibrous internal containment device allows the blade to fragment progressively thereby spreading the load imparted by the blade to a casing should the blade fragment upon impact.
US07794194B2 Pick and place work piece flipper
An apparatus and associated method is provided for individually positioning first and second input links of a four-bar linkage to move first and second follower links pivotally joined therebetween in order to move a chuck supported by one of the follower links between a retracted position and an extended position.
US07794192B2 Apparatus for handling and racking pipes
An apparatus and method for handling pipes in a derrick and racking the pipes on a pipe racking assembly mounted on the derrick. The apparatus includes a rotatable gate assembly rotatably mounted on the pipe racking assembly. The rotatable gate assembly includes a collar rotatably mounted to a first end of a rotatable pipe support. A pipe manipulator arm is pivotably mounted on a second end of the rotatable gate assembly. The collar defines a gate for securing an upper portion of the pipe stand. A pipe mount is mounted to a distal end of the arm for holding the pipe stand for transport between the derrick and the gate, and between the gate and the pipe rack. After the arm secures the pipe stand into the gate from the derrick, a drive mechanism rotates the rotatable gate assembly to a rack facing position from the derrick facing position such that the arm may transport the pipe between the gate and the pipe rack.
US07794184B2 Dust catcher
A dust catcher has a contact element configured to catch abraded material that is produced by a power tool on a workpiece, and the contact element includes a handgrip element for holding the contact element on the workpiece.
US07794183B2 Burrless flexible track drilling system and method having counterweight tool balancing system
A burrless, flexible track drilling system employing a counterweight tool balancing subsystem. The counterweight tool balancing subsystem provides essentially a “weightless” feel to a machining subassembly of the system that carries a drill and an electromagnet. This enables an operator to move the machining subassembly vertically with only a very minimal degree of effort being required. The machining subassembly also includes a plurality of lifting subassemblies that aid the user in lifting and lowering the electromagnet away from and toward a pair of panels on which a drilling operation is being performed. This also significantly reduces operator fatigue and contributes to a highly ergonomic system.
US07794181B2 Mine roof and rib support device
A mine roof and rib support can be a support member having a roof support arm and a rib support arm, wherein the roof support arm is provided at an angle to the rib support arm. An aperture for a roof bolt is provided through the support member adjacent an intersection of the roof support arm and the rib support arm. A bearing plate having an upper edge and a lower edge, and a through-hole provided therebetween, can be provided wherein the upper and lower edges are positioned in abutment with the roof and rib support arms, respectively, to simultaneously apply force to each arm when a roof bolt is installed through each of the bearing plate and the support member. A flange can be provided at a distal end of one or both of the roof and rib support arms, each flange projecting toward the mine roof or rib.
US07794180B2 High face-area low-volume concrete wall block, form and method
A retaining wall block and method of forming a retaining wall block are provided. The block includes front, back, top, bottom and side surfaces. The top surface of the retaining wall block includes a set of protrusions and the bottom surface includes a channel for engaging with the protrusions of adjacent blocks. Side surfaces of the block are tapered from the front surface to the back surface. A block form and a method of securing a stabilizing sheet to a block are also provided.
US07794168B2 Quantitative discharge structure for brushed cosmetic jar
Disclosed is a quantitative discharge structure for a brushed cosmetic jar. The jar includes a receptacle that receives and stores powder cosmetic product therein and has a top opening to which a closing/opening seat formed by a stacking arrangement of upper and lower valve boards is mounted. An implanting seat of bristle bundles has a bottom forms a reservoir located above the opening/closing seat so that when the opening/closing seat opens, a predetermined amount of the cosmetic product is fed into the reservoir. And the cosmetic product is then discharge into the bristles for uniform and comfortable application.
US07794166B2 Press-type cosmetic container with anti-press means
The present invention is related to a press-type cosmetic container with an anti-press means. That is, a cosmetic container adopts the way of pressing to output the material therein. More particularly, the press cover of the cosmetic container is stopped by a block to prevent discharging or leaking the material in the cosmetic container.
US07794162B2 Mechanical shutter and camera module having the same
A mechanical shutter includes a base, four shutter blades, four permanent magnets, and four electromagnets. The base has an aperture for permitting light into a camera module. The shutter blade includes a light shielding portion capable of moving across the aperture by rotating about a shaft formed on the base, a securing portion secured on the base, and an elastic portion connecting the light shielding portion and the securing portion. The permanent magnet is secured on a light shielding portion and sleeves around a shaft. The electromagnets are capable of providing magnetic force to rotate the permanent magnets.
US07794160B1 Support system for a camera stabilizing device
A support system is provided for a user operating a camera attached to a stabilizing device. The support system includes a waist belt adapted to secure around a waist of the user. A mounting bracket is secured to the front section of the waist belt and is attached to a socket block. A first brace support bar is positioned substantially along a horizontal plane through a bore in the mounting bracket. The first brace support bar has opposed ends separately secured to a first pair of end brackets. A pair of second brace support bars separately extend downwardly from the first pair of end brackets. A lower end defined in the second brace support bars are then secured to one of a second pair of end brackets. Lastly, a pair of forks are separately secured to the second pair of end brackets, each fork receiving a wheel.
US07794157B2 Wireless tuning and reconfiguration of network units including optoelectronic components
A method for monitoring conditions or adjusting a communications transmission characteristic, such as the optical wavelength, in a network unit such as a server, data storage unit, router, or switch, using a portable terminal having wireless RF communications capability. In one embodiment, the network unit has a tunable laser subassembly for converting and coupling an information-containing electrical signal with an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal. The portable terminal may utilize an RFID interrogator, and the network unit may have a dynamic RFID tag to communicate identification and status information.
US07794151B2 Fluid dynamic bearing system
The invention relates to a fluid dynamic bearing system particularly for the purpose of rotatably supporting a spindle motor, having a first bearing part that comprises a bearing sleeve, and a second bearing part that comprises a shaft, the two bearing parts being spaced apart from one another by a bearing gap and being rotatable with respect to each other, wherein the bearing sleeve is closed at one end by a counter plate that is accommodated in an annular recess in the bearing sleeve and connected to the bearing sleeve by a welded joint. According to the invention, a bearing system is provided in which the counter plate has a reduced thickness (D2) at its outer edge and is welded in the region of its reduced thickness (D2) to the bearing sleeve. The reduced thickness of the counter plate at the region of its outer edge means that the vertical gap between the bearing sleeve and the counter plate is made very much shorter, or is done away with altogether, so that no unwanted air can remain in the gap.
US07794149B2 Container of selectively expanded plastic film with fitment
A container including a fitment providing a closure and a plurality of panels of plastic film. Each of the panels has a pair of opposing longitudinal edges with each edge joined to a longitudinal edge of an adjacent panel to form an outwardly extending seam. The panels collectively form a tube-like structure. A first end of the tube-like structure is sealed to the fitment. An opposing second end of the tube-like structure is closed by seams joining adjacent panels. A first portion of each of the panels adjacent the second end of the tube-like structure is expanded such that the first portion of each of the panels is not flat. A second portion of each of the panels between the first end and the second end is left substantially unexpanded such that the second portion of each of the panels is substantially flat.
US07794148B2 Bulk bag for dense materials
A bulk bag for dense materials includes side walls seamed together end-to-end to form a rectangular enclosure and at least a bottom wall secured to the lower ends of the side walls. Baffles are secured in the side wall seams and extend diagonally across the interior of the bulk bag to maintain the bulk bag in a rectangular cross-sectional configuration when filled with dense materials.
US07794147B2 Multiple applications of seaming solutions for heat shrunk bands and labels
A sleeve and method for making the same for use in packaging consumer goods comprising a plastic film having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge is disclosed. The plastic film is rolled into a tube wherein the first longitudinal edge overlaps the second longitudinal edge defining a flap. A plurality of seaming beads are applied along the first longitudinal edge to seam the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge, the plurality of seaming beads including an inner seaming bead and an outer seaming bead to form a plurality of seams in the sleeve. In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of seaming beads are utilized with different adhesive solutions. Other embodiments include, but are not limited to a perforation strip between the at least two seaming solutions.
US07794146B1 Ultrasonic cleaning pouch system
A sheet of material in a generally rectangular configuration has first and second side edges and first and second end edges. The first and second end edges define an opening. A fold between the end edges forms panels with a chamber formed between the panels. Coupling components couple the panels of the sheet to form a pouch. A fastener separably couples the first and second end edges.
US07794145B2 Medical table and X-ray imaging apparatus
A medical table in which a top plate for a patient to lie on is supported by a pedestal base in a manner to be able to move parallel to a plate surface, includes a detecting device for detecting that fingers holding the top plate are about to collide against the pedestal base when moving the top plate, and a stopping device for stopping movement of the top plate according to a detection signal from the detecting device.
US07794144B2 Optical alignment system and alignment method for radiographic X-ray imaging
An X-ray optical alignment system for X-ray imaging devices includes a visible-light point source and a multi-axis positioner therefor, fixedly mounted with respect to the X-ray focal spot. A mirror or beamsplitter is fixedly mounted with respect to the X-ray focal spot and disposed in the beam path of the X-ray source. The beamsplitter reflects light emitted from the light source and transmits X-rays emitted from the X-ray source. A first X-ray attenuating grid is fixedly but removably mountable with respect to the X-ray source, having a first X-ray attenuation pattern; and a second X-ray attenuating grid is adjustably mountable with respect to the first grid having a second X-ray attenuating pattern corresponding to the first X-ray attenuating pattern. When the grids are aligned, their attenuating patterns are also aligned and allow X-rays from the X-ray source and light reflected from the beamsplitter to pass therethrough.
US07794142B2 Magnetic element temperature sensors
Small, low-cost wireless temperature sensors (26,64,96) are provided for sensing the temperature of an object (44). The temperature sensors (26,64,96) preferably include a plurality of individual, magnetically susceptible temperature sensor elements (28-34,66,92), as well as optional magnetic field-responsive data elements (38,40,20) adapted for attachment to object (44) or to a substrate (82) in turn attached to object (44). The temperature sensor elements (28-34,66,92) preferably have magnetic bodies (22,70) exhibiting a re-magnetization response under the influence of an applied alternating magnetic field, which is different below and above a set point temperature, normally the Curie temperature of the magnetic body (22) or an adjacent sheath (74,94). The temperature sensors (26,64,96) are used in conjunction with a detector (46) operable to generate a magnetic field of magnitude sufficient to cause re-magnetization responses of the temperature sensor elements (28-34,66,92) and optional data elements (38,40,20), to detect such responses, and to use the detected responses to determine the temperature of object (44) by means of a decoding algorithm. The temperature sensors (26,64,96) can be used in closed-loop heating systems (98) capable of controlling the heating of an object (114).
US07794141B2 Thermal and coductivity sensing systems, devices and methods
A sensing probe is described. The sensing probe includes a probe housing having a probe tip. A thermal sensor in the housing is also included. The thermal sensor has a sensing end and a connector end, where the sensing end is thermally coupled to the probe tip. Also included are at least two leads. The leads transfer electrical signals that are used to determine temperature and conductivity. Also included is a thermal well. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. The housing has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is a predetermined shape so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.
US07794138B2 Device for operating an electronic multifunctional device
An operating mechanism of a multifunctional device which can be worn on the wrist and has a housing with integrated electronics. The operating mechanism is integrated into the housing and has an operating element which is a one-piece or multi-piece setting stem. The setting stem partly crosses the housing, and the setting stem is arranged parallel to a planar enlargement of the housing and is rotatably and linearly moveably mounted. The setting stem can be moved linearly parallel to the longitudinal axis and rotatively about the rotational axis/longitudinal axis by a first operating watch button and optionally with a second operating watch button. The movement of the setting stem triggers various contacts on a contact plate, from which contacts electronic signals are sent to the electronics, as a result of which the electronic control of the multifunctional device is effected.
US07794136B2 Twin-vortex micromixer for enforced mass exchange
The present invention discloses a vortex-modulation based micromixer for enforced mass exchange. The micromixer of the present invention comprises a mixing chamber with grooves on one wall thereof and a special-shape barrier on another wall. As different fluids are injected into the mixing chamber respectively from two inlets of the micromixer, the grooves and barriers of the micromixer of the present invention create the constructive interferences to form the active-like agitation of the fluid. For every groove, the flux passed by can be increased via its high pressure gradient. Understandably, the mixing efficiency of the fluids can be greatly improved within a very short distance. At last, the outlet of the micromixer is located in the downstream of the mixing chamber and further is able to connect with other elements. The present invention is entirely a passive micromixer and no additional energy is required. The present invention can apply to a continuous chemical analysis, particularly to a lab-on-a-chip or a micro total analysis system.
US07794135B2 Dry polymer hydration apparatus and methods of use
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for preparing wellbore viscous treatment gels from dry polymer and water. The apparatus includes an eductor which slurries dry polymer with water, at least two input tubes, wherein one input tube is connected with the eductor, and another to a water source. The apparatus also includes a mixing chimney connected to the input tubes. The mixing chimney includes a lower input section with inlets connected to the input tubes wherein a jet of metered dilution water is applied at high pressure to the incoming polymer-water slurry stream. This mixture is then accelerated in a circular, and preferably upward, motion where it is sheared against the wall of a central section of the chimney, without the use of an impeller. The chimney further includes an output section that comprising holes circumferentially located, through which the mixture passes from the central section and into a hydration tank. The mixture exiting the chimney is polymer-water gel which is essentially fully mixed and de-aerated, and at least partially hydrated.
US07794134B1 Method of preconditioner control with reduced or zero waste
Improved, low- or no-waste control methods for food processing systems including a preconditioner (14) and a downstream processing device such as an extruder (16) are provided. The control methods include both startup and shutdown sequences, and an optional flush sequence. During startup, a gate (64) of preconditioner (14) is initially closed and is thereafter sequentially opened to a full open, normal operating position after predetermined preconditioner temperature and/or weight set points are achieved. Shutdown involves terminating the flow of ingredients to the preconditioner (14) while the gate (64) remains open, with the preconditioner operated to deliver the preconditioned material within the preconditioner (14) to the extruder (16) for as long as possible in order to minimize any residual waste within the preconditioner.
US07794133B1 Dust-reducing mixing device and process
Mixing devices and processes that make it possible to mix flowable finely divided solid particles with liquids (and/or slurries of solids in liquids) contained in an open top container outdoors under windy conditions, with reduced or eliminated dusting from entrainment of the flowable finely divided solids by the wind, utilize a mixing device with a dust-tight housing open at its bottom and partially immersed below the surface of the liquid, an inlet port on the housing for the finely divided solids, an outlet port on the housing for escape of air displaced by liquids flowing through an opening into the immersed portion of the housing, and, inside the housing, a driven impeller that causes the actual mixing.
US07794130B2 Segmented light guide
An exemplary embodiment of a segmented light guide includes a light channeling layer having a plurality of regions, with multiple slits in the light channeling layer dividing neighboring regions. The segmented light guide also includes at least one light source associated with the light channeling layer.
US07794128B2 Lamp unit of vehicle headlamp
A vehicle lamp includes a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices and a reflector for reflecting light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting devices toward a front side of the vehicle lamp. The reflector is formed into a shape whose front area is open. A plate-like partition member is disposed inside the reflector to partition the reflector into a plurality of reflecting areas. The semiconductor light emitting devices are mounted on the plate-like partition member in respective reflecting areas such that optical axes of the semiconductor light emitting devices are directed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a lamp optical axis.
US07794125B2 Luminous element comprising at least one substrate and a light-emitting coating
A flat luminous element with at least one substrate and one coating, applied onto the surface of the substrate and emitting light, and including plural luminous elements configured to be separately electrically connected next to one another, in different parts of the surface, so as to obtain different luminous effects. At least one separate luminous element is provided with an enhanced luminous power relative to the luminosity of the surface and with a light emission that is directed.
US07794124B2 Bi-directional boat running and emergency light apparatus and method
A boat running light and emergency light apparatus and method comprising a plurality of radially projecting lights, at least one axially upward projecting light and at least one photometer, wherein the at least one photometer senses the amount of illumination from the plurality of radially projecting lights. Upon a reduction or cessation of illumination caused by failure of one or more of the plurality of radially projecting lights, the plurality of radially projecting lights are turned off and the axially upward projecting lights are illuminated to notify boaters of a faulty light while still providing redundant lighting. Additionally, the boat light is capable of flashing SOS in Morse code during an emergency situation. The lights are preferably high intensity directional light emitting diodes.
US07794118B2 Light emitting diode assembly
An LED assembly (10) includes an LED (12) and a lens (16). The lens covers on an outer periphery of the LED. The LED has an encapsulant (125) and an LED chip (121) received in the encapsulant (125) and having a light emitting surface (122). The lens has a light output surface (161) over the light emitting surface. The light output surface defines a plurality of annular, concentric grooves (163). Each groove (163) is cooperatively enclosed by a first groove wall (165) and a second groove wall (166). The first groove wall is a portion of a periphery of an imaginary cone and a conical tip of the imaginary cone is located on the light emitting surface of the LED chip.
US07794116B2 LED lamp with a heat dissipation device
An LED lamp includes a first heat sink, a second heat sink attached to the first heat sink and a LED module thermally attached on the second heat sink. The first heat sink includes a substrate and a plurality of first fins arranged on the substrate. A plurality of channels are defined between the first fins of the first heat sink. A plurality of traverse grooves are extended through all of the first fins and the channels between the first fins. The grooves are spaced from each other a distance along a lengthwise direction of the first heat sink. The channels are divided into a plurality of parts separated from each other by the grooves. The channels and grooves of the first heat sink increase contact area of the first heat sink and air surrounding the first heat sink.
US07794114B2 Methods and apparatus for improved heat spreading in solid state lighting systems
A solid state lighting subassembly or fixture includes an anisotropic heat spreading material. A heat spreading layer may be placed between a light emitting diode (LED) and luminaire or reflector and serves to spread heat laterally away from the LED. Low profile, low weight heat spreading may be utilized both to retrofit existing light fixtures with LEDs or to replace existing incandescent and fluorescent fixtures with LED based fixtures.
US07794112B2 Lighting apparatus
It is a lighting apparatus 10 that has a light emitting element 16, a light emitting element housing 15 having a concave portion 28 that accommodates the light emitting element 16, and an optically transparent member 18 that airproofs a space B formed by the concave portion 28 and transmits light emitted from the light emitting element 16. The concave portion 28 is shaped to become wider toward the optically transparent member 18 from the bottom surface 28A of the concave portion 28. The lighting apparatus 10 is provided with a light shielding member 12 for shielding a part of light emitted from the light emitting element 16 is provided on the optically transparent member 18.
US07794111B2 White light illuminator and reading lamp using the same
A reading lamp (100) includes a lamp holder (20), a lampshade (40), a bracket (30) connecting the lamp holder with the lampshade, and a white light illuminator (50) received in the lampshade. The white light illuminator includes a light mixer (52), and at least a group of solid-state, light emitting elements (544) arranged to at least one side of the light mixer. The at least a group of solid-state, light emitting elements includes three kinds of solid-state, light emitting elements which respectively emit red, green and blue lights. The light mixer reflects, refracts and mixes the red, green and blue lights to obtain white light which directly radiates and spreads from a light emitting surface (521) of the light mixer.
US07794110B2 Anti-collision light for an aircraft
An anti-collision light for an aircraft with a first light emitting level and a second light emitting level, wherein the first light emitting level is arranged above the second light emitting level and each light emitting level comprises a board on which light emitting diodes are arranged and a reflector for reflecting light emitted by the light emitting diodes essentially perpendicular to the board in a lateral direction, and wherein on the board of the first light emitting level the light emitting diodes are arranged on at least one straight line and on the board of the second light emitting level the light emitting diodes are arranged on a closed line that essentially has the shape of an ellipse or a rounded rectangle. An anti-collision light with a first light emitting level being arranged above a second light emitting level and pointing into the opposite direction than the second light emitting level, wherein both on a board of the first light emitting level and on a board of the second light emitting level light emitting diodes are arranged on a straight line.
US07794106B2 Back light unit and display apparatus having the same
A back light unit for a display apparatus having a power supply includes: a lamp part having a plurality of lamps; and an inverter board which is provided on a path through which power is supplied from the power supply to the lamp part, and includes a connector assembly provided on one side of the inverter board, the connector assembly including at least one female connector in which a plurality of socket accommodators provided to supply the power to the lamps is formed as one body, and at least one male connector on which a plurality of socket connectors connected to the socket accommodators is formed as one body.
US07794103B2 Parking space barrier block with photovoltaic illumination
A solar-powered parking space barrier block is configured as a one-piece molded housing of a high strength, transparent plastic material in which a photovoltaic solar panel and a DC energy storage module are inclosed. A pair of white light LED lamps provide end panel marker illumination, two yellow light LED lamps provide hazard warning illumination and a rechargeable supercapacitor storage module provides operating power. A power control circuit enables use of the solar panel as a photosensor to automatically energize the LED lamps when ambient skylight falls below a predetermined safe visibility level, and removes operating power from the LED lamps when ambient skylight rises above a predetermined safe visibility level.
