Document Document Title
US07846426B2 Compositions and methods for treating and preventing cardiomyopathy and heart disease
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating and preventing heart disease. In particular, the present invention provides compositions comprising poloxamers (e.g., poloxamer 188—P188) and methods of using the same for treating and preventing heart disease (e.g., in subjects with muscular dystrophy) and for treating cells and tissue damage caused by ischemia and cell death (e.g., for treating dystrophin-deficient cells (e.g., myocytes)).
US07846424B2 Non-pressurized post-application expanding composition
A post-application expanding composition for application to hair fibers of the scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes is provided. The composition comprises at least one surfactant, a solvent for the surfactant, and a volatile agent in an amount that will cause the surfactant and solvent to interact and foam on the hair fibers thereby producing an expanded composition. The composition further contains a film-forming agent in an amount effective to form a film which when set fixes at least a portion of the expanded composition in its expanded state. The volatile agent is solubilized in the composition, and is further dispersed throughout the composition in nanometer size droplets or generated in situ on the hair fibers or immediately prior to application thereto so that the composition is storable in a non-pressurized container.
US07846422B2 Method for prevention or treatment of periodontal diseases and composition for an oral cavity
The present invention relates to a method for prevention or treatment of periodontal diseases, containing administering lignans represented by the following formula (1) (wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group; R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a C1-10 alkyl group, a hydroxy C1-10 alkyl group or a C1-10 alkoxy group) or plant extracts containing the lignans.
US07846420B2 Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis vaccines and methods of using the same
The invention relates to vaccine compositions composed of at least one Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) antigen, or attenuated or killed MAP for use in methods of immunizing a human against a MAP infection, preventing or treating a MAP infection, and preventing a human disease associated with a MAP infection.
US07846419B2 Method for producing radioactive isotopes for positron emission tomography
A method for producing radioactive isotopes for positron emission tomography is provided. The method includes generating radioactive isotopes by the acceleration of a projectile in a linear accelerator that is operative to accelerate at least two different projectiles.
US07846416B2 Soil conditioner
Anitrate-nitrogen-reducing agent for a farm product, comprising as an active ingredient a hydroxide solid solution represented by the formula (1), [(M12+)1-x(M22+)x]1-z(M3+)z(OH)2(An−)z/n·mH2O  (1) wherein M12+ represents Ca and/or Mg, M22+ represents at least one essential mineral selected from Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni and Co, M3+ represents at least one trivalent metal, An− represents an anion having a valence of n, x is a positive number in the range of 0
US07846412B2 Bioconjugated nanostructures, methods of fabrication thereof, and methods of use thereof
Nanostructures, methods of preparing nanostructures, methods of detecting targets in subjects, and methods of treating diseases in subjects, are disclosed. An embodiment, among others, of the nanostructure includes a quantum dot and a hydrophobic protection structure. The hydrophobic protection structure includes a capping ligand and an amphiphilic copolymer, where the hydrophobic protection structure encapsulates the quantum dot.
US07846411B2 Calcium peroxyphosphates and use thereof in dental compositions
Calcium peroxyphosphate compounds and dental compositions comprising these compounds that combine both whitening/stain removal of teeth with remineralization are disclosed. The calcium peroxyphosphate compounds are capable of releasing, in an aqueous environment, whitening and remineralization effective amounts of calcium ion, phosphate ion, and active oxygen. Preferred compounds are calcium peroxymonophosphate or calcium diperoxymonophosphate compounds. These compounds may be used in humans and other animals, including other mammals.
US07846409B2 Deagglomerated barium sulfate
The invention discloses deagglomerated barium sulphate which has an average primary particle size of less than 0.5 μm and is coated with a dispersant. The dispersant has preferably reactive groups which are able to interact with the surface of the barium sulphate; particularly preferred dispersants are those which are able to endow the barium sulphate with a hydrophilic surface and have reactive groups for coupling to or into polymers. Also disclosed is a plastics premix comprising the deagglomerated, coated barium sulphate.
US07846406B2 Scrubber for removing pollutants from flue gas
A scrubber for scrubbing at least one pollutant from flue gas includes a first stage configured to provide a chemical oxidant to a stream of flue gas, and a second stage configured to provide a chemical or chemicals to the stream of flue gas, a scrubbing medium recirculation feature configured to continuously recirculate a slurry used in the second stage, and a by-product processing portion configured to remove a by-product from a stream of slurry withdrawn from the scrubber. The by-product includes reaction products of at least one pollutant.
US07846405B2 Method and apparatus for measuring and controlling selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emission control systems
A method for monitoring and/or controlling performance of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emission control system includes injecting a quantity of a pollution neutralizing gas into a combustion gas stream containing a pollutant gas. The method also includes passing the stream over a catalyst bed to facilitate a reaction of the pollution neutralizing gas with the pollutant gas to produce an effluent and measuring a ratio of the pollution neutralizing gas to the pollutant gas in the effluent.
US07846402B2 Screenless reactor for granular moving bed
A screenless reactor design is presented. The reactor includes a series of overlapping vanes where solid catalyst can cascade down the vanes. Gas flows across the catalyst by flowing through the vanes contacting the catalyst and then disengaging from contact with the solid catalyst particles.
US07846398B2 Micro reactor having micro flow-guiding blocks
A micro reactor having micro flow-guiding blocks includes a first gas flow channel, a second gas flow channel and a catalytic converter. There are several flow-guiding portions disposed on the first gas flow channel. Each flow-guiding portion has micro flow-guiding blocks, flow-impact recesses, and catalytic portions. The function of the micro flow-guiding block is to guide a flowing direction of the flow toward the catalytic portion on the flow-impact recess in order to increase a possibility of contacting and chemical reaction with the catalytic portion. So, guiding the flow direction toward the catalytic portion can increase the overall reaction efficiency. More turbulence is generated to obtain a better mixing. Plus, its structure is simple.
US07846397B2 Wireless temperature sensor for obtaining temperature profiles in a mixing vessel
A wireless temperature sensor for use in monitoring the temperature of a fluid or gas in a mixing vessel. The wireless temperature sensor comprises a temperature probe for contacting the fluid or gas and generating a signal based on the gas/fluid temperature; a temperature reader for receiving the signal generated by the temperature probe and determining therefrom a temperature reading of the fluid or gas; and a radio frequency (RF) transceiver for transmitting the temperature reading determined by the temperature reader to a control apparatus external to the mixing vessel.
US07846394B2 Apparatus and method for separating particles within a specimen
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and a method for separating particles within a sample. The apparatus includes a reservoir for receiving a biological specimen therein, wherein the specimen includes a plurality of different sized particles in a liquid. At least one physical state of the specimen is capable of being controlled in order to initially separate at least a first type of particles under the influence of gravity. The apparatus also includes a rotatable disk positioned proximate to the reservoir and configured to receive the first type of particles thereon. The disk has holes defined therethrough that are configured to further separate the first type of particles based on particle size. The apparatus includes a mechanism configured to rotate the disk, and at least one collection tube positioned proximate to the disk and configured to receive at least a portion of the first type of particles passing through respective holes defined in the disk and/or around the disk in response to rotation of the disk.
US07846393B2 Membrane filter for capturing circulating tumor cells
The present invention provides a parylene-based membrane filter device for capturing of circulating tumor cells (CTC). The membrane filter has an array of holes having a predetermined geometric design with precisely controlled size, shape and density. In one aspect, the device has a stack of substantially parallel membrane filters with uniformly-spaced and/or monodispersed holes.
US07846388B2 Analyte meter protectors and methods
Analyte meter protectors, meters that include the same, and methods.
US07846384B2 Sample distribution apparatus/system
A pathology distribution system 10 is provided for automated sample container 14, 15 distribution. The system 10 comprises a loading station 500 for loading samples in primary containers 14 of different types, a sample handling station 16 for receiving the containers 14 and identifying the container types and samples therein, and a container distribution station 38 for distributing the containers in areas or racks in the distribution station 38 marked for analyzing processes prescribed for the samples therein.
US07846380B2 Metal powder production apparatus and metal powder
A metal powder production apparatus is capable of efficiently producing fine metal powder with a uniform particle size. The metal powder produced by the apparatus has an increased quality. The apparatus (atomizer) makes use of an atomizing method to pulverize molten metal into metal powder. The apparatus includes a supply part (tundish) for supplying the molten metal, a nozzle provided below the supply part, a tubular member provided between the supply part and the nozzle. The tubular member is constructed to ensure that the molten metal ejected from an ejection port passes through a bore of the tubular member and then makes contact with a fluid jet. Further, the tubular member has a top end air-tightly connected to the supply part and a bottom end lying around the midway of a first flow path through which the molten metal passes.
US07846379B2 Industrial furnace
The invention relates to an industrial furnace for melting and gas-treating nonferrous metals.
US07846378B2 Preparation of a dense, polycrystalline ceramic structure
Ceramic nanopowder was sealed inside a metal container under a vacuum. The sealed evacuated container was forced through a severe deformation channel at an elevated temperature below the melting point of the ceramic nanopowder. The result was a dense nanocrystalline ceramic structure inside the metal container.
US07846376B2 Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene articles and methods of forming ultra high molecular weight polyethylene articles
The present invention generally provides implantable articles and methods of forming implantable articles from a crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”) blend stabilized with Vitamin E. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be prepared by combining the UHMWPE material and vitamin E prior to irradiating the UHMWPE blend with electron beam radiation at a sufficient radiation dose rate to induce crosslinking. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be incorporated into a variety of implants, and in particular, into endoprosthetic joint replacements.
US07846372B1 Method of making a vegetable oil-based candle
The present invention provides a method of making a candle from a vegetable oil-based candle wax that provides a smooth, solid vegetable oil-based candle having fully integrated color and fragrance.
US07846369B2 Apparatus and method for molding polymer parts by displacement injection molding
A displacement-injection molding system utilizes a plasticizing vessel with cylindrical heat transfer cores extending into the cavity of the plasticizing vessel to efficiently heat polymer granules to their injection temperature and a variable volume mold utilizing back pressure to maintain the injected polymer under pressure. A plunger for ejecting polymer from the plasticizing vessel incorporates openings for receiving the cylindrical cores. The plasticizing vessel is preferably sized to receive at least two shot sizes of polymer material to permit continuous heating of the granules of plastic material between shots as additional granules are added to replace the ejected material.
US07846365B2 Method of manufacture of a nut and tail assembly
A nut and tail assembly and method of manufacture including a nut having a first end and an inward flange at the other end, a longitudinal cylindrical hollow body having a first end and a second end at which is located an outstanding flange and a circular longitudinal sleeve. The sleeve extends along said sliding surface and has a flange at a first end abutting against the body flange. A stop is located between the ends of the body and defines a cavity sliding surface generally parallel to the longitudinal body between the stop and flange. The nut inward flange extends into the body cavity and is of large enough diameter to be able to slide on said body sliding surface, but small enough to be held within said cavity defined between said stop and sleeve flange. Projections on the sleeve flange assist in locating the sleeve relative to the nut during the moulding process.
US07846363B2 Process for the preparation of UHMW multi-filament poly(alpha-olefin) yarns
A process for preparing ultra-high molecular weight poly(alpha-olefin) (UHMWPO) multi-filament yarns having improved tensile properties at higher productivity. The process includes drawing a solution yarn, then drawing a gel yarn and then drawing a dry yarn continuously in sequence to form a partially oriented yarn, winding up the partially oriented yarn, unrolling the yarn, drawing the partially oriented yarn to form a highly oriented yarn, cooling the highly oriented yarn under tension and winding up the highly oriented yarn.
US07846362B2 Housing of electronic devices and method
A method for making a housing, comprising steps of: providing an mold, the mold including a first female mold and a second female mold setting beside the first female mold, a male mold matingly engageable with the first female mold and the second female mold; the first female mold mating the male mold to form a first mold chamber; injecting molten material into the first mold chamber to form a main body on the male mold; setting a decorative film in the second female mold; rotating the male mold into contact with the second female mold to form a second mold chamber; injecting some transparent resin material into the second mold chamber to form a transparent plate.
US07846361B2 Bioabsorbable polymeric composition for a medical device
A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.
US07846359B2 Moulding method and apparatus
A method and apparatus are provided for moulding an article by feeding molten plastics material into a metering cavity (16), feeding a predetermined quantity of the material from the metering cavity into a mould cavity via a transition passage (26) adjacent the mould cavity and urging the molten plastics material from the transition passage into the mould cavity with a working stroke of a packing piston (24), until the packing piston closes a port (28) defined between the transition passage and the mould cavity and a leading face (32) of the packing piston forms part of the peripheral wall of the mould. Less than ninety percent of the mould cavity is filled with the molten plastics material when the packing piston starts its working stroke and the packing piston starts its working stroke while molten plastics material is still being fed from the metering cavity.
US07846353B2 Method of making green-emitting borate phosphors
There is described a method for the preparation of a green-emitting terbium and cerium co-activated gadolinium magnesium pentaborate phosphor that utilizes a hydrated magnesium hexaborate as a boron source. The hydrated magnesium hexaborate preferably may be represented by the formula MgB6O10.XH2O where X is from 4 to 6, preferably 4.8 to 5.5, and more preferably about 5. The hydrated magnesium hexaborate is combined with oxides of Gd, Ce, and Tb, and at least one magnesium compound selected from MgCl2, MgF2, and MgO, and then fired in a slightly reducing atmosphere to form the phosphor. The method results in a greater homogeneity of the fired cake and subsequently a higher brightness. In addition, the method preferably requires only one firing step and provides very little or no sticking of the fired cake to the firing boats.
US07846352B2 Method of producing UV-emitting magnesium pentaborate phosphors
A method of producing a UV-emitting magnesium pentaborate phosphor is described. The method comprises combining a hydrated magnesium hexaborate with oxides of Y, Gd, Ce and Pr to form a mixture and firing the mixture in a slightly reducing atmosphere to form the phosphor. The hydrated magnesium hexaborate, which is preferably prepared as a precipitate, preferably has a formula MgB6O10.XH2O where X is from 4 to 6.
US07846348B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device using a semiconductor manufacturing unit comprising a reaction chamber, a substrate mounting stage, and a high frequency power supply coupled to the substrate mounting stage, a blocking capacitor interposed between the substrate mounting stage and the high-frequency power supply to continuously perform a plurality of dry etching processing with respect to the same substrate in the same reaction chamber, the method includes: disposing a substrate on a substrate mounting stage, and applying high-frequency powers to the substrate mounting stage while introducing a fluorocarbon-based first gas to perform a first dry etching processing with respect to the substrate, the substrate including an organic material film and a silicon compound film sequentially deposited on a surface thereof and a resist film patterned on the silicon compound film, the first dry etching processing including processing the silicon compound film with the resist film being used as a mask; and stopping application of one of the high-frequency powers, thereby reducing a bias voltage generated to the substrate while introducing a second gas after the first dry etching processing to remove a fluorocarbon-based deposition in the reaction chamber and perform a second dry etching processing with respect to the substrate.
US07846346B1 Processing apparatus and method
A processing method for transferring a relief pattern of a mold to a resist includes the steps of compressing the mold having the relief pattern against the resist on a substrate, irradiating an exposure light onto the resist through the mold, vibrating the mold and the substrate relative to each other during the irradiating step, and releasing the mold from the resist.
US07846340B2 Water treatment system and method
A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point of entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device. The electrochemical device of the water treatment system is operated at a low current and low flow rate to minimize water splitting or polarization, which minimizes scale formation.
US07846339B2 Method for removing boron
Boron is removed from an aqueous boron solution by contacting with the aqueous boron solution with a water-soluble cationic polyelectrolyte, and at least one of polyvinyl alcohol and anionic-modified polyvinyl alcohol under an alkaline condition, and then removing the generated coagulation.
US07846334B2 Method for the treatment of ammonia-containing waste water
A method for treating ammonium-containing waste water by means of a single sludge system in an SBR reactor, in which ammonium is converted to nitrite in a first reaction and ammonium and nitrite are converted into molecular nitrogen in a second reaction carried out in parallel, the oxygen concentration in the reactor being maintained at a low level. A robust process is achieved by providing that the pH-value of the system is controlled and kept at a target value by controlled intermittent aeration, the fluctuation range of the pH-value amounting to 0.05 at most, and preferably 0.02 at most, and the O2-concentration being kept between 0.2 mg/l and 0.4 mg/l, and preferably between 0.25 mg/l and 0.35 mg/l.
US07846333B2 Porous media
A porous media, a housing containing a porous media and methods for fabricating the housing containing a porous media are provided. The porous media is composed of varying amounts of sorptive binding particles in combination with polymer particles, for example silica particles mixed with polyethylene beads. The porous media is sintered into target housings, for example pipette tips, for use in desalting, purifying and separating biomolecules in target samples. The porous media is also formed into porous media discs via pressure and heating for insertion into housing devices.
US07846327B2 Storm water filter system having a floating skimmer apparatus
A storm water filter box has a floatable skimmer apparatus for preventing floatable debris from entering the filter box outlet. The filter box has an inlet and an outlet and an inlet filter located in the filter box housing. A portable skimmer is positioned in the box between the inlet and outlet and will rise and fall with the water level in the filter box to keep the top of the skimmer above the water level and force the storm water passing through the filter box under the floatable skimmer thereby blocking floatable debris from entering the filter box outlet.
US07846324B2 Use of heat exchanger in a process to deasphalt tar
The invention relates to a process for upgrading tar using a heat exchanger in series with a vapor/liquid separator to separate tar into a heavy tar asphaltenic material and a deasphalted tar material.
US07846323B2 Process for co-producing jet fuel and LPG from renewable sources
The present invention generally relates to a method for producing an isoparaffinic product useful as jet fuel from a renewable feedstock. The method may also include co-producing a jet fuel and a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fraction from a renewable feedstock. The method includes hydrotreating the renewable feedstock to produce a hydrotreating unit heavy fraction that includes n-paraffins and hydroisomerizing the hydrotreating unit heavy fraction to produce a hydroizomerizing unit heavy fraction that includes isoparaffins. The method also includes recycling the hydroisomerizing unit heavy fraction through the hydroisomerization unit to produce an isoparaffinic product that may be fractionated into a jet fuel and an LPG fraction. The present invention also relates to a jet fuel produced from a renewable feedstock having improved cold flow properties.
US07846319B2 Organic compound hydrogenation apparatus and method for hydrogenating organic compound
An organic compound hydrogenation apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a reaction cell 13 to which an electrolytic solution is supplied, and an anode 11 and a cathode 12 arranged in the reaction cell 13, in which the cathode 12 is made of a material including a hydrogen storage material, the cathode being arranged as a tubular member so that an organic compound as an object to be treated circulates thereinside. The present invention having the arrangement described above can provide a method for hydrogenating organic compounds and an organic compound hydrogenation apparatus that can enhance efficiency of hydrogenation of the organic compound.
US07846314B2 Handling a plurality of samples
A method for handling samples in a microfluidic system is described. The microfluidic system includes an injection channel fluidically coupled to an injection point adapted for injecting an amount of fluid, a first sample well containing a first sample, the first sample well being fluidically coupled with the injection channel, and a second sample well containing a second sample, the second sample well being fluidically coupled with the injection channel. The method includes moving the second sample from the second sample well towards the first sample well.
US07846313B2 Controller for gas concentration sensor
An oxygen sensor is employed for determining whether the exhaust air-fuel ratio is rich or lean. A voltage is applied to the oxygen sensor at device impedance calculation intervals to calculate device impedance. After device impedance calculation, a reverse voltage is applied to the oxygen sensor with a view toward promptly negating the influence of voltage application on the sensor output. Subsequently, the sensor output of the oxygen sensor is sampled at sampling time intervals until it is concluded that the device impedance calculation period is over.
US07846311B2 In vitro analyte sensor and methods of use
In vitro electrochemical sensors that provide accurate and repeatable analysis of a sample of biological fluid are provided. Embodiments include sensors that include a sample chambers having overhangs extending therefrom.
US07846310B2 Encapsulated and water cooled electromagnet array
A electromagnet array structure including multiple electromagnetic coils captured in a rigid encapsulant, for example, of cured epoxy resin, to form a unitary free-standing structure which can be placed around the walls of a plasma processing chamber. A liquid cooling coil may also be captured in the encapsulant between the electromagnetic coils. The structure may additionally include water fittings, locating pins, through tubes for chamber bolts, and lifting brackets.
US07846305B2 Method and apparatus for increasing uniformity in ion mill process
A method for increasing etch depth uniformity in ion milling process in a wafer manufacturing process encompasses loading designated regions of a production pallet with carriers containing wafers to be ion milled. These designated regions have been predetermined to exhibit similar and preferred depths of etching. Non-designated regions of the production pallet are then loaded with dummy carriers and the wafers are ion milled.
US07846304B2 Process for purification of 2-chloro-5-chloromethyl-1,3-thiazole
The present invention provides a process for purifying 2-chloro-5-chloromethyl-1,3-thiazole represented by the formula (I): characterized in that a crude 2-chloro-5-chloromethyl-1,3-thiazole represented by the formula (I) is treated with a lower alcohol before the distillation, and then is distilled. The present purification process is a new one for purifying 2-chloro-5-chloromethyl-1,3-thiazole, suitable for industrial practice.
US07846303B2 Multi-structure internal heat exchange type distillation tower
The present invention provides a multi-structured internal heat exchange-type distillation column including at least an outermost heat exchange section, an intermediate section, and an innermost heat exchange section, in which the innermost heat exchange section is isolated from the intermediate section, the outermost heat exchange section is also isolated from the intermediate section, the outermost heat exchange section and the innermost heat exchange section are in communication with one another through at least two vapor tunnel connecting ports, a channel is formed inside the outermost heat exchange section in such a manner that, in a case where at least one of the vapor tunnel connecting ports serves as an inlet for vapor from the innermost heat exchange section into the outermost heat exchange section, and the other vapor tunnel connecting port serves as an outlet for vapor from the outermost heat exchange section back to the innermost heat exchange section, the vapor can smoothly flow in one-way traffic from the inlet toward the outlet, and either the outermost heat exchange section and the innermost heat exchange section, or the intermediate section, is a rectifying section, and the other is a stripping section. The distillation column of the present invention has excellent efficiency of internal heat exchange.
US07846302B1 Fractional destructive distillation array
A system and apparatus for pyrolyzing solid wastes to recover there-from useful hydrocarbon distillates, carbon black, and other potentially commercially valuable by-products. Pyrolysis and distillation may be performed substantially continuously, rather than by batch processing. The pyrolysis unit including a distillation array featuring two or more parallel, heated, conveyors, arranged in alternative switch-backs, through which a feedstock is moved during pyrolysis. The feedstock moves from conveyor to conveyor, and thus may pass through zones of different temperature to optimize the distillation of various constituents from the feedstock. Friction-reducing components, such as rollers, are situated between adjacent pairs of conveyors so that temperature differentials, and the resulting contract or expansion of system components, are accommodated and associated stresses ameliorated.
US07846301B2 Method of production of blast furnace coke
A method of production of blast furnace coke comprising drying mixed coal, then, or simultaneously with the drying, classifying it to fine-grained coal and coarse-grained coal, then adding to the fine-grained coal at a temperature of 80 to 350° C. a caking additive comprised of one or more of a heavy distillate of tar, soft pitch, and petroleum pitch, agglomerating it by hot pressing, then mixing the clumps of coal and the coarse-grained coal and charging and carbonizing the mixture in a coke oven.
US07846298B2 Outlet device for a pressurized vessel having a combined radial bearing and hydraulic drive motor
An outlet device and motor assembly for a pressured vessel is disclosed, where the assembly includes: a generally vertical drive shaft extending below and through the vessel and coupled to a rotating mechanism within the vessel; a stationary outlet housing supporting the drive shaft; a thrust bearing mounted on the outlet housing and around the drive shaft to rotationally engage the drive shaft; a hydraulic drive coupled to rotationally drive the drive shaft, and a radial bearing mounted around the drive shaft to rotationally engage the drive shaft and said radial bearing is at or below the hydraulic drive.
US07846294B2 Method of refining destructured chips
A system for thermomechanical refining of wood chips comprises preparing the chips for refining by exposing the chips to an environment of steam to soften the chips, compressively destructuring and dewatering the softened chips to a solids consistency above 55 percent, and diluting the destructured and dewatered chips to a consistency in the range of about 30 to 55 per cent. The destructuring partially defibrates the material. This diluted material is fed to a rotating disc primary refiner wherein each of the opposed discs has an inner ring pattern of bars and grooves and an outer ring pattern of bars and grooves. The destructured and partially defibrated chips are substantially completely defibrated in the inner ring and the resulting fibers are fibrillated in the outer ring. The compressive destructuring, dewatering, and dilution can all be implemented in one integrated piece of equipment immediately upstream of the primary refiner, and the fiberizing and fibrillating are both achieved between only one set of relatively rotating discs in the primary refiner.
US07846293B2 Plasma processing apparatus and method
A plasma processing apparatus includes a worktable in a process chamber to horizontally place a target substrate thereon. A plasma generation space is defined above and around the worktable within the process chamber. The plasma generation space includes a peripheral plasma region and a main plasma region respectively located outside and inside an outer edge of the target substrate placed on the worktable. The apparatus further includes a magnetic field forming mechanism configured to form a magnetic field within the peripheral plasma region. The magnetic field includes magnetic force lines extending through the peripheral plasma region between a start position and an end position, at least one of which is located radially inside a sidewall of the process chamber.
US07846288B2 Methods and systems for removing protective films from microfeature workpieces
Methods and systems for removing protective films from microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. One particular embodiment of such a method comprises separating at least a portion of a protective tape from a workpiece to which the protective tape is attached with a separator configured to drive against an interface between the protective tape and the workpiece. The method further includes engaging the portion of the protective tape detached from the workpiece with a removal system.
US07846286B2 Device and method for closing the tail end of logs of web material and relative logs obtained therewith
The device comprises a system for unwinding a portion of the web material from the log R, and a system for rewinding the tail end on the log after application of an adhesive. Moreover, a folding member 21 is provided, to fold the tail end and form a fold of web material defining a portion for gripping and detaching the folded loose end from the roll.
US07846283B2 Methods for manufacturing a paint roller with perforated substrate
A method for reducing cost and weight in paint roller manufacturing processes and other continuous processes for producing tubular goods from polymers. The method may utilize a perforated substrate such as a perforated polypropylene strip or may include a perforating step which removes overage from an unperforated substrate. The perforated substrate is fed onto a mandrel to form a tube. Adhesive is applied upon the outer surface of the perforated substrate. A cover may be applied about the tube, and the resulting product is then cut into finished-size paint rollers. The removal of the overage results in a reduction in the weight of the paint roller. In certain embodiments the overage from a perforation step is collected, and may be reused in a subsequent implementation of the method or resold.
US07846282B2 Automobile floor carpet and method for manufacturing the same
In some embodiment, a method of manufacturing an automobile floor carpet comprises a step of pressing a nonwoven fabric 4, an adhesive film 3 obtained immediately after extruding thermoplastic resin having a melt flow rate of 10 to 1,000 g/10 min from an extruder 20, and a surface skin material 2 piled together in this order with a pair of rollers 21 and 22. With this manufacturing method, an automobile floor carpet excellent in sound absorption performance and also excellent in sound insulation performance can be manufactured.
US07846281B2 Paper laminates manufactured using foamed adhesive systems
Foamed, aqueous adhesive compositions are used to manufacture tissue laminate products including or especially as bathroom tissue, facial tissue, paper towels, and the like. Foaming typically occurs by introducing pressurized gas and adhesive flows in a nozzle chamber on demand, wherein the kinetic energy of the flows is used to provide mixing energy. The adhesive preferably is dispensed as a plurality of discrete, foamed adhesive particles. The foamed adhesive can be used for intralamina bonds, interlaminate bonds, bonding loose sheet extremities, bonding roll to roll, and the like. The invention provides a reliable, straightforward way to accomplish in-nozzle foaming of an adhesive.
US07846280B2 Ultrasonic welding member for smoothing flexible belt seams and method for using
An ultrasonic welding member for use in welding seamed flexible belts to produce smoother seams having reduced seam thickness. The ultrasonic welding member has a unique configuration, that includes an increased tip surface formed in such a manner that more energy from the horn is dispersed over the seam overlap region for a longer duration of time to produce a smoother and thinner weld.
US07846278B2 Methods of making smooth reinforced cementitious boards
A composite fabric for use in reinforcement of cementitious boards and similar prefabricated building wall panels. The fabric includes an open mesh first component of continuously coated, high modulus of elasticity strands and a nonwoven second component fabricated from alkali resistant thermoplastic material. The high modulus strands of the first component are preferably bundled glass fibers encapsulated by alkali and water resistant thermoplastic material. The composite fabric also has suitable physical characteristics for embedment within the cement matrix of the panels or boards closely adjacent the opposed faces thereof. The reinforcement provides long-lasting, high strength tensile reinforcement and impact resistance for the panels or boards. The reinforcement also enables the boards to have smooth outer faces suitable for painting, papering, tiling or other finishing treatment. Included as part of the invention are methods for making the reinforcement, cementitious boards and panels including the reinforcement, and methods for manufacturing such boards and panels.
US07846276B2 Method of making alloys having low coefficient of thermal expansion
The present disclosure provides alloys having an ultra-low coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of 60° F. to 80° F. The alloys have coefficient of thermal expansion no greater than 0.35×10−6° F.−1 in the range of 60° F. to 80° F. Methods of making such alloys also are provided, as well articles of manufacture including such alloys and methods of making such articles.
US07846274B2 High strength steel pipe for an air bag
In order to manufacture a steel pipe for an air bag which can cope with increase in the pressure of gas blown into an air bag and decreases in the wall thickness of an accumulator, a steel having a composition, mass %, of: C: 0.05-0.20%, Si: 0.1-1.0%, Mn: 0.20-2.0%, P: at most 0.025%, S: at most 0.010%, Cr: 0.05-1.0%, Al: at most 0.10%, if necessary at least one of Mo: at most 0.50%, Ni: at most 1.5%, Cu: at most 0.5%, V: at most 0.2%, Ti: at most 0.1%, Nb: at most 0.1%, and B: at most 0.005%, and also if necessary, at least one of Ca: at most 0.01%, Mg: at most 0.01%, and REM (rare earth elements): at most 0.01%, and a remainder of Fe and impurities is used to produce a steel pipe, and the pipe is then subjected to cold working to predetermined dimensions, then to heating to a temperature of at least the Ac1 transformation temperature followed by quenching, and then to tempering at a temperature no higher than the Ac1 transformation temperature.
US07846271B2 Non-oriented electrical steel sheets with excellent magnetic properties and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to technology for manufacturing electrical steel sheets having excellent magnetic properties through the control of a hot-rolled texture using the phase transformation of steel. More particularly, it relates to a non-oriented electrical steel sheet that has reduced iron loss and increased magnetic flux density by controlling alloy component elements and optimizing hot-rolling conditions, even though hot-rolled sheet annealing is not carried out, as well as a manufacturing method thereof. More specifically, the invention provides a non-oriented electrical steel sheet which has excellent magnetic properties while hot-rolled sheet annealing can be omitted, the steel sheet being comprised of 0.005 wt % or less of C, 1.0-3.0 w % of Si, 0.1-2.0 wt % of Mn, 0.1 wt % or less of P, 0.1-1.5 wt % of Al, and a remainder of Fe and other inevitable impurities, in which the relationship between the elements Mn and Al satisfies an equation of −0.2
US07846269B2 Feeding straw holders for dishwasher
A dishwasher basket for use with baby bottle nipples includes a specially designed rack that maintains baby bottle nipples in an upright position during the washing and drying. The base of the nipple is also prevented from resting upon the surface of the rack. Feeding straw and valve holders are also provided that can be attached to the dishwasher basket. The dishwasher basket is able to be opened using only one hand.
US07846265B1 Media path universal cleaning fluid composition
Exemplary embodiments provide a cleaning composition that can include alkane components for cleaning printer members made of elastomeric materials.
US07846264B2 Cleaning method used in removing contaminants from a solid yttrium oxide-containing substrate
Disclosed herein is a gas distribution plate for use in a gas distribution assembly for a processing chamber, where the gas distribution plate is fabricated from a solid yttrium oxide-comprising substrate, which may also include aluminum oxide. The gas distribution plate includes a plurality of through-holes, which are typically crescent-shaped. Through-holes which have been formed in the solid yttrium oxide-comprising substrate by ultrasonic drilling perform particularly well. The solid yttrium oxide-comprising substrate typically comprises at least 99.9% yttrium oxide, and has a density of at least 4.92 g/cm3, a water absorbency of about 0.02% or less, and an average grain size within the range of about 10 μm to about 25 μm. Also disclosed herein are methods for fabricating and cleaning the yttrium oxide-comprising gas distribution plate.
US07846260B2 On-line automatic cleaning device for a condenser in a turbine generator
A device and method to perform on-line automatic flushing and cleaning for a steam turbine generator condenser, related with technology for flushing and cleaning of equipment during steam turbine generator operation, the apparatus includes: a polar coordinate traveling mechanical system, including one computer program polar coordinate control unit, which will control the servo motors to position the high-pressure water jet on the opening for Copper tube (or Titanium tube); the benefit for the invention is that, the polar coordinate traveling mechanical system move the high-pressure water jet to flush and clean each Copper tube (or Titanium tube) on condenser tube plate, to realize high-pressure water cleaning for each pipe during operation of generator, therefore, the heat exchanging efficient can be increased, further to reduce the consumption of coal for steam turbine generator, and archive the aim to saving coal, and reduction in generating cost.
US07846258B2 Cleaning sheet and method of cleaning substrate processing equipment
A cleaning sheet comprises a cleaning layer provided on one side of a base material, from which cleaning layer F−, Cl−, Br−, NO2−, NO3−, PO43−, SO42−, Na+, NH4+ and K+ are extractable with pure water each in an amount of not greater than 20 ppm, when extracted under boiling at 120° C. for 1 hour, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on the other side of the base material, a carrying material with cleaning capacity comprising the aforementioned cleaning sheet laminated on a carrying material with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The present disclosure also relates to a method for cleaning a substrate processing equipment which comprises conveying the aforementioned carrying material with cleaning capacity into the substrate processing equipment.
