| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07829031B2 |
Methods and systems for multistage processing of fluidized particulate solids
Methods and systems for continuous multistage processing of particulate solids that can control the distribution of residence times of processed particles. One disclosed method includes admitting fluidizing gas into transfer tunnels between fluidized bed vessel stages, using gas inlets located in or outputting directly into the transfer tunnel to promote flow of the fluidized solids through the transfer tunnel. A common gas distributor plate can supply gas to the stage vessels and to any transfer tunnels having gas inlets. The distributor plate can be separable from the system or openable to provide access for removal of obstructions and for maintenance. A common base plate can incorporate lower portions of the stage vessels and the sides and roofs of the transfer tunnels, the bottoms of the vessels and tunnels optionally being provided by the gas distributor plate. Some multistage systems and processing methods have from 15 to 200 or more stages. |
| US07829029B2 |
Acoustic add-on device for biofilm prevention in urinary catheter
A urinary catheter clip-on device applies surface acoustic waves of Rayleigh-Lamb and/or Love type to a urinary catheter for preventing biofilms on the catheter surfaces. The bacteria is forced to move relative to the vibrating catheter surface. The amplitudes of bacteria vibrations are in nanometer range. The relative motion of bacteria results in bacteria quorum sensing, and disrupts the bacteria attachment process. The method is preventive as surface acoustic waves create low acoustic energy and bacteria is not killed. |
| US07829022B1 |
Centrifuge tube assembly and method of using the same
A centrifuge tube assembly comprising an elongated vial having an open upper end and a closed lower end with a lid mounted on the upper end thereof. The lid has a central opening formed therein which rotatably receives an elongated inner tube extending downwardly into the vial with the bottom of the inner tube being received by an upstanding bottom tube. The lower end of the inner tube has a pair of vertically spaced-apart upper and lower ports. The bottom tube has a pair of upper and lower ports formed therein which are radially offset with respect to one another. A tube actuator is secured to the upper end of the inner tube to facilitate the rotation of the inner tube between first and second positions. When the inner tube is in its first position, the lower ports of the inner tube and bottom tube are in register. When the tube actuator is in its second position, the upper ports of the inner tube and the bottom tube are in register. The method of using the centrifuge tube assembly of the invention is also described. |
| US07829010B2 |
Guide tube end-piece, assembly and method
An end-piece for an additive guide tube is disclosed. Such an end piece may have a durable sleeve and a sloughable sleeve. The sloughable sleeve may have a channel through which an additive may be delivered, and the sloughable sleeve may reside in the through-hole of the durable sleeve and may be secured to the durable sleeve. When molten metal contacts the sloughable sleeve, the sloughable sleeve burns or melts and sloughs off, thereby preventing the molten metal and slag from sticking to the end-piece, which in turn prevents buildup of metal and slag. |
| US07829008B2 |
Fabricating a stent from a blow molded tube
Disclosed is a method for fabricating a stent, the method comprising: positioning a polymeric tube inside a mold, wherein a high thermally conductive element covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the mold, the high thermally conductive element having a thermal conductivity that is greater than that of the mold; heating at least a portion of the mold; radially expanding the tube against the mold; and fabricating a stent from the radially expanded tube. |
| US07829006B2 |
Method to form vehicle component devices from conductive loaded resin-based materials
Automotive housings are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention. |
| US07829004B2 |
Transfer molding method and system for electronic devices
A method and system for molding an electronic device which is located next to a molding cavity and clamped to the molding cavity during molding, comprising providing molding compound in a mold supply pot, discharging the molding compound from the mold supply pot into a runner, and distributing the molding compound through the runner into the molding cavity in order to fill the molding cavity. A movable surface comprised in the molding cavity is positioned to form a first gap between the movable surface and the electronic device when the molding cavity is being filled. After filling the molding cavity with molding compound, the movable surface is driven to form a second gap between the movable surface and the electronic device which is smaller than the first gap, thereby compressing the molding compound in the molding cavity. A molded electronic device thus produced is then separated from the molding cavity. |
| US07829002B2 |
Method for the production of plant cutting filaments
The invention relates to a method for the production of a cutting filament for a device used to cut vegetation such as a trimmer or border cutter. The filament is made of a synthetic material having extended molecular chains. According to the invention, (a) the filament is brought to a controlled viscous state, (b) the filament is stretched according to the length thereof in order to perform a first longitudinal molecular orientation, (c) a cross-sectional change, resulting in a partial reorientation of molecular chains in a transversal direction, is imposed upon the filament, whereupon filaments having multiple molecular orientations are produced, having improved mechanical properties (e.g. a better resistance to tearing). |
| US07829001B2 |
Cold static gasket for complex geometrical sealing applications
A gasket assembly (20) and method for forming the gasket assembly (20) for sealing two mating surfaces (46,48) over a complex geometrical contact region. The gasket assembly (20) is formed by a hollow silicone rubber tube (22) having a naturally straight configuration but easily bent into complex configurations without kinking. The tube (22) is filled with a curable liquid rubber compound (30) and then the ends (24,26) of the tube (22) are joined in end-to-end fashion to form a continuous loop. The joined ends (24,26) of the tube (22) can be reinforced with a connector (34,134) and then locally cured on a preliminary operation so that the liquid rubber compound (30) does not escape. The tube (22) is then laid up in a mold (40) having a complex geometrical feature (42) which replicates the complex geometrical contact region of the two mating surfaces (46,48) to be subsequently sealed. With the tube (22) held stationary in the mold form (40), the entrapped liquid rubber compound (30) is cured using a heat source (44) or other suitable curing accelerant. Once fully cured, the core of rubber compound (30′) takes a set in the complex geometrical form, and resists straightening of the tube (22) so as to hold the gasket assembly (20) in the complex geometrical shape required to later seal the mating surfaces (46,48). The tube (22) and core of cured rubber compound (30′) may be selected of materials which possess different durometers. |
| US07828997B2 |
Method for producing cellulose acylate film
According to the present invention, a cellulose acylate film difficult to be broken even if the stretching ratio is increased upon stretching and whose retardation (Re) is easily controllable to a desired value can be produced by melt film forming. Accordingly, a stretched cellulose acylate film highly oriented and having an appropriate retardation (Re) required from liquid crystal display device manufacturers can be produced. |
| US07828995B2 |
Composition for a fire-protection agent for materials and fire-protection method
The invention relates to novel compositions for fire-protection agents for materials, to a method for treating materials for protection against fire, and to the use of the compositions as fire-protection agents. More precisely, the invention relates to compositions for a fire-protection agent, such as a fire-protection paint, for materials, characterized in that ceramizing additives and volume-builders are contained as ingredients. |
| US07828993B2 |
Phosphor and optical device using same
A phosphor for converting ultraviolet light or blue light emitted from a light emitting element into a visible white radiation having a high level of color rendering properties, containing a light emitting component prepared from a solid system of an alkaline earth metal antimonate and a system derived from the solid system and exhibiting intrinsic photoemission, such as a fluoroantimonate, a light emitting component prepared from a manganese(IV)-activated antimonate, a titanate, silicate-germanate, and an aluminate, a light emitting component prepared from a europium-activated silicate-germanate or from a system containing a sensitizer selected from a group consisting of europium (II) and manganese (II) as a secondary activator and having an orange color or a dark red color in the spectrum range over 600 nm, or a light emitting component composed of a mixture of eight or less light emitting components having different emission bands and brought to a state of continuous emission of about 380 to 780 nm exhibiting a color temperature of about 10,000 to 6,500 K and a color temperature of about 3,000 to 2,000 K by virtue of the superposition of the light emitting bands. |
| US07828989B2 |
Heat transfer medium composition
The present invention provides a pH stabilizing heat transfer medium composition comprising a main component of water, glycol, alcohol or glycol ether, and a pH buffer agent. The pH buffer agent is comprised of an alicyclic compound where a single ring-constituting carbon atom is bonded to two identical members or two different members selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl and its salts, or where at least two ring-constituting neighboring carbon atoms are each bonded to a single member selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl and its salts. |
| US07828984B2 |
Imprint method, imprint apparatus, and process for producing chip
An imprint method for imprinting an imprint pattern of a mold onto a pattern formation material on a substrate so as to realize a high throughput includes the steps of bringing the imprint pattern and the pattern formation material into contact with each other; applying a first pressure between the mold and the substrate to increase a contact area between the imprint pattern and the pattern formation material; and adjusting a positional relationship between the mold and the substrate at a second pressure lower than the first pressure. |
| US07828982B2 |
Adhesive microstructure and method of forming same
A method of forming an adhesive force includes removing a seta from a living specimen, attaching the seta to a substrate, and applying the seta to a surface so as to establish an adhesive force between the substrate and the surface. The seta is applied to the surface with a force perpendicular to the surface. The seta is then pulled with a force parallel to the surface so as to preload the adhesive force of the seta. |
| US07828981B2 |
Semiconductor probe with high resolution resistive tip and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor probe with a high-resolution tip and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The semiconductor probe includes: a cantilever doped with a first impurity; a resistive convex portion projecting from an end portion of the cantilever and lightly doped with a second impurity opposite in polarity to the first impurity; and first and second electrode regions formed on either side of the resistive convex portion and heavily doped with the second impurity. |
| US07828979B2 |
Method of converting animal wastes to energy and useful by-products
A method for converting animal waste, in the form of waste slurry, to energy and useful byproducts. A screen mesh filters out large objects from waste slurry and the filtered slurry is chopped and fragmented to reduce binding of fibrous materials. The fragmented slurry is mixed at a rate to maintain solids in the fragmented slurry in suspension while minimizing aeration and turbulence within the mixing unit. A solids recovery unit recovers about 95% of the suspended solids. An additive is introduced into the solids recovery unit for providing agglomeration of solids particles. The recovered solids are gasified to produce at least methane/ethane gas. The produced gas is provided to an energy production unit to generate electrical and/or heat energy. Liquid remaining after the solids recovery is treated to remove undesirable contaminants to an extent in compliance with water quality standards set for animal waste flushing, animal washing and animal drinking water, as the case may be. |
| US07828977B2 |
Apparatus and method for isolating and/or eliminating at least one solute from a solution
This relates to an apparatus and method for removing solutes from a solution using nano-filtration to provide a treated wine. |
| US07828975B2 |
Apparatus for treating oil- and fat-containing wastewater and method of treating oil- and fat-containing wastewater
To provide an apparatus for treating oil- and fat-containing wastewater for the purpose of degrading and treating oils and fats within a grease trap, which has the advantages from the viewpoint of a high versatility, and also from the viewpoints of cost and maintenance, and a method of treating oil- and fat-containing wastewater, which efficiently degrades and treats oils and fats within the grease trap. An apparatus for treating oil- and fat-containing wastewater 100 is an apparatus for treating oil- and fat-containing wastewater which degrades oils and fats of oil- and fat-containing wastewater within a grease trap by the action of immobilized lipase E and a microbe utilizing an organic matter, which comprises a container body 60 having an intake port 61 for incorporating oil- and fat-containing wastewater rich in oils and fats stored in the upper layer within the grease trap which has been absorbed and taken out and an discharge port 62 formed in a way that the wastewater is capable of being removed while part of the wastewater degraded and treated has been remained, an enzyme holder 70 provided and installed within the container body 60 containing the immobilized lipase E while preventing the immobilized lipase E from being flown and lost, in which the above-described oil- and fat-containing wastewater can pass through and agitating means 75 for agitating the above-described oil- and fat-containing wastewater within the above-described container body 60 and it is provided and installed exterior of the grease trap. |
| US07828973B2 |
Plastic encapsulated tangential flow filter device and methods for making same
Filtration devices that include filtration cassettes that feature a plurality of stacked subassemblies, wherein at least one of the subassemblies includes a porous membrane having a front side and a back side and a perimeter; and an overmolded frame that encapsulates the membrane around the perimeter of the front side and the back side of the membrane; wherein the overmolded frame forms at least one retentate port, at least one feed port, at least one filtrate port, and a flow channel proximate a perimeter of the frame; and an overmolded plastic jacket that penetrates the flow channels of the subassemblies to seal the stacked subassemblies; and methods for making the filtration device and cassettes. |
| US07828972B2 |
Self-reciprocating energy recovery device
Disclosed is a self-reciprocating energy recovery device utilized in driving of a seawater pump by self-reciprocating a piston of a power recovery chamber and recovering energy not using an electronic drive unit but using the hydraulic power of concentrated water. The self-reciprocating energy recovery device including a pair of power recovery chambers having pistons therein respectively, a high-pressure concentrated supply pipe, a low-pressure concentrated discharge pipe, and a high-pressure seawater discharge pipe to enable the power recovery chambers to recover hydraulic power supplied through the high-pressure concentrated water supply pipe and utilize the hydraulic power in driving of a seawater pump. |
| US07828968B2 |
Method and apparatus for imaging target components in a biological sample using permanent magnets
A system for enumeration of cells in fluids by image cytometry is described for assessment of target populations such as leukocyte subsets in different bodily fluids or bacterial contamination in environmental samples, food products and bodily fluids. Briefly, fluorescently labeled target cells are linked to magnetic particles or beads. In one embodiment, a small, permanent magnet is inserted directly into the chamber containing the labeled cells. The magnets are coated with PDMS silicone rubber to provide a smooth and even surface which allows imaging on a single focal plane. The magnet is removed from the sample and illuminated with fluorescent light emitted by the target cells captured by a CCD camera. In another embodiment, a floater having a permanent magnet allows the target cells to line up along a single imaging plane within the sample solution. Image analysis can be performed with a novel algorithm to provide a count of the cells on the surface, reflecting the target cell concentration of the original sample. |
| US07828962B2 |
Apparatus for treating a waste stream
An integrated unit operations for the treatment of a waste stream, such as spent caustic, is provided in a single vertical vessel having at least three separate zones: a mixing, a settling, and a mass transfer zone. |
| US07828960B1 |
F.O.G. separator control
A separator for separating F.O.G. from an effluent that contains F.O.G. includes a tank, an inlet to the tank for receiving effluent that contains F.O.G., and an outlet to allow grey water to leave the tank. The tank has a size to enable stratification of a layer of F.O.G. present in the tank on water in the tank, and first and second thermocouples are positioned at differing levels in the tank. Conductors couple the thermocouples to sensors, and differing voltages in the thermocouples can be sensed to determine if the thermocouples are surrounded by F.O.G. or water. |
| US07828958B2 |
Systems and methods of producing a crude product
Contact of a crude feed with one or more catalysts produces a total product that includes a crude product. The crude feed has a residue content of at least 0.2 grams of residue per gram of crude feed. The crude product is a liquid mixture at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa. One or more properties of the crude product may be changed by at least 10% relative to the respective properties of the crude feed. The crude product may include at least one of the catalysts. |
| US07828953B2 |
Process and apparatus for treating sludge by the combined action of electro-osmosis and pressure
The present invention relates to a process for treating sludge by the combined action of electro-osmosis and pressure. This process comprises providing a cell for treating the sludge, the cell comprising at least two electrodes including at least one cathode and at least one anode. At least one of the electrodes is movable, and at least one of the electrodes is perforated so as to drain effluents. Then, the sludge is introduced into the cell between the at least two electrodes, each of the electrodes defining a surface adapted to constantly contact the sludge. Then, the sludge is submitted to an electric current by applying a voltage to the electrodes, and applying a pressure to the sludge by means of the at least one movable electrode so as to permit a constant contact between the surfaces and the sludge. An apparatus for carrying out such a process is also disclosed. |
| US07828951B2 |
Wafer support apparatus for electroplating process and method for using the same
A multi-layered wafer support apparatus is provided for performing an electroplating process on a semiconductor wafer (“wafer”). The multi-layered wafer support apparatus includes a bottom film layer and a top film layer. The bottom film layer includes a wafer placement area and a sacrificial anode surrounding the wafer placement area. The top film layer is defined to be placed over the bottom film layer. The top film layer includes an open region to be positioned over a surface of the wafer to be processed, i.e., electroplated. The top film layer provides a liquid seal between the top film layer and the wafer, about a periphery of the open region. The top film layer further includes first and second electrical circuits that are each defined to electrically contact a peripheral top surface of the wafer at diametrically opposed locations about the wafer. |
| US07828949B2 |
Biomolecule detection device, mobile phone for biomolecule detection, and biomolecule detection method
Provided are a biomolecule detection device, a mobile phone for biomolecule detection, and a biomolecule detection method. The biomolecule detection device includes an electrophoresis unit comprising an electrophoretic gel filtering erythrocytes and leukocytes in blood and transferring proteins and DNAs in the blood, and at least one type of a probe biomolecule, immobilized in the electrophoretic gel, reacting with a target biomolecule; a conversion unit converting a result of a reaction between the target biomolecule and the probe biomolecule to an electrical signal; and a lead-out unit receiving, converting, and transmitting the electrical signal. |
| US07828948B1 |
Preconcentration and separation of analytes in microchannels
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for preconcentrating and separating analytes such as proteins and polynucleotides in microchannels. As disclosed, at least one size-exclusion polymeric element is adjacent to processing area or an assay area in a microchannel which may be porous polymeric element. The size-exclusion polymeric element may be used to manipulate, e.g. concentrate, analytes in a sample prior to assaying in the assay area. |
| US07828944B2 |
Electroplating apparatus
An electroplating apparatus includes: a wafer holder that is detachable from an engaging hole of a cathode holder and capable of moving in a up and down direction; a spring contact type cathode electrode that is fixed to an electrode housing recess on a top surface of the wafer holder and presses against a backside of a wafer placed on the wafer holder; and a suction pad that is fixed to a pad housing recess on a top surface of the wafer holder and suctions the backside of the wafer placed on the wafer holder. |
| US07828943B2 |
Anode for an apparatus for the galvanic coating of the running surfaces of cylinders
A hollow anode for a galvanic coating apparatus of the running surfaces of cylinders is provided with a plurality of passages in its top portion. The total area of the passages reduces the surface of the anode by at least 50%, the top portion having a height between 4 and 12 mm. Thus, a decrease in the electrical field at the top of the cylinder is achieved without affecting the deposition in the rest of the cylinder and it is therefore possible to obtain a perfect coating up to the corners of a closed cylinder, while decreasing the deposition on the vault of the combustion chamber. Furthermore, it is also possible to increase the flow rate of the electrolyte through the apparatus thus decreasing coating time and exploiting a greater hydraulic pressure of the electrolyte, which provides a mechanical effect that favors deposition, especially at the corners. |
| US07828941B2 |
Distributing element for electrolyte percolation electrochemical cell
A distributing element for an electrolyte percolating-type electrochemical cell comprises an external feeding manifold and an assembly formed by a gas diffusion electrode, a percolator and optionally an on-exchange membrane. The element is particularly suitable for chlor-alkali electrolysis cells and alkaline fuel cells. It is also disclosed a method for retrofitting membrane electrochemical cells by inserting the distributing element of the invention therein. |
| US07828939B2 |
Method for concentrating heavy nitrogen isotope
A method for concentrating effectively the heavy nitrogen isotope 15N to 50 atom % or more in which 14N15N and/or 15N2, which are molecules containing a heavy nitrogen isotope of 15N, are concentrated by distilling successively nitrogen N2 using plural distillation columns T1 to T4 each of which includes at least one condenser C1 to C4 and at least one reboiler R1 to R4 and is arranged in series, and a part of nitrogen in the distillation is drawn out to be subjected to isotope scrambling in an isotope scrambler S1, and nitrogen after the isotope scrambling is returned to the distillation to produce nitrogen N2 with a 15N concentration of 50 atom % or more. |
| US07828938B2 |
Hybrid water and power system
A hybrid water and power system comprises a power generation device for generating electricity and waste heat and a thermal purification system that utilizes at least a portion of the waste heat to cleanse nonpotable water introduced therein to produce a semi-cleaned water stream and a water filtration system for receiving and processing at least a portion of the semi-cleaned water stream to produce a potable water stream. In one embodiment, a containerized hybrid water and power unit comprises a power generation device, a thermal purification system and a water filtration system, and is housed in a containment vessel. Containerized water and power unit has an input for fuel and nonpotable water and produces both electricity and potable water. |
| US07828937B2 |
Scraper blade holding device with scraper blade carrier
The invention relates to a scraper blade holding device comprising a mounting unit into which a scraper blade is normally inserted. According to the present invention a scraper blade carrier, which has in its region projecting out of the mounting unit fastening means for a scraper blade, is inserted into the mounting unit. This has the advantages that scraper blades with reduced dimensions can be used. |
| US07828935B2 |
Papers for liquid electrophotographic printing and method for making same
The specification discloses papers suitable for liquid electrophotographic printing (“LEP”) and a method for making such papers. According to the method, a papermaking furnish containing cellulosic fibers is formed into a fibrous web on a papermaking machine and at least partially dried. The web is then treated with a sizing composition comprising starch, an acrylic acid polymer, an organic material having an HLB value of from about 2 to about 14 such as a polyglycerol ester, and water. The treated web is dried and calendered to a final desired caliper. Since the sizing composition is an aqueous mixture, it may be applied to the web on-line during production of the paper on the papermaking machine, thereby avoiding the expense and inconvenience of conventional off-line methods used to make existing LEP papers. The resulting paper exhibits at least 80% and preferably above 90% toner adhesion as measured by the tape pull tests used for the assessment of papers printed by LEP. |
| US07828933B2 |
Coated sheet for rotary offset printing
A coated sheet for web offset printing which includes a pigment coating layer containing a pigment and an adhesive formed on a base paper, and a surface layer containing a surface-sizing agent and a plastic pigment formed on the pigment coating layer. |
| US07828929B2 |
Methods and devices for monitoring and controlling thin film processing
Thin film processing systems and methods are provided having a moving deposition sensor capable of translation and/or rotation in a manner that exposes the sensor to thin film deposition environments in a flux region substantially the same as the deposition environments experienced by one or more moveable substrates during a selected deposition period. In one embodiment, a thin film monitoring and control system is provided wherein one or more moveable substrates and a moveable deposition sensor are moved along substantially coincident trajectories in a flux region of a thin film deposition system for a selected deposition period. Systems and methods of the present invention may include SC-cut quartz crystal microbalance sensors capable of excitation of at least two different resonant modes. |
| US07828927B2 |
Plasma processing device
A plasma processing device comprising a chamber (1) for accommodating therein a substrate (11), a high-frequency power supply (5) for generating microwave, and an antenna unit (3) for radiating microwave into the chamber (1). Microwave generated in the power supply (5) is sent to the antenna unit (3) via a waveguide (6). A top plate (4) forming part of a partition wall of the chamber (1) is formed at the upper portion of the chamber (1). A specified annular delay pass unit (2) formed of the same material as that of the top plate (4), for delaying the propagation of microwave, is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the top plate (4). Accordingly, the plasma processing device can restrict an abnormal discharge and the production of the foreign matters. |
| US07828925B2 |
Method for the butt joining of two textile pieces
The invention relates to a process for flat edge-to-edge assembly of two portions of textile parts by means of a gluing ribbon overlapping the two edges. According to this process, before the gluing ribbon is put into place, two borders adjacent to the edges are glued onto each other, so as to hold the edges close to each other. The two glued borders are shorn close to where the two edges are fixed together, and the gluing ribbon (28) is applied overlapping the two edges that are brought together. The shorn glued borders, are flattened when applying the gluing ribbon. |
| US07828923B2 |
Self adhesive material with a water soluble protective layer
The invention relates to self adhesive material (SAM) using water soluble film incorporated with surfactants and/or fillers as a protective layer, eliminating the release liner (backing liner). The water soluble film incorporated with surfactants and/or fillers, used as a protective liner, provides easy breakage, faster dissolution as well as easy application to an object. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of self adhesive material (SAM) without release liner and an apparatus and a method for applying the self adhesive material (SAM) on an object. |
| US07828922B2 |
Methods for making false watermarks in a fibrous substrate
Methods of making fibrous webs having a visible transparency variation image and products constructed from such methods are generally disclosed. The variation in transparency creates a transparency variation image in the fibrous substrate in the form of a false watermark and/or a false shadow mark. In the method disclosed, a transfer sheet having a transfer coating is utilized. A portion of the transfer coating is removed from the transfer sheet by heat transfer with a printable sheet having a toner image applied thereon. The transfer coating of the transfer sheet includes a powdered thermoplastic polymer and a film-forming binder. The film-forming binder can have a melting point that is less than that of the powdered thermoplastic polymer. In the final step of the method, the remaining transfer coating is transferred to a fibrous substrate to form the transparency variation image in the fibrous substrate. |
| US07828917B2 |
Rail manufacturing method
A rail manufacturing method is provided, in which a billet is hot-rolled into a rail form and the rail is cooled to ambient temperature. The foot part of the rail can be mechanically restrained to improve the straightness of the rail during at least the period of cooling where the surface temperature is between 800° C. and 400° C. In the subsequent cooling process, at least while the surface temperature of the foot of the rail is between 400° C. and 250° C., the rail is kept in an upright state, and cooled naturally without using insulation or accelerated cooling. |
| US07828916B2 |
Methods of crimping expandable medical devices
Disclosed are methods for crimping a medical device, such as a stent, wherein the medical device is formed of a superelastic alloy. A method for crimping a medical device includes cooling the stent until the alloy becomes martensitic, allowing the stent to warm after cooling, crimping the stent with a crimping apparatus. |
| US07828914B2 |
Method for producing aluminum alloy sheet material and an aluminium alloy sheet
The invention relates to a method and an aluminium alloy sheet material. The method of producing aluminium alloy sheet material comprising the following steps: continuous strip casting of a sheet at a predetermined solidification rate ensuring material microstructure exhibiting primary particles having average size below 1 micrometer2, and (cold) rolling of the strip cast sheet to an appropriate gauge with optionally intermediate annealing during the cold rolling. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method of production of Al-alloy sheets applicable on heat exchanger sheet based components resulting in improved pitting corrosion applying (base) Al-alloy material with higher Fe-content. |
| US07828912B2 |
High-strength hot-rolled steel shaft excellent in hole expandability and ductility and production method thereof
This invention provides a high-strength hot-rolled steel sheet having strength of at least 980 N/mm2 at a sheet thickness of from about 1.0 to about 6.0 mm and excellent in hole expandability, ductility and ability of phosphate coating, which steel sheet is directed to automotive suspension components that are subjected to pressing. The high-strength hot-rolled steel sheet contains, in terms of a mass %, C: 0.01 to 0.09%, Si: 0.05 to 1.5%, Mn: 0.5 to 3.2%, Al: 0.003 to 1.5%, P: 0.03% or below, S: 0.005% or below, Ti: 0.10 to 0.25%, Nb: 0.01 to 0.05% and the balance consisting of iron and unavoidable impurities; satisfies all of the following formulas <1> to <3>: 0.9≦48/12×C/Ti<1.7 <1> 50,227×C−4,479×Mn>−9,860 <2> 811×C+135×Mn+602×Ti+794×Nb>465 <3>, and has strength of at least 980 N/mm2. |
| US07828910B2 |
Method and process for thermochemical treatment of high-strength, high-toughness alloys
High toughness, high strength alloys are thermochemically processed by performing concurrent bulk alloy heat treatment and surface engineering processing. The concurrent steps can include high temperature solutionizing together with carburizing and tempering together with nitriding. |
| US07828909B2 |
Mist generating device, and dishwasher and washing machine using same
A mist generating device includes a mist generation vibrator, and a sealed vessel accommodating therein a fluid and provided at a side of a vibrating surface of the mist generation vibrator. A wall portion which constitutes a part of the sealed vessel and faces the mist generation vibrator has a thin film membrane and a mist of liquid outside the sealed vessel is generated by ultrasonic vibration transmitted from the mist generation vibrator via the fluid in the sealed vessel and the thin film membrane. |
| US07828907B2 |
Detergent component for preventing precipitation of water hardness and providing soil removal properties
A cleaning composition for removing soils includes an alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid copolymer and at least one component selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide. The composition contains less than about 10% by weight of at least one component selected from the group consisting of phosphorous-containing components and aminocarboxylates. |
| US07828905B2 |
Cleaning compositions containing water soluble magnesium compounds and methods of using them
The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and methods employing a water soluble magnesium compound. Such compositions can be used for reducing scale, rinsing, hard surface cleaning, ware washing, and corrosion inhibition. |
| US07828903B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing tuberculation from sanitary water pipelines
A method for removing pipe tuberculation includes the initial step of preparing an access point in the existing pipe by digging to the pipe and sawing a section from the pipe or creating an access port. The section of the pipeline to have its tuberculation removed is isolated by closing valves or creating another access point and sealing the end. Then, a reaming tool is introduced to the interior of the pipe. The reaming tool is attached to a hollow rod string capable of producing moderate thrust and pullback force, and must also produce sufficient torque when rotated. A horizontal directional drilling or “HDD” machine on the surface or in a pit dug out for this purpose applies the aforementioned forces to the rod string. |
| US07828902B2 |
Sodium-free, lithium-containing concrete cleaning compositions and method for use thereof
Compositions for cleaning concrete or other cementitious substrates that do not contribute to the alkali-silicate reaction are provided, and methods for use thereof The cleaning compositions comprise lithium salts such as lithium hydroxide, lithium oxide and/or lithium carbonate, at least one surface active agent, optionally a glycol ether and/or hydrocarbon solvent, a sodium-free or substantially sodium-free chelating agent or agents and/or one or more adjuncts at least partially contributing to the useful properties of the composition. |
| US07828901B2 |
Method and apparatus to detect nanometer particles in ultra pure liquids using acoustic microcavitation
An apparatus to produce acoustic cavitation by controlling cavitation events in a liquid insonification medium utilizing a waveform to excite a transducer with a series of bipolar inharmonic tone bursts having medium recovery intervals between respective bursts so that the medium repeatedly recovers from cavitation events between bursts. The apparatus may be used to clean a semiconductor wafer, to de-coat a painted surface having, to induce a chemical reaction, and/or to provide recycled paper made from inked paper de-inked by cavitation. Cavitation events are generated using a transducer and a waveform generator, e.g., square wave tone bursts, to excite the transducer with a signal controlled in frequency, burst repetition rate, duty-cycle and/or amplitude, e.g., utilizing bursts having a frequency between 500 KHz and 10 MHz, and a duty cycle between 0.1% and 70%. |
| US07828900B2 |
Vacuum film-forming apparatus
A vacuum film-forming apparatus comprising substrate stages; vacuum chamber-forming containers opposed to the stages; a means for moving the substrate between the stages; and gas-introduction means connected to every containers, wherein one of the stage and the container is ascended or descended towards the other to bring the upper face of the stage and the opening of the container into contact with one another so that vacuum chambers can be formed and that a raw gas and/or a reactant gas can be introduced into each space of the chamber through each gas-introduction means to carry out either the adsorption or reaction step for allowing the raw gas to react with the reactant gas. The apparatus permits the independent establishment of process conditions for the adsorption and reaction processes and the better acceleration of the reaction between raw and reactant gases to give a film having excellent quality and the apparatus can be manufactured at a low cost. |
| US07828897B2 |
Crystal pulling apparatus and method for the production of heavy crystals
A pulling apparatus and a method with which especially heavy crystals (5) can be pulled using the Czochralski method utilizing the pulling apparatus. For this purpose the neck (4) of the crystal (5) has an enlargement (10) beneath which extends the support device. This device includes latches (7), which are moved from a resting position into an operating position in which the latches (7) extend beneath the enlargement (10). Each latch (7) is supported on the base body such that it is swivellable about a pivot axis (8) and can assume two stable positions, namely the resting position and the operating position. Each of these positions is defined by a stop on the base body. When the latch rests on the one stop, its center of gravity, viewed from the neck (4), is located on the other side of the pivot axis (8). When the latch rests on the other stop, the center of gravity is located on this side of the pivot axis (8). The actuation of the latches (7) takes place with actuation means disposed stationarily in the apparatus. |
| US07828896B2 |
Methods of growing a group III nitride crystal
A method of growing a group III nitride crystal grows a group III nitride crystal from a solution in which an alkaline metal, a group III metal and nitrogen are dissolved, and includes, in the solution, a material which increases solubility of the nitrogen into the solution. |
| US07828895B2 |
Method of producing optical element
The invention relates to a method of producing an optical element using a garnet single crystal for the purpose of providing an optical element with a reduced Pb content or from which Pb can preliminarily be removed completely. By growing a garnet single crystal by using a solution containing Na, Bi and B by the LPE process and thermally treating the garnet single crystal in reducing atmosphere prepared by using nitrogen gas and/or hydrogen gas, the resulting thermally treated garnet single crystal is used to prepare an optical element. |
| US07828891B2 |
Pigment compositions, colored compositions making use of the pigment compositions, and color filters
Pigment compositions each contain an organic pigment and at least one compound selected from compounds represented by the following formula (II), respectively: A-N═N—CH(COCH3)—CONH-E, B—N═N—CH(COCH3)—CONH-E or C—N═N—CH(COCH3)—CONH-E, wherein A represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, B represents a substituted or unsubstituted β-naphthyl group, C represents a substituted or unsubstituted α-anthraquinonyl group, D represents a particular substituted aromatic group, and E represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, with a proviso that the compounds each have at least one substituent represented by —COOM or —SO3M in which M represents a hydrogen atom, metal atom, ammonium group, organic amine group or quaternary ammonium group. Colored compositions making use of the pigment compositions and color filters making use of the colored compositions are also disclosed. |
| US07828890B2 |
Effect pigments having an aluminum or an aluminum aloy core, process for the production thereof and use thereof
The invention relates to effect pigments having an aluminum core or aluminum alloy core and an aluminum oxide-containing or aluminum oxide/hydroxide-containing layer enveloping said aluminum core or aluminum alloy core, obtained by chemical wet-process oxidation of lamellar aluminum pigments or aluminum alloy pigments, the content of metallic aluminum in the aluminum core or aluminum alloy core being not more than 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the pigment, wherein the oxidized aluminum pigments or aluminum alloy pigments exhibit at least one highly refractive metal chalcogenide layer having a refractive index of >1.95, and a mixed layer is formed between the highly refractive metal chalcogenide layer and the enveloping aluminum oxide-containing or aluminum oxide/hydroxide-containing layer. The invention further relates to a process for the production of such effect pigments and to the use thereof. |
| US07828880B2 |
Gas collection method and apparatus therefor
A liquid film is formed on the surface of a porous body provided with a hydrophobic layer and hydrophilic layer, by moving thereon an ionic liquid having a selective absorption capacity of specific gas, and the specific gas within the gas to be processed is absorbed into the liquid film by bringing pressurized gas to be processed into contact with the liquid film. The specific gas is, for example, a carbon dioxide gas and the ionic liquid is, for example, an imidazolium salt. The specific gas absorbed into the liquid film is passed through the porous body by the use of a difference in pressure, whereby it is collected on a low pressure side. The specific gas absorbed into this collected liquid is then separated into a gas and a liquid by a separator, and the specific gas is released and collected. |
| US07828877B2 |
Separation of carbon dioxide from other gases
An inventive adsorptive gas separation process is provided capable of producing a purified methane product gas as a light non-adsorbed product gas as opposed to a heavy desorbed exhaust gas component, from a feed gas mixture comprising at least methane, and carbon dioxide. In an embodiment of the invention, the feed gas mixture may comprise at least about 10% carbon dioxide, and the purified methane product gas may be desirably purified to contain less than about 5000 ppm carbon dioxide. In another embodiment of the invention, the feed gas mixture may comprise at least about 50% carbon dioxide, and the purified methane product gas may be desirably purified to contain less than about 5000 ppm carbon dioxide. |
| US07828875B2 |
Membranes for highly selective separations
The present invention provides modified molecular sieve membranes with improved CO2/CH4 separation selectivity and methods for making such membranes. The molecular sieve membranes are modified by adsorption of a modifying agent, such as ammonia, within and/or on the membrane. |
| US07828874B2 |
On-board inert gas generation system with air separation module temperature control
An on-board inert gas generation system is disclosed that includes an air separation module that is configured to produce nitrogen enriched air from a non-enriched air. The non-enriched air to the air separation module has a desired operating temperature range. A compressor system is in fluid communication with the air separation module. The compressor system is configured to rotate at a speed and provide the non-enriched air to the air separation module. A controller is in communication with the compressor system and is configured to reduce the speed in response to a parameter reaching an undesired value, which would result in a non-enriched air temperature that would exceed the desired operating temperature range. The reduced speed is selected to maintain the non-enriched air temperature within the desired operating temperature range. |
| US07828870B1 |
Filter assembly with cost effective seal
A filter assembly includes a filter element mounted in a housing at a sealing interface provided by an integrally molded seal. |
| US07828868B2 |
Air treatment system
