| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07850987B2 |
Nutrient composition(s) and system(s) for individualized, responsive dosing regimens
Individualized responsive dosing nutrient systems, compositions, methods of dosing, and processes of producing the same, which allow a consumer to generate individualistic biological responses/effects. More specifically, a nutrient system for generating individualized biological conditions/responses which utilizes ultra-low dosage amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, co-enzymes, organics substrates, inorganic or synthetic substrates, biological components, and/or other nutrients incorporated in a bio-active delivery system which preferably avoids first pass metabolism, such that an individual may take multiple doses of the same or different nutrients based on varying desired biological response within each dosing period. |
| US07850984B2 |
Protection of the female reproductive system from natural and artificial insults
Described are methods for protecting the female reproductive system against natural and artificial insults by administering to women a composition comprising an agent that antagonizes one or more acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) gene products. Specifically, methods disclosed herein serve to protect women's germline from damage resulting from cancer therapy regimens including chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In one aspect, the method preserves, enhances, or revives ovarian function in women, by administering to women a composition containing sphingosine-1-phosphate, or an analog thereof. Also disclosed are methods to prevent or ameliorate menopausal syndromes and to improve in vitro fertilization techniques. |
| US07850979B2 |
Compositions for immunizing against mycobacterium
A method for generating a T cell immune response in a host involving administering a vectored vaccine comprising a non-replicating or replication impaired viral vector expressing the translation product of a mycobacterial antigen 85A gene. Vectored vaccines and uses thereof are also provided. Also provided is a method of inducing a CD8 and a CD4 memory T cell response against an antigen using an adenovirus vector expressing an antigen or an immunogenic fragment thereof. |
| US07850977B2 |
Promoterless cassettes for expression of alphavirus structural proteins
The present invention provides an isolated RNA molecule comprising: a) an alphavirus 5′ replication recognition sequence, wherein at least one initiation codon has been removed from the 5′ replication recognition sequence; b) a nucleotide sequence encoding an alphavirus structural protein; and c) an alphavirus 3′ replication recognition sequence, with the proviso that the RNA molecule does not contain a promoter that directs transcription of the nucleotide sequence of (b), and wherein the alphavirus 5′ and 3′ replication recognition sequences of (a) and (c) direct replication of the RNA molecule in the presence of alphavirus nonstructural proteins. |
| US07850976B2 |
Insulin resistance improving agents
The invention provides an insulin resistance improving agent and a therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes, which contain a C-terminal globular domain of adiponectin, adiponectin, or a gene for the domain or adiponectin. The invention also provides a method for improving insulin resistance and treating type 2 diabetes by administering the aforementioned agent(s). |
| US07850975B2 |
Chemically programmable immunity
The present invention is related to methods and compositions that are capable of immediately immunizing a human or animal against any molecule or compound. The present invention comprises an immunity linker molecule with at least two sites; (1) a first binding site that binds to an immune system molecule in a human or animal that has been preimmunized against the first binding site, and (2) one or more second binding sites that bind specifically to a desired compound or molecule. The first binding site and the second binding site(s) are linked by a linker portion of the molecule. |
| US07850972B2 |
Cryptosporidium parvum antigens, antibodies thereto and diagnostic and therapeutic compositions thereof
Cloning and expression of genes encoding C. parvum antigenic polypeptides are described as are antibodies that recognize epitopes on these polypeptides. The antigenic polypeptides and antibodies thereto can be used in therapeutic compositions for the prevention and treatment of C. parvum infections, as well as in diagnostic methods for determining the presence of C. parvum infections. |
| US07850971B2 |
PSMA antibodies and protein multimers
The invention includes antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof which bind specifically to conformational epitopes on the extracellular domain of PSMA, compositions containing one or a combination of such antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof, hybridoma cell lines that produce the antibodies, and methods of using the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The invention also includes oligomeric forms of PSMA proteins, compositions comprising the multimers, and antibodies that selectively bind to the multimers. |
| US07850967B2 |
Method of treating a patient having an autoimmune disorder by administering an antibody that binds human BAFFR
Therapeutic regimens for administration of BAFF antagonists for treatment of immunologic and related disorders are described. Regimens involve a short-term BAFF antagonist administration course followed by an extended no-treatment period prior the round of administration. |
| US07850966B2 |
Method of treating breast cancer using anti-HER2 antibody variants
The present invention concerns novel antibody variants, particularly anti-HER2 antibody variants having substitutions at positions within the variable domains of the heavy and light chains. |
| US07850964B2 |
BMP-1 procollagen c-proteinase for diagnosis and treatment of bone and soft tissue defects and disorders
Uses of BMP-1 isoforms for diagnosing and treating defects and disorders of bone and soft tissues are described. Also described is a newly isolated variant of the BMP-1 isoform BMP-1-3. |
| US07850963B2 |
Vascular endothelial growth factor 2
Disclosed are human VEGF-2 antibodies, antibody fragments, or variants thereof. Also provided are processes for producing such antibodies. The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder comprising administering to an animal, preferably a human, an effective amount of one or more VEGF-2 antibodies or fragments or variants thereof. |
| US07850962B2 |
Human monoclonal antibodies against CD20
Isolated human monoclonal antibodies which bind to and inhibit human CD20, and related antibody-based compositions and molecules, are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the human antibodies, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the human antibodies. |
| US07850959B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating conditions involving abnormal angiogenesis
The present invention features methods and compositions for preventing, reducing, or treating hypoxia and pathological disorders involving abnormal angiogenesis (e.g., conditions involving decreases or increases in blood flow, respectively). Where an increase in angiogenesis is desired, the mammal being treated for an ischemic condition is provided with Related Transcriptional Enhancer Factor-1 (RTEF-1; as a recombinant polypeptide or as an expression vector) sufficient to increase expression of VEGF, FGFR, or COX-2. This results in a concomitant increase in angiogenesis. Conversely, a mammal being treated for a hypervascular condition is administered a composition that reduces the levels of RTEF-1, thereby reducing the expression of VEGF, FGFR, or COX-2, which results in a decrease in angiogenesis. Also disclosed are screening methods that make use of RTEF-1 for the identification of novel therapeutics for the treatment, prevention, or reduction of pathological disorders involving hypoxia or abnormal angiogenesis, namely, ischemic or hypervascular conditions. |
| US07850957B2 |
Adenovirus/alphavirus hybrid vector for the effective administration and expression of therapeutic genes in tumour cells
The present invention relates to a genic expression adenoviral hybrid vector characterized in that it contains at least the following elements, oriented in the direction 5′ to 3′: i. a first chain of adenoviral origin comprising a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequence and a signal sequence for packaging of the adenovirus; ii. a first non-encoding stuffer sequence; iii. a sequence corresponding to a tissue specific promoter; iv. a chain of cDNA derived from an alphavirus, the sequence of which is partly complementary to an alphaviral RNA sequence, comprising at least a sequence encoding for at least one exogenous gene of interest; v. a polyadenylation sequence; and vi. a second adenoviral inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequence, it preferably relates to an adenoviral hybrid vector comprising as exogenous gene of interest the therapeutic gene of mammalian interleukin IL-12 and even more preferably human interleukin hIL-12; and to the use of the hybrid vector in a process for transferring genetic material to a cell, particularly a tumor cell that preferably expresses alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and to its use for inducing an immune response against foreign antigens. |
| US07850956B2 |
Immunization by inoculation of DNA transcription unit
This invention relates to a method of immunizing a vertebrate, comprising introducing into the vertebrate a DNA transcription unit which comprises DNA encoding a desired antigen or antigens. The uptake of the DNA transcription unit by a host vertebrate results in the expression of the desired antigen or antigens, thereby eliciting humoral or cell-mediated immune responses or both humoral and cell-mediated responses. The elicited humoral and cell-mediated immune response can provide protection against infection by pathogenic agents, provide an anti-tumor response, or provide contraception. The host can be any vertebrate, avian or mammal, including humans. |
| US07850952B2 |
Hair treatment compositions
A mousse, cream, lotion or spray leave on hair treatment composition comprising a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive. |
| US07850950B2 |
Composition for washing and conditioning keratin fibers, comprising a particular amphiphilic diblock copolymer
The present invention relates to a composition for washing and conditioning keratin fibers, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium: at least one washing base comprising at least one anionic surfactant, and at least one anionic or nonionic amphiphilic diblock copolymer, comprising a hydrophilic block and a hydrophobic block, other than a diblock copolymer of ethylene oxide and of propylene oxide, a urethane block copolymer and a siloxane block copolymer, where the amphiphilic diblock copolymer has a ratio of the number of monomer units in the hydrophilic block to the number of monomer units in the hydrophobic block ranging from 7 to 24.The invention also relates to the method of using this composition for washing and conditioning keratin fibers, such as hair, and to a process for washing and conditioning keratin fibers using it. |
| US07850949B2 |
Purification of synthetic oligomers
This invention provides a novel method for purifying synthetic oligomers comprising capping, polymerizing and separating any failure sequences produced during oligomer synthesis. Either the failure sequence or the full-length oligomer may be polymerized. Optionally, small molecule impurities may also be incorporated into the polymerized material. The invention provides novel capping agents having a polymerizable functional group. The invention also provides kits comprising at least one composition of the present invention. |
| US07850947B2 |
Gastrin releasing peptide compounds
New and improved compounds for use in diagnostic imaging or therapy having the formula M-N—O—P-G, wherein M is a metal chelator having the structure: wherein R1-R5 and FG are define herein (in the form complexed with a metal radionuclide or not), N—O—P is the linker containing at least one non-alpha amino acid with a cyclic group, at least one substituted bile acid or at least one non-alpha amino acid, and G is the GRP receptor targeting peptide. In the preferred embodiment, M is an Aazta metal chelator or a derivative thereof. Methods for imaging a patient and/or providing radiotherapy or phototherapy to a patient using the compounds of the invention are also provided. Methods and kits for preparing a diagnostic imaging agent from the compound is further provided. Methods and kits for preparing a radiotherapeutic agent are further provided. |
| US07850944B2 |
Steam-hydrocarbon reforming method with limited steam export
A method for generating hydrogen and/or synthesis gas in a production facility where little or no export steam is produced. Most or all of the high pressure steam produced from the waste heat from the process is used in the steam-hydrocarbon reformer with little or no steam export. The method uses oxygen enhanced combustion which may involve oxygen lancing and/or oxygen-enrichment. Plant efficiencies using the method and prior art-type methods are compared. |
| US07850938B2 |
Silicon particles, silicon particle superlattice and method for producing the same
A production method, comprising a step of synthesizing silicon particle-containing silicon oxide particles by performing a gas phase reaction of monosilane gas and oxidizing gas for oxidizing the monosilane gas and a step of removing the silicon oxide with hydrofluoric acid after holding the silicon oxide particle powder in an inert atmosphere at 800-1400°, provides high-purity silicon nanoparticles which are highly practical as material powder for high-performance light-emitting elements and electronic parts in an industrial scale. |
| US07850935B2 |
Process and catalyst system for NOx reduction
Process for reducing nitrogen oxides to nitrogen in an exhaust gas comprising passing the exhaust gas in the presence of an oxygen-containing organic reducing agent through a catalyst system comprising at least two catalyst beds, in which a first catalyst bed comprises only alumina and a second catalyst bed downstream comprises only indium supported on alumina. |
| US07850932B2 |
Apparatus for deactivating instruments and devices
An apparatus for deactivating medical instruments and devices having a circulation system for circulating fluids through the apparatus and a chemical delivery assembly for generating a deactivation fluid to circulate through the circulation system. The chemical delivery assembly is comprised of a chemistry housing that has a first receptacle and a second receptacle formed therein. A first fluid inlet communicates with the first receptacle. A second fluid inlet communicates with the second receptacle. A first fluid outlet is disposed near an upper portion of the first receptacle to establish a predetermined fluid level in the first receptacle when fluid is introduced into the first receptacle. A second fluid outlet is disposed near an upper portion of the second receptacle to establish a predetermined fluid level in the second receptacle when fluid is introduced into the second receptacle. A lid is attached to the chemistry housing. The lid is movable between a first position and a second position. The lid seals the chemistry housing and isolates the first receptacle from the second receptacle when the lid is in the first position. The first receptacle and the second receptacle are accessible when the lid is in the second position. |
| US07850931B2 |
Self-contained deactivation device
A mobile deactivation apparatus for deactivating contaminants within a defined region that includes a source of a vaporous deactivating agent, a gas handling system, a support member, a drive means, a control system, and a power system is disclosed. The gas handling system dispenses the vaporous deactivating agent to the defined region. The support member is movable in the defined region and supports the source of the vaporous deactivating agent and the gas handling system. The support member can be propelled by the drive means. The control system is programmed to control the operation of the gas handling system and the drive means. A power system is provided to supply power to the mobile deactivation apparatus. |
| US07850930B2 |
Microreactor
The microreactor for mixing and discharging multiple raw material liquids is obtained by laminating: a base plate in which a raw material introducing fluid channel is formed; a raw material introducing plate; and a mixing fluid channel plate which is arranged between the base plate and the raw material introducing plate, and in which a mixing fluid channel is formed. The microreactor includes: a mixing fluid channel in the mixing fluid channel plate which is formed in the mixing fluid channel plate, and in which a flow is contracted in its width direction; and a mixing fluid channel in the base plate which is formed in the base plate, and which has a fluid channel cross-section which becomes larger in its depth direction as it goes downstream. The mixing fluid channel in the base plate communicates with the mixing fluid channel in the mixing fluid channel plate, and is connected to an outlet orifice from which to discharge the mixed liquids. |
| US07850927B2 |
Holding seal member for exhaust gas purifier, exhaust gas purification apparatus employing the same, jig for chamfering holding seal member, and method for manufacturing holding seal member
A chamfered holding seal member has an edge including an inclined surface. When the holding seal member, which is for winding around an exhaust gas purifier body, is inserted into a tubular shell, the holding seal member elastically deforms and the inclined surface becomes substantially flush with the end face of the exhaust gas purifier body. |
| US07850926B2 |
Process of discontinuous polycondensation and stirring reactor thereof
A process for the discontinuous production of granules from polycondensation polymers by precondensation of an oligomer at 5 to 400 mbar and subsequent polycondensation in a stirring reactor and subsequent granulation. In the vicinity of the outlet port, the density of the entraining surfaces lies between 1 and 8 m2 per m3 reactor space and constantly increases with increasing distance from the discharge region. Inside the reactor, there is a viscosity gradient between the region most remote from the discharge port and the zone of the discharge port. The thermal decomposition of the polymer melt flowing out of the reactor is compensated during granulation.The stirring reactor with horizontal longitudinal axis approximately has the shape of a single or double truncated cone. The reactor has rotatable, vertical product entraining surfaces and stationary scrapers between the same. |
| US07850925B2 |
Apparatus for removal of vaporized hydrogen peroxide from a region
A method and apparatus for aerating a region exposed to a gaseous/vaporous sterilant. A catalytic destroyer and a reactive chemical unit are used to reduce the concentration of the gaseous/vaporous sterilant within the region. The reactive chemical unit includes a chemistry that is chemically reactive with the gaseous/vaporous sterilant. In one embodiment, the gaseous/vaporous sterilant is vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the chemistry of the reactive chemical unit includes thiosulfate and iodide. |
| US07850924B2 |
User notification of tank type for trigas (CO2/O2/N2 systems)
An apparatus for notifying a user which gas tank(s) to connect to an enclosed chamber such as an incubator. The user inputs the desired setpoints for gasses such as O2 and CO2, and the corresponding gas level is determined. The determined gas level is compared with the setpoint of the gas and can display, which gas tank(s) should be hooked up to chamber. |
| US07850922B2 |
Fluid sample collection system
A fluid sample collection system includes a vial, a plunger and a fluid sample collection device having an absorbent for absorbing and retaining a fluid sample therein. The plunger includes an elongated handle portion and a plunger head portion detachably connected to the handle portion. The plunger also includes a splash guard supported on the handle portion. During the sample collection process, the saturated absorbent from the sample collection device is placed into the vial and the plunger is then advanced toward a closed end of the vial to express the fluid sample from the absorbent. The plunger head portion is retained within the vial with the absorbent in a generally compressed state and the handle portion is detached and removed from the vial. |
| US07850919B2 |
Liquid sample collector interface
Liquid sample collector interface, comprising a cap detachably interlocked with housing, with the cap having a filter chamber that accommodates a filter with a large surface area that extends beyond an end of the filter chamber for easy removal of the filter without the use of tools. |
| US07850918B2 |
Multiple sample gas sorption tester
Embodiments of the invention contemplate an apparatus that determines gas sorption properties of a large number of material samples simultaneously, by sequentially measuring the pressure in a plurality of sample chambers until all chambers have reached equilibrium pressure. In most applications, it is most useful to quantify the sorption capacity of a material under specific conditions, i.e., at a certain temperature and pressure. Because sorption capacity is determined by bringing a material sample to an equilibrium state with a dosing gas, detailed kinetic data related to the sorption properties of a material are not absolutely necessary. Therefore, complete pressure-time curves are not typically necessary, and only the equilibrium pressure of a material sample for a given quantity of dosing gas is required. |
| US07850917B2 |
Particle agglutination in a tip
An apparatus and a related method for performing particle agglutination reactions in a single, disposable probe tip are disclosed. The probe tip includes a sample cavity for sample acquisition, at least one flanking cavity for the capture of particles by centrifugation or other means, a transition zone for the mixing of the sample with reagents for agglutination and a detection zone for the optical detection of particle agglutination. A mechanism may be attached to the probe tip for the controlled movement of fluids through the internal volume of the probe tip. The probe tip is particularly useful for the automation of high-throughput agglutination-type assays. |
| US07850913B2 |
Method of paraffin-penetration treatment for tissue preparation and apparatus for the treatment
The present invention provides a paraffin-penetration treatment method for a tissue preparation, which is capable of enabling sufficient penetration of paraffin even into a tissue preparation, into which paraffin can hardly penetrate by a conventional paraffin-penetration treatment method. When the penetration of the paraffin into the tissue preparation is performed by immersing the tissue preparation in molten paraffin after a dehydrating and a degreasing treatments, the method comprises the steps of: immersing the tissue preparation in the molten paraffin so as to allow the paraffin to penetrate into the tissue preparation; cooling the tissue preparation so as to solidify the paraffin having penetrated thereinto; and immersing the tissue preparation in the molten paraffin again so as to melt the paraffin having penetrated thereinto, and the above described solidification treatment and melting treatment are conducted at least once for one tissue preparation. |
| US07850910B2 |
Compact foldable meter
A foldable instrument (10) adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor is disclosed. The instrument comprises a first portion (12) including a display (22) and a second portion (14) pivotally coupled to the first portion by a pivot mechanism (23). The second portion includes a user-interface mechanism (16a-c). One of the first portion (12) and second portion (14) includes at least one opening (18) formed therein. The opening is adapted to receive a test sensor. The instrument is adapted to be folded into a closed position and unfolded into an open position by rotating one of the first portion and second portion about the pivot mechanism (23). |
| US07850908B1 |
Detecting bacteria by direct counting of structural protein units or pili by IVDS and mass spectrometry
A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment. More particularly, the system may be used to detect and identify bacteria by detecting the presence of bacterial pili which have been separated from bacterial cells in the sample. The system includes means for collecting a sample from the environment, separating pili from bacteria in the sample, and purifying and concentrating the submicron sized pili in the sample based on the size of the pili. The purified and concentrated pili are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives output from the capillary, and a condensation particle counting device for counting the number of pili sized particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer. |
| US07850907B2 |
Fabricating structures in micro-fluidic channels based on hydrodynamic focusing
Forming a structure attached to a micro-fluidic channel based on hydrodynamic focusing is disclosed. In one aspect, a polymerizable fluid and a focusing fluid may be introduced into a hydrodynamic focusing system. The polymerizable fluid may be hydrodynamically focused with the focusing fluid. Then the focused polymerizable fluid may be polymerized to form a structure attached to a channel of the hydrodynamic focusing system. |
| US07850901B2 |
Conditioning system and method for use in the measurement of mercury in gaseous emissions
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems used to measure mercury in gaseous emissions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to the use of silicon carbide as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, at least one of silicon nitride, silicon boride, and/or boron nitride is used as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to an improved pyrolyzer design, in which a thermal pyrolysis unit comprises a tailpiece that allows water to be injected at the heated exit of the thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a coalescing filter in a scrubbing unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a hydrophobic filter element in a scrubbing unit. One or more of these elements may be used in a conditioning module of a continuous emissions monitoring system, for example. |
| US07850899B2 |
Method of making spun-bond web from multicomponent filaments
A web is made by first extruding multicomponent filaments from a spinneret and then passing the extruded filaments through a process air shaft. Cold air is directed against the filaments in the process air shaft to cool and aerodynamically stretch the filaments while excluding the entry of other air into the process air shaft. The cooled and stretched multicomponent filaments are then deposited in a mat on a support, and then the mat of multicomponent filaments to a web is consolidated by subjecting it to water jets at a pressure of 10 bar to 200 bar such that the multicomponent filaments fuse together at crossover points and the filaments have a considerable free length between crossover points where they are fused. Finally the web is heat treated to crinkle the filaments thereof and bulk of the web. |
| US07850897B2 |
Method and device for manufacturing a unitary caul sheet
A method and device are provided for manufacturing a unitary caul sheet to be used in creating a composite material fuselage for an airplane. Specifically, a generally tubular shaped tool having a hollow interior cavity defining a fuselage IML surface is provided. In the method, a caul sheet material such as polyurea is applied to the IML surface before an armature is inserted into the interior cavity of the tool. Then, a filler material is introduced between the armature and the caul sheet material. Further, steam is injected to form the filler material into an infrastructure. Then, the caul sheet material is cured before the tool is removed from the caul sheet material to expose the caul sheet to receive composite material. |
| US07850893B2 |
Molded plastic container and preform having insert-molded RFID tag
An RFID assembly includes an RFID inlay, with an RFID tag, encapsulated within a plastic housing. The housing has a peripheral array of flexible resilient fingers for mounting the housing within a pocket on a support structure, such as a pocket on a mold core. The pocket preferably is on an end of the mold core so that the RFID assembly preferably is disposed substantially beneath the end surface of the mold core. Plastic material, which preferably is the same plastic material as forms the plastic housing in which the inlay is contained, can be injected into a mold cavity surrounding the mold core and the assembly housing without eroding the material of the housing. |
| US07850892B2 |
Method of fabricating a test blade of composite material
A test blade and a method for fabricating the test blade are presented for use in calibrating a tomography system configured to inspect turbomachine blades for defects. The test blade may include a three-dimensional fiber blank and a polymerized resin. The blank may be created by weaving synthetic material fibers. The resin may be configured to be injected into a mold as a liquid where the resin may polymerize around the fiber blank. The test blade may be configured to be modified to include particular defects such as cut fibers and/or cavity defects which are perceived by the tomography system. The dimensions of the cavity defects may be substantially created by pulling two or more fibers apart at a specific distance with a spreading tool. |
| US07850891B2 |
Method of manufacturing suction cup
A suction cup includes a suction cup main body, an attachment surface and a gel layer. The surface of the gel layer serves as a suction surface. In a method of manufacturing a suction cup, a cavity is formed in the inside of a common mold and a primary mold. Next, a synthetic resin material is injected into the cavity, to mold the suction cup main body. Subsequently, the primary mold is opened, to obtain the suction cup main body. Next, a secondary mold is mated to the common mold, whereby a cavity is formed in the inside of the common mold and the secondary mold. Subsequently, a gel is injected into the cavity, to mold the gel layer. Next, the secondary mold is opened, to obtain a suction cup composed of the gel layer and the suction cup main body, on the common mold. |
| US07850890B2 |
Method of manufacturing a fuel tank
A polymeric fuel tank having a first body joined to a second body is constructed having a substantially continuously barrier layer surrounding the tank. The first body has an inner surface terminating at a free edge and a first mating surface adjacent the free edge. A first barrier layer is fixed adjacent the inner surface of the first body. The second body has an inner surface terminating at a free edge and has a second mating surface adjacent to the first mating surface and the free edge of the second body to define a fuel cavity. A second barrier layer is fixed adjacent the inner surface of the second body. At least one weld joint joins the first mating surface to the second mating surface and the first barrier layer to the second barrier layer to provide the continuous barrier layer in the fuel tank. |
| US07850885B2 |
Device and method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object with a heated recoater for a building material in powder form
A device and a method for the manufacturing of a three-dimensional object (3) by solidifying of layers (25, 26) of a powder material at locations corresponding to the respective cross-section of the object (3) is provided. The device comprises a recoater (24) for applying the layers of the powder material (27) in the building area (5) which is moveable across the building area (5). The recoater (24) is designed with a rigid blade (21a, 21b) which is rigidly connected to the recoater (24). For preheating the powder material (27), the recoater (24) is provided with a heating device (20, 23) which is at least partially integrated into the recoater. In this way it is possible to preheat the powder already during or prior to applying it as a layer and thereby shortening the whole building time for the three-dimensional object (3). |
| US07850881B2 |
Inorganic hollow fibers
The invention relates to inorganic hollow fibers, to a spinning mass and to a method for producing the same as well as to the use thereof for material transports, for the exchange of gases and in separation procedures. The hollow fibers according to the invention are obtainable by processing a spinning mass to a hollow fiber according to general methods, by curing said fiber thermally, via radiation induction or via chemical induction, and by removing the organic components via pyrolysis. The spinning mass is obtained by hydrolytic polycondensation of hydrolyzable compounds of silicon, aluminum, titanium and zirconium and optionally of co-condensable compounds of the elements Li, Na, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Sn or Pb. The hydrolytic polycondensation is performed by adding water or moisture. If desired, monomers or oligomers which may undergo co-polymerization or (poly)addition, curing catalysts, pore generating additives or compounds of the elements Li, Na, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Sn and Pb which are soluble in the reaction medium are added to the spinning mass. |
| US07850880B2 |
Method for forming aspherical optical element
An arrangement is made such that the magnitude of cure shrinkage obtained by multiplying the thickness of a resin layer 2 between a master mold 1 and a negative mold substrate 3 by the cure shrinkage ratio of the resin and the magnitude of cure shrinkage obtained by multiplying the thickness of a resin layer 4 between the negative mold 23 and the surface of the spherical or flat substrate 5 by the cure shrinkage ratio of the resin can be compensated for by each other. In accordance with this method, an aspherical optical element having a higher precision than ever can be formed at reduced cost by a replica method involving the addition of a resin layer to the surface of a spherical or flat substrate. |
| US07850875B2 |
Ink composition and pattern forming method
An ink composition includes a metal microparticle, a dispersion medium having water as a main ingredient, a dispersant for dispersing the metal microparticle into the dispersion medium, and a water-soluble polyhydric alcohol that is trivalent to hexavalent and solid under normal conditions, and whose concentration is 5 to 20 weight % relative to a total weight of the ink composition. |
| US07850866B2 |
Etchant and array substrate having copper lines etched by the etchant
An etchant includes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and a mixed solution including at least one of an organic acid, an inorganic acid, and a neutral salt. |
| US07850865B1 |
Highly concentrated foam formulation for blast mitigation
A highly concentrated foam formulation for blast suppression and dispersion mitigation for use in responding to a terrorism incident involving a radiological dispersion device. The foam formulation is more concentrated and more stable than the current blast suppression foam (AFC-380), which reduces the logistics burden on the user. |
| US07850862B2 |
Textured surface having undercut micro recesses in a surface
Textured surface having micro recesses such that the outer surface overhangs the micro recesses. Embodiments of the textured surface include sharp edges for promoting bone deposition and growth within the micro recesses, protrusions of varying depth from the surface that include overhangs, and micro recesses that are at least partially defined by complex ellipsoids. |
| US07850860B2 |
Plate settler with angular support members
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a plate settler comprising: a plurality of plates, each plate defining a first end, a second end, and a settling surface there between; a plurality of angular support members extending from and structurally supporting the first ends of respective ones of the plurality of plates, each angular support member defining a first lateral flow encouraging surface and a second lateral flow encouraging surface; and a plurality of headloss control gaps defined by the plurality of angular support members. The first lateral flow encouraging surface of each angular support member may combine with the second lateral flow encouraging surface of an adjacent angular support member to define a generally v-shaped lateral flow channel. |
| US07850858B2 |
Granulocyte adsorbent
This invention relates to a granulocyte adsorbent comprising a polymer compound having an unsubstituted hydroxyl group and a hydroxyl group in which H has been substituted with at least one substituent R, a method for producing such adsorbent, a device for adsorbing granulocytes and a system for removing granulocytes using such adsorbent, and body fluid or a cell suspension from which granulocytes have been removed using such adsorbent. |
| US07850854B2 |
Method for perchlorate removal and destruction
A method and apparatus for adsorbing perchlorate in a fluid and successively destroying it. Perchlorate in the fluid is removed by adsorption on an adsorbent in a column. The adsorbent is then regenerated by desorbing perchlorate, and the perchlorate in the regenerant is then chemically destroyed. |
| US07850852B2 |
Process for producing amino acid or salt thereof by column technique and production apparatus thereof
According to the process for producing amino acid or salt thereof in the present invention, in the adsorption step, an amino acid-containing aqueous solution is fed into a pressure tight column so that a free amino acid is adsorbed on a carbonate-type anion exchange resin packed in the pressure tight column. Subsequently, in the elution step, eluent liquid containing a hydrogen carbonate ion and/or a carbonate ion is injected into the pressure tight column in a pressurized state to elute the amino acid adsorbed on the anion exchange resin and simultaneously to regenarate the anion exchange resin into the carbonate-type. In the case of purifying an acidic amino acid, an aqueous ammonium carbonate solution is employed as the eluent liquid. In the case of purifying a neutral amino acid, an aqueous carbonic acid solution, an aqueous hydrogen carbonate solution, an aqueous ammonium hydrogen carbonate solution or an aqueous ammonium carbonate solution is employed as the eluent liquid. Further, a breakthrough liquid discharged from the adsorption step is optionally concentrated to remove the volatile carbonate acid component and ammonium component from the breakthrough liquid. Thus, the solid content in the breakthrough liquid can be reduced. |
| US07850851B2 |
Biological phosphorus removal
A process for treating waste water to remove phosphorous and nitrogen in a treatment system including an anaerobic zone (5) containing an anaerobic mixed liquor having organisms which release phosphorous into the anaerobic mixed liquor; an anoxic zone (7) containing an anoxic mixed liquor having organisms which uptake phosphorous and denitrify the anoxic mixed liquor and an aerobic zone (9) containing an aerobic mixed liquor having organisms which uptake phosphorous and nitrify the aerobic mixed liquor; the process including the steps of providing wastewater to be treated into the anaerobic zone (5) and communicating anaerobic mixed liquor from the anaerobic zone (5) to the anoxic zone (7). The anoxic mixed liquor is then communicated from the anoxic zone (7) to the anaerobic zone (5) and the anoxic mixed liquor from the anoxic zone (7) to the amble zone (9). The aerobic mixed liquor is applied to a feed side of a membrane filter (10) to produce a treated effluent from a filtrate side of the membrane filter (10). Oxygen-containing gas bubbles is flowed past the feed side of the membrane filter (10) to remove accumulated solids. At least some of the material rejected by the membrane filter (10) is communicated to a degassing device (20) to remove some or all of any dissolved oxygen contained in the rejected material and the degassed material is communicated to the anoxic zone (7). |
| US07850850B2 |
Apparatus and methods for control of waste treatment processes
Waste-treatment processes are enhanced through generation and introduction of specific biological populations customized to perform or favor specific tasks either during the main process, for the formation or precipitation of certain biological nutrients, or to accomplish solids formation reduction in a post-treatment process. These bacteria may be grown from specialized mixes of activated sludge and waste influent by exposing these materials to controlled environments (e.g., in an off-line treatment area). They may then be returned to the main process to perform certain tasks such as converting particulate cBOD into soluble cBOD for utilization, to reduce high solids yield organisms by supplementing the population with low yield organisms, to provide biological nutrients or oxygenation assistance, to improve nitrification/denitrification efficiency, or to disfavor filamentous biology such as Norcardia sp. |
| US07850845B2 |
Filter with installation integrity and magnetic flow-control
A filter with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition. |
| US07850840B2 |
Method of diagnosing malfunction in gas concentration detecting unit and malfunction diagnostic apparatus thereof
To provide a malfunction diagnosing method and apparatus capable of reliably determining a malfunction even where the malfunction occurs in a common wire connecting a gas sensor and a control circuit for driving it. In a gas concentration measurement unit 1 having a sensor control circuit 50 which is connected to a sensor element 10 including an oxygen pump cell 14 and an oxygen concentration detection cell 24 and controls and drives this sensor element 10, a variation state of a terminal voltage at one connecting point (specifically, a Vs+ terminal) other than connecting points between electrodes facing a measurement chamber of each cell 14 and 24 and a common wire 24 is detected by a malfunction detection circuit 53 and an arithmetic processor 54. Based on this variation state of the terminal voltage, diagnosis of malfunction in the common wire 42 is executed. When the common wire 42 is broken, the terminal voltage at the Vs+ terminal varies with oscillations. Therefore, the malfunction detection circuit 53 and the arithmetic processor 54 detect this voltage variation with oscillations to output a malfunction determination signal to a CPU. |
| US07850837B2 |
Aluminum support for lithographic printing plate, method of preparing the same and presensitized plate using the same
The present invention provides a method for preparing an aluminum support for lithographic printing plate, the aluminum support for a lithographic printing plate obtained by the method and a presensitized plate using the same, characterized in that anodizing treatment is performed on an aluminum plate after hydrochloric acid electrolytic graining treatment if necessary, nitric acid electrolytic graining treatment are performed on the aluminum plate at a specified ratio of quantities of electricity, and with this method, a lower-purity aluminum plate could be used and a obtained support for a lithographic printing plate is excellent in press life and scum resistance when a lithographic printing plate is prepared. |
| US07850836B2 |
Method of electro-depositing a conductive material in at least one through-hole via of a semiconductor substrate