US07794101B2 Microprocessor enabled article of illuminated footwear with wireless charging
An apparatus and system for incorporating a resilient source of high-visibility illumination into an article of footwear. A biomechanically-sound and hermetically-sealed electronics module contains a microprocessor, power source, and at least one light source, such as a light emitting diode, or LED. The LEDs are not externally visible, but rather illuminate a diffusive substrate that is incorporated into the construction of the footwear, allowing for visibility from substantially every angle above the bottom of the sole. A control panel enables the wearer to turn the power on and off, change colors, rotate through transition effects, and the like. A charging pad allows for the wireless and contact-less recharging of the onboard power source.
US07794097B2 Planar light source
In a planar light source in which a plurality of linear light sources are arranged in parallel between a reflector and a diffuser that are disposed in parallel, and a reflective chevronwise partition plate is provided between adjacent linear light sources, the following conditions are met: T=(H+Q)/2−D/2, θ<90° −arctan(Q/L), θ<{90° +arctan(T−Q)/(P/2)}/2. A vertical distance from the reflector to a peak section of the chevronwise partition plate is T. A vertical distance from the reflector to a center of a linear light source is Q. A vertical distance from the reflector to the diffuser is H. A horizontal distance from the center of the linear light source to a foot section of the chevronwise partition plate is L. A horizontal distance between the centers of adjacent linear light sources is P. A diameter of the linear light source is D. A foot angle of the chevronwise partition plate is θ.
US07794095B2 Sanitary fitting with a lightguide outflow pipe
A sanitary fitting includes a light-permeable water-carrying outflow pipe that has (i) an exposed end face and (ii) an input face located upstream of the exposed end face. A light source, preferably including light emitting diodes (LED), inputs light into the outflow pipe through the input face. The light emerges from the outflow pipe at the end face, and may also emerge at an exposed outer peripheral surface area of the outflow pipe. The outflow pipe has a stationary first outflow pipe piece with the input face and a rotatable second outflow pipe piece with the exposed end face.
US07794091B2 Image offset adjustment apparatus for LCD projector and mobile phone having the same
An image offset adjustment apparatus for an LCD projector which is constructed to enable the adjustment of an image offset. The LCD projector includes a light source for emitting light, mirrors, and an LCD installed in front of the mirrors so that an image generated in the LCD is enlarged and projected on a screen. The image offset adjustment apparatus includes a projection lens section including a plurality of projection lenses having their respective LCDs at different circumferential positions to have different image offsets; a lens housing for housing the respective projection lenses adjacent to one another in a circumferential direction; rotation means for rotating the lens housing; and a controller for controlling the rotation means so that the lens housing can be controllably rotated to select one of the projection lenses and one of the image offsets as desired by a user.
US07794076B2 Ultraviolet ray irradiation device, recording apparatus using the ultraviolet ray irradiation device, and recording method
The ultraviolet ray irradiation devices are attached to a carriage having a print head that ejects the ultraviolet curable ink, and include a plurality of ultraviolet light sources that irradiate ultraviolet rays onto ink coating ejected on a print sheet by the print head. An ultraviolet ray of the ultraviolet light source that irradiates the ultraviolet ray onto the print sheet in the vicinity of the print head has a wavelength shorter than an ultraviolet ray of the ultraviolet light source that irradiates the ultraviolet ray onto the print sheet apart from the vicinity of the print head along the moving direction of the carriage. The ultraviolet ray irradiation device is capable of sufficiently curing a plurality of ultraviolet curable ink adhered on a recording medium without incurring a problem of blurring or color mixing for a multiple-color printing process such as a full-color printing process.
US07794073B2 Ink jet printer
A light guide 3c of the printing shear detection sensor 3 is shaped so that the width of a side cross section when viewed in the conveying direction of a recording paper sheet P indicated by arrow B may be gradually smaller with an increasing degree of change from the top toward the bottom. The light emitted from the light emitting device 3a is incident on the light guide 3c from above, passes through the light guide 3c while being reflected on the side surface of the light guide 3c, is emitted toward the recording paper sheet P from the bottom of the light guide 3c, converged and projected on the recording paper sheet P as slit-like light. The light reflected on the recording paper sheet P is incident on the light receiving device 3b and thus, the printing shear detection pattern formed on the recording paper sheet P can be detected with high accuracy. The light guide 3c can be manufactured with using an inexpensive molding die at low costs, distinct from the conventional condenser lens.
US07794072B2 Guide for printer solid ink transport and method
A solid ink delivery system for use with a solid ink stick for use in solid ink printers is provided. The solid ink delivery system is used for delivering the stick to a melting station for melting the stick so that the ink may be transferred to media to form an image on the media. The delivery system includes a guide for guiding the stick in a prescribed path. The guide defines a loading position to permit the stick to be placed in the guide and a delivery position adjacent the melt station. The stick advances from the loading position to the delivery position in the prescribed path and a portion of the prescribed path is arcuate.
US07794057B2 Fluid ejection device
A fluid ejection device having firing cells, signal lines configured to receive a series of pulses, and an address generator configured to receive pulses from the series of pulses and generate a set of address signals in response to the received pulses, wherein the set of address signals is adapted to enable the firing cells for activation.
US07794054B2 Droplet printing apparatus using capillary electric charge concentration
A droplet printing apparatus using capillary electric charge concentration includes a reservoir which contains a solution, a capillary nozzle comprising a back-end part and a front-end part disposed substantially opposite the back-end part, a target member spaced apart from the front-end part of the capillary nozzle at a predetermined distance, and a voltage supplier which supplies a voltage to the solution, wherein the back-end part is immersed in the solution and transmits the solution to the front-end part.
US07794046B2 Duplex printing system
A fluid ejection system includes a receiver transport system configured to transport a receiver in a first direction, a first fluid ejection head including a first set of fluid ejection nozzles to deposit fluid drops on a first surface of the receiver, and a second fluid ejection head including a second set of fluid ejection nozzles to deposit fluid drops on a second surface of the receiver. The first set of fluid ejection nozzles are distributed in a first region that extends at least up to an edge of the first surface that is substantially parallel to the first direction.
US07794044B2 Ink jet printing apparatus
A plurality of ejection portions are divided into groups, each containing at least one ejection portion, so that the suction-based recovery operation can be performed for each group independently. Since the number of ejection portions contained in each group differs, if an ink flow resistance varies among the different groups, simultaneous suction-based recovery operations can be done by using a common suction pump, without having to sequentially perform the suction-based recovery operations under an optimum pump driving condition. For this purpose, inner diameters of a plurality of ink discharge tubes running from a plurality of cap units, which cap a plurality of print head units having different numbers of ejection portions, to the common pump are differentiated. This allows different flows to be produced in different ink discharge systems, thus generating desirable ink flows for individual ink supply systems.
US07794042B2 Systems and methods for reducing process direction registration errors of a printhead using a linear array sensor
Systems and methods are provided for detecting process direction registration errors in a printer. The errors are detected by analyzing a metric of a dash minimum response obtained from a test pattern. The test pattern contains dashes. At least one dash is shifted in the process direction in relation to another dash.
US07794040B2 Print system motion sensor with feedback control
A print system has a print engine, a presence detector and a controller. The controller receives the signal from the detector, accesses past usage data, and combines the signal and the usage data to adjust operations of the print engine.
US07794039B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus is provided which is capable of detecting a width and a position of a recording paper sheet with a simple configuration and does not cause a positional deviation of an image. The recording apparatus includes a carriage configured to reciprocate and having a recording head mounted thereon, and a sensor disposed on the carriage to detect an image recorded on the recording medium. The sensor is configured detect an end portion in a width direction of the recording medium.
US07794037B2 Method for reducing a strikethrough effect in inkjet printing on thin substrates
A method for reducing the strikethrough effect in inkjet printing on thin substrates is disclosed. The method includes determining a normal print quality; determining a normal quantity of ink which would be used for inkjet printing of a certain print image on a strikethrough-resistant substrate, based on the normal print quality; determining a minimal print quality for the print image to be printed; determining a maximal value for the strikethrough effect; reducing the normal quantity of ink to a reduced quantity of ink, so that the print image has at least the minimal print quality and the maximal value of the strikethrough effect is not exceeded.
US07794032B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus, liquid container, and method for determining liquid level of liquid container
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a liquid ejecting head that can eject liquid; a pressure pump that discharges pressurized air during operation; at least one liquid container that contains liquid; a pressurized-air feed channel that feeds the liquid container with the pressurized air discharged from the pressure pump; a liquid feed channel that feeds the liquid ejecting head with the liquid discharged from the liquid container in accordance with the pressure of the pressurized air that is fed to the liquid container through the pressurized-air feed channel; a hydraulic-pressure measuring device disposed in a no pressure region that is not under the pressure of the pressurized air, for measuring the pressure of the liquid fed from the liquid container to the liquid ejecting head; a determining section that determines, if the hydraulic-pressure measuring device detects a value lower than a threshold hydraulic pressure predetermined as the lower limit of the hydraulic pressure necessary for feeding the liquid from the liquid container to the liquid ejecting head during the period from the start to the end of the operation of the pressure pump or immediately after the operation stops, that the liquid container has run out or is about to run out of liquid; and a controller that controls the operation of the pressure pump on the basis of the measurement of the hydraulic-pressure measuring device.
US07794029B2 Ball bearing slide assembly
A ball bearing slide assembly includes a first slide, a second slide, a slide-aiding member, and a positioning member. The first slide is slidably received in the second slide. The second slide defines a receiving hole. The slide-aiding member is sandwiched between the first slide and the second slide. The slide-aiding member defines a slot. The positioning member is pivotably mounted to the slide-aiding member and forms a positioning tab. The positioning tab extends through the slot of the slide-aiding member for engaging in the receiving hole of the second slide to lock the slide-aiding member with the second slide such that the first slide is slidable inward relative to the second slide without pushing the slide-aiding member inward. The first slide, when slid inward, is capable of pushing the positioning member to disengage the positioning tab from the receiving hole such that the slide-aiding member is slidable relative to the first and second slides.
US07794024B1 Seat belt buckle
A buckle assembly configured to mate with a plurality of tongues may include a rotational lever; a latch plate supported by the rotational lever and configured to move in a vertical direction when the lever rotates; a plurality of latch pins, wherein each latch pin is configured to engage the latch plate at one end of the pin and one of the plurality of tongues at the other end of the pin in order to mate the tongue with the buckle assembly; and a rotational solenoid. A core of the rotational solenoid may be connected to the rotational lever, so that rotation of the core causes the lever to rotate and the latch plate to move in a vertical direction. Each of the latch pins is configured to disengage from the corresponding tongue when the lever rotates.
US07794020B2 Vehicle seat
The invention relates to a vehicle seat wherein the vehicle seat includes a back rest frame and a seat frame, which can be fastened to each other via a fitting. During assembly, mutually corresponding fastening points on the fitting and on at least one of the frame parts are brought to overlap in order to connect the two frame parts to each other with the aid of fastening elements. For the assembly, assembly aids are provided on the frame part and fitting. The assembly aids engage one inside the other in a form-fitting manner and are configured so that the two frame parts are held in an assembly aid position in which the mutually corresponding fastening points are aligned with respect to each other.
US07794018B2 Vehicle seats
A vehicle seat having a seat cushion may include a pair of slide devices disposed on a vehicle floor, a pair of lock devices respectively provided to the slide devices, and an operation mechanism of the lock devices. The slide devices are arranged and constructed to slide the vehicle seat on the vehicle floor. The lock devices are capable of releasably locking the vehicle seat at a desired position on the vehicle floor. The operation mechanism includes a synchronization member having an operation member. The synchronization member is disposed above the slide devices and is linked to the lock devices via a linking mechanism.
US07794014B2 Multimedia chair and method
A multimedia chair (200) includes an electronic module having an electronic processor and at least one electronic controller operatively connected to the electronic processor. A visual display (120) is connected to the electronic module and operatively communicates with the electronic processor. A base (202) structure connected to the electronic module is connected to a chair (200).
US07794011B2 Aerodynamic properties of ground vehicles
The present invention relates to the improvement of the aerodynamic properties of bluff-body shaped ground vehicles. A least one air modulator is assembled on the vehicle to modify an air flow around the vehicle, such that the drag on the vehicle is decreased. Each air modulator has an array of openings including a number of openings, which are arranged next to one another along an essentially straight line. A control unit controls the at least one air modulator output oscillating air from each opening such that air vortices are formed outside the opening. The at least one air modulator is arranged on the vehicle, such that these air vortices have axes that, in proximity to the opening, are essentially perpendicular to a forward driving direction of the vehicle.
US07794010B2 Door trim
A door trim having rigidity as an armrest while is easily deformed in an event of side impact to a vehicle and thereby reduces impact to a person located in a compartment of the vehicle, can be provided with the present invention.The door trim 1 for use with the vehicle includes a body 10 and an armrest 20 that protrudes from the body 10. The armrest 20 includes resin foam molding. The armrest 20 is thinner than the body 10. The door trim 1 also includes a plurality of ribs 23 disposed on an inner surface of the armrest 20. The armrest 20 is pushed against the person to be deformed in the event of side impact to the vehicle, thereby reducing impact to the person. A position of a break line 21 is set by the plurality of ribs 23 arranged in a front-back direction of the vehicle.
US07794007B2 Passenger vehicle rear end structure
A passenger vehicle rear end structure is provided with a vehicle body and a rear window. The vehicle body includes a vehicle interior area, a roof portion overlying the vehicle interior area, a pair of rear pillars and a rear body portion adjoined to a rear part of the roof portion by the rear pillars, at least one of the rear pillars, the rear body portion and the roof portion defining a rear window opening. The rear window is movably with respect to the vehicle body between a closed position that covers the rear window opening and an open position that exposes the rear window opening, with a majority of the rear window overlapping the roof portion when the rear window is in the open position.
US07794003B2 Modular storage system
A modular storage system for use with a utility vehicle is disclosed. The modular storage system can extend across the floor of the utility vehicle and have a central elongated bin that is located between two wheel wells and extends generally between a front wall and a rear door of a utility vehicle storage space. A side bin can be included and be located between the central elongated bin and one of the side walls of the storage space.
US07794001B2 Mobile medical facility
A mobile medical facility capable of treating a plurality of patients and being transported over the roadways without requiring extensive transporting means. In general the mobile medical facility includes a trailer. The trailer defines a floor area and has at least a first and second configuration. In the first configuration, the floor area is reduced to allow for transporting of the trailer over the public highways. In the second configuration, the floor area of the trailer is expanded and large enough to support a plurality of beds for treating patients. In some embodiments, the floor area in the second configuration may be at least twice as large as the floor area in the first configuration.
US07794000B2 Configuration for operating interior device and cup holder using the same
In an operating member (2) disposed in a cabin and manually operated by the occupant of a seat and an interior device (8) such as a cup holder allowing its position to be changed with a movable mechanism disposed near the seat, the operating member (2) possesses a detecting sensor (51) for detecting a starting time of a manual operation of the operating member (2) by a hand, and a movable mechanism (25) automatically changes the interior device to a position not to interfere with the manual operation of the operating member in response to the detection signal of the detecting sensor (51).
US07793998B2 Bumper fixture, and bumper mounting structure
A bumper fixture is interposed between an extended-directional end portion of a bumper and an auto body as to extend the extended-directional end portion of the bumper mounted on the auto body to form a part of a wheel house. The bumper fixture includes a mounting portion mountable to an extended-directional outer end wall of the bumper on one extended-directional end portion of the bumper, and the mounting portion is elastically deformable by a greater than predetermined load. A bumper mounting structure includes the bumper fixture such that an extended directional outer end wall of the bumper is mounted on the mounting portion.
US07793995B2 Push/push latch
A push/push latch designed to operate in high and low g-force situations, which may be mounted horizontally or vertically. The latch includes a latch body, a track, a housing surrounding the track and latch body, a follower with a pin that moves in the track to actuate the push/push latch. The invention also includes a hammer that repositions when a g-force is applied to the latch to stop the movement of the track body thus preventing the latch from opening during a g-force situation such as a vehicle crash. The hammer may be connected to the housing or to the latch body.
US07793994B2 Threaded tubular connection
A tubular connection including a first joint having outer threads and an inner bore, and a second joint having outer threads and an inner bore. The tubular connection further includes an outer nut having inner threads that cooperate with the outer threads of the first joint and the second joint. The tubular connection further includes an inner sleeve positioned within the first inner bore and the second inner bore. In one embodiment, the first inner bore contains a first groove having a first seal disposed therein and the second inner bore contains a second groove having a second seal disposed therein, wherein the first and second seals prevents a pressure from exiting the first and second inner bore.
US07793993B2 Coupling device for a fluid line
A coupling device for a fluid line has a collet and an axially movable actuating sleeve serving for operation of the collet. The collet bears several gripping teeth with associated actuating portions able to be acted on by actuating faces on the actuating sleeve in order to hold the inserted fluid line. In the non-operated state of the actuating sleeve there are at least partly different distances between the mutually associated actuating portions and actuating faces so that on actuation of the actuating sleeve several actuating portions of the collet are acted on one after the other. This means that the necessary actuating force is reduced.
US07793991B2 Pipe connector
A pipe connector (10) including a joining portion (12) having a port (14) for connection of a first pipe thereto, the joining portion also having a wall for connection of a second pipe thereto, the second pipe being able to be connected to the wall by boring a hole through the wall and bonding the second pipe thereto, the wall having a shape such that the pipe may be bonded to the wall at a plurality of angles with respect to the port, whereby, in use, the pipe connector (10) can connect the first pipe to the second pipe at a plurality of angles with respect to each other.
US07793987B1 Magnetic coupling assembly and method of using same
A magnetic coupling assembly for use in coupling portions of a gas delivery system. The magnetic coupling assembly includes a first member and a second member to be coupled together. The attractive forces between the first plurality of magnetic elements on the first member and a second plurality of magnetic elements on the second member join these members. The poles of magnetic elements in the first and second plurality of magnetic elements is opposite that of an adjacent magnetic element. The first and second members are easily detached from one another simply by rotating the first member relative to the second member such that the magnetic poles of the magnetic elements in each plurality of magnetic elements become unaligned, causing an weakening of the attractive forces.
US07793985B1 Retractable auxiliary mud flap device and associated method
The power-operated mud flap device may include a mud flap adapted to be positioned adjacent to an outer face of the existing vehicle tire. The device may also include a mechanism for automatically displacing the mud flap between a raised and a lowered position defined along a vertical plane. The automatic displacing mechanism may further include a drive shaft coupled to a power actuated motor. First and second linear adjustable driven shafts may be mated to the drive shaft. The driven shafts are preferably registered perpendicular to the drive shaft. Additionally, each driven shaft may include a threaded male member and a female member containing an axial bore. The male member may be rotatably inserted into and extracted from the female member in such a way that the longitudinal length of the driven shaft decreases and increases respectively, thus displacing the mud flap into a raised or lowered position respectively.
US07793982B2 Device for tightening a seat belt
A device for tightening a seat belt has a piston (2) drivable linearly in a piston guide (1) by the gas pressure of a propellant gas. A gearing (3) is also caused to move by the piston (2), the gearing serving the transmission of the piston movement to a pinion (4). The pinion (4) is connected to, or configured to be connected to, a belt spool of a seat belt retractor (13) in a manner whereby rotation of the pinion causes rotation of the belt spool. The gearing (3) on associated with the piston (2) is mounted displaceable transversely to the piston's direction of movement and meshes with the pinion (4) as a result of gas pressure in an expandable bladder (24).
US07793981B2 Joint, main beam of container semi-trailer provided with the joint and the connecting method thereof
A main beam of a container semi-trailer provided with the joint, and the connecting method thereof. The joint is used to connect a main beam and has a first connecting plate connected to the main beam; a second and a third connecting plate secured to the same side of the first connecting plate and spaced apart to each other; and a fourth connecting plate slantingly connected between the second and third connecting plates.
US07793980B2 Retractable steering mechanism
A retractable steering mechanism includes a steering wheel, a steering column connected to the steering wheel, a telescopic device connected to steering column, a connector for connecting the telescopic device to two front wheels of the vehicle. A first cover is connected to the vehicle. A second cover is connected to the first cover and includes at least two slots defined therein. A shell is used to house the steering column so that the steering column is rotational but not movable in the shell. The shell includes at two bosses formed thereon and movably disposed in the slots. A moving unit is provided between the vehicle and the shell and operable, in a car accident, to retract and tilt the shell due to the bosses moving in the slots.