An air treatment system includes features for maximizing efficiency and effectiveness. In one embodiment, a sensor air passage utilizes a low pressure region created by the blower to draw air through the passage. In another embodiment, a filter frame includes a plurality of connectors formed integrally with the filter frame. In another embodiment, a screen is positioned adjacent to the blower intake. The screen includes a plurality of angled strands oriented in a particular direction. In another embodiment, a remote control holder is formed integrally with the housing. In another embodiment, a gasket is positioned between the blower and the housing, forming a seal between the blower and the housing. |
| US07828863B2 |
Method and arrangement for reforming fuel
A method and an arrangement for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel such as dimethyl ether (DME), methanol, ethanol, propanol, or any variants or other oxidized fuels is disclosed for generating hydrogen especially for supplying a fuel cell. Furthermore, a fuel cell system is disclosed which includes such an arrangement, especially for providing power to a stationary or mobile power consuming unit like especially an auxiliary power unit (APU) for application in aircraft, ships and vehicles, or as a part of a hybrid drive or as a sole driving unit for, e.g., a ship or a vehicle. |
| US07828860B2 |
Method of laminating fuel cell-use separator and film/electrode junction element and device therefor
The present method corrects a warp in a separator (78) applied with a sealant (97) during production of fuel cells. The correction is performed at a correcting device (47). With the warp being corrected at the correcting device, a membrane/electrode assembly is superimposed on the separator. |
| US07828855B2 |
Textile prosthesis
A textile prosthesis comprising a unitary body of predetermined shape having structural integrity, the body including at least one anchorage body portion for attachment to an anatomical body part, the body being composed of a combination of binding yarns and tensile load bearing filaments, the binding yarns being located at least in the or in each of said anchorage body portions and being interconnected to one another by sewn stitches, the tensile load bearing filaments being located in between said stitches so as to be constrained to extend through said unitary body along predetermined pathways extending in one or more predetermined directions so as to render the body resistance to stretch when a tensile load is applied in said one or more predetermined directions. |
| US07828854B2 |
Implantable repair device
An implantable prosthesis for repairing or reinforcing a tissue or muscle wall defect including a first composite structure including at least one layer of a non-absorbable material is disclosed. The first composite structure has a central portion sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the tissue or muscle wall defect, and has an outer periphery. The prosthesis further includes a second structure having a reinforced central region and an outer peripheral edge, a reinforcing element positioned between the first and second structures, and having an outer periphery and a stiffness greater than that of the first and second structures, and at least one pulling element coupled to the reinforced central region of the second structure. The second structure is coupled to the first structure substantially only at their respective peripheries. |
| US07828849B2 |
Expanding interbody implant and articulating inserter and method
A device for processing vertebral members having a spacer, a delivery device, and a deployer. The spacer includes at least first and second members with the first having at least one angled section and a contact surface, a second member having at least one angled section and a contact surface. The delivery device is attached to at least one of the first and second members. The first and second members being movable relative to one another for the angled sections to contact and expand the height of the device. The device is positionable between a first closed orientation having a first height, a second open orientation having a second height greater than the first height, and gradations therebetween. Methods of spacing vertebral members using the spacer are also disclosed. |
| US07828847B2 |
Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement
A bone prosthesis device is comprised of an upper and lower abutment surfaces and an intervening malleable member. The device is sufficiently small so that implantation into an inter-vertebral disc space can be performed from a substantially posterior approach without significant impingement upon the neural elements. |
| US07828842B2 |
Tissue shaping device
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a tissue shaping device adapted to be disposed in a vessel near a patient's heart to reshape the patient's heart. Such tissue shaping device can include an expandable proximal anchor; a proximal anchor lock adapted to lock the proximal anchor in an expanded configuration; an expandable distal anchor; a distal anchor lock adapted to lock the distal anchor in an expanded configuration; and a connector disposed between the proximal anchor and the distal anchor, the connector having a substantially non-circular cross-section. |
| US07828840B2 |
Medical devices and methods for local delivery of angiotensin II type 2 receptor antagonists
This invention relates to medical devices and an angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor antagonist compound, the medical device being adapted to release the AT2 receptor antagonist compound within a body of a patient. This invention also relates to medical devices and methods of treatment of disease, such as aneurysms and aortic dissection. Medical devices may include coated stents, grafts, stent grafts, balloons and catheters. |
| US07828839B2 |
Flexible barb for anchoring a prosthesis
A system for anchoring an endoluminal prosthesis comprises a barb. The barb comprises a base, a retractable body extending distally from the base towards a distal anchor, and a hinge disposed between the base and the anchor and spaced apart from the base. The anchor pivots about the hinge between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. Additional devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US07828836B2 |
Bistable spring construction for a stent and other medical apparatus
The present invention is directed to bistable cells and their use in devices, particularly medical devices such as stents, clamps and valves. An expandable stent formed of a plurality of bistable cells is described. The stent has two or more stable configurations, including a first stable configuration with a first diameter and a second stable configuration with a second, larger diameter. A valve comprising a bistable cell for use in eliminating incontinence is also disclosed. |
| US07828834B2 |
Device for connection between a corporeal duct and a prosthesis
A device for connection between previously intubed ends of a corporeal duct and a substantially tubular prosthesis. The device can be a meshed structure, such as a mesh sleeve, that is deformable by means of a balloon catheter and capable of radial expansion between a stable configuration of minimum diameter and a final configuration after expansion that is likewise stable. A series of teeth for transfixing overlapping parts of the sleeve, uniformly aligned in a ring formation and radially oriented, can be found at each end of the mesh structure. The teeth are of a hemostatic profile including a base part with a circular cross-section extended by a trihedral terminal portion. |
| US07828827B2 |
Method of exfoliation of skin using closely-packed microstructures
An improved method and apparatus is provided as a system to enhance skin appearance and health, in which skin is cleaned (or exfoliated) and conditioned by use of microelements affixed to a base element or hand-held patch. The dimensions of the microelements are controlled so as to remove a certain number of layers of skin cells and to accumulate those skin cells, along with other foreign substances, into areas between the microelements. In addition, a conditioning compound or therapeutic active can be applied to the exfoliated skin to enhance the skin. Moreover, the amount of accumulated skin cells represents a self-limiting maximum quantity that cannot be substantially exceeded regardless of the number of attempts by a user to re-use the microstructure apparatus. Some of the microstructures are designed with very close-packed microelements, which in some cases have flexible substrates. |
| US07828825B2 |
Multi-level multi-functional spinal stabilization systems and methods
Systems and methods for multi-level, multi-functional stabilization of a spinal column segment are provided. The systems include one or more constructs having a motion preserving portion that permits motion of at least a portion of a vertebral level and a motion preventing portion that substantially prevents motion of at least a portion of a second, adjacent vertebral level. |
| US07828824B2 |
Facet joint prosthesis
Various methods and devices are provided for a facet replacement device. In one embodiment of the invention, a facet replacement device is provided and includes an elongate member matable to a first vertebra and a housing. The housing can have a connector formed thereon and matable to an adjacent second vertebra and an inner lumen formed therein. The housing can also include a deformable member disposed within the inner lumen and having an opening formed therein for slidably receiving at least a portion of the elongate member such that the elongate member can be angularly oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of the lumen. |
| US07828821B2 |
Nipple
A nipple simulating the shape and function of a woman's breast is provided. The nipple has a stem and a base. The nipple preferably has a securing structure integrally formed to the base. The base has an areola region and a bulbous region. The areola region is positioned between the stem and the bulbous region, and is designed to simulate the shape of the areola region of a woman's breast. The bulbous region is positioned between the areola region and the securing structure, and is designed to simulate the shape of the region of a woman's breast surrounding the areola region. |
| US07828819B2 |
Cord locking mechanism for use in small systems
A locking device that can be used to adjust a cord of a small system or a medical device. The locking device includes an outer housing having a first lumen. A cord is disposed within the first lumen where the cord is freely moveable through the first lumen. A locking mechanism is disposed within the first lumen and over the cord. The locking mechanism is configured to lock or unlock the cord relative to the outer housing. An actuator is configured to move the locking mechanism to lock or unlock the cord relative to the outer housing. |
| US07828817B2 |
Apparatus and methods for delivering a closure device
An apparatus for delivering a clip to close an opening through tissue includes a sheath and a carrier assembly including a clip therein that is slidable on the sheath. An actuator assembly is connectable to the sheath, and telescoping actuator members extend from the handle that are connectable to the carrier assembly for advancing the carrier assembly along the sheath. An obturator on the actuator assembly includes splines that may be deployed beyond a distal end of the sheath, and expanded to a transverse expanded configuration for positioning the sheath before deploying the clip. The actuator members include cooperating detents that selectively release the actuator members as the carrier assembly reaches predetermined positions along the sheath for deploying the clip from the carrier assembly, and that collapse the splines to allow removal of the apparatus after deploying the clip. |
| US07828815B2 |
Method and device for filtering body fluid
Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site. |
| US07828811B2 |
Surgical clip application assembly
An apparatus for the transoral invagination and fundoplication of the stomach to the esophagus includes a clip applier having sharp toothed jaws for grasping and damaging the fundus prior to applying the clip. The clip applier has an overall diameter of less than 7 mm. The clip applier jaws are coupled to a pull wire via a linkage which increases the mechanical advantage and thus permits greater grasping force. A plurality of clip designs are also provided. |
| US07828805B2 |
Hip stem centralizer datum guide, and method
A hip stem centralizer datum guide and method are provided for positioning a proximal portion of a hip stem component within bone cement in an intramedullary canal of a femur. The datum guide is positionable in a predetermined position relative to the intramedullary canal and is able to create a datum that records the predetermined hip stem component position relative to the intramedullary canal. The datum is able to be referenced to position the hip stem component in the predetermined hip stem component position in the bone cement in the intramedullary canal. |
| US07828802B2 |
Bone fracture treatment devices and methods of their use
A bone treatment device comprises a shaft having a tubular wall, a lumen extending within the tubular wall, openings through the tubular wall, and anchoring elements adjacent the openings that can be deployed out of the openings in the presence of an actuating force within the shaft lumen. The bone treatment device may further comprise an actuator configured to be received within the shaft lumen to deploy the anchoring elements out of the openings. |
| US07828794B2 |
Handheld electrosurgical apparatus for controlling operating room equipment
A system and apparatus for controlling operating room equipment during an electrosurgical procedure is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator, a controller in electrical communication with and configured to control the electrosurgical generator and at least one operating room device, and a handpiece having a housing and a cable extending proximally from the housing providing electrical connection to the controller, the handpiece further includes first controls for controlling the generator and second controls for controlling at least one operating room device. |
| US07828791B2 |
Medical instrument having a guidewire and articulated catheter
A first medical instrument includes a flexible catheter and a medical guidewire extendable beyond a distal end of the catheter. The catheter has an articulated section. The medical guidewire has first and second segments, wherein the bending moment of inertia of the first segment is less than the bending moment of inertia of the second segment. A second medical instrument includes a flexible catheter, a mechanized guidewire assembly, and a medical guidewire extendable beyond a distal end of the catheter. The catheter has an articulated section. The medical guidewire has an exterior surface including a repetitive series of spaced-apart surface elevation features. One example of surface elevation features is external threads. The spaced-apart surface elevation features are adapted for operable engagement with the mechanized guidewire drive assembly. |
| US07828790B2 |
Selectively flexible catheter and method of use
Catheter assembly including an elongate shaft comprising a thermoplastic polymer such as a thermoplastic shape memory polymer having a pre-selected glass transition temperature (Tg) and a means for heating the thermoplastic polymer, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is in a rubbery state at temperatures above the glass transition temperature and is in a glassy state at temperatures below the glass transition temperature. The elongate shaft may be selectively heated and cooled to provide sufficient flexibility and retention during a medical procedure. |
| US07828789B2 |
Device and method for creating a localized pleurodesis and treating a lung through the localized pleurodesis
The invention provides methods and devices for creating a localized pleurodesis between the thoracic wall and the lung such that a ventilation bypass conduit may be introduced into the lung through the thoracic wall and visceral membrane without causing a pneumothorax. A medical device such as a catheter is used to enter the pleural cavity and deliver a pleurodesis agent to a localized area between the visceral and parietal membranes. |
| US07828787B2 |
Connector for packaging containing medical fluids and packaging for medical fluids
The disclosure relates to a connector for packaging containing medical fluids, in particular infusion or transfusion bags, including a tubular connection part for receiving a spike for the withdrawal of fluid, and having a lower opening on the packaging side and an upper opening on the connection side. A self-sealing membrane, which is pierced by the spike, is located in the connection part. The membrane has an upper, annular section leading into a lower, plate-shaped section, said annular section of the membrane surrounding the spike in a sealing manner, when the latter pierces the plate-shaped section. The membrane acts as a guide for the spike and also reseals the connector, once the spike has been removed. |
| US07828785B2 |
Belted absorbent garment and method for making and testing
An absorbent garment having belt sections attached to the waist portion of a first body panel and fastened together by a first fastener, a second body panel at its waist portion being provided with a second fastener adapted to be fastened to at least one of the belt sections; wherein when the absorbent garment is tested by: (a) fastening a belted absorbent garment around movable mechanical members which are adapted to mechanically simulate a user's waist or hips; and (b) moving said members away from each other using actuating members and moving them back to their initial position so as to simulate the expansion and contraction of a user's waist as he/she moves; the garment does not slip down more than 15 cm from its initial position during at least ten expansion/contraction cycles of the test apparatus and for at least 30 seconds. |
| US07828784B2 |
Absorbent articles with refastenable side seams and intuitive disposal feature
A disposable absorbent article including a pair of first fasteners, at least a portion of each first fastener being situated inboard from each longitudinal side edge in the first waist region, each first fastener being adapted to engage at least a portion of the inner surface of the second waist region, each first fastener comprising a resilient material. The disposable absorbent article also includes a disposal fastener, at least a portion of the disposal fastener being situated inboard from the longitudinal side edge in the second waist region, the disposal fastener adapted to engage at least a portion of the outer surface, the disposal fastener comprising a resilient material. |
| US07828779B2 |
Injection apparatus with an end position-blocked dosage setting member
An injection device including a housing with a reservoir for an injectable product, a delivery device used to dispense a product dose from the reservoir, and a dose metering member which, in order to select the product dose, can carry out a rotational displacement in relation to the housing in a first direction until it reaches an end position and can be displaced in an opposite second rotational direction, wherein the dose metering member is coupled to the delivery device in such a way that the latter, when actuated, dispenses the product dose that has been selected by means of the dose metering member, the injection device also including an anti-twist safety device which has at least one anti-twist stop and at least one anti-twist counter-stop, one of which is formed by the housing and the other by the dose-metering member, wherein the anti-twist stop and the anti-twist counter-stop come to rest against one another in the end position in order to prevent the rotational displacement of the dose metering member in the first rotational direction from continuing beyond the end position. |
| US07828776B2 |
Chemical liquid injection system
The present invention provides a chemical liquid injection system in which a chemical liquid injector can detect whether or not the injection of a liquid from a liquid syringe into a patient is inappropriate for a personal reason such as the development of a side effect although the liquid is of an appropriate type for the injection system, and the chemical liquid injector can issue an alarm to notify the inappropriate injection. Chemical liquid injector 100 acquires a product ID of the liquid recorded on liquid chip 214 of liquid syringe 200 and an inappropriate ID recorded in a electric chart to output a notification when the product ID matches the inappropriate ID. |
| US07828769B2 |
Manual/auto-prime air eliminator
A vent system for an infusion drip chamber is provided according to the invention. The vent system includes an automatic air eliminator communicating with an interior and an exterior of the infusion drip chamber. The automatic air eliminator is capable of automatically venting air from the infusion drip chamber in a substantially continuous manner. The vent system further includes a mechanical air eliminator communicating with the interior and the exterior of the infusion drip chamber. The manual air eliminator is capable of mechanically venting air from the infusion drip chamber at discrete time intervals. |
| US07828768B2 |
Disposable syringe after one time usage
A disposable syringe after one time usage includes an outer tube having an inner teeth set formed on the inner wall of the outer tube and an inner tube having an outer teeth set formed on the outer wall of the inner tube and a safety guide. The inner teeth set of the outer tube meshes with the outer teeth set of the inner tube. The single direction design of the teeth sets allows the outer tube to be pulled away from the inner tube, but not to be pushed back. The pulling force of the outer tube will pull the safety guide to form a damaged groove and the outer tube is adapted to enclose a needle so that the needle is not exposed outwardly, which prevents the needle from poking people accidentally. The syringe is unable to be reused. |
| US07828767B2 |
Balloon design and weld design to increase ease of re-wrapping and decrease withdrawal force
A balloon catheter that has at least one shaft, and a balloon. The balloon has a first weld region, a first cone region, a middle region, a second cone region and a second weld region where the first weld region engages the balloon to the at least one shaft, the first region is adjacent to the first weld region, the middle region is between the first cone region and the second cone region, the second cone region is adjacent to the second weld region, and the second weld region engages the balloon to at least one shaft. The balloon has an uninflated state and an inflated state, where the balloon has at least one fold extending from the first weld region to the second weld region in the uninflated state and the first and second cone regions of the balloon have at least one fold in the inflated state. |
| US07828766B2 |
Non-compliant multilayered balloon for a catheter
A balloon catheter having a multi-layered balloon which has a first layer and at least a second layer, and which has noncompliant limited radial expansion beyond the nominal diameter of the balloon. By selecting the polymeric materials forming the balloon layers, and arranging and radially expanding the multiple layers of the balloon in accordance with the invention, a balloon is provided having an improved low compliance, preferably in combination with high flexibility and softness. |
| US07828764B2 |
Systems and methods allowing for reservoir filling and infusion medium delivery
A system includes a durable portion with a durable housing and a separable disposable portion with a disposable housing that selectively engage with and disengage from each other. The disposable housing secures to a patient and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient or with an infusion medium may be part of the disposable portion to allow for disposal after a prescribed use. A reservoir for holding the infusion medium may be part of the disposable portion, and may be supported by the disposable housing. The durable portion may include other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of the infusion medium from the reservoir, and a drive device including a motor and drive linkage. |
| US07828762B2 |
Catheter with multiple ultrasound radiating members
A catheter for delivering ultrasonic energy and therapeutic compounds to a treatment site within a patient's vasculature comprises a tubular body. The tubular body has a proximal region and a distal region opposite the proximal region. The catheter further comprises a plurality of fluid delivery lumens formed into the tubular body. The catheter further comprises an inner core configured for insertion into the tubular body. The inner core comprises an elongate electrical conductor having a plurality of flattened regions, each flattened region having a first flat side and a second flat side opposite the first flat side. The inner core further comprises a plurality of ultrasound radiating members mounted in pairs to the flattened regions of the elongate electrical conductor. A first ultrasound radiating member is mounted to the first flat side of the elongate electrical conductor, and a second ultrasound radiating member is mounted to the second flat side of the elongate electrical conductor. The catheter further comprises control electronics configured to apply a driving signal to at least two, but fewer than all, of the ultrasound radiating members. |
| US07828761B2 |
Wearable ultrafiltration device
An ultrafiltration device adapted to be worn on a portion of the body of a patient includes a blood inlet tube leading from a first blood vessel, a blood pump, an anticoagulant reservoir for infusing anticoagulants into the blood, a blood filter including a substrate through which the blood is circulated and filtered, a fluid bag for storing the excess fluid and a blood outlet tube leading to a second blood vessel. |
| US07828760B2 |
Weight driven neck traction unit and method
The neck traction device elongated a user's neck with the application of force on the user's shoulders. One embodiment includes a head pad, a vertically movably head support frame, a pivotally connected linkage member coupled to a shoulder frame element. The shoulder frame and shoulder pads are longitudinally movably mounted and the linked system exerts a longitudinal force on the user's shoulders when the user's head rests on the head pad and depresses the head pad. A biasing mechanism either upwardly supports the head frame or longitudinally limits the extension of the shoulder frame such that when the head is lifted off the head frame, the biasing mechanism raises the head pad and moves back the shoulder frame and pads. Alternatively, a transmission may be used to convert the substantially downward force due to the head weight to a longitudinal force on the shoulder pads. |
| US07828759B2 |
Heel lock ankle support
An ankle support has a tubular sock-like elastic sheath which, in use, is slipped over the foot and ankle of a wearer and extends upwardly over the lower leg, the sheath thereby having lateral and medial sides and a posterior end for receiving the heel of a wearer. Heel locks are provided by lateral and medial elastic locking straps secured to the sheath at a bottom portion of the posterior end of the sheath, and at a rear portion of the sheath (back of the heel) above the posterior end. The action of the two locking straps locks the heel of the wearer against lateral and medial movement. An elastic wrap on the sheath over the foot and ankle of the wearer overlies the lateral and medial portions of the locking straps to provide a lift to the heel. |
| US07828755B2 |
Control device and control program for walking assist apparatus
A control device and a control program for a walking assist apparatus set a desired lifting force to act on a user from a seat and distribute the desired lifting force to each leg link of the walking assist apparatus according to the ratios of treading forces of the legs of the user measured on the basis of outputs of force sensors so as to determine the share for each leg link. Then, an actuator of each leg link is controlled to generate a force for the determined share. Thus, a force required for the user to support himself/herself with his/her leg or legs on a floor can be reduced while using a reduced number of parts to be attached to each leg of the user. Moreover, an assist force for achieving such a reduced required force can be properly shared between the leg links associated with the legs of the user. |
| US07828754B2 |
Ultrasonic cerebral infarction therapeutic apparatus
An ultrasonic cerebral infarction therapeutic apparatus that does not produce side effects of destruction of brain cells, occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhage, destruction of nerve cells, etc. by avoiding formation of a standing wave by interference between an irradiated beam of an ultrasonic wave irradiated to the inside of the cranium and its reflected beam. An ultrasonic probe cap is constructed by arranging a plurality of laminated small transducers each made up of a PVDF film, a PZT ceramic, or the like in a mosaic-like pattern or in other form on the inside of the cap and one or more transducers are selected and activated according to a thrombus position. As a high frequency for actuating a transducer, a continuous sinusoidal wave, a burst wave, or a pulse wave shall be used so that no standing wave may be produced inside the cranium. |
| US07828752B2 |
Device and method for locating the anteroposterior femoral axis to determine proper femoral component rotation in knee replacement
A device for indicating the location of the anteroposterior femoral axis has a spike or needle that engages the anterior-most point in the intercondylar notch and a rounded or spherical surface is placed on the trochlear groove of the femur and urged in a posterior direction. That is, the rounded surface or ball is urged toward the bottom of the trochlear groove. This causes the rounded surface or ball to self-locate into the deepest point of the trochlear groove. The anterior-most point in the intercondylar notch and the deepest part of the trochlear groove anteriorly are points that accurately determine the anteroposterior femoral axis, and the device includes a marking device or guide member that is fixed perpendicular to this axis. A surgeon, therefore, has an accurate indication of the correct femoral component rotation for proper implant position in a knee replacement or other surgical procedure. |
| US07828749B2 |
Blood and interstitial fluid sampling device
A device and method for lancing a patient, virtually simultaneously producing and collecting a small fluid sample from a body. The device comprises a blood collection system including a lancing needle (16), drive mechanism (11), kneading or vibration mechanism (25), optional suction system (7), and sample ejection mechanism. The device is preferably sized to be hand-held in one hand and operable with one hand. The device can optionally contain integral testing or analysis component (83) for receiving the sample and providing testing or analysis indication or readout for the user. A method involves piercing the skin at a rapid rate, kneading the surrounding area by ultrasonic action, piezoelectric or mechanical oscillation to stimulate the blood flow from the wound, drawing the fluid using a pumping system. |
| US07828747B2 |
Pressure generating unit
The invention relates to pressure generating units, in particular to pressure generating unit arranged in the hand piece of a vacuum biopsy device in the form of a singe (2). In said units, air intake is open by a piston when said piston (5) is in the rear position thereof in the space of a vacuumed cylinder (11) which is switched for generating a superpressure, thereby initiating the outflow of a tissue liquid by the air introduced into the space of the vacuumed cylinder. For this purpose, the space of the vacuumed cylinder is connected to the space of an atmosphere pressure cylinder (12) arranged behind the piston, by means of a connection line (15), and an absorbing element (14) is placed on the piston axis. |
| US07828746B2 |
Obtaining a tissue sample
A device with a sampling portion configured to engage, sever, and remove tissue from a body can be used to obtain one or more tissue samples from the body. The device can be used to obtain multiple tissue samples simultaneously. |
| US07828744B2 |
Method and assembly for breast immobilization
A device, method, and system are provided for immobilizing and stabilizing a breast in preparation for tumor ablation or biopsy while the patient is lying supine. The breast is lifted away from the chest wall of the patient, so that the tissue abnormality to be treated is also lifted away from the chest wall. This reduces the possibility of damage to the neighboring costochondral wall and the surrounding healthy tissue. The device includes a medical device holder that can be used to accurately aim a medical probe, and hold it in place during treating. |
| US07828741B2 |
Utilizing lipopolysaccharide in exhaled breath condensate to diagnose gram negative pneumonia
A method for determining whether a subject has Gram negative bacterial pneumonia based on the presence of lipopolysaccharide in exhaled breath condensate collected from the subject. The collection devices utilized to collect exhaled breath condensate from both spontaneously breathing and mechanically ventilated subjects and the devices utilized to determine whether lipopolysaccharide is present in the collected exhaled breath condensate. |
| US07828737B2 |
Acoustic lens and ultrasonic probe using the lens
The invention has a structure, in an acoustic lens for an ultrasonic probe comprising leg portions which are connected by a planar shape, and a lens portion which is provided on the leg portions and has curvature in the lengthwise direction, wherein the leg portions are made from an attenuation prevention material having the less ultrasonic propagation loss than for the lens portion. Moreover, the leg portions of the acoustic lens are formed with opposite end sides thereof in a bent L-shape. Furthermore, an ultrasonic probe is constructed by adhering onto a piezoelectric element group where a plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged side by side, an acoustic lens provided with curvature in the lengthwise direction. |
| US07828735B2 |
Methods for providing diagnostic information using endocardial surface data for a patient's heart
Methods for providing diagnostic information using endocardial surface data for a patient's heart are described herein. In some embodiments, endocardial surface data for the left ventricle of a heart is received. The endocardial surface data represents the endocardial surface of the left ventricle at multiple times over a heartbeat and is obtained using a volumetric imaging application. A representation in prolate spheroidal coordinates of the endocardial surface of the left ventricle at least a portion of the multiple times is generated using the endocardial surface data. The prolate spheroidal coordinates include a longitudinal angular coordinate μ, a circumferential angular coordinate θ, and a coordinate λ as a function of longitudinal angular coordinate μ and circumferential angular coordinate θ. A measure that provides diagnostic information related to the left ventricle is computed based at least on part on the value of coordinate λ. |
| US07828732B2 |
Breast cancer screening with adjunctive ultrasound mammography
An adjunctive ultrasound mammography system and associated methods are described, comprising a scanning apparatus for facilitating standardized, repeatable breast ultrasound scans, and further comprising an adjunctive ultrasound display apparatus configured for fast, intuitive viewing of adjunctive ultrasound data concurrently with x-ray mammogram information. In one preferred embodiment, thick-slice ultrasound images are displayed near an x-ray mammogram such that a screening radiologist can quickly view the thick-slice images for assistance in interpreting the x-ray mammogram. Methods for concurrently acquiring and displaying vibrational resonance image (VDI) data are described. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) algorithms that incorporate acoustically-based feature vectors are described, the feature vectors including lateral shadow metrics, vertical shadow metrics, posterior enhancement metrics, and VDI-based metrics. Algorithms are also described that combine x-ray mammogram CAD results with adjunctive ultrasound CAD results without requiring complex image registrations therebetween. Many of the practical, economic, and political barriers to acceptance and integration of ultrasound mammography into existing mass breast cancer screening environments are mitigated. |
| US07828729B2 |
Method of measuring bleeding volume
A method of measuring blood clotting ability of a patient. A known volume of blood is dispensed on a reference disc of blotter paper, such that at least one reference blotch is formed on the reference disc. The surface area of the reference blotch formed on the reference disc, such that a relationship between the volume of blood and the surface area of the reference blotch can be obtained. An incision is made at the patient. A piece of blotter paper to the incision is applied to the incision to collect blood flowing therefrom, such that at least one blotch is formed on the piece of blotter paper. The surface area of the blotch formed on the piece of blotter paper is measured. The volume of the blood absorbed blood by the blotter paper is calculated according to the relationship between the blood volume and the surface area of the blotch. |
| US07828725B2 |
Bent state holding mechanism of an endoscope
A bent state holding mechanism for an endoscope which includes a control portion and an insertion portion extending therefrom, the insertion portion having a bendable portion at a distal end thereof, including a bendable portion control mechanism provided on the control portion, which is operated to bend the bendable portion, and at least two frictional resistance producing members which rotate relative to each other upon operation of the bendable portion control mechanism, to exert a frictional resistance for holding the bendable portion at any operated position. The two frictional resistance producing members include a radial plate spring made of resilient metal which includes a ring portion and a plurality of radial projections which project radially outwards from the ring portion; and an annular friction member having a pressure surface which is brought to be pressed obliquely against flat surfaces of the plurality of radial projections. |
| US07828724B2 |
Endoscope including a flexible tube
There is provided a flexible tube for an endoscope, including a framed structure unit having a plurality of joint members rotatably coupled to each other so that the framed structure unit is able to bend freely, each joint member having a form of a short cylinder, a reticulated tube that is reticulated with thread and is formed to cover the framed structure unit, and a flexible sheath that has flexibility and is formed to cover the reticulated tube. Further, a cross section of an outer surface of the flexible sheath has a circular shape, and a cross section of an outer surface of each joint member has a non-circular shape so that a wall thickness of the flexible sheath has a thicker part in a particular direction about an axis line of the flexible tube than another part of the wall thickness of the flexible sheath. |
| US07828722B2 |
Endoscope
Where two axes X and Y using the axial center position as the origin are set on a section orthogonal to the axial line of the distal end hard portion, the observation portion and the treatment equipment lead-out portion are disposed at both side positions between which the Y-axis is placed, the surface on which the solid-state image pickup device of the substrate is incorporated is disposed in a direction parallel to the X-axis, the center of the treatment equipment lead-out port is disposed between a plane parallel to the X-axis including the center of the optical axis of the object lens and a plane including the plane of the substrate, the line connecting the centers of both the illumination portions are roughly parallel to the Y-axis, and is drawn near the center of the optical axis of the object lens, and the distances between the center of the optical axis and both the illumination portions are made as equal to each other as possible. |
| US07828721B2 |
Electronic endoscope
An insertion unit has a channel through which a treatment tool can be inserted. A distal end of the insertion unit has a single-focus objective optical system or a focal-point-variable objective optical system to focus the optical image on a light receiving surface of an image capturing element. At a short object distance from the distal end, an image signal with a sufficient resolution is obtained from the image capturing element. In this state, a treatment tool projected by a reduced amount from a distal end opening of the channel is captured on a light receiving surface of the image capturing element. A required resolution is also provided for a far side. |
| US07828717B2 |
Mechanized dildo
A mechanized dildo, including a motor driven coaxial plurality of longitudinally spaced drive cams, and corresponding sets of passive cams that operate within an elastic phallic sleeve to locally cyclically expand a girth of the sleeve. Optional vibratory elements are positioned proximate a distal extremity of the sleeve, and in a laterally extending arm that is formed for clitoral stimulation. A battery powered control handle provides multiple operating modes and speeds. |
| US07828714B2 |
Implantable device for controlling defecation and related method
An implantable device for selectively controlling defecation has an outer body defining on one end a flange that is surgically attachable to the person's anus and/or tissue adjacent to the anus. A connector is mounted on the other end of the outer body and is secured to the distal end of the person's large intestine for connecting the large intestine in fluid communication with the device. An inner body is slidably received within the outer body. A macerator-type pump is mounted within the inner body and an inlet valve is mounted between the pump and the connector. An actuator in the form of an RF receiver is electrically coupled to the inlet valve and the pump and a remote transmitter is operatively coupled to the receiver. The receiver is responsive to control signals received from the transmitter to open the inlet valve and operate the pump in order to move fecal matter through the device. |
| US07828713B2 |
Gastrointestinal device
A gastrointestinal device including a casing including fixation elements adapted for intraluminal fixation of the device in a gastrointestinal tract (e.g., the anorectal wall), a valve disposed in the casing and controllable to move from a closed position, which significantly restricts passage of gastrointestinal (e.g., fecal) matter therepast, and an open position, which permits passage of gastrointestinal matter therepast, and a controller operatively connected to the valve for externally controlling the position of the valve between the closed and open positions. |
| US07828708B2 |
Case erector and sealer apparatus
An automated case erecting apparatus for use in erecting case blanks includes a case blank feeder configured to hold a plurality of upstanding case blanks arranged face-to-face. The case blank feeder includes a path along which the case blanks are directed. A case erecting assembly receives a case blank from the case blank feeder at a case receiving location. The case erecting assembly includes a first arm carrying a first gripper element and a second arm carrying a second gripper element. The first arm and associated first gripper element are arranged and configured such that the first gripper element grips a first flap of the case blank. The second arm and associated second gripper element are arranged and configured such that the second gripper element grips a second flap of the case blank. The case erecting assembly is configured to move in a conveying direction from the case receiving location toward a case bottom fold and seal station to carry the gripped case blank toward the case bottom fold and seal station. |
| US07828707B2 |
Image drum for selectively absorbing toner thereon
An image drum for selectively adsorbing toner in a printing apparatus is provided. A method and a configuration of ring electrodes formed on an outside of a drum body is also provided. That is, a control board is mounted inside the drum body, of which a plurality of terminals is externally exposed in the cylindrical drum body, and a photocurable resin is coated on the circumferential surface. Ring electrodes are then formed on circumferential surface of the drum body, by rotating the drum body and allowing an ultraviolet ray through the mask pattern onto the drum body to harden the liquid photocurable resin after contacting a mask-patterned mold mask to the circumferential surface of the drum body. |
| US07828701B1 |
Kung fu training device
A kung fu training device of the present invention includes a positioning portion, a body pole, a shoulder portion, two joint portions, two arm portions and several pins. Polygonal holes and corresponding polygonal poles are disposed on pivoting ends of the shoulder, the first and second joints of the joint portions, and the arm connectors of the arm portions respectively. Thereby, the fist pads disposed on the distal ends of the arm portions are height-adjustable and angle-adjustable about the body pole, and the heights of the shoulder portion and the head portion are also adjustable. As a result, the training device of the present invention is suitable for the trainees with different body sizes to simulate fighting with simulating enemies with different body sizes, so as meet the trainees' need. |
| US07828699B2 |
Base for a treadmill
A base for a treadmill has a bottom board, two side frames and two stepping frames. The bottom board has two sides. The side frames are attached respectively to the sides of the bottom board, and each side-frame has a top. The stepping frames are connected respectively to the side frames, and each stepping frame has an anti-slipping frame and a side wing. The anti-slipping frame is mounted securely on the top of a corresponding side frame and has a top and an anti-slipping member mounted on the top of the anti-slipping frame. The side wing is connected to the anti-slipping frame and extends toward a side opposite to the bottom board. Accordingly, the base can fit with different running belts with different widths and is versatile and convenient in use. |
| US07828698B2 |
Pendulum striding exercise devices
An exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A brake/inertia device may be coupled to the crank system. A pivotal linkage pendulum system may be coupled to the crank system. The pivotal linkage pendulum system may include one or more link members. An upper pivot of at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system. In some embodiments, the upper pivot point of the at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system through a movable member. The upper pivot point may move in a closed path motion. A foot member may be coupled to one or more of the link members. The foot member may include a footpad. A majority of a path of motion of the footpad may be below the closed path during use. |
| US07828697B1 |
Portable personal training device
A portable personal training device is disclosed. The device generally includes a location determining component operable to determine a geographic location of the device, a housing having a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion at an angle, and a strap operable to secure the housing to a user's wrist such that the first portion is operable to be positioned on a top of the wrist and the second portion is operable to be positioned offset from the top of the wrist. Such a configuration facilitates both wearing and operation of the device. |
| US07828694B2 |
Rollback control of a hybrid electric vehicle
In a powertrain that includes an engine driveably connected to a load and an electric machine driveably connected to the load, a method for controlling a vehicle located on an incline against rollback includes determining a magnitude of wheel torque required to prevent the vehicle from rolling back, determining whether the electric machine has a current torque capacity that is equal to or greater than the required wheel torque, using the electric machine to produce the required wheel torque provided the current torque capacity of the electric machine is able to produce the required wheel torque, and using the engine to produce the required wheel torque provided the torque capacity of the electric machine is unable to produce the required wheel torque. |
| US07828691B2 |
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 at least one brake. |
| US07828688B2 |
10-speed transmission
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, and two fixed interconnections. 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 another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. |
| US07828686B2 |
Yaw assembly for a rotatable system and method of assembling the same
A yaw drive assembly for a rotatable system includes an input shaft configured to receive a torque from a yaw drive motor coupled within a body of the rotatable system, wherein the torque facilitates rotating the rotatable system about a yaw axis. The yaw drive assembly includes at least two output shafts configured to receive the torque and transmit a rotational yaw force to the rotatable system, and a differential gear stage operatively coupled to the two output shafts, wherein the differential gear stage includes a differential planetary gear configured to drive a pinion coupled to each of the two output shafts. |
| US07828684B2 |
Control system for a differential in a transmission
A control system for controlling an axle clutch between two half-axles in a motor vehicle is provided. The control system includes two solenoids and a pressure sensor in communication with a controller and a valve assembly. One of the solenoids provides a flow of fluid to engage the axle clutch. The valve assembly cooperates with another of the solenoids to disengage the axle clutch under certain conditions. |
| US07828683B2 |
CVT hydromechanical drive
A CVT hydromechanical drive having: an engine (12) rotating a propeller shaft (11); a hydrostatic unit (13), in turn having a hydraulic pump (14) and a hydraulic motor (15) connected hydraulically to each other; an epicyclic transmission (16); a number of clutches (CH1, CH2, CH3); a differential; and an assembly (PTO). The hydromechanical drive (10) is characterized in that the hydrostatic unit (13) is substantially U-shaped, and in that a longitudinal axis of symmetry (b) of the pump (14) is substantially in line with a longitudinal axis of symmetry (a) of the propeller shaft (11). |
| US07828681B2 |
Game ball
Ball structures, such as basketballs, are formed to include regions with different and distinct tactile characteristics or “feel.” Such ball structures may include a cover member divided into plural panels that are separated by channels. The exterior surface of one or more of these panels may include regions having different textures. One region, which extends over a central portion of the panel, includes raised elements, such as raised ribs or other structures, that may extend at least 0.5 mm outward from a base surface of the cover member. |
| US07828676B2 |
Golf club head
A golf head club has a high moment of inertia and thus produces a pleasing hitting sound. A metallic golf club head 1 having a hollow space therein includes a face member 30 provided with a face part 31, and a body member 10 provided with a sole part 11, a crown part 12, a side part 13, and ribs 20. The hollow space is defined by the inner surfaces of the face part 31, the sole part 11, the crown part 12, and the side part 13, and the wall surfaces of the ribs. The ribs 20 extend from the inner surface of the sole part 11 to the inner surface of the crown part 12, and the body member 10 is molded integrally by casting. |
| US07828673B2 |
Golf club head with adjustable weighting, customizable face-angle, and variable bulge and roll face
A customizable golf club head is disclosed herein. The customizable golf club head includes a face component having a face and a flange, a crown-plate attached to the flange, a sole-plate attached to the flange, a skid-plate attached to the sole-plate, a swing-weight member, and a plurality of removable weight members with each of the plurality of weight members positioned within a pocket of the plurality of pockets. |
| US07828671B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head of this invention includes a face, a plurality of score line grooves formed on the face, and a plurality of striations formed on the face. The angle formed by an arrangement direction of the plurality of striations and the score line grooves is between 40 degrees and 70 degrees, inclusive, as viewed clockwise from a toe side end of the score line grooves. |
| US07828670B1 |
Putter grip ball marker retention system
A golf ball marker retention system, comprising: a retaining cavity associated with a golf club handle, the retaining cavity having an entry channel that expands as an object is inserted and contracts when the object has been substantially fully inserted within the cavity, the cavity being oriented substantially perpendicular to an elongate axis of the golf club handle; and a ball marker receivable within the cavity, the ball marker being insertable and storable within the retaining cavity and being sized and shaped such that, as the marker is inserted into the cavity through the entry channel, the entry channel first expands and then contracts after the marker has been substantially fully received within the retaining cavity. |
| US07828669B1 |
Visual swing indicator golf club head
A golf club head with a body and an asymmetrical visual swing indicator is provided. The asymmetrical visual swing indicator may be formed to represent an apparent backswing path outward of an actual backswing path. In certain configurations the asymmetrical visual swing indicator is positioned such that a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to the hitting surface of the golf club is closer to a heel end plane of the golf club head then a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to a rear surface of the golf club head. A method of fitting a golf club head by determining an initial swing plane using a measuring device, determining a desired swing plane, and applying an asymmetrically shaped visual indicator to a golf club head based upon the determined initial swing plane and the desired swing is also provided. |
| US07828666B2 |
Rodeo or riding device
A riding device includes one or more cranks rotatably attached to a base, and a rider support supported on a carrier and movable relative to the base for supporting a rider, the carrier has a front portion for swinging relative to the base and a rear portion pivotally coupled to the cranks for moving cyclically relative to the base and for allowing the carrier to be moved in an elliptical and reciprocating action relative to the base by the crank device, and the rider support is supported on the carrier and moved in concert with the rider support for supporting the rider, and an actuating device may be used for actuating the carrier and the rider support to move relative to the base in an elliptical and reciprocating action. |
| US07828663B2 |
Torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus
A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus including a limiter mechanism includes: a disc member connected to one of the driving-side member and the driven-side member, a first plate and a second plate connected to the other one of the driving-side member and the driven-side member; a frictional member fixed to the disc member and interposed between the first plate and the second plate, the frictional member including a frictional surface slidably in contact with the first and second plates. The frictional member includes a fibrous substrate and is formed with a plurality of grooves at the frictional surface. A minimum dimension between two adjacent grooves from among the plurality of grooves is designed to be greater than or equal to 2 mm and smaller than or equal to 7 mm. |
| US07828661B1 |
Electronic invitations for an on-line game
An instant messaging user may use a buddy list that includes a user-selected list of potential instant messaging recipients (“buddies”) to identify another instant messaging user with whom instant messages are to be exchanged. An instant messaging user also may use a buddy list for other purposes, such as to initiate playing of an on-line game or to invite participants to play an on-line game. |
| US07828659B2 |
Game device, control method of computer, and information storage medium
A game device capable of ensuring player's action to be displayed in a judgment area set in a player image is provided. A game device (10) including a player image acquisition unit (60) for sequentially acquiring a player image representing the player, a game processing unit (72) for controlling a game based on an amount of action of the player displayed in the judgment area set in the player image further includes an action range image production unit (62) for producing an action range image representing an action range of the player based on the player image sequentially acquired by the player image acquisition unit (60), and a judgment area setting unit (68) for setting the judgment area in accordance with the content of the action range image produced by the action range image production unit (62). |
| US07828658B2 |
Player actuated input for a gaming machine
An input device configured to generate at least two inputs, such as two signals, in response to input movement from a first to a second position, a first and a second speed of input, a first and second applied input force, or an input movement of a first and second distance. When associated with a gaming machine, a player's input effects generation of multiple inputs which are provided to a gaming controller for playing a game. The input device has utility to games, such as a Class II bingo type game, where a player is required to provide multiple inputs over the course of the game in order to participate in the game. |
| US07828652B2 |
Player verification method and system for remote gaming terminals
Various methods and systems for providing a reliable verification of a player at a remote gaming terminal are disclosed. This is done by providing gaming events remotely via a first mode of communication, establishing criteria for verifying the identity of a player, receiving a player request to participate in a gaming event remotely, obtaining personal information for that player via a second mode of communication, verifying that the obtained personal information is adequate, and permitting the requested gaming event to commence. Additional features can include a subsequent repetition of the steps of obtaining and verifying personal information, and permitting the gaming event to commence or continue. Personal information can include pictures and/or the geographic location of the player. A cellular telephone can be used to take pictures and determine the geographic location of the player, and both of these items can be transmitted via a cellular telephone call. |
| US07828651B2 |
Gaming machine including security data collection device
A gaming machine includes at least one security data collection device. In one embodiment, the security data collection device is a camera mounted to the gaming machine and adapted to collect image information regarding events associated with or adjacent to the gaming machine, such as the image of a player. In one embodiment, a player's image is stored in data form on a player card. When the player plays a gaming machine, the player's image is capture and compared to the image stored on the player card for authentication purposes. |
| US07828646B2 |
Casino all in one kiosk for cash, tickets, and cards, with card issuing capability
A casino all-in-one kiosk includes a card issuing unit that enables self service registration and dispensing of casino loyalty cards, in addition to cash-dispensing, and ticket redemption functions. The kiosk may also be adapted to provide ancillary services such as hotel check-in/check-out, reservations and ticketing, and coupon printing, and may further be integrated with a financial services network to provide banking and credit card services. |
| US07828645B2 |
Apparatus and methods for facilitating automated play of a game machine
According to some embodiments of the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine may be operated in an automated play mode in which the need for player input is reduced or eliminated. Termination of and/or changes in the automated play mode may be related to player input, other types of information about a player (or the player's body), and/or whether a player is directing attention to play of the gaming device. |
| US07828644B2 |
Slot machine with randomly selected scatter symbol
A scatter object symbol is randomly selected among plural symbols. The symbols are rearranged. A payout determined by a combination of the symbols rearranged on a payline is awarded. When a predetermined number or more of the scatter object symbols are rearranged, the scatter object symbol is set as a scatter symbol. It is notified contents of a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbol and the corresponding payout is awarded. |
| US07828642B2 |
Method of operating a grouped selection game
A method of operating a game of chance comprising displaying a plurality of groups comprising positions a plurality of selectable objects, each being associated with a hidden value. A player selection of a group and/or a selectable object is received, a group-object association is created and a position from said group is assigned to said object. Upon occurrence of an ending condition, a prize is awarded. A game apparatus and a computer program applying the method are also provided. |
| US07828640B2 |
Blower
A blower has an air outlet duct having an internal space, and an air outlet opening extending from the air outlet duct. A fan having a plurality of blades is positioned inside the internal space. A base seat is positioned below the air outlet duct, with an air inlet provided in a side wall of the base seat, and with an air inlet pipe extending from the air inlet. A motor is positioned in the base seat and has a shaft that extends through the air outlet duct to be coupled to the blades. |
| US07828633B1 |
Sanding element
The invention concerns a sanding element with a succession of overlapping lamellas (3, 4) comprising sanding grains (9), characterized in that these lamellas (3, 4) are alternately formed of sanding lamellas (3) and compressible lamellas (4), whereby each sanding lamella (3) rests on a compressible lamella (4). |
| US07828631B1 |
Drywall power vacuum sander
A motorized vacuum sander having a vacuum assembly (400) mounted on one end of a body tube (114) and a pivoting sanding head assembly (124) with an angle adjustment mechanism (511) mounted on the other end. The vacuum assembly (400) comprises a drive motor (102) mounted on the vacuum assembly rear end plate (420), a motor ventilation chamber (403), a dust chamber (409), a vacuum chamber (411), a main drive shaft (404), a dust seal (405), a centrifugal fan (408), a gearbox (414), and a dust bag (109) surrounding the vacuum assembly (400). The sanding head assembly (124) has a drive disk (514), and a sanding disk (516) which are operatively coupled to the gearbox (414) by a flexible drive cable (416). A dust tube extends from the vacuum assembly (400) through the body tube (114) and is connected to the sanding head assembly (124) dust ring (534) by a flexible dust tube (122). |
| US07828629B2 |
Knife grinder
A knife grinder comprises a housing, wherein a grinding mechanism is arranged. A magnetic body is arranged under the grinding mechanism to attract metal scraps. Since the magnetic body is arranged under the opening, the knife grinder allows the metal scraps to be fully attracted to the bottom of the housing, thereby maintaining a clean environment during the grinding process. |
| US07828628B2 |
Method of polishing hard crystal substrate
A hard crystal substrate such as a GaN substrate or a SiC substrate is polished by using polishing oil slurry having abrading particles of artificial diamond clusters dispersed in a dispersant. The artificial diamond clusters include approximately spherical agglomerate particles with average particle size D50 of 20 nm or more and 50 nm or less, having primary particles with particle diameters of 2 nm or more and 10 nm or less. A rough polishing process is carried out first such that an average surface roughness of 0.5 nm or more and 1 nm or less is obtained, followed by a finishing process such that the average surface roughness of said surface becomes 0.2 nm or less. |
| US07828627B2 |
O.D. centerless grinding machine
In one aspect of the present invention, an outer diameter (O.D.) centerless grinding machine for use in grinding a diamond workpiece has a grinding wheel positioned parallel to a regulating wheel which is adapted to press a cylindrical workpiece into the grinding wheel as the regulating wheel rotates. Electronic equipment may be adapted to adjust a pressure of the regulating wheel against the grinding wheel. Also, a carrier may be adapted to house the workpiece, the carrier being attached to a translation mechanism adapted to move the carrier between the wheels such that the workpiece is in contact with both wheels. |
| US07828624B2 |
Method of local manufacture of ophthalmic lens using remotely assembled pre-blocked lens blanks
A method of manufacturing ophthalmic lenses comprises the steps of: a) mounting lens blanks on lens blocks at a blocking location; b) transporting the blocked lens blanks to at least one manufacturing site that is remote from the blocking location; and c) selectively machining ophthalmic lens from the blocked lens blanks at the manufacturing site on a machining platform, wherein the selective machining of ophthalmic lens includes back surface generation of the lens blanks and edging of the lens blanks at the manufacturing site on a single manufacturing platform. |
| US07828623B2 |
Apparatus for processing substrate and apparatus for processing electron source substrate
In a substrate processing apparatus for processing a substrate in a hermetic container equipped with an exhaust tube and a gas introducing tube, an introducing port of the gas introducing tube is positioned inside the exhaust tube to make uniform an atmosphere in the hermetic container, in the vicinity of an exhaust port of the exhaust tube. |
| US07828622B1 |
Sharpening metal carbide emitters
A method for sharpening a metal carbide emitter tip is disclosed. The metal carbide emitter tip is exposed to an oxygen rich, low vacuum environment when the metal carbide emitter tip is at a first temperature. The metal carbide emitter tip is rapidly heated to a higher second temperature at regular intervals of time. |
| US07828621B2 |
Apparatus and methods for producing multi-electrode cathode for X-ray tube
Apparatus and methods are provided through which a multi-electrode cathode assembly can be manufactured comprising bonding a monolithic metal block to the nonconductive base; and thereafter machining the block to form at least one electrode. |
| US07828620B2 |
Method of manufacturing tubular carbon molecule and tubular carbon molecule, method of manufacturing field electron emission device and field electron emission device, and method of manufacturing display unit and display unit
A method of manufacturing a tubular carbon molecule capable of regularly aligning a carbon nanotube with a finer spacing is provided. A catalyst is arranged on a material substrate (10) made of a semiconductor such as silicon (Si) and including iron (Fe) as a catalyst through the use of melting according to a modulated heat distribution (11). The heat distribution (11) is formed, for example, through diffracting an energy beam (12) by a diffraction grating (13). As a method of arranging the catalyst, for example, iron may be deposited in a planar shape or a projection shape in a position corresponding to the heat distribution (11), or the deposited iron may be used as a master to be transferred to another substrate. A carbon nanotube is grown through the use of the arranged catalyst. The grown carbon nanotube can be used as a recording apparatus, a field electron emission device, an FED or the like. |
| US07828616B2 |
Method of forming a portable computer having a flat panel display device
A portable computer including a housing having first and second sections, the first section having an information input device and the second section having a case having a first fastening element; a display panel including a second fastening element at a rear surface of the panel, the case and the display panel being attached through the first and second fastening elements; a hinge coupling the first and the second sections to each other; and a display panel support member having a third fastening element, the display panel support member being attached to the display panel through the third fastening element. |
| US07828615B2 |
Amphibious shoe and method of use
An amphibious shoe has a sole with a fin compartment integrated therein retractably houses of a lightweight fin that converts the shoe from a walking shoe to a swimming shoe. The amphibious shoe includes a fin comprising ridges intermittent between material arranged in an accordion construction. The fin is capable of being ejected from the compartment and expanded to a fan configuration. The shoe is further provided with a pivotal stabilizing strap for enhanced stability during swimming. In one embodiment the fin is removed by a release button in communication with a spring. Other embodiments provide for manual deployment by pulling on the fin from the fin compartment. In operation, the wearer can comfortably run or walk swiftly along the land as the integrated fin has a thin lightweight construction. Upon reaching the water's edge, the shoe is readily converted for swimming by ejecting and positioning the fin. |
| US07828614B2 |
Piggyback auxiliary motor bracket
An outboard motor auxiliary mounting bracket for attaching an auxiliary motor to an existing outboard motor using the bracket of the instant invention. The bracket comprises an auxiliary motor mounting plate with divergently extending arms to receive the body of the outboard motor and fixed thereto. A third arm extends from the mounting plate downwardly and is also fastened to the outboard motor. |
| US07828612B2 |
Crimp terminal with two pairs of sheath fastening pieces each pair fastening the sheath in superimposing reverse order
A crimp terminal includes a sheath mounting portion for mounting a sheath portion of a wire thereon, at least two sheath fixing portions that press-fastens to the sheath portion of the wire, wherein each of the sheath fixing portions has a pair of sheath press-fastening pieces extended respectively from opposite side edges of the sheath mounting portion, and a crimping connection portion that electrically connects to the conductor portion of the wire exposed at a distal end of the sheath portion. Extending directions and lengths of the pair of sheath press-fastening pieces of each of the sheath fixing portions are set so that distal end portions of the pair of sheath press-fastening pieces of each of the sheath fixing portions are superposed to each other when the pair of sheath press-fastening pieces are press-fastened on the sheath portion. |
| US07828611B2 |
Terminal fitting
A terminal fitting (20A) to (20D, 110, 220, 320) is provided with a connecting portion (21, 121, 211, 311) to be connected with a mating terminal, a wire barrel (27, 126, 232, 312) to be crimped into connection with an end portion of a conductor (11, 111, 222, 322) exposed by removing an insulation coating (12, 112, 223, 323) of a wire (10, 110, 220, 320) in which the conductor (11, 111, 222, 322) made up of twisted strands is covered by the insulation coating (12, 112, 223, 323), and a restriction (30, 32, 35, 133, 218, 318) capable of restricting the widening of a leading end side of the conductor (11, 111, 222, 322) by projecting from a wire barrel (27, 126, 232, 312) side toward the connecting portion (21, 121, 211, 311). |
| US07828609B2 |
Line spring jack and its assembly method
A line spring jack and an assembling method are disclosed. The line spring jack comprises a jack body, a jack cap, a line spring wire and a positioning plug. Said jack body further comprises a plug hole; said line spring wire is located in said plug hole; said jack cap is connected to one end of said jack body; said jack cap further comprises a through hole connected to said plug hole; one end of line spring wire is clipped in a space formed between said jack cap and said jack body; wherein said plug hole further comprises a groove in the bottom; the caliber of the groove is smaller than the diameter of said plug hole; said positioning plug includes a part in the groove and a part in the plug hole, the part in the groove is tightly matched to said groove. |
| US07828606B2 |
Push lock connector
A plug connector (11, 12), having a body (13, 16) with boreholes containing contacts (14, 15), and a detent (23-26) that protrudes into the boreholes (21, 22) behind a contact collar (65). To make possible the locking insertion of not only thicker and therefore relatively stiff cables but also of such thin cables, for example those that are braided, which due to their relatively small cross section easily buckle when stressed in the sliding longitudinal direction, it is provided that the detent (23-26) can be inserted into the borehole (21, 22) in two successive positions, whereby in the first, preliminary locking position, the deflection resistance of the detent (23, 26) is smaller than it is when bringing the plug contact (14, 13) into the second, and final locking position. |
| US07828599B2 |
USB connector and USB device
A USB connector for connecting with a USB female comprises metal legs, a connecting line, a substrate and a rotating shaft assembly. One end of the metal legs connects with one end of the connecting line. The metal legs are formed on a surface of the substrate. The connecting line is fixed to the surface of the substrate. The rotating shaft assembly is fixed to the surface of the substrate. The present invention also provides a USB device. According to the USB connector and the USB device of the present invention, the metal legs are formed on the surface of the substrate so as to ensure the connecting strength of the metal legs. Since the size of the USB connector depends mainly on the substrate and as long as the thickness meets a requirement of inserting the USB connector into the USB female, the thickness of the USB connector and further the thickness of the USB device are reduced without compromising the function of the USB connector. Compared with the conventional USB products, the thickness of the USB device according to the present invention is greatly reduced so that the USB device takes less space and easy to carry. It not only meets the people's requirement for exquisite and compact electronic products, but also improves the practicality and aesthetics of the USB device. |
| US07828598B2 |
Electrical connector with clips for connecting an outer shell and an inner shell
An electrical connector includes a first housing (1) defining a receiving space (11) therethrough. A second housing (2) includes a main body (20) retained in the receiving space (11) of the first housing and a pair of tongue plates (21) projecting to an exterior of the first housing. A plurality of terminals (3) are mounted on the second housing. An inner shell (4) defines a first receiving cavity (41) for receiving said tongue plates (21) therein and a pair of fork shaped locking plates (45,46) extending rearward for locking with protrusion portions (22) formed on the main body (20) of the second housing. An outer shell (5) surrounds the first housing (1). A plurality of clips (7) each includes a first contacting portion (721) contacting with the locking plates of the inner shell (4) and a second contacting portion (731) contacting with the outer shell (5). |
| US07828595B2 |
Connector having conductive member and method of use thereof
A connector having a conductive member is provided, wherein the connector comprises a connector body capable of sealing and securing a coaxial cable, and further wherein the conductive member, such as an O-ring, physically seals the connector, electrically couples the connector and the coaxial cable, facilitates grounding through the connector, and renders an electromagnetic shield preventing ingress of unwanted environmental noise. |
| US07828593B2 |
Shielded oilfield electric connector
A high-power, shielded, single-pole electrical connector and method for installing such a connector are disclosed. The connector has a single-pole connector housed within an electrically conductive outer shell. The inner, single-pole connector is electrically insulated from the outer shell. A shielding trap is used to provide electrical contact between the outer shell of the connector and a shielding layer of a shielded electrical supply cable. The inner, single-pole connector may be a male-female type or a lug-type. If a lug-type single-pole connector is used, a dual-shell, cylindrical insulator may be used to provide access to the lug bolts. Such an insulator may be realigned after the lug-bolt access is no longer required so that a complete insulating barrier is provided around the lug-type connector. A variable-angle, lug-type connector may be used. |
| US07828591B2 |
Connector for a device
A connector for device is for supplying power to a device accommodated in a metallic casing (C) and provided with a housing (10) to be mounted into a mount hole (H) of the casing (C) and intermediate terminals (14) connectable with a power supply side and a device side. The housing (10) is formed with a flange (12) arranged to face an outer surface of the casing (C) when the housing (10) is mounted into the mount hole (H), a ring-shaped seal (30) for surrounding the mount hole (H) over the entire circumference is mounted on a facing surface (17) of the flange (12) facing the outer surface of the casing (C), and the seal (30) is held in close contact with the facing surface (17) and the outer surface of the casing (C) to seal between these surfaces with the housing (10) mounted on the casing (C). |
| US07828590B1 |
Electronic device with contact probes
An electronic device includes an enclosure, a battery mounted the enclosure to supply power to the electronic device, a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted in the enclosure, at least one electrical connector attached to the PCB, and at least one contact probe. The enclosure includes a pair of sidewalls and at least one receiving hole defined in one of the pair of sidewalls. The electrical connector includes a fixing member including a hook located at a distal end thereof. The contact probe is received in the receiving hole to electrically connect the battery to the PCB, and includes a contact portion including a receiving groove defined at a distal end thereof. The hook is received in the receiving groove to electrically connect the contact probe to the PCB. |
| US07828588B2 |
Connector structure with two assembling directions
This invention discloses a connector structure including a base, a plurality of metal pins, and a cover. The metal pins are disposed at the base. The cover has a first side and a second side being separately and pivotally connected to the base, respectively. The first side is capable of being operated to be separated from the base and to rotate around the second side for exposing one part of the metal pins. The second side is capable of being operated to be separated from the base and to rotate around the first side for exposing one part of the metal pins. |
| US07828583B2 |
Connector with an aligner with a flexible deformable arm with a slit
A connector including a first connector accommodating a male terminal, a second connector accommodating a female terminal, and a movable aligner which supports a tip of the male terminal and is movable from a provisional position to a completed position according to the insertion and desertion of the second connector relative to the first connector. At the provisional position, a pushing projection pushes the arm toward the inner wall so that the arm deforms and the regulating projection is in the recess portion, and the movable aligner supports the tip of the first terminal so as to align with the second terminal during a movement between the provisional position to the completed position, the pushing projection is engaged with the slit; and at the completed position, the first and the second terminals are connected. Thus the movable aligner precisely align the male terminal with the female terminal. |
| US07828581B2 |
Electrical connector with a retainer pressing the wire connecting portion of a wire terminal
A terminal fitting (20) includes a terminal connecting portion (21) in a front end region and a wire barrel (25) behind the terminal connecting portion (21). The terminal fitting (20) is inserted into a cavity (11) of a housing (10) from behind. Wires (40) are crimp-connected with the wire barrels (25) and are drawn out backward from the housing (10). A retainer (30) is mounted in the housing (10) and engages the terminal connecting portions (21) from behind for preventing backward displacements of the terminal fittings (20). The retainer (30) includes resilient pressing portions (32) that can resiliently press the wire barrels (25) in a direction intersecting with a draw-out direction of the wire (40) from the housing (10). |
| US07828580B2 |
Electrical connector with blocking portions for preventing latching arms from tilting
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a plurality of contacts (2) received in the housing and a pair of latching members (3) assembled on the housing. The insulative housing defines a longitudinal main body (10) with an inserted groove (101) extending along a longitudinal direction, a pair of latching arms (11) extending forwards from two opposite ends of the main body and a pair of sidewalls (12) respectively positioned outside of the latching arms, each sidewall defines a slot (121) therein. The latching members are assembled on the latching arms, each latching member is being attached to an outer side of a corresponding latching arm and defines a blocking portion (35) extending into the slot. |
| US07828573B2 |
Subsea electrical connector and method
A subsea electrical connector for connecting a first cable and a second cable. A first insulator has an outer face, possibly an inner face, and a pin portion transverse to the outer face. A second insulator has a mating outer face, an inner face, and a pin receptacle. At least one face seal ring is positioned between the first insulator outer face and the second insulator outer face. At least one pin seal ring is positioned between the pin portion and the pin receptacle. Preferably, an interference fit is provided between the pin and pin receptacle. A preferred seating angle seal has an angled surface adjacent the end of the pin portion and within the pin receptacle. First and second electrical connectors are mounted within the first insulator and the second insulator. The first and second metal electrical connectors each have a socket for receiving the first and second cables. A preferred embodiment includes receptacles for the fasteners with stop members, which limit the relative rotation to align the fasteners with the receptacles. |
| US07828572B1 |
Electric socket having means to lock the blades of inserted electric plug
An electric socket includes an electrically insulative bottom shell, two metal electrode clamps mounted inside the electrically insulative bottom shell, an electrically insulative top shell covering the electrically insulative bottom shell and having two bottom spacer ribs set between the two metal electrode clamps to keep them apart, and a sliding block slidably coupled to the electrically insulative top shell and movable between a locking position where a bottom protruding block of the sliding block pushes the free end of each spacer rib sideways against the front clamping strips of the metal electrode clamps, thereby causing the metal electrode clamps to be locked to the metal conducting blades of the inserted electric plug and an unlocking position where the bottom protruding block of the sliding block is released from the spacer ribs, thereby unlocking the meal electrode clamps from the metal conducting blades of the inserted electric plug. |
| US07828571B2 |
Electrical connector having locking projections
A connector to which an object is to be connected, includes an insulator having at least one contact support groove, and at least one contact which is fixed to the insulator by being inserted into the contact support groove, the contact being contactable with the object after the object is inserted into the insulator. The insulator includes at least one holding portion formed as one of a recess and a through-hole, which is communicatively connected with the contact support groove, and the contact includes a locking protrusion, which comes into engagement with the holding portion to hold the contact to the insulator when the contact is inserted into the contact support groove. |
| US07828570B2 |
Connector having improved pivoting member design
A connector to be detachably fitted with a connecting object, includes a required number of contacts, a housing, and a pivoting member acting upon the contacts to bring them into contact with a connecting object. In case of having many contacts, at least one contact is provided with an extended portion at a tip of its pressure receiving portion to extend toward its connection portion, and instead of a pushing portion of the pivoting member acting upon the contact, the pivoting member is provided with an engaging rod to engage the extending portion of the contact. The contact is arranged at an optional position so as to prevent the pivoting member from being warped. The contacts are arranged in a single row, or alternately arranged to be staggered. With the connector thus constructed, the pivoting member is not damaged when pivotally moving after the connecting object has been inserted to achieve a stable electrical connection even with very small pitches of contacts and very thin walls of the housing. |
| US07828568B2 |
Central vacuum system mounting flange and hose cuff for use with standard electrical outlets
A mounting plate having an orienting portion facilitates orienting the vacuum connection opening of the mounting plate with respect to an anticipated orientation of a receptacle and electrical box. The orienting portion is optionally releasably attachable to the main body of the mounting plate which main body comprises the vacuum connection opening. The mounting plate is mounted prior to installation of the electrical receptacle in the electrical box. The orienting portion of the mounting plate facilitates orienting the vacuum connection opening in a known orientation with respect to an anticipated orientation of the electrical receptacle when inserted in the electrical box. After installation of the inlet valve and the electrical receptacle, a hose cuff having standard electrical terminals oriented with respect to the vacuum connection of the hose cuff may be simultaneously inserted into the electrical receptacle and the vacuum connection opening. The electrical terminals in the hose cuff are oriented with respect to the vacuum connection in a second known orientation corresponding to the first known orientation such that the electrical terminals mate with the electrical receptacle which has been installed in the electrical box when the vacuum connection opening receives the vacuum connection. In this manner, a hose cuff utilizing standard electrical terminals may be mated with an electrical terminal without interfering with the electrical box. Furthermore, because the orienting portion is releasably attached to the main body, the orienting portion can be removed to avoid interference with other trades. |
| US07828564B2 |
Card edge connector with pick-up member
A card edge connector for receiving a module, includes an elongated insulative housing having a pair of side walls, a central slot extending therebetween for insertion of the module, a plurality of terminals positioned in the side walls and extending into the central slot; and a pick-up member having a fixing portion and a connect portion connecting the fixing portion. the insulative housing includes a latch pair of portions formed on opposite ends thereof and disposed at an outer sides of the terminals along a lengthwise direction thereof, the latch portion fixes with the fixing portion of the pick-up member. |
| US07828560B2 |
Card edge connector having an improved spacer
A card edge connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a pair of side walls (10) with a central slot (11) formed therebetween, a set of terminals (5) including first terminals (51) and second terminals (52) and a spacer (3). Each side wall has a set of passageways (12). Each first terminal has a first contacting portion (511) protruding into the central slot, a first tail portion (513) mounted on a PCB, and a first connecting portion (512). The first connecting portions and the first tail portions are arranged in two rows. Each second terminal has a second contacting portion (521) protruding into the central slot, a second tail portion (523) mounted on the PCB, and a second connecting portion (522). The second connecting portions and the second tail portions are arranged in another two rows. The spacer (3) has a set of first protrusions (31) and forms a plurality of first grooves (32) located between each two adjacent first protrusions. The first protrusions each has a second groove (33) formed thereon. The spacer defines a set of second protrusions (34) and forms a plurality of third grooves (35) located between each two adjacent second protrusions (34). The second protrusions each has a fourth groove (36) formed thereon. |
| US07828557B2 |
Connector for board-mounted LED
A printed circuit board having an upper face provided with contact traces and pads with a light-emitting diode fixed to the board and connected to the traces. A connector juxtaposed is with the pads and carries a contact element having a leg bearing with spring force on one of the pads and formations gripping a hookup wire. At least one fastener engages through the connector and circuit board with a heat-sink base and presses the connector against the circuit board and the circuit board against the base. |
| US07828556B2 |
Audio magnetic connection and indexing device
The disclosure relates to the use of magnets, which may be permanent magnets or electromagnets, to align and physically connect two adjacent audio components, or similar electronic components. Alternatively, a groove or similar mechanical aligning configuration may be used in combination with the magnetic configuration. |
| US07828554B2 |
System for delivering an educational program to a remote site and for monitoring participation therein
A system for delivering an educational program to a participant at a remote site and for monitoring participation therein. The system includes a server computer, a client computer and prompting means to monitor participation by the participant. The server computer has educational program software and interacts with the client computer in order to make an educational presentation to the participant. If the participant does not adequately respond, the prompting means terminate the educational program. |
| US07828553B2 |
Mathematics teaching aid
An apparatus and method for teaching involving teaching manipulatives. The teaching manipulative comprises a longitudinal rod having a plurality of multi-faced objects disposed upon its surface which are capable of substantially sliding along the length of the rod and have a unique object identifier disposed on each face. On either end of the rod is a stop member having a row identifier substantially in alignment with the unique identifiers on the faces of the multi-faced object. |
| US07828551B2 |
Method and system for computer based testing using customizable templates
A system for computer-based testing includes a test driver that delivers the test to an examinee using a display device and controls progression of the test, a template module that stores presentation format information comprising the presentation format of the test, the presentation format information being accessible to the test driver, and a data module that stores data content information comprising the data content of the test, the data content information being accessible to the test driver, the presentation format information combining with the data content information to create the presentation format and the data content of the test. A method of computer-based testing includes retrieving presentation format information from a template module, the presentation format information dividing the display device into a predetermined number of areas in a predetermined arrangement, retrieving data content information from a data module, and combining the presentation format information and the data content information to create the presentation format and data content of the test. |
| US07828549B1 |
Lingual self-ligating orthodontic bracket, and methods for making and using the same