An initial pulse current cycle is supplied to at least one through-hole via. The pulse current cycle includes a forward pulse current. The magnitude of the forward pulse current is lower than the magnitude of the reverse pulse current. A corresponding forward and reverse current density is generated across the via causing conductive material to be deposited within the via, thereby reducing the effective aspect ratio of the via. At least one subsequent pulse current cycle is supplied. The magnitudes of the forward and reverse pulse currents of the subsequent pulse current cycle are determined in relation to the reduced effective aspect ratio. A subsequent corresponding forward and reverse current density is generated across the through-hole via causing conductive material to be deposited within the via, thereby further reducing the effective aspect ratio of the via. |
| US07850833B2 |
Oxygen sensor and air/fuel ratio control system
An oxygen sensor generating an accurate output concerning low-concentration exhaust gas positioned downstream of a three-way catalyst. The oxygen sensor includes an exhaust gas side electrode exposed to an exhaust gas; a reference gas side electrode exposed to a reference gas serving as a reference for oxygen concentration; and an electrolyte positioned between the exhaust gas side electrode and the reference gas side electrode. Further, a reduction mechanism positioned toward a front surface of the exhaust gas side electrode ensures the ratio of the amount of exhaust gas introduced to the exhaust gas side electrode to the amount of an exhaust gas flow to the outside of the oxygen sensor is smaller than the ratio of the amount of exhaust gas introduced to an electrode for the air-fuel ratio sensor to the amount of an exhaust gas flow to the outside of the air-fuel ratio sensor. |
| US07850830B2 |
Method and apparatus for racking articles for surface treatment
A process employing a rack having an article carrier that is movably supported on a frame and mechanically coupled for translating movement from a motor to the article carrier to effect movement of an article during processing to provide more uniform surface treatment, reducing or eliminating the need for shielding. |
| US07850829B2 |
Sputter targets with expansion grooves for reduced separation
A magnetron sputtering target having at least one expansion groove strategically located on the target surface such that, during magnetron sputtering, contamination of the target surface due to separation and de-lamination of re-deposited sputtered particles from the target surface is reduced. The sputter target comprises a re-deposited layer having secondary cracks and a characteristic distance between cracks for supporting the inherent material stress associated with the thermal expansion of the target. The expansion groove is then positioned substantially within the characteristic distance to reduce separation and de-lamination of the re-deposited layer from the target surface. |
| US07850826B2 |
Multi-stage flash evaporator
The present invention provides a multi stage flash long tube evaporator with flash stages arranged in a plurality of at least three tiers, wherein each tier is divided into a plurality of at least two flash stages and a plurality of at least three tube bundles are arranged in parallel and in a longitudinal direction in each tier. This configuration allows to minimize the evaporator shell volume, shell surface, foot print and weight, minimizing the cost of an evaporator and other related plant cost. This configuration is in particular suitable for large evaporator unit capacities. |
| US07850817B2 |
Polishing device and substrate processing device
A polishing apparatus has a plurality of polishing units. Moving mechanisms for moving top rings between polishing positions on polishing surfaces and wafer receiving/delivering positions are provided in each of the polishing units. Linear transporters are provided for transferring a wafer between a plurality of transferring positions including the wafer receiving/delivering positions. Pushers for receiving and delivering the wafer between the linear transporters and the top rings are provided at the transferring positions as the wafer receiving/delivering positions. |
| US07850814B2 |
Polymeric conductor donor and transfer method
The present invention relates to a donor laminate for transfer of a conductive layer comprising at least one electronically conductive polymer on to a receiver, wherein the receiver is a component of a device. The present invention also relates to methods pertinent to such transfers. |
| US07850813B2 |
Method for producing a functional member having no base material
A method for manufacturing a thin functional member having no base material, which exhibits a special function and is free from curling caused by the base material. The method includes the following steps (1) to (4): (1) filling a functional layer comprising an ionizing radiation curable resin between a base material and a mold having a predetermined concavo-convex pattern, (2) irradiating the filled functional layer with ionizing radiation to half-cure the functional layer, and then delaminating the functional layer and the base material from the mold, (3) adhering an adhesive sheet to a part of the functional layer, and delaminating the functional layer from the base material starting from a portion to which the adhesive sheet is adhered, and (4) irradiating the functional layer with ionizing radiation again to further cure the functional layer. |
| US07850812B2 |
Methods for manufacturing a paint roller and component parts thereof
Described is a method of making a laminated paint roller wherein a perforated strip of thermoplastic material is advanced, the perforated strip having holes there-through. A lubricant is applied to the inner surface of the advancing perforated strip of thermoplastic material. The lubricated, perforated strip of thermoplastic material is helically wound around a cooled mandrel so as to form a helically wound strip wherein the inner surface of the perforated strip faces the cooled mandrel and the outer surface of the perforated strip faces away from the cooled mandrel. The wound perforated strip is advanced along the cooled mandrel. A layer of adhesive is applied onto an outer surface of the wound perforated strip. A strip of composite cover material is helically wrapped about the wound strip and over the layer of adhesive, the outer surface of the composite cover material comprising a pile fabric, and the inner surface of the composite cover material comprising thermoplastic. A compressive force is applied upon the composite cover material to urge the composite cover material, the layer of adhesive and strip of thermoplastic material together against the cooled mandrel, thereby laminating the inner surface of the composite cover material to the outer surface of the strip. A method of making a composite cover material is also disclosed. |
| US07850811B2 |
Steerable kink-resistant sheath
A steerable kink resistant access device is provided having an elongated body and a steerable portion. The access sheath has an outside diameter sufficiently small so that it may be inserted into a body cavity or conduit. The access sheath typically has two internal lumen, a first lumen sized and configured as an access to a surgical site and a second lumen sized and configured to contain a tensioning device that, when acted upon, will deflect the steerable portion. The tensioning device may be directly or remotely attached to an actuation device that operates to control the tensioning and loosening of the tensioning device. |
| US07850810B2 |
Method of making porous self-cohered web materials
The present invention is directed to a method of making implantable bioabsorbable non-woven self-cohered web materials having a high degree of porosity. The web materials are very supple and soft, while exhibiting proportionally increased mechanical strength in one or more directions. The web materials often possess a high degree of loft. The web materials can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms suitable for use as implantable medical devices or components thereof. |
| US07850802B2 |
Fiberglass fabric flooring system
A hybrid of vinyl flooring and soft cushioned carpet is provided. The hybrid flooring, which is suitable for production into tiles, utilizes woven PVC fabric that is bonded to a flexible backing. The fabric comprises woven solid color and/or multi-color yarns in order to produce different visual styles. These yarns comprise a ceramic fiber core, preferably fiberglass, onto which PVC is extruded in order to form a PVC jacket. The core provides the yarn with sufficient tensile strength so it can be woven while the PVC provides durability, resistance to wear and color. After the fabric is woven, it is sent through a tentering or curing oven which fuses the warp and fill yarns of the fabric, thereby stabilizing the fabric, preserving its integrity and preventing it from unraveling. |
| US07850801B2 |
Layered film fabrication method, layered film defect detection method, layered film defect detection device, layered film, and image display device
A defect detection method of a layered film having a polarizing plate and an optical compensation layer includes steps of: applying light from a light source arranged at the polarizing plate layer side of the film surface of the layered film; a step of imaging a transmitting light image of the layered film by an imaging unit arranged at the optical compensation layer side of the film surface; and a defect detection step for detecting a defect existing on the layered film according to the transmitting light image captured by the imaging unit. The imaging unit performs imaging via an inspection polarizing filter arranged on the optical path between the light source and the imaging unit and adjacent to the imaging unit; and an inspection phase difference filter arranged on the optical path between the light source and the imaging unit and between the inspection polarizing filter and the layered film. |
| US07850799B2 |
Method for affixing adhesive tape to semiconductor wafer, and apparatus using the same
In association with movement of an affixation roller, a movement position of the affixation roller is detected by a rotation sensor based on a rotation amount of a motor. A control device changes and controls an amount of an adhesive tape to be fed forcibly based on a result of the detection, and keeps a tensile force applied to the adhesive tape in the affixation of the adhesive tape to the semiconductor wafer within a preset range. |
| US07850792B2 |
Grain-oriented electrical steel sheet having insulating film not containing chromium and insulating film agent of same
The present invention provides a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet product having a superior corrosion resistance, annealing resistance, film tension, and the like in insulating treatment based on a phosphate not containing chromium and a treatment agent for the same, so provides grain-oriented electrical steel sheet having an insulating film not containing chromium characterized by the insulating film containing a phosphate and one or more compounds selected from inorganic compounds of Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Sr, and Mo in an amount, as metal elements, of 0.06 to 2.10 moles per mole of phosphate, and an insulating film agent of the same. |
| US07850790B2 |
Reactive gases with concentrations of increased stability and processes for manufacturing same
Methods of passivating a metal surface are described, the methods comprising the steps of exposing the metal surface to a silicon-containing passivation material, evacuating the metal surface, exposing the treated surface to a gas composition, having a concentration of reactive gas that is greater than an intended reactive gas concentration of gas to be transported by the metal surface, evacuating the metal surface to remove substantially all of the gas composition to enable maintenance of an increased shelf-life, low concentration reactive gas at an intended concentration, and exposing the metal surface to the reactive gas at the intended reactive gas concentration. Manufactured products, high stability fluids, and methods of making same are also described. |
| US07850786B2 |
Method of improving corrosion resistance of stainless steel surfaces by a process of passivation
Described is a space-conserving integrated fluid delivery system particularly useful for gas distribution in semiconductor processing equipment. The system includes integrated fluid flow network architecture, and may include, in addition to a layered substrate containing fluid flow channels, various fluid handling and monitoring components. The layered substrate is diffusion bonded. Subsequent to diffusion bonding, a stainless steel diffusion bonded part may advantageously be treated to enhance corrosion resistance using a series of steps designed to bring more chromium to the surface of the steel. |
| US07850784B2 |
Lid seal for a drawer-type dishwasher
A drawer-type dishwasher includes a frame assembly, a wash tub slidably mounted in the frame assembly, and a lid member. The lid member can be lowered onto the wash tub when the wash tub is shifted into the frame assembly, and raised when the wash tub is shifted out of the frame assembly. The lid member includes a seal element that abuts the wash tub when the lid member is lowered. The seal element includes a base portion, an angled, deflecting finger portion and a flat pad portion which projects from the base portion. When the seal element is urged against the wash tub, a compressive force is applied to the flat pad portion causing the deflecting finger to seal against the wash tub in a manner that substantially shields the deflecting finger from excessive compressive forces. |
| US07850782B2 |
Thermally zoned substrate holder assembly
A thermally zoned substrate holder including a substantially cylindrical base having top and bottom surfaces configured to support a substrate. A plurality of temperature control elements are disposed within the base. An insulator thermally separates the temperature control elements. The insulator is made from an insulting material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the base (e.g., a gas- or vacuum-filled chamber). |
| US07850779B2 |
Apparatus and process for plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition
Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus configured to form a material during an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, such as a plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD) process. In one embodiment, a lid assembly for conducting a vapor deposition process within a process chamber is provided which includes an insulation cap and a plasma screen. In one example, the insulation cap has a centralized channel configured to flow a first process gas from an upper surface to an expanded channel and an outer channel configured to flow a second process gas from an upper surface to a groove which is encircling the expanded channel. In one example, the plasma screen has an upper surface containing an inner area with a plurality of holes and an outer area with a plurality of slots. The insulation cap may be positioned on top of the plasma screen to form a centralized gas region with the expanded channel and a circular gas region with the groove. |
| US07850778B2 |
Apparatus and method for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described. |
| US07850776B2 |
High belite-containing sulfoaluminous clinker, method for the production and the use thereof for preparing hydraulic binders
A sulphoaluminate clinker includes as a phasic formulation, compared with the total weight of clinker: 5 to 25% of a calcium aluminoferrite phase with a formulation corresponding to the general formula C2AXF(1−X), with X comprised between 0.2 and 0.8; 15 to 35% of a calcium sulphoaluminate phase yee' limit (C4A3$); 40 to 75% belite (C2S); from 0.01 to 10% of one or several minor phases selected from the group consisting of calcium sulphates, alkali sulphates, perovskite, calcium aluminates, gehlenite, free lime and periclase, and/or a vitreous phase, and additives including at least sodium and boron present in the following quantities, by weight as compared to the total weight of the clinker: from 0.1 to 5% of sodium expressed as sodium oxide and from 0.2 to 3% of boron, expressed as boron oxide, the total content of said additives being less than or equal to 15%. |
| US07850774B2 |
Ink for inkjet applications
An inkjet ink, comprises an ink vehicle and a white pigment dispersed in the vehicle, wherein the pigment comprises particles in which at least 5% of the particles have an average size greater than 100 nm and at least 25% of the particles have an average size less than 50 nm. |
| US07850771B2 |
Emulsion compositions for wood protection
There are provided compositions for the preservation of wood and related cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials. The wood preservative compositions of the present invention contain an organic preservative agent and an organic acid, and can be solubilized in an organic phase essentially free of volatile organic compounds (VOC). The organic acids may serve various purposes in the compositions of the present invention: (1) increased preservative solubility in the organic phase, (2) improved distribution gradient of the active preservative in treated wood, or (3) reduction of preservative leaching. |
| US07850764B2 |
Reactive membrane process for the removal of vapor phase contaminants
Generally, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing a vapor phase contaminant from a gas stream, thereby reducing the concentration of the vapor phase contaminant in the gas stream. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for removing a vapor phase contaminant from a gas stream, comprising contacting a gas stream comprising a vapor phase contaminant with a first side of a membrane; sorbing the vapor phase contaminant using the membrane; reacting the vapor phase contaminant into an reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant; transporting the reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant through the membrane to a second side of the membrane; contacting the second side of the membrane with a liquid; and dissolving the reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant into the liquid. Methods for making a membrane comprising a metal for use in the present invention is also described. |
| US07850763B2 |
Purification of carbon dioxide
Impure carbon dioxide (“CO2”) comprising a first contaminant selected from the group consisting of oxygen (“O2”) and carbon monoxide (“CO”) is purified by separating expanded impure carbon dioxide liquid in a mass transfer separation column system. The impure carbon dioxide may be derived from, for example, flue gas from an oxyfuel combustion process or waste gas from a hydrogen (“H2”) PSA system. |
| US07850762B2 |
Method for reducing emissions due to gaseous decomposition products of an electrolyte in vehicles
The invention relates to a method for reducing emissions due to gaseous decomposition products of an electrolyte of electrochemical storage devices in a motor vehicle, preferably double-layer capacitors with organic solvents as the electrolyte. According to this invention, the gaseous decomposition products are sent to an activated carbon filter and/or a molecular sieve for deposition of at least a portion of the decomposition products and/or a chemically reactive material and/or a catalytically active material for conversion of at least a portion of the decomposition products. In addition, devices for implementing the inventive method are described. |
| US07850759B2 |
Metal extraction from various chalcogenide minerals through interaction with separate electric fields and magnetic fields supplied by electromagnetic energy
Multimode and single mode microwave energy is used to improve the extraction of metals from chalcogenide minerals. In one process microwave energy is used to comminute the mineral after which the mineral is reacted with acid in the presence of microwave energy. Following treatment the mineral is removed and the extracted metal is recovered from the acid. In another process chalcogenide minerals are exposed to the magnetic field maximum or the electrical field maximum of a single mode electromagnetic energy. This treatment causes a phase separation between metals and silicates within the mineral leaving metal rich regions from which the metal can be readily recovered by traditional methods. |
| US07850750B2 |
Modularized hybrid dust collector
There is provided a modularized hybrid dust collector for treating dust generated in various industrial processes. The box-shaped hybrid dust collector includes a first box-shaped dust collecting unit or a first cylindrical dust collecting unit, to which the inertial impaction and the principle of collecting dust using the centrifugal force are applied, and a second box-shaped dust collecting unit implemented by a dust collecting filter such that a problem of employing a cleaner and a limit of capacity, of a conventional cylindrical dust collector, can be overcome, and a high capacity modularized hybrid dust collector in which the box-shaped hybrid dust collector as a basic module and a plurality of dust collector modules are combined. |
| US07850746B2 |
Method of lighting a fire from a combustible wood-based fuel package
A combustible wood-based package is disclosed which includes an outer wrapper, preferably formed from burlap or other similar woven material that encloses large pieces of wood material, medium pieces of wood material and smaller pieces of wood material coated or otherwise soaked in a vegetable wax to form an aggregate. The aggregate is disposed at or near the bottom of the burlap wrapper, with the medium-size pieces of wood material disposed thereon with the larger pieces of wood material disposed on top of the medium-sized pieces of wood material. Preferably, all wood materials are fabricated from all-natural wood logs fabricated from compressed wood particles without the use of odor causing binders. |
| US07850742B2 |
Keratin dyeing compounds, keratin dyeing compositions containing said compounds, and use thereof
Compositions for the oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, comprising a medium suitable for dyeing and at least one 3-substituted pyrazole keratin dyeing compound and derivatives thereof. A method for oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, comprising applying such compositions in the presence of an oxidizing agent, for a period sufficient to develop the desired coloration. |
| US07850739B2 |
Attachment system for prosthesis
An attachment system secures a residual limb to an artificial limb in a comfortable and substantially non-rotational manner. The attachment system offers proximal anchoring of the residual limb in a hard socket, by connecting a side surface of a residual limb liner to the side surface of the socket. Preferably, this connection is accomplished using an extension member extending from the liner through a portion of the socket interior, through the socket wall, and attaching to a latch mechanism. The preferred attachment system requires no clearance in the bottom of the socket well because neither the extension member nor the latch mechanism is located between the distal end of the residual limb/liner and the bottom of the well. The attachment system is preferably disposed entirely along the side of the limb and the side of the socket. |
| US07850735B2 |
Articular disc prosthesis and method for treating spondylolisthesis
A prosthetic device for insertion into a spondylosed intervertebral space is provided. The prosthetic device includes a first component having a first flange for longitudinally engaging a first vertebra during longitudinal insertion therein, and a second component having a second flange for longitudinally engaging a second vertebra during longitudinal insertion therein. One of the first and second components comprises a projection and the other of the first and second components comprises a recess, the projection and recess being adapted to engage one another. One of the projection and the recess are offset relative to the other of the projection and the recess to accommodate the spondylosed relationship between the first and second vertebrae. |
| US07850734B2 |
Sliding intervertebral implant
A sliding intervertebral implant and method includes a first member that connects to an intervertebral space between two adjacent vertebrae. The first member includes a pair of curved side walls connected to each of a front wall, an upper curved wall, and a lower curved wall, wherein a length of a first curved side wall is less than a length of each of a second curved side wall, the upper curved wall, and the lower curved wall, and wherein an edge of the second curved side wall is offset from an edge of the front wall. A second member is slidably attached to the first member, and includes a top and bottom curved wall each connected to an inclined side wall and a guide wall, wherein the guide wall comprises grooves, wherein the second curved side wall of the first member slides in the grooves of the guide wall. |
| US07850733B2 |
PLIF opposing wedge ramp
A spinal fusion implant for implantation between adjacent vertebrae is formed in the approximate shape of a hollow cube. The device has an upper section and a lower section separated by a distractor all of which are relatively movable. The sidewalls of the upper section and the lower section terminate in inclined planes so that the sections move away from each other as the wedge shaped distractor increases the height of the device. |
| US07850727B2 |
Expandable medical device for delivery of beneficial agent
An expandable medical device has a plurality of elongated struts joined together to form a substantially cylindrical device which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. At least one of the plurality of struts includes at least one opening extending at least partially through a thickness of the strut. A beneficial agent is loaded into the opening within the strut in layers to achieve desired temporal release kinetics of the agent. Alternatively, the beneficial agent is loaded in a shape which is configured to achieve the desired agent delivery profile. A wide variety of delivery profiles can be achieved including zero order, pulsatile, increasing, decreasing, sinusoidal, and other delivery profiles. |
| US07850725B2 |
Extendible stent apparatus
The present invention concerns novel stent apparatuses for use in treating lesions at or near the bifurcation point in bifurcated cardiac, coronary, renal, peripheral vascular, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, urinary and neurovascular vessels and brain vessels. More particularly, the invention concerns a stent apparatus with at least one side opening which may further comprise an extendable stent portion laterally extending from the side opening and at least partly in registry with the wall of the side opening. Devices constructed in accordance with the invention include, singularly or in combination, a main expandable stent comprising at least one substantially circular side opening located between its proximal and distal end openings, which side opening may further comprise an expandable portion extending radially outward from the edges of the side opening; and a branch stent comprising proximal and distal end openings and which may further comprise a contacting portion at its proximal end, and which may optionally be constructed to form either a perpendicular branch or a non-perpendicular branch when inserted through a side opening of the main stent. The stents of the invention are marked with, or at least partially constructed of, a material which is imageable during intraluminal catheterization techniques, most preferably but not limited to ultrasound and x-ray. |
| US07850721B2 |
System and method using the rectal mucosal membrane for inducing hypothermia and warming
A system and method for cooling and warming the central nervous system of a patient comprises a delivery tube with one of the ends couplable to a supply of fluid. A head structure is coupled to the other end of the delivery tube and cooling or warming fluid is directed through the tube to the head structure. The head structure is configured to be placed within the rectal cavity of a patient such that either a contact surface on the head structure or the fluid itself directly contacts a portion of the rectal mucosal membrane. A means for reversing the vertebral venous flow of blood through Batson's plexus supplies cooled or warmed blood directly to the vertebral structures. Unique methods of utilizing the system to selectively cool and warm the central nervous system structures of a patient are set forth herein. |
| US07850719B2 |
Spinal implant apparatus
Orthopedic implants are disclosed that may be used in spinal applications. In one embodiment, a plate portion is provided with a threaded protrusion on which a connector for attachment to an orthopedic rod can be fitted. The protrusion may be multi-axially orientable with respect to said plate portion. The plate portion may include a dome having an inner surface that may be of conical shape, through which a portion of the protrusion may extend. A pin may be provided to retain the protrusion in place with respect to the dome. A second plate portion may be provided, which may be integral with or movable with respect to the first plate portion, that can be connected to a bone, e.g. iliac or sacral bone. |
| US07850718B2 |
Connecting device for spinal osteosynthesis
A connecting device for spinal osteosynthesis has an osseous anchoring device, a connector that accommodates a joining shaft and is fixed to one end of the anchoring device, and a tightening device for immobilizing the joining shaft. The connecting device is characterized in that the connector is fixed to the anchoring device with the aid of a pin that penetrates the anchoring device and embodies a pivot joint. Furthermore, the device comprises an arrangement for stabilizing the connector relative to the anchoring device when the device is implanted in the patient, the stabilizing arrangement being located on the plane encompassing the shaft and the anchoring device. |
| US07850713B2 |
Device for fixing and tensioning at least one pulling thread for applying a neovagina
A device for fixing and tensioning at least one pulling thread for applying a neovagina comprises a base body on which at least one fixing element is arranged for fixing the at least one pulling thread with tensioning. The fixing element is able to turn about an axis of rotation in order to tension the at least one pulling thread, and a blocking device is provided for the fixing element, by means of which blocking device the fixing element can be blocked at least in a direction of rotation opposite to the direction of rotation for tensioning the at least one pulling thread. |
| US07850710B2 |
Puncture closure apparatuses, sealing plugs, and related methods
A puncture closure device is disclosed. Particularly, a puncture closure device may include an anchor support including a coupling feature and an anchor connected to the anchor support. Further, the puncture closure device may include a movable compression element configured to compress a sealing plug generally between the compression element and the anchor. Such a puncture closure device may be positioned at least partially within an insertion sheath to form a puncture closure assembly. A method of compressing a sealing plug and a method of sealing a puncture are disclosed. In addition, in one embodiment, a sealing plug may comprise a first, a second, and an intermediate end region, wherein the intermediate region has a density less than the first and second end regions. In another embodiment, a sealing plug may include a bore formed therethrough and a plurality of slits formed into an exterior surface of the sealing plug. |
| US07850705B2 |
Medical grafting connectors and fasteners
A body tissue graft for use in a patient includes a frame structure made of a first elastic material, a covering of a second elastic material on the frame structure, the covering substantially filling openings in the frame structure, and a connector connected to the frame structure. Projections are secured to the connector structure. The projections facilitate attachment of the tubular graft in a patient by securing the graft to the body tissue with which the graft is employed. The connector selectively circumferentially expands and the projections selectively circumferentially expand. This may be done using an inflatable balloon to circumferentially expand the projections. A restraining member may be provided to restrain the projections in a cone shape so that an end of the graft may be used to open an aperture through a side wall of existing body organ tubing and a portion of the projections may enter the aperture. |
| US07850695B2 |
Method of securing vertebrae
A method of fixing first and second vertebrae of a patient together at a surgical site includes inserting a first cannula into the body of the patient. A fusion device is moved through the cannula and inserted between the first and second vertebrae. A first fastener is moved through the cannula and secured to the first vertebra. A second fastener is moved through the cannula and secured to the second vertebra. A first fixation element is moved through the cannula. The first fixation element is fixed to the first and second fasteners. The fusion device has first and second ends, upper and lower surfaces for engaging the first and second vertebrae, and first and second side surfaces extending between the upper and lower surfaces. Each of the first and second side surfaces extend along an arc from the first end of the fusion device to the second end. The upper and lower surfaces have teeth that extend between the first and second side surfaces along secant lines of circles partially defined by the first and second side surfaces. |
| US07850694B2 |
Pneumatic instrument for tissue removal
Osteotome for the removal of bone and of bone tumors, as well as of ligaments and fibrocartilagineous tissue, during surgery, comprising a pair of blades slidably coupled so that respective distal ends thereof be closable the one against the other for the removal of a bone fragment, pneumatic propelling means for the blades, and a trigger for the operation of the propelling means by a user. |
| US07850691B2 |
Contoured reamer teeth
An acetabular reamer (10′) for cutting a required cut shape. The reamer has a cutting shell (12′) having a series of doubly curved cutting teeth (16′) thereon of a quantity to substantially reduce a cutting pressure on each tooth as well as to reduce a size of a typical chip generated upon cutting. Substantially all the teeth each have a matched arc cutting edge (20′) of substantial length that has a cutting profile which substantially matches a profile of a shape to be cut. Such a configuration reduces the number of teeth required to cut the shape. |
| US07850688B2 |
Electrosurgical instrument
The invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument comprising two limbs that have an articulated connection and that can be actuated in the manner of a cutting or clamping tool. The instrument includes opposing electrode parts with coagulation surfaces on distal ends of its limbs for holding a vessel or tissue and for passing a current through said vessel or tissue to coagulate the latter and also current supply devices that supply the coagulation current from a high-frequency generator to the electrode parts. One of the coagulation surfaces is convex, at least in a first central section, and the opposing coagulation surface is concave, at least in a second central section. The radius of curvature of the concave coagulation surface is greater, at least in the second central section, than the radius of curvature of the convex coagulation surface in the first central section. The curvatures run along longitudinal axes of the distal ends in such a way that a vessel or tissue that is held between the distal ends runs perpendicularly to the longitudinal axes and is retained with a pressure that increases towards the first and second central sections. |
| US07850685B2 |
Ablation catheter
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the mapping of electrical signals and the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be transformed from a compact, linear configuration to a helical configuration, such as to map and ablate pulmonary vein ostia. |
| US07850684B2 |
Surgical instrument
A device for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient comprises a stationary tube (8) having a distal end portion (12), and a bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) located at the distal end of the tube. The electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) comprises first and second electrodes (14, 16) separated by an insulating member (15), the bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly extending around the circumference of the distal edge of the tube (8). When a pulsed electrosurgical cutting voltage is applied to the electrode assembly (13) and relative movement is initiated between the tube (8) and the tissue, a core of severed tissue is formed within the tube such that it can be removed from the body cavity of the patient. Temperature sensors (60) can be used to measure the temperature at the distal end of the tube (8), and to vary the duty cycle of the pulsed cutting voltage. |
| US07850682B2 |
Systems for MRI-guided cryosurgery
The present invention is of systems and methods for MRI-guided cryosurgery. The systems enable a surgeon positioned next to a patient and within an MRI magnetic environment both to monitor progress of a cryosurgical intervention by observing MRI images of the intervention in real time, and to fully control aspects of operation of a cryosurgery apparatus by remotely controlling a fluid supply source positioned external to that magnetic environment, which fluid supply source supplies cryogenic fluids to cryoprobes operable within that magnetic environment, thereby enabling real-time MRI-guided control of a cryoablation process. A preferred embodiment enables calculation and display of borders of an ablation volume surrounding a cooled cryoprobe in real time, and further enables automatic control of elements of a cryoablation procedure, which elements are triggered when shape and position of that calculated ablation volume are found to bear a predefined relationship to the shape and position of a predefined treatment target. |
| US07850667B2 |
Low profile instrument access device
A low profile surgical access device includes an elongated cannula having an opening defined at a proximal end thereof including an inner peripheral surface dimensioned to facilitate passage of instrumentation therethrough and an outer peripheral surface configured to operatively engage and removably secure to tissue via, e.g., fixation ribs, adhesive, anchors, clips, suction elements, expandable materials and/or combinations thereof. A valve is operatively coupled to the elongated cannula and provides a substantially fluid tight seal when instrumentation is inserted through the cannula. A seal housing is included which is positionable relative to the cannula and which is configured to operatively engage and removably secure to tissue. The instrument seal in the seal housing is positioned in vertical registry with the valve in the elongated cannula. |
| US07850666B2 |
Catheter infusion port
A port (100) for a catheter assembly (200), including a body (102) and a cover (150) and having a distal discharge port (116) for connection to an implanted catheter assembly. Within the body is a longitudinal U-shaped channel (120) extending to a proximal body wall (104) from the distal body wall (106) along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the discharge port (116). The channel has a rounded bottom (122) and is also rounded at the channel ends (126,124) at the distal and proximal body walls. The cover (150) provides for penetration by a syringe needle and seals upon needle withdrawal, with the cover having an inside surface (152) concave and rounded between the distal and proximal ends and also longitudinally, being generally smoothed into the channel sides and ends. The port has no inner sharp edges or corners and eliminates blood clotting and unwanted growth sites. |
| US07850665B2 |
Multiple fluid delivery device for poultry
The present invention provides an injection delivery system for the injection delivery of at least two fluid doses to a small bird by penetrating the skin of the recipient bird with at least one injection needle. The present injection delivery system comprises an injection needle device and a metering device. The injection needle device can either be a stationary unit or a hand held device. |
| US07850663B2 |
Medicament microdevice delivery system, cartridge and method of use
A method and device for intradermal delivery of a reconstituted powdered medicament. The device includes a chamber, which is in fluid communication with a microdevice, e.g. microabrader or one or more microneedles. A cartridge containing the powdered medicament may be located within said chamber. At least one burstable membrane retains a powdered medicament within the housing. The method involves the steps of positioning the device at a delivery site on the skin of a patient and intradermally administering the medicament by dispensing a diluent from a diluent source an through inlet port to rupture the membranes, reconstitute the powdered medicament and deliver the reconstituted medicament through the microdevice to the dermal region of the skin. |
| US07850662B2 |
Drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices
A drive mechanism suitable for use in drug delivery devices is disclosed. The drive mechanism may be used with injector-type drug delivery devices, such as those permitting a user to set the delivery dose. The drive mechanism may include a housing, a dose dial sleeve, and a drive sleeve. A clutch is configured to permit rotation of the drive sleeve and the dose dial sleeve with respect to the housing when the dose dial sleeve and drive sleeve are coupled through the clutch. Conversely, when the dose dial sleeve and drive sleeve are in a de-coupled state, rotation of the dose dial sleeve with respect to the housing is permitted and rotation of the drive sleeve with respect to the housing is prevented. In the de-coupled state, axial movement of the drive sleeve transfers force in a longitudinal direction for actuation of a drug delivery device. |
| US07850659B1 |
Fluid container holding device, fluid delivery system and method of use therefor
An apparatus for holding a fluid container, such as a syringe or a vial, is provided for securing the container in an upside down or other suitable position for use in various medical procedures such as those of the type that involve use of a medical pump. The fluid container holding apparatus is capable of operatively connecting to any of a number of support structures including a wall, ceiling, desk, table, post, hangar, or IV stand. A fluid delivery system including such a fluid container, and a fluid conduit, such as IV tubing, may include the fluid container holding apparatus of the present invention. |
| US07850658B2 |
Subcutaneous infusion device and method including release feature for adhesive portion
An infusion device including a site and a set for delivery of a substance to a patient. The site can include a cannula that is introduced into a subcutaneous layer of skin of the patient. The site is coupled to the skin of a patient by an adhesive portion including a release feature that allows the patient to remove the adhesive portion from the skin. The set can be coupled to the site by, for example, placing the set over the site and moving the set from an unlocked to a locked position. The substance can then be delivered through the set to the site, and from the site into the patient through the cannula. The set can be oriented at multiple rotational orientations with respect to the site, and can be coupled and uncoupled with the site multiple times. |