US07793976B2 Tether structure for airbag
An airbag is provided with first and second tethers and attached to the inner surface of the ceiling. The first tether extends towards the left side of the back face side from the center portion of the front face side facing a rider. The second tether extends towards the right side of the back face side from the center portion of the front face side. The first and second tethers are arranged into a substantially V-shape with the bottom on the rider's side. When the airbag is compressed in the back and forth direction by receiving a forward momentum of the rider, the expansion of the airbag is regulated by the first and second tethers on the front face side. The expansion in the right and left direction is not regulated by the first and second tethers on the back face side of the airbag. Accordingly, the airbag expands in the right and left direction on the back face side so as to have a wide width.
US07793975B2 Method of folding passenger-seat airbag
A passenger-seat airbag (32) includes a pair of left and right airbags (44, 46), and a root portion (48) that is connected to both of the left and right airbags (44, 46). When the passenger-seat airbag (32) is provided in a vehicle, an airbag folded portion (62) that forms the left and right airbags (44, 46) is positioned closer to the rear of the vehicle than the root portion (48) is, and a slack portion (49) that forms the root portion (48) is made upright along the airbag folded portion (62), and is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle than the airbag folded portion (62) is. Thus, the slack portion (49) is expanded and deployed toward a windshield earlier to form “a wall”. Then, the left and right airbags (44, 46) are stably deployed toward a passenger seat (toward the rear of the vehicle).
US07793974B2 Gas generator for human body restraining apparatus of vehicle
The present invention relates to a gas generator for a restraining apparatus of a vehicle including: a housing having a gas discharge port; a gas source; and an ignition device accommodated inside the housing, the ignition device being connected to an outer power source through an opening of the housing, the ignition device including a igniter body which has a conductive pin and is fixed by crimping an igniter collar, the igniter collar having a plug-accommodating chamber for inserting a plug to be connected with the conductive pin, at least part of a wall surface of the plug-accommodating chamber being formed by a holder which is an independent member formed of a non-electroconductive material and is disposed inside the igniter collar, the holder being fixed in a state of contact with the igniter collar and a housing wall surface including a circumferential edge of the opening.
US07793970B2 Convertible suitcase stroller apparatus and method
A convertible suitcase stroller apparatus may comprise a suitcase that is openable at at least one side; a handle assembly that is reconfigurable between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration and that has a handgrip portion and two handle stems, wherein each of the two handle stems has an upper end and wherein the handgrip portion is established substantially between the upper ends; fabric seatback material that is established substantially between the two handle stems when the handle assembly is in the deployed configuration; a child seatbelt that is securable around a child seated directly on the suitcase; and at least two wheels established substantially at a lower portion of the suitcase, wherein a back of a child seated directly on the suitcase is supported against the fabric seatback material, the fabric seatback material is crumpable, and the convertible suitcase stroller apparatus is convertible between: a minimum space occupying configuration, a suitcase only toting configuration and a child toting configuration.
US07793969B2 Ski with suspension
Skis and methods of skiing are provided. In some implementations, the skis include a preload, and/or have a relatively low spring rate. In one aspect, the skis include (a) a ski body having a front and a back, the front and back terminating, respectively, at a tip and tail at opposite ends of the ski body; and (b) a suspension system connected to the ski body so as to apply a load to the front and back of the ski body. In some cases, the suspension system is configured to provide the ski with a spring rate that diminishes as the ski is flexed from a normal unloaded state or a predetermined state of deflection to a state of greater deflection.
US07793968B1 Integrated support structure for either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck trailer hitch
An integrated support structure apparatus is provided for attaching either a fifth wheel trailer hitch or a gooseneck trailer hitch to a truck bed. The integrated support structure comprises an H-shaped body that is attached to at least one truck frame rail below the truck bed. A gooseneck ball receiver is attached to a central portion of the body and aligned with a gooseneck opening in the truck bed. A plurality of mounting pads are formed integrally as part of a plurality of end inserts that are assembled to the body.
US07793966B2 Plug-in connections
Disclosed is a plug-in coupling system for joining cables between a tractor and a trailer. The invention also relates to the individual components, i.e. the semitrailer coupling and the plug-in connector on which the invention is implemented. The cables between the tractor and the trailer are usually plugged into each other by hand. Automatic systems have not been successful on the market so far. The aim of the invention is therefore to create a plug-in coupling system which allows the supply cables to be connected in a comfortable and operationally safe manner when the trailer is joined to and disconnected from the tractor. Said aim is achieved, among other things, by disposing the socket in a stationary manner below the insertion hole on the semitrailer coupling while arranging the contact points of the plug below the king pin on the plug-in connector.
US07793964B2 Method of transportation of a wind turbine nacelle and use thereof
The invention relates to a nacelle that is releasably attachable, the nacelle being adapted for suspension of the nacelle between at least two wheel sets as completely or partly self-supporting suspension.
US07793963B2 Bicycle chainstay protector
A bicycle having a wheel and a frame supported by the wheel. The frame includes a wheel support and a stay extending from the wheel support. A stay protector resiliently engages the stay. In one embodiment, the stay includes a tubular-shaped member having an exterior surface, and the stay protector is contoured to substantially match the exterior surface.
US07793962B2 Main stand for motorcycle
A main stand for a vehicle (e.g., a motorcycle) includes a bar-like member rotatably disposed on a vehicle body frame of the motorcycle, a lever rotatably disposed on the vehicle body frame, a cam rotated integrally with the lever, and a cam rest disposed on an upper portion of the bar-like member. The cam rest is pressed by the cam as the lever is rotated to bring the bar-like member to an upright position to raise a wheel off a ground. The lever is rotated by an occupant of the vehicle.
US07793956B2 Scooter with driving mechanism
The present invention provides a scooter with driving mechanism comprising a scooter assembly and at least a driving mechanism, wherein the scooter assembly has a treadle and a rear wheel; the driving mechanism comprises a reset device and a transmission device, which has an irreversible transmission unit and a passively driven gear, wherein the passively driven gear is driven by the driving gear in meshed manner to drive the irreversible transmission unit in relay way, the irreversible transmission unit, which is connected to the rear wheel, is served to drive the rear wheel to rotate in single direction. Thus, by means of the treading and releasing actions with the treadle, the scooter can be driven smoothly with benefits in not only the risk of tumbling down accident being avoided but also the effects in energy-saving and environmental protection being achieved.
US07793955B2 Suspension device for vehicle
To control a camber angle to an adequate value by the use of a lateral force acting on a wheel, without causing a displacement of a tire ground contact point.A suspension device includes a link mechanism replaceable by a first virtual link 11 which, when a lateral force acts at a tire ground contact point, inclines a wheel in a camber angle direction with respect to a vehicle body so as to increase the lateral force, and a second virtual link 12 which is connected virtually and rotatably between the first virtual link 11 and the vehicle body 1 and which is arranged to allow the wheel 2 to move in the up-and-down direction with respect to the vehicle body 1 in accordance with a load variation of the wheel in the up-and-down direction. A rotation center A in the camber angle direction and a rotation center B in the up-and-down direction, of the wheel with respect to the vehicle body are arranged so that a lateral movement amount of the tire ground contact point due to a change in the position of the first virtual link 11 is canceled by a lateral movement amount of the tire ground contact point due to a change in the position of the second virtual link 12.
US07793954B2 Suspension system for a vehicle
A suspension system of the present invention pivotally supports a wheel of a motor vehicle. An upper control arm and a lower control arm are cooperable with a spindle, which supports the wheel. A vibration damper is cooperable with the upper control arm. A link interconnects the lower control arm and one of the terminal ends of the vibration damper thereby defining a common axis bisecting the link. The vibration damper moves along the common axis to absorb vibration transferred from a road surface and through the wheel.
US07793949B2 Foldable vehicle frame
A foldable vehicle frame includes a first main body, a second main body having a pedal portion and at least one joint portion, and a connecting mechanism connected to the first main body and the second main body. The connecting mechanism further includes a pair of rod parts, and the pair of rod parts respectively has a head end and a tail end. The head end is rotatably connected to the first main body, and the tail end is rotatably connected to the second main body, such that the connecting mechanism is turned over and stacked at a lower layer of the first main body, and the pedal portion of the second main body is folded under the turned-over connecting mechanism, so as to form a folded state. Furthermore, the connecting mechanism, the first main body, and the second main body are all unfolded simultaneously to form an unfolded state.
US07793948B2 Method of assembling a shopping cart
A method of assembling shopping carts includes providing a basket defining including rear upright frame members. Each rear upright frame member defines includes a lower connecting portion. The method further includes providing a first base and providing a second base. The first base includes a pair of first base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of the lower connecting portions. The second base includes a pair of second base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of lower connecting portions, and the second base is shaped differently than the first base. The method includes selecting one of the first base and the second base having a desired base size and shape, and removably securing the basket to the selected one of the first base and the second base including coupling each lower connecting portion with one of the first base supports and second base supports.
US07793944B2 Sealing device
In a sealing device (1) installed in an installation groove (4) provided in one member (2) of two members (2, 3) facing to each other so as to be brought into close contact with the other (3), the sealing device has a seal ring (11) and a backup ring (21) arranged in a low-pressure side (L) of the seal ring (11), the installation groove (4) has a slope bottom surface (4c), the backup ring (21) has a slope surface (21a). The sealing device (1) is to be made such that the seal ring (11) made of a rubber-like elastic body is prevented from being damaged by the backup ring (21) made of a hard material. In order to achieve this object, a second backup ring (31) is arranged between the seal ring (11) and the backup ring (21), and formed by a softer material than the backup ring (21).
US07793943B2 Metal gasket
A metal gasket is formed by first and second metal base plates laminated together. The first metal base plate includes one first half bead around the hole, and a first outer sub-bead section. The first outer sub-bead section is smaller than the first half bead, and is provided outside the first half bead. The second metal base plate includes one second half bead around the hole to project in a direction opposite to the first half bead, and a second outer sub-bead section smaller than the second half bead and provided outside the second half bead. The second outer sub-bead section projects in a direction opposite to the second half bead. When the first and second metal base plates are assembled, the first and second half beads face opposite to each other, and the second outer sub-bead section abuts against the first outer sub-bead section.
US07793941B2 Ring seal with inner lip
A device for sealing between a first component and a second component is disclosed. The first component has a groove and the groove has a first wall and a second wall. The annular body includes a first side configured to selectively contact the first wall of the groove, a second side opposite the first side configured to selectively contact the second wall of the groove, a first surface in contact with the second component, and a second surface opposite the first surface. A lip is bonded to the second surface and extends at least partially around the second surface of the annular body. A pressure acting on the first side of the annular body forces the second side to contact the second wall of the groove, and a pressure acting on the second side of the annular body forces the first side to contact the first wall of the groove.
US07793934B2 Sheet conveying device and image forming apparatus
A sheet conveying device which is capable of stably conveying a sheet, irrespective of the material of the sheet. A first conveying roller pair nips and conveys a sheet. A drive motor drives the first conveying roller pair. An encoder detects the rotational speed of the first conveying roller pair. A first nip pressure-adjusting unit controls the nip pressure of the first conveying roller pair, and a CPU controls the first nip pressure-adjusting unit according to a change in the rotational speed of the first conveying roller pair detected by the encoder during sheet conveyance.
US07793932B1 Wire stacker tray with movable bands or springs
The present invention provides a paper collecting tray that reduces or eliminates paper curling. The collecting tray has a wire structure using springs or movable bands to support various size papers. These springs are provided in one embodiment to support paper sheets having 8.5 inch widths, 24 inch widths and 36 inch widths. These are configured to provide substantial support for the sheets and configured to prevent paper curling when the paper is passed to the collecting tray.
US07793925B2 Sheet loading device
There is provided a technique which can realize stable loading performance irrespective of the state of a loaded object loaded on a tray. A loading information acquisition unit 106 acquires loading information relating to a sheet loading height on a loading tray 101 on which a sheet subjected to a specified processing is loaded, and a press force adjusting unit 107 moves, based on the loading information, at least one of the loading tray 101 and a pressing unit 104 to press from above the sheet loaded on the loading tray in a direction in which the loading tray and the pressing unit 104 are distanced from each other.
US07793923B2 Wave coil spring
A wave coil spring includes: a spring main body which has a spiral structure of a wave-shaped spring material, the spring main body bearing an axial compressive load in such a state that surfaces of the spring main body which face each other are brought into contact with each other at a plurality of contact portions, the plurality of contact portions including: a first contact portion where a component of force is produced with application of the compressive load, which attempts to cause the spring main body to slide in a direction in which the coil main body is wound spirally; and a second contact portion where a component of force is produced with application of the compressive load, which attempts to cause the spring main body to slide in a direction in which the spring main body is unwound spirally.
US07793904B2 Beverage holder assembly
Various embodiments are directed to a beverage holder assembly. In some embodiments, a beverage holder assembly may comprise a clamp device comprising a screw for tightening a first arm and a second arm to attach the clamp device to a structure. The screw may comprise a head having parallel sides. The beverage holder assembly may comprise a beverage housing to support a beverage container. The beverage housing may define a track to receive the head of the screw. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07793900B2 Magnetic clamp holder
An exemplary magnetic clamp holder used for a mechanical arm, includes a housing (21), a magnetic structure (22), and two positioning pins (25). The housing includes an attaching portion (211), and a joining portion (213) fixed to the attaching portion, the attaching portion and the joining portion cooperatively defining a receiving cavity (218). The positioning pins are disposed on the attaching portion of the housing. The magnetic structure is received in the receiving cavity. The magnetic structure includes a permanent magnetic module (223), an electro-magnetic module (225), and a magnetic shield plate (227) disposed between the permanent magnetic module and the electro-magnetic module. The electro-magnetic module is able to create a magnetic field for neutralizing a magnetic field created by the permanent magnetic module.
US07793899B2 Structure for a suction device
A suction device is provided, including a suction unit, a fixing unit, a press unit and a linkage positioning unit. The fixing unit is located on top of the suction unit. The press unit is restricted between the area close to circumference of the fixing unit and the top surface of the suction unit. The linkage positioning unit is fixed to above the fixing unit and performs linked movement with the pulling element of the suction unit. When the fixing unit tilts partially by the exerted force of a hanging object, the press unit can still press tightly against the area close to the circumference of the suction unit to maintain a strong suction hold and improve the suction durability.
US07793897B2 Elevating mechanism for flat-panel display monitor and pneumatic cylinder used for elevating mechanism
An exemplary elevating mechanism used for a flat-panel display monitor includes a support structure, a sliding structure, and a pneumatic cylinder. The support structure includes a pair of guide rails. The sliding structure is mounted to the support structure and is capable of sliding along the guide rails. The pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder body, a piston shaft, and a first piston. The cylinder body is connected to the support structure. The piston shaft includes a first end received in the cylinder body, and a second end opposite to the first end connected to the sliding structure. The first piston is positioned in the cylinder body and partitions the cylinder body into two chambers. The two chambers are filled with gas. The first piston is fixed to the first end of the piston shaft and defines a through hole for communicating the two chambers.
US07793896B2 Stabilization system for high-pressure water jet feed line
A support system (10) for stabilizing a high-pressure feed line (15) in a high-speed water jet food portioner, comprising a rigid span assembly (12) connected at one end to an extendable universal joint (40) that provides rotational motion around two axes (36,37) as well as linear freedom along a third axis (38), and at the other end to a rod-end bearing (17) that permits motion about two axes at a fixed attachment point. The extendable universal joint (40) and the rod-end bearing (17) are each anchored to a fixed point, one on a portioner housing and the other on a cutting carriage such that the rigid span assembly (12) is allowed freedom at one end to move with the rapid and dramatically changing motion of the cutting carriage in order to provide support to the high-pressure feed line (15) mounted thereon, with minimal vibration.
US07793888B2 Apparatus and method for air-to-air arming of aerial vehicles
A transfer of ordnance units from a first aerial vehicle to a second aerial vehicle performed while both vehicles are airborne. The first aircraft is used as an ordnance storage, ordnance delivery and ordnance supplier platform. The second aircraft has the functionality and capability of delivering the received ordnance to designated targets. The first aircraft includes an ordnance storage apparatus, an ordnance transfer assembly, a computer-based highly accurate ordnance transfer control apparatus, and an ordnance transfer apparatus operating crew. The ordnance transfer assembly establishes temporarily a transfer link between the aircraft and utilizes an ordnance conveyor mechanism for the delivery of the ordnance units. The second aircraft includes a multi-use multi-purpose pylon that receives the transferred ordnance in the proper manner. The aircrafts can be uninhabited.
US07793887B2 Interoperable aerial refueling methods
An Interoperable aerial refueling method enables tanker aircraft configured with a boom and receiver refueling system to refuel an aircraft configured for the probe and drogue refueling system. In one embodiment, a receptacle, coupled to a refueling drogue, is configured to fluidly receive a terminal portion of a refueling boom is. A retainer is coupled to an aircraft that removably retains the receptacle when the aircraft is refueling another aircraft configured to directly engage the boom. The receptacle releases the receptacle when the terminal portion of the boom engages the receptacle so that an aircraft that receives the refueling drogue may be refueled.
US07793877B2 Battery device for fishing and power supply method for electric fishing reel
A cell main body and a control portion are tightly stored within a case main body, which is provided with a joint connector for electrical connection to the cell main body and the control portion. A nut member is disposed to surround this joint connector, which is attached for feeding to a feed connection portion for external power source connection of an electric reel. The nut member is screwed around a ferrule portion of the feed connection portion, and the case main body is mounted on the electric reel in a state where an engaged portion of the nut member is engaged by an engagement portion of the joint connector.
US07793869B2 Particulate material applicator and pump
A nozzle assembly for a material application device includes an expansion chamber for slowing down the velocity of powder fed to the nozzle from a dense phase pump. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle insert that forms the expansion chamber and provides air assist function. The nozzle includes an integral deflector, and further includes a passageway for a charging electrode so that the electrical path is routed away from the powder path, while permitting the electrode tip to be centered in the powder spray pattern from the nozzle. The nozzle also includes air wash for the electrode. The nozzle outlet orifice has a cross-sectional area that is equal to or greater than the inlet cross-sectional area so that a slow moving dense phase powder cloud is produced by the nozzle.
US07793868B2 Rotary drive sprinkler with flow control and shut off valve in nozzle housing
A flow shut off or throttling valve is provided in a sprinkler nozzle housing to enable a nozzle to be changed without having to turn off a flow pressure source. The valve intersects a flow path through the nozzle housing and has an opening such that when the opening is aligned with the flow path, a flow stream can flow unobstructed through the flow path. The valve is movable between a fully open position in which the opening is aligned with the flow path and a closed position which blocks the flow stream from flowing to a nozzle disposed at an outlet passage of the flow path. The valve may be constructed to be either slidable or rotatable between the two positions, and is actuated by a gearing arrangement which is operable at the exterior of the nozzle housing. The external valve actuator may function as a physical barrier to retain the removable nozzle in the nozzle housing when the valve is open and to disengage the nozzle when the valve is closed.
US07793865B2 Antifreeze foam injection system
Systems according to embodiments of the present invention include an antifreeze manifold carrying pressurized antifreeze liquid, the pressurized antifreeze liquid having a foam surfactant, an air manifold carrying pressurized air, a junction of the antifreeze manifold and the air manifold, the junction configured to combine the pressurized antifreeze liquid and the pressurized air to form antifreeze foam, a foam generator configured to enhance bubble formation, and an outlet conduit to receive the foam. Methods according to embodiments of the present invention include storing an antifreeze liquid having a foam surfactant, pressurizing the antifreeze liquid to a first pressure, pressurizing a gas to a second pressure, wherein the second pressure is different from the first pressure, combining the antifreeze liquid at the first pressure with the gas at the second pressure to form an antifreeze foam, and injecting the antifreeze foam into a conduit to displace freezable fluid in the conduit.
US07793858B2 Paint delivery and application apparatus and method
A paint delivery and application apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a source of paint, a paint applicator, a supply line interconnecting the source of paint and the applicator and at least one pig in the supply line, wherein the paint pushes the pig from adjacent the source of paint to the paint applicator and a source of purging solvent delivering a small volume of purging solvent to the supply line when the pig is adjacent the source of paint adjacent to and upstream of the pig acting as a lubricant, reducing chattering and skipping of the pig and extending the life of the pig. Where the apparatus includes two pigs, purging solvent is delivered between the pigs adjacent the applicator, the pigs are delivered to adjacent the source of paint and a small volume of solvent is then delivered from between the pigs upstream of the pigs.
US07793857B2 Fixing means for fixing railway lines to sleepers or stretches of track
The invention relates to fixing means for fixing railway lines to sleepers or stretches of track, comprising an elastic rail clip (51) and a clip anchor element (31). According to the invention, the elastic rail clip (51) has retaining elements that can be inserted into the clip anchor element (31) and guided into the latter by being rotated about a rotational axis (D) and at least one pressure bow (52), which can be brought into pre-tensioned contact with the foot (24) of a railway line (21), when the elastic rail clip is rotated (51) about the rotational axis (D) in relation to the clip anchor element (31). The elastic rail clip (51) has essentially annular clip bows (55, 56) that act as the retaining elements and the clip anchor element (31) has guide elements (34) that are concentric with the rotational axis (D).
