| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07824588B2 |
Method of making self-supporting therapeutic active-containing film
The invention relates to film products containing desired levels of active components and methods of their preparation. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. Desirably, the films may be exposed to temperatures above that at which the active components typically degrade without concern for loss of the desired activity. |
| US07824585B2 |
Apparatus and method for fabricating semiconductor packages
An apparatus for fabricating semiconductor packages may include a thickness measurer configured to measure the thickness of a printed circuit board (PCB); mold dies, clamped to the top and the bottom of the PCB, through which a molding compound may be injected; and a pressure controller configured to control a clamp pressure of the mold die in response to the thickness of the PCB. The thickness of the PCB may be measured before molding the PCB, and a clamp pressure corresponding to the measured thickness may be decided. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the thickness variation of a PCB in real time, as they are being produced, to decrease the number of bad packages. |
| US07824583B2 |
Flame inhibiting and retarding chemical compositions for general use on multiple solid surfaces
A product to render flame- and fireproof surfaces and materials and inhibit the spread of fire on objects of various and diverse chemical nature and affinity, using non-toxic and non-carcinogenic basic fire and flame retardant intumescent mixtures with wide ranging chemical affinity, prepared in stable colloidal dispersion. The intumescent base comprises a colloidal solvent in which a source of phosphoric acid, a charring agent and a blowing agent are dissolved and dispersed. Intumescent mixtures are produced adding to said base flame spread reduction materials, thermal resistance enhancers, thermal transmission reduction and refractory, elasticity, water resistant materials and combinations thereof. Bipolar chemicals are also added to change the chemical affinity. Products are applicable on household, professional and industrial materials and objects, natural, synthetic and metallic. |
| US07824577B2 |
Electrically conductive polyaniline composition, process for producing the same and polyaniline dopant
The invention provides a polyaniline dopant which has small environmental load and from which an electrically conductive polyaniline having better processability on polyaniline can be obtained. A phenol derivative of lignin having a bis(aryl)propane unit in which a carbon atom on an ortho-position and/or a para-position relative to a phenolic hydroxy group of a phenol compound is bound to a carbon atom on a C1-position of an aryl propane unit of lignin is used as a polyaniline dopant. Since a phenol derivative of lignin is derived from a source that can be recycled, the dopant is a polyaniline dopant having small environmental load. |
| US07824576B2 |
Dispersion strengthened lithium and method therefor
A composite material includes lithium hydride particles dispersed within lithium to form a lithium-lithium hydride composite. The lithium-lithium hydride composite has increased strength over pure lithium and similar soft X-ray transmission characteristics as pure lithium. A soft X-ray blast window may be made from the lithium-lithium hydride composite with increased reliability and cost effectiveness. A method for making a composite material includes dispersing lithium hydride into lithium metal using a variety of dispersion techniques. |
| US07824573B2 |
Alloy powder for material of inorganic functional material precursor and phosphor
The present invention provides an alloy powder that is a material for producing inorganic functional materials such as phosphors, a phosphor with high brightness, and a method for producing the phosphor. An alloy powder for an inorganic functional material precursor contains at least one metal element and at least one activating element M1 and has a weight-average median diameter D50 of 5 μm to 40 μm. A method for producing a phosphor includes a step of heating an alloy, containing two or more metal elements for forming the phosphor, in a nitrogen-containing atmosphere. |
| US07824572B2 |
Liquid crystalline polyester composition
The present invention provides a liquid crystalline polyester composition comprising a terphenyl and a liquid crystalline polyester, wherein the terphenyl substantially consists of p-terphenyl, and the p-terphenyl is contained in the composition in the amount of 0.3 to 15 parts by weight on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystalline polyester. The liquid crystalline polyester composition has high flowability and low anisotropy, which can also suppress generation of gases when molded. |
| US07824569B2 |
Soluble salt produced from a biopolymer and a process for producing the salt
Modifications to the extracellular polymeric substance, predominantly extracellular polysaccharide, of a biopolymer produced by Rhizobium tropici ATCC 49672 yield a stable dry salt transported more easily than a fluid or gel and more stable than either. The salt may be re-constituted with water on-site. Embodiments may be employed as a soil amendment for soil strengthening, reducing hydraulic conductivity, erosion control and dust control as well as a metal chelator for contaminant remediation. Based on comparison with dextran standards, an embodiment demonstrated a molecular weight over 511,000 D. Embodiments include a day salt that is precipitated from solution and in use is re-hydrated back to original form. When added to a sandy soil at 0.1% by dry weight, an embodiment decreased the hydraulic conductivity by three orders of magnitude. These properties make embodiments of the present invention an attractive, “green” alternative to petroleum-based synthetic polymers for such applications as rapid roadway construction and soil erosion prevention. |
| US07824566B2 |
Methods and compositions for improving light-fade resistance and soil repellency of textiles and leathers
One method includes applying to a post-manufactured textile material a liquid composition resulting from a combination of ingredients. The ingredients include one or more anti-fading compounds, one or more anti-soiling compounds, one or more silicon-based compounds, and one or more carrying media. One composition is a liquid composition resulting from a combination of ingredients, with the ingredients including a benzotriazole, a fluorocarbon, an organosiloxane, and odorless mineral spirits. |
| US07824564B2 |
Method for flattening glass substrate
A method for flattening a glass substrate includes the steps of preparing plural kinds of etching liquids different from one another in an etching rate, preparing the glass substrate, and etching the glass substrate at least one time with each of the etching liquids and executing the etching a plurality of times in total. When the etchings are executed the plurality of times, an etching rate of the glass substrate with one etching liquid used for one etching of plural etchings is slower than that of the glass substrate with the another etching liquid used for another etching executed after the one etching process of the plural etching processes. |
| US07824562B2 |
Method of reducing an etch rate
A method of fabricating a bit patterned storage medium includes obtaining a substrate having a magnetic layer and forming a mask over the magnetic layer. The magnetic layer is etched through the mask using a reactive ion etch. The etch rate of the mask is reduced by introducing a gas into the reactive ion etch. |
| US07824561B2 |
Method for manufacturing probe structure
A method for manufacturing a probe structure is disclosed. In accordance with the method, two semiconductor substrates having different crystal directions are bonded and selectively etched utilizing an etch selectivity due to the different crystal directions to form a probe tip region and a probe beam region. A cantilever structure for a probe card is formed by filling the probe tip region and the probe beam region with a conductive material. |
| US07824556B2 |
Methods for making chlorous acid and chlorine dioxide
Chlorous acid is generated from a chlorite salt precursor, a chlorate salt precursor, or a combination of both by ion exchange. The ion exchange material facilitates the generation of chlorous acid by simultaneously removing unwanted cations from solution and adding hydrogen ion to solution. Chlorine dioxide is generated in a controlled manner from chlorous acid by catalysis. Chlorine dioxide can be generated either subsequent to the generation of chlorous acid or simultaneously with the generation of chlorous acid. For catalysis of chlorous acid to chlorine dioxide, the chlorous acid may be generated by ion exchange or in a conventional manner. Ion exchange materials are also used to purify the chlorous acid and chlorine dioxide solutions, without causing degradation of said solutions, to exchange undesirable ions in the chlorous acid and chlorine dioxide solutions with desirable ions, such as stabilizing ions, and to adjust the pH of chlorous acid and chlorine dioxide solutions. |
| US07824544B2 |
Device for continuously filtering material mixtures
The invention relates to a device which is used to continuously filter material mixtures, in particular for separating impurities from plastic melts. The device includes a hollow cylindrically-shaped filter element (2) which is arranged inside a housing (1), an annular chamber (22) which is defined from the outside of the filter element (2) and an inner wall of the housing, and at least one stripper (23) which can be pressed onto the filter body by an adjusting device. The stripper is used to remove the impurities detained on the filter element (2) due to a relative movement of the filter element (2) and the stripper (23). The adjusting device contains a pressure sensor (42, 53) which is used to detect the pressure of the material mixture upstream from the filter body and an actuator (43) which is connected to the pressure sensor, the actuator being used to adjust the pressure of the stripper (23) according to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. |
| US07824542B2 |
Process for enhancement of the selectivity of physically acting solvents used for the absorption of gas components from industrial gases
The invention relates to a method for recovering absorbed hydrocarbon components while absorbing acid gases from technical gases, as for example a natural gas, by means of physically active absorption agents, wherein the inventive method consists in increasing the pressure of a loaded absorption agent extracted from an adsorption device, in adding said loaded absorption agent to the top of a rectification column which consist of a lower feeding stove and of one or several lateral stoves operating at a pressure slightly greater than the absorption column pressure, in adjusting an equilibrium is said rectification column in such a way that the acid gas concentration in the absorbent agent increases in the direction away from the bottom of the column and the hydrocarbon concentration decreases in said direction, in extracting a heated hydrocarbon-poor and acid gas component-rich absorption agent from the bottom of the column and in transferring said agent to an acid gas desorption device, in extracting a hydrocarbon-poor and acid gas component-rich recycling gas from the top of the rectification column, in cooling said recycling gas in a recycling gas cooler to a temperature of a service gas directed in the absorption device and in transferring said recycling gas directly to the absorption device or in mixing it with the service gas. |
| US07824539B2 |
Ionic based sensing for identifying genomic sequence variations and detecting mismatch base pairs, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms
Ionic interactions are monitored to detect hybridization. The measurement may be done measuring the potential change in the solution with the ion sensitive electrode (which may be the conducting polymer (e.g., polyaniline) itself), without applying any external energy during the binding. The double helix formation during the complimentary hybridization makes this electrode act as an ion selective electrode—the nucleotide hydrogen bonding is specific and thus monitoring the ionic phosphate group addition becomes selective. Polyaniline on the surface of nylon film forms a positively charged polymer film. Thiol linkage can be utilized for polyaniline modification and thiol-modified single strand oligonucleotide chains can be added to polyaniline. The sensitivity is because the double helix formation during the complimentary hybridization makes this electrode act as an ion selective electrode as the nucleotide hydrogen bonding is specific and thus monitoring the ionic phosphate group addition becomes selective. |
| US07824530B2 |
Apparatus having reduced noise and method of using the apparatus for detecting ionic materials
An apparatus and method for detecting ionic materials includes a sensing electrode which contacts a liquid sample and detects a sensing voltage corresponding to a surface potential which is changed by a concentration of ionic materials in the liquid sample, a first switching transistor having a first terminal connected to the sensing electrode and a second terminal connected to a first node, a second switching transistor having a first terminal connected to a reset voltage and a second terminal connected to the first node, and a sensing transistor having a gate connected to the first node. |
| US07824528B2 |
End-block for a rotatable target sputtering apparatus
An end-block for electrically energising a rotatable tubular target in a vacuum coating installation is disclosed. The end-block has a rotary electrical contact that reduces the joule heating effects when operating in alternating current mode. When compared to known end-blocks, this is achieved by increasing the number of contact areas between a contacting ring and a series of circumferentially mounted contacting shoes. Also the contact shoes are being pressed radially outwardly by means of resilient elements against the contacting ring. |
| US07824526B2 |
Adaptive spindle assembly for electroerosion machining on a CNC machine tool
An apparatus and method for adapting a CNC milling machine for electroerosion machining. The apparatus includes a tubular electrode on the distal end of an adapter shaft. A tool holder on the proximal end of the adapter shaft is mountable in the chuck of a cutter spindle in the milling machine. The adapter shaft is rotatably mounted within a bearing and an electrical brush contact subassembly, both of which are supported by a bracket. The bracket is attached to the milling machine but insulates it from the tool electrode. The bearing supports the adapter shaft in alignment with the CNC spindle. An electrical power supply energizes the electrode and the workpiece for electroerosion in a gap between them. Electrolyte is circulated through the spinning tool electrode during operation. The CNC computer is configured to operate the machine, power supply, and electrolyte flow for electroerosion machining. |
| US07824520B2 |
Plasma treatment apparatus
In the case of generating plasma under atmospheric pressure, the particle generated due to generation of high-density plasma is to be a cause of a defect such as a point defect or a line defect of a display portion in a display device. The present invention is offered in view of the above situation, and provides a plasma treatment apparatus for suppressing generation of a particle. According to the present invention, plasma is generated in a limited minimum region to be treated by a plasma treatment over a substrate to be treated. Generation of a particle is suppressed to a minimum by providing a plurality of plasma generation units generating minimum plasma having a similar size as the limited minimum region, changing a relative position of the plurality of plasma generation units and the substrate to be treated, and performing a plasma treatment to a limited predetermined region. |
| US07824519B2 |
Variable volume plasma processing chamber and associated methods
A plasma processing chamber includes a substrate support having a top surface defined to support a substrate in a substantially horizontal orientation within the chamber. The plasma processing chamber also includes a number of telescopic members disposed within the chamber outside a periphery of the substrate support. The number of telescopic members are also disposed in a concentric manner with regard to a center of the top surface of the substrate support. Each of the number of telescopic members is defined to be independently moved in a substantially vertical direction so as to enable adjustment of an open volume above the top surface of the substrate support, and thereby enable adjustment of a plasma condition within the open volume above the top surface of the substrate support. |
| US07824517B2 |
Method of making a tubular body for a catheter, sheath or lead
A method of forming a tubular body for a catheter, sheath or lead comprises extruding a polymer core having an integrally formed core wall, first lumen, and second lumen, placing a first layer over an outer circumferential surface of the extruded polymer core, and bonding the first layer to the circumferential surface of the extruded polymer cover via a reflow process. The first and second lumens are mandrel free during the reflow process, and a temperature of the reflow process is below a softening point of the polymer core to maintain a collapse free first and second lumen. |
| US07824514B2 |
Method of producing a stretch laminate
A method of producing a stretch laminate exhibiting reduced defects from a mechanical activation process can include providing a nipping member. The nipping member can have a first nip region and a non-nip region adjacent to the first nip region. A first substrate and an elastic element are provided to the nipping member. The first substrate and the elastic element are joined in a face to face relationship with adhesive therebetween, thereby creating an intermediate laminate. The intermediate laminate has a first tack down region and an activation region adjacent the first tack down region. A portion of the first tack down region passes through the first nip region, and a portion of the activation region passes through the non-nip region of the nipping member. The activation region of the intermediate laminate is mechanically activated, thereby creating the stretch laminate. |
| US07824513B2 |
Apparatus and method for making pile articles and improved pile articles made therewith
Filamentary materials, such as yarn (18), is wound a frame (28), provided by pairs of movable filaments or wires (35, 38), about which the end of the spindle (22) rotates provides the turns (26) of the winding as the article having the winding is moved along a process path. Mechanically or hydraulically actuated pins (34) support the winding frame in a fixed position. The filaments of the frame may be provided by laterally spaced pairs (44, 46) of filaments of weldable material. |
| US07824510B2 |
Methods of repairing engine components
Methods are provided for repairing an engine component. In an embodiment, a method includes forming at least one layer of a first braze alloy mixture including about 40% by weight of a first base alloy material and about 60% by weight of a first braze alloy material, over a structural feature of the component. The first braze alloy material includes chromium, cobalt, tungsten, tantalum, aluminum, hafnium, carbon, boron, and a balance of nickel. A second braze alloy mixture is disposed over the at least one layer of the first braze alloy mixture, the second braze alloy mixture including between about 50% and about 60% by weight of a second base alloy material, and between about 40% and about 50% by weight of a second braze alloy material. The component is then subjected to heat treatment, and may be further subjected to machining, coating and final inspection. |
| US07824508B2 |
Fine grain surface layer steel part and method of production of same
The present invention provides a fine grain surface layer steel part having a high proof strength ratio equal to or higher than that of conventional quenched and tempered materials, that is, a fine grain surface layer steel part containing, by mass %, C: 0.45% to 0.70%, Nb: 0.01% to 0.60%, Si: 0.10% to 1.50%, Mn: 0.40% to 2.0%, P: 0.10% or less, S: 0.001% to 0.15%, and N: 0.003% to 0.025% and having a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, where the surface layer and inside at all or part of the part have structures of different average particle sizes of ferrite crystal grains surrounded by high angle grain boundaries of a misorientation angle of 15 degrees or more and a method of production of that part comprising warm forging locations where strength is required to a predetermined shape at 1000° C. to 800° C. during which working so as to give an equivalent strain of 1.5 or more. |
| US07824507B2 |
Method for preparing nanostructured metal alloys having increased nitride content
A method of producing high strength nanophase metal alloy powder by cryomilling metal powder under conditions which cause the formation of intrinsic nitrides, and of producing high strength metal articles by subjecting the nitrided cryomilled powder to thermo-mechanical processing. The intrinsic nitrides present within the alloy significantly reduce grain growth during thermo-mechanical processing, resulting in formed metal products of high strength and improved ductility. |
| US07824501B2 |
In-situ method of cleaning vaporizer during dielectric layer deposition process
Provided is an in-situ method of cleaning a vaporizer of an atomic layer deposition apparatus during a dielectric layer deposition process, to prevent nozzle blocking in the vaporizer and an atomic layer deposition apparatus. During the dielectric layer deposition process, the following steps are repeated: supplying a first source gas for dielectric layer deposition into a chamber of an atomic layer deposition apparatus; purging the first source gas; supplying a second source gas into the chamber of the atomic layer deposition apparatus; purging the second source gas, the in-situ method of cleaning the vaporizer is performed after supplying the first source gas for dielectric layer deposition and before supplying the first source gas again. |
| US07824497B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing magnetic recording disk, and in-line type substrate processing apparatus
An apparatus for manufacturing a magnetic recording disk includes a magnetic-film deposition chamber in which a magnetic film for a recording layer is deposited on a substrate; a lubricant-layer preparation chamber in which a lubricant layer is prepared on the substrate in vacuum; and a cleaning chamber in which the substrate is cleaned in vacuum after the magnetic-film deposition in the magnetic-film chamber and before the lubricant-layer preparation in the lubricant-layer chamber. The apparatus may further include a transfer system that transfers the substrate from the cleaning chamber to the lubricant-layer preparation chamber without exposing the substrate to the atmosphere. |
| US07824495B1 |
System to continuously produce carbon fiber via microwave assisted plasma processing
A system to continuously produce fully carbonized or graphitized carbon fibers using microwave-assisted plasma (MAP) processing comprises an elongated chamber in which a microwave plasma is excited in a selected gas atmosphere. Fiber is drawn continuously through the chamber, entering and exiting through openings designed to minimize in-leakage of air. There is a gradient of microwave power within the chamber with generally higher power near where the fiber exits and lower power near where the fiber enters. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), pitch, or any other suitable organic/polymeric precursor fibers can be used as a feedstock for the inventive system. Oxidized or partially oxidized PAN or pitch or other polymeric fiber precursors are run continuously through a MAP reactor in an inert, non-oxidizing atmosphere to heat the fibers, drive off the unwanted elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, and produce carbon or graphite fibers faster than conventionally produced carbon fibers. |
| US07824494B2 |
Method and apparatus for production of a cast component
A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold. The precision pouring system is driven by a pressure differential. |
| US07824492B2 |
Method of growing oxide thin films
Process for producing silicon oxide containing thin films on a growth substrate by the ALCVD method. In the process, a vaporisable silicon compound is bonded to the growth substrate, and the bonded silicon compound is converted to silicon dioxide. The invention comprises using a silicon compound which contains at least one organic ligand and the bonded silicon compound is converted to silicon dioxide by contacting it with a vaporised, reactive oxygen source, in particular with ozone. The present invention provides a controlled process for growing controlling thin films containing SiO2, with sufficiently short reaction times. |
| US07824490B2 |
Calcium sulfate hemihydrate treatment process
A process for treating beta calcium sulfate hemihydrate is disclosed. The process comprises exposing beta calcium sulfate hemihydrate to steam at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. |
| US07824489B2 |
Cement compositions comprising environmentally compatible defoamers and methods of use
Cement compositions including environmentally compatible defoamers and methods of using such cement compositions are provided herein. An example of a method is a method of reducing foam generation in a cement composition. An example of a composition is a is a cement composition comprising water, hydraulic cement, and a defoamer. |
| US07824483B2 |
Colorant composition, ink, printing process
A composition comprising a compound of Formula (1) or a salt thereof and compound of Formula (2) or a salt thereof: wherein: A is or comprises an aryl or heteroaryl group; Q1 and Q2 each independently is an optionally substituted phenylene group; R1, R2, Ra and Rb each independently is H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted arylalkyl; each W1, W2, W3 and W4 independently is a —CO2H, —SO3H, —PO3H2 group or an alkyl substituted with one or more groups selected from —CO2H, —SO3H, —PO3H2; each S1, S2, S3 and S4 independently is a substituent other than those defined for W1, W2, W3 and W4; a and d each independently is from 1 to 5; b and c each independently is from 0 to 4; (a+b) has a value of from 1 to 5; (c+d) has a value of from 1 to 5; e and h each independently is from 1 to 7; f and g each independently is from 0 to 6; (e+f) has a value of from 1 to 7; and (g+h) has a value of from 1 to 7. |
| US07824480B2 |
Air treatment system
A storage compartment comprises an enclosure defining a storage space and an air treatment system in fluid communication with the interior space. The air treatment system includes a light source and a catalyst and configured to treat air without the use of ozone. |
| US07824477B2 |
Ionizer mounting structure for a vehicle air conditioning system
The present invention relates to an ionizer mounting structure for a vehicle air conditioning system. The air conditioning system includes an air conditioning case having an internal passageway and an ionizer for generating negative ions and positive ions within the internal passageway. The air conditioning case has a discharge electrode insertion hole and the ionizer has a plurality of discharge electrodes extending into the internal passageway through the discharge electrode insertion hole. The ionizer mounting structure includes a mounting and demounting structure for allowing the ionizer to be mounted to the air conditioning case through sliding movement from a demounting position on a passenger room side to a mounting position above the air conditioning case and for allowing the ionizer to be demounted from the air conditioning case through sliding movement from the mounting position to the demounting position. |
| US07824476B2 |
High speed tunnel fan with electrostatic filter
A tunnel fan with an electrostatic filter is disclosed. The tunnel fan includes: a cylindrical shaped tunnel fan; and an electrostatic filter including a pipe assembly, the pipe assembly including a plurality of pipes arranged in parallel to form a cylindrical shape, each pipe having an electrostatic induction means for causing tiny dust to be collected by an induction voltage, wherein the electrostatic filter is coupled to a front or a rear of the tunnel fan. |
| US07824468B2 |
Carbothermic processes
A carbothermic process for producing an aluminium carbide containing mass by injecting carbon and alumina into molten aluminium superheated above 1400° C. The carbon reacts with molten aluminium to produce an aluminium carbide and alumina mass. The mass can be heated in the range of 1700° C. to 2000° C. to produce aluminium metal and carbon monoxide. |
| US07824467B2 |
Method of making metal nanoprisms having a predetermined thickness
A method of preparing metal nanoprisms having a unimodal size distribution and a predetermined thickness. The present method also allows control over nanoprism edge length. |
| US07824466B2 |
Production of metal nanoparticles
Processes for the production of metal nanoparticles. In one aspect, the invention is to a process comprising the steps of mixing a heated first solution comprising a base and/or a reducing agent (e.g., a non-polyol reducing agent), a polyol, and a polymer of vinyl pyrrolidone with a second solution comprising a metal precursor that is capable of being reduced to a metal by the polyol. In another aspect, the invention is to a process that includes the steps of heating a powder of a polymer of vinyl pyrrolidone; forming a first solution comprising the powder and a polyol; and mixing the first solution with a second solution comprising a metal precursor capable of being reduced to a metal by the polyol. |
| US07824464B2 |
Calcium aluminate clinker as a refractory aggregate with and without barium addition and use thereof
The present invention provides for a refractory aggregate composition comprising an improved calcium aluminate clinker having the formula CnAx wherein C is calcium oxide and A is aluminum oxide, wherein n is an integer from about 1 to about 12, wherein x is an integer from about 1 to about 24, and wherein said clinker has from zero to less than about fifty weight percent C12A7. Analogs, derivatives and hydrates of the improved calcium aluminate clinker are provided. A refractory composition and a sprayable refractory composition are disclosed comprising the improved calcium aluminate clinker. A method for improving the insulating character and/or penetration resistance of a liner in contact with molten aluminum in an aluminum manufacturing process or during aluminum transport is provided. |
| US07824463B2 |
Method for the production of niobium and tantalum powder
Process for the production of valve metal powders, in particular niobium and tantalum powder, by reduction of corresponding valve metal oxide powders by means of vaporous reducing metals and/or hydrides thereof, preferably in the presence of an inert carrier gas, wherein the reduction is performed at a vapor partial pressure of the reducing metal/metal hydride of 5 to 110 hPa and an overall pressure of less than 1000 hPa, and tantalum powder obtainable in this way having a high stability of the powder agglomerate particles. |
| US07824460B2 |
Diesel particulate filter assembly
A filter assembly is disclosed herein the filter assembly comprising: a plurality of stackable elements each comprising a frame defining a perimeter surrounding a filter media disposed within the frame, the filter media being configured for use as a diesel particulate filter and capable of being regenerated at a temperature greater than 350 degrees Celsius, each frame being configured to have either a first feature on a first surface of the frame or a second feature on a second surface of the frame or both a first feature on a first surface of the frame and a second feature on a second surface of the frame, the first feature being configured to mate with the second feature; and the first surface of each of the plurality of stackable elements further comprises an inlet opening on one end of the frame configured to align with an inlet opening on the second surface of each of the plurality of stackable elements such that a plurality of openings are defined on only one side of the filter assembly, the plurality of openings providing fluid communication to the filter media. |
| US07824459B2 |
Centrifugal separator
In a centrifugal separator for cleaning a gas containing liquid impurities, a stationary casing encloses a separation space having an inner wall surface. An inlet is provided. A rotating member is provided in the separation space downstream the inlet rotates in a direction of rotation around an axis of rotation. The rotating member brings the gas to rotation in the direction of rotation for separation of liquid impurities from the gas. A gas outlet is provided downstream the rotating member for discharge of the cleaned gas. A first liquid outlet is provided upstream the gas outlet and downstream the rotating member for discharge of separated liquid impurities and comprises an outlet hole. A surrounding ring groove extends outwardly from the inner wall surface in the stationary casing and has a surrounding bottom surface, wherein the outlet hole extends outwardly from the bottom surface. |
| US07824457B2 |
Portable cyclonic dust collector
A portable dust collector for woodshop or other use with portable tools has a conic body that is supported on a tripod carriage formed of three legs attaching to gussets at the sides of the conic body. A divider plate within the conic body divides it into a cyclonic chamber between the divider plate and the lower nose, and a fan chamber between the divider plate and a motor plate that closes the upper mouth of the conic body. A final filter cartridge is fitted onto the outlet pipe, so that the dust collector exhausts clean, filtered air into the ambient. The final filter may be supported from a 90-degree elbow, with a removable tray for catching process dust that is knocked off the interior of the filter. The process dust in the cyclone settles into a dust collection barrel supported on a barrel cradle. |
| US07824454B2 |
Fuel composition for rectifying fuel gauge sending unit problems
A unique combination of a certain poly(oxyalkylene) amine and a thiadiazole compound when employed as a fuel additive in a hydrocarbon fuel such as gasoline or diesel fuel will preclude fuel gauge sending units from sustaining sulfur-related corrosion damage or restore fuel gauge sending units, particularly silver-based fuel gauge sending units, in vehicle fuel storage tanks to like-new operational condition. Moreover, a method suitable for use in precluding fuel gauge sending units from sustaining sulfur-related corrosion damage or restoring silver-based fuel gauge sending units in gasoline or diesel vehicle fuel storage tanks to like-new operational condition using the combination of a certain poly(oxyalkylene) amine and a thiadiazole compound as a fuel additive is also described. |
| US07824452B2 |
Powder modification in the manufacture of solid state capacitor anodes
The present invention concerns the field of solid state capacitors and in particular high performance capacitors for use in modern electronic devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method by which powders of valve-action material may be modified to make them suitable for use in the formation of capacitor anodes for solid state electrolytic capacitors. According to the present invention there is provided a method of modifying raw valve-action material powder into capacitor grade structured powder comprising: (i) providing a raw powder to be converted; (ii) compressing a portion of the powder to form a porous solid mass of powder (iii) heating the solid mass to a pre-determined sintering temperature and maintaining the temperature for a pre-determined time period to form a sintered body, (iv) pulverising the sintered body to form a processed powder and (v) optionally grading the powder particles within pre-determined size ranges so as to collect capacitor grade powder. |
| US07824451B2 |
Disperse dye mixtures which have a high degree of light fastness
The present invention provides a blue dye mixture which contains the pigments represented by formulae [1], [2], [3], and [4] The present invention also relates to dye mixtures in which there are compounded therewith a yellow dye mixture and/or a red dye mixture. The invention further relates to a method of dyeing polyester-based fibers and dyed polyester-based fibers and dyed polyester-based fiber materials. |
| US07824449B2 |
Hair dye composition
A hair dye composition containing a triazene dissociative direct dye represented by general formula (1): A-N═N—NH-B (1) wherein A and B are each a monocyclic or a bicyclic aromatic heterocyclic group that may have a substituent or a monocyclic or a bicyclic aryl group that may have a substituent and contain none of a carboxy group, a sulfo group and a quaternary ammonium group; and A and B each bind to a triazene-1,3-diyl group represented by —N═N—NH— via a carbon atom within A and B each. A and B may be the same or different. |
| US07824447B2 |
Biological artificial ligament and method of making
A prosthesis for implantation into a human body is made by a method that includes the steps of providing a natural animal ligament or tendon that has a substrate, crosslinking and fixing the substrate, minimizing the antigens from the substrate, tanning the substrate to improve its mechanical properties, and coupling an active layer to the substrate. |
| US07824444B2 |
Expandable spherical spinal implant
A prosthetic implant for forming a support structure between adjoining vertebrae in a spinal column. The prosthetic implant includes a generally spherical or ellipsoidal body that at least partially engages a surface of adjacent vertebrae. |
| US07824443B2 |
Medical implant delivery and deployment tool
An apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a replacement heart valve implant comprising a valve and an expandable anchor; and a deployment tool adapted to endovascularly deliver the replacement heart valve implant to an implant site within the patient, the deployment tool comprising an actuator adapted to exert an axially directed force on the anchor. The invention also provides a method for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement heart valve implant having a valve and an anchor to an implant site within the patient; and applying an axially directed force from an actuator outside of the patient to the anchor. In invention also provides deployment tools for performing the method. |
| US07824435B2 |
Therapeutic light-emitting device
An ambulatory device for use in a therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment, the device comprises an organic light-emitting semiconductor which, in use, covers an area to be treated and emits electromagnetic radiation to cause said therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment of the area. The light source may be extensive to provide uniform irradiation of the area to be treated and may be pulsed. The device may also include a photopharmaceutical. |
| US07824432B2 |
Method for installation of dynamic anterior cervical plate system having moveable segments
An anterior cervical plating system includes moveable plate segments to vary the overall length of the plate and allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and has the ability to produce the former from the latter. |
| US07824419B2 |
Laparoscopic trocar and facial closure systems and methods
A laparoscopic trocar and facial closure system. A trocar having a shaft member and a pointed tip, a telescoping cannular assembly having a pair of sleeve members, a needle receptor assembly having another sleeve member that is positioned over the shaft member, a needle actuation mechanism with a needle actuation rod having a handle, a needle assembly, and a needle release mechanism. Also, embodiments include a body member, a C-shaped portion, a pair of wings and a pivotal deployment mechanism for deploying the wings. |
| US07824414B2 |
System and devices for the repair of a vertebral disc defect
A system for repairing a vertebral disc defect, such as hernia or bulge, a full or partial tear in the annulus, or a weakened annulus wall as a result of an excision procedure. The system introduces a treatment device arranged to repair the defect, and may prevent the leakage of fluid from the nucleus. The components of the device may be resorbable materials, and may induce the ingrowth of cellular material into the components. The system may feature a locating device to ensure proper placement of the treatment device. |
| US07824413B2 |
Instruments and methods for bone anchor engagement and spinal rod reduction
An instrument for engaging a bone anchor may include a first implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end and a second implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end. The second implant engaging member may be pivotally connected to the first implant engaging member about a pivot point located proximate the distal ends of the first and second implant engaging members. Manipulation of the proximal ends of the first and second implant engaging member can cause each of the distal ends to rotate about the pivot point to engage at least a portion of a bone anchor. A rod adjusting tool may be connectable to the bone anchor engaging tool and may be axially adjustable relative to the bone anchor tool to adjust a spinal rod relative to the bone anchor. |
| US07824412B2 |
Cement/biologics inserter and method for bone-fastener fixation augmentation
An inserter and associated method improve the placement of a fastener into a bone. Although ideally suited to the placement of a pedicle screw into a vertebral body (VB), the apparatus and method are applicable to other bones and fasteners, pins, and the like. The apparatus includes cannulated body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded section therebetween. The proximal end is shaped for rotational tightening by a wrench or other tool, and the distal end including a perforated nozzle so that cement and/or biologics may be injected into the bone through the cannulated body. The proximal end includes a Lur-loc or other appropriate fitting to receive a cement-filled syringe. The device is also preferably disposable using, for example, clear plastic construction. The inserter may further including a member for sealing the nozzle relative to a bone. Such a member may be composed of a silatstic or other compressible material, or may be inflatable. At least the distal end of the device is preferably provided with varying diameters for different insertion sizes. |
| US07824409B2 |
Modular impaction grafting tamps
Methods for impaction grafting an intramedullary canal of a bone including a first canal portion and a second canal portion spaced along a canal axis. A first tamp may be moved axially within the canal to impaction graft the first canal portion. A second tamp may be mounted to the first tamp in axial sliding relationship and moved axially within the canal relative to the first tamp to impaction graft the second canal portion. The first and second tamps may be locked together in fixed axial relationship to prevent relative axial movement between the first tamp and the second tamp while the first tamp is moved to impaction graft the first canal portion before impaction grafting the first canal portion. The first and second tamps may be unlocked to permit relative axial sliding of the first and second tamps before impaction grafting the second canal portion. |
| US07824408B2 |
Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures
An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry. |
| US07824407B2 |
Treatment tool for endoscope
A treatment tool for an endoscope which grasps an object of treatment, includes: a flexible sheath; a forward-and-backward moving section; and elastic grippers, wherein each of the pair of arms includes: a connector; a bent portion; a rectilinear portion; and a distal clasp, wherein in conjunction with the forward and backward movement operation of the forward-and-backward moving section, the distal ends of the pair of arms are deployed when the pair of arms are projected from the distal end of the sheath, the distal ends of the pair of arms are closed by elastic deformation when the pair of arms are moved into the sheath. |
| US07824405B2 |
Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for laparoscopy
Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for treating tissue at a target site of a patient. An electrosurgical instrument includes a shaft, having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end, and an electrode assembly disposed at the shaft distal end. The electrode assembly includes at least one active electrode disposed on an electrode support. The instrument is adapted for coupling to a high frequency power supply or electrosurgical generator. Each active electrode is adapted for removing tissue from a target site and/or for localized coagulation of the target tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument is adapted for laparoscopic procedures. |
| US07824402B2 |
Methods and devices for ablation
An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation. |
| US07824400B2 |
Circuit for controlling arc energy from an electrosurgical generator
A circuit is disclosed which minimizes the amount of tissue vaporized during a first half (positive half cycle) of an electrosurgical current cycle and minimizes the amount of current applied to tissue during a second half (negative half cycle) of the electrosurgical current cycle to control thermal spread. The circuit is preferably provided within an electrosurgical generator which is capable of controlling the amount of energy delivered to a patient during electrosurgery on a per arc basis. |
| US07824397B2 |
Occlusion apparatus
Methods, apparatus, and systems for occluding a left atrial appendage are provided. One embodiment includes an elongate body having a tissue apposition member extendably positioned within a lumen of the elongate body to appose tissue of the LAA. An energy emitting device coupled to the elongate body can be used for emitting high intensity focused ultrasound to the tissues to fuse the tissues. |
| US07824394B2 |
Method and apparatus for dermatological treatment and tissue reshaping
The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for skin treatment and tissue remodeling. The apparatus includes an array of needles that penetrate the skin and serve as electrodes to deliver radio frequency current or other electrical or optical energy into the tissue being treated, causing thermal damage in controlled patterns. The damaged regions promote beneficial results such as uniform skin tightening by stimulation of wound healing and collagen growth. |
| US07824390B2 |
Spinal diagnostic methods and apparatus