US07846257B2 Method for cleaning substrate processing apparatus, substrate processing apparatus, program and recording medium having program recorded therein
The substrate processing apparatus includes a plurality of processing chambers. A given processing chamber is cleaned by first executing first processing during which voltage application control is executed to control a voltage applied to an electrostatic chuck based upon first processing voltage application information provided for the particular processing chamber while drawing an inert gas into the processing chamber and evacuating the processing chamber sustaining therein low pressure conditions therein and then executing second processing during which voltage application control is executed to control the voltage application to the electrostatic chuck based upon second processing voltage application information for the processing chamber while drawing in the inert gas and evacuating the processing chamber, the internal pressure of which is set to a high level. As a result, the inside of the processing chamber can be cleaned with voltage settings optimized for the structure adopted in the processing chamber.
US07846249B2 Pigment aqueous-medium dispersion and coating material
A pigment aqueous-medium dispersion and coating material which have no particle feeling and exhibit a highly excellent silky feeling, the pigment aqueous-medium dispersion is a dispersion of a photoluminescent pigment in an aqueous medium, characterized in that the photoluminescent pigment is flaky titanic acid obtained by treating layered titanate with acid and then reacting an organic basic compound with the treated layered titanate to delaminate, and the flaky titanic acid has an average longer diameter of 5 to 30 μm and an average thickness of 0.5 to 300 nm.
US07846248B2 Paint, particularly for plastic materials, and painting method using said paint
The present invention relates to a paint particularly for plastic materials, comprising one or more acrylic-based resins that can undergo cross linking by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, one or more photo-initiators to induce cross-linking of said acrylic resin (or more resins) in the presence of UV radiation, and one or more fillers. The invention further relates to a method for painting a substrate, such as the housings of cellphones, in which said paint is applied on the material and is made to undergo cross-linking by means of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
US07846247B2 Ink set for ink jet recording and ink jet recording method
An ink set for ink jet recording includes a black ink and a plurality of color inks of different colors. The black ink contains a pigment as a coloring material. The color ink having the highest brightness among the plurality of color inks has the highest surface tension among the plurality of color inks. The difference in surface tension between the black ink and the color ink having the highest brightness is 2 dyn/cm (mN/m) or less.
US07846244B2 Sealing agent for waterproof barriers
The sealing agent for waterproof barriers in the form of a clay and cement suspension made of polymineral clays, characterized by the fact that it contains 3-15% parts by weight of cement, up to 65% parts by weight of fly-ash and/or rock dust of similar granulation, and 30-60% parts by weight, or better up to 50% parts by weight, of water suspension of clay, heavy or loamy.
US07846243B2 Metal alloy compositions and articles comprising the same
Improved compositions are described for the protection of gas turbine parts at elevated temperatures. The compositions are of the MCrAlY type, wherein M is selected from nickel, or a combination of nickel with cobalt, iron, or combinations thereof. The compositions further comprise ruthenium, rhenium, or a combination thereof, a Group 4 metal (e.g., hafnium, zirconium, titanium), and can further include silicon and/or germanium, where the composition results in improved aluminum diffusion properties. Also disclosed herein are articles comprising the composition.
US07846237B2 Cyclical swing adsorption processes
The concentration of adsorbate in the feed gas to an on-stream bed of a cyclical swing adsorption process is monitored and the data processed to predict the time required to complete the on-stream mode of that bed and the purge flow rate and/or other regeneration mode operating condition of the concurrently off-stream bed is modified in response to changes in said predicted time whereby the regeneration mode of the off-steam bed is completed at the same time as the on-stream mode of the concurrent on-stream bed.
US07846236B2 Method for producing oxygen, from air, particularly using an electrochemical cell with ceramic membrane, with control means for continuous production
An oxygen generator is controlled to producing oxygen during a period t at a pressure P2 higher than P1, or during a period t′ with a flow rate D2 higher than D1, optionally with a pressure P2 higher than P1.
US07846235B2 Method for producing metallic iron
A method for producing metallic iron in which a mixture including a carbonaceous reducing agent and iron oxide is fed onto a hearth of a moving hearth reducing-melting furnace and is then heated so that the iron oxide is reduced and melted. Metallic iron to be obtained is cooled and is then discharged outside the furnace for recovery. Prior to the feed of raw agglomerates, a granular hearth material is bedded on the moving hearth for forming a layered renewable hearth which can be renewed. Part or the entirety of the renewable hearth which was degraded during operation is renewed, and the hearth material for forming a new renewable hearth is fed. The surface of the newly formed hearth is then leveled and mixture is subsequently fed.
US07846234B2 Method of precious metal recovery
The proposed invention relates to methods of precious metal recovery and may be applied to the recovery of precious metals from various types of mineral raw source materials containing chlorides of alkali and earth metals, e.g. collective concentrate produced from clay-salt residue of potassium production, or marker clays, etc. This method includes chlorinating roasting of the collective concentrate produced during enrichment of the material with residual chlorides content of 7-13%, or natural concentrate with up to 15% chlorides content. Thereafter, the cinder is leached by an aqua-regia solution, the precious metals are recovered from the pulp via of sorption, chlorinating roasting is held at 600-700° C., the precious metals are leached from the cinder using diluted solution of aqua-regia, and then via sorption. The process is cost-efficient due to the use of chlorinating agent, reduction of the process steps number, decreasing of the roasting temperature, and the leaching by diluted acid.
US07846228B1 Liquid particulate extraction device
Extraction devices are disclosed for extracting liquid particulates from a gaseous stream. The extraction devices may have a powered or free spinning rotating extractor that may be mounted in the extraction device's source or extraction duct. During operation, liquid particulates impinging on the rotating extractor form a thin film of extracted liquid that travels due to centrifugal force to the periphery of the extractor's exterior surface where the extracted liquid may be flung to the inner surface of the extraction duct and collected.
US07846226B2 Apparatus for cooling and scrubbing a flow of syngas and method of assembling
A method of assembling a spray quench apparatus is provided. The method includes coupling a first end of an exit tube to a quench chamber such that the exit tube end is in flow communication with the quench chamber, coupling at least one spray nozzle to an opposite second end of the exit tube such that water emitted from the spray nozzle fills the exit tube and forms a film of water across an inner surface of the exit tube, coupling a water source to the quench chamber for providing a substantially continuous water film along an inner surface of the quench chamber, and coupling at least one discharge apparatus to the quench chamber for providing water spray into the quench chamber, wherein the water of the water film and water sprays drains into a water sump.
US07846221B2 Method for treating of oils and fats
A method for treatment of oils and fats having a high saturated fatty acid content whose treatment has previously been difficult, especially waste oils and fats and discharged oils and fats, characterized in that the oils and fats just prior to hydrolysis is subjected to ozone treatment and light irradiation treatment.
US07846216B2 Method for making colloidal nanocrystals
A method for making colloidal nanocrystals includes the following steps: dissolving a nanocrystal powder in an organic solvent, and achieving a solution A of a concentration of 1-30 mg/ml; dissolving a surfactant in water, and achieving a solution B of a concentration of 0.002-0.05 mmol/ml; mixing the solution A and the solution B in a volume ratio of 1: (5-30), and achieving a mixture; stirring and emulsifying the mixture, until an emulsion C is achieved; removing the organic solvent from the emulsion C, and achieving a deposit; then washing the deposit with deionized water, and achieving colloidal nanocrystals. The present method for making colloidal nanocrystals is economical and timesaving, and has a low toxicity associated therewith. Thus, the method is suitable for industrial mass production. The colloidal nanocrystals made by the present method have a readily controllable size, a narrow size distribution, and good configuration.
US07846213B2 Foot prosthesis with resilient multi-axial ankle
The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support. In another embodiment, the foot includes a gap between a lower front edge of an attachment adapter and the upper element. The gap may be filled with a resilient material.
US07846212B2 Modular orthopaedic implant apparatus
A trial implant kit includes a plurality of intermediate components and a plurality of inner components. Each of the plurality of intermediate components has a uniform inner surface, although at least two of the plurality of intermediate components having distinct outer surfaces. Each of the distinct outer surfaces is configured to engage one of a plurality of acetabular shell component geometries. Each of the plurality of inner components has a uniform outer surface portion and a bearing surface, the uniform outer surface portion configured to be received by the uniform inner surface of any of plurality of intermediate components. The bearing surface is configured to engage a femoral head. At least two of plurality of inner components having distinct bearing surface configurations.
US07846208B2 Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and deformable spinal disc annulus stent
A spinal disc annulus repair stent for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, which may incorporate suture closure or other means of stent insertion and fixation, designed to reduce the failure rate of conventional surgical procedures on the spinal discs. In an illustrative embodiment, the design of the spinal disc annulus stent advantageously allows ingrowth of normal cells of healing in an enhanced fashion strengthening the normal reparative process.
US07846206B2 Methods and apparatuses for bone restoration
Methods and apparatuses for restoration of human or animal bone anatomy, which may include introduction, into a bone of an expansible implant capable of expansion in a single determined plane, positioning the expansible implant in the bone in order to correspond the single determined plane with a bone restoration plane and opening out the expansible implant in the bone restoration plane. A first support surface and a second support surface spread tissues within bone. The embodiments of the invention may also include injecting a filling material around the implant.
US07846203B2 Implanting a stent valve prosthesis at the native aortic valve
A valve prosthesis which is especially useful in the case of aortic stenosis and capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the stenotic aortic annulus, comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of physiologically compatible valvular tissue that is sufficiently supple and resistant to allow the valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state. The valvular tissue forms a continuous surface. The valve prosthesis can be delivered percutaneously, surgically, or endoscopically.
US07846201B2 Magnetically-driven biodegradable gene delivery nanoparticles formulated with surface-attached polycationic complex
A particle including a matrix-forming agent and a polyelectrolyte-amphiphilic agent adduct wherein the polyelectrolyte-amphiphilic agent adduct is in physical communication with the matrix-forming agent. The particle further includes a coated magnetic field-responsive agent and a biomaterial. Methods of making the particle are provided. Also provided are methods of delivery of the biomaterial to a target cell or a target tissue including administering the particle having the matrix-forming agent, polyelectrolyte-amphiphilic agent adduct, the coated magnetic field-responsive agent and the biomaterial; providing a magnetic device associated with the target cell or the target tissue; applying a magnetic force to the particle; and guiding the particle toward the magnetic device by the magnetic force.
US07846198B2 Vascular prosthesis and methods of use
The present invention is directed to an implantable vascular prosthesis configured for use in a wide range of applications, such as treating aneurysms, maintaining patency in a vessel, and allowing for the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents to a vessel wall. The prosthesis comprises a helical proximal section coupled to a distal anchoring section having a generally zig-zag configuration. The prosthesis is configured to comply to a vessel wall without substantially remodeling the vessel, and further is configured to be precisely deployed in a vessel without shifting during deployment. The prosthesis also has a substantially small delivery profile compared to other known stents, while having an increased surface area to enhance delivery of therapeutic agents.
US07846196B2 Apparatus for a stent having an expandable web structure
The present invention provides a drug-coated stent comprising a tubular flexible body having a wall with a web structure that is expandable from a contracted delivery configuration to deployed configuration. The web structure comprises a plurality of neighboring web patterns, where each web patterns is composed of adjoining webs, and the web patterns are interconnected by transition sections. Each adjoining web comprises a central section interposed between two lateral sections to form concave or convex configurations.
US07846195B2 Stent graft tapered spring
A stent graft includes a stent graft material of cylindrical shape and tapered stent springs coupled to the stent graft material. Each stent spring includes a first stent cell and a second stent cell contiguous with the first stent cell. The first stent cell and the second stent cell are coupled. The second stent cell of each tapered stent spring is smaller than the first stent cell thereby defining a tapered shape to the tapered stent springs. The stent graft is placed in a curved segment of a tortuous body lumen and rotationally positioned such that the smallest stent cell of each tapered stent spring is placed at an inside radius of the curved segment.
US07846192B2 Warming device
A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with multiple separately inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming.
US07846190B2 Apparatuses, systems and methods for bone fixation
Apparatuses, systems and methods for bone fixation are disclosed herein. A fixation apparatus is disclosed having a head portion having outer wall sections at least partially surrounding a central hollow area, and the head portion also having an inner bottom surface. A shank portion can extend from the head portion. An expander hub is provided for positioning at least partially within the central hollow area of the head portion and can be seated at least partially on the inner bottom surface of the head portion. The expander hub is rotatable to force the outer wall sections of the head portion outwardly for engaging and locking the fixation apparatus in place when the fixation apparatus is positioned within a hole of a plate. The fixation apparatus can advantageously be used with a plate whereby the fixation apparatus and plate can compress bone separately from locking the fixation apparatus in a desired position. Also, the angle, alignment or position of the fixation apparatus can be changed if desired even after locking of the fixation apparatus. Separate drivers can be used to drive the fixation apparatus, to rotate the expander hub to lock it in place, and to remove the fixation apparatus. The drivers can be cannulated as desired such that the drivers can be assembled in a nested and concentric configuration and can be used without removal from the nested configuration.
US07846189B2 Orthopaedic bone plate
An orthopaedic bone plate is coupled to a bone having an enlarged head at one end thereof which is attached to a shaft. The bone plate includes an elongate portion, a flared portion and an intermediate portion. The elongate portion is attachable to the bone shaft using a plurality of bone screws. The elongate portion generally defines a longitudinal axis. The flared portion is attachable to the bone head using at least one bone screw. The intermediate portion interconnects the elongate portion and the flared portion. The intermediate portion is structured and arranged to allow the elongate portion and the flared portion to move relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis when the elongate portion and the flared portion are attached to the bone.
US07846186B2 Equipment for surgical treatment of two vertebrae
The equipment (1) includes: bone anchor elements (2) that will be anchored in a first of the two treated vertebrae (100), and two rigid walls (3) that can be connected to the bone anchor elements (2), that will be arranged on each side of the spinous process (101) of the second treated vertebra (100) with no connection to it and sized to extend over at least the height of the spinous process (101), these walls (3) thus being capable of limiting pivot movements of this second vertebra (100) about an axis approximately perpendicular to the intervertebral disk.
US07846182B2 Pedicle screw for intervertebral support elements
The pedicle screw (1) for intervertebral support elements (3) consists of a shaft (10) and a head (2) comprising at least two parts (20, 22). The head is formed as a securing means for at least one support element (3). Each support element consists of a piece of a cable-like band (31) and a cylindrical support body (30) with an axial lumen (31″containing the band. The band is securable outside end surfaces (32) of the support body in the head. The head is formed with a contact surface (23) via which a pressure stress can be exerted on the support body in the band direction, and indeed using the band and in cooperation with a further pedicle screw. A part (20) of the head (2), which is firmly connected to the shaft (10) at the one end of the latter, contains a base groove (21) which is oriented transversally to the shaft and into which the part of the band (31) to be secured or a connecting piece (292) which contains the band can be introduced during the securing of the support element (3) by means of a translatory movement in the direction of the shaft and fixed there.
US07846179B2 Suture-based systems and methods for treating septal defects
A system for treating a septal defect having a suture-like implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The suture-like apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the suture-like apparatus, a stabilization device configured to stabilize the delivery device and a positioning device configured to position the delivery device in a desired location. The suture-like device can include a suture body coupled with one or more lock devices or anchor devices.
US07846178B2 Medical cutting and/or holding instrument
The invention relates to a medical cutting and/or holding instrument having a shaft, a tool mounted on the distal end of the shaft and consisting of two jaw members, and also having a handle that is mounted on the proximal end of the shaft, consists of two gripping members, and serves to open and close the jaw members of the tool. In order to produce a simply constructed and easily cleanable medical cutting and/or holding instrument, it is proposed according to the invention that the shaft should consist of two shaft rods, each configured without joints as a single construction with one gripping member of the handle.
US07846173B2 Puncturing guidance tube for a long and fine needle
A puncturing guidance tube for a long and fine needle is invented that is comprised of: a cylindrical body forming a long tubal-shape, a head portion forming a funnel shaped rim, an upper portion (31) of the cylindrical body having a large diameter, a lower portion (32) of the cylindrical body having a small diameter, a transition portion disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion, wherein the large diameter is gradually reduced to the small diameter of the cylindrical body, and a needle gateway (33) forming a lateral opening vertically all along the cylindrical body for easily removing the guidance tube from an operating needle, so that the long and fine needle can be punctured without buckling during an initial operation of the puncturing. The overall length of the tube is about two-third of the needle and the opening width of the needle gateway (33) is wide enough to pass out the needle.
US07846169B2 Adjustable vacuum chamber for a surgical suturing apparatus
A surgical suturing apparatus includes a suture housing, a needle mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path, a drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue, and a vacuum chamber surrounding the suture housing. The vacuum chamber is coupled to a vacuum line of the endoscope and includes a mechanism for adjusting the maximum amount of tissue that can be drawn into the vacuum chamber.
US07846165B2 Method and apparatus for arthroscopic bone preparation
A guide system for resecting a bone through incisions of the type utilized for arthroscopic procedures is provided. The guide system comprises a first alignment pin, a second alignment pin and a wire saw. The first alignment pin is configured to be inserted through a first incision into a bone in a first orientation. The second alignment pin is configured to inserted through a second incision into the bone in a second orientation. The first alignment pin and the second alignment pin are configured and oriented to define a resection plane of reference through which the bone is to be resected and the wire saw is configured to be inserted through the first and second incisions to be guided by the first and second alignment pins while being moved to resect the bone.
US07846162B2 Minimally invasive actuable bone fixation devices
Apparatus for bone reinforcement, fixation and treatment of diseased or fractured bones including a supporting structure optionally coated with therapeutic agent is provided. The supporting structure or device may be collapsible upon deployment at the surgical site, and include fixation features such as anchors to securely position in place once deployed. Bone cement or other material may be provided to alternatively secure the positioned supporting structure for treatment. A lockable bone fixation device is described that comprises: a sleeve adapted to be positioned in a space formed in a bone; a guidewire adapted to guide movement of the sleeve; and an actuable lock adapted to secure the sleeve within the space of the bone from an end of the device.
US07846146B2 Medicament cartridge
Many of those having diabetes take a combination of slow and fast acting types of insulin. It is important that the different forms of medicament do not become confused. To this end, a medicament cartridge is provided comprising a sleeve having a bottleneck providing a flange at a first end, a fluid impermeable membrane secured across the first end by a metal cap beaded beneath the flange, and a displaceable piston located internally of the sleeve towards a second end of the sleeve, a collar located against an external periphery of the cartridge housing beneath the flange and an adaptor top press fit over the cap and the collar, the adaptor top being provided with means to act upon the collar thereby to retain the adaptor top on the sleeve.
US07846143B1 Portable urinal with a shaped inlet and a membrane valve
A portable urinal that includes a container defining a liquid reservoir and a spout extending therefrom. The spout has an inlet for receiving a liquid. A valve assembly is disposed within the spout. The valve assembly has an interior region and an exterior region. The valve assembly includes a sidewall and one or more sealable openings for permitting flow of a liquid into the reservoir, while resisting undesired flow of the liquid out of the reservoir. The openings defining the line between the interior region and the exterior region. The valve assembly sidewall has a shaped contour structured to direct liquid flow into the openings.
US07846142B2 Fluid collection system and methods of using same
According to one aspect, a fluid collection bag comprises an inlet opening adapted to receive an inlet tube located on a first side of the fluid collection bag. The first side of the fluid collection bag is generally parallel with a length of the fluid collection bag. The fluid collection bag further comprises an outlet opening located on the first side of the fluid collection bag.
US07846141B2 Reduced pressure treatment system
A wound treatment apparatus is provided for treating tissue damage, which comprises a fluid impermeable wound cover sealed over a site for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the site. The apparatus also includes a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. An absorbable matrix may be placed in the site of a wound to encourage tissue growth into the matrix. Temperature of the site may be monitored using a layer of temperature sensitive material and temperature sensors connected to an alarm and recording device. A vacuum pump supplies suction within the wound cover over the treatment site. A portable version of the wound treatment apparatus is also provided. Finally, a method for treating wounds using reduced pressure is provided.
US07846136B2 Gripping edge for a syringe with improved protection against bursting
The invention relates to a gripping edge (1) for a syringe with: a sleeve (7) with a first opening (9) for attachment to a barrel (2) of the syringe and a second opening (10). The gripping edge (1) comprises a flange (8) that is attached to the sleeve (7) at a distance from the first opening (9). A large number of catches (11), which project radially toward the inside from the inside wall (21) of the sleeve (7), are provided to engage in a groove attached to an outside surface of the barrel (2) or projections (13) and to fasten the sleeve (7) and, over this, the gripping edge (1) to the barrel (2), whereby a considerable number of openings, in particular a considerable number of lengthwise openings (14) and/or a considerable number of transverse openings (15), are cut out in the sleeve (7). As a result, a locking of the gripping edge (1) to the barrel (2) in the case of lower assembly forces is possible, by which a bursting tendency of the barrel (2), in particular during assembly, is considerably reduced.
US07846134B1 Flexible walled cannula
A flexible walled cannula apparatus and method of use comprising a uniquely deformable cannula tube and head in combination with a uniquely shaped obturator which allows the use of heretofore unusable larger gauge surgical instruments while providing a self sealing incision. The apparatus and method of use provides a preassembled obturator and cannula assembly with which the surgeon forms an incision or channel, inserts the cannula tube, and through the cannula inserts surgical instruments to perform a surgical operation. The apparatus and method of use is especially suited for ophthalmic surgical operations. Alternative embodiments for use with even larger diameter instruments utilize a uniquely designed valve having leaflets which prevent bodily or other fluid leakage from the cannula when an instrument is not inserted.
US07846133B2 Multi-size convertible catheter
The present invention relates to a multi-size catheter for use in biliary endoscopic procedures. The multi-size catheter comprises an outer diameter defined by a plurality of superimposed peelable layers. The peelable layers allow the multi-size catheter to function as a single operator exchange catheter without the need, and additional expense, of an endoscope sheath. Before positioning the multi-size catheter within the working channel of an endoscope, the peelable layers may be selectively removed in order to obtain an outer diameter for the catheter that is less than, but approximate to, the inner diameter of the working channel of the endoscope. The resulting fit eliminates the potential for a guidewire to slip out of the guidewire channel and become pinched between the catheter and the endoscope working channel. With an incorrect fit, a pinched guidewire would restrict the desired movements of both the guidewire and the catheter.
US07846130B2 Portable intravenous fluid heating system
The present invention discloses a portable intravenous fluid heating system comprising (a) a metallic heated conduit for warming IV fluids passed therethrough at a continuously regulated normal body temperature and transporting said IV fluids; and, (b) a controller unit including a power source operative to apply an electric potential across said conduit. The conduit comprises a wall made of a metallic material capable of producing resistance heat by the passage of electric current, such that said IV fluid is heated by the contact with said wall.
US07846125B2 Sprayer
A sprayer includes a nozzle through which gas is to be ejected with positiveness and uniformity. The sprayer is provided with a nozzle having inner tubes through the interior of which liquid is to pass and an outer tube receiving the inner tubes therein and allowing gas to pass through a space defined with the inserted inner tubes. The inner tubes have respective liquid orifices through which liquids are to be ejected. The outer tube is arranged therein with the liquid orifices and a gas orifice for ejecting gas. When the nozzle is viewed from front, the outer peripheries of the liquid orifices each assume a circular form while the inner peripheries of the gas orifices are differently shaped to provide plural point contact between the outer periphery of the liquid orifice and the inner periphery of the gas orifice.
US07846123B2 Conduit device and system for implanting a conduit device in a tissue wall
Various embodiments of the present invention provide a conduit device including an attaching device configured for defining a helical pathway through a tissue wall and complementary ring in cooperation for securing the device within an aperture defined in the tissue wall. Some embodiments of the present invention further provide a system for implanting a conduit device in a tissue wall. More specifically, some embodiments provide a system including a coring device for defining an aperture in a tissue by removing and retaining a tissue core and securely implanting a conduit device therein so as to provide fluid communication between a first and second surface of the tissue wall via the conduit device.
US07846121B2 Device for extracorporeal irradiation of a liquid containing bilirubin, and method therefor
The invention concerns a device for the extracorporeal irradiation of a patient's (P) bodily fluid containing bilirubin, comprising a first (10) and a second (12) line which can be connected to the patient (P), an impermeable irradiation unit for bodily fluids (14) connected therewith and located between the first (10) and the second (12) lines, and at least one adjustable feed unit for bodily fluids (16) located in the first (10) and/or the second (12) line, wherein by means of at least one feed unit for bodily fluids (16) an adjustable flow of bodily fluid through the lines (10, 12) and the irradiation unit for bodily fluids (14) is achievable, in which the first line (10) is designed to continually circulate the bodily fluid drawn from the patient (P) and route it to the irradiation unit for bodily fluids (14), and the second line (12) is designed to continually circulate the irradiated bodily fluid to the patient (P), and in which the irradiation unit for bodily fluids (14) contains an radiation source for the emission of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength greater than 430 nm, preferably in a spectrum from 450 to 530 nm. The invention furthermore concerns a corresponding method.
US07846120B2 Orthotic device having coupling segments
An orthotic device for supporting a jointed limb of the human body includes a first segment having a first support member that extends along a posterior portion of the limb about the joint, a first support pad secured to the first support member, and a channel slot extending along the first support member. An extension segment includes a second support member that also extends along the posterior portion of the limb and a second support pad secured to the second support member. The second support member can be adjustably coupled to the first segment by entering and engaging the channel slot.
US07846117B2 Neck brace
Neck brace that inhibits excessive neck movement during impact, yet allows for a high degree of movement of the wearer's head during normal operation of the neck brace. May include impact surface(s) that limits movement of a helmet by contacting an underside of the helmet; bearing surface(s) configured for bearing on wearer; a structure between impact surface and bearing surface, sufficiently resilient to transfer impact loads of the helmet to the impact surface, to the wearer's body; wherein the impact surface is displaceable towards an adjacent part of the bearing surface and wherein the structure is configured to permit the displacement at rates slower than a predetermined rate of displacement and to resist the displacement if the rate of displacement exceeds the predetermined rate. May include a pivotal joint between the displaceable part and remainder of neck brace and impact brake element(s).
US07846113B2 Body massage apparatus
A massage apparatus is disclosed with a housing and a motor oriented in the housing. An eccentric drive is driven by the motor for oscillating an elongate massage member. In one embodiment a pair of elongate massage members are provided. In another embodiment, a massage formation is limited to a range of linear translation in a first direction and limited to a range of rotational translation relative to the housing.
US07846112B2 Compression belt system for use with chest compression devices
A compression belt cartridge for use with chest compression devices. The compression belt cartridge has a double-oar shaped belt and a cover plate through which the belt is threaded. The cover plate is provided with hooks and snap latches that fit into a belt drive platform. The cover plate is sized and dimensioned to fit within only selected platforms. The belt attaches to the means for tightening the belt via a spline attached to the belt. The means for tightening a belt then repetitively tightens the belt, thereby accomplishing chest compressions.
US07846110B2 Self-contained test unit for testing body fluids
A self contained disposable test unit for testing body fluid comprises a body member and a support member. The support member is moveable with respect to the body member between a first position and a second position. The support member includes a body part receiving surface for receiving a patient's body part. A lancet is carried by the body member and includes a lancet tip capable of piercing the skin of a patient to produce fluid flow. A test member is capable of interacting with body fluid to aid in the determination of information about body fluid components. A capillary member is capable of directing fluid flow to the test member. A pressure cup is capable of exerting pressure on a body part to foster fluid flow out of a lanced site and into the capillary, and a calibration member is provided for containing information for facilitating calibration of the test unit.
US07846109B2 Biopsy device with sliding cutter cover
A biopsy device comprises a targeting set, a probe assembly, and a holster assembly, which are detachable from one another. The targeting set comprises a needle assembly having a tissue piercing tip and tissue receiving aperture. The probe assembly comprises a tissue cutter, a body, cutter driving mechanism components, and a sliding cutter cover. The cutter extends from a distal portion of the probe assembly. The sliding cutter cover extends from the distal portion of the probe assembly when the probe assembly is detached from the needle assembly of the targeting set assembly. This extension of the sliding cutter cover shields a user of the biopsy device from the sharp cutter. The sliding cutter cover further retracts into the probe assembly when the probe assembly is coupled with the needle assembly of the targeting set assembly. The cover may be resiliently biased to extend distally from the probe assembly.
US07846105B2 Non-invasive blood pressure measurement safety protection method and apparatus
The present invention discloses a non-invasive blood pressure measurement apparatus and a safety protection method. In addition to a main pressure measurement circuit and a main microprocessor circuit, the measurement apparatus also includes an independently disposed assist pressure measurement circuit and an independently disposed assist microprocessor circuit. In normal measurement, the assist microprocessor circuit periodically samples a cuff pressure via the assist pressure measurement circuit, and compares the measured cuff pressure with a specified overpressure protection value, and if the cuff pressure exceeds the specified overpressure protection value, the assist microprocessor circuit outputs a control signal to open a deflation valve until the pressure falls to below the safety pressure. Compared with the prior art, the method for overpressure protection of the present invention is more direct and has higher accuracy of decision, leading to higher reliability of the overpressure protection and higher safety of the measurement apparatus.
US07846104B2 Monitoring physiological condition and detecting abnormalities
A method for monitoring an individual's physiological condition and detecting abnormalities therein, comprising concurrently receiving an electrocardiograph signal and a ballistocardiograph signal. The electrocardiograph and ballistocardiograph signals are conditioned to minimize background extraneous noise after which, each signal is concurrently processed and analyzed to detect repeating cyclical patterns and further characterized to identify individual components of the repeating cycles. At least one individual component in one signal is selected as a reference marker for a selected component in the other signal. The two signals are then synchronized, outputs produced therefrom and stored in a database.
US07846101B2 High resolution intravascular ultrasound transducer assembly having a flexible substrate
An ultrasound transducer assembly of the present invention includes a flexible circuit to which an ultrasound transducer array and integrated circuitry are attached during fabrication of the ultrasound transducer assembly. The flexible circuit comprises a flexible substrate to which the integrated circuitry and transducer elements are attached while the flexible substrate is in a substantially flat shape. The flexible circuit further comprises electrically conductive lines that are deposited upon the flexible substrate. The electrically conductive lines transport electrical signals between the integrated circuitry and the transducer elements. After assembly, the flexible circuit is re-shapable into a final form such as, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape.
US07846099B2 Apparatus, system, and method for providing a continuous scanning sequence for ultrasound imaging
A method of performing a scanning sequence for an ultrasound scan includes establishing a number of ultrasound beams to be transmitted during an ultrasound scan, establishing a pulse repetition interval to be used for performing the ultrasound scan, and establishing a number of firings of each of the ultrasound beams to be performed during the ultrasound scan. The method further includes performing a scanning sequence based on a processing of one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of the number of ultrasound beams, the pulse repetition interval, and the number of firings of the ultrasound beams, wherein the processing of the one or more parameters is configured to provide a continuous interleaving in the transmitted beams thereby avoiding a generation of beam interleaving discontinuities and a formation of artifacts in a resulting image.
US07846098B2 Automatic optimization for ultrasound medical imaging
Methods and systems are provided for automatic optimization for ultrasound medical imaging. In one approach, velocity values are unwrapped to avoid aliasing artifacts. Multi-dimensional phase unwrapping is applied to the velocity data. The unwrapped velocity information is used to optimize one or both of the velocity scale (e.g., pulse repetition frequency) and the imaging frequency. For optimizing the scale setting, the distribution of unwrapped velocities from a systolic time period of the heart cycle are used to identify the pulse repetition frequency. For optimizing the imaging frequency, a correlation as a function of depth shows the penetration depth for a given imaging frequency. In a dependent or independent approach, one or more thresholds for velocity or energy in flow imaging are adaptively selected as a function of an amount of clutter. Velocity or other energy information in addition to the clutter information may be used for selecting the thresholds. In yet another dependent or independent approach, displacement of an imaging plane or other change is detected and used to trigger an automatic update of an imaging parameter for a same or different mode.
US07846096B2 Method for monitoring of medical treatment using pulse-echo ultrasound
A method for ultrasound imaging of anatomical tissue. A first signal is received from a first imaging ultrasound wave which has been reflected from a location in the anatomical tissue during a first time period. A second signal is received from a second imaging ultrasound wave which has been reflected from the location in the anatomical tissue during a later second time period, following a discrete medical treatment. The second signal is subtracted from the first signal to form a difference signal. The difference signal may be scaled, spatially filtered, then used to generate an indication, the indication showing the effect of the medical treatment in the location in the anatomical tissue.
US07846091B2 Autofluorescence imaging system for endoscopy
A system and method for imaging tissue autofluorescence through a video endoscope is described, comprising a light source capable of providing both ultraviolet light capable of inducing tissue autofluorescence and visible light which induces little or no autofluorescence, an optical system to deliver both wavelength bands to the tissue with the same apparent spatial and angular intensity distribution, a means for digitally acquiring the resulting, visible fluorescence and visible reflectance images using a single imaging detector at the distal tip of the endoscope and a means for digitally processing said images to generate a final, false-color image for display which indicates regions of tissue dysplasia. This system can either be added on to an existing video endoscope or integrated into its structure. The combined system can be electronically switched between normal white light imaging and fluorescence imaging.
US07846079B1 Lightweight portable training device to simulate kayaking
Methods and devices for kayak training and/or exercising. One embodiment can use two PVC type pipes (one shorter than the other) in a parallel configuration. A flexible bungee type stretchable cord can be passed through the small pipe and have ends that are each attached to opposite ends of the larger pipe. Ends of another stretchable cord are each fixable attached to ends of the small pipe with a mid portion of the second bungee cord attached to a fixably nonmoveable member such as a door knob and the like. A user sitting down can grip the larger pipe with both hands spread apart and create a rowing action with the device so that the stretched cords simulate rowing actions such as those used with a kayak. The device can also be used as an exercise device and method to tone muscles such as arm and stomach and side muscles of the user. Another embodiment slidably passes the cord through dual through-holes in the ends of the smaller pipe member, and another embodiment substitutes a stretchable cord that has one end attached to a midportion of the smaller pipe and an outer end attached to the fixable nonmoveable object such as the door knob.
US07846075B2 Exercise assemblies having self-adjusting pad devices
Exercise assemblies having self-adjusting pad devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load and a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled between the load and at least one exercise station such that a training force applied to the at least one exercise station induces an associated force on the load. The at least one exercise station includes at least one pad member slideably coupled to a support member and configured to adjust to a lateral position along the support member corresponding to a portion of the user's body. The at least one pad member may have an attachment opening that includes a first portion sized to receive a shaft portion of the support member, and a second portion sized to receive a retaining portion of the support member, the retaining portion being larger than the shaft portion of the support member.