US07793849B2 Contactless identification device
A contactless identification device includes a flat conducting structure as an electromagnetic sensor or transducer. An electromagnetic sensor architecture is suitable for all applications where contactless or hybrid cards are of advantage: high volume paying and toll applications (public transportation, public sport events, person and good identification, access to controlled areas, control of shipment of goods, handling of luggage, product control in chain production environments), etc. The contact-less identification device has had its performance enhanced by the use of space-filling techniques in the design of its electromagnetic sensor and by the use of a planar capacitor in conjunction with said flat conducting structure.
US07793844B2 Memory device
The invention provides a memory device (10) operable to receive an input signal and to generate a corresponding data bearing output signal in response, the device including a series of circuit stages (200) operable to be triggered by the input signal at a first stage of the series (stage 1) thereby causing a sequential triggering of stages along the series to a last stage of the series to generate the output signal, the data represented in time durations taken for each stage in the series to trigger a subsequent stage in the series. Sequential triggering of the stages generates a data bearing output signal for output from the device (10). The device (10, 800) can be modified to repetitively output the data in response to the input signal. Moreover, the device (900, 940) can be adapted to provide a delay before repeating the data, thereby coping with contention when several of the devices (900, 940) are operating within range of one another.
US07793843B2 Image capture device with data input function and data management method thereof
An image capture device with data input includes a storage unit, an image capture unit, a barcode recognition unit, a data indexing unit and a display unit. The storage unit stores barcode and other information associated with the barcode data. The image capture unit captures digital images of browsed goods. The barcode recognition unit recognizes barcodes in the captured images and reads the corresponding data. The data indexing unit determines whether the barcode data has a matching price in the prestored barcode data. The display unit displays match results.
US07793840B2 Imaging zoom lens assembly for an imaging-based bar code reader
A variable focus imaging lens assembly for an imaging-based bar code reader for imaging a target bar code within a field of view of the imaging system, the imaging lens assembly comprising a simplified zoom lens assembly or system that provides for both focusing and adjustment of focal length of the imaging lens assembly with movement of a single group of movable lenses using one motor. The zoom lens assembly includes a stationary lens group comprising a plurality of stationary lenses and a movable lens group comprising a plurality of movable lenses movable with respect to a sensor array of the imaging system. The movable lens group is driven by a motor along a path of travel parallel to an optic axis of the imaging lens assembly, at least one lens of the plurality of stationary lenses being intermediate a pair of lenses of the plurality of movable lenses.
US07793839B2 System enabling the exchange of information between products
A system allowing the wireless transfer of data between a first device having a microcontroller and a second device when the first and second devices are positioned adjacent each other is described. The system includes a reader circuit and tag circuit. The reader circuit is operatively connected to the first device and provides oscillation energy to the tag circuit when the tag circuit is coupled to the reader circuit. The reader circuit receives coded information from the tag circuit and delivers the coded information to the microcontroller. The tag circuit includes a coil and logic enabling patterned oscillation at least two discrete frequencies such that the patterned oscillation is representative of coded information within the tag circuit. The system may be configured to a variety of product pairs, including consumer product pairs, to control the operation of the product pair or collect information about the operation of the product pair.
US07793837B1 Authentication using physical characteristics of tokens
A portable consumer device having a substrate layer, a protective layer and a brittle material layer having an intentionally created unique fissure patterns and systems and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The unique fissure pattern of the brittle material layer is detected and used to authenticate the portable consumer device.
US07793834B2 Financial transaction card with non-embossed, raised indicia
A financial transaction card has a first major surface on one side and a second major surface on an opposite side. A first set of raised indicia projects outwardly from the first major surface. A second set of raised indicia projects outwardly from the second major surface and is directly contralateral with the first set of raised indicia. The second major surface is devoid of any indication of the first set of raised indicia and the first major surface is devoid of any indication of the second set of raised indicia. Each indicium denotes an alphabetic letter or a number and in one embodiment is a Braille character.
US07793833B2 Apparatus and method for photographing a business card in portable terminal
Provided are an apparatus and method for photographing a business card in a portable terminal. The method includes recognizing boundary lines of the business card from an image received from a camera when a recognition and photographing key for a business card is selected, and allowing the business card to be automatically photographed by using the recognized boundary lines.
US07793832B2 Automated banking machine which dispenses, receives and stores notes and other financial instrument sheets
An automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader (16) operative to read data corresponding to financial accounts from user cards. An exemplary machine (10) includes a fascia (12) which extends on the outside of a wall (14) and includes a user interface (15). Responsive to user inputs through the user interface, the machine is operative to receive a stack of currency notes (84) from a user. Notes in a currency note stack can be evaluated through operation of a currency note validator device (88). Acceptable currency notes can be stored for recycling.
US07793830B2 Automated transaction machine
An automated retail terminal in which a plurality of goods and/or services are provided in an integrated system. The integrated system generally avoids duplicating hardware or functions in the course of delivering the goods or services offered, so for example in a combination ATM and Internet kiosk the same credit card or smart card reader is used for both the ATM and the Internet kiosk functions, the same control screen activates the ATM functions and the Internet functions, and etc.
US07793829B2 Payment systems and methods
Disclosed are payment system and methods.
US07793822B2 Direct mailing device
An advertisement device for direct mail delivery from a sender to a recipient. The advertisement device includes a synthetic panel having a front side, a back side, an advertisement on at least one of the front side and the back side, and a thickness sufficient to maintain integrity of the synthetic panel. The advertisement device also includes a response panel for responding to the advertisement. The response panel has information responsive to the advertisement thereon and is adapted to receive delivery information thereon. The response panel is attachable to the synthetic panel for direct mail delivery to the recipient with the synthetic panel, is detachable from the synthetic panel, and is adapted for direct mail delivery from the recipient to the sender.
US07793816B2 Friction stir welding apparatus
Portable friction stir welding apparatus having a crawler which supports a motor for rotating a Friction Stir Welding tool and is coupled to a drive mechanism for urging the crawler along a predefined weld path on work pieces. The crawler can comprise one member or a set of two or three physically separated members each rotatably coupled to the friction stir welding tool. The friction stir welding tool for making the weld is rotatably coupled to each member and restricts axial displacement of the physically separate members relative to each other. The members are adapted to engage rails on the work pieces which provide at least one of guiding, alignment, fixturing, torque compensation for the members as the friction stir welding tool is rotated and the crawler is moved along a joint.
US07793815B2 Ultrasonic bonding equipment and resulting bonding structure
The disclosure is directed to ultrasonic bonding equipment, in which the anvil and horn include protrusions of varying height to grip the material being bonded. The outer protrusions may form smaller or differently shaped indentations in the material to reduce material stresses of the material at the outer region of the material. An exemplary embodiment of an ultrasonic bonding system includes an anvil and a horn arranged facing the anvil to ultrasonically bond a gripped portion of two or more layers of material. The gripped portion of the layers includes an inner region and an outer region. The anvil and the horn apply a gripping force to the outer region that is less than a gripping force applied to the inner region of the gripped materials.
US07793813B2 Hub for positioning annular structure on a surgical device
An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections is provided. The apparatus includes an anastomosis device including an anvil assembly having a shaft which is selectively attachable to a tubular body portion; and a hub for locating an annular structure between the adjacent intestinal sections. The hub includes a central sleeve defining a lumen for receiving the shaft of the anvil assembly therein. The central sleeve forms a connection portion for engaging a feature on the anastomosis device and connecting the hub to the device. The apparatus further includes an annular structure operatively connected to the sleeve and extending radially outwardly therefrom.
US07793805B2 Metering valve
The present invention relates to a metering valve comprising a valve stem (11) co-axially slidable within a valve body (14), the metering valve comprising a metering chamber (13) having no moving parts therein.
US07793803B2 Bellows pump system and method for the use thereof
The present invention provides an assembly of bellows part and a part against which unrolling takes place (the unrolling part), comprising a bellows part with a flexible wall of a predetermined shape and thickness variation which co-operates with an unrolling part with a stiff outer wall along which the flexible wall is movable, wherein the unrolling part has a predetermined diameter variation and/or the flexible wall has a predetermined thickness variation so as to cause a desired development of force.
US07793794B2 Hoist for low space crane
A hoist for a low space crane is disclosed, which comprises a hoist frame in which a load point transferred to a girder is positioned at a vertical surface of one side of the girder, and a balance of a biased load is maintained for thereby decreasing an entire weight of the system, and an equal distribution unit which installed between the hoist frame and the guide rail for absorbing an impact load transferred to the hoist frame and equally distributing the entire vertical load. A buckling phenomenon does not occur at the girder even when a relatively heavy object is transferred by providing the first and second support wheel parts on the first vertical surface of the girder.
US07793793B1 Jewelry display holder
A jewelry display holder includes at least three inverted U-shaped parts connectable to each other, a platform, a base, rings, and earring holder. The inverted U-shaped parts being are placed on the platform, and each of the inverted U-shaped parts has substantially parallel and uneven legs and arch-like transversal portion. Shorter legs in the inverted U-shaped parts lean against each other, whereas longer legs stand on the platform. The longer legs are equidistant from each other and give support to the inverted U-shaped parts. Additional display elements made as S-shaped hooks are attached to the arch-like transversal portions of the inverted U-shaped parts. The platform is made rotatable relative to the base, the rings are mounted via extensions between the legs in each of the inverted U-shaped parts and differ from each other by the height at which they are installed.
US07793792B2 Death care merchandise display system
A display system for death care merchandise. A display unit includes a vertical center post and a plurality of wall panels which are attachable to the center post at right angles to each other. Another display unit includes a freestanding, two-sided, portable display.
US07793791B1 Filing assembly
A filing assembly includes a housing with a top wall, a bottom wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. The housing has an open front side. A plurality of rails is attached to a bottom side of the top wall. A receiving space is defined between adjacent ones of the rails. Each of a plurality of hanging folders includes a panel that has first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a front edge and a rear edge. The panel has a bend therein extending from the front edge to the rear edge. A plurality of connectors is also provided. Each of the first and second lateral edges has one of the connectors attached thereto. Each of the receiving spaces slidably receives one of the connectors. Secondary folders or papers are positionable in the hanging folders.
US07793784B2 Child resistant tablet package
A child resistant package for tablets is disclosed. The package includes an outer sleeve and a blister package. The blister package is designed to fit within the outer sleeve, and is capable of being slid from a closed position to an open position. The blister package includes a blister sheet and a lidding material sheet that is peeled from the blister sheet to access the tablets.
US07793782B2 Carrying case with a magnetic retaining structure for receiving an object in a suspended state
A carrying case includes a retaining structure including outer and inner surfaces, an intermediate first flexible board, a first padding between the outer surface and the first flexible board, a lower magnetic member between the inner surface and the first flexible board, and two longitudinal openings on either side proximate either end of a bottom; and a suspension plate including lower and upper surfaces, an upper magnetic member having a polarity opposing that of the lower magnetic member, a second flexible board on the upper magnetic member, a second padding between the upper surface and the second flexible board, and two spaced latches projecting from either end into the openings. The weight of a received object (e.g., notebook computer) pushes the suspension plate to slide down the latches along the openings, and the repelling force between the magnetic member counteracts the effects of the weight to suspend the suspension plate.
US07793781B2 Combination article storage container and novelty item
A combination article storage container and novelty item includes a housing having a first predetermined size and first predetermined shape and being manufactured from a first predetermined material. A predetermined article is contained within such housing. A mechanism releasably attaches such predetermined article within such housing at a predetermined location therein. An outwardly facing transparent front panel manufactured from a second predetermined material is attached to such housing at a predetermined location thereon. A mechanism provides access to remove and replace such predetermined article. A tool member is operably connected to such housing at a predetermined location on an outside of such housing for giving the appearance that in order to obtain such predetermined article such tool must be used to break the transparent front panel.
US07793778B2 Container carrier
A carrier and method of manufacture for a carrier that results in a package of containers includes a plastic sheet having an array of container apertures and an inner web. The inner web includes a flap that impinges into each container aperture thus creating a carrier that may be consistently applied to produce a desirable package.
US07793776B2 Transmission device for scanner
An image acquisition module in a transmission device for a scanner is installed in a base of the scanner, a rotating wheel and a first roller are pivotally connected onto two inner sides of the base, and a driving roller is installed below the first roller. A conveyor is respectively put around the rotating wheel, the first roller and the driving roller, and a second roller is pivotally connected onto a place between the rotating and the driving roller and used for withstanding the conveyor between the rotating wheel and the driving roller to allow the conveyor between the rotating wheel and the second roller to be parallel to the conveyor between the rotating wheel and the first roller, and the conveyor is driven by the driving roller to drive the image acquisition module to move.
US07793775B2 Method and apparatus for determining wear of a continuous chain
A system for detecting wear in a gripper chain of a chain conveyor is provided. The system includes an optical sensing system having a detection path located vertically beneath a portion of the gripper chain at a predetermined location. The detection path is located such that, when the gripper chain becomes elongated and droops a predetermined amount due to wear of the gripper chain, the sensing system senses the presence of the gripper chain in the detection path.
US07793774B2 Lockout and monitoring system with SIL3 safety rating and method for lockout and monitoring
Lockout and monitoring system with SIL3 safety rating and method for lockout and monitoring of conveyor or any distributed plant are provided where pulse width modulation and amplitude modulation are used for communication between field devices (such as remote isolation switches deployed at various locations of a conveyor belt) and a central controller, and for indication of the device location. A fail safe redundant switching system for control circuit with additional transmitter and receiver modules are provided in combination with the means for accurate indication of switch location to achieve SIL 3 rating. The ability to provide control (analogue and digital outputs) for a distributed plant, for example along the length of a conveyor, is advantageously achieved, particularly when the control outputs are line powered by means of a field bus system that provides both power and signaling on the same network.
US07793773B2 Characterisation system for objects and method for feeding objects to a characterisation device
A characterisation system for objects is provided, comprising at least one characterisation device for the objects, a conveyor belt assembly for feeding objects to the at least one characterisation device, which comprises at least one region with a first conveyor belt section and with a second conveyor belt section, wherein the first conveyor belt section and the second conveyor belt section lie parallel and adjacent to one another and can be positioned at an angle of inclination to a horizontal plane to provide a trough-shaped conveyor path with the first conveyor belt section and the second conveyor belt section in a V disposition, and a drive device for the first conveyor belt section and the second conveyor belt section for the adjustment of defined angle positions.
US07793766B2 Front fork
The front fork (100) includes a fork main body (3) in which an inner tube (2) is inserted into an outer tube (1) to enable free expansion and contraction, a damper (10) generates a damping force when a rod (5) moves within a cylinder (4) as the fork main body (3) expands and contracts, an air chamber (15) delimited by a free piston (16), which compensates for variation in the internal volume of the cylinder (4) caused by invasion and retreat of the rod (5) into and from the cylinder (4), a pressurizing spring (19) housed in the air chamber (15), which biases the free piston (16) in a direction for enlarging the air chamber (15), and a sub-spring (30) which biases the free piston (16) in a direction for shrinking the air chamber (15) in opposition to the pressurizing spring (19).
US07793763B2 System and method for damping vibrations in elevator cables
A vibration damped elevator system is provided that includes a damper or dampers attached to the elevator cable. The damping coefficients of the damper or dampers are chosen to provide optimum dissipation of the vibratory energy in the elevator cable. A method of determining the optimum placement of the damper or dampers and their respective damping coefficients is also provided.
US07793762B2 Destination entry passenger interface with multiple functions
An elevator system (20) uses destination entry dispatching techniques. A passenger interface device (22) operates in a first mode to allow passengers (24) to enter destination requests for elevator service. The passenger interface (22) operates in a second mode to provide at least one additional feature to an authorized individual. The additional feature may be at least one of a service-related function, a security-related function, a monitoring-related function or a communication-related function.
US07793760B2 Elevator
An elevator includes guide rails laid in an elevator shaft vertically, an elevator car moving up and down along the guide rails, guiding units provided on the elevator car for guiding it, the guiding unit having a magnet unit including cores and coils forming electromagnets to generate a magnetic force against the guide rail through an air gap and a controller for controlling the magnetic force by maneuvering an exciting current for exciting the electromagnets. The controller controls the magnetic force so as to make the guiding units in non-contact with the guide rails when the elevator car is traveling and brings the guiding units into contact with the guide rails when the elevator car is stopped, so that the guiding units attract and fix the guide rails while the elevator car is stopped.
US07793755B2 Steering system for vehicle
A steering system for a vehicle is disclosed. The steering system includes variable gear ratio steering apparatus, a first ECU for controlling the apparatus, an electric power steering apparatus, a second ECU for controlling the apparatus, The steering system further includes a steering wheel angle sensor and a steering wheel angle ECU, which are integrated. The steering wheel angle sensor detects a steering wheel angle of a steering wheel. The ECU calculates an estimation value of the steering wheel angle of the steering wheel and compare between the estimation value and the detected value of the steering wheel angle. Thereby, the ECU performs a process of determining detection accuracy of the steering wheel angle sensor.
US07793748B2 Vehicle cowl with opening for horn
A vehicle can include a horn able to produce an effective sound volume. The vehicle can be a motorcycle. The horn of the motorcycle can be positioned relative to parts of the motorcycle in such a way that an effective sound volume can be produced by the horn, while obstruction by the horn of cooling airflow is reduced or eliminated. In particular, at least a part of the horn can be displaced laterally from front forks of the motorcycle, in a position where the horn overlaps with an inner panel of a cowl of the motorcycle in a front view.
US07793737B2 Self servicing fire extinguisher with external operated internal mixing with wide mouth and external CO2 chamber
Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher are disclosed. The improvements allow for frequent and simpler untrained and automatic self servicing of a fire extinguisher. The improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that can be articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. Additional improvements include a larger opening to more quickly fill and inspect the powder within the chamber. Another improvement includes the use of a CO2 canister located external to the chamber to allow easier servicing or replacement of just the CO2 canister as well as the ability to maintain the chamber in an un-pressurized condition, allows for non-HASMAT shipping. These features will extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition.
US07793729B2 Gate valve and method of controlling pressure during casing-while-drilling operations
A safety valve has a body with a passage extending through it that intersected by a chamber and inclined guide surfaces located in the chamber. A single slab gate with an aperture has ramp surfaces on one side. When moving from the open position to the closed position, the ramp surfaces slide onto the guide surfaces and push the gate into sealing engagement with a side of the chamber to block the passage. The safety valve is particularly useful during a casing-while-drilling operation wherein it is mounted to the upper end of the casing when the casing gripper and top drive are disconnected from the casing string.
US07793724B2 Subsea manifold system
An improved subsea manifold system that is capable of being used in an early production system for producing hydrocarbons from a plurality of wells from a common riser system. The subsea manifold is able to control the fluid from a multiple of subsea wet-tree wells while at the same time giving the operator the option to isolate production from a single subsea well for production evaluation. The subsea manifold also includes a pigging loop which enables efficient pigging of the flowline(s) of the early production system.
US07793719B2 Top drive casing system
A torque head for gripping tubular members, in at least some aspects, has a housing, grip mechanism secured within the housing, the grip mechanism for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.
US07793717B2 Progressive cavity pump rod guide
A rod guide is provided for use in a rotating rod string (12) for powering a progressive cavity pump (14) for pumping downhole fluids through tubing (16) to the surface. The rod guide includes a rotor sleeve (20) secured to the rod string and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced exterior surfaces (22) each positioned substantially along an exterior of a cylinder. The rotor sleeve also includes one or more stop surfaces (24) for limiting axial movement of a stator sleeve (40) with respect to the rotor sleeve, and two or more axially extending cavities (26) each extending from a bottommost surface to an opposing uppermost surface of the rotor sleeve and passing through the one or more stop surfaces. Stator sleeve (40) surrounds the rotor sleeve and has an interior surface (42) for engaging the plurality of circumferentially spaced exterior surfaces of the rotor sleeve, and a plurality of ribs (44) extending outward from two or more outer cylindrical surface portions (44) of the stator sleeve.
US07793715B2 Rotary roller reamer
The invention relates to a roller assembly for a rotary roller reamer. The roller assembly includes a roller pin and a crushing roller. The crushing roller is arranged to be mounted on the roller pin and to rotate thereabout. The roller assembly is connected together so as to form a single cartridge which can be inserted into a pocket of the rotary roller reamer and secured thereto using a single fastener device.
US07793714B2 Device and system for well completion and control and method for completing and controlling a well
A fracing and production configuration including a tubular having a plurality of openings. The openings having a beaded matrix therein, a valve sub in operable communication with the tubular and an underminable plugging material plugging each of the beaded matrixes. A method for fracing and producing from a wellbore in a formation.