Methods, devices and systems facilitate diagnosis, and in some cases treatment, of back pain originating in intervertebral discs. Methods generally involve introducing one or more substances into one or more discs using a catheter device. In one embodiment, a patient assumes a position that causes back pain, and a substance such as an anesthetic or analgesic is introduced into the disc to determine whether the substance relieves the pain. Injections into multiple discs may optionally be performed, to help pinpoint a disc as a source of the patient's pain. In some embodiments, the catheter device is left in place, and possibly coupled with another implantable device, to provide treatment of one or more discs. A catheter device includes at least one anchoring member for maintaining a distal portion of the catheter within a disc. |
| US07824386B2 |
Method for using a disposable absorbent article as a swim pant
Aspects of the present disclosure involve new methods for using disposable absorbent articles having replaceable absorbent core components as a swim pant. Non-removable absorbent core components may be disposed in a chassis of the disposable absorbent article. The absorbent article may also include replaceable absorbent core components adapted to be selectively disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. Embodiments of such absorbent articles can be configured for use as a swim pant or diaper with relatively low absorbency by removing the replaceable absorbent core component. Removal of the replaceable core component may be done without having to remove the absorbent article from the wearer. In addition, embodiments of the absorbent articles can be reconfigured for use as a high absorbency diaper by reinstalling a replaceable absorbent core component without having to remove the absorbent article from the wearer. |
| US07824383B2 |
Vaginal drug delivery system and method
A vaginal drug delivery system includes a device formed of porous material that holds a flowable therapeutic formulation. The device, preferably in a soft, prewetted state, is inserted into the vagina to reside typically at or near the cervix where it continuously releases the flowable therapeutic formulation through its outer surface which is in contact with the vaginal surfaces. In operation, the flowable therapeutic formulation migrates via capillary forces from a reservoir that is centrally located in the device and through a covering that envelopes the reservoir. |
| US07824382B2 |
Needle tip
A needle for medical uses, for example for inserting a dialysis membrane into human or animal tissue, wherein the needle has an end portion made of solid material and provided with at least two areas which intersect a longitudinal axis of the needle and each other whereby at least one line or point of intersection is formed between the at least two areas, the line or point of intersection in a needle region adjacent to the end portion. |
| US07824380B2 |
Method for mounting a gasket on a plunger
A gasket 7 used for a prefilled syringe 1 in which liquid 3 is filled, having a constriction 8 on its circumferential side face in contact with an inner surface of a syringe barrel 2 and having a bottom face 7c which is not in contact with the liquid 3 whose circumference is formed in a tapered shape. |
| US07824379B2 |
Syringe with needle guard injection device
The present invention provides for an injection device including a syringe with a proximal end, a distal end, a needle extending from the distal end, and a plunger inserted into the proximal end. A guard is slidable on the syringe, has a proximal end, a distal end, and is biased from a first position wherein the needle is exposed towards a second position wherein the guard covers the needle. The injection device includes first and second sets of cooperating detents for retaining the guard and syringe in the first and second positions, respectively. A latch member extends proximally from the guard that is engageable by the plunger as the plunger is depressed to release the first set of cooperating detents. Upon release, a spring element biases the guard towards the second position until the second set of cooperating detents engage and secure the guard in the second position. |
| US07824375B2 |
Slittable delivery device for the delivery of a cardiac surgical device
Disclosed herein is a slittable delivery device for the delivery of a cardiac surgical device. The delivery device includes a hub and a shaft integrated into the hub. The shaft forms at least a segment of the circumferential surface of the hub. The delivery device may also include a hemostasis valve contained substantially within the hub and a cap on a proximal end of the hub. The cap may include an opening in the cap extending radially outward from a point near a radial center of the cap through a circumferential edge of the cap. |
| US07824374B2 |
Controlling plunger drives for fluid injections in animals
A computer-controlled injector of the type having a motor which advances and retracts a plunger located within a syringe housing toward and away from a nozzle located in the front of the syringe to inject fluid into or out of an animal subject. Manual motion is induced by operating a manual motion control; the operator can manipulate the control to indicate the desired direction and velocity of motion. The manual motion control also has a locking mode in which manual motion of the plunger will continue once initiated without requiring the operator to continue manipulating the manual motion control. The injector performs injections in accordance with one of several pre-programmed protocols, and automatically tracks the fluid volume remaining. The injector compensates for plunger extenders found in some partially pre-filled syringes by applying a stored offset value to the computed plunger position. |
| US07824373B2 |
Self-contained power-assisted syringe
A self-contained and hand-held power-assisted syringe is provided which is suitable for the controlled injection of fluid material during medical procedures such as coronary angiography procedures which utilize small-bore and small sized guide catheter systems. The present invention provides a greater degree of injection power on-demand than was previously possible in a portable and hand-held syringe; and it can deliver larger volumes of radiopaque contrast medium at greater pressures than was previously possible using a conventional manual syringe. The power assisted syringe, along with all components necessary for its effective use and operation, may be pre-packaged and steriled within a single container and then disposed of after use. |
| US07824371B2 |
Fingertip-positioned artery stabilizer
An artery stabilizer device, which is held in place by a technician over a targeted artery using just one or two fingertips of the technician's hand, is provided for stabilizing the artery while the user inserts the needle of a syringe into the artery. A pair of stabilizer fingers, which protrude from the bottom surface of a finger-hold platform, hold the artery in place while the needle is inserted into the artery distal the tips of the stabilizer fingers. In one embodiment, a gauze pad is attached beneath the finger-hold platform, allowing the user to quickly apply a dressing over the wound created by the needle puncture. Another embodiment provides a needle guide between extended stabilizer fingers for stabilizing the needle during the arterial puncture. Each embodiment creates an augmented pulse at the targeted needle insertion site, making it easier for the technician to palpate the pulse there. Arterial line insertions can also be facilitated using this invention. |
| US07824370B2 |
Catheter
A system comprising a catheter (12) having an expandable element (18), which when expanded, has an annular shape surrounding a passageway. The expandable element in the expanded state is rollable along at least a portion of the shaft of the catheter without slipping. The system may be used for delivering an object to a site in the body, retrieving an object from a body, removing debris and/or other particulate matter from a blood vessel, and distending and/or expanding a pathologically-involved region of a blood vessel wall. |
| US07824369B2 |
Balloon catheter having osmotic inflation system
A system and method for inflating and deflating a catheter balloon using osmosis. An elongate catheter shaft has a proximally disposed osmotic membrane in fluid communication with a distally mounted balloon through a fluid-filled catheter lumen. The balloon is inflated by exposing the exterior of the membrane to a solution that is hypotonic relative to the solution within the catheter lumen. The balloon is deflated by exposing the exterior of the membrane to a solution that is hypertonic in relation to the solution within the catheter lumen. |
| US07824368B2 |
Method for endoscopic, transgastric access into the abdominal cavity
The present invention is a method for accessing the abdominal cavity of a patient in order to perform a medical procedure therein. In one embodiment the method includes the step of inserting a guide wire into the upper gastrointestinal tract, via a gastric opening in the gastric wall and an abdominal opening in the abdominal wall of the patient, the guide wire having a first end that extends from the mouth of the patient, and a second end that extends from the abdominal opening of the patient. The method further includes providing an access device in the form of an elongated sheath having a lumen therethrough, attaching the first end of the guide wire to the distal end of the elongated sheath, and pulling the second end of the guide wire to position the access device into the upper gastrointestinal tract, wherein the distal end of the access device extends into the abdominal cavity while the proximal end of the access device extends out of the mouth of the patient. |
| US07824367B2 |
Drainage catheter with locking hub
A drainage catheter hub for use in connection with a drainage catheter to receive and secure a suture therein, wherein the hub includes: (i) a housing having a channel to accommodate the suture therein; (ii) a bistable locking mechanism positioned in the housing and being adapted to provide selective securement of the suture; and (iii) a resilient outer layer utilized in connection with the bistable locking mechanism and coupled to the housing. The bistable locking mechanism is configured to: (i) allow movement of the suture when the bistable locking mechanism is in a first position; and (ii) minimize axial movement of the suture when the bistable locking mechanism is in a second position. The resilient outer layer is adapted to allow a user to actuate the bistable locking mechanism between the first and second positions to selectively secure and release the suture. |
| US07824357B2 |
Method and system for preventing contrast associated nephropathy
A method for preventing contrast associated nephropathy includes the steps of providing a multi-lumen dual balloon catheter and inserting the catheter into a patient's coronary sinus. The method also includes the steps of inflating the two balloons to block blood flow from the coronary sinus into the right atrium and draining blood containing contrast solution from between the two balloons through the catheter while the blood flow is blocked. A hemo filtration unit is used to remove contrast solution from the drained blood and the filtered blood returned to the right atrium. A multi-lumen dual balloon catheter is also disclosed. |
| US07824356B2 |
Method and apparatus for removal of gas bubbles from blood
A system is disclosed for removing gas bubbles from blood during circulatory assist procedures. Such bubbles are generated, along with particulate matter, in an extracorporeal circulatory bypass system by the pump, oxygenator and other components. Filters are used in the line to remove particulates and bubbles from the blood before they are pumped back to the patient but current filters are inefficient at removing small bubbles and debris that can cause neurological defects and renal and other organ failures in the patient. An active filter apparatus and method is disclosed that forces the bubbles to the center of the system where they are removed from the blood before the blood exits the filter. The filter comprises an axially elongate cylindrical shell with a blood inlet, a blood outlet and a gas outlet. A motor driven impeller spins the blood within the shell and forces the gas toward the center by centripetal force, utilizing the buoyancy effects of the bubbles in blood, whereby the bubbles can be bled off at the center of the filter element. |
| US07824350B2 |
Towel structure with projected energy body
A towel structure is configured with a plurality of energy bodies mounted on the surface of the towel to form a geometrical pattern with creation and artistry. Due to the energy bodies project from the surface, the energy bodies rub against the skin of the user when using to improve the blood circulation. Additional, the energy bodies mix with energy elements to promote the health of the user. |
| US07824346B2 |
Determining condyle displacement utilizing electronic models of dental impressions having a common coordinate system
A system and method for determining condyle displacement during jaw articulation includes a physical model with corresponding reference points. The physical model is positioned and scanned to obtain positional data representing a first and second bite position. This positional data is used to generate a transformation matrix. The position of at least one condyle is determined in reference to positional data scanned from the physical model. The transformation matrix is used to map the position of the condyle with respect to the second bite position. |
| US07824342B2 |
Tissue cutting device
A tissue cutting device includes an insertion section which is inserted inside a specimen and extends from a distal end to a proximal end, openings which are formed in a distal end side of the insertion section inserted into the specimen, tissue cutting members which pass through the openings, extend such as to protrude in a direction intersecting the axial line of the length direction from the distal end of the insertion section to the proximal end, and are drawn into the insertion section from the same openings after forming a loop which tissue can be inserted into, a control member which is connected to the tissue cutting members, and a controller for controlling the control member; tissue passed through the loops being cut by controlling the control member and drawing the tissue cutting members from the openings into the insertion section. |
| US07824341B2 |
Method and apparatus for locating the fossa ovalis and performing transseptal puncture
A method of identifying the fossa ovalis in a patient by positioning one or more electrodes against the tissue of the interatrial septum of the patient and acquiring unipolar and/or bipolar electrograms of the tissue of the interatrial septum while moving the electrodes to a plurality of positions against the tissue of the interatrial septum. The fossa ovalis is identified on the basis of unipolar voltage reduction, signal fractionation, broadened signal, reduced signal slew rate, reduced local myocardial impedance, increased phase angle and/or increased pacing threshold. An apparatus for identify the fossa ovalis is also provided. |
| US07824338B2 |
Apparatus for two-dimensional transducers used in three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging
A single chip transducer apparatus that includes on-chip electronic circuitry which, when connected properly to a two-dimensional matrix of ultrasonic transducer elements, provides enough information to an external imaging system to form three-dimensional images of the subject of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the circuitry provides an amplifier for each transducer element, and then conditions the output of the amplifier in several ways. In one embodiment of the invention, the elements' analog voltages are stored in a sample and hold circuit, and time multiplexed into a high speed line driver that sends many elements data down the interconnect to the system's high speed Analog to Digital converters. In another embodiment, the gain of the amplifiers can be controlled in time to provide aperture translation and time based expansion for translating and focusing image slices in the elevation direction. |
| US07824336B2 |
Ultrasonic apparatus for diagnosis and therapy
An ultrasonic apparatus for diagnosis and therapy is provided with plural ultrasound probes for generating ultrasound waves for phase shift, diagnosis, and therapy. A first control part causes phase shift in a nano droplet ultrasound contrast agent, while a second control part detects the phase shift of the nano droplet ultrasound contrast agent using ultrasound echo detected by an echo detection device. A difference calculation device calculates a difference of the detected phase shift over time, and a positioning device determines a target position where the difference is produced. A third control part is also provided for exposing a decided target area to the ultrasound waves for therapy. |
| US07824334B2 |
Ultrasonograph and method and program for generating ultrasonotomographic image
An ultrasonograph is provided with a frequency component adjuster that adjusts spatial frequency components of original image data RAW0 of an ultrasonotomographic image. The frequency component adjuster is constituted of an unsharp image data generator, a subtraction circuit, a weighting circuit, an integration circuit, a multiplication circuit and an addition circuit. The unsharp image data generator circuit generates unsharp image data RAWi (i=1 to 5) by reducing the spatial frequency components of the original image data RAW0 in five steps. The subtraction circuit generates differential image data ΔRAWj (j=1 to 4) by subtracting the unsharp image data RAW1 from RAWi-1. The weighting circuit weights the differential image data ΔRAWj by multiplying them by respective coefficients kj (−1 |
| US07824332B2 |
Retractor
The invention is a sternal retractor comprising a pair of arms each of which includes a downward extending blade, and one of which includes a proximal portion and a distal portion pivotally mounted on the proximal portion, a curved cross bar on which said arms are disposed so that in use the retractor can open the bottom of the sternum wider than the top of the sternum to minimize damage to the upper ribs and numbness, which sometimes occurs in the hands of open chest surgery patients. The retractor also has applications within other surgical procedures, as well, for the same general purpose of providing an opening of varying size along the length of an incision. |
| US07824331B1 |
Laryngoscope blade
A laryngoscope blade is detachably connectable to a hook-on-type laryngoscope handle in conformity with International Standard ISO-7376-1 or ISO 7376-3. The blade comprises a rigid housing having a lower, tongue-engaging flange section extending along the length thereof, a proximal base end provided with hooks or fittings for engaging complementary handle hooks or fittings in compliance with ISO-7376-1 and ISO-7376-3, the proximal base being provided with a hook or flange of such length that the hook or flange comes into contact with the top of the handle such that the blade is prevented from rotating downwardly to such a degree that the distal end of the blade comes into contact with the side of the handle and enabling the blade to be elevated into an operating position to maintain conductivity for powering a light source for the blade. |
| US07824330B2 |
Ceramic fiber optic taper housing for medical devices
A system for transmitting the light required for a medical device is disclosed generally comprising an endoscope body, a light guide for transmitting light from a light source to the instrument body, where the light guide includes a bundle of optical fibers having a tapered portion, and a ceramic housing disposed around at least part of the tapered portion of the bundle. In certain embodiments, the ceramic has a pigment for improving insulation. In some embodiments, the taper and ceramic housing are located in an endoscope handle, which may be coupled to the endoscope body via an input post, and in certain embodiments, the inner diameter of the ceramic housing has an increase substantially equal to the decrease of diameter of the taper. |
| US07824325B2 |
In vivo for improving diastolic ventricular function
The present invention provides an anatomically-compatible and physiologically-compatible in vivo device for improving diastolic function of either the left or right ventricle of the heart, comprising at least one air-impermeable sheet that is capable of being operatively connected to the external ventricular surface of the heart using one or more connecting elements, such that said at least one air-impermeable sheet is capable of creating a sub-atmospheric pressure within said closed empty space as a consequence of changes in the volume of said space during the course of the cardiac cycle, thereby exerting an outward and normally directed force on the external ventricular surface of the heart. |
| US07824322B2 |
Titanium production waste byproduct as partial cement replacement
An industrial waste byproduct from a titanium metal or a titanium dioxide production process can be utilized as a partial cement replacement. In some embodiments, the byproduct can comprise a byproduct from the production of titanium dioxide pigment from a sulphate process or from a chloride process. The cement can be used to make concrete and other cementitious material products for structural and non-structural uses, for example, grout, mortar, gunite, stucco, masonry, decorative stonework, bricks, blocks, roof tiles, floor tiles, cobblestones, pavers, combinations thereof, and the like. |
| US07824321B2 |
Creasing device for corrugated board sheet and corrugated-box making machine
A slotter-creaser unit includes an upper creasing head and a lower creasing head. A protruding portion is arranged on a periphery of the lower creasing head in a circumferential direction. A first pressing portion and a second pressing portion having different lengths and different curvature radiuses in a width direction are arranged opposite to each other across the protruding portion and in an alternate manner in the circumferential direction. |
| US07824317B2 |
Machine for training various kinds of abdominal and lumbar muscles
A user repeats a right and left swaying motion while holding a movable body in which a resistance force is generated by tension of an elastic member, hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, or the like, between his/her two legs, thereby efficiently strengthening, particularly, abdominal muscles, such as rectus muscles of an abdomen, external abdominal oblique muscles, and transverse abdominal muscles, erector muscles of a spine, or iliopsoas muscles, and strengthening various kinds of abdominal and lumbar muscles with an easy motion without laying burden on a waist, unlike the motion of making a user's upper body stand or lie down, which is conventionally seen. A machine trains various kinds of abdominal and lumbar muscles, by a movable body being held between the user's two legs and is swingably journalled to a base plate. The base plate is pivotable with respect to a seating plate on which a user sits, and a resistance force is loaded to the movable body in a swinging direction, and an elastic member, such as rubber or a spring, or a member using hydraulic pressure, is interposed between the movable body and the base plate. |
| US07824316B2 |
Punching bag
A punching bag is provided. The punching bag is positioned on a fixed pillar, and comprises a supporting frame, a foam layer, a force-bearing plate, and a punch pad. The supporting frame is attached and fastened to the fixed pillar. The foam layer is disposed on the supporting frame, and at least a sensing element is positioned on a surface of the foam layer for measuring an external punch force. The force-bearing plate is disposed on the foam layer and utilized for covering the foam layer, wherein at least an elastic element correspondingly attached to the at least a sensing element is positioned on an inner side of the force-bearing plate. The punch pad is utilized for covering and attaching to the force-bearing plate to bear the external punch force. |
| US07824315B2 |
Stair climbing exercise apparatus with improved bellows
An exercise apparatus includes a housing, a pair of pivoting foot treadles and a pair of reciprocating bellows that support the foot treadles. A sealed air system including a conduit interconnects the bellows and is operable for reciprocating transfer of air from bellow to bellow. Each of the foot treadles is pivotably movable between upper and lower positions, and has a resting position between the upper and lower positions. The resting position of the foot treadles defines a resting position of the bellows while the upper and lower positions of the foot treadles respectively define elongated and compressed positions of the bellows. In use, the elongated and compressed positions of the bellows are each no more than 5 degrees off the center resting position thereby reducing stress on the bellows. |
| US07824314B2 |
Adjustable stride length exercise method and apparatus
An exercise apparatus includes a frame for residing on a horizontal surface, a pair of arm-supporting members for supporting the user's arms and a pair of leg-supporting members for supporting the user's legs. A linkage assembly couples the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members to the frame and moves the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members in closed paths relative to the frame in response to user forces applied to the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members. The linkage assembly includes actuators for adjusting dimensions of the closed paths in response to control signal inputs. Sensors mounted on the linkage assembly generate force-indicating signals representing one or more of the user force. A user interface receives and processes the force-indicating signals and supplies the control signal inputs to the actuators, wherein a dimension of at least one of the closed paths is a function of at least one of the forces applied to the leg and arm-supporting members. |
| US07824310B1 |
Exercise apparatus providing mental activity for an exerciser
An exercise apparatus includes an input device, a communication circuit connected to a communication link, and a display device. A control circuit controls the communication circuit to contact a computer connected to the communication link in response to exerciser input to the input device and controls the display device to display mental activity data such as sports scores, stock prices, or a weather report received from the contacted computer while the exerciser exercises to thereby provide a mental activity for the exerciser. |
| US07824309B1 |
Method and apparatus for pacing human body exercises using audible cues
A method and apparatus for pacing human exercises includes a sequence of pre-recorded, repetitive humanly perceptible signals in which a first, accented signal pulse, such as the first beat in a four-four measure of musical time, establishes a repetitive rhythmic tempo to thus provide timing track signal for synchronizing various phases of an exercise. The rhythmic pulses, which are preferably provided by a percussion instrument such as a drum and accompanied by musical tones, are accompanied by instructions verbalized by an exercise trainer in synchronization with the timing track signal. The perceptible signals are preferably audible and are optionally accompanied by or replaced by visibly perceptible signals such as flashing lights. |
| US07824306B2 |
Power transmission device for a motor vehicle and method for using said device
The invention mainly relates to a power transmission device (1) between an internal combustion engine (2) and vehicle wheels (3) consisting of a pair of electrical machines (4.1, 4.2) and a mechanical assembly (90), wherein said assembly (90) comprises at least two epicycloidal trains (5, 9) each of which is provided with three mutually engageable elements. According to said invention, a switching device (23.1) comprises means (23, 28) for simultaneously connecting the machine shaft (11) to two other elements (11.1, 11.2) of the mechanical assembly (90) during switching between two operating modes of the transmission device (1). |
| US07824305B2 |
Integral sun gear coupling
A coupling system for connecting a sun gear to a shaft within a planetary gear train, includes a sun gear coupling connecting the sun gear to the shaft. The sun gear coupling has at least one undulant flexible section joined to an inflexible spindle for accommodating misalignment between the sun gear and the shaft. The flexible section comprises a cylindrical ring having a diameter greater than the diameter of the spindle, and joined to the spindle by two longitudinally spaced apart diaphragms. The juncture between the diaphragms, the ring, and the spindle is curved in cross section on an outer side to improve flexibility and minimize stress concentrations, and the inner sides of the diaphragms are straight edges which result in a non-symmetric contour of the diaphragm walls. |
| US07824304B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, first, second and third planetary gear sets, a first interconnecting member, a second interconnecting member and six torque-transmitting mechanisms. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The planetary gear sets each have first, second and third members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first, second, and third members with another of the first, second, and third members. |
| US07824303B2 |
8-speed transmission
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, two fixed interconnections, three external gear sets and a final drive gear set. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with one of the external gear sets. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various planetary and external gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. |
| US07824299B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. |
| US07824290B1 |
Rotational power distribution and control system
Rotational power distribution and control systems and components thereof along with related methods are disclosed. The rotational power distribution and control system may, for example, be operable to function similarly to a typical automotive manual clutch. Other embodiments of the rotational power distribution and control system may function as continuously or infinitely variable transmissions. Still further embodiments of the rotational power distribution and control system may function as hybrid drive systems for various types of vehicles, including automobiles, trucks and busses. The rotational power distribution and control system includes at least one hydrostatic pump/motor and a rotational power dividing apparatus. |
| US07824282B2 |
Volleyball approach and hit trainer
A volleyball approach and hit trainer mountable upon a volleyball net provided with a ball coupled to a cord coupled to a frame at a connection point. The ball retained above and offset forward of the top of the volleyball net, rotatable around the connection point. |
| US07824281B1 |
Method for using a wedge to improve a golfer's swing
A method for improving a golfer's swing using a training wedge composed of a rubberized foam and having an angled surface to force a golfer to have a steeper angle of attack. |
| US07824280B2 |
Golf club head
A head includes a head body, an additional member in which a contour shape obtained by a projection onto a plane has a rotational symmetric axis, and a holding mechanism for holding the additional member. The head body has a recess portion in which at least a part of the additional member can be fitted. The holding mechanism is constituted to enable a mutual transition of a holding state in which the additional member is held in the recess portion and a releasing state in which the hold is released. The recess portion inhibits a rotation around the rotational symmetric axis of the additional member in the holding state. The additional member is rotatable around the rotational symmetric axis in the releasing state. A phase of the additional member in the holding state is changed so that a position of a center of gravity of the head can be varied. |
| US07824279B2 |
Golf club head
This invention provides a golf club head including a plurality of score lines on a face. In the golf club head according to this invention, the angle between each side surface of the score lines and the face is 48° or more. Edges of the score lines are formed to be positioned within a second virtual circle with a radius of 0.011 inches, the second virtual circle being concentric with a first virtual circle which internally touches the side surface of the score line and the face with a radius of 0.010 inches. |
| US07824277B2 |
Metal wood club
A golf club head is provided with a body that has an address position with a zero degree bounce portion on the sole and a center sole position with a multi-relief surface of the sole having a negative bounce portion. The negative bounce portion may comprise a negative 0.5 to a negative 4.0 degree surface. In one embodiment, the multi-relief surface may comprise the negative bounce portion and a cutaway portion extending to the back of the sole, which may have a depth of about 0.05 to 0.5 inch from a regular sole surface. In another embodiment, the golf club head includes a weight system to adjust the center of gravity. In one embodiment, the weight system is a tube having a weight at one end that may be inserted into the golf club head to move the center of gravity at least forward and backward within 6 mm and up and down within 6 mm. Preferably, the tube is angled downward toward the face by at least 3 degrees. |
| US07824276B2 |
Golf practice apparatus and method
A golf practicing apparatus is provided which includes a club with a latch member. A target is provided which is held by a mount. When the golf club is swung in a predetermined manner, the target is released from the mount and is connected with the golf club. |
| US07824275B2 |
Golfing aid
A golfing aid 11 having two levelling sensors 32, 33 mounted on a D shaped sensor body 31 and a mounting means having three adjustable connectors 41, 51, 61 for adjusting the orientation of the D shaped sensor body 31 and an indication output in the form of spirit level bubbles 32, 33 for providing an indication of the sensed level orientation. A system of interactive adjustable connectors linked together to provide such variability that allows connection to any one of left and right handed clubs with different shaft diameters, different angle of putter shaft to putter head and different length shafts and different length putter heads to allow for substantially aligned overlying of the D shaped sensor body 31 over the putter head 23 while substantially aligning the golfing aid front face 34 correctly with the putter head front face 24. |
| US07824272B2 |
Wheel hub/joint unit
A wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit wherein a wheel hub (60, 90) with a through-aperture (59, 89) carrying inner shaft teeth (44, 74) is clamped to an outer joint part (46, 76) of a constant velocity fixed joint (42, 72), which outer joint part (46, 76) comprises a formed-on journal (53, 83) with outer shaft teeth (54, 84), wherein the inner shaft teeth (44, 74) of the through-aperture (59, 89) and the outer shaft teeth (54, 84) of the journal (53, 83) engage one another and wherein a double-row wheel bearing (43, 73) is slid on to the wheel hub (60, 90) which comprises an inner bearing race (64, 94) which directly supports an end face (52, 82) of the outer joint part (46, 76), wherein half the sum of the pitch circle diameter of the joint balls PCD and the bearing width BL is greater than the center-to-center distance AGL between the constant velocity universal joint (42, 72) and the wheel bearing (43, 73). |
| US07824271B2 |
Device for adjusting the relative angular position of two rotating elements
In a device for adjusting the relative angular position of two rotating elements which are connected to a drive and, via a transmission element, to an actuating shaft by which, driven by a rotor of an electric actuating drive including a winding, the relative angular position of the rotating elements can be changed, the actuating shaft is operatively connected to at least one of the rotating elements and the winding is biased axially into engagement with one of the rotating elements for locking the drive while the electric actuating drive is de-energized. |
| US07824268B2 |
Live hosted online multiplayer game
A live-hosted multiplayer online gaming system includes a plurality of game clients, a game controller, and a live-operator input. The game controller includes logic to operate a live-hosted multiplayer online game, logic to couple the game controller to the plurality of game clients via a network, and logic to receive inputs from and to send outputs to the plurality of game clients. The live operator console further includes logic to couple the live operator input to the game server to enable communication between the live operator input and the game controller, logic to synchronize the live operator input to the current game state, and logic to send messages to the game controller that cause the game controller to create events that control at least in part the execution of the live hosted multiplayer online game. |
| US07824266B2 |
Storage medium having game program stored thereon, game apparatus and input device
An origin which is set by a pointing device is drawn and moved according to a player's operation in order to carry out an operation in which a joystick is emulated, and therefore the operation in which the pointing device is used can be carried out in accordance with the player's controllability, and further a distance between the origin and a point at which the player operates the pointing device does not become longer than is necessary, and therefore the response to the operation can be improved. |
| US07824264B2 |
Random bonus prize shown on the system display
A default bonus award and a set of non-default bonus awards are determined for a type of gaming machine. A criterion for qualifying for a bonus award is also determined. Then, if a bonus session is active and a player meets the criterion, a bonus award is randomly selected for the player. In one embodiment, the random bonus award is selected immediately after the player is identified at the gaming machine, before he has begun play. |
| US07824258B2 |
Methods and systems for providing paper based outcomes
Gaming devices may generate outcomes to be sold in printed form. Representations of the outcomes, corresponding payouts, and other information are printed on sheets of paper. Multiple printed outcomes are assembled into books, wrapped, and sold to consumers. Consumers may purchase the books and browse through the printed outcomes at their leisure. When finished with a book, a consumer may submit a portion of the book to the casino that sold the outcomes. The casino may then pay the player based on the payouts associated with the outcomes in the book. |
| US07824257B2 |
On-line lottery game in which supplemental lottery-selected indicia are available for purchase
There is provided a lottery game with a supplemental game. The player plays the lottery game by selecting a plurality of numbers and the player also has the option of playing the supplemental game. The lottery authority selects a set of winning numbers for the lottery game and also selects a set of supplemental numbers. If the player has opted to play the supplemental game, his numbers will not only be compared with the winning numbers but also with the supplemental numbers. The total number of matches between the player's numbers and winning numbers and supplemental numbers determines the player's prize. |
| US07824253B2 |
System and method for providing real world value in a virtual world environment
A system and a method is provided wherein real world monetary or cash values are placed on virtual world avatars, avatar possessed or avatar purchasable virtual world items, environmental virtual world items and virtual world computer generated non-player characters (NPCs), such as slayable beasts, monsters, creatures, or humanoids. These NPCs or other avatars (i.e., other players' avatars) have the ability to defeat and collect the cash value of avatars and their gear, thus gaining cash value for the NPC or the avatars. This cash value is then winnable by any avatar with the skill to best the NPC or other avatar. In this system and method, a real world cash value of an avatar is established and can be increased or decreased based upon the avatar's interaction with other avatars, the virtual world environment and/or a player's investment of real world cash value. |
| US07824251B2 |
Method and device for processing a carcass part of a slaughtered poultry
The invention relates to a method and a device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, which carcass part comprises at least part of a rib cage, meat which is naturally present on said rib cage, a neck opening, and a wing joint, the carcass part having an interior which method comprises the following steps: applying and fixing the carcass part to a product carrier, which product carrier is moveable and which product carrier engages the interior of the carcass part, moving a wing-joint positioning member via said neck opening into the interior of the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning member being provided with one or more wing-joint positioning surfaces, which are arranged in such a manner that, in a defined position of the first wishbone blade with respect to the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning surfaces hold said wing joint into a predetermined position, exerting an internal pressure on the carcass part, in such a manner that said one wing joint is supported in the predetermined position by a wing-joint positioning surface of the first wishbone blade. |
| US07824250B2 |
Magazine for storage rods for receiving sausage-shaped products and method for supplying the storage rods for loading with sausage-shaped products
A magazine for storage rods for receiving sausage-shaped products, comprising one or a plurality of vertically extending shafts 2 in which the storage rods 3 are to be arranged one above the other, wherein a separation means is provided at the bottom end of the respective shafts 2, said separation means having retention devices 4, 5 which can be moved into the interior of the shaft for successive operating positions for releasing the bottommost storage rods 7. |
| US07824242B2 |
Asymmetrical underwire arrangement
In a bra having a pair of cups each with a central area and a lower perimeter area, the improvement of an asymmetric underwire arrangement including one shorter curved underwire extending in the lower perimeter area of one cup, and one longer curved underwire extending in the lower perimeter area of the other cup, the underwires each having inner ends that are adjacent each other at a central location where the pair of cups meet, and outer ends that are spaced away from each other, the inner end of the longer underwire extending further into the central location than that of the shorter underwire for enhancing cleavage for a woman wearing the bra. |
| US07824241B2 |
Novelty spy kit
A novelty spy kit for the enjoyment of children and adults that includes an electronic spy safe, a mobile fingerprint analyzer, and a covert messaging system. The safe is bifurcated with a first section that features a central processing unit and a pivoting door panel that provides the user access to a simulated palm scanner which facilitates access to the storage area of the second section. A mobile fingerprint analyzer embodied as a wristwatch with a face that displays a working digital clock and is pivotally attached to expose a secret compartment used for analyzing fingerprint samples. The covert messaging system teaches a pair of eyeglasses having red LEDs incorporated therein and stationery that bears alphanumeric indicia randomly arranged thereon. Using a special pen, the user can secretly transcribe a message that can only be viewed under the illumination of the red LEDs projected from the eyeglasses. |
| US07824234B2 |
Connector in which contacts are held by a housing including first and second housing members, and in which a retaining portion of the contacts abuts the second housing member when the housing members are assembled
A connector which makes it possible to prevent contacts from being removed without increasing press-in force of the contacts. A crank-shaped portion or protruding portion is formed, as a retaining portion, on an linking portion which links a contact portion and a connection portion of each contact. A housing for holding a plurality of the contacts is comprised of a front housing in which contact-side portions of the contacts are disposed, and a rear housing in which connection-side portions of the same are disposed. When the front housing and the rear housing are assembled, the crank-shaped portion and the protruding portions are brought into abutment with the rear housing. |
| US07824233B2 |
Electrical plug connector with lockable insulating body that is unlockable without tools
An electrical plug connector with a tube-shaped housing section in which a multi-part insulating body with electrical contact elements is disposed, with the insulating body having at least one contact carrier with radially inserted contact elements and a contact carrier sleeve element for holding the contact elements that can be pushed onto the contact carrier. The pre-assembled insulating body can be inserted in the axial direction into the housing section from the side of the housing section that is opposite the plug-in side of the plug connector, with the contact carrier being non-permanently lockable with the contact carrier sleeve element and with the contact carrier sleeve element being non-permanently fixable on the housing section. The invention proposes to implement the contact carrier sleeve element with axially arranged spring arms at a rear sleeve end that faces away from the insertion side, with at least one first spring arm having an outer locking element protruding radially towards the housing section, and at least one second spring arm having an inner locking element projecting radially in the direction of the contact carrier. |
| US07824232B2 |
Multi-position mixed-contact connector with separable modular RJ-45 coupler
A connector system includes a first connector part including at least one first cavity formed therein. The first connector part has at least one first contact. The system includes a second connector part including at least one second cavity formed therein. The second connector part is complementary to the first connector part such that when the first and second connector parts mate together. The first and second cavities are at least partially aligned and the first and second contacts are placed in electrical contact with one another. The system also includes a printed circuit board sub-assembly including a printed circuit board, a plurality of spring contacts that are electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The sub-assembly has a stabilizing element that includes a plurality of vanes with the spring contacts being disposed between the vanes. The sub-assembly is securely disposed within the first connector part such that the spring contacts are accessible along both a front surface thereof and along an opposite second surface thereof. |
| US07824231B2 |
Internal crosstalk compensation circuit formed on a flexible printed circuit board positioned within a communications outlet, and methods and system relating to same