A self-ligating orthodontic bracket system is provided, comprising a bracket to be mounted on the lingual side of the tooth and a self-ligating insert. The insert comprises a retention arm and a lockarm pivotally engaged together. The retention arm includes: a retention spring; a topside arm; and a pivot ring connecting the retention spring to the topside arm. The lockarm includes: an attachment portion having a pivot bar configured to be received in the pivot ring of the retention arm; a strut portion connected to the attachment portion; and a clasp portion having a clasp lock and an unlocking opening. The clasp lock is configured to engage a chokebox stem of the bracket. A retention groove in the bracket retains the retention arm of the insert. The bracket includes slots for occlusal, edgewise and gingival archwires. A method of providing orthodontic treatment and an orthodontic system are also provided. |
| US07828547B2 |
Method and apparatus for rapidly heating printing plates
Rapid heating of a lithographic printing plate is achieved by feeding the printing plate along a substantially curved path that is adjacent to one or more curved pads of an air bearing that is pressurized with heated air. The one or more curved pads are constructed such that the substantially curved path is curved with an axis of curvature substantially perpendicular to the feed direction of the printing plate. The plate is additionally elastically bent to follow and conform to the substantially curved path. The substantially curved path minimizes printing plate distortion during heating, and thus prevents the plate from being damaged from contact with any of the one or more curved pads. The one or more curved pads are also arranged to allow for exceptionally good heat transfer characteristics and thus more effective plate heating. |
| US07828543B2 |
Dough sheeter cutter roller
An improved dough sheeter having a pair of counterrotating sheeter rollers and a cutter roller rotating against a front one of the sheeter rollers to cut a pattern into a sheet of dough therebetween. The improvement is the cutter roller being formed from an oil-impregnated wear resistant plastic that results in a much longer cutter life. The dough sheeter's cutter roller may have axial shaft, a pair of cutter lift arms including a U-shaped end, and a pair of needle bearing assemblies, each needle bearing assembly located on a corresponding end of the axial shaft. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a cutter roller for a dough sheeter where the crown is formed before the cutting pattern is cut into the cutter roller. |
| US07828541B2 |
Motor driven mold
A mold includes a controller and core actuators that may independently drive a plurality of mold cores positioned with the mold. Sensors may be included whereby the mold cores are positioned in the mold core responsive to the sensor feedback. The core actuators may be servomotors and may further include motor controllers, one for each servomotor, for use in actuating the mold cores. |
| US07828540B2 |
Drive unit
Disclosed is a drive unit, in particular for an injection unit or an ejector of an injection molding machine, comprising a stroke spindle device with a spindle and a spindle nut, and a prestressing device for prestressing the spindle that is dischargeable in a displacement phase of the stroke spindle device and is chargeable when the spindle is driven in the opposite direction, wherein the stroke spindle device and the prestressing device are supported by the same component, and wherein a load measuring device is provided for measuring the load acting on the spindle, which senses the forces acting on the component. |
| US07828537B2 |
Rotary engine with inlet and outlet valves
A rotary engine is disclosed, which may include a housing having at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve. The rotary engine may also include at least one chamber coupled to the housing and to the at least one inlet valve, a generally cylindrical driveshaft extending through the housing, and a rotor that is rotationally mounted in the housing on the driveshaft. The rotor may include a plurality of recessed portions situated radially along the peripheral surface of the rotor. The plurality of recessed portions may be used for receiving a plurality of spheres, for example. The plurality of spheres may be rotationally engaged between an inner surface of the housing and the peripheral surface of the rotor. Each of the plurality of spheres may remain in a corresponding one of the plurality of recessed portions while the rotor rotates within the housing. |
| US07828536B2 |
Low-pressure screw compressor
Low-pressure screw compressor provided with a rotor housing (2) with an inlet side and an outlet side, and enclosing two rotor bodies (3 and 4) including shafts (5, 7 respectively) and screws (6, 8 respectively) mounted on the shafts. The rotor shafts (5 or 7) are bearing-mounted in the rotor housing (2), with the bearing mountings on the inlet side of the rotor housing each using a single loose bearing and the bearing mountings on the outlet side of the rotor housing each using a single fixed cylindrical roller bearing. Spring devices acting on the bearing mountings at the inlet side urge the shafts and rotors toward the outlet side to maintain minimum clearance between the rotors and the housing at the outlet side of the rotors. |
| US07828534B2 |
Displacement machine including at least two adjacent working chambers
A displacement machine has at least two adjacent working chambers which are defined by: a) a common first wall section made of an elastic material; b) a common second wall section; and c) a movable element which is movable with respect to the first wall section, which movable element has a press-on section that presses the first wall section against the second wall section to form a common sealing region between the two adjacent working chambers, which common sealing region moves with the movement of the press-on section. At least one of the first and second wall sections is provided with a non-smooth profile on the inner side of the working chambers. |
| US07828529B2 |
Regulatable drive for a motor vehicle component
A regulatable drive for a motor vehicle, in particular for a water pump in a motor vehicle, has a rotatably mounted shaft, on which is located a rotatably mounted drive member and a rotationally fixed driven member. Between the drive member and driven member, a coupling region is defined, which can receive a viscous fluid for selectively coupling the drive member and driven member. The regulatable drive includes at least one first and at least one second flow path, which connect a fluid storage space to the coupling region, and it has a device which can be varied in its position by means of at least one actuator and which varies at least one passage orifice of at least one of the flow paths. |
| US07828528B2 |
Occlusion sensing system for infusion pumps
Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an occlusion sensor system that communicates with control circuitry to detect the presence of an occlusion. In some embodiments, the occlusion sensor system includes first components that are located within a disposable and non-reusable pump device, and second components that are located within a reusable controller device, the second components being in operable communication with the first components to determine whether a fluid is flowing from the pump device. |
| US07828527B2 |
Paint circulating system and method
A paint circulating system is suitable for providing paint to applicators in a product finishing facility. The system includes a pump for pumping paint around the system and a back-pressure regulator (BPR), which substantially eliminates pressure fluctuations of paint in the system upstream of the BPR. A controller is provided for controlling the pump and the BPR to operate in one of a flow mode, wherein a required flow rate of paint around the system is maintained, and a pressure mode, wherein a pressure of paint between the pump and the BPR is maintained. The paint circulating method includes switching operation of the pump and the BPR between the flow mode and the pressure mode. |
| US07828526B2 |
Metallic blade having a composite inlay
A blade is disclosed. The blade includes a metallic base comprising an airfoil, a section of the airfoil comprising a recess within a surface of the airfoil, and a composite inlay disposed within and bonded to the recess. |
| US07828525B2 |
Soft in-plane tiltrotor hub
A rotor hub assembly for a rotary-wing aircraft has a central member and a plurality of blade grips adapted for attaching rotor blades to the central member. The blade grips are pivotally attached to the central member and are capable of pivoting about a pivot axis generally normal to a plane of rotation of the blades. The pivoting allows for in-plane motion of the blades relative to the central member. A damper is operably connected to each blade grip for damping the in-plane motion of the associated blade, each damper being selectively switchable between at least two spring rates. |
| US07828522B2 |
Modular fan housing
A modular fan housing unit designed to create a focused column or columns of downwardly moving air such that there is little deflection when the column or columns of downwardly moving air arrives at the ground level. The modular fan housing includes an elongated body element having a fluid impelling device to create the downwardly moving air. At least one plate disposed within the elongated body element directs the downwardly moving air into columns. The modular fan housing unit may be coupled to another modular fan housing unit to provide additional columns of downwardly moving air. The modular fan housing units may be coupled in various configurations, depending on the type of application. Furthermore, the modular fan housing unit or multiple modular fan housing units may be coupled to an elevated structure. |
| US07828514B2 |
Rotor for an engine
A rotor (10) for a power plant, in particular an aero engine or a gas turbine, whereby the rotor (10) includes at least two bonded rotor discs (12, 14). The rotor (10) has an inlet opening (30) for inlet of fluid from around the rotor (10) into a chamber (26, 44) in one or between two adjacent rotor discs (12, 14) and at least one interrupter element (38) with at least one fluid passage (40) is arranged in the chamber (26). |
| US07828493B1 |
Artificial reef structure
An artificial reef device comprising an axle rod supporting a plurality of buoyant reef bodies rotatably mounted on the axle rod. The axle rod and buoyant sections are suspended at a desired level above a water bottom by anchors attached to anchor lines further attached to the axle rod. A plurality of distally projecting rods is mounted on the buoyant reef bodies. The distally projecting rods are mounted in a manner such that the buoyant reef bodies rotate independently of each other on the axle rod without interference from the distally projecting rods. Some of the projecting rods may be hollow to receive soluble fish attractant for disbursement through the hollow rods. |
| US07828490B2 |
Printing apparatus including a cover holding a thermal head and a platen roller on a hinged frame
A thermal printer has a main body, a cover body, a hinge mechanism, a first locating mechanism, and a second locating mechanism. At the time of a shift from a second state where the cover body is opened with respect to the main body to a first state where the cover body covers the main body, the first locating mechanism locates a first platen roller of the cover body with respect to a first thermal head of the main body, and arranges a second thermal head of the cover body in the vicinity of a second platen roller of the main body. The second locating mechanism locates the second thermal head arranged in the vicinity of the second platen roller by the first locating mechanism with respect to the second platen roller of the main body. |
| US07828486B1 |
Surveillance system with wind vibration isolating enclosure
Surveillance apparatus including an elongated base anchor structure, elongated core structure carrying surveillance equipment and having a lower end fixed against movement relative to the ground, and an elongated enclosure attached to the base anchor structure and surrounding the elongated core structure and the surveillance equipment, the elongated core structure and the surveillance equipment structurally isolated from the elongated enclosure and protected from vibration caused by wind impacting the elongated enclosure. |
| US07828481B2 |
Medical table and X-ray imaging apparatus
A medical table wherein a top board on which a patient is placed is supported by a base having an internal instrument so as to be movable parallel to the board surface, the medical table includes a detecting device that detects the possibility that a hand or fingers, which grip the top board, come in contact with the internal instrument during the movement of the top board or internal instrument, and a preventing device that prevents the movement of the top board or the internal instrument on the basis of a detection signal of the detecting device. |
| US07828480B2 |
Thermocouple circuit and method and system for forming same
Disclosed is a thermocouple circuit that exhibits reduced levels of thermocouple drift. The thermocouple is generally comprised of first and second thermoelectric elements formed of first and second thermoelectric materials, respectively. The first and second thermoelectric elements are coupled to an electrically conductive substrate through intermediate first and second tab elements, respectively. The first and second tab elements are preferably formed of the respective first and second thermoelectric materials, and coupled to the substrate in a spaced apart configuration such that the first and second tab elements, are not physically coupled one to the other. Also disclosed are systems and methods for the preparation and use of the thermocouple circuits disclosed herein. |
| US07828479B1 |
Three-terminal dual-diode system for fully differential remote temperature sensors
A three-terminal, dual-diode system is compatible with both fully differential remote and single-ended remote temperature measurement systems. Fully differential remote temperature sensor systems offer better noise immunity and can perform faster conversions with less sensitivity to series resistance than single-ended systems. The two diode system can be used with either fully differential or single-ended temperature measurement systems, which can be used when upgrading from a single-ended architecture to a fully differential architecture, and which can provide backwards compatibility to single-ended architectures for users of fully differential architectures. The simultaneous forwards and backwards compatibilities reduces development risk associated with switching from a proven architecture (e.g., single-ended) to a newer, less-proven, architecture (e.g., fully differential). |
| US07828478B2 |
Apparatus and method for thermal detection
A thermal detecting device for sensing temperature at multiple locations proximate to the detecting device is provided. The detecting device has a pair of infrared detectors each configured to measure temperature of two locations by receiving infrared energy of the two locations. A housing encloses the pair of infrared detectors. The housing is configured with an aperture to allow the infrared energy of the two locations to be received by the pair of infrared detectors. A reflective mirror or two mirrors focus the infrared energy of the two locations towards the pair of infrared detectors. The detecting device may be configured to determine if there is a temperature differential at a location as the housing moves with respect to the location. |
| US07828471B2 |
Lamp assembly
An exemplary lamp assembly includes a light guide member, a light reflective member and a light source. The light guide member includes a light-emitting surface, a concave surface opposite to the light-emitting surface, and a light incident surface connected between the light emitting surface and the concave surface. The light reflective member includes a reflective surface opposite to the concave surface of the light guide member. The light source is arranged adjacent to the light incident surface of the light guide member. The light source includes a circuit board, a plurality of light emitting diodes, and two contact pins. The light emitting diodes are electrically mounted on the circuit board and face toward the light incident surface. The contact pins are electrically connected to the circuit board and extend in a direction away from the light incident surface for electrical connection to a power source. |
| US07828470B2 |
Electronic indicator with backlighting
In one implementation, a method provides a plurality of graphics. The method backlights the graphics by using reflected light and/or blocking direct light. The method also highlights one of the graphics by using direct light that overpowers the backlighting of the one of the graphics. |
| US07828467B2 |
Street light source assembly with solid state light emitting elements
A street light source assembly includes a number of spaced solid state light emitting elements for emitting light beams, a number of first light diverging members, and a number of second light diverging members. Each of the first diverging members comprises a first concave light incident surface facing the respective one of the solid state light emitting elements. Each of the second diverging members comprises a second concave light incident surface facing the respective one of the first light diverging members. A radius of curvature of each the second concave light incident surface is larger than that of the corresponding first concave light incident surface. The second light diverging members are aligned with the respective first light diverging members and the respective solid state light emitting elements. |
| US07828464B2 |
LED lamp structure and system with high-efficiency heat-dissipating function
An LED lamp structure with high-efficiency heat-dissipating function includes a heat-dissipating module, a light-emitting module, a power-transmitting module, and a casing module. The heat-dissipating module has a plurality of heat-dissipating fins, and the heat-dissipating fins are combined together to form a radial shape and a receiving space. The light-emitting module is received in the receiving space of the heat-dissipating module. The power-transmitting module is electrically connected with the light-emitting module. The casing module has a top board body, a bottom board body mated with the top board body, and a joint board body disposed between the top board body and the heat-dissipating fins. Both the top board body and the joint board body have an opening for exposing the light-emitting module. Each heat-dissipating fin has a top side contacted with the joint board body and a bottom side separated from the bottom board body by a predetermined distance. |
| US07828460B2 |
Lighting device and lighting method
A lighting device comprising first and second groups of solid state light emitters, which emit light having peak wavelength in ranges of from 430 nm to 480 nm, and first and second groups of lumiphors which emit light having dominant wavelength in the range of from 555 nm to 585 nm. In some embodiments, if current is supplied to a power line, a combination of (1) light exiting the lighting device which was emitted by the first group of emitters, and (2) light exiting the lighting device which was emitted by the first group of lumiphors would have a correlated color temperature which differs by at least 50 K from a correlated color temperature which would be emitted by a combination of (3) light exiting the lighting device which was emitted by the second group of emitters, and (4) light exiting the lighting device which was emitted by the second group of lumiphors. |
| US07828459B2 |
Lighting system using semiconductor coupled with a reflector have a reflective surface with a phosphor material
To improve semiconductor-based systems for generating white light, a phosphor is integrated with an external structure, such as a reflector. A disclosed exemplary system, for illumination applications, utilizes one or more semiconductor devices for emitting radiant energy of a first wavelength. A reflector outside the package of the LED or other semiconductor device has a reflective surface arranged to receive radiant energy from the energy source. At least some of the received radiant energy of the first wavelength excites one or more phosphors associated with an external light processing element, for example, located along the surface of the reflector, to emit light, including visible light energy of at least one second wavelength different from the first wavelength. In the examples, at least some of visible light emitted by the phosphor is reflected by the reflective surface of the reflector and directed to facilitate the particular humanly perceptible luminance or illumination application. |
| US07828458B2 |
Portable light source shade
A low cost, lightweight device that can be coupled with a portable light source such as a chemiluminescent light stick to create a small, focused and directional source of light. The device can be readily dismantled into a portable flat configuration and then reassembled with minimal effort as needed. |
| US07828457B2 |
Carry bag modular organizer system
A modular organizer system including a first pouch having an opening for securely receiving and positioning an item in a preferred position. A fastening mechanism is disposed on the first pouch and is adapted to modularly fasten a second pouch to the first pouch in any preferred orientation surrounding the first pouch. The modular organizer may be arranged within a carrying bag and molded to fit within an open compartment of the carrying bag. The modular organizer system can easily transfer the pouches with all of the contents from one carrying bag to another carrying bag. |
| US07828455B2 |
Chest height light emitting device
An illumination device worn at chest height to illuminate an area proximate to the wearer. |
| US07828450B2 |
Adjustable sunshade assembly
An apparatus for sun shielding for telescopic sights and binoculars incorporating a shutter mechanism to both protect the sighting system and to vary the light entering the sighting system. |
| US07828449B2 |
Adjusting mechanism of light integration rod module, optical engine and projection apparatus
An adjusting mechanism for a rod module adapted to an optical engine is provided. The adjusting mechanism utilizes two wedge-shaped blocks moving in perpendicular directions so as to convert the vertical adjustment of horizontal adjusting component into horizontal adjustment of an LIR module. Therefore, operators may adjust the horizontal and vertical position of the rod module from the same side of the projector, thus increasing the convenience in adjusting the position of the rod module. |
| US07828445B2 |
Heat dissipation device for a display projector lamp module
A display projector lamp module includes a lamp, a mounting member supporting the lamp, a metal cover and a heat pipe. The mounting member and the metal cover cooperates to defines a room, and the lamp is received in the room. A plurality of first and second fins is mounted on opposite sidewalls of the cover to dissipate heat generated by the lamp. The heat pipe is mounted around a periphery of the cover and thermally contacts with the first and second fins. |
| US07828441B2 |
Generalized presbyopic correction methodology
An adaptive optics phoropter is aligned with a Badal optometer and an adjustable aperture component to subjectively determine an optimal vision correction as a power profile for an ophthalmic lens or ablating a cornea. The optimal power profile is preferably determined in an iterative process by adjusting the vergence of the Badal optometer and aperture size of the adjustable aperture component for power profiles with presbyopic power zones having different amplitudes, shapes, widths, and/or de-centering. Also included is a method of recursively computing a refractive surface with a regular presbyopic power zone (e.g., according to the optimal power profile) and adding it onto an underlying irregular Zernike-basis-set aberration-corrected surface in a linear fashion for fabricating an ophthalmic lens. |
| US07828434B2 |
Zone switched sports training eyewear
Vision training eyewear include lenses having a plurality of obscuration zones. The obscuration zones are individually switchable to provide light emission or attenuation that can interfere with normal vision of the wearer. A pattern or sequence of patterns can be selectively activated at a fixed or variable rate while a trainee is exposed to a test situation. |
| US07828433B2 |
Assymetrical progressive lens
Progressive lens for viewing a field of vision having at least a first portion including objects in a first range of distances from a viewer and a second portion including objects in a second range of distances from the viewer, the lens comprising: at least two different power zones, the first power zone having lens power required by the viewer for the first range of distances of viewed objects from the viewer, and the second power zone having lens power required by the viewer for the second range of distances of viewed objects from the viewer, wherein the size and location on the lens of the first power zone correspond to size and location in the field of vision of the first portion, and wherein the size and location on the lens of the second power zone correspond to size and location in said field of vision of the second portion. |
| US07828432B2 |
Hybrid contact lenses prepared with expansion controlled polymeric materials
A hybrid contact lens includes a substantially rigid center portion and a substantially flexible skirt portion connected to the center portion. The skirt portion is formed using xerogels compatible with diluents comprising at least one selected from polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, lactide, glycolide, a polyacetal, a cyclic acetal, a polyketal, a cyclic ketal, a polyorthoester, a cyclic orthoester, di-t-butyl-dicarbonate, tris(trimethylsilyl)amine, and 2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide. These diluents are formulated to function as a stand-in for water in the xerogel polymer, allowing the xerogel to form and bond to the rigid center portion in its fully expanded state. Upon hydration of the hybrid lens, substantially little dimensional change, and thus substantially little distortion, is obtained in the skirt portion. The diluents of the present invention further preserve the mechanical integrity of the xerogel, allowing the xerogel to be machined to final shape, improving the dimensional tolerances which can be achieved in the hybrid lens. |
| US07828428B1 |
Eyeglasses
A pair of eyeglasses including right and left lenses, each having a top edge having a downwardly extending notch formed into a central portion of each said top edge, the notches preferably being sized to receive a tubular shape of an eyepiece of a microscope or other such optical device. A frame includes lens support structure to be worn over the bridge of the wearer's nose and carries the lenses so that, when the frame is worn in a normal wearing position, the lenses are in optical registry with the corresponding eye of the wearer and define a substantial lower vertical corrected field of vision for viewing objects close up through the lenses and a substantial upper vertical uncorrected field of vision extending upwardly from the top edges of said lenses for viewing distant objects by looking above the top edge of the lenses without repositioning the eyeglasses to utilize said upper and lower vertical fields of vision. The notches are in horizontal alignment with the wearer's cornea whereby the wearer may position the eyepieces within the notches to enable an uncorrected viewing through the microscope when the eyeglasses are being worn in the normal wearing position. |
| US07828424B2 |
Heater and drip plate for ink loader melt assembly
A melt assembly that includes a drip plate; and a self regulating heating device thermally connected to the drip plate, wherein the heating device is a positive temperature coefficient material (PTC material). Also, a drip plate having an open interior into which a heating device may be inserted or molded. |
| US07828421B2 |
Ink cartridge arrangements
An ink cartridge arrangement includes an ink cartridge including an ink chamber, and an ink cartridge packaging system. The ink cartridge packaging system includes an enclosure, and the ink cartridge is disposed within the enclosure. Moreover, a difference between a first pressure within the ink chamber and a second pressure within the enclosure is greater than or equal to about 3 Kilopascals. |
| US07828418B2 |
Method for forming mark and liquid ejection apparatus
A method for forming a mark includes ejecting a droplet of a liquid containing a mark forming material onto a surface of an object; radiating a laser beam from a radiation port to a predetermined radiation target position; moving at least one of the object and the radiation port relative to the other in such a manner that the laser beam radiated from the radiation port is radiated onto the droplet on the surface, wherein the droplet forms a mark on the surface by being irradiated with the laser beam; and pivoting the radiation port about the radiation target position as a pivot axis so as to set a radiation angle of the laser beam. |
| US07828416B2 |
Inkjet printer and manufacturing method for same
An inkjet printer is provided with: a recording head having an actuator for generating energy in order to jet ink and a wiring member which allows a drive signal to be inputted; and a head holder having a bottom wall for supporting the recording head. The recording head is placed so that the wiring member faces a lower surface of the bottom wall, and after that, a blocking member for preventing an adhesive from making contact with the wiring member is moved so as to make contact with end portions on both sides of the recording head. In this state, a space between the end portions on both sides of the recording head and the lower surface of the bottom wall is filled in with an adhesive, and thus, the recording head and the head holder are bonded together. |
| US07828414B2 |
Head adjustment method and image forming apparatus
A head adjustment method of adjusting overlaps of a plurality of print heads, which are arranged in a widthwise direction of a print medium in an image forming apparatus, in the widthwise direction. The head adjustment method includes setting a theoretical input pattern image to be formed by the print heads, outputting a practical output pattern image on the print medium by driving the print heads according to the input pattern image, estimating practical overlap values of the print heads through the output pattern image, and adjusting degrees of overlap between the print heads according to the estimated overlap values. |
| US07828409B2 |
Inkjet printer and inkjet printing method
The present invention provides an inkjet printer and an inkjet printing method, which enable an ink that overflowed to the outside from the edge of a printing medium to be fully absorbed by a platen. More specifically, the present invention provides an inkjet printer, including a platen, which absorbs a pigment ink that overflows to the outside of a printing medium when edgeless printing is carried out on the printing medium by using an ink that employs a pigment as a colorant, moving a printing head along a guide shaft, and ejecting the pigment ink from the printing head, and also an inkjet printing method, wherein the platen is impregnated with a humecant, a base, and the like. |
| US07828402B2 |
Driving device for recording head, image recording apparatus, and driving method for recording head
The driving device of a recording head having a recording element, the driving device includes: a power supply device which supplies voltage to be applied to the recording element; an output circuit block which converts the voltage supplied from the power supply device into a drive voltage having a prescribed waveform, the output circuit block having a structure in which a plurality of drive circuit units are connected in parallel to the recording element; a recording data integration device which determines an integrated value of a number of recording actions of the recording element according to recording data; and a drive circuit unit selection device which selects at least one of the drive circuit units in accordance with the integrated value determined by the recording data integration device, in such a manner that an on-resistance value of the output circuit block is kept within a prescribed value. |
| US07828401B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus including: (a) recording heads for performing a dot recording operation using a recording material that is ejected by activation of actuators; (b) a main circuit for outputting drive waveform signal sets each of which controls ejection of the recording material from a corresponding one of the recording heads; and (c) a head driver unit for receiving the drive waveform signal sets outputted from the main circuit. The head driver has a drive-waveform-signal selector for selecting a drive waveform signal for each actuator of each recording head, from among a corresponding one of the received drive waveform signal sets. The drive-waveform-signal selector includes a common selector portion for making a selection from among one of the drive waveform signal sets that controls ejection of the recording material from one of the recording heads and also making a selection from among one of the drive waveform signal sets that controls ejection of the recording material from the other of the recording heads. |
| US07828399B1 |
Universal locker system
A universal locker system that enables different sizes of lockers for custom configuration of a row of lockers. The number of lockers using a common housing may be one, two, three, four or six. Also, lockers with taller and shorter portions can be accommodated. A universal housing and universal, segmented hinge enable insertion of dividers at pre-selected elevations in the housing and installation of independently operable locker doors covering the distance between the pre-selected elevations and thus the opening between the dividers to create individual lockers from portions of the universal housing. The dividers thereby serve as the top of the locker below and the bottom of the locker above. Special dividers with two elevations may alternatively be inserted to create lockers having taller portions and shorter portions. |
| US07828398B1 |
Enclosed mobile bar apparatus
The enclosed mobile bar apparatus providing a decorative encasement and having a depth of about 26 inches and a height of about 73 inches to provide ample storage and ease of mobility through any standard doorway. The retractable pull-out table with barrier provides a work surface that can be extended forwardly from the encasement and retracted within, then hidden by the doors. The doors are equipped with pane inserts providing further decorative appeal. Stemware racks from within the top downwardly are arranged side by side. The mezzanines importantly increase storage capabilities of the encasement but also, by their substantial u-shape, allow for unfenced storage on the pullout table. The mezzanines also importantly provide decorative flair to the encasement interior, along with decorative barriers. The mezzanines may be identically shaped and sized. Horizontally disposed bottle racks may be provided in either the upper or lower drawer or both. |
| US07828394B2 |
Vehicle and control method of vehicle slip-down velocity
In response to detection of a slip-down of a vehicle under restriction of a motor torque Tm*, which is required for a drive shaft linked with drive wheels, due to the occurrence of a slip caused by spin of the drive wheels on an ending slope, the technique of the invention multiplies a torque insufficiency by a ratio (reflection ratio β) specified according to a vehicle speed V in a t direction, so as to set a brake tourgue Tb*. The torque insufficiency corresponds to a difference between the restricted motor torque Tm* and a balancing torque Tgrad corresponding to a road surface gradient set according to the relation between an acceleration of the vehicle and a torque output to the drive shaft The setting of the brake torque Tb* makes the velocity of the slip-down of the vehicle approach to a preset vehicle speed. The brake torque Tb* is applied by hydraulic brakes attached to driven wheels which am different from the drive wheels. The arrangement of the invention regulates the velocity of the vehicle that slips down the ascending slope by the restriction of the motor torque Tm*. |
| US07828392B2 |
Metal detector for a milling machine
A milling machine for milling a paved surface having milling tools connected to an underside of a body of the machine and at least one metal detector attached to a front end of the machine. The metal detector has at least one electrically conductive coil disposed within a magnetically conductive, electrically insulating trough. Electronic equipment is in communication with the metal detector, the equipment being adapted to interpret feedback from the detector. |
| US07828389B2 |
Armrest device in a chair
An armrest device comprises an armrest base plate on the upper end of an armrest support rod. A support block is provided on the armrest base plate. An engagement portion of the support block engages in a slot of the armrest base plate. A plurality of grooves are formed on a projection along the slot. An elastic tongue of the support block engages with the projection to allow the armrest base plate to slide back and forth smoothly.The armrest support rod is surrounded by an intermediate tube and an armrest support tube. A turning lever in the armrest support rod is pivotally mounted to an operating lever on the upper end of the armrest support rod. A pin which passes through a hole of the turning lever engages in an opening of the intermediate tube. The opening comprises a vertical elongate portion and a plurality of horizontal engagement portions. The pin selectively engages in any one of the engagement portions to allow the armrest to be held at respective height. |
| US07828386B2 |
Motor vehicle seat tilt adjustment mechanism
The mechanism comprises first and second slugs, comprising a first contact shoe engaging with a first locking bearing surface, and a second contact shoe engaging with a second, parallel locking bearing surface. The first contact shoes of the first and second slugs extend circumferentially about the tilt axis and each has first and second complementary radial guide surfaces parallel to the tilt axis to guide the movement of the first slug between its locking and release positions. |
| US07828383B1 |
Rotating seating system for marine vessel
A rotating seating assembly for use in marine vessels. The seat assembly includes a car and track assembly with moveable sections. The sections can move about curvilinear paths which are defined by the curved track segments. A unique bearing/track linkage mechanism, interlocking the component parts, is incorporated into the novel design. In one configuration, the seating sections rotate about a circle track, a full 360 degrees. Bearing assemblies and rolling mechanisms provide smooth, quiet and efficient operation of the system. |
| US07828381B2 |
Recline mechanism for a child restraint seat
A mechanism for securing a seat carriage at a plurality of recline angles relative to a seat base. Embodiments of the mechanism are attached to a seat carriage and include a coupling device, which has a plurality of recesses which may be selectively engaged with or disengaged from one or more rods attached to the seat base. A handle operates the coupling device. |
| US07828378B2 |
Bicycle seat
A bicycle seat includes a seat base and a bladder assembly mounted to the seat base. The bladder assembly includes an inner bladder surrounded by an outer bladder and at least partially ringed by a ring bladder. Each bladder can be filled to a desired pressure for any type of rider or riding mode. Accordingly, the bicycle seat offers improved cushioning and stability. |
| US07828372B2 |
Mounting arrangement for mounting cladding to vehicle body
A vehicle cladding mounting arrangement and method for securing a cladding panel to a vehicle body include a plastic body cladding having a main panel portion and an integrally formed cladding clip structure extending from the main panel portion and a plastic support bracket having a body portion for overlaying the main panel portion of the body cladding and an integrally formed bracket clip structure extending from the body portion. A vehicle body defines a mounting aperture. The integrally formed bracket clip structure is received in the mounting aperture. The integrally formed cladding clip structure is also received in the mounting aperture. |
| US07828369B2 |
Intermediate front fender support element for a motor vehicle and production method thereof
The invention relates to a support element (4) which can be mounted to an upper beam of the chassis of a motor vehicle. The inventive element comprises a body (6) and at least one upwardly-projecting breakable protuberance (7A, 7B) to which a front fender of the vehicle is to be fixed. The protuberance (7A, 7B) comprises: at least one front wall (28) which is connected to the body (6) by means of a frangible area (26), a rear wall which is also connected to the body (6) by means of the frangible area (26), and a third wall (29) which is connected to the body (6) by the frangible area (26) and which solidly connects the front wall (28) and the rear wall to one another. |
| US07828367B2 |
Expandable mobile facility
A mobile facility has a fixed frame, an expandable roof section, an expandable floor section, and an expandable side section. Interior space within the mobile facility is expanded by expanding the expandable roof section, the expandable floor section and the expandable side section. |
| US07828363B1 |
Removable protective cover for vehicle body panels for use during off-road travel
A removable protective cover for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of separate flexible magnetic sheets. Each is specifically cut to fit over a particular magnetic body panel of a particular make and model of vehicle. The plurality of separate flexible magnetic sheets is constructed of flexible magnetically impregnated materials incorporating a flexible waterproof outer coating and a flexible solid magnetic base. The plurality of separate flexible magnetic sheets are designed in a manner that when more than one magnetic sheet is needed to cover a single body panel, they are shaped to fit in an overlapping manner whereby a first magnetic sheet is positioned closest to a front of the vehicle and overlaps a second magnetic sheet adjoining it rearward thereof. |
| US07828362B2 |
Roof retractable type vehicle
In a roof retractable type vehicle including a roof storage area, a roof storage mechanism for storing a roof, and a tonneau cover for opening and closing the roof storage area, the tonneau cover is connected to the vehicle body side via a mechanism in which the front end of the tonneau cover moves frontward and upward from the closed position and the rear end of the tonneau cover moves frontward, and the tonneau cover is retracted in an inclined posture to the front of the roof storage area. The tonneau cover includes a central member positioned in the center in the vehicle width direction and side members adjacent to both sides of the central member, and the side members and are connected swingably to the central member so that the side members can be retracted to the center side in the vehicle width direction. |
| US07828355B2 |
Carryable bag for large objects
A method for manufacturing a carrier for large objects includes forming a bag from a sheet of plastic film material. The bag is sized to receive a large object and has an opening for placing the object into the bag. An extension is formed on at least one side or end of the bag. The extension comprises a plurality of layers of the plastic film material. Handles are formed as openings in the extension. |
| US07828354B2 |
Carryable plastic mattress bag
A method for manufacturing a mattress carrier includes forming a bag from a sheet of plastic film material. The bag is sized to receive a mattress and has an opening for placing the mattress into the bag. An extension is formed on at least one side or end of the bag. The extension comprises a plurality of layers of the plastic film material. Handles are formed as openings in the extension. |
| US07828352B2 |
Box lifting devices
A box lifting device places weight upon the lateral surface of lifter's forearm or hand. Preferred embodiments include a lifting body and a handle molded as a single piece of injection molded plastic, a lifting plate having metal teeth or other lifting members, and a weight transfer member that shifts the weight of a box to a lateral surface of the users forearm or hand. The lifting members are preferably angled other than 90° relative to a long axis of the handle. Preferred lifting plates include a plurality of openings, such that the lifting members of one plate enter the openings in the other plate and vice versa during storage of the devices. Magnets can be included to couple the left and right mating pairs. Lateral and medial forearm stops can be used to restrict a bending movement of the user's wrists relative to the handle. |
| US07828350B2 |
Vehicular collision detection apparatus
A vehicular collision detection apparatus includes a bumper reinforcement, a bumper cover, a chamber forming member, a pressure sensor, a pressure changing device, and a chamber state detecting device. The cover is displaceable relative to the reinforcement toward a rear of the vehicle upon collision. The chamber forming member is provided between the reinforcement and the cover and defines a chamber space that is deformable upon displacement of the cover. The pressure sensor senses pressure in the chamber space. The pressure changing device changes pressure. The chamber state detecting device detects whether or not the chamber forming member is broken based on the pressure, which is detected while the pressure changing device is in operation. |
| US07828348B2 |
Latch striker with integral striker bar
A single piece striker for a latch formed from stock, comprising a mounting plate with an integral striker bar. The striker bar extends out from the mounting plate via a neck portion. The engagement area of the striker bar has a greater diameter than the thickness of the mounting plate. The striker is formed using a progressive die. The striker bar is formed by compressing a portion of the stock to a greater thickness than the rest of the striker. Compressing a portion of the stock also provides a rounded engagement area across the length of the strike bar. Compression occurs over a series of dies that provide a progressively rounder shape. Locator channels within the dies help retain the striker bar during compression. |