US07793708B2 Anti-vibration tube support
A tube support device is used with tube bundle devices such as heat exchangers or, condensers with in-line tube arrangements (rectangular tube configuration) to mitigate the possibility of tube damage from flow-induced vibration in the tube bundle. The tube support comprises an elongated member or strip which is intended to be inserted in a tube lane between the tubes of the tube bundle. Raised-tube-engaging zones which include transverse, arcuate tube-receiving saddles are disposed along the length of the strip at successive longitudinal locations corresponding to the tube positions in the bundle. These tube-engaging zones extend laterally out, away from the medial plane of the strip, so that the saddles receive and closely hold the tubes on opposite sides of the tube lane. The support device may be made of two strips joined back-to-back with the tube-engaging zones extending out from one face of each strip or, alternatively, by a single strip with longitudinal slits which enable the tube-engaging zones to extend out on alternate faces of the strip at each tube location.
US07793706B2 HVAC dual zone temperature control with slave rear zone
An HVAC assembly including an HVAC case disposed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a first air mix door. The first air mix door is movable between open and closed positions and adapted to adjust a temperature of air blown into a front passenger compartment. A second air mix door is movable between open and closed positions and adapted to adjust a temperature of air blown into a rear passenger compartment. The HVAC assembly further includes a motor and a mechanical linkage operably coupling the motor with the first and second air mix door whereby movement of the motor corresponds to movement of both the first and second air mix doors.
US07793699B2 Apparatus for mounting tires on large wheels
A device for mounting a tire on a wheel that includes a locking ring to hold the tire in place on the wheel, where the device includes a locking member which locks to the rim of the wheel and includes a cross bar with depending feet, which is connected to the locking member and is movable toward the locking member with the depending push bars engaged with the locking ring to press the locking ring into locking engagement with the wheel.
US07793698B2 Bonding device
A bonding device that is not affected by heat and that maintains wafers to be bonded parallel to each other so as to increase the accuracy with which the wafers are bonded. Spaces are formed between a first block member and a first pressure shaft and between a second block member and a second pressure shaft. In this way, little heat is transferred from the first block member and the second block member to the first pressure shaft and the second pressure shaft and a substantially uniform temperature is maintained inside the first block member and the second block member. Stresses caused by a difference between thermal expansion of the first block member and the second block member and thermal expansion of the first pressure shaft and the second pressure shaft are relieved by deflection of the first support pillar members and the second support pillar members.
US07793697B2 Film transfer apparatus with variable film web guidance
An apparatus for film transfer includes at least one printing press and at least one transfer film supply roller, a transfer film guiding device for guiding the transfer film web from the transfer film supply roller to a transfer nip. In order to ensure a variable film transfer in different printing units of the printing press, up to now the transfer film supply roller is moved with a film module into the region of the desired printing unit. In order to make a variable film transfer possible without complicated moving, the guiding device has web guiding elements at least in the region of the at least one printing press and the web guiding elements are enabled to selectively guide the transfer film web to different positions on the at least one printing press.
US07793694B2 Safety tire and hollow ring body
It is to solve problems in a safety tire in which hollow particles also referred to as the foamable compositions are filled in the hollow ring-shaped partition wall and to provide a safety tire having a partition wall structure capable of sufficiently developing the function of the hollow particles.In a safety tire comprising a tire/approved rim assembly constructed by assembling the tire onto the approved rim, a hollow ring-shaped partition wall disposed inside the assembly to define a chamber extending in a circumferential direction along the rim, and thermally expandable hollow particles filled in the chamber and each consisting of a continuous phase of a resin and a closed cell(s), wherein the partition wall is provided with a filter selectively passing only a gas emitted when the hollow particles are thermally expanded.
US07793691B2 Thermal insulating device for concrete mixing trucks
An insulator for a drum of a concrete truck is provided. Because temperature is a factor in the time in which concrete cures, thermal conditions during transport are of paramount concern. There have been efforts to alleviate this problem by providing insulating blankets that control temperature better. However, until now, a durable system that effectively insulates concrete while in transport has not been available. Furthermore, construction of an insulating system large enough to cover a concrete mixer gives rise to numerous fabrication difficulties. With the introduction of a polyethylene foam interposed between truck tarp material, a convenient system that is easily coupled and decoupled from a truck is available that is both durable and cost effective.
US07793685B2 Controlling gas partial pressures for process optimization
Apparatus for establishing and controlling a low pressure gas mixture in a vacuum enclosure (8) comprises at least one secondary pump (9) of the molecular, turbomolecular, or hybrid type, followed by at least one primary pump (10), with first control and adjustment means (22) such as a regulation valve (24) for controlling and adjusting the total gas pressure of the mixture of gases in the vacuum enclosure (8) as a function of a total pressure setpoint (27). The apparatus further comprises second control and adjustment means (28) such as a second regulation valve (29a) downstream from the secondary pump (9). The second regulation valve (29a) is controlled as a function of a delivery pressure setpoint (32) to modify the delivery pressure of the secondary pump (9) and thus to adapt its pumping capacity in selective manner. This makes it possible to adjust the proportions of the gases in the mixture of gases in the vacuum enclosure, independently of the total pressure which is controlled by the first regulation valve (24).
US07793684B2 Water purification system and method
The invention concerns a hydraulic connector (140) forming a distributor or manifold for a hydraulic circuit of a fluid purification system (100) having a purified fluid inlet (142) and three outlets (143, 144, 145), characterized in that the inlet (142) is connected directly to a first outlet (143) of the three outlets by a pipe and in that a second pipe (141) is hydraulically connected to the first pipe between said inlet (142) and said first outlet (143) and to a third pipe having two ends forming the other two outlets (144, 145) of the connector.
US07793678B2 Method and apparatus for converter valve
A converter valve allows product dispenser operator to change from a first fluid source to a second fluid source without fluid crossover. The converter valve includes a first port in fluid communication with a dispense point, a second port in fluid communication with a first fluid source having a first fluid, and a third port is in fluid communication with a second fluid source having a second fluid. The converter valve includes a passage between the first and second ports, and a plug in fluid communication with third port. The second and third ports of the converter valve are disposed symmetrically about the first port, and, accordingly, the converter valve is rotatable about the first port. As such, the converter valve delivers the first fluid to the dispense point, and delivers the second fluid through the passage to the dispense point when the converter valve is rotated.
US07793675B2 In-line gas purity monitoring and control system
Method for supplying a high purity gas product comprising providing a first gas stream including a major component and at least one impurity component, determining the concentration of the at least one impurity component, and comparing the concentration so determined with a reference concentration for that component. When the value of the concentration so determined is less than or equal to the reference concentration, the first gas stream is utilized to provide the high purity gas product. When the value of the concentration so determined is greater than the reference concentration, a second gas stream comprising the major component is provided and the first and second gas streams are mixed to yield a mixed gas stream having a concentration of the at least one impurity component that is less than the reference concentration. The second gas stream is provided by dividing the first gas stream into a first substream and a second substream, removing at least a portion of the at least one impurity component in the first substream to provide a purified substream, and mixing the purified substream with the second substream to provide the high purity gas product. The mixed gas stream is utilized to provide the high purity gas product.
US07793672B2 Apparatus and method for removing debris from a tool
An apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has frame and a debris removal opening within the frame. The frame is secured to the ground by driving a blunt point of the frame into the ground. Further, the apparatus comprises a faucet positioned above the debris removal opening. Thus, a user may turn the faucet on to begin water flow and insert a garden tool into the opening. As the user inserts and/or removes the garden tool from the opening, the apparatus removes unwanted debris, e.g., mud, gravel, grass, etc., that is attached to the garden tool and washes the tool with the water.
US07793669B2 Device for dispensing a washing or rinsing agent
The device for dispensing a washing or rinsing agent for a dishwashing machine comprises: a container which has an inlet opening, which is adapted to be closed in a fluid-tight manner, for filling a quantity of a washing/rinsing agent inside the container; an outlet opening which is adapted to be closed in a fluid-tight manner, for dispensing a quantity of washing/rinsing agent during an operating cycle of the device; a feeder screw mounted rotatably inside the container, coaxial with the outlet opening and capable of conveying the washing/rinsing agent towards said outlet opening; transmission members driven by a motor unit and able to impart a rotation to the screw during an operating cycle of the device; and a closing valve unit able selectively to free and close off in a fluid-tight manner the outlet opening.
US07793665B2 Filtered cigarette incorporating a breakable capsule
A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.
US07793660B2 Method of treating obstructive sleep apnea
A compliance monitoring system and method in which a modular compliance monitor is selectively disposed in-line in a patient circuit of a pressure support system. The monitor includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, each of which is selectively connectable to the patient circuit so that the flow of gas in the patient circuit also passes through a passage is provided through the housing. A sensor operatively coupled to the passage detects a parameter indicative of patient breathing. A processor disposed in the housing and receives the output of the sensor and determines, from the output of the sensor, whether the patient is breathing into the patient circuit, and outputs compliance data based on this determination.
US07793657B1 Facemask snorkel
A facemask snorkel is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the facemask snorkel includes a facemask having a facemask interior, a snorkel disposed in pneumatic communication with the facemask interior and a resilient mouth seal disposed in pneumatic communication with the facemask interior.
US07793656B2 Underwater breathing devices and methods
A swim and skin-dive snorkel for providing positive end-expiratory pressure for pressure-balanced exhalation.The snorkel may include inhalation and exhalation conduits. Air can be exhaled into a chamber and released when exhalation pressure within the chamber exceeds a threshold pressure. The threshold pressure that must be overcome to achieve exhalation may be balanced against the compressive forces of the ambient water pressure acting against the user's chest and lungs, which may greatly reduce the resting expiratory flow rate, the minute respiratory rate, and therefore the overall work of breathing. The exhalation pressure may be linearly matched to the ambient water pressure as a function of dive depth, thereby discouraging exhalation while diving. A purge valve may also be placed at the lower aspect of the snorkel.
US07793655B2 Two-chamber cartridge for propellant-free metering aerosols
A cartridge for propellant-free administration of a liquid pharmaceutical composition by inhalation includes: an elongate displacing device including an upper end and a lower end, the lower end for at least partial insertion into a container; a cartridge chamber disposed at the lower end of the displacing device and operable store a pharmaceutical formulation, the cartridge chamber including at least one pierceably sealed opening; and a cannula guide extending from the upper end of the displacing device to the cartridge chamber, wherein insertion of a cannula through the guide pierces the sealed opening and releases the pharmaceutical formulation into a liquid solvent in the container to form the liquid pharmaceutical composition.
US07793654B1 Solar panel positioning apparatus and method
A solar tracking system comprising a solar panel, a support base, and a panel mounting section mounted to the support base for rotation about a generally vertical axis of rotation. The panel is mounted to the mounting section to be able to rotate about a generally horizontal secondary panel axis of rotation. There is a panel positioning section comprising a base positioning section and an intermediate positioning section having a rear connecting portion to contact the base connecting region and a forward connecting positioning location to connect to the panel at a forward panel connecting positioning location. The intermediate positioning section has a linking axis extending between the rear connecting positioning location and the panel connecting location. The panel is rotated about the main axis of rotation and the intermediate positioning section changes its angular position relative to the base positioning section to cause the tilt angle of the panel to change to track the sun. The positioning section can have its connecting location(s) adjusted to be adapted to both summer and winter conditions so that it is possible to maintain the panel in the proper orientation.
US07793652B1 Solar operated water heater
A free-floating, integrated, solar operated water heater appliance, for heating the body of water includes a flotation device for buoyantly supporting the appliance in the body of water. A water heater element, fueled by solar energy, heats water pumped through the heater element by an integral pump, driven by solar energy. A solar energy reflector/container supports the heater element and concentrates solar energy onto the outer surface of the heater element. A parabolic dish reflector concentrates solar energy onto the inner surface of the heater element. Water is circulated through the heater element and returned, in elevated temperature, to the body of water.
US07793651B2 Heat storage apparatus
A heat storage apparatus includes heat storage panels having primary fluid passages formed therein; passage plates having secondary fluid passages formed therein; and heat reservoirs. The heat storage panels and the passage plates are layered alternately, and the heat reservoirs are interposed between the heat storage panels and the passage plates in such a manner that the heat reservoirs, the heat storage panels and the passage plates are adhered to one another. Protrusions are formed on surfaces of the heat storage panels in such a manner that the heat reservoirs are supported by the protrusions.
US07793650B2 Open/close door drive controller for drawer-type heating cooker
When a user manually opens/closes the door of the drawer-type heating cooker, a pulse generation means attached to an electric motor generates pulses for counting the number of revolutions. A determination means determines whether the door is opened/closed manually or not on the basis of detection of the pulses. A prediction means predicts whether the manual operation is door opening or door closing in response to the status of position detection switches for detecting the position of the door. A motor control means decides the rotation direction of the electric motor in accordance with the prediction by the prediction means and controls the rotation of the electric motor on the basis of the decision. Hence the burden of door opening/closing operation is alleviated with the help of the driving force of the electric motor even when both hands of the user are occupied.
US07793645B2 Vibration dampening apparatus
Apparatuses and structures for dampening vibrational energy from a system are disclosed. Particularly, at least one dampening member including an elongated body comprising a resilient, pliable material may be coupled to the base via at least one coupling structure structured for coupling at least a portion of the elongated body of the at least one dampening member to the dampening apparatus. Such a structure or dampening apparatus may be incorporated or attached to an archery system. Specifically, an archery system or an archery accessory component (e.g., a quiver or sight) may include at least one dampening member including a elongated body comprising a resilient, pliable material and at least one coupling structure structured for accepting at least a portion of the elongated body of the at least one dampening member so as to couple the at least one dampening member to the archery bow or component thereof.
US07793644B2 Firing mechanism for paintball gun
A firing mechanism for a paintball gun is received in the path of the barrel and a trigger is used to activate the firing mechanism. The firing mechanism includes a driving member, a switch member, a control member and an inner part, all of which are received in the path of the barrel. The driving member drives the switch member to change the air flow in the marker so as to move the control member axially to control the high pressurized air to move the inner part such that the high pressurized air is released to eject the paintballs out from the barrel.
US07793643B2 High entertaining ejecting toy
An ejecting toy mainly includes a cylinder body with a receiving chamber. A front end of the cylinder body is covered by a front cover. A vent hole is formed at a middle position of the front cover and at least one air inlet hole is formed at a periphery of the front cover. A front end of the vent hole is sealed by an elastic object. A rear end of the front cover is arranged by a valve, a periphery of the valve has a diaphragm portion with flexibility which is capable of sealing or unsealing the air inlet hole while suffering a force. A handle has a rod body having a piston in a front end of the rod body. The piston can slide back and forth inside the receiving chamber. When the handle is pulled backwards, the diaphragm portion will deform to unseal the air inlet hole to inflow air into the receiving chamber. When the handle is push forwards, the diaphragm portion will deform to seal the air inlet hole so that the pressurized air can only be vented from the vent hole thus the elastic object sealed the vent hole will be ejected out. A shooting activity is thus performed and enjoyed.
US07793639B2 Apparatus for reducing the transmission for noise from the fuel rail in a direct injection engine
An apparatus which reduces engine noise caused by vibration of the fuel rail in a direct injection internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a holder which supports a fuel inlet end of the fuel injector in the fuel cup on the fuel rail so that the fuel injector is in alignment with the direct injection fuel port in the engine head. A vibration isolator is sandwiched in between the holder and either the engine head or the fuel cup to reduce the transmission of vibration from the fuel rail to the engine head.
US07793634B2 Electro-magnetic internal combustion engine
An electro-magnetic internal combustion engine having means to operate in an electro-magnetic configuration, in an internal combustion configuration, and in an electro-magnetic internal combustion combination configuration.
US07793628B2 Device for modifying the control times of an internal combustion engine
A device (1) which is used to modify the control times of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided. The device (1) includes a drive wheel (13), a drive element (4) and a swashplate mechanism (4). The torque of the crankshaft (101) is transferred via a primary drive to the drive wheel (13) and then, via the swashplate mechanism (2) to the drive element (4) which is secured to the camshaft (11) in a rotationally fixed manner. The configuration of the mounting of the drive wheel (13) on the tooth support (9) of the drive element (4) reduces the axial area of the device (1) due to the construction measures. The invention also relates to an embodiment, wherein the device (1) is fixed to the camshaft (11) by means of a securing screw (12a) without the need for additional space.
US07793626B2 Hydraulic cam follower
A hydraulic cam follower (1), such as a roller tappet, is provided. This is used for the actuation of two identically operating gas-exchange valves and should be installed inclined to the direction of the force of gravity. The cam follower (1) comprises a pot-shaped housing (2), whose bottom (3) is provided with a roller as a cam contacting element (4). In the housing (2), two guides (5) extending parallel to the direction of the internal combustion engine are provided, in each of which a pressure piston (6) is arranged so that it can move axially, whose end (7) away from the housing is constructed as a support for contact with a respective tappet pushrod. Each pressure piston (6) encloses a reservoir (11) for hydraulic medium. For each pressure piston (6), an opening (13) extends from the outer casing (12) of the housing (2) for feeding hydraulic medium to the reservoirs (11), wherein the openings (13) are arranged on a peripheral segment of the outer casing (12) lying at the top viewed in the direction of the force of gravity. Thus, a so-called double roller tappet is provided as a cam follower (1), which can store a sufficiently large amount of hydraulic medium despite its inclined installation.
US07793623B2 Piston cam engine
The invention relates to a piston cam engine used in different field of the mechanical engineering, as internal-combustion engines compressors, pumps etc. The cam engine comprises cylinders (13) with pistons (20), a cylindrical tubular 3D cam (3) having a cam groove on the inner cylindrical surface and at least two guides (10) which are guide columns. The cam (3) is composed and includes two coaxial bushes (3a, 3b), each one having corrugated cam section (95a or 95b) from its one side and flange (35) from its other side besides the bushes (3a, 3b) are positioned against each other with its corrugated ends at a distance from each other, and further comprises spacer (37) between the flanges (35) of the bushes (3a, 3b), so as to form the cam groove having a constant section.
US07793621B2 Alternative fuel engine
An apparatus and method for converting fluid molecules from a liquid state into a vapor state wherein the fluid has unnatural bond angles. The apparatus comprises a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit, a chamber to contain the RC circuit and the fluid and a power source to provide power to the RC circuit. The RC circuit comprises an anode, a cathode and a plurality of substantially parallel electrically conductive plates. Current through the RC circuit generates a frequency that modifies the bond angles of molecules in a vapor state. Ignition of these molecules with unnatural bond angles reverts the molecules back to normal bond angles with a release of energy that can be utilized in many different applications without the release of toxic or noxious gases, greenhouse gases or any interaction with the atmosphere or the consumption of any atmospheric oxygen. For example, the molecules with unnatural bond angles may be used in engines to power a motorized vehicle.
US07793619B2 Animal garment article and method
An animal garment article and method are provided herein.
US07793616B2 Animal litter for animals
Animal litter for animals which consist of a plurality of granular materials, wherein the granular materials contain aromatic granular materials each of which has base material which generates heat by absorbing water and an aromatic component adsorbed onto the base material. According to the present invention, the animal litter for animals, which are not emitting a strong scent regularly, but emit a strong scent by absorbing an animal's excrement, and thereby effectively restrain the stench emitted from the excrement, can be provided.
US07793615B2 Cover apparatus
A cover that attracts pet hair and other debris, while covering a table, chair, pet bed, or other item. The cover prevents moisture from penetrating completely through it, as it has a second surface to ensure that whatever it covers remains dry. Conventional means of attachment ensures that the present invention, which is biodegradable, can be held securely during use but can be easily attached and removed when desired.
US07793611B2 Film growth system and method
An apparatus for depositing a solid film onto a substrate from a reagent solution includes a reservoir of solution maintained at a low temperature to inhibit homogeneous reactions. The solution contains multiple ligands to control temperature stability and shelf life. The chilled solution is periodically dispensed onto a substrate positioned in a holder having a raised peripheral structure that retains a controlled volume of solution over the substrate. The solution is periodically replenished so that only the part of the solution directly adjacent to the substrate is heated. A heater maintains the substrate at an elevated temperature at which the deposition of a desired solid phase from the solution may be initiated. The apparatus may also dispense excess chilled solution to cool various components within the apparatus and minimize nucleation of solids in areas other than on the substrate. The apparatus is particularly suited to forming films of II-VI semiconductors.
US07793601B2 Side feed/centre ash dump system
An apparatus for gasifying solid organic fuel includes a refractory-lined oxidation chamber, fuel storage, a transfer connecting the fuel storage with an inlet into the oxidation chamber for transferring in an upwardly inclined direction the solid fuel from the fuel storage into the inlet to form an upwardly mounded fuel bed. An oxidant is supplied into the fuel bed to gasify the organic materials in the fuel to produce a gaseous effluent from the fuel bed, thereby leaving a residue of the fuel. The residue drops through an opening under the oxidation chamber onto a residue removal transfer. The oxidant is supplied through a plurality of perforated air distribution members extending across the fuel bed cavity in the oxidation chamber so as to introduce air into the interior of the fuel bed to thereby promote evenly distributed gasification, evenly distributed through the fuel bed.