A communications outlet includes eight outlet tines positioned adjacent to one another and define four pairs of outlet tines. The fourth and fifth outlet tines define a first pair, the first and second outlet tines define a second pair, the third and sixth outlet tines define a third pair, and the seventh and eighth outlet tines define a fourth pair. Each outlet tine has a free end near which a plug tine is adapted to contact the outlet tine and each outlet tine has a fixed end coupled through a corresponding conductive tine to a corresponding electrical contact. The communications outlet includes an internal crosstalk compensation stage having a plurality of conductive fingers. Each conductive finger is physically connected to a corresponding one of the outlet tines proximate the free ends of the tines. The internal crosstalk compensation stage is operable to provide positive compensation for internal crosstalk between pairs corresponding to the tines to which the conductive fingers of the flexible printed circuit board are attached. |
| US07824230B1 |
Audio plug
An audio plug includes an insulating housing of substantial column shape, a plurality of cylindrical audio contacts made up of a tip contact, a first contact and second contact, a fixing element with two indention areas symmetrically formed at an outer surface thereof and spaced away from each other, and two isolated grounding contacts of arc shape. Each of the grounding contacts has an arc contact slice received in the indention area of the fixing element, conforming to an outer periphery of the fixing element. The tip contact, the first contact, the second contact, and the fixing element with the grounding contacts attached thereto are arranged in turn and molded to the insulating housing in once, forming as a single piece. |
| US07824226B1 |
Electrical terminal
An electrical terminal integrated with an insulating housing by means of insert molding includes a long and narrow base plate embedded in the insulating housing, a soldering portion extended from one end of the base plate and a contact portion connected with the other end of the base plate. The base plate defines at least one fixing hole passing therethrough at a portion thereof. Portions of two opposite sides of the base plate are recessed inward to form at least one pair of opposite openings. A pair of opposite buckling tabs is extended outwardly from inmost edges of the pair of opening, slanted and bent downward. During molding, the fluent plastic material flows into the fixing hole and the openings, the buckling tabs are buckled and embedded in the insulating housing. |
| US07824225B1 |
Electrical connector having terminals insert molded to a base board
An electrical connector includes an insulating body and a row of terminals formed by cutting a metal sheet. The insulating body has a base board defining a row of terminal cavities. Each of the terminal cavities includes a fixing cavity. A plurality of exit cavities each is formed between two adjacent fixing cavities. The terminals are insert molded to the base board and have respective plate-shaped fixed portions spaced from each other. Each adjacent two fixed portions have two pairs of inner connecting arms protruded from the fixed portions towards each other and spaced with each other. The fixed portions and the inner connecting arms are embedded in the corresponding fixing cavities. Each adjacent two pairs of the inner connecting arms are formed by cutting out a middle part of an inner connecting portion which connects corresponding portions of each adjacent two fixed portions from the corresponding exit cavity. |
| US07824222B2 |
Connector
The invention provides a connector in which, in an over-mold process, it is possible to prevent a molten resin from flowing through inevitable gaps (88, 89) of a shell (80) into the inside of the shell, thereby preventing problems such as that movable portions of contacts (20) become immovable, from arising. The connector of the invention has a plug body (10) in which contacts (20) to be connected to a cable (70) are held by an insulative body (40), the body (40) is shielded by a shell (80) formed by a metal plate, and a part of the plug body (10) is over-molded. The body (40) has sealing portions (41, 42) which are fitted into gaps (88, 89) of the shell (80) to close the gaps (88, 89). |
| US07824221B2 |
Connector
The invention provides a connector in which, while miniaturization and thinning are attained at a level equivalent to the conventional art, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon that molten solder drips from a wire connecting portion to form a solder bridge between adjacent contacts, from occurring, and a cable can be soldered to the wire connecting portion with excellent workability and high strength. In the connector of the invention, each of terminal portions (25) of plural contacts (20) which are juxtaposed in the pitch direction has a wire connecting portion (26, 27, 28) to which a lead wire (71, 72, 73, 74) drawn out from a cable (70) is to be soldered. The wire connecting portion is expansively opened along the connector thickness direction which is perpendicular to: an insertion/extraction direction of the connector with respect to a counter connector; and the pitch direction perpendicular to the insertion/extraction direction. |
| US07824220B2 |
Electrical connector
The present invention discloses an electrical connector, including a housing, a base body with its front end extending to form a tongue, whose one surface is disposed with a plurality of first terminal slots and whose other surface is disposed with a plurality of second terminal slots, with the first and second terminal slots being alternately arranged in a top/down fashion; a first terminal assembly; and a second terminal assembly; such that when the above components are assembled, a display port plug or a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) plug can be plugged therein and all or some of the terminals of the first and second terminal assemblies are used to achieve electrical connection. |
| US07824211B1 |
Power adapter cable
A power adapter cable is adapted to be connected between a charger having mating electrode passages with mating electrode pins therein and a power plug having mating electrode plugs with mating inserting holes. The power adapter cable includes an adapter plug having a base, an adapter socket having an insulating body and a wire connected therebetween. A front surface of the base is protruded forward to form electrode plugs with inserting holes passing therethrough. The electrode plugs of the adapter plug are inserted into the mating electrode passages of the charger with the mating electrode pins being inserted into the inserting holes. A rear surface of the insulating body is recessed inward to form electrode passages with electronic pins therein. The mating electrode plugs of the power plug are inserted into the electrode passages of the adapter socket with the electrode pins being inserted into the mating inserting holes. |
| US07824210B2 |
Connector
A connector includes a male connector part composed of a male terminal, a first main body to which the male terminal is attached, and a first terminal housing portion composed of a first housing opening portion in which an end of the male terminal is exhibited and a predetermined housing space in which the male terminal is housed, a female connector part composed of a female terminal into which the male terminal is inserted, the male terminal being electrically connected to the female terminal by fitting the male connector part with the female connector part, a holding means inside the female terminal for holding the male terminal in a vertical direction, and a touch protecting means inside the first terminal housing portion for protecting the male terminal housed in the predetermined housing space from being touched by a foreign body. The touch protecting means includes an insulating portion for covering a part of the male terminal including the end of the male terminal except a part contacting the holding means when the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal, and a pair of projecting portions projecting in the predetermined housing space of the first terminal housing portion and at a position opposite the part contacting the holding means when the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal such that the male terminal is sandwiched therebetween in the vertical direction. |
| US07824206B1 |
Digital multimedia connectors that secure to corresponding digital multimedia receptacles
A system includes a digital multimedia connector of a digital multimedia cable. The digital multimedia connector includes a first housing enclosing a first plurality of electrical contacts, a retainer adjacent and external to the first housing, and a release. The system includes a digital multimedia receptacle. The digital multimedia receptacle includes a second housing to receive the first housing of the digital multimedia connector, a second plurality of electrical contacts to couple to the first plurality of electrical contacts, and a support to receive at least a portion of the retainer. The digital multimedia cable is inhibited from separating from the digital multimedia receptacle and an electrical connection between the first plurality of electrical contacts and the second plurality of electrical contacts is maintained when the retainer of the digital multimedia connector is received by the support of the digital multimedia receptacle. |
| US07824202B1 |
Dental lamp with improved lamp socket
Disclosed herein is a dental lamp socket assembly especially adapted for use with dental lamps. The dental lamp socket assembly is configured to dramatically increase the ease at which bulbs can be placed and/or replaced in and out of the socket assembly. |
| US07824201B2 |
Switch actuated normalling jack for patchbays
A jack has first and second jack ports, first and second contacts, and a switch having a full, half, and no normal positions. In the full normal position, the switch couples the first and second contacts together when no plug is inserted into either the first or second jack port, and the switch conditions the jack so that, when a plug is inserted into either the first or second jack port, the coupling between the first and second contacts is broken, the first contact is coupled to the plug if the plug is in the first jack port, and the second contact is coupled to the plug if the plug is in the second jack port. In the half normal position, the jack operates in the same way except that, when a plug is inserted into the second jack port, the coupling between the first and second contacts is maintained. In the no normal position, there is no coupling between the first and second contacts whether or not a plug is inserted into either the first jack port or the second jack port. |
| US07824196B1 |
Multiple outlet electrical receptacle
An electrical receptacle with a body sized to fit in a NEMA-standard single wall box has a substantially rectangular face with phase blade openings, neutral blade openings and ground prong openings associated with respective first, second and third outlets, each outlet having a centerline passing through its ground prong opening parallel to its phase and neutral blade openings. The centerline of the first outlet is oblique to the edges of the face and oblique to the centerline of at least one other outlet. The centerlines of all of the outlets may be mutually nonparallel, and they may be mutually oblique. The centerline of the second outlet may be parallel to an edge of the face; and if so, the centerline of the third outlet may be either perpendicular to or parallel to the centerline of the second outlet. In a preferred arrangement, the centerlines are mutually nonparallel, and the ground prong openings of two of the outlets are located at corners of the face that share a common longer edge. All of the arrangements simultaneously accommodate plugs, chargers and transformers of many known sizes and types. |
| US07824193B2 |
Connector
A connector capable of suppressing crosstalk between adjacent different pairs of signal lines on a printed circuit board, and facilitating impedance matching. The connector includes first signal contacts each including a signal terminal portion, second signal contacts each including a signal terminal portion, first ground contacts each including bifurcated terminal portions, second ground contacts each including a terminal portion, and a housing which holds these contacts. Each signal terminal portion, bifurcated terminal portion and terminal portion are mounted on a printed circuit board. Virtual lines connecting terminal portions forming each first terminal portion group form a quadrangle. Virtual lines connecting terminal portions forming each second terminal portion group form a triangle. The first and second terminal portion groups are arranged along a predetermined direction in an alternating manner. |
| US07824191B1 |
Connector with conductor piercing prongs for a solar panel
The present invention comprises an electrical connector device for electrically connecting an alternating current (“AC”) photovoltaic (“PV”) solar panel device having an integral micro-inverter to the utility grid. The electrical connector device is a compression connector fitting that includes an upper and lower housing, which each include a channel for receiving the main electrical conductor line. The electrical connector device further includes three electrical prong, which are designed to pierce and penetrate the insulation of the main electrical conductor line to establish an electrical connection between the micro-inverter and the utility grid, when the electrical connector device is compressed about the main electrical conductor line. The shape of the channel formed in the electrical connector device has a distinctive cross-sectional shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the main electrical conductor line to insure proper alignment and orientation of the main conductor line within the connector device. |
| US07824185B2 |
Outlet device with changeable position features
An outlet device has position changeable features including at least one of outlet-unit with a plurality of resilient contacts and socket-set receiving-areas to connect with a device's electricity supply bus to deliver an electric signal from an electric signal source to the socket-set receiving-areas. The position of the outlet-units is changeable when a force applied to an outlet-unit or outlet-device, enabling the outlet device to accommodate all different sizes of plug. |
| US07824184B2 |
Integrated central manifold for orthopedic simulator
An orthopedic simulator is provided with an integral central manifold that provides internal routing of pressurized hydraulic fluid, compressed air, or electrical power to the actuators of the orthopedic simulator. The integral manifold is structurally coupled to support elements and resist and transfer bending and shear forces to the support elements. |
| US07824182B2 |
Dental filing tool
A dental filing tool includes a handle and a filing strip, wherein the handle includes first and second handle parts, each having a bridge and corresponding first and second arms extending therefrom, the handle parts connectable by a plurality of snap fittings and forming finger pads at either end when snapped together. Male snap fittings may include one or more cross-slots extending at least part of the length of the male snap fitting. A filing strip includes abrasive material on one or both faces, or a sharp-edged perforation pattern, and one or more serrated edges. The interior surfaces of the handle may be beveled to improve comfort and better fit between teeth. The bridge portion of the handle parts can include a raised portion and indicia formed into or printed on the raised portion. |
| US07824180B2 |
Systems and methods for dental appliance compliance indication
An apparatus for monitoring orthodontic treatment compliance includes an appliance adapted to be worn over one or more teeth; and a compliance indicator mounted on the appliance to indicate compliance. |
| US07824179B2 |
Device and method for feeding fuel
The present invention provides a fuel feeding apparatus and method for improving the controllability of mixing process and mixing ratio of fuel and combustion air, and a combustion system and method for effecting new combustion properties. The fuel feeding apparatus of the combustion system has fuel feeding means, combustion gas extraction means, steam supply means, mixing means and fuel gas introduction means. The combustion gas extraction means extracts combustion gas of a combustion area therefrom. The mixing means mixes the fuel of fuel feeding means with at least one of combustion gas extracted from the furnace and steam of a steam generator. The fuel gas introduction means introduces a mixed fluid of combustion gas, steam and fuel to the combustion area as a fuel gas, and allows the fuel gas to be mixed with the combustion air. A step of mixing the fuel with the combustion gas after extracted from the furnace and a step of mixing the fuel gas with the combustion air are stepwisely carried out, so that the controllability of mixing process and ratio of the air and fuel is improved. Such a control of fuel gas flow enables control of characteristics of flame and production of flame with new properties in the combustion area. |
| US07824177B2 |
Combustion apparatus
Provided is a combustion apparatus that can positively prevent a combustible gas present in the vicinity from catching fire in performing prepurge, which involves exhausting air from a combustion chamber provided with a burner, before igniting the burner. The combustion apparatus 1 contains combustion control means 6 that ignites the burner after performing prepurge by use of a fan 4, and gas detection means 5 that is provided between an air supply port 7 and the fan 4 and detects the concentration of a combustible gas. The combustion control means 6 ascertains, before starting the prepurge, whether a combustible gas of a preset maximum concentration or higher is detected by use of the gas detection means 5 (STEP 1) and prohibits the prepurge by prohibiting the energization of the fan 4 when a combustible gas of the maximum concentration or higher has been detected (STEP 2). |
| US07824174B2 |
Metal mold for blow molding
A metal mold for blow molding which may prevent a mold biting while maintaining a blowing performance and may mold a thermoplastic-elastomer article having a stable shape. In a blow molding metal mold provided with an annular loosely surrounding part for loosely surrounding an end part of a parison, a clearance between an outer peripheral surface of the end part and an inner peripheral surface of the loosely surrounding part at a parting line of the metal mold is larger than a clearance at the other parts than the parting line. |
| US07824172B2 |
Food portioning system
A food portioning system to efficiently output portion food material, the system including a hopper, a mold plate, air knockout assembly, and air and hydraulic cylinders. Flowable food material is put into the hopper where it is pushed into the mold cavity of the mold plate. By the action of the air and hydraulic cylinders, the mold plate is driven to a knockout position where the air knockout assembly releases compressed air onto the mold cavity to knock out the portioned food from the mold cavity. |
| US07824171B2 |
Corner-consolidating inflatable apparatus and method for manufacturing composite structures
An inflatable compaction tool for consolidating a composite material inside a faceted hollow or tubular mold for a composite part is made from an elastic material. The compaction tool includes relatively flat wall segments conjoined by corner segments that define a sealed chamber. The wall segments curve away from the mold surface toward the midpoint of each wall segment, so that as a pressurized fluid is introduced into the compaction tool, a component of the force exerted on the tool interior surface is transmitted through the wall segments toward the corner segments. Thus, during initial inflation, the corner segments are forced toward the corner regions of the mold before the wall segments contact the composite material, firmly compressing the composite material into the corner regions of the mold before the friction of the wall segments against the composite material inhibits expansion of the corner segments into the mold corner regions. |
| US07824169B2 |
Stretching apparatus for web of thermoplastic synthetic resin
A stretching apparatus for thermoplastic synthetic resin improved so as to ensure that a web can be easily stretched over its entire width. The stretching apparatus 2 for a thermoplastic synthetic resin web 1 comprises a plurality of first stretching members L arranged in a circumferential direction on a peripheral surface of a drum 6 rotating in a machine direction M. The drum 6 is provided around its rotating shaft 8 with rotatable members 7 adapted to rotate in synchronization with the drum 6 in the direction in which the drum 6 rotates. The rotatable members 7 are respectively provided with a plurality of second stretching members U operatively associated with the first stretching members U. Surfaces of the first and second stretching members L, U associated with each other are defined by convex portions 31, 41 and concave portions 32, 42 extending in parallel to the shaft 8 and alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum 6 in a complementary fashion to each other so that these surfaces of the first and second stretching members L, U configured in this manner may be engaged with and disengaged from each other. At least one of the first stretching member L and the second stretching member U is movable in the radial direction of the drum 6. |
| US07824167B2 |
Clamping machine
A new clamping machine is disclosed, which can perform a straight-hydraulic mold clamping and a tie-bar drawing-out operation in a reduced working space, and enables a shortened mold exchanging time, by effecting retraction of a movable die plate and a tie-bar drawing-out operation simultaneously. In order to draw out tie bars 18 from a fixed die plate 10 only when molds are exchanged, annular pistons 36, which construct mold clamping cylinders in the fixed die plate, are provided. Abutting each piston, a pair of half nuts 48A, 48B are arranged and driven to engage with an engagement portion 18A provided at one end of each tie bar on the side of the fixed die plate, usually, other than during the drawing out operation. A relative position of each tie bar to the half nuts is set to be able to engage with the half nuts when a right end face of the tie bar contacts with the stopper plate 46. When pressure for clamping molds is increased during such engagement, the annular pistons are driven to transmit a force, for performing an initial operation, to the tie bars. |
| US07824165B2 |
System for resin curing
Among other things, there is disclosed a system for curing a resin in a composite structure having one or more interconnected cure volumes, the cure volumes having one or more heatable surface zones. The system comprises a mould comprising a mould base portion adapted to support the composite structure and a mould closure portion adapted to overlie the mould base portion in sealable relation to define a mould chamber containing the composite structure within. The system further comprises a plurality of heating units each selectively positionable about the mould. The heating units transmit heat to the mould by radiation, and the mould heats the one or more surface zones of the cure volumes. |
| US07824163B2 |
Injection molding system having a bus
An injection molding system includes a mold having a hot half and a cold half, the hot half including a hot runner. A bus transceiver is located in the mold. At least one electrical device associated with the operation of the mold is located in the mold and electrically coupled to the bus transceiver. A controller for controlling the mold is located outside the mold. A bus line electrically couples the controller to the bus transceiver of the electrical device apparatus includes an injection manifold having an inlet and a melt channel. |
| US07824161B2 |
Pump secondary seal
A centrifugal pumps secondary seal is disposed between the pump housing cover (130) in the seal chamber and includes a rotatable annular slinger (440) axially disposed on the pump motor shaft for slinging water away from the motor shaft and a flange protector (300) with a drain (400, 430) for diverting and directing free liquid from the seal chamber and outside the motor and pump housing (130, 230), thereby preventing corrosion of the seal chamber components, such as the motor flange (230), drive shaft and other motor components, due to exposure to water. |
| US07824160B2 |
Scroll compressor and refrigerating apparatus
A scroll back pressure chamber in a scroll compressor is composed of a space 111 filled with suction pressure (or intermediate pressure) and a space filled with discharge pressure, and the summation of the suction pressure (or the intermediate pressure) and the discharge pressure presses one of scrolls against the other of the scrolls. An injection hole, through which refrigerant in gas state or refrigerant in liquid state is injected into a compression chamber of the scroll compressor, is provided on a fixed scroll, and the gas refrigerant injection or the liquid refrigerant injection is selected and carried out according to an operating pressure ratio. |
| US07824149B2 |
Turbine
A turbine has a hollow conical rotor sealed by a base end cap. The outer race of a bearing is centered and mounted on the end cap. An intake shaft mounted within the bearing's inner race passes through the race. High-pressure fluid introduced into a passage within the intake shaft passes through a nozzle arm and nozzle mounted on the intake shaft within the interior of the rotor and is directed by the nozzle against the inner surface of the rotor. Friction and adhesion between the fluid and the inner surface transfers kinetic energy to the rotor, causing it to rotate. Fluid is exhausted from the interior of the cone through a passage in an output shaft attached to the apex of the rotor. Mechanical power may be extracted from the rotating output shaft directly, or through pulleys, gears, or other means. The turbine may be enhanced by addition of a cylinder between the base of the cone and the end cap, providing more surface area for energy exchange. |
| US07824145B2 |
Common pivot and support member for attachment interface
An attachment interface adapted for use with a loader is discussed. The attachment interface includes a horizontally extending cross member configured to be pivotally attached to the loader at each of first and second ends. The attachment interface further includes a first attachment mounting bracket having a generally flat portion and a brace that is attached to and perpendicularly extends from the generally flat portion. A second attachment mounting bracket is spaced apart from the first attachment mounting bracket. The horizontally extending cross member is attached to the brace and the second attachment mounting bracket and wherein the second attachment bracket is otherwise unattached to the first attachment bracket. |
| US07824144B2 |
Compact system for lifting and moving a pressurized tank
A hoist with a cradle for coupling with a pressurized tank. A primary means of restraining the tank on the cradle is provided along with a backup means should the primary means fail for any reason. A linear actuator assembly raises the cradle up to 27 inches from the floor surface. An onboard battery with an integrated battery charger provides power to the linear actuator. A compact base with swivel casters allows a raised tank to be safely lifted and transported by a single operator. The compact size of the hoist allows it to operate in confined spaces. |
| US07824143B2 |
Bookbinding apparatus
A bookbinding apparatus includes: a replenishing device having a pellet storing section that stores pellets of adhesive and a replenishing member that takes out the pellets in a countable manner from the pellet storing section; an adhesive reservoir that melts the pellets replenished from the replenishing member and stores the molten adhesive liquid; a coating device having a coating member that coats the adhesive scooped up from the adhesive liquid; a replenishment sensor that detects the number of pellets replenished to the adhesive reservoir; and a controller that controls the replenishing member based on an output of the replenishment sensor. |
| US07824138B2 |
Low-profile wheel chock assembly
A low elevational profile of each of a pair of first and second wheel chocks for restraining a current “low-drag” motor vehicle in a carrier, such as a railway car, is derived from each wheel chock having an internally webbed, elongated stepped-box body terminated with a relatively short rectangular box having its inner wall integrally formed with the stepped-box body. The body of the first chock is essentially a mirror-image of the second chock body. The low profile of a wheel chock allows each to be positioned under a vehicle the rocker panel of which has its lower edge only 148 mm (5.82 inches) above the surface upon which the vehicle's tire rests, so that the installed chock height is reduced to 47.6 mm (1.87″) under the components of the vehicle's body. The assembly may include a pair of “active” chocks; or, one active chock and one anchor chock. A single window in the upper portion of the stepped-box provides access for a strap of a wheel harness, which strap is wrapped around a torque tube in an active chock. The torque tube in one chock is rotatable in a direction opposite to that of the torque tube of the other chock. With a pair of active chocks, hooks on straps of a prior art harness are eliminated because it is difficult and time-consuming to manipulate a tire harness with its straps and hooks to secure the tire between the wheel chocks. When one chock is an anchor chock, one end of the strap is provided with a hook which is anchored to a rod or tube which is substituted for the rotatable torque tube. |
| US07824135B2 |
Drill, and drilling method
The invention relates to a drill (4) and a device or a method for drilling boreholes in workpieces (3), in which a periodically acting radial force (19) is exerted on the drill head (5) of the drill (4). The drill head (5) of the drill (4) has a cutting edge (52) extending only over a part of the diameter D (51) and is designed to have a lateral, V-shaped chip removing groove or bead (59) and with a channel (12) with an outlet opening (56) in the drill head (5) for supplying a drill fluid (9). On a drill side (61) of the drill head (5) opposite the bead (59) between a first and a second cylinder casing partial surface (64, 65) of the drill head (5) a rear offset (63) is formed which reduces the cross section of the drill head (5) in relation to an enclosing cylinder casing surface (61) of the drill head (5). |
| US07824134B2 |
Cutting tool inserts and methods to manufacture
A cutting insert includes a cutting insert body having a plurality of openings, a plurality of cutting tips, and a braze joint between each of the cutting tips and the cutting insert body. Each of the cutting tips may be disposed in a respective opening of the insert body. The cutting tips include an intermediate feature and a tip portion. The intermediate feature has a geometry that provides a mechanical bond when inserted into an opening of the cutting insert body. |
| US07824133B1 |
Artificial ground cover and system of installation
A ground cover in the form of a flexible substrate defining a plurality of compactly arranged extractable sections. The installation method involves passing the substrate material from a feed roll to an extraction site on a mobile installation apparatus. A plurality of drive pins are aligned with the substrate and, as the drive pins advance, the sections are extracted and driven into the soil. Various drive pins arrangements are shown and the drive pins may reciprocate along with a rotational or impacting stroke to penetrate the soil while implanting the substrate sections. |
| US07824129B2 |
Low-impact delivery system for in situ treatment of contaminated sediment
An agglomerate for use in economical bulk treatment of contaminated sediments with minimal environmental impact is formed from a sorbent, bentonite clay and sand. The agglomerate has sufficient density so as to sink through a water column into sediment below the water column and is still sufficiently light as to be capable of mixing with the sediment when subjected only to bioturbation. The agglomerate can be formed into pellets and applied to a water column over contaminated sediment by broadcast methods, so as to permit economical remediation of contaminated sediment with negligible environmental impact. |
| US07824123B2 |
Spreader apparatus, for use with dispensers
An apparatus for use with an edible food dispenser has a nozzle, a spreader surface associated with the nozzle, and a cap for entirely covering the nozzle. |
| US07824122B2 |
Liquid applicator and method for reducing the concentration of by-products from antiseptic
Applicators and a method for reducing the concentration of unwanted chemicals, such as para-chloroaniline (PCA) from an antiseptic solution. More specifically, the applicator includes antiseptic solution in amount sufficient to be applied to a desired surface and to have an antimicrobial effect on the desired surface and a porous element. The porous element selectively removes undesired by-products from the antiseptic solution when the antiseptic solution contacts the at least one porous element. |
| US07824120B1 |
Hand held carpet spot cleaner
A hand held cleaning apparatus for cleaning carpets and other surfaces comprises a housing and a solution reservoir mounted to the housing for storing and dispensing a cleaning composition onto the surface to be cleaned. The solution reservoir further comprises a dispenser assembly including a flexible vent tube that is weighted to consistently orient a free end of the vent tube away from the cleaning composition. |
| US07824119B2 |
Transaction printer
A printer that can be configured either as a dot matrix/impact printer or an inkjet printer. A printer frame mounts a carriage mechanism for reciprocally moving a head carrier. An adapter secures a printhead to the carrier; the adapter being configured to accept a predetermined type of printhead. A compensator/feeder assembly is pivotally movable between a printing position and a printer open position at which a slot for receiving a form is defined. The compensator/feeder assembly mounts a printer bar which is positioned in a confronting relationship with the printhead when the assembly is in the printing position. A compensator drive arrangement is fixed to a base and effects movement in the feeder assembly. |
| US07824117B2 |
Media web printer with a pre-heating platen and cutter module
Provided is a wallpaper printer having a cabinet configured to receive replaceable ink reservoirs and cartridges of blank wallpaper, and a feed system defining a media path through the cabinet, the feed system having pilot guides for guiding the blank wallpaper from the cartridges past a pagewidth printhead for printing. The printer also includes a heated platen positioned in the media path downstream of the pilot guides for heating the blank wallpaper prior to printing. The printer also has a pagewidth printhead arranged in the cabinet for printing images on the blank wallpaper, and a cutter module for cutting the printed wallpaper before the feed system feeds said wallpaper into a container configured to roll the printed wallpaper into a roll for storage purposes. |
| US07824114B2 |
Mirror device of single-lens reflex camera
The mirror device of a single-lens reflex camera according to the present invention includes a main mirror section having a reflecting mirror surface that moves to a first position for reflecting an object beam to an observation optical system and to a second position retracted from the object beam, a sub-mirror section having a reflecting mirror surface located, in conjunction with movement of the main mirror section, at a position apart from the main mirror section when the main mirror section is located at the first position and at a position retracted from the object beam together with the main mirror section when the main mirror section is located at the second position, and a cushioning section interposed between the sub-mirror section and the main mirror section when the main mirror section moves from the first position to the second position. |
| US07824112B2 |
Optical transmitter for computing applications
A compact optical transceiver is provided in which a substrate provides for an alignment surface for optical fibers and a lens assembly provides the necessary optical paths for coupling to photodiode and photodetector structures. Appropriate electrical connections on the substrate enable the substrate to be directly connected to a printed circuit board, grid array socket, and the like. |
| US07824101B2 |
Sensor arrangement
A sensor arrangement includes a tube, a measurement head and a holder. The measurement head includes a composite of at least two flexible plastic films and a sensing element arranged between the plastic films. The sensing element is electrically contacted via metallic conductor traces. The measurement head contacts a circumference of the tube and is arranged between the holder and the tube and is pressed by the holder onto the tube. |
| US07824094B2 |
Backlight module having light guide plate with recesses
An exemplary backlight module (1) includes a light source (11) and a light guide plate (12). The light guide plate includes a light incident surface (121) to which the light source is placed adjacent, and a bottom surface (122) adjacent the light incident surface. The bottom surface defines a plurality of recesses (1222). Each recess defines a first slant (101) facing the light source and an arris (103) at a top of the first slant. The arris of the first slant at each recess is aligned substantially perpendicular to a main path of light beams that propagate from the light source to the recess. |
| US07824092B2 |
Backlight module having a plurality of groups of concentric microstructures on reflective surface thereof
A backlight module includes a light source and a light guide plate. The light source includes a light-emitting surface and at least two mean points. The light guide plate includes an incident surface, an emitting surface adjacent to the incident surface, a reflecting surface opposite to the emitting surface, and at least two groups of microstructures formed on the reflecting surface. Each group of microstructures is arranged concentric relative to a respective mean point of the light-emitting surface of the light source. |
| US07824083B2 |
Correlated magnetic light and method for using the correlated magnetic light
A light and method are described herein that use correlated magnets to enable at least one end to be secured and removed from the body of the light. Some examples of such a light include a scuba light, an underwater light, a flashlight, a submersible pool light, an emergency light, a floating light, an aquarium light or a vehicle light. Furthermore the force created by the correlated magnets mounted on the at least one end and the body creates a seal there between to substantially isolate the interior portion of the light from materials and/or matter in its external environment. Additional correlated magnets mounted in the body of the light enable the light to be secured to numerous second objects such as but not limited to scuba harnesses, belts, gloves or storage racks. |
| US07824081B2 |
Helicoidal system for recessed light fixture assembly
The disclosure herein describes a helicoidal system for securing a recessed light fixture assembly into an opening in a ceiling, wall or the like; the assembly comprises a light reflector having an upper collar and a light reflector support for mounting the light reflector into the opening of the ceiling, wall or the like. The light reflector support has an upper member that engages the upper part of the light reflector and has a helicoidal bearing surface to receive lugs provided on the light reflector whereby rotation of the light reflector, once received in the light reflector support, enables engagement in one rotational direction, and disengagement in an opposite rotational direction, of the light reflector to and from the reflector support. |
| US07824076B2 |
LED reflector lamp
A lamp having a reflective surface, a pedestal positioned within the interior defined by the reflective surface, and one or more light emitting diodes (LED's) mounted onto one or more occluding faces on the pedestal, such that each occluding face blocks light emitted from the LED's from a portion of the reflective surface. The occluding faces are oriented parallel to or at an acute angle to the central axis of the reflective surface. |
| US07824060B2 |
Wind powered device
A turbine generator having one or more wind turbines for generating energy and a series of plates located above and below each turbine for focusing and converging the wind inwardly. The plates are aerodynamically-designed to converge the wind onto the turbine and provide a strong wind current. The turbine generator is incorporated into a light fixture to provide self-sustaining light energy. Solar panels may be provided in conjunction with the turbine generator to provide an additional source of energy. |
| US07824058B2 |
Wake-up apparatus
In a wake-up apparatus for waking up a sleeper by light stimulus, it wakes the sleeper comfortably without feeling glare. A lighting device has a first lighting unit at a position that a light emitting face cannot be observed directly by the sleeper, and a second lighting unit at a position that a light emitting face can be observed directly by the sleeper. A control device activates the lighting device a predetermined time before a preset wake-up time so as to vary illuminance of light emitted from the lighting device in an order of low illuminance, middle illuminance and high illuminance, to light only the first lighting unit in a low illuminance condition and a middle illuminance condition, and to light both of the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit in a high illuminance condition, and quickly varies from the middle illuminance condition to the high illuminance condition. |
| US07824053B2 |
Tattletale cap
A baseball cap with a programmable tight emitting diode screen attached to the crown of the headgear. The sign would display the desired message either preprogrammed or input directly by the wearer. |
| US07824050B2 |
Diffusion plate and backlight module using the same
A diffusion plate and a backlight module for use in a liquid crystal display panel are provided. The backlight module includes a housing, a reflection plate, a light source, a diffusion plate and films. The diffusion plate has a plate body, a first supporter, and a second supporter. The plate body has a light exit surface. The first supporter and the second supporter are respectively disposed on two sides of the plate body and extend outwardly from the light exit surface. The films are disposed on the plate body and between the first and second supporters. The first and second supporters contact and support the liquid crystal display panel. |
| US07824047B2 |
Mobile terminal device
In a cellular phone, a light guiding plate, which linearly guides light emitted by a plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs), and an LED display unit, which displays predetermined LED displays, are laminatedly arranged in a movable-side housing. A slit formed in the substantially central portion of the light guiding plate partitions the light guiding plate into a first light guiding region and a second light guiding region. A first light emitting group of the light emitting elements emits light to the first light guiding region and a second light emitting group of the light emitting elements emits light to the second light guiding region. The first light guiding region and the second light guiding region are illuminated alternately by alternately switching ON the first light emitting group and the second light emitting group. |
| US07824045B2 |
Exterior mirror element with wide angle portion
An electrochromic mirror reflective element includes a front glass substrate and a rear glass substrate having an electrochromic medium sandwiched therebetween. A curved recess is established at a second surface of the front glass substrate or a fourth surface of the rear glass substrate. A first metallic reflector is coated at the curved recess, with the reflector-coated curved recess establishing an auxiliary wide angle reflector region of the electrochromic mirror reflective element. A second metallic reflector is coated at a surface of the rear glass substrate, with the reflector-coated surface establishing a principal reflector region of the electrochromic mirror reflective element. The reflective element may include a hiding layer that hides at least a portion of a component of the electrochromic mirror reflective element that is behind the hiding layer from view by the driver of a vehicle equipped with the electrochromic mirror reflective element. |
| US07824042B2 |
Projector with lamp cover lock
A projector has a disassembling lock for preventing the lamp cover from being disassembled when the projector is secured to a ceiling. The disassembling lock includes a sleeve, a latching rod, a stop block, and a coil spring. The sleeve is secured in the projector and has a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion. The latching rod has a first rod portion, a second rod portion, and a flange formed between the first rod portion and the second rod portion, the flange is slidable inside the first sleeve portion. The stop block is fixed in a distal end of the first sleeve portion away from the second sleeve portion, the stop block defines a hole for the first rod portion sliding to the lamp cover. The coil spring is coiled around the first rod portion and held between the flange and the stop block. |
| US07824037B2 |
Color separation device, imaging optical engine, and projection apparatus
A color separation device includes a first color separation member having a first polarization direction changing element and a second polarization direction changing element, and a first polarization separation element, and a second color separation member having a second polarization separation element. Linearly polarized light may be made incident on the first color separation member so as to separate the light into reflected light and transmitted light, both lights having different colors and one of the different colors corresponding to one of three colors, and one of the lights may be made incident on the second color separation member so as to separate the one of the lights into further reflected light and further transmitted light, both further reflected light and further transmitted light corresponding to the other two of the three colors, respectively. |
| US07824036B2 |
Ophthalmic ultrasonic measurement apparatus, and an ophthalmic measurement method
An ophthalmic ultrasonic measurement apparatus capable of narrowing differences in measurement results obtained by the apparatus which are made because of differences among examiners who operate the apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe arranged to be brought into contact with a cornea of an examinee's eye, a calculation unit arranged to obtain a measured value of a length from the cornea to a given section inside the eye based on an echo from the eye by an ultrasonic wave which is emitted from the probe, and a memory arranged to store information on examiners and adjustment information for narrowing differences in measured values of the length which are made because of differences among the examiners while the adjustment information is associated with the examiners' information, wherein the calculation unit corrects the obtained measured value using the stored adjustment information. |