US07846069B2 Exercise system with graphical feedback and method of gauging fitness progress
A system and method for providing visual feedback to a user of an exercise machine for gauging fitness progress of the user. The system provides a user of an exercise machine with a virtual competition in which the user competes against virtual competitors based on his past performances or those of other users, either as an individual or as a member of a team. The team may also be part of a league. For an individual competing against his own past performance(s), the system may raise the level of performance required to win the virtual competition, and may also lower the level of performance required if the user is not performing well on a particular day. For an individual competing against others in either real-time or against designated results, either as part of a team or a league, the system may reduce the isolation, disconnection, and tedium often experienced by users of cardiovascular exercise equipment and provide a social outlet. The system attempts to keep the user engaged and motivated to achieve desired fitness goals by providing real-time performance data and historical performance data displayed in a graphical manner coupled with the entertainment and excitement of competition and social interaction.
US07846066B1 Light-emitting control circuit and wrist training ball using the same
A light-emitting control circuit and a wrist training ball using the same are described. The wrist training ball includes a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device includes an electricity generating circuit and a light-emitting control circuit. The electricity generating circuit generates electric power by rotational kinetic energy of the wrist training ball and outputs the electric power to the light-emitting control circuit. The light-emitting control circuit includes first and second light-emitting elements. According to a voltage value of a voltage output by the electricity generating circuit, the first light-emitting element is turned-on to emit red-light, or the second light-emitting element is turned-on to emit blue-light, which is mixed with the red-light into purple-light due to visual persistence phenomenon, or the first light-emitting element is turned-off to increase the voltage instantly to make the blue-light brighter, thereby producing different light emitting effects according to different rotational ranges of the wrist training ball.
US07846064B2 Control for an electromagnetic brake for a multiple-ratio power transmission that has a neutral switch for power take-off engagement
A control system and method is disclosed for an electromagnetic clutch brake, including an electromagnetic clutch brake actuator coil surrounding a power input shaft for a multiple-ratio transmission in a vehicle powertrain. A protective circuit of the control system normally monitors data inputs that indicate conditions that are not favorable for clutch brake actuation. The protective circuit prevents actuation of the clutch brake under such conditions. The protective circuit may monitor a plurality of signals including a vehicle speed signal which prevents engagement of the clutch brake unless the vehicle speed is below a predetermined level. The system may further include a transmission neutral switch that permits bypassing monitoring the vehicle speed signal when the transmission neutral switch is actuated.
US07846062B2 Control system and vehicle including the same
A motorcycle includes a transmission, a CPU, an engine, a load sensor and a notification lamp. The load sensor detects a shift operation by a driver. When the shift operation is performed by the driver, an output of the engine is adjusted by the CPU so that a torque (driving force) transmitted between the engine and the transmission is reduced. The CPU does not adjust the output when the torque is transmitted from the transmission to the engine when an up-shifting operation is performed by the driver. Moreover, a notification lamp is lit by the CPU when the torque having at least a predetermined value is transmitted from the transmission to the engine when the up-shifting operation is performed by the driver.
US07846060B2 Vehicular control device and method
When an engine is in operation an ignition switch is turned off by a driver an ECU executes a program including the step of actuating an electric motor driven oil pump.
US07846059B2 Automatic transmission with dry clutches, multi-purpose actuators, or damper
An automatic transmission including a first number of dry clutches; a second number of brakes; a third number of actuators; and transfer elements. The transfer elements are connected to respective clutches and brakes by respective uninterruptible mechanical paths. The actuators are arranged to displace respective transfer elements to operate the dry clutches and brakes. The third number is less than a sum of the first and second numbers. The transmission can include an input to a drive unit; a gear set; a damper connecting the drive unit and gear set; and an uninterrupted torque path between the drive unit and gear set. The transmission can include: a fluid chamber; dry portions; a six speed gear set at least partly in the chamber; three shafts at least partially disposed in the chamber; and three sealing elements forming a fluid-tight seal among the shafts, chamber, and dry portions.
US07846058B2 Power train of automatic transmission
A power train of an automatic transmission attains eight forward speeds and one reverse speed. The power train includes first, second, and third planetary gear sets, four clutches, and two brakes. The first planetary gear set generates a reduced rotational speed, the second planetary gear set generates a reverse rotational speed, and the third planetary gear set generates the eight forward speeds and the one reverse speed by using the reduced rotational speed, the reverse rotational speed, and a rotational speed of an input shaft.
US07846057B2 Power train of automatic transmission
A power train of an automatic transmission with eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds includes: a speed reduction unit including a first variable input member connected to an input shaft via a first clutch, first and second variably stopped members connected to a transmission case, and a reduced speed output member; an output unit including a reduced speed input member connected to the reduced speed output member, second and third variable input members connected to the input shaft via second and third clutches, respectively, a third variably stopped member connected to the transmission case, and a shifted speed output member connected to an output gear. A first brake variably stops the third variable stopped member; a second brake variably stops the first variable stopped member; and a third brake variably stops the second variable stopped member.
US07846053B2 Hydraulic control system of eight-speed automatic transmission for a vehicle
A hydraulic control system of an eight-speed automatic transmission for a vehicle. Four clutches and two brakes can by independently controlled by six proportional control solenoid valves by employing pressure control valves and pressure switching valves.
US07846050B2 Power transmission chain and power transmission apparatus
Two kinds of pins having rolling contact surfaces of different shapes are used as first pins. A recess is formed at that portion of the first pin disposed between a chain outer periphery-side edge portion thereof and the rolling contact surface thereof. A straight portion is formed at that portion of the second pin disposed between a chain outer periphery-side edge portion thereof and the rolling contact surface thereof. With this construction, the two kinds of pins can be easily discriminated from each other from their appearance.
US07846048B2 Multi-speed sprocket assembly
A multi-speed sprocket assembly is suggested, including at least a larger sprocket and at least a smaller sprocket. The smaller sprocket has a trailing tooth which is last to engage the chain before moving onto the larger sprocket. The larger sprocket has a leading tooth which either is the first to engage between a first outer link plate pair of the chain or is located adjacent to a first inner link plate pair of the chain. At least the larger sprocket has an upshift transitional region which has a double spacewidth created by omitting a tooth and is immediately followed by the leading tooth. In the region of the double spacewidth, the larger sprocket is embodied in such a way that a crossing chain link comes into contact with the larger sprocket only in the region of the leading tooth.
US07846047B2 Bicycle sprocket having a thickened spline
A sprocket comprises a sprocket body; a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly from the sprocket body and dimensioned to engage a bicycle chain; and a spline extending radially inwardly from the sprocket body, wherein the spline includes a radially outer surface facing radially outwardly.
US07846046B2 System and method of preparing a playing surface
A movable frame may be positioned about a playing surface and defines a substantially straight pathway for a tool to follow while altering a playing surface, such as by cutting or marking the surface. A template that may be used to accurately define key positions of a playing surface, like a tennis court. Various pairs of the key positions may, in turn, be used to define each line that is to be marked or altered on the playing surface. Patterns of sensor circuits are defined for indentifying whether a ball impacts the tennis court at a position that is in play, or out of play.
US07846041B2 Movable weights for a golf club head
Embodiments of movable weights, such as weight assemblies and weight screws, for a golf club head are disclosed herein. One embodiment for a weight assembly, for example, comprises a mass element having a first end, a second end and a sidewall extending between the first end and the send end. The sidewall of the mass element defines a first bore extending through the mass element and at least a portion of the sidewall of mass element tapers in a direction from the first end to the second end. This embodiment further includes a retaining element configured to engage the first bore adjacent the first end of the mass element and defining a second bore. The weight assembly further includes an elongate fastener having a first end configured to be received within the second bore of the retaining element and a second end extending through the first bore and beyond the second end of the mass element when the mass element, retaining element and fastener are assembled together.
US07846036B2 Golf putter head
A golf putter head includes an opening, a deflectable plate and a cutout. The opening is located behind a putter face, and is larger than a golf ball. The deflectable plate is coupled to the golf putter head, with a first end of the deflectable plate projecting into the opening. The cutout is located above the deflectable plate, the cutout having a width that is greater than or equal to a width of the deflectable plate.
US07846034B1 Golf aim assisting assembly
A golf stroke aim assisting assembly includes a golf tee that has a top end, a bottom end and a peripheral surface extending between the top and bottom ends. The bottom end is pointed and the top end is concave to support a golf ball. A plate has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. The plate has an aperture therein extending into the top side and outwardly of the bottom side. The peripheral edge includes a pair of lateral edges tapering toward each other and coming to a point. The bottom end of the tee is extended through the aperture and is extendable into a ground surface. The point is directable toward an area in which a golf ball is to be struck to assist a person in aiming while striking a golf ball off of the top end.
US07846030B2 Cam bar centering mechanism
Universal joint (100) includes a centering mechanism (100A) for supporting the universal and forcing the two joint halves to operate at the same angle thereby causing the joint to operate at constant velocity at all angles. Each shaft (134, 135) of the joint (100) is rotatably connected to the centering mechanism (100A). Movement of one of the shafts (134, 135) at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling yoke (136) is transmitted to the other shaft (135, 134) by the centering mechanism (100A) and the centering mechanism (100A) causes the other shaft (135, 134) to likewise move at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling yoke (136). The centering mechanism(100A) includes cam rods (102, 103) supported within a cam tube (101), which arrangement allows a full range of movement of the shafts (134, 135) at angles of 90°.
US07846029B2 Torque limiter
A torque limiter may include a first member provided with a circumferential face, a second member provided with a base plate part and a cylindrical drum part which is extended from the base plate part so as to surround the circumferential face of the first member, and an urging member for urging the cylindrical drum part of the second member to the circumferential face of the first member. The cylindrical drum part is formed with a plurality of cutout parts to be divided into a plurality of elastic plate parts. The cutout part is extended from a tip end of the cylindrical drum part to a middle position in a radial direction of the base plate part and the elastic plate part is formed of the cylindrical drum part and the base plate part.
US07846025B2 Method and apparatus for managing data in a gaming system
A gaming system includes a hard disk drive for storing applications and other data. The hard disk drive has multiple regions for storing different types of data. Each application executed on the gaming system has an associated storage area on the hard disk drive. A console application executing on the gaming system prevents a particular application from accessing data in an area of the hard disk drive that is not associated with the particular application. The gaming system also maintains a list of recently used nicknames to simplify entry of nicknames by a user of the gaming system.
US07846021B2 Game apparatus, game element generation method, program and recording medium
In a game capable of generating a game element which gives rise to predetermined benefits in the game by means of a player's operation, by preventing the player from quickly getting used to a generation operation of the game element, to stop the player from becoming bored with the operation.On a magic stone generation screen, a solution 1202 being contained in a pot 1201, materials 1203 are floated in the solution 1202. An image of a material 1203, selected by a material selection operation, dissolving in the solution 1202 is displayed on the magic stone generation screen. When a stirring operation is carried out on the magic stone generation screen, in a condition in which the material 1203 is dissolved in the solution 1202, the solution 1202 and the material 1203 contained in the pot 1201 are churned by the operation. In the event that a speed at which the churning is carried out continues for six seconds within an optimum speed range 1205, a magic stone 1208 is generated. A kind of the generated magic stone 1208 is determined by a combination of kinds of the material 1203 dissolved in the solution 1202.
US07846019B2 Slot machine and playing method thereof
In a base game, a first payout is provided when a winning combination of “BELL”, “CHERRY”, or “PLUM” has come to a stop on a payline L. On the other hand, a second payout is provided when the “BELL” symbols in a predetermined number have come to a stop on a display area. The payout process of the first payout and the second payout is executed.
US07846018B2 Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
An apparatus and method for a game having a paytable selection feature which may be implemented with a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. In one embodiment, the gaming device employs an initial paytable and enables a player pay a fee to purchase a different paytable for a plurality of plays of the game. If the player chooses to purchase a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for a plurality of plays of the game and provides any awards based on the different paytable. If the player does not choose to select a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for each of those plays and provides any awards based on the initial paytable. In one embodiment, the player has the opportunity to see the different paytable prior to paying the fee to purchase it.
US07846017B2 Methods and apparatus for facilitating remote viewing of gaming outcomes
In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated for a wagering game. The plurality of outcomes are stored on a tangible medium (e.g., a DVD) or otherwise stored. The plurality of outcomes are sold to a player, for viewing by the player at a location remote from a casino.
US07846015B2 Gaming device having skill/perceived skill game
A gaming device, wherein a player's skill at an action or event determines the player's success or failure in the round. The game is readily adaptable to becoming a pseudo-skill game that would be required in most gaming jurisdictions. In one pseudo-skill embodiment, the skill game is converted to a game employing skill, but which is controlled by a set number of successful outcomes. That is, the player keeps playing until the player's skill produces the set number of successful outcomes. In another pseudo-skill embodiment, the game only appears to the player as involving skill. Instead, the gaming device randomly determines when and how many times to produce a successful outcome and increase the player's award.
US07846013B1 Combine with a device for automatic cleaning regulation
The invention relates to a combine with a cleaning device (1), having a screening device (2) with at least one screen (2A, 2B) in which the harvested products conveyed to the thresher and to the separation device are cleaned and at least one adjustable blower (3) for exposing the screening device (3) to an air flow. The width of the openings of the sifting device (2) and the revolutions of the blower (3) can be mechanically regulated by at least one regulation organ. According to the invention, at least one sensor (4) is provided whose measuring signal (S/4) directly or indirectly indicates a quantity of harvested products loaded on the combine, especially on the cleaning device. Optimal regulation of the cleaning device, especially the width of the openings of the screen, is performed by an adjusting organ (20A, 20B) depending on the signal (S/4) of the sensor (4).
US07846012B2 Apparatus and method for stunning poultry
An apparatus for stunning poultry is provided, comprising a power source, a first electrode connected to a first pole of the power source for engaging the head of the poultry and a second electrode connected to the opposite pole of the power source for externally engaging a groin area, except any part of a vent, of the poultry.
US07846007B2 System and method for dressing a wafer polishing pad
A system for polishing a semiconductor wafer. The system includes a polishing apparatus having a rotatable polishing pad for polishing the wafer. A dressing apparatus is mounted adjacent the polishing pad for dressing the polishing pad. The dressing apparatus includes a dressing member engageable with the polishing pad. A cleaning apparatus is mounted adjacent the polishing pad for removing particulate and chemicals from the polishing pad. The system includes a controller for controlling the dressing apparatus and the cleaning apparatus.
US07846001B2 Manufacture and method of sealing an organic light emitting display
A method for manufacturing an organic light emitting display. Pixel portions are formed on a mother substrate. A test wiring for testing pixel portions is formed at a peripheral portion of the mother substrate. A sealing material is formed at one surface of a sealing substrate to enclose the pixel portions, the sealing substrate being sealed to be spaced apart from the mother substrate. A spacer is formed at a side region of the one surface of the sealing substrate on which the sealing material is formed. The mother substrate and the sealing substrate are adhered to each other by the sealing material to seal the pixel portions within an enclosure formed by the mother substrate, sealing surface, and sealing material. A part of the sealing substrate is scribed and removed to expose the test wiring, the part of sealing substrate being arranged over a portion of the test wiring.
US07845999B2 Surfboard having a honeycomb core
An aquatic gliding board such as a surfboard is constructed using a honeycomb material for the core. The composite outer skin of the surfboard is constructed of materials having similar flexibility properties as found in a traditional foam/fiberglass surfboard. In a particularly preferred embodiment an aluminum honeycomb core is employed along with a fiberglass skin in order to achieve a surfboard with decreased weight and increased strength to resist failure in bending relative to a traditional foam/fiberglass surfboard, but having similar flexibility characteristics to such a traditional surfboard, or having increased flexibility relative to such a traditional surfboard.
US07845998B2 Spar with detachable hull structure
A spar-type offshore platform includes a buoyant upper hull structure having a lower end to which is detachably connected a buoyant lower module. A plurality of mooring line assemblies is connected to the lower module, the total weight of the mooring line assemblies being sufficient to sink the lower module. A method of separating the upper hull structure from the lower module includes disconnecting the lower module from the lower end of the upper hull structure, and then allowing the weight of the mooring line assemblies to sink the lower module.
US07845993B2 Female electrical terminal
The present invention relates to a female electrical terminal destined to couple with a male blade terminal (60), comprising a body (12) equipped with a bottom wall (15) having projections (18-21) for the electrical contact with the male terminal and two side walls (16, 17) defining with the bottom wall a housing seat (14) for the male terminal, the female terminal comprising a pushing elastic element (28) suitable for use to push the male terminal towards said bottom wall (15). Said contact projections (18-21) are at least four, the terminal comprising a shell (26) carrying the pushing elastic element (28) and being equipped with portions (31-34) for coupling with said body (12) that externally embrace said two side walls (16-17) of the body.
US07845991B2 Apparatus for the electrical connection of cell arresters
An apparatus for the electrical connection of cell arresters is provided. The apparatus having a first contact element having a first guide device and a second guide device, the first guide device being designed to rest against a first cell arrester and the second guide device being designed to rest against a second cell arrester. The apparatus also comprises a second contact element having at least one first holding device and at least one second holding device, the at least one first holding device being designed to surround the first guide device and the first cell arrester and the at least one second holding device being designed to surround the second guide device and the second cell arrester.
US07845990B2 Connection enclosure assemblies, connector systems and methods for forming an enclosed connection between conductors
An enclosed connection system for connecting first and second elongate electrical conductors includes a transverse wedge connector and an enclosure. The transverse wedge connector includes an electrically conductive first connector member, an electrically conductive second connector member, and a clamping mechanism. The first connector member includes: a first body having inner and outer opposed ends; a first hook portion on the outer end of the first body, the first hook portion defining a first channel to receive the first conductor; and a first abutment portion on the inner end of the first body. The second connector member includes: a second body having inner and outer opposed ends; a second hook portion on the outer end of the second body, the second hook portion defining a second channel to receive the second conductor; and a second abutment portion on the inner end of the second body. The clamping mechanism is selectively operable to displace the first and second connector members relative to one another from an open position to a clamping position to clamp the first conductor in the first channel and between the first hook portion and the second abutment portion and to clamp the second conductor in the second channel and between the second hook portion and the first abutment portion to thereby form a connection. The enclosure is configured to receive and cover the connection and to protect the transverse wedge connector.
US07845981B2 Shielded connector
In order to simplify the assembly of a shielded connector, it is proposed that an electrically insulating base body provided as a carrier for electric contacts features a mounting surface with two openings, wherein a recess that respectively features an integral collar on its inner side is respectively arranged around these openings.In addition, the base body is provided with lateral fastening elements that respectively feature a window formed by a frame. The frame can be positively fitted into the appropriate recess by bending the fastening elements such that the fastening element is positively and non-positively fixed on the base body.An electrically conductive shielding element that largely surrounds the base body contacts the fastening elements that, in turn, contact ground strips on the circuit board such that the connector is shielded from external voltages.
US07845977B2 Self-locking coaxial connectors and related methods
Coaxial connectors include a connector body that includes a first connector body opening for receiving a coaxial cable. A tubular inner contact post that is at least partly within the connector body is provided. A sliding compression element is also provided that is configured to impart a generally circumferential compressive force to secure one or more elements of the coaxial cable between the sliding compression element and the connector body when an axially directed force that is directed away from the connector body is applied to the coaxial cable.
US07845968B1 Electrical connector assembly and method
An electrical connector assembly for forming insulation displacement connections with conductors in small wires includes a wire carrier and a base. Pierce points on the base are slid along opposed walls in a slot in the carrier to align small tips on the ends of the pierce points to form electrical connections with a conductor in a wire in the carrier. The connections are located inwardly of the slot walls.
US07845967B1 USB module with flat and protruding pins having a protective cover
A USB storage device includes a casing, a USB module and a protecting cover. The USB module is disposed in the casing and comprises a plurality of protruding pins. Each of the protruding pins has a first height. The protecting cover is connected to the casing and selectively covers the USB module. The protecting cover has a surface and an accommodating space formed on the surface. When the protecting cover completely covers the USB module, the protruding pins are accommodated in the accommodating space. A second height is defined between a bottom of the accommodating space and the surface. The second height is larger than the first height of the protruding pin.
US07845962B2 Aft-lift electric connector for a flexible circuit board
The present invention discloses an aft-lift electric connector for a flexible circuit board. The electric connector includes a housing, a terminal and a pressing element. As a fixed arm is formed with a flange and a side edge of the pressing element is formed with a first notch and a second notch to accommodate the flange, therefore, before the electric connector operates, the first notch of the pressing element can be latched with the flange of the pushed part, so as to achieve a pre-operational positioning effect. On the other hand, after the electric connector has operated, the second notch of the pressing element can be latched with the flange of the pushed part, so as to achieve a post-operational positioning effect, allowing a user to verify that the electric connector has accomplished the pre-determined pushing operation.
US07845961B2 Electrical connector with improved contacts arrangement
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a set of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing and arranged in one row, and a metal shell (3) covering the insulative housing. The contacts (2) consist of a first type of grounding contacts (G) and a second type of a set of pairs of differential contacts (21, 22, 23, 24). The metal shell has a receiving space (30) for receiving a matchable plug.
US07845955B2 Conductive contact holder
A conductive contact holder includes an insulating holder member and a conductive block member. The insulating holder member is made of an insulating material and includes a first insertion hole through which a signal conductive contact inputting and outputting a signal to and from a circuit is directly inserted over substantially its full length. The conductive block member is made of a conductive material and includes a second insertion hole through which the ground conductive contact is inserted in partial contact therewith.
US07845947B2 Dental mill blanks
A dental mill blank comprising a resin, and a filler, wherein the blank is fabricated such that it passes a Thermal Shock Test. The mill blank is substantially free of cracks and discontinuities. Further, the blank may have superior cuttability and hardness.
US07845937B2 Method and device for influencing combustion processes
A specific electrode arrangement for a burner already exists with which the flame of the burner is influenced by using electrical fields, whereby these electrical fields pass through only areas of the flame in which a stabilizing and pollutant-reducing action occurs. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the electrodes used to this end simultaneously serve both as probes for detecting flame properties as well as active field electrodes for influencing the flame properties. The probe signals can react to the voltage applied in an inertia-free manner to the electrodes without the involvement of mechanical elements. According to the associated device equipped with a burner and associated electrodes and with a power supply unit, the power supply unit furnishes a voltage that varies over time, and at least one measuring transducer exists that detects the current generated in the flame by the voltage between both electrodes and provides feedback to the power supply unit after amplification.
US07845936B2 Sealing arrangement for an edge gated nozzle in an injection molding system
An injection molding apparatus having a sealing arrangement between a hot runner manifold and edge-gated nozzle that accommodates thermal expansion during operation is disclosed. A spacer element is axially fixed in position between the manifold and a mold plate in which the nozzle sits. The nozzle includes a reduced diameter spigot portion on an upstream end that is in a telescopic/slidable relationship with a bore of the spacer element. The nozzle includes radially extended nozzle tips axially fixed in position at a downstream end of the nozzle that are in fluid communication with respective mold gates and corresponding mold cavities. In the cold condition, a gap G exists between a shoulder of the nozzle proximate the spigot portion and a corresponding surface of the spacer element bore. Under operating conditions, thermal expansion of the nozzle is accommodated in a direction of the manifold by the gap.
US07845931B2 Polymerization technique to attenuate oxygen inhibition of solidification of liquids and composition therefor
The present invention includes a method of solidifying a polymerizable liquid to form a film on a substrate that features minimizing inhibition of the polymerization process by oxygen contained in the atmosphere surrounding the polymerizable liquid. To that end, the polymerizable liquid includes, inter alia, an initiator that consumes oxygen that interacts with the polymerizable liquid and generates additional free radicals to facilitate the polymerizable process.
US07845930B2 Process for the production of a three-dimensional object with an improved separation of hardened material layers from a construction plane
The invention relates to a process or a device for the production of a three-dimensional object by layer-wise solidification of a photo-polymerizable resin by means of a planar or essentially planar construction/reference plane, at which the photo-polymerizable resin contained in the liquid material is to be hardened by electromagnetic irradiation, and wherein the material application for the subsequent layer automatically results from the separation of the last hardened layer from the construction/-reference plane, whereby the construction/reference plane is formed by an elastic film. The film is fixed in a frame, and the height position of the frame with the film is adjusted in a basin containing the liquid material such that the pressure of the liquid material compensates the sagging of the film (formation of a negative meniscus), and that the lower side of the film is permanently in contact with the material during the whole construction process.
US07845922B2 Vane pump
The invention relates to a vane pump comprising a rotor which is arranged therein, rotatably driven by a drive shaft. The rotor is provided with several grooves which are distributed through the circumference thereof and which extend substantially radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor. In each groove a blade-shaped conveying element is slidingly guided. The end walls of the pump housing are adjacent to the rotor in the direction of the axis of rotation thereof. At least one ring-shaped groove surrounding the axis of rotation of the rotor is embodied in at least one front side of the rotor. The ring-shaped groove is connected to lower areas restricted by the blades in the grooves of the rotor, and to pressure areas. In a preferred embodiment, the ring-shaped groove is formed in the rotor by shaping.
US07845918B2 Powder metal scrolls
Scrolls made from one or more near-net shaped powder metal processes either wholly or fabricated together from sections. Both “conventional” press and sinter methods and metal injection molding methods will be described.
US07845911B2 Shaped rotor blade for reduced loads and vibration
Rotor blades are pre-bent in at least one of a flap direction and a lag direction, wherein the pre-bent portion comprises at least 20-60% of the length of the blade. Preferred methods include analyzing the rotor dynamic behavior using computational methods, deciding on the operational case (rotor lift load, forward speed, etc.) in which the loads and vibration reductions are desired, and using the computed results to decide on an amount of pre-bending of the unloaded blade so that it comes closer to the feather axis under load. Another class of preferred methods models the bending of a first blade in flight loading conditions, and then designs a second blade having a pre-bend in approximately an equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the bending. It is contemplated that such “pre-bent” blades can significantly reduce rotor loads and vibration levels of rotorcraft equipped with semi-rigid or rigid rotors.
US07845910B2 Propeller blade retention system with tapered roller bearing cartridge assemblies
A propeller blade mounted with a preload adjacent a propeller blade root retention which increases the moment capacity of the retention for a given pitch diameter, yet permits pitching of the propeller blade about a blade axis in response to a propeller pitch change actuation system. The propeller blade retention assembly includes a tapered roller bearing set having a multiple of tapered roller bearing cartridge assemblies. Each tapered roller bearing cartridge assembly includes a retention cartridge and at least one tapered roller bearing element to facilitate installation and retention during assembly.
US07845908B1 Turbine blade with serpentine flow tip rail cooling
An air cooled turbine blade for a gas turbine engine, the blade including a blade tip with a serpentine flow cooling passage formed around the tip peripheral edge and extending from the trailing edge around the suction side of the blade tip, around the leading edge and around the pressure side of the blade tip. Pressurized cooling air is supplied from a trailing edge region cooling supply channel and into the suction side serpentine passage to flow toward the leading edge of the blade. Cooling air flows around the leading edge serpentine flow tip passage and then along the pressure side serpentine flow passage. Cooling air flows out through trailing edge exit holes to cool the trailing edge region. In a second embodiment, a flow blocking wall is formed in the serpentine flow passage to separate the suction side serpentine passage from the pressure side serpentine passage.
US07845906B2 Dual cut-back trailing edge for airfoils
A cooling system for an airfoil portion of a turbine engine component is provided. The cooling system includes a first cavity dedicated to cooling a trailing edge portion of an airfoil portion and a second cavity dedicated to cooling an aft portion of a pressure side wall.
US07845902B2 Jet engine inlet-fan system and design method
A supersonic aircraft engine axial fan that includes a rotating blade row having blades that receive a supersonic entry flow in the absolute frame and decelerate the flow to a lower supersonic or subsonic velocity exit flow while adding work to the flow to increase stagnation pressure. It is preferred that the lower velocity be subsonic. When the fan is combined with a suitably designed inlet, the propulsion system is compact and lighter in weight than conventional engines for supersonic aircraft.
US07845901B2 Air bleed device on a machine stator pivoting blade
Devices for intaking gases from the boundary layer through ducts hollowed out in blades. These devices are suitable for variable setting blades, installed on the stator using pivots. The seal is maintained despite the variation in the relative position between the moving pivots through which ducts pass, and the fixed intake header pipe.
US07845899B2 Fluid powered turbine engine
A wind turbine engine comprising rotor blades disposed within an outer casing and a half-spherical head located in front of the rotor blades and blocking the inner 50% of the radius of the rotor blades, the casing and head creating an acceleration chamber wherein incoming wind is speeded up and redirected around the head, and the accelerated wind then rotates the wind turbine rotor blades to generate power.
US07845898B2 Cargo container handling system and associated method
A system and method for cargo handling is provided. The system includes a transport vehicle including a cargo bay capable of housing a plurality of cargo containers, and a loading dock for coupling to the cargo bay. The system also includes at least one railcar and pylons positioned along a floor of the cargo bay. A predetermined number of pylons are operable to elevate and lower a cargo container within the cargo bay. The present invention also provides a railcar for transporting cargo containers, as well as an apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle. The present invention also provides a system for aligning a loading dock and a transport vehicle that includes a mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport vehicle or loading dock, or a plurality of engagement members that are capable of aligning the loading dock and transport vehicle.
US07845897B2 Method for transporting substrates
Substrates are transported to accurate positions, while mounted on one hand of a transport robot. When substrates are to be transported from transporting chamber into processing chamber, a first mounting portion of a hand is located immediately above first processing position provided in processing chamber; and the substrate placed on first mounting portion is lifted up. Then, a second mounting portion is located immediately above second processing position by finely moving the hand. Next, the substrate on second mounting portion is lifted up. When the hand is pulled out from between the substrates and first and second processing positions and the substrates are lowered, the substrates are accurately arranged on first and second processing positions. When substrates are mounted on the hand in an order reverse to the above, the substrates in processing chamber can be accurately mounted on first and second mounting portions and be carried out.
US07845896B2 Loader
A loader includes a hydraulically operated extension arm, a load sensor for monitoring the load condition on the loader and a hydraulic arrangement for actuation of the extension arm and/or an implement attached to the extension arm. The hydraulic arrangement exhibits at least one hydraulic cylinder with one supply line on the piston rod side and one supply line on the piston side. At least one mechanically switchable control device is coupled between a source of fluid pressure and a hydraulic tank, on the one hand, and the supply lines on the other hand. An electronic control unit is connected for effecting operation of a restricting device coupled between the supply lines in response to a load signal received from the load sensor so as to achieve a slowed-down actuation of the hydraulic cylinder in conjunction with the on set of a critical load condition. Thus, a restriction of a volumetric flow is achieved in at least one of the supply line on the piston rod side or the supply line on the piston side of the hydraulic cylinder.
US07845894B2 Shipping container
A shipping container for a product mounted on casters, weighing on the order of about 150 to 300 pounds and including a box shaped housing. The shipping container comprises a base. A pair of elongated, parallel disposed and spaced apart support members are fixedly mounted on the top of the base. Each support member includes a block of foam material fixedly mounted onto the base and having a tapered front end and a rear end. A strip of low friction material is fixedly mounted on top of the block of foam material.
US07845886B2 Tiedown system
The tiedown system has a single tensile member with cargo attachments on each end thereof. The tensile member passes through a series of guides affixed about the perimeter of the carrier (flatbed truck or trailer, etc.). The ends of the tensile member are secured removably to the rear of the cargo, e.g., the cargo rack of an all terrain vehicle (ATV). The medial portion of the tensile member is connected to a winch on the front of the ATV or other cargo, or alternatively the medial portion of the tensile member is passed through an opening on the front of the cargo, e.g., the forward cargo rack of the ATV, and connected to a winch anchored to the cargo bed of the carrier. The winch is actuated to draw up the tensile member, simultaneously pulling the rear and front of the cargo securely against the cargo bed of the carrier.
US07845884B2 Resin insertion device and methods of inserting resin
A resin insertion device includes a barrel, a piston within the barrel, and a triggering mechanism. The triggering mechanism includes an air outlet, an air inlet, a venturi tube and at least one trigger piston. A resin insertion device includes a barrel having a collar disposed at a first end and a piston disposed slidably within the barrel. A triggering mechanism is disposed at a second end. A first position of the trigger prevents airflow through an air inlet, a second position allows air through the inlet and an outlet, and a third position prevents airflow through the outlet. A method of inserting resin into a bore hole includes providing an insertion device including a barrel, and a triggering mechanism. The method includes depressing a trigger from a first to a second position, placing at least one resin cartridge within the barrel, and further depressing the trigger.
US07845882B2 Subsea suction pile crane system
A subsea suction pile crane system comprises a suction pile and a crane mounted on the suction pile. The crane comprises a rotatable mounting surface, a winch, and a boom having a proximal section attached to the rotatable mounting surface such that the boom can pivot with respect to the mounting surface, and a distal section opposite the proximal section. In embodiments, a plurality of suction piles may be sed. The crane system is typically hydraulically operated. A preferred embodiment of the invention may further comprise a remotely operated vehicle comprising a hydraulic power supply operatively coupled to the crane, and a manipulator arm mounted on the distal section of the boom and operatively coupled to the hydraulic power supply.
US07845879B2 Soil stabilization method
A composition comprises a solution of soluble sodium silicate applied at the disclosed application rate to improve the load bearing capacity for a roadway. The method of the invention addresses the application of the disclosed composition to maximize stabilization of road beds.
US07845875B2 Light articulation ball-joint and method of manufacture of such a ball joint
The light articulation ball-joint comprises a metal inner ring and a metal outer ring, provided respectively with a spherical outer surface and a spherical inner surface. The ball-joint also comprises a first contact layer, applied to the spherical surface of one of the rings, and a second contact layer, applied to the spherical surface of the other ring. According to the invention, the first contact layer has a hardness which is less than the hardness of the second contact layer and a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the second contact layer, the first contact layer further being adapted to release particles of solid lubricant by friction with the second contact layer.