US07793599B2 Device for position locking of folding modular systems
Device for position locking of folding modular systems, in particular mobile structures, containers, shelves, means of transport etc., comprising substantially parallel planar units of which at least one bears a jointed tilting frame accommodating, at a distance from the tilting axis, at least one arm whose other end swivels upon one of the planar units. The length of arm (5) is adjustable and its position can be locked.
US07793594B2 Crane
The invention is directed to a crane which comprises a traveling gear which comprises a plurality of traveling gear groups for moving along rails, each traveling gear group having at least two wheels which are rotatably mounted at a subframe so as to be spaced apart in longitudinal direction of the respective rail and are connected to an end carriage by a central joint having at least degrees of freedom for rotating the traveling gear group relative to the end carriage around a vertical axis and for swiveling the traveling gear group relative to the end carriage around a horizontal axis extending at right angles to the rails. According to the invention, the central joint is constructed in vertical direction as a floating bearing so that only horizontal forces can be transmitted by this central joint, and a respective traveling gear group is further connected to a respective end carriage by two connecting rods which are arranged on opposite sides of the central joint viewed in transverse direction of the respective rail and which are connected to the traveling gear group on one side and to the end carriage on the other side by joints lying one above the other, which joints can transmit compressive forces as well as tensile forces and which have at least degrees of freedom for swiveling the connecting rods relative to the traveling gear group and relative to the end carriage, respectively, around a horizontal axis extending at right angles to the respective rail and around a horizontal axis extending parallel to the respective rail.
US07793593B2 Hinged gantry crane
A gantry crane comprising a bridge communicating with a trolley. The two ends of the bridge are connected to a main column whose lower end is connected to rollers. Various hinged joints allow for movement of the components towards and away from each other which allows the crane to be assembled or disassembled without the need for elevated or hoisted operations.
US07793590B2 System and method for forming debit card using improved print cylinder mechanism
A flexographic printing station prints at least one print stripe of opaque scratch-off coating onto the surface of the card over a PIN as a card member is advanced into a printing station. A print cylinder has a circumferential printing surface that engages an Anilox metering roll and receives the scratch-off coating therefrom and transfers the scratch-off coating from the printing surface onto the surface of the debit card. A controller controls movement of the print cylinder via a mounting mechanism into and out of engagement with the surface of the debit card at a predetermined location and for a predetermined length of time to apply at least one print stripe of predetermined length onto the surface of the debit card based on the length of time the printing surface engages the surface of the debit card.
US07793587B2 Laser alignment device comprising plunger
According to various embodiments, the present teachings relate to an alignment device, method, and system for aligning an upper platen of a paperboard press with a lower platen of a paperboard press. The alignment device can comprise a latching collar adapted to be mounted on a lower platen. The latching collar can comprise a central hole and can be adapted to be mounted on or affixed to the lower platen. The latching collar can comprise a locking area. The alignment device can further comprise a plunger unit. The plunger unit can comprise a housing, a securing device attached to the housing, and a plunger configured for reciprocal motion through the housing. The securing device can be adapted to removably secure the housing to a top surface of an upper platen of a paperboard press. The alignment device can further comprise a biasing device for normally biasing the plunger in a retracted position with respect to the housing yet permitting the plunger to be pushed partially through the housing to attain an extended position.
US07793577B2 Retrofit cooling system for gatling machine gun
A cooling system for a Gatling machine gun can be use to retrofit an existing machine gun or can be incorporated in a newly manufactured gun. The system directs fluid through the housing assembly of the machine gun to a location intermediate barrels of the gun, and discharges the fluid to cool the barrels.
US07793567B2 Clamping device and rotary table apparatus
A clamping device for clamping a rotatably supported shaft, is provided with a thin-walled sleeve arranged such that a gap is provided along a circumferential direction of the shaft. The clamping device clamps the shaft by deforming the thin-walled sleeve towards the shaft.
US07793558B2 Motor with rotational and linear drive with integrated axial force measurement
The driving force produced by the linear drive on a motor with a rotational drive and with a linear drive can be registered in a quantified fashion by virtue of the fact that deformation of a motor element (top disc 22) which connects a rotor (30) of the linear drive to an output shaft (24) is measured. A corresponding signal can then be assigned to a measured value for the axial force, either on the basis of a known linear relationship or on the basis of standardization. Strain measuring gauges (DMS1 to DMS4) are used to measure the deformation.
US07793557B2 Vehicle seat and passenger's weight measurement device for vehicle seat
The submarine phenomenon can be prevented and the accuracy of a passenger's weight measurement is improved.A vehicle seat 1 comprises a pair of fixed lower rails 3 fixed on the floor of a passenger compartment, a pair of movable upper rails 4 which are engaged with the fixed lower rails 3 so as to be slidable in a front-and-rear direction with respect to each of the fixed lower rails 3, a sub frame 110 which is disposed at an upper side of the movable upper rails 4, load sensors 50, 60, 70, and 80 which lie between the sub frame 110 and the movable upper rails 4, brackets 8 and 9 which are disposed so as to erect them on each of the movable upper rails 4, and a submarine pipe 11 which is crossed between the brackets 8 and 9. The submarine pipe 11 is disposed to be slidable in a left-and-right direction with respect to the right bracket 9.
US07793554B2 Flexible sensor flow and temperature detector
Methods and apparatuses for detecting the flow volume of a fluid using alternating vortices.
US07793553B2 Specimen grip, having a grip shell, for use in a materials testing machine
A specimen grip assembly which can be used with a relatively light-weight jaw in a materials testing system. The specimen grip assembly illustratively contains a grip shell and a pair of wedge-shaped specimen grips. The shell has a truncated, frusto-pyramidal exterior shape with two outwardly facing inclined surfaces, both inclined at an angle and which matingly abut and slide against complementary inclined interior surfaces of the jaw. The grips are oriented in a recess within the shell such that inclined surfaces of the grips abut against interior complementary surfaces of the shell. The shell, containing the grips and specimen, is suitably positioned within the jaw, with the shell and grips then jacked into a fixed position. The shell substantially eliminates any noticeable compliance from the specimen grips that might otherwise arise from tensile and/or compressive forces applied to the jaw and specimen grip assemblies during a test program.
US07793552B2 High suction double-cell extractor
A high suction double-cell extractor includes an outer cell defining an outer chamber, and an open-ended inner cell defining an inner chamber. The inner chamber is bottle-shaped and has a neck. The high suction double-cell extractor also includes a vertical loading system for applying axial force on a soil specimen during extraction. The high suction double-cell extractor also includes a port for introduction of pressurized air supply into the outer and inner cells. The introduced pressurized air can apply cell pressure on the soil specimen during extraction. The high suction double-cell extractor also includes a relative humidity control system and a differential pressure detector system. The high suction double-cell extractor can be used to measure stress-dependent soil-water characteristics curve (SDSWCC) under various stress states three-dimensionally and more accurately, and under total suction up to 8,000 kPa.
US07793544B2 Microelectromechanical inertial sensor, in particular for free-fall detection applications
An inertial sensor provided with a detection structure sensitive to a first, a second and a third component of acceleration along respective directions of detection, and generating respective electrical quantities as a function of said components of acceleration. The detection structure supplies at output a resultant electrical quantity obtained as combination of said electrical quantities, and correlated to the value of a resultant acceleration acting on the inertial sensor, given by a vector sum of the components of acceleration. In particular, the detection structure is of a microelectromechanical type, and comprises a mobile portion made of semiconductor material forming with a fixed portion a first, a second and a third detection capacitor, and an electrical-interconnection portion, connecting the detection capacitors in parallel; the resultant electrical quantity being the capacitance obtained from said connection in parallel.
US07793543B2 Method of measuring borehole gravitational acceleration
A sensor adapted for measuring acceleration, the sensor including a light source for illuminating an optical cavity; the optical cavity oriented for receiving light from the source, the optical cavity comprising a quality factor greater than or equal to about 10,000; and a photodetector for measuring a resonant frequency of light emitted from the optical cavity.
US07793540B2 Rotor unbalance correction
A rotor such as a blisk B is balanced by determining the extent of any static or couple unbalance when the rotor is rotated about a test axis X while supported at a location surface 10 at which the rotor is supported in normal use. The location surface 10 is then modified, for example by removing material in a final machining operation, to eliminate the unbalance. For example the swash of the surface 10 may be altered and/or modification may be made to other location features (11) in order to cause the rotor to rotate, in normal operation, about an axis which is eccentric to the test axis X.
US07793533B2 Test device for metal detector portal structure
This invention relates to a test device for metal detector portal structure, characterized by the fact that it comprises a removable rack (10) comprising support and guide means (300) for displacement of a panel (400) capable of carrying a reference sample.
US07793531B2 Adjustable corrugating die sets and method of forming corrugations of varying configurations
An adjustable die set and method for forming corrugations in a sheet in which pairs of elongated forming bars are detachably mounted parallel to each other in respective holders driven by upper and lower press members. One pair is more closely spaced than the other and moves between the forming bars of the other pair to form a corrugation. The spacing and depth of the bar is varied to produce corresponding varying configurations of the corrugations.
US07793529B2 Method for producing a formed body using a forming jig
A method for producing a formed body including the steps of introducing a fluid material supplied from two or more material supply holes of a rectification plate into a drawing die, homogenizing the flow rate distribution of the fluid material in the drawing die using one or more wires stretched from the material supply holes to near the exit section of the drawing die, and extruding the fluid material from the exit section of the drawing die in which a prescribed forming pattern is formed by two or more wires. The wires form hollow holes through the formed body.
US07793527B2 Reinforced handle assembly for lock
A lock includes a handle, a hub, and a spindle rotatably mounted in the hub and coupled to the handle to turn therewith. A transmission member is fixed to the handle to turn therewith. The transmission member is mounted around and not rotatably engaged with the spindle. The transmission member is stopped by the hub after the handle has been turned through an angle, transmitting a torque from the handle to the hub via the transmission member. Thus, impact from the handle can be partly transmitted to the hub and then to a door on which the lock is mounted, instead of completely transmitted to the spindle. Damage to the spindle is, thus, avoided.
US07793525B2 Washing machine agitator assembly
A clothes mover in a washing machine comprises a body mounted for reciprocal rotational movement about a generally vertical axis and at least one vane, which comprises a base mounted to the body and a tail extending from the base and having an upper edge that transitions into a tip. The tail can be free of the body for side-to-side flexing and can be configured such that a portion of the tail extending between the upper edge and the tip can flex from a generally vertical position toward the body. The body can be made of a first material, and the vane can be made of a second material different from the first material.
US07793522B2 Method and apparatus for forming a preform for a micro-structured optical fiber
An intermediate preform is formed in a process of manufacturing an optical fibre by forming a sol containing a glass precursor; pouring the sol in a mold containing a set of elongate elements; aging the sol to obtain a gel body; removing the set of elongate elements from the gel body to create a corresponding set of holes in the gel body; and removing the gel body from the mold. The method further provides imparting a motion of the set of elongate elements during aging of the sol to avoid adhesion of the gel to the elongate elements, the motion being preferably a rotation about the respective axes or an alternate translation along the respective axes. An apparatus with means for carrying out the method is also described.
US07793515B2 Thermal energy storage and cooling system with isolated primary refrigerant loop
Disclosed are a method and device for a refrigerant-based thermal storage system wherein a condensing unit and an ice-tank heat exchanger can be isolated through a second heat exchanger. The disclosed embodiments provide a refrigerant-based ice storage system with increased reliability, lower cost components, and reduced power consumption compared to non-isolated systems.
US07793512B2 Multiple self cleaning orifice thermal expansion device
A multiport expansion device for vapor compression refrigeration systems is provided having improved reliability by preventing orifice fouling by virtue of its mechanical design. Furthermore, multiple arrays of ports of two or more similar or differently sized port holes is contemplated which allows further reliability based on redundant orifices and pin combinations.
US07793505B2 Gas turbine engine oil system operation
A method of operating a gas turbine engine having at least one electric machine associated therewith, the engine having an oil system communicating with an electric oil pump, at least one bearing cavity of the engine and a coolant passage of the electric machine, the method comprising the step of pumping oil intermittently to the oil system to cool the electric machine.
US07793492B2 Diesel engine exhaust after-treatment operator interface algorithm
A motor vehicle operator interface and control algorithm convey diesel particulate filter regeneration status to the operator. The algorithm also allows new control over heretofore automatic regeneration, through limiting the inhibit function. The DPF after-treatment operator interface provides multiple status indications to the operator. In a preferred embodiment this is effected using a switched indicator lamp.
US07793490B2 Exhaust gas system for diesel vehicles with an SCR catalytic converter
An exhaust gas system for diesel vehicles has a first exhaust line and a second exhaust line that can be connected at the exhaust end to an engine. The first and second lines with their ends pointing downstream are connected to an SCR catalytic converter and a device with which a reducing agent can be introduced into the exhaust gas at a location situated upstream from the SCR catalytic converter. An injection unit for the reducing agent is provided only on the first exhaust line, and a mixing device is provided upstream from the SCR catalytic converter so that the exhaust lines open into the mixing device, where the exhaust gas stream of the first exhaust line to which the reducing agent has been added becomes mixed with the exhaust gas stream from the second exhaust line that is free of reducing agent.
US07793489B2 Fuel control for robust detection of catalytic converter oxygen storage capacity
An oxygen storage capacity (OSC) monitoring system for a vehicle having a catalytic converter includes an inlet oxygen sensor that generates an inlet sensor signal (ISS) based on an oxygen content of exhaust flowing into the catalytic converter. A control module receives the ISS, increases a closed loop fuel control gain during a first period and determines a fuel control factor based on the ISS during the first period. The control module determines an OSC when an average value of the fuel control factor is greater than a first value and is less than a second value during the first period.
US07793483B2 Ventilated floor moldings
A ventilated quarter round molding or shoe molding can be used, in combination with a water impervious underlayment to dissipate water vapor which is often generated from subfloors. Such water vapor can damage certain flooring, and the invention allows for the installation of devices to limit or eliminate such damage without significant cost.
US07793473B2 Sheathing retaining cap
An article for engaging a sheathing of a sheathed portion of a tendon has a tubular body having an inner surface and outer surface and a first end and a second end, fins extending radially outwardly from the outer surface, a longitudinal split extending through a wall of the tubular body and extending from the first end to the second end, locking ribs extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the tubular body, and a collar formed adjacent the second end of said tubular body. Each of the locking ribs extends parallel to the other locking ribs. The locking ribs are equally spaced along the inner surface of the tubular body. Each of the fins extends parallel to the other fins. Each of the fins have a height increasing from the first end to the second end of the tubular body.
US07793469B2 Sanitary cove base
A sanitary cove base including an outer wall and an inner wall that are separated from each other by a plurality of longitudinally-extending web members creating a plurality of hollow channels between the inner wall and outer wall is disclosed. Each of the hollow channels is separated from the next adjacent hollow channel by one of the web members.
US07793465B2 Gutter guard
A gutter guard comprises an elongate, perforated planar portion having a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, and a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. A flange extends along the first longitudinal edge of the perforated planar portion. A sealing member extends along the first longitudinal edge of the perforated planar portion. The sealing member is angularly spaced-apart from the flange. A pair of spaced-apart side walls extend along the second longitudinal edge of the perforated planar portion. The side walls define a channel therebetween. A lip extends along a free edge of one of the side walls.
US07793459B1 Fishing hook threader and holder
A fishing hook threader and holder includes a threader body and a hook holder projection. A conical shaped opening is formed in a top of the threader body at substantially one end. The entrance opening has a greater perimeter than the exit opening. A line bore is formed through the exit opening and is substantially concentric therewith. A line removal slit is formed through a wall of the line bore. A jig clearance notch is formed adjacent the line bore. In use, a line loop of the fishing hook, a jig hook or fly hook is inserted into the line removal slit, such that the line loop is in contact with the line bore. A fishing line is inserted through the conical shaped opening and the line bore. The fishing hook and fishing line are removed from the fishing hook threader by pulling thereof out of the line removal slit.
US07793445B2 Infinitely variable commemorative coin
A body comprising a ring and a diametric bridging member is adapted to receive and retain dissimilar markers or indicia on the opposing sides of the body. The bridge member diametrically spans the void within the ring member. The bridge member preferably includes a hole to receive a permanent magnet. The ring member is adapted to receive first and second indicia, each of which is formed of iron or an iron alloy. The first and second indicia are held within the ring member by the magnet, and lie flush with the outer top and bottom surfaces of the ring member to present the appearance of a single article of manufacture. If desired, the first and second markers may be replaced with other markers, thereby altering the appearance of the coin flip token.
US07793441B2 Device and method for changing a suction mouth
A device is disclosed for changing a suction mouth of a cutter suction dredge of a vessel with cutter ladder. In at least one embodiment, the device includes, comprising a work platform which, as seen in the transverse direction of the vessel, is provided substantially in the middle with an opening, wherein—a support structure is provided which can be fixedly connected to the work platform in a position substantially under the opening, which support structure is adapted to support a suction mouth;—and the work platform with support structure is tiltable around a first, substantially horizontal transverse axis between a substantially horizontal operating position and a high position in which the cutter ladder can be moved upward, which positions are such that the work platform with support structure is movable from its high position to its operating position when the cutter ladder is situated in a high raised position.
US07793439B2 Snowshoe apparatus
A snowshoe apparatus having a frame assembly, a pivot assembly pivotally attached to the frame assembly, and a binding assembly pivotally attached to the pivot assembly is disclosed. The snowshoe apparatus may also include first and second crampons pivotally attached to the frame assembly, with the first crampon configured to pivot relative to the frame assembly substantially independent of the second crampon. In addition, at least one of the first crampon and the second crampon may be laterally movable relative to the frame assembly. The snowshoe apparatus may also comprise a resilient heel support assembly coupled to the frame assembly. A corresponding method of assembly is also disclosed.
US07793436B2 Footwear with exchangeable fastening system
A footwear member includes a set of stretchable fastening members that allow a user to select and attach those fastening members that provide the best fit. Each selected fastening member is attached at its opposite ends to connection structures that are paired. For example, the paired connection structures may be two posts that have grooves in order to properly seat and retain the ends of the fastening members. Two acceptable materials for forming the fastening members are rubber and urethane. The fastening members may be referred to as “bungee cords.” There are at least two different lengths of fastening members in order to provide selection on the basis of the shape or size of a user's foot. Selection of the proper “bungee cord” also applies to an attachment at the Achilles area of the wearer's foot.
US07793435B1 Article of footwear having an integrated support system
Articles of footwear having integrated support structures and methods for producing them. A support structure is formed by finger-like extensions of the upper material that are wrapped around at least the midfoot region of the outer surface of the midsole of the article of footwear to at least partially form a ground engaging surface of the article of footwear. The portions of the shoe upper that wrap around the midsole may have a layer of injected TPU material thereon to form an outsole of the article of footwear. Shoelace eyestays may extend through the top portion of the support structures so that when a wearer wishes to tighten the shoelaces, the entire support structure tightens around the periphery of the upper and sole of at least the midfoot region of the article of footwear.
US07793434B2 Article of footwear having an upper with a structured intermediate layer
An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to sole structure and the upper is formed from three layers: a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is formed from a polymer material and molded to the first layer, but the second layer may alternately be molded to the third layer. The third layer is joined with at least one of the first layer and the second layer such that the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer.
US07793432B2 Mechanical cushioning system for footwear
An element forming at least part of a midsole for footwear includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and at least two strut members disposed between the top and bottom plates for supporting the top plate a distance away from the bottom plate. The top, bottom and struts may be formed of different materials. Adjacent strut members have a C shaped cross-section facing in the same direction when the midsole resting its top or bottom portion is viewed from the side. The midsole element may further comprise a heel cleft to increase the flexibility of the sole. In a preferred embodiment, the strut members on the medial side are arranged at an angle to the strut members on the lateral side of the sole. The directional design provides flexibility and stiffness anisotropically to the sole in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the sole respectively.
US07793431B2 Energy recycling footwear
Footwear including a foot support member and a sole assembly, the sole assembly having a first end and a second end, comprising a plurality of separate insole segments attached to the foot support member for bending the sole assembly, an outsole portion forming the base of the sole assembly, and a plurality of springs engaged between the insole segments and the outsole portion. The springs are arranged in a continuous series across the sole assembly from the first end to the second end, such that the springs exert a constant rebounding force on and across the sole of a user in series throughout a pace cycle.