| US07824035B2 |
Ophthalmic photographing apparatus
An ophthalmic photographing apparatus comprising a photographing optical system for obtaining a regional image of an examinee's eye, comprising a light source, a focusing optical element movable in an optical-axis direction by a driving mechanism, and a photodetector, and a control unit controlling driving of the mechanism and obtain the image based on a signal from the photodetector, wherein the control unit further moves the optical element in predetermined steps/continuously to obtain the image at each position, calculates frequency distribution of luminance of each of the images to detect a change characteristic of luminance values having frequencies equal or exceeding a threshold value in the frequency distribution with respect to the optical element position, and detects a focus position of the optical element based on the change characteristics to move the optical element to a position corresponding to the detected focus position. |
| US07824033B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining sphere and cylinder components of subjective refraction using objective wavefront measurement
An apparatus for determining spherical and cylinder components of subjective refraction of a patient's vision includes a wavefront measurement device that can produce a measure of quality of vision in a return beam from the patient's eye viewing a target through a corrective test lens in the apparatus. The corrective lenses may be varied and a plurality of measurements of quality of vision may be obtained and analyzed to determine the spherical and cylinder components. Accordingly, the eye examiner may conduct a refraction examination without a subjective response from the patient. |
| US07824032B2 |
Eye refractive power measurement apparatus
An eye refractive power measurement apparatus for objectively measuring eye refractive power of a patient's eye, includes: a light-projecting optical system that includes a light source and projects measurement light onto a fundus of the patient's eye; a light-receiving optical system that includes an imager device serving as a two-dimensional light-receiving element and receives the measurement light reflected from the fundus; and an operating section that determines the eye refractive power of the eye based on a two-dimensional pattern image by the measurement light imaged by the imager device. The light source is a super-luminescent diode or a laser diode that emits light having a center wavelength in a range of approximately 850 nm to 940 nm. |
| US07824031B2 |
Print cartridge with friction driven media feed shaft
A print cartridge for an inkjet printer with a media drive assembly, the cartridge comprising: a drive shaft for feeding a media substrate past a printhead, the drive shaft positioned such that it engages the media drive assembly upon installation of the cartridge; wherein during use, the drive assembly transfer torque to the drive shaft by contact friction. |
| US07824026B2 |
Printer incorporating a capped printhead cartridge
A printer includes a printhead cartridge. The printhead cartridge has a printhead, an ink supply configured to supply ink to the printhead and a capper arranged to cap the printhead when the printhead is inoperative or not in use. A cradle unit engages with the printhead cartridge in a complementary manner and has a media transport mechanism for transporting print media between the printhead and the capper. A media supply cartridge is configured to supply the media to the cradle unit. |
| US07824022B2 |
Ink-jet printer and image forming method
Disclosed is an ink-jet printer ejecting an ink comprising a cationic-polymerizable compound onto a recording medium, wherein the ink-jet printer comprises ink-contact members which constitute an ink tank retaining the ink and an ink jet supply passage of from the ink tank to a recording head ejecting the ink and the ink-contact members are each comprised of a material which does substantially not undergo electron transfer with the ink. |
| US07824018B2 |
Image forming apparatus, market support system, control method and program
An image forming apparatus for reducing time required for adjusting the image forming conditions and transport conditions and minimizing the number of recording material used for the adjustment. Image forming conditions and transport conditions for the recording material are adjusted according to the characteristic properties of the recording material. Associated data including an adjustment value obtained from the adjustment of the image forming conditions and transport conditions made by the adjustment unit and the characteristic properties of the recording material associated with the adjustment value is generated. The associated data stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the data collection/delivery apparatus. Delivery data regarding the adjustment of the image forming conditions and transport conditions is received from the data collection/delivery apparatus. |
| US07824017B2 |
Printhead and method for controlling temperatures in drop forming mechanisms
An apparatus and method for controlling temperature profiles in ejection mechanisms is provided. A heater includes a first resistor segment having an electrical resistivity, a second resistor segment; and a coupling segment positioned between the first resistor segment and the second resistor segment. The coupling segment has an electrical resistivity, wherein the ratio of the resistivity of the coupling segment to the resistivity of the first resistor segment is substantially zero. Alternatively, the first resistor segment has an electrical conductivity and the coupling segment has an electrical conductivity, wherein the electrical conductivity of the coupling segment is greater than the electrical conductivity of the first resistor segment. |
| US07824016B2 |
Pagewidth printhead arrangement with a controller for facilitating weighted ink drop ejection
Provided is a pagewidth printhead arrangement for an inkjet printer having a print engine controller. The arrangement has a wafer substrate that defines a plurality of ink inlets. A plurality of nozzles each including side walls are located on a wafer substrate with a roof portion attached to said walls to define an ink chamber. The roof portion defines an ejection port. The arrangement also includes an inlet defined in the substrate to supply the ink chamber with ink. A heater element is suspended between the side walls in the ink chamber, so that when electrical actuation energy is applied to respective heater elements, a vapour bubble is formed in the ink leading to a pressure increase in the chamber thereby ejecting the ink via the ejection port. The controller is configured to actuate the heater element to facilitate weighted ink drop volumes to be ejected from the nozzle arrangement. |
| US07824014B2 |
Head substrate, printhead, head cartridge, and printing apparatus
The purpose of this invention is to provide a head substrate capable of increasing layout efficiency. To achieve this purpose, an ink supply channel is arranged, and a plurality of printing element arrays are arranged on at least one side of the ink supply channel, and a plurality of driving element arrays are arranged adjacent to the plurality of printing element arrays. A plurality of power supply pads and a plurality of ground pads are arranged in areas between the plurality of driving element arrays. |
| US07824010B2 |
Pagewidth printhead with more than 100000 nozzles
A pagewidth inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto print media fed passed the printhead in a media feed direction. Each drop ejector having a nozzle and an actuator for ejecting a drop of printing fluid through the nozzle. The array has more than 100000 of the droplet ejectors and extends in a direction transverse to the media feed direct between 200 mm and 330 mm. A pagewidth printhead with a large number of nozzles extending the width of the media provides a high nozzle pitch and a very high ‘true’ print resolution—i.e. the high number of dots per inch is achieved by a high number of nozzles per inch. |
| US07824004B2 |
Liquid discharging device and image forming apparatus
A liquid discharging device includes a liquid discharging head and a maintenance-recovery mechanism. In the liquid discharging head, a row of discharge openings is formed on a discharge opening surface. In the maintenance-recovery mechanism, a blade wipes the discharge opening surface. A belt carries the blade in a direction of rotation along the row of discharge openings. A pressing member presses an inner circumferential surface of the belt to move a portion of the belt opposing the liquid discharging head toward the liquid discharging head to maintain a substantially constant gap between the blade and the discharge opening surface. The gap has a length in the direction of rotation of the belt not smaller than a length of the row of discharge openings and not greater than a length of the liquid discharging head. |
| US07823997B2 |
Droplet ejection device
A droplet ejection device includes a carriage capable of moving back and forth, a droplet ejection head which is mounted on the carriage and has a plurality of nozzles, and a droplet receiver positioned capable of receiving liquid ejected from the nozzles. The nozzles which eject a droplet of a second liquid is positioned, in a flushing region, farthest from a printing region compared to the other nozzles. The droplet ejection device is configured to move the carriage after flushing operation so that the nozzles for ejecting a droplet of the second liquid are brought to a position where the nozzles face a part of the droplet receiver where a droplet of the first liquid has been received. |
| US07823996B2 |
Concentrating a liquid ink jet ink to transfer to a receiver member
In an apparatus for printing images on a moving primary imaging member by jetting ink, containing a fluid and marking particles, in an image-wise fashion onto the primary imaging member, a device for concentrating the ink prior to transferring a marking particle image to a receiver member. The ink concentrating device includes a fractionating unit for separating fluid of the ink from the marking particles. The fractionating unit is located a predetermined spaced distance from the primary image bearing member. An electrostatic field is established between the primary image bearing member and the fractionating unit for concentrating the marking particles in the liquid of the ink. |
| US07823991B2 |
Storage unit
A storage unit having a frame, drawers and a carrying handle. When the unit is lifted by the handle, or the handle is moved to a position suitable for lifting the storage unit, the handle arms lift the bottom drawer of the stack of drawers which in turn lifts each of the above drawers relative to the frame. As each drawer rises, the clearance gap between adjacent drawers is reduced and the drawers are moved to a locked position where they are blocked by detents mounted on the inside of the frame. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the handle is coupled to drawer locking slides instead of the bottom drawer and detents on the drawer locking slides engage with the drawers to lock them in the closed position as the drawer locking slides are moved relative to the frame. |
| US07823979B2 |
Woven articles from synthetic yarn
An article of furniture includes a frame and a woven panel forming at least one of a seat portion and a backrest portion having an exposed outer surface. The woven panel includes a plurality of synthetic polymer yarns attached to the frame forming interstices within the woven panel. A wash is adhered to at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of the woven panel and within the interstices. A plurality of the yarns within the woven panel is bonded together by the wash within the interstices. |
| US07823972B2 |
Recliner adjustment utilizing active material sensors
A recliner including a power adjustment system operable at a first rate, and at least one sensor including an active material element, wherein the sensor is configured to determine an obstacle to adjustment and selectively retard the rate when the obstacle is determined. |
| US07823970B2 |
Vehicle seats
A vehicle seat has a seat cushion, a seat bag, a lock mechanism and a belt anchor. The seat cushion has a cushion frame. The seat bag has a back frame that is rotatably connected to the cushion frame. The lock mechanism is provided on each of the frames, and latch-connected to a striker at a vehicle side. The belt anchor is provided on one of the two frames, and is fastened with a seat belt. A force transmission structure is provided between the two frames, in which when the seat belt is pulled forward, so that a member between the belt anchor and the striker is deformed, a member at a side of the one frame pushes a member at a side of the other frame, thereby force is transmitted from the one frame side to the other frame side. |
| US07823969B2 |
Seat caddy having a single adjustment point
An embodiment of the invention is directed to a seat caddy having a single manipulation point for manipulating the fitting of the seat caddy to a suitable seat, such as a stadium seat or a lawn chair. Having a single adjustment point allows a user to more easily adjust and manipulate the seat caddy when engaging or disengaging a stadium seat and the like. Such a seat caddy allows for a simple cinching or uncinching of an adjustable cord when setting or removing the seat caddy when being used. |
| US07823966B2 |
Recliner chair
A chair includes a base structure and a seat which is movably secured to the base structure. Connected to the seat is a backrest for swinging in a virtually wall-avoiding manner. A footrest is movable between a stowed position when not being used and an extended position when in use, wherein the footrest is disposed in the stowed position below the seat in approximate parallel relationship thereto and has a seat-distal surface provided with a padding. The footrest is connected to the seat by a swivel fitting which is constructed such that a movement of the backrest causes a movement of the footrest. |
| US07823965B2 |
Wind deflector in the field of motor vehicles
A wind deflector for a partially releasable opening of a roof of a motor vehicle, which can be closed by means of a mobile roof part, said opening comprising a glass element forming an edge of the roof opening and/or part of the roof, a connection element which is fixed to an edge section of the glass element, facing the interior of the motor vehicle, a detachable element which can be detached from the glass element, and a clampable deflector element which is fixed to the detachable element with one of the edge sections thereof and to the connection element with the other edge section thereof. |
| US07823961B2 |
Suspended floorboard
A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame; a set of wheels supported on the frame to allow the materials handling vehicle to move across a floor surface; a rider compartment located within the frame for receiving an operator; and an operator support assembly. The operator support assembly comprises a suspended floorboard upon which the operator may stand when located within the rider compartment and an energy absorbing structure coupled to the frame and the suspended floorboard for absorbing and dissipating at least a portion of energy resulting from disturbances encountered by the vehicle as it moves across the floor surface prior to the energy portion reaching the operator standing on the suspended floorboard, the energy absorbing structure including a damping element for effecting a dampening function. |
| US07823958B2 |
Vehicle deck structure
A vehicle deck structure that can suppress deformation of a deck floor is provided. The vehicle deck structure includes a deck floor that extends in a vehicle body front-rear direction and a vehicle width direction, a cross member disposed at a lower side of the deck floor and whose longitudinal direction corresponds to the vehicle width direction, and a top plate as a reinforcing member interposed between the deck floor and the cross member. The top plate has a plurality of ridges, whose longitudinal directions each correspond to the vehicle body front-rear direction, and which are arranged in parallel in a vehicle width direction, and these ridges overhang at both sides in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the cross member. |
| US07823952B2 |
Reconfigurable dashboard assembly for military vehicles
A modular dashboard assembly for a vehicle, such as a tactical vehicle, is described. In some cases, the dashboard assembly includes a smart back plane and removably attachable front modules. The back plane may facilitate communications between components within the front modules and systems with the vehicle, or between components. |
| US07823946B2 |
Lid device and glove box device for vehicle equipped with it
A lid apparatus including a tubular frame mounted to an interior member of a vehicle at a periphery of an opening which is defined in a wall surface of the interior member; a lid that covers the opening; a hinge that joins the lid to the frame; a securing device which secures the frame to an inner periphery of the opening; and a positioning piece which is continuously formed with respect to the frame wall and which abuts against the interior member at a peripheral edge of the opening. |
| US07823941B2 |
Handling device
A Bernoulli Effect pick-up device (1) for the handling of products (20) comprises a surface (4) adapted such that gaseous fluid flow across said surface (4) provides a pick-up force to be generated, by the Bernoulli Effect, in a direction towards said surface (4), and a conduit (2) for the supply of the gaseous fluid. The conduit (2) has an outlet opening (5) at the surface (4) and is adapted to supply gaseous fluid in a direction opposed to the pick-up direction. The outlet (5) of the conduit (2) is associated with a deflector (9) for directing gaseous fluid across the surface (4) and preventing direct impingement of the fluid on a product (2) that has been picked-up by the device (1). The product (20) may for example be a slice of a foodstuff, e.g. tomato or hard-boiled egg. |
| US07823939B2 |
Crash box
A crash box for installation between a bumper beam and a side rail of a motor vehicle includes an outer tube, and an inner tube which is held inside the outer tube, with the outer and inner tubes being movable in relation to one another. At least one of the inner and outer tubes is provided with a coat of varnish at least in a contact area between the outer pipe and the inner pipe. |
| US07823938B2 |
Bumper faceplate with ports
The use of a bumper faceplate with ports provides for the easy assembly, increased structural strength, and dramatically improved aesthetic appearance of an assembled bumper containing bumper components. |
| US07823936B2 |
Vending machine lock
A vending machine (10) is provided for storing items. The vending machine (10) includes a lock (18) to control access to the interior of the vending machine (10). |
| US07823931B2 |
Tubular threaded joint
A tubular threaded joint which has excellent resistance to compression and which permits easy tightening operation in the field in a vertical state comprises a pin having a male threaded zone and a box having a female threaded zone. The pin or the box has an end shoulder surface on its end, and the other member has a shoulder surface which abuts against the end shoulder surface. The screw threads of the male threaded zone and the female threaded zone are trapezoidal threads having a crest, a load flank, and a stabbing flank. The lip length, which is the distance in the axial direction of a member having an end shoulder surface between the end shoulder surface and the closest engaged thread to that surface, is at least 140 times the stabbing flank clearance, which is the distance in the axial direction between the stabbing flanks of the male thread and the female thread when the load flanks of the male and female threads contact each other. The stabbing flank of the male thread is preferably chamfered. |
| US07823930B2 |
Coupling
A coupling comprising a receiving part (1), a securing part (9) and an insertion part (17) includes blocking elements (6, 13′) whose engagement preventing the securing part (9) from moving from an extended position into a retracted position is released by the axial displacement of latching arms (13) of the securing part (9) under the effect of a retaining ring (22) upon the insertion of said insertion part (17), such that when the insertion part (17) is properly arranged in a receiving space (16) of the receiving part (1), the securing part (9) can be shifted into the retracted position in which said insertion part (17) is secured. What is achieved in this way is relatively simple modification of the assembly force through design measures, high wear resistance, and simple and operationally reliable manipulation of the inventive coupling with regard to the release of the connection between the receiving part and the insertion part, especially under confined spatial conditions. |
| US07823929B2 |
Radial rotary transmission leadthrough
The present invention relates to a radial rotary transmission leadthrough with a rotating shaft which has at least two substantially axially running channels (4, 4′) which have radial transition openings (5) open to the periphery of the shaft, and with at least one guide bush (2, 2a) tightly surrounding the shaft (1) in the area of the transition openings (5) which has at least one radial feed bore each (6) for every one of the channels (4, 4′) to be connected via the bush (2, 2a), wherein the different channels (4, 4′) have their radial transition openings (5) at different axial positions of the shaft (1). In order to create a radial rotary transmission leadthrough of the type named at the outset which has a small axial length and by which, despite small friction, the leakage rates can be reduced and accordingly the risk of the shaft jamming in the bush can be minimized, it is proposed according to the invention that the rotary transmission leadthrough has at least two bushes (2, 2a) which encompass the shaft (1) for the connection with different channels (4, 4′) at axially different positions, and which are housed independently of each other in a common bush holder (10), wherein at least one of the bushes has several radial feed bores (6, 6a, 6′). |
| US07823924B2 |
Seatbelt pretensioner for a vehicle
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a seatbelt pretensioner is provided. The pretensioner comprises a cylinder having a proximal section which defines a gas chamber that forms at least a portion of an interior space defined by the cylinder. Extending distally from the proximal section is a guide section. Disposed within the interior space is a piston that is moveable toward a distal end of the guide section. The piston has a proximal portion and a distal portion that extends from the proximal portion. The proximal and distal portions are disposed respectively adjacent to the proximal and guide sections. The distal portion is configured for attaching to an anchor that is coupled to webbing of the seatbelt. In fluid communication with the gas chamber is a gas generator. The gas generator is configured for generating gas to move the piston, tensioning the seatbelt. |
| US07823922B2 |
Tether systems for inflatable cushions
An inflatable airbag cushion assembly with a tether system for use in a vehicle. The airbag and the tether are configured such that upon airbag deployment the tether applies sufficient tension to the cushion to mitigate occupant ejection from the vehicle. |
| US07823921B2 |
Airbag system for motorcycle
An air bag system is provided wherein a support belt for coupling an airbag to a vehicle body is accommodated in an accommodation part provided in the vehicle body. A belt cover is engaged from above so as to cover the accommodation part. The belt cover is configured to be removed from the accommodation part along with swelling and expansion of the airbag. A wire is coupled to the vehicle body inside the accommodation part so as not to be moved apart from the vehicle body over a predetermined length at the time of removing. The wire is arranged inside the accommodation part, and is coupled to a fixation plate to be connected to a frame of the vehicle body. By inserting the wire into through-holes of the fixation plate, the wire is coupled to the vehicle body, and both ends thereof are connected to the belt cover. |
| US07823920B1 |
Inflatable vehicle occupant protection device with inflation fluid deflector
An apparatus (10) includes an inflatable protection device (14) having an upper portion (60) and a lower portion (62) and an inflator (32) having inflation fluid outlets (33). The inflator (32) is actuatable to inflate the protection device (14). A retainer (70) includes a base portion (72) for clamping the inflator (32) to a support member (34). The retainer (70) further includes a cover portion (74) that has a deflector portion (86) and a top portion (88). The deflector portion (86) directs inflation fluid from the inflator (32) into the protection device (14) in a direction substantially parallel to a central axis (37) of the inflator (32). The cover portion (74) directs inflation fluid from a first half (74a) of the cover portion (74) into the upper portion (60) of the protection device (14) at a first volumetric flow rate and from a second half (74b) of the cover portion (74) into the lower portion (62) of the protection device (14) at a second volumetric flow rate that is greater than the first volumetric flow rate. |
| US07823917B2 |
Air bag module
An air bag module mounted in front of a front passenger seat of an automotive vehicle. The air bag module includes a case having an opening. An air bag is accommodated within and connected with the case. The air bag is projectable out of the case through the opening of the case. A gas generator is provided for generating gas to be supplied into the air bag to inflate the air bag. A lid member is provided for covering the opening of the case. The case has a bottom wall section including a weakened portion which serves as a starting point of deformation of the case when an impact is applied to the case. |
| US07823912B2 |
Multiple panel pad shield in a vehicular side bolster for side airbag retention and deployment
A vehicle seat assembly includes a frame for mounting the seat to a vehicle. The seat assembly also includes a seat pad molded from a polymeric material and located proximate the frame. A trim cover is disposed over the seat pad, and includes a seam adjacent a side of the seat pad. An airbag assembly, which includes an airbag and an inflator configured to supply gas to the airbag, is also part of the seat assembly. A pad shield covers at least a portion of the seat pad for protecting it during deployment of the airbag. The pad shield includes inner and outer panels which form a deployment channel for the airbag, and thereby inhibit contact of the airbag with the seat pad as the airbag deploys. |
| US07823910B2 |
Vibration welding method, vibration welded structure, and airbag apparatus
A vibration welding method, a vibration-welded structure, and an airbag apparatus capable of reducing the positional deviation of junction between workpieces different in the die releasing direction are provided. An airbag apparatus according to one form of the present invention includes an airbag that is normally folded and is inflated and developed at an emergency; an inflator for supplying gas to the airbag; a retainer for accommodating the airbag and the inflator therein; an outer panel mounted on an instrument panel; and an inner case vibration-welded to the inside of the outer panel for retaining the retainer, in which when a die releasing direction of the outer panel differs from a die releasing direction of the inner case, a positioning plane of the inner case is molded to agree with the die releasing direction of the outer panel while the outer panel is provided with a positioning rib formed thereon. |
| US07823908B2 |
Airbag module assembly to control gap adjacent airbag cover
An airbag module assembly is provided which may be used with a steering wheel unit that controls the gap between a driver airbag cover and adjacent steering wheel features. The airbag module assembly includes an airbag housing for enclosing an airbag in communication with an inflator. The airbag module assembly also includes an airbag cover that is coupled to a cover suspension module, which in turn is coupled to the steering wheel unit. The cover suspension module includes a biasing element disposed within a housing and a locating feature extending from the housing. |
| US07823901B2 |
Fold-up trailer
A novel trailer for use in hauling loads behind a motor vehicle is disclosed, where the trailer is of the fold-up type and includes a slidable bed that can extend and retract, at least one winch with cable attached to the slidably bed for operation between a use position and a stored position, a suspension system with wheels and tires for rolling support of the trailer when being towed, a hitch for connecting the trailer to the motor vehicle, and a hinge for cooperation in allowing the rotatable transitioning of the slidable bed. In an alternate version, a trailer includes a primary bed and a secondary bed that are telescopically slidable into a stored position underneath the motor vehicle. |
| US07823900B2 |
Retractable peg system
A retractable peg system for a motorcycle including a bracket operatively attachable the motorcycle and a peg rotatably coupled to the bracket and rotatable between a retracted safe storage orientation and an extended use orientation. In the extended orientation, the peg is disposed such that a rider may rest a foot on the peg while seated. The retractable peg system further includes a biasing member to substantially maintain the orientation of the peg in its presently retracted or extended orientation absent application of an external force acting on the peg. The components of the retractable peg system may be configured to provide a visually integrated appearance in relation to the motorcycle. |
| US07823899B2 |
Bicycle propulsion assembly having elongate members
The present invention provides a propulsion assembly for a bicycle. The propulsion assembly includes a support member that at least extends from the bicycle frame to a distal end spaced-apart from the rear wheel. The assembly includes a first drive mechanism rotatably mounted on the frame and axially connected to the rear wheel for transmitting motion thereto. A second drive mechanism is rotatably mounted at the distal end of the support member and coupled with the first drive mechanism. Ratchet mechanisms axially extend from the second drive mechanism and connect to a pair of elongate members having pedals. The pedals are movable from an upper position to a lower position for transmitting one-way rotational power to the second drive mechanism. There is a means for selectively returning the pair of elongate members from the lower position to the upper position. |
| US07823897B2 |
Vehicular drive system with FWD-only mode and associated method
A drive system for a work vehicle comprises a control unit adapted to: monitor output of a speed ratio setting input device for a speed ratio setting request signal and output of a drive-request input device for a FWD-only request signal, determine from the speed ratio setting request signal if a requested speed ratio setting represented thereby is one of at least one predetermined speed ratio setting among a plurality of speed ratio settings possible for the work vehicle upon receipt of the FWD-only request signal, and, if so, output at least one control signal engaging a FWD-only mode enabling FWD operation of the work vehicle but disabling RWD operation of the work vehicle. An associated method is disclosed. |
| US07823895B2 |
Suspension system, vehicle comprising such a suspension system and a method for controlling a suspension system
A suspension system for a vehicle (3) comprises a gas spring accumulator (6) pneumatically connected (7) to a system accumulator (8). The suspension system further comprises a gas throttle valve (9) arranged to restrict the pneumatic connection (7) between the gas spring accumulator (6) and the system accumulator (8), such that only a limited mass flow which is greater than zero is allowed in the pneumatic connection (7). |
| US07823893B2 |
Hand truck with adjustable-height auxiliary carrier
A hand truck includes a base and a toe-plate shelf coupled to the base. The base includes a truck frame and a wheel unit coupled to the truck frame. |
| US07823892B2 |
Snowboard
A snowboard which incorporates a rocker element instead of a camber. |
| US07823890B2 |
Chuck
A chuck includes a driving element, a sleeve movably installed on the driving element and a ring fit in the socket. The driving element includes a socket for receiving a bit, a shank extended from and a shoulder formed between the socket and the shank. The sleeve includes a shoulder formed on an internal side for contact with the shoulder of the driving element for avoiding detachment thereof from the driving element in a direction. The restraint is fit in the socket for avoiding detachment of the sleeve from the driving element in an opposite direction. |
| US07823886B2 |
Seal assembly
The invention relates to a sealing element at least comprising a housing area, at least one dynamically active sealing area and at least one statically active sealing area which at least partially interacts with the housing area. The invention is characterized in that the static sealing area is at least partially laminated with a hardenable material containing a predetermined number of friction-reducing elements. |
| US07823884B2 |
Spherical puzzle
A spherical logical puzzle is disclosed comprising of a plurality of elements symmetrical about three axes and planes. The puzzle is solved by rotating the elements on the surface of the sphere to align a surface pattern or numerical set. The surface of sphere is divided into octants of 4 elements; 3 quarter polar sections and one shell section. These surface elements are rearranged by rotating hemispherical sets of four octants at a time. When rotating a hemisphere of elements, the polar segments of that hemisphere do not rotate, thus creating a unique and novel puzzle. |
| US07823883B1 |
Wheel indicator and ticket dispenser apparatus
A game unit including an indicator wheel and an award dispenser. In certain embodiments, when players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award such as a ticket or token. Preferably, a game unit may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel which displays a result of a game event or status. |
| US07823882B2 |
Transport apparatus
A transport apparatus, including a first transport portion for transporting one signature, a second transport portion for transporting other signature, and a fan wheel for entering both sheets, which have been transported by the first and second transport portions, between vanes thereof, and rotationally transporting the sheets, comprises: a main frame for supporting the first transport portion and the fan wheel; a movable frame for supporting the second transport portion; a first adjusting device for moving the main frame and the movable frame by the same amount; and a second adjusting device for moving the movable frame relative to the main frame. |
| US07823878B2 |
Paper conveying apparatus and method for flipping paper
A paper conveying apparatus and method for flipping paper includes a paper feeding roller that can rotate in a positive direction or in a reverse direction, a motion transfer member that has one end coupled with the paper feeding roller, and a paper depressing element coupled with another end of the motion transfer member to be driven and rotated. The method of flipping paper includes: first, feeding a sheet of paper into a first paper conveying path; next, depressing the paper into a second paper conveying path while the paper is leaving the first paper conveying path; and reentering the paper from the second paper conveying path into the first paper conveying path upside down. |
| US07823877B2 |
Transportation device and image processing apparatus
A transportation device including first and second tray portions which are stacked relative to each other, first and second transportation openings included in the first and second tray portions, respectively, and a transportation path for a material which is formed between the first and second transportation openings. The first tray portion includes a first movable tray portion which can be displaced, the second tray portion includes a second movable tray portion which can be displaced. The first movable tray portion and the second movable tray portion are configured move between a tray position where the first and second movable tray portions form a tray member for transporting the material and a housing position where the tray portions form a housing configuring member by closing the first and second transportation openings which are exposed in the tray position. |
| US07823876B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus including sheet feeding device with rear end detection portion
A sheet feeding device includes a sheet accommodating portion for accommodating a sheet stack. A sheet carrying plate carries the sheet stack and has an upstream end supported in the sheet accommodating portion for rotation. A pickup roller contacts an upper face of the sheet stack and dispatches an uppermost sheet. An elevator displaces the sheet carrying plate between a feeding position where the upper face of the sheet stack contacts the pickup roller and a separating position where the upper face of the sheet stack is separated from the pickup roller. A first warm air mechanism blows warm air toward a side of the sheet stack in the sheet accommodating portion, the side being parallel to the sheet feeding direction. A controller controls the elevator so that the sheet carrying plate is displaced between the feeding position and the separating position during a warm air blowing operation. |
| US07823874B2 |
Paper feeder
A paper feeder comprising an actuator and a sensor mounted on a main body, the actuator being capable of contacting an upper surface of a sheet placed on a bottom plate provided in a sheet tray as the bottom plate is raised, thereby allowing the sensor to detect that the sheet is present. The paper feeder further comprises a through bore formed in the bottom plate for receiving the actuator when a sheet is absent from the sheet tray, so that the sensor may detect that the sheet is absent, and a push-out guide provided on peripheries of the through bore for contacting the actuator in the through bore as the sheet tray is pulled out, thereby pushing the actuator upward out of the through bore. |
| US07823870B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a common conveyance path through which a sheet fed from a sheet feed tray is conveyed from a registration roller to a transfer section; a direct conveyance path through which the sheet is directly fed from the sheet feed tray to the common conveyance path; a delay conveyance path in which the sheet after being branched from the direct conveyance path is joined to the common conveyance path, and is caused to delay in being fed from the sheet feed tray to the common sheet conveyance path; a conveyance section which conveys the sheet fed from the sheet feed tray to the transfer section; and a controller which controls the conveyance section to convey once the sheet fed from the sheet feed tray from the direct conveyance path to the delay conveyance path, and thereafter to convey to the common conveyance path. |
| US07823868B2 |
Sheet finishing apparatus and control method
A sheet finishing apparatus includes an inlet roller to receive a sheet conveyed from an image forming apparatus, a sheet introduction unit to guide the sheet received by the inlet roller to a finishing unit, a sheet ejection unit to guide the sheet performed to a post process by the finishing unit to an ejection port and to eject from the ejection port, a paper storage tray to receive the ejected sheet, a drive unit including a plurality of motors to drive respective devices, and a control unit to control operations of the plurality of motors. In a trial operation of the sheet finishing apparatus, the control unit controls the plurality of motors, and first drives a motor with a sound pressure level less than a previously set reference level. |
| US07823867B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus and book binding apparatus
A sheet conveying apparatus includes first and second conveying paths. The first conveying path is configured to receive a sheet from a device connected at an upstream side in a sheet conveying direction so as to transfer the sheet to a device connected at a downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. The second conveying path intersects with the first conveying path. A controller switches between a first operation mode and a second operation mode. In the first operation mode, the sheet is conveyed along the first conveying path, and in the second operation mode, the sheet is conveyed along the second conveying path. The controller controls a sheet conveying operation in the first operation mode or the second operation mode in accordance with the state of the sheet on the second conveying path. |
| US07823865B2 |
Air humidification system for large enclosed spaces and humidification module usable in such system
An air humidification system for large enclosed spaces, comprising at least one humidification line constituted by at least one humidification module comprising a box-like container with a water flow pipe inside which is functionally connected at its inlet to a water pump and at its outlet to a water discharge space. The pipe has, along its extension, a plurality of nozzles adapted to provide a water aerosol. The nozzles are open onto a first opening provided in the box-like container and are oriented toward the outside of the first opening. A cross-flow impeller is provided within the box-like container along a rotation axis which is parallel to the pipe and is suitable to aspirate air from a second opening of the box-like container and direct it toward the first opening. |
| US07823863B2 |
Spare tire hoist system with composite wheel plate having spring recess
A spare tire hoist may be provided. A retention cable may be used to retain a spare tire against a surface of a motor vehicle. A tensioning spring may be used to tension the retention cable when the spare tire is in a storage position. A wheel plate engages the spare tire and cooperates with the retention cable and the tensioning spring to maintain the spare tire in the storage position. The wheel plate may include an insert portion that engages a center aperture of a wheel rim of the spare tire. A flange portion that substantially surrounds the insert portion and engages a peripheral surface of the wheel rim may also be provided. A reinforcement ring may be included in the wheel plate, substantially coextensive with the insert portion and extending within a substantially hollow region of the flange portion. The reinforcement ring may provide mechanical reinforcement to the wheel plate. |
| US07823862B2 |
Toilet lift and transport apparatus
This invention involves an apparatus for lifting and transporting toilets. The apparatus includes a base portion, at least two toilet lifting members, a toilet securing member, and a lifting mechanism. The toilet lifting members are configured for positioning underneath the bowl portion of a toilet. The toilet securing member extends upward from the base and contains a u-shaped upper portion that is designed to fit over the rim of the toilet bowl and secure to the inner portion of the toilet bowl. The lifting mechanism preferably comprises a handle attached to a piston. The base portion includes wheels for transport. The toilet lifting members and the toilet securing member contain a padded region for contacting the toilet to prevent damage. The toilet securing member is height adjustable to accommodate various sized toilets. An extension portion is provided for attachment to the u-shaped portion to secure larger toilets. |
| US07823859B2 |
Normally-closed valve having a microflow rate adjusting device
A normally-closed valve having a microflow rate adjusting device includes a valve stem for opening and closing a fluid passage; a biasing device for biasing the valve stem in a direction to close the fluid passage; a piston body which is engaged in a cylinder in an air-tight manner to form a pressure chamber for moving the valve stem in a valve opening direction against the biasing device; and a stopper mechanism, provided on the cylinder, for controlling a limit of movement of the piston body in the valve opening direction. The stopper mechanism comprises a stroke adjustment member which is screw-engaged with the cylinder coaxially with the valve stem so that a position of the stroke adjustment member relative to the cylinder can be adjusted, and includes an annular tapered surface at an end of the stroke adjustment member which faces the piston body. |
| US07823858B2 |
Method for forming masonry unit
Masonry units (10) are integrally assembled by tightening forces of bolts (60) and nuts (70), in a condition that interlayer metal plates (50) are interposed between the masonry units. A basic form (11) of the masonry unit is contained in a mold for forming the masonry unit. A space (98) for fluidic covering material, which is chargeable with the covering material, is defined between upper and lower faces of the form (11), and the fluidic covering material is charged in the space. The upper and lower faces of the masonry unit are covered with the solidified covering material (12). According to the present invention, high dimensional accuracy of the masonry unit can be ensured, and efficiency of the production process of the masonry units is promoted to improve productivity of the masonry units. |
| US07823856B2 |
Hinge and binding apparatus for displaying cards and papers in the workplace
An apparatus for displaying cards and papers in the workplace includes a central shaft portion having a pair of ends, with each end including a generally semicircular ring portion adapted to capture the slots of one or more cards. The central shaft portion may be releasably captured in a channel of a universal mount or a single- or double swing arm portion. Removal of the shaft portion from the channel permits the shaft portion to be split open along a break, thereby opening the rings along breaks in the manner of a split-ring binder. Alternatively, the shaft portion may be used alone (without a mount or swing arms) to hold a quantity of cards. The swing arms may be hinged upon a base portion and attached to the chassis or peripheral surface surrounding a computer video monitor, so that the swing arms and shaft portion can swing forward and around to fit the user's viewing preferences. When affixed to a monitor, the semicircular rings facilitate easy installation and flipping of slotted cards and/or papers. |
| US07823854B2 |
Display with a linear driving device