US07845873B2 Vibrating mascara applicator
A mascara applicator with vibrating applicator head. The head is caused to vibrate in a controlled manner through electro-mechanical urging. The frequency, amplitude and geometry of the vibrating head are sufficient to significantly alter the rheological properties of thixotropic and anti-thixotropic mascara compositions, including an effect that persists after the vibration has stopped. The present invention allows the mascara to be manipulated for improved results, greater flexibility in formulation, benefits in manufacture, as well as other benefits.
US07845868B1 Apparatus for semiconductor manufacturing process
A semiconductor manufacturing process is provided. First, a wafer with a material layer and an exposed photoresist layer formed thereon is provided, wherein the wafer has a center area and an edge area. Thereafter, the property of the exposed photoresist layer is varied, so as to make a critical dimension of the exposed photoresist layer in the center area different from that of the same in the edge area. After the edge property of the exposed photoresist layer is varied, an etching process is performed to the wafer by using the exposed photoresist layer as a mask, so as to make a patterned material layer having a uniform critical dimension formed on the wafer.
US07845867B2 Camera module
A camera module includes a lens unit (30) and a stator (20). The lens unit includes a lens barrel (310), a lens (312) received in the lens barrel and a permanent magnet (32) fixedly mounted around the lens barrel. The stator is for receiving the lens unit therein. The stator includes a coil seat (21b) and a coil (22b) wound therearound. The coil seat includes a base (211b) and at least a connector (24) fixed on one side of the base. The at least a connector is electrically connected with the coil and includes a connecting pin (246) extending towards a bottom surface of the base. The connecting pin is made of an electrically conductive material and adapted for electrically connecting to a printed circuit board arranged under the base.
US07845864B2 Cover assembly
A cover assembly includes a main body, a control, an outer cover, a protective cover, and a transmitting member. The control is slidably mounted in the main body. The outer cover is detachably mounted in the main body. A protective cover is rotatably engaged in the outer cover. A transmitting member is rotatably mounted in the main body, with one end fixed on the control and another end engaging the protective cover. The control slides relative to the main body, and the transmitting member rotates the protective cover relative to the outer cover.
US07845862B2 Communications device
A communications device may include a connector block. The connector block may include a port. The port may be sized and configured to couple an optical fiber plug. The communications device may include an optical subassembly that may be connected to the connector block. The connector block may include a mount. The mount may be sized and configured to align the connector block and the optical subassembly. The mount may be configured as an EMI shield.
US07845860B2 Method for connecting multicore fibers to optical devices
A method for connecting a photonic crystal fiber having a plurality of cores connected to an optical device. An end of the photonic crystal fiber may be placed on a surface of an optical device having a plurality of coupling pads. A first core of the end of the photonic crystal fiber may be positioned over a first coupling pad on the optical device to enable a threshold amount of a coherent beam of light to propagate through the first core and first coupling pad. A second core of the end of the photonic crystal fiber is aligned to a second coupling pad on the optical device to enable a threshold amount of another coherent beam of light to propagate through the second core and second coupling pad. The end of the photonic crystal fiber may be adhered to the surface of the optical device while the position of the first and the second cores relative to the first and the second coupling pads, respectively, is maintained.
US07845857B2 Thrust bearing assembly
A thrust bearing assembly generally includes a cage and a plurality of rolling elements. The cage has first and second cage halves with each cage half having a respective radial segment with a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings. Each opening has an opening perimeter. The cage halves are interconnected with portions of the radial segments circumferentially between the plurality of openings abutting along a given plane and the respective openings aligned to defined rolling element pockets. The rolling elements are positioned in the rolling element pockets such that a centerline of each rolling element lies in or in proximity to the given plane. A flange extends along at least a portion of each opening perimeter to retain the rolling elements within a respective one of the rolling element pockets.
US07845856B2 Gas vent plug, bearing device, and bearing
A gas vent plug is mounted in an aperture communicating with a bearing cavity, and includes a metal annular body, and an elastic tubular body constituted of an elastic member in tube form, integral with the metal annular body, and having a vent at one end face of the tube, protruding outwards in the axial direction of the tube. A circular groove is provided at one end face of the elastic tubular body so as to encircle the vent. Accordingly, variation in the working pressure is eliminated even in the case where the interference is increased when the gas vent plug is mounted in the aperture.
US07845855B2 Integral tilting pad bearing
There is disclosed a bearing to support a rotating shaft. The bearing includes a cylindrical housing defining a central opening. A plurality of bearing pads integrally coupled to the housing with each bearing pad having a circumferential surface defining a portion of the central opening. A plurality of pins disposed in a bore defined in the housing, with each pin aligned as a pivot for each corresponding pad. Each pad can tilt about the pin in relation to the rotating shaft. Each pad is coupled to the housing by a pair of webs defined by a plurality of cuts forming a plurality of openings in the housing substantially parallel to a line tangent with the circumferential surface of the pad. Each pin is aligned parallel with the rotating pad.
US07845852B2 Medical cushion
A medical cushion is provided. The medical cushion has at least one x-ray positive and at least one electromagnetic marker and a soft filler material that yields to the force exerted by the weight of a patient and molds itself at least to some extent to the surface of the body of the patient is provided. The soft filler material is arranged in the cushion in such a manner that it lies between the surface of the body of the patient and at least one x-ray positive and at least one electromagnetic marker when the cushion is in use.
US07845851B2 Low-dose iso-centering
Iso-centering a volume of interest (VOI) (170) within a patient (168) to undergo examination on a rotational X-ray apparatus (100) is achieved by taking two differently-angled pictures (S210) and updating positional settings (172) for the patient's table (112) responsive to respectively displayed centering of the VOI (152). Alternatively, the operator identifies respective VOI centers (S410, S450) for each of the two displayed pictures, and corresponding table movement is automatically calculated (S420).
US07845846B2 Ribbon-display timepiece
A timepiece includes a flexible endless ribbon (10) bearing time indications (13, 14) and stretched between two parallel rollers (11, 12), and a mechanism for turning at least one of these rollers including a spring wound up inside a barrel, an escapement and a regulator member coupled to the escapement. The spring is wound up inside at least one of the rollers which thus forms the barrel of the drive mechanism.
US07845845B1 Vessel with securing device
A vessel with an engaging configuration for facilitating supporting the vessel on a supporting structure, such as for example, a surface, tray, agitator, stirrer, or other processing device, which has a corresponding matingly engagable structure for engaging with the vessel engaging configuration.
US07845843B2 Compensation device for compensating the angular discrepancy of a mixing drum
A compensation device has one first component (5) and one second component (12) between which elastic elements (11, 15) are placed by way of which an angular discrepancy between a mixing drum and a bearing bracket is compensated in a truck mixer.
US07845840B2 Light guide plate and backlight module having the same
A light guide plate has a light-receiving surface, a light-emitting surface, and a light-reflecting surface. Multiple first arc-shaped longitudinal structures are arranged on the light-receiving surface with their longitudinal directions being substantially parallel with each other. Multiple second arc-shaped longitudinal structures are arranged on the light-emitting surface with their longitudinal directions being substantially parallel with each other. The light-reflecting surface is shaped to form a plurality of prismatic structures, and a luminance-adjusting structure is formed on part of the light-reflecting surface near the point light source and interlaced with the prismatic structures.
US07845835B2 Blinker integrated rear-view mirror of saddle-ride type vehicle
A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a vehicle body, a housing body holding a rear-view mirror, and a stay structure provided between the vehicle body and the housing body. The stay structure secures the housing body to the vehicle body. A front blinker is provided in the stay structure.
US07845833B2 Light dimmer and associated methodology
A light dimming apparatus for dimming light output generated by a light source. A rectangular frame supports sets of blade members at a central aperture defined by the frame. The blade members of a set are positioned side-by-side, and adjacent ones of the blade members are hingedly connected together. Accordion-like movement of the blade members is provided responsive to application of forces applied to the blade members. A component of the applied forces causes linear translation of the blade members in to or out of the central aperture.
US07845831B2 Light with heater
A light fixture (10) is provided having a wall housing (11) and lighting arms (12). The light fixture includes a heating source (17) mounted within the wall housing. The wall housing includes an external wall (19) adapted to be mounted to a vertical wall of a structure. The external wall has a top (19a), bottom (19b), two oppositely disposed sides (19c), and a front face (19d). The housing top has an air intake opening (20). The housing bottom has an air exhaust outlet (21) which directs air in a downwardly direction. The wall housing also includes an air channel (23) which commences at air intake opening and ends at air exhaust outlet. The heat source includes a heating element (25) mounted within the airflow channel and a motorized fan (26) to create an air flow through the channel which exits through the air exhaust outlet.
US07845829B2 Enclosures for LED circuit boards
An enclosure for an LED circuit board is manufactured from a flame resistant material and includes LED apertures through which LEDs mounted on an LED circuit board may pass. The enclosure is designed to be positioned on the LED circuit board so that, when so positioned, the LEDs extend at least partially through the LED apertures in the enclosure. When the enclosure is positioned on the board, portions of its lower surface contact the upper surface of the board. Various fixation/retention methods may be used to retain the enclosure in position relative to the circuit board. It is preferable that such methods allow for the separation of the enclosure from the board.
US07845828B2 LED assembly incorporating a structure for preventing solder contamination when soldering electrode leads thereof together
An LED assembly includes a substrate and a plurality of LEDs mounted on the substrate. Each LED includes a base and a first and a second electrode leads inserted in the base. The first lead forms a groove in an end thereof, and the second lead forms a tab from an end thereof. The tab of each LED is received in the groove of an adjacent LED to thereby cooperatively define an accommodating space in the groove and above the tab. The accommodating space is used for receiving excess solder when soldering the first and the second leads together.
US07845826B2 Multilayered integrated backlight illumination assembly
The present invention provides a multilayered integrated backlight illumination assembly for an LCD display comprising a substrate for providing structural and functional support to the assembly, a bottom reflector provided on the substrate and a plurality of solid state light sources provided in an opening of the bottom reflector for providing a point light source. The invention further provides a plurality of primary light films having light redirecting areas provided between the plurality of solid state light sources for redirecting and spreading the point light source to a uniform plane of light, a plurality of secondary light films having light redirecting areas provided between the plurality of solid state light sources for redirecting and spreading the point light source to a uniform plane of light and a binding means for binding the primary and secondary light films together. Further, the invention provides a top diffuser for diffusing the uniform plane of light and wherein the plurality of light films has a thickness between 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm and a bending stiffness between 50 to 1200 millinewtons.
US07845823B2 Controlled lighting methods and apparatus
Provided herein are methods and systems for providing controlled lighting, including methods and systems for providing both white and non-white colored lighting, including color temperature controlled lighting. Such methods and systems include optical facilities for modifying light from a lighting unit, such as an LED-based lighting unit, including variable optical facilities and fixed optical facilities. Also provided are methods and systems for using multi-color lighting units in a variety of commercial applications. Also provided are methods and systems for lighting control, including methods to assist lighting designers and installers to improve the quality of lighting in environments. Also provided are intelligent dimmers, switches, sockets and fixtures, as well as facilities for programming and using them. Also provided are various sensor-feedback applications of lighting technology, including sensor-feedback involving light sensors and forward voltage sensors. Also provided are lighting methods and systems that operate on time-based parameters.
US07845820B2 Multipurpose lighting device with electronic glow stick
A multipurpose lighting device comprises a module including a first light source for a flashlight function and a second light source for a lantern or omni-directional glow stick function. A button on the module is operative to selectively alternating between the first and second light sources. An elongate housing is coupled to the second light source so that the second light source illuminates along the length of the housing. Finally, a whistle portion is formed on one end of the elongate housing so that the multipurpose device includes flashlight, glow stick, and whistle functions.
US07845819B1 Under the eve hideaway lights
A holiday lights device for use on a building during the holiday season is provided. The holiday lights device comprises an elongated bracket railing having a first end, a second end, a front surface, and a rear surface. A securing mechanism secures the bracket railing to the building. A first latch is secured to the front surface of the bracket railing with the first latch having a first opening and a second latch is secured to the front surface of the bracket railing and spaced from the first latch with the second latch having a second opening. A light railing is provided having a first end, a second end, a front surface, and a rear surface. A first slider bracket is pivotally secured to the rear surface of the light railing and a second slider bracket pivotally secured to the rear surface of the light railing and spaced from the first slider bracket. A string of lights is mounted to the rear surface of the light railing wherein the first slider bracket is receivable within the first opening of the first latch and the second slider is receivable within the second opening of the second latch thereby releasably securing the light railing to the bracket railing and spacing the light railing from the bracket railing and wherein the lights are movable into and out of the space between the light railing and bracket railing.
US07845816B2 Helmet lighting system
A helmet including a lighting system integrated into said helmet, the lighting system comprising a first layer; light emitting means mounted to said first layer; controller means mounted to said first layer for controlling said light emitting means; wiring means for linking said light emitting means to said controller means; a second layer fixably attached to said first layer thereby providing an area between said first and second layer for said light emitting means, controller means, and wiring means; power means fixably attached to said second layer for powering said controller and light emitting means; and operating means functionally linked to said controller means for operating said controller means. The application also discloses lighting system contained in a shell that that can be attached to an existing helmet.
US07845814B2 Marine LED lighting system and method
A method and apparatus of lighting a marine habitat for growth utilizing an LED light system. The light system includes an LED light source, a power supply for such light source and a controller for controlling the activation status and the intensity of the LED light source.
US07845812B2 Light guide plate and direct-type backlight module with same
An exemplary backlight module includes a light guide plate and light sources. The light guide plate includes a block body and the recessed parts. The block body has a top light output surface and a bottom surface. The recessed parts are provided at the bottom surface. The light sources are disposed at least partly in or adjacent to the recessed parts.
US07845808B2 Illuminating device
An exemplary illuminating device includes a light guide member and a light source. The light guide member includes an annular main body and at least one light incident portion extending from and optically coupled to the annular main body. The light source is optically coupled to the at least one light incident portion. The annular main body has a light emitting surface. The annular main body has a plurality of micro protrusions formed on the light emitting surface.
US07845807B2 Projection apparatus and three-dimensional-shape detection apparatus
A projection apparatus, which is provided with a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements for emitting light, a spatial modulation element that performs spatial modulation of light emitted from the semiconductor light-emitting element and outputting image signal light, and a projection unit that projects the image signal light output from the spatial modulation element onto a projection plane. In this configuration, the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements is arranged on a substrate supporting the semiconductor light-emitting elements, in one or more parallel rows of semiconductor light-emitting elements, each including two or more semiconductor elements arranged in a straight line in a first direction at a first pitch, and the first pitch is smaller than or equal to the fall width at half maximum of an illumination distribution of light emitted from one of the semiconductor light-emitting elements, formed by the spatial modulation element.
US07845805B2 Discharge lamp lighting apparatus and projector
A discharge lamp lighting apparatus for lighting a discharge lamp, comprises an inverter which reverses a polarity of an output voltage and applies alternating voltage to the discharge lamp, and an inverter control circuit which generates an inverter control signal defining a polarity reversal operation of the inverter, based on a polarity reversal timing signal, wherein when the number of polarity reversals in one cycle of the polarity reversal timing signal is even, the inverter control circuit intermittently performs a first operation in which successive pulse-like part of the polarity reversal operation based on the polarity reversal timing signal is disregarded by odd number of times.
US07845803B2 Projector apparatus
The invention enables efficient cooling of: a light source providing source light; an optical system adapted to split the source light received from the light source into three primary colors R, G, and B; and a power supply unit for supplying electric power to various electric components installed in a casing of a projector apparatus. To do so, a first fan is arranged between the light source and the power supply unit such that its air inspiration face is directed to the power supply unit and its air expiration face is directed to the light source. Further, a second fan, adapted to inspire air from within the projector apparatus, is provided in the central area of the projector apparatus. On the air expiration side of the second fan is a cooling duct for cooling the light source and optical system. In addition, a third fan for cooling a G-LCP unit and an R-LCP unit of the image synthesizing device and a fourth fan for cooling a B-LCP and an R-LCP unit of the image synthesizing device are provided in such a way that the streams of air expired from said third and fourth fans intersect each other. The invention allows operation of a projector apparatus with a fewer fans, yet achieves suppression of exhaust air temperature and noise, and cost reduction as well.
US07845802B2 Illumination apparatus and projection display apparatus
An illumination apparatus includes a plate-like separation optical element having a dichroic surface and a PBS surface. The dichroic surface reflects green component light and transmits yellow component light. The PBS surface transmits P polarization component light and reflects S polarization component light. The separation optical element combines red component light entering from a certain direction and transmitted through the dichroic surface, with yellow component light entering from a different direction and reflected by the PBS surface, and leads a combined light towards a red liquid crystal panel. The separation optical element combines green component light entering from the certain direction and reflected by the dichroic surface, with yellow component light entering from the different direction and transmitted through the PBS surface, and leads a combined light towards a green liquid crystal panel.
US07845801B2 Multiple control data interface between different hosts and controller for an image projection arrangement
A lightweight, compact image projection module has a controller operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution of VGA quality in color. The controller has a video data channel for receiving video data from a host, and a control data channel for bidirectionally transmitting and receiving control data to and from the host. A plurality of input communication ports is provided on the controller. Each input communication port is operative for communicating the control data at a different communication standard. A selected one of the input communication ports having a communications standard matching the communications standard of the host is connected over the control data channel to the host.
US07845798B2 Ophthalmic surgical system
A system includes an optical system having two beam splitters (a dichroic beam splitter and a polarizing beam splitter), which are designed to provide three separate beam paths for observing an object. The dichroic beam splitter is designed to separate two beam paths depending on the wavelength of the light of the respective beam path. The polarizing beam splitter is designed such that two beam paths are separated depending on a direction of polarization of the light of the respective beam path. The measuring light is linearly polarized after having passed the polarizing beam splitter and may be influenced with respect to the state of polarization by a retarding plate. The returning measuring light incident on the polarizing beam splitter is linearly polarized and also polarized in such a direction that the returning measuring light is transported through the polarizing beam splitter towards the analyzing detector with a high efficiency.
US07845796B2 Spectacle lens
A spectacle lens includes a multi-contact diffractive optical element formed on at least one surface of a overall lens system that is arranged from an object to a pupil, in which an apparent Abbe number Vd when the overall lens system including the multi-contact diffractive optical element is regarded as a single lens satisfies Vd>60 . . . (1).
US07845793B1 Eyeglass temple having an adjustable length and eyeglasses including the eyeglass temple
An eyeglass temple includes a temple body, an insert, and a fixing component. The temple body has a groove-forming portion, and a branch portion connected to a rear portion of the groove-forming portion. The groove-forming portion has a sleeving wall defining a sleeving space extending in a lengthwise direction of the temple body. The sleeving wall has a hole communicating with the sleeving space. The insert has an arm portion inserted into the sleeving space and movable back and forth therein, and a hinge portion connected to a front portion of the arm portion. The arm portion has an adjusting hole. The adjusting hole has at least two positioning hole portions spaced apart from each other in a lengthwise direction of the arm portion, and a reduced hole portion disposed between and interconnecting the positioning hole portions. The fixing component includes a pillar.
US07845792B2 Method and apparatus for forming image
An image forming apparatus includes a sheet guide that guides a sheet carried by a carrier mechanism in a first casing, a second casing that is mounted rotatably via a support shaft on the first casing and that is opened and closed about the support shaft, and a recording head that is provided in this second casing and that ejects ink to the sheet guided by the sheet guide while moving along a moving path orthogonal to a direction of carrying the sheet and thus records an image thereon, and that, after the end of this recording operation, moves to a standby position on one end side of the moving path and waits there.
US07845791B2 Double sided printer module with a pair of endless drying belts
A stackable printer module includes a housing surrounding a frame. The housing defines footing holes and print head assemblies are housed within the housing. The print head assemblies are configured to engage with print media and effect double-sided printing on the print media. A print media loading mechanism is housed within the housing and includes a pair of opposed endless drying belts between which the printed print media can be loaded. Feet extend from the housing and are spaced apart to engage in respective footing holes defined in the housing of another printer module so that the printer modules can be stacked together.
US07845790B2 Ink jet printing
An ink jet printing system includes an ink jet print head configured to deliver ink drops to a substrate, a support member having a plurality of protrusions configured to carry the substrate by being in contact with the lower surface of the substrate, and a substrate conveying mechanism configured to cause relative movement between the ink jet print head and the support member.
US07845789B2 Print engine with a transfer roller for a recess-mountable pagewidth printer
The invention relates to a print engine for a compact recess-mountable pagewidth printer. The printer includes a paper tray inside a housing. The print engine includes a chassis mountable within the housing next to the paper tray to define a media path co-planar with sheets of media within said paper tray. The print engine also includes a transfer roller protruding from the chassis and configured to contact the sheets of media as they are moved along the media path. A media moving mechanism moves a sheet of media through the media path. A printhead assembly having a micro-electromechanical inkjet printhead is mounted within the chassis and is configured to transfer print onto the transfer roller. The printhead assembly has a wiper and sponge arrangement for cleaning print from the transfer roller during rotation thereof.
US07845788B2 Image forming apparatus and method
The image forming apparatus includes: a head which ejects ink droplets; an intermediate transfer body having a transfer surface on which a transfer image is formed by means of the ink droplets ejected from the head; a transfer device which performs transfer of the transfer image formed on the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer body to a prescribed transfer-receiving medium; a transfer surface reading device which obtains read image data by reading in the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer body after the transfer; a judgment device which performs judgment of a transfer state of the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer body in accordance with the read image data obtained by the transfer surface reading device; and a transfer condition changing device which changes a transfer condition of the transfer device in accordance with the judgment of the judgment device.
US07845787B2 System and method for responding to recording medium change
A print system senses the type of a recording medium. The print system modifies the amount of marking material on an imaging drum when the sensed the recording medium type requires a modification to the amount of marking material on the imaging drum. Moreover, the print system changes a transfix parameter when the sensed the recording medium type requires a modification to the transfix parameter.
US07845781B2 Printer with cartridge dock for rupturing seal on cartridge
An inkjet printer that has a replaceable ink cartridge with an ink storage volume and an ink outlet. The ink outlet has an outlet valve that is biased closed and opens upon installation in the printer. The cartridge also has an air bag in the ink storage volume for expanding as ink is drawn through the ink outlet to keep a constant head of ink above the outlet valve. The air bag has an air inlet with a frangible seal configured to be ruptured upon installation of the cartridge such that the air bag is vented to atmosphere. The printer also has a pressure regulating valve for establishing fluid communication between the printhead and the ink storage volume wherein, the pressure regulating valve is biased closed and opens in response to a predetermined ink pressure difference across the valve.
US07845780B2 Ink cartridge
This invention relates to an ink cartridge which has at least one ink container which has an ink outlet with an ink outlet opening which extends from the inside to the outside, in the ink outlet opening a differential pressure valve is mounted which includes a valve seat and a valve body which can move relative to it, the valve seat has a continuous valve opening which has a peripheral sealing surface outside, a spring means is attached between the movable valve body and the stationary ink outlet, the valve body is pressed by the spring means with a predetermined closing force to form a seal from the outside against the sealing surface of the valve seat, and can be moved against the closing force to the outside from the sealing surface. In order to form an ink cartridge with a differential pressure valve which works more reliably, the invention proposes that the valve seat be made deformable so that the sealing surface can be moved relative to the ink outlet opening.
US07845779B2 Ink cartridge with a handle for inkjet printers
The present invention relates to an ink cartridge with a handle for inkjet printers. The ink cartridge includes a cartridge housing (1) having hook-avoidance grooves (2) with a proper depth and corresponding to the pulling hooks (11) of the locking cover (10) of the printhead, and a handle (3) disposed on an upper surface of the ink cartridge body (1). The structure of the handle (3) is in a form of double-folding type. Alternatively, the handle can also be in a form of single straight flip-down type construction. Because of the handle structure, the present invention is not only able to relieve the installation and removal of the ink cartridge from excessive reliance on the locking cover of the print head, but also to make the ink cartridge installation and removal more natural, positive and user controlled.
US07845778B2 Printer with zero insertion force printhead cartridge
An inkjet printer that has a printhead cartridge with a pagewidth printhead defining an array of nozzles for ejecting ink onto a media substrate. The printhead cartridge has a fluid coupling in fluid communication with the array of nozzles. The printer also has a cradle for supporting the printhead cartridge such that the array of nozzles is adjacent a media feed path extending through the printer, the cradle having a latch mechanism for retaining the printhead cartridge, an ink reservoir for containing supply of ink and a complementary coupling for fluid communication with the ink reservoir. The fluid coupling and the complementary coupling are configured to establish a sealed fluid connection using mechanical advantage provided by user actuation of the latch mechanism to retain the printhead cartridge in the cradle.
US07845777B2 Inkjet printer
Two yellow buffer tanks communicate with each other through a communication portion so that yellow ink in the yellow ink cartridge is supplied to two nozzle arrays for yellow ink independently provided apart from each other. In the ink outlet provided in each of the yellow buffer tanks, a check valve is provided that allows supply of yellow ink to the corresponding nozzle array and inhibits an ink flow in the opposite direction.
US07845776B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
The inkjet recording apparatus includes: a casing; an inkjet head which is arranged in the casing and ejects ink from nozzles toward a recording medium; a scanning device which is arranged in the casing and moves the inkjet head to scan the recording medium in a scanning direction parallel with a breadthways direction of the recording medium; a recording medium supply device which accommodates the recording medium and is removably installed into the casing via a front face side of the casing and disposed on a lower side of the inkjet head in a vertical direction of the casing; a conveyance device which conveys the recording medium from the recording medium supply device to a recording region where the recording medium receives deposition of the ink ejected from the inkjet head, and conveys the recording medium within the recording region in a direction substantially perpendicular to the scanning direction; an ink cartridge which accommodates the ink to be supplied to the inkjet head and is removably installed into the casing via the front face side of the casing and disposed between the inkjet head and the recording medium supply device in the vertical direction of the casing; and an ink supply channel which is provided between the ink cartridge and the inkjet head.
US07845769B2 Ink jet printhead
An ink jet printhead which includes a line of nozzles arranged with a uniform first pitch in a line direction X, a plurality of parallel ink channels having an axial direction normal to said line direction X and arranged in groups within which they have a uniform second pitch, each ink channel being connected to one of said nozzles, and a plurality of actuators arranged in groups corresponding to those of the ink channels, each actuator being associated with one of the ink channels for pressurizing ink contained therein for expelling an ink droplet through the associated nozzle, wherein the ink channels are connected to their associated nozzles by flow passages which all have a substantially equal length and are inclined relative to said axial direction with varying angles in both, said line direction X and a scan direction Z being orthogonal to the line direction and the axial direction.
US07845761B2 Ink jet printing apparatus and control method for reducing preliminary ejection
In an ink jet printing apparatus, preliminary ejection for a print head involving a plurality of distances from a common ink supply port to respective ejection openings is optimized. Specifically, for a first nozzle array and a second nozzle array with different distances from the ink supply port to the ejection opening, the ratio of a driving pulse width to a lower limit pulse width for the second nozzle array with the longer distance is set to be higher than the ratio for the first nozzle array with the shorter distance. This enables a reduction in the time required for preliminary ejection of the apparatus as a whole.
US07845760B2 Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus for applying a liquid on a medium to form an image, includes: a liquid absorbing member which absorbs at least a portion of the liquid applied on the medium; and a liquid recovery device which suctions and recovers the liquid absorbed in the liquid absorbing member while being in contact with the liquid absorbing member.
US07845758B2 Suction device, suction system, and liquid droplet ejection apparatus having the device or the system, as well as electro-optical apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
Provided herein is a suction device having a plurality of head caps capable of closely contacting with and moving away from corresponding nozzle surfaces of a plurality of inkjet functional liquid droplet ejection heads. The suction device includes: a plurality of cap units having one or more of the head caps, a contacting/separating mechanism which makes the head caps contact and move away, a plurality of suction units which suck functional liquid from the head caps, a plurality of sets of suction channels each of which having a main channel and individual channels, and a plurality of channel switching units which selectively switch the suction channels to any one of the suction units.
US07845754B2 Apparatus and method for ejecting liquid for recording higher resolution image
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a recording head, a vibrator, and a controller. The recording head further includes a nozzle and is configured to eject a liquid onto a recording medium through the nozzle. The vibrator is disposed on the recording head and is configured to vibrate the recording head in a direction in which the recording medium is conveyed. The controller is configured to control the vibrator to vibrate the recording head in the direction and to control the recording head to eject the liquid during vibration.
US07845752B2 Liquid-discharge-failure detecting apparatus and inkjet recording apparatus
A liquid-discharge-failure detecting apparatus includes a light-emitting unit, a light-receiving unit, and a light-trapping unit. The light-emitting unit emits a detection beam. The light-receiving unit is located at a position offset from an optical axis of the detection beam, and receives a scattered light generated by scattering of the detection beam by a droplet of ink (liquid). The light-trapping unit traps a detection beam that travels straight without striking the droplet so that the detection beam does not enter the light-receiving unit as a stray light.
US07845747B2 Printhead with sub-ejection pulse for non-firing nozzles
A printhead IC comprising: an array of nozzles; and, drive circuitry for receiving print data and sending drive pulses to the nozzles in accordance with the print data; wherein, the drive pulses consist of ejection pulses with sufficient energy to eject printing fluid from the nozzles designated to fire at that time, and sub-ejection pulses with insufficient energy to eject printing fluid from the nozzles not designated to fire at that time.
US07845746B2 Liquid container for a liquid ejection device with a vibration sensor for ink level detection
An ink container which includes an ink supply port for supplying ink to a recording head, and is formed with a flexible member shaped like a bag, which deforms in accordance with an amount of remaining ink contained therein, the ink container including: a sensor module serving as vibration activating and detecting unit, provided on one of the surfaces of the ink container, for emitting a vibration to the ink; and a rigid member provided on a location of the other surface of the ink container, which is opposed to the sensor module; wherein an amount of remaining ink is detected based on a vibration characteristic of the vibration activating and detecting unit which depends on a distance between the vibration activating and detecting unit and the rigid member.
US07845740B2 Unitized seal with integral spacer
A unitized seal assembly is provided for installation between linkages of a chain drive designed for tracked vehicles. The seal assembly facilitates field preventative maintenance on the drive chain by utilizing an integral spacer that holds the critical sealing surfaces together at all times, and has a seal head that can be easily removed from the outer link bore of a chain link. Removal of the seal head from the outer link bore causes as-installed clearance passageways between the seal head and seat portions and the spacer to forcefully close and prevent abrasive particles from getting inside the seal and reaching the interior interface junction of the dynamic sealing surfaces during seal maintenance. The seal assembly also includes additional sealing features that provide improved performance.
US07845734B2 Vehicle seatbelt
To provide a vehicle seatbelt capable of suppressing the reduction in the power holding of a buckle webbing, a vehicle seatbelt includes a buckle webbing and a buckle mounted at an end of the buckle webbing. The buckle webbing is provided with a webbing loop portion connected to the buckle. The vehicle seatbelt also includes an elastic holding band for holding the buckle webbing inside the seat by stretching the buckle webbing. In the webbing loop portion a band guide member is mounted. The elastic holding band passes through the band guide member and is routed to wrap around the webbing loop portion.
US07845728B2 Infant rocking chair and driving device for driving the same
A driving device is adapted for an infant rocking chair. The rocking chair includes a seat body and a bottom seat. The driving device includes a base, a supporting element, first and second motion mechanisms, and a power mechanism. The first motion mechanism includes a horizontal first guide path unit disposed at the bottom seat, and a first movable member disposed on the base and movable along the first guide path unit. The second motion mechanism includes a vertically varying second guide path unit disposed at the bottom seat, and a second movable member movable along the second guide path unit and vertically relative to the base. The supporting element interconnects fixedly the seat body and the second movable member. The power mechanism drives reciprocal movement of the first and second movable members.
US07845726B2 Compactible juvenile vehicle seat
A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat base adapted to set on a vehicle seat and a foldable backrest associated with the seat base. The juvenile vehicle seat also includes a backrest lock coupled to the foldable backrest.
US07845725B1 Open architecture seating system
An apparatus for use in accommodating public seating needs is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least a pair of parallel backbone members, a support leg in sliding engagement with the pair of parallel backbone members, a combination seating surface and backrest portion in sliding engagement with the pair of parallel backbone members, and adjacent the support leg, and an end cap secured to the pair of parallel backbone members, and restricting lateral motion of the support leg and the combination seating surface and backrest portion along the pair of parallel backbone members. Preferably the apparatus further accommodates lateral motion of the support leg and the combination seating surface and backrest portion along the pair of parallel backbone members, upon removal of the end cap from the pair of parallel backbone members.
US07845721B2 Headrest
A movable headrest provided on a seat back of a seat mounted in a vehicle and capable of changing a position from a normal position to an emergency position, the headrest including a headrest support supported by the seat back and having a guide section, a rotary support member pivotally supported by the headrest support and rotatable between a first position corresponding to the normal position and a second position corresponding to the emergency position, and a headrest body pivotally supported by the rotary support member and having a headrest body support which moves along the guide section, whereby as the rotary support member rotates relative to the headrest support, the position of the headrest body relative to the headrest support changes while the headrest body support moves along the guide section.
US07845719B2 Adjustable height hook on high chair
A hook on high chair that includes a base unit that engages the lip of a table top and a seat unit that engages a seat for a child. The base unit and seat unit slide relative to each other such that the seat of the seat unit is adjustable in height so as to customize the hook on high chair for relatively small children such as infants or relatively large children such as toddlers. The base unit includes a J-shaped lower tube that includes a turn knob and an upper tube that includes a resilient foot for opposing the turn knob. The lower and upper tubes are fixed via a joint. The seat unit includes a vertically extending tube slideably adjustable in the joint via a spring biased pin. The seat unit includes a cantilevered portion that carries the seat.
US07845714B2 Hybrid-structure assembly support
An assembly support with hybrid structure for front ends of passenger vehicles and light trucks includes an upper cross member (1), a lateral member (2) attached to it from below with a flange plate (3) for connection with the face ends of vehicle longitudinal members and a lower cross member (4) connecting the lower sections (2.1) of these lateral members (2). In order to reinforce the assembly support in the area of the lower cross member (4), the lower cross member (4) consists of a shell body (5) with a flange (5.1) running along its edge and projecting outward, and of a sealing part (6) whose edge area overlaps it. The shell body (5) and the sealing part (6) are made of a stiff material, whereby the flange (5.1) and edge areas (6.1) of the above-mentioned components are surrounded by injected plastic used for the hybrid structure, and are thus bound together with the lateral members (2).