US07793425B2 Coordinate measuring machine
A coordinate measuring machine operable to employ pentapod kinematics to determine the absolute position at a measuring point tip by measuring about five axes. The machine comprises a first, bifurcated linkage, a second, trifurcated linkage, and a plurality of elongate struts. First and second ones of the plurality of struts share the first linkage, third, fourth and fifth ones of the plurality of struts share the second linkage, and the first and second linkages are coupled via a handle. The first and second struts are preferably rotatably engaged to the first linkage, and the third, fourth and fifth struts may be rotatably engaged to the second linkage. First through fifth nodes may be provided, each node being slidably engaged to a corresponding one of the first through fifth struts. The nodes may comprise means for measuring the displacement of the corresponding strut relative to the node.
US07793424B2 Positioning device
A positioning device comprises a frame (60); a motor (61) having a drive shaft; a spindle (63) having a first end (71) and a second end (76) and being rotatable in relation to the frame (60); a coupling (62) resiliently connecting said drive shaft to said first end (71) of said spindle (63) such that the spindle (63) rotates when the drive shaft of the motor (61) rotates; and a support assembly (72, 74, 75) elastically supporting at the frame (60) at least one of the second end (76) of the spindle (63) and the motor (61).
US07793415B2 Method for suppression of EMI emissions
A method for suppression of EMI emissions around an opening of an electronic enclosure that holds a physical layer switch. Fiber optic cables are installed on a plurality of ports attached to the switch such that the cables pass through the opening in the cabinet. The cables are divided into a plurality of discrete bundles. An enclosure is placed around each bundle while the enclosure is in an open state and thereafter the enclosure is closed such that the enclosure surrounds the bundle. The enclosure is designed such that it suppresses EMI emissions. After the enclosures are closed, they are positioned in an arrangement in the opening of the electronic enclosure.
US07793410B2 Method of making a plurality of flow sensors
A method of making a plurality of flow sensors is provided, each flow sensor having a substrate with a sensing element and flow channel aligned over the sensing element. The sensing element senses at least one property of a fluid. The flow channel is aligned by one or more guide elements formed in an alignment layer. The flow channel across the sensing area is accurately and precisely aligned due to the guide elements provided at the wafer-level, facilitating reliable, low-cost, and consistent results among multiple flow sensors. The flow sensor is adapted for use in harsh environments.
US07793409B2 Methods of manufacturing electrical cables
A method forming at least a portion of a cable comprises providing at least one cable conductor core, extruding at least an inner layer of a polymeric insulation material over the at least one conductor core, providing a plurality of strength members having a coating of the polymeric insulation material, heating the at least one cable conductor core and the strength members, embedding the strength members into the inner layer of the cable conductor core, and extruding an outer layer of the polymeric insulation material over the cable conductor core and the plurality of strength members and bonding the outer layer to the inner layer and the coating to form the cable and provide a contiguous bond between the inner layer, the strength members, and the outer layer, wherein the polymeric insulation material of the inner layer, the strength member coating, and the outer layer are amended to enable the inner layer and the outer layer to melt at a greater rate than the strength member coating.
US07793405B2 Method for constructing microwave antennas incorporated within nonwoven fabric
A method of constructing fabric microwave antennas with a calendering apparatus which comprises: providing a calendaring apparatus having a plurality of roller two of said rollers are arranged as a nip or meeting point; heating said rollers located at said nip; setting the pressure at said nip or meeting point of said rollers; shaping antenna patches from conductive fabric; feeding at least one roll of carrier fabric into said heated and pressurized nip; placing said preformed conductive patches on to the carrier fabric before said carrier fabric enters said heated and pressurized nip of the calendering apparatus so that said preformed conductive patches and said carrier fabric are bonded or calendered by the heat and pressure effects of said nip; and cutting said calendered or bonded layers of conductive and non-conductive fabric into desired shapes for incorporation into flexible structures.
US07793403B2 Manufacturing method of optical component or molding die therefor
A method of manufacturing an optical component or a molding die for the optical component, the method comprising the steps of: cutting a surface of a work with a tool by rotating the tool around its axis with a cutting edge facing outward and moving in a circle to cut the work surface at a point of the circle while relatively moving the tool and the work in a line direction crossing to the axis of the tool at a predetermined feed speed; and cutting the work surface in a next line after relatively moving the tool and the work in a pitch direction perpendicular to the line direction by a pick feeding distance in such a condition that: tool rotation speed (S): 10000 to 30000 rpm; feed speed (F): 300 to 2000 mm/min; rotating radius (D) of a cutting edge of a tool: 5 to 15 mm; pick feeding distance (f): 0.01 to 0.04 mm; nose radius (r) of a cutting edge of a tool: 5 to 20 mm. The method allows to form a surface of a work into a free-form surface having a surface roughness of approximately 10 nm or less.
US07793402B2 Method for fastening two substantially coplanar edges without a weld
A method for fastening two substantially coplanar edges without a weld. The method includes: configuring a dovetail feature on a first edge; configuring a complementary dovetail feature receptacle on a second edge to receive the dovetail feature therein; disposing the dovetail feature within the complementary dovetail receptacle; and swaging an interface defined between the dovetail feature in said first edge and said complementary dovetail feature in the second edge to swage mating edges defining the dovetail feature and the dovetail receptacle at at least six swage contact points.
US07793397B2 Multi-purpose portable lay-down post and fencing system
A portable, fold-over post for use in fencing systems on both outdoor and indoor surfaces includes a vertical member; a first spring removably connected to the vertical member, the spring having a mounting spike integrally formed therewith for insertion into a soft, outdoor surface, and the spring allowing the post to fold over upon impact; and a foot assembly interchangeable with the spring and suitable for supporting the post on a hard surface.
US07793396B2 Manufacturing method of capacitor
A manufacturing method includes forming a dielectric part by oxidizing an entire first surface of a valve metal sheet; forming a through hole in the valve metal sheet in which the dielectric part is formed; applying an adhesive conductive material to a surface of a substrate; attaching the valve metal sheet in which the through hole is formed, to the substrate so that the first surface contacts the conductive material on the substrate surface; forming a conductive layer by curing the conductive material; forming a protection layer which covers a second surface of the valve metal sheet which is opposite to the first surface of the valve metal sheet; forming openings in the protection layer, so that the conductive layer in the through hole and the second surface of the valve metal sheet are partially exposed from the openings; and filling up the openings in the protection layer with another conductive material to form electrode terminals.
US07793395B2 Method for manufacturing a film bulk acoustic resonator
A film bulk acoustic resonator, and a method for manufacturing the same. The film bulk acoustic resonator includes a substrate, a protection layer vapor-deposited on the substrate, a membrane vapor-deposited on the protection layer and at a predetermined distance from an upper side of the substrate, and a laminated resonance part vapor-deposited on the membrane. Further, the manufacturing method includes vapor-depositing a membrane on a substrate, forming protection layers on both sides of the membrane, vapor-depositing a laminated resonance part on the membrane, and forming an air gap by removing a part of the substrate disposed between the protection layers. Accordingly, the membrane can be formed in a simple structure and without stress, and the whole manufacturing process is simplified.
US07793385B2 Extraction cleaning with air flow drying
A portable cleaning apparatus comprises a base module for movement along a surface, the base module having a front portion, an upright handle pivotally attached to the base module, a cleaning liquid dispensing system for applying a cleaning liquid to a surface to be cleaned, an agitation assembly associated with the base module, and a vacuum inlet associated with the base module, the improvement comprising a blower assembly associated with one of the base module and the upright handle for blowing air tangentially across the surface to dry the surface.
US07793383B2 Wiper arm made of composite material
A windshield wiper arm including a rear end segment fixed to a shaft driving the windshield wiper arm in an alternating wiping movement about the global and vertical axis, a free front segment for supporting a wiper blade, and an intermediate segment with a longitudinal orientation which is at least partly elastically deformable and which links the rear end segment to the free front segment, wherein the intermediate segment includes a longitudinal central web which is covered with an outer sleeve, wherein at least one portion of the longitudinal central web includes a multilayer plate made of globally horizontal superimposed layers of different materials and thickness, and wherein the multilayer plate comprises at least one layer made of a composite material.
US07793376B2 Truck mounted rotating broom system
A rotating broom system to be installed on the front of a self-propelled vehicle such as a truck used for the high speed sweeping and removal of snow or debris from paved surfaces such as airport runways assembly has two major components: a rotating broom drive assembly, and a support structure. The rotating broom assembly is connected to the support structure using a non-rigid connection.
US07793374B1 Adjustable height bridging ramp system
As typically embodied, the inventive ramp system for bridging between structures (e.g., marine vessels) includes a hydraulic elevator device and a ramp unit. The ramp unit includes three adjoining planar members, the ramp member (the main ramp body) being pivotably connected at each end to one of the two platform members. The hydraulic elevator device includes the coaxial combination of a cylinder and a piston, the piston being translatable along and pivotable about the axis. The cylinder-piston combination is secured, axis vertical, to a first structure, with one of the ramp unit's platform members attached atop the piston. In order to position the other (unattached) platform member upon a selected (e.g., horizontal) location of a second structure, the ramp unit is configurable in terms of the attached platform member's height, the ramp unit's horizontal rotation angle, and the respective vertical rotation angles of the ramp unit's two pivotable connections.
US07793370B2 Bed skirt accessory device
A bed skirt enhancing apparatus for placement adjacent and beneath a bed skirt. In one embodiment, the bed skirt enhancing apparatus comprises multiple layers of rigid material gathered and joined together forming a ruffled, multi-layered sheath. The sheath spans a distance sufficient to surround a perimeter of a box spring of a mattress. A band or planar piece of fabric may be used for securing the sheath to the box spring. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a ruffle insert for placement beneath a bed skirt comprises a planar panel, and a suspended ruffle skirt; whereby said suspended ruffle skirt comprises multiple layers of material; and whereby said multiple layers of material are held together by at least one monofilament latitudinal band.
US07793368B2 Mesh crib bumper and enclosure
A mesh crib bumper enclosure having four connected vertical mesh fabric panel sections installed in a crib by suspending it from top and bottom corners and securing it to four corner posts. The enclosure panels are stretched tightly between the corner posts using a locking fastener. The mesh fabric panels allow air to circulate through the crib to prevent exhaled carbon dioxide from building up. The enclosure corners receive vertical support members for vertical structural integrity while top and bottom edges can receive horizontal support members for horizontal structural integrity. The enclosure bottom corners use tie string fasteners to secure the enclosure to bottom crib rails to keep the bottom edges in contact the mattress. Other embodiments use a mesh panel base attached to the enclosure bottom and/or a mesh panel sealable top for sealing off the top to prevent insects and animals from entering the mesh crib bumper enclosure.
US07793367B1 Furniture post and coupler
A rigid furniture post comprises a single piece of extruded material formed into any number of shapes which may serve as a post for furniture. A coupler comprises a piece of thermoplastic containing at least one female side wherein a post may be inserted to facilitate in the linear assembling of post segments into a longer post.
US07793364B1 Wheelchair with enhanced toilet accessibility
A wheelchair with enhanced toilet access has a frame including a pair of laterally-separated side frame portions, with primary wheels as well as at least one secondary wheel rotatably mounted on the frame. A seat extends between the side frame portions, and includes a stationary portion and a movable portion. The stationary portion has an opening and the movable portion is positionable in the opening. The movable portion is pivotable between a normal position that closes the opening in the stationary portion and a dropped position that opens the opening in the stationary portion. A seat moving mechanism is configured to move the movable portion of the seat with respect to the stationary portion to thereby move the movable portion between the normal and dropped positions.
US07793359B2 Performance duty uniform for law enforcement and other uniformed personnel
For uniformed personnel a shirt and pants Class A dress uniform having one or more Class B work uniform type of structural features which render it more functional, more comfortable and more attractive. More specifically, this new uniform includes a shirttail retainer, a microphone sling and an internal hidden and secure cargo pocket on each leg or combinations of one or more of these features. The shirttail retainer utilizes spaced apart silicone rubber friction strips on the outer surface near the waist which cooperate with a friction strip on the inner surface of the pants waistband. The microphone sling hangs from a button on the shoulder hidden beneath the shoulder epaulet. The internal cargo pocket is on the inner surface of the outer leg wall.
US07793358B2 Comfort bra liner
A foldable one-piece insert worn between the bra and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the bra cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the bra side straps and a portion extending below the bra line along the torso. The invention further includes a material tab disposed between the material portions lining the bra cups, which can optionally be worn up to bridge the area between the bra cups for added protection, comfort and absorption of perspiration, or be folded down and out of sight when worn with lower cut neckline outer garments.
US07797755B2 Method to secure the transfer of a data stream, corresponding computer program product, storage means and nodes
In a method for securing the transfer of a data stream from a sender device to at least one receiver device, through a network comprising a plurality of nodes connected to one another by a plurality of links, the sender device is connected to an input node in the network and each receiver device is connected to an output node of the network. The method comprises the following steps: a) the transmission of the data stream to the receiver devices through the associated output nodes; b) the informing of the output nodes by the input node that the transmission or maintaining of transmission of the data stream, in clear (i.e. non-encrypted) form necessitates the authentication of the output nodes; c) the reception by the input node of at least one authentication request sent by at least one of said output nodes; d) the authentication by the input node of the output nodes that are destination nodes of the data streams; e) the transmission of the data stream in clear form to, at most, the authenticated output nodes and the stopping of the transmission of the data stream to the other output nodes.
US07797754B2 Dynamic control of authorization to access internet services
A system for managing authorization to access Internet services. A session object is created when a user logs onto a web site. The session object includes authorization-privilege information for N services. The user selects the service desired from the web site, at which point the server checks the session object. If the session object does not include authorization to access the selected service, the server consults a directory service. If the user is authorized according to the directory service, authorization-to-access information is incorporated into the session object. When authorization is conditional, a listener object is created within the session object. The listener object registers with a broadcast object and receives information germane to conditions of authorization. The listener object analyzes the information according to conditions of authorization, and terminates access to the selected service when conditions of authorization are not satisfied.
US07797751B1 Nonce structure for storage devices
A multiple field nonce particularly suited for use in encryption algorithms associated with data storage has at least one field unique to each data storage device to avoid the possibility of the same nonce value being used to store more than one data string. Additional fields may be based on the number of times at least one encryption key is associated with the storage device and on a number assigned to the particular string of data.
US07797749B2 Defending against worm or virus attacks on networks
A combination of more frequent and less frequent security monitoring may be used to defeat worm or virus attacks. At periodic intervals, a risk assessment scan may be implemented to determine whether or not a worm attack has occurred. Prior thereto, an intermediate detection by an anomaly detection agent may determine whether or not a worm attack may have occurred. If a potential worm attack may have occurred, intermediate action, such as throttling of traffic, may occur. Then, at the next risk assessment scan, a determination may be made as to whether the attack is actually occurring and, if so, more effective and performance altering techniques may be utilized to counter the attack.
US07797741B2 System and method for coping with encrypted harmful traffic in hybrid IPv4/IPv6 networks
Provided are a system and method for coping with encrypted harmful traffic in hybrid IPv4/IPv6 networks. The system includes: an encryption key manager collecting encryption key information from a user terminal connected to the hybrid IPv4/IPv6 networks, and storing and managing the information in an encryption key database; an encryption traffic collector collecting encrypted traffic from traffic in the hybrid IPv4/IPv6 networks; an encryption key searcher searching for an encryption key used to decrypt the encrypted traffic from the encryption key database using a source IP address and a destination IP address of the encrypted traffic; a harmful traffic determiner decrypting the encrypted traffic using the encryption key and determining whether the decrypted traffic is harmful traffic; and an encryption traffic processor, if the decrypted traffic is determined to be harmful traffic, blocking the harmful traffic and, if the decrypted traffic is determined to be normal traffic, encrypting the normal traffic, and transferring the encrypted traffic to a user terminal corresponding to the destination IP address, thereby detecting and blocking an attack pattern using the encrypted harmful traffic in hybrid IPv4/IPv6 networks which cannot be detected by a conventional firewall system and more effectively protecting the networks.
US07797737B2 Security for network-connected vehicles and other network-connected processing environments
A method and apparatus provide security for a network-connected vehicle (or other networked environment) in which a predefined set of permitted operations relating to protected resources can be initiated remotely from elsewhere in the network, while security is maintained for the protected resources (for example, an engine performance optimization control unit or air conditioning control unit within a vehicle) by preventing remote initiation of any other operations on a data processing unit which is connected to the protected resources. One of a pair of gateway components runs on each of two data processing units within the vehicle (or other environment), the first processing unit being connected to the vehicle's device control units and the second processing unit being connected to the external network. The gateway components control the types of communications which can be passed from the network-connected side to the first processing unit such that only permitted operations can be requested and no unauthorized operations can be initiated remotely.
US07797719B2 Apparatus and method for interactive digital media content requests
A remote user interface transmits a digital media request through a first communication link to a media management control which is coupled by a second communication link to a digital audio-visual playback device for selecting and playing a stored digital media by the playback device. The media management control executes a set of rules applicable to each playback device in determining whether or not a user request will be accepted or rejected for play on a particular playback device.
US07797717B1 Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
US07797716B2 Recording apparatus and recording reservation processing method
A recording apparatus is disclosed which includes first through n-th recording means for recording input broadcast contents to a recording medium. When a user designates a reservation of a broadcast content recording, the apparatus automatically selects one of the recording means so as to make the recording reservation to the selected recording means. If any such recording means cannot be selected automatically, i.e., if recording reservations have already been made to all recording means for a time slot corresponding to the reservation desired to be made anew, then the user is asked to select particular recording means for the reservation. A recording reservation made to one recording means may be switched automatically to another recording means as needed. That is, any recording reservation after being made may be switched from one recording means to another before actual execution of the recording, in order to reflect the status of other recording reservations that have been made since. These arrangements enhance the user's ease of operation and help to build an advantageous setup for recording reservation management.
US07797715B2 Method of providing user information-based search using get—data operation in TV anytime metadata service
The present invention provides a method of providing a user information-based search using a get_Data operation in TV-ANYTIME service. In the user information-based search provision method of the present invention, a user information (PersonalInformation) element is added as an element of the get_Data operation. A request message of the get_Data operation is received. User information is extracted from the user information (PersonalInformation) element in response to reception of the request message. A user information-based search is conducted using the extracted user information. Results of the user information-based search are transmitted using a response message of the get_Data operation. Accordingly, the present invention is advantageous in that a client provides user information to a service provider using a get_Data operation, and the service provider can search for contents suitable for each user in consideration of the user information.
US07797714B1 Information processing apparatus for searching broadcast program and method therefore
When a viewer (listener) wants to search a particular broadcast programs on a receiver, a keyword search processing is executed to an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data. In this case, a search key for the keyword search processing is able to be registered by selecting a user preference keyword among EPG data displayed on a monitor screen of the receiver. Upon selecting user preference keywords, the viewer (listener) controls a cursor by a remote commander, and thus selected user preference keywords can be stored in a memory of the receiver. These user preference keywords in the memory are used as search key for searching favorite programs among daily updated EPG data.
US07797713B2 GUI with dynamic thumbnail grid navigation for internet TV
An Internet-enabled TV can display thumbnails of audio-video content available from an Internet server for selecting content to be displayed on the TV by a user manipulating a remote control. Internet information loading rules and thumbnail navigation rules are disclosed.
US07797712B2 Information system
A system and method for displaying an electronic program schedule guide is provided. The system has areas for displaying program schedule information. In addition, the system also has areas that may be used for advertising programs, products or services. In another embodiment, the system has areas for displaying messages to the user.
US07797711B2 Graphical user interface for a device having multiple input and output nodes
A graphical user interface (GUI) is described. The GUI includes first GUI elements that provide a visual representation of the nodes of an audio/video device. In response to user input, a signal is caused to be routed between nodes by manipulating circuitry within the audio/video device. Second GUI elements provide a visual representation of the signals being routed within the electronic device between pairs of first GUI elements (e.g., between nodes). As a result, the user can readily understand which nodes are connected to each other. Thus, for example, a user can easily visualize which source node is providing input to a target node and, by selecting the appropriate GUI elements, can just as easily switch from one source to another or from one target to another.
US07797709B2 Automatic connection and query management
A method for accessing data from a network storage medium is disclosed. An application supplies a query interface to a software object. The software object then establishes a connection between the application and the network storage medium using database information supplied by the query interface. Next, an annotated method supplied by the query interface is executed using logic provided by the software object. After the transactions have ended, the annotated method closes the connection between the application and the network storage medium.
US07797708B2 Simulating actions on mockup business objects
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for simulating business object behavior with a mockup object. In one exemplary embodiment, the method may include receiving a name of the mockup object for which to perform a specified action on, wherein the mockup object comprises one or more nodes, and receiving the action to be performed on the mockup object. The method may also include determining whether the action can be performed on the mockup object based on a set of conditions defining the status of the mockup object, and performing the action based on the determining step.
US07797704B2 System and method for performing work by one of plural threads using a lockable resource
According to at least one embodiment, a method comprises a first thread desiring to perform work using a resource. The first thread determines whether another thread holds a lock on the resource, and if another thread (“blocking thread”) holds a lock on the resource, the work is transferred to the blocking thread for performance of the work by the blocking thread using the resource.