A display with a linear driving device comprises a base, a driving device, and a display. In assembly, the driving device is mounted on the base, and then the display is fixed on a mover of the linear motor of the driving device. The user can use remote control or manual touch control to set a predetermined distance that he wants the display to move, once the display receives signal, it will instantly instruct the linear motor of the driving device to move linearly, so that the display will be moved to a predetermined position. |
| US07823852B1 |
Baluster support bracket
A bracket adapted to be used in sets for supporting planter boxes, benches, and similar elongated items from multiple vertical supports such as the balusters on a deck railing. The bracket mounts securely and strongly on the baluster without requiring fasteners, and is easily adjusted up and down and removed as necessary. The bracket can be formed from a single piece of stock, for example using a metal rod formed into shape. The bracket has a generally triangular shape with an upper support arm terminating in a squared open hook that mounts from behind to engage the sides of the baluster, a lower angled support arm extending down and in from the upper arm toward the baluster, and a baluster-abutting foot portion that engages the face of the baluster when the upper arm is horizontal. An adapter can be used on the open end of the hook to ensure a tight fit with undersized balusters. |
| US07823851B2 |
Hook device having foldable structure
A planar member for forming a hook device includes two side hinge lines and an intermediate hinge line formed in the planar member for forming two side segments and two intermediate segments, and a cut line formed in each of the intermediate segments for separating each intermediate segment into a support portion and a suspension portion, the suspension portions of the intermediate segments are foldable relative to each other and inclined relative to each other and foldable relative to the side segments for forming a three-dimensional suspension hook, the planar member is foldable to a reel for storing and transportation purposes and is quickly folded into the hook device. |
| US07823849B2 |
Self-balancing adjustable flat panel mounting system
A self-balanced adjustable mounting system for a flat panel display. A display interface having a hollow, semi-spherical shell portion is attached to the flat panel display. The semi-spherical shell is formed with a generally constant radius of curvature. The center of the radius of curvature is disposed proximate the center of gravity of the flat panel display with the display interface attached. The display interface is received in a guide structure that has a bearing portion engaging the outer surface of the semi-spherical shell, and a second bearing portion engaging the inner surface of the semi-spherical shell through an aperture formed in the semi-spherical shell. The semi-spherical shell is guided between the first and second bearing portions so that the flat panel display and device interface are generally rotatable about the center of the radius of curvature of the semi-spherical shell. The display is self balancing in virtually any position in the range of travel of the device due to the location of the center of rotation proximate the center of gravity. |
| US07823846B2 |
Utility portal for wall construction
A rigid utility portal that can replace a removed or omitted section of the framing members of a wall construction that also includes stud, and that will permit the passage therethrough of electrical utilities, plumbing utilities, and/or HVAC without the necessity of drilling holes in the conventional wooden top framing plates which can destroy the integral between framing members and studs, and may include one or two skirt portions and one or strength of the wall. The utility portal may include a center portion for spanning the spacing two tab portions extending downwardly from the center portion. |
| US07823844B2 |
Quick release electronics platform
A device mounting platform apparatus having a reconfigurable biasing mechanism. The device mounting platform apparatus includes a frame member capable of being mounted in a vehicle and having a device mounting surface facing generally upward. A clamp member is slidably interconnected to the frame member along a first direction. A biasing mechanism is coupled between the frame and clamp members. The biasing mechanism is reconfigurable for urging a jaw portion of the clamp member along the first direction heading either toward or away from the frame member. The biasing mechanism is thus reconfigurable for either urging the clamp member open or urging it closed. |
| US07823841B2 |
System and method for broken rail and train detection
A rail break or rail vehicle detection system which includes a voltage source, capable of voltage source compensation, is coupled to each of a plurality of zones within a block of rail track devoid of insulated joints. A plurality of current sensors are provided, each coupled to a respective voltage source and configured to measure current flowing through the sensor in response to changing voltage patterns. Each current sensor is further configured in one embodiment to determine and compare signatures based on current measurements to a predetermined decision surface to detect the presence of a rail vehicle or rail break on a predetermined block of track. The voltage source or current sensor can be adapted to control voltage levels and polarity of each voltage source. A method of communicating the presence or absence of a rail break or rail vehicle employs an in-rail TDMA communication scheme to synchronize, test and communicate directly between the sensors without use of external controllers. |
| US07823839B2 |
Airfoil performance modification using synthetic jet actuators
Systems and methods for modifying fluid flowing over solid bodies are provided. A representative system incorporates a vorticity concentration-producing component and a synthetic jet actuator. The vorticity concentration-producing component is disposed on a pressure side of the solid body. The fluid flowing over the solid body remains attached to a surface of the solid body in a vicinity of the vorticity concentration-producing component. The synthetic jet actuator includes a jet housing that incorporates an internal chamber with a volume of fluid and an opening in the jet housing connecting the internal chamber to an external environment having the fluid. The synthetic jet actuator is operative to periodically change the volume within the internal chamber such that a synthetic jet stream comprising a series of fluid vortices is generated and projected in the external environment out from the opening of the jet housing resulting in a reduction in pressure drag of the solid body compared to the pressure drag exhibited by the solid body without operation of the synthetic jet actuator. |
| US07823838B1 |
Aircraft with improved lift
An aircraft has a wing 10 supporting at its underside a gas turbine engine 13. A jet pipe 14 of the engine has an exhaust nozzle 15 of rectangular flow area defined by upper and lower panels 16,17 and end walls 18. The upper panel, which is a part common to the nozzle and to a trailing edge portion of the wing, comprises a pair of flaps 20,21 which are pivotal between a position of alignment with the wing 10 and a position in which they are inclined to the wing. A part of the gas flowing through the jet pipe is diverted through a passage 25 into a passage 26 defined between the flaps 20,21 so as to entrain and accelerate air 26A flowing over the wing 10. This increases the lift of the wing at the rear thereof and also increases the thrust developed at the nozzle 15. This in turn helps to compensate for a nose-up moment on the aircraft arising from the thrust 13D2 of the engine passing forward of the centre of gravity 9A of the aircraft. |
| US07823836B2 |
Optimal sun safe attitude for satellite ground tracking
A method and apparatus for maneuvering a satellite in orbit to alternately optimize the collection of solar energy and to take sensor data of terrestrial objects is disclosed The longitudinal axis of a large payload package is oriented perpendicular to the orbital plane to minimize the disturbance torque due to gravity gradient, and to allow simple rotation about the axis for attitude change between optimal Sun and optimal ground coverage. |
| US07823831B2 |
Aircraft cabin layout having berths in the upper portion of the cabin
An aircraft cabin includes: a deck forming a plane surface on which seats are fastened; an aisle extending longitudinally in the cabin and elevated in relation to the deck; and berths served by the aisle, arranged at an angle above the seats of the deck on both sides of the aisle. |
| US07823830B2 |
Aircraft luggage compartment
A luggage compartment for aircraft comprises a tilting floor, a flap and a suspension device. The tilting floor is designed for holding carry-on baggage and the like, and may be locked in an initial position and may be tilted to another position for easier loading or unloading. The loading edge height may be substantially lower than the initial height of the closed luggage compartment. For example, an interlocking mechanism may couple the opening and closing of a flap and the tilting of the floor from an initial position to the tilted position, such as a three-position handle that prevents release of the tilting floor until the flap is unlatched. |
| US07823824B2 |
Device for winding a safety belt
Device for winding a safety belt onto a shaft, with a principle mainspring (7), which prestresses the shaft (4) in the winding direction (a) of the safety belt (2); a ratchet wheel (12) that rotates relative to the shaft (4); a blocking device (15) for blocking the rotational movement of the ratchet wheel (12) in the winding direction (a); a balance spring (20) which transmits to the shaft (4) a prestressing force that opposes the prestressing force of the principle mainspring (7) when the ratchet wheel (12) is blocked; and a free-wheel clutch that exhibits a blocking ring (34) with teeth (35, 39) and a blocking element that interacts with said teeth (35, 39). The blocking element has two ends having an angular spacing which differs from a whole-number multiple of the divisional spacing of the teeth (35, 39). |
| US07823823B2 |
Drag adjusting device for dual-bearing reel
A drag adjusting device for a dual-bearing reel, including a reel unit with a drag operating member configured to pivot within a range between a minimum position and a maximum position. A plate member is attached to an outer side of the reel unit. A drag restricting member is detachably coupled to the outer side surface of the plate member and between the minimum and the maximum pivot position of the drag operating member. The drag restricting member is detachably coupled to the plate member so as to contact and restrict pivotal movement of the drag operating member. |
| US07823822B2 |
System and method to align refiner plates during installation on a disc
A bushing to assist in positioning a bolt in the bolt apertures of refining plates and disk. The bushing is a cylindrical sleeve that slides over the bolt shaft, before the bolt is inserted into the aperture. The bushing may be short relative to the length of the bolt and the aperture. The bushing fits between the bolt and aperture in the refining plate and/or disk, as the bolt engages the threads of the plate and/or disk. The bolt is centered in the aperture and the centered bolt ensures that the plate segment is properly positioned on the disk as the bolt fastens the segment to the disk. |
| US07823820B2 |
Inner shell intended for a gyratory crusher, and method of attaching such a shell on a crushing head
An inner shell has a first part of a lug-notch arrangement, which first part is arranged to co-operate with a second part of the arrangement to prevent rotation of the inner shell relative to a crushing head. The inner shell has a contact surface in its upper portion and is arranged to be pressed towards the lower portion of the crushing head by a pressing force which is obtained by tightening at least two threaded bolts, which are arranged in the upper portion of the crushing head such that their longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the symmetry axis of the crushing head. |
| US07823818B2 |
System and method for producing weighed portions of powder from at least one biological material at cryotemperatures
A system and a method for producing a quantified defined portions of powder from at least one biological material at cryotemperature is shown, comprising means for grinding the biological material deposited in at least one first vessel to the powder; means for loosening the powder resulting from grinding the biological material in the first vessel; means for positioning at least one first opening in the first vessel, and means for transferring the quantified defined portions of powder in a plurality of second vessels by using the first opening as a transfer way. |
| US07823805B2 |
Spray gun capable of mixing detergent
A spray gun capable of mixing detergent includes a detergent tube having a water guiding tube passing through its upper cover, an interior tube fixedly connected to its bottom having a horizontal water inlet communicating with the detergent tube; a separate tube fixedly put between the interior tube and the adjustment tube for connection, an upper end of the separate tube connected to the water guiding tube, an inside of the separate tube partitioned by a partition wall to form an upper tube hole and a lower tube hole, an upper end of the upper tube hole having a detergent guiding inlet, a bottom of the upper tube hole having a water guiding inlet, the lower tube hole connected to a water source, an upper end of the lower tube hole having a water outlet; and an adjustment tube having an upper extension tube for putting the interior tub. |
| US07823802B1 |
Extensible straw for a disposable collapsible drink mixing container
An extensible straw for incorporation as an integral component of a disposable or collapsible beverage container has telescoping tubes extensible from the container, a screw cap and multiple seals preventing inadvertent leakage from the container whether the container is maintained upright or not. |
| US07823800B1 |
Misting system
A misting system may include at least one prefabricated mist line comprising at least one mist tee having at least one arm extending outwardly from a body, a latitudinal threaded hole defined in the body, and a longitudinal hole extending through the at least one arm and at least into the body and in fluid communication with the latitudinal threaded hole. A method of forming a misting system may include prefabricating at least one mist line by: aligning an end of at least one tube having a hole there through of a first predetermined diameter with at least one arm of at least one misting tee that is of a second predetermined diameter greater than the first predetermined diameter; and press-fitting the at least one arm into the end of the at least one tube, thereby deforming an end portion of the at least one tube. |
| US07823797B2 |
Color barcode producing, reading and/or reproducing method and apparatus
A color barcode can record much more amount of information than black white barcode. However, the problem of the color barcode is that it is easy to lose integrity or authenticity in printing and copy generation. This invention provides an apparatus and a method to keep the integrity or authenticity of the color barcode. Such is accomplished by the color information portion of the color barcode representing the color information about what colors are used for color tiles of data portion of the color barcode and an apparatus and a method for producing and reproducing such color barcode. |
| US07823796B2 |
Method of transferring information from a plant for the production of packaging material to a filling machine, a method of providing a packaging material with information, as well as packaging material and the use thereof
In the present publication, a method is described of transferring information from a plant for the production of packaging material to a filling machine, comprising the steps of: producing a web of the packaging material, measuring, on the production of the web, a predetermined magnitude in a first portion of the web, the portion being intended to form a first package in a filling machine, providing, on the production of the web, a second portion which is intended to form a second package in a filling machine, with information as to said measured magnitude, reading-off said information in a filling machine and controlling a second predetermined magnitude in the filling machine on the basis of said information. |
| US07823786B2 |
Laser scanner for reading optical codes
There is described a compact laser module (1) for reading optical codes, comprising: a scanning illumination section having at least one source (8) for generating a laser beam, and a scanner (9, 10) for scanning the optical code (C) to be read with a laser spot, and a receiving section (20-24) for collecting at least a portion of the light diffused by the code (C) and detecting the collected light, the receiving section and the scanning illumination section being spatially distinct. |
| US07823782B2 |
Dental optical coherence tomograph
A dental optical coherence tomography apparatus for measuring tissue in a stomatognathic region of a living body or an artificial composition in the stomatognathic region as a measured object includes: a variable wavelength light source (15); a light splitting portion (19) that splits light-source light emitted from the variable wavelength light source (15) into reference light (29) and measuring light (28); an interference portion (19) that causes the measuring light (28) and the reference light (29) to interfere with each other, thereby generating interference light; a photodetection portion (41) that measures the interference light; and an arithmetic portion (27b) that generates an image of a measured object (22) by Fourier transforming or inverse Fourier transforming the intensity of the interference light, whose wavelength changes with time, that has been detected by the photodetection portion for each of the wavelengths. Accordingly, an optical coherence tomography apparatus applicable to dental measurement can be provided. |
| US07823780B2 |
Data interface assembly for electronic locks and readers
An interface assembly is for an electronic device including a base and a control on the base and includes a contact on the base and coupled with the control and a data port spaced from the contact. A conductor is disposed between the data port and the contact such that data is transmissible between the data port and the contact through the conductor. The conductor is generally compressed or/and compressible between the data port and the contact and is formed of a conductive carbon material. The data port is spaced from the contact by a distance within a range of values, and the conductor provides a conductive path between the data port and the contact at each spacing distance value. A fluid impermeable cover is disposed over the base and covers the control and the contact to prevent moisture from contacting these components, with the conductor extending through the cover. |
| US07823779B2 |
Complimentary optical image and radio frequency signal processing
A wireless communication device optically receives an image and processes the optically received image to generate image data. The wireless communication device receives a Radio Frequency (RF) signal and processes the RF signal to derive an image data processing parameter. The image data processing parameter could be an encryption key, authentication code, access code, or some other parameter. The wireless communication device processes the image data and the image data processing parameter to convert the image data into a different format. The different format could be decrypted, authenticated, accessed, or some other converted form of image data. |
| US07823776B2 |
Medium processing system and intermediary medium processing apparatus
A medium processing system for use with an information recording medium is disclosed. The system may include a first medium processing apparatus, a host apparatus, and a second medium processing apparatus. The first medium processing apparatus may be structured to carry out writing and reading information to and from the information recording medium. The host apparatus may have an interface with which the first medium process apparatus is connectable. The second medium processing apparatus may be structured to intermediate a connection between the first medium processing apparatus and the host apparatus. The second medium processing apparatus may also be structured to carry out writing and reading information to and from the information recording medium at a higher speed than the first medium processing apparatus does. |
| US07823774B2 |
Method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for automatic verification of transactions made over an insecure network
An apparatus and method automatically verifies online transactions, such as credit card charges, made by a customer of a bank or financial institution. A browser “plug-in” is used to monitor a first party use of the internet to detect online transactions and create transaction data. The transaction data is forwarded to the financial institution to correlate with transaction data received independently from the other party in the transaction. The financial institution can provide the customer with alerts, such as online purchase warnings, if there are problems or discrepancies between the data from the first party and the data provided by the second party. The transaction data can also be used in other ways to provide information to the financial institution's customers. |
| US07823772B2 |
Transaction information mining
A managed service may include first logic to provide authentication information to a device on behalf of a mobile terminal to identify the mobile terminal for a near field transaction with the device, and receive transaction information from the device, where the transaction information is produced by the device on behalf of the mobile terminal. The first logic may further receive user information via the mobile terminal, the user information identifying characteristics of a user of the mobile terminal. The managed service may include second logic to produce a result that comprises information mined from the transaction information or user information, where the result identifies characteristics of the transaction or the user. |
| US07823765B2 |
Stackable shipping and display box
An elongate, rectangular box (12, 14, 40, 60, 70, 90, 100) and method for packaging containers (C), wherein the box can be cross-stacked for stable stacking of the boxes, and optimizes utilization of pallet space. Containers (C) are placed in the box in nested, offset relationship in a parallelogram shaped arrangement, and in one embodiment interior corner panels (20, 21) extend angularly across two diagonally opposite corners of the box, defining an interior box shape closely conforming to the parallelogram-shaped arrangement of the containers. The corner panels may be cut from the side walls (18, 19) and folded inwardly and secured at a free edge (28) to an adjacent end wall (16, 17), defining openings (22, 23) in the side wall through which the containers are visible. Side wall segments (24, 25, 26) at the bottom and sides of the opening, in cooperation with the corner panels, retain the containers in place in the box. The box is especially suited for packaging four one-gallon containers. |
| US07823764B2 |
Method and device for brazing material application, method for producing a honeycomb body, exhaust gas treatment unit and vehicle
A device and a method for applying brazing material to an at least partially structured metal foil include a) providing at least one flat metal foil, b) shaping the at least one metal foil to produce a structure, and c) applying brazing material to the at least one metal foil. Steps b) and c) are carried out discontinuously and at least partially together. The device and method are preferably used in the production of metallic honeycomb bodies for the treatment of exhaust gases in vehicles. |
| US07823762B2 |
Manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of printed wiring board
A solder ball is loaded on a bump having a small height (FIG. 5(B)) and the height of the bump is intensified by melting the solder ball by heating with laser (FIG. 5(C)). Thus, the heights of the bumps are adjusted within a requested allowable range. Because the bump is not removed by heating when the height of the low bump is intensified, the printed wiring board is not subjected to local heat history thereby intensifying reliability of the bump of a printed wiring board. |
| US07823761B2 |
Maneuverable surgical stapler
Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical instrument includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical staples by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one delivery mechanism adapted to deliver surgical fasteners, the delivery mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical fasteners containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image. |
| US07823760B2 |
Powered surgical stapling device platform
The present disclosure provides for a surgical instrument which includes a housing and an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing and defining a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly is pivotally coupled to the cartridge assembly to be movable from a first actuation position to at least one other second actuation position. The surgical instrument further includes a firing rod having a shaft defining a second longitudinal axis, the shaft having a cam member which is in mechanical cooperation with the anvil assembly and is configured to move the anvil assembly from the first actuation position to the at least one other second actuation position upon rotation of the firing rod about the second longitudinal axis. |
| US07823758B2 |
Folding hanger for at least one watersport garment
A vee shaped open-armed folding hanger (10) for an improved method of drying and storing watersport garments (20, 22, & 25). Current hangers support all the weight of the garments on the shoulders or shoulder straps causing damage to the garment. This hanger minimizes the stress on a garment (20) by supporting its mid-section from an open horizontal arm (14). By providing two steeply angled arms, bootie posts (12b), to hold booties (22) and glove lanyard (24) for gloves (25), all garments are kept on one hanger. When not in use it is folded to conceal the hook, eliminating the potential to inflict damage to a garment when packed together for travel. In the open position, the rotated vee shape provides more vertical reach than other designs; increasing the hanger's versatility. The addition of an auxiliary swivel hook (27) provides even more versatility in suspending the hanger. |
| US07823757B1 |
Spill containment system
A spill containment system for dispensing a berm of containment material on a support surface around a liquid spill to inhibit the liquid spill from spreading across the support surface includes a container receiving the containment material. The container includes a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that extends upwardly from the bottom wall to define an interior space of the container. A dispensing assembly is coupled to the container. The dispensing assembly is actuated to dispense the containment material from the container. The dispensing assembly controls flow of the containment material through a dispensing aperture that extends through a rear wall of the perimeter wall. |
| US07823756B2 |
Alternative flexible gate restrictors
A container using a flexible membrane integrated into the throat or egress passageway of a bottle. The membrane forms a portion of the passageway's sidewall. The membrane flexes inward when an external force is applied causing the inner walls of the passageway to frictionally mate together and restrict the flow of a fluid or non-fluid through the passageway and flexes outward when the force is removed allowing the inner walls of the passageway to move away from one another and allow the flow of the fluid through the passageway. |
| US07823749B2 |
Product positioning mechanism for a vending machine
A positioning mechanism for a vending machine is provided to properly align product containers for vending purposes. The vending machine includes a cabinet that establishes a product storage zone, a product delivery zone and a dispensing chamber. Arranged within the product storage zone are a plurality of shelves which include dividers that separate the shelves into a plurality of product queues. Each product queue includes an dispensing mechanism that releases a selected product from the product queue for delivery to the dispensing chamber. In addition, each product queue includes a positioning mechanism to align products in the product queue. The positioning mechanism includes a support member secured to the divider and a spacer bar pivotally secured to the support member. The spacer bar automatically adjusts to a width of a product container placed in the product queue in order to assure proper alignment of the product for dispensing. |
| US07823748B2 |
Drug dispenser and drug filling apparatus incorporating the same
A drug filling apparatus capable of preventing drugs from being bridged to each other and reducing troubles. The drug filling apparatus functions to select specific tablets from various types of tablet groups and fill the selected tablets into a vial, and includes a storage cabinet, a drug supplying section, a drug halting section, a drug conveying section, a drug filling section, a vial storing section, and a vial carrying section. A drug dispenser is installed in the drug halting section. A receptacle of the drug dispenser is constituted by an outer receptacle portion and an inner receptacle portion. When a time for filling of tablets in the drug dispenser into the vial comes, a motor of a drive section rotates according to specified signals to rotate the inner receptacle portion; that is, the rotational orientation of the inner receptacle portion is changed to reverse the inner receptacle portion. |
| US07823747B2 |
Casing with flip cover
A casing includes a base, a flip cover pivotably attached to the base, a first member fixed to the flip cover, and a second member fixed to the base. The flip cover is rotatable around an axis of rotation with respect to the base. The first member forms a tip toward the base along a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The second member extends an elongated arm, the elongated arm being crushed by the tip of the first member in an opening process of the flip cover with respect to the base so as to block the flip cover from opening with a rush. |
| US07823746B1 |
Two-part plastic container
A container for carry out heated food items, such as rotisserie chicken, has a base which is connected to a lid by a mating peripheral closure which defines a liquid tight seal. The closure has an encircling inclined wall on the base, which helps to direct the lid into engagement with the base, and which also defines a cavity within the closure which can retain liquid. The base may be provided with two fold up straps which are retained by structure in the lid to lie generally flat to serve as a convenient carrying handle above the lid. The base has rib structure allowing it to distend downwardly when loaded with food to space the heated food from the customer's hand while engaged with the handle. |
| US07823733B2 |
Article display tray provided with movement guide device, and movement guide device
An article display tray is provided with a movement guide device, wherein cylindrical articles can move more smoothly in a communication portion of the article display tray, via which the pair of storage chambers are communicatively connected to each other, and further wherein an increase in size of the article display tray can be avoided. A pair of left-right force-applied portions and an arraying guide surface positioned between the pair of force-applied portions are formed on a rocking member positioned inside the rear-end communication portion of an article display tray. When one of the pair of force-applied portions is pushed rearward by a cylindrical article that is placed in one of a pair of left-right storage chambers, the other force-applied portion pushes forward a cylindrical article that is placed in the other storage chamber. When the aforementioned one cylindrical article that pushes the aforementioned one force-applied portion rearward comes into engagement with the arraying guide surface after pushing the aforementioned one force-applied portion rearward, the arraying guide surface returns the rocking member to a neutral position where the pair of left-right storage rooms are aligned in a leftward/rightward direction. |
| US07823726B1 |
Nestled labels for medicine container
A labeling and a method of labeling adapted for pharmaceutical containers having multiple printed indicia locations varying in size and containing information for a user of varying sized pharmaceutical containers. The labeling includes a single substrate having several labeling options and can be designed with multiple main die cut portions separating various sections of the label such that various size labels can be produced from the single substrate. |
| US07823725B1 |
Shipping and display pallet assembly
A lightweight shipping and display assembly of corrugated board for containing packages of frangible food items, the assembly having a vertical axis and comprising an upright stack of pallets each having a horizontal floor spaced vertically from an adjacent upper pallet by spacer means comprising a plurality of interconnected arms generally horizontally arrayed and having upper and lower edges, wherein the lower edges rest on the floor, wherein the upper edges are formed with upper adjacent floor contact portions and vertically extended lock tabs, wherein the tabs have been inserted thru slots in an adjacent upper floor to provide a first stop means, wherein a raised rim means surrounds the periphery of the floor and provides on its inner surface shoulder means adapted to engage end portions of the support arms to provide second stop means, said first and second stop means preventing independent individual rotation of any structures of said assembly about the vertical axis, and wherein the support arms extend radially outward from the vertical axis in a laterally spaced generally wedge shaped pattern to provide open front item storage and display alcove areas which are readily viewable around the assembly. |
| US07823720B2 |
Belt transport device and belt transport control method
A belt transport device includes: a drive roller which is driven by a power source; a driven roller which is held in a rotatable manner; an endless belt which is wound on the drive roller and the driven roller; a band-like detecting section which is arranged on the endless belt in a circumferential direction of the endless belt; a sensor which detects the band-like detecting section; a displacement unit which displaces a relative positional relationship between the band-like detecting section and the sensor in a width direction of the endless belt. |
| US07823719B2 |
Roller for a roller conveyor
The invention relates to a roller (10′) for a roller conveyor, having an outer cylinder (12′) that is rotatably mounted on a stationary shaft (14′) and which may be driven by a motor (16), the roller (10′) having an optoelectronic sensor system (20′) comprising a light transmitter (22′) and a light receiver (24′). The optoelectronic sensor system (20′) is positioned relative to the outer cylinder (12′) in such a way that a light beam (22a′) emitted by the light transmitter (22′) extends along the exterior of the outer cylinder (12′), essentially parallel to a surface line of the outer cylinder (12′), and the light transmitter (22) is provided inside the outer cylinder (12′), and optical deflection means are provided for guiding the light beam (22a′), emitted by the light transmitter (22′), to the exterior of the outer cylinder (12′). |
| US07823718B2 |
Dynamic conveyance device
A conveyance device is configured to carry a product. The conveyance device includes a first path configured to carry the product in a first direction, a second path configured to carry the product in a second direction, and a transfer assembly positioned adjacent to a portion of the first path to facilitate transfer of the product from the first path to the second path. The conveyance device also includes a guide system configured to move the transfer assembly along the first path. The guide system includes a base positioned proximate the first path and the second path and an arm coupled to the base and extending above a portion of the first path and a portion of the second path. The arm is configured to move in a first manner and a second manner relative to the base. The transfer assembly is movably coupled to the arm. |
| US07823716B2 |
Product stabilizing conveyor system and method
A product stabilizing conveyor system for a continuous, segmented lane curvilinear conveyor having linear and curvilinear sections. The conveyor is configured to transport small products, e.g. 0.46 diameter glass vials, in circular fashion. Wedged-shaped diverter elements are positioned at the juncture between a linear section and curvilinear section of the conveyor, after the registry and outfeed area. The diverter elements serve to direct the minute vials away from the larger interstices which form on the outbound paths of travel of the curvilinear section and towards the smaller sized interstices on the inboard paths of travel. Diverting the vials in this manner ensures they do not cross over the edges of the larger sized interstices and fall over onto the conveyor surface. Instead they remain upright as they travel around the curvilinear section and hence around the entire conveyor. |
| US07823714B2 |
Friction plate for wet-type multiplate clutch
A friction plate for a wet-type multiplate clutch is provided with a core plate and friction linings bonded on opposite sides of the core plate, respectively. Each of the friction linings is composed of plural segment pieces each having at least one first oil groove and at least one second oil groove. The first oil groove opens to a radially-inner side of the friction plate and has a closed end portion located in a radially-intermediate part of the friction lining, and the second oil groove opens to a radially-outer side of the friction plate and has a closed end portion located in another radially-intermediate part of the friction lining. The second oil groove has a shape that its angular width becomes narrower from its open end portion toward its closed end portion thereof, and at the open end portion, the angular width of the second oil groove is reduced. The first oil groove may be provided with an oil pocket at its closed end portion. |
| US07823705B2 |
Elevator apparatus control by measuring changes in a physical quantity other than temperature
An elevator apparatus is equipped with an elevator component that is operated during operation of an elevator, a detector for measuring a change in a physical quantity other than temperature as to the elevator component, and a control device for controlling the operation of the elevator based on information from the detector. The elevator component is, for example, a hoisting machine for moving a car of the elevator. The hoisting machine has a motor, and a driving sheave that is rotated by the motor. The detector measures a strain of a frame of the motor as the physical quantity other than temperature. The control device determines based on the strain of the frame of the motor whether or not there is an abnormality in the operation of the elevator, and controls the operation of the elevator. It is therefore possible to determine easily and more reliably whether or not there is an abnormality in the operation of the elevator, without the need to directly measure the temperature of the motor (6). |
| US07823704B2 |
Image monitoring apparatus for remote monitoring of an elevator
In an image monitoring apparatus for an elevator, an image recording unit records an image in a car photographed by a camera, and monitors, based on the image in the car, whether or not there is a violent behavior of a passenger in the car. The image recording unit makes a recording density of the image in the car higher than usual when the violent behavior of the passenger in the car is detected. The operation control unit homes the car to a predetermined floor when the violent behavior of the passenger in the car is detected by the image recording unit. |
| US07823702B2 |
Elevator monitoring system including automatic passenger detection
In an elevator monitoring system, an operation monitoring apparatus receives operation condition data from a group supervisory control device so as to display operation conditions of elevators on a monitor. The operation monitoring apparatus and the interphone base device can telephone-communicate with each other. The operation monitoring apparatus detects that a passenger within a car of at least one of the elevators cannot perform an interphone communication based upon the operation condition data and information of communication conditions with respect to the interphone terminal devices, which are received from the interphone base device. |
| US07823700B2 |
User identification enabled elevator control method and system
An elevator control method and system. The system comprises a control unit and a memory unit. The memory unit comprises user data segments associated with users for elevators within the system and transponder identification data segments associated with transponders. The method comprises receiving by the control unit, ID signals from the transponders. The control unit associates the user data segments with the ID signals and determines priority levels for the users. |
| US07823699B2 |
Electromagnetically operated elevator door lock
An electromagnetic door lock assembly (30) includes a first portion (32) supported relative to hoistway doors (22) and a second portion (34) supported for movement with an elevator car (24). The first and second portions cooperate so that electromagnetic interaction between them unlocks a set of hoistway doors (22) for access to the car (24), for example. In disclosed embodiments, a first portion (32) of the actuator has at least one stationary electromagnetic portion (36A, 36B) and at least one moveable portion (38). The second portion (34) that moves with the car (24) includes at least one stationary electromagnetic portion (44). Magnetic interaction between the first and second portions (32, 34) causes selected movement of the moveable portion (38) for selectively locking or unlocking the doors (22). |
| US07823697B2 |
Lubricating plug and stud-type tracking wheel with the same
A lubricating plug is provided which may be applied easily to the stud-type roller bearing with tracking wheel, roller, whether new or already existing, with no need of adding any modification to design of a lubrication hole. The lubricating plug is most suitable for certain replenishment of lubricant and also made slim in construction even with low cost. The lubricating plug is comprised of a radially enlarged portion of cylindrical contour adapted to make the fit-engagement with the lubrication hole in the stud, and a radially reduced portion made integral with the radially enlarged portion. An injection hole is bored throughout in both the radially enlarged portion and the radially reduced portion to accommodate detachably therein a lubricant feeder nozzle. |
| US07823694B2 |
Motorized climbing hunting stand
A motorized, climbing tree stand ideal for hunting has a rigid elongated, track constructed from multiple, axially aligned sections attached to a tree trunk. A carriage supporting a seat and footrest is coupled to a shuttle assembly that engages the track. The shuttle assembly mounts a battery-powered motor and a motor-driven gear that engages a toothed rack on the elongated track, moving the carriage vertically upwardly or downwardly in response to motor operation. A hand switch controls a reversing relay to control motor direction. Each track section comprises a rigid, elongated flange with an elongated, tubular sleeve terminating in a reduced diameter coupling tube that coaxially mates with the base of the sleeve in the neighboring section. Alignment rods near the upper ends of each sleeve reinforce the assembly. Adjustable, L-brackets contact the tree for bracing. Track flanges are slidably constrained between suitable rollers secured to shuttle side walls. |
| US07823692B2 |
Muffler for engines in oilfield applications
A muffler for an engine in oilfield applications has a tube with nozzles in its inlet section for spraying a mist of water from the well into the exhaust gases produced by the engine, so that a significant portion of the water is converted to water vapor and exits with the exhaust gases at the outlet of the tube. Vortex generators on the interior surface of the midsection of the tube create turbulence in the exhaust gases and water mist. A sump at the outlet section of the tube collects the remaining water and pollutants trapped by the water for subsequent disposal. |
| US07823690B2 |
Multi-layered, peelable hygienic cover for a stethoscope
A disposable stethoscope cover that covers at least the surface of the diaphragm is disclosed. The cover contacts a patient during use and reduces transmittal of microorganisms. The cover is in the form of a flexible sheet having a top and a bottom surface. The sheet has an adhesive material on a portion of the surface thereof that secures the sheet to the surface of the diaphragm. The sheet further includes at least one wing extending from the sheet. The wing has an adhesive on at least one surface thereof for securing the wing to the sheet when the wing is folded over at least a portion of a tube section of the stethoscope. |
| US07823689B2 |
Closed-loop downhole resonant source
An apparatus for generating seismic body waves in a hydrocarbon reservoir includes a closed-loop borehole source having a resonant cavity for generating resonant energy, a drive source and a control unit. The drive source injects pressure pulses to the resonant cavity at a predetermined or selectable pressure and frequency. The fluid circulates between the cavity and the drive source in a closed-loop fashion. In another embodiment, the borehole source utilizes a smart or controllable material that is responsive to an applied excitation field. The cavity includes an excitation coil for providing an excitation field that changes a material property of the smart fluid. The control unit is programmed to adjust operating parameters to produce seismic waves having a selected frequency and amplitude. In one embodiment, a control unit adjusts operating parameters in response to measured parameters of interest or surface commands. |
| US07823688B2 |
Electric power steering system with belt drive
The invention relates to an electric power steering for a motor vehicle, that may include a gear rack (11) that is positioned axially displaceable inside a steering housing (1) and can be driven by an electric servomotor (16), arranged inside a motor housing (7), with the aid of a belt (14) and a gear (12) for assisting with the steering. A simple and reliable belt tensioning is possible by providing an insertion wedge (21) between the motor housing (7) and the steering housing (1), which pushes the motor housing (7) away from the steering housing (1) for the purpose of tensioning of the belt (14). |