| US07850652B2 |
Insertion head for medical or pharmaceutical applications
An insertion head for medical use, including a housing formed by two housing parts, a puncture needle and a flexible cannula supported by the puncture needle, wherein before use the puncture needle and cannula are arranged in a protected position inside the housing and can be deployed by gripping the housing parts and moving at least one of the parts relative to the other, wherein upon deployment the puncture needle and cannula can be inserted into the body of a patient, and wherein after insertion the puncture needle can be removed from the cannula by moving the housing and puncture needle away from the body counter to the direction of insertion, the puncture needle being automatically pivoted into a protected position in the housing. |
| US07850647B2 |
Single use retractable syringe
A single use retractable syringe (10) has an inner barrel (44) supporting a needle (16) at one end and is slidable within an outer barrel (11). In the packaged condition the inner barrel is in a position relative to the outer barrel such that the needle can be attached to a Luer connection on the inner barrel and projects from a first end (18) of the outer barrel. The inner barrel has first and second latching means (40, 41, 43) adjacent each end, respectively, and the outer barrel has retaining means (48) on the inner wall surface adjacent the second end thereof. When the inner barrel first latching means (40) is engaged with the retaining means the syringe is in position ready for use and after the first full depression of a plunger the inner barrel is released and moves to a position where the second latching means (41, 43) becomes permanently engaged with the retaining means. The needle is then fully enclosed within the outer barrel and the inner barrel projects from the second end (19) of the outer barrel. |
| US07850645B2 |
Internal medical devices for delivery of therapeutic agent in conjunction with a source of electrical power
The invention generally relates to internal (e.g., implantable, insertable, etc.) drug delivery devices which contain the following: (a) one or more sources of one or more therapeutic agents; (b) one or more first electrodes, (c) one or more second electrodes and (d) one or more power sources for applying voltages across the first and second electrodes. The power sources may be adapted, for example, to promote electrically assisted therapeutic agent delivery within a subject, including electroporation and/or iontophoresis. In one aspect of the invention, the first and second electrodes are adapted to have tissue of a subject positioned between them upon deployment of the medical device within the subject, such that an electric field may be generated, which is directed into the tissue. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent sources are adapted to introduce the therapeutic agents into the electric field. In another aspect, the therapeutic agent sources are polymeric regions that contain one or more types of ion-conductive polymers and one or more types of charged therapeutic agents. In yet another aspect, the therapeutic agent sources are polymeric regions that contain one or more types of electrically conductive polymers and one or more types of charged therapeutic agents. |
| US07850642B2 |
Methods using a robotic catheter system
A methods using a robotic catheter system to perform a procedure on a patient includes generating a control signal corresponding to movement of a master input device, and moving a plurality of drive elements of an instrument driver in response to the control signal, the drive elements operatively coupled to a corresponding plurality of control elements of an elongate guide instrument, the control elements secured to a distal end of the guide instrument and moveable axially relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the drive elements causes a corresponding movement of the guide instrument distal end. |
| US07850641B2 |
Safety limits for closed-loop infusion pump control
A system and process for providing safety limits on the delivery of an infusion formulation by an infusion pump system in response to a sensed biological state. The safety limits may comprise user-initiated event signals corresponding to events that may significantly affect the biological state. The safety limits may further comprise user-initiated event ranking signals for respective events which specify a degree, quantity, or measure for the respective event. The user-initiated event and event ranking signals may be communicated to a computing element associated with the infusion pump by an associated communication device having a user interface which comprises a plurality of user-selectable operators for entering information about the events and event rankings. |
| US07850638B2 |
Ocular pressure regulation
This invention comprises a flexible ocular device for implantation into the eye formed of a biocompatible elastomeric material, foldable to a diameter of 1.5 mm or less, comprising a fluid drainage tube having at one end a foldable plate adapted to locate the device on the inner surface of the sclera in a suprachoroidal space formed by cyclodialysis, said drainage tube opening onto the disc at one end and opening to the anterior chamber when implanted into the eye at its other end, so as to provide aqueous pressure regulation. Also provided are methods for the treatment of glaucoma utilizing the flexible ocular device, and an ocular pressure spike shunt. |
| US07850627B2 |
Exercise machine
An exercise machine is provided. The exercise machine includes a support defining a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, a first motion unit coupled to the support to provide a combined translational and pivotal movement of the first motion unit in the transverse direction, a second motion unit coupled to the first motion unit to provide one of a translational movement and a pivotal movement of the second motion unit in the longitudinal direction, and a driving source configured to impart movement to the first and second motion units. |
| US07850622B2 |
Tissue penetration device
A moving coil tissue penetration device includes a magnetic source that produces a magnetic field in a magnetically active region. A cylindrical coil is secured to a translation substrate and disposed at least partially within the magnetically active region. A sharpened member is configured to penetrate tissue and mechanically coupled to the translation substrate. |
| US07850621B2 |
Method and apparatus for body fluid sampling and analyte sensing
A method of controlling a penetrating member is provided. The method comprises providing a lancing device comprising a penetrating member driver having a position sensor and a processor that can determine the relative position and velocity of the penetrating member based on measuring relative position of the penetrating member with respect to time; providing a predetermined velocity control trajectory based on a model of the driver and a model of tissue to be contacted. In some embodiments, a feedforward control to maintain penetrating member velocity along said trajectory. |
| US07850612B2 |
Ultrasonic enhanced-contrast imager and method
An ultrasonic enhanced-contrast imager and method includes an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave to and from an organism, a transmitting section for transmitting an ultrasonic signal to the ultrasonic probe, a receiving section for processing a response signal ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic probe, a filter for extracting a specific frequency component from the processed response signal, and a setting control section for setting a pass frequency band of the filter on the basis of a frequency band of the response signal from a contrast medium injected to the organism. A control section controls the operation of the filter in the set pass band, and the setting control section sets the center frequency of the pass band of the filter to be greater than f0 and less than 2f0, where f0 is the average frequency of the ultrasonic signal transmitted to the ultrasonic probe. |
| US07850604B2 |
Flexible shaft for an endoscope and such an endoscope
A flexible shaft for an endoscope comprises a shaft body which, in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, has a first portion with a first degree of flexibility, and, proximally from the first portion, has at least a second portion with a second degree of flexibility which is less than the first degree of flexibility, the shaft body having, in the first portion, at least a first spring element, and, in the second portion, at least a second spring element. A spring hardness of the second spring element is increased by a permanent pretensioning of the second spring element, as a result of which the flexibility of the shaft body is reduced in the second portion. |
| US07850603B2 |
Endoscope for sterilizing built-in elongated channel with high-temperature and high-pressure vapor
An endoscope according to the present invention includes an endoscope main body, in which a channel having at least one end communicated with the outside is inserted and which is covered with an exterior member, and a communicating hole which is arranged in the halfway of the channel and which introduces vapor in the channel so as to sterilize the channel with the vapor. |
| US07850601B2 |
Endoscope having non-contact charging apparatus
The endoscope has an elongated insertion portion, an operation portion provided at the rear end of the insertion portion, and a contact-less endoscope exterior body in which no electrical contact is exposed on the outer surface thereof including the insertion portion and the operation portion. Inside the endoscope exterior body, there are disposed an image pickup apparatus for picking up images and a signal processing portion for performing signal processing for the image pickup apparatus. The endoscope comprises a battery of a water-tight structure for supplying power for the image pickup apparatus and the signal processing portion, and a charging apparatus of a water-tight structure for charging the battery with power supplied in a contact-less fashion. |
| US07850599B2 |
Endoscope apparatus
An endoscope apparatus comprises: an endoscope comprising an imaging device that forms a color image signal of a body to be observed; a storage portion that stores matrix data regarding a wavelength range in which a spectral image is constituted; a spectral image forming circuit that conducts matrix calculation based on the color image signals by using the matrix data of the storage portion and forms a spectral image of a selected wavelength range; and a wavelength selecting section that selects the wavelength range of the spectral image formed by the spectral image forming circuit through a continuous changeover or a step-wise changeover. |
| US07850596B2 |
Tinnitus rehabilitation device and method
A tinnitus method and device for providing relief to a person suffering from the disturbing effects of tinnitus is described. The method can be implemented entirely in software to spectrally modify an audio signal in accordance with a predetermined masking algorithm which modifies the intensity of the audio signal at selected frequencies. A predetermined masking algorithm is described which provides intermittent masking of the tinnitus wherein, at a comfortable listening level, during peaks of the audio signal the tinnitus is completely obscured, whereas during troughs the perception of the tinnitus occasionally emerges. In practice it has been found that such intermittent masking provides an immediate sense of relief, control and relaxation for the person, whilst enabling sufficient perception of the tinnitus for habituation and long term treatment to occur. Advantageously the predetermined masking algorithm is specifically tailored to the audiometric configuration of the person. For example, the masking algorithm may be partly tailored to the hearing loss characteristic of the person. A tinnitus rehabilitation device used in conjunction with a personal sound reproducing system is also described. |
| US07850594B2 |
Pulsatile control system for a rotary blood pump
A system for controlling the speed of a rotary blood pump. The system oscillates the speed of the pump to produce pulsed pressure at the outlet of the pump. The speed is oscillated synchronously with the natural cardiac cycle. The natural cardiac cycle is determined using a pulsatility index calculated from the back EMF produced by the pump. |
| US07850586B2 |
Resistance chair with wheels
A resistance chair with wheels assists users with performing correct abdominal crunches by guiding the user's effort. The resistance chair includes a seat connected to a hinged back with back support that extends to support the user's back and assist in the crunch recovery following the crunch extension. |
| US07850584B2 |
Exercise apparatus with a pull cord looped about a central pulley and first and second free pulleys
An exercise apparatus includes a frame, first and second free pulleys, first and second handle portions, first and second frame pulleys attached to the frame, a central pulley, a pull cord, and a resistance member. The first free pulley includes a first pulley wheel and a first hub with the first pulley wheel configured to rotate in relation to the first hub. The second free pulley includes a second pulley wheel and a second hub with the second pulley wheel configured to rotate in relation to the second hub. The first and second handle portions are in mechanical communication with the first and second hubs with the pulley wheels configured to rotate relative to the handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys with the resistance member configured to resist movement of the pull cord. |
| US07850574B2 |
Device for monitoring a user's posture
A device, wearable by a user, includes: a plurality of sensors, each for providing an indication of position of at least a part of the user's body; a receiver for receiving each indication of position provided by each of the plurality of sensor elements to provide a composite position signal. The individual sensor readings may all be transmitted to the external entity for further analysis. The sensors may be placed in different locations or positions for measuring the curvature of at least a part of the user's body. |
| US07850561B2 |
Tensioning device for a traction element drive with an improved axial-bearing arrangement
Tensioning device (1) for a traction element drive, such as a belt or chain drive, with a tensioning arm (4), which can pivot relative to a body (2) about a pivot axle (3) and on whose distal end a roller (5) supported rotatably is arranged for tensioning the traction element, for the purpose of which there is a torsion spring (6) acting between the pivot axle (3) of the tensioning arm (4) and the body (2), and the pivot axle (3) is supported so that it can slide by at least one radial-bearing arrangement (7) and at least one axial-bearing arrangement (8), wherein the axial-bearing arrangement (8) comprises a friction disk (9) arranged concentric to the pivot axle (3), wherein the friction disk (9) has an axial stop surface (11), which comprises at least one radial circumferential key groove (12) and that at least one radial circumferential friction spring, which extends into the key groove (12), is constructed in the surface adjacent to the stop surface (11) of the friction disk (9). |
| US07850560B2 |
Double eccentric tensioning device
A tensioning device constructed, in particular, as a double eccentric tensioning device for a traction means drive is provided, which guarantees in the installed state a sufficient pretensioning of a traction means of the traction means drive. The invention provides advantages in the installation of the eccentric tensioning devices under assembly-specific aspects. This is provided by an eccentric tensioning device for a traction means drive, with a track roller device, which includes a running disk and a rolling bearing provided for supporting the disk. An operating eccentric for supporting the track roller device such that it can be displaced in a radial direction relative to the rotating axis of the rolling bearing according to a magnitude of the pivoting of the operating eccentric, and a torsion spring for pretensioning the operating eccentric in a pivoting direction are provided. The operating eccentric forces the track roller device carried by the eccentric against an allocated traction means. An adjustment eccentric for radial displacement of the operating eccentric is provided, and a fixing device for securing the operating eccentric in a mounting position, in which the torsion spring is held via a shearing structure. In this way, it is possible in an advantageous way to set the tensioning device as a pretensioned unit on the flange surface and to trigger activation of the tensioning device within the scope of the mounting measures caused with the attachment of the tensioning device. |
| US07850558B2 |
Power transmission apparatus for compressor
A power transmission apparatus for a compressor used in an air conditioner for a vehicle including a damper mounted to one side of a pulley rotated by a driving power transmitted from an engine wherein the damper and an elastic portion is formed between an outer ring and an inner ring, and wherein a mounting flange of the outer ring is coupled to the pulley and a mounting flange of the inner ring is coupled to a limiter. The limiter has a plate shape and comprises: a middle portion in a ring shape, an outside portion in a ring shape around the edge of the middle portion, and a neck portion connecting the middle portion and the outside portion, whereby upon overload, the neck portion is broken. The middle portion of the limiter is coupled to a hub, and the hub penetrates the center of the inner ring and is coupled to the limiter between the damper and the pulley. |
| US07850556B2 |
Intermediate connection unit usable on board of a bicycle
In a bicycle equipped with front derailleur and rear derailleur controlled each by a corresponding electrical actuator, there is provided an intermediate connecting unit, mounted underneath the crank case of the bicycle, having an input and two outputs connected to the two electrical actuators of the derailleurs. The connections can be permanent or detachable. |
| US07850555B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for controlling a variable speed transmission
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for controlling a variable speed transmission including an actuator, a cam follower, and a speed adjustment cam. The actuator is rotatable through a first phase and a subsequent second phase, and includes an actuator cam surface and a variator. The cam follower is movable in response to contact with the actuator cam surface during rotation through the first phase, for actuating a coupler of the transmission between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The variator is movable along the speed adjustment cam during rotation through the second phase for enabling adjustment of a torque transfer mechanism associated with the transmission. By this configuration, control over the coupling of the transmission to a torque input such as a motor and control over the speed of the transmission are both enabled through rotation of a single actuator, and thus can be implemented in a self-propelled machine such as a lawnmower using a single operator-manipulated control. |
| US07850553B2 |
Hockey stick
A hockey stick having a composite blade and a shaft is disclosed. The composite blade includes a heel section that is recessed relative to the front and back faces of the blade. The recessed heel section is configured to be received by a hockey stick shaft or an adapter member configured to connect the blade to the shaft. The composite blade preferably comprise a foam inner core overlaid preferably with substantially continuous fibers disposed in a matrix material and may include an internal bridge structure extending from one side of the blade to the other. The blade may also be preferably comprised of a core comprising non-continuous fibers disposed within a matrix material. In another aspect, processes for manufacturing the previously described hockey stick blade(s) are described. |
| US07850550B2 |
Multipurpose golf tool
There is provided an improved pocket golf tool comprising a golf tee angle adjuster, together with one or more of the following components: golf tee leveler, a golf tee height adjuster, a divot repairer, a club face cleaner, a ball marker, and an object rest. In a preferred embodiment, all of these components are incorporated in the golf tool. |
| US07850549B2 |
Multi-layer core golf ball
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a rubber center and a rubber outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard, thermoplastic intermediate core layer. |
| US07850545B2 |
Golf club head
There is provided a golf club head that produces a loud hitting sound satisfying the golfer even if the volume of the golf club head having a hollow structure is increased to at least about 400 cc. A golf club head 1 having a hollow structure comprises a face part 2, a side part 3 comprising a back side, a sole part 4, a crown part 5, and a hosel part 9 having a shaft insertion hole, and the crown part 5. The crown part comprises a thick region 6 and a thin region 8. The thick region 6 extends through a distance WA of at least about 20 mm from the center axis line C of the shaft insertion hole toward the highest point T of the crown part 5 and extends through a distance WB of at least about 30 mm from the center axis line C of the shaft insertion hole toward the back side so that the crown part 5 has the first-order natural frequency of at least about 3000 Hz. |
| US07850536B1 |
Putter trainer
A putting training device for improving consistency of body position, putter path, putter face angle, and timing during a putting stroke. A body alignment target within a putter data module helps position the golfer's head directly over the ball for shoulder joint consistently relative to the ball. A magnet is securable to the C.G. of the putter head which is tracked by sensors within the module to help insure that the putter travels in a straight line on approach to ball strike. Optical sensors determine the putter face angle at ball impact. A metronome is also provided to practice swing timing. An end-of-swing delay indicator helps to hold the golfer's body in the correct position until the follow-through is complete. A series of lights and tones provides feedback indicating putter path to the ball and the putter face angle at ball impact. |
| US07850533B2 |
Flame barrier, apparatus and method for entertaining guests
An apparatus for entertaining multiple guests includes a device that selectively generates a flame and a barrier interposed between each guest and the flame. The barrier is configured to remain transparent throughout multiple repetitions of use of the device for generating a flame. A method of entertaining guests is also presented. |
| US07850528B2 |
Wireless game player
A disclosed gaming machine provides methods and apparatus for operating a wireless game player that presents a game of chance executed on a gaming machine in communication with the wireless game player. In one embodiment, the wireless game player is a hand-held mobile device, electronically linked to a licensed gaming machine via a wireless connection. All random number generation (RNG) events, game outcomes, meter information, game related information, and all cash transactions are maintained in the licensed (controlled) gaming machine and not the wireless game player. The wireless game player may be used anywhere within the legal areas of the casino and it has the capability of identifying who is using it. For example, a biometric input device, such as a finger print reader may be used on the wireless game player to identify the player. Thus, the issue of under-age or excluded players is addressed. |
| US07850527B2 |
Magic-themed adventure game
A method of interactive game play is provided wherein a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/received radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience. |
| US07850526B2 |
System for tracking user manipulations within an environment
Systems, methods and for analyzing game control input data are disclosed. A machine-readable medium having embodied thereon instructions for analyzing game control input data is also disclosed. |
| US07850525B2 |
Mechanism of generating a sound radar image in a video game device
An aspect of the present invention includes processes for detecting an event input, inputted as an operation signal, and determining sound characteristic information and sound effects corresponding to the event input, obtaining a first sound source position coordinates information in which a location where an event occurred in a virtual space is taken, determining a propagation mode of a sound to be produced corresponding to the event input in the virtual space based on sound characteristics information and the first sound source position coordinates information, determining a second sound source position coordinates information indicating a position of a sound source on the radar image based on the first sound source position coordinates information, and displaying a sound wave image indicating a propagation mode of the sound effect on the radar image based on the propagation mode of the sound and the second sound source position coordinates information. |
| US07850524B2 |
Progressive jackpot game with special bonus
A method of providing all players on a linked network to receive a bonus opportunity based on one player hitting the primary jackpot. All players in an active game, (i.e., the reel spinning mode has been activated by the player bet, and the reels have not yet stopped) receive a bonus opportunity when the primary jackpot is hit. Examples of bonuses are of “scratch tickets” to players that would distribute varying amounts, or a secondary jackpot bonus of a fixed amount or an amount in proportion to the main jackpot. An alternative bonus incorporates a specific time span after the primary jackpot is hit where all players have the chance for a bonus payoff or prize, without having to achieve the extremely high rank of the jackpot award. |
| US07850523B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a player's ticket
Ticketing systems and methods are provided specifically relating to a player's ticket. A player's ticket references at least one player and allows the player's ticket holder to attend all sporting events played in by the at least one player referenced on the player's ticket. Information about a tournament, including the players, the tournament draw, and historical data, is acquired and used to determine the probabilities of players winning matches in the tournament. Event admissions for the player's ticket may be allocated by determining a probability distribution for accommodating all player's ticket holders and determining a profitability of the players ticket. |
| US07850522B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for facilitating a payout of a gaming device
In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for determining, based on a first random number, an outcome for a first game play conducted at a gaming device, thereby determining a first outcome and determining an amount to be output as a result of the first outcome, thereby determining a first payout. The first payout is based on a probability of obtaining the first outcome and the first wager. The method further provides for determining, based on a second random number, an outcome for a second game play conducted at the gaming device, thereby determining a second outcome and determining an amount to be output as a result of the second outcome, thereby determining a second payout. The second payout is based on the first payout. In one embodiment both the first and second game plays are initiated in response to receiving, from the player, an initiation signal and a wager. |
| US07850521B2 |
Gaming device including a game having a wild symbol related award
A gaming device including a plurality of reels having several symbols with at least one wild symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming device spins the reels for at one spin. If a wild symbol is indicated on a payline associated with the reels and no winning symbol combinations are indicated on the payline, the gaming device holds the reel including the wild symbol, stationary. The gaming device then re-spins the other reels for a designated number of spins, not including the reel having the wild symbol, in the game. The gaming device provides an award associated with any winning symbol combinations on the payline. In another embodiment, the gaming device holds one of the reels stationary when a wild symbol is indicated on a payline associated with the reels the award amounts associated with any indicated winning symbol combinations on the payline are less than a designated award value. |
| US07850519B2 |
Game machine
The present invention includes: a reel display module that changingly displays multiple types of symbols in multiple regions and also statically displays these changingly displayed symbols in these regions; measuring modules for measuring or storing modules for storing the number of times a special symbol, which is a symbol selected out of these symbols, is displayed in a changing manner and/or a static manner; and a game points evaluation module determining game points to be awarded to the player. The present invention increases a player's curiosity and anticipation for a game. |
| US07850518B2 |
Video content determinative Keno game system and method
A keno game is tied to video content such that events in the video content determine the outcome of the keno game. The outcome determinative events are selected from a set of potential outcome determinative events and marked with cues when the video content is displayed to the keno players and other video content watchers. The cues may be audible or visual and accentuate the fact that an outcome determinative event has occurred. If the player's wager has enough of the outcome determinative events selected relative to the actual outcome determinative events, the player may receive a benefit. |
| US07850514B2 |
Interactive sports training device
An interactive sports training device has a plurality of light sources, multiple sensor means and a processor to facilitate the manoeuvring, passing and shooting of an object. Each sensor means is associated with one of the plurality of light sources, the sensor means being adapted to be triggered when an object is brought into close proximity with an activated light source. A processor means is coupled to the light sources and sensor means and is provided with at least one training program, and the processor means controls activation of the light sources according to at least one training program. When an object is placed in close proximity to an activated light source, the sensor communicates with the processor to deactivate the activated light source and to activate another light source in accordance with a training program. In use, it provides a system for simulating the unpredictable and competitive nature of multi-player sports by allowing a user to practice on his own in a ‘real life’ environment. |
| US07850510B2 |
Portable grinder with a wheel-guard support and auxiliary handle
A straight type power grinder includes an elongate housing having a handle with a power controller at its rear end, and a neck portion at its forward end supporting an output shaft connected to a rotation motor. The neck portion is formed with an integrated mounting flange for a grinding wheel guard. The neck portion and the mounting flange form an auxiliary handle for a comfortable manual support of the grinder during operation. |
| US07850508B2 |
Post-surgical medical device for quadrectomy, mastectomy and/or mammary surgery
Post-surgical medical device for quadrectomy, mastectomy and/or mammary surgery, comprising a support and containing corset divided into at least two parts, respectively front part and rear part, tightened about patient thorax, said corset supporting a cups bra, and providing at least two bandage bands that are passed about the patient thorax, crossing them many times, to be finally fixed giving the proper containment function without using adhesive tapes. |
| US07850503B2 |
Method of sealing a plasma display panel by means of glass frit incorporating spacer beads
A method for manufacturing a plasma display panel is provided. The method includes making a front substrate and a rear substrate individually and applying a low melting point glass paste including non-porous bead onto a portion of the front substrate or the rear substrate so that the applied low melting point glass paste forms a frame-like shape having a height greater than that of the structural member. The method includes assembling the front substrate and the rear substrate in a face-to-face relation with each other and burning the applied low melting point glass paste while vacuuming a discharge gas space between the front substrate and the rear substrate so as to seal the front substrate and the rear substrate. |
| US07850495B2 |
Electrical contacts
A device of and method for an improved electrical contact is disclosed. The electrical contact includes a plurality of axially-aligned electrically conductive wires, each wire being in electrical contact with at least one other wire at a peripheral surface thereof; an electrically conductive inner sleeve disposed around the plurality of wires and having at least one slot extending axially from a leading end that is adapted to allow the inner sleeve to expand radially; an outer shell disposed around the inner sleeve for protecting at least a leading end of the plurality of wires and the inner sleeve; and an attaching portion disposed at a terminal end of the plurality of wires, the inner sleeve, and the outer shell, the attaching portion being in electrical contact with at least the plurality of wires and the inner sleeve and being adapted to place at least the plurality of wires and the inner sleeve in electrical contact with a first electronic device. |
| US07850494B2 |
Battery terminal connector
A cable connector having a one-piece body with a termination end for terminating an electrical cable and a clamping end for clamping to a terminal post is provided. The cable connector's clamping end may include a pair of spaced apart deformably movable clamping arms for supporting the terminal post therebetween. A lever attached to the movable arms may also be provided where the lever may be actuable between a first position urging the arms towards one another to clamp the clamping end to the terminal post and a second position urging the arms apart so as to unclamp the arms from the terminal post to permit removal of the connector body from the terminal post. |
| US07850487B1 |
Coaxial cable connector enhancing tightness engagement with a coaxial cable
A coaxial cable connector includes a connection head and a sleeve assembly coupled to the connection head. The sleeve assembly includes a tube, a sleeve, and a metal collar. The sleeve assembly receives a coaxial cable to insert therein from a rear end thereof in such a way that an insulator layer of a front end of the coaxial cable is set substantially flush with a front end of the tube and the sleeve assembly is then acted upon by a force applied by a tool to drive the metal collar frontward against the contact section of the sleeve for breaking and separating the retention section of the sleeve from the sleeve to further move frontward along a surface of the buffering section of the sleeve. Due to a constraint imposed by the metal collar, the buffering section is compressed downward to enhance tightness of engagement between the coaxial cable and the connector. |
| US07850481B2 |
Modular jack and method of use thereof
The present invention relates to modular jack and method of assembling thereof. The modular jack allows a portion of the stripped jacket of a cable to be contained within the housing of the jack. This ensures that the wires terminate with the insulation displacement contact very close to the point at which the wires are still twisted. A strain relief tab ensures that an external force on the cable does not interfere with the connection that the internal insulated wires make with the insulation displacement contacts of the conductive terminal, ensuring a reliable electrical connection. Termination is made by displacing the wire contact portion of the conductive terminal to pierce the insulation of the insulated wires. |
| US07850477B2 |
Connector
A connector is capable of fitting a plurality of mating connectors having various widths. The connector includes a housing including a plurality of fitting openings for receiving the mating connectors and a middle portion disposed between the fitting openings. The middle portion includes a sloped surface facing one of the fitting portions. The connector further includes an abutting portion disposed on the middle portion and protruding into the one of the fitting portions for abutting against one of the mating connectors when the one of the mating connectors is inserted into the one of the fitting portions. |
| US07850475B1 |
Apparatus for PCI express add-in card retention
Apparatus for PCI express add-in card retention into PCI express female connector. Said apparatus prevents wiggling of PCI express add-in cards in case the PCI express connector has retention ridge or not. |
| US07850474B2 |
Seal for a transmission with a mechatronic system
A seal for an automatic transmission (12) having mechatronics with an electronic module (14) and an electro-hydraulic control unit. The electronic module (14), when installed, is electrically connected, via terminal connectors (20), with at least one actuator (16) and/or sensor of the electro-hydraulic control unit. The seal is inserted between the electronic module (14) and at least one actuator and/or sensor and consists of an elastically moldable soft material element (10). |
| US07850472B2 |
Connector element
The invention relates to a connector element (1) of an electrical connector, comprising a contact carrier (3) that is provided with one or more electrical contacts (18), an actuation sleeve (4) which surrounds the contact carrier (3), and a threaded engaging part (7) that is provided with one or more engaging thread projections (5) which are to penetrate into a mating thread (6) of a mating connector element (2). The actuation sleeve (4) can be moved from a released position, in which the thread projections (5) do not engage into the mating thread (6) and the connector element (1) can be connected to the mating connector element (2), into a locked position, in which the thread projections (5) engage into the mating thread (6) and the connector element (1) is tied to the mating connector element (2). The engaging thread projections (5) are supported by spring tongues (8) which can be moved from the released position into the locked position by axially moving the actuation sleeve (4) against the spring bias thereof. The spring tongues (8) are monolithically molded onto a spring tongue support (9) that annularly surrounds the contact carrier (3). The threaded engaging part (7) is made of plastic and forms a mating catching means (12) that cooperates with a catching means (13) of the actuation sleeve (4) in order to lock the actuation sleeve (4) into place in both the released position and the locked position. |
| US07850468B2 |
Lipstick-type USB device
A USB device including a housing and a rear cap that is rotatably connected to the housing to facilitate deploying and retracting a plug connector through a front opening of the housing. The plug connector is fixedly connected onto the front end of a sliding rack assembly that is disposed in housing such that the sliding rack assembly is slidable along a longitudinal axis. The sliding rack assembly includes a carrier including a carrier tray for supporting electronic devices and an elongated positioning rod extending from a rear portion of the carrier tray. The positioning rod is operably engaged with an actuator portion such that manual rotation of the rear cap relative to the housing around the longitudinal axis causes the sliding rack assembly to slide inside the housing between retracted and deployed positions. |
| US07850467B2 |
Connecting element for an electrical shielding arrangement
A connecting element between a first electric shielding assembly that surrounds a cable feedthrough and includes at least one tubular insulating barrier that surrounds the cable feedthrough and at least one second electric shielding assembly that surrounds the cable feedthrough and includes at least one tubular insulating barrier that surrounds the cable feedthrough. A continuous barrier system around the cable feedthrough is provided by a connecting element with at least two interconnecting insulating barriers, which can be inserted into the shielding assemblies, even if the shielding assembly is configured from sub-segments. The disclosure also relates to an electric shield for a cable feedthrough and to a method for producing an electric shield for a cable feedthrough. |
| US07850466B2 |
Through board inverted connector
A connector assembly includes a housing and a contact. The housing extends from a front end to an opposite back end. The housing includes an interior chamber inwardly extending from the front end that is configured to receive a mating connector through the front end of the housing. The contact is joined with the housing and extends between a mating end and a mounting surface. The mating end is configured to engage a mating contact of the mating connector. The mounting surface is configured to be mounted to a substrate to electrically couple the mating connector with the substrate. The housing extends through an opening in the substrate such that the housing protrudes from opposite sides of the substrate. |
| US07850465B1 |
Plug connector with two rows of soldering sections
A plug connector has an insulative housing, a mounting bracket, multiple first terminals, multiple second terminals and a shell. The mounting bracket is mounted on the insulative housing. The first terminals are mounted through the insulative housing and have soldering sections arranged in a first transverse row. The second terminals are mounted through the mounting bracket and have soldering sections arranged in a second transverse row. The soldering sections arranged in the different rows reduce a density of a soldering section layout and facilitate soldering the plug connector to a PCB. |
| US07850463B2 |
Fuse box and method of making a fuse box
A fuse box has a housing in which a plurality of fuses are received. The housing defines a busbar cavity. A busbar has a plurality of integrally formed terminals, and is received in the busbar cavity of the housing. The housing and the busbar are arranged such that the plurality of integrally formed terminals on the busbar are positioned to directly receive corresponding contacts of the plurality of fuses. |
| US07850458B2 |
Electrical connector and method of manufacturing same
Embodiments of electrical connectors and related methods of manufacture are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein. |
| US07850457B2 |
Antistatic demonstrator