US07797701B1 Method and apparatus for detecting a bit sequence in a data stream
Method and apparatus for detecting a bit sequence in a data stream is described. In one example, a first memory is configured to process pairs of bit-patterns in the data stream to provide respective pairs of codes from a code table stored in said first memory. A second memory is configured to process pairs of codes from the first memory to provide combination codes from a combination code table stored in the second memory. A third memory is configured to generate detection data in response to a sequence of the combination codes output from the second memory. The first, second, and third memories may be dual-port synchronous memories, such as block random access memory embedded in an integrated circuit. The data stream may be a serial digital interface (SDI) data stream and the bit sequence may be a timing reference signal.
US07797690B2 System, method and program product to optimize code during run time
System, process and program product for optimizing a computer program during run time. During run time, a determination is made whether the computer program calls a method which includes a conditional evaluation of a variable which is fixed and the evaluation of the fixed variable does not result in anything productive being accomplished except to return to execution of the computer program. If so, the call to the method which includes the conditional evaluation is deleted from the computer program for subsequent iterations of the computer program. Consequently, the subsequent execution of the computer program will yield a same result as if the conditional evaluation was executed. If the evaluation of the fixed variable results in something productive being accomplished, the call to the method which includes the conditional evaluation is not deleted from the subsequent execution of the computer program.
US07797683B2 Decoupling the number of logical threads from the number of simultaneous physical threads in a processor
Systems and methods of managing threads provide for supporting a plurality of logical threads with a plurality of simultaneous physical threads in which the number of logical threads may be greater than or less than the number of physical threads. In one approach, each of the plurality of logical threads is maintained in one of a wait state, an active state, a drain state, and a stall state. A state machine and hardware sequencer can be used to transition the logical threads between states based on triggering events and whether or not an interruptible point has been encountered in the logical threads. The logical threads are scheduled on the physical threads to meet, for example, priority, performance or fairness goals. It is also possible to specify the resources that are available to each logical thread in order to meet these and other, goals. In one example, a single logical thread can speculatively use more than one physical thread, pending a selection of which physical thread should be committed.
US07797680B2 Method and framework for test case management
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method may include obtaining a list of active life cycle test objects in a test run from a life cycle test object controller, and obtaining a list of active central activity test objects in the test run from a central activity test object controller. While a test period remains in the test run, the method may continue selecting a next test period, requesting the test step initialization controller initialize the next test period, requesting all central activity test objects associated with the next test period to execute their beginning central activities, requesting all life cycle test objects associated with the next test period to execute their test activities, and requesting all central activity test objects associated with the next test period to execute their ending central activities.
US07797678B2 Automatic generation of license package for solution components
A license package generator for use with a solution builder tool having behavioral model instances for system solution components, the instances being configured by behavioral and interface parameters by user inputs, the package generator accessing and obtaining a license code for each configured behavioral model instance for which a license is available in a data repository, creating or modifying an electronic license information package file to include list of license numbers associated with the license codes and notes selected regarding license serial number, a software package enabling code, a software package unlocking code, a granting source of a license, a component feature description, and an issue date of a license, and storing the electronic license package file stored in a computer memory.
US07797671B2 Layered object based software architecture for statechart-centric embedded device controllers
A computer software architecture for an embedded computer system. The architecture includes a hierarchy of software object classes. One classification contains object tables which capture device control law behavior expressed in statecharts. Another contains objects which collaborate to function as a logic engine for processing statechart information encoded into object tables. In order to promote reusability, the architecture is layered in increasing levels of system abstraction.
US07797668B2 Method for optimally converting a circuit design into a semiconductor device
A method for converting a circuit design into a semiconductor device includes the following steps. A first set of deign information is provided for representing the circuit design. Priority design information, which represents a priority portion of the circuit design, is extracted from the first set of design information. The priority design information is processed for generating a second set of design information. The semiconductor device is fabricated based on the first and second sets of design information. The second set of design information contains enhanced fabrication conditions as opposed to those of the first set of design information for optimizing the conversion of the circuit design into the semiconductor device.
US07797667B1 Hardware acceleration of functional factoring
A hardware accelerator factors functions during the compilation of a user design. The hardware accelerator includes cofactor units, each adapted to determine a cofactor of a function in response to a specified factorization and a set of input values. The factorization specifies the constant function inputs and varying function inputs. Each cofactor unit determines the cofactor of the function in response to a different constant value. The hardware accelerator operates all of the cofactor units simultaneously to determine some or all of the cofactors of a function for a factorization in parallel. Signature generators determine attributes of the cofactors. A signature analyzer uses these attributes to identify identical cofactors, constant cofactors, and inverse cofactors. The signature analyzer returns potentially optimal factorizations to compilation software applications for possible incorporation into user designs. The hardware accelerator may be implemented using a programmable device, such as the FPGA or other programmable device.
US07797664B2 System for configuring an integrated circuit and method thereof
With respect to the reconfigurable integrated circuit, a system for configuring an integrated circuit and a configuration method thereof which do not need a circuit overhead for variation correction and diagnosis of variation are provided. A system for configuring an integrated circuit comprises a reconfigurable integrated circuit 101, a memory device for configuring 102 which holds a plurality of different circuit configurations to be realized on the reconfigurable integrated circuit, the circuit configurations having identical functions but having different performance depending on different probability variables, memory device for testing 103 which holds test data to be achieved by the circuit configuration for the respective function, and a test device 104 for performing a test based on the test data.
US07797663B2 Conductive dome probes for measuring system level multi-GHZ signals
Methods and apparatus for accessing a high speed signal routed on a conductive trace on an internal layer of a printed circuit board (PCB) using high density interconnect (HDI technology) are provided. The conductive trace may be coupled to a microvia (μVia) having a conductive dome disposed above the outer layer pad of the μVia. In-circuit test (ICT) fixtures or high speed test probes may interface with the conductive dome to test the high speed signal with decreased reflection loss and other parasitic effects when compared to conventional test points utilizing plated through-hole (PTH) technology.
US07797660B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit for controlling substrate bias
A semiconductor integrated circuit device which is improved in wiring efficiency and area efficiency. Metal layers having respective portions protruding out from an N-type diffusion layer and a P-type diffusion layer in plan view toward respective sides of the diffusion layers opposed to each other are formed over the N-type diffusion layer and the P-type diffusion layer, respectively, and contact portions are formed over the upper surfaces of the protruding portions of the metal layers such that they extend parallel to a power supply line and a ground voltage line. This produces empty spaces over the regions of the upper surfaces of the metal layers, which makes it possible to arrange a large number of conductive traces, and enhance wiring efficiency and space efficiency.
US07797657B2 Parameter ordering for multi-corner static timing analysis
A method and system for decreasing processing time in multi-corner static timing analysis. In one embodiment, parameters are ordered in a parameter order by decreasing magnitude of impact on variability of timing. In one example, a decreasing parameter order is utilized to order slack cutoff values that are assigned across a parameter process space. In another example, a decreasing parameter order is utilized to perform a multi-corner timing analysis on one or more dependent parameters in an independent fashion.
US07797651B1 Verifying design isolation using bitstreams
A computer-implemented method of verifying electrical isolation of portions of a circuit design for a programmable integrated circuit (IC) can include translating a circuit design into a circuit design bitstream specifying a plurality of regions, wherein the regions are to be isolated from one another. Routing resources of the programmable IC that are not used by the circuit design can be identified. A fence bitstream can be generated that specifies the unused routing resources. The circuit design bitstream can be compared with the fence bitstream. An indication of whether the plurality of regions of the programmable IC are isolated can be output according to the comparison.
US07797646B2 Method for using mixed multi-Vt devices in a cell-based design
A method is disclosed for utilizing mixed low threshold voltage (low-Vt) and high threshold voltage (high-Vt) devices in a cell-based design such that a tradeoff of both the circuit speed and power performance may be achieved. Using cells having non-uniform threshold devices for designing circuit, the speed or/and power optimization is comparable to fully custom designs.
US07797645B2 System and method for displaying full product functionality using minimal user interface footprint
A sidebar UI of an application program provides access to the application program's functionality while occupying a reduced amount of real estate on the screen when compared to conventional UIs. The sidebar UI comprises an icon or multiple icons, and each icon references a pane that provides its user the ability to access and utilize a function and/or feature of the application program. Selecting an icon in the sidebar UI causes the referenced pane which provides access to, for example, a feature of the application program to be displayed on the screen. “Clicking off” the pane causes the pane to close.
US07797636B2 System and method for administering pluggable user interactive system applications
Systems and methods are described that allow for multiple pluggable user interactive system (UIS) applications to be added or removed from a UIS system while maintaining controlled access by users to each currently available application. Users can access the system using multimedia connections, such as voice, text, video, web, etc., and users have access to certain subsets of the available applications depending on their identity. In addition, users can define their own preferences, which places restrictions on which applications they can access from which media. In operation, the system provides the access restrictions and navigation for the applications outside of the application structure.
US07797631B2 Document printing control apparatus and method
A document printing control apparatus determines, when an output paper size is set by a keyboard operation, block sizes of individual blocks from the output paper size. The apparatus determines the size of an output area and font size from the block sizes determined, and places the output area and characters with the sizes determined. After placing the characters in the output area, followed by editing a layout, the apparatus places the output area and characters according to the edited layout. The apparatus can carry out the scaling of the sizes of the output area and font according to the sizes of the output area and font determined.
US07797627B2 Method and apparatus for providing a graphical user interface for creating and editing a mapping of a first structural description to a second structural description
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing a graphical user interface for creating and editing a mapping of structured information to different structured information, which allows a user to interactively define the mapping. The present invention operates as a user tool by accepting interactive input from a user of a source input, processing the input to display the source input in a format for accepting user commands to create or edit a transformation map of source components to target components. Interactive user input is accepted for selection of an input file to be transformed and selection of a transformation map for the requested transformation. Interactive user input is accepted for processing for selection of individual components of the first structured information format for mapping, and for selection of options for the target components.
US07797624B2 Automated paragraph layout
Methods and apparatus for calculating paragraph layout. A method begins with a first node in a paragraph and calculates an optimal line break scheme for paragraph layout that ended in the node. For every subsequent node in the paragraph, the method calculates an optimal line break scheme for paragraph layout that ends respectively in every subsequent node. Each optimal line break scheme is calculated by minimizing the total of a penalty value of a current line and all preceding penalties of all preceding lines. The preceding penalties of all preceding lines are defined by a previously calculated optimal line break scheme.
US07797621B1 Method and system for altering data during navigation between data cells
A method for altering data in a first data cell during a navigation between the first cell and a second data cell includes: (a) a user selecting the first cell; (b) the user indicating navigation from the first cell to a second cell; (c) posing a query to the user inquiring whether the user wants to alter a first element in the first cell for transfer to the second cell; (d) if the user desires to alter, providing an opportunity for the user to indicate a desired alteration; (e) the user entering an factor for the alteration; (f) employing the factor for the alteration to generate a first altered element and a second altered element; and (g) before the user effects completion of the navigation, entering the first altered element in the first cell and entering the second altered element in the second cell.
US07797616B2 Virtual display driver
A virtual display driver that can be dynamically loaded and unloaded for remote control of a host computing system. The host computing system includes an original display driver that updates an output display of the computing system based on display commands. A remote control executive executes in kernel-mode within an operating environment provided by the computing system and dynamically loads and unloads the virtual display driver as requested by a user. The remote control executive inserts hooks within the functions provided by the original display driver to trap the display commands received by the original display driver and direct the commands to the virtual display driver for communication to a remote client computer.
US07797615B2 Utilizing variable-length inputs in an inter-sequence permutation turbo code system
The present invention relates to an inter-sequence permutation (ISP) encoder. The ISP encoder comprises: a receiving means to receive an information bit sequence input; a first outputting means for outputting a first code bit output; a second outputting means for outputting a second code bit sequence output; a bit-adding means coupled to the receiving means, the bit-adding means processing the received information bit sequence input prior to any subsequent processing in the ISP encoder; a first convolutional code encoder coupled between the bit-adding means and the first outputting means; a second convolutional code encoder; and an inter-sequence permutation interleaver coupled between the bit-adding means and the second convolutional code encoder. The second convolutional code encoder is coupled between the inter-sequence permutational interleaver and the second outputting means. Further, the ISP encoder comprises a third outputting means coupled to the bit-adding means to output a third code bit output or directly coupled to the receiving means. Alternatively, the ISP encoder comprises a fourth outputting means coupled to the inter-sequence permutation interleaver to output a fourth code bit sequence output.
US07797613B1 Digital implementation of an enhanced minsum algorithm for error correction in data communications
An iterative error correcting decoder is provided. In one implementation, the iterative error correcting decoder includes an equality constraint node and a parity check node, the parity check node. The parity check node includes parity logic configured to receive input data bits from the equality constraint node and determine a first minimum value and a second minimum value associated with the input data bits using a MinSum algorithm. An enhancement function is performed on the first minimum value and the second minimum value. The enhancement function compares each of the first minimum value and the second minimum value with a first pre-determined constant value, and responsive to the first minimum value and the second minimum value being smaller than the first pre-determined constant value, the enhancement function passes the first minimum value and the second minimum value without any changes as output of the MinSum algorithm.
US07797611B2 Creating an error correction coding scheme and reducing data loss
A method for reducing data loss includes a first computing step for computing an intermediate result for each redundancy information entity of a redundancy set by processing respectively associated data information entities of a given data set on at least two main diagonals of a parity check matrix representing an error correction coding scheme. The method further includes a second computing step for computing the information content of the respective redundancy information entity dependent on the respective intermediate result.
US07797609B2 Apparatus and method for merging data blocks with error correction code protection
An apparatus and method for selectively deriving Error Correction Codes (ECCs) or other data integrity information for integration into merged data blocks. First data is merged into second data that is error-protected using an ECC generated by a coding algorithm. Bytes or other data units are identified in the first data to be merged into the second data. It is determined whether each of the check bits of the ECC will differ from its original state in response to merging the first and second data. The check bits of the ECC that have been determined to differ from their respective original states are modified to create a “merged ECC.” The resulting data block includes the merged data and the merged ECC.
US07797607B2 DTV transmitter and method of coding main and enhanced data in DTV transmitter
A DTV transmitter includes a pre-processor pre-processing enhanced data, a data formatter generating enhanced data packets including the pre-processed enhanced data, and a multiplexer multiplexing the enhanced data packets with main data packets. The transmitter further includes an RS encoder RS-coding the multiplexed packets by adding systematic RS parity data to each main data packet and by adding non-systematic RS parity place holders to each enhanced data packet, and a data interleaver interleaving the RS-coded packets. The non-systematic RS parity place holders are placed after the enhanced data within each interleaved enhanced data packet, and a sequence of known data place holders is periodically included in the interleaved enhanced data packets.
US07797603B2 Low power decompression of test cubes
Disclosed below are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to generate test patterns for testing integrated circuits. Embodiments of the disclosed technology can be used to provide a low power test scheme and can be integrated with a variety of compression hardware architectures (e.g., an embedded deterministic test (“EDT”) environment). Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology can reduce the switching rates, and thus the power dissipation, in scan chains with no hardware modification. Other embodiments use specialized decompression hardware and compression techniques to achieve low power testing.
US07797600B2 Method and apparatus for testing a ring of non-scan latches with logic built-in self-test
A method and apparatus for loading a ring of non-scan latches for a logic built-in self-test. A logic built-in self-test value is loaded into a scannable latch from the logic built-in self-test. An override control signal is asserted in response to loading the logic built-in self-test value into the scannable latch. A non-scan latch is forced to load the logic built-in self-test value from the scannable latch in response to asserting the override control signal. Logic paths in the ring of non-scan latches are exercised. The non-scan latch is part of the logical paths. The test results are captured from the logic paths and the test results are compared against expected test results to determine if the logic paths within the ring of non-scan latches are functioning properly.
US07797598B1 Dynamic timer for testbench interface synchronization
A method of evaluating a design under test (DUT) can include executing a testbench involving the DUT and, during execution of the testbench, estimating an amount of time needed to perform a first transaction with the device under test according to resolved variables. The method also can include setting a timer with the estimated amount of time needed to perform the first transaction and invoking the first transaction with the device under test. Responsive to expiration of the timer, an indication as to whether the first transaction completed execution can be provided.
US07797594B1 Built-in self-test of 3-dimensional semiconductor memory arrays
A method and apparatus for testing a three dimensional (3D) memory including a static array and an active array. The method is performed by a memory built-in self-test (MBIST) controller, and includes writing data to the static array, transferring data from the static array to the active array, and reading data from the active array. The method further includes, in a plurality of subsequent cycles, writing data to the static array; transferring data from static array to the active array, and reading data from the active array, wherein said writing data for each subsequent cycle is performed concurrently with reading data for a previous cycle.
US07797590B2 Consensus testing of electronic system
Consensus testing of electronic system. A tester (112) for testing an electronic system (100) includes: a traffic interface (114) to receive traffic (102) from a test of an electronic system (100); an element comparator (118) to extract a value from an element of the traffic (102) and to compare the extracted element value with an element value (110) obtained from another test of another electronic system (104, 106, 108); and a test result generator (122) to generate consensus information (124) on the interoperability of the electronic system (100), based on comparing (120) the extracted element values of the electronic system (100) with the element values obtained from the other test of the other electronic system (104, 106, 108).
US07797588B2 Mechanism to provide software guaranteed reliability for GSM operations
In a global shared memory (GSM) environment, an initiating task at a first node with a host fabric interface (HFI) uses epochs to provide reliability of transmission of packets via a network fabric to a target task. The HFI generates a packet for the initiating task addressed to the target task, and automatically inserts a current epoch of the initiating task into the packet. A copy of the current epoch is maintained by the target task, which accepts for processing only packets having the correct epoch, unless the packet is tagged for guaranteed-once delivery. When a packet delivery is accepted, the target task sends a notification to the initiating task. If the initiating task does not receive the notification of delivery for the issued packet, the initiating task updates the epoch at both the target node and the initiating node and re-transmits the packet.
US07797580B2 Determining that a routine has stalled
A system is disclosed that can determine whether a routine is stalled. The system does not require the developer of the routine to add code for the purpose of detecting whether the routine is stalled. Furthermore, the system can be used to monitor various routines at different levels of granularity, such as at the thread level, method level, or other levels. One embodiment of the present invention allows a user to specify a method and an expected time frame. Code for that method is modified to add additional code that implements a timing mechanism. The timing mechanism is used to detect when a thread enters that method and does not return within an approximation of the expected time frame. Other embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention.
US07797579B2 Method and system for identifying unsafe synthetic transactions and modifying parameters for automated playback
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for identifying unsafe synthetic transactions and modifying parameters for automated playback. Bytecode instrumentation is used to dynamically observe the behavior of application code directly and identify each universal resource locator traversed and parameters passed in a transaction. The bytecode instrumentation may determine, based on the parameters passed, that a parameter in the current transaction is an unsafe parameter, and that the unsafe parameter is associated with a test parameter in a previously overridden transaction. If the unsafe parameter has an associated test parameter, the bytecode instrumentation may dynamically override the unsafe parameter in the current transaction with the test parameter in order to make the transaction safe for synthetic playback. In this manner, transactions may be scheduled for playback as usual, and the bytecode insertion methods ensure that the unsafe parameters in the transactions are automatically overridden for the user.
US07797575B2 Triple voting cell processors for single event upset protection
In a system for operating three address concentrating processors, a common clock signal is transmitted to each of the three address concentrating processors. A common data unit is transmitted simultaneously to each of the three address concentrating processors. A received data unit is received simultaneously from each of the three address concentrating processors. Each of the received data units are compared to each other. An error correcting routine is activated when the data units received from the three address concentrating processors are not all identical.
US07797562B2 Electronic device with serial ATA interface and power saving method for serial ATA buses
In an electronic device with a serial ATA interface, upon detection of the issue or reception of a preset command, a confirmation device, such as a CPU, confirms the completion of execution of the command. Upon confirming the completion of execution of the command, a controller, which may also be the CPU, controls shifting of the serial ATA interface to a power saving mode.
US07797560B2 System and method for integrated temperature measurement in power over Ethernet applications
A system and method for integrated thermal monitoring in Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. Headroom in a particular cable installation is identified using ambient temperature measurement alone or in combination with determined cable characteristics. In calculating an amount of headroom for a particular cable installation, the current capable of being carried over the cable would not be limited by worst-case cable assumptions.
US07797552B2 Method and apparatus for controlling paired operation of a conditional access module and an integrated receiver and decoder
A method and apparatus that selectively pairs a receiver (132) configured to receive a media program encrypted according to a media encryption key and a conditional access module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a security module (508) for receiving and modifying the media encryption key, and a transport module (412), comprising a decryptor (524) for decrypting the media program. The media encryption key has a portion indicating a first state in which the media program is to be viewable by a set of receivers or a second state in which the media program is to be viewable only by a subset of the set of receivers.