| US07823685B2 |
Operating device for a vehicle
An operating device is provided for a vehicle, in particular for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle. The operating device comprises a manually actuatable control lever. The control lever is used to adjust or modify the speed of the vehicle. The control lever is adjustable in a longitudinal direction, in order to adjust the speed of the vehicle. An implement with which at least one working function may be performed may be fitted to the vehicle. In order to enable ergonomic operation, it is proposed that the control lever comprise at least one operating element, with which the implement may be driven, and that the operating element be arranged so as to be movable together with the control lever in the longitudinal direction. |
| US07823681B2 |
Breath alcohol ignition interlock device with biometric facial recognition with real-time verification of the user
An interlock system using biometrics scans to identify in real-time an individual who seeks to operate a mechanical device, such as an automobile. Biometrics features that uniquely identify an individual are selected. If a real-time biometrics scan of the individual does not match a stored image of an authorized operator, the interlock system will lock the mechanical device to prevent operation. The interlock system may be used in conjunction with a breath alcohol analyzer to determine impairment. If the biometrics testing indicates that the individual is required to be tested for impairment, the mechanical device will not operate until the testing is completed. If the biometrics testing automatically indicates that the operator of the mechanical apparatus and the individual exhaling into the breath alcohol analyzer component of the ignition interlock is not the same person, the ignition system of the mechanical apparatus, which operates in conjunction with the ignition interlock of the present invention, provides a programmable software option to prevent the apparatus from starting. If the test indicates that the individual is impaired the interlock system will lock the mechanical device to prevent operation. |
| US07823678B2 |
Motorcycle with vehicle speed sensor
A versatile vehicle speed sensor compactly disposed on the outside in a radial direction of a gear. A motorcycle includes a power unit having a torque take-out shaft for outputting a torque generated by an internal combustion engine as a drive torque for driving a rear wheel, a torque transmission mechanism T which includes a gear pair consisting of bevel gears and a drive shaft and which transmits the drive torque to the rear wheel, and a vehicle speed sensor such that teeth of a driven gear constituting the gear pair constitute a portion to be detected. The vehicle speed sensor includes a main body portion having a detecting portion opposed to the addendum of the teeth in the direction of a normal to the addendum cone surface of the driven gear, and the main body portion extends along the normal direction. |
| US07823677B2 |
Motorcycle
A vehicle body includes a pair of left and right main frames extending rearwardly from a front portion of the vehicle body and a seat extending rearwardly from a substantially central portion for providing seating for an occupant. A trunk is provided on the rear side of the seat for storing luggage with a backrest mounted to a front wall of the trunk for supporting the back of the occupant. The occupant includes a rider and a passenger, and the seat includes a front seating portion for the rider and a rear seating portion for the passenger arranged in tandem in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. A pair of left and right rear frames for supporting the trunk extend to a position below the rear seating portion, so that the load of the passenger sitting on the rear seating portion is borne by the rear frames. |
| US07823676B2 |
Coaxial two-wheeled inverted pendulum type moving vehicle
The present invention provides, in connection with a coaxial two-wheeled inverted pendulum type moving vehicle, a technique which allows sudden braking without making a vehicle body to tilt significantly backward. The coaxial two-wheeled inverted pendulum type moving vehicle of the present invention comprises a pair of wheels, a chassis for supporting the pair of wheels coaxially and rotatably, wheel actuators for rotating the wheels with respect to the chassis, a vehicle body supported by the chassis, and an inverted pendulum control unit for controlling the wheel actuators so as to maintain the balanced state of the chassis. In this moving vehicle, the vehicle body is shiftable supported by the chassis in a manner that the vehicle body may shift in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the moving vehicle with respect to the chassis. The traveling body further comprises an attitude actuator for shifting the vehicle body along the moving direction of the moving vehicle with respect to the chassis, and a braking attitude control unit for controlling the attitude actuator so as to shift the vehicle body to a direction opposite to the moving direction of the moving vehicle with respect to the chassis when braking is commenced while the moving vehicle is in motion. |
| US07823670B2 |
Hybrid drive train and hybrid vehicle equipped with same
The invention concerns a hybrid drive train comprising a heat engine (2), at least one first electrical machine (31) and at least a second electrical machine (32) each including a stator and a rotor, a battery (BAT) connected to the first and second electrical machines (31, 32), and a controlling member (5) for controlling the charge or discharge of the battery (BAT), the heat engine (2) and the first and second electrical machines (31, 32). The invention is characterized in that the first electrical machine (31) is arranged between the transmission member (4) and one (7D) of the driven wheels (7G, 7D), and in that the second electrical machine (32) is arranged inside the heat engine (2), the rotor of the second electrical machine (32) being fixed on a crank web and its stator (34) being fixed in the housing (36) of the heat engine (2). |
| US07823664B2 |
Corrosion protection for head section of earth boring bit
An earth boring bit has a steel body having at least one leg with a depending bearing pin. A cone having cutting elements is rotatably mounted to the bearing pin. A ball plug weld is on the outer surface of the leg. A layer of hardfacing applied to part of the outer surface of the leg, the hardfacing having carbide particles in a matrix. A corrosion resistant coating containing at least 50% nickel is formed on parts of the outer surface of the leg that are free of the layer of hardfacing both above and below the ball plug weld. |
| US07823661B2 |
In-drilling alignment
To limit the growth of errors of an inertial navigation system for measurement-while-drilling, in-drilling alignment methods can be used. A pneumatics-based design of an apparatus for an in-drilling alignment method and its implementation downhole are described. |
| US07823655B2 |
Directional drilling control
Methods and apparatus for using a quill to steer a hydraulic motor when elongating a wellbore in a direction having a horizontal component, wherein the quill and the hydraulic motor are coupled to opposing ends of a drill string, by monitoring an actual toolface orientation of a tool driven by the hydraulic motor via monitoring a drilling operation parameter indicative of a difference between the actual toolface orientation and a desired toolface orientation, and then adjusting a position of the quill by an amount that is dependent upon the monitored drilling operation parameter. |
| US07823653B2 |
Hand-held power tool with a belt tensioning device
A hand-held power tool for driving a working tool (1) includes a drive belt (3), first and second arms (5a, 5b) longitudinally displaceable relative to each other and carrying respective deflection rollers (6) of the drive belt (3), a belt tensioning device (4) located between the first and second arms (5a, 5b) and including a spring (8) preloaded against the first arm (5a), and a displaceable pressure piston (9) located between the spring (8) and the second arm (56). |
| US07823650B2 |
Methods and apparatus for hazard control
A hazard control system according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to deliver a control material in response to detection of a hazard. In one embodiment, the hazard control system comprises a pressure tube having an internal pressure and configured to leak in response to exposure to heat. The leak changes the internal pressure and generates a pneumatic signal. A fire detector may also detect a fire condition associated with fire. A valve may be coupled to the fire detector and the pressure tube. The valve is configured to change the internal pressure and generate the pneumatic signal in response to a signal from the fire detector. The pneumatic signal triggers a delivery system to deliver the control material. |
| US07823649B2 |
System and method for plugging a side pocket mandrel using a swelling plug
Plugging a side pocket mandrel using a swelling plug. A system for plugging a port in a side pocket of a mandrel in a subterranean well includes a plugging device installed in the side pocket of the mandrel, the plugging device including a swellable seal material, whereby the seal material swells at least after installation of the plugging device in the side pocket to thereby prevent fluid transfer through the port. A method of plugging a port in a side pocket of a mandrel in a subterranean well includes the steps of: providing the plugging device with a swellable seal material; installing the plugging device in the side pocket; and the seal material swelling in the side pocket, thereby preventing fluid transfer through the port. |
| US07823648B2 |
Downhole safety valve apparatus and method
The application discloses a valve, which may include either a safety valve or a storm surge choke valve or the like, to isolate a zone below a valve from a string of production tubing. Preferably, the valve includes a flow interruption surface assembly, such as a flapper valve or a ball valve, displaced by an operating conduit extending from a surface location to the valve through the inside of the production tubing. The application also discloses a bypass-conduit inside the production tubing to allow communication from a surface location to the production zone when the valve is in either an open or a closed location. |
| US07823647B2 |
Process for foaming a wet hydrocarbon composition
A composition of a wet hydrocarbon foaming agent including a siloxane can foam wet hydrocarbons. The siloxane wet hydrocarbon foaming agent advantageously foams hydrocarbons that have as little as 5 percent water present and those hydrocarbons having as much as 90 percent water present. The wet hydrocarbon foaming agent can be used in oil and gas production for gas lift and foam blocking applications. The foaming agent can also be used for clearing hydrocarbons from pipelines and other vessels used for transporting oil and gas. |
| US07823644B2 |
In-situ method of producing oil shale, on-shore and off-shore
A method is provided for in-situ production of oil shale wherein a network of fractures is formed by injecting liquified gases into at least one substantially horizontally disposed fracturing borehole. Heat is thereafter applied to liquify the kerogen so that oil shale oil and/or gases can be recovered from the fractured formations. |
| US07823642B2 |
Control of fines migration in well treatments
A treatment fluid that can be used for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is prepared from a primary treatment fluid component and an emulsion component mixed with the primary treatment fluid component. The emulsion component has an oil phase and an aqueous phase. The emulsion component comprising a source of insoluble silica particles and a source of calcium hydroxide, wherein the source of calcium hydroxide is present in the oil phase, and the source of insoluble silica particles are contained in the aqueous phase. The method is carried out by contacting at least a portion of the formation with the treatment fluid. |
| US07823641B2 |
Methods of formulating cements for drilled wells using processed waste water
In oil or gas well drilling, saline water is collected and separated into first and second streams of solid or liquid products containing salts. The first products are used in formulating cements for fabricating drilled well casings. |
| US07823637B2 |
Delayed acting gravel pack fluid loss valve
A fluid loss valve is disposed in a wash pipe in a gravel packing assembly. It is preferably held open initially and when in the process it is time for the valve to be able to go closed a pulling force is applied that creates relative movement to either close the valve or allow it to close without release of the assembly when under tension. This allows a surface signal that the valve is to be released for closure. The tension is relieved before string movement with the valve can occur. This can happen by slacking off before picking up again or through other time delay features that allow the tension to be removed and a lock to collapse before a lift force is applied for subsequent gravel packing operations. The valve in its closed position acts to eliminate fluid loss when excess gravel is reversed out. |
| US07823634B2 |
Wellhead isolation sleeve assembly
An isolation sleeve extends from an adapter into the bore of a tubing head to isolate high pressure frac fluid from the body of the tubing head. The isolation sleeve may be moved into and out of the bore by a hydraulic transfer piston or it may be installed and retrieved by a running tool. The isolation sleeve has a seal carrier on its lower end. The seal of the seal carrier may seal to a secondary packoff in the tubing head, on the outer diameter of the conduit, or to the rim of the conduit. The seal carrier may be movable relative to the sleeve to energize the seal. |
| US07823630B2 |
Tube for heat exchanger and method of manufacturing tube
A tube for a heat exchanger is constructed of a single plate having one end portion and the other end portion in a width direction perpendicular to a tube longitudinal direction. The single plate having opposite first and second wall surfaces is bent to have a protruding portion at a position adjacent to the one end portion in the width direction and a contact portion adjacent to the protruding portion in the width direction. The protruding portion is configured to continuously extend in the longitudinal direction and to have a protruding tip on a side of the first wall surface, and the protruding tip contacts the first wall surface of a portion along the longitudinal direction. The second wall surface at the one end portion and the contact portion contacts the first wall surface at the other end portion and a position near the other end portion, respectively. |
| US07823628B2 |
Passive back-flushing thermal energy system
This invention provides a thermal energy system comprising a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy between a source and a load, the heat exchanger having a primary side associated with the source, and a secondary side for conducting a fluid associated with the load, wherein the secondary side of the heat exchanger is passively back-flushed upon consumption of a portion of the fluid. Passive back-flushing prevents fouling of the heat exchanger due to sediments, scale, and mineral deposits which may be present in the circulating fluid. |
| US07823618B2 |
Ultrasonic bonding apparatus
An ultrasonic bonding apparatus includes a head that includes a tool surface configured to mount an electronic component, an ultrasonic bonding unit configured to ultrasonically bond the electronic component with a substrate, and a wiping unit configured to wipe out pre-cured underfill that has adhered to the tool surface of the head, by using a wiping member on a wiping table. The wiping unit includes a solvent supply unit configured to supply a solvent configured to powder the underfill, to the wiping member on the wiping table, a sealed cartridge configured to house the wiping table and a feed mechanism configured to supply the wiping member to the wiping table and to roll up the wiping member from the wiping table, and a cartridge support member that includes a motor configured to drive the feed mechanism, and is detachably attached to the cartridge. |
| US07823614B2 |
Pneumatic tire
This invention relates to a pneumatic tire wherein at least one of a carcass (4) and a belt (6) comprises a layer of steel cords covered with a coating rubber, and as the coating rubber covering the steel cords in at least one of the carcass (4) and the belt (6) is used a rubber composition comprising a rubber component (A), 1-10 parts by mass of sulfur (B) and 0.1-10 parts by mass of a compound (C) including a substituted benzene ring, a compound (D1) having a particular structure or a composition (D2) consisting essentially of such a compound based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber component, and as the steel cord is used a steel cord formed by twisting a plurality of steel wires each plated on its peripheral face with a brass and having an amount of phosphorus as an oxide in a surface layer region from a surface of the plated brass to a depth of 5 nm inward in a radial direction of the wire controlled to not more than 1.5 atomic %. |
| US07823612B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring height of jointer infeed surface
A jointer system comprises a blade assembly, a base, an infeed table, and a measurement system. The base supports the blade assembly for rotation about a blade axis. The infeed table is movably supported by the base. The measurement system comprises a stop member, a gauge assembly, and a display assembly. The stop member defines a stop plane. The gauge assembly comprises a gauge, a pin member supported by the gauge such that the pin member is in contact with the stop member, and a display assembly. As the infeed table moves relative to the base, the gauge assembly generates a measurement signal indicative of vertical displacement of the infeed table relative to the base. The display assembly generates a display image based on the measurement signal. |
| US07823610B2 |
Refueling shut-off system with fill-limit vent valve
A refueling shut-off system is provided for use with a vehicle fuel system including a fuel tank, a fuel tank filler neck, and a fuel vapor recovery canister. The system includes a fill-limit vent valve and a flow-control valve. |
| US07823607B2 |
System tank and output unit for transporting untreated drill cuttings
System for transport of untreated drill cuttings, comprising a tank (2). The tank (2) is arranged below the deck of a ship (1) and has an output unit (10) at the bottom (6), to feed the drill cuttings towards an output opening (8). A pump (21) is provided below the bottom of the tank (2) to feed the drill cuttings through an unloading line (13). The unloading line (13) has a substantially uniform cross section and is shaped so that the velocity of the flow close to the inner wall is substantially equal in the same cross section. The tank (2) has an upper circular cylindrical part (3) and a lower frustuconical part (4) and a substantially flat bottom (6). In the flat bottom (6) is an output opening (8), which extends from the side wall (5) of the frustuconical part (4) to an inner dome or cone (11). |
| US07823606B2 |
Device for adjusting and throttling the flow-rate of a fluid, particularly medical oxygen and compressed gases in general
A device for adjusting and throttling the flow-rate of a fluid, particularly medical oxygen and compressed gases in general, which comprises a valve body which defines an input port and an output port for a fluid at high pressure; the input port is controlled by a high-pressure flow control element; an input duct is also provided for a low-pressure fluid which is connected to a rotating body with a control port which can be arranged at the calibrated holes provided in an adjustment disk and connected to at least one output duct; a single actuation handwheel is further provided which drives the high-pressure flow control element and the rotating body. |
| US07823599B2 |
Flexible cane foot
An ambulatory support and traction device used as a flexible foot (1) added to a walking aid, such as a cane or crutch (6), is provided. The flexible foot (1) includes a bendable coil or spring (3) that allows angulation of a walking aid shaft (4) relative to the foot (1) without the loss of adherence of the foot to a ground surface (19). The allowance of angulation of the walking aid shaft (4) improves ambulatory support and balance when leaning on the walking aid or when traversing an inclined surface and can assist the user in rising from a sitting position to a standing position without repositioning of the foot. The flexible foot (1) has a rigid base (2) for structural support and a traction sole (17) to adhere to surfaces both indoors and outdoors and on different surfaces and environments. |
| US07823590B2 |
Devices, for preventing collapse of the upper airway, methods for use thereof and systems and articles of manufacture including same
Devices and methods to prevent airway collapse are disclosed. The device includes a mouthpiece featuring a positioning aid adjustable by inflation accomplished via a gas exchange port attachable to a source of pressure and a breathing tube. Inflation causes an asymmetric protrusion on the mouthpiece, preferably above the breathing tube so that the positioning aid fits into the roof of the mouth. Preferably, tongue movement is at least partially restricted. An additional device featuring a wearable battery operated compressor is further disclosed. A device in the form of a pacifier is disclosed as a preferred embodiment for use in young patients. Preferably, devices are supplied as articles of manufacture. Use of disclosed devices constitute methods of preventing collapse of the upper airway. |
| US07823588B2 |
Ventilator with dual gas supply
A method of pressure regulation and a ventilator are provided. The ventilator includes a positive relative pressure gas supply, a negative relative pressure gas supply, and a diverter valve. The diverter valve includes a positive pressure port connected to the positive relative pressure gas supply, a negative pressure port connected to the negative relative pressure gas supply, and a gas supply port communicating with a gas delivery device. The ventilator preferably further includes a feedback sensor that detects a gas supply difference between a gas supply and a predetermined gas supply and generates a feedback signal that is substantially related to the gas supply difference. The ventilator preferably further includes a diverter valve actuator communicating with the diverter valve and operating the diverter valve to communicate the positive relative pressure gas supply and the negative relative pressure gas supply to the gas supply port of the diverter valve based upon the feedback signal. |
| US07823584B2 |
Atomizer
An atomizer for a fluid, in particular, a fluid for medical aerosol therapy. In order to allow simplified operation and improved safety in use, the atomizer has a counter device for counting the number of operations of the atomizer and the number of containers inserted. The atomizer is locked against further operation and/or against removal of the current container or insertion of a new container, if a certain number of operations of the atomizer and/or a certain number of containers inserted has/have been reached or exceeded. |
| US07823581B2 |
Remote control for gas valve
A gas valve (14) control system (10) uses a control signal (16) to enable a valve (14) and a validation signal (22) to validate the control signal (16). The system (10) includes a valve (14) connected to a burner (12). A receiver (18) is electrically connected to the valve (14) and provides the valve (14) with the control signal (16). A controller (20) has a control transmitter (24) in wireless communication with the receiver (18) to transmit the control signal (16) to the receiver (18) at a speed of light. The controller (20) further includes a validation transmitter (26) to transmit a validation signal (22) to the receiver (18) at a speed of sound. The valve (14) is enabled by the control signal (16) if a time delay between the receiver (18) receiving the control signal (16) and the validation signal (22) is shorter than a maximum delay period. The control signal (16) is discarded if the time delay is longer than the maximum delay period. |
| US07823570B2 |
Process for operating a compression ignition internal combustion engine in combination with a catalytic reformer
A process for operating a compression ignition internal combustion engine in combination with a catalytic partial oxidation reformer and, optionally, an exhaust gas aftertreater, wherein: (a) a mixture of a first fuel and air, wherein the first fuel comprises Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel, is introduced in the combustion chamber of the engine; (b) exhaust gas is discharged from the engine and optionally partly recirculated to the combustion chamber of the engine; (c) a second fuel and oxygen and/or steam are supplied to the catalytic partial oxidation reformer to produce synthesis gas, wherein the second fuel comprises Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel; (d) at least part of the synthesis gas is supplied to: (i) the exhaust gas aftertreater; (ii) the combustion chamber of the engine; or to both. |
| US07823568B1 |
Evaporative emission control canister for automotive vehicle
An evaporative emission control canister for an automotive vehicle includes a canister body and a bracket for attaching the body to a structural member of a vehicle. A number of fastener sets attach the bracket to the canister body, with each of the fastener sets including a closed-end hollow core boss having a generally cylindrical wall of uniform thickness and a number of buttresses applied to an outer surface of the generally cylindrical wall. The buttresses have the same uniform thickness as the generally cylindrical wall and are molded along with the cylindrical wall as one piece with an inner portion of the canister body. |
| US07823562B2 |
Engine fuel control system
A fuel control system is provided. The fuel control system includes an electronic control system coupled to a pair of control valves for blending pipeline fuel with waste fuel at a blend ratio for controlling fuel flow to an internal combustion engine. The fuel control system can estimate energy content of the fuel mixture to compensate the blend ratio. The fuel control system can use engine operational parameters to compensate the blend ratio. Typically, the system will use the operational parameter of output power or exhaust emissions to compensate the blend ratio. Further, the fuel control system can prioritize variation from the blend ratio or variation from a desired power output when the blend ratio cannot generate the desired power output. The fuel control system can also be equipped with engine speed/load controls, misfire, ignition timing and knock detection capabilities. |
| US07823556B2 |
Electrode for an ignition device
An electrode for an ignition device is made from a Ni-based nickel-chromium-iron alloy which has improved resistance to high temperature oxidation, sulfidation, corrosive wear, deformation and fracture includes, by weight of the alloy: 14.5-25% chromium; 7-22% iron; 0.2-0.5% manganese; 0.2-0.5% silicon; 0.1-2.5% aluminum; 0.05-0.15% titanium; 0.01-0.1% total of calcium and magnesium; 0.005-0.5% zirconium; 0.001-0.01% boron, and the balance substantially Ni. It may also include at least one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of: yttrium, hafnium, lanthanum, cerium and neodymium in amounts ranging from 0.01-0.15% by weight, and incidental impurities, including cobalt, niobium, molybdenum, copper, carbon, lead, phosphorus or sulfur. These total of these impurities will typically be controlled to limits of 0.1% cobalt, 0.05% niobium, 0.05% molybdenum, 0.01% copper, 0.01% carbon, 0.005% lead, 0.005% phosphorus and 0.005% sulfur. The ignition device may be a spark plug which includes a ceramic insulator, a conductive shell, a center electrode disposed in the ceramic insulator having a terminal end and a sparking end with a center electrode sparking surface, and a ground electrode operatively attached to said shell having a ground electrode sparking surface, the center electrode sparking surface and the ground electrode sparking surface defining a spark gap therebetween. At least one of the center electrode or the ground electrode includes the solution-strengthened Ni-based nickel-chromium-iron alloy. The Ni-based nickel-chromium-iron alloy electrodes of the invention may also include a core with thermal conductivity greater than that of the Ni-based nickel-chromium-iron alloy, such as copper or silver or their alloys. |
| US07823554B2 |
Camshaft adjuster with a locking system
A device for adjusting the angle of rotation between two rotating shafts, in particular a drive shaft of a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine and a camshaft for actuating gas-exchange valves is provided, having a rotation element that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive shaft, a rotor that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the camshaft, and an angle of rotation adjustment system with a locking device which has at least one locking bolt, which is mounted movably in one of the components, and at least one corresponding opening in the other component. The locking bolt can be displaced into and out of the opening by a spring and/or hydraulic force. |
| US07823553B2 |
Engine brake having an articulated rocker arm and a rocker shaft mounted housing
A system for actuating an engine valve is disclosed. The system may include a lost motion housing having two spaced collars surrounding a rocker shaft. The lost motion housing may include an internal hydraulic circuit connecting a master piston bore with a slave piston bore. The lost motion housing may include a means for securing the lost motion housing in a fixed position relative to the rocker shaft. A master piston may be disposed in the master piston bore and a slave piston may be disposed in the slave piston bore. A rocker arm may be disposed on the rocker shaft between the spaced collars and may have a first portion adapted to contact a cam and a second portion adapted to contact the master piston. In a preferred embodiment, the system may be used to provide compression release engine braking or bleeder engine braking. |
| US07823552B2 |
Continuous variable valve lift apparatus
A continuous variable valve lift apparatus includes an input cam disposed on an input shaft, a valve opening/closing portion, and a rocker arm rotating shaft. A rocker arm rotates around the rocker arm rotating shaft corresponding to a rotation of the input cam. An output cam is disposed at an end of the rocker arm, and opens and closes the valve opening/closing portion. A control portion controls a position of the rocker arm rotating shaft. |
| US07823551B2 |
Valve train for internal combustion engine
A valve train for an internal combustion engine that uses motors to open/close intake valves of cylinders. The motors drive the intake valves for each of a plurality of groups of cylinders that perform an explosion stroke at substantially equal crank angle intervals. Since the intake valves are driven for each of the plurality of groups of cylinders that perform an explosion stroke at substantially equal crank angle intervals, the explosion stroke is performed regularly even when an operation is conducted with only a particular group of cylinders. This makes it possible to inhibit driveability deterioration. |
| US07823549B2 |
Switchable valvetrain system and method of operation
A switchable valvetrain system is provided having a control unit and a pressure regulator valve responsive to control signals from the control unit. A pressurized fluid source is provided in communication with the pressure regulator valve. A switchable valvetrain component having a latching mechanism and lubrication circuit in selective communication with the pressurized fluid source through the pressure regulator valve is also provided. The pressure regulator valve is operable to selectively and variably communicate fluid pressure from the pressurized fluid source to the latching mechanism and the lubrication circuit in response to control signals from the control unit. A method of operating the switchable valvetrain system is also provided. |
| US07823539B2 |
Bottle with hose for dispensing liquids for animal and human consumption
A bottle with a hose for dispensing liquid for animal or human consumption in a sanitized and convenient manner is disclosed. The bottle includes a hose that has one end connected to the bottom of the bottle with a length sufficient to wrap around the circumference of the bottle multiple times. A lever-actuated valve with a spout is connected to the other end of the hose for dispensing liquid into a tray and/or directly to an animal for consumption. The tray can be a base portion of the bottle, the cap of the bottle, or attached separately to the bottle or hose. Alternatively, multiple trays are included with the bottle. The lever-actuated valve may also be attached to a y-connector allowing for multiple spouts to dispense liquid simultaneously to multiple trays and/or directly to animals. A hose attachment secures the lever actuated valve end of the hose to the bottle. |
| US07823538B1 |
Hydration system for animals
A water hydration system for providing clean, fresh drinking water for animals and emptying the old water from which the animals had been drinking on a predetermined sequence and schedule. |
| US07823537B2 |
Plasma generator
A plasma generator for forming a thin film comprises a cathode (4) for supplying constituent particles of an arc plasma and a trigger-and-anode (6) for starting and sustaining the arc plasma. The cathode surface (4a) of the cathode (4) is flat or finely irregular, and the anode surface (6c) of the trigger-and-anode (6) brought into contact with the cathode surface (4a) is flat. The anode surface (6c) is so arranged as to be brought into contact with the whole cathode surface (4a) when plasma is started. The contact point between a fine projection end (4b) of the cathode surface (4a) and the anode surface (6c) is made a plasma emission point. When the projection is consumed by plasma emission, another projection end which can be brought into contact with the anode surface (6c) is used as another plasma emission point, thus enabling intermittent operation of persistently repeating the sequence operation. |
| US07823534B2 |
Development device and development method
A developer nozzle is moved from a periphery of a wafer toward the central portion while an exposed substrate held at a spin chuck is being rotated about a vertical axis and while a developing solution is being discharged from the developer nozzle, and this way the developing solution is supplied to the surface of the wafer, the developer nozzle having a slit-like ejection port whose longitudinal direction is oriented to the direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the wafer. The movement speed of the nozzle is higher than a case where a nozzle with a small-diameter circular nozzle is used, and this enables a development time to be reduced. Further, the thickness of a developing solution on a substrate can be reduced, so that the developing solution can be saved. |
| US07823527B1 |
Telescoping flagpole
A telescopic flagpole for reducing the manual force required to extend and secure multiple segments. The flagpole includes a plurality of segments including a bottom segment, at least one intermediate segment, and a top segment; a plurality of sleeve assemblies each positioned between an associated pairing of a relatively lower segment and a relatively higher segment; and a plurality of biasing members each urging an associate one of the segments toward an extended position. |
| US07823520B2 |
Portable adjustable work surface
A portable, detachable desk or table extension is disclosed for use by a person in a wheelchair that may be vertically and angularly adjusted to an optimum height and position for use. The extension has a portable work surface or platform that extends out, away from, and above the surface of the desk or table to which it is attached, so that a user in a wheel chair may pull up to and under it and not be blocked or hindered by the table or desk underneath. The elevation as well as the angle of tilt of the platform may be adjusted for optimum positioning so that the user in a wheelchair may pull up close to and under it. The extension clamps to the table via a pair of vertical supports that collapse down onto the platform for storage. |
| US07823518B2 |
Computer desk
A desk for use in supporting a computer and/or computer-related devices includes a base adapted to rest on a support surface such as a floor, in combination with an upwardly extending support that defines a lower end interconnected with the base and an upper end spaced vertically above the lower end. A desk top member is secured to the upper end of the support. The upwardly extending support and the desk top member are configured and arranged such that the desk top member is located forwardly of the rear area of the base, and to define an open area below the desk top member between the desk top member and the base. The base can be moved on the support surface to position the desk top member over a user's lap when the user is in a seated position. The desk may include a base pivot connection between the base and the upwardly extending support, and a desk top pivot connection between the desk top and the upwardly extending support. The pivot connections enable the desk to be placed in a collapsed condition for storage. The upwardly extending support includes a height adjustment arrangement for adjusting the height of the desk top member relative to the base. |
| US07823517B2 |
Massage table with curved frame
A massage table for supporting a person during a massage above a surface includes a leg assembly that engages the floor, and a first table top that includes a frame that is supported above the surface with the leg assembly. The frame includes a frame base that supports at least a portion of the person, and a border flange that is secured to the frame base and that extends downward from the frame base. The border flange can include a first side section, a first transverse section that extends transversely to the first side section, and a first connector section that connects the first side section to the first transverse section. The first connector section can be curved. Additionally, the border flange can include a second transverse section that extends substantially parallel to the first transverse section and a curved second connector section that connects the first side section to the second transverse section. A first segment of the first transverse section, a first part of the second transverse section, the entire first side section, the first connector section, and the second connector section are made of a continuous piece of material. For example, the continuous, piece of material can be a continuous piece of plywood that is bent during formation to form the first connector section and the second connector section. |
| US07823515B2 |
Rail car cover system
A rail car cover system including a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first hinge mechanism and a first cover material. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second hinge mechanism and a second cover material. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the first cover section and the second cover section substantially cover the opening. |
| US07823514B2 |
Hopper car side construction and method
A hopper car has arcuate side sheets that are bent over the forming members of the structure to give a generally outwardly bulging shape. The upper margin of the side sheet is kinked inwardly of the radius of curvature of the larger portion of the side sheet more generally, such as may tend to impose a bending moment on the large, relatively thin side sheet panels. This may in turn tend to urge or bias those panels to a bulging position or shape, rather than a sagging, deflected, or inwardly dented position. |
| US07823507B2 |
Printing die clamp
It is proposed to provide a printing die clamp which can clamp a printing die by rotating the take-up shaft without rotating the printing cylinder. A printing die clamp is proposed for clamping a printing die 1 wrapped around an outer periphery of a printing cylinder 2 of a printing press against the outer periphery of the printing cylinder 2 by engaging one end of the printing die 1 with the printing cylinder 2 through an engaging means 18 provided on the printing cylinder 2, engaging the other end of the printing die 1 with a take-up shaft 3 rotatably mounted in a receiving groove 19 formed in the outer periphery of the printing cylinder 2, and rotating the take-up shaft 3. The printing cylinder 2 has a tubular printing cylinder shaft 9 in which a control shaft 5 is inserted so as to be rotatable relative to the printing cylinder shaft 9. The printing die clamp further includes gears 21, 22 and 23 for transmitting the rotation of the control shaft 5 to the take-up shaft 3, a die clamp motor 4 for rotating the control shaft 5, and a first clutch 6 provided in a torque transmission path through which the rotation of the die clamp motor 4 is transmitted to the control shaft 5 for selectively transmitting the rotation of the die clamp motor 4 to the control shaft 5. |
| US07823505B2 |
Machine and method for marking hollow parts
This machine for marking hollow parts comprises a marking member designed to be on contact in at least one line of tangency with a hollow part for it to be marked, and a first and a second mandrel capable of supporting respectively a first part to be marked and a second part previously marked. A control camera is placed at a focal length from the marked surface of the second part. The first mandrel is capable of moving the first part relative to the marking member and the movement of the second mandrel is slaved and identical to that of the first mandrel. The camera is capable of moving parallel to, and in synchronism with, the line of tangency between the marking member and the first part. |
| US07823501B2 |
Beverage supplying device having a drip tray comprising a convex droplet landing surface
A coffee maker with a drip tray (9) which serves for receiving coffee droplets falling from an outlet member of the coffee maker when a path between the outlet member and the drip tray (9) is free from interruptions such as a coffee cup. The drip tray (9) comprises a tray portion (91) and a cover (92) in which a convex droplet landing surface (93) for receiving droplets falling from the outlet member of the coffee maker is arranged. A coffee droplet dropping on this surface (93) breaks apart, gently flows off this surface (93), and is discharged to the tray portion (91) through a hole (95) arranged in the cover (92). In this way, a situation in which coffee splashes out of the tray portion (91) as a result of the direct impact of a coffee droplet is avoided, and the cleanliness of the coffee maker is enhanced. |
| US07823499B2 |
Surface tension seal
Present invention involves a seal means suitable to replace the classic seals. For instance the seal means of present invention can be a liquid seal ring (7) to replace the classic rubber seal rings. Such is liquid O-ring can be adapted to resists the actuation pressure relying on surface tension forces. Such liquid O-rings can also be linked in series, hereby increasing the maximum seal pressure. In a preferred embodiment the seal means of present invention comprises two major components, a surface tension seal (7) and a pressure divider (4). The pressure divider will comprise a system that generates a pressure drop. Such pressure divider can be located before the surface tension seal and perform the first pressure drop. The combination of these two systems has the advantage that the surface tension seal is able to reduce the leakage to zero or essentially zero and that the pressure divider is able to perform a large pressure drop. Nevertheless, the surface tension seal can also create a considerable pressure drop. This means that in applications where the seal pressure of the surface tension seal is not exceeded, the pressure divider can be omitted. However, omitting the pressure divider will always result in tighter tolerances when manufacturing the seal. |
| US07823488B2 |
Device for producing microstructures
The invention discloses a device and a method for producing microstructures with a spindle, which is adapted to be driven for rotation about its longitudinal axis and which is provided with a fixture for clamping a workpiece, having an actuator provided with a fast drive, in particular a piezo drive, adapted to produce fast movement of a tool in a direction substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface, which actuator can be positioned along a workpiece surface to be worked with the aid of an additional drive adapted to produce a linear feed motion in a first direction, the fast drive being coupled with the tool via guide means that allow feeding of the tool in axial direction of the fast drive, against the action of a restoring force, and that is highly rigid in a plane perpendicular to that direction. The control technology used permits microstructures to be produced precisely and reproducibly utilizing the dynamic properties of the system. |
| US07823479B2 |
Vehicle steering column structure
A vehicle steering column structure includes a movable steering column portion, a tilting mechanism and a telescoping mechanism. The tilting mechanism is configured to selectively adjust an angle of inclination of a tilting part. The telescoping mechanism adjusts the telescopic position of a telescoping part. The telescoping mechanism includes a hand operated release member, an actuation member and a biasing member. The hand operated release member has an actuating end pivotal about first pivot axis between a locking orientation and a releasing orientation. The actuation member has a contact section. The biasing member urges the actuation member to apply an approximately constant return force from the contact section to the actuating end biasing the hand operated release member to return to the locking orientation regardless of the tilt angle of the tilting mechanism. |
| US07823472B2 |
Shift control device for vehicle, and vehicle including the shift control device
A transmission mechanism is provide that can be interposed between a shift actuator and a shift shaft. The mechanism can include first and second coupling parts that can be coupled for movement relative to each other; a biasing mechanism that can be configured for urging the first and second coupling parts toward a neutral position; and a stopper mechanism that can be configured for stopping the relative movement of one of the first and second coupling parts when moved relatively from the neutral position against urging force of the biasing mechanism. When the shift actuator is stroked by a predetermined amount, a dog can be compulsorily disengaged as the first and second coupling parts are moved together by the stopper mechanism, and engaged as one of the first and second coupling parts moves relatively against the urging force, for allowing smooth shift change. |