The present invention relates to a device for demonstrating the antistatic properties of at least one first transparent glass substrate, at least part of one of the main surfaces of which is an antistatic surface, said device comprising a hollow box having an upper surface provided with at least one window to which said first transparent glass substrate is fitted, wherein said box contains elements capable of moving under the action of electrostatic attraction, said elements being chosen from cellular particles of synthetic or natural polymers, individualized fibers of synthetic or natural polymers and their blends.The present invention further relates to a method for demonstrating the antistatic properties of at least one first transparent glass substrate by means of the above device. |
| US07850456B2 |
Surgical simulation device, system and method
A device system and method for simulating laparoscopic procedures, particularly for the purposes of instruction and/or demonstration. The system comprises one or more virtual organs to be operated on. The organ comprises a plurality of elements, each element having neighboring elements; and a plurality of tensioned connections connecting neighboring elements over said organ, such that force applied at one of said elements propagates via respective neighboring elements provides a distributed reaction over said organ. In addition there is a physical manipulation device for manipulation by a user; and a tracking arrangement for tracking said physical manipulation device and translating motion of said physical manipulation device into application of forces onto said virtual organ. The system is capable of simulating organs moving, cutting, suturing, coagulations and other surgical and surgery-related operations. |
| US07850455B2 |
Anatomical model and method for medical training
Aspects of the present invention are directed to an anatomical model for training that includes a head portion; at least one auricle portion; at least one ear canal; and at least one cartridge. The at least one cartridge may be adaptable to mimic at least one pathology of the human ear, such as an eardrum perforation, a middle ear fluid, a cholesteatoma, a tumor, or earwax. |
| US07850453B2 |
Reshapable device for fixation at a dental site
Disclosed is a reshapable retention device for insertion at a dental site and contact with adjacent dental surfaces, for the controlled delivery to the dental site of at least one material having a predetermined intraoral activity, with at least one matrix containing the material. The device is adapted for physically affixing at the dental site. The device has a first configuration in which the overall dimensions of the retention device are larger than at least one dimension of the dental site, which is reshapable to a second in which at least one dimension of the retention device is reduced. In the second configuration the retention device has a predetermined shape having contours for affixing at the dental surfaces. The device is affixed to the dental site in its second configuration. |
| US07850446B2 |
Hand-held gas combustion apparatus
The present invention relates to a hand-held gas combustion apparatus, comprises a gas storing tank, a gas discharging device, a housing, an ignition system and a flame device. The flame nozzle of the flame device and the metal sleeve tube are respectively in contact with the conductive wire and the electricity-guiding wire of the ignition system, so a static electricity spark is generated between the inner folding edge of the metal sleeve tube and the flame nozzle, so mixed combustion gas ejected from the flame nozzle is ignited, a gas combustion apparatus is therefore obtained, and the electricity-guiding wire is provided between the metal sleeve tube and the ignition system so the high-voltage static electricity can be guided back to the ignition system for forming a circuit. The present invention has overcome the disadvantages that a conductive wire of a conventional ignition system has to be provided at one side of the flame nozzle and the inconvenience of circuit design, and in the present invention there is no need of providing additional supporting racks for receiving and positioning the ignition system and the flame device. |
| US07850441B2 |
Mold structure
There is provided a mold structure containing a substrate, and a plurality of convex portions formed in the shape of concentric circles at predetermined intervals on one surface of the substrate, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the convex portions with respect to a radial direction of the concentric circles is such that a middle width M of each of the convex portions with respect to a heightwise direction is greater than a width T of a top portion of each of the convex portions with respect to the radial direction of the concentric circles. |
| US07850438B2 |
Scroll fluid machine with back pressure chamber sealing
To provide a scroll type fluid machine which can ensure that even when the pressure ratio of the pressure P1 of its high pressure chamber (back pressure chamber) to the pressure P2 of its low pressure chamber (P1/P2) is low, its orbiting scroll be pressed against its fixed scroll without having its orbiting scroll increased in diameter to prevent any leakage of a fluid through between the front end face of the wall of its orbiting scroll and the bottom face of the end plate of its fixed scroll. The scroll type fluid machine has an Oldham's keyway (17) formed along the edge of the back side of the orbiting scroll end plate (13a) for holding one end portion of an Oldham's ring (10) slidably, and a sealing member (18) has a tongue part (18a) formed to cut off the flow of any fluid from the back pressure chamber to the Oldham's keyway (17). |
| US07850437B2 |
Multi-port suction reed valve with optimized tips
A reed valve having a plurality of tips and associated recesses is provided as a compressor suction valve with each valve tip coacting with a suction port. The recesses are located in the housing structure defining the cylinder of the compressor and are spaced a distance on the order of 0.1 inches from the tips when the suction valve is closed. The valve is secured on one side of the cylinder and each tip is located along a line from the center of the cylinder through the center, or axis, of a suction port. |
| US07850435B2 |
Fuel injection device for an internal combustion engine
A fuel injection apparatus has a high-pressure pump and a fuel-supply pump that delivers fuel from a fuel tank to the high-pressure pump. The high-pressure pump has a housing with an internal chamber that contains a drive unit for at least one pump element having a pump piston driven by the drive unit and delimiting a pump working chamber into which fuel is supplied via an inlet during an intake stroke and from which fuel is displaced via an outlet into the reservoir during a delivery stroke of the pump piston. The fuel-supply pump delivers fuel into the internal chamber via a connection that contains a check valve which opens toward the internal chamber of the housing and the inlet of the pump working chamber is connected to the internal chamber. |
| US07850432B2 |
Ion pump having emission containment
An ion pump having emissions containment. The ion pump includes an anode constructed from a plurality of tubes and a cathode constructed from plates positioned on opposite sides of the anode and positioned apart from the anode. The anode and cathode are positioned within a gastight housing having a gas inlet. A blocking shield assembly is provided within the line of sight between the gas inlet and the cathode. The blocking shield assembly is also provided within the line of sight between the gas inlet and any surface within the ion pump that itself is within the line of sight of the cathode. The blocking shield assembly prevents photons and neutral particles from being emitted from the ion pump. |
| US07850422B2 |
Device for adjusting guide blades
A device is for adjusting guide blades of a gas turbine. The guide blades are each connected to an adjusting ring via an adjusting lever, so as to be able to swivel, a first end of the, or each, adjusting lever engaging with the adjusting ring, and a second end of the, or each, adjusting lever, opposite to the first end, engaging with an end of a shaft or shank of the respective guide blade. The adjusting ring is assigned a rotor of a torque motor, a stator of the torque motor concentrically surrounding the rotor of the torque motor. |
| US07850418B2 |
System and method to facilitate maintenance on a wind turbine
A system to facilitate maintenance on a wind turbine including a control assembly positioned within a tower defining an access opening. The system includes at least one rail comprising a first rail portion and a second rail portion coupled to the first rail portion. The second rail portion extends outwardly through the access opening when coupled to the first rail portion. At least one wheel is coupled to the control assembly. The wheel is configured to engage the rail and enable movement of the control assembly along the rail to facilitate movement of the control assembly between an interior and an exterior of the tower. |
| US07850415B2 |
Machine for palletizing objects such as packing cases
A machine for palletizing substantially parallelepipedic objects such as packing cases, comprising a grouping station for forming objects into a group able to form a layer of a palletized load, which grouping station includes a fixed reference stop adapted to stop an object conveyed thereto by an abutment conveyor; a layer-forming surface extending laterally opposite to the reference stop; a motorized thruster adapted to displace the object located against the reference stop to a predetermined zone of the layer-forming surface corresponding to the position it is to occupy in the layer being formed; and an automatic control system adapted to control the drive means so as to position laterally opposite the reference stop a zone of the layer-forming surface which is to receive the object located against the reference stop, and to control of the thruster so as to displace the object onto that zone of the layer-forming surface. |
| US07850408B2 |
Hollow wall fastener
An anchor system for a hollow wall or ceiling includes an anchor portion having a flange and a penetrating portion extending from a rear surface of the flange. The penetration portion has a fixed sleeve extending from the rear surface of the flange and a pivoting locking leg connected to the fixed sleeve by a hinge. The fixed sleeve has a non-round opening extending longitudinally therethrough and the pivoting locking leg has a stub extending from a rear surface thereof to retain the penetrating portion rigid as the anchor is inserted into the wall or ceiling. A pin portion has a body including a flexible shaft and an actuating element extending transversely from an end of the shaft. The shaft tapers, near the actuating element toward the actuating element to define a transverse dimension. The actuating element has a heel at about a rear surface thereof. When the pin is inserted into the opening, the actuating portion contacts the stub to separate the pivoting locking leg from the fixed sleeve portion and to pivot the pivoting locking leg portion toward an inner surface of the wall or ceiling. Rotating the pin engages the actuating element at the heel with the stub to lock the leg in place and the shaft flexes to accommodate rotation of the leg more than or less than 90 degrees to secure the leg against the inner surface. |
| US07850406B2 |
Method for setting working origin and machine tool for implementing the same
A method for setting a working origin for a rotary tool in contact with a work piece to be machined, having: applying to a main spindle which holds the rotary tool, with a tip of a cutting edge of the rotary tool in contact with an outer surface of the work piece fixed to a work table, a load torque to such an extent that the rotary tool is not caused to be rotated; applying the load torque to the main spindle, and moving either the work table or the main spindle in a jog feed in a direction of any one of feed shafts such that the tip of the cutting edge is moved away from the outer surface along an axial direction of the rotary tool or in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction; and setting a coordinate at the moment when the main spindle starts rotation as a working origin of the jog feed in the direction of the any one of the feed shafts. |
| US07850405B2 |
Hole saw boss
The present invention relates to an improved hole saw boss (10) and in particular, to a boss including a threaded member (12) adapted to accommodate two hole saws of the same or different bore thread diameters. The present invention allows for a pre-existing aperture (22) in a work piece to be simply enlarged. This is useful if a new lock mechanism is being installed in a door with a pre-existing aperture where the lock mechanism requires a larger aperture than that which was in existence. Currently the aperture has to be enlarged by manual handwork since there is no centre-point to which a pilot drill may be enlarged. The threaded bore diameters of the present invention correspond with the commonly available hole saw threaded bore diameters. The present invention therefore provides the public with device for enlarging apertures which is simply, cost effective and can be used with currently available hole saws. |
| US07850404B2 |
Drill chuck
A drill chuck has a rotatable chuck body, a tightening sleeve axially fixed but rotatable on the chuck body, a plurality of jaws on the body and radially displaceable between inner and outer end positions, and a screwthread formation for radially displacing the jaws between their end positions on relative rotation of the body and sleeve. An inner element rotationally fixed on the chuck body has an elliptical outer surface generally centered on the axis and bearing on a flexible coupling ring having an annular array or radially outwardly projecting coupling teeth. First and second rings each have an annular array of radially inwardly projecting teeth meshing with the coupling teeth. The first ring is fixed and second ring is rotatable relative to the chuck body adjacent the first ring. The second-ring array of teeth has a number of teeth different from that of the first-ring array of teeth. |
| US07850401B1 |
Method for stabilizing soil against erosion
A method of applying polyacrylamide (PAM) for stabilizing soil particles of a land area from movement about the land area. The slope of the surface of the soil is measured, and a tentative application rate is determined based upon the slope of the land area. The stability of the soil of the land area is determined by placing a sample of the soil in a tray and pouring a liquid over the sample and evaluating the erosion potential of the soil by measuring any movement of the soil in the liquid. The liquid may be water or a mixture of water and PAM. The application rate may be increased above the tentative application rate if the soil sample showed a relatively higher vulnerability to erosion. An application rate is calculated for applying a mixture of PAM and water to the land area. The mixture is misted onto the surface of the land area in one or more mixture applications. An application of the mixture is continued until the top surface of the soil of the land area becomes saturated. Further mixture applications occur after any puddles of the mixture on the surface of the soil have been absorbed into the soil, but the surface of the soil is not permitted to dry. A spray of the mixture is directed onto the surface of the soil of the land area from at least four directions, and at a substantially perpendicular angle downward onto the surface of the soil of the land area. |
| US07850399B2 |
Method of splicing pile cages, set of components therefor, and assembled pile cages
This invention relates to a method of splicing pile cages, to a set of components therefor, and to assembled pile cages, and in particular to a method of splicing together two pile cages of a reinforced concrete pile. The method employs two pile cages which are each assembled from a number of cage bars and at least one frame, one of the pile cages having a suspension band adjacent to one of its ends, the other pile cage having at least one support plate adjacent to one of its ends, the support plate having a hole therethrough. One of the pile cages is lifted into a pile hole with its end projecting therefrom, and the second pile cage is lifted over the first pile cage and lowered until a part of the cage bars of the second pile cage overlap a part of the cage bars of the first pile cage, and the hole in the support plate lies below the suspension band. A suspension bolt is inserted through the hole in the support plate so that a part of the suspension bolt lies underneath a part of the suspension band, whereby the first and second pile cages can be lifted together with the suspension bolt engaging the suspension band. |
| US07850398B2 |
Jackup oil rig and similar platforms
A jackup rig having a built-in capability of driving and extracting piles without need for dedicated pile drivers or extractors. The jackup rig provides an ice breaking functional capability, supplied by a jacking system, for operating in icy waters. |
| US07850389B2 |
Tolerance ring having various end tab designs to prevent interlocking
A tolerance ring configured to prevent interlocking during shipping and handling. The tolerance ring has a cylinder with a first radius about an axis of rotation and a gap in the cylinder surface having a first edge and second edge extending along the axis. The gap in the cylindrical base has a first tab on the first edge and a second tab on the second edge. The first tab is adapted for coupling to the second tab and thereby prevents the interlocking of one tolerance ring with another. The gap can be configured to be non-linear. |
| US07850388B2 |
Compliant, low profile, independently releasing, non-protruding and genderless docking system for robotic modules
An apparatus for coupling with a mating coupling module to facilitate the joining of two disjoined structures without requiring precise alignment between the disjoined structures during the coupling of them may include a rotating drive mechanism, a hollow cylindrical body operatively connected to the rotating drive mechanism, wherein the hollow cylindrical body has at least one internal spiral channel, and at least one connector claw positioned within the hollow cylindrical body and guided by the internal spiral channel, wherein the at least one connector claw is configured to extend outwardly from the coupling module to engage the mating coupling module when brought in close proximity but not necessarily in precise alignment with the mating coupling module. |
| US07850385B2 |
Liquid supply implement
A liquid supply implement can accommodate a large amount of liquid without being subjected to limitation of a capacity of a temporary storage chamber temporarily storing the liquid overflowing a tank, or can reduce the capacity of the temporary storage chamber. A tank formed inside a rear barrel and accommodating a liquid is divided into a plurality of tank portions. In order that all the tank portions do not communicate with a tip end supply element between the tank and a pen tip, any one of a plurality of through-holes of an inner plug respectively communicating with the respective tank portions is allowed to communicate with one through-hole formed in a lateral wall of a front barrel. By rotating the rear barrel with respect to the front barrel, selected tank portion can be switched. |
| US07850384B2 |
Cleaning device
A fluid flow assembly includes a storage container connected to a fluid coupling and retaining cylinder. The connection is secured by a bayonet connection and walls between the bases of the container and cylinder. The storage container has a ball valve assembly disposed at its base, which includes an upper housing, a lower extension, and a ball valve axially disposed therein. The cylinder includes an axial hollow elongate fluid outlet on the base, co-axially aligned with an outlet port of the ball valve assembly of the container. The upper portion of the fluid outlet is a male coupling, which penetrates into the outlet port, when the container is connected to the cylinder, and axially displaces a valve ball from its closed position into an open position, enabling fluid flowing thru the ball valve assembly of the storage container, into the hollow fluid outlet of the cylinder, and downstream of it. |
| US07850383B2 |
Floor finish applicator
A walk-behind floor finish applicator wherein a mop with a handle is connected to the applicator, yet is readily removable therefrom. This allows the mop to be used as a component of the walk-behind applicator for applying floor finish to easily accessible areas in one instance, yet allows the mop to be used independently for application of floor finish to not so easily accessible areas. The applicator is adaptable to receiving bag in the box floor finish, thus reducing cleaning time. The applicator employs a minimum number of disposable parts thus making it economical to produce. |
| US07850381B2 |
Mechanical pencil
A chuck (4) for grasping a writing lead and a rotor (6) arranged to be movable together in a direction of rotation and an axial direction within a body cylinder (1). A rotational drive mechanism for the writing lead is formed such that first and second cam faces (6a) and (6b) are respectively formed at one end face and another end face of the rotor in the axial direction, and first and second fixed cam faces (13a) and (14a) are arranged on the body cylinder side to face the above-mentioned first and second cam faces respectively. Retreat operation and forward movement (cushion action) of the writing lead by writing pressure are provided with a damping effect by sticky grease (19) interposed between a stopper (16) and a torque canceller (17). As a result, a sense of uncomforting, when writing, generated in conjunction with the cushion action can be reduced. |
| US07850377B2 |
Mounting structure for plurality of lenses, camera module, and electronic equipment
A mounting structure for a plurality of lenses, wherein at least three lenses are arranged with their optical axes set to coincide with each other, the lenses located at both ends in the optical axis direction are provided with parts facing each other, and the mutually facing parts of the lenses are fixed to each other with an adhesive. The mounting structure, wherein all the lenses except the lenses located at both ends in the optical axis direction are fixed in the state of being clamped between the lenses located at both ends in the optical axis direction by shrinkage during curing of the adhesive. |
| US07850374B2 |
Optical transmitter module with an integrated lens and method for making the module
An optical transmitter module and method for making the module utilizes a housing structure having an integrated lens. The housing structure includes an output opening, which has a central axis along a first direction, to receive an optical fiber. The optical transmitter module further comprises conductive pins that are attached to the housing structure such that the conductive pins extend from the housing structure in a second direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The optical transmitter module further comprises a light source mounted on one of the conductive pins such that light from the light source is emitted along the first direction toward the integrated lens of the housing structure to transmit the light into the optical fiber. |
| US07850373B2 |
Optical block reinforcing member, optical block and optical module
An optical module includes a circuit board, an optical element mounted on the circuit board, an electronic parts for driving the optical element, an optical block optically coupled with the optical element and adapted to be connected to an optical connector, wherein the optical block includes a protrusion including a guide pin for connecting the optical block to the optical connector, and a receiving portion formed nearly cylindrical around a root of the guide pin and having a receiving surface on which the optical block abuts the optical connector, an optical block reinforcing member including an upper lid for covering the optical block, and sidewalls for covering both sides of the optical block arranged perpendicular to a width direction of the optical connector, wherein the optical block reinforcing member includes a separate body from the optical block and is adapted to be attached on the optical block, and a casing for housing the circuit board, the optical element, the electronic parts, the optical block and the optical block reinforcing member. |
| US07850371B2 |
Fiber optic cable interface cover and method of operating the same
A cable interface housing cover is disclosed. The cable interface housing cover is connected to a cable interface portion of a cable interface housing. The cable interface housing cover includes a U-shaped portion and a hinged portion connected to a rotating axis. The hinged portion is configured to rotate about the rotating axis upon being handled by the end user to expose the cable interface housing to allow a cable to be inserted into the cable interface housing once the housing cover is lifted via a lifting operation. |
| US07850370B2 |
Positional differentiating connector assembly
The present disclosure provides a method for securing a plurality of communications channels, said method comprising: providing a plurality of data outlets, providing a patch cord connector assembly, providing access to a permissible data channel of the plurality of data channels, and restricting access to a restricted data channel of the plurality of data channels. A plurality of pitches are used to space apart optical communications components, wherein a patch cord connector assembly is both capable of mating with a data outlet associated with a permissible data channel, and incapable of mating with a data outlet associated with a restricted data channel. |
| US07850369B2 |
Drop-in ball bearing slide assembly
A non-disconnect drop-in ball bearing slide assembly adapted to support an object, such as a computer server, includes a stationary slide and an intermediate slide slidably connected to the stationary slide with at least one ball bearing interposed between the intermediate slide and the stationary slide. A ball bearing retainer has a top member and a base member, the top and base members extending along a length, with a first plurality of ball bearings extending along the length of the base member, and a second plurality of ball bearings extending along at least a portion of the length of the top member. The non-disconnect drop-in ball bearing assembly also includes a moveable slide extending along a length and having a top rail and a bottom rail. The moveable slide has at least one slot formed on the top rail for receiving a mounting post of an object, such as a server or server mounting arm. The moveable slide is slidably supported within the intermediate slide by the ball bearing retainer, wherein the first plurality of ball bearings are interposed between the bottom rail and the base member and the second plurality of ball bearings are interposed between the top rail and the top member. Access to the at least one slot is unobstructed by the second plurality of ball bearings when the moveable slide is in an extended position outside the stationary slide, thus facilitating the mounting of an object, such as the computer server, to the drop-in ball bearing slide assembly. |
| US07850358B2 |
Light source device, backlight unit, and liquid crystal display device
A light source device, a backlight unit, and a liquid crystal display device are each capable of improving uniformity of a luminance and a color of a display surface. The light source device includes a board; a plurality of point light sources arranged on a surface of the board and connected in series; and a variable resistor, wherein the variable resistor is disposed on the surface on which the plurality of point light sources are arranged of the board; at least one point light source arranged on an end side among the plurality of point light sources is connected in parallel to the variable resistor; and the board has a through-hole in a region where a variable resistor is located. |
| US07850356B2 |
Reflection sheet and backlight unit employing the same
Provided are a reflection sheet for a backlight unit including: a base sheet; and a flexible coating layer, formed on at least a surface of the base sheet, containing at least one flexible elastomeric bead selected from the group consisting of an elastomeric acrylic bead, an elastomeric nylon bead, and a microcapsule resin bead having a core charged with an air or an organic material, and a backlight unit for a liquid crystal display employing the reflection sheet. The reflection sheet may further include a metal reflection layer. The reflection sheet including the flexible coating layer exhibits excellent resistance to friction and impact. The reflection sheet including both the flexible coating layer and the metal reflection layer is excellent in specular reflectivity and brightness as well as in resistance to friction and impact. Therefore, the reflection sheet can be usefully applied to a light guide panel of a backlight unit having a weak surface hardness or requiring a surface protection due to a surface prism pattern. |
| US07850355B2 |
Optical member, surface light source unit, and liquid crystal display
An optical member that will be incorporated in a surface light source unit and that is scarcely deformed while it is used as a component of the surface light source unit. The optical member comprises optical sheets layered on each other. The optical sheets at least includes: an outermost optical sheet on the light-entrance side, which is situated outermost on the light-entrance side; and a high-rigidity optical sheet situated on the light-exit side of the outermost optical sheet on the light-entrance side, a rigidity of the high-rigidity optical sheet being higher than a rigidity of the outermost optical sheet on the light-entrance side. |
| US07850352B2 |
Flagpole lamp of a vehicle head
A flagpole lamp includes a pole, a socket joint, a circuit board, a positioning base, a waterproof washer, a lucent bar and a pole head. The circuit board, the positioning base and the waterproof washer are fitted in the socket joint. The circuit board has a light disposed through in the positioning base and the waterproof washer respectively. The lucent bar is coupled to the socket joint at one end, and the pole head put at the opposite end. The light of the circuit board can be lit up to emit light out of the lucent bar to enable a driver to clearly see the head corners and the position of the vehicle. |
| US07850351B2 |
Lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle
A lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly having a mountain portion, an exterior mirror housing and a reflective element. A signal light assembly is disposed at the exterior mirror housing and includes at least one light emitting source and a light conduiting element, which has a body portion having a plurality of light conduiting portions established therein. Each of the light conduiting portions has a light receiving end and a light emitting end. The light conduiting members are arranged in a generally radial fashion so that the light emitting ends are arranged to follow an exterior contour of the exterior mirror housing. The light emitted by the light emitting source is received at the light receiving ends and is emitted from the light emitting ends along the exterior contour of the exterior mirror housing at which the light conduiting element is disposed. |
| US07850346B1 |
Artificial candles with realistic flames
An artificial candle has a delicate glowing shroud or sock that can flutter like a candle flame, and the sock may surround a “wick” that can be seen through the sock to glow. Such a diaphanous sock can be actuated by a fan, air pump, solenoid or conductor, which can be provided adjacent to the sock or removed from the sock, for example in a central body of a chandelier. Light can emanate from the wick from a light emitting diode (LED), and the sock can include fluorescent material that absorbs and reradiates some of the light from the wick. The wick and the sock can be coupled to a shaft that simulates a wax candle body. A standard threaded fitting can be provided so that the artificial candle can thread into a socket to replace a light bulb. |
| US07850344B2 |
Light emitting device housing and a manufacturing method thereof, and light emitting apparatus using the same
A light emitting device housing having a concave part is provided therein for housing a light emitting device. Side surfaces of the concave part are each configured to be a perpendicular surface that is substantially perpendicular to a bottom surface of the concave part, and other side surfaces are each configured to be an inclined surface for reflecting light from the light emitting device toward above the light emitting device. |
| US07850334B2 |
Apparatus and method of using multiple LED light sources to generate a unitized beam
An LED package is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) of similar or differing wavelengths; a corresponding plurality of reflector cavities, a common combining chamber, and an integrating rod coupled to the combining chamber to provide a unitized beam at a common output aperture for the plurality of LEDs. |
| US07850331B2 |
Lighting device utilizing a light emitting diode disposed within a tubular lens
The present invention provides a lighting device having a body and a plurality of light source assemblies within a light housing. The light source assemblies include a light emitting diode disposed in tubular lens. The light housing is attached to an edge of the body. |
| US07850328B2 |
Illuminated toy balloon
An apparatus for illuminating the interior of a balloon includes a cylindrical plug with an integrally-formed radially extending integral flange insertable within the balloon neck. A light element is affixed to the plug and disposed within the neck. A battery is electrically connected to the light element and is typically mounted next to the light element, or includes the light element in a single assembly. Switching is provided to turn the lighting element on and off which, in the preferred embodiment is effected by inflating the balloon with the apparatus inserted into the balloon neck. The light element may be affixed to the head of the apparatus by magnetic means, by means of a screw-on cap, or by other well-known techniques. |
| US07850325B2 |
Light source and wiring configuration for power tool
A power tool includes a motor, a lighting power source, and a housing assembly defining an axis that supports the motor and the lighting power source. The power tool also includes a lighting assembly with a light and an energy line that transmits energy to the light to thereby provide illumination. The light and the lighting power source are disposed in spaced relationship from each other relative to the axis. Furthermore, the power tool includes a light holder supported by the housing assembly. The light holder supports the light and a portion of the energy line such that an end of the energy line unsupportedly extends beyond the light holder and electrically couples to the lighting power source. |
| US07850320B2 |
System for creating spectral displays
A highly adaptable system for creating colorful spectral displays or for achieving a prismatic effect using visible light is provided. The invention includes a fixed-angle or monolithic prismatic element fabricated from plate glass mirror material. A compound version of this monolithic element wherein multiple single elements have been affixed to one another for the purpose of creating a more complex spectral display is also provided. The invention also includes a prism-like device that utilizes a standard mirror, mirrors, or other materials with highly reflective surfaces and water or a similar fluid that disperses light in a predictable manner at or on a specific target. Both the fixed prismatic elements and the adjustable light dispersing elements may be arranged into one or more arrays that may be used to create complex spectral displays on a variety of surfaces while utilizing one or more available light sources or a moving light source such as the sun. |
| US07850314B2 |
Light-emitting module and image projection apparatus using same
A light-emitting module has: a single reflector having a plurality of concave reflection surfaces; and light emitters in a same number as a number of the concave reflection surfaces. Each of the concave reflection surface has an outer shape partially notched at a boundary thereof with the adjacent concave reflection surface. Each of the light emitters emits light toward the concave reflection surface. |
| US07850313B2 |
Projection type image display apparatus
A projection type image display apparatus includes an image display element, a first lens group disposed in a light direction with respect to the image display element and configured to include a plurality of lenses, a second lens group disposed in a light direction with respect to the first lens group and configured to include a plurality of lenses, a reflection mirror, configured to reflect lights emitted from the first and/or second lens groups so as to project upon the screen obliquely, a first mounting base on which the first lens group is mounted, a second mounting base on which the second lens group is mounted, and a chassis configured to store the first and second lens groups, the reflection mirror, and the first and second mounting bases. The first mounting base is fixed at a bottom of the chassis, while the second mounting base is moveable. |
| US07850311B2 |
Projection display device with a projection module
A front projection display device having a projection module and a docking station. The docking station has a base. Further, the docking station can include an extendable arm attached to the base. The projection module contains an optical engine. The optical engine includes an illumination system, an imaging system, and a wide-angle projection lens. The optical engine outputs an image at a half field angle of at least 45°. The projected image has substantially no distortion and requires substantially no keystone correction. |
| US07850309B2 |
Projection type image display apparatus
Elements of an optical system (12) of a projection type image display apparatus are stored in an optical system storage (46) having an upper opening in such a way that the optical element to be arranged close to a light source is fitted in the frame provided in the high-temperature region of the optical system storage (46) close to the light source, while the rest of the optical elements are respectively fitted in the frames in the low-temperature region of the optical system storage (46) remote from the light source. The upper opening in the high-temperature region is covered, in the low-temperature region, with a resilient metal lid (471), and, in the low-temperature region, covered with a resilient resin lid (472). Portions of these lids are partially cut into spring-like narrow strips having tips configured to firmly and accurately hold the lenses fitted in the respective frames, whereby the dimensional tolerances of the optical elements and the frames can be absorbed solely by the lids without resorting to any other parts. |
| US07850306B2 |
Visual cognition aware display and visual data transmission architecture
Methods, apparatus and computer program products reduce bandwidth requirements in mobile video and gaming applications by tracking a gaze fixation point of a user on a video image at a remote location; generating information identifying the gaze fixation point at the remote location; transmitting the gaze fixation point information to a source of video information over a network; determining a portion of a video image to transmit at a high resolution and a remaining portion to transmit at a low resolution using the transmitted gaze fixation point information; and transmitting the portion of the video image selected for transmission at a high resolution at the high resolution and the portion of the video image selected for transmission at a low resolution at the low resolution. Further methods, apparatus and computer program product also reduce bandwidth requirements by receiving gaze fixation point information from a remote location, wherein the gaze fixation point information indicates where in a video image a user is currently looking; selecting a portion of video images to transmit at a high resolution and a portion of video images to transmit at a low resolution using the transmitted gaze fixation point information; and transmitting the portions of the video images at the determined resolutions. |
| US07850305B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring spectrum image data of eyeground
The object of the invention is to provide a favorable spectral characteristic that reduces variation depending on the frequency of received light intensity, and that is gentle on a subject eye. It also eliminates displacement between positions of respective spectral images of the same part even if a change in alignment occurs between the eye and apparatus with the lapse of time. An apparatus 1 for measuring spectral fundus image data of this invention comprises: an illumination optical system 10 having an illumination light source 11 that emits a light beam in a specified wavelength range; a light receiving optical system 20 for forming a fundus image on the light receiving surface of a photographing section 4; a liquid crystal wavelength tunable filter 32 capable of choosing a wavelength of a transmitted light beam in a specified wavelength range; a spectral characteristic correction filter 13 having wavelength characteristic for correcting the wavelength characteristic of the emitted light intensity of the illumination light source 11 and the transmission wavelength characteristic of the wavelength tunable filter 32 so that the received light intensity on the light receiving surface is kept within the specified range; and a data measuring section 7 for taking the spectral fundus image data from the light receiving surface while changing the wavelength of the light beam passing through the wavelength tunable filter 32. |
| US07850302B1 |
Eyeglass holder with clasp
This invention is an eyeglass holder attachable to clothing, office and shop equipment, handbags, luggage, vehicles and personal transportation. Cooperating clip arms of three designs—straight, rounded and comb shape—close on or around the desired attach object. A closing clasp at the end of the clip provides additional fastening for holding the clip in position around an object such as a strap or belt. |
| US07850299B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a conveying mechanism that is provided in this apparatus body and conveys a sheet, a recording head that ejects an ink to the medium conveyed by this conveying mechanism and records an image on the medium, and a sheet guide that is spaced apart from and opposed to this recording head, guides the sheet, and is provided to be freely inserted into and taken out from the apparatus body. |
| US07850298B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus that includes a discharge tray on which a sheet discharged from a discharge port is stacked; a sheet retainer, which guides the sheet discharged from the discharge port onto the discharge tray and is displaced in abutment against an uppermost sheet stacked on the discharge tray, the sheet retainer removing electricity of the sheet; and a detection unit, which detects a stack of the sheet on the discharge tray on a basis of a position of the sheet retainer. |
| US07850297B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a cartridge which ejects an ink, a chamber having an inlet unit which inhales a fog generated when the ink is ejected from the cartridge and an outlet unit which exhales the inhaled fog, an air pressure generating unit which is connected to the chamber to generate an air pressure to inhale and exhale the fog from the chamber, and a valve unit which selectively opens and closes the inlet unit and the outlet unit by the air pressure which is generated in the air pressure generating unit. |