| US07828347B2 |
Fire plate for a bored in lock assembly
A fire plate for receiving a bored in lock assembly and preventing passage of fire through a lock opening bored perpendicularly through a fire door. The fire plate is particularly adapted for use with integrated lock and latch assemblies that are designed for installation through a latch opening bored from an edge of the door into the lock opening. The latch opening has a diameter less than the lock opening and the fire plate blocks the space above and below the lock assembly in the lock opening to prevent the passage of smoke and fire through the lock opening. The fire plate includes two fire stop barriers that may be formed by bending from a sheet of spring steel and which preferably snap into engagement with the lock assembly as it is inserted from the latch opening into the lock opening. |
| US07828340B2 |
Coupling
A coupling including a shell with shell arms, where ends of the shell arms are removably attached by a hinge assembly. A securing assembly releasably secures ends of the shell arms in an abutting relationship and includes a handle rotatably attachable at an end of a shell arm. The handle includes a handle body, a hinge orifice extending through a portion of the handle body, and a hinge pin extending through the hinge orifice. The hinge pin includes an orifice extending therethrough. The securing assembly also includes a substantially T-shaped bail having an arm with a first end and a base portion having an engagement member extending substantially transversely with respect to the bail arm. The engagement member mates with a groove positioned on the boss attached at or near an end of the other arm, and an end of the bail arm extends through the hinge pin orifice. |
| US07828338B2 |
Coupling assembly with pipe sockets of fluid-holding parts to be joined
A coupling assembly includes pipe sockets of fluid-holding parts to be joined. The pipe sockets are provided with a peripheral locking rib, behind which a groove is formed and which has a conical front flank and a radial rear flank. The front flanks of the locking ribs lie opposite each other. The rear flank of one locking rib bounds a groove. The coupling assembly also contains a steel spring band, which is curved more than 240° and whose axial ends have inwardly directed flanges which engage behind the locking ribs and are interrupted on the side of the spring band opposite the ends of the spring band. The front flanks of the locking ribs enclose an angle <50° with the center axis, the radius of the smallest circumference of the front flanks is smaller than the inner radius of the flanges of the spring band. |
| US07828336B2 |
Quick disconnect safety connector
An apparatus for connecting two hoses with a quick disconnect feature. A male plug is insertable into a female receiver and latched into position with a latch operator. The male plug is disconnected from the receiver by operating the latch operator or by pulling the male plug out of the receiver. |
| US07828333B1 |
Label sheet with wristband
A printable form comprising a printable face ply and a wristband releasably bonded to a surface of the printable face ply. In at least one embodiment the wristband may be detached from the surface of the printable face ply and secured to around a body part for use in identification. In at least one embodiment the printable face ply comprises one or more labels that may be detached therefrom and applied to the wristband. |
| US07828329B2 |
Transport frame
A transport frame includes a plurality of polymer beams interconnected to form the frame with a first group of the polymer beams intersecting and extending through a second group of the polymer beams. The first group of the polymer beams is secured to the second group of polymer beams by an adhesive at their respective intersections. At least one of the polymer beams provides a non-conductive raceway for routing electrical wires or cables through the frame. |
| US07828328B2 |
System and method for a forwarder headboard
A headboard assembly connected to a machine frame includes a stationary gate that is pivotally connected to the frame and a moveable gate disposed in slidable engagement with the stationary gate. A linear actuator pivotally connects the moveable gate to the frame via first and second pin joints. The linear actuator selectively extends and retracts the moveable gate relative to the stationary gate when the headboard assembly is in an operating position. The linear actuator is further arranged to selectively tilt the headboard assembly relative to the frame when the headboard assembly is in a service position. |
| US07828326B2 |
Adaptive airbag with a tension retension band that shapes bag areas into a V
Airbag module for protecting an occupant of car with a bag (11) that includes a main front panel (17) and main rear panel (19) connected by its ends and a retention band (21) connected to the panels in two opposite ends (31, 33), capable of withstanding maximum pressure during the unfolding of the bag (11) without breaking or disconnecting from said panels, and whose length L is less than the maximum distance D that would exist between said opposite areas (31, 33) during the unfolding of the bag should said retention band (21) not exist; the bag has a ventilation orifice (23) around one of the union areas (31, 33) that can be covered by the main front and rear panels (17, 19) when the bag (11) contacts the occupant (15). |
| US07828322B2 |
Airbag device
An airbag comprises a bag which is bent in the shape of an arrow ‘<’ in a deployed state, and a connection member which is arranged on a side of the bag, facing a vehicle body, and connects the upper and lower ends of the bag with each other. A longitudinal intermediate portion of the bag projects toward a vehicle occupant. A space is defined between the projecting intermediate portion and the connection member. The head of the vehicle occupant initially comes into contact with the intermediate portion and then presses the bag toward the vehicle body. Upper and lower parts of the bag which extend upward and downward from the intermediate portion cooperate with the connection member to define a triangular space. |
| US07828317B2 |
Integrated support structure for either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck trailer hitch
An integrated support structure apparatus is provided for attaching either a fifth wheel trailer hitch or a gooseneck trailer hitch to a truck bed. The integrated support structure comprises an H-shaped body that is attached to at least one truck frame rail below the truck bed. A gooseneck ball receiver is attached to a central portion of the body and aligned with a gooseneck opening in the truck bed. A plurality of receptacles are attached to the body in an array and are aligned with a corresponding plurality of pedestal access openings in the truck bed. |
| US07828309B2 |
Road-building machine
The invention relates to a road-building machine whose left front wheel (4) or caterpillar, right front wheel (6) or caterpillar, left rear wheel (8) or caterpillar and right rear wheel (10) or caterpillar are connected to the road-building machine chassis by means of an actuating element and are height-adjustable with respect to the road-building machine frame. According to said invention, different actuating elements are rigidly connected to the road-building machine chassis and forcedly coupled to each other in such a way that the left front wheel (4) or caterpillar and the right rear wheel (10) or caterpillar are height-adjustable in the same direction and with respect to the right front wheel (6) or caterpillar and the left rear wheel (8) or caterpillar are adjustable in the opposite directions. The all wheels (4, 6, 8, 10) or caterpillars are equally height-adjustable. The inventive road-building machine provides a high operational stability, the improved compensation of the adjustment of lateral hindrance inclination of the road-building machine and the irregularities in the longitudinal direction thereof. |
| US07828307B2 |
Stabilizer arrangement for a motor vehicle with adjustable rocker pendulum
A stabilizer arrangement is provided for a motor vehicle with a stabilizer (1), which is connected to the vehicle chassis and which is connected, on each side of the vehicle, to a spring-mounted wheel carrier part with a piston-cylinder unit (4, 4′). Each of the piston-cylinder units (4, 4′) includes at least one piston (8), which is movably arranged in a cylinder (7) and which splits the cylinder into a first and a second cylinder chamber (7a, 7b). The cylinder chambers are separate from one another. The piston-cylinder units (4, 4′) are respectively connected in an articulated manner, at one end, to an end of the stabilizer 1 and, at the other end, to a spring-mounted wheel carrier part. The piston (8) has a connecting line (14) that connects the first and second cylinder chambers. The respective connecting line (14) has a nonreturn valve (15), which acts in one direction. The piston (8) can be moved into at least one end position. |
| US07828305B2 |
Rolling walker and handle grips thereof
A handle grip for ambulatory aid appliances has a soft top portion and a rigid body portion. The handle grips may be attached to a wheeled ambulatory aid appliance such as a rolling walker, wheelchair, stroller and the like in a selected position to provide a comfortable and secure hand grip to a user of the ambulatory aid. |
| US07828302B2 |
Lateral sealing gasket and method
An elongated elastomeric gasket (10) seals a pair of opposing flanges (12, 14) against the passage of liquid without compressing the flanges (12, 14) together. A reinforcing spring (32) is embedded within the elastomeric gasket (10) and is shaped so as to react when deflected by the operation of installing the gasket (10) into an operative position between the flanges (12, 14). A strategically located U-shaped bend (34) formed in the reinforcing spring (32) causes, in a preferred embodiment, contact pressure to be increased between opposed sealing beads at the other end of the gasket. More specifically, lateral contact pressure between a first pair of sealing beads (24) and their associated contact faces (38) is increased as a direct result of the reinforcing spring (32) being displaced during the assembly process. Likewise, lateral contact pressure between a second pair of beads (28) and their respective contact faces (42) is increased in direct response to the lateral displacement of the reinforcing spring (32) in the region of the first beads (24) during assembly. |
| US07828300B2 |
Sealing device for reciprocating shaft
To stabilize frictional force to the reciprocating shaft without affecting sealing ability, a sealing device for a reciprocating shaft comprises a main lip 11, a whole periphery of which slidably and tightly contacts with an outer peripheral surface of a shaft 2 reciprocating in the axial direction; and a frictional lip 13, which extends to the sealed space A side from the main lip 11 and slidably and tightly contacts with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 2 in the state of permitting circulation of sealed fluid, whereby the frictional force of the frictional lip 13 is not varied by pressure of the sealed fluid, while frictional force of the main lip 11 to the shaft 2 is varied by the pressure, the sliding surface is lubricated with the sealed fluid, and reduction of the frictional force by abrasion can be controlled. |
| US07828298B2 |
Firewall sealing assembly
A firewall sealing assembly is provided for use between a firewall and a penetrating member. The assembly comprises a flexible coupling and a secondary seal. The flexible coupling is configured to provide a primary seal between the firewall and the penetrating member. The secondary seal is configured to provide a secondary seal between the firewall and the penetrating member. The secondary seal is positioned spaced apart from the flexible coupling to define a seal cavity there between. |
| US07828296B2 |
Multi-sports ball/disk return net system and method thereof
A multi-sports ball/disk return net system and a method thereof that consistently returns a ball/disk hit, kick, thrown or struck into it back toward a user and that is portable and easy to assemble and disassemble. The multi-sports ball/disk return net system has a frame and a net mounted on or across the frame. The net forms an upper U-shape forward bulging pillow having a square net pattern and a lower U-shape channel or hammock with the square pattern at the opposite ends of the U-shape channel being skewed to become diamond shapes. The net is configured to cause a projectile propelled into the U-shape pillow to drop down to the U-shape channel, which funnels the ball to the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel for discharge toward the user. |
| US07828295B2 |
Game information, information storage medium and game apparatus
Game information is provided that includes a table, a formed object incorporating a coil and a memory for storing identification information on the formed object. When a formed object is placed on the tablet, the apparatus obtains from the input system a placed position and direction on the tablet, and identification information on the formed object. The apparatus can detect a change of the placed position and the direction obtained from the input system, select character information corresponding to the identification information, dispose the character in a game space, control motion and movement of the character according to the change detected, and generate an image in the game space including the character controlled by the character control unit. |
| US07828293B1 |
Seek and find game with shifting three-dimensional underlay
A game assembly and its method of play. The game assembly has a game board. A three-dimensional underlay is positioned under the game board. Openings are formed through the game board that enable a person to see into the underlay. The underlay is comprised of a basin that is partially occupied with fill material. Search objects are mixed with the fill material. Sometimes the search objects are covered by the fill material, at other times they are not. Cover structures are provided. The cover structures selectively cover the openings in the game board. To play the game, a player selects a search object. A player also selects a cover structure. The cover structure selected by the player is removed and the player looks through the exposed opening for the selected search object. The game is won when a predetermined number of search objects are found by a single player. |
| US07828278B2 |
Inserter apparatus, printer, print system and insert method
An inserter apparatus has a printer A and an inserter apparatus B. The printer A has a print section 13, and an insert information output section 9 for outputting insert information including an insert page showing a position of an insert paper and an interval of printing papers. The inserter apparatus B has a discharged paper carrying section 17 of printing papers from the print section 13; a counter section 19 for counting the number of sheets of the printing papers; a paper feeding section 21 for setting the insert paper therein; and a paper feeding controller 23. Based on insert information from the insert information output section 9, the paper feeding controller 23 controls the insert paper to be fed at a timing before the next paper interval is passed after a count value of the counter section 19 reaches one page before the insert page. Therefore, it is possible to realize an excellent short insert processing for the printing papers. |
| US07828271B2 |
Process for preparing alkoxypolyoxyalkylene (meth) acrylates
Process for preparing an alkoxypolyoxyalkylene (meth)acrylate in which a) a metal alkoxide MetOR10 is initially charged, b) an alkylene oxide of the formula (IV) is added and reacted with the metal alkoxide and c) (meth)acrylic anhydride is added directly and reacted with the reaction product from step b). Appropriately, in step c), a stabilizer mixture is added which comprises, for example, the following components I. at least one compound of the formula (I) II. at least one compound of the formula (IIa or IIb) or of the formula (IV) III. at least one compound of the formula (V) |
| US07828270B2 |
Quick attach off-road recovery device for skid steer loader or similar machine
A quick attach stabilizing device for skid steer loaders and similar machines for performing off-road recovery, winching, and loading operations. Primarily used by wrecker service and other service companies when 4 wheel drive winch vehicles cannot drive to the off-road location due to the extremely bad ground surface conditions caused by excessive rain, snow, or ice. |
| US07828267B2 |
Slide valve
A slide valve is provided, in which the conductance in the minimum region is controllable with high accuracy to enable stable control, a slide plate is prevented from plastically deforming to acquire good controllability of the minimum flow rate, and it is possible to detach a valve element and an air drive portion integrally with the slide plate, thereby facilitating the maintenance. The slide valve includes a body having a flow path, a slide plate provided within the body and between a closing position preventing a flow on the flow path and an open position permitting the flow, disposed perpendicularly relative to a flow path axis and movable horizontally or on a straight line, and a valve element incorporated in the slide plate and operated in a direction of the flow path axis to switch between the closing position and the open position of the slide plate by air cylinder drive. The slide plate has an upper surface and a lower surface that form small clearances in cooperation with the body when the valve element is in the open position, thereby enabling control of the minimum conductance. When the valve element has been in the closing position to induce a pressure difference load, the slide plate when receiving the pressure difference load is not plastically deformed. |
| US07828264B2 |
Flow control valve
A capacity control valve where a valve section is caused to be in contact with and separated from a valve seat by a valve rod to control the flow rate of pressurized fluid. The capacity control valve includes a first valve rod having a valve section and having a first peripheral surface formed on its outer periphery, a first valve chamber having a valve seat that comes into contact with and is separated from the valve section and having a first path into which pressurized fluid flows, and a valve housing having a through-hole that is movably fitted on the first peripheral surface of the first valve rod. The through-hole of the valve housing has a first tapered surface diverging as it goes away in the axial direction from the first valve chamber. |
| US07828263B2 |
Concrete form brace and battering wedge
A brace for securing concrete forms to a base has first and second triangularly-shaped sidewalls and a back wall extending between corresponding side edges of the sidewalls. A peripheral flange extends outwardly from the side edges of the sidewalls and the ends of the back wall and has apertures for facilitating fastening of the brace to the concrete forms and a casting surface. Advantageously, the brace can be formed as a unitary, molded component. A battering wedge is selectively attachable to the side edges of the sidewalls and cooperates with the brace to facilitate tilting the concrete form at an angle to the casting surface. The battering wedge is selectively frangible to permit use with braces of varying size. |
| US07828261B2 |
Post mounting assembly and method for molten metal pump
A molten metal pump apparatus that includes a base member, at least two (2) support members or posts, and post sockets. The lower end of the posts are mounted to the base and forms a cement-less pump joint which is an objective of the present invention. The upper end of the post is connected to the post socket to form a cement-less pump joint which is a further object of the present invention. The connection joint between the posts and the base member and the post socket does not require cement to form or secure the joint. Therefore a replacement post identical to posts of the present invention may be provided without the need to dig out a cement joint but instead can be more easily removed and replaced. |
| US07828256B2 |
Quick device for video and photographic equipment
A quick-fit device for video and photographic equipment comprises a first attachment member in the form of a plate which can be fixed to the equipment and a second attachment member including a seat for the plate which can be fixed to a supporting head; a safety device comprising a spring-loaded arm bearing a stop tooth acting on a presser designed to removably lock the plate in the seat is provided in the seat. The tooth has a ramp with an inclined plane from the part facing the seat and a stop shoulder on the opposite part; the presser has an appendage which is capable of riding over the tooth passing from a position against the ramp to a position against the shoulder in passing from a position in which the plate is released to a position in which the same is locked in the seat. |
| US07828246B2 |
Wing with sectioned tubular members
An aircraft wing made of a composite material, and its method of manufacture, require a plurality of kabobs (i.e. substantially rectangular shaped hollow tubes having an open end and a closed end). Of these kabobs, several are aligned end-to-end, to create a section. Several sections are then positioned side-by-side and covered by a layer of composite material to define an aerodynamic surface for the wing. The juxtaposed sections also establish spar webs for the wing, and the closed ends of the juxtaposed sections establish transverse ribs for the wing. Thus, the kabobs form the main load-bearing member of the wing. The sections of composite material are co-cured with the composite material of the aerodynamic surface. |
| US07828241B2 |
Retaining end piece for a roll of wiping material that is disposed on a wiping material dispensing device
An endpiece which forms an integral part of a mandrel used to support a roll of material engages a guide. The endpiece comprises a cylindrical part which can be inserted into the mandrel, a collar which rests against a facing surface of the endpiece, and a projecting attachment. A guiding and retaining groove is provided along the length of the projecting attachment to form a guide path. A cooperating guide is provided on a bracket that supports the roll of material. The guide is disposed on an inner side of the bracket and comprises slightly-projecting flats which form and define a channel to receive the projecting attachment of the endpiece as so enable the endpiece to be inserted and retained therein. The channel extends into a part for receiving the endpiece following the insertion thereof. |
| US07828240B2 |
Bearing journal for supporting a material web
A bearing journal projects from an end of a material web wound into a roll. The bearing journal has a bearing surface formed as a rotating surface, a fitting surface not formed as a rotating surface, and an axial guide surface. A dispensing system includes a dispenser that is adapted to receive the roll of web material and to cooperate with the bearing journal. |
| US07828237B2 |
Modular grinding core and grinding devices incorporating the same
A modular grinding core includes a housing configured to be operatively installed in a variety of external grinding devices, a rasp support member having a coupling adapter configured to be operatively coupled to an actuation mechanism of a first external grinding device at a first time and to an actuation mechanism of a second external grinding device at a second time after being removed from the first external grinding device. The rasp support member includes a receptacle configured to removably receive any one of a variety of rasps. The rasp support member is configured to reciprocate in response a force exerted by the external grinding device. The modular grinding core further includes a grind block member resisting displacement of the food items or spices away from the rasp support member, and an adjustment mechanism allowing a user to adjust a gap between the grind block and rasp support members. |
| US07828236B2 |
Grinding mill with air recirculation
A grinding mill grinds grains or similar foodstuffs, while the concept of the invention could also be applied to other feed materials. The grain is fed at a controlled rate to an impeller chamber, ground by the impeller until a small enough size to fit through a sieve, and separated into a sample cyclone stream and a bulk or waste cyclone stream. Each cyclone includes a central air return duct which channels air back to the grain feeder chamber and then into the impeller chamber. By having the air from grinding recirculated back to the grinder after separation, the grain grinding process is cleaner and results in less moisture loss. |
| US07828235B2 |
Shredder auto feed system
The present invention is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for advancing at least a top sheet from a stack of paper in a tray into the cutter elements for shredding. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable feed roller to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements. The feed roller moves in an alternating manner between a lowered and raised position to engage and disengage the stack when advancing the paper therethrough. Alternatively, a rotatable cam may be used. In an embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable drum or rotatable belt with an internal vacuum to lift paper from the stack and feed into the shredder mechanism. |
| US07828228B2 |
Fuel injection apparatus
An inflection point sensing arrangement of an electronic drive unit, which drives a fuel injection valve, senses an inflection point in a pressure-changing process of the pressure in the control chamber. A charging and discharging condition changing arrangement of the electronic drive unit changes a charging condition for charging of the electric current to a piezoelectric actuator of the fuel injection valve or a discharging condition for discharging of the electric current from the piezoelectric actuator upon sensing of the inflection point, which is sensed with the inflection point sensing arrangement. |
| US07828225B2 |
Catalyst delivery system and method therefor
A system and method for delivering catalytic molecular structure to a combustion chamber is disclosed. Catalyst base materials are reduced to a micronic fog by a device using the ultrasonic vibration of a piezoelectric disc. The liquid base materials evaporate instantly upon entering the engines air stream therefore releasing pure catalyst molecules into the combustion zone, thus reducing the time taken for catalytic combustion to the lowest denominator possible and allowing for the greatest effect achievable. This further reduces the amount of catalyst needed in the base solution compared to any other type of device or additive. The system also allows a user to control the delivery rate of the catalyst to the combustion chamber. |
| US07828223B1 |
Computer-based value-bearing item customization security
The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for protecting the security of processing for customization of computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, securing processing of exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 1. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will further provide computer systems and methods for securing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, securing image-customized computer-based postage label 1 as depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable indication of an amount of postage 5. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable identifier (such as a serial number) 6 that will uniquely identify the particular customized computer-based postage label. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a machine-readable set of information 7. |
| US07828220B2 |
Dynamic credit card with magnetic stripe and embedded encoder and methods for using the same to provide a copy-proof credit card
A dynamic credit card is provided in which a secure credit card number (e.g., a secret/hidden credit card number) is encoded based on a timing signal (e.g., an internal counter) to provide a dynamic credit card number. This dynamic number may be displayed to a user via a display (e.g., so that online purchases can be made) or written onto a magnetic stripe such that the number may be processed by traditional credit card merchants (e.g., swiped). At a remote facility, the dynamic number may be decoded based on time (and/or a counter/key number/equation). Thus, a dynamic credit card number may change continually or periodically (e.g., every sixty seconds) such that credit card numbers may not be copied by thieves and used at later times. A dynamic verification code may also be utilized in addition to, or in lieu of, a dynamic credit card number. |
| US07828216B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing on-demand assistance for a wireless device
Methods, devices, apparatus, computer-readable media and processors are provided that allow for on-demand user-assistance in a wireless communication device. User assistance is provided by demonstration routines that are stored locally and/or remotely, and which may be standard routines or customized routines to address the needs of the device user. The demonstration routines are accessed, and in some applications communicated to the wireless device, seamlessly to allow for a highly efficient means of providing user-assistance. |
| US07828215B2 |
Reader for an optically readable ballot
A ballot reader images a ballot, checks the ballot, and displays the ballot image for voter review. The voter may cast the ballot causing it to be collected and the vote thereon recorded, or may have the ballot returned. Checking may include, e.g., checking for a complete ballot, undervotes and/or overvotes. |
| US07828214B2 |
Mobile phone with electronic transaction card
An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof. |
| US07828210B2 |
Order and accounting method and system for services provided via an interactive communication network
The present invention relates to a method and system for providing e-commerce and accounting services to organizations and service providers for offerings ordered by the organization via an on-line interactive communication network. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and system whereby a third party intermediary can absorb certain payment, collection and billing functions on behalf of an organization and service providers which provide services to the organization. The term service provider as used herein refers to any entity or individual that provides a service, including the service of providing goods. |
| US07828208B2 |
Retail point-of-transaction system, program products, and related methods to provide a customized set of identification data to facilitate a transaction using electronic coupons
Retail point-of-transaction systems, program products, and related computer implemented methods to provide a customized set of identification data to facilitate a retail sales point-of-sale transaction which includes the use of one or more electronic coupons is provided. The retail point-of-sale system can include a computer having memory and configured to facilitate one or more transactions each of which include the use of one or more electronic coupons through a retail point-of-transaction terminal positioned remote from, and adapted to be in communication with, the computer. The computer can also include a set of instructions that when executed by the computer cause the computer to redeem one or more electronic coupons for one or more retail transactions responsive to a customized set of identification data provided by the computer responsive to a data profile derived from a set of personal data of at least one of a plurality of remotely positioned users. |
| US07828205B2 |
Method of promoting health and wellness through card based rewards program
A system and method are described whereby a health care organization (HCO) cooperates with a financial organization by promoting enrollment and use of a financial product or service that includes terms having incentives related to health care expenditures. In one embodiment, the financial product or service is a credit card program including incentives related to health care expenses. The HCO identifies and selects a group of consumers suitable to receive promotional information related to the credit card program. Preferably, the credit card program is associated with the HCO via a co-branding arrangement. The HCO obtains revenue from the financial organization based on consumer's use of the credit card and, optionally, based on new enrollments. Although a consumer can use the credit card to pay for any product or service, the incentives are applied when the card is used in connection with products or services related to health care. |
| US07828203B2 |
Data writing apparatus, method, and program for portable terminal memory
An object is to easily store a data required for actuating a portable terminal, which is used in association with an identification data of a user, while maintaining the security.The present invention comprises a data reading/writing device having a function of reading out data stored in a memory medium of a portable terminal and a function of writing, to the memory medium, an applicable data which is required for the portable terminal; and a data collation device for collating an identification data which is peculiar to a user of the portable terminal, which is read out from the memory medium by the data reading/writing device, with a user registration data which is registered in advance, and for outputting a writing command to the data reading/writing device only when the data are consistent. The data reading/writing device writes the applicable data to the memory medium on condition that there is an input of the writing command. |
| US07828202B2 |
System and method for controlling the transport of articles
A system and method for controlling the transport of articles comprises in one embodiment one or more communication devices for receiving and transmitting data, at least one primary server in communication with the primary server for allocating couriers for the collection and delivery of articles, a program for controlling the server, and at least one remote interface for placing orders for the collection and delivery of the articles, wherein the program, upon the execution of an order, compares stored historical travel times from one geographic location to another with actual travel times from one geographic location to another to thereby provide updated estimates for the collection time and delivery time of articles provided in subsequent orders. |
| US07828199B2 |
Multi-layer heat insulating container
A storage container includes a receptacle having a circumferential sidewall and a sleeve fixedly attached to the receptacle having a circumferential sidewall with a left edge, a right edge, and marginal portions adjacent the left and right edges wherein the edges meet to form a butt seam. The receptacle sidewall and the sleeve sidewall define an insulating layer therebetween. The insulating layer includes a first edge and a second edge wherein the first and second edges do not extend under the marginal portions such that the insulating layer has a smaller circumference than that of the sleeve sidewall. A method for forming a storage container is also provided. |
| US07828194B2 |
Method for positioning plate members to be butt-welded
Plate members 17 are respectively rested on first and second tables IA and IB relatively movable toward and away from each other. The plate members 17 are caused to abut against reference positioning members 16a and 16b of reference positioning devices protruded ahead of and over opposing ends 1′ of the tables IA and IB so that opposing ends of the plate members 17 are positioned in protrusion ahead of the opposing ends 1′ of the tables IA and IB, and the plate members 17 are positioned laterally. Then, the positioned plate members 17 are locked on the tables IA and IB. After the reference positioning devices are retracted, the tables IA and IB are relatively moved toward each other to cause the opposing ends of the plate members 17 to abut together for formation of weld line X. |
| US07828192B2 |
Amplitude adjustment of an ultrasonic horn
A system and method for maintaining a substantially constant gap between a horn and an anvil includes the act of positioning a horn proximal an anvil, so that a gap is established between the horn and the anvil. An alternating current (AC) signal is applied to a converter coupled to the horn. The AC signal exhibits an amplitude. The amplitude of the AC signal is adjusted during operation of the horn, so as to maintain the gap between the horn and the anvil substantially constant. |
| US07828188B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus including an anvil and cartridge each having cooperating mating surfaces
Surgical stapling apparatus are disclosed including an anvil having a working surface with a shaped topography; and a staple cartridge, in juxtaposition with the anvil. The staple cartridge includes a working surface with shaped topography which is complementary to the shaped topography of the working surface of the shaped anvil. When the anvil and the staple cartridge are approximated with or toward one another, at least a portion of the working surface of the anvil cooperates with at least a portion of the working surface of the staple cartridge to enhance alignment of the staple cartridge and the anvil in at least one of a transverse and longitudinal direction. |
| US07828186B2 |
Surgical instrument incorporating a fluid transfer controlled articulation bladder and method of manufacture
A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector by including a fluid transfer articulation mechanism that is proximally controlled. A fluid control, which is attached to a proximal portion, transfers fluid through the elongate shaft through a first fluid passage to a first fluid actuator that responds by articulating an articulation joint. Two opposing fluid actuators may respond to differential fluid transfer to effect articulation. Thereby, design flexibility is achieved by avoiding the design constraints of transferring a mechanical motion through the tight confines of the elongate shaft sufficient to effect articulation. |
| US07828184B2 |
Mini desktop stapler
A miniature spring-actuated stapler includes a tapered, flat power spring to store energy and eject staples. The power spring pivots at a rear of the stapler housing and includes three co-extensive arms terminating near the striker. As the L-shaped handle of the stapler is pressed, it acts on the center arm of the power spring to deflect it downward while the outer arms deflect upward. The arms are integral at a rear end and the outer arms are linked to the striker at the front. A tapered, flat reset spring disposed generally parallel to the power spring is used to reset the internal action. The housing includes open top and rear areas with the handle providing the enclosure thereof. A base assembly is slidably attached at a bottom of the stapler with an open position exposing a staple-loading chamber. |
| US07828179B2 |
Collapsible garment hanger
A collapsible garment hanger comprising a central portion and two garment supporting members, where the central portion has a casing, enclosing a u-shaped top member engaging and operating the garment supporting members. |
| US07828177B2 |
Dispenser head
A dispenser head for mounting on an actuator rod of a fluid dispenser member. The actuator rod is displaceable up and down along an axis. The dispenser head includes a bearing surface for displacing the dispenser head and for actuating the fluid dispenser member. The head further includes a dispenser endpiece that internally defines an endpiece channel that opens out to the outside at a dispenser orifice. The endpiece presents an elongated configuration with a connection end connected to the remainder of the head and a free end. The dispenser orifice is situated in the proximity of the free end. The dispenser orifice is provided with internal closure member that is suitable for selectively closing the dispenser orifice from the inside. |
| US07828171B2 |
Container holder device
The container holder device includes a rotary body which is fixed to the lid body and held so as to slide up and down with respect to the holder body and so as to rotate, and a guide body which is formed on a side wall of the holder body. The rotary body is engageable with the guide body to rotate, along with the upward and downward sliding movements of the rotary body. Because the rotary body is engageable with the guide body to rotate, along with the upward and downward sliding movements of the rotary body, the rotary body can stably rotate while sliding. Because the lid body will rotate together with the rotary body while sliding, the lid body will move stably between the closed position and the open position. As the results, the moving orbit of the lid body can be made small, and the inner diameter of the storage space can be made small. |
| US07828166B1 |
Dispensing closure with child resistant feature
A dispenser closure is provided having an upper wall portion with at least one opening therein and having a thread depending from an inner annular surface thereof. A lower wall portion of the closure has at least two lugs depending from a lower inner annular surface thereof having a configuration and size to cooperate with at least one stop lock depending from a container neck and at least one of the cooperating closure lugs does not cooperate with the cooperating stop lock when the lower wall portion is deformed by a squeezing force. |
| US07828162B2 |
Vehicle mounted crane
The invention relates to a vehicle crane, especially a mobile crane, automobile crane, or track-laying crane, comprising a superstructure which is embodied as a top slewing crane and encompasses a vertical tower and a boom located on the tower. |
| US07828154B2 |
Systems and methods for filtering fuel
A manifold for a fuel filter assembly includes a first base, which may define a first inlet passage to direct flow to a first filter element, and a first outlet passage to direct flow from the first filter element to a second base. The manifold includes a second base, which may define a second inlet passage to receive flow from the first base and direct the flow to the second filter element, and a second outlet passage to receive the flow from the second filter element. The manifold includes a diverting module, which may provide flow communication between the first outlet passage and second inlet passage, such that flow in the first inlet passage passes through the first filter element before entering the second inlet passage. The first and second inlet passages may define a common longitudinal axis. The first and second outlet passages may define a common longitudinal axis. |
| US07828153B2 |
Modular system and apparatus for processing recyclable materials, and method of using same
A system and apparatus for processing recyclable materials, including a header box, a plurality of routing channels connected to the header box, and a temporary storage container for each routing channel. During use, a user deposits one or more recyclable items into an intake header box, and the user then presses a selected button, corresponding to the material of the item, to control routing of the deposited item to a pre-sorted storage area. The header box includes a mirror, showing the routing channels, to allow a user to determine if the system is clear or blocked. The routing channels are made from modular units, so that the apparatus can be modified or adapted to meet the needs of different users, or the changing needs of a single user. |
| US07828149B2 |
Sealed blister assembly
A sealed blister assembly is made tip of a blister sheet, a lid sheet, and a label sheet. The plastic sheet and plastic lid are joined together to form a substantially impermeable seal. The seal is formed by engagement of an undercut in the plastic sheet and a shoulder in the plastic lid. A plastic sheet and/or plastic lid are made from a polymer such as low density polyethylene to obtain the impermeable seal. The label sheet is secured directly to the blister and lid sheets. |
| US07828148B2 |
Medication organizing system
An improved medication organizing system for allowing patients to rapidly and easily prepare hermetically sealed dosage packages to set up their medication regime for a week, month, or longer period of time. The device includes seven hoppers to allow the patient to prepare a set of hermetically sealed medication packages for a given time for each day of the week. After being filled, each package in the set of seven packages is hermetically sealed simultaneously by simply loading the set into a sealing unit and pulling a lever. Sealing of the packages does not require manual manipulation of the individual packages by the user, such as would be required for medication organizers utilizing individual packages with zip-lock seals. The medication organizing system allows patients who lack manual dexterity, such as elderly patients, to easily prepare medication dosages for an extended period of time. The medication organizing system enables the preparation of small, easily transportable packages of medication that can be quickly and easily filled, sealed, handled, and reopened by any user, including the elderly. |
| US07828146B2 |
Inflatable containers
An inflatable container generally includes a flexible housing having an interior cavity and a flexible valve in operative association with the housing, wherein, when a first force is exerted on the housing and a second force is exerted on the valve, or the valve is attached to an external object such as another container, the housing and the valve each undergo a change in shape to draw fluid from the ambient environment, through the valve, and into the interior cavity. |
| US07828145B2 |
Golf bag
A bag for the storage and transport of golf equipment includes at least two sections, each including an upper and a lower edge, respectively, where the sections are pivotably interconnected in a hinge, where the bag is openable by folding the sections apart along the hinge, towards an open position in which the interior of the bag is uncovered. At least one section includes a fastening element for golf club shafts in its upper part, in that at least one section includes club head separating element in its lower part for receiving club heads of one or more golf clubs whose shafts are fastened to the fastening element, in that the hinge is arranged along the lower respective edge of each section, and in that the bag includes a support element so that the bag can stand in a stable manner on a supporting surface when in its opened position. |