| US07823470B2 |
Cantilever and cantilever manufacturing method
A cantilever includes: a lever portion; a holder portion supporting the proximal end of the lever portion; a probe portion arranged at the distal end of the lever portion and having a spherical surface to face a sample; and a retaining portion fixed to the distal end of the lever portion and retaining the probe portion to surround a periphery of the probe portion. There is provided a cantilever allowing mounting of a probe portion with little effect in a short time without using any adhesive. |
| US07823468B2 |
Valve
A sample injector includes a rotary valve element with a straight passageway through it, which element may be rotated to connect a port communicating with a source of solvent with a port communicating with an inlet to a column. Another passageway connects two adjacent ports. The valve element may be rotated to one position in which it provides a straight path for sample to be injected, a second position in which it provides a path that connects a source of purge gas to the chromatographic system and a third position in which it provides a path that connects solvent to the column for preconditioning. |
| US07823467B2 |
Tactile sensors
An electroactive polymer is used to produce a tactile sensor. The electroactive polymer (EAP) includes a sheet of an ion-exchange membrane having opposite surfaces on which are plated gold electrodes. The EAP is formed to have a dome-shape with a plurality of sensing electrodes circumferentially disposed around an outer surface of the dome. A flexible polymer underlying the EAP supports it and prevents a force applied to the tactile sensor from inverting the dome. The sensor electrodes produce separate output signals indicative of different vector components of an applied force acting on the tactile sensor, so that a direction of the force can be determined. Vias provided in the electrodes are electrically coupled to a flexible circuit that conveys the output signals externally from the sensing electrodes for use and further processing. A plurality of the tactile sensors can be formed as an array on an ion-exchange membrane. |
| US07823460B2 |
Prosthetic simulator with soft tissue modeling
A virtual soft tissue control system that provides enhanced motion control to a prosthetic simulator machine. The control system advantageously adds a “virtual soft tissue” control scheme to a conventional control system, such as a digital proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, to algorithmically model the soft tissue constraints that would be encountered by the prosthesis within the human body, and account for these forces in driving the simulator. In another aspect, a prosthetic simulator comprises a prosthetic drive mechanism; a feedback control system that drives the prosthetic drive mechanism; and an iterative learning control system that determines an error from a previous iteration of motion of the drive mechanism and uses the error to determine a drive signal for a subsequent iteration of motion. In certain embodiments, the prosthetic simulator uses both a soft tissue model and an iterative learning control system. |
| US07823459B2 |
Load detection device
A load detection device includes a strain generating body having first and second holes at first and second ends of the strain generating body, a strain gauge attached on the strain generating body, first and second fixing members having first and second middle shaft portion press-fitted into the first and second holes, respectively, and having first and second end shaft portions protruding from the first and second middle shaft portions, respectively, a bracket member having first fixing portion including a first fixing hole into which the first end shaft portion is press-fitted, and a second fixing portion, integrally connected to the first fixing portion and including a second fixing hole into which the second end shaft portion is inserted with a clearance therebetween, a press-fit fixing member press-fitted onto the second end shaft portion, and a connecting shaft integrally connected to the strain generating body. |
| US07823453B2 |
Ultrasonic imaging device and the information processing method thereof
An ultrasonic imaging device, comprising: a receiver, for receiving ultrasonic signals which carry information about human body; a processor, for analyzing and processing the received ultrasonic signals in order to get image and/or sound signals; a controller, for issuing at least one instruction; and a recorder, for recording the image and/or sound signals on recording medium in digital form in accordance with the instruction. |
| US07823452B2 |
Slip ring positive Z force liquid isolation fixture permitting zero net force on workpiece
Apparatus for Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) of a semiconductor device including a substrate with an acoustic probe, The substrate has upper and lower surfaces. A sealed lower space provides an environment surrounding the lower surface. An upper ring structure formed above the upper surface includes an upper sealing ring in contact with the upper surface, with the upper sealing structure and the seal forming a dam for retaining the acoustic transmission fluid above the upper surface. A fixture base retains a lower sealing ring in contact with the lower surface surrounding the lower surface. An acoustic scanning probe positioned confronting the upper surface of the semiconductor device extending into the acoustic transmission fluid retained in contact with the upper surface. |
| US07823449B2 |
Gravity gradiometer
A gravity gradiometer and method for forming a pivot flexure web for a gradiometer is disclosed. The gradiometer has measurement bars 41, 43 supported in housings 45 and 47 and transducers 71 for measuring movement of the bars to provide an indication of the gravity gradient tensor. The bars 41, 43 are mounted on flexure webs. The webs are formed in separate elements to the housing and bars. |
| US07823444B2 |
Device and process for measuring the velocity of flow of a fluid using pulse signal generated based on feedback
A device is provided for measuring the velocity of flow of a fluid in a respiration system and includes a first thermal sensor element (5) provided with a controllable heating element (50) and a second thermal sensor element (6). The thermal sensor elements (5, 6) are arranged at spaced locations from one another at a path of flow, so that a thermal signal generated by the first sensor element (5) with the heating element (50) is transmitted to the second sensor element (6), and the second sensor element (6) is designed to detect the thermal signal from the fluid flow. The second sensor element (6) is connected to the first sensor element (5) via feedback (12) which triggers another thermal signal. A controlling and analyzing device (13, 15) is connected to the sensor elements (5, 6) to start the generation of a first thermal signal and to read and analyze the signal frequency as an indicator of the velocity of flow. |
| US07823443B2 |
System for determining inflating pressures of tyres mounted on a motor vehicle front and rear wheels
The invention concerns a system for determining inflating pressure of tires mounted on a motor vehicle front and rear wheels. Said system comprises means (12, 14) for acquiring inflating pressures of the front and rear wheels, means (16, 18) for acquiring vertical accelerations of the front and rear wheels, and means (32) for emerging the acquired pressures and the acquired accelerations to estimate the inflating pressures of the front and rear tires. |
| US07823439B2 |
Method for identifying the composition of a sample
The present invention is directed to a method for multidimensional gas chromatography for separating the analytes of a complex sample. The method comprises the steps of introducing the sample onto a first column whereby the sample is separated into at least two segments, introducing at least one segment into a heartcut device whereby the segments are selectively separated into at least two heartcut fractions, introducing at least one of the fractions onto a second column whereby at least one fraction is further separated into at least two analytes, introducing at least one analyte from the second column to a gas chromatography connector, introducing the analyte from the connector to a third column, and introducing the analyte from the third column into a detector whereby the analyte is analyzed and identified. |
| US07823438B2 |
Fluid detector
A device is disclosed for sensing a fluid, such as in a ventilation duct. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a sensing element, a housing accommodating the sensing element, and a supply duct and a discharge duct, which ducts at one end commucicate with the housing and which ducts at the other end communicate with an object that is to be sensed. In at least one embodiment, the housing is formed with a first passage portion for the fluid that is to be sensed; that the sensing element is positioned in the first passage portion; and that the supply duct opens into said first passage portion and that the discharge duct is connected to a discharge opening formed in the first passage portion and positioned at a considerable peripheral distance from the mouth of said supply duct in the first passage portion, so that the fluid that is to be sensed is actively made to pass the sensing element. |
| US07823437B2 |
Anemometer calibration method and wind turbine
A method for re-calibrating an anemometer of a wind turbine is provided, the method comprising the steps of obtaining pairs of measured values of wind speed and a wind-speed dependent turbine variable; comparing said measured value pairs to pairs of wind speed and the turbine variable obtained from an expected turbine variable curve of the wind turbine to determine a difference between a measured wind speed value and an expected wind speed value for a given turbine variable value; and adjusting a calibration function of said anemometer on the basis of said determined difference. |
| US07823436B2 |
Method and apparatus for in situ testing of gas flow controllers
Methods and apparatus utilize a rate of drop in pressure upstream of a gas flow controller (GFC) to accurately measure a rate of flow through the GFC. Measurement of the gas flow through the many gas flow controllers in production use today is enabled, without requiring any special or sophisticated pressure regulators or other special components. Various provisions ensure that none of the changes in pressure that occur during or after the measurement perturb the constant flow of gas through the GFC under test. |
| US07823435B2 |
Die clamp mechanism for press machine
A die clamp mechanism includes: a plunger that protrudes from a lower side of a carrier when the carrier on which a bolster is mounted is separated from a bed of a press machine and plunges into the lower side of the carrier when the carrier is grounded on the bed; a biasing member that biases the plunger downward; and an engaging member that engages a die with the bolster in accordance with an axial movement of the plunger when the plunger plunges into the lower side of the carrier. |
| US07823431B2 |
Method and apparatus for temporarily interrupting the passage of long products between upstream and downstream paths in a rolling mill
A method and apparatus is disclosed for temporarily interrupting the passage of a long product between upstream and downstream paths in a rolling mill. Product passing along the upstream path is delivered onto a cylindrical drum. The drum is rotated in one direction to accumulate the product thereon in a series of windings. The direction of drum rotation is then reversed to unwind and deliver the accumulated product to the downstream path. |
| US07823429B2 |
Method for manufacturing an axle component, and axle component which is manufactured as a result
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an axle component having the following steps: arranging a hollow semi-finished product such as a tube in a die for forming the axle component; introduction of fluid into the interior of the hollow semi-finished product; and loading of the fluid with high pressure, in order to deform the hollow semi-finished product in accordance with the die as a result. |
| US07823428B1 |
Analytical method for use in optimizing dimensional quality in hot and cold rolling mills
A device and method for prediction and/or control of the profile and/or shape of rolled metal strip. The device and method are compatible with both cluster-type and non cluster-type mills. The device and method employ a customized deflection model of the rolling mill, thereby combining the advantages of well-known finite element method with other relevant methods to allow real-time operation of the rolling mill without the computational complexities of such methods. In one form, the customized deflection model helps to obtain a compact, linear, and flexible analytical model with non-iterative solution, multiple continuous elastic foundations, third-order displacement fields, simple stress-field determination, and capability to compute dynamic deflection characteristics. |
| US07823427B2 |
Cylinder lock device
A cylinder lock device is provided with a rotor 30 arranged to be rotatable inside a body A20, a sleeve A40 arranged to be rotatable between the body A20 and the rotor 30, a sleeve B45, a tumbler 50 disengaged with the sleeve A40 or B45 when a regular key is inserted into a key insert hole 31, a lever member 60, a slide bar A70 which moves in an axial direction each time the sleeve A40 rotates relatively at a predetermined angle to the body A20, a body A25 in cylindrical shape arranged between the body A20 and the rotor 30, a solenoid 200 which makes a body B25 rotatably movable or unrotatable to the body A20, a slide bar B75 which moves in the axial direction each time the sleeve B45 rotates relatively to the body B25 at a predetermined angle, and a clutch member 80 to engage or disengage with the rotor 30. |
| US07823425B2 |
Cardlock mechansim
A latch assembly for preventing access into a door or drawer is provided. The latch assembly includes a housing configured to mount on a door or drawer, and at least one dog is slidably mounted in the housing for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch assembly include actuators operatively connected to the dog for moving the dog to the unlocked position. A key is insertable into a key slot on a side of the housing to move the actuators. The latch assembly may be used in combination with a catch assembly configured to mount on a door or drawer frame. The catch assembly is constructed to engage at least a portion of the dog in the locked position. The catch assembly may include a spring to move the latch assembly relative to the catch assembly such that the door or drawer may open slightly while in the locked position enabling a key to be inserted into the key slot to move the dog to the unlocked position. |
| US07823414B2 |
Jewelry article
A floral-like jewelry article and method for making the same, the article having a cylindrically cupped body with a closed or base end and an open end, the open end including a plurality of edge portions sectioned and shaped such that the body takes the form of a flower. Each edge portion corresponds to a petal and the body corresponds to a sepal. The base end of the body has a piercing, perforation or hole for receiving a curvilinear strand therethrough with a first strand end extending generally from the base end toward the edge portions and a second strand end extending from the base end, the second strand end corresponding to the flower stem. The first strand end is formed into or mounts one or more pistil-like and/or stamen-like shapes, wherein the body comprises, or is formed from, an empty ammunition cartridge casing or shell, or a shape resembling the same. |
| US07823413B2 |
Distributed condensing units
A system includes an evaporator unit, a first condensing unit and a second condensing unit. The first condensing unit includes a first heat exchanger coil, a first compressor, and a first oil separator, which removes oil from a refrigerant prior to the refrigerant reaching the first heat exchanger coil. The second condensing unit includes a second heat exchanger coil, a second compressor, and a second oil separator, which removes oil from a refrigerant prior to the refrigerant reaching the second heat exchanger coil. The first oil separator is isolated from the second oil separator to prevent communication of oil therebetween. |
| US07823406B2 |
Heat exchanger
An evaporator including a refrigerant inlet header having a refrigerant inlet at one end thereof, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes arranged at a spacing longitudinally of the inlet header and each having one end joined to the inlet header. The interior of the inlet header is divided by a flow dividing control wall into an upper space for admitting a refrigerant thereinto through the refrigerant inlet and a lower space communicating with the heat exchange tubes. The control wall has a communication hole formed in an end portion thereof opposite to the refrigerant inlet. The upper and lower spaces communicate with each other through the communication hole so that the refrigerant flows through the lower space in a direction opposite to the direction of flow of the refrigerant in the upper space. The evaporator achieves a high heat exchange efficiency. |
| US07823399B2 |
Vehicular air conditioning system and air conditioning method
When there is a command for pre-air conditioning to be performed, an inlet switches to an inside air recirculating mode and a compressor and a blower fan are driven to blow air that was drawn in toward a lower portion in a vehicle cabin (130 to 136). Then when a door switch detects that an occupant may get into the vehicle (100, 102), air is blown from an outlet toward the upper portion in the vehicle cabin while the inlet remains in the inside air recirculation mode (114 to 124). That is, cooled air in the lower portion in the vehicle cabin is drawn in, cooled, and then blown toward the occupant. Also, when starting the pre-air conditioning, the battery state-of-charge is detected and pre-air conditioning is prohibited if the battery state-of-charge is less than a predetermined value (116, 126, 128). |
| US07823383B2 |
Actuator driving device
An actuator driving device includes: an actuator made of a shape metal alloy having a property that a predetermined shape is memorized in advance, and that the predetermined memorized shape is recovered when the actuator is heated to a predetermined temperature; an applier for applying, to the actuator, a pulse current or a pulse voltage at least having a predetermined current value or a predetermined voltage, and a predetermined duty ratio to heat the actuator; and a determiner for determining the current value or the voltage value, and the duty ratio of the pulse current or the pulse voltage to be applied to the actuator by the applier, wherein the determiner is operative to determine the pulse current or the pulse voltage having: the current value larger than a current value of a constant current required for displacing the actuator by a predetermined targeted displacement amount, or the voltage value corresponding thereto; and the duty ratio of making an applied current amount smaller than an applied current amount corresponding to an integrated value of the constant current in applying the constant current to the actuator. |
| US07823380B2 |
Free floating wave energy converter
A wave energy converter includes a flexible pipe and an inlet. The flexible pipe floats on the water surface, following the wave form. Slugs of water and air enter, one after the other, through the inlet. Because the flexible pipe follows the shape of the wave, water is transported through a manifold to a pressure chamber connected to a generator. The inlet consists of a hollow, inflexible pipe attached to the throat of the flexible pipe. The inflexible pipe is fixedly attached to a buoyancy tank or plurality thereof. The buoyancy tanks are arranged in a vertical plane or in tandem, with the inflexible pipe passing along the plane vertical to the fore and aft axis of the buoyancy tank and the frontward portion projecting sufficiently ahead of the buoyancy tank with the flexible pipe terminating at a singular outlet. The entire apparatus is facing the oncoming waves. |
| US07823378B2 |
Method of controlling exhaust gas purification system, and exhaust gas purification system
A method (1) of controlling an exhaust gas purification system has a DPF device (12), where a regeneration control means (35C) has a forced regeneration mode and an arbitrary regeneration mode. In the forced regeneration mode, when it is determined by a regeneration time determination means (34C) that it is time to regenerate a filter (12b) and the temperature of exhaust gas is low, the exhaust gas temperature is raised by an exhaust gas temperature raising means (351C) to forcibly regenerate the filter (12b). In the arbitrary regeneration mode, the filter is arbitrary regenerated based on the result of detection by a collection amount detection means (32C). While the temperature of exhaust gas is raised in the arbitrary regeneration mode by the exhaust gas temperature raising means (351C), operation of a compressor (41) of a vehicle air conditioner is stopped. By means of this, the temperature (Tw) of engine (10) coolant is prevented from abnormally rising while the DPF device (12) is forcibly recovered by arbitrary regeneration. |
| US07823368B2 |
Apparatus for packaging mineral wool products
An apparatus for making a substantially air-tight foil package for mineral wool that includes a mechanical compressing device for compressing the mineral wool in a first direction to bring about a dimensional reduction thereof. A wrapping device encloses the mineral wool with a web of a substantially air-tight foil. An evacuating station is arranged downstream of the compressing device and it includes an evacuating device for evacuating air from the mineral wool compressed by the compressing device and enclosed by the foil. The evacuating station includes opposed surfaces for maintaining the dimensional reduction during transfer to the evacuating means of the foil enclosed mineral wool compressed by the compressing device. The opposed surfaces maintain the dimensional reduction during evacuation by the evacuating device. |
| US07823366B2 |
Apparatus and method for selective processing of materials with radiant energy
Apparatus selectively processes a substrate using radiant energy. The substrate can consist of any target material having a portion to be processed using the radiant energy and a larger portion to be unprocessed. The apparatus includes a source of radiant energy (preferably a quantum cascade laser) that has a customizable spectrum that can be configured to be specifically absorbed only by the portion to be processed, and a control system for targeting the radiant energy only at the portion to be processed. Specific examples of the use of the apparatus and method are in the technologies of heat-shrinking polyethylene film, fusing toner to paper in a laser printer, heating reaction vessels in DNA testing, and temperature profiling bottle pre-forms. |
| US07823364B2 |
Fire-retardant cementitious shear board having metal backing with tab for use as underlayment panel for floor or roof
A shear panel for constructing underlayments for floors and roofs of buildings includes a first rectangular layer of fire-resistant material, such as cementitious board, bonded to a second rectangular layer of thin high-strength material, such as galvanized steel. The length of the second layer is longer than the length of the first layer. The additional length of the second layer forms a tab extending from one end of the panel. During construction, a first panel is attached to a set of beams (floor joists or roof rafters) with the tab spanning between adjacent beams. A second panel is positioned on the beams with at least a portion of the second panel overlapping the tab of the first panel. The overlapping portion of the second panel is fastened to the tab of the first panel to form a continuous shear diaphragm for the floor or roof. |
| US07823363B2 |
Poured wall unit
A method for installing a window in or within a poured concrete wall is disclosed. The method comprises a kit with at least one window block. It also includes a first spacer adapted to abut a first side of the glass block and a second spacer adapted to abut a second side of the window block. The method implementing the kit includes the steps of erecting a wall form comprising of a first and a second form, locating the kit in between the first and second form, placing concrete into the wall form around the window kit, removing the first and second wall forms, and removing the first and second spacers. |
| US07823358B2 |
Relationally predimensioned stone surfacing system
A surfacing system including both methods and apparatus may in some embodiments comprise a single width relationally sized surfacing system and associated design patterns that involve discrete stone surface units in several embodiments. In at least one embodiment, surfacing units are stone. A multi-width surfacing unit system is also included as part of the invention, as are associated design patterns. Other embodiments include surface unit packaging apparatus and methods that reduce surface unit transport costs and breakage. |
| US07823357B2 |
Live fire burn room and insulating system for a live fire burn room
A live fire burn room and an insulating system for a live fire burn room are disclosed. The burn room includes a structural framework. The insulating system includes a face panel, at least one face panel mounting bracket for attaching the face panel to the structural framework of the burn room, and an insulating layer disposed between the face panel and the structural framework of the burn room. |
| US07823355B1 |
Nonmetallic masonry flashing
A nonmetallic masonry flashing is disclosed. The flashing includes a laminate that is applicable to cavity walls and particularly masonry block walls. The flashing has an adhesive layer which is a pressure activated, hot melt adhesive with various additives. The additives provide reinforcement to the entire structure and uses fiber glass or filamentous fragments of polypropylene. These additives are admixed into the hot melt adhesive. The nonmetallic masonry flashing employs peel-and-stick technology. After removal of a release sheet, the adhesive layer is pressed against the rough surface of the masonry block. The pressure activation creates a durable bond with the masonry block. Incorporated into the nonmetallic masonry flashing are various high-strength, polymeric laminates. The high-strength of the polymeric laminates is derived from advances in cross-lamination and laminates having a scrim as a core component. |
| US07823346B2 |
Curtain-wall mullion with mounting tongue screw race
A curtain wall system having a mullion mounting tongue screw-race configuration for improving the efficiency and reliability of curtain wall elements assembled thereto. The curtain wall system includes a face, a first leg, and a second leg. The first and second leg are integrally formed with and extend outwardly from the face and are interconnected via an intermediate web section. Each of the first leg and the second leg include an outer screw-race lip and an inner screw-race lip. The inner screw-race lips and the outer screw-race lips are disposed on opposite sides of the intermediate web section to form a screw race. The inner screw-race lips and the outer screw-race lips are spaced apart by a distance affording engagement by a threaded fastener against each of the inner screw-race lips and the outer screw-race lips. A thickness of the intermediate web section is less than a thickness of the first leg and of the second leg. |
| US07823343B1 |
Customizable ridge ventilator
A customizable ridge ventilator includes a first support bracket, a second support bracket, a perforated support and a ridge cover. The first and second support brackets are attached to a roof. The perforated support is secured to the first and second support brackets. The ridge cover is attached to the first support, the second support and the perforated support. A second embodiment includes a support bracket, a perforated support and a ridge cover. The support bracket is attached to a roof. The perforated support is attached to the support bracket and a back side of wall. The ridge cover is secured to the perforated support. A third embodiment includes a support bracket, a perforated support and a ridge cover. The support bracket is attached to a roof. The perforated support is attached to the support bracket. The ridge cover is attached to the perforated support bracket and a wall. |
| US07823340B2 |
Air grate for raised floors
An air grate for a raised floor includes a top plate with apertures for air flow, and reinforcement ribs for structural support. Pairs of ribs include edge flanges that define a horizontal track. Two flat dampener panels temporarily flex to slip between the edge flanges for assembly and then unflex for adjustable movement along the track between different overlapping positions for controlled air flow. The top plate includes corner-forming sections and leveling legs for height adjustment. Foot-print-expanding brackets engage the leveling legs for extending their foot print outwardly so that the air grate can be used on different raised floor systems without misalignment problems with stanchion supports. A handle is pivotally mounted in the top plate between a flush position and a raised position for grasping to lift the air grate, the handle having apertures matching the pattern of the top plate. |
| US07823339B1 |
Weep hole screen
A weep hole screen and method for installing the same in the exterior wall of a masonry building in order to prevent small animals such as insects and rodents from entering the building through the weep hole. A weep hole screen in accordance with the present invention preferably comprises a rectangular mesh screen with an angle bracket attached to each end. The weep hole screen is sized such that the angle brackets sandwich the bricks that form the weep hole, preferably on the interior faces of the bricks. The interfaces between the weep hole screen and the bricks are preferably sealed with mortar or another suitable sealant. The weep hole screen may be installed easily during original construction of the wall without the need for any mechanical fasteners. |
| US07823337B2 |
Deployable prefabricated structure with a nested extension structure
A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension deployable from the shell, the extension including an extension frame. The shell frame comprises a floor support including a plurality of slotted beams extending between and transverse to the floor beams, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support with an extension roof, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support, wherein the slotted beams of the shell floor support each include a slot through which a column connected between an extension floor beam and an extension roof extends when the extension is nested within the shell in an undeployed position. |
| US07823335B2 |
Wall edge vortex suppressor
An apparatus disposed along and attached to a wall edge to mitigate wind-generated vortices and suction loads on the wall, suitable and convenient for both new constructions and retrofits of existing buildings. Preferred configurations are described and include such types as wall edge cap, wall edge windscreen and wall edge wind spoiler, each utilizing a distinctive primary aerodynamic mechanism, often with optional secondary mechanisms to enhance vortex-suppressing effects. |
| US07823334B2 |
Ridge cap roofing product
The present invention generally encompasses a ridge cap roofing product that is formed from a composite material. The ridge cap has a cross section that is generally in the shape of an inverted V with a rounded apex and includes a front section and a back section. The front section has a straight lower edge. The back section has a lowered edge that tapers both upward and inward. The tapered shape of the ridge cap's back section insures that installed ridge caps lie flat and that a covered ridge or hip does not have a saw tooth appearance. The ridge cap of the present invention is somewhat flexible so that it can be used with roofs that have a range of pitches. In one embodiment, the top surface of the ridge cap's front section is textured or contoured so that it simulates certain conventional shingles. |
| US07823332B2 |
Reusable stair cover
A reusable stair cover is described having a length of washable material for covering a number of stair treads and intervening risers. At least one tread-covering portion of the cover includes a non-slip finish for contacting with the stair tread. Alternatively, each tread-covering portion further includes means for accepting a rigid insert. In another alternative embodiment, the length of the tread-covering portion is approximately a minimum tread length, and the portions between the tread-covering portions is long enough so that the stair cover can cover a range of staircase geometries. |
| US07823331B2 |
French door seal having a magnetic pair
A seal assembly is provided for a side-by-side or French style door on a refrigerator in which the sealing gasket is supported on a gasket carrier and pivotably coupled to a base member adapted to be secured along the medial vertical edge of a refrigerator door. A set of magnets are supported by the gasket carrier opposite the gasket. These magnets are arranged such that similar poles are adjacent one another when the doors are in the closed position. The magnets provide a repelling force which operates to rotate the gaskets into sealing engagement with one another. |
| US07823330B2 |
Apparatus and method for drums in a sliding door mechanism
A cable drum assembly for a power drive assembly for a vehicle sliding door, the cable drum assembly comprising: a first drum configured for use as a front drum or a rear drum of the cable drum assembly, the first drum having a first plurality of locating holes; and a second drum configured for use as a front drum or a rear drum of the cable drum assembly, the second drum having a second plurality of locating holes, the first plurality of locating holes have a first pair of locating holes configured to align with a first pair of location holes of the second plurality of locating holes when the first drum is used as a rear drum of the drum assembly and the second drum is used as a front drum of the drum assembly and the second plurality of locating holes have a second pair of locating holes configured to align with a second pair of location holes of the first plurality of locating holes when the first drum is used as a front drum of the drum assembly and the second drum is used as a rear drum of the drum assembly. |
| US07823325B2 |
Water-saving watering and fertilizing device and method
A watering and fertilizing device comprises at least one fertilizing column and a water supply system. The fertilizing columns are vertically inserted in soil, surrounding roots of a plant to be watered. Water from the water supply system enters the fertilizing columns, taking along fertilizer contained therein and further dripping into surrounding soil at a constant rate, so that the plant is effectively supplied with water and nutrients without waste of water. The water supply system optionally provides besides water water-soluble fertilizer, which flows into soil along with water. |
| US07823322B2 |
Silicon chip having inclined contact pads and electronic module comprising such a chip
A semiconductor chip has an active face in which an integrated circuit region is implanted. The chip includes an inclined lateral contact pad extending beneath the plane of the active face and electrically linked to the integrated circuit region. An electronic module includes a substrate having a cavity in which the chip is arranged. The module can be applied to the production of thin contactless micro-modules for smart cards and contactless electronic badges and tags. |
| US07823321B2 |
DNA sampling hook
The DNA Sampling Hook is a significant improvement on a method of obtaining a tissue sample from a live fish in situ from an aquatic environment. A tissue sample taken from a live fish can be used for DNA analyses, which can identify the species of fish, as well as the unique individual fish. Taking a small tissue sample without bringing the fish to the surface is important as it allows for observing the fish community without harming the individual fish by inducing barotrauma or other stresses associated with bringing a fish up from depth, which can be lethal to the animal. These tissue samples are obtained by hook and line methods and do not capture or traumatize the fish resulting in a non-lethal and non-destructive method of observing fish individuals and species. The DNA Sampling Hook is specifically designed to virtually eliminate a condition called double bites, in which more than one individual fish gives up tissue to the same hook. It is also designed to protect the tissue sample in an enclosed manner and the device can be reused repeatedly for a total overall reduction in cost for programs requiring extensive numbers of tissue samples for DNA analysis. |
| US07823317B2 |
Adjustable shooting rests and shooting rest assemblies
Adjustable shooting rests and shooting rest assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a rest assembly for supporting a forestock of a firearm. The rest assembly includes a base member and first and second upright members extending from the base member. A position of each of the first and second upright members is independently adjustable with reference to the base member. The shooting rest also includes a support assembly coupled to the rest assembly to move the rest assembly in a first direction and in a second direction. The first and second directions are in a plane generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the firearm. The shooting rest further includes a base coupled to the support assembly. |
| US07823314B1 |
Firearm with a detachable barrel and suppressed barrel assembly
A semi-automatic pistol with a detachable barrel and/or a detachable suppressed barrel assembly consists of a new or replacement interchangeable barrel receiver of a type similar to that of the Ruger™ Mk I/II/III or .22/45™ pistols with user interchangeable barrels. The interchangeable barrel receiver incorporates a feed ramp and has alignment surfaces that provide positive alignment with the user interchangeable barrel or sound suppressed barrel assembly. Means are provided for allowing the user to change barrels. |
| US07823313B2 |
Gunstock
A collapsible stock which includes a stock body having a buffer tube holder, a firearm buffer tube slidingly mounted in the buffer tube holder, the stock body being arranged for linear reciprocating motion relative to the buffer tube during firing of the firearm, a recoil absorbing mechanism mounted inside the stock body and affixed to the buffer tube, and a locking pin mounted through the stock body and affixed to the buffer tube, the stock body being arranged for motion relative to the locking pin during firing of the firearm. |
| US07823307B2 |
Orientation device of or for a rotatable display box
A rotatable display box comprising, a signage body and mount to engage this to a fixed structure in a manner to allow the signage body to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and relative to said fixed structure. The signage body includes at least two display sides. A cam and the other is a cam follower are included. The cam has a surface including a number of cam surface depressions corresponding to the number of regions at or from which signage is or can be presented, said cam surface depressions located at intervals about said axis or rotation corresponding to the number of display sides of the signage box to which said rotation is to be biased to. The biasing to such locations is encouraged by the biasing of said cam follower towards the cam surface of said cam. |
| US07823305B2 |
Mail processor machine casing having a detachable identity plate
A mail processor machine casing having an identity plate for identifying the machine, which identity plate is formed by a portion of said casing that is connected to the remainder of said casing by a peripheral zone of weakness that, on being broken, makes it possible to detach said identity plate. Preferably, said zone of weakness comprises a plurality of casing bridges that can be broken by hand. |
| US07823297B2 |
Shoe with breathable and waterproof sole and upper
A shoe with a breathable and waterproof sole and upper, including a breathable and waterproof sole, an assembly associated with the sole in an upward region, an external breathable upper, an internal lining and, between them, a breathable and waterproof membrane, and an at least partially perforated or breathable insole, which is joined at least to the upper and to the breathable and waterproof membrane. The shoe thereby has a sole that is joined hermetically and peripherally to the assembly at the connecting region between the upper and the breathable and waterproof membrane. |
| US07823292B1 |
Cutter for pizza and other foods
A cutter for cutting pizza and other foods comprising a pair of rotatable cutting wheels mounted on the ends of a substantially C-shaped handle. The cutting wheels are spaced such that the centers are a predetermined distance apart equal to one half of the length of the food item to be cut. By positioning one wheel in the center of the pizza and one wheel at the edge of the pizza, a complete cut of the pizza may be made by moving the cutter one half of the span of the pizza. The cutter in this position may be used with the lower arm of the user substantially vertical wherein the shoulder and body weight of the cutter may be used directly to press down on the cutter. The cutter may also be used in a vertical position using a single cutting wheel. In either position, the cutter provides improve ergonomics. |
| US07823288B2 |
Method of producing nozzle plate and said nozzle plate
A nozzle plate includes a nozzle surface and a nozzle hole. The nozzle surface defines an ink ejection port. The nozzle hole includes a taper hole portion and a curved-surface hole portion. The taper hole portion has an inner surface of a truncated conical shape and has the smallest diameter at one end thereof. The curved-surface hole portion has an inner surface of a curved-surface shape. The inner diameter of the curved-surface hole portion gradually decreases as approaching from the one end of the taper hole portion to the ink ejection port. |
| US07823284B2 |
Masking an engine block during coating application
Embodiments of the invention use a gas flow to prevent adherence of a coating to portions of an engine block adjacent to a cylinder bore being coated with the coating. Embodiments may be particularly useful for applying a coating on the inner surface of the cylinder bores in one cylinder bank while protecting cylinder bores in an opposing cylinder bank, e.g., in a V-type engine. One method of applying a coating to an engine block comprises spraying the coating on an inner surface of a first cylinder bore of the engine block. The method further comprises shielding a second cylinder bore of the engine block from the sprayed a coating with a gas flow while spraying the coating on the inner surface of the first cylinder bore. |
| US07823283B2 |
Method of forming a land grid array interposer
A land grid array (LGA) interposer structure, including an electrically insulating carrier plane, and at least one interposer mounted on a first surface of said carrier plane. The interposer possesses a hemi-toroidal configuration in transverse cross-section and is constituted of a dielectric elastomeric material. A plurality of electrically-conductive elements are arranged about the surface of the at least one hemi-toroidal interposer and extend radically inwardly and downwardly from an uppermost end thereof into electrical contact with at least one component located on an opposite side of the electrically insulating carrier plane. Provided is also a method of producing the land grid array interposer structure. |
| US07823282B2 |
Method for connecting at least one wire to a contact element
A method for connecting at least one wire to a contact element to facilitate connection of the wire to a power source comprising the following steps: a) preparation of the contact element which is fitted with a groove for receiving at least one wire; b) insertion of the wire into the groove of the contact element; c) lowering an electrode onto the contact element; and d) heating of the area around the groove by means of the electrode while simultaneously deforming the area around the groove thereby embedding the wire lying in said groove. |
| US07823273B2 |
Apparatus for processing workpieces containing plastics material
An apparatus for processing workpieces containing plastics material by welding, stamping, cutting and/or bonding is described. The apparatus includes a loading and unloading station for loading and unloading the workpieces (35), a processing station with a free space for processing the workpieces (35) and at least one interchangeable module (15) which can be inserted and fixed in the free space and which comprises at least one workpiece receptacle (34) and at least one processing tool (37) which are both adapted to a selected processing task. In accordance with the invention the interchangeable module (15) is supported on running wheels (17) and can be inserted in the free space therewith, and the relative position between the receptacle (34) and the processing tool (37) required in the processing is determined by the interchangeable module (15) alone. |
| US07823268B2 |
Angular transducer unit and method for its manufacture, as well as angular switching device and device for the detection of objects
The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a transducer unit for an angular switching device, in which a transducer element is inserted and fixed in an angled bush. The inventive method is characterized in that the transducer element is brought into aligned engagement with a transducer receptacle formed in a tool, that subsequently for the precise positioning with respect to the transducer element the bush is brought into an aligned, at least partial positive engagement with a bush receptacle appropriately constructed in the tool and that for completing the transducer unit the transducer element is fixed in the bush. In further aspects the invention relates to an angular transducer unit, an angular switching device and an object detection device. |
| US07823266B2 |
Method for manufacturing a die storage tray having machined grooves and vacuum channels
A die holding tray useful for testing a plurality of individual dies placed into the holding tray together with a method of making the same. The holding tray has machined lateral and longitudinal sets of grooves with one set of grooves filled with strips in order to form pockets from the unfilled grooves. Vacuum channels are formed into the bottom of the pockets, and dies are held in place during testing by the flatness of the pocket bottoms and a drawn vacuum. Several embodiments are disclosed, including machining grooves in a compliant layer. |
| US07823264B1 |
Seals and sealing methods