| US07850295B2 |
Semiconductor device, ink cartridge, and electronic device
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate including an active element formation face on which an active element is formed, and a rear face that is on a side opposite to the active element formation face; a penetration electrode penetrating the semiconductor substrate; an element electrode formed on or above the active element formation face; detection electrodes formed on or above the rear face, electrically connected to the element electrode via the penetration electrode, and detecting a remaining amount of the ink by being wet in the ink; a storage circuit storing the remaining amount of ink; an antenna formed on either one of the active element formation face and the rear face, transmitting and receiving information; and a control circuit controlling the detection electrodes, the antenna, and the storage circuit. |
| US07850292B2 |
Flow path connecting device and recording apparatus
A flow path connecting device includes a first flow path having a first connector and configured to channel fluids, a second flow path having a second connector and configured to channel fluids, a moving unit configured to move at least one of the first and second connectors, to interconnect the first and second connectors so that the first and second flow paths are communicated with each other, and to separate the first and second connectors from each other, and a control unit configured to control the moving unit, when the first and second connectors separate from each other, to set a relative speed of the first and second connectors to a first speed or less in a period from a start of the separation till a lapse of predetermined time, and set the relative speed to a second speed that is higher than the first speed after the lapse of the predetermined time. |
| US07850288B2 |
Ink jet recording head having piezoelectric element and electrode patterned with same shape and without pattern shift therebetween
An ink jet recording head comprising: a nozzle orifice for jetting ink; an ink chamber communicating with the nozzle; a diaphragm for pressurizing ink in the ink chamber; a piezoelectric thin film on the diaphragm; and an electrode for the piezoelectric thin film wherein the piezoelectric thin film and the electrode are patterned to the same shape. |
| US07850287B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus having liquid ejection heads extending in a particular direction, and each liquid ejection head has an ejection surface with ejection ports configured to eject a liquid, a supply port to which liquid is supplied, and a flow path formed in the liquid ejection head. The flow path is configured to place the ejection ports and the supply port in fluid communication. The liquid ejection heads are positioned at predetermined intervals in a direction perpendicular to the particular direction, and for each liquid ejection head, the supply port of one liquid ejection head is in a different location in the particular direction, than all of the liquid ejection heads adjacent to the one liquid ejection head in the perpendicular direction. |
| US07850286B2 |
Micro-fluid ejector pattern for improved performance
A micro-fluid ejection head and method for reducing a stagger pattern distance and improving droplet placement, on a receiving medium. The micro-fluid ejection head includes a substrate containing a plurality of ejection actuators on a device surface thereof and a fluid supply slot for providing fluid to be ejected by the micro-fluid ejection head. The ejection head also includes a flow feature component in flow communication with the fluid supply slot and configured for providing fluid ejection chambers and fluid supply channels for the fluid ejection chambers. Adjacent first and second ejection actuators in a substantially linear array of ejection actuators are each spaced a first distance from the fluid supply slot and second and third ejection actuators in the linear array of ejection actuators are each spaced a second distance from the fluid supply slot that is less than the first distance. |
| US07850284B2 |
Method for dry etching fluid feed slots in a silicon substrate
A method of micro-machining a semiconductor substrate to form one or more through slots therein. The semiconductor substrate has a device side and a fluid side opposite the device side. The method includes diffusing a p-type doping material into the device side of the semiconductor substrate in one or more through slot locations to be etched through a thickness of the substrates. The semiconductor substrate is then etched with a dry etch process from the device side of the substrate to the fluid side of the substrate so that one or more through slots having a reentrant profile are formed in the substrate. |
| US07850281B2 |
Efficient inkjet nozzle assembly
An inkjet nozzle assembly comprising a nozzle chamber for containing ink, the chamber having a nozzle opening and an ink inlet; a pair of electrical contacts positioned at one end of the assembly and connected to drive circuitry; and a thermal bend actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening, the actuator comprising: an active beam connected to the electrical contacts and extending longitudinally away from the contacts, the active beam defining a bent current flow path between the contacts; and a passive beam fused to the active beam, such that when a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam heats and expands relative to the passive beam resulting in bending of the actuator, wherein the actuator has a working face for generating a positive pressure pulse in the ink during the bending of the actuator, the working face having an area of less than 800 square microns. |
| US07850278B2 |
U-shaped printhead capping device
A capping device for a printhead comprises a metal body having a U-shaped transverse profile and defining a plurality of holes through an upper surface thereof; an integral spring constructed from a side wall of the metal body, the integral spring adapted to bias the capping device away from a side of a channel in which the capping device is installed; and an elastomeric seal attached to an inner side of the upper surface of the metal body, said elastomeric seal keyed to the metal body by the holes. |
| US07850277B2 |
Integrated maintenance and paper pick system
A printhead maintenance station comprises a base including a spitting zone, a maintenance sled movable relative to the base, a wiper assembly for cleaning a printhead orifice plate, a capping assembly for capping a printhead orifice plate, a pick motor operating a paper picking assembly and the maintenance sled and the capping assembly, and, wherein the maintenance station provides for spitting, wiping, and capping of a printhead orifice plate. |
| US07850276B2 |
Radial sled printing apparatus and methods
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for implementing a radial sled printer device that substantially simplifies the complexity and reduces system costs and size for radial printing devices, both for devices that print and those that also record and print a label on circular media. In an embodiment, a print head is radially mounted in a substantially fixed position over a platter such that said platter moves as a sled under the print head for dispensing ink object along a radius or a line parallel to a radius as the media spins, effecting labeling of the media. In an alternate embodiment, a print head is radially mounted in a fixed position over an optical recording drive such that said drive moves as a sled under the print head for dispensing ink object along a radius as the media spins, affecting recording and labeling the media in a single insertion of the media. |
| US07850270B2 |
Recording apparatus and method for controlling recording apparatus
A recording apparatus for discharging ink from a recording head arraying a plurality of nozzles to execute recording of an image includes a drive unit configured to form a group with a defined number of nozzles so as to include an adjacent nozzle in a different block and to execute time-division driving of the block according to a driving order corresponding to a recording mode, and a recording control unit configured to execute scan recording to a recording medium in a first recording mode or a second recording mode. Each pass of scan recording in the second recording mode is executed using nozzles smaller in number than a number of nozzles used to execute each pass of scan recording in the first recording mode. The recording apparatus further includes a driving control unit configured to control the drive unit wherein a drive interval of an adjacent nozzle in the same group corresponding to the first recording mode is larger than a drive interval of an adjacent nozzle in the same group corresponding to the second recording mode. |
| US07850267B2 |
Method of controlling drive of function liquid droplet ejection head; function liquid droplet ejection apparatus; electro-optic device; method of manufacturing LCD device, organic EL device, electron emission device, PDP device, electrophoretic display device, color filter, organic EL; method of forming spacer, metallic wiring, lens, resist, and light diffusion body
In a method of controlling drive of a function liquid droplet ejection head in which a plurality of nozzle arrays are arranged, the nozzle arrays have function liquid droplet ejection amounts which are different from each other per unit nozzle. The drive of the plurality of nozzle arrays is controlled by using a single drive signal having a plurality of ejection pulses corresponding to the plurality of nozzle arrays in one print cycle. Thus, even if a plurality of nozzle arrays having function liquid droplet ejection amounts which are different from each other per unit nozzle are disposed in one function liquid droplet ejection head, easy drive control is possible without lowering printing throughput. |
| US07850266B2 |
Element substrate for recording head, recording head, head cartridge, and recording apparatus
An element substrate for a recording head includes groups of heating resistors that are disposed next to one another in each group; logic circuits configured to time-divisionally drive the heating resistors in units of one block; a heat enable signal line common to the groups of heating resisters, the heat enable signal line supplying a heat enable signal to each of the groups of heating resisters; and delay circuits connected to the heat enable signal line at positions between the groups of heating resisters. A signal output from each delay circuit to the next group is inverted. |
| US07850261B2 |
Pump enclosure
A pump enclosure includes a base, a plurality of pillars, and a cover. One of the pillars includes interconnecting aluminium extrusions defining therebetween a housing for pump control circuitry. This pillar can also provide a heat sink for dissipating heat generated during use of a pump away from the control circuitry. |
| US07850250B1 |
Tool body for rotatable tool
A rotatable tool has a tool body that is generally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, an enlarged cutting head, and a rearwardly extending shank. The shank joins the enlarged cutting head at an annular flange having an annular inner portion contiguous with the forward end of the shank and an annular outer portion contiguous with the outer circumference of the enlarged cutting head. The annular flange is not planar. Instead, the annular inner portion of the flange is positioned axially forward of the annular outer portion. |
| US07850248B2 |
Hydraulic system
A hydraulic system useful in combination with a hoist for raising or lowering a truck bed to and from a truck frame, including safely and controllably lowering said truck bed to said truck frame by gravity alone, is provided. |
| US07850247B2 |
Vehicle seat assembly with polymeric cushion pan
A vehicle seat assembly having a backrest member and a seat bottom subassembly connected to the backrest member. The seat bottom subassembly has a cushion pan comprising a polymeric material, a cushion comprising a foam material supported on the cushion pan, and a trim layer comprising a fabric material disposed over the cushion. The cushion pan defines a plurality of integral trim attachment features. The trim layer is attached to the cushion pan through engagement with the trim attachment features. |
| US07850244B2 |
Center armrest with parallel adjustment capability
An armrest for motor vehicles, especially a center armrest, is provided that includes an upper part and a lower part. These two parts of the armrest are connected to each other by two articulation arrangements. Each of the articulation arrangements has two degrees of freedom, namely a rotational axis and a translational axis. In addition, locking devices are associated with each articulation arrangement, in order to lock the articulation arrangement in arbitrary translational positions. |
| US07850241B1 |
Nestable and stackable chair
A chair is provided comprising a seat assembly including a seat back and a seat bottom and a support frame including a left leg assembly and right leg assembly connected by a transverse support member. The seat back is pivotably connected to each of the leg assemblies such that an upper portion of the seat back pivots in relation to the leg assemblies between a first seat back position and a second seat back position. The seat bottom is rotatable in relation to the seat back between an upright position and a horizontal position. The seat bottom is slidingly engaged with the leg assemblies such that pivoting of the seat backward from the first seat back position to the second seat back position causes the seat bottom to slide forward from a first seat bottom position to a second seat bottom position. |
| US07850231B2 |
Sunroof apparatus for vehicle
A vehicular sunroof apparatus includes a sunroof panel having a front panel and a rear panel configured to open and close an opening formed in a vehicle roof. A first drive mechanism effects rising/lowering and opening/closing movements of the front panel relative to the opening of the vehicle roof. A second drive mechanism effects rising/lowering and opening/closing movements of the rear panel relative to the opening of the vehicle roof. The second drive mechanism comprises a rear panel support stay that supports the rear panel, a stay extension connected to the rear panel support stay and mounted to undergo sliding and vertical swinging movement relative to the vehicle roof, and a stopper member that is mounted on the vehicle roof and that provides an upper limit of vertical swing of the stay extension. |
| US07850229B2 |
Structure of side sill garnish for closure stopper
A vehicle assembly includes a vehicle body frame, a closure connected to the vehicle body frame, a garnish connected to the vehicle body frame, and a closure stopper seat body disposed between the garnish and the vehicle body frame. The closure is movable between an open position and a closed position. The stopper seat body is configured to absorb an impact from the movable closure when the movable closure moves toward the closed position. The closure stopper seat body can be used with a number of different closures including a door, a tailgate, a trunk lid, and the like. |
| US07850228B2 |
Vehicle front structure
In a vehicle front structure (10), a cross member (52) which is disposed above paired side members (12) includes vehicle width-direction both end portions extending toward a rear side of the vehicle. The cross member (52) is connected with vehicle front-side portions of the paired suspension towers (42) at edges of the extending portions. Therefore, when a vehicle has a frontal collision at high speed, a collision load applied to the cross member (52) can be effectively received by the paired suspension towers (42), and can be transmitted to the paired suspensions. Thus, the cross member (52) can effectively receive the collision load, and can efficiently transmit the collision load to the rear side of the vehicle. |
| US07850226B2 |
Vehicle having a passenger compartment body structure
A vehicle having a body structure for at least a portion of a passenger compartment of the vehicle disposed adjacent to a front portion of the passenger compartment. |
| US07850225B2 |
Motorcycle
A motorcycle having an external appearance rich in change without increased cost. A front-side side cover has first edge parts adjoining a body frame. Portions of the first edge parts are in approximately the same position in a vehicle width direction as outermost faces of an outer surface of the body frame adjoined to outermost faces of outer surfaces of the portions. The remaining portion of the first edge parts is inside the outermost face of the outer surface of the body frame adjoined to the outermost face of an outer surface of the remaining portion. |
| US07850224B2 |
Aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus
An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. |
| US07850212B2 |
Segmented locking ring and corresponding assembly and mounting method
This locking ring is adapted to lock a joint between two tubular elements (4, 8). It extends around a central axis (X-X) and comprises segments (50) each having a main part (58) and two circumferential ends (60). Each segment (50) has a shape flaring out from a thin axial side towards a wide axial side. One of the segments (50) comprises a recess (62) for receiving a retaining member (16), which is axially open on the thin side. The receiving recess (62) extends solely through the main part, and it is circumferentially limited on both sides. |
| US07850209B2 |
Tube assembly and tube assembly system having such tube assemblies
The invention relates to a tube assembly for connecting a first tube to a second tube, wherein a connection end of the first tube and a connection end of the second tube form a swivel joint, a rotational axis of the swivel joint and a tube axis of the first and the second tube form an angle α, and the first tube is rotatable relative to the second tube in the region of between 0° and 2α. |
| US07850208B2 |
Stamped collet for push-to-connect tube fittings
A stamped collet for a push-to-connect tube coupling formed into a generally cylindrical configuration. The collet has an annular base portion from which flexible tines extend forward from the base portion, the flexible tines being circumferentially arranged around a center axis of the collet and including inwardly inclined distal finger portions terminating at a biting edge. The flexible tines can flex outwardly to permit axial insertion of a tube through the collet. At least one of the flexible tines has at least one cam wing that extends radially outwardly from a side of the tine and has a radially outwardly inclined cam surface. The cam surface can be engaged by a corresponding cam surface of a retainer to urge the tine radially inwardly with the biting edge biting into an outer surface of the tube for preventing the tube from being pushed out or pulled out of a coupling. |
| US07850204B2 |
Method for controlling a belt hand-over device and belt hand-over device for a motor vehicle
A method for controlling a belt hand-over device during a delivery movement for taking up and delivering a seat belt into a presentation position ergonomically favorable for a user includes extending a belt finger taking up the seat belt into an extended position substantially oriented transversely to the moving path of the belt hand-over device, and during a return movement, retracting the belt finger into a retracted position substantially coinciding with the moving path and wherein the belt hand-over device is moved in a rest position. The extending and retraction of the belt finger during the delivery and return movements of the belt hand-over device are triggered at different positions in the moving path of the belt hand-over device between the rest position and the presentation position. |
| US07850202B2 |
Inflatable curtain
Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (28) of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18). The apparatus (10) includes an inflatable occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) to a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and the vehicle occupant (28). The apparatus (10) further includes a fill tube (22) for delivering inflation fluid to the protection device (14). The protection device (14) includes an opening (104) through which the fill tube (22) extends and a portion (106) adjacent the opening that forms a friction fit around the fill tube (22). The friction fit forms an effective seal for preventing inflation fluid leakage through the opening (104). |
| US07850201B2 |
Gas generator and method of manufacturing the same
A gas generator that eliminates work for welding-fixing a holder to a housing and subjecting the holder to an excess processing, which can be easily manufactured at low cost, and a method for manufacturing the gas generator. The gas generator includes an approximately short cylindrical housing including a bottomed member and a lid member, gas generants arranged in the housing to generate a high-temperature gas by combustion, a filter arranged in an inner circumference part of the housing so as to surround the gas generants in a diameter direction of the housing, an igniter energized from the outside to ignite, and a holder to which the igniter is fixed and that is fixed to the bottomed member so that the igniter is arranged coaxially with the housing. At least one of the holder and the bottomed member is clamped, and pressed and deformed in an axial direction of a hole so that the holder is fixed to the bottomed member. |
| US07850199B2 |
Steering assembly
A steering assembly according to the present invention includes connection parts that are formed in a mounting plate body and fixed to a steering wheel module. Accordingly, when the mounting plate assembly is fixed to a steering wheel module, it is possible to attach or detach the mounting plate assembly to or from the steering wheel module. As a result, it is possible to quickly assemble the mounting plate assembly and the steering wheel module. |
| US07850194B2 |
Footbed for gliding board binding
A method and apparatus for providing a gliding board binding, such as a snowboard binding. The binding may include an adjustment indicator that allows for determination of a longitudinal position of the base relative to a gliding board, heel-to-toe position of the base relative to a gliding board and/or an angular position of the base relative to a gliding board when the base is secured to the gliding board. The adjustment indicator may be included with a footbed that is removable from a binding base, e.g., that includes a foot engagement member to secure a rider's foot to the binding and board. A removable footbed may include a toe portion that is adjustable in position relative to a heel portion of the footbed. A gliding board may include a channel for mounting a binding that is arranged in the board core so that no portion of the board core is located on top or bottom sides of the channel, and instead so the top and bottom reinforcement layers are located above and below the channel. |
| US07850193B2 |
Quick release hitch assembly
A quick release assembly for remotely actuating operative disconnection between vehicles includes a lock bolt ejection assembly for remotely ejecting a lock bolt normally maintaining a coupling between the vehicles thereby allowing independent movement of the vehicles. |
| US07850190B2 |
Hitch and coupling arrangement for automatically effecting towing hitch and fluid quick-coupler connections between a nurse tank wagon and an NH3 applicator implement
An NH3 applicator implement is equipped with a hitch arrangement for automatically effecting a connection with a tongue of an NH3 nurse tank wagon. A quick-connect coupler assembly is provided for connecting the transfer hose of the nurse tank wagon to the supply hose of the implement. The quick-connect coupler assembly includes a first coupler section mounted to the applicator implement for powered, guided movement into engagement with a second coupler section mounted to the tongue of the nurse tank wagon. An electro-hydraulic control system including relay logic is used to first lock the fully coupled coupler sections together and then to engage the flow of NH3 by remote actuation of a main on/off valve located at the nurse tank. |
| US07850188B2 |
Apparatus for connecting together two objects and chair incorporating the same
Apparatus for connecting together two objects comprises: a body for attachment to a first object and having a concave surface and a corresponding convex surface; a clamp for attachment to a second object and having a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw, the first and second jaws being configured to engage respectively the concave and convex surfaces of the body when applying a clamping force thereto, wherein at least one jaw comprises at least one tooth configured to bite into the body as the clamping force is applied, thereby resisting movement between the body and the clamp. A chair, in particular a wheelchair for disabled persons, has one or more rests mounted on apparatus as detailed above. |
| US07850187B1 |
Motorcycle righting apparatus
The invention includes a righting and kickstand device to support a motorcycle by connection with a lower intermediate frame section of the motorcycle with the device angled downwardly toward the ground to support the motorcycle tilted at an angle toward the device. In the preferred embodiment, the device includes a fluid actuated cylinder connected to the motorcycle with a pivot connection device. A piston rod extends from the cylinder with a foot device structurally attached to the lower end of the piston rod with the foot device designed to rest on the ground. A fluid pressure device is provided to supply fluid pressure to the cylinder to force the piston rod to its downward position. |
| US07850182B2 |
Method of manufacturing control arm using variable curvature extruding process and double-hollow-typed control arm manufactured thereby
According to the invention, in extrusion molding of a control arm of aluminum, control arm is manufactured by a variable curvature extruding process that simultaneously form straight sections and a curved section in extruding a raw material, without pressing forming that is accompanied by solution heat-treatment for forming a carrier fastening end and a bush fastening end at both ends of control arm. Therefore, since the press forming that is required in the extrusion molding of control arm is removed, the manufacturing process is simplified and the manufacturing cost is reduce. Further, the entire extrusion profile cross section of control arm has a double-hollow closed cross section to distribute loads, such that durability of a load-concentrated portion of control arm is increased and the loads can be more effectively distributed. |
| US07850181B2 |
Independent suspension with adjustable sub-frame
A carrier housing for receiving a drive shaft that is drivingly coupled to a drive axle is provided, where the carrier housing is also connected to a sub-frame. To provide an adjustable relationship between the carrier housing and the sub-frame, the carrier housing further comprises a cover gear that may be removably coupled to a ring gear, which is attached to the sub-frame. By removing either the cover gear or the ring gear, the carrier housing may be repositioned with respect to the sub-frame. |
| US07850170B2 |
Stacker device
A first tray is adapted to stack a paper discharged from a discharge port thereon. A lifter is operable to raise or lower the first tray. A detector is operable to detect a stacked state of the paper and the first tray. In a case where the paper is discharged onto the first tray, the first tray is raised or lowered based on the stacked state detected by the detector so as to keep a distance from the discharge port to an uppermost paper of the paper stacked on the first tray within a predetermined range. |
| US07850165B2 |
Paper sheet storing apparatus
A paper sheet storing apparatus is configured to collect and accumulate multiple different types of paper sheets in different sizes. The paper sheet storing apparatus has: a paper sheet cartridge configured to have a feeder provided on a side wall thereof for externally feeding paper sheets and arranged to accumulate and keep the paper sheets therein; and a stack guide member configured to introduce the paper sheets, which are fed by the feeder into the paper sheet cartridge, downward in the paper sheet cartridge and to press down surface of an uppermost paper sheet located on a top of the paper sheets accumulated and kept in the paper sheet cartridge. The stack guide member is structured in a specific shape to enable the surface of the uppermost paper sheet to be pressed downward in a vertical direction, with regard to all the multiple different types of paper sheets. This arrangement effectively reduces the potential for paper jams and relevant troubles and ensures stable accumulation of paper sheets. |
| US07850163B2 |
Sheet feeder with laterally adjustable sheet separators set below feed belt
A sheet feeder having a stack hopper for holding a stack of sheets, and feed belts for advancing the bottom-most sheet from the stack, is constructed to move at least one of the feed belts laterally toward and away from another of the feed belts while the belts are being driven. Preferably, side guides extend substantially to the end of the feeder, and extend both above and below the upper surface of belts to which they are adjacent. The belts extend between and around shafts of uniform diameter through the reach of lateral movement of the belts. The shafts are journaled in bearings mounted in such a way that they can be lifted out to change belts quickly and easily. |
| US07850162B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding device blows air on a sheet stack supported on a tray, raises several sheets, attracts an uppermost sheet to an attraction conveying belt, and conveys the attracted sheet. The sheet feeding device includes a next-sheet detection mechanism for detecting the height of a second sheet subsequent to the uppermost sheet. |
| US07850157B2 |
Method for the movement of superimposed bands of flexible material
Method for the movement by friction of a set of two bands of superimposed flexible material, using at least two feed rollers that turn in the direction of band movement so that they are all pulled in unison, occasionally involuntary offsetting can occur in the mutual correct position of the bands, the method includes the placing of antifriction devices between both adjacent bands that allow mutual movement between both bands when they are pressurised between the opposite rollers and are pulled by them, without slipping between the bands and rollers, and because on at least one operative cycle the method includes an adjustment stage wherein the two rollers have a tangentially different speed so that one of the bands is pulled to a greater distance than the other, in order to correct the aforesaid involuntary offsetting in the mutual position between both bands. |
| US07850148B2 |
Fixture and mounting assembly for a fence post
A post assembly (20) for a hollow post. (12) includes an elongated support (14), preferably a standard pipe, at least one fixture (10), and, optionally, a mount (100). The fixture (10) includes a fitting (22) having a bore (28) for receiving the elongated support (14), and a web (24) that extends from the fitting (22) to support a plurality of friction plates (26) adapted to engage the inner walls of the hollow post (12). When employed, the mount (100) allows for adjustment of the vertical alignment of the elongated support (14). The elongated support (14) is attached to a bracket (102) which is positioned over a base (104) having a plurality of members (106) extending upward through holes in the bracket. Movement of adjustment members (112) positioned between the base (104) and bracket (102) allow for adjustment of the angle of the elongated support (14). A method of installation using the fixture and mounts of the invention is also provided. |
| US07850147B1 |
Boat lifting apparatus
This boat lift drive is used for raising and lowering a wide range of boat size. The boat drive is a two stage worm system and uses a drive motor having a motor shaft driving a first worm and a first worm wheel as a first stage, and driving a second worm and a second worm wheel, as second stage. At least one of said worm shafts has a copper alloy intermediate worm portion. A third stage is provided having a spool driven by the second worm wheels, the spool having a cable disposed thereabout for lifting the boat. |
| US07850146B2 |
Lineset winch with braking parts
A winch which can operate with an external brake, or the external brake can be removed to operate with an internal brake. The winch has a cable drum that rotates to get cable on and off the drum. Two eccentric cams are rotated to always keep a soft plastic part pressed against the drum. |
| US07850145B2 |
Portable pulling tool
A portable pulling tool is provided including an integrally formed one-piece gear case for positioning all of the gear train components. The gear train includes a combination of helical gears and a differential planetary gear unit in a unique configuration. A motor control system is provided to automatically shut off the motor when a predetermined current load is detected. A multi-segment LED is provided to indicate to the user the amount of load that is being applied. |
| US07850142B2 |
Magnetic clamp
A magnetic clamp (10) for use in clamping metal formwork in precast concrete manufacture includes a housing (12). A magnet (14) is displaceably arranged within the housing (12). A displacement mechanism (18) is displaceably arranged on the housing (12) to displace the magnet (14) relative to the housing (12). A force amplification mechanism (24) is connected to the magnet (14) and at least a portion of the force amplification mechanism (24) is interposed between the displacement mechanism (18) and the magnet (14). |
| US07850138B1 |
Battery security device
A battery hold-down clamp effective to resist theft of a battery from a vehicle, such as an RV, boat, automobile, and the like. One version includes a metal strap that is bent to form a loop having a cross-section profile substantially in agreement with a held cross-section of a battery, or battery container. The metal strap is hinged, to permit the loop to be opened for its installation. A portion of anchor structure and the battery are then enclosed within the loop. The strap resists moving the battery away from the anchor structure. After the strap is placed around a battery and anchor, a lock is installed to resist opening of the loop and extraction of the battery in a radial direction. A structural interference may be formed between the installed strap and protruding structure associated with the battery, thereby resisting extraction of the battery from the loop in an axial direction. |
| US07850136B2 |
Attachment apparatus for studio equipment and the like
Mounting brackets for mounting microphones, lights, video, audio and photographic tools and accessories utilized in the audio/video industry to a variety of support structures or fixtures. This invention provides quick and effective attachment of numerous audio/video devices and other paraphernalia onto a wide variety of fixtures. Convenient clamping and mounting mechanisms are disclosed, as well as a kit of such mechanisms. |
| US07850135B2 |
Inclination adjusting device
Device for adjusting and controlling the inclination of an object with respect to a given support, comprising at least one plate pivotally connected to a base through at least one arm which is pivoted at said base and coupled, at the end opposite that connected to said plate, to inclination adjusting means; said inclination adjusting means comprise a pin which is movable along a plane perpendicular to the oscillation plane of said arm and along a direction perpendicular to the direction of said pivot, said pin being provided with suitable guide means and drive means and being coupled to the free end of said arm through suitable means. |
| US07850134B2 |
Magnet holder
A magnet-holder for attaching an object to a glass pane has two parts of a holder which can be placed on mutually opposed boundary faces of said glass pane and are biased towards one another by a magnetic-force apparatus. In addition, that part of the holder which is disposed on the inner side of the glass pane has a contact plate whose side that faces towards the glass pane carries a plurality of elastic holding cups which can cling to the pane. |
| US07850129B2 |
Trash bag holder
A trash bag holder detachably mounted on a wall having capability to be used in sweeping debris. The device is assembled from a flexible rod handle, end caps, a bag holder base, rod handle clips, and trash bag holder brackets. When fully assembled the trash bag holder maintains a trash bag in an open position. Rod handle clips maintain the trash bag onto trash bag holder brackets. The trash bag holder brackets may be selectively clipped together and attached to the base to form a unitary assembly. A sloped area on the base allows the unit to be used as a scoop to facilitate the cleanup of debris while the base also allows the unit to be removably attached to a wall or door where it maintain a trash bag in a vertical open position without the need for a rigid container. |
| US07850128B2 |
Air brake hose support
A suspension device for supporting an air brake hose on a rail car is disclosed. The device includes a strap having a clevis at one end and a plurality of apertures in spaced relation lengthwise along the strap. A clevis pin is used to attach the clevis to a lug on the coupling of the air brake hose. The strap is inserted through a fitting on the coupler of the railcar and received within the bore of a collar. A through hole in the collar receives a strap pin that also extends through the apertures in the strap to lock the collar in place. The collar prevents the strap from passing through the bracket. The suspension device is provided as a kit wherein all of the components are integrally molded together and connected by sprue portions. A method of molding the device is also disclosed. |
| US07850122B2 |
Compliance mechanism
A method and apparatus for a mobile tail support vehicle moving a swing tail cargo door of a swing tail aircraft. A mobile tail support apparatus is engaged to the swing tail cargo door on the swing tail aircraft. The swing tail cargo door is moved from a first position to a second position using the mobile tail support apparatus. Vertical reaction occurs to vertical loads on the swing tail cargo door during movement of the swing tail aircraft by the mobile tail support apparatus. Loads on a hinge and/or swing tail cargo door are reduced during the movement of the swing tail cargo door using the mobile tail support apparatus. |
| US07850120B2 |
Spray-regulating system incorporated in aircraft anti-icers
The invention relates to de-icing and anti-icing procedures performed on airplanes on the ground, wherein a fluid is sprayed from the boom or arm of a de-icer installation onto the aircraft. A spray-regulating system is incorporated in aircraft anti-icers comprising a tank (1) with anti-icing fluid, a fluid pump (2) with a drive motor (6), and a hose or pipeline (7) between the pump (2) and a spray nozzle (3) located on an elevating boom, arm or operator's platform so that the fluid can be pumped from the tank (1) to the spray nozzle (3), said system further comprising a central control unit (5), a pressure-signal-generating pressure sensor (4) located proximate to the inlet of nozzle (3), and a regulating device (8) for the motor (6) to adjust the motor momentum, wherein a constant pressure upstream of the nozzle (3) and consequently over said nozzle (3) is maintained by said control unit (5) producing a signal calculated on a pressure signal received from the sensor (4) and the pressure required upstream of the nozzle (3), and said signal being transmitted to the regulating device (8), which then adjusts the momentum of the pump motor (6) and thereby adjusts the flow rate and or pressure rate in the pipeline (7). |
| US07850119B2 |
Sealing system for the gap existing between the fuselage and the elevator of the orientable horizontal stabiliser of an aircraft, extended with an aerodynamic fairing for sealing of the opening existing between the fuselage and the orientable horizontal stabiliser
Sealing system for the gap (2) between the fuselage (3) and the elevator (4) of the orientable horizontal stabiliser (5) of an aircraft, extended with an aerodynamic fairing (8) for sealing of the opening (24) between the fuselage (3) and said orientable horizontal stabiliser (5) which comprises a main body (1) and an aerodynamic fairing (8) which is extended from the main body (1) in continuity with the latter, and a plurality of first elastic sealing profiles (9) between the first surface (11) of the main body (1) including the aerodynamic fairing (8) and the outer surface of the fuselage (3) and making contact with them, and a plurality of second elastic sealing profiles (13) between the second surface (12) of the main body (1) and the first end of the elevator (15) and making contact with them, in such a way that the sealing takes place of the gap (2) and the opening (24) and an aerodynamic continuity is produced between the orientable horizontal stabiliser (5), the fuselage (3) and the elevator (4) when the elevator (4) is at rest in the plane of the orientable horizontal stabiliser (5) for any of the orientation positions of the orientable horizontal stabiliser (5). |
| US07850116B2 |
Ducted open rotor apparatus and method
A propulsor apparatus for a mobile platform, for example an aircraft is provided. The propulsor apparatus includes an aerodynamically shaped propeller duct that houses at least a portion of a turboprop engine, and fully houses a propeller driven by the engine. Inside the propeller duct is a circumferential ring that closely surrounds the propeller such that only a small clearance is provided between the outermost tips of the propeller blades and an inner surface of the circumferential ring. The circumferential ring includes sound deadening material that attenuates noise generated by the tip vortices created at the outermost tips of the propeller blades. The propeller duct and circumferential ring are supported by a plurality of structural rods that couple to structure of the mobile platform, for example to the spars within a wing of an aircraft. The apparatus and method significantly reduces the noise associated with a turboprop engine. |
| US07850115B2 |
Fishing line dispensing arrangement and method
A fishing spool dispenser for the easy manipulation and severance of a fishing line. A first flange contains a radially expanding, angled guide slot to secure the free end of the fishing line. A radially inward extending holding clip is disposed along the outer edge of the first flange opposite the supply of fishing line. A cutting slot is formed on the second flange, generally opposite the guide slot, and contains a cutting surface to sever the line. The invention also includes a method of using the dispensing arrangement, running a portion of fishing line from the supply, through the guide slot, under the holding clip and then back to the cutting slot to be cut against a cutting surface within the cutting slot. |
| US07850114B2 |
Sanitary door handle