| US07828143B2 |
Cigarette box and an outer blank therefor
A cigarette box has a box body, a lid that opens/closes the box body, an outer wall superposed on a rear wall of the box body and forms a pocket (P) in cooperation with the rear wall, and a sheet-like pouch removably contained in the pocket (P), the pouch being used as a portable ash container. |
| US07828136B2 |
Side-flexing conveyor belt
A conveyor is described comprising an endless side-flexing conveyor belt made from a number of rows of hinged interconnected belt links, where each row comprises at least one link, where each link has a front end, a back end, a top surface, a bottom surface and two sides, where hinge parts separated by apertures are arranged along the front end and the back end such that front hinge parts on the front end will fit inside apertures on the back end of an adjacent belt link, and where the front end and back end are substantially parallel to a first axis parallel to the width direction of the link, wherein the hinge parts of each link are defined by a top and bottom that are substantially flush with the top and bottom surfaces respectively, and two side surfaces and a free front surface, and that at least some of the front hinge parts are provided with a protrusion on one or both side surfaces, where these protrusions fit inside elongated apertures provided in the side surfaces of the rear hinge parts on the opposite end of the links; and further that the portions of the protrusions and/or of the elongated apertures that engage each other during use of the belt are arranged such that the they are parallel to different axes depending upon whether they are closer to the middle or one of the two ends so that there will be multiple points of contact between adjacent links even when the belt is side-flexing around a curve. |
| US07828135B2 |
Device for feeding sterile closures, which are delivered in bags, into a filling system for bottles or the like
A device for feeding sterile closures, which have been delivered in bags, into a filling system for containers, such as bottles, having a housing that features an inlet opening for the bags, an outlet opening for the closures and a sterilization device, wherein a conveying device that transports the bags is provided in the housing, and wherein the conveying device for the bags is embodied as a suspended conveyer. |
| US07828134B2 |
Article alignment apparatus
There is provided an article alignment apparatus 10 including an article alignment device for aligning orientations of articles by arranging two aligners 21, 21 having cylindrical surfaces, rotating each of the aligners 21 while keeping it at a predetermined inclination with respect to a horizontal direction, placing the articles on cylindrical outer surfaces of the two aligners 21, and carrying the articles from one side to the other side, in which protrusions 22 are provided on the surfaces of the aligners 21. |
| US07828127B2 |
Rotary damper
A rotary damper allows for fluid bypass through the interior of the hydraulic chamber, as opposed to dampers where fluid bypass occurs only along the walls of the hydraulic chamber. Additionally, the damper accommodates bi-directional damping, by providing a universal piece and switching the position of a component in the piece. |
| US07828118B2 |
Portable railcar step and railcar therewith
A railcar step mounts to the stirrup of a rail vehicle. The railcar step comprises a support sized to support a rail worker. A coupling is supported in relation to an end of the support. The coupling is sized and configured to hold the support in fixed relation to the stirrup. The support is sized to extend outward beyond the rail vehicle and support a rail worker. |
| US07828117B2 |
Foldable chair and ladder combination
A combination chair and ladder assembly including a center leg, a rear leg and a front leg wherein the rear leg is pivotally connected to the center leg and swings outwardly away from the center leg. The assembly includes a lower step or platform assembly including a first platform having first and second portions with a hinge connecting the first and second portions. The front leg is connected to the first platform. In addition, the chair and ladder assembly may include an upper step or platform assembly having a plurality of platforms pivotally connected to the center leg and to a front support member. The lower step or platform assembly operates independently of the upper step or platform assembly. |
| US07828112B2 |
Electric power steering device
An electric power steering apparatus in which, when an abnormality is generated in an electric power steering apparatus, an assist is reduced smaller than normal when a steering burden is estimated to be small; and the assist can be increased to normal and the steering burden can be sufficiently reduced when the steering burden is estimated to be large. When an abnormality is detected, an assist command is set smaller than at a normal time when there is no abnormality in a first range where the steering burden estimated by the steering burden estimation unit is small; the assist command is increased to that at a normal time in a second range where the steering burden estimated by the steering burden estimation unit is larger than the first range; and an assist torque of a motor is controlled in response to the assist command at the abnormal time. |
| US07828110B2 |
Constraint mechanism for steering device of four-wheeled vehicle
A steering device for steering front wheels of a four-wheeled vehicle is disclosed, comprising a steering wheel, a steering column, a lower column, and a steering gear box. The lower column is coupled via universal joints to the steering column and the steering gear box. The steering gear box includes a housing in which a rack and a screw rod are accommodated. The rack has an end coupled via a spherical joint to a tie rod, which is jointed to the front wheel. The spherical joint includes an anti-loosening washer. The housing has an inside surface forming a step over which a sleeve is fit for being engageable with the anti-loosening washer of the spherical joint to form a constraint to an inward travel of the spherical joint of the tie rod into the housing so as to set a constraint to steering angle of the front wheel. |
| US07828109B2 |
Transmission and steering system for double-head vehicles
The present invention discloses a transmission and steering system of a double-head vehicle, comprising a first steering wheel; a front wheel group; a first signal acquisition and transceiver device which can output steering information according to the steering angle of the first steering wheel; a first motor group; a second signal acquisition and transceiver device which can receive the steering information output from the first signal acquisition and transceiver device; a rear wheel group; and a second motor group; such that through the aforementioned structure, when the first steering wheel is turned, the first motor group may be controlled by the first steering wheel to drive the front wheel group to turn and in the mean time, the second signal acquisition and transceiver device may receive the steering information and transmit it to the second motor group to drive the rear wheel group. |
| US07828105B2 |
Seatbelt device for vehicle and control method thereof
A seatbelt device for a vehicle provided with: a webbing that restrains a passenger seated on a seat; a belt reel on which the webbing is wound; a motor that rotation-drives the belt reel; a motor control device that controls the motor; an input determination device that determines whether or not an input signal from a seatbelt operation section including the webbing is an artificial input signal; and a command output device that outputs a setting change command to the motor control device according to a determination result from the input determination device. |
| US07828102B2 |
Rear seat support structure and storage box of motorcycle
A motorcycle with a rear spoiler and a storage box. A rear spoiler is provided with a through hole adapted to directly apply the load of a rear seat to the rear seat support portion. A portion of the storage box is allowed to face the through-hole, forming the rear seat support portion. The bottom plate of the rear seat is abutted against the rear seat support portion to support the load of the rear seat. A labyrinth structure seals between the storage box and the rear spoiler. The first seal member attached to the rear seat seals between the rear spoiler and the rear seat. |
| US07828100B2 |
Front hood assembly
A front hood system has a front hood of a vehicle that is coupled to the frame of the vehicle via at least one multiple-joint hinge. In addition, the vehicle's front opening hood can be latched by means of at least one hood lock. At least one multiple-joint hinge has at least one link that can separate into at least two parts due to the force of impact of a pedestrian. |
| US07828099B2 |
Electric tractor
An electric tractor including a frame having a front end and a longitudinal axis between its front and rear ends. At least one drive wheel is provided for propelling the electric tractor and at least one electric motor for powering the at least one drive wheel. A pair of rails extend parallel to one another in a spaced apart relationship along the longitudinal axis and a first battery pack sized to be received in a plurality of locations along the rails, the first battery pack being selectively in electrical contact with the at least one electric motor once received on the rails. |
| US07828096B2 |
Hybrid drive for a vehicle
The invention proposes a hybrid drive for a vehicle with a power train, which has a first electric machine (4), which is permanently connected to an input shaft (3) of the vehicle transmission (2) arranged between an internal combustion engine (1) and a vehicle transmission (2) with changeable gear ratio, and which can be operated as an engine or as a generator, and a hydraulic pump (5) for the vehicle transmission (2), in which at least one first shiftable clutch device (7) is arranged between the internal combustion engine (1) and the vehicle transmission (2), and in which the hydraulic pump (5) is torque-proof connected to the input shaft (3) of the vehicle transmission (2). A hybrid drive is also proposed, which comprises two electric machines, in which the hydraulic pump (5) is coupled via at least one element for force transfer to the input shaft (3) of the vehicle transmission (2). |
| US07828091B2 |
Air electric vehicle
An all electric vehicle that produces zero CO2 emissions and capable of traveling an unlimited amount of mileage is presented. This vehicle is considered air and electric because it uses a wind turbine generator, compressed air and a high voltage battery to generate electricity to power the DC motors that drive this vehicle. Therefore this vehicle is called the Wind Turbine Generator Air Electric Vehicle (WTGAEV). There exists an integrated system that enables this vehicle to maintain a consistent energy supply to automatically recharge the high voltage battery. This integrated system consists of a wind turbine generator (WTG), air motor, air compressor, air tank, and battery. The power train receives its energy from the motion of the vehicle. When the vehicle is in forward motion the air flow from the nose of the vehicle is collected and directed toward the blades of the WTG which generates electric. |
| US07828090B2 |
Drill bits with enclosed fluid slots and internal flutes
Core drill bits with long crown heights are described herein. The core drill bits have a series of slots or openings that are not located at the tip of the crown and are therefore enclosed in the body of the crown. The slots may be staggered and/or stepped throughout the crown. As the cutting portion of the drill bit erodes through normal use, the fluid/debris notches at the tip of the bit are eliminated. As the erosion progresses, the slots become exposed and then they function as fluid/debris ways. This configuration allows the crown height to be extended and lengthened without substantially reducing the structural integrity of the drill bit. |
| US07828086B2 |
Guide rail system for a telescoping mast on a drilling rig
A guide track system for a tool that can be raised and lowered within a telescoping drilling rig tower is provided. The system includes parallel guide rails mounted on a fixed lower tower section and on a movable upper tower section of the drilling rig tower. The lower and upper guide rails are parallel to one another and overlap one another when the lower tower section is nested with the upper tower section. Guide wheels rotatably attached to the tool can have parallel grooves to roll on the guide rails. The grooves can have sidewalls that flare outward so that they do not scuff against the guide rails as the tool travels up and down within the tower. |
| US07828085B2 |
Modular top drive
A top drive system with a plurality of top drive modules, which are configured to be quickly exchanged. The top drive modules may include any or all of the following: a main body module, a gearbox module, a drive motor module, a pipe handler module, an upper fluid module, a lower well control valve module, a block interface module, a retract system interface frame module, a cooling system module, a work platform guard module, and a quill saver sub module. Alternatively, the top drive may comprise a first top drive and a second top drive which are configured to be quickly exchanged. |
| US07828080B2 |
Distributed intelligence for enhanced monitoring and control of oilfield processes
A method for controlling a peripheral drilling operation involves obtaining a first property of a first drilling operation component associated with the peripheral drilling operation, via a wireless network, obtaining a second property of a second drilling operation component associated with the peripheral drilling operation, generating a control signal for the first drilling operation component, based on the first property and the second property, and communicating the control signal to the first drilling operation component, via the wireless network, where the first drilling operation component is adjusted, based on the control signal, to control the peripheral drilling operation. |
| US07828079B2 |
Sonic wireline dry slough barrel
Slough removal assemblies and methods for removing slough from boreholes are described. A slough removal assembly containing a slough barrel is lowered into a borehole having excess slough, driven into the slough to cause the slough to enter the slough barrel, and the slough removal assembly is then removed along with the excess slough. The slough removal assembly may contain a shoe coupled to the slough barrel and configured to be driven into the slough, a retainer positioned between the shoe and the slough barrel to retain slough inside of the slough barrel, and a driving mechanism (such as a drop hammer) to drive the slough assembly into the slough. The slough removal assembly may be coupled either to a wireline system or to a drill string for insertion into and removal from the borehole. |
| US07828075B2 |
Remote tooling
An apparatus for manipulating a target includes a base which may be secured to a trolley and a hydraulic arm mounted on the base arranged for being controlled remotely by a user. The arm includes at an end distal from the base a tool coupling which is arranged to receive a variety of tools for performing work on the target object. |
| US07828073B2 |
Vibrating hand-held power tool with a locking switch for a motor switch
A rotary-percussion hand-held power tool includes a vibrating percussion mechanism (2) for applying blows along a percussion axis (A), a guiding handle (4) vibrationally decoupled from the percussion mechanism (2) and provided with a motor switch (5) displaceable in switching region (X) for blocking the motor switch (5), an operational mode selection switch (3) arranged in the percussion mechanism (2), and a switching bar (9) displaceable by the operational mode selection switch (3) and having a stop (10) that projects into the switching region (X) of the locking switch (7) in the drilling operational mode. |
| US07828072B2 |
Impact tool
An impact tool for simultaneously providing a rotational force and an impact force to an object has an output shaft rotated by a motor, hammer for intermittently providing an impact force to the output shaft, hammer holder for movably holding the hammer, and an impact force generator for generating the impact force from an output of the motor. An air chamber is formed between the hammer and the hammer holder such that a volume of the air chamber is variable in response to a position of the hammer relative to the hammer holder. In addition, the hammer receives a bias force generated in a direction toward the output shaft by a biasing device. This bias force effectively increases the impact force in cooperation with an air pressure caused by a volume change of the air chamber. |
| US07828063B2 |
Rock stress modification technique
A technique involves facilitating fracturing operations along a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A stress device is deployed in a wellbore and activated to engage a surrounding wall. The stress device can then be manipulated to create a reduced stress region in the formation at a desired location along the wellbore. The reduced stress region facilitates the controlled formation of a fracture in the formation at the desired location. Furthermore, the stress device can be moved and the process repeated at multiple locations along the wellbore. |
| US07828062B2 |
Downhole tool
An extension sub for a downhole fishing tool, the extension sub comprising a tubular having a threaded pin end and a threaded box end, the tubular having an interior wall defining a bore, and cutting elements fixed to the interior wall of the tubular and extending into the bore of the tubular. Such a device may be referred to as a string shoe. |
| US07828061B2 |
Method and apparatus for on-site nitrate production for a water processing system
An electric plasma arc apparatus and method produces nitrogen compounds, solely using ambient air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The nitrogen compounds are brought into contact with a water processing system, forming nitrate on-site. Hydrogen sulfide present in the water processing system is removed, and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing nitrate into the system, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using the nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated in the water processing system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms. Further, the electric plasma arc apparatus and methodology eliminate major costs of conventional treatment techniques, including the transportation and storage of nitrate and the need for a continuous supply of natural gas and water. |
| US07828060B2 |
Drifting tubing
A method of checking for restrictions in a string of tubing formed of a plurality of tubing sections. The method involves providing a profile in the tubing string, providing a drift member adapted to engage with the profile, passing the drift member through the tubing string, and determining whether the drift member has engaged with the profile prior to separating the tubing sections. |
| US07828058B2 |
Monitoring and automatic control of operating parameters for a downhole oil/water separation system
A method for operating a downhole oil water separator and electric submersible pump includes measuring fluid pressure proximate one of the pump intake, separator intake and a bottom of a wellbore. At least one of flow rate and pressure is measured at the separator water outlet. Pump and a water outlet restriction are controlled to maintain an optimum fluid pumping rate and an optimum injection rate of separated water. A flow control system includes a controllable valve disposed in a water outlet of the separator. At least one of a pressure sensor and a flowmeter is operatively coupled to the water outlet. A controller is in signal communication with the at least one of a pressure sensor and flowmeter and in operative communication with the valve. The controller operates the valve to maintain at a selected pressure and/or a selected flow rate through the water outlet. |
| US07828056B2 |
Method and apparatus for connecting shunt tubes to sand screen assemblies
Method and apparatus are disclosed for connecting internal shunt tubes to tubular end components of a sand screen assembly by coupling each end of each shunt tube to ports formed in the tubular end components in an annular space between a base pipe and a filter media using a tubular coupler. |
| US07828053B2 |
Multipart frac head with replaceable components
A multipart frac head with replaceable components permits the frac head to be refurbished in the field. In one embodiment, a bottom leg of the multipart frac head is replaceable. In another embodiment, inlet ports of the frac head are also replaceable. |
| US07828052B2 |
Downhole force generator
A well tool for applying a pulling or a pushing force to an object in an interior of a well bore comprising: a) an inner member comprising a first elongated member, a second elongated member and an actuation means axially interconnecting the first elongated member and the second elongated member; b) an outer elongated member longitudinally moveably engaged with the inner member; c) a first seal defined between the first elongated member and the outer elongated member; d) a second seal defined between the second elongated member and the outer elongated member; e) a first piston area defined at a first end portion of the outer elongated member between an outer diameter of the outer elongated member and a sealed outer diameter of the first elongated member; f) a second piston area defined at a second end portion of the outer elongated member between the outer diameter of the outer elongated member and a sealed outer diameter of the second elongated member; and g) a sealed chamber defined between the first seal and the second seal, the sealed chamber including a fluid at a fluid pressure; wherein operation of the actuation means axially reversibly moves the outer elongated member relative the inner member while the fluid pressure remains constant; and wherein the first piston area and the second piston area are substantially equal and external pressure acting on these two piston areas, generates two opposing forces substantially balanced during relative movement. |
| US07828051B2 |
Perforating gun
An improved perforating gun having a tubular housing, a tubular carrier and a charge carried by the tubular carrier. The tubular carrier comprises an inside diameter, an outside diameter and an opening disposed between the inside diameter and the outside diameter. The charge comprises a forward end positioned in the opening between the inside diameter and the outside diameter. The tubular carrier increases a collapsible-pressure rating for the housing and positions the charge closer to the formation. |
| US07828048B2 |
Tank for a system that outputs liquid at a user-defined constant temperature
A tank for use in a system that outputs a liquid at a user defined constant temperature in order to regulate the temperature of a piece of equipment includes a body of material having a plurality of walls which collectively define a chamber for receiving and storing the liquid. The top wall has a manual fill port and one of the other walls includes an outlet port. An auxiliary port is located on the manual fill port and a return fluid port is located on the auto refill port. The body further includes a well which extends down into the chamber from an opening in top wall of the tank and which can be removed. The well is sized to accommodate a deionizer cartridge. When the well is removed, either a heater or an immersion pump can be disposed within the chamber. The tank also features a bag filter, a sight gauge and a flow velocity reducer. Finally, a cover assembly is removably mounted on the manual fill port and includes a funnel shaped cover and a removably sealing plug. |
| US07828046B2 |
Hybrid wicking materials for use in high performance heat pipes
Hybrid wicking materials are used in high performance heat pipes where a bi-modal distribution of pore sizes offers advantages over a homogeneous monolithic porous structure. This wick is comprised of sintered metal powder formed on a foam, felt, screen or mesh metal substrate. A fine pore structure is formed by the metal powder while the substrate is comprised of large pores. The large pores are several times, preferably five times to several orders of magnitude larger in size than the small pores. The sintered powder metal and the metal substrate may be made of nickel, copper, molybdenum, niobium, aluminum, iron, cobalt, titanium and alloys based on these metals. This provides a wicking material with axial and radial variations in pore size for optimized performance under both horizontal and against gravity orientations. |
| US07828042B2 |
Hot runner magnesium casting system and apparatus
A method and apparatus for the casting of metal components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a gooseneck for drawing molten metal from a crucible of hot metal and for forcing the drawn molten metal through the system, a hot runner assembly having a hot runner tip positioned adjacent the mold cavity, and a machine nozzle inserted between the gooseneck and the hot runner assembly. The gooseneck is fitted with a one-way check valve to allow for molten metal to be drawn into the plunger but to stop its passage out of the gooseneck when the metal is forced through the system into the die. A thermal valve is formed within the hot runner tip to provide a metal blockage from the molten metal which prevents the back-flow of molten metal back into the hot runner assembly. Both temperature and flow rate are carefully monitored and controlled. |
| US07828041B2 |
Manually activated roll-up window shade
A roll-up sunroof shade is provided that has two guide rails in addition to the tensioned shade element. A push element runs in each guide rail. Each push element is driven with a positive fit via a separate drive gear. For manual activation of the shade element, the rotational movement of the wind-up shade is transferred to the drive gears, and thus to the push elements, via a gear arrangement. In contrast, during retraction, the force acts from the push elements onto the wind-up shaft via the drive gears in order to generate the necessary rotational movement of the wind-up shaft. |
| US07828040B2 |
Sun shade apparatus
A sun shade apparatus of the present invention having a cable provided so as to be capable of being forced out or drawn in, a connector connecting the cable and a curtain to each other, a guide rail provided on a window portion, and a slide member attached to the curtain and slidable on the guide rail. The curtain is stretched with the operation for forcing out or drawing in the cable. The guide rail has a bracket for fixing the guide rail on a vehicle door panel. One end of the bracket is engaged with a flange portion of the door panel, while the other end is fixed on the door panel by a fixing member. |
| US07828039B2 |
Guideless window shade with improved sliders
A window shade arrangement has holding levers in order to draw the window shade material from the wind-up roller shaft and to hold it in a drawn out or extended position. The holding levers include hinged sliding elements that slide in associated guide grooves in the pull-out element or bar. To ensure stop-free, smooth operation, these sliding elements can be provided with a lubricant reservoir, can have a dumbbell shape, can have a cylindrical shape or some combination thereof. |
| US07828037B2 |
Portal covering for controlled environments
An apparatus for opening and closing a portal in a structure in which a curtain having elongated side portions is placed adjacent opposing sides of the portal. A first end of the curtain is attached to a first end of the portal. An opposite end of the curtain is upturned and attached to a varying means at the first end of the portal to vary the height of a pocket formed in the curtain. Magnetic sealing means are placed on the elongated side portions of the curtain and on the opposing sides of the portal. The portal is closed as the varying means lowers the height of the pocket, wherein the magnetic sealing means on the curtain engage the magnetic sealing means on the opposing sides of the portal, thereby sealing the portal. The portal is opened as the varying means raises the height of the pocket, wherein the magnetic sealing means on the curtain disengage the magnetic sealing means on the opposing sides of the portal, thereby unsealing the portal. |
| US07828032B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacturing sheet
An end of a sheet drawn out form a feeder is clamped by a pair of upper and lower clamping devices of two or more pairs. The sheet is drawn out from the initial position to the end position in a spread state. While the spread sheet is being tentered on pin tenters, another pair of upper and lower clamping devices at the end position is separated from each other and moved along the respective rails into the initial position. The end of the sheet drawn out from the feeder is clamped from above and below at the initial position with the upper and lower clamping devices that has returned to the initial position. |
| US07828030B2 |
Method and apparatus for curing adhesive between substrates, and disc substrate bonding apparatus
An apparatus for bonding disc substrates is provided with a spinner which spreads adhesive placed between a first substrate and second substrate, and a curing device which radiates ultraviolet light onto the adhesive through the substrate to cure it. The curing device includes; a support mechanism which supports the first substrate and second substrate after the adhesive is spread by the spinner, a semiconductor light emitting apparatus having a plurality of light emitting semiconductor elements arranged facing a region where the adhesive is cured, and a positioning mechanism which positions the semiconductor light emitting apparatus such that the light emitting semiconductor elements are a predetermined distance away from the adhesive. The adhesive is cured or semi-cured by ultraviolet light emitted from the plurality of light emitting semiconductor elements. |
| US07828029B2 |
Puncture and abrasion resistant, air and water impervious laminated fabric
A puncture and abrasion resistant, air and water impervious laminated fabric is provided. The laminated fabric includes a woven fabric base layer having warp and weft yarns, with at least 50 percent of the fibers in the warp yarns being formed of high performance material. A first thermoplastic film is bonded by heat and pressure to at least one of the sides of the fabric base layer. The first thermoplastic film is formed of ethylene vinyl acetate. A second thermoplastic film is bonded by heat and pressure to the first thermoplastic film on at least one of sides of the fabric. The second thermoplastic film is formed from either high density polyethylene or low density polyethylene. |
| US07828027B2 |
Reversible tote
A reversible tote comprising a reversible body including first and second surfaces having different patterns. A first pair of openings may extend through a first side of the body to receive a first handle and a second pair of openings can extend through a second side of the body to receive a second handle. A interior lining may form a storage compartment and can be fixed proximate to an upper edge of the body. The interior lining may have a zipper to selectively open and close an end of the lining. |
| US07828022B2 |
Apparatus and methods for handling materials in a 3-D printer
The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use. |
| US07828020B2 |
Replaceable concentrate/extract cartridge for a liquid concentrate/extract beverage dispenser
A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body for containing liquid concentrate/extract and an aperture. A pumping device is connected to the hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from the hollow body through the aperture. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract from a beverage dispenser using a concentrate/extract cartridge is also provided in which the concentrate/extract does not come into contact with the dispenser. |
| US07828013B2 |
Water inlet device for mounting a valve body on a deck
A water inlet device is adapted for mounting a valve body that is formed with a water inlet hole on top of a deck, is adapted to be connected to a water inlet pipe, and includes a fixing unit and a connecting unit. The fixing unit is adapted to be secured to the deck, and is formed with a water supply hole corresponding in position to the water inlet hole in the valve body and adapted for connection to the water inlet pipe. The connecting unit is adapted to couple the valve body to the fixing unit, and includes a connecting component adapted to be secured to the valve body and formed with a guide hole to fluidly communicate the water inlet hole in the valve body and the water supply hole in the fixing unit, and a positioning unit for connecting separably the connecting component to the fixing unit. |
| US07828009B2 |
Pressure reducing regulator with adjustable feature
The present disclosure is directed to a flow control device, such as a regulator, for controlling fluid flow between an inlet port and an outlet port, and having an internal adjustment mechanism for varying the outlet pressure of the device, including the pressure required to close the device. The device may include first and second components, such as a body and a bonnet, demountably attached to form a housing of the device and defining an internal device cavity. A piston is disposed and movable within the device cavity, and in fluid sealing relationship with the inner surface of the device cavity. The components and the piston are configured to define a channel within the device cavity placing the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port, and with the piston being movable between a closed position preventing fluid flow and an open position allowing fluid flow to the outlet port. The internal adjustment mechanism may be in the form of a wheel that may be rotated in either direction to increase or decrease the outlet pressure at which the piston will move to the closed position. A vent port offset from the longitudinal axis of the housing may provide access to the interior of the device for manipulation of the adjustment mechanism. |
| US07828008B1 |
Online partial stroke testing system using a modified 2004 architecture
A system and a method for partial stroke testing of a critical valve using a bypass valve includes flowing two streams of gas simultaneously through a bypass valve, opening the critical valve with the gas from the bypass valve, and determining a calibration time interval for closing the opened critical valve to a preset partial stroke testing position. The method includes determining a measured time interval for closing the opened critical valve, creating a tolerance band, and comparing the measured time interval to determine if the critical valve passes the partial stroke testing. The system includes a two stage bypass valve, having four solenoid valves. The system includes a processor with a memory having partial stroke testing logic. Each solenoid valve and the bypass valve include a pressure sensor. |
| US07828006B2 |
Safety flow guide protection device
A safety flow guide protection device comprises a body having a flow guide device through which high pressure air flows; the flow guide device coated with a protecting layer; a safety releasing section formed at a surface of the flow guide device, the flow guide device being a hollow structure; a rear side of the flow guide device being formed as a combining opening; an air grid unit being received in the flow guide device at a side opposite to the combining opening; the air grid unit having a brake air valve for controlling high pressure air. When the flow guide device is communicated, the brake air valve is not compressed by the high pressure air so that the air grid unit is opened for allowing the flowing of the high pressure air; and vice versa. |
| US07827998B2 |
Mascara brush
Provided is a disk-type mascara brush, used to makeup eyelash with mascara solution applied thereto, whose brush portion is formed whole at the end of a wand and in such a shape that pluralities of triangle-like elliptic disks are piled consecutively with an alternated arrangement with the angle of 120 degree. In a disk-type mascara brush where a brush portion 1 is provided at one end of a wand 2, a mascara cap 3 is provided at the other end of a wand 2 and the brush portion 1 is formed at the end of the wand 2 as if disks are piled; the mascara brush includes a brush portion 10 which is formed whole at the end of the wand and in such a shape that plurality of triangle-like elliptic disks are piled consecutively with an alternated arrangement with the angle of 120 degree. Thereby, a tooth-protruded portion 14, where the plate-tooth 12 is protruded, and a tooth-indented portion 16, where the plate-tooth 12 is indented, are formed at the outer circumstance of the brush portion 10 respectively; and a tooth-spaced portion 18 is formed between the tooth-protruded portion 14 and the tooth-indented portion 16. |
| US07827997B2 |
Filtered cigarette incorporating an adsorbent material
A filter element incorporating an adsorbent material is provided. The filter element may comprise a first section of filter material and a second section of filter material spaced apart to form a compartment therebetween. The compartment may be filled with one or more adsorbents or the compartment may be divided into two regions, wherein one compartment region is filled with an adsorbent and the other compartment region is either filled with an ion-exchange resin or remains empty. The section of filter material adjacent to the tobacco rod may include one or more channels therethrough for passaging smoke directly from the tobacco rod into the adsorbent-filled compartment. The mouth end section of filter material may contain a breakable capsule, wherein the breakable capsule is filled with a flavoring agent capable of altering the taste characteristics of mainstream smoke. |
| US07827996B2 |
Amphiphile-modified sorbents in smoking articles and filters
Smoking articles which involve the use of amphiphile-modified sorbents are disclosed. The amphiphile-modified sorbent has at least one amphiphilic compound bound to an inorganic molecular sieve substrate. The amphiphile-modified sorbent selectively removes certain constituents from cigarette smoke, while maintaining other constituents, such as those that contribute to flavor. Methods for making cigarette filters and smoking articles using amphiphile-modified sorbents, as well as methods for smoking a cigarette containing an amphiphile-modified sorbent, are also provided. |
| US07827991B2 |
Method and system for preventing head injury
A method and system for preventing head injury by providing parallel alignment of a jaw are disclosed. A method of preventing a head injury comprises providing a dental appliance having a left body, a right body and a lingual bar engaging the left body and the right body; placing the dental appliance over a plurality of teeth of a lower jaw so the lower jaw and a upper jaw are approximately parallel; and absorbing a force applied to the lower jaw, wherein the dental appliance absorbs the force applied to the lower jaw while preventing a condyle of a mandible from transferring the force to a temporal bone. |
| US07827989B2 |
Mechanical doses counter for a powder inhaler
A rotatably actuated counter is disclosed. The counter includes a ratchet driven unit wheel nested within a tens wheel. Each wheel has a radial face displaying counting indicia. The tens wheel is transparent, allowing the indicia on the unit wheel to be viewed adjacent to the indicia on the tens wheel to provide a total count. A slave wheel is positioned between the unit and tens wheels. A gear on one face of the slave wheel engages gear teeth on the tens wheel. A Geneva mechanism on the other face is engaged by a foot on the unit wheel once per rotation. The wheels are rotatably mounted within a housing having a sidewall with a window through which the count indicia may be viewed. The unit wheel rotates in ten increments and then rotates the tens wheel through one increment by engaging and rotating the slave wheel. |
| US07827980B2 |
Method for slicing a multiplicity of wafers from a workpiece
A multiplicity of wafers are sliced from a workpiece which has a longitudinal axis and a cross section, the workpiece fastened on a table being fed by a relative movement directed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece between the table and the wire gang of a wire saw, with a variable forward feed rate through the wire gang formed by a sawing wire moved with an effective speed, the effective speed of the sawing wire being regulated as a function of the forward feed rate and the workpiece cross section so as to result in uniform wear of the sawing wire. |
| US07827978B2 |
Device for locking a front end of a shaft in a spear gun for scuba divers
A device is provided for locking a front end of a spear shaft in a spear gun. The device comprises a bridge extending crosswise over a distal end of the gun with a substantially U-shaped nosepiece joined to the distal end and revolving relatively freely about a crosswise axis thereof. The nosepiece includes at least two arms connected to respective ends of a relatively elastic cable that may be tensioned against a rear end of the shaft, when the shaft is placed on a support surface along the body of the gun. The bridge is attached to and integrally with the ends of the elastic cable and is located a selected distance from the support surface such that the shaft is retained against the surface when the spear is in a stowed or loaded position. |
| US07827972B2 |
Apparatus for controlling internal pressure of fuel tank
An adsorption/desorption device is communicated with an upper space of a fuel tank via a vapor passage. The adsorption/desorption device is configured to selectively adsorb or desorb air components contained in vapor. The adsorption/desorption device and the vapor passage are not communicated to the external atmosphere. The fuel tank is provided with a pressure detecting device for detecting the internal pressure of the fuel tank. A pressure regulating device is provided to the vapor passage for controlling and maintaining the pressure applied to the adsorption/desorption device. When the internal pressure of the fuel tank is higher than the atmospheric pressure, the internal pressure of the fuel tank is pressure-fed to the side of the adsorption/desorption device via the pressure regulating device until the internal pressure of the fuel tank becomes in equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure. When the internal pressure of the fuel tank is lower than the atmospheric pressure, vapor is pressure-fed to the side of the fuel tank via the pressure regulating device until the internal pressure of the fuel tank becomes in equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure. |
| US07827970B2 |
Vapor separator
A vapor separator includes a fuel pump, and a container at least partially defining a fuel reservoir to hold fuel and a pump chamber to hold the fuel pump. A closure is carried by the container to close the fuel reservoir and at least partially defines a vapor chamber above a level of fuel in the fuel reservoir and in fluid communication with the pump chamber. A vapor vent device is carried by the closure to allow fuel vapor to vent out of the vapor separator from the vapor chamber and prevent liquid fuel from flowing therethrough when the vapor separator is declined. |
| US07827969B2 |
Fuel supply device
The present invention provides a fuel supply device that can suppress the excessive heating of a fuel supplied from a fuel pump into an internal combustion engine even if a control module is cooled. The fuel supply device (1) comprises a set plate (10) attached to a mounting hole (34a) of a fuel tank (34), an electric fuel pump (30) attached to an inner surface of the set plate (10), a control module (14) attached to an outer surface of the set plate (10), the control module driving the fuel pump (30) using electric power supplied from the exterior, and a heat radiating member (32) for radiating heat generated in the control module. One end of the heat radiating member (32) is thermally connected to the control module (14), and the other end of the heat radiating member (32) protrudes downward from the inner surface of the set plate (10). |
| US07827967B2 |
Low noise fuel pump with variable pressure regulation
An engine assembly may include an engine structure defining a combustion chamber, a fuel injector in fluid communication with the combustion chamber, a fuel supply and a fuel pump assembly. The fuel pump assembly may include a housing, a reciprocating member, and a solenoid valve assembly. The housing may define an inlet in fluid communication with the fuel supply, an outlet in fluid communication with the fuel injector, and a bypass passage. The reciprocating member may be located within the housing to define a compression chamber in fluid communication with the inlet, the outlet, and the bypass passage. The solenoid valve assembly may include a valve member located within the bypass passage and displaceable between open and closed positions to selectively provide fluid communication between the compression chamber and the fuel supply during a compression stroke of the reciprocating member. |
| US07827966B2 |
Fuel supply apparatus
An ECU reduces a fuel flow rate discharged from an electric pump to the filter when a fuel temperature and a fuel pressure in the filter detected by a sensor portion drop. Since a mechanical pump continues to be driven without respect to the fuel quantity discharged from the electric pumps when the fuel flow rate discharged from the electric pump is decreased, a suction pressure is generated at an inlet of the filter. The fuel in a recirculation passage is introduced into the filter through a branch passage. As the result, relatively high temperature fuel is introduced into the filter to melt a solidified fuel causing a clogging of the filter. |
| US07827964B2 |
Fuel injection system for internal combustion engine with injector isolator