US07845713B2 Pillar structure of automobile
The pillar structure includes a pillar (11), a front outer garnish (21), a triangular window (30), and a shielding portion (22). The pillar includes an outer panel (13) and an inner panel (14). A flange portion (136) of the outer panel and a flange portion (146) of the inner panel are joined to each other so as to form a joint portion (17). The front outer garnish is attached to the pillar so as to cover the outer panel. The triangular window is supported by the pillar. The shielding portion shields the joint portion, thereby making invisible the joint portion from the outside of the vehicle through the triangular window. The outer garnish and the triangular window are integrally molded, and the shielding portion is integrated with the front outer garnish. The joint portion is bent toward the inner panel or the outer panel.
US07845712B2 Vehicle closure assembly with sealed split between independently selectable closure panels
A split vehicle closure assembly for a vehicle utilizes a novel seal assembly, latching mechanism and hinges, all of which cooperate to permit the vehicle closure assembly to selectively seal an opening to a vehicle compartment, preventing, dirt, liquid and fumes from entering through the vehicle closure assembly, or to be opened partially or fully to provide various configurations for access to the compartment through the opening.
US07845711B2 Quick-attach/detach cab for vehicle
Removable cab components and a removable cab assembly for a vehicle. A durable cab assembly is provided, which generally includes a roof, a windshield and a rear panel that is removably attachable to the vehicle. In certain embodiments, the roof, windshield and rear panel are separate components, each separately removably attachable to the vehicle. In certain embodiments, each component of the cab assembly is removably attachable to the roll cage of the vehicle without comprising the integrity of the roll cage. The attachment and detachment of the cab assembly can be carried out manually, by a single person, in a short period of time, without requiring separate tools. The invention is also directed to the windshield, roof and rear panel as individual components adapted for quick attachment/detachment to a vehicle, and a method of attaching or detaching cab components or a cab assembly.
US07845710B2 Underride compatibility apparatus for a vehicle
An underride compatibility apparatus is provided for a vehicle structure. The apparatus includes a frame arranged to support the vehicle structure. The frame includes an energy absorption portion arranged for absorption of impact energy. The apparatus also includes a beam arranged substantially transverse to the vehicle structure, below the frame, and remote from the energy absorption portion. The apparatus also includes a flexible member configured to carry a tensile load, but not a substantial compressive load. The flexible member distributes the impact energy between the energy absorption portion and the beam when the member is loaded in tension during an underride impact, but does not affect the impact energy absorption of the energy absorption portion during a direct impact.
US07845706B2 Electric actuator of automotive pivotal door
A case is mounted to one of a motor vehicle and a pivotal door and has therein a gear receiving space. An electric motor is mounted to the case. A speed reduction mechanism is installed in the gear receiving space of the case and driven by the electric motor. An output gear is rotatably received in the gear receiving space of the case and driven by the speed reduction mechanism. An output arm is placed above the case and connected to the output gear through an output shaft that passes through an upper wall portion of the case. A connecting rod has one end pivotally connected to the output arm and the other end pivotally connected to the other of the motor vehicle and the pivotal door. The connecting rod is arranged beside the case in a manner to avoid overlapping thereof with the case in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction in which the connecting rod is moved by the output arm.
US07845703B2 Seating systems for motor vehicles
Embodiments of seating systems for motor vehicles facilitate two-dimensional movement of a seat in a horizontal plane. The seating systems can also facilitate vertical movement of the seat. The seating systems are motorized, and can be automatically controlled so that minimal movement and effort are required on the part of the user to enter and exit the vehicle.
US07845702B2 Stake system for flatbed vehicles
A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.
US07845700B2 Extendable trailer having a roll support assembly
An apparatus comprising a front flatbed trailer section, a rear flatbed trailer section, a first support assembly carried by one of the front and rear flatbed trailer sections, and wherein the first support assembly at least partially disengages the other of the front and rear flatbed trailer sections. A method of extending a trailer comprising the steps of providing a first flatbed trailer section and a second flatbed trailer section with a slide member and a first support assembly, displacing the first support assembly in a first direction, separating the first and second flatbed trailer sections in a vertical direction, and moving one of the first and second flatbed trailer sections in a horizontal direction relative to the other of the first and second flatbed trailer sections.
US07845699B2 Motor vehicle roof
A motor vehicle roof is provided that includes, but is not limited to a base roof and a roof segment. The roof segment is adjustable relative to the base roof. In a closed state, the roof segment fits tightly with the base roof. When opened, the roof segment is arranged to provide a space between itself and the base roof. A spoiler is provided that is connected to and adjustable relative to the base roof and kinematically connected to the roof segment in such a way that, with movement of the spoiler, the roof segment can be opened and closed. Additional storage space for the placement of baggage is formed when the roof is in an opened state.
US07845695B2 Waste collection device
The disclosure describes a waste collection device that includes a sweep that includes a plate and a first handle, and a scoop that includes a receptacle and a second handle. The first handle is attached to the plate and the second handle is attached to the receptacle. The disclosure also describes a method of picking up animal waste that includes contacting the waste with the plate of a sweep and sweeping the waste into a receptacle of a scoop through an opening of the receptacle.
US07845694B1 Waste handling and bagging unit
A waste handling and bagging unit (10) that is comprised of a mitt (12) having an upper layer (14), a lower layer (36) and a hand opening (64). Either a single bag (70) or a plurality of nested bags (70) encompass the mitt (12) and are attached to the mitt by at least one grommet assembly (112,128) that is located adjacent to the hand opening (64) on the mitt (12). The waste handling and bagging unit (10) allows a person to quickly, easily and hygienically grasp waste material, such as fecal matter from a pet, and then to enclose the waste material within one of the bags (70) for disposal. When a single bag (70) is utilized, a person will manually place a new bag on the mitt (12) for each instance of waste removal. The nested bags (70) allow a person to repeatably gasp and dispose multiple instances of waste material without having to manually put a new replacement bag (70) on the mitt (12).
US07845686B2 Restrained pipe joining system for plastic pipe
A restrained pipe joining system is shown comprising male and female ends each having aligned circumferential grooves which form a canal for passage of a locking key strap. During manufacture, the female belled end is sequentially formed over a Rieber style gasket and then over a ring shaped casing member having an inner circumferential groove formed on its inner circumferential surface. Preferably, the ring shaped casing has circumferentially spaced teeth that act as a pipe stop in cooperation with an outer circumferential groove on the male spigot to index the pipes to be coupled.
US07845684B2 Quick connector
A quick connector including a female part with a stepped bore arranged to receive an endpiece and a collar of a male part, and a latch including a ring in a housing arranged in the female part to slide radially between an eccentric position and a position coaxial with the bore, and the latch including a latching indicator mounted to slide radially in the ring between two indication positions, and at least one blocking member for blocking the indicator in a first indication position, the blocking member being movable between an indicator-blocking position and a retracted release position, and having a contact portion projecting into the female portion beyond the latch to co-operate with the collar in such a manner that the collar takes the blocking member into its release position when the male part is inserted into the female part.
US07845683B2 Air bag system
An air bag system includes an air bag folded so that an occupant-restraining face of the air bag which restrains an occupant upon a deployment is hidden inside a central portion of the folded air bag, and a retaining member for covering said folded air bag. The air bag is deployed by breaking a breaking portion provided on the retaining member, whereupon the retaining member is opened so that it is divided into a plurality of deployment-inhibiting portions, and the plurality of deployment-inhibiting portions are brought into engagement with an upper block and a lower block of an outer peripheral portion of the air bag deployed from the folded state, respectively, thereby delaying the deployment of the outer peripheral portion. Therefore, the occupant-restraining face of the folded air bag can be deployed at the very first to effectively restrain the occupant.
US07845682B2 Airbag cushion folding methods
Methods are provided for folding an airbag cushion into a housing. In one implementation of the inventive method, an airbag cushion defined by an upper panel and a lower panel is provided. A first portion of the airbag cushion is tucked into a second portion of the airbag cushion such that the upper and lower panels of the first portion are positioned in between the upper and lower panels of the second portion. The tucked portion is folded in towards the housing. First and second halves of the tucked airbag cushion are folded in towards the housing. Finally, the folded first and second halves of the airbag cushion are folded into the housing.
US07845681B2 Airbag and airbag apparatus
An airbag and an airbag apparatus in which a vent hole is in a closed state or a slightly open state until an occupant plunges into the airbag and the vent hole becomes to an open state or a widely open state when the occupant plunges into the airbag. The inside of the airbag 10 is partitioned by inner panels 22A, 22B into a first chamber 1 centrally located and a second chamber surrounding the first chamber 1. A vent hole 18 is formed in a rear panel 14 to allow the communication between the second chamber 2 and the outside of the airbag. A lid member 60 is provided to cover the vent hole 18 from the inside of the rear panel 14. A tether (tethering member) 70 connects the lid member 60 and the inner panels 22A, 22B. When the airbag 10 is inflated, the tether 70 is tensioned to prevent the lid member 60 from moving out of the airbag 10.
US07845679B2 Gas generator fitted with pressure regulator means, and a safety device fitted therewith
The present invention relates to a gas generator for a motor vehicle safety device, the generator comprising:. a first chamber (C) for combustion containing a pyrotechnic initiator (2) and a pyrotechnic charge (3) whose combustion is triggered by said initiator; and. a second chamber (D) for diffusion into which the gas that results from combustion of said charge (3) is transferred prior to being exhausted to the outside; these two chambers (C, D) being separated from each other by a “nozzle” partition (12) presenting at least one communication orifice (13). According to the invention, said diffusion chamber (D) is provided with a piston (5) suitable for closing or not closing said orifice (13) as a function of the gas pressure in the combustion chamber (C), said piston (5) being urged to its position for closing the orifice (13) by a mass (6) of elastically deformable material, said mass (6) presenting stiffness that varies as a function of temperature, said stiffness decreasing with increasing temperature.
US07845678B2 Airbag device
An airbag is inflated by gas for deployment to the front of and for restraining an occupant. A tether allows an inner capacity of the airbag to be equal to or smaller than a predetermined value by restricting a distance between a proximal end of the airbag and a surface of the airbag at deployment. A control unit acquires information relating to at least one of an occupant seat position, an occupant position to an instrument panel, an occupant physique, an occupant weight, and a magnitude of a collision impact. A release unit controls capacity and configuration of the airbag by releasing an end of the tether at a side of the proximal end according to the information acquired by the control unit. A vent discharges the gas before activation of the release unit and is closed on activation of the release unit.
US07845674B2 Air-bag arrangement and a method of preparing and mounting an air-bag
An inflatable curtain (2) having an upper attachment edge (6) provided with mounting elements (14) for mounting the inflatable curtain in a vehicle cabin for deployment beside an interior surface (38) of the vehicle cabin. A gas-flow passage (28) extends along the attachment edge, and communicates with cells (32) defined by seams (30) in an inflatable region (4) which has a lower edge (8). Mounting elements (14) are located between the seams (30) of a respective cell (32). The inflatable curtain is formed from an inboard layer of fabric and an outboard layer of fabric, and is rolled from the region of the lower edge (8) with the roll being adjacent the outboard layer and with part of the inboard layer forming the exterior of the roll.
US07845671B2 Flat fold stroller
A folding chair includes handle frames, and front legs and rear legs configured to support the chair in an upright position. The front legs are pivotally attached to respective rear legs. A chair portion, includes a back rest, a seat and a leg rest pivotally attached to the seat. Pivot frames are pivotally attached to respective handle frames, the back rest and the rear legs. Sliders are pivotally attached to respective pivot frames, the back rest, respective arm rests and the seat and are configured to slide along the front legs.
US07845670B2 Trailer dolly
In some embodiments, a trailer dolly may include one or more of the following features: (a) a main body having a proximal and distal end, (b) an adjustable hitch operably coupled to the distal end of the main body, (c) at least one wheel operably coupled to the distal end of the main body, (d) an operator's handle coupled to the main body at the proximal end, (e) at least one grip coupled to the operator's handle, (f) a V-shaped support coupled to a lower side of the main body, (g) a hitch receiving aperture coupled to the distal end of the main body, (h) a support beam operably coupled to the main body at one end and the hitch receiving aperture at an opposite end, and (i) an axle coupled to the main body at the distal end and operably coupled to the at least one wheel.
US07845669B2 Safety restraint for vehicle towing assemblies
A safety restraint for use with a towing assembly. The towing assembly is attached at a first end to a towing vehicle and at a second end to a towed vehicle. The restraint includes an elongate, hollow body that receives the towing assembly. The body is formed from at least two fibers that are woven into a multi-axis braid pattern. The cylindrical body at least partially encapsulates the towing assembly. For example, the body may include a first set of fibers arranged into a first ribbon of a particular width and a second set of fibers arranged into a second ribbon of a particular width, and the two ribbons are woven into a biaxial braid to provide the hollow body. The restraint also includes coupling mechanisms that retain the ends of the body and attach these ends to the towing vehicle and to the towed vehicle.
US07845661B2 Reinforcement device for vehicle
A reinforcement device for a vehicle is formed in a slender shape and comprises a medial region with a hydraulic damper. The damper generates a damping force against deformation in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is defined as a lateral direction of the associated vehicle body. The reinforcement device is removably mounted at both ends to a frame of the vehicle.
US07845656B2 Drywall cart
A drywall bucket and tool carrying cart has a main body with an interior space and open top to receive and retain a drywall compound bucket and five legs extending downwardly and outwardly from the perimeter of the body of the cart. Lockable rollers extend from the bottoms of the legs. A shelf attaches to the legs below the body of the cart. A slotted rim for tools with at least one handle surrounds the upper perimeter of the cart.
US07845651B2 Locking chuck
A chuck includes a generally cylindrical body and a plurality of jaws moveably disposed with respect to the body in communication with the body's axial bore. A generally cylindrical sleeve is rotatably mounted about the body in operative communication with the jaws so rotation of the sleeve in a closing direction moves the jaws towards the axis of the axial bore and rotation of the sleeve in an opening direction moves the jaws away from the axis. A bearing has a first race adjacent the body, a second race adjacent the sleeve and at least one bearing element disposed between the first race and the second race. One of the first race and the second race defines a ratchet. The other of the first race and the second race defines a pawl biased toward the ratchet. The ratchet and the pawl are configured so that when the pawl engages the ratchet, the ratchet and pawl prevent the second race from rotating in the opening direction with respect to the first race. The generally cylindrical sleeve is movable between a first and a second axial position, the first axial position serving to rotationally immobilize the sleeve with respect to the body, and the second axial position allowing the sleeve to rotate freely with respect to the body.
US07845647B2 Multi-layer gasket or seal member
A gasket or seal member constructed of elastomeric material has at least one slot extending lengthwise of the member and across its thickness at an oblique angle to the sealing faces. There may be a plurality of slots spaced apart across the width of the member. In a preferred form of the invention multiple, parallel slots are formed at an oblique angle to the seal faces of the member forming branchiate-like layers of gasket material, in which each of the layers partially overlays at least one other layer.
US07845642B2 Pick-it poker
A multi-stage card game includes stages at which each player selects which unrevealed cards are to be played. In one implementation, bets are received for at least some stages of a multi-stage poker-like game. Cards are dealt into an unrevealed dealer hand and an unrevealed player hand for each player. For at least one of the stages, each player selects one of the cards from the player's unrevealed hand to reveal in order to access a progression of payout schedules. Each player's hand accumulates player-selected cards across the stages of the game and across associated payout schedules, until all cards are revealed. A player's poker hand is then compared to the dealer's poker hand for potential payout. Opportunities for bonus bets are also interjected into implementations of the game.
US07845641B2 Press-your-luck challenge
A method of hosting a press-your-luck challenge includes receiving a stake from a player and iteratively beginning phases of the press-your-luck challenge. Each phase of the press-your-luck challenge comprises dealing an active subset of game items from a set of game items. If the active subset of game items is defeated by an immediately previous subset of game items, the press-your-luck challenge is ended. If the active subset of game items is not defeated by an immediately previous subset of game items, the player is offered a return equal to a total value of the active subset of game items. If the player accepts the return, the player is awarded the return and the press-your-luck challenge ends. If the player declines the return, a subsequent phase of the press-your-luck challenge is begun.
US07845640B2 Chucker with slits and medal game device
A chucker with slits, capable of reducing the scale of a device with a simple configuration and allowing the degree of difficulty of medal passage to be adjusted properly and conveniently according to the situation of a game, and a medal game device using the chucker with slits, are provided. The medal game device according to the present invention is provided with a medal inserting portion into which a medal is inserted, and a winning prize port formed to be able to receive the inserted medal, and is configured so as to give a prescribed privilege to a player at least on the condition that the medal has entered the winning prize port. The medal game device is further provided with a chucker with slits which has a disk-shaped bottom portion 35a having in a central portion thereof an opening communicating with the winning prize port and formed to allow insertion of the medal, a first region having first slits SL1 having a first width larger than the thickness of the medal and formed along the peripheral edge of the disk-shaped bottom portion, and a second region having second slits SL2 having a second width differing from the first width and formed along the peripheral edge of the disk-shaped bottom portion.
US07845639B2 Multi-function low profile print interface for a sheet handling device
A print interface system includes a printer integrated in combination with a sheet handling system such as a mailpiece inserter. The print interface system facilitates the handling of sheet material in various operating modes, including conventional printing, duplex printing, and mailpiece creation modes. The system includes an interface module having upper and lower housing segments defining first and second feed paths. A first feed path directs sheet material to a stacking surface of the upper housing segment and a second feed path directs sheet material to a downstream module of the sheet handling device. A repositionable diverter bifurcates the path exiting the printer to direct sheet material to one of the two feed paths. Furthermore, the upper housing segment is pivotally mounted to the lower housing segment to provide internal access to one of the first and second feed paths.
US07845638B2 Feeder assembly for laser imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus including a media source having a plurality of sheets of photothermographic imaging media contained therein, an exposure unit including an input engagement point, an output engagement point, and a laser module positioned therebetween, and a driven roller pair forming a nip. A driven roller pair is configured to receive a leading edge of a sheet from a media source and is configured to begin extracting the sheet from the media source and driving the sheet along a transport path extending from the media source to at least the output engagement point of the exposure unit. Upon the leading edge being engaged by the input engagement point, the nip is configured to open while the trailing edge of sheet is still within the media source such that a remaining portion of the sheet is extracted from the media source by the exposure unit while the laser module exposes a desired image on the sheet.
US07845635B2 Translating registration nip systems for different width media sheets
Methods and systems feed media sheets along a media path within an apparatus in a media path direction from a media source to a destination and align the media sheets as the media sheets travel along the media path using a media alignment unit. The methods and systems move the media alignment unit in a direction perpendicular to the media path direction using movable supports to position the media alignment unit at a location equidistant from sheet width edges of the media sheets.
US07845633B2 Abnormal sheet delivery detection device
An abnormal sheet delivery detection device includes a convey device, first pile device, noncontact-type detection unit, and first releasing unit. The convey device includes a sheet holding unit for holding a sheet, and conveys the sheet held by the sheet holding unit. The sheet released from the sheet holding unit is piled on the first pile device at a predetermined sheet release position. The noncontact-type detection unit arranged downstream of the sheet release position in a sheet convey direction detects a presence/absence of the sheet. The first releasing unit selectively switches between a first state wherein the sheet held by the sheet holding unit is released and piled on the first pile device, and a second state wherein the sheet held by the sheet holding unit is conveyed downstream in the sheet convey direction by the first convey device without releasing the sheet.
US07845632B2 Media feeding and width sensing methods and apparatus for printing systems
Systems and methods for feeding media into a printing system in which a movable media guide is used to register media on a tray with a potentiometer and an opto-interrupt sensor are mounted in a fixed position relative to the tray with the slidable potentiometer member being moved by translation of the media guide. An obstruction structure is coupled to move relative to the opto-interrupt sensor when the media guide is translated and provides one or more fins to selectively block or open the optical signal path of the opto-interrupt sensor, with the sensed media width being determined according to the output signals of the opto-interrupt sensor and the potentiometer.
US07845628B2 Sheet loader, sheet folding apparatus, and sheet finishing system
A sheet loader for loading a folded sheet bundle provided from a sheet bundle provider with a folded edge of the folded sheet bundle in the lead, including: an undersurface support configured to support an undersurface of the folded sheet bundle so that the folded edge is lower than a trailing edge of the folded sheet bundle; a folded edge blocker configured to support the folded edge of the folded sheet bundle supported by the undersurface support, a lower end of the folded edge blocker being held by the undersurface support, and a canceller configured to release the lower end of the folded edge blocker from the undersurface support if a predetermined amount of sheet stacks are loaded on the undersurface support.
US07845625B2 Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
Provided is a sheet folding apparatus for folding a sheet stack, including a sheet stack support member for supporting a sheet stack by being abutted against a lower edge of the sheet stack, an abutting member for folding the sheet stack by making the sheet stack supported by the sheet stack support member abutted against a leading edge of the abutting member, and paired folding rollers for sandwiching the sheet stack folded by the abutting member to fold the sheet stack at a fold position, in which a position where the sheet stack is abutted against the leading edge of the abutting member with respect to the fold position is varied based on sheet stack information.
US07845624B2 Cylindrical fluid-filled elastic mount
A cylindrical fluid-filled elastic mount which has a structure that avoids or mitigates a deterioration of damping effect, when an outer cylindrical member is subjected to a diameter-reducing operation. A cylindrical fluid-filled elastic mount including; a communication groove connecting a pair of pockets in the circumferential direction formed in an elastic body; fluid chambers provided by the corresponding pockets; an orifice member having a trough-form protrusion in which both-side wall portions provided at an end of the orifice groove are formed by an elastic material. The trough-form protrusion is inserted in the communication groove. At least one hollow groove is provided along the communication groove where the trough-form protrusion is inserted, and the hollow groove is formed longer in the circumferential direction than a length of a protrusion part of the trough-form protrusion.
US07845612B2 Device stand
This invention is to provide the stand for the electronic device with the capacity to hole the headset in a handy manner. The stand comprises the main body capable of holding cords, the attaching section positioned on the main body for the electronic device to be mounted and secured thereon, stand cover capable of temporary fitting over the main body and having the section for preventing the cords from unraveling, and the connecting section which joints the main body and the stand cover and allows the stand cover to spread apart from the main body with the hinge section as the fulcrum.
US07845611B1 Door operated page turner device, system and method for books
Door/lid operated page turner devices, systems and methods for reading materials such as books is provided for hands-free reading for the able-bodied and disabled reader. A platform supports a book that is covered by a bottomless box having an open top, with left and right transparent lids slidably attached to cover the open top with a small space between the lids when closed. A single protruding member with a tip is adapted to slide the right transparent lid to the right exposing a page of the stacked reading pages, the tip is also used to lift up an outer edge of the page to be above the right transparent lid, followed by the tip of the protruding member pushing against and sliding the right transparent lid to the left until the right transparent lid abuts against the spacer, wherein the tip of the protruding member pushes both the closed left and right transparent lids to the left until the raised first page is turned and overlaying the left portion of the supporting platform. The user slides the closed pair of transparent lids back to align the spacer gap between the doors with the center of the book thereby fixing the turned page into a new position. Protruding members such as a nose can move the lids, and pursed lips can move pages with the device. Additionally, other protruding members such as pencils can be used.
US07845609B2 Loop line
A loop line comprised of a pair of side by side cords of equal length and knots equispaced along said cords for joining the cords together and defining loops between the knots. The cords preferably are limp monofilament with knots tied or are string or thin rope made of several strands braided, twisted or woven together and the knots for joining the cords together are formed by interlacing, braiding or looping the cords. The strands are selected from at least one of polymer, polyester or metal wire fibers. For hanging an item, the loop line has a proximal end terminating at a knot and a distal end terminating in a knot, the proximal end of the loop line is wrapped around or inserted in a hole in the item, the distal end is passed through a loop formed in the loop line at the knot at the proximal end to form a hitch attached to the item, and the loop line is hung from a knot formed in the loop line at the distal end. The system for supporting a sign or ceiling-tile rail from ceiling supports comprises a plurality of loop lines, in which a lower proximal end of the loop line can be inserted through an opening in a sign or ceiling-tile rail to be suspended, the upper distal end passed through a loop formed at the lower proximal end of the length to form a hitch attached to the sign or ceiling-tile rail, and the upper distal end of the loop line of an equivalent number of loops can be attached to the ceiling support.
US07845608B1 Mounting apparatus for electronic device
A mounting apparatus includes a support member, a sliding member, a spring member, and a cover. The support member is configured for maintaining an electronic device thereon. The sliding member is configured for being secured on a display. A retaining portion is located on the sliding member and defines a through hole. A spring member is secured on the support member and engages the through hole of the sliding member. A cover is secured on the support member to position the sliding member between the support member and the cover. The sliding member is slidable relative to the support member and the spring member, and the retaining portion resiliently deforms the spring member.
US07845603B2 Cabinet leveling device
The inventive concept is directed to a leveling device to level cabinets or other appliances. The device is constructed as an elongated housing having an interior therein. The interior of the housing will receive a movable triangular adjustment lever which is mounted in the housing in such a manner that a bottom flange will protrude from the housing and contact a floor on which the cabinet is to be located. The triangular adjustment lever has an upstanding flange that is contacted by an adjustment bolt which is accessible from the outside of the housing. A leveling device is installed in each of the inside corners of the cabinet and is accessible from a wall in the toe-kick recess of the cabinet by way of a tool through the wall. The leveling devices located in the rear corners of the cabinet are accessible for adjustment by way of on elongated rod passing through the wall and will attach to the respective adjustment bolts.
US07845601B1 Medical equipment transport system
A medical equipment transport system for supporting medical equipment while a patient is transported. The system comprises an equipment rack, such as an IV stand. While in the hospital room, the rack is mounted on a bracket supported on a mobile tower. When the patient is moved, the rack is transferred to a similar bracket on the bed. Transfer of the rack between bed and tower brackets is accomplished using a lift mechanism in the tower. The lift mechanism includes a bogie stabilized by radially-arranged bearings, enabling the tower to accept omni directional loading and moment forces. The rack is supported on each of the brackets by two vertically-aligned conical pins nested in tapered bushings, providing additional stability. A self-locking, self-releasing latch assembly prevents inadvertent dislocation of the rack. A customized adapter enables attachment of the bracket to any model bed without structurally altering it, simplifying installation and preserving warranties.
US07845599B2 Mounting coupling for sprinkler support system
A mounting coupling for a fire sprinkler support system includes an adjustable opening for receiving a sprinkler reducer coupling that allows insertion of the sprinkler coupling into the mounting coupling with a sprinkler head assembled thereto. The mounting coupling can be securely engaged to the reducer coupling and fixed to a support bar of the sprinkler support system using a single fastener thereby providing improved installation and functionality.
US07845597B2 Conduit carrier system
A conduit carrier system for securing a storage pipe to a ladder rack including a support member having a slot extending the length thereof is disclosed. The carrier system of the present invention includes a holder portion having a cradle surface configured and arranged to cradle the storage pipe. A base portion depends from the holder portion and a pair of feet depends from the base portion. The pair of feet are configured and arranged to cooperate with the slot of the tubular support member of the ladder rack to secure the base portion to the ladder rack. The pair of feet is selectively adjustable to clamp a portion of the tubular support member between the base portion and the pair of feet. Further included is a means for securing said storage pipe to said holder portion.
US07845594B2 Helicopter collapsible deck
A helicopter collapsible deck having at least one longitudinal member and at least one cross member, which extend respectively in a first and second direction intersecting at a point; the cross member is interrupted at the point of intersection; the deck also has an anchoring device for connecting the longitudinal member and the cross member at the point of intersection; and the anchoring device has at least one local permanent deformation section lying in a plane crosswise to the deck and for dissipating the energy transmitted to the deck in the event of impact.
US07845583B2 Method and a device for controlling the alignment between refining surfaces
Methods and apparatus controlling the alignment between refining surfaces of opposite refining discs are disclosed which are relatively rotatable and which are incorporated in a refiner for disintegrating and refining lignocellulose-containing material in a refining gap between the refining surfaces. The disclosed method includes positioning at least three sensors at least three measurement positions, measuring the vibrations at each of the measurement positions during refiner operation, and comparing each of the measured vibrations at each of the measurement positions with each other. The apparatus disclosed includes at least three sensors disposed in at least three predetermined measurement positions, each of the sensors comprising a vibration sensor disposed on a refining disc for measuring the vibrations at the measurement positions whereby measuring can take place during operation of the refiner and a comparator for comparing the measurements of the measurement positions to provide a comparison therebetween.
US07845570B2 Value document
The invention relates to a value document, in particular a bank note, having a value document substrate and at least three different feature substances for checking the value document, which has a first feature substance, and wherein second and third feature substances are applied to the value document substrate in a printing ink jointly. The second feature substance is formed by a luminescent substance, and the third feature substance by a material absorbent in a special spectral range.
US07845569B1 Permanent RFID luggage tag with security features
An integral, one-piece, resiliently flexible, planar, reusable, programmable radio frequency identification (RFID) luggage tag blank has a planar flexible sheet core of at least first and second microporous polymer material strips fixedly and permanently joined together completely surrounding an RFID transponder assembly, the transponder assembly collapsing the microporosity of the core strip material enough to maintain an essentially uniform core, the transponder assembly including non-volatile memory containing a non-alterable permanent unique code assigned to the transponder assembly and space to receive externally programmable information; and a first cover strip selected to receive a dye diffusion thermal transfer image and secured to the first major outer side of the core.
US07845568B2 Managing power and timing in a smart card device
In some implementations, a mobile device includes a first interface configured to communicably couple to a removable integrated circuit card; a second interface configured to wirelessly communicate with a contactless reader that is external to the mobile device; a communication interface that couples the first interface and the second interface and that is configured to obtain information from an integrated circuit card that is coupled to the first interface in response to receipt by the second interface of an information request from the contactless reader; and a programmable timer that is configured to be started in response to the second interface receiving an information request from the contactless reader, and that is further configured to, upon reaching a programmed value, cause the second interface to transmit the obtained information to the contactless reader.
US07845563B2 Digital image capture and processing system employing an illumination subassembly mounted about a light transmission aperture, and a field of view folding mirror disposed beneath the light transmission aperture
A digital image capture and processing system having a housing with a light transmission window, and an illumination subsystem including an illumination board disposed adjacent the light transmission window, configured substantially within a plane, and having a central aperture mounted adjacent the imaging window. The illumination board supports an array of illumination sources mounted around at least portion of the central aperture, for producing and a field of illumination within the FOV of its image formation and detection subsystem during object illumination and imaging operations. A FOV folding mirror is mounted within the housing and beneath the illumination board, and folds the path of the FOV beneath the light transmission aperture and directs and projects the FOV out through the central aperture. Also, an automatic illumination control subsystem is provided for controlling the array of illumination sources during object illumination and imaging operations.
US07845558B2 Accessing financial accounts with 3D bar code
A three dimensional (3d) bar code can be affixed to a financial instrument (e.g., the credit card) sent to a consumer. Upon receiving the financial instrument, the consumer can acquire an image of the 3D bar code with an image capture device (e.g., a camera) of a mobile device. The mobile device can interpret or decode the 3D bar code to extract a web address. The mobile device may then send a request for a web page associated with the web address, which could be returned by the web server at the financial institution. The web page may allow the consumer to enter personal information. Upon receiving the personal information, the financial institution can verify the information, authenticate the consumer, and activate the financial account.
US07845556B2 Optical encoder with contamination detection
An optical unit includes an optical emitter receiving an optical emitter current, an optical sensor receiving an optical sensor current and light from the optical emitter and in response thereto outputting at least one signal indicating relative movement between the optical unit and an optical code scale, and an optical sensor current detector comparing the optical sensor current to a reference value. In response to the optical sensor current being different than the reference value, the optical sensor current detector outputs an optical sensor current detector signal. The optical sensor current detector signal indicates the presence of a contaminant in a light path from the optical emitter to the optical sensor, and is used to regulate the current to the optical emitter so as to counteract the negative effects of the contaminant in the light path.
US07845553B2 Data management
A data management system comprises a data store for storing at least one entry. The entry includes (i) information associated with an item, and (ii) information about a security feature associated with that item. The system also includes an authenticator operable to access the data store in response to a request from a remote reader. The authenticator includes (i) a reader validator to authenticate the remote reader, and (ii) a security feature validator to authenticate a security feature read by the remote reader. The authenticator is also operable to issue an authenticity confirmation in the event that a security feature is successfully validated. The system includes a port for coupling the remote reader and the authenticator to enable requests to be transmitted from the reader to the authenticator and responses to be transmitted from the authenticator to the remote reader.
US07845545B2 Three-body joining using friction stir processing techniques
A friction stir tool is provided to perform friction stir riveting using a partially consumable pin, wherein the pin includes a cutting edge on a bottom surface thereof, wherein the tool is rotated at a first speed to enable cutting by the pin into a first material that is overlapping a second material, wherein after the pin has cut to a sufficient depth, the rotational speed of the tool is increased to thereby enable plasticization of the consumable pin, the first material, and the second material, wherein the tool is then rapidly decelerated until stopped, enabling diffusion bonding between the pin, the first material and the second material.
US07845541B1 Soldering apparatus and soldering method
A soldering apparatus has a fixture receiving an electronic component and a conducting wire, with a free end of the conducting wire superimposed on the soldering area of the electronic component, a convey mechanism capable of transmitting the fixture downstream, a daubing device, and a soldering device. The daubing device has a level movable element capable of moving along a convey direction of the convey mechanism, and a vertical movable element mounted on the level movable element and capable of moving along an upward and downward direction. A carrier mounted to the vertical movable element has a solder paste can for loading the solder paste, and an output portion for dispensing the solder paste to the soldering area. The soldering device has a soldering head heating the solder paste for shrinking the insulator, with the core wire exposing and connected to the soldering area by the cool solder paste.
US07845540B2 Systems and methods for depositing conductive material into openings in microfeature workpieces
Systems and methods for depositing conductive material into openings in microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. One particular embodiment of a system for processing microfeature workpieces includes a processing chamber and a solder reservoir in the processing chamber. The solder reservoir includes a slot having a generally vertical orientation positioned to receive a microfeature workpiece. In several embodiments, the system can further include a conductive material at least partially filling the slot.