This invention relates to a flat sanitary door handle mechanism incorporating a self-contained mechanical user-operated continuous material advancing system whereby the person touches a fresh length of material while using the flat door handle to open the door thus avoiding hand exposure to the surface of the flat handle which may have been contaminated by previous users. This is achieved by the pull and release of the flat door handle by the user, without any external source of power, the action of which replaces the used length of material with a fresh length and makes the handle ready for use by the next person. |
| US07850113B1 |
Audio cord organizer
Cord organizers including a first shell, a second shell, and a spindle connecting the first shell and the second shell. The inside face of the first shell is held proximate the inside face of the second shell with a gap there between. The cord organizer is configured to allow the user to manually wind the cord around the spindle. The cord organizer may comprise containment surfaces extending from the inside face of the first shell and/or the inside face of the second shell as well as opposing elastomeric grips connected to the inside faces of the shells, so that the elastomeric grips encircle the spindle to receive and clamp the connection end and the listening end of the cord between the first elastomeric grip and the second elastomeric grip. A cord restraint is used to hold the cord close to the spindle and the inside face of one of the shells. |
| US07850110B2 |
Drag adjusting device for dual-bearing reel
The drag adjusting device is provided with a pin member 70 arranged on a plate-like member 80 of a reel unit 1 such that it can be attached to and detached and such that its position can be changed. The pin member 70 serves to remember a prescribed pivot position of a drag mechanism operating member 2. When an angler finds an optimum drag lever position, the angler installs the pin member 70 in a mounting recess 81 corresponding to the optimum drag lever position. In this way, the angler can easily set the drag mechanism operating member 2 to the optimum drag lever position without having to remember the drag lever position. |
| US07850109B2 |
Device for preventing backlash on spool of bait reel
The present invention relates to a device for preventing backlash on a spool of a bait reel, including: the spool fit to a spool shaft in such a manner as to be rotated together with the spool shaft; a dial knob mounted at the outside of a body of the bait reel and having a cam mounted at the inside thereof; and magnetic braking means including: a ring-shaped face plate moved forwardly and backwardly in a coaxial direction to the spool shaft by the rotation of the cam of the dial knob rotatably mounted at the inside of a spool cover covering the side face of the body of the bait reel; and a pair of movers mounted on one end surface of the spool to face each other about the spool shaft in such a manner as to be slidingly moved in a radial direction, each of the pair of movers having a plurality of magnets mounted therein. |
| US07850099B2 |
Electronic unit injectors
An electronic unit injector comprising a spray tip including a valve seat, a needle valve arranged to close on the seat to prevent discharge of fuel from the spray tip or to open off the seat to dispense fuel from the spray tip, a spring biasing the needle valve to a closed position, a spring seat between the spring and the needle valve, the needle valve overcoming the biasing force when the pressure reaches a predetermined level, the spring and seat being disposed in a cage having port areas circumferentially arranged about said spring and spring seat to supply low pressure fuel to the area occupied by said spring and spring seat to reduce the risk of cavitation in said spring cage. |
| US07850097B2 |
Aerating nozzel assembly
An aerating nozzle assembly has at least one aerating nozzle, and each aerating nozzle has a body, an annular air casing and at least one air tube. The body is tubular and has a channel and a constriction. The constriction is formed around the body and has multiple air holes formed through the constriction and communicating with the channel. The annular air casing is hollow and is mounted around the air holes in the constriction and has an air chamber, an annular surface and at least one air supply hole formed through the annular surface. The at least one air tubes are mounted securely respectively in the air supply holes. Accordingly, the air holes around the constriction allow air to be drawn into the liquid and more completely and homogenously aerate the liquid. |
| US07850089B2 |
Fixed carriageway for rail vehicles and method of manufacturing the same
Fixed carriageway for rail vehicles having sleepers embedded in a carriageway panel and a reinforcement includes plural longitudinal and transverse rods disposed parallel and transverse to the sleepers, wherein the longitudinal rods and transverse rods are electrically isolated from one another. |
| US07850088B2 |
Thermostatic water mixing valve
The present invention is directed to a thermostatic water mixing valve having a sub-base coupled to a base, both having a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet and a mixed water outlet. A disk assembly including a lower or stationary disk and an upper or rotatable disk are positioned on the base. The lower disk also has a peripheral notch that receives an extent of an engaging member that extends from a sidewall of the base, while the upper disk has a peripheral cavity that also receives an extent of the engaging member. A cap is coupled to the upper disk, wherein the cap and the upper disk rotate as a unit with respect to the lower disk. The cap has a hot water cavity and cold water cavity positioned about a central opening. A cartridge assembly includes a collar with at least one aperture aligned with the cold water cavity of the cap and a depending skirt with at least one aperture aligned with the hot water cavity of the cap. An mixing chamber receives both hot water flowing from the hot water cavity through at least one aperture in the skirt and cold water flowing from the cold water cavity through both the aperture in the collar and at least one aperture in the slide bolt. Mixed water is discharged from the mixing chamber through the water outlets in the base and the sub-base. |
| US07850083B2 |
Digital control system for an electro-optical device
A method and firmware for digitally controlling an electro-optical device include steps of receiving as input a first analog signal representative of a measured parameter from an electro-optical device generated by the electro-optical device in response to a second analog signal representative of a set parameter received by the electro-optical device, digitizing the first analog signal to generate a digital feedback value, subtracting the digital feedback value from a digital set point value to calculate a digital error value, calculating a digital cumulative error sum from the digital error value, calculating a digital control value as a function of the cumulative error sum, converting the digital control value to the second analog signal, and driving the electro-optical device toward the digital set point value with the second analog signal. |
| US07850075B1 |
High-speed and high-volume ordering, manufacturing/packaging, and delivery of purchase cards
A method for delivering a plurality of purchase cards includes obtaining the plurality of purchase cards from a retailer and loading the plurality of purchase cards into a plurality of purchase card feeders, activating and verifying each of the plurality of purchase cards associated with a user to obtain activated purchase cards, where activating and verifying occurs while each of the plurality of purchase cards are located on a conveyor leading from the plurality of purchase card feeders to a carrier sheet, placing the activated purchase cards on the carrier sheet, wherein the carrier sheet corresponds to the user receiving the activated purchase cards, and shipping the activated purchase cards to the user. |
| US07850074B2 |
Multi-head point of sale terminal
The invention allows for multiple card orientations and multiple card directions of travel through use of multiple opposed magnetic stripe reader heads within a POS terminal card reader track. In one embodiment, the various opposed heads are offset along the card reader track. The POS terminal also accommodates smart card and contactless instrument readers and includes features for electronic signature capture, user display interaction, multi-tasking capabilities, check reading and age and identity verification. |
| US07850070B2 |
Methods of establishing credit
A method for improving credit of a cardholder of a prepaid card. The method may include establishing an account associated with the prepaid card. A load may be applied to the account to create an available balance for the cardholder. A credit instrument associated with the cardholder and the prepaid card may be established. An initial credit balance to the credit instrument may also be established. Payment from the cardholder may be collected, and, in response to collecting the payment from the cardholder, at least a portion of the collected payment may be applied to the credit instrument associated with the cardholder and the prepaid card. A credit history of the cardholder may be updated and reported to at least one credit bureau. |
| US07850068B2 |
Commodity information acquisition and display apparatus
A commodity information acquisition and display apparatus includes a commodity information input unit that has a reading window to read commodity information, and reads a commodity code attached to a commodity through the reading window so that the commodity information is inputted, a display unit that has a screen made of a transparent or semitransparent member and to display specified settlement information based on the commodity information, and is provided to be adjacent to the reading window to enable a customer to simultaneously and visually confirm the commodity and the settlement information through the screen, and a display control unit to control the display of the settlement information. |
| US07850063B1 |
Permanent seal legal envelope
A tamper evident envelope is disclosed which includes sealing strips located within the seams of the envelope. Each strip is formed by two clear plastic strips secured together. One of the clear plastic strips includes a groove and a dye located within the groove whereby the dye is sealed between the two clear plastic strips. When a seam is separated, the sealing strip is damaged thereby releasing the dye onto the adjacent portions of the envelope and providing visual evidence that the seam was opened. A second embodiment is disclosed where the dye is omitted and separation of the secured clear plastic strips results in damage to the envelope providing visual evidence of tampering. |
| US07850062B2 |
Integrated tab file system
An integral tab 2-D or 3-D tab for a folder, and a method of making same is disclosed. The integral 2-D (flat) tab 300 is provided near the apex of the folder by cutting free/lose a portion of the existing flap material 14 of the hanging folder itself without the need for additional tabs or material being affixed. The cut creates the tab without additional material required. The 3-D tab 300 version is created adding a triangular portion 301 which is folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side and top. A perforated version allows for user selectable tab and a plurality of placements across the common edge allows the user to select the tab position. |
| US07850060B2 |
Heat cycle-able connection
A method of creating an electrical connection involves providing a pair of contacts each on one of two different chips, the pair of contacts defining a volume therebetween, the volume containing at least two compositions each having melting points, the compositions having been selected such that heating to a first temperature will cause a change in at least one of the at least two compositions such that the change will result in a new composition having a new composition melting point of a second temperature, greater than the first temperature and the melting point of at least a first of the at least two compositions, and heating the pair of contacts and the at least two compositions to the first temperature. |
| US07850058B2 |
Superplastic forming of titanium assemblies
A method of superplastic forming of titanium packs and an associated assembly is provided. The titanium packs can include sheets having different granular structures so that the different sheets are adapted to superplastically form at different temperatures. One or more of the sheets can be formed at a temperature that is below the superplastic forming temperature of another sheet in the pack. In some cases, the occurrence of markoff can be reduced or eliminated. |
| US07850051B2 |
Apparatus having one-way valve
A device including a valve body defining a first passageway, a valve seat, and a flow aperture extending through the valve body and coupled in fluid communication with the first passageway. A valve member formed of an elastic material overlies the valve seat, defining a normally closed, axially-extending valve opening therebetween. The valve member is movable between a normally closed position engaging the valve seat, and an open position with at least a segment of the valve member spaced away from the valve seat to connect the valve opening in fluid communication with the flow aperture. A hermetically sealed variable-volume storage chamber stores therein multiple portions of the fluid and is connectible in fluid communication with the one-way valve assembly. A pump pumps discrete portions of fluid from the chamber, through the flow aperture and through the valve opening to dispense the portions of fluid therethrough. |
| US07850048B2 |
Foamer pump
A foamer pump for dispensing foam has a simple construction and utilizes a single piston to reduce the volume of both a fluid chamber and an air chamber. A portion of the actuating mechanism helps to unseat a check valve at the outlet of the fluid chamber. The foamer pump has a fluid chamber, and an outlet of the fluid chamber is connected to a mixing chamber. An air chamber has an air channel that connects the air chamber to ambient air in a first position and to the mixing chamber in a second position. A piston causes the volume of the air chamber and the liquid chamber each to be reduced, forcing air from the air chamber and foamable fluid from the liquid chamber into the mixing chamber where they blend to form an air/liquid mixture. |
| US07850047B2 |
System and method for transporting measured amounts of bulk materials
A system for transporting measured amounts of bulk material from a first site to a remote site generally comprising means for holding a mass of material to be transported to the receptacle; means for transporting the material from the holding means to the receptacle; means for injecting a gas under pressure into the transporting means for pneumatically conveying material received from the holding means to the receptacle, operable in continuous and intermittent modes; means for sensing the weight of the receptacle; and a programmable logic controller operatively connected to the sensing means and the injecting means, operable responsive to a weight of the receptacle up to a first weight for operating the injection means in the continuous mode, a weight of the receptacle between the first weight and up to a second weight greater than the first weight for operating the injection means in the intermittent mode and to the second weight for discontinuing the injection means. |
| US07850045B2 |
Dispenser for flowable material
A dispenser for flowable material includes a cylinder, a piston in and slidable along the cylinder for pressing and thus dispensing flowable material contained in the cylinder, and a shaft extending into the cylinder for sliding the piston. The shaft incorporates a thumb piece for engagement by the thumb of a user to drive the shaft in a forward direction into the cylinder for sliding the piston to dispense flowable material. The thumb piece is slidable along the shaft. A unidirectional clutch between the thumb piece and the shaft is operable in the forward direction to fix the thumb piece to the shaft such that the shaft may be driven forward by the thumb piece and is inoperable in an opposite, rearward, direction to release the thumb piece from the shaft such that the thumb piece can slide rearward along the shaft for operation at another position. |
| US07850043B2 |
Refillable/reusable mixer container and method of using same
A self-contained mixing and dispensing container having at least two chambers, a means by which fluid may be transferred from one chamber to another, a mechanism to dispense the mixture, and means for refilling at least one chamber with the desired fluid. |
| US07850041B2 |
Wet wipes dispensing system
The present disclosure relates to wet wipe dispensing systems for dispensing wet wipes capable of changing temperature upon use. In one embodiment, the dispensing system includes a wet wipe container and a lotion container that is held in assembly with the wet wipe container that contains a lotion that is kept separate from the wet wipes until the wet wipe is dispensed from the wet wipe container. The lotion includes a microencapsulated delivery vehicle that contains a temperature change agent that is capable of generating a temperature change upon contact with an aqueous solution. Once the wet wipe is dispensed from the system, an applicating device can apply the lotion to the wet wipe to facilitate contact between the temperature change agent in the microencapsulated delivery vehicle and the aqueous solution of the wet wipe. |
| US07850038B2 |
Scented container
A container may comprise a source comprising a fragrance composition. The fragrance composition may diffuse from the source into an article-receiving cavity of the container. The fragrance composition may transfer to the contents of the container. |
| US07850037B2 |
Reclosable lid having a slidable closure panel
A reclosable cup lid thermoformed from a polymeric material. The lid includes a closure panel and a lid member having a sidewall and a top wall. The top wall can have an upper and lower side and a drinking aperture at a periphery of the top wall. The top wall can define a pair of engagement tracks disposed on the lower side of the top wall. The engagement tracks can include a scalloped configuration and an undercut depth. The closure panel can be insertable into the scalloped engagement tracks by application of a bending force to the lid member suitable to widen the distance between the tracks. |
| US07850035B2 |
Baking sheet
A baking sheet having a substantially flat silicone cooking surface, two rods extending along and coupled to opposite sides of the cooking surface, and two thermo-resistant handles coupled to and extending between the two rods. The thermo-resistant handles may be connected to the rods using thermo-resistant connectors. The connectors can disconnect from the rods and possibly be rotated to rotate the handles in positions adjacent to the rods to enable the baking sheet to be rolled into storage. The thermo-resistant characteristic of the handles enables users to lift the heated baking sheet without the use of oven mitts or other protective device. |
| US07850030B2 |
Expansible bottle stopper with radial expansion and shrinkage
An expansible bottle stopper includes a body, a resilient member, and a movable member that is longitudinally movable relative to the body. The resilient member is caused to expand radially by a first-stage longitudinal displacement of the movable member relative to the body or to shrink radially by a second-stage longitudinal displacement of the movable member relative to the body. |
| US07850024B2 |
Control system for a boom crane
A control system for a boom crane, having a tower and a boom pivotally attached to the tower, a first actuator for creating a luffing movement of the boom, a second actuator for rotating the tower, first means for determining the position rA and/or velocity {dot over (r)}A of the boom head by measurement, second means for determining the rotational angle φD and/or the rotational velocity {dot over (φ)}D of the tower by measurement, the control system controlling the first actuator and the second actuator. In the control system of the present invention the acceleration of the load in the radial direction due to a rotation of the tower is compensated by a luffing movement of the boom in dependence on the rotational velocity {dot over (φ)}D of the tower determined by the second means. The present invention further comprises a boom crane having such a system. |
| US07850023B2 |
Modular device for displaying and merchandising retail articles
A device provides for displaying and dispensing retail articles. The device includes a plurality of product support modules that are detachably coupled to one another. Each support module includes a bottom mating portion and a top mating portion, each of which may be operatively coupled to a top mating portion and a bottom mating portion of another support module, respectively. Each support module also include sidewalls that may be operatively coupled to sidewalls of another support module. All of the product support modules of the present invention have a substantially similar profile. |
| US07850022B2 |
Adjustable shelf for storing electronic devices
An adjustable shelf assembly, which may be a rack mount shelf, that can adjustably accommodate a plurality of electronic devices. In an example embodiment, the shelf assembly is designed to hold several electronic devices, oriented vertically. This is accomplished by providing a shelf with multiple adjustments, including partitions to adjust the width left to right of each receiver receptacle. In addition, a rear slide mechanism adjusts front to back to accommodate the depth of the electronic devices. |
| US07850019B2 |
Keg stacking device
A substantially cube-shaped device for safely stacking one keg on top of another comprised of three groups of bars, each of the first group of bars being substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the other groups of bars, each of the second group of bars being substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the other groups of bars, and each of the third group of bars being substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the other groups of bars and a plurality of locking members, each locking member positioned at a meeting point of one bar from each of the three groups. The kegs can be used to store and/or transport any liquid, and can further include a rubber coating or pad to prevent damaging the device and/or the kegs. The device can also further include additional support members. |
| US07850018B2 |
Adjustable multi-hook bag dispensing rack system, and bags therefore
A bag rack which is configured to support and dispense bags from bag stacks of varying size, wherein a larger size bag pack is positioned to receive a smaller bag pack overlying fashion, the bags positioned so that the smaller bag pack is situated distal the rack and closer to the user, the larger bag pack situated closer to the bag rack, with the smaller pack situated thereupon relative to the user. The rack of the present system comprises contemplates a generally horizontally situated support bar having provided thereon, in slidingly adjustable fashion, support hooks or prongs formed to engage support apertures in the handles of the bags. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention contemplates multiple aligned, horizontally situated support bars which allows the user to selectively mount the support hooks for different sized bag packs at different spacing and heights relative to one another, to optimize the positioning of the various bag packs for optimal dispensing efficiency, while providing diversity as to the size of bag packs which can be dispensed. |
| US07850016B2 |
Apparatus for storing lengths of pipe
A device for supporting a group of pipes during temporary storage, the device being composed of: an elongated pipe supporting element having a pipe supporting surface; and at least one safety stop assembly including a pipe stop member and at least one fastening element, wherein the pipe stop member is movable relative to the pipe supporting element between a stop position and a retracted, or withdrawn position, the stop member being operative, when in the stop position, to prevent removal of pipes from the pipe supporting element, and the stop member being operative, when in the retracted, or withdrawn, position, to allow removal of pipes from the pipe supporting element, and the at least one fastening element being connectable between the pipe supporting element and the pipe stop member for holding the pipe stop member in the stop position. |
| US07850011B2 |
Screen system
The present invention provides a screen system (8) suitable for use in a vibratory screen apparatus (1), and comprising: a screen element (11) and a support frame (12) therefor, as well as novel screen elements (11) and mesh panels (19) therefor, and the use thereof. The screen element (11) consists essentially of a mesh panel (19) provided with first and second elongate support members (22, 23) extending along opposite end portions of the mesh panel (19). The support frame (12) has spaced apart first and second elongate frame elements (13, 14) for engagement with the screen element support members (22, 23) and further elongate frame elements (17, 18) extending there between for supporting the mesh panel (19). The screen element support members (22, 23) and said first and second frame elements (13, 14) are formed and arranged for secure interengagement in use of the screen system, with at least one of said screen element support members and the respective one of said first and second frame elements being formed and arranged so that when clamped together, the mesh panel (19) is securely held under tension against said further frame elements (17, 18). |
| US07850010B2 |
Screen device and method of making the same
The present invention provides a screen for separating materials according to particle size. The screen has a body, a plurality of fingers, and a plurality of rods. The fingers may be integrally formed with the body. The rods are supported within the body and extend within the fingers to provide structural stability. |
| US07850005B2 |
Separation container with interdisposed membrane
A separation container is provided that includes a first container for storing a first substance, a second container for storing a second substance, and a frame structurally located at a periphery of the first cavity and the second cavity that supports an elastic membrane interdisposed between the first cavity and the second cavity to provide a tension seal. The elastic membrane can be completely retracted to allow the first substance to combine with the second substance responsive to a force applied to the separation container. |
| US07850004B2 |
Food and beverage container carrier
A disposable food and beverage container carrier is disclosed. The container has a lower carrier tray and an upper carrier tray that mate with each other. In another embodiment the two trays can be aligned in the same plane. |
| US07850003B2 |
Heat-shrinkable holder for articles, heat-shrinkable package of articles, and method of packaging articles
A heat-shrinkable holder is disclosed for securing a plurality of articles. The holder may include a first sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material, and a second sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material and joined to the first sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet are joined so as to create at least two openings therebetween. Each of the openings is sized larger than one of the articles. The first and second sheets are heat-shrinkable to an extent to shrink the openings sufficiently to secure two of the articles together into a unit. Various modifications and additions are possible, including use of more than three sheets, providing for the reading of printed indicia on the articles or holder, providing a handle. Numerous orientations and collections of articles are possible. Related packages including a holder and articles are also disclosed, as well as related methods of manufacture of the holder and package. |
| US07850001B2 |
Low friction roller belt
A modular conveyor belt having longitudinal grooves on the top and bottom of the belt. Pairs of rollers are installed between the links within these grooves such that the rollers do not project over the surface of the belt but are completely integrated into the body. The rollers may be installed directly onto the pivot rods. The belts are supported by rails that enter into the longitudinal grooves to engage with the rollers to carry the belt as it moves. The grooves on the bottom side of the single modules are curved in such a way that the slots form a circle when the belt moves around a sprocket. This configuration allows for steel disks to be installed between the sprockets on the driving and idling shaft. The disks help to support the belt and to improve smooth running of the belts around the sprocket under a high load by taking the radial forces acting when the belt is under high tension. |
| US07849995B2 |
Conveying device
Disclosed is a device for conveying workpieces through a press working line or a transfer molding press. The conveying device is embodied as a telescopic feeder and is designed such that a jib which can be displaced in a longitudinal direction is mounted or guided by means of guiding carriages that travel along. An adequate entraining mechanism is provided in order to ensure the traveling motion of the guiding carriages. |
| US07849991B2 |
Quick disconnect coupling
A quick disconnect coupling including a first hub, a shaft fixedly connected to the first hub, the shaft being non-round in cross-section, and a second hub having a non-round recess extending therethrough, the non-round recess being sized to closely receive the shaft such that the second hub is capable of sliding along the shaft and is prevented from rotating about the shaft, wherein rotation of the first hub results in corresponding rotation of the second hub. |
| US07849990B2 |
One-way clutch with dampening
The present invention broadly comprises a one-way clutch in an automotive drive component. In some aspect, the component is a stator and the clutch includes first, second, and third radially disposed elements. The first and second elements lockingly engage. The third element is between the first and second plates and hydraulically or mechanically dampens energy associated with the locking engagement. In some aspects, the third element forms structures to partially enclose torque converter fluid and one of the first or second elements rotates to causes displacement of the fluid. In some aspects, the clutch includes a fourth radially disposed element at least partially blocking openings in the first or second elements. In some aspects, the third element includes at least one elastically deformable extension and rotation of one of the first or second elements causes the first and second elements to compress the at least one elastically deformable extension. |
| US07849988B2 |
Power transmitting device
In a power transmitting device, projections are formed on a surface of a main cam that faces an armature. This structure causes the main cam to contact the armature only at distal surfaces of the projections. The area of the distal surfaces of the projections is in a range where the magnetic flux density generated at the distal surfaces of the projections by the electromagnet is saturated. Therefore, reduction of the responsiveness and controllability of the power transmitting device due to magnetization of the main cam is suppressed. |
| US07849984B2 |
Collapsible bag mounting structure and collapsible bag associated therewith
A collapsible bag includes a flexible bag with a first side panel having a bottom edge and a bottom panel connected to the bottom edge to define a juncture between the first side panel and the bottom panel. A bracket is connected to the flexible bag adjacent the juncture and includes a transport wheel assembly. Additionally, a telescoping handle is connected to the bracket and the first side panel and extends from the juncture. A support assembly is movably connected at a proximate end to the bracket and connected at a distal end to the bottom panel such that the bottom panel is selectively movable between an operable orientation defined when the bottom panel is disposed transverse to the telescoping handle and the first side panel and a storage orientation defined when the bottom panel is disposed parallel to the telescoping handle and the first side panel. |
| US07849982B1 |
Garnish plate mounting structure
A garnish plate mounting structure allows a garnish plate to be installed to a caliper body without the need for any special machining of the caliper body, thus achieving improved general versatility. An engaging member is disposed along an external surface of a second pad opposing an arm portion of the caliper body. The engaging member has engaging portions which engage the second pad. The engaging member is held between the arm portion and the second pad. The garnish plate is disposed at an external surface of the caliper body and connected to the engaging member through the intermediary of connecting portions provided extendedly on both sides of the engaging portion. |
| US07849981B2 |
Spare brake beam having replaceable brake heads
A brake beam including means for allowing the brake head to be replaced without effort and to include replaceable brake heads. |
| US07849975B2 |
Safety arrangement of an elevator having sensors limiting extent of elevator travel
The invention relates to a safety arrangement of an elevator and a method for implementing safety spaces in an elevator shaft. The elevator has an elevator control system, an elevator motor, a power supply circuit of the elevator motor, and at least one mechanical stopping appliance for preventing movement of the elevator car in the elevator shaft. In the method according to the invention information is read with the control unit from the sensors that measure the position of the landing door of the elevator and possibly information is read from the sensors that measure the position of the door of the elevator car. If it is detected that more landing doors than the door of the elevator car are open, the control unit is switched to the person in the elevator shaft mode and information about the person in the elevator shaft mode is sent with the control unit to the elevator control system. |
| US07849969B2 |
Lubrication device for machine tools
The machine tool lubrication device comprises connection means grippable automatically by a manipulator of the machine tool, lubricant dispensing means, and dispensing control means operable by the machine tool. |
| US07849966B2 |
Collapsible stand for machine
A collapsible stand includes a platform for supporting a machine, two first legs each having a top end pivotally connected to the platform, two second legs each of which is pivotally connected to each first leg and has a top part slidably inserted through a sleeve of the platform, at least one springy or biasing member and a locking device. The springy or biasing member is retained in a sleeve-like or coaxial manner on retained in a sleeve-like manner one of the second legs. The locking device is connected to the platform for fixing the second legs in position after spreading the stand open such that the first legs and second legs support the platform at a predetermined height. |
| US07849961B1 |
Ladder having an attached transportation device
A ladder has a pair of parallel stiles and a plurality of rungs extending between the stiles. Midway along the length of the ladder is a pair of moveable arms having a first end rotatably attached to one of the stiles and a pair of wheels rotatably attached to the second ends thereof. The arms are moveable between a first position in which the axis of the arms are generally parallel to the axis of the stiles and the axle for the wheels attached to the second end is adjacent to the stiles, and a second position in which the second end of the arms and the wheels attached thereto are spaced from the stile for rolling the ladder across the ground. |
| US07849958B2 |
Vibration system part for speaker device and manufacturing method thereof
A Vibration system part for a speaker device includes a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric made of basalt fiber produced by twist yarn or roving yarn being a continuous long-fiber. The vibration system part for the speaker device may be a diaphragm, a center cap, an edge or a damper, for example. In a preferred example, the woven fabric or the non-woven fabric is impregnated with thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin. Additionally, a lamination member, such as paper, foam material, resin or a film, is preferably laminated (coated) on the woven fabric or the non-woven fabric. Thus, the vibration system parts for the speaker device, having excellent acoustic property and reliability, can be obtained at a low price. |
| US07849950B2 |
Brake apparatus for vehicle
A brake apparatus (1) for a vehicle, having: a pedal box (5) which is provided on a partition panel (4) extending in approximately upward and downward directions and which pivotally supports the brake pedal (3). An electric motor (7) of a power steering apparatus is arranged at a position where the electric motor makes contact with the brake pedal (3) moving backward at a time of a front collision of the vehicle, to receive a load from the brake pedal (3) by the electric motor (7). |
| US07849948B2 |
Debris deflector
A motorcycle including a frame, a swing arm pivotably coupled to the frame, a rear wheel rotatably coupled to the swing arm, a rear fender disposed above the rear wheel. The rear fender has a profile shape. The motorcycle includes a belt assembly having a debris deflector attached to the swing arm. The debris deflector forms a profile shape that mimics at least a portion of the profile shape of the rear fender. |
| US07849945B2 |
Modular electric powertrain for a vehicle
A powertrain module for a vehicle. The powertrain module comprises a support member. An energy source is disposed within the support member. A motor-driven wheel is rotatably attached to the support member and coupled to the energy source, and a tire is mounted to the motor-driven wheel. The powertrain module is configured to be attached as a unit to a corner portion of a vehicle to provide the vehicle with motive power. |
| US07849944B2 |
Self-learning control system for plug-in hybrid vehicles
A system is provided to instruct a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle how optimally to use electric propulsion from a rechargeable energy storage device to reach an electric recharging station, while maintaining as high a state of charge (SOC) as desired along the route prior to arriving at the recharging station at a minimum SOC. The system can include the step of calculating a straight-line distance and/or actual distance between an orientation point and the determined instant present location to determine when to initiate optimally a charge depleting phase. The system can limit extended driving on a deeply discharged rechargeable energy storage device and reduce the number of deep discharge cycles for the rechargeable energy storage device, thereby improving the effective lifetime of the rechargeable energy storage device. This “Just-in-Time strategy can be initiated automatically without operator input to accommodate the unsophisticated operator and without needing a navigation system/GPS input. |
| US07849943B1 |
Towing device
A towing device for aiding in maneuvering a trailer prior to attachment to or subsequent to detachment from its towing vehicle comprises a frame and other components. A hydrostatic trans-axle is laterally mounted on one end of the frame, a pair of drive wheels is mounted on the hydrostatic trans-axle, a caster wheel is mounted on the other end of the frame and an internal combustion engine is mounted on the frame and coupled to the drive wheels. A main handle is linked to the hydrostatic trans-axle for guiding the towing device. A control handle is mounted on the main handle and coupled to the trans-axle for controlling the direction of movement and speed of movement of the towing device. A neutral bypass lever is provided for disconnecting the internal combustion engine from the drive wheels when so desired and a braking mechanism is provided for braking the towing device. |
| US07849941B2 |
Universal linkage assembly for a power machine
A universal linkage assembly for a power machine is disclosed. The universal linkage is adaptable for different control configurations or patterns. For example, in embodiments disclosed, the linkage assembly includes a first control interface connectable to one of a first or second joysticks to operate one of a left or right drive motor or other function and a second control interface connectable to either the first or second joystick to operate the other of the left or right drive motor or other function with separate joysticks or the same joystick depending upon the control pattern desired. |
| US07849939B2 |
Drill bit
The present invention recites a drill bit comprising a main body having an axis about which it is rotated in use, a cutting face, a connecting means for attaching the bit to a source of rotary motion, a gauge region intermediate said cutting face and the connecting means. Additionally the gauge region comprises at least one member movable between a first position in which the gauge region is bounded by an imaginary tubular surface of constant cross-section co-axial to the axis of rotation and a second position in which a portion of the member is located radially inwards, with respect to the axis of rotation, of its position when said member is in said first position. In accordance with the present invention, the gauge region whilst said member is in said second position being bound by an imaginary three dimensional conical sectional surface; and at least one actuator. |
| US07849937B2 |
Method and device for producing a cased string bore
In a method for producing a cased horizontal string bore extending from a well shaft, a starter drill pipe is driven into the rock mass surrounding the well shaft. A hydraulically driven drill motor is arranged in the starter drill pipe and rotates a drilling tool protruding from the leading end of the starter drill pipe. The drill motor is fixed against rotation and axial displacement by a clamping device. When the final depth of the string bore is reached, the drilling tool is retracted into the starter drill pipe by axial movement of the clamping device and a free space is formed at the drift face of the string bore. The free space is filled and sealed by injection of a quick-setting, expanding filling compound. Afterwards, the clamping device, the drill motor and the drilling tool are removed from the drill pipes. |
| US07849933B2 |
Bifold transport lock
An apparatus includes a tongue, a pivotable beam linked to the tongue, a cylinder configured to move the pivotable beam from an operating position to a transport position, which is narrower than the operating position, and a latchable member connected to the pivotable beam. A locking assembly includes first and second dogs which can receive the latchable member. The second dog can move relative to the first dog from an open position to a closed position in response to movement of the latchable member such that movement of the latchable member out of the second dog opening is blocked by the first dog while the second dog is in the closed position. The apparatus includes a locking member that moves in response to movement of the cylinder from an unlocked to a locked position to lock the dogs in the closed position. |
| US07849929B2 |
Drill rod spinner device