To seal an inboard member to an outboard member, a metallic annular seal is inserted into the outboard member to align with an inwardly-open channel in the outboard member. The seal is outwardly expanded at least partially into the channel by a combination of elastic and plastic deformation. The seal is released to allow inward elastic partial recovery. The inboard member is inserted into the seal with interference so as to further outwardly expand the seal and provide sealing engagement between the inboard and outboard members. |
| US07823263B2 |
Method of removing stent islands from a stent
A tool for removing islands from a stent is disclosed. The tool includes a tube with at least one exit hole in communication with the center of the tube, and the tube being connected to a pressurized fluid source. A stent island is located over the exit hole and is removed by the force of the exiting fluid from the exit hole. |
| US07823261B2 |
Methods for reconditioning barrels
The inventive subject matter relates to methods for reconditioning a barrel previously used for containing a substance, comprising the steps of determining cutting parameters specific to the barrel material to provide controlled cutting of the barrel material; removing a desired depth of the barrel material using an automated high pressure water cutting device; testing for a remnant of the substance using a sensor device; optionally spraying with a dissolving agent; and repeating the steps of removing and testing upon detecting the presence of the substance in or on the barrel. Additionally, the inventive methods comprise applying a liquid to the wood of the reconditioned barrel to control evaporation of the barrel contents. |
| US07823253B2 |
Slidable dual-axis hinge assembly
A slidable dual-axis hinge assembly has a sliding leaf and a stationary leaf. The sliding leaf has two detents and an outer pivot formed on a pivoting end of the sliding leaf and pivotally mounting the sliding leaf in a cover of a portable electronic device. The stationary leaf has an inner pivot formed on a proximal end of the stationary leaf and pivotally mounts the stationary leaf in a base of the portable electronic device, and has two slide brackets engaging the detents and defining two sliding grooves oppositely therein and being mounted around the side edges of the sliding leaf to allow the sliding leaf to slide relative to the stationary leaf. Thereby, the cover of the portable electronic device pivots relative to the base in two different positions. |
| US07823246B2 |
Breakaway mounting bracket assembly for a wiper system
The present invention is a breakaway mounting bracket assembly for a wiper system that displaces components of the wiper system below the impact line of a vehicle in the event of, for example, a vehicle-pedestrian impact. The assembly includes a mounting bracket and a grommet removably attached to the mounting bracket. The assembly also includes a ferrule disposed within the grommet that includes a column having an internal passage and a platform connected to the column by a plurality of bridges disposed therebetween. The assembly also includes an attachment member to connect the mounting bracket to the vehicle where the attachment member includes a body engaged to the internal passage. The mounting bracket is adapted to break away from attachment with the grommet in the event of a predetermined load acting on a pivot shaft assembly and to displace the pivot shaft assembly and a portion of the wiper arm below the vehicle's impact line in the event of a pedestrian impact. |
| US07823244B2 |
Nubby mitt for debris removal
A fabric cleaning device (20) is disclosed. The fabric cleaning device (20) includes a hand held support (22) having a plurality of loosening projections (50) associated therewith, and a resilient pad (26) comprising a plurality of individual flexible cleaning sheets (60) receiving the loosening projections (50) and having an affinity for debris. |
| US07823243B2 |
Toothbrush
A toothbrush with a flexible head is disclosed. At least the head of the toothbrush may be manufactured by in-molded technology. A blend of thermoplastic elastomer and polypropylene is used to impart added flexibility to the head. That flexibility is further enhanced by the tapered profile of the head. Cleaning elements may be secured in place during manufacture using in-molded techniques or staples. |
| US07823240B2 |
Hooked collar for piers and bridge including the same
A bridge includes a pier, and a hooked collar at least formed on upstream surface of the pier. The anti-scour structure includes at least one hook extending upwardly. The hook configured for guiding water flow or downflow to move upwardly thereby protect river bed from being scoured. |
| US07823238B2 |
Shoe and associated manufacturing method
A shoe comprising a sole and an upper, the sole comprising a plantar insert, at least one layer for covering the lower surface of the plantar insert with perimetric edges which substantially protrude outward with respect to the contour of the plantar insert, at least one flap for covering the upper surface of the plantar insert, which also has a perimetric border substantially protruding outward from the contour of the plantar insert. The edge and the border are rigidly coupled to each other and to the upper. The covering layer of the lower surface of the plantar insert can be covered with a base of wear-resistant material. |
| US07823235B2 |
Pipe cleaning and cutting tool
Various embodiments of a pipe cleaning tool are disclosed. In one embodiment, the pipe cleaning tool comprises a body and a plurality of pipe cleaners. The pipe cleaners are adapted to clean at least two different sizes of pipes. In another embodiment, a pipe cutter device is disclosed. |
| US07823231B2 |
Structure for a piece of furniture such as a retractable bed, with retractable legs
A structure for a piece of furniture, such as a retractable bed, includes a fixed part and a pivoting part, the latter having an essentially flat frame and being hinged to the fixed part between an essentially vertical raised position and an essentially horizontal lowered position. The pivoting part includes at least one guide which extends approximately at right angles to the frame and at least one leg mounted on this guide in such a way as to slide, with an actuating device connecting the leg to the fixed part to move the leg between an extended position when the pivoting part is in the lowered position in such a way that its free end is standing on the floor and a withdrawn position when the bed is in its raised position. |
| US07823227B2 |
Bathroom odor removal apparatus and system
A bathroom odor removal apparatus comprising: a housing; a filter in the housing; a blower fan located in the housing; a water skirt, with a side opening, and the skirt with an open bottom, and extending from a second end of the housing; a stabilizer adaptor unit attached to the edges of the side opening; clip located on an interior surface of a top wall; a removable conduit attached to the clip; an adapter removeably coupled to a refill tube, to a first end of the removable conduit, and to a top panel; an overflow pipe adapter attached to one end of the conduit; pairs of grooves, with one groove from each pair located on a first side wall, and the second groove from each pair located on a second side wall; and the adjustable stabilizer adaptor attaches to the skirt via any pair of grooves. |
| US07823226B2 |
Strap adjusting device for swimming goggles
A strap adjusting device includes a buckle having two through-holes spaced by a partitioning wall. A pressing member is slideably and rotatably received in each through-hole. The pressing members are movable relative to the buckle to adjust a distance between each pressing member and a pressing edge in each through-hole. At least one resilient strap is mounted to a body of a pair of swimming goggles and includes two ends each of which is wound around one of the pressing members. The strap is pullable to adjust tightness of the strap when the pair of swimming goggles is worn on the head of the user. The pulling force acting on the strap urges each pressing member to move toward one of the pressing edges to tightly clamp the strap and to fix a length of the strap. |
| US07823225B2 |
Bridge for swimming goggles
A pair of swimming goggles includes two lens assemblies and a bridge mounted between the lens assemblies. An inner side of each lens assembly includes a bridge coupling portion having a longitudinal axis at an acute angle with a central vertical axis of the bridge. The bridge includes two legs and an arcuate section interconnected between upper ends of the legs. The bridge defines a space having increasing widths toward lower ends of the legs coupled with the bridge coupling portions. A spacing between a rear side of the lower end of each leg and a vertical axis extending through a rear side of one of the lens assemblies is smaller than a spacing between a rear side of the arcuate section and the vertical axis. The arcuate section has a rear arcuate face. A spacing from the rear arcuate face to the vertical axis decreases downward. |
| US07823223B2 |
Underpants
A pair of underpants including a front part, a back part, a crotch part and two leg holes delimited by the parts. The underpants further include a releasable connection for connecting the crotch part to the front part and allowing an opening to be formed in the crotch area. The releasable connection extends from one leg hole to the other and includes two parts, one overlapping the other in the closed condition. The ends of a part of the releasable connection are provided with a flexible protection element. |
| US07823221B2 |
Garments for holding a post-surgical drain system
A garment worn by a user has an inner wearer-facing surface and an outer surface. An inner pocket is attached to the inner surface below the chest of the user, the inner pocket having a rounded bottom, an open top, and outwardly flared sides. A drain system has a drain bulb snugly received within the inner pocket and a tube with one end attached to the bulb and the opposing end indwelled within the wearer. One or more straps are located on the inner surface, the straps each forming a closed loop such that the tube passes through the loop. An outer pocket is attached to the outer surface of the garment and overlays the inner pocket so that a single stitch line attaches both the inner pocket and the outer pocket to the garment. |
| US07823219B2 |
Decubitus ulcer prevention and treatment
A device and method for alleviating pressure on a portion of a patient's body that may be bed-ridden or otherwise constrained for long periods of time. A position of the mechanism is based upon a location or distribution of angiosomes in the body portion. The mechanism includes a pump, and a portable garment with inflatable channels and pressure relievers. The channels provide varying pressure on the body portion, a maximum pressure being set at a level sufficient for treating or preventing decubitus ulcer formation on the body portion. The channels are positioned based upon angiosome distribution in the portion of the body. The pressure relievers protect tissue on bony prominences from excess pressure. |
| US07823217B2 |
Face and eye guard device
The eye guard, while complying with ASTM F803-03, has been ergonometrically designed to comfortably fit on the user's face, and to provide openings for the eyes allowing clear vision while at the same time protecting the eyes from impacts from a lacrosse ball. The eye openings are completely open and have dimensions intended to preclude a lacrosse ball from passing therethrough. The upper edges of the eye openings are displaced rearwardly with respect to the lower edges a sufficient distance to preclude a lacrosse ball from striking the two edges simultaneously in a direction that could possibly cause an eye impact. That displacement is specifically devised to cause a lacrosse ball striking one or the other of the edges to be deflected away from the eyes of the player. The upper edge of the eye openings also defines the lower edge of a visor surface. That visor surface transitions from the openings to the rearward edge of the eye guard where it engages the face of the user above the eyes. Below the eye openings, additional openings are provided that are shaped to be aesthetically pleasing and also create a nose engaging portion designed to surround upper portions of the nose. Temples are preferably molded of a flexible material and may include a unique attachment device for an elastic band used to hold the eye guard on the head of the user. |
| US07827615B1 |
Hybrid role-based discretionary access control
A method for access control is provided. A request is received from an administrator to modify a user role for a user. Whether the user is in a user group that belongs exclusively to the administrator is determined. Whether the administrator role permits the request is determined in response to a determination that the user is in the user group. The user role is modified based on the request in response to a determination that the administrator role permits the request, wherein the user accesses a resource based on the user role. |
| US07827612B2 |
Malicious-process-determining method, data processing apparatus and recording medium
A malicious-process-determining method, a data processing apparatus, and a recording medium according to the present invention each consists of reading the data stored in a buffer memory by one byte, and for a plurality of instruction sequences each having a different read address, sequentially analyzing what kind of instruction code is contained therein. When the int instruction is contained in the analyzed instruction sequence, the number of times the immediate value is pushed to the stack is greater than 1, and the character code corresponding to “/” is contained in the virtual stack, a determination is made that a malicious code is contained in the relevant instruction sequence. |
| US07827611B2 |
Malware scanning user interface for wireless devices
A system, method and computer program product are provided for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware. Initially, an update command is received from a user utilizing a graphical user interface of a mobile wireless device. An anti-malware scanner installed on the mobile wireless device is then updated over a wireless network in response to the update command. The mobile wireless device is then scanned utilizing the updated anti-malware scanner. Such anti-malware scanner may be conditionally updated based on the update command so as to regulate usage of the wireless network with the mobile wireless device. |
| US07827610B2 |
Wireless LAN intrusion detection based on location
A intrusion detection method is disclosed for use in a wireless local area data communications system, wherein mobile units communicate with access points, and wherein the system is arranged to locate transmitters using signals transmitted by the transmitters. A database relating authorized transmitters to location is maintained. Selected signals are detected at the access points and location data corresponding to the selected signals for use in locating a source of the signals is recorded. The source location is determined using the location data, and the source location is compared to a corresponding location in the database. An alarm is signaled if the source location is inconsistent with the corresponding database location. |
| US07827604B2 |
Enterprise access configuration
The present invention provides a solution in which a script containing general security parameters and access policies in a file is placed on an appropriate internal server. The location of the script may then be stored on an external server. When an end-user within the organization decides to purchase a wireless network device, he may attach it to his existing computer. The computer then may retrieve the security file location from the external server, retrieve the security file from the internal server using the security file location, and program the security file into the wireless device. |
| US07827602B2 |
Network firewall host application identification and authentication
Systems for providing information on network firewall host application identification and authentication include an identifying and transmitting agent on a host computer, configured to identify each application in use, tag the application identity with a host identity, combine these and other information into a data packet, and securely transmit the data packet to the network based firewall. The embodiment also includes an application identity listener on the network based firewall, configured to receive the information data packet, decode the data packet and provide to the network based firewall the identity of the application. The network based firewall is provided with an application-awareness via an extension of firewall filtering or security policy rules via the addition of a new application identity parameter upon which filtering can be based. Other systems and methods are also provided. |
| US07827600B2 |
Electronic equipment and image forming apparatus
An electronic equipment includes: a first connecting unit that connects an external apparatus and a transmit and receive unit; a prohibit unit; an identification information storage; a second connecting unit that is connected to a key constituting member including memory unit storing therein authentication information corresponding to the identification information; a covering unit; a gain unit; a judge unit; and a permit unit. |
| US07827599B2 |
Self-service provisioning of digital certificates
A system and method for provisioning digital certificates. An automated provisioning engine receives notification of a need to provision a user with a digital certificate. The engine electronically instructs the user to obtain a digital certificate. When obtained, the user responds by forwarding the certificate. The engine then electronically instructs a trusted or provisioned user to verify that the user obtained the digital certificate. The trusted user verifies this, and may obtain the user's certificate or a fingerprint of the certificate to include in a response to the provisioner's instructions. If verified, and if the certificate or fingerprint matches the certificate provided by the user, the user's digital certificate is then activated, to allow it to represent the user in public key transactions. |
| US07827598B2 |
Grouped access control list actions
Access Control Lists control permitted actions on protected network computer system resources by providing an access control policy associated with the requested protected system resource containing a permission list of permitted identities and at least one action group tag with associated action indicators; reusing a finite quantity of action indicators among a plurality of action group tags to control a number of unique permissions less than or equal to the product of the quantity of allowable action indicators and a quantity of allowable action group tags; evaluating the permission list according to a specific permission definition associated with the action group tag, the permission definition providing a correlation between members of a set of action indicators; and granting authorization to perform actions on the requested protected system resource to the requesting user if the access control policy permission list includes an appropriate action indicator correlated to an action group tag. |
| US07827590B2 |
Controlling access to a set of resources in a network
Systems and techniques are provided for controlling requests for resources from remote computers. A remote computer's ability to access a resource is determined based upon the computer's operating environment. The computer or computers responsible for controlling access to a resource will interrogate the remote computer to ascertain its operating environment. The computer or computers responsible for controlling access to a resource may, for example, download one or more interrogator agents onto the remote computer to determine its operating environment. Based upon the interrogation results, the computer or computers responsible for controlling access to a resource will control the remote computer's access to the requested resource. |
| US07827585B2 |
Electronic program guide with digital storage
An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments. |
| US07827584B2 |
Method and system for adaptive transmission of smoothed data over wireless channels
A method and system that reduces the impact of packet loss on video data quality. Packet selection is performed by the method and system to selectively drop low priority packets so that the overall quality of the received video data may be improved. In one exemplary embodiment, the probability of higher priority layers being delivered on time is computed and a packet is transmitted only if this probability is greater than a given threshold h. In another exemplary embodiment, the system and method have the capability of backing up the process to transmit previously skipped packets, if time allows. |
| US07827583B2 |
Web television having a two-way communication bus interconnecting a television controller and an internet module
A web television includes a display, a tuner, an internet module, and a PIP module. The tuner is arranged to select television video for display on the display and to select television audio for display by a speaker of the web television. The internet module is arranged to supply internet video for display on the display and to supply internet audio for display by the speaker of the web television, and the internet video and audio are derived from internet communications between the web television and internet content providers. The PIP module is arranged to provide a PIP area within a main area of the display. The internet video and the television video may be swapped between the PIP area and the main area of the display, and the speaker of the web television may be swapped between the internet audio and the television audio. |
| US07827582B2 |
Program guide system with video-on-demand browsing
An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a viewer may direct a television to simultaneously display a selected television program and a program guide display. A viewer may use the program guide display to browse available video-on-demand (VOD) while continuing to view a previously selected program in the background. The viewer may browse through video-on-demand programs on the program guide display using a variety of keys on a remote control unit. The viewer may direct the program guide to order a given video-on-demand program, and set a desired broadcast time for that program. |
| US07827579B2 |
Mobile television electronic service guide delivery system
Methods and systems for transmitting electronic service guide (ESG) data to a mobile terminal are described. The method for delivery of ESG data comprises steps of receiving ESG data, encapsulating metadata associated with the ESG data to generate a new ESG object, replacing a current ESG object with the new ESG object, transmitting the new ESG object in a carousel, and transmitting a notification of a change in the carousel. Another method for receiving ESG data comprises steps of receiving a notification of a change in a carousel, receiving a new ESG object in the carousel, replacing a current ESG object with the new ESG object, extracting metadata associated with ESG data from the new ESG object, storing the ESG data and metadata, and updating an ESG on a mobile terminal with the ESG data. |
| US07827578B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing simplified peer-to-peer recording
A television apparatus having digital serial bus ports allows a user to select a user-designated digital video content source input such as a digital tuner of the television apparatus and digital serial bus compliant components connected to the television apparatus via the digital serial bus ports of the television apparatus, and to cause digital content from the user-designated digital content source device to be recorded onto a digital recording device connected to the television apparatus via the digital serial bus ports. The present invention allows a user to continuously record digital content onto a digital recording device (e.g. an AVHDD), whether from the TV's digital tuner or from another digital serial bus compliant device in a peer to peer arrangement. The connection is always recording, but allows the user to select or designate a digital (i.e. MPEG2) source (i.e. the TV tuner or another digital serial bus compliant device), in addition to displaying the selected content. |
| US07827574B1 |
Method and apparatus for targeted advertising
A novel network controller for use with a digital cable headend capable of monitoring and controlling set top terminals in a television program delivery system is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for a network controller that manages a configuration of set top terminals in a program delivery system. Specifically, the invention modifies a program control information signal at the cable headend before the modified signal is transmitted to each set top terminal. This signal is used with polling methods to receive upstream data from the set top terminals. The invention initiates such upstream data retrieval, gathers all data received and compiles viewer demographics information and programs watched information. The invention processes this data and information to generate packages of advertisements targeted towards each set top terminal. The invention uses upstream data reception hardware, databases and processing hardware and software to accomplish these functions. |
| US07827568B1 |
Integration of structural and cosmetic bezel having a disk guide for a slot loading optical drive
An optical drive bezel assembly for coupling to an optical drive. The optical drive bezel assembly includes a functional bezel having a first opening to receive an optical disk and a first plurality of attachment features. The functional bezel is coupled to the optical drive. A disk guide is rigidly coupled to the functional bezel. A cosmetic bezel has a second opening to receive the optical disk and a second plurality of attachment features. The cosmetic bezel is rigidly coupled to the functional bezel. A cosmetic screen is attached to the cosmetic bezel. The first opening and the second opening are in alignment. |
| US07827563B2 |
Open architecture and interfaces for workflow applications in office document systems
A system for enabling client software applications to interface with peripheral devices over a network. An application connection layer interfaces with a programming language of a client software application. A simple object access protocol (SOAP) client processor communicates with the application connection layer and a client software application using the application connection layer. The SOAP client processor includes an eXtensible mark-up language (XML) processor for converting data provided in XML format to a form usable by the client software application. A transport layer for interfaces with the SOAP processor and peripheral devices connected to the network. |
| US07827557B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating resources to applications using a linearized objective function
A method, system, and apparatus is disclosed for allocating resources to applications. Available resources of a networked computing system may be determined. For each application, required resources of the application may be determined. An assigned subset of the available resources for each application is determined as a function of the required resources of the application and the available resources. The function reduces communication delays between resources of the subset of the available resources in conformance with bandwidth capacity requirements of the application and in conformance with network bandwidth limitations. The applications may then be associated with the assigned subsets of resources. |
| US07827551B2 |
Real-time threading service for partitioned multiprocessor systems
An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to provide a real-time threading service to an application in a multi-core environment. An executive is launched, within a most privilege level of an operating system (OS), on a real-time core in the multi-core environment. The real-time core is sequestered from the OS. A real-time thread is created in a least privilege level on the real-time core for an application using a library. The library is loaded by the application. The real-time thread shares a virtual address space with the application. |
| US07827548B1 |
Environment-neutral application build
A computer implemented method for an environment-neutral application build is provided. The method includes installing an application build in a target environment of a set of target environments, wherein the application build includes a variable corresponding to each environment configuration parameter. The method also includes installing a configuration file of a set of configuration files in the target environment, wherein the configuration file includes an environment configuration value corresponding to each variable. Each configuration file of the set of configuration files corresponds to at least one target environment of the set of target environments. Furthermore, the method includes reading each environment configuration value from the configuration file. Additionally, the method includes writing each environment configuration value to the corresponding variable in the application build. |
| US07827546B1 |
Mechanism for downloading software components from a remote source for use by a local software application
Methods and systems are provided for dynamically configuring document solutions and for obtaining desired or required components of such document solutions for use with computer-generated documents. If a document is associated with a document solution, a request for components of the solution is sent to a manifest of document solutions. Identification of a user of the document is also passed to the manifest. At the manifest, identification information for the user is used to query a user database to determine a profile of the user such as the user's job description, location, security clearance, and the like. Based on the user's profile, the document solution is configured dynamically to include solution components most helpful to the particular user. A manifest collection is provided for serving as a repository of document solution location information for many different namespaces (schemas) that may be associated with one or more user documents. |
| US07827543B1 |
Method and apparatus for profiling data addresses
Data address profiling allows determination of sources of code execution hindrance with different perspectives of memory references and allows correlation of sampled runtime events and memory reference objects, such as cache lines. Associating sampled runtime events with data addresses provides for efficient and targeted optimization of code with respect to data addresses and physical and/or logical memory reference objects (e.g., memory segments, heap variables, variable instances, stack variables, etc.). An instruction instance is identified in relation to a sampled runtime event. A data address is determined from the instruction instance. From the determined address, a memory reference object is ascertained. |
| US07827541B2 |
Method and apparatus for profiling execution of code using multiple processors
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable medium for gathering performance related data in a multiprocessing environment. Instrumentation code is executed on a processor that minimizes the distortion to the processor resources used to execute the program to be profiled. Data is written by the instrumentation code to a shared memory in response to an event occurring during execution of the program. The data is generated during execution of the program on the processor and the instrumentation code uses shared memory to convey the data to a profiling application running on a set of profiling processors. The data is collected by the set of profiling processors in the shared memory written by the instrumentation code. |
| US07827536B2 |
Critical path profiling of threaded programs
A method and apparatus for critical path profiling of threaded programs that use messaging. An embodiment of a method includes creating a package slip for a message from a first program thread, the package slip containing information regarding the message, placing the package slip on a queue, the package slip being accessible to a second program thread, and sending the message from the first program thread. |
| US07827535B2 |
Application performance tuning server-side component
An application tuning server-side component, and a method, system, and computer program product for application tuning, provides application deployers with a single, unified facility for modifying the relevant parameters. A method of tuning an application deployed in an application server comprises the steps of deploying the application in the application server, invoking an application tuning server-side component operable to retrieve information relating to application parameters to be tuned, receiving specifications of values of application tuning parameters, and tuning the application using the received specified parameter values. The application tuning server-side component may be implemented using Java Management Extensions. |
| US07827533B2 |
Analytical server, program analysis network system, and program analysis method
To offer a user an analysis service that identifies problems, in a program that includes a part that can be customized, an application reception processing section receives an analysis application for a program from a user via a network, a quick evaluation executing section automatically executes a quick evaluation that performs evaluation regarding typical causes of performance deterioration of a program with respect to the received analysis application, a quick evaluation report transmitting section transmits to the user a quick evaluation report that is a report of the executed quick evaluation, and a consulting results report transmitting section transmits to the user a consulting results report that includes results of detailed analysis by an analyst with respect to the analysis application received by the application reception processing section. |
| US07827530B2 |
Methods and systems for testing a software program
Methods and systems for testing a software program are provided. The methods include receiving a textual input for testing at least one static type used by the software program. The textual input of an embodiment is pre-linked to the at least one static type. The method includes creating a dynamic type based on the textual input in a dynamically typed language. The dynamic type is populated based on a predefined set of test vectors and is then passed on to the software program. The software program is executed using the dynamic type. Executing the software program by using the dynamic type invokes the at least one static type used by the software program. |
| US07827529B2 |
System and method for generating a probability distribution of computer performance ratios
A system and method for generating a probability distribution indicating the probability of a range of performance ratios between computer systems. Benchmark and/or other testing results are obtained for both computer systems. For each test, a ratio of one system's performance to the other is calculated. The ratios and/or testing results may be weighted. From the performance ratios, a histogram is produced to indicate the probabilities of achieving the various ratios. Based on the distribution of probabilities, a particular performance ratio can be predicted with a corresponding level of confidence, and used for capacity planning or configuring a computing environment. |
| US07827523B2 |
Query serving infrastructure providing flexible and expandable support and compiling instructions
A system and method for dynamically composing a class is provided. A query is parsed and a compiler object tree is generated that corresponds to the operators in the query. A set of feature requests and responses are initiated and a set of feature objects are generated that are executed at runtime. The language of the query may be extended by registering a new operator, and optionally a new feature for a query language, with a search engine without modifying the source code of the search engine. The new operator may be specified in a plug-in and provided to the search engine via the plug-in. An application converts an end user query into an application query that conforms to the query language supported by the search engine and includes the new operator. The application query may also include references to traditional programming constructs and search engine primitives. |
| US07827522B2 |
Computer method and apparatus for implementing redefinition of model features
Computer method and apparatus implements redefinition of features in a programming model. The invention method includes (i) providing a model element having a feature with a redefinition such that the feature is a redefined feature; (ii) storing indications of the redefinition; and (iii) interpreting the stored indications and generating therefrom a model that implements the redefined feature. Redefined features include redefined property names, redefined property type and redefined multiplicity of a property. |
| US07827519B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for preparing multiple layers of semiconductor substrates for electronic designs
Disclosed is an improved method, system, and computer program product for preparing multiple levels of semiconductor substrates for three-dimensional IC integration. Some embodiments utilize the process and design models to check and fabricate the insulating dielectric layer (IDL) separating the first and the second film stacks on separate substrates and then prepare the surface of the IDL to receive an additional layer of semiconductor substrate for further fabrication of the chips. Yet some other embodiments further employ the design and process models to ensure the IDL and the semiconductor substrate are sufficiently flat, or are otherwise satisfactory, so the three-dimensional integrated circuits meet the reliability, manufacturability, yield, or performance requirements. Yet some other embodiments further employ design and process models to place the vias connecting the multiple film stacks. |
| US07827518B2 |
Incrementally resolved phase-shift conflicts in layouts for phase-shifted features
Phase shifting allows generating very narrow features in a printed features layer. Thus, forming a fabrication layout for a physical design layout having critical features typically includes providing a layout for shifters. Specifically, pairs of shifters can be placed to define critical features, wherein the pairs of shifters conform to predetermined design rules. After placement, phase information for the shifters associated with the set of critical features can be assigned. Complex designs can lead to phase-shift conflicts among shifters in the fabrication layout. An irresolvable conflict can be passed to the design process earlier than in a conventional processes, thereby saving valuable time in the fabrication process for printed circuits. |
| US07827516B1 |
Method and system for grouping logic in an integrated circuit design to minimize number of transistors and number of unique geometry patterns
A method and system are described to group logic terms at a higher level of abstraction than that found using standard cells to implement the logic functions using a reduced number of transistors, and to reduce the total number of unique geometry patterns needed to create the integrated circuit implementation. By grouping the logic functions in terms of a larger number of literals (logic variable inputs), the functions can be implemented in terms of a number of transistors that is often less and no more than equal to that which is required for implementing the same function with a number of logic primitives, or simpler standard logic cells. The optimized transistor level designs are further optimized and physically constructed to reduce the total number of unique geometry patterns required to implement the integrated circuit. |
| US07827512B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of designing the same
A plurality of internal circuits (11 to 14) are formed on a semiconductor chip 10, and receive different power supply voltages. An ESD protection circuit (15) is connected to the power supply lines (31 to 34) for the internal circuits (11 to 14). The area in which the protection circuit (15) is formed is closer to the center of the semiconductor chip (10) than the areas for the internal circuits (11 to 14). Surge voltages applied to the power supply pads reach the protection circuit before reaching the reaching the internal circuits. |
| US07827506B2 |
Methods and systems for outputting data on a graphical user interface of a computer system
Methods and systems are provided for outputting data on a graphical user interface of a computer system. Consistent with one implementation, a method of outputting data on a graphical user interface is provided. The method comprises retrieving data descriptive of an object from a data repository, transferring the data as an ordered plurality of rows of data to a drop down list box, and displaying the drop down list box on the graphical user interface. Consistent with another implementation, a method of displaying a screen view on a graphical user interface of a computer system is provided. The method comprises defining a screen element allowing display of data, assigning a drop down list box attribute to the screen element, configuring the screen element to suppress data input to the screen element, and displaying the screen element on the graphical user interface. |
| US07827501B2 |
Interactive alert bubbles for alert management
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to alert bubble management and provide a method, data processing system and computer program product for interactive alert bubbles for alert bubble management. In one embodiment of the invention, an interactive alert bubble can be provided for an alert management data processing system. The interactive alert bubble can include an alert bubble interface to the interactive alert bubble. An alert text field can be disposed in the interface and configured to provide a reference to an alert notification in the alert management data processing system. Additionally, a rating control can be disposed in the interface and configured to establish a rating for the alert notification responsive to a selection of the rating control. |
| US07827497B2 |
User interface and method for viewing short messages on a wireless device
A method is performed by an electronic communication device. The method includes storing electronic messages, and storing criteria for determining whether a stored message is related to a current message. A current electronic message is displayed to a user of the communication device, including the current message's outside address and message body. The relevance of each of the stored messages to the current message is assessed based on the previously-stored criteria. Those messages that meet the criteria are selected and displayed along with the current message. |
| US07827496B2 |
Method and system for dynamically generating user interfaces
A method and a system are for dynamically generating user interfaces for an application, independently of resolution and platform. In this case, a configuration file is read in and interpreted. A layout engine generates the user interface by accessing a mapping which assigns a respective control event to an event handler. |
| US07827491B2 |
Systems and methods for video editing
Systems and methods are disclosed to edit video by receiving a source video; processing the source video with a plurality of tasks including one or more transitions, effects, and audio; assigning the tasks to a plurality of general purpose processor cores and a graphics processing unit (GPU); and rendering a video output. |
| US07827490B2 |
Media state user interface
A media state user interface (UI) indicates a section of past recorded content corresponding to content prior in time sequence to the current viewing position via a first visual element and a section of future recorded content corresponding to content post in time sequence to the current viewing position via a second visual element. The first and second visual elements are visually distinguishable, for example, through the presentation of each visual element in a contrasting color. Adjacent ends of the visual elements abut at an interface. The interface visually represents the current viewing position within the media content. A third visual element in the form of a position indicator tracks the current viewing position at the interface and provides additional information regarding playback and other manipulation of the media content. |
| US07827484B2 |
Text correction for PDF converters
To correct at least one extraneous or missing space in a document, weights are assigned to tokens contained in a dictionary. Each token is defined by an ordered sequence of non-space symbols. The weights are assigned based on at least one of a token length and frequency of occurrence of the token in the document. Corrected text is generated from text of the document by applying an ordered sequence of symbol-level transformations selected from a group of symbol-level transformations including at least (i) deleting a space, (ii) inserting a space, and (iii) copying a symbol. The ordered sequence of symbol-level transformations is optimized respective to an objective function dependent upon the weights of tokens of the corrected text. |
| US07827478B2 |
Dynamic generation of form pages for accessing a database
Systems and methods for generating dynamic form pages for accessing a database. An item model is stored in the database and defines attributes or characteristics of item types. The item model is separate from the actual data and from the data model. When a form page is requested, the page is dynamically generated by accessing the item model based on the requested form. The page is then displayed to the user. Data can be included in the page as necessary. Form pages can be generated on the fly and can automatically adapt to changes in the definition of the item model. |
| US07827475B2 |
Enhanced random access transmission
In a transmitting entity a message of a first time period L is divided into N self-decodable blocks and transmitted towards a communications network. At the communications network the N self-decodable blocks are detected by a receiving entity and decoded on a block basis. |
| US07827467B2 |
Method for checking of video encoder and decoder state integrity
The present invention provides a method and a system for verifying a match between states of a first video processor and a second video processor, wherein one of said first and second video processors is a video encoder utilizing predictive video encoding and the other one of said first and second video processors is a video decoder capable of reproducing a decoded bit stream from an encoded bit stream generated by said video encoder. |
| US07827459B1 |
Communications protocol
The present invention relates to an improved communications protocol which increases the efficiency of transmission in return channels on a multi-channel slotted Alohas system by incorporating advanced error correction algorithms, selective retransmission protocols and the use of reserved channels to satisfy the retransmission requests. |