US07845533B2 Detachable buttress material retention systems for use with a surgical stapling device
Systems of releasably connecting staple line buttress material to the jaws of a surgical stapling instrument are provided. The systems include retainers configured to engage the buttress material and releasably retain the buttress material on the jaws of the surgical stapling instrument prior to stapling tissue. In certain embodiments, the retainers remain with the jaws of the instrument after stapling of tissue. In alternative embodiments, the retainers remain with the buttress material after being stapled to tissue.
US07845523B1 Systems and methods for applying texture material to ceiling surfaces
An aerosol system for dispensing sprayable material in a desired spray pattern.
US07845519B2 Tamper evident plastic dispensing container
Tamper-resistance of spice container closures and containers is provided through use of tamper-evident and tamper-resistant elements. A spice container package includes a container, a closure and a tear strip, with the tear strip being joined to the closure by a first hinge, and joined to the container by a second hinge. The container includes a side wall. The closure includes a base and a cover, with the base including at least one dispensing port and the cover including at least one flap removably covering the at least one dispensing port. The first hinge connects the tear strip to the cover of the closure. The closure and the container may be integrally molded together as a single plastic component piece.
US07845517B2 Container and one-way valve assembly for storing and dispensing substances, and related method
A device for storing and dispensing a substance includes a container having a body defining therein a storage chamber for receiving and storing the substance. The container includes a head located at one end of the body and a first passageway that is in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the body and defines a flow path therebetween. The container also includes a pierceable wall located on an opposite side of the passageway relative to the storage chamber, and a first connecting portion for connecting another component thereto. The device also includes a one-way valve assembly that includes a valve body including a body base defining a second passageway and at least one piercing portion engageable with the pierceable wall of the container. The valve assembly includes a second connecting portion that is connectable to the first connecting portion of the container for fixedly securing the valve assembly to the container when the valve assembly and container are located in the second position. The valve assembly includes a valve seat and at least one flow aperture extending through the valve body adjacent to the valve seat and in fluid communication with the second passageway for receiving the substance from the storage chamber therethrough.
US07845513B2 Beverage container or container lid with drinking straw
A beverage straw-containing device includes: (a) a generally circular-shaped beverage container lid; (b) a generally circular-shaped beverage container; and (c) a bendable or flexible straw, the straw being ring-shaped, coiled, or angled in its storage position and removably encased within, or detachably attached directly or indirectly to, the beverage container lid and/or the beverage container.
US07845512B2 Thin-walled cup
A thin-walled cup is formed of a single piece of polymeric material having a uniform thickness throughout the extent of the single piece of polymeric material. The cup has an outer chamber which extends around an inner chamber. The outer chamber holds a first liquid and the inner chamber holds a second liquid. The liquid in the inner chamber is mixed with the liquid in the outer chamber during drinking from the cup.
US07845510B2 Reclosable cup lid with sliding closure member
A reclosable cup lid thermoformed from a polymeric material includes a domed member and an elongate closure panel. The thermoformed domed member is provided with a sidewall and a top wall, the top wall having upper and lower surfaces and a drinking aperture at a periphery of the top wall. The top wall further defines a pair of slide tracks depending from the lower surface of the top wall and also defines a post aperture disposed inwardly with respect to the drinking aperture. The elongate closure panel has opposed engagement edges, an upper surface provided with a post projecting upwardly therefrom, and a drinking aperture sealing area. As assembled, the domed member and elongate closure panel are configured such that the opposed engagement edges of the elongate closure panel are slidingly mounted in the slide tracks for generally radial displacement.
US07845506B2 Bottle, retaining device and associated elements for carrying containers and other items
An improved bottle, retaining device and associated elements for carrying items is disclosed. The retaining device is adapted for holding a container (or containers) or other items; the retaining device being adapted to affix the container by way of the retaining device to a person or a personal item so ready access is provided for the held container/item. The improved foundation/retaining device portion has means of retaining a bottle, container or other item and means of attaching the foundation/retaining device portion onto a user's body or other article or being. The bottle, container or fluid carrying portion is adapted for mating engagement with the retaining device. There are also disclosed a number of desirable optional features of the novel invention which can be used in combination with the disclosed retaining device and associated container or the like, or alone—the features in combinations together, alone, etc. incorporated into belts packs, bags, personal, item carriers/holders, military items or the like. Some of these optional disclosed features/elements include: a system/way of constructing a belt portion with stretch-limiting, bounce limiting means, a belt, strap or the like with an interchangeable closure element that can incorporate a pocket or the pocket can be alone incorporated into a belt, strap or the like.
US07845503B2 Pipe-laying machine
A pipe-laying machine includes a self-propelled tracked vehicle, on one side of which is fitted a crane designed for lifting and laying pipes. The machine is also fitted with a counterweight constituted by a plate made of a heavy material that moves between a rest position in which it retracts fully into the vehicle and an operational position in which it projects from the vehicle on the opposite side to the crane. In the machine according to the invention, engine unit and control cab are located at each end of chassis, projecting slightly from it, to leave a free space in the central part of the vehicle for the installation of all the mechanisms designed for the movement and control of the crane.
US07845502B1 Tapering-depth shelving unit for use behind doors
A tapering-depth shelving unit is disclosed. The tapering-depth shelving unit is particularly suitable for use in the space behind a door. The shelving unit has two generally vertically extending support members spaced horizontally from one another, with a plurality of shelves mounted generally horizontally between them. The first support member has a depth less than the depth of the second support member, and each of the shelves matches the depth of the first support member on one side edge and matches the greater depth of the second support member along the other side edge. Each of the shelves increases gradually in depth between the first support member and the second support member. The shelves have a generally trapezoidal shape in plan view.
US07845501B1 Mountable pegboard device for rolling tool adapter
A device to be mounted permanently or removably to the side wall of a rolling tool cart for the carrying of tools and other shop paraphernalia such as extension cords, solder rolls, masking tape, and hand tools. The device has a peripheral rectangular frame of four framing segments, which frame is integrated with and surrounds a forwardly raised portion with an inclined surround interposed there between. The panel has a series of rows and columns with ⅓-inch spaced bores for the conventional mounting of tools and other shop items. The top of the frame has a flange that fit over a lip of a rolling tool cart. Two legs, vertically adjustably mounted outside of the central portion on the side framing, each have a bottom flange to engage a downward depending edge of a tool cart side wall.
US07845500B2 Oil filter unit
An oil filter unit for arrangement in the oil sump of an oil circuit, particularly in an automatic transmission. The oil filter unit has a multi-part filter housing with a filter chamber disposed therein such that an oil inlet and an oil outlet communicate with the filter chamber. A filter element is sealingly mounted in the housing between the oil inlet and the oil outlet. The filter element has a pleated filter medium, which is sealingly enclosed by a frame, and the frame has seal contours designed to cooperate with the contours of the filter housing.
US07845493B2 Compressor packing member
Compressor packing member which can pack compressors in many tiers is disclosed. The compressor packing members includes a pallet having first pins projected from an upper surface for holding mounting plates of compressors, and supporting surfaces formed in the upper surface for supporting lower parts of the compressors, and a pad inserted between tiers of compressors stacked on the pallet in multiple tiers for protecting the compressors. The pad includes platforms each arranged at corners of each loading lot for supporting corners of the mounting plate of the compressor, reinforcing ridges each projected between adjacent platforms for preventing deformation of the platforms, thereby stacking, and packing multiple tiers of a plurality of compressors.
US07845486B2 Conveyor apparatus
A conveyor apparatus for diverting product from a single lane to one of a plurality of lanes includes a wall having an upstream portion positioned proximate the single lane and a downstream portion positioned proximate the plurality of lanes. The upstream portion is stationary relative to the single lane and the downstream portion is configured to be movable relative to the plurality of lanes. A length of the wall is configured to vary in response to movement of the downstream portion.
US07845485B2 Method and device for creating a flow of flat products in a predefined sequence
The invention relates to a method and to a device for creating a product flow according to a predefined sequence (S). The products (A, B, C) are fed from different feed flows of a grouping path (G) and there, according to the sequence (S), are deposited onto a conveyor (10, 10) with a closed revolving path (U). According to the invention a repair function is realised in which the products (A, B, C) are then only transferred from the conveyor to a further-processing station if the sequence (S) is correct and all products (A, B, C) are present with the desired quality. Otherwise, the products (A, B, C) are led by the continuously operated conveyors (A, B, C) back to the grouping path (G). Here, the error is corrected by way of the deposition of the missing product (A, B, C), whilst the deposition of new products (A, B, C) is interrupted. For error correction, one may previously provide a discharge of a defect or wrong product (A, B, C). After the error correction, the creation of the product flow is continued by way of the sequentially correct deposition of further products (A, B, C). The method permits the error-free and sequentially correct creation of infinitely long and infinitely assembled sequences (S).
US07845478B2 Vibration damping device
An anti-vibration device “D” having a shank (10) fixed to a structure (S) and a mass (4) retained on the shank (10) that is pressed by a spring (8) against the structure (S) with a predetermined force. The spring (8) increases the friction forces between the structure (S) and the mass (4) to deaden vibrations of the structure (S).
US07845477B2 Automotive drive comprising a water-based retarder
The invention relates to an automotive drive, comprising a cooling circuit with a coolant, a retarder having a rotor and a stator that together form a toroidal working chamber, with the coolant being the working medium of the retarder. The retarder has an inlet for feeding the working medium from the cooling circuit and an outlet for discharging the working medium into the cooling circuit. The present automotive drive is characterized by the following features: the retarder has an additional evacuation outlet, which communicates with the cooling circuit so as to carry the working medium; a leakage pump is interposed in the connection between the evacuation outlet and the cooling circuit.
US07845473B2 Brake caliper structure of straddle seat off-road vehicle
A brake caliper structure of a straddle seat off-load vehicle includes a brake caliper having a caliper bracket, a caliper assembly connected to the caliper bracket by two connecting portions so that the caliper assembly can move relative to the caliper bracket to clamp a brake disc. One connecting portion includes a slide pin connected to the caliper assembly and slidably received in a guide hole in the caliper bracket for effectively guiding movement of the caliper assembly relative to the caliper bracket, and the other connecting portion includes a connecting screw as a fixed pin secured to the caliper bracket, and a rubber bushing as an elastic member disposed between the caliper assembly and the fixed pin for taking up the tilting of the brake disc.
US07845472B2 Cable-driving apparatus and parking brake system using planet gear assembly
Provided are a cable-driving apparatus that performs the function of an equalizer using a planet gear assembly, and a parking brake system using the cable-driving apparatus. The cable-driving apparatus includes a driving motor; a first planet gear assembly for reducing a rotational velocity of the driving motor; and a second planet gear assembly coupled to the first planet gear assembly, wherein a first parking brake cable is connected to a circumferential outer surface of a ring gear of the second planet gear assembly, and a second parking brake cable is connected to a circumferential outer surface of a carrier of the second planet gear assembly in an opposite direction to the first parking brake cable.
US07845468B2 Ladder bracket
A ladder bracket for hanging a ladder in a trench box is disclosed. The bracket includes a frame, a first arm and a second arm, and a lip. The first arm and second arm each have a first end attached to the frame and a second end extending in a direction away from the frame. The lip is attached to the second end of the first arm and to the second end of the second arm. A distance between the frame and the lip accommodates the bracket being removably hung from a top edge of the trench box. A method of use is also disclosed.
US07845465B2 Vehicular exhaust resonator with cooling feature
A vehicular exhaust resonator features an exhaust inlet conduit which narrows down in a manner such as to define a venturi effect region. Air entrainment apertures in the housing of the resonator provide fluid communication between outside cooling air and an air inlet chamber in the resonator. A further air inlet aperture in an outlet conduit section of the resonator is in fluid communication with the air inlet chamber. Due to the venturi effect inside the inlet conduit, a pressure drop is created to pull air from the outside into the air inlet chamber and then into an outlet conduit of the resonator for mixing with the exhaust gas to provide cooling thereof.
US07845463B2 Low-noise machine package
A conventional machine package faces problems concerned with costs, weight, etc. and also a problem of antinomy that an attempt to enhance the noise reducing performance increases the airflow resistance and then deteriorates the cooling performance. Providing a sound absorbing structure with the heat radiation performance ensured within a practical range and then with considerably improved noise reducing effect achieves a low-noise machine package with a downsized casing and a reduced cooling fan power. There is provided a sound absorbing structure having a plurality of polyester fiber sound absorbing cylinders each formed into a circular-cylindrical shape, formed of a base material of polyester fiber whose surface is combined and covered with polymer nonwoven fabric of polyester fiber or the like, and arranged at a support member in at least either of a suction port and an exhaust port in such a manner that long axes of the sound absorbing cylinders intersect substantially perpendicularly with a flow direction of air flowing through the suction port or the exhaust port. This makes it possible to reduce noise while controlling the airflow resistance minimum, thus achieving downsizing of a cooling fan and reduction of a cooling fan power.
US07845460B2 Superimposed steering system comprising a mechanical return level
A superimposed steering system of a vehicle steering system, has an input shaft and an output shaft that are at least partially rotationally mounted on a support system fixed to the vehicle body, a servodrive comprising a rotor arranged in a coaxial manner in relation to one of the shafts and is connected in a rigid manner to a first transmission element and a locking device for selectively coupling the shafts. The first transmission element transmits the rotational speed of the rotor to the rotational speed of the input shaft, and the rotor is rotationally connected to a ferromagnetic or permanently magnetic first contact element. The coupling which is rotationally connected to the shafts can be obtained by a friction connection of a first contact element to a second contact element which is rotationally connected to the support system. The pressure force can be magnetically produced and at least one of both contact elements is arranged in a displaceable manner in the axial direction.
US07845456B1 Apparatus and method for stopping an unauthorized vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine
An apparatus for arresting the advancement of an unauthorized vehicle comprises at least one discharge port, at least one storage vessel, at least one valve and a means for actuation, said storage vessel containing a volume of gas that does not support combustion, said discharge port directed toward a point in a path of said unauthorized vehicle wherein said means for actuation actuates said valve to deliver a quantity of said gas from said discharge port into said path of said unauthorized vehicle to stall an engine powering said unauthorized vehicle.
US07845454B2 Pedestrian airbag apparatus
A pedestrian airbag apparatus is provided that has a portion, when inflated, extending along a vehicle body's outer surface so as to spread into the surroundings of a case, and connected to the case by means of a tether, and the occurrence of a deformation such as warpage or the like on an airbag is suppressed, the deformation being due to the tension of the tether. Each of both end sides of a cowl masking portion 5a of the airbag 5 is connected to the case 8 by the tether 30. One end of the tether 30 is connected to a mid portion between a facing area R of the cowl masking portion 5a facing the case 8 and the utmost tip portion of the cowl masking portion 5a on each of both left and right end sides thereof, and the other end of the tether 30 is connected to each of left and right end walls 8d of the case 8.
US07845453B2 Transaxle provided with power take-off device
A power take-off support portion, including a shaft hole and an outer side surface formed around the shaft hole, is formed on a transaxle housing. The outer side surface of the power take-off support portion is shaped to fit a power take-off casing supporting a power take-off shaft in a first direction. A power take-off casing includes a power take-off main casing member and a base casing member joined to each other. The base casing member is formed with an inner side surface and an outer side surface. The inner side surface and the outer side surface of the base casing member are shaped so that the power take-off shaft supported by the power take-off main casing member is oriented in a second direction different from the first direction when the inner side surface of the base casing member is fitted to the outer side surface of the power take-off support portion, and the outer side surface of the base casing member is fitted to the inner side surface of the power take-off main casing member.
US07845452B2 Drivetrain for an all terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.
US07845448B2 Tracked vehicle, especially a snow scooter
A tracked vehicle, especially a snow scooter, that has two laterally spaced-apart front drive-track assemblies (10), each of which is turnable around a substantially vertical axis and which are coupled for common turning. Each drive-track assembly is carried by a vehicle chassis (11) via a vertically movable link device, which in respect of vertical turning rests against the chassis via a spring-damper assembly (7), and the drive-track assemblies are mechanically coupled by a parallel steering mechanism (23-26), which is maneuverable by a driver of the vehicle.
US07845446B2 Scooter type vehicle
A scooter vehicle includes a steering handlebar, a radiator disposed under a seat, a step floor disposed between the steering handlebar and the scat, and a leg shield disposed forward of the step floor. The leg shield includes an upper portion protruding toward a rider side which includes a stuff box portion that shields the legs of the rider. The leg shield also is provided with an opening portion serving as a feed-water port for the radiator. The opening portion is covered by a cover member extending along a tunnel portion of the step floor in a back and forth direction of a vehicle body. The resulting configuration reduces the length of a feed-water pipe, thereby enhancing the ability to perform maintenance of the radiator.
US07845439B2 Device for reversing the steering movement of a steering wheel shaft
A device for reversing a steering movement of a steering wheel shaft of a vehicle includes a switching element movable between two switching positions to activate or deactivate the reversal of the steering movement. A mechanical actuating device includes a shaft which is rotatable in different rotational directions, and a slide for actuating the switching element. The slide can be moved along the axial direction of the shaft as a function of the rotational direction of the shaft in order to transfer the switching element between the switching positions.
US07845434B2 Technique for drilling straight bore holes in the earth
A stabilizer assembly is at least 12′ long and preferably at least 14′ long and is used to drill a straight bore hole in the earth. A central passage through the assembly closely follows a centerline as may be determined by measuring the wall thickness of the tube at a variety of locations in a single plane. At least three stabilizing sections are integral with the tube and include alternating ribs and flutes. Hardbanding on the ribs is ground down to tolerances with a grinding machine or face plate lathe having centers sufficient to receive the 12′ long stabilizer assembly.
US07845433B2 Device and procedure for the insertion of a new drilling string-element into the drill-string of a well
A device and the relative are described, for the insertion of a new drilling string-element into a drilling-string essentially including a short pipe-shaped body (C) having, at opposite ends thereof, a device suitable for screwing the body onto drill pipes, in which two valves are housed, of which one valve (A) is radial to said short body, interceptable from the outside by means an adaptor and equipped with a suitable safety plug, the other valve (B) being axial with respect to the body.
US07845431B2 Retrieval tool with slips for retrieving bottom hole assembly during casing while drilling operations
A casing-while-drilling bottom hole assembly is releasably connected with a casing string. A retrieval tool is run into the casing string and latched to the bottom hole assembly. Slips are mounted to the retrieval tool, the slips being retracted during running in. Differential pressure moves the retrieval tool and bottom hole assembly upward, and the slips engage the casing string to prevent downward movement if the pressure differential drops too low. A flow passage extends through the retrieval tool and the bottom hole assembly. A check valve in the retrieval tool allows downward flow through the flow passage but prevents upward flow, so that fluid may be circulated through the retrieval tool and bottom hole assembly while suspended with the slips.
US07845430B2 Compliantly coupled cutting system
A drill bit system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system may include a chassis, a head, and a first plurality of gauge pads. The head may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be movably coupled with chassis. The first plurality of gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the first plurality of gauge pads may be fixedly coupled with the chassis.
US07845428B2 Rotating tool
An extremely useful rotating tool is provided that can prevent rattling caused by a clearance between a machine tool and a machine tool retaining hole while bringing the axial center position of the machine tool and the axial center position of the machine tool retaining hole as close together as possible. The present invention is a rotating tool having a rotating main shaft (4), and the rotating main shaft (4) is provided with a machine tool retaining hole (3) having a cross-sectional shape that substantially matches a base part (2) of a driver bit, drill bit, or other machine tool (1) having a polygonal cross-sectional shape that is inserted into the machine tool retaining hole (3), wherein the rotating tool rotates the machine tool (1) inserted in the machine tool retaining hole (3) by rotating the rotating main shaft (4) and performs work. A pushing mechanism is provided for rotating the machine tool (1) in a prescribed direction and twisting and pushing the machine tool (1) against an internal surface of the machine tool retaining hole (3).
US07845426B2 Actuation apparatus for power tool
When the mode change knob of a multi-mode hammer drill is moved to the hammer only position, an electronic sensor sends a signal to a control logic circuit. When the user then depresses the trigger mechanically closing the ON/OFF switch, the control logic circuit applies a voltage either to a holding relay or to the gate of a triac which enables the relay or triac to conduct, thus providing a parallel circuit by-passing the ON/OFF switch. Consequently, when the user releases the trigger and opens the ON/OFF switch, the parallel relay or triac maintains current flow to the motor. It can be seen that in hammer only mode the user can activate the hammer drill by simply tapping the trigger to depress it and does not need to hold down trigger during use of the hammer in operation.
US07845425B2 Fire sprinkler with cutoff valve, tamper-resistant features and status indicator
The present invention relates to a fire sprinkler head that once activated can be shut off via a built-in cutoff valve without requiring the flow of fire retardant in the feeding pipe to be cut off.
US07845422B2 Method and apparatus for expanding a tubular member
A method and apparatus for expanding a tubular member.
US07845414B2 In situ conversion of heavy hydrocarbons to catalytic gas
A method of producing natural gas from a heavy hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formation includes: placing a catalyst having at least one transition metal into the formation, injecting an anoxic stimulation gas into the formation, and collecting the natural gas generated in the formation. The method may be performed outside the context of a subterranean formation under controlled conditions. Thus, a method of producing natural gas from bitumen includes: providing an anoxic mixture of heavy hydrocarbons and a catalyst having at least one transition metal, adding an anoxic stimulation gas to the mixture, and heating the mixture in the presence of the stimulation gas.
US07845411B2 In situ heat treatment process utilizing a closed loop heating system
Systems and methods for an in situ heat treatment process that utilizes a circulation system to heat one or more treatment areas are described herein. The circulation system may use a heated liquid heat transfer fluid that passes through piping in the formation to transfer heat to the formation. In some embodiments, the piping may be positioned in at least two of the wellbores.
US07845408B2 Top drive swivel apparatus and method
For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system, clamp, and novel packing configuration.
US07845406B2 Enhanced oil recovery system for use with a geopressured-geothermal conversion system
A system and series of methods, which utilize Geopressured-Geothermal (GPGT) energy for the enhanced recovery of formation crude oil. The system is designed to interface with a conversion system which concentrates the GPGT brine while recovering H2O distillate and gas, e.g., as taught by Nitschke in U.S. Pat. Re. 36,282. The system promotes enhanced oil recovery (EOR) from an oil formation via steamflood and optional gas injection, powered by the GPGT gas and using the recovered H2O distillate for source water. The system optionally reuses the bulk of the injected EOR fluids via thermal regeneration and volume replenishing, alleviating disposal costs and environmental stresses. The system manages the concentrated GPGT brine byproduct by optionally producing solid salt for sale, flowing to an appropriate end-user, or disposing in a suitable subterranean formation.
US07845402B2 Expandable packer system
The expandable casing packing element systems for cased and open-hole wellbores include an expandable casing member having a sealing device comprising a sealing element disposed between at least two retainer rings. The retainer rings have flat cross-sections and the sealing element is forced radially outward by the expansion of the expandable casing against the two retainer rings such that the sealing element protrudes outwardly beyond the retainer rings and engages the wall of a wellbore in three locations. The retainer rings can also include flares that extend outwardly from the body of the expandable casing to which they are attached. As the expandable casing is expanded, the flares are forced inward to compress the sealing element which is then extruded radially outward through a gap between the two retainer rings to engage and seal off the wellbore.
US07845398B2 Apparatus for performing earth borehole operations
An apparatus for performing earth borehole operations comprising a base or substructure, a mast mounted on the base, a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive having an opening therethrough and a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive, the apparatus being operable to selectively use the top drive to engage and manipulate a component used in borehole operations while the coiled tubing injector is substantially inoperative and selectively operable to use the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into an earth borehole while the top drive is substantially inoperative or alternatively using the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into a tubular string being manipulated by the top drive.
US07845396B2 Heat dissipation device with coarse surface capable of intensifying heat transfer
A heat dissipation device with coarse surface capable of intensifying heat transfer includes a main body and a heat transfer intensifying unit. The main body provides a surface and the heat transfer intensifying unit is disposed on the surface. The heat transfer intensifying unit further includes at least a raised part and a plurality of fish-scale-like parts. The raised parts are disposed slightly upright from said surface and spacing apart a distance from each other. The fish-scale-like parts each are disposed on the surface of the main body next to the raised parts orderly, provide a recess toward the surface of the main body with an inclining angle from the surface of the main body, have a vertical edge and a sharp end and the sharp end is formed at an intersection of the vertical edge of the respective fish-scale-like part. The raised parts and the fish-scale-like parts allow fluid near the surface of the main body creating eddy flows, secondary flows and breaking boundary layers of the fluid for promoting rate of heat transfer.
US07845392B2 Heat exchanger assembly
A heat exchanger assembly has a first heat exchanger with a first heat radiating area receiving a first cooling fluid, a second heat exchanger with a second heat radiating area receiving a second cooling fluid and a third heat radiating area receiving a third cooling fluid. In use, the difference in temperature between the first cooling fluid entering and exiting the first heat radiating area is greater than the difference in temperature between the second cooling fluid entering and exiting the second heat radiating area and greater than the difference in temperature between the third cooling fluid entering and exiting the third heat radiating area. The temperature of the second cooling fluid flowing through the second heat radiating area is higher than the temperature of the third cooling fluid flowing through the third heat radiating area.
US07845391B2 Air-conditioning unit and vehicle air-conditioning apparatus
Sharp bends in a defrost duct extending from a defrost outlet to a windshield, and in a face duct extending from a face outlet to both sides of a front passenger seat, are eliminated and the duct resistance of these ducts is reduced. Moreover collision safety of passengers is improved, and an interior space of a vehicle is expanded forward. In an air-conditioning unit to be positioned to the front of a front seat of a vehicle, an evaporator is positioned below and behind a blower, and a heater core is positioned below and in front of the blower. Preferably the air-conditioning unit is of a crushable structure wherein, in the event of a vehicle collision, a wall of the main cover behind the evaporator is broken, or component parts housed within the main cover are moved, to thereby absorb the impact energy.
US07845389B2 Method and device for dynamically resting roller segments that support and/or guide both sides of a cast bar made of metal, particularly steel
A method and continuous casting device for dynamically placing rolling segments against a cast bar made of metal, particularly steel. The continuous casting device is a bloom or billet casting device and has pairs of rollers that are placed against each other in a position-controlled and pressure-controlled manner by piston-cylinder units. The hydraulic pressure is switched from position-controlled operation to pressure-controlled operation when a threshold pressure is reached. The roller segments are arranged in the hot bar zone and the soft reduction zone.
US07845385B2 Steerable trollies for movable partitions, partition systems including steerable trolleys, and methods of closing partitions
An apparatus and method of directionally controlling a movable partition includes providing at least one roller assembly and a steering actuator, coupled therewith, to a portion of the partition. A controller may be used to control the steering actuator and thereby select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition. In one embodiment, one or more sensors may be used to determine the vertical orientation of the partition including whether the partition, or a section thereof, is substantially plumb. If the partition is substantially out of plumb, for example, if a lower edge of the partition is laterally displaced relative to an upper edge of the partition, the controller and steering actuator may cause the at least one roller assembly to direct the partition, or section thereof, in a particular direction until the partition, or section thereof, becomes substantially plumb.
US07845383B2 Roman shade with inverted fan shape at its bottom
A window covering in the style of a Roman shade has a straight bottom edge when the shade is lowered and that forms into an inverted fan shape when the shade is raised. Spaced parallel creases in the shade simulate pleats when the shade is in a lowered position and promote accordion-folded pleats when the shade is raised. A pull cord behind the shade lifts the shade from its bottom edge and along its vertical centerline. A two-part bottom rail is secured in the bottom edge of the shade, and each part extends from an outer side edge of the shade to the midportion of the bottom edge, so that when the cord is pulled to raise the shade, the two parts pivot downwardly about the midportion, imparting an inverted fan shape to the bottom edge.
US07845378B2 Device for bonding two plate-shaped objects
A method for bonding two plate-shaped objects (5) with an adhesive which is cured by ultraviolet light irradiation and by heating. The two plate-shaped objects (5) with the adhesive in between are transported into a cure chamber (11) comprising an ultraviolet lamp (12) and a heating element (13). A movable heat-shielding member (3) is temporary present between the objects (5) and the heating element (13) during at least the first part of the irradiation treatment. Preferably, the heat-shielding member (3) is positioned outside the cure chamber (11) during a part of the cure treatment.
US07845373B2 Insulator apparatus for vacuum insulated tubing
An insulating apparatus for use with vacuum insulated tubing sting to reduce heat loss through the joints, where the apparatus includes an insulator adapted to surround the joint and a latching joint protector adapted to surround the insulator and hold the insulator against the joint, where the protector also includes a channel for receiving injection and/or control tubing. The insulator is capable of reducing heat loss through the joints of a vacuum insulated tubing string by as much as 95%.
US07845368B2 Double seat valve
A double seat valve in which a second closing element (4), in its closed position, rests with a stopping surface (4f) on a face of its cylindrical projection (4*) directly upon a first seat (2a) and, together with a peripheral wall (4c, 4h), forms a second wraparound edge (U2) upon an interface (2e, 2e*). The peripheral wall (4c), at its end facing away from a first closing element (3), merges into a rotationally symmetric reversing surface (4d) that leads to a face (4e) of a recess (4b) oriented essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second closing element (4). In meridian section, the reversing surface (4b) has a contour (K) with a bend-free curve, a direction vector in the leading point of the reversing surface (4d) points into a discharge borehole (3d, 3d*) central in the first closing element (3) without colliding with the first closing element (3) in the vicinity of its areas bordering the leakage cavity (5) and forming dynamic pressure.
US07845364B2 Portable, retractable golf shelter
A portable golf shelter that protects one golfer from inclement weather as he or she swings a golf club or practices their putting, chipping, or pitching. The golf shelter comprises a three-sided frame with at least one pair of wheels mounted on the opposite side frames. The frame is made of lightweight material and the wheels are mounted on the side frames so that the front edges of the two side frames can be easily lifted by one person forcing the rear frame downward with light pressure. When the rear frame is forced downward and the front edges are lifted, the shelter can be easily moved on its wheels to different locations on the golf course. An optional rearward extending handle is mounted on the rear frame member to assist the person while moving the shelter. The shelter also includes a lightweight retractable roof that may be folded downward to reduce the shelter's overall side profile. When the roof is extended, the space inside the shelter is sufficient to allow a golfer and instructor to stand and swing a golf club unencumbered.
US07845358B2 Method for controlling, reducing, and quitting smoking
This invention is an improved method for controlling, reducing, and quitting smoking. Specifically, this method requires the use of one or more non-combustible devices that employ (at least) (A) a loading chamber for measuring the amount of combustible material to be smoked; and (B) a baffle or similar apparatus to prevent the smoker from inhaling the tobacco. By using one such non-combustible device, the smoker can measure the precise amount of tobacco to be smoked. Hence, the smoker can reduce his or her dependency on smoking by limiting the amount of tobacco smoked, as well as how many times he or she smokes that amount each day. By using two or more non-combustible devices with varying loading chamber lengths, the smoker can reduce his or her dependency by gradually reducing the amount of tobacco smoked, in addition to how many times he or she smokes a day.
US07845355B2 Intravaginal device with improved rim designs and methods of making same
The present invention provides improved rim designs for diaphragms or any similar intravaginal device and methods for producing same. The rim designs of the present invention improve, among other characteristics of the rim, structural durability, manufacturability, ease of insertion, comfort in use, and ease of removal of intravaginal devices. These designs incorporate one or more recesses in the inner portion of a rim piece that provide an attachment site for a separate dome piece. Attachment within a recess shields the exposed outer edge of the dome material from contact with epithelial surfaces and improves comfort and safety. In certain embodiments of the invention, a thinned inner portion of the rim serves as a handle that can be easily grasped by a finger to remove the device from the vagina. These devices are useful in providing a protective cervical barrier for contraception and disease prevention, to deliver beneficial agents, and as a means to collect and remove substances from the vagina.
US07845354B2 Mask and vent assembly therefor
A mask (10) for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurised above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal's airways. The mask (10) includes a mask shell (12) which is, in use, in fluid communication with a gas supply conduit and a gas washout vent assembly (20). The gas washout vent assembly (20) includes at least one gas washout orifice (22) extending from a first side of the vent assembly (20) positioned, in use, adjacent the human or animal's face and a second side positioned, in use, adjacent the atmosphere. The cross-sectional area of the orifice (22) at the first side is larger than the cross-sectional area of the orifice (22) at the second side.
US07845352B2 Flexible CPAP mask
A respiratory interface device includes a respiratory mask that interfaces with a face of a patient. The respiratory mask comprises a body portion that forms an enclosure around a nose of a patient and at least one set of headgear strap flanges. The body portion is substantially entirely manufactured from an elastomeric material. A bellows-like structure is integrally molded in the body portion to create a sealing interface between an inner bottom portion of the mask and the patient's nose.
US07845351B2 Germicidal face mask
A face mask for reducing the amount of microbes to which a wearer is exposed is provided. The face mask includes a body portion that has an outer layer that has been treated with a germicidal agent in an effective amount. The layer may be a nonwoven fabric like a spunbond, meltblown or coform layer and may be a laminate of such layers. The face mask having such a germicidal treatment can result in a reduction in microbial activity as compared to another face mask, identical but for the germicidal agent.
US07845350B1 Automatic continuous positive airway pressure treatment system with fast respiratory response
The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for providing continuous positive airway pressure for treating sleep apnea. The method comprising the steps of providing a breathing gas flow to a subject, measuring a respiratory characteristic of the subject, determining or estimating a preferable breathing gas flow for the subject based on wavelet analysis utilizing in part the respiratory characteristic of the subject; and preferably adjusting the breathing gas flow if the determined or estimated preferable breathing gas flow is different. This method and apparatus can be used in a number of applications including both clinical and home use in the form of CPAP for the treatment of sleep apnea or less preferably as a ventilator to assist in patient breathing.
US07845342B2 Crankcase for internal combustion engine
A crankcase that is provided in an internal combustion engine, in which blow-by gas is returned to an intake passage via a gas outflow passage formed in a cylinder block so as to extend in a direction from an upper portion to a lower portion of the cylinder, includes: a partition wall extending in a direction from an upper portion to a lower portion of the crankcase and facing an inner side surface of a crankcase outer wall that also extends in the direction from the upper portion to the lower portion of the crankcase; an internal space that is formed between the partition wall and the inner side surface of the crankcase outer wall and connected to the gas outflow passage at an upper end of the internal space; and a window that is formed on the partition wall to communicate an inside and outside of the internal space.