A drill rod spinner device includes a mount, a first base half having a first end and a second end in which the first base half at the first end is rotatably coupled to the mount and a first clamping roller operatively associated with the second end of the first base half. A second base half includes a first end and a second end in which the second base half at the first end is coupled to the mount. A second clamping roller is operatively associated with the second end of the second base half. A rotary actuator assembly is secured to the mount. A flexible belt is operatively associated with the rotary actuator assembly. An idler roller assembly maintains engagement between the flexible belt and the rotary actuator as the first base half is rotated relative to the mount. |
| US07849926B2 |
Safety joint
The invention relates to a safety joint (10; 100; 200) for a riser consisting of two telescoping parts that are arranged to break in the event of a predetermined axial tension load. The joint also comprises means (21, 41; 121, 141; 221, 241) for closing the passage in the joint in the event of fracture where the means are activated by means of the forces generated during the separation. |
| US07849922B2 |
In situ recovery from residually heated sections in a hydrocarbon containing formation
Methods of treating a tar sands formation is described herein. The methods may include providing heat to a first section of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the first section of the formation. Heat is transferred from the heaters so that at least a first section of the formation reaches a selected temperature. At least a portion of residual heat from the first section transfers from the first section to a second section of the formation. At least a portion of hydrocarbons in the second section are mobilized by providing a solvation fluid and/or a pressurizing fluid to the second section of the formation. |
| US07849918B2 |
Centering structure for tubular member and method of making same
An apparatus and method for manufacture of a unitary centralizer forming Apertures are formed in a blank to create an intermediate blank having bow spring elements within a unitary centralizer and expanding a medial portion of the bow spring elements. An expansion element is inserted into the intermediate blank. An expansive force is applied to the expansion element, thereby expanding the medial portion of the bow spring elements. Mandrels placed against the upper and lower surfaces of the expansion element receive a compressive force for transfer to the expansion element. Set screw holes are placed on the unitary centralizer for attachment. |
| US07849917B2 |
Marginal oil extraction device
A marginal oil extraction system having an upper extraction unit, an extraction container, and a lower valve assembly. The marginal oil extraction system uses at least some of these components to cheaply extract oil from a stripper oil well. In some cases the system is capable of separating the oil from the water in the well with a solid barrier and can cheaply remove the oil from above the solid barrier. The system is cheap to install, easy to maintain and provides efficient access to what would otherwise be an inaccessible asset. |
| US07849909B2 |
Production method of thermoelectric semiconductor alloy, thermoelectric conversion module and thermoelectric power generating device
The present invention provides a method for producing a half Heuslar alloy including quench-solidifying a molten alloy at a cooling rate of 1×102 to 1×103° C./sec to produce a Heuslar alloy represented by the formula: ABC (wherein A and B each is at least one member selected from transition metals such as Fe, Co, Ni, Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Hf, Nb, Mo, Ta and W, and C is at least one member selected from Group 13 or 14 element such as Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge and Sn), and a high-performance thermoelectric power generating device using the thermoelectric semiconductor alloy. |
| US07849904B2 |
Tear tape applicator for ream wrap and other packaging materials
The present invention relates to a system and method for applying tear tape to a packaging substrate. Features of the system include a tear tape applicator unit comprising a laser/tear tape unwind assembly and a tear tape applicator assembly and a winder comprising an unwind roll and a rewind roll. A packaging substrate is advanced from the unwind roll to the rewind roll. The tear tape applicator unit interfaces the winder such that at least one portion of a tear tape is cut by the laser/tear tape unwind assembly and applied to the web of packaging substrate by the tear tape applicator assembly. Features of the method include advancing a web of a packaging substrate along a rewinding line from an unwind end to a rewind end, cutting at least one portion of a tear tape, advancing said at least one portion of said tear tape toward said rewinding line, and applying said at least one portion of said tear tape to said web. |
| US07849899B2 |
Adhesive film position detector and adhesive film joining apparatus
An illuminator emits light obliquely to an end of an adhesive film. A CCD camera is provided in a direction perpendicular to the adhesive film to capture an image of the light reflected irregularly from the end of the adhesive film. A black plate is provided on a back side of the adhesive film. In the image obtained by the CCD camera, therefore, only the end of the adhesive film is displayed whitely in a line shape. A position of the adhesive film is determined based on a line corresponding to the end of the adhesive film. Since the light reflected from the end of the adhesive film is utilized, the position of the adhesive film can be determined accurately irrespective of a color of the adhesive film, a color of a base film to which the adhesive film is joined, and a depth of each color. |
| US07849898B2 |
Apparatus for reorienting inlays
An apparatus for reorienting liner-borne inlays is provided. Such apparatus utilize electronic control devices to precisely move inlays from a first orientation and spacing to a second orientation and spacing. Embodiments of the present invention include a vacuum manifold having an elongated ridge member so that the apparatus are useful in handling thin and flexible inlays and minimize errors in inlay reorientation. |
| US07849892B1 |
Bulk shipping, storage and discharge box
A discharge box capable of transporting and then dispensing a high bulk density of solid product with substantially no human intervention. The discharge box includes separable/replaceable components allowing for a low cost, low maintenance, and long-term package and includes a tamper-evidence site window, and desiccant pockets, in a lid portion. |
| US07849883B2 |
Liner assembly for pipeline repair and methods of installing same
A liner assembly for pipeline repair and methods of installing same. The liner assembly generally comprises an outer tubular liner, an inner malleable inflatable bladder positioned longitudinally within said liner, and a generally non-stretchable strap positioned longitudinally within the malleable inflatable bladder. The generally non-stretchable strap restricts longitudinal over-expansion during positioning and inflation of the liner assembly within a pipeline. |
| US07849881B2 |
Circuit board for a solenoid valve manifold
A circuit board (205) for a valve block (120) of a solenoid valve manifold is described. Each valve block (120) contains a valve which is actuated by either one single solenoid or by two solenoids. Both sides (210, 220) of the circuit board (210) are provided with a circuit (212, 222). The first surface (210) of the circuit board (205) carries a single type valve circuit (212) for supplying one single solenoid with electrical energy. This first surface (210) can be mark e.g. with an “S”. The second surface (220) of the circuit board (205) carries a double-type valve circuit (222) for supplying two solenoids with electrical power. This second surface (220) can be marked e.g. with a “D”. The circuit board (205) is positioned in the respective valve block (120) with the first surface (210) or the second surface (220) facing upwards depending on whether a single- or a double-solenoid-valve is used in the respective valve block (120). |
| US07849878B2 |
Gas turbine compressor water wash control of drain water purge and sensing of rinse and wash completion
A purge drain valve including a spool spliced in a fluid line includes a control valve and an actuator coupled to the control valve for regulating fluid flow. During a washing operation, fluid flows between a supply end and a delivery end of the spool, and during a purging operation, the control valve diverts fluid entering the supply end from the delivery end towards a drain leg. A washing system includes a fluid supply coupled to an input of a wash delivery system and a delivery line coupled to an output of the wash delivery system. The purge drain may be spliced into the delivery line to permit fluid to reach a wash apparatus during a washing operation and to prevent fluid from reaching the wash apparatus during a purging operation. A rinse cycle sensor apparatus may be employed to indicate to an operator if a washing operation is complete based upon a conductivity of fluid exiting from a device being washed. |
| US07849877B2 |
Diverter valve
A diverter valve may include a body portion and a lid portion. The lid and body portions may define a fluid chamber. The lid portion may include a first stop and a second stop. A closure member may at least partially be received within the fluid chamber. A movable member, such as a handle, may be operatively associated with closure member. The movable member may be selectively movable relative to the lid portion between the first and second stops. A stop member may be selectively positioned on the lid portion. When positioned between the first and second stops, the stop member may limit movement of the movable member to between the stop member and one of the first and second stops. The first stop, the second stop, or both, may also comprise a stop member. |
| US07849875B2 |
Check valve
A check valve having a piston-like ball or stopper a pre-determined distance from the valve seat so that the ball or stopper seats against the valve seat only under backflow pressure. |
| US07849872B2 |
Keyed fluid connector and fluid dispensing system
Multiple unique keyed fluid connectors that are not cross-connectable with each other are described. Each keyed fluid connector comprises a first body including a first mating surface and having a first fluid fitting disposed in a first port in the first mating surface; a second body including a second mating surface opposable to the first mating surface and having a second fluid fitting disposed in a second port in the second mating surface, the second fluid fitting connectable to the first fluid fitting; and a keying feature comprising at least a first pin extending from one of the first and second bodies and disposable in a first hole in the other of the first and second bodies. The connectors are particularly useful in providing a robust system for selecting a particular electrolyte from among several containers of different electrolytes, and dispensing it into an implantable power device. |
| US07849856B2 |
Respirator valve
A unidirectional valve, wherein the valve comprises a valve body including a frame, a valve opening through the frame, and a valve seat extending from the frame and at least partially surrounding the valve opening. The valve further includes a valve flap having a first portion attached to the frame and an adjacent second portion free to move from a first position where the second portion is in contact with at least a part of the valve seat to a second position where at least part of the second portion is spaced from the valve seat, wherein the valve flap has a contour profile. The contoured profile may be along the length of the valve flap, between the point of attachment of the flap to the frame and the flap end, or from one flap side edge to a second side edge. |
| US07849852B2 |
Breathing assistance apparatus
A medical breathing assistance apparatus (20) for supplying pressurised gases to a patient is disclosed. The breathing assistance apparatus (20) comprises a heating chamber (29) and a pressure chamber (27) both adapted to contain water, and at least one pressure adjusting means (24,25,26). The pressure chamber (27) is connected to the heating chamber (29) and the pressure adjusting means (24,25,26) is located between the heating chamber (29) and a gases supplying means (23) supplying gas to both the pressure chamber (27) and heating chamber (29). The pressure adjusting means (24,25,26) is adapted to convert pressurised gases from the gases supply means (23) to two different pressures, one to each of the heating chamber (29) and the pressure chamber (27), so that water flows from said pressure chamber (27) to the heating chamber (29). |
| US07849849B2 |
Frame assembly for mounting solar modules
The invention relates to a frame assembly for mounting solar modules (1), said frame assembly comprising at least two flat frames which are arranged at a distance, preferably forming a triangle respectively with the frame sides (2, 3, 4) thereof, respectively one frame side (4) being inclined in relation to the surface of the ground or the roof (5). Carrier profiled parts (6, 7) which can be respectively displaced and fixed and are used to support and fix a solar module (1) are respectively arranged on two adjacent frames on the inclined side (4) of the frame. The carrier profiled parts (6, 7) are used to ensure the connection to the adjacently arranged frame sides (2, 3) in such a way that they can be displaced and fixed in relation to each other. The frame sides (2, 3) are also connected in such a way that they can be displaced and fixed in relation to each other and/or comprise at least one length adjustment device. |
| US07849840B2 |
Electric motor assisted mechanical supercharging system
This apparatus and method introduces to the internal combustion engine, with a centrifugal compressor or positive displacement air supercharger, a high speed electric motor/generator which is drivingly coupled to a drive shaft system for the purpose of acceleration and generation of pressurized air at low engine speeds and incorporation of one-way and/or magnetic clutches to provide maximum power to the engine operation at all times. The motor/generator when not driving the supercharger is putting energy back into the engine battery. |
| US07849839B2 |
Pre-heating fuel for cold start
A method of pre-heating a fuel in an internal combustion engine includes inducing a current in a solenoid coil of a fuel injector of the internal combustion engine and heating the fuel within the fuel injector using heat generated by the current before initiating a combustion cycle of the engine. |
| US07849838B2 |
Canister structure
A branch pipe is coupled to a middle portion of an outside-air connection pipe. A fresh-air inlet of the branch pipe opens into the outside air. A check valve is provided in the branch pipe. The check valve restrains air in the outside-air connection pipe from flowing out into the outside air via the branch pipe and allows the outside air to flow into the outside-air connection pipe via the branch pipe when an inside pressure of the outside-air connection pipe decreases to a specified negative pressure. The fresh-air inlet of the branch pipe is positioned at a specified level higher than a fresh-air inlet of the outside-air connection pipe and disposed in a space formed between wheel house panels and a mud guard. |
| US07849835B2 |
Internal combustion engine control for improved fuel efficiency
A variety of methods and arrangements for improving the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines are described. Generally, an engine is controlled to operate in a skip fire variable displacement mode. Feedback control is used to dynamically determine the working cycles to be skipped to provide a desired engine output. In some embodiments a substantially optimized amount of air and fuel is delivered to the working chambers during active working cycles so that the fired working chambers can operate at efficiencies close to their optimal efficiency. In some embodiments, the appropriate firing pattern is determined at least in part using predictive adaptive control. By way of example, sigma delta controllers work well for this purpose. In some implementations, the feedback includes feedback indicative of at least one of actual and requested working cycle firings. In some embodiments, the appropriate firings are determined on a firing opportunity by firing opportunity basis. Additionally, in some embodiments, an indicia of the current rotational speed of the engine is used as a clock input for a controller used to selectively cause the skipped working cycles to be skipped. |
| US07849828B2 |
Rocker arm assembly
A rocker arm assembly includes a lever body having a first end defining a pivot point, a second end for engagement with a valve train and a central opening extending therethrough. An eccentric bearing is received in the central opening, the eccentric bearing having an eccentric opening therein. The eccentric opening having at least one thrust absorbing key extending radially inward from a surface of the eccentric opening. An eccentric pivot shaft is supported by the eccentric bearing, the eccentric pivot shaft including at least one radially inwardly extending slot located and sized to receive the at least one thrust absorbing key in an assembled position. A first cam follower is disposed on the eccentric bearing and second and third cam followers are each disposed on opposite ends of the eccentric pivot shaft. |
| US07849823B2 |
Operating method and fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine
A fuel supply system attached to the gasoline engine includes a first tank storing a mixture of gasoline and ethanol, a second tank storing water, a microbubble generator connected to the first and second tanks, and a fuel injection valve connected to the microbubble generator. The mixture and the water are mixed in an environment where microbubbles generated by operation of the microbubble generator are supplied. The mixed fuel thus prepared is injected, via the fuel injection valve, into a supply pipe connected to a cylinder block which is included in the gasoline engine. The mixed fuel is then mixed with the air flowing through the supply pipe to be supplied into a combustion chamber. The resulting configuration lowers the combustion temperature in the gasoline engine so as to reduce the amount of NOx contained in exhaust gas. |
| US07849821B2 |
Burner flashback detection and system shutdown apparatus
A fuel-fired water heater is provided with a premixing type main burner and an associated pilot burner for igniting it. A specially designed protective system is operative to detect a flame flashback burning condition in the main burner and responsively shut down the water heater. In one embodiment thereof, the protective system uses main burner body heat to melt a portion of a fuel supply line connected to the pilot burner during a flame flashback condition in the main burner. Such melting responsively causes an associated fuel supply valve to close and terminate water heater operation. In a second protective system embodiment a normally closed pressure switch is opened, thereby shutting down the water heater, when the switch detects a pressure indicative of a flame flashback condition in the main burner. |
| US07849820B1 |
Machine for alternating conveyor belt livestock loading
Machine for alternating conveyor belt livestock loading with pre-loader having conveyor belt, main conveyor section having lift section, top section, and conveyor belt, swing belt section having conveyor belt, and autoloader section having plurality of conveyor belts. |
| US07849815B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus
This application discloses a practical plasma processing apparatus capable of plasma confinement without plasma-density non-uniformity and electric power loss. The apparatus comprises a plasma shield that surrounds a plasma generation region to prevent plasma from diffusing. The shield has at least one opening. The apparatus comprises a diffusion prevention electrode for preventing the plasma from diffusing through the opening of the plasma shield. The surface of the plasma shield exposed to the plasma is made of insulator. The diffusion prevention electrode is located where electrons diffusing toward the opening or having diffused through the opening from the plasma flow into itself. |
| US07849813B2 |
Apparatus for applying a liquid to a passing web
An apparatus for applying a liquid to a moving web has an applicator element having a surface extending transverse to the web-travel direction and positioned to contact the moving web. Liquid applied to the surface is transferred to the moving web where the moving web contacts the surface. A support spaced in the web-travel direction from the applicator element has a plurality of guides extending transverse to the web-travel direction, with at least some of the guides overlapping others of the guides. Respective shields slidable in the guides transverse to the direction extend between the web and the surface so that where the shields extend between the moving web and the surface there is generally no transfer of the liquid from the surface to the moving web. Respective adjusters connected to the shields shift same in the respective guides between positions spaced from one another to positions at least partially overlapping one another. |
| US07849812B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated coating of electrical insulators with a silicone composition
The present invention provides an automated continuous coating apparatus for coating industrial components such as porcelain, glass, and polymeric insulators. The apparatus consists of a several stage continuous inline operation. The stages are a cleaning operation, followed by drying and heating, coating, and curing. |
| US07849808B2 |
Personal watercraft
A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly with left and right gunnels. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. The left and right lateral edges of the deck are disposed vertically at least as low as the upper end of the left and right gunnels. The left lateral edge and the left gunnel define a left gap therebetween. The right lateral edge and the right gunnel define a right gap therebetween. A left seal member extends laterally outwardly from the left lateral edge. The left seal member extends into the left gap generally toward the left gunnel. A right seal member extends laterally outwardly from the right lateral edge. The right seal member extends into the right gap generally toward the right gunnel. |
| US07849807B2 |
Sewing machine, sewing mark, and computer-readable recording medium storing sewing machine control program
A sewing machine includes a needle bar to which a sewing needle is attached, a sewing machine motor that drives a needle bar mechanism for vertically driving the needle bar via a drive shaft, an information reading device, and a control device. The information reading device is disposed in the vicinity of a needle drop position of the sewing needle and reads out sewing information relating to sewing conditions for the sewing machine each time a mark attached to a work cloth enters into a communication range as the work cloth is moved, the sewing information being stored in an RFID tag included in the mark. The control device controls sewing based on the sewing information read out by the information reading device from the RFID tag. |
| US07849804B2 |
Stackable, nestable and gangable table
A stackable, nestable, and gangable table for use in varied environments such as classrooms, conferences, testing, etc includes a wire frame scaled according to the anticipated use, a table top and a modesty panel angled obtusely from the table top to accommodate stacking and/or nesting of the tables. The table further includes glide members on the wire frame base that accommodates the ganging of tables next to one another. The glide members are mounted on the base in such a manner that they engage the opposing glides on the aligned consecutive table. The table also includes a mounting mechanism for mounting accessories such as a side storage pouch to provide additional storage and help delineate the personal work space of each table. |
| US07849800B2 |
Hybrid spin/fin stabilized projectile
A hybrid spin/fin stabilized projectile. The novel projectile includes a body, a first mechanism for spin stabilizing the body during a first mode, and a second mechanism for fin stabilizing the body during a second mode. In an illustrative embodiment, the projectile includes a rifling band adapted to engage with rifling in a gun during gun launch to impart a spin rate compatible with spin stabilization to the projectile, and a plurality of folding fins attached to an aft end of the body. A fin locking mechanism locks the fins in an undeployed position during the first mode and unlocks to deploy the fins at a predetermined time to switch the projectile to fin stabilization during the second mode. The projectile also includes a mechanism for reducing the spin of the projectile to a rate compatible with guided flight during the second mode. |
| US07849799B2 |
Supplement to mines by which the time period is limited within which the activation of mines after their placing is possible
The invention consists of initial part (2B), which at the lower side is made in pyramid form and is part of mine activating mechanism (1). At its screwing into mine body (3), ampoule (D2) containing the aggressive matter is broken by the sharp point, the matter spills and comes to initial part (2B) that gets immersed in it. The aggressive matter slowly corrodes the walls of initial part (2B) and, when it corrodes them through, it mixes with the initial explosive placed inside initial part (2B), soaks it and neutralizes it, in such a way the initial explosive looses its explosive properties, and the mine cannot be activated any more. Cylindrical housing (D) serves for placing ampoule (D2) and retaining the aggressive liquid after breaking ampoule (D2). |
| US07849796B2 |
Web offset printing press with articulated tucker
An offset web print unit includes a plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, the plate cylinder being movable during a throw-off operation, and a tucker bar for tucking plates into the plate cylinder, the tucker bar having an axis movable with respect to the plate cylinder axis for reducing a gap during the throw-off operation. A method is also provided. |
| US07849795B2 |
Apparatus for adjusting gripper-base height of sheet-fed printing press
The present invention aims at full-automatic adjustment apparatus for gripper-base height in regularly engaging condition without clutch means.Apparatus according to the invention comprises operation shaft 28 which is co-centered with cylinder axis 16 and is movable in the axial direction of cylinder; the shaft being equipped with rack portion 32 at optional position in the axial direction of cylinder and rotation engagement portion 36 at the extruded end from cylinder axis; adjustment shaft 54 which is rotary provided at the optional position in the axial direction of cylinder to the radial direction and is rotated upon receiving the force from the rack portion 32; the shaft 54 being connected by way of rotation displacement means 58 to gripper-base 22 which is adjustably provided in the radial direction; and drive means 44 which is connected to said rotation engagement portion 36 and moves said operation shaft 28 in the axial direction of cylinder. |
| US07849793B2 |
Double-sided stencil printing apparatus
A double-sided printing apparatus using a double sided printing with one plate cylinder and one pressing means system, that is capable of carrying out double-sided printing simply and at low cost, with little deviation in the position of the printed image and with satisfactory resist. Printed matter with little deviation of the image position with respect to the sheet position and with good resist can be obtained, by eliminating delay in feeding sheets due to slippage between roller and press roller by operating the transport belt on the upstream side, and so on, and by eliminating resistance during sheet transportation due to contact with the guide member provided along the circumferential surface of the press roller, when pressing sheets against the press roller with a roller or the like, and transporting the sheets along the guide member or the like provided along the peripheral surface of the press roller. After the resist roller has eliminated the contact between the sheet and the stopper, the transport belt starts to be driven. If the printing speed is low, this timing is taken as the timing that the resist roller contacts the press roller. For both low speeds and high speeds, this may be after passage of a predetermined period of time from the operation command signal for the resist roller. |
| US07849791B2 |
Optimized baler tailgate cycle
A round baler has a tailgate moveable between a closed position in which the tailgate extends along the back side of the baling chamber and an open position in which a completely formed bale can be discharged from the baling chamber and a controller programmed to open and close the tailgate in response to a bale discharge signal. The tailgate opens and closes initially relatively quickly and then more slowly as the tailgate approaches the fully open or fully closed position, the rate of opening and closing being determined by the period of time lapsing from the bale discharge signal. |
| US07849790B2 |
Single ram baler
The present invention generally pertains to a single ram baler for baling recycled material. More specifically, the single ram baler of the present invention comprises a ram operable to move between a retracted position for receiving the recycled material and a tying position for allowing the compacted material to slightly expand before wiring the same. |
| US07849788B2 |
System for microorganism control
A method of infrared heat-processing of nuts (e.g., almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts and mixtures thereof in order to reduce the microorganism level thereof is provided wherein the nuts are sequentially moisturized by application of water and then subjected to infrared radiation, preferably through a series of treatment cycles. Nut treatment apparatus (10) includes opposed banks of infrared heaters (38, 40), with plural water application stations (48, 50, 52) along the length of the heater banks (38, 40). |
| US07849786B2 |
Detecting device for detecting the food cooking vessel temperature
A detecting device for detecting the food cooking vessel temperature comprises a fireproof bulkhead including a throughgoing hole, and in which between an inner wall of the fireproof bulkhead and a cooking vessel handle a plate coated by a thermochromatic paint layer visible through the throughgoing hole is arranged. |
| US07849775B2 |
Scrapbooking tools
A tool body for use in scrapbooking includes a groove for accepting a plurality of interchangeable tools therein. The tool body may include two or more separate bodies that may be connected together. The interchangeable tools may include a rotary cutter having one or more offset patterned blades. The housings of the rotary cutter may be attached together to form patterned strips having three different widths. The rotary cutter may be used separately or include an adapter for traveling in the groove of the tool body. |
| US07849772B2 |
Rotary cutting apparatus comprising a cutter drum and an anvil drum
A rotary cutting apparatus includes a cutter drum having at least one cutting member and an anvil drum having a rotary axis, arranged in a cutting relationship to one another, and a pressure actuating device for subjecting pressure on said cutting member in relation to the anvil drum. The pressure actuating device includes a pair of levers rotatable about at least one hinge having a horizontal axis. The horizontal axis is parallel to but non-concentric with the rotary axis. In addition, a frame supports the cutter drum and the anvil drum in a rotatable relationship. The pair of levers are releasably connected to the bearing housing, respectively, in such a way that the anvil drum is allowed to be removed from the frame. |
| US07849768B2 |
Apparatus and method for rotary machining of rotors
An apparatus and method for machining of components, namely for rotary machining of rotationally symmetrical components on radially interior machining surfaces of a component, is disclosed. The device has a drill rod extending essentially axially and has a tool mount extending essentially radially, carrying a lathe tool. The drill rod has a projection that extends essentially radially and can be coupled to the tool mount that extends essentially radially, where the radial dimensions of the projection of the drill rod and of the tool mount are adapted to the dimensions of a hub bore of the component to be machined, such that the drill rod and the tool mount in the uncoupled state can be inserted into the hub bore, and, in the coupled state, the lathe tool mounted in the tool mount can be brought into contact with the radially interior machining surfaces of the component. |
| US07849764B2 |
Bicycle shift operating device
A bicycle shift operating device includes a mounting member, a shift operating member, a take-up member and a retaining mechanism. The mounting member includes a clamping portion and a cover. The shift operating member is rotatably coupled to the mounting member to move in opposite rotation directions. The take-up member is arranged to selectively pull and release a shift control cable in response to rotation of the shift operating member. The retaining mechanism is arranged to retain the take-up member in a plurality of positions. Preferably, a rotational angle limiting structure includes a first limiting portion formed on the clamping portion and a second limiting portion formed on the shift operating member that selectively engages the first limiting portion to limit rotational movement of the shift operating member. Preferably, the cover has a bush integrally formed with the cover as a one-piece, unitary member. |
| US07849762B2 |
Constrained tri-sphere kinematic positioning system
A scalable and adaptable, six-degree-of-freedom, kinematic positioning system is described. The system can position objects supported on top of, or suspended from, jacks comprising constrained joints. The system is compatible with extreme low temperature or high vacuum environments. When constant adjustment is not required a removable motor unit is available. |
| US07849760B2 |
Speed changer with pre-determined gears, particularly for cycles
A speed changer is used to control derailleurs using cables from a single rotating handle, the deraileurs being connected respectively to an elastic return element. The speed changer includes at least two cable-maneuvering mechanisms. The mechanism for maneuvering the cable of the rear derailleur, which rotates integrally with the handle, can cause the rear cable to loosen or tighten when the handle is rotated in one direction. The speed changer is characterized in that the rotating assembly, formed by at least one mechanism for maneuvering the rear cable and the handle, can be connected to rotate intermittently with the mechanism for maneuvering the front cable of the front derailleur which, depending on the direction in which the handle is rotated, can cause the front cable of the front derailleur to tighten or loosen. |
| US07849758B2 |
Toothed member and a gearseat relating thereto
The action curve (A), that is, the locus of the gearing contact points throughout the gearing process, is a lemniscate (Lg, Ld) having a double point coinciding with the rolling point (T) of two pitch circles (Prg, Prd). The gearing contact begins at one of the apexes (Sgh) of the lemniscate under a zero Hertzian pressure between two profile points where the profiles have the same curvature centered at the rolling point (T). Wear and operating noise are reduced. |
| US07849753B2 |
Connection strength testing device
A strength testing device for testing a connection strength between a first and a second articles includes a workbench, a supporting member adjustably attached to the workbench in a vertical direction to support the first article, a blocking member adjustably attached to the workbench in a latitudinal direction to abut one side of the first article, a pair of clamping members adjustably attached to the workbench in a longitudinal direction to abut the other side of the first article, and a tester. The tester includes a blade member with a blade seating on the second article, and a suspending member holding a critical weight to break the first and second articles along a connection interface therebetween. A gravity line of the weight crosses with the blade. |
| US07849752B2 |
Method and system for passive wireless strain gauge
A system and method of using a passive wireless gauge to detect the physical properties on an object. |
| US07849750B2 |
Sensing apparatus of bourdon pressure gauge
A sensing apparatus of a Broudon pressure gauge is disclosed, which comprises a magnet which has a N pole and a S pole at one end between both ends of the shaft which its connected with the displacement gear and rotates; a sensing unit which is provided in the body at a portion corresponding to the magnet and is disposed on at least three portions in circular directions and includes an AMR sensor or hall sensor for sensing the rotation value of the magnet; and a display control unit which receives a sine signal value and a cosine signal value among phase signal values from the sensors of the sensing unit and corrects the phase values and outputs to the LCD. |
| US07849749B2 |
Pressure sensor module
A pressure sensor module of the invention includes a pressure sensor and a laminar substrate. Electrodes are arranged in the vicinity of a diaphragm portion of the pressure sensor. In the laminar substrate, a plurality of substrates are laminated, and the laminar substrate incorporates the pressure sensor. One face of the diaphragm portion is exposed by a space portion. According to the invention, it is possible to provide a pressure sensor module which facilitates smaller and thinner sizes, and which enables high-density packaging. |
| US07849745B2 |
Ultra-low noise MEMS piezoelectric accelerometers
Sensing structures are provided which are designed using non-conventional designs. These sensing structures have improved sensitivity and noise floor at low frequencies. |
| US07849739B2 |
Gravity gradiometer
A gravity gradiometer is described which comprises a pair of sensor bars arranged in housings. Transducers are arranged adjacent the bars for measuring movement of the bars in response to the gravity gradient tensor. At least one of the transducers has a sensing coil and a capacitor plate having a concentric arrangement with the sensing coil for providing one plate of a capacitor used in a balancing circuit for measuring the balance of the sensor mass. |
| US07849737B2 |
Gas meter
A gas meter with a simple structure for detecting a range from a minute flow rate, such as a gas leak, to the large flow rate of the normal state of use of the gas, while protecting the flow rate sensor from dust and without producing the problem of pressure loss. First, second, and third flow paths for carrying partial flows of a gas to be measured, in accordance with the flow rate, are provided by partitioning, in parallel, the cross-sectional surface of a main flow path. A flow rate sensor for flow rate measurement is provided in the first flow path with a small flow path cross-sectional area, and a flow rate sensor for detecting a gas leak is provided in the second flow path with a small flow path cross-sectional area, where a flow baffling filter is provided on one end side or both ends of the first and second flow paths, and a contaminant (dust) removing filter is provided on one end side or both ends of the first flow path. |
| US07849736B2 |
Method for calculating the ratio of relative permeabilities of formation fluids and wettability of a formation downhole, and a formation testing tool to implement the same
A method and a tool that implements a method which includes measuring the viscosity and flow rates of formation fluids and obtaining the ratio of relative permeabilities of the formation fluids and wettability of the formation using the same. |
| US07849731B2 |
Nanoindentation surface analysis method
The present invention provides a novel method for determining the mechanical properties of the surfaces of materials including thin films. Generally, the method is comprised of laterally scanning the surface of the film with an array of cantilever tips varying temperature, load and time to obtain a measurement of mechanical properties, such as hardness and glass transition temperature. The method can be used to obtain mechanical properties of films that would otherwise be unobtainable using standard methods. |
| US07849730B2 |
Device for testing the performance of a sealant for SOFC stacks
An apparatus is disclosed for testing the performance of a sealant for solid oxide fuel cell packs. The apparatus includes an oven including a base, a platform provided on the base and a frame connected to the platform. An elevator is used to raise and lower the oven. A pressuring and testing chamber is provided on the platform. The pressuring and testing chamber includes a first body and a second body connected to the first body. A carrier is provided between the first and second bodies. The carrier includes a first plate and a second plate so that the sealant can be provided between the first and second plates. A pusher includes an end connected to the frame and another end for pushing the second plate. A pusher-driving unit is connected to the frame for raising and lowering the pusher. |
| US07849729B2 |
Leak detection in vacuum bags
Air leaks in a vacuum bag are detected using a leak detection film covering the inside face of the bag. The film includes a gas permeable binder carrying oxygen sensitive material that changes in physical appearance at the location of an air leak. The film may be adhered to the inside face of the bag or may form a separate membrane that is placed over a layup being molded in the bag. The film may be illuminated with light having a wavelength selected to cause the film to luminesce. |
| US07849719B2 |
Locking device
The locking device contains an axle, a bolt, a positioning plate, and a cylinder. The axle is connected to a thumb-turn knob and, from a circumference of the axle, a lever is extended perpendicularly. The bolt has a vertical trough in a rear section. An end of the lever is embedded in the trough. The positioning plate has an elongated opening inside which the axle is embedded. The cylinder is positioned adjacent to and above the rear section of the bolt. The cylinder has a key hole in the center and an activation bar extended from a circumference of the cylinder. When the thumb-turn knob or a key in the key hole is turned, the positioning plate is moved towards an opposite direction. In turn, the lever of the axle pushes or pulls the bolt in the same directions as the key or the knob is turned. |
| US07849718B2 |
Deadbolt device for a door
A deadbolt device for a door is disclosed that has a linkage assembly enclosed within a handle. The linkage assembly extends from a first end to a second end and is moveable from a locked position to an unlocked position. A lock housing extends through the door and includes a guide channel that extends from an interior side of the lock housing to an exterior side of the lock housing. A locking member, at least a portion of which is in the guide channel, is operatively connected to the linkage assembly and is moveable from a locked position to an unlocked position, which correspond to those of the linkage assembly. A biasing mechanism is operatively connected to the locking member and biases the locking member to its locked position. A dogging member is moveably connected to the lock housing such that the dogging member can move from an undogged to a dogged position. |