A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine includes a fuel injector pocket, formed within a cylinder head, for housing an injector which sprays fuel into a combustion chamber defined by the cylinder head and a piston crown. The injector is mounted with an isolator which is loaded at a lower, elastic rate during lower power operation, with the elastic load element being stacked solid and subject to higher rate column loading during high power operation of the engine and injection system. The isolator controls unwanted injector ticking noise, while protecting the integrity of the injector's tip seal. |
| US07827963B2 |
Method of adapting close-loop pressure control in a common-rail injection system for an internal combustion engine and means for executing the method
In a method for adaptation of closed-loop control of a pressure in a common-rail injection system (3) for an internal combustion engine (1), with the closed-loop control having a pilot control and the common-rail injection system (3) with at least a correction device (11) able to corrected by corrective signals in each case corresponding to corrective values for influencing the pressure, a pilot control value for generating at least one corrective signal for the correction device (11) is determined, and using the pilot control value by generating the at least one corrective signal and issuing it to a correction device, the current pressure is corrected to a predetermined setpoint pressure. For adaptation the pilot control is adapted as a function of at least one current value of an operating parameter of the internal combustion engine (1) and of the corrective value corresponding to the at least one corrective signal. |
| US07827962B2 |
High-pressure accumulator body with integrated distributor block
The invention relates to a fuel injection system for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having a first high-pressure accumulator and having a second high-pressure accumulator. The fuel injection system also has a high-pressure pump, wherein the first and the second high-pressure accumulators have a number of ports for injector supply lines corresponding to the number of cylinders of the internal combustion engine. A damping volume for damping pressure pulsations between the high-pressure accumulators and the high-pressure pump is integrated into one of the high-pressure accumulators. |
| US07827957B2 |
Diesel engine control device
A control device is provided that controls the injection quantity and injection timing of fuel injected into the cylinder of a diesel engine, in which are provided two control modes of: a normal injection mode in which the injection quantity and injection timing are controlled so that the injected fuel ignites near compression top dead center during an injection period; and a premixed injection mode in which the injection quantity and injection timing are controlled so that fuel injection is completed before compression top dead center and the injected fuel ignites near compression top dead center after a premixing period, and target values of control parameters (pilot injection timing, and the like) are set in advance separately for each control mode, the control device comprising change means for gradually changing target values V1 of one control mode into the target values V2 of the other control mode when switching from one control mode to the other control mode. |
| US07827952B2 |
Variable tappet
A variable tappet includes a tappet body; a variable portion in the tappet body, configured to open and close a valve; and a control portion to maintain the variable portion in either a first state, at which it can open and close the valve, and a second state, at which it cannot open and close the valve. |
| US07827950B2 |
Valve cover assembly and method of construction
A valve cover assembly for sealed engagement with a cylinder block includes a cover portion, a rail and a molded-in-place elastomeric bridge molded to the cover portion and the rail maintaining the cover portion and the rail in spaced relation to one another. The rail has an outwardly extending mounting flange providing a hard mounting bottom surface that is coplanar with the rail sealing surface. A seal depends from the sealing surface of the rail when in an uninstalled, uncompressed state for compression against the cylinder block upon the sealing surface and the hard mounting bottom surface being brought into engagement with the cylinder block, thereby establishing fluid-tight seal between the valve cover assembly and the cylinder block. |
| US07827945B2 |
Camshaft operating unit
In a camshaft operating unit having a friction torque variation simulation arrangement for controlling a camshaft adjustment device with at least two camshafts one of which is at least adjustable camshaft and at least one camshaft adjusting unit, the friction torque variation simulation arrangement is provided to simulate a friction torque camshaft required to rotate the camshaft. |
| US07827944B2 |
System for controlling the response time of a hydraulic system
A control system and method for a hydraulic system (HS) that controls a fluid supply in an engine includes a timer module determines the response time of the HS to perform at least one of: increasing the pressure of the fluid supply above a predetermined threshold following the state change command and decreasing said pressure of said fluid supply below said predetermined threshold following said state change command. An update module updates the desired time of the HS based on the response time of the HS. |
| US07827942B2 |
Lubrication structure for engine
Disclosed is a lubrication structure for an engine comprising pistons 12 for slide motion in cylinders 11 of a V-type engine and lubricating means 13 and 14 for injection of oil to cool the pistons 12. The lubricating means 13 or 14 being arranged on an anti-thrust load side of each of the cylinders 11 with respect to a sliding surface for the piston 12, a notch of each of the pistons 12 required for said lubricating means 13 and 14 being formed on the anti-thrust load side of the cylinder 11 so as to increase strength of the cylinders 11 and pistons 12. |
| US07827941B2 |
Boiler
To provide a boiler equipped with a water tube group performing heat recovery effectively and having expansion heating surfaces (fins or the like) of high durability, the present invention provides a boiler (1) including: a boiler body (10) having an inner water tube group (20) and an outer water tube group (30) that are arranged in an annular fashion; and a burner (40) arranged at a central portion of the inner water tube group (20), in which: intervals between adjacent inner water tubes constituting the inner water tube group (20) are closed except for portions where a gas flow passage is provided; and stud fins (22 and 32) are provided on a portion of at least one of the inner water tube group (20) and the outer water tube group (30) in a vicinity of the gas flow passage. |
| US07827940B2 |
Modular enclosure system
A modular enclosure system, for example, for housing plants and/or animals is provided. The enclosure system includes a frame assembly having a plurality of vertical and horizontal members, and a plurality of connectors adapted to engage the horizontal and vertical members. The members include longitudinal projections or ribs adapted to engage a plurality of panel assemblies. The panel assemblies include first ends adapted to pivotally engage a rib of one member and a second end having a releasable locking mechanism adapted to engage a rib of a member. The enclosure may be used for any type of storage or housing, but is uniquely adapted to house animals, for example, pets, or plants. Aspects of the invention also include a structural system having horizontal and vertical members and connectors adapted to engage the members. |
| US07827929B2 |
Pneumatic seasoning system
A pneumatic seasoning system and method utilizing a rotating drum for seasoning, a funnel-fed pneumatic eductor, line splitters, and a plurality of specially-designed swirl-inducing nozzle spools for inducing a broad and even seasoning plume. In a preferred embodiment, a pneumatic seasoning system transports seasoning from a seasoning hopper to food items within a rotating drum using a combination of an eductor and four in-line vacuum generators, which vacuum generators operate on compressed air. Each vacuum generator comprises a distributing nozzle roughly shaped like a collared spool, wherein compressed air is supplied to the annular region defined between the spool and its collar, and said compressed air exits through swirl ports distributed about the circumference of the spool exit. Each swirl port preferably has a pitch angle of 15° and a yaw angle of 15°. |
| US07827927B2 |
Anchoring system for watercraft vessels
An anchoring system for a watercraft vessel, the anchoring system including an anchor bracket configured to be mountable on the watercraft vessel; a sleeve attached to the anchor bracket, the sleeve having an aperture disposed longitudinally therethrough; a sliding tube inserted through the sleeve, the sliding tube being at least partially hollow and having a first end and a second end, a rod having a first end disposed within a sliding tube lumen and a second end having a floor contacting tip; the floor contacting tip operable to penetrate the bottom of a creek, lake, river or ocean flat and a retraction member connected to the rod. The retraction member is configured to retract the rod into the sliding tube and retract the sliding tube through the sleeve. |
| US07827925B2 |
Apparatus and method for drop-down/lift-up boat mounted on marine vessel
The present invention provides an apparatus and method of a dock system for launch and recovery of a stowed boat, which is capable of launching and recovering the boat during navigation of a marine vessel at a high headway speed. The launch and recovery apparatus has a stern dock (2) for accommodating the boat (10) therein. The apparatus launches the boat outboard through a stern opening and recovers the boat from the outboard area by entry of the boat into the dock. The apparatus is provided with a conduit device (11) so that seawater surrounding the vessel is drawn through an intake port (12) and is delivered to the dock through an outlet port (13). In the dock, a backward water stream is generated, which is to be discharged outboard through the stern opening. |
| US07827922B2 |
Adjustable height veterinary table
The present invention relates to a veterinary medical lift device to treat animals. Specifically, this invention relates to a mobile veterinary preparation table with a sloping flange or an angled ramp that is height-adjustable and that allows a large degree of ease in relocating an animal to the top of the table. In another embodiment it may also relate to a fixed exam table which lowers close to the floor and which would have its height adjustable table situated such that it would be perpendicular to the wall. |
| US07827915B1 |
Gas check with system for improved loading and retention in bore of muzzleloading firearms
A muzzle loading bullet gas check has external recess and ridge system, and/or an internal locking ridge system. The preferred gas check has an opening or recess on its front end for receiving and frictionally engaging a rearwardly extending post of the bullet, the opening also preferably including an internal radial ridge for gripping the post and/or locking with an indent on the post. The barrel-interacting part of the gas check has one or more external recesses and adjacent radial ridges/edges protruding relative to the recesses, which serves to reduce the total surface area of the gas check contacting the bore. The recesses do not touch the bore of the firearm, resulting in less friction and easier loading, while the outer ends/surfaces of the ridges/edges do touch the bore to retain the bullet in the bore during handling and hunting and to effectively capture gasses after the firing explosion. |
| US07827910B2 |
Method of transporting and printing of printed material and printing table for a flatbed printing machine
A method of conveying imprint material and a printing table for a flatbed printing machine are described. The method of conveying imprint material, particularly solar cell wafers, in and out of a processing area of a flatbed printing machine includes the steps of moving the imprint material by means of a conveyor belt on a first conveyor belt section into the processing area, processing the imprint material and further moving the imprint material on the first conveyor belt section out of the processing area. An automatic checking of the first conveyor belt section for soiling or damage takes place and, as a function of the checking result, a moving-back of the first conveyor belt section into the processing area or a moving of a second conveyor belt section into the processing area takes place. |
| US07827909B2 |
Stencil printer with multiplexed control of multi-axis machine having distributed control motor amplifier
A control apparatus for multiplexing a single distributed control amplifier to control multiple axes of motion in a multi-axis machine. In one example, the control apparatus comprises a distributed control motor amplifier, a first motor constructed and arranged to provide movement along a first axis of motion, a second motor constructed and arranged to provide movement along a second axis of motion, a first relay having a switch coupled to the distributed control motor amplifier, a first contact coupled to the first motor, a second contact coupled to the second motor, and an input for receiving an actuation signal, wherein the relay is configured to be manipulated between a first state in which the switch is electrically connected to the first contact a second state in which the switch is electrically connected to the second contact, in response to the actuation signal. |
| US07827908B1 |
Systems and methods for printing on large or irregular items
Systems and methods which employ a movable platen and associated print head which travel in a same direction to interact with a same surface of an item to be printed upon are shown. The movable platen according to embodiments includes a printing orifice through which the print head may interact with a surface of an item for printing. The movable platen preferably engages the surface of the item and applies a pressure thereto sufficient to substantially flatten the surface. Embodiments implement a print head platen which engages the surface of the item to be printed to provide flattening of the surface localized to the print head. A printer assembly of embodiments may not employ a lower platen or other structure to support an item to be printed, thereby facilitating the use of the printer with respect to any size of item. |
| US07827907B2 |
Device and a method for producing a diffractive microstructure
Micro-protrusions, which constitute a diffractive microstructure, are produced by embossing the surface layer of a substrate by an embossing member having microgrooves in such a way that the cross-sectional area of a produced micro-protrusion is substantially smaller than the cross-sectional area of the microgroove producing said micro-protrusion. Thus, the embossing pressure is small, the risk of adhesion is reduced, it is possible to use a low embossing temperature, and microstructures may be produced at a high speed. Furthermore, the same embossing member may be used for producing a low microstructure, a normal microstructure, and a high microstructure. |
| US07827905B2 |
Espresso coffee machine
Taught is an espresso coffee machine comprising a supply unit (101) supplying hot water; and filter-holder means (2, 102) for containing a pre-packaged measure (3) of coffee powder; said supply unit (101) and said filter-holder means (2, 102) being sealingly engaged with each other along a path of the engaging movement, said path of the engaging movement lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the middle plane of engagement of said supply unit (101) and said filter-holder means (2, 102), the surfaces of said unit (101) supplying said filter-holder means (2, 102) coming into contact only upon engagement of the latter; and an ejection member (401) arranged in the vicinity of the periphery of said supply unit (101) and projecting perpendicularly with respect to the middle plane of engagement of said supply unit (101) and said filter-holder means (2, 102). |
| US07827902B2 |
Piston for a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine provided with hardened piston ring grooves
A piston made of a nitride-forming base alloy for a reciprocating internal combustion engine is disclosed. The piston includes a piston upper part having a plurality of peripheral piston ring grooves, each piston ring groove having two groove flanks, one of the piston ring grooves being closest to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine than the remaining piston ring grooves, the groove flanks of at least the one of the piston ring grooves being hardened using a boundary layer, the piston upper part including an external surface which includes the hardened groove flanks, and a wear and correction protection layer coating at least the external surface, the wear and correction protection layer includes a nitration layer. The nitration layer is generated by converting the nitride-forming base alloy by one of plasma nitration and plasma nitro-carburization in at least one of a nitrogen atmosphere and a nitrogen-carbon atmosphere. |
| US07827901B2 |
Free swinging piston heat machine
The invention relates to positive-displacement free-piston heat machines with variable working chambers, which could be applied as an internal or external combustion engine, compressor, pump. The machine comprises two analogous assemblies of pistons, each consisting of two or more vanes having form of symmetrical star and attached to the hub. The assemblies of pistons are placed in the cylindrical cavity that is limited by two concentric cylindrical surfaces and two planes at the ends. The vanes the different assemblies are alternately displaced in the cavity. When the assemblies of pistons swing in opposite directions, variable working chambers are got between the adjacent vanes. The external loading or driving devices are connected directly to the assemblies of pistons either by coaxial shafts, radial junctions, planar or cylindrical rings. The machine with two bodies swinging in opposite direction presents well-balanced mechanical system, and vibration of the frame is avoided. |
| US07827900B2 |
Explosive round countermeasure system
A countermeasure system which is capable of defusing rocket propelled grenades (RPG) is provided by spacing an array of explosive charges or primacord from the protected structure to allow and sense an ogive of the fused RPG to enter into a functional plane of the array initiating one or more of the charges to collapse to ogive. The array is supported flexibly or rigidly and further ballistic protection is incorporated behind the array in fixed or inflatable forms to provide protection of the structure from the explosive products from the array and the ballistic impact of the defused RPG. |
| US07827899B2 |
Armor
An armor panel adapted to protect a body from an incoming projectile, the armor panel comprising an armor member constituted by at least one layer. The layer is encapsulated within and pressed upon by a wrapping as a result of an arresting process. The panel has a front, rear and side walls. The wrapping is preformed, prior to the process, with at least one outlet hole at least one of the rear and side walls. Through the outlet hole, air trapped within the armor panel prior to the arresting process, and/or excess gasses produced during the process, are allowed to escape. |
| US07827898B2 |
Hard armor composite
A hard armor composite includes a rigid facing and a ballistic fabric backing. The fabric backing is carried by the facing, and includes an array of bundled high-performance fibers. The fibers have a tensile strength greater than 7 grams per denier and a denier per filament ratio of less than 5.4. |
| US07827893B2 |
Elevation mechanism for table saws
Table saws with elevation mechanisms are disclosed. One embodiment includes a table saw with a blade, an elevation carriage, a trunnion structure, and a shaft positioned beyond the perimeter of the blade. Another embodiment includes a second shaft interconnecting the elevation carriage and trunnion structure, where the second shaft is positioned beyond the perimeter of the blade. |
| US07827889B2 |
Power tool safety mechanisms
A sensing mechanism (12) for detecting user contact with an active portion (26) of the power tool (10) is provided. In addition, a safety mechanism (14) for preventing prolonged user contact with the active portion (26) of a power tool (10) is provided. The safety mechanism (14) is configured to actuate upon receipt of a signal from the sensing mechanism (12). According to a first aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly displace the active portion (26) away from a user extremity. Alternatively, according to a second aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly urge an extremity of the user away from the active portion (26) of the power tool (10). |
| US07827888B2 |
C-shaped clip installation jig
A C-shaped clip 54 is set on the outer periphery of a shaft section 21 of a guide member 2. Part of the C-shaped clip 54 is held between a front edge of a clamp member 3 and the shaft section 21 by gripping a lever 4. In this case, the C-shaped clip 54 is held slantwise to situate the lower end thereof in front. Then, the shaft section 21 of the guide member 2 is inserted into a piston pin installation hole 51 of a piston. In this manner, the lower end of the C-shaped clip 54 is first fitted into an annular groove 53. If the shaft section 21 is further driven to advance while releasing the lever and releasing the holding condition by the clamp member 3, the rest of the C-shaped clip 54 is pushed into the annular groove 53 by a step section between the shaft section 21 and a joint section 22. |
| US07827886B2 |
Ratchet wrench with three operative positions
A ratchet wrench includes a drive member rotatably received in a body that includes a compartment extending from a first side toward and spaced from a second side of the body. A control member is pivotable between three operative positions to change the driving direction of the ratchet wrench. The control member includes a first end pivotably coupled to the drive member and a second end covering the compartment. The control member includes a control section selectively engaged with two pawls slideably received in the compartment and releasably engaged with teeth of the drive member. When the control member is in a second operative position, the pawls are engaged with the teeth of the drive member, allowing a handle of the body and the drive member to rotate in either of two directions driving the fastener, and not allowing free rotation of the handle relative to the drive member in either of the two directions without driving the fastener. |
| US07827882B2 |
Differential gear unit
A differential gear unit divides an input driving force into first and second outputs, and permits a difference between the first and second outputs. The differential gear unit includes a differential case serving as a casing that defines an internal space and an opening communicated with the internal space and that is rotatable in a given direction and an opposite direction. The differential case includes a flange portion as an input portion to which the driving force is input. The differential case is configured such that the fatigue life of the differential case when the driving force is repeatedly input in the flange portion in the direction R1 is longer than the fatigue life of the differential case when the driving force is repeatedly input in the flange portion in the opposite direction; R1 is the rotational direction in which the vehicle runs forward. |
| US07827880B2 |
Steering column assembly with a quick release bolt
The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column operable to adjustably support a steering wheel in the vehicle. The steering column assembly also includes a locking bracket adjacent to the steering column and moveable along a path for collapsing movement. The steering column assembly also includes a locking member supported in two-way movement by the locking bracket between a first position and a second position spaced from one another. In the first position, the locking member locks the locking bracket and the steering column member together. When the locking member is in the second position, the steering column member is moveable relative to the locking bracket. The steering column assembly also includes at least one quick release bolt engaged with the locking bracket to selectively fix the locking bracket with respect to the vehicle. The at least one quick release bolt is selectively divisible into at least two portions independently of the collapsing movement of the locking bracket along the path. |
| US07827874B2 |
Sample treatment system
According to the present invention, a sample treatment system is capable of successfully detecting the shape of a stopper of a stopper-equipped sample vessel. A sample treatment system comprises: a sample rack for supporting a stopper-equipped sample vessel in which collected samples are stored; a transfer line for transferring the sample rack; a pretreatment unit that is lined up along the transfer line, and that performs various kinds of pretreatment; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the transfer line and that of the pretreatment unit; wherein the pretreatment unit includes a sample rack supplying unit, a centrifugal separation unit, a stopper opening unit, a dispensing unit, a stopper closing unit, a classification unit, and a sample storing unit, the sample treatment system further comprising shape detection means for detecting the shape of the stopper. |
| US07827873B2 |
Soil sampling apparatus and method
An apparatus automatically removes soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly that rotates on a track. The probe of the sampler assembly is extended through the track and into the ground, then retracted on each revolution of the track. The sampler assembly is hinged and guided along a track in order to minimize soil compaction as the probe rotates around the rear wheel of the apparatus. Soil is ejected by means of a “rumble path” along the top of the track. The soil samples are pneumatically transferred to a bagging assembly located in the tractor pulling the apparatus. |
| US07827872B2 |
Apparatus for guiding a strip
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for guiding a strip, in particular a metal strip. Known apparatuses of this type have a carrier device (110) on which bearing blocks (120) arm fastened. Rollers (130) are rotatably mounted in the bearing blocks in order to guide the strip. So that the roller force acting on the roller in the loading case, i.e. during the guidance of the strip, can be measured in a lasting and reliable manner, it is proposed according to the invention to detect the deformation of the bearing block, in particular in the loading case, by means of a sensor device and ten to calculate the roller force required from the deformation of the bearing block by means of an evaluating device. |
| US07827867B2 |
Pressure sensing device
A pressure sensing device comprising a base element for fastening the pressure sensing device provided with a connecting duct for feeding a pressurized fluid. The pressure sensing device has a support member that extends along a plugging direction and is fitted with a plug-in connector section configured to be plugged into a complementary plug-in connector. The support member is connected to the base and is equipped with a pressure duct that is connected to the connecting duct, and encompasses a receiving hole which extends perpendicular to the plugging direction and communicates with the pressure duct. The pressure sensing device includes a pressure sensor element that is inserted into the receiving hole such that one of the surfaces of the pressure sensor element is exposed to pressure from the pressure duct, and is connected to contact elements for transmitting signals. |
| US07827863B2 |
Locomotive fuel tank sight glass in-situ cleaning system
Generally, a fuel tank sight glass cleanable without disassemble. Specifically, a fuel tank sight glass in which a sight glass cleaner element travels to remove deposition material from the surface of the surface of a sight glass. |
| US07827862B2 |
Flexible guided wave level meter probe
The invention is a level meter having a flexible probe. The flexible probe includes a flexible conductor and at least one flexible band shield member disposed in a substantially vertically parallel relationship with the conductor, where the conductor and the shield member are offset from each other. |
| US07827856B2 |
Roughness scanner
In a roughness scanner comprising a scanning arm with a scanning needle mounted at one end thereof, a skid carrier having an end supporting a skid with the scanning arm extending along the skid carrier in spaced relationship therefrom, the skid has at one side a guide late including an opening through which the scanning needle extends and a space formed above the guide plate which space is open at least at one side thereof down to the guide plate, so that any liquid collected by the needle and moving upward into the space above the guide late can flow again out of that space. |
| US07827851B2 |
Packaging structure of gas detector and method for making the same
The present invention provides a packaging structure of a gas detector and the method for making the same. The packaging structure of the gas detector includes a printed circuit board, a detection device and a ventilation cover. The detection device is attached to the printed circuit board by adhesive, and metallic wires are formed on the printed circuit board by wire-bonding process. The ventilation cover is positioned at the printed circuit board to cover the detection device. Signal terminals of the detection device are electrically connected with the contact terminals of the printed circuit board so as to test and check signals of the detection device. In this regard, the present invention is used to test and package a plurality of detection devices using one printed circuit board and without metallic terminals so that cost of the gas detector is significantly reduced. |
| US07827849B2 |
Gas sensor
A gas sensor (1) including a protector (100) for protecting a detection portion (11) of a sensor element (10). The protector (100) has an inner protector (120) and an outer protector (110). A diameter r of an exhaust hole (160) formed in the inner protector (120) and an axial distance h between a front end 10a of the sensor element 10 and the exhaust hole (160) satisfy a relation r≦2h/15+⅓. |
| US07827845B2 |
Method and kit for maintaining a sterile environment during calibration of a medical device
A method for maintaining a medical device in a sterile atmosphere at a desired temperature during a calibration step is provided. The method includes packaging a medical device and temperature indicator in a sterile container such that the indicator is visible to a user. Next, heat can be applied to the container in order to stabilize the temperature of the container (as indicated by the encased temperature indicator) at room temperature. Once at room temperature, the device can be calibrated while remaining in the sterile atmosphere. A kit including such a container and a set of instructions is also provided. Like above, the container of the kit can include a sterile medical device and temperature indicator such that the device can be maintained in a sterile environment during calibration and/or zeroing. As such, the method and kit allow for increased precision and safety in performing medical procedures. |
| US07827844B2 |
Method for detecting corrosion, erosion or product buildup on vibrating element densitometers and Coriolis flowmeters and calibration validation
A method and apparatus for validating the flow calibration factor of a Coriolis flowmeter. In accordance with a first embodiment, an improved material density is obtained by measuring material density when the temperature of the material is equal to a predetermined reference temperature. In accordance with a second embodiment, a preprogrammed data base stores density/temperature relationships. Improved density information is obtained by measuring the density and temperature of the material, applying the measured density/temperature information from the data base, and obtaining density information compensated for a predetermined reference temperature. The improved density information obtained for both embodiments is unaffected by temperature changes and is used to validate the flow calibration factor. The flow calibration factor compensation for pressure changes and changes in material composition is obtained in a similar manner. |
| US07827837B2 |
Electro-mechanical lock assembly
An electro-mechanical lock assembly comprises a casing, an electric control mechanism and a manual control member. The casing has a base and an axial bore formed at the base. The manual control member is installed penetrating the axial bore of the casing and has a knob and a spindle coupled to the knob. The electric control mechanism is disposed within the casing and comprises a control switch, a rotatable member capable of actuating the control switch, a clutch gear capable of driving the rotatable member, a position member capable of controlling movement of the clutch gear and a motor capable of driving the clutch gear. The rotatable member is coupled to the spindle of the manual control member and has at least one first coupling portion. The clutch gear has at least one second coupling portion corresponding to the first coupling portion. The second coupling portion is capable of being moved along the spindle to catch with the first coupling portion of the rotatable member. The spindle is installed penetrating the axial bore of the casing and one end of the spindle is coupled to the rotatable member of the electric control mechanism. |
| US07827835B2 |
Universal steering wheel lock
A steering wheel lock having a triple hook, a bar receiving mechanism, a lock box, a bar fixable to the lock box, and a lock is disclosed. The triple hook, via its lock box attaches to the steering wheel of a vehicle and is secured with the lock, which is attached with the bar. The length of the bar is adjusted within the lock box to provide a tight and secure fit customized to the particular dimensions of the steering wheel. A blinking LED alerts a passerby that the lock is engaged. A second embodiment covers the center of the steering wheel to prevent airbag theft and secure opposite sides of the steering wheel. |
| US07827833B2 |
Drum-type washing machine and bearing housing structure thereof
A drum type washing machine including a tub installed in a cabinet is disclosed. The drum type washing machine includes a drum performing washing, a motor rotating the drum, bearing housings having bearings to support a rotation shaft, a suspension connected to the bearing housings and the cabinet to mitigate vibration generated during rotation of the drum, a bracket installed to the bearing housings to form the rear side of the tub, and a gasket installed between the bracket and the tub to seal the tub and to prevent vibration from being transmitted from the bracket to the tub. Volumes of the tub and the drum can be easily increased without increasing the volume of the cabinet. Even when the volume of the washing machine is changed, only one of the tub and the bearing housings, which is not applicable to the drum type washing machine having the changed washing capacity, is selectively replaced. Thus parts can commonly used in various drum type washing machine having different volume. |
| US07827831B2 |
Detergent flush-in device
A flush-in device is provided for a washing machine and has at least one flushable chamber open at the top. In order that, during flushing, liquid does not easily enter into an outer area of the flush-in device as a result, for example, of leakage and/or water of condensation and in order to simplify the construction of the flush-in device, especially in a sealing area and to reduce assembly expenditure, at least one annular channel at least partially surrounding the upper opening of the flushable chamber is provided and any liquid which has already penetrated into the annular channel can be led away via this channel. |
| US07827828B2 |
Circular knitting machine with sinker cams facilitating high-speed operation
A sinker cam ring for a circular knitting machine comprises a plurality of sinker cam segments arranged edge-to-edge to form the sinker cam ring, each sinker cam segment defining a portion of a sinker cam track that defines sinker-advancing and sinker-retracting surfaces. Breaks between adjacent sinker cam segments are located in linear portions of at least one of the sinker-advancing surfaces and sinker-retracting surfaces where substantially only frictional forces act on the sinkers, and thus where radial acceleration of the sinkers caused by the cam surfaces is substantially zero. The breaks for a given sinker cam segment can be circumferentially staggered relative to each other. |
| US07827827B2 |
Portable yarn carryall device
A yarn carryall device comprising a portable chassis with a plurality of knitting accessory holders. The chassis comprises at least one spool cradle wherein the at least one spool cradle is configured to freely rotate therein at least one spool in a horizontal orientation. The device includes a plurality of knitting accessory holders coupled to the portable chassis. The spool may be empty so that a batch of yarn may be uploaded onto the spool for dispensing during the knitting or crocheting process. |
| US07827826B2 |
Method and a machine for the production of hollow glassware articles
A bi-directional curvilinear transference apparatus for a glassware forming machine, to be mounted on an apparatus support frame, to transfer a parison held by a rotary inverting apparatus at an intermediate station to a blow forming station. |
| US07827821B2 |
Absorption refrigerating machine
To provide a highly efficient and compact absorption refrigerating machine with water heated from 60 to 70 degrees Celsius as the heat source. In an absorption refrigerating machine including a regenerator G, condenser C, an absorber A, an evaporator E, an auxiliary regenerator GX and an auxiliary absorber AX, the concentrated solution from G is heated and further concentrated in GX, while the diluted solution from A is cooled in AX, the refrigerant vapor from GX is absorbed. A low temperature heat exchanger XL is provided for heat exchange between the concentrated solution supplied from GX to A, and the diluted solution sent from AX to G, and a high temperature heat exchanger XH is provided for heating the diluted solution leaving from XL and sent to G with the concentrated solution supplied from G to GX. |
| US07827808B2 |
Method for washing cooling or air conditioning circuits and device for carrying out said method
The invention relates to a method for washing cooling or air conditioning circuits, according to which a washing agent is conducted through said cooling or air conditioning circuit. Said agent dissolves and absorbs the soluble substances that adhere to the cooling or air conditioning circuits and discharges the mechanical contaminants. The washing agent is conducted through the cooling or air conditioning circuit that is washed in a closed cycle without escaping into the environment, by the pressure differential between the pressure chamber and the distillation chamber and is returned to the pressure chamber after being cleaned in the distillation chamber, compressed by a compressor and cooled in a condenser. The invention also relates to a device for washing cooling or air conditioning circuits, said device consisting of a pressure chamber containing a washing agent. The outlet pipe for fluid of the pressure chamber is connected to the cooling or air conditioning circuit that is washed. A compressor and a condenser, which is connected to a supply line for fluid to the pressure chamber, are connected upstream of said chamber. A distillation chamber is connected between the cooling or air conditioning circuit that is washed and the compressor and inert gas that is compressed by the washing agent is contained in the pressure chamber. |
| US07827807B2 |
Refrigerant-based thermal energy storage and cooling system with enhanced heat exchange capability
Disclosed is a method and device to increase the cooling load that can be provided by a refrigerant-based thermal energy storage and cooling system with an improved arrangement of heat exchangers. This load increase is accomplished by circulating cold water surrounding a block of ice, used as the thermal energy storage medium, through a secondary heat exchanger where it condenses refrigerant vapor returning from a load. The refrigerant is then circulated through a primary heat exchanger within the block of ice where it is further cooled and condensed. This system is known as an internal/external melt system because the thermal energy, stored in the form of ice, is melted internally by a primary heat exchanger and externally by circulating cold water from the periphery of the block through a secondary heat exchanger. |
| US07827801B2 |
Gas turbine engine transitions comprising closed cooled transition cooling channels
A transition (200) for a gas turbine engine (100) comprises a transition wall (201) comprising cooling channels (213L, 213R, 223L, 223R) that are adapted to pass a cooling fluid, such as compressed air from a compressor (102) during operation of the gas turbine engine (100) so as to cool combusted hot gases passing through the transition (200). For each cooling channel (213L, 213R, 223L, 223R), respective entry ports (212L, 212L, 222L, 222R) and exit ports (214L, 214R, 224L, 224R) are arranged so as to obtain a performance improvement based upon pressure differentials between the respective entry and exit ports. In various embodiments, a scoop (220) is associated with an entry port (222L, 222R) so as to establish a more elevated pressure differential in the respective cooling channel (223L, 223R). An entry port (330a-h) may be positioned offset relative to a lower-positioned exit port (340a-h) so as to so minimize or eliminate intake of heated airflow from a respective nearby exit port (340a-h). Such offset positioning may be based on the airflow paths and cooling requirements at selected high-temperature operating conditions. |
| US07827799B2 |
Dirt separator for compressor diffuser in gas turbine engine
A compressor diffuser for a gas turbine engine is provided with a dirt separator. The dirt separator ensures the air having moved downstream of the compressor section, and moving toward the combustion section, is separated into a dirtier air flow path directly radially outwardly, and a cleaner airflow path directed radially inwardly. In this manner, the air reaching a combustion section, and the air being utilized for radially inner cooling air is relatively cleaner air. Further, the dirt separator provides a convenient surface for mounting a pressure sensor. In one embodiment, the dirt separator is mounted within the diffuser housing, and in a second embodiment, it is mounted immediately downstream. |
| US07827795B2 |
Active thermal protection for fuel injectors
A fuel injector and turbine engine incorporating the fuel injector are provided. The fuel injector includes an active cooling system that insulates fuel flowing through the fuel injector from heat energy within the turbine engine. The cooling system includes a cooling air passage that includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the interior of an engine case of the turbine engine. The inlet is at a higher air pressure location than the outlet such that air is siphoned through the cooling air passage. A portion of the cooling air passage includes a heat exchanger for extracting heat energy from the cooling air. The cooling air passes through the fuel injector after it has passed through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is positioned external to the engine case and in thermal communication with the ambient. |
| US07827792B2 |
Refrigerant cooled main steam condenser binary cycle
This invention reduces the fuel consumption of the modern day power plant by lowering the main steam condenser operating pressure. The main steam condenser is a heat exchanger located in the power plant steam system for condensing steam. The main steam enters the main steam condenser, flowing around the tubes with the coolant flowing thru the tubes, condensing the steam. This invention replaces the present condenser once thru cooling water system with a refrigerant cooling system. The much lower normal temperature and greater high heat absorption rate of the refrigerant, lowers the main steam condenser operating pressure much below that of the present cooling water system. The lower condenser pressure increases steam flow, extracting more energy from the steam, increasing the plant-operating efficiency. This invention combines the conventional steam cycle with the conventional refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant compressor is driven by the main steam turbine which creates the binary cycle. |
| US07827791B2 |
Advanced power recovery and energy conversion systems and methods of using same
Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for producing mechanical power from a heat source. The system may include a heat recovery heat exchanger, a turbine, a condenser heat exchanger, and a liquid circulating pump, etc. In other embodiments, a desuperheater or an economizer, or both, may be employed. In one illustrative embodiment, the system comprises a first heat exchanger adapted to receive a fluid from a heat source and a working fluid, wherein, when the working fluid is passed through the first heat exchanger, the working fluid is converted to a vapor via heat transfer with the fluid from the heat source, at least one turbine adapted to receive the vapor, and an optional economizer heat exchanger adapted to receive exhaust vapor from the turbine and the working fluid, wherein a temperature of the working fluid is adapted to be increased via heat transfer with the exhaust vapor from the turbine prior to the introduction of the working fluid into the first heat exchanger. The system further comprises a condenser heat exchanger that is adapted to receive the exhaust vapor from the turbine after the exhaust vapor has passed through the optional economizer heat exchanger and a cooling fluid, wherein a temperature of the exhaust vapor is reduced via heat transfer with the cooling fluid, and a pump that is adapted to circulate the working fluid to the optional economizer heat exchanger. |
| US07827788B1 |
Water power generator