US07845341B2 Fluid blocker for an intake manifold
An intake manifold is disclosed. The intake manifold includes a first chamber in fluid communication with a PCV line and disposed generally upstream of a second chamber. The chambers are designed to provide a long flow path for the moisture laden PCV gas and to help reduce the introduction of moisture or fluids into the second chamber. This helps to prevent the ingestion of moisture or fluids by the combustion chambers of engine. An optional fluid blocker can also be used to trap fluids and help prevent those fluids from entering a cylinder port.
US07845338B2 Internal bypass exhaust gas cooler
An exhaust gas cooler assembly (10) with an internally located bypass tube (50), spaced apart from and disposed within a core passage (60), with an exhaust gas inlet manifold (40) directing exhaust gas to a plurality of cooling passages (52, 54, 56, 58) or to the bypass tube (50) by means of control valves (42, 44). Further provided is a detachable valve cartridge (84) with an actuator (16), with all moving components being included within the valve cartridge (84) and actuator (16).
US07845337B2 Fuel vapor recirculation device for vehicle
A fuel vapor recirculation device may includes: a canister that is connected with a fuel tank through a vapor line and a purge line configured with a pressure control solenoid valve; a vapor control valve that is disposed on the vapor line and selectively connects the fuel tank and the canister corresponding to operation of an engine control unit; a vapor recirculation valve unit that is connected with the canister, receives fuel vapor from the canister, discharges the fuel vapor to the atmosphere or recirculates the fuel vapor to the canister, and supplies air to the canister; and a one-way check valve that is disposed between the purge line and the canister, wherein the one-way check valve supplies air to the vapor recirculation valve unit when a negative pressure is generated in the purge line.
US07845331B2 Seal structure for internal combustion engine
A seal structure is provided for an internal combustion engine. The seal structure can include a main seal link, at least one fastener seal connected to the main seal link and adapted to surround at least a portion of a crankcase fastener hole, and an enlarged bearing seal operatively connected to the fastener seal and adapted to be in sealing abutment with at least a portion of an outer race of a bearing. The engine can include a crankcase formed of a first section and a second section retained together with the seal structure located therebetween for providing a seal for the crankcase.
US07845325B2 Valve actuating mechanism for an internal combustion engine, and engine incorporating same
A valve actuating mechanism for an engine having a rocker arm movement restraining device which controls opening and closing an engine valve. The rocker arm movement restraining device includes a timing arm which engages left and right rocker arms for constraining the axial movement thereof, and a timing cam disposed on an intake-side camshaft. The rocker arm movement restraining device releases the engagement of the timing arm with the left and right rocker arms by activating the timing arm when the intake-side camshaft is rotated, and when the timing arm releases the engagement with the left and right rocker arms, the left and right rocker arms move to a predetermined operating position.
US07845324B2 Sliding-pivot locking mechanism for an overhead cam with multiple rocker arms
A locking mechanism for a plural rocker arm valve train assembly is provided. The locking mechanism is adapted for use with a camshaft having a plurality of different cam lobes having a plurality of different profiles, which result in variable valve displacement and duration. A plurality of rocker arms are located on a pivot shaft which runs parallel to the camshaft, each rocker arm having structures configured to be acted upon by respective lobes of the camshaft. An active rocker arm has structure configured to act upon an engine valve or valves. A movable locking element is fully enclosed by the rocker arms and is capable of selectively moving along the pivot shaft to allow the active rocker arm to selectively engage one or more of the other rocker arms for common pivoting, resulting in varied displacement of the engine valve or valves.
US07845322B2 Cylinder head cover
The present invention relates to a cylinder head cover (4) for covering a cylinder crank case (14) of an internal combustion engine. It is essential to the invention here that at least one bearing upper part (3) for a camshaft (2) has at least one through-opening (5), which is in alignment on the one hand with a screw-in/through-opening (5a) in a bearing lower part (6) and/or with a screw-in opening (5b) in the cylinder crank case (14) and on the other hand with a through-opening (5c) in the cylinder head cover (4), so that it is possible to fasten the cylinder head cover (4) and the bearing upper part (3) on the cylinder crank case (14) by means of a shared fastening screw (7), in which the cylinder head cover (4) is produced from a material which has different material characteristics from the at least one bearing upper part (3).
US07845321B2 Controller for vane-type variable timing adjusting mechanism
One-way valves (30, 31) are provided in a hydraulic supply passage (28) in an advance chamber (18) and a hydraulic supply passage (29) in a retard chamber (19) respectively for preventing reverse flow of oil from each chamber (18, 19) and drain oil passages (32, 33) bypassing the one-way valves respectively disposed in the hydraulic supply passages (28, 29) of the respective hydraulic chambers (18, 19) are provided to be in parallel therewith. Drain switching valves (34, 35) are disposed in the respective drain oil passages (32, 33). A hydraulic control valve (21) for controlling a hydraulic pressure supplied to the advance chamber (18) and the retard chamber (19) includes integrally a drain switching control function (38) for controlling a hydraulic pressure supplied to the respective drain switching valves (34, 35). A point where a VCT response speed rapidly changes by switching opening/closing of the drain switching valves (34, 35) is learned to improve a control characteristic in the vicinity of the rapidly changing point of the VCT response speed.
US07845319B2 Valvetrain control systems with independent intake and exhaust lift control
A valve control system for an internal combustion engine includes a valve actuation system. The valve actuation system includes at least one of first and second configurations. The first configuration includes a shared lift control valve that actuates an intake valve and an exhaust valve between N open lift modes, where N is an integer greater than one. A second configuration includes a first lift control valve that actuates the intake valve and not the exhaust valve and a second lift control valve that actuates the exhaust valve and not the intake valve between the N open lift modes. A control module that enables transitioning of at least one of the intake and exhaust valves between the N open lift modes for the first and second configurations.
US07845318B2 Intake and exhaust device equipped with first and second valve disks
The intake and exhaust device equipped with a first valve disk and a second valve disk may include a cylinder in which an intake port and an exhaust port are formed, a circular first valve disk in which a first hole corresponding to one of the intake port and the exhaust port is formed and that covers an upper side of the cylinder including the intake port and the exhaust port, a circular second valve disk that is slidingly overlapped on the first valve disk and in which a second hole corresponding to the first hole is formed, a first driving portion for rotating a first driving pipe, a second driving portion for rotating a second driving pipe, and a control portion for controlling the first driving portion, the second driving portion, the intake port or the exhaust port.
US07845313B1 Device for storing and protecting pet medical data, particularly suited for being carried by a pet
Device for storing and protecting data for domestic animals includes housing configured for and sufficiently strong for being worn by an animal in an outside environment. There may be an attachment device, such as a collar, configured for attaching housing to an external portion of the animal, in use. There may likewise be provided an electronic data storage device within the housing. The electronic data storage device may include software written for storing animal medical and ownership identification data, veterinarian, and medical records, and which records relate to the animal wearing the device. The housing may be sufficiently water-proof for being continually worn outdoors by the animal. The identification device may include a type-A USB connection so that the information stored on the data storage device may be easily accessed and read by a large portion of the population, without the a specialized data reading device.
US07845302B2 Ventilated flow interrupter stepped hull
A boat hull has at least one generally transverse ventilation step formed in at least a part of its bottom planing surface open to the water. The step has a forward edge portion and a water flow interrupter is positioned to project downwardly from the hull forward of the forward edge of the step.
US07845301B2 Ventilated aft swept flow interrupter hull
A boat hull has an aft swept ventilated area in at least a part of its bottom planing surface. An aft swept water flow interrupter is positioned to project downwardly from the hull forward of the ventilated area. The aft swept flow interrupter has two generally angularly related legs or sections defining a 30° to 70° included angle, increase lift on the hull, reduces wetted surface area and improves the turning characteristics of the hull.
US07845298B2 Submersible vehicle object ejection system using a flywheel driven boost pump
An object ejection system uses an energy storage flywheel to drive the fluid pump that is used to pressurize the ejection tubes. The energy storage flywheel is periodically spun-up using an electric motor. The energy stored in the energy storage flywheel is used, when needed, to drive the fluid pump and supply pressurized fluid to an impulse tank. The pressurized fluid in the impulse tank is used to eject an object, such as a weapon, from one or more ejection tubes.
US07845295B2 Sewing arm mechanism of embroidery machine
Disclosed is a sewing arm mechanism of an embroidery machine. Within the sewing arm mechanism, there are provided a needle bar vertical drive unit and cloth pressing member vertical drive unit for vertically moving a needle bar and a cloth pressing member, respectively, by using the rotational driving force of an upper shaft. The sewing arm mechanism is configured in such a manner that the needle bar drive reaction force exerted on the upper shaft by the driving the needle bar vertical drive unit, and the cloth pressing member drive reaction force exerted on the upper shaft by the driving of the cloth pressing member vertical drive unit act in opposite directions of each other, whereby the magnitudes of the reaction forces exerted on the upper shaft can be cancelled with each other.
US07845294B1 Garden seed planting apparatus
An apparatus for uniformly planting seeds into the earth that can accommodate a even a small quantity of any size seed. An embodiment of the apparatus has a frame, at least one wheel affixed to the frame, and a conveyor belt mounted to the frame. The conveyor belt is connected to the wheel or wheels such that it moves in relation to the rate of rotation along the earth of the wheel or wheels. The conveyor belt has a surface on a top thereof suitable for receiving seeds. A seed box is hingedly affixed to the frame and is movable from a first position over the conveyor belt to a second position away from the conveyor belt. In the first position, the seed box allows seed and soil mixture to be uniformly placed on the conveyor belt.
US07845292B2 Process for slag and corrosion control in boilers
A slag and corrosion control process is described. The process entails: identifying the location of at least one slagging problem area in a boiler; introducing a slag control chemical comprising magnesium oxide or hydroxide into combustion gases in a location identified as having a slagging problem; identifying the location of at least one corrosion problem area in a boiler; and introducing a corrosion control chemical comprising a sulfate salt, bisulfite salt, sulfuric acid, or sulfur into combustion gases in a location identified as having a corrosion problem. In operation, these slag deposits will be sufficiently friable to be removed by relatively moderate application of physical energy, thus saving time and reducing any damage to the tubes by the cleaning process. The slag deposits are less voluminous and less in weight and are removed quickly. It is an advantage of the invention that slag can be removed with little or no shut down of a boiler.
US07845288B2 Rail road car truck and members thereof
A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to deflection that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The truck may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both. The friction dampers may operate to yield upward and downward friction forces that are not overly unequal. The friction dampers may be mounted in a four-cornered arrangement at each end of the truck bolster. The spring groups may include sub-groups of springs of different heights.
US07845285B2 Rail for self-propelled electric trucks
Rail for self-propelled electric trucks, with the rail (2) having a base part (6) and C-shaped side flanks (8, 10) which engage over side wheels (12) of the truck (4). In order to improve the rail, each C-shaped side flank (8, 10) has a central running area (14), which is offset outwards, for side guide rollers (16) of the truck (4) and upper and lower supporting services (18, 20) which run at an angle to the wheel (12) for the side wheels (12), with the running area (14) and the supporting areas (18, 20) being used alternately.
US07845280B2 Diversionary device with vertically deployed payload
A diversionary device has a housing having dimensions which are selected such that when the device is thrown or dropped, the device will come to rest only on one of its two primary sides. Each primary side has a circular dispersion port formed therethrough. The device includes means for blocking the first dispersion port if the device comes to rest on the first primary surface and for blocking the second dispersion port if the device comes to rest on the second primary surface. A firing mechanism is operable to discharge an ignitable composition out of a removable cartridge within the housing. The ignitable composition is discharged through the first dispersion port when the device rests on the second primary side and through the second dispersion port when the device rests on the first primary side. The composition then forms a cloud above the device and may be ignited.
US07845277B2 Header assembly
A header assembly for an initiator may include a first conductive pin, a second conductive pin, and a connector extending between and electrically connected to the first conductive pin and the second conductive pin. A housing may support the first conductive pin, the second conductive pin, and the connector and may include at least one flange extending away from the housing and above the pins. The at least one flange may include at least one opening to facilitate attachment of the connector to the first conductive pin and the second conductive pin.
US07845271B2 Food processing device
A food processing device comprises a paste reservoir, a feed pump and a flow divider. The flow divider is provided with outlets to four supply lines all of which receive a substantially equal supply of paste as a result of the operation of the flow divider. Each of the outlets is connected to a nozzle. A pair of knives is located ahead of the nozzles, each being provided with four apertures. The knives are provided with an actuating mechanism and a controller. Controller registers and controls operation of the meatball forming device and is electrically connected to the feed pump, to a servomotor and to a shaft encoder.
US07845268B2 Asymmetric volume booster arrangement for valve actuators
An asymmetric volume booster assembly includes an actuator movable in a first direction and a second direction, a first booster in fluid communication with the actuator, and a second booster in fluid communication with the actuator. The first booster includes a first supply passage and a first exhaust passage, wherein the first supply passage supplies fluid to the actuator and the first exhaust passage exhausts fluid from the actuator. The first exhaust passage is configured to produce a first fluid flow resistance. The second booster includes a second supply passage and a second exhaust passage, wherein the second supply passage supplies fluid to the actuator and the second exhaust passage exhausts fluid from the actuator. The second exhaust passage is configured to produce a second resistance to fluid flow. The first fluid flow resistance is greater than the second fluid flow resistance, such that the actuator moves substantially symmetrically in the first direction and the second direction.
US07845267B2 Attachment mechanisms for coupling firearms to supporting structures
Attachment mechanisms for attaching firearms to support structures are disclosed herein. An attachment mechanism for attaching a firearm to a support structure according to one embodiment includes a mounting member coupled to an interface member having an aperture, and a latching subassembly having an attachment portion and a latching arm. The attachment portion is configured to engage a connector fastened to the firearm through the aperture, and the latching arm lockably engages the mounting member and is coupled to the attachment portion proximate to the interface member.
US07845265B1 Non-ceramic hard armor composite
A hard armor composite includes a rigid non-ceramic 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.
US07845259B2 Electronic paper cutting apparatus
An electronic paper cutting machine includes a housing to which a drive roller is coupled for moving a sheet to be cut in a first direction and a cutter assembly coupled to the housing and moveable in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. A user interface is incorporated into the housing for allowing a user to select via the user interface at least one shape to be cut by the cutter assembly wherein controlled movement of the drive roller and the cutter assembly causes a shape to be cut in the sheet.
US07845258B2 Brake cartridges for power equipment
Safety systems for power equipment and components and brake cartridges for use in those safety systems are disclosed. The safety systems, components and brake cartridges are specifically applicable for woodworking equipment such as saws. An exemplary brake cartridge includes a housing and a braking component configured to engage a moving part of the power tool upon occurrence of a predetermined event. The brake cartridge may further include a switch configured so that proper installation of the cartridge in the power tool triggers the switch.
US07845255B2 Pliers
The invention relates to pliers, especially cutting pliers or crimping pliers, comprising limbs which cross in a single joint in the longitudinal direction thereof, form co-operating working regions on one side of the joint, and embody grips on the other side of the joint. The limbs are interconnected in such a way that they can only rotate in relation to each other, and co-operating recesses are provided on both limbs in order to guide the rotation. A rotational axis of the limbs is located outside the recesses, on the side of the working regions, and a first limb in the joint region is respectively covered, i.e. on both sides, by a lapping part which is connected to the other limb in a fixed manner. The aim of the invention is to provide the inventive pliers with an advantageous structure for the transfer of high gripping forces, also in terms of the forces acting in the joint. To this end, the lapping part is connected to the other limb in such a way that it covers the recesses of the first limb.
US07845253B2 Tansmission arrangement
The invention relates to a transmission arrangement (10). Said transmission arrangement (10) comprises a transmission housing (16), a transmission chamber (12) surrounded by the transmission housing (16), a first shaft (20) mounted in the transmission housing (16), a cavity (88) embodied in the first shaft (20) eccentrically to the rotational axis (18) with the cross-sectional centre of gravity thereof, and a channel (156) embodied in the first shaft (20). Said channel (156) connects the transmission chamber (12) to the cavity (88) of the first shaft (20). The aim of the invention is to improve the lubrication process of the transmission arrangement (10) and the operating reliability, thus extending the maintenance intervals. To this end, the channel (156) is provided with a component (162) which is used to reduce the passage cross-section of the channel (156), and by which means only an optimised quantity of lubricant is transported through the channel (156). One such transmission arrangement is used for example for driving a cutter on a combine harvester.
US07845252B2 Transmission shift mechanism having insert molded crank arm
A transmission shift mechanism for use with a vehicle transmission. The transmission shift mechanism includes a user-operated selector and a sub-assembly operably disposed between said user-operated selector and the vehicle transmission. The sub-assembly includes a torque-transfer member having a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is pivotally secured to the transmission shift mechanism about a pivot axis and the second portion defines a section of a substantially spherical surface which is engageably disposed within a non-linear camming slot defined by the transmission shift section. The torque-transfer member takes the form of a molded polymeric body with a sheet metal insert disposed within the molded polymeric body. The second portion of the torque-transfer member may include flats to reduce the volume of polymeric material required in the manufacture of the member. A method of manufacturing such a torque-transfer member or crank arm is also disclosed.
US07845251B2 Roller screw having plural circulating devices cooperating with plural helical grooves
A roller screw having plural circulating devices cooperating with plural helical grooves comprises a screw, a nut, plural rollers and circulating devices. The screw is provided in a surface with at least two helical grooves. The nut is provided with helical grooves opposite to the screw and receiving holes in a peripheral wall thereof, and each receiving hole is provided with a fixing groove at each of two ends thereof. The rollers are arranged in the helical grooves of the screw and the nut. The circulating devices have the same number of the helical grooves of the screw, and each circulating device includes an opening at each of two ends thereof and a passage between the two openings.
US07845247B2 Shift fork actuation system for control of synchronizer position
A shift fork actuation system includes an actuator housing defining a piston cavity and a piston assembly having three pistons with three different surface areas responsive to fluid pressure to establish positions of the piston assembly within the piston cavity. A stopping mechanism, such as a shoulder formed by the actuator housing at the interface of different bores in the piston cavity, interferes with one of the surface areas to prevent movement of one of the pistons past the stopping mechanism. A neutral position of a shift fork is established by interference of the piston assembly with the stopping mechanism. A slot in the piston assembly captures a finger extension from the shift rail to act as an anti-rotation feature, ensuring that a magnet embedded in the piston assembly as part of a sensor assembly is properly positioned.
US07845246B2 Twin-clutch transmission system
A twin-clutch transmission system in a power unit for a vehicle includes a clutch system with a pair of hydraulic clutches, which respectively include clutch pistons. A gear transmission includes a first main shaft, which has a first end portion linked to a first one of the two hydraulic clutches. The gear transmission also includes a second main shaft, which has a first end portion linked with the other one of the two hydraulic clutches. A pair of hydraulic passages are concentrically formed inside the second main shaft, and apply hydraulic pressure respectively to the clutch pistons. An operating fluid is supplied from a second end side of the second main shaft. The resulting configuration enables the protrusion of the power unit toward the clutch system to be minimized.
US07845243B2 Torque sensor assembly
A torque sensing assembly (10) includes a first sensor assembly (50) configured for sensing at least a portion of a magnetic field of a first portion (22) of a rotating shaft assembly (12) and generating a first signal (52). A second sensor assembly (56) is configured for sensing at least a portion of a magnetic field of a second portion (26) of the rotating shaft assembly (12) and generating a second signal (58). A common mode detection circuit (54) is configured for combining the first and second signals to form a combined signal and processing the combined signal to at least partially remove a common mode signal from the combined signal and generate an output signal.
US07845241B2 Balancing structure for a single curved tube coriolis flow meter
A Coriolis flow meter is disclosed that uses the deflection of a torsion member (430) to balance the vibration of a single curved flow tube (308). The two ends of the torsion member are attached to, and vibrate with, a center section of the single flow tube (308). A balance member (432) is attached to a center section of the torsion member (430) and vibrates in the opposite phase of the single flow tube (308) causing the torsion member (430) to be deflected in torsion.
US07845240B1 Device and method for determining a flow characteristic of a fluid in a conduit
A device for determining a flow characteristic of a fluid in a conduit comprises a conduit body (10), a first pair of first ultrasonic transducers (16, 18) defining a first swirl sensitive acoustic path (20) and a second pair of second ultrasonic transducers (24, 26) defining a second swirl sensitive acoustic path (28), a third pair of third ultrasonic transducers (30, 32) and a fourth pair of fourth ultrasonic transducers (36, 38) the transducers (30, 32) of the third pair being positioned diametrically opposite to each other at the wall (14) of the conduit body (10) such that the third transducers (30, 32) define a third acoustic path (34) having a single reflection against the inner (12) wall of the conduit body (10) and the transducers (36, 38) of the fourth pair being positioned diametrically opposite to each other such that the fourth transducers (36, 38) define a fourth acoustic path (40), wherein the transducers (16, 18; 24, 26; 30, 32; 36, 38) are capable of acting individually as a transmitter and receiver for transmitting ultrasonic waves along their respective acoustic paths and receiving thereof, means (42, 44) for measuring the transit times of transmitted ultrasonic waves and for determining a flow characteristic from the measured transit times.
US07845235B2 Non-invasive system and method for measuring vacuum pressure in a fluid
A noninvasive system and method for measuring vacuum pressure in a fluid in accordance with the present invention generally includes a chamber with two interconnected diaphragms having different surface areas and a force transducer that makes contact with the smaller area diaphragm. When a pressure level less than atmospheric occurs inside the chamber, the smaller area diaphragm presses with a force on the force sensor. As the pressure level in the chamber decreases, the force on the sensor increases. The present system is intended for, but not limited to, use in a Phacoemulsification machine, where it will serve to measure the vacuum in a fluid without contaminating the fluid with previous uses of the system or with any components of the system which are unable to undergo a sterilization process.
US07845234B2 Compact tilt and vibration sensor and method for manufacturing the same
Provided are a tilted vibration sensor incorporating a plurality of electrodes and a conductive spherical body which is turned on and off by the moving displacement of the spherical body, and which may be remarkably reduced in size and may have high performance and high operating sensitivity, high durability, and high reliability; and a method of manufacturing the sensor. The case (1) of the sensor comprises a case body (5) formed of a non-conductive material having such excellent gas-barrier property and heat resistance that can stop the transmission of gases which affects on the on/off operation of the sensor due to the moving displacement of the conductive spherical body (4) and a cover body (7) sealing airtight the opening part (6) of the case body. In the method of manufacturing the vibration sensor, moisture and particulate impurities affecting the on/off operation are removed from the hollow part (2) of the case (1), and the hollow part is evacuated.
US07845232B2 Apparatus and method for determining service life of electrochemical energy sources using combined ultrasonic and electromagnetic testing
The present invention is an apparatus and method for determining the remaining service life of electrochemical energy generation and storage device including batteries, supercapacitors, DSSC solar cells and fuel cell. Measurements are performed by passing ultrasonic oscillations through the test object. The apparatus of the present invention comprises two arrays of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic probes between which the object being tested is affixed. Polyurethane tips are used for matching the acoustic resistance of the probes with the test object body. The apparatus positions the transmitting and the receiving probe arrays relative to each other. The calibration characteristic for determining the remaining service life of a the test object are established from the signal values from the ultrasonic probes related to the number of charge-discharge cycles obtained at various charge values. A three-dimensional approximating dependence surface is constructed using the normalized signals from the receiving probes. The average value of this surface is determined. The remaining service life of the test object is determined using a calibration curve based on the average level of the surface.
US07845231B2 Shear measuring method and its device
A resonance shear measuring method capable of simple and rapid measurement by obtaining a resonance shear curve through Fourier transformation of a damping curve of an oscillation on one side surface of a sample during measurement of shear response from the sample is provided. The method is to measure shear response of the sample sandwiched between the solid surfaces of a resonance shear measurement unit along with a change in film thickness by applying an input signal Uin to a horizontal driving section of the shear resonance measurement unit, by detecting an oscillation on one side surface of the sample sandwiched between solid surfaces of the resonance shear measurement unit as an output signal Uout by means of a displacement gauge, and by applying the output signal Uout along with the input signal Uin to a resonance shear signal analyzer, wherein a damping curve of the oscillation on one side surface of the sample is Fourier transformed by a Fourier transformation section (5B) to obtain a resonance shear curve. Also provided is a twin-path type apparatus for shear stress measurement capable of precise measurement of shear stress by using a twin-path method by which a distance between opaque substrates can be measured.
US07845224B2 Liquid level sensor and liquid level estimation method
A sensor for detecting a liquid level, including a measurement capacitor, a reference capacitor, an integrating capacitor, a calibration capacitor, a controller, an amplifier, a comparator, and a complementary calibration capacitor. The controller implements operations, over accumulation periods and for given target and discharge capacitors, of a target capacitor charging, a charge transfer, a decision, a conditional discharge, and a return. The target and discharge capacitors given at each period are taken from pairs of capacitors, including the measurement and calibration capacitors and the reference and complementary calibration capacitors. A method estimates the liquid level using the sensor in a vehicle.
US07845223B2 Condensing chamber design
The disclosed apparatus includes a condensing chamber (CC) that maintains a volume of a condensate obtained from vapor emitting from a vessel, for example a reactor pressure vessel (RPV). The condensing chamber is connected to a reference leg (RL), a variable leg (VL) and a vapor or steam leg (SL). RL connection provides a flow path for the CRD drive water system backfill to flow into the CC and overflow into the VL. The excess backfill and/or condensate will be returned to the vessel, typically at a point below the liquid level within the vessel. Non-condensable gases will thereby be returned from the CC to the RPV in a substantially continuous manner, thereby tending to prevent the introduction of non-condensable gas enriched liquid from the CC into the RL and improving the tolerance and reliability of the level measurements and/or reducing thermal stresses on the various CC connections.
US07845222B1 Method and assembly for sensing process parameters
A method and an assembly for sensing a process parameter are provided. The sensor assembly includes a base, a pedestal including a body extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge in a direction of fluid flow past the body, a first edge of the pedestal coupled to the base, a second edge opposes the first edge. The sensor assembly also includes an airfoil extending from the pedestal, a leading edge of the airfoil aligned with the leading edge of the pedestal, the airfoil extending in a direction of a flow of fluid along the second edge. The sensor assembly further includes a sensor element extending from the second edge spaced apart from the airfoil by a first gap, and a shield at least partially surrounding the sensor element, the shield spaced apart from the airfoil by a second gap defining a fluid flow inlet to the sensor element.
US07845221B2 Detecting ice particles
Systems and methods for detecting ice particle accumulation is disclosed herein. In one exemplary implementation, a method for detecting ice is described in which a parameter within an interior volume of a heated conduit is measured. The method also includes detecting the presence of an accumulation of ice particles based on the parameter measured within the interior volume of the heated conduit.
US07845220B2 Hydraulic/pneumatic charging valve with integrated pressure transducer
The present invention is a device that allows the pressure inside an aircraft landing gear shock strut to be measured. A charging valve is modified by integrating a small pressure sensing device into the stem of the part such that the active diaphragm is subjected to the pressure within the charged vessel. The wires from the pressure sensing device are connected to a receptacle or connector in the bore of the stem such that a corresponding electrical receptacle may be mated for the purposes of making a measurement. The internal receptacle is designed such that the flow of air or oil is not excessively impeded and normal servicing tools do not interfere with the receptacle.
US07845219B2 Method and apparatus for sampling formation fluids
A method of retrieving a formation fluid from a formation adjacent a borehole wall includes estimating at least one of a permeability of the formation and a viscosity of the formation fluid. A first tool is selected based on the estimation, the first tool being selected from one of a heating and sampling tool, an injection and sampling tool, and a coring tool. An attempt to retrieve a formation fluid sample from the formation is then made with the first tool, and a formation fluid sample is retrieved from the formation. A second retrieval process may then be initiated, in which the second retrieval process includes increasing the mobility of the formation fluid.
US07845217B2 Tractor/trailer suspension with hub temperature indicating device
A vehicle suspension includes a hub and a hub temperature indicating device visible from an exterior of the hub and exposed to a temperature within an interior of the hub, and including a material which changes color in response to a predetermined change in the hub interior temperature. A hub temperature indicating device includes one of a hub cap plug and a hub cap window, including a material which changes color in response to a predetermined change in temperature in the hub interior. Another hub temperature indicating device includes a material which is operative to change color in response to a temperature change in a hub interior, the material comprising an irreversible temperature change indicating material; another material adjacent the first material, and which is operative to transfer heat between the hub interior and the first material; and the device being configured to attach to a hub cap.
US07845216B2 Instantaneous flow rate measurement instrument of gaseous fuel injector
A gaseous fuel injector 3 supplies gaseous fuel from a compressed gas cylinder 1 into a measuring portion thin tube 5 and pressure change in the tube is measured by a pressure measuring device 4 through a small hole provided in the thin tube 5. An extension thin tube 6 for removing the influence of reflected waves is provided on the downstream side of the measuring portion thin tube 5. There is provided at the downstream side end of the extension thin tube a back pressure valve 13 for uniformly increasing the pressure in the tube and for bringing the pressure close to the actual environment in the engine cylinder. Also, a tapered-shape nozzle is arranged in the measuring portion thin tube 5. Pressure measured by the pressure measuring device 4 is transduced into mass flow rate in the thin tube according to a predetermined calculation formula. Accordingly, it is possible to measure instantaneous mass flow rate of gaseous fuel injected from the gaseous fuel injector.
US07845212B1 High pressure high temperature sagging tester
A method and apparatus for analyzing sag in drilling fluids or solid bearing fluids wherein a cylindrical high-pressure cell assembly (80) capable of withstanding high pressure and high temperature with a coaxial cylindrical rotor (33) driven to rotate inside cell assembly (80), a sample port (12) for testing sample subtraction used for further analysis, and a sample inlet port (74) for adding testing sample. This said cell assembly (80) is supported on a pivotal cell support (90) so that it can be tilted and fixed at any angle.
US07845210B2 Fluid control device for a gas chromatograph
A flow control device for a gas chromatograph is provided. The flow control device includes first and second valves each having alpha and beta operating states and a plurality of ports. In each of the first and second valves, the ports are associated to have alpha pairs of the ports and beta pairs of the ports. In the alpha operating state of each of the first and second valves, the ports in each of the alpha pairs are connected and the ports in each of the beta pairs are disconnected. In the beta operating state of each of the first and second valves, the ports in each of the beta pairs are connected and the ports in each of the alpha pairs are disconnected. The first and second valves are formed by a cylindrical manifold plate disposed between cylindrical first and second port plates. A first diaphragm is disposed between the first port plate and the manifold plate and a second diaphragm is disposed between the second port plate and the manifold plate.
US07845209B2 Arrangement for monitoring an installation for thermal stresses
An arrangement is disclosed for monitoring an installation for thermal loading, having at least one sensor and having evaluation electronics which are connected to the at least one sensor. An indicator substance is arranged at least one point or on at least one component in the installation. The amount of the indicator substances released into the environment is temperature-dependent. The indicator substance can be detected by the at least one sensor.
US07845206B2 System, apparatus and method for dispensing chemical vapor
This invention relates to a system for testing the operation of a detection instrument, and a method involving same.
US07845203B2 Preparation method of laminated composite materials of different alloys
The invention relates to a new preparation technique of composites, in details, i.e. a method of producing laminated composite materials of different alloys. In the preparation method, the bi-layer or multi-layer composites are prepared by means of the equal channel angular extrusion/pressure (ECAE/ECAP). Firstly, the appropriate alloys pairs or groups are selected, and the rational arrangements are carried out after pre-treating surfaces; then, the clad process is performed by extrusion and shear deformation in ECAE die; finally, the composite material is produced after one single pass or multiple passes clad extrusion. The annealing treatment can be performed subsequently to enhance the interfacial bonding strength by diffusion after the clad extrusion, and the heat treatment parameters consist of annealing temperature and holding time, which are chosen carefully to meet the demands of the refining microstructures and good properties for both the interfaces and individual component metals. Consequently, the layer-metal composite is produced with the firmly bonding interface, good microstructures and excellent properties. In the invention, the selection and assembling manners of the materials are very free, such as composites with bi-layer or interval multi-layer manners, and the method is suitable for most of the metal materials. The invention is a new method of fabricating composites and the preparation cost is low enough to meet the demand of large-scale industrial production.
US07845202B2 Interchangeable electromechanical lock core
The invention concerns an electromechanical lock. More specifically, the invention concerns an interchangeable electromechanical lock core that is equipped with a blocking cam that secures the lock core in a mating housing. The blocking cam may be coupled to a plug and the plug may be coupled to a knob. Once both couplings have occurred, the knob can be turned to actuate the blocking cam.
US07845200B2 Drain pump
Drain pump for clothes washing machines, comprising: an impeller having vanes (7) that are arranged on respective planes passing through the axis of said rotating shaft, said drain manifold being provided with a planar inner wall (9), in which there is provided a hollow space or separating gap (20) between said vanes of the pump impeller and said planar inner wall of said drain manifold, in which there are arranged a plurality of planar members (22) provided integral with said impeller and arranged in respective planes extending parallel to the axis of said rotating shaft (6). Said planar members have a height that is smaller than the height of said vanes, but greater than the largest radius of the central hub of said rotating shaft.
US07845198B2 Linen treatment device with imbalance monitoring, level monitoring or load monitoring
An acceleration sensor for a household device which serves for leveling the appliance and also for weighing the material introduced into the appliance, for example on a laundry unit or crockery and furthermore, in particular for a linen treatment device, for monitoring imbalances. The sensor is based on the principle that a temperature profile, generated by a thermal source, for example, an immersion heater in a sealed chamber which contains a gas, undergoes a displacement as a result of the acceleration, which is measured by temperature sensors arranged on a flat plate.
US07845196B1 Circular knitting machine having integrated multiple yarn changing apparatus
A circular knitting machine having an integrated multiple yarn changing apparatus comprises a first yarn changing apparatus, a second yarn changing apparatus, and a driving cam set. The first and second yarn changing apparatus include respectively at least one yarn feeding means which is moved outwards through a first yarn feeding stroke and a second yarn feeding stroke to a yarn feeding position. The driving cam set includes a first driving track and a second driving track to respectively drive the yarn feeding means to proceed the first and second yarn feeding strokes. The second driving track has a driving delay zone to generate a yarn feeding time lag between the first and second yarn feeding strokes. Knitting needles located between the first and second yarn feeding means are guided to a yarn hooking position to respectively hook the yarn due to the yarn feeding time lag.