A tidal power generator has a floating vessel hull that is subject to rising and falling water levels so that the hull moves vertically up and down. Linear-to-rotary converters are coupled between the vessel hull and a fixed object. The converters allow the hull to move vertically while constraining the horizontal movement of the hull. The converters convert the vertical movement of the hull into rotary movement, which is then used to drive an electrical generator. A harborage is provided to protect the hull and the converters and to regulate the water level for the vessel hull as well as become a fixed object relative to the vessel from which a change in relative position causes power to be developed. If the hull is subject to tidal variations, vertical movement of the hull can be desynchronized from the tidal variations so as to store energy during slack tides. |
| US07827784B2 |
Exhaust gas control apparatus for internal combustion engine and method of controlling same
An exhaust gas control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas purification catalyst device provided in an exhaust passage for the engine; an HC adsorption portion, provided in the exhaust passage, which adsorbs hydrocarbon in exhaust gas; a passage switching portion that selectively closes/opens a second passage bypassing the HC adsorption portion using an intake pipe negative pressure in the engine so that the exhaust gas flows in a first passage provided with the HC adsorption portion, or in the first passage and the second passage; and a control portion that controls the negative pressure so that the second passage is closed, when a predetermined condition is satisfied at the time of start of the engine. The control portion executes at least one of a control that advances the valve timing of an intake valve, and a control that reduces the opening amount of a throttle valve. |
| US07827770B2 |
Method for the operation of a package emptying station
A method for operating a package emptying station having a work station, in which an emptying step is performed, an inlet via which the package to be emptied is inserted into the work station, an outlet via which the emptied package is ejected, and a product outlet through which the emptied contents of the package is discharged. Continuous tubular film packs are provided both at the inlet and also at the package outlet which seal off the inlet and the outlet and encase the package to be emptied or the emptied package during the insertion or corresponding ejection of the package. The film is sealed off and severed between individual packages such that the interior and the exterior do not come into contact. In this manner, both contamination of the package contents by environmental substances and also any contamination of the environment by the package contents can be avoided. |
| US07827769B2 |
Method of folding a sheet of packing material with an extraction opening about a group of cigarettes, and corresponding package of cigarettes
A method of folding a sheet of packing material, having an extraction opening, about a group of cigarettes; the method includes the steps of: bringing a first end wall of the group of cigarettes into contact with the flat sheet of packing material, so that the major transverse edges of the group of cigarettes are parallel to the short sides of the sheet of packing material, and the minor transverse edges of the group of cigarettes are parallel to the long sides of the sheet of packing material; folding the sheet of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges of the first end wall, so that the sheet of packing material covers both the major lateral walls of the group of cigarettes completely; folding the sheet of packing material onto a second end wall of the group of cigarettes; and folding the sheet of packing material onto the minor lateral walls of the group of cigarettes; the first end wall of the group of cigarettes is positioned asymmetrically with respect to the sheet of packing material, so that the first end wall of the group of cigarettes is closer to the short side of the sheet of packing material opposite the extraction opening, and is further from the short side of the sheet of packing material located close to the extraction opening. |
| US07827767B2 |
Method and packing machine for combining an insert and a group of cigarettes
A method and packing machine for combining an insert and a group of cigarettes; the group of cigarettes is fed to a first seat of a pocket, which first seat is designed to house the group of cigarettes; the insert is fed to a second seat of the pocket, which second seat is designed to house the insert and is separate from the first seat; and the group of cigarettes and the insert are expelled together from the pocket by a common ejector device, so as to combine the insert with the group of cigarettes. |
| US07827766B2 |
Method and device for packaging load body
A bulk material is compacted from its bulk state into a rectangular parallelepiped so that it can readily be wrapped with stretch film. To this end, a stretch film is wrapped spirally around a cylindrical skirt section having an open end while the stretch film is being moved towards the open end of the skirt section, thereby forming a cylinder of such stretch film. While the cylinder of wrapped film is being moved further, a pressed load material is pushed out of the skirt section to push the pressed load material into the cylinder of wrapped film fed past the open end of the skirt section. The wrapped cylindrical film is severed at positions spaced from opposite ends of the load material covered therewith or is sealed at these opposite ends. |
| US07827760B2 |
Spacer profile for a spacer frame for an insulating window unit and insulating window unit
A spacer profile (50) for a spacer profile frame mountable in the edge area of an insulating window unit for forming an intervening space (53) between window panes (51, 52), has a profile body (10) made of synthetic material and comprises one or more chambers (20) for accommodating hygroscopic material. A metal film (30) encloses the profile body on three-sides such that, in the bent/assembled state of the spacer profile, the non-enclosed inner side of the profile body is directed towards the intervening space between the window panes. The not-enclosed inner side of the profile body comprises openings (15) for moisture exchange between hygroscopic material accommodated in the chamber(s) and the intervening space between the window panes. The metal film comprises a profile (31a-g, 32a-g) on each end directed towards the intervening space of the window panes. Each profile has at least one edge or bend. |
| US07827758B1 |
Method to repair a concrete vapor barrier
The present invention provides a device and method to maintain the integrity of a vapor barrier for use with concrete slab on grade construction. In accordance with the present invention an apparatus to repair a punctured concrete slab vapor barrier includes a substantially planar concrete slab vapor barrier patch having a resealable aperture to receive a removable, substantially upright support. The patch is secured to the existing vapor barrier and the concrete is poured and substantially set. The support is removed and the malleable concrete flows, causing the engagement of the resealable aperture, thereby repairing the punctured vapor barrier. |
| US07827755B2 |
Floor panels with edge connectors
Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling. |
| US07827753B2 |
Lofted mat for shingles
A roofing shingle comprising a mat having regions of various thicknesses. A layer of asphalt-based material coats the mat and a layer of granules is deposited on the asphalt-coated mat. The variations in the thickness of the regions of the mat give the shingle differences in thickness corresponding to the thickness variations in the regions of the mat, thereby giving the shingle an appearance of depth. |
| US07827752B2 |
Insulating concrete form having locking mechanism engaging tie with anchor
A knocked-down insulating concrete form including two spaced apart lightweight panels maintained in position by a tie assembly. The tie assembly including a pair of vertically elongated anchors which are each attached to one of the two panels, and a tie engaging the anchors to maintain the panels in spaced apart relation. The tie engaging the anchors via a slideable locking mechanism for selectively preventing slideable movement between the tie and the anchors. |
| US07827745B2 |
Panel particularly for providing explosion-resistant curtain walls
A panel for providing explosion-resistant curtain walls comprising at least one glass pane suitable to form a glazing unit, and associated with a supporting frame constituted by at least two uprights connected, at their upper and lower ends, by at least two cross-members. The panel comprises an interconnection device for strengthening and interconnecting the uprights and the cross-members, a guiding device for strengthening and guiding in position two contiguous uprights of two panels arranged one above the other, and a limiting device for limiting mutual rotation of two contiguous uprights of two panels arranged side by side. |
| US07827744B2 |
Storm panel assembly for covering a window or door opening
A plurality of elongated panels of light transmitting plastics sheet material each have longitudinally extending parallel spaced ribs and longitudinally extending co-planner opposite edge portions. An elongated support member for each panel has a base portion secured to the opposite edge portions of the panel adjacent the upper end portion of the panel and includes a hook portion adapted to engage a hook-shaped support rail mounted on a building over a window or door opening. Each hook portion has end surfaces recessed inwardly from opposite edge surfaces of the panel and provide for overlapping edge portions of adjacent panels. The lower end portion of an outer panel is supported by a sill bracket mounted on the building under the opening and receives a U-shaped track member secured to the panel. The bracket and track member are connected by pull pins located within the ribs of the outer panel. |
| US07827741B2 |
Guy anchor equalizer plate with ultrasound port
A device for anchoring one or more guy wires used to support a transmission tower is provided. The device includes an equalizer plate having a front surface and a back surface, and an anchor rod affixed proximal to a first end thereof such that a flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod is completely exposed. The equalizer plate of the anchoring device includes a recess for receiving the first end of the anchor rod. The recess comprises a first elongated region having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the anchor rod, and an opening formed at an end of the elongated region. The flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod preferably extends into the opening beyond the point where the opening meets the elongated region. |
| US07827740B2 |
Aerodynamic roof edge guard
An aerodynamic system attached to the outer side of the roof perimeter edge to mitigate wind generated vortices and uplift loads on the roof perimeter area of a building, applicable for both new constructions and retrofits of existing buildings. A roof edge guard is generally installed alongside a roof edge, and mounted onto an existing fascia or bargeboard. As an option most appropriate for new constructions, it can also be mounted directly onto a roof frame member in place of fascias or bargeboard. The configuration modifies the cross-sectional shape of otherwise abrupt roof edges that tend to generate strong vortex during high winds. |
| US07827738B2 |
System for modular building construction
Construction systems for erecting building structures comprise a plurality of prefabricated interconnectable modular building units, each unit not meeting at least one of the ISO certification criteria for transport of cargo, but each unit comprising a frame shaped as a rectangular parallelopiped and comprised of framing members and a plurality of nodes, each node situated at a corner of said frame for selective interconnection with other units, the nodes and the exterior dimensions of the frame conforming to ISO shipping standards such that each unit is transportable using the ISO intermodal transportation system, and such that when the units are aggregated horizontally and vertically and adjacent units are interconnected, a building structure comprising at least one habitable space is formed. The modular units are assembled in a factory remote from the job site, and are there constructed to a semi-finished state, including installation of one or more of interior fit-out systems and finishes, exterior envelope systems, plumbing systems, electrical systems, environmental systems, and fire protection systems, following which the semi-finished modular units are transported from the factory to the job site, where they are craned into place and secured to form the structure being erected, a plurality of adjacent pairs of semi-finished modular units also being “stitched” together, and the semi-finished modular units are thereafter constructed to a finished state. |
| US07827737B2 |
Recessed plaster collar assembly
A plaster collar assembly having a first ring, a second ring secured to the first ring, and a mechanism arranged at an outer periphery of at least one of the rings for axially displacing the first and second rings during rotation of the secured rings relative to each other. |
| US07827735B1 |
Liftgate assembly for automotive vehicle
A liftgate assembly for an automotive vehicle includes an outer panel having an external periphery and a skeletonized, trussform inner panel joined to the outer panel at their mutual external peripheries. A latch assembly is mounted within a latch cavity defined by a section of the trussform inner panel and a facing portion of the outer panel. At least one standoff structure is interposed between the outer panel and the inner panel at a location adjacent to the latch cavity so as to resist deformation of the outer panel and consequent reduction in size of the latch cavity in the event that an impact is imposed upon the outer panel at a location near the latch cavity. |
| US07827733B2 |
Mobile garden cart
A kit for a mobile gardening cart that includes the following: a base structure, storage areas, and a plurality of wheels to allow it to pivot in any directions, an upright frame structure with reasonable braced support, linage/connection to a main vertical frame, and multiple stackable container forms to be placed parallel to each other in an ascending upward fashion on the upright frame structure. |
| US07827729B2 |
Portable fishing pole holder
A portable fishing pole holder is a device for supporting a fishing pole without manually holding the pole. It is a substantially “Y” shaped frame which further comprises a support and an anchor. The support contains the fishing pole. The anchor secures the fishing pole holder. Optionally, the fishing pole holder includes a bridging member to more securely contain the fishing pole. The an anchor for securing the in which the fishing pole is placed while fishing. The other end is used to anchor the device. Optionally, it has members to more securely support the fishing pole or to more securely anchor the device. |
| US07827728B1 |
Animal decoy apparatus
The invention provides animal decoys and animal decoy kits comprising a body portion and a support member. The support member is made up of a sleeve with a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end of the support member is positioned within the body portion of the decoy. The decoy can also include a carrying aperture, having an interior surface, and a reinforcement member positioned to cover at least a portion of the interior surface of the carrying aperture. The body portion of the decoy can further contain textural ridges and a carrying strap, which passes through the carrying aperture. |
| US07827726B2 |
Target illumination and sighting device with integrated non-lethal weaponry
A weapon accessory integrates multiple illumination sources and a mechanism for dispensing a chemical irritant within a single housing for attachment as a fore grip to a firearm. The weapon accessory has selectable microprocessor-controlled multi-modes of operation for providing illumination, sighting or target debilitation. Switches on the outside of the housing enable user setting and control of the multiple modes of operation, which include one or a combination of (i) activating high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate an object or human subject with either visible or infrared light, (ii) activating a visible or infrared laser for sighting a target, (iii) activating a frequency modulation mode that alternates pulsing white and blue LEDs at three superimposed frequencies to temporarily disable, distract and degrade the vision of a human subject, and (iv) activating the chemical irritant dispenser. |
| US07827723B1 |
Lateral de-centering of riflescope objective for aiming adjustment
A riflescope includes an objective lens component slidably supported on a guide track oriented perpendicular to an optic axis of the objective lens component for lateral, non-pivoting movement of the objective lens component in or along a plane perpendicular to the optic axis. Movement of the objective lens component shifts an image of a target in the field of view relative to an aiming mark displayed in the riflescope. In a preferred embodiment, a transparent optical window is fixedly mounted forwardly of the objective lens element and sealed to the riflescope housing. |
| US07827721B2 |
Collapsible firearm stock assembly
A collapsible firearm stock system is generally provided and preferably includes a shoulder stock system adapted to receive a buttstock thereon, and a locking linkage having a first linkage portion, a second linkage portion, and a hinge pin operatively uniting the first and said second linkage portions. One of the linkage portions is carried by the shoulder stock assembly so as to define a terminal end therefore, the other of the linkage portions being adapted to be carried by a firearm. Each of the linkage portions are adapted so as to automatically unite in locking engagement upon axial alignment of the shoulder stock assembly with the firearm about the hinge pin. |
| US07827719B2 |
Reversible backstrap for firearm
A firearm with reversible backstrap and method of use. The firearm in one embodiment includes a frame defining a grip and a cavity therein, and a backstrap insert that is removably positioned in the cavity. The insert includes first and second backstrap grip surfaces that are each respectively disposed on opposite portions of the backstrap insert, such as a front portion and a rear portion in one embodiment. Preferably, the second backstrap grip surface is different than the first grip surface in some characteristic, such as thickness, profile or shape, material of construction, surface texture, etc. In one embodiment, the position of the insert may be reversed in the frame to selectively reverse the orientation of the first and second grip surfaces between front-facing and rear-facing in some embodiments to provide a user with a choice of grip surfaces. In some embodiments, this allows the user to change the grip depth of the firearm. |
| US07827715B2 |
Multi-directional hand-held sign
A multi-sided hand-held sign includes two substantially planar panels having a preselected shape interlocking substantially perpendicularly at a common central vertical axis and held in position partly by a handle for engaging with and holding the sign panels. Indicia typical of signs held by school crossing guards are disposed on all the planar surfaces of the planar sign panels, and a slotted top end cap is engageable with the top horizontal edges of the planar sign panels. |
| US07827714B2 |
Pole mounted illuminated sign
A lighting unit adapted to be mounted to a vertical member, preferably a pole for use at a checkout counter in a retail service location. The lighting unit includes a substantially polygonal housing secured to the pole. The housing typically includes at least three sides, a top, and a base; the top may have slots to promote ventilation. An opening is formed in the first side of the housing and defines a receiving location for the pole, situated between the top and base of the housing. A clamp plate is releasably engageable with the first side of the housing spans the opening adjacent to the pole, and releasably engages the pole to provide for easy vertical adjustment of the housing relative to the pole. Each flange can advantageously include at least one set of teeth for enhancing the gripping strength of the clamp plates and penetrating the vertical member. |
| US07827708B2 |
Cycling shoe
A cycling shoe substantially defined by an appropriately shaped vamp, a rigid sole stitched and/or glued to the bottom of the vamp, and one or more Velcro-fastened straps by which to tighten the vamp and immobilize the user's foot inside the shoe; each strap having a slip ring secured stably to the vamp, close to a first lateral edge of the vamp defining the longitudinal opening for insertion of the foot; and a fastening strip, of appropriate length, which has a first end secured stably to the vamp, close to a second lateral edge of the vamp defining the longitudinal opening for insertion of the foot, and is designed to fold back on itself about an intermediate portion, so that the second end of the strip rests on one of the two faces of the strip, close to the first end of the strip. |
| US07827703B2 |
Footwear structure and method of forming the same
A footwear structure including an outsole, an upper and a midsole, each including a shank interlock portion. The midsole may include a base portion including at least one receptacle and an insert disposed in the receptacle. |
| US07827700B2 |
Method and jig for device for measuring three-dimensional shape of connection assembly of stator coil in turbine generator
A method of measuring a three-dimensional shape of a connection assembly of a stator coil in a turbine generator, includes first measuring a three-dimensional shape of a measurement area of the connection assembly of the stator coil in a measurement range set in advance by a laser non-contact three-dimensional shape measurement device, second measuring a three-dimensional shape of a measurement area of the connection assembly of the stator coil in a measurement range set in advance by a multi-joint contact three-dimensional shape measurement device, the multi-joint contact three-dimensional shape measurement device including a plurality of arms being coupled via a joint including a built-in encoder, and integrally synthesizing the three-dimensional shape data measured in the first measurement, the three-dimensional shape data measured in the second measurement, and shape measurement data of a local area measured manually, thereby drafting a plan of the stator connection assembly. |
| US07827695B1 |
Hair-slicing electric razor
This new electric razor has a set of multiple shaving knives (12), having dual cutting edges longitudinally on both sides of knife, and rotating and reciprocating simultaneously on the inner surface of a cylindrical shaving screen (11). This mechanism creates a 3-dimensionally elliptical motion of the shaving knives that effectively slices hair off (not chopping) and provides a smooth and comfortable shave with minimum skin irritation. The cylindrical shaving screen (11) and the main body (19) containing a rotating cup (16), a motor (17) and power source (18) forms an inherently ergonomic, angled shape, which is also slim and compact overall for convenient use and easy carrying. This razor has a 360 degree effective shaving screen surface and can be used in wet or dry environments. Cleaning the shaving head screen requires no disassembly and can be done easily under running water. |
| US07827690B1 |
Method of attaching a collector housing of a liquid cooled exhaust
A collector for liquid cooled exhaust includes a retention member, a coolant transfer plate and a collector housing. The retention member fits between at least two exhaust jacket pipes and is attached thereto. Holes are formed through the coolant transfer plate to receive the at least two exhaust jacket pipes and exhaust pipes. Such holes form respective sealing grooves therein, and respective sealing rings are received in such sealing grooves. The coolant transfer plate is secured to the retention member with welding or the like. At least one coolant opening is formed through each exhaust jacket pipe at substantially at end thereof, adjacent a coolant passage cavity in the coolant transfer plate. The collector housing is attached to the coolant transfer plate. Coolant flows between the exhaust pipes and exhaust jacket pipes; through the coolant transfer plate; and through the coolant housing. |
| US07827688B2 |
Method for riveting fins into bottom plate of heat dissipating device
A method for riveting fins into a bottom plate of a heat dissipating device is disclosed. A punching device has a plurality of weights each of which is formed as a thin sheet. The punching device is installed to a fixture; a plurality of fins are spaced with a predetermined gap; and a bottom plate is formed with a plurality of trenches for receiving the fins. The method comprising the step of: positioning the bottom plate at the fixture; inserting the fins into the trenches of the bottom plate; inserting the weights of the punching device into the fins so that each space between two fins has a weight; and punching a backside of the bottom plate by a puncher so that as the bottom plate moves; the weights collide with and deform portions of the bottom plate between the fins to rivet the fins into the bottom plate, firmly securing the fins in the bottom plate. |
| US07827682B2 |
Apparatus for making circuitized substrates having photo-imageable dielectric layers in a continuous manner
Apparatus and method for making circuitized substrates using a continuous roll format in which a layer of conductor is fed into the apparatus, layers of photo-imageable dielectric are applied to opposite sides of the conductor layer, thru-holes are formed through the composite, and then metal layers are added over the dielectric and then patterns (e.g., circuit) are formed therein. Several operations are performed in addition to these to form the final end product, a circuitized substrate (e.g., printed circuit board), all while the conductor layer of the product is retained in a solid format, up to the final separation from the continuous layer. |
| US07827676B2 |
Apparatus and method for the installation of a pre-assembled stator core
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for installing a stator core, or portions thereof, into a power generator frame 2 that comprises assembling the stator core inside of a container 60, and then moving the container to the power generator 1. The container 60 is horizontally aligned with the power generator 1, and the stator core is transferred from the container to the power generator. |
| US07827675B2 |
Method of manufacturing an activated carbon fiber soft electric heating product
A method of manufacturing an activated carbon fiber soft electric heating product for overcoming existing problems including uneven temperature rise and heat dissipation at surfaces of the product, unbendable feature, short life and poor safety. An activated carbon fiber cloth and a woven fiber cloth of the activated carbon fiber soft electric heating product are fixed by an epoxy resin layer, and a conducting copper net is disposed between the activated carbon fiber cloth and the epoxy resin layer and coupled to a power input wire. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: (1) spraying an epoxy resin on a surface of the woven fiber cloth, and bake-drying and hot pressing the woven fiber cloth; and (2) connecting the conducting copper net and the power input wire, laying the activated carbon fiber cloth, and performing a second-time hot pressing. Meanwhile, carbon fiber constitutes a heat generating surface with the advantages of a light weight, a soft texture, a bendable feature, a uniform electric heating performance, a fast temperature rise, a highly safe, reliable and long life feature. In addition, the method of the invention involves a simple technical skill and an easy operation. |
| US07827672B2 |
Method of manufacture stator for an automotive alternator
In a stator for an automotive alternator, the inner circumferential surfaces of the bridge portions are placed in contact with the end surfaces of the stator core without any gaps so that the spatial ratio occupied by the clusters of stator windings belonging to the bridge portions in the coil ends of the stator coil is at high density. The method of manufacture comprises a step of manufacturing a parallelepiped laminated body having a plurality of slots by laminating a plurality of comb-shaped strips each having a band portion and a plurality of teeth, a step of inserting into the slots from the side of the openings of the slots a stator coil comprising bridge portions and axially parallel portions having current generating portions, a step of extending the ends of the teeth of the laminated body in the longitudinal direction of the laminated body, and a step of bending the laminated body to form a cylindrical shape. |
| US07827670B2 |
Method for assembling a universal joint
A universal joint includes a spider, first and second yokes drivingly interconnected by the spider, a plurality of bearing cups and a plurality of retaining members. The first yoke includes spaced apart arms with apertures extending through each arm. The apertures are coaxially aligned with one another and include a circumferential groove spaced apart from an edge of the arm. Each bearing cup is positioned within one of the apertures and in receipt of one of the trunnions. A portion of each bearing cup is positioned in communication with a corresponding groove. Each retaining member is operable to complement the size and shape of the corresponding groove, bearing cup and aperture such that each retaining member couples one of the bearing cups to its associated arm. |
| US07827668B2 |
Method of connecting coiled tubing to a connector
A connection between coiled tubing and a connector includes a plurality of dimples formed by a tubing, each dimple is disposed within a respective pocket formed in a connector to form at least two rows of dimple-pocket connections, wherein the fit of the dimples within the pockets of the rows graduates from tighter to looser along the length of the connection. The connection may further include a seal member positioned between the tubing and the connector positioned between at least two of the rows of dimple-pocket connections formed. A method of connecting coiled tubing to a connector includes the steps of graduating the dimple-pocket connections from tighter to looser along the length of the connection. |
| US07827664B1 |
Apparatus for automatically removing a connector clip
An apparatus for automatically and simultaneously removing connector clips of a workpiece from a gauge. The present invention includes at least one gauging fixture having at least one aperture extending therethrough in a predetermined position. The at least one aperture is adaptable to receive a connector clip connected to the workpiece wherein the connector clip is engageable with the aperture between a non-engaging position, wherein the connector clip does not engage the aperture, and an engaging position, wherein the connector clip engages the aperture for securing the workpiece against the gauging fixture to gauge the position of the connector clip. At least one linear actuator is connected to the gauging fixture adjacent the aperture to move between a retracted position, wherein the connector clip remains engaged with the gauging fixture, and an extended position, wherein the linear actuator disengages the connector clip from the gauging fixture. |
| US07827662B2 |
Device of a descaler head
A device of a descaler head is described with circumferentially following and longitudinally following rows of descaler parts (22, 24, 26) where the descaler head comprises: a shaft (12) onto which are fed a number of holding elements for the descaler parts (22, 24, 26), said holding bodies are held together in axial direction with the help of adjustable gripping appliances on the carrier shaft, and each descaler part is connected to associated holding bodies via connecting means that are each in the form of a relatively short length of chain, piece of wire or similar flexible connecting means, at a distance from the rotational axis of the descaler head. The descaler head is characterized in that each holding body is formed by two mutually separated disc-formed elements(30, 32), with the descaler elements (22, 24, 26) being arranged held in between the plate elements of the holding body with mutual distance along their periphery, with each holding body (30, 32) being shaped with means to prevent mutual twisting in relation to the adjoining holding bodies. |
| US07827658B2 |
Method for manufacturing actuator device and liquid ejecting head including actuator device prepared by the method
A method is provided for manufacturing an actuator device including a substrate, a vibration plate, lower electrode, and a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode. The vibration plate is formed by forming an insulating film comprised of a columnar crystalline zirconium layer whose surface has an average crystal grain size of about 20 to 50 nm on one surface the substrate, and then thermally oxidizing the zirconium layer into a columnar crystalline zirconium oxide layer whose surface has an average crystal grain size of about 20 to 50 nm. The zirconium layer shows an XRD pattern having a (002) plane peak with an FWHM of 0.4 or less. The piezoelectric element is formed on the lower electrode. |
| US07827657B2 |
Method of making an electrode assembly for plasma processing apparatus
A method of making an electrode assembly for a plasma processing apparatus includes securing a backing member to an electrode wherein first fastener members mounted in apertures in the backing member cooperate with second fastener members to hold the electrode assembly to a support member, such as a temperature-controlled top plate in a plasma processing chamber. |
| US07827652B2 |
Windscreen wiper structure
A windscreen wiper structure includes a supporting object, a windscreen wiper strip, and a connecting device. The windscreen wiper strip fixes to the supporting object's lower surface. The connecting device includes a center stand, a hook stand, an outer housing, and a lid body. The center stand fixes in the middle of the supporting object's upper surface. The center stand has an axle. The hook stand has a pivoting hole. The hook stand's pivoting hole connects to the axle. The outer housing disposes in the center stand's exterior. There is an opening hole in the outer housing's upper part. A piercing hole sets in the lid body's upper part. One end of the lid body pivotally connects to the outer housing. The lid body opens or closes with the outer housing's opening hole. Hence, the connecting device and the windscreen wiper strip joins together quickly, making assembly and disassembly easier. |
| US07827651B2 |
Quick release paint roller
A quick-release paint roller having a roller cover that can be removed from a handle assembly without requiring the user to apply a force directly to the roller cover. The paint roller includes a tube-shaped roller cover having an outer surface of paint absorbing material and a rotatably mounted roller core. When the actuator is in the release position, the roller mounting device is free of the latching mechanism, thus permitting the roller core and roller cover to be removed from the handle assembly. |
| US07827650B2 |
Disposable cleaning pad
An economical and disposable cleaning tool which may be prepared by a simplified manufacturing process involving a reduced number of steps. The cleaning tool includes a cleaning pad and a handle, the cleaning pad having a pocket for receiving the a handle. The cleaning pad may be provided with a top sheet and a fiber bundle. The top sheet is folded over and bonded to provide a cleaning portion and a back portion, and the fiber bundle is disposed on the cleaning portion. The cleaning portion and the back portion of the folded sheet are bonded together forming the pocket for a handle to be disposed therein. The handle may include a hinge to enable the handle to be repeatedly folded over for convenient storage or easily extended for use. |
| US07827648B2 |
Cleaning brush with disposable/replaceable brush head
Disclosed is a cleaning brush for cleaning toilet bowls and the like. The brush has a permanent handle and replaceable/disposable brush heads that are flushable after each cleaning. The brush is a stack of sheets of water-dissolvable and/or agitation-dissolvable material. The sheets can be attached together at an end by pressure bonding or by a water-soluble adhesive and formed with bristles at an opposite end. The wand provides a remote system for clamping and unclamping the brush head. |
| US07827646B2 |
Vortex inhibitor dispersal pig
A pipeline pig—that moves by pressurized gas flow and provides for distribution of treating liquid subsisting in a lower portion of a pipeline—having a longitudinally extending nozzle located at a forward end of the pig, an array of helical-shaped louvers located on the discharge side of the nozzle and arranged circumferentially, and two perforated sealing elements that create a cavity that serves as a low pressure plenum. The louvers create a vortex effect and the perforated sealing elements allow vapor and liquid in front of the pig to be drawn into the cavity and discharged through the ports and back into the discharge of the nozzle. In this manner, liquid subsisting at a bottom portion of the pipeline is dispersed to achieve a complete 360° coating application of the interior cylindrical wall of the pipeline. |
| US07827645B2 |
Floor maintenance machine
A floor maintenance machine is provided. The machine can be used to clean hard or soft floors. A cleaning fluid is dispensed by a dispensing system containing at least two reservoirs, one for a diluting bulk fluid and another for cleaner concentrate. The dispensing system effects both a controlled ratio of bulk fluid to cleaner concentrate and the rate of cleaning solution dispensed for cleaning. |
| US07827644B2 |
Toothbrush with resilient head section
A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle portion having a neck formed at one end and a head coupled to the neck. The head includes a first carrier coupled to the head and operatively connected to a drive mechanism for moving the first carrier in a first path of motion. The first carrier has at least one of a plurality of bristles and elastomeric cleaning members extending outwardly therefrom to deliver oral care benefits to the user. The head also includes a second carrier coupled to the head. The second carrier is formed of an elastomeric material and has at least one of a plurality of bristles and elastomeric cleaning members extending outwardly from an upper surface thereof. The second carrier is constructed so that upon application of a force to the upper surface thereof, the second carrier moves in a second path of motion that is different from the first path of motion. |
| US07827641B2 |
Telescoping ramp
The present invention includes a telescoping ramp that includes two ramp members that fit one atop the other such that the two members may be extended out or collapsed together. The first, outer ramp member has channels on either side of a substantially planar surface. The channels of the outer ramp member are structured to capture the rails on either side of a second ramp member. An inverted J-shaped channel is formed along each of the longitudinally aligned sides of the first ramp member. One embodiment includes inverted J-shaped channels that are dimensionally larger near the side that engages the other ramp member. The second ramp member is sized to between the inverted J-shaped channels and includes protruding rail-like members formed along each of its longitudinally aligned sides. The protruding members are complementarily shaped to slide and fit within a corresponding inverted J-shaped channel of the first ramp member. |
| US07827639B2 |
Controlling method of washing machine
There is provided a reliable method for sensing a laundry amount and a method for controlling a washing machine, in which a method for sensing a laundry amount is performed appropriately according to the laundry amount. According to the method of the present invention, the reliability in the sensed laundry amount is improved. |
| US07827635B2 |
Subject table for isolation environment
A subject loading system is provided for moving a subject disposed in an isolation zone into and out of a diagnostic system disposed outside the isolation zone. A tube extends away from the isolation zone. The tube has an inner volume open to the isolation zone and operatively coupled with the diagnostic system. An elongated subject support pallet is disposed in the isolation zone and dimensioned to fit into the tube. A base including a mechanical drive is disposed in the isolation zone and is configured to align the elongated subject support pallet with the tube and to move the elongated subject support pallet into and out of the tube. |
| US07827633B2 |
Bed clothing assembly
A bed clothing assembly for a mattress including a mattress band and a unitary sheet assembly that is removably attachable to the mattress band for attaching and changing bedding. The mattress band encircles the sidewall of the mattress, and includes upper and lower edge portions that extending inwardly and continuously around the peripheral edges of the top and bottom surfaces of the mattress, respectively, when the mattress band is installed on the mattress. The unitary sheet assembly includes a bottom sheet and top sheet connected together as one unit. A plurality of fasteners around the bottom sheet permit the detachable securment of the bottom sheet to the mattress band to facilitate placing the unitary sheet assembly on the mattress. This particular construction and arrangement is advantageous to a person that is physically disabled and permits easy changing of bedding without having to lift the mattress. |
| US07827631B2 |
Crib mattress elevation system and control unit
A “smart crib” has a frame movably supported by posts, a mattress supported on the frame, the frame being movable between a raised position and a lowered position, a protective enclosure surrounding the frame and mattress, having at least one portion movable between a raised and a lowered position. The crib also includes a first elevation mechanism for moving the frame between the lowered position and the raised position, and a second elevation mechanism for moving the enclosure portion between the raised position and the lowered position. A controller is provided which is responsive to a user's inputs to selectively activate the first elevation mechanism, the second elevation mechanism or both mechanisms to move the frame with the bed and the movable enclosure portion to positions selected by the user between their respective raised and lowered positions, to ease not only placing a baby into the crib, but to also integrate other devices such as baby monitors, temperature and proximity sensors, and even to provide for remote computer access to check in and monitor baby activity. |
| US07827626B2 |
Hinge for toilet seat
A toilet seat includes a toilet bowl and a toilet platform. A toilet platform includes a bowl seat having a seating portion and a mounting portion. A seat hinge mechanism includes two spaced apart retention bases adapted for securely mounting at the toilet platform of the toilet bowl wherein the joint members are detachably engaged with the retention bases respectively for detachably mounting bowl seat on the toilet platform of the toilet bowl in a tool-less manner. |
| US07827624B1 |
Combined clothing garment/air-cooling device and associated method
A combined clothing garment and air-cooling device may include a vest and helmet adapted to removably position about a user's body. The garments may include spaced insulation layers with an internal chamber formed therebetween. A mechanism may be included for selectively introducing air into the internal chamber. The mechanism may include entry ports in the outer layer and an air-intake vent positioned over the entry ports manually toggled open and closed. Another mechanism may be included for cooling the air within the internal chamber and channeling cooled air out. An access panel preferably has windows along its longitudinal length and may be slidably interfitted within the body and linearly displaced open and closed to permit and prohibit air from entering. A cooling agent containing dry ice may be removably contained within internal tubing for lowering air temperature. |
| US07827623B2 |
Wearing article and method of manufacturing the same
A wearing article (4 to 4D) includes a main body (5 to 5D) having a front part (P), a back part (Q) and a crotch part (R) coupling the front part (P) and the back part (Q). The main body (5A to 5D) includes a pair of waist edges (T) opposed to each other and a pair of leg edges (S) opposed to each other. A shirring (15) is so formed in a substantially widthwise middle portion of the crotch part (R) of the main body (5 to 5D) as to shorten a space between the front part (P) and the back part (Q). A ratio of the length (L1) of the crotch part (R) along the forward and backward direction (X) to a length (L2) between the pair of waist edges (T) is 1:15 to 1:2. |
| US07827622B2 |
Magnetic device for slidable adjustment
A magnetic fastening device with discrete slidable adjustments, comprising first and second sheets, each having a plurality of magnetic section elements with first and second poles disposed in alternating groups defining predetermined abutting patterns. The magnetic section elements are abuttingly disposed in two groups. In one group, the elements' magnetic field is disposed in one direction perpendicular to the sheets. In the other group, the elements' field is disposed in the opposite direction. The groups repeat themselves in an alternating pattern. The movement of the first and second sheets is constrained to keep them in an abutting relationship with respect to each other over a predetermined path over the first and second sheets, thereby permitting the sheets to be slidably movable along a predetermined distance relative to each other in discrete steps that overcome the attraction and repulsion forces of the magnetic section elements upon the application of a pulling force of a predetermined magnitude. |
| US07827617B2 |
Chin strap assembly for helmet
A helmet chin strap assembly includes a nape pad that is adjustably attached to straps extending below the ears of the user. The straps of the assembly are connected to a helmet by a coupling unit including an anchor strap and a plastic or polymeric reinforcement member attached to the strap. The strap and the reinforcement member are provided with aligned holes through which a threaded post is inserted to cooperate with a bolt or screw to attach the anchor strap to a helmet. |