US07845192B2 Methods for producing substrate blank
A method for producing a thin-plate-shaped substrate blank that is an intermediate for a glass substrate, in which the occurrence of undulation is prevented and the substrate blank is produced with high accuracy, the method comprising press-molding a glass in a softened state with a mold having an upper mold member and a lower mold member to produce the thin-plate-shaped substrate blank, wherein the glass in a softened state is press-molded without causing any surrounding edge portion of the substrate blank under the production to come into contact with the mold, to produce the substrate blank at least having no notch portion.
US07845189B2 Door for a refrigeration device
A door for a refrigeration device having an internal wall and an external and a thermally insulting layer sandwiched between the walls. The external wall is divided into a first section that is covered with a decorative panel to match the surrounding furniture and an undecorated exposed second section. The first and second sections can be connected in two parts at the level of an undercut edge formed therebetween.
US07845188B2 System for the preparation of compressed air
A method and a system for the preparation of compressed air having a heat exchanger (system heat exchanger) which is in communication with a pressure source on the inlet side on the compressed air side and which is in communication with a system or unit on the outlet side on the compressed air side which is to be supplied with cooled compressed air and including at least one heat exchanger (air conditioning system heat exchanger) which is in communication with a pressure source on the inlet side on the compressed air side and which is in communication with additional components of an aircraft air conditioning system on the outlet side on the compressed air side. Provision is made for the system heat exchanger and the at least one air conditioning system heat exchanger to have a common inlet for supply with ram air or environmental air and for the system heat exchanger to be connected on its outlet side on the compressed air side via a closable line to the line system on the compressed air side in communication with the at least one air conditioning system heat exchanger or to the at least one air conditioning system heat exchanger itself.
US07845183B2 Variable speed condenser fan control system
A controller includes a first input that receives a signal indicating an energy consumption value of a compressor, a second input that receives a signal indicating an energy consumption value of a variable speed condenser fan, a third input that receives a signal indicating an ambient temperature, a fourth input that receives a signal indicating a condenser temperature, an output that provides a control signal to the variable speed condenser fan, a memory that stores a temperature difference set-point, and a processor in communication with the inputs, the output and the memory. The processor calculates a difference between the ambient temperature and the condenser temperature, compares the difference with the temperature difference set-point, controls the variable speed condenser fan based on the comparison, monitors the energy consumption values, and modulates the temperature difference set-point to minimize energy consumption.
US07845182B2 Fan control limitation logic in auto defog system
A method for controlling a vehicle HVAC system to automatically defog a window and to prevent fogging or condensation of the window. In-cabin air temperature and relative humidity are used to determine a dewpoint. Further, ambient or outside air temperature is measured. Window glass temperature is either estimated/calculated or can be measured. A fog margin, which is based upon the difference between the dewpoint and the window temperature, is calculated. When the ambient air temperature is below a predetermined temperature, a corrected fog margin is substituted for the calculated fog margin. When this occurs, the controller operates a fan at a reduced voltage, and hence at a reduced speed, as compared to if the controller used the calculated fog margin. Using the corrected fog margin prevents a vehicle user from being exposed to excessive fan noise or air currents during low or cold ambient air temperatures.
US07845178B1 A/C maintenance system using heat transfer from the condenser to the oil separator for improved efficiency
An apparatus and methodology are provided for advantageously increasing heat transfer between the evaporator/oil separator (“accumulator”) and condenser of a refrigerant recovery/recycling system, to increase the efficiency of the system and to simplify the system. Embodiments include a refrigerant recovery/recycling device comprising a compressor having a suction inlet and a discharge outlet; an accumulator fluidly connected to a refrigerant source and to the compressor suction inlet; a recovery tank fluidly connected to the compressor discharge outlet; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the recovery tank to the accumulator, for raising the temperature of the accumulator and lowering the temperature of the recovery tank.
US07845176B2 Mode strut and divergent flap interface
In one example, a gas turbine engine includes an exhaust nozzle. The exhaust nozzle includes a flap supported relative to a static structure by a strut. The flap includes a backbone providing a slot. A slider interconnects a strut end to the backbone. In one example, the slider includes a body that is slidingly received within the slot. A boss extends from the body and provides a first feature. The strut end includes a second feature that cooperates with the first feature to prevent relative rotation between the slider and a portion of the strut end.
US07845174B2 Combustor liner with improved heat shield retention
A combustor liner including a dome section having a positioning hole defined at a first radial distance and sized to receive a first heat shield fastener to at least substantially prevent radial and circumferential motion of the first fastener, a circumferential slot sized to receive a second heat shield fastener to at least substantially prevent radial motion of the second fastener while allowing limited circumferential motion of the second fastener, and a clearance hole defined at a second radial distance and sized to receive a third heat shield fastener to allow limited radial and circumferential motion of the third fastener.
US07845173B2 Method and installation for converting thermal energy from fluids into mechanical energy
A method and a system for converting heat energy contained in fluids as noticeable or latent heat to mechanical energy, wherein a working fluid is evaporated by means of the heat energy, if necessary after transformation to a higher temperature level, by means of one or more series-connected heat pumps and expanded in an expansion device, and wherein the heat energy is at least partially converted to mechanical energy. The expansion occurs in a low-pressure expansion device and the energy contained in the expanded evaporated working fluid is recyclable into the evaporating device in an evaporating unit, which is usable for evaporating additional working fluid.
US07845169B2 Drift compensation control method for a machine
A method of controlling a machine having a hydraulically actuated linkage includes lowering a load suspended by the leakage at least in part by leaking hydraulic fluid from a portion of a hydraulic actuation system, and generating a drift compensation control signal responsive to leaking hydraulic fluid. A machine includes an electronic controller in control communication with a valve, the electronic controller being configured to compensate for leakage induced drift of at least one hydraulic actuator of a machine hydraulic system by selectively commanding adjusting of the valve if drift criteria for the hydraulic system are satisfied.
US07845167B2 Exhaust heat recovery system
In an exhaust heat recovery system for an internal combustion engine, a heat pipe includes an evaporation portion in which a working fluid is heated and evaporated by heat exchange with exhaust heat from the internal combustion engine, a plurality of condensing portions in which the working fluid from the evaporation portion is cooled and condensed by heat exchange with respective subjects to be heated, and connection piping through which the condensing portions are connected to the evaporation portion in parallel with respect to the evaporation portion so as to form a closed circuit. Furthermore, a switching portion is located to switch a flow of the working fluid from the evaporation portion to any one between the condensing portions.
US07845163B2 Device for purifying exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine
A device for purifying exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is provided, equipped with an HC catalyst having the ability to oxidize HC, as well as adsorb HC, and release HC which it has adsorbed, and there exists a specific condition where the amount to release HC becomes greater than the amount to oxidize HC, wherein the device for purifying exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine executes an HC feed control for feeding HC to the HC catalyst. The amount of HC fed to the HC catalyst is decreased by the HC feed control or the HC feed control is discontinued when the specific condition is established during execution of the HC feed control.
US07845161B2 Internal combustion engine and control method for internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes a main catalyst disposed in a main passage and a bypass catalyst disposed in a bypass passage bypassing the main passage on an upstream side of the main catalyst. The bypass passage has a smaller transverse cross-sectional area than the main passage. The internal combustion engine further includes a passage open/close unit, a residual gas amount changing unit, and a controller. The passage open/close unit is disposed in a portion of the main passage bypassed by the bypass passage to switch between an open state and a closed state. The residual gas amount changing unit is configured to change an amount of residual gas inside a combustion chamber. The controller is configured to control the residual gas amount changing unit when a passage opening condition for switching the passage open/close unit from the closed state to the open state is satisfied.
US07845155B2 Side wall segment for a line guiding device, line guiding device with side wall segment, and method for manufacturing the side wall segment
The invention relates to a side wall segment for a line guiding device consisting of links connected to each other in pivoting fashion, each of which displays two opposite side parts that are connected to the immediately adjacent side parts in a manner permitting pivoting in a pivoting plane, and display stops for limiting the pivoting angle, where multiple side parts connected to each other form the side wall segment. The invention furthermore relates to a line guiding device with a side wall segment, and a method for manufacturing the side wall segment.It is proposed that the side parts of the side wall segments be connected to each other in one piece by a connecting web that runs in the longitudinal direction of the side wall segment and is flexible in the pivoting plane, and display a web, running essentially perpendicularly to this connecting web in the pivoting plane, that has a T-shaped longitudinal section with a base web and a cross-web, where the base web is connected to the connecting web and the cross-web is located on the end of the base web opposite the connecting web, and the face ends of the cross-webs pointing in the longitudinal direction of the web form the stops for limiting the pivoting angle.
US07845151B2 Apparatus preferably for horticulture and/or parks
An apparatus (1) preferably for horticulture and/or parks, comprises a main drawbar (2) for connection to a vehicle (28), and the main drawbar (2) is connected to a number of garden tools (3, 11, 27), wherein the main drawbar (2) is pivotally connected to a central point (4) of a tool holder (5), which tool holder (5) is arranged in a position behind the garden tool (3) and above the main drawbar (2) and each end part of the tool holder (5) is connected to a forwardly directed flange (6), which is pivotally connected to an end part of the garden tool (3).
US07845149B2 Tube capper/decapper
A capper/de-capper system 1 has a rack support 10 for supporting a rack 11 containing a plurality of capped tubes 31 in a given position. A head unit 12 supports a two-dimensional array of capping/de-capping spindles 13, each of which includes a clutch 133 and a capping/de-capping spigot 131 or socket, the spindles being aligned with the tube positions defined in the rack. A drive mechanism 108 moves the tubes and the head unit relatively towards and away from one another in use, when a rack containing capped tubes is disposed in the rack support, causing engagement and disengagement of the capping/de-capping spigots or sockets with and from the tube caps 32. A spindle drive system 15-22 provides simultaneous rotation of the capping/de-capping spigots or sockets together after engagement with the caps, either to detach caps from the tubes or attach caps to the tubes.
US07845148B2 Method and apparatus for insertion of uniquely shaped packaging elements
In some embodiments, a method of insertion of uniquely shaped packaging elements may include one or more of the following steps: (a) transporting a container along a conveyor, (b) securing the container, (c) aligning a spray cap mechanism over a container opening with a transfer rake assembly, (d) grasping a diptube with a diptube assembly, (e) lowering the diptube assembly and the transfer rake assembly to insert the diptube into the container, (f) securing the container with a timing screw, (g) loading the spray cap mechanism into a sprayer magazine, (h) locking a retractable stop onto the spray cap mechanism, (i) transferring the spray cap mechanism from the sprayer magazine to the transfer rake, (j) locking a second spray cap mechanism with the retractable stop, and (k) retracting the diptube assembly after inserting the diptube into the container.
US07845145B2 Method of packaging an article with a container
A package system which combines an article and a container in an integrated package with the article secured in nested relationship within a recess of the container. The recess has sufficient depth such that portions of the side walls of the container extend outwardly effectively beyond an exposed surface of the article so as to protect the article against damage. Alternatively, the package system includes a pair of spaced columns which are integrally formed with the side wall of the container and which extend outwardly from the side wall. A recess is formed between the column members which is configured to receive an article in nested relationship within the recess. Methods for securing the article in nested relationship within the recess of the container are also disclosed.
US07845138B2 Method for the production of a building construction as well as formwork therefor
A method for the production of a building construction with the aid of permanent formwork, comprising the steps of: placing formwork on a support, wherein the formwork includes a profiled formwork form with raised parts and lowered parts; applying a curable concrete mix on top of the formwork; curing the concrete mix; and placing reinforcement in at least one of the lowered parts of the formwork form, such that a reinforced beam is formed in said at least one lowered part of the formwork form. Such formwork is relatively lightweight and can provide certain physical building characteristics such as fire retardancy, thermal insulation and optionally acoustic insulation.
US07845133B2 Locking system for floorboards
A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards includes horizontal joining of a first and a second joint edge portion of a first and a second floorboard respectively at a vertical joint plane; vertical joining of the first and second joint edge portions; wherein the tongue, the tongue groove, the locking element and the locking groove have a configuration that allows insertion of the locking element into the locking groove by inward angling of the second floorboard towards the first floorboard while maintaining contact between the joint edge portions, and wherein the tongue, the tongue grove, the locking element and the locking groove have a configuration that allows insertion of the locking element into the locking groove by a substantially vertical snap action.
US07845131B2 Crack control for concrete
A crack inducer controls propagation of cracks in set concrete containing reinforcing bars. The crack inducer has an elongated, rigid core that is relatively narrow in a direction that is parallel to outer surfaces of the concrete. The core has a core width in a first plane that intersects the outer surfaces of the volume, that is at least 20% of the concrete volume width so that a crack in the volume of concrete is induced to propagate from the core and along the first plane. A plurality of spaced cross-plates are connected to the core and a water-stop may be included around part of the core.
US07845126B2 UL compliant building integrated photovoltaic conversion system
A UL compliant power generating system is integrated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and integrated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade, and are adapted to be UL compliant.
US07845125B2 Profile for sliding windows or doors, method for making the profile, and window or door obtained with the profile
A profile for making frames for sliding windows or doors comprising, amongst other things, at least one fixed frame formed by two crosspieces and two stiles; a profile, forming at least a first lower crosspiece, comprises two sliding tracks, parallel with one another, and made from a lower base body; the profile forming the lower crosspiece is divided, transversally, into two halves substantially equal and associated, at respective ends, with a matching element for connecting and joining the halves; the connecting and joining element therefore forming the central portion of the lower crosspiece and having heat insulation properties; the present invention also relates to a method for making the profile and a sliding window or door obtained with the profile.
US07845122B2 Efficiently installable and durable embedment tile for producing tactilely-detectable surfaces
Disclosed is an embedment tile for producing a tactilely detectable surface in a moldable material and method for using same. The tile comprises a tile member substantially planar in form, having a pattern of upwardly extending projections on its upper surface forming a tactilely detectable pattern and two or more cross beams on the lower surface of the tile member, the cross beams having hollow chambers defined by a sidewall, end openings and optional apertures to allow for the release of air and moldable material from the exterior into the hollow chambers of the cross beams as the tile is embedded in the material, thus easing and speeding installation of the tile in the moldable material. The embedment tile may further consist of support members that function to support and further interlock the embedment tile to the moldable material once set.
US07845121B2 Facility used for the production and/or assembly of goods
There is proposed a preferably transportable (mobile) and/or re-usable production facility, as is quick and easy to erect virtually at any location in this world. This production facility virtually comprises a tent structure, wherein the roof of the facility is held by at least one carrier (support) and at the same time at least one device for raising or lowering or moving goods or parts thereof, for example crane structures, is also provided on the carrier itself. Such a crane structure can be of a variable configuration and facilitate in particular the production of goods which are heavy and/or which for assembly can no longer be raised or moved by human strength.
US07845118B2 Eave for a building
According to the invention, a method of making an eave for a roof on a building is disclosed. The method may include providing a structure with at least two sides and a roof frame. The method may further include coupling at least two of a plurality of eave blocks with a first trim piece. The method may also include coupling at least two of the plurality of eave blocks with a second trim piece. The method may further include coupling a roof piece with a top of the roof frame and a top of at least two of the plurality of eave blocks. In some embodiments, the eave blocks may include lumber having a grain direction and the method may include coupling the eave blocks with the first trim piece such that the grain direction is substantially parallel to a length of the first trim piece.
US07845116B2 Guide apparatus for sliding door
When a sliding door (3) as a plate-like object is moved in a front and rear direction from a closed position to an opening preparation position, a rotatable rail (20) rotates from a horizontal lying position to a vertical standing position about a rotation axis (L1). When the sliding door is in the opening preparation position, a roller (40) of the sliding door (3) rides on a running track (25b) of the rotatable rail (20). When the sliding door (3) is further moved from the opening preparation position to an open position, the roller (40) transfers from the running track (25b) to an auxiliary track (26) of an adjacent rotatable rail (20). The rotatable rail (20) is biased toward the standing position by an elastic force of a torsion spring (18) and maintained in the standing position by an arm (13). This allows the sliding door (3) to be returned to the opening preparation position.
US07845115B2 Access control apparatus
An access control apparatus has a blocking device (1) that is actuated by an actuator, and an authentication reader (7), upon reading a valid access authorization the blocking device (1) moving into the release position. For detecting a wheel chair (15) and/or pram in the area of the blocking device (1) a sensor (13) is provided, which does not activate the actuator for moving the blocking device (1) from the release position into the blocking position until the wheel chair (15) or pram has left its detection area.
US07845112B2 Plant retainer for retaining a plant for growth from the side or bottom of a planter
A planter for growing a transplantable plant includes a container having a sidewall and a bottom and further includes a retainer member for retaining a plant which has been transplanted within the container through the sidewall or bottom thereof. The retainer member defines an expandable opening which is movable between expanded and normally-collapsed conditions so that by urging a plant root system end-first against the retainer member, the expandable opening is moved to an expanded condition to permit the root system to pass through the expandable opening into the container interior. Upon passage of the root system through the expandable opening, the expandable opening is permitted to return toward its normally-collapsed condition about the stem of the plant to thereby prevent the withdrawal of the root system of the plant from the container interior through the plant retainer.
US07845104B1 Device and method for displaying advertising on a turnstile arm
A device for displaying advertising from a turnstile arm includes opposing collars securing a sleeve displaying the advertising. One collar is frictionally secured to the arm using an O-ring carried in a groove within an inside wall surface of an opening through which the arm passes. A flange extending fully around the outside surface of the collar provides a snap-fit into a groove within one end of the sleeve. The outside surfaces of the collars make a smooth transition to the connected sleeve. A second collar includes a clamp is carried within its opening securing the second collar to the turnstile arm. Two recessed portions have a bore extending through the second collar through which fasteners extend for adjusting the clamping. A notch extending around the second collar receives the sleeve.
US07845103B2 Illuminated sign mounting structure
There is provided an illuminated sign mounting system and methods for mounting an illuminated sign to a mounting surface.
US07845102B2 Motion image advertising system coupled with advertising dummy
A motion image advertising system, coupled with an advertising dummy enlarging an object to be advertised such as a mobile phone, a video camera, or the like, is disclosed. The motion image advertising system includes a screen window and a display apparatus or a flat display installed to the rear side of the screen window and having a screen and a projector. The display apparatus is installed to a support. The support includes a fixing device and an advertising dummy attaching device, respectively installed to the advertising dummy device and the display apparatus to couple and separate the advertising dummy. The advertising dummy and the advertising motion image are simultaneously provided to consumers to increase advertising impact. If necessary, the advertising dummy device can be easily separated from the display apparatus such as the screen to be replaced.
US07845096B2 Shoe sole
An outsole for a shoe has a backing member of thermoplastic rubber and on an area of the exterior surface of that backing member an intermediate layer of thermoplastic polyurethane and an outermost layer of fabric, the area comprising at least 51 percent of the contact surface of the outsole. In producing the outsole, a sheet of fabric is overlain with a sheet of thermo plastic urethane, the sheet is heated to about the melting point of the TPU to permit the TPU to adhere to the fabric, and the fabric is cooled. The TPU-covered fabric is cut to the size and shape required to fit a backing member, and position in a mold on a bottom surface of a mold, and a quantity of TPR is injected at a temperature lower than the melting point of the TPU but high enough to render the TPU tacky, to insure the inherence of the TPU-covered fabric to the backing, including the resultant outsole.
US07845094B1 Ice gripping attachments for footwear
An ice gripping footwear attachment includes a base having an upper surface for engaging the bottom of the footwear and a lower surface carrying a grit material that is frictionally engagable with an ice covered surface. Forward, intermediate and rearward fastening straps are secured to the base. The forward strap is wrapped across the footwear such that it extends rearwardly in a crisscrossed pattern. The intermediate strap is wrapped and fastened over the forward strap. The rearward strap is then secured across the wearer's ankle or heel to securely fasten the attachment to the footwear.
US07845092B2 Linear guide unit with length measuring system
A linear guide unit is provided having a guide carriage (2) that can be moved in a longitudinal direction on a guide rail (1) and a length measuring system with a measuring head (3) that cooperates with a measuring body (4) arranged parallel to the guide rail (1). The measuring body (4) is located at a distance from the guide rail (1) and arranged within a clearance profile of the linear guide unit.
US07845089B1 Electrical fixture for facilitating the location of a corresponding opening in a construction panel
An electrical fixture for facilitating the location of a corresponding opening in a construction panel. The electrical fixture comprises a housing for mounting to a stationary building structure behind the construction panel and a collar having a back portion that will eventually fit through the corresponding opening made in the construction panel and into the housing. The back portion of the collar can be locked within the housing. A placement jig is removably secured within the housing and has a cylindrical portion extending outwardly from the housing that will extend through a small preliminary opening made in the construction panel, so that the corresponding opening can be made in the construction panel to allow the back portion of the collar to fit therethrough.
US07845088B2 Lens shape measuring method and lens shape measuring apparatus
A lens shape measuring method includes: bringing a feeler into contact with an outer peripheral surface of a spectacle lens, the outer peripheral surface corresponding to a lens shape of spectacles, the feeler being rotatable about a rotation axis and movable forward and backward relative to the rotation axis in a radial direction, and, while keeping the contact state, moving the feeler along a contact surface of the feeler with the lens shape in a circumferential direction, to measure radii ρi (i=0, 1, 2, . . . n) of the lens shape over an entire circumference of thereof, the radii ρi representing change in distance from a geometric center of the lens shape to the feeler, a measurement region of the lens shape being divided into multiple sub-regions, and within each of the sub-regions, the rotation axis line being moved to a position to cause the feeler to measure the lens shape within the sub-region.
US07845085B2 Identifying a directional reference using rate gyros oriented along different axes
A deployable stationary device includes a device support, rate gyros supported by the device support, the rate gyros being oriented along different axes, and a controller supported by the device support. The controller is arranged to receive rate gyro signals from the rate gyros. Each rate gyro signal indicates a rate of rotation about a respective axis associated with a particular rate gyro. The controller is further arranged to perform a vector sum operation based on the rate gyro signals, and generate a direction signal which identifies a direction resulting from performance of the vector summing operation. Such a deployable stationary device is capable of operating as one of a network of such devices in a surveillance system to enable detection and precise location of suspicious activity.
US07845084B2 Method and apparatus for pipe alignment tool
A method and apparatus for a pipe alignment tool have been described. A laser is inserted into the end of a pipe and projects a laser beam indicative of the longitudinal axis of the pipe.
US07845081B1 Apparatus and method for de-seeding fruits and vegetables
Apparatus and method having a first and second arm jointed on one end by a U-shaped member together forming a set of tongs which can be used to de-seed fruits and vegetables. The arms being biased away from each other an effective amount so as to keep the tips of the arms separated from each other. Each arm formed into the shape of cutting blades being concave shaped throughout their entire length and being sharpened on each side of the blade so that the tip of the arm can be inserted into the fruit or vegetable and then rotated clockwise (right hand) and/or counterclockwise (left hand) in order to de-seed the fruit or vegetable so that the blades cut in either the right or left hand direction.
US07845080B2 Tubing cutting apparatus
A tubing cutter apparatus including a rotary cutting mechanism having an open area for receiving a length of tubing and a cutting blade for engaging the tubing may be driven by a rotary power source such as a handheld power tool or a self-contained drive motor. The apparatus includes a gear system for rotating the cutting mechanism about the tubing and a coupling mechanism for coupling the rotary power source to the gear system. A clamp comprising a slotted tubular plate spring protruding from a handle case of the apparatus in longitudinal alignment with the open area of the cutting mechanism enables the apparatus to clampingly engage a length of tubing to be cut by pushing flanged edge walls of the slot against the length of tubing, which may be in a location with limited accessability, such as within the wall of a structure.
US07845079B2 Shaving foil
A shaving foil for a shaving system comprises a foil support section and a hair-receiving section. The foil support section is provided for support of the foil over a cutting member of the shaving system. The hair-receiving section of the foil includes a plurality of hair-entrance apertures that define at least one amorphous arrangement of apertures and a plurality of foil surface members that form a network of surface area adjacent to the plurality of hair-entrance apertures.
US07845078B2 Rotary electric shaver
A rotary electric shaver including an outside outer cutter and an inside outer cutter capable of mutually moving up and down independently, a drive shaft to which an upward return tendency is imparted, an outside inner cutter guide that engages the drive shaft and rotates integrally therewith, an outside inner cutter secured to the outside inner cutter guide, an inside inner cutter guide having a plurality of engagement pawls that engage the outside inner cutter guide from above so as to be able to move up and down and that rotates together with the outside inner cutter guide, an inside inner cutter secured to this inside inner cutter guide, and an upward-pushing spring mounted between the upper surface of the outside inner cutter guide and the lower surface of the inside inner cutter guide, for urging the inside inner cutter guide upward.
US07845077B1 Method of manufacturing a sizing ring
A method of manufacturing a sizing ring adapted to accurately fit an individual for a recloseable ring. The method includes: providing a generally arcuate member and having first and second ends; forming a segment of reduced cross sectional area along the generally arcuate member to form a living hinge therein and to define first and second shank portions; and configuring the first and second ends to form a connector such that the sizing ring is a one piece polymer member configured for movement between an open position, in which the sizing ring is adapted to be positioned over a portion of an appendage without sliding over a length of the appendage, and a closed position, in which the sizing ring is adapted to form a band around the appendage and has an inner surface that is generally circular to correspond to an associated ring size.
US07845071B2 Method of manufacturing electronic part
The present invention provides a substrate holding method capable of contributing to improvement in performance of an electronic part. A plastic film is adhered to a holding frame by using an adhesive tape having a proper gas releasing characteristic such that total quantity of gas detected when analysis using gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (dynamic HS-GC-MS) is conducted under test conditions of 180° C. and 10 minutes is 100.5 μg/g or less in n-tetradecane. In the case where the plastic film held by the holding frame is subjected to a process of manufacturing an electronic part (for example, a solar battery), even when a process accompanying generation of heat during the manufacturing process (for example, a film forming process such as plasma CVD) is performed on the plastic film, a release amount of unnecessary gas released from the adhesive tape due to the influence of the heat is suppressed, so that deterioration in the performance of the electronic part caused by the unnecessary gas is suppressed.
US07845070B2 Manufacturing method of ink jet head
A manufacturing method of an ink jet head has: a step of forming a flow path hole on each of first plates to be flow path plates; a step of laminating one or plurality of said flow path plates on which said flow path hole is formed and a second plate to be a nozzle plate to each other; a step of laminating a protective film to said second plate; a step of laminating said plurality of flow path plates on which said flow path holes are formed to each other; a step of forming a nozzle hole on a region where the protective film is laminated, in said second plate to which the protective film is laminated; and a step of removing said protective film from said nozzle plate, after the step of laminating said plurality of flow path plates and said nozzle plate to each other.
US07845064B2 Method for manufacturing crystal device
A control apparatus and method for controlling an image display includes at least one reference object for generating a predetermined spectrum signal, a modulation unit for modulating the predetermined spectrum signal with a predetermined method, and a remote controller. The remote controller includes an image sensor for receiving the modulated predetermined spectrum signal and generating a digital signal and a processing unit for receiving the digital signal, demodulating the digital signal, and calculating an image variation of the image of the reference object formed on the digital image.
US07845062B2 Method of manufacturing multi piece curved moldings from planar material
Method of manufacturing multi piece curved molding from planar material including the steps of, milling locating holes in the bottom side of sheet material proximate ends of curved sections, milling curved section from sheet material including the finished outer radius, the finished inner radius and milled ends, milling the profile to produce the profiled top side on curved section, placing locating holes in corresponding locating pins in a precision cut off fixture and precision cutting ends of curved section thereby producing a precision cut end and discarding waste portion.
US07845061B2 Low clearance centralizer and method of making centralizer
A bow-spring centralizer includes a center assembly having a plurality of bow springs and a pair of generally tubular moving collars secured one to each end of each bow spring, the center assembly formed intermediate a pair of generally tubular stop collars. Each moving collar/stop collar combination forms an interlocking and axially extendable collar. The centralizer is formed from a single tube. The tube is cut using a laser according to a cut pattern that creates interlocked stop collar/moving collar combinations that are rotatably locked but axially movable one relative to the other. Each of the interlocked stop collars and moving collars includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced heads, each head integrally formed on one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced extensions protruding from the stop collar or moving collar. The heads may have a variety of projected shapes, such as a rectangular, arrow or a teardrop shaped. Each head is axially slidably captured within one of a plurality of chambers on the other tubular member (stop collar or moving collar) to which the first member is coupled. The extensions of each interlocked tubular member define the outer walls of the chamber in which a head of the opposing tubular member is slidably captured.
US07845057B2 Crank puller facilitating dismounting of chainwheel
A crank puller includes a nut portion having a front end for screwing into a threaded hole on a crank, and an internally threaded bore; a bolt portion screwed through the threaded bore and having a front conical-bottomed hole; a head portion fitted in the conical-bottomed hole and having a front end with an annular groove for receiving an elastic element therein; and a cap portion assembled around the front end of the head portion for pressing against a crank axle, and being replaceable corresponding to a diametrical size of the crank axle.
US07845038B2 Fluid-filled bladder for footwear and other applications
A fluid-filled structure, such as a bladder, is disclosed. The bladder has a first surface and an opposite second surface that are peripherally joined to define various edges. The bladder encloses a fluid between the first surface and the second surface. A portion of the edges may have a concave configuration, or the edges may have both concave and convex configurations. A shape of the bladder may be a tessellation pattern so that a plurality of the bladders may be efficiently manufactured.
US07845035B2 Pressure dispersion support systems
A pressure dispersion system includes a pressure dispersion pad and a pressure dispersing mattress system for body support and sleep. The pressure dispersion pad and pressure dispersing mattress systems reduce pressure points from a supported body to less than approximately 32 mm Hg to reduce or eliminate capillary closing and a resultant reduction in pressure concentration and resultant discomfort and repositioning during sleep. Empirical design from human body pressure mapping is used to identify support zones for which components are selected and assembled in the pressure dispersion support systems for pressure dispersion and relief. In a pressure dispersion support system in the form of a mattress, multiple zones are defined by arrangement of different kinds of support materials, including foam tops such as memory foam or moderate to low density polyurethane, and secondary foam layers or foam base of relatively higher density polyurethane and latex. Different types of foam and foam constructs are provided in different zones of the pressure dispersion pad. Incorporation of the pressure dispersion pad in a mattress system, and in combination with foam dampening inserts in an innerspring of the mattress system, translate the pressure relieving properties of the zoned pressure dispersion pad into a mattress system.
US07845033B2 Medical examination table
A medical examination table is provided. The medical examination table comprises a base providing a storage area, a patient support movable independent of the base between a lowered position and a raised position, and a lift mechanism coupled to the patient support for moving the patient support between the lowered position and the raised position. The patient support comprises a backrest and a seat. Movement of the patient support independent or separately from the base and without interfering with the storage areas within the base may allow for the efficient use of the examination table as a storage area.
US07845027B2 Slow closure mechanism for toilet covers
The subject of the invention is a slow closure mechanism (A) for toilet covers wherein it comprises two-hinge bodies (1), two pins (2), two dampers (3) and a body cover (4). Slow closing and easy opening process of toilet covers are achieved by tightly recessing the pins (2) and dampers (3) in the hinge body (1), connecting toilet covers and body cover (4) to pin shaft (23) and damper shaft (31) in slow closure mechanism (A).
US07845025B2 Exigent helmet release system
A helmet which may be rapidly disassembled and removed from a wearer. A flexible cable may engage cable fastening elements located along a helmet split area, thereby forming the outer shell into an integral, rigid unit. When desired, the cable may be quickly withdrawn from the cable fastening elements so that the outer shell may be rapidly disassembled and removed from the wearer. Following disassembly, the helmet may be rapidly reassembled by reengagement with the cable fastening elements. Each end of the cable may be provided with a handle, to facilitate helmet disassembly whether the wearer of the helmet is lying substantially face-down or substantially face-up. A cable release mechanism may be provided to prevent unauthorized or undesired helmet disassembly during play, for example.
US07845024B2 Peace officer's shirt and suspender set for supporting a duty belt
A suspender set and peace officer's shirt are described wherein the suspenders for the duty belt are located beneath the officer's shirt with only a portion of the suspender set extending outwardly through the front and rear of the shirt for connection to the duty belt worn by the officer.
US07845023B2 Deposition of electronic circuits on fibers and other materials
Fibers, such as textile fibers, having electrical components deposited thereon. More particularly, one or more electrical components are formed directly onto the surface of at least one fiber. The fiber having the electrical component formed thereon may then be interlaced with other fibers to form a larger piece of fabric, which can be employed to produce an article of clothing. A group of transistors and piezoelectric components forming an accelerometer may be woven onto one or more natural or synthetic fibers. The fibers may then be employed as the warp, weft, or both, of a woven piece of fabric, or used to form a knitted piece of fabric. The fabric piece can then be cut and sewn to form a wearable item, such as a shirt, a pair of pants, a hat, or the upper piece of a shoe that includes the accelerometer.
US07845022B1 Deposition of electronic circuits on fibers and other materials
Fibers, such as textile fibers, having electrical components deposited thereon. More particularly, one or more electrical components are formed directly onto the surface of at least one fiber. The fiber having the electrical component formed thereon may then be interlaced with other fibers for form a larger piece of fabric, which can be employed to produce an article of clothing. A group of transistors and piezoelectric components forming an accelerometer may be woven onto one or more natural or synthetic fibers. The fibers may then be employed as the warp, weft, or both, of a woven piece of fabric, or used to form a knitted piece of fabric. The fabric piece can then be cut and sewn to form a wearable item, such as a shirt, a pair of pants, a hat, or the upper piece of a shoe that includes the accelerometer.
US07845018B1 Directional safety vest
A directional safety vest has a vest body adapted to cover a human torso. A front panel of the vest has a first fluorescent color. A back panel of the vest body has a second fluorescent color which is different from the first fluorescent color.
US07845017B2 Knee pad constructions
Protective knee pads are comprised of a first shell member which fits over the patella and knee joint and a second member which is attached to the lower thigh and pivotally engaged with the knee pad shell so that they may articulate one with respect to the other while providing additional support and protection for the user of the knee pad. An additional shin pad may also be attached to the lower end of the shell which covers the knee.