| US07849713B2 |
Optical fibre having low splice loss and method for making it
A process for making a non-zero dispersion shifted optical fiber having low splice loss and low attenuation and to an optical fiber produced by this process. A reduction of the splice loss is observed with decreasing drawing tension. The optical fiber has a core region that includes three segments and an inner cladding segment, each having a maximum refractive index percent difference, Δdeltai %, i=0-3, the subscript i referring to a particular refractive index, the core segments being selected such that Δdelta0%>Δdelta2%>Δdelta1%≧0 and Δdelta2%>Δdelta3%≧0. Optical fibers exhibiting low splice loss were drawn at tensions not larger than 150 g, preferably not larger than 100 g. |
| US07849712B2 |
Reading a phase change memory
A phase change memory cell may be read by driving a current through the cell higher than its threshold current. A voltage derived from the selected column may be utilized to read a selected bit of a phase change memory. The read window or margin may be improved in some embodiments. A refresh cycle may be included at periodic intervals. |
| US07849708B2 |
Temperature controlled shipping using one or more smaller insulated containers inside a larger insulated container
Insulated containers which conform relatively closely in size to the payload size, which contain a payload and phase change material and/or a refrigerated gel are all placed in a larger insulated shipping container, which may house additional phase change material and/or refrigerant. The combined insulating effect of the inner and outer containers allows minimizing the use of phase change material inside the inner container for the payload itself, and the presence of the phase material, together with the use of frozen gels inside the outer container, provides for only a small difference in temperature between the interior of the inner container and the interior of the outer container. The inner containers can be less insulated and lower cost, and the outer containers can be recycled. |
| US07849705B2 |
Noise reduction device and air conditioner having the same
An air conditioning system, comprising: a channel to carry a flow of refrigerant, and a first noise reducer to change at least one property of the refrigerant as the refrigerant flows through the channel. |
| US07849703B2 |
Air conditioner for vehicle
In a vehicle air conditioner, when a passenger set temperature of a vehicle compartment is changed through an operation portion by a passenger, a storage portion updates a value of a control set temperature corresponding to a predetermined point of a detection area at a time of the changing operation to a value of the changed passenger set temperature, and stores therein the value of the updated temperature. Furthermore, when the detection point is not any one of the predetermined points, a control portion interpolates and calculates a control set temperature corresponding to the detection point from the control set temperature stored in the predetermined point of the detection area and the control set temperature stored in the predetermined point of a surrounding area around the detection area, and then controls the air-conditioning state in the vehicle compartment based on the interpolated and calculated control set temperature. |
| US07849701B2 |
Refrigeration system with a charging loop
A refrigeration system includes a primary loop that cools a secondary loop that circulates a coolant through a refrigeration load. The secondary loop includes a suction header to receive the coolant from the load, and a discharge header to direct the coolant to the heat exchanger, and a pump to pump the coolant from the suction to the discharge header. A charging loop maintains a pressure of the coolant in the supply header within a predetermined range, and includes an inlet from the discharge header and an outlet to the suction header. A flow nozzle and a valve are located between the inlet and the outlet, and a reservoir of make-up coolant communicates with the flow nozzle. Upon a low pressure condition in the suction header, the valve opens to permit flow of coolant through the flow nozzle to draw in make-up coolant from the reservoir. |
| US07849696B2 |
Assembling an annular combustion chamber of a turbomachine
An annular combustion chamber comprising axial walls interconnected by a chamber end wall having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from that of the axial walls, the chamber end wall being provided with a plurality of inner and outer fastener tabs secured by fastener systems to the end portions of the axial walls. Each fastener system comprises a bolt, a nut tightened onto one of the ends of the bolt, and a slideway bushing disposed around the bolt between the nut and the end portion of the corresponding axial wall, a determined amount of radial clearance being provided between the nut and the end portion of the axial wall so as to enable the chamber end wall to expand radially freely in operation relative to the axial walls. |
| US07849694B2 |
Heat shield arrangement for a component guiding a hot gas in particular for a combustion chamber in a gas turbine
The invention relates to a heat shield arrangement for a hot gas (m)-guiding component, which comprises a number of heat shield elements arranged side-by-side on a supporting structure while leaving a gap there between. A heat shield element can be mounted on the supporting structure whereby forming an interior space which is delimited in areas by a hot gas wall to be cooled, with an inlet channel for admitting a coolant into the interior space. According to the invention, a coolant discharge channel is provided for the controlled discharge of coolant from the interior space and, from the interior space, leads into the gap. Coolant can be saved and efficiently used by the specific coolant discharge via the coolant discharge channel, and reduction in pollutant emissions can also be achieved. The heat shield arrangement is particularly suited for linking a combustion chamber of a gas turbine. |
| US07849693B2 |
Fuel injector for a gas turbine engine combustion chamber
A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine combustion chamber is disclosed. The fuel injector includes a first fuel supply line for running at idle speed, a second, main, fuel supply line for running at speeds up to full throttle, and first and second injection orifices with which the two fuel supply lines respectively communicate. The injection orifices are arranged in a ring and the first orifices occupy a sector of the ring. |
| US07849687B2 |
Electrohydraulic solar panel carrier adjusting device
A solar panel carrier T is provided at a sub-structure U such that it can be rotated and tilted by means of hydrostatic rotation and tilt motors M, M′. In an electrohydraulic adjusting device for the solar panel carrier T a motor pump aggregate 8 is connected to the hydrostatic motors. Within working lines A, B of the tilt hydrostatic motor M at least one tilt control system K is provided, which comprises valve components and a pilot pressure circuit. The tilt control system K comprises pressure actuated blocking valves or load holding valves LHVA, LHVB. For automatically adjusting a protected position S of the carrier T a suction line N is provided at the side of the hydrostatic tilt motor facing to the blocking valves or load holding valves. The suction line N is surveyed by a monitoring solenoid 18 and is opened depending on initial pressure conditions in case of switching off the electric power and/or in case of an electric breakdown. In this fashion the protected position S of the carrier T can be adjusted without consuming primary energy by use of the weight load of the carrier T itself. |
| US07849686B2 |
Valve assembly and a hydraulic actuator comprising the valve assembly
A valve assembly (2) forming a bridge circuit and a hydraulic actuator comprising at least one valve assembly (2) are disclosed. The valve assembly (2) is fluidly connectable between a fluid source (3) and a fluid drain (4). The valve assembly (2) comprises a first valve (8) fluidly connected between the fluid source (3) and a first diagonal point (12) of the bridge circuit, a second valve (9) fluidly connected between the fluid source (3) and a second diagonal point (13) of the bridge circuit, a third valve (10) fluidly connected between the first diagonal point (12) and the fluid drain (4), and a fourth valve (11) fluidly connected between the second diagonal point (13) and the fluid drain (4). The valves (8, 9, 10, 11) are such that in the case of a power cut off, flows of fluid away from the diagonal points (12, 13) are prevented. Thereby a hydraulic servomotor (5) connected across the diagonal points (12, 13) will be hydraulically locked in its instantaneous position, and a safety feature is accordingly provided. The first valve (8) and the second valve (9) are furthermore of a kind which is closed in an energized state. Thereby it is possible to control the valve assembly (2) in such a manner that a piston member (14) of a servomotor (5) connected across the diagonal points (12, 13) can be moved at a high velocity, thereby providing a servomotor (5) having a quick response time. |
| US07849682B2 |
Exhaust treatment device having a fuel powered burner
An aftertreatment burner for an exhaust treatment device is disclosed. The aftertreatment burner may have a mounting member, and a canister connected to the mounting member to form a combustion chamber. The aftertreatment burner may also have a fuel injector disposed within the mounting member to selectively inject fuel into combustion chamber, and an air supply line configured to supply air to the combustion chamber. The aftertreatment burner may further have an igniter disposed within the mounting member to ignite the fuel/air mixture, and a thermal couple configured to detect the ignition. |
| US07849678B2 |
Desulfation control strategy
The inventors' concept relates to controlling a power generation system having an exhaust aftertreatment system comprising a fuel reformer and an LNT in series. Over the course of a desulfation, a fuel injection upstream of the fuel reformer is pulsed to create alternating lean and rich phases and control the LNT temperature. The LNT temperature is controlled by manipulating a minimum temperature for the fuel reformer at the end of the lean phase, a length of the lean phase, or a pulse frequency. Preferably, the rich phases end when the fuel reformer reaches a predetermined maximum temperature. The method is effective in regulating the fuel reformer temperature while accurately controlling the LNT temperature. |
| US07849676B2 |
Method for adding at least one reactant to an exhaust gas stream and device for treating an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine
A method for adding at least one, in particular liquid, reactant, to an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine includes adding a reactant flow to the stream downstream of an element provided for an at least partial conversion and/or at least partial elimination of at least one component of the stream, so that at least part of the reactant flow impinges on the element. This achieves rapid evaporation of the reactant flow. Impinging on the element, which is hot during operation, i.e. at temperatures of 400° C. and more, causes rapid evaporation and, because of a preferably porous coating of the element, take-up of the reactant solution into the element with successive evaporation. Urea, in particular, can be evaporated quickly, effectively and virtually completely upon introduction into an exhaust system as a reducing agent for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides, in particular in a downstream SCR catalytic converter. |
| US07849673B2 |
Procedure for heating-up and keeping warm an emission control assembly of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a procedure to heat up or keep warm an exhaust gas emission control assembly of a vehicle with a drive train containing one transmission. The drive train is powered by an internal combustion engine and at least one second drive unit. It is proposed that also in an operating state, which lies outside of the idle speed, a rotational speed or a torque of the internal combustion engine deviating from values for the engine rotational speed and the torque is set, which would exist during an identical driving condition without the heating-up or keeping warm of the exhaust gas emission control assembly. |
| US07849672B2 |
Failure diagnosis method for reducing agent addition valve
An object of the invention is to diagnose a failure of an addition valve provided in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. To achieve the object, post injection through a fuel injection valve of the internal combustion engine and reducing agent addition through the reducing agent addition valve are performed at different timings, the quantity of fuel injected through the fuel injection valve when the post injection is performed and the quantity of reducing agent added through the reducing agent addition valve when the reducing agent addition is performed are estimated based on a same parameter, and it is diagnosed that the reducing agent addition valve has a failure on condition that the difference between the estimated fuel quantity and the estimated reducing agent quantity exceeds a predetermined quantity. |
| US07849665B2 |
Recirculating grass bagging apparatuses and methods
Apparatuses and methods for separating grass clippings from air in a recirculating bagging apparatus for a lawnmower can include a grass-collecting compartment for collecting grass clippings discharged from a lawnmower and an air discharge channel in communication with and disposed below the grass-collecting compartment. The grass-collecting compartment can have a non-breathable bottom floor for receiving and supporting collected grass clippings. The air discharge channel can be adapted for passage of air discharged from a lawnmower through the grass-collecting compartment and out of the bagging apparatus. |
| US07849663B2 |
Corrugated shipping container system
The present invention provides a cargo shipping crate having a base, four sides and a top cap, a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel form four sides of the crate. Each panel has a first, a second and a third subpanel. The first subpanel of the first panel is positioned to overlap the third subpanel of the second panel, and the second subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions. The first subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions, and the third subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions. The top cap has four flaps, each of the four flaps are rotatable to a position superjacent a subpanel. |
| US07849659B2 |
Tower reinforcement apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for creating a reinforced vertical multi-sided monopole tower for supporting equipment including a multi-sided monopole, a plurality of holes on three equally spaced sides of the multi-sided monopole tower and tower reinforcement apparatus mounted to the holes. The tower reinforcement apparatus includes bolts supporting a first flat bar and a second flat bar on each side of the tower. The upper end of the first flat bar abuts a lower end of the second bar and a plate is bolted over adjacent ends connecting the first and second flat bar such that the first and second flat bars are sandwiched between the plate and a side of the perimeter of the monopole. |
| US07849658B2 |
Retrofitting apparatus and method for securing roof frames against winds
An apparatus and method is provided for tying down an existing roof frame to resist windstorm uplift forces, in which an elongate connector is inserted slantingly upward through a hole through the roof frame, allowing an upper end of the connector to protrude from the roof frame to receive a head member which is detachably attached thereto in order to prevent the roof frame from moving upward relative to the connector under an uplift force. The lower end of the connector is secured to an underlying wall such that the connector applies a restraining force against wind uplift forces. |
| US07849651B2 |
Wall materials bracket and insulating wall structure
A wall materials bracket comprises a base piece 11, a catching piece 12, a spacing piece 13 and a holding piece 14, and further includes a leaning means for leaning an insulation put on the catching piece 12 against a wall substrate. For example, the leaning means is constructed with the upper half 111 of the upper part 110 of the base piece 11, a slope 113 in the lower half 112 of the upper part 110, and a cavity 132 and bosses (133) in the upper part 130 of the spacing piece 13. |
| US07849650B2 |
Non-combustible reinforced cementitious lightweight panels and metal frame system for a fire wall and other fire resistive assemblies
A fire resistive assembly including metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, HAMBRO or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The assembly is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres. |
| US07849647B2 |
Shear wall construction
A shear wall construction and method for assembling the same is disclosed. A plywood sheet includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts proximate each lateral end. A channel-defining member is fitted and fixed between the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a concrete foundation or other underlying building element. A track is also provided for sheathing a lower edge of the shear wall. Protrusions from the metal track aid in anchoring the shear wall to the concrete foundation. |
| US07849645B2 |
Flood protection
A flood protection system for a building employs waterproof flexible sheeting (26) of a size at least sufficient to cover a region to be protected on one or more faces of a building. The sheeting is capable of withstanding water pressure at least with a head as great as the difference in height from the lowest to the highest point of the region. The sheeting has a first side and an opposite side on the side of the sheeting opposite the first side. The first side is arranged to bear against the surface of the building at least around the periphery of the region and an opposite side. A frame of similar dimension to the sheeting is used to mount the sheeting with its first side against the face of the building. The frame co-operates with compressible sealing means (23, 24) which bear against the opposite side of the sheeting to thereby press the first side against the face of the building. Fixing means mount the frame to the surface of the building without the fixing means piercing the sealing means. |
| US07849643B2 |
Structural step unit with run portion and rise portion
A riser is formed by a structural sandwich plate member in the run or tread portion but a simple steel plate in the rise portion. This riser is cheaper and simpler to manufacture than risers in which both the run and tread are formed by structural sandwich plate members. |
| US07849640B2 |
Track for metal stud walls
The present invention provides for track for use in constructing metal stud walls. The track is a generally U-shaped channel having a base and upstanding side walls extending along either side of the base. The base is provided with a plurality of embossed indicator means evenly spaced along the length of the base. The spacing of the embossed indicator means provides a guide for the proper spacing of the studs placed in the base. |
| US07849638B2 |
Sunshades and methods of installing sunshades
A sunshade for mounting to a building structure has first and second extruded outriggers spaced apart from each other and louvers extending from the first outrigger to the second outrigger. The first and second outriggers have an elongated body, an upper leg extending from an upper portion of the elongated body, and a lower leg extending from a lower portion of the elongated body. The outriggers of adjacent sunshades face each other such that the upper legs face each other and the lower legs face each other. A pocket is formed between the adjacent outriggers. The outriggers also have a mounting notch at an end which is mounted to the building structure. The outrigger notch engages a hook on a sunshade anchor mounted to the building structure. |
| US07849636B2 |
Foam distribution parts with integral membrane fastening structures
A gutter and sheeting material holding device comprises an elongated body having a bottom wall, and side walls extending from opposed sides of the bottom wall. The bottom and side walls define a gutter for channeling a liquid. Sheet holding channels are provided at a distal end of the side walls. Wedges are inserted into the sheet holding channels for anchoring sheets or membranes to the side walls of the gutter. |
| US07849635B2 |
Building encasement element
Described is a building encasement element (100) with a foil cushion that comprises an outer foil layer (101) forming the outside of a building envelope and an inner foil layer (102) forming the outside of a building envelope, wherein these foil layers form, between themselves, at least one essentially fluid-tight, enclosed hollow space in which a fluid medium, in particular, air, is contained, and with a reinforcement element (107). The special feature of the invention consists in that the reinforcement element (107) divides the essentially fluid-tight, enclosed hollow space into a first, essentially fluid-tight, enclosed chamber (108) between the inner foil layer (102) and the reinforcement element (107) and into a second, essentially fluid-tight, enclosed chamber (109) between the outer foil layer (101) and the reinforcement element (107), the fluid medium in the first chamber (108) is pressurized with a first pressure and the fluid medium in the second chamber (109) is pressurized with a second pressure below that of the first, and the magnitudes of the first and second pressures and/or the ratio of the first and second pressures is formed so that the reinforcement element (107) reduces the stress on the foil layer (101) especially for outwards directed drag effects, in that a portion of the load on the outer foil layer (101) is transmitted via the pressurized fluid medium onto the reinforcement element (107). |
| US07849632B2 |
Automated seed sampler and methods of sampling, testing and bulking seeds
An automated system for sampling seeds generally includes an automated sampler operable to remove a tissue sample from a seed, a seed tray configured to receive from the automated sampler the seed from which the tissue sample is removed, and a sample tray configured to receive the tissue sample removed from the seed. A table supports the seed tray and the sample tray, and an index mechanism is operable to move the table to bring the seed tray into position for receiving from the automated sampler the seed from which the tissue sample is removed, and to bring the sample tray into position for receiving the tissue sample removed from the seed. |
| US07849629B1 |
Automatic fish hook setter apparatus and method
An automatic fish hook setter apparatus includes a trigger with a length and a center line, where the trigger includes a cocking rod hole, a tensioner hole and a line hole and where at least the cocking hole and the tensioner hole are located off of the center line. A cocking rod is connected with the cocking rod hole and a tensioner is connected with the tensioner hole. |
| US07849617B2 |
Self-righting post and method for the assembly and use thereof
A self-righting post assembly includes an elastomeric hinge tube and an elastomeric inner member is disposed in the hinge tube. In one embodiment, an extension post is disposed over the hinge tube. A sign panel can be secured to the extension post. In one embodiment, the inner member is free of any engagement with the hinge tube. In one embodiment, the hinge tube is secured to a base, preferably with a vertically oriented fastener. A method of assembling the post assembly is also provided. |
| US07849616B2 |
Lockdown shade
The lockdown shade is a device for preventing visual access to an area through a window of a door. The device has a shade normally stored on a mounting system that is positioned on a wall surface adjacent to the door window. The shade is fabricated from a solid, opaque material having fastener(s) on its rear surface to effect quick and easy attachment to the door window. The fastener(s) also function to provide attachment to the mounting system. The shade is configured and dimensioned to cover the window in the door. |
| US07849615B2 |
Combination ad sign and child seat safety strap
An ad sign to be mounted on a seat back of a shopping cart child seat, the ad sign comprising one or more frame bodies configured to display information content, each frame body having a front side and a back side, one of the one or more frame bodies being configured to be connected to a first face of the seat back; and one or more safety strap anchors integral with the one frame body, the one or more safety strap anchors being configured and adapted for securing a child seat safety strap within the child seat; wherein at least one of the one or more safety strap anchors extends from a perimeter of the one frame body; wherein at least one of the one or more safety strap anchors forms a respective opening, the at least one safety strap anchor being configured such that the child seat safety strap can be passed through the opening and connected to the seat back, and being further configured so as to limit a movement of the child seat safety strap when the strap is passed through the opening and connected to the seat back. |
| US07849613B2 |
Heated handle apparatuses and methods using power equipment exhaust
Apparatuses and methods are provided for heating the handle(s) of power equipment using exhaust produced by an internal combustion engine, including a machine powered by an internal combustion engine, an operator grippable handle, with an interior, and a tubular structure routing the exhaust produced by the internal combustion engine to the interior of the handle. One or more adjustable apertures provide regulation of exhaust in communication with the interior of the handle, wherein the heating of the handle is selectably controlled. |
| US07849606B2 |
Pool measurement tool, system and method
A pool measuring tool comprises a template tool and instructions for use for ensuring compliance with depth and position standards for diving board safety in placement of pool diving boards. The template comprises web members to extend across the pool along the centerline of the diving board placement and across the pool perpendicular to the centerline. Markers are provided to indicate positions where measurements are to be taken of the pool parameters, including pool depth and noting existence of obstructions in the pool. Measurements at the maker locations can be recorded on a worksheet for record keeping and to confirm and document compliance with various standards for diving board/pool diving safety can thereby be accomplished. |
| US07849604B2 |
Hand-held band saw
A powered hand-held band for cutting a work piece and a method for manufacture and use. The band saw includes alternate blade guides respectively for selectively using one of a first cutting path for cutting a work piece flush with respect to a work surface and a second cutting path for non-flush cuts. |
| US07849602B2 |
Method of assembling a convertible roof fixed to the body via main support units
A convertible vehicle having a roof moveable between a stored position to a closed position, and method of manufacturing said convertible vehicle. The roof is supported by a pair of lateral main support units fixed to opposite sides of the vehicle body. Each lateral main support unit has a fastening flange movable along a portion thereof for securing the roof to pins disposed on the vehicle body. The convertible roof is manufactured such that the main support units and the linkage parts are assembled upside down on a fixture replicating the vehicle body. Thus alignment of the roof to the vehicle body is ensured. Furthermore manufacturing tolerances are accommodated by moving the fastening flanges along a portion of the lateral main support units such that the fastening flanges are registered to the pins. |
| US07849600B2 |
Method of producing a valve arrangement for an expansion valve
The invention relates to a method of producing a valve arrangement and to a valve arrangement for an expansion valve, which is provided in a vehicle air conditioning system operated with refrigerant and has a basic opening in the valve seat, the cross section of this basic opening being produced for a predetermined mass flow by material removal. |
| US07849597B2 |
Method for making heat-dissipation device having vacuum chamber and working fluid therein
A method (100) and an apparatus for manufacturing a heat-dissipation device (10) with a vacuum chamber and a working fluid therein are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: vacuuming a hollow metal casing (12) through a first open end (121) thereof until an interior of the casing reaches a predetermined vacuum degree; sealing the first open end; filling a predetermined quantity of working fluid into the casing through a second open end (123) thereof; and sealing the second open end. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump, a liquid-storage tank and a set of processing device, as used respectively for the above vacuuming, liquid-filling and sealing steps. By this apparatus, the heat-dissipation device can be manufactured at a same place without the requirement to shift the casing from one place to another place during the manufacture of the heat-dissipation device. |
| US07849595B2 |
Method for repairing an impeller
The present invention provides a method of weld repairing an impeller by use of a weld restraining fixture. The fixture is used to sandwich the impeller between a base plate and a top ring such that a plurality of tangs located on the top ring rest on the plurality of valley faces of the impeller. The top ring and base plate are bolted together while the restrained impeller is welded and heat treated. |
| US07849590B2 |
Fastening apparatus and system
An apparatus for confining in a fastening member articles resting on a surface including a housing with a cavity for holding an open fastening device and a control arm linked to first and second members, the control arm being movable between a start position and an end position to successively actuate the first and second members. The first member is adapted to contain and lift the article into position to await delivery of the open fastening device and the second member is adapted to deliver the open fastening device to the article and to close the fastening device to confine the article. In one important embodiment, the first member is also adapted to raise the apparatus away from the surface. |
| US07849589B2 |
Multi-cable connector assembly tool
A tool for installing connectors on cables includes a base member and a plunger movably mounted on the base member. A lever mechanism on the base member moves the plunger. There is a wheel member that carries a plurality of dog fixtures thereon. A detent mechanism provides engagement between the wheel member and the base member to define a plurality of rotational positions for the wheel member. In each rotational position, a dog fixture is aligned with the plunger. Preferably, each dog fixture on the wheel member is configured to receive a different size cable. |
| US07849585B1 |
Micropositioning recording head for a magnetic storage device
A method of forming a reinforced slider body for use in a recording head having a transducer that is bi-directionally movable with respect to a surface of a magnetic medium. The method includes the steps of defining in a surface of a wafer a plurality of dice lanes having side walls to delineate a plurality of slider bodies on the wafer where the side walls having an angled configuration with respect to the wafer surface, polishing the dice lanes such that the interface between the wafer surface and the side walls is rounded, implanting a substance into the dice lanes; and applying a diamond-like carbon coating to the bottom surface and side walls of the dice lanes. |
| US07849584B2 |
Method of manufacturing permanent-magnet synchronous motor
In a combination of, for example, a rotor having eight magnetic poles and a stator having twelve slots and pulsating components of permeance, which generate a sinusoidal cogging torque having maxima of the same number as the number of poles of the rotor, pressurizing parts arranged in predetermined positions, applying a force at an outer periphery of the stator and directed inwardly cancels the pulsating components of the cogging torque. |
| US07849582B1 |
SAW architecture with series connected interdigitated transducers
An acoustic cavity of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) architecture is defined on a piezoelectric substrate by two acoustic reflectors are formed on a piezoelectric substrate. The surface acoustic wave architecture may include at least one alpha interdigitated transducer (IDT) at least three beta IDTs which are placed in acoustic series within the acoustic cavity. The alpha IDT is electrically coupled to a first interface. The beta IDTs are coupled in electrical and acoustic series and are associated with a second interface. At least three beta IDTs are adjacent one another. An additional reflector or an alpha IDT may be placed between two of the beta IDTs. |
| US07849581B2 |
Nanopore electrode, nanopore membrane, methods of preparation and surface modification, and use thereof
Provided are fabrication, characterization and application of a nanodisk electrode, a nanopore electrode and a nanopore membrane. These three nanostructures share common fabrication steps. In one embodiment, the fabrication of a disk electrode involves sealing a sharpened internal signal transduction element (“ISTE”) into a substrate, followed by polishing of the substrate until a nanometer-sized disk of the ISTE is exposed. The fabrication of a nanopore electrode is accomplished by etching the nanodisk electrode to create a pore in the substrate, with the remaining ISTE comprising the pore base. Complete removal of the ISTE yields a nanopore membrane, in which a conical shaped pore is embedded in a thin membrane of the substrate. |
| US07849580B2 |
Articles and methods for installing hook bolts
Articles and methods for installing hook bolts on bridge decks constructed of timbers and structural steel members. A tether is lowered through a hole in a timber, captured below the bridge deck, and drawn upward around the timber or between timbers. A hook bolt is engaged with the end of the tether that was lowered through the hole and drawn upward, then lowered under the bridge deck and drawn upward through the hole in the timber. The hook bolt engages with a flange on a structural member of the bridge deck. |
| US07849578B2 |
Progressive and transfer die stamping
Numerous embodiments of a method to form a base plate for a hard disk drive are described. In one embodiment, a blank base plate is advanced through plurality of die stations and parts of the base plate are press worked to form a disk drive base plate. In one embodiment, the blank base plate may be press worked by stamping the base plate with a progressive die assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the blank base plate may be press worked by stamping the base plate with a transfer die assembly. |
| US07849577B2 |
Method for manufacturing plywood having omnidirectional strength
Omnidirectional strength plywood includes at least one ply disposed so that its grain runs diagonal to the length and width of the plywood sheet, and as such its grain diagonally intersects the grain of at least one other ply of the sheet. In some instances, two diagonal plies are disposed so that their grains intersect at approximate right angles and both run diagonal to the length and the width of the sheet. Further disclosed is a method for the manufacture of the diagonal grain plies. |
| US07849572B2 |
Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric device
A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric device having a resonator element, a package having a base, a lead wire having opposite ends with one end connected to the base and to a support substrate for supporting such end of the lead wire on the package with the support substrate having at least one open window section on an undersurface side thereof which is in an obverse and reverse relationship to the surface of the substrate facing the resonator element wherein the other end of the lead wire is joined to the substrate through the open window section on said undersurface side of the support substrate. |
| US07849570B1 |
Spring wire retention device for a chair
A spring wire retention device for a chair that includes a spring network with spring wires bridging an opening that defines a seat is disclosed. The spring wire retention device includes a retainer body with an abutment formed therein for preventing movement of the spring wire bridging the opening. A stop member is oppositely disposed from the abutment. Between the abutment and the stop member, a cavity is formed in the retainer body. A resilient member protrudes from within the cavity. The resilient member constantly urges the spring wire against the abutment. The invention may be cast in the form of a ring with a plurality of retainer bodies circumscribing the ring and supporting a spring network. |
| US07849569B2 |
Magnetic bracelet hood clasp
A clasp for an ornamental object comprising a base, a top, and a link. The link engages the base. The engagement occurs where at least one projection and an aperture from the link respectively engage at least one cavity and a post from the base. The engagement between the base and top is further secured by moving the top and the base proximal each other such that the link is positioned between the two. Magnetic force is used to position the top and base proximal each other. |
| US07849566B2 |
Clasp, band with a clasp, portable device, timepiece, and accessory
A clasp has a first member and a second member that are disposed to two coupled members. The clasp is closed by the first member and the second member mutually engaging when the coupled members slide in relatively opposite directions. The first member has a first attachment member that has side walls, a spine that connects the side walls, and a button unit that has a push button which is urged to the outside from the inside of the coupled members in the direction intersecting the sliding direction of the coupled members. The second member has a second attachment member that has side walls attached at a prescribed position to the other coupled member on both sides. The first attachment member and the button unit are attached at a prescribed position to the one coupled member. |
| US07849564B2 |
Pivoting support handle
A mobility assistance device for providing support to a user is disclosed. The mobility assistance device may include a handle having a plurality of rungs to be grasped by a user. The handle may be pivoted to various support positions as desired. |
| US07849559B2 |
Pedestrian safety hood stop
A vehicle hood stop arranged to collapse if the vehicle hood is struck by an object with an impact force exceeding a predetermined limit. The hood stop includes an upper section arranged below a lower surface of the hood, a lower section arranged to be attached to the vehicle, and at least one impact absorbing sections, where a first impact absorbing sections includes at least three collapsible supporting members arranged to diverge from one another as they extend from the upper section toward the lower section. |
| US07849551B2 |
Assembly type cleaning structure for an induction reader
An assembly type cleaning structure for an induction reader comprises a positioning member with an assembling portion and restricting portions. With the assembling portion, the positioning member can be detachably assembled on the induction reader. And the restricting portions enable the positioning member to be forced onto the induction reader. The user can assemble the cleaning structure onto the induction reader or remove it by himself according to the environment. |
| US07849550B2 |
Swivel paint roller apparatus
A swivel paint roller apparatus is arranged for mounting on an extension pole member and arranged to provide for rotation of the roller frame about a pivot axis oriented angularly in the range of 20 degrees to 80 degrees relative to the axis of a longitudinal extension of the base mount supporting the roller frame member, for swiveling, rotating movement of the roller frame and paint roller cage and cover supported thereon by rotation of the extension pole member held in the hands of a user during painting operations, thereby providing for the variation of the angular orientation and corresponding direction of travel of the paint roller during painting operations while permitting the paint roller to remain continuously in contact with the surface being painted, whereby to enhance and simplify painting operations when using an extension pole. |
| US07849547B2 |
Directional control for dual brush robotic pool cleaners
A self-propelled robotic pool cleaner (100) has a first pair of driven brushes (12, 14) and second pair of free brushes co-axially mounted for rotation on axles (16) at the opposite ends of the pool cleaner that are transverse to the direction of movement. The first pair of brushes are mounted on one side and are driven by a drive motor (110); the second pair of brushes are mounted on the opposite side of the cleaner. A rotational delay clutch (30) is co-axially positioned between each pair of the first and second brushes so that reversing the drive motor causes the first pair of driven brushes to temporarily rotate at an angular rotational velocity that is greater than that of the second pair of brushes, thereby pivoting the pool cleaner through a predetermined angular change in direction before the synchronous rotation of the second pair of dual brushes is initiated by the engagement of the clutch. Following each reversal, the pool cleaner moves in a new direction along a generally straight path that is angularly displaced from its prior path. A highly efficient cleaning program permits the use of a battery to power the drive and water pump motors in pool cleaners that ascend the side walls as well as cleaning the bottom surface. |
| US07849545B2 |
Control system for hospital bed mattress
A mattress system includes a mattress, a control unit spaced from the mattress, and a connector assembly that pneumatically and electrically interconnects the control unit with the mattress. The control unit has a main housing and a plurality of user interface modules that are selectively coupleable to the control unit and that are programmed differently to provide different modes of operation for the mattress system. A pressure sensor inside the mattress detects the presence or absence of a person on the mattress. The mattress system has a bed exit alarm system that, when armed, provides a bed exit alarm if the pressure sensor in the mattress detects that a patient has exited the mattress. The connector assembly includes a dual mode connector having both electrical and pneumatic couplers and a dual lumen hose assembly that extends from the dual mode connector to the mattress. |
| US07849544B2 |
Support device of the mattress type comprising a heterogeneous inflatable structure
A mattress has at least one inflatable top layer made up of a plurality of adjacent elements that are individually inflatable by a pneumatic inflation and pressure regulation device and at least one bottom layer supporting the top layer. The bottom layer has a recess for receiving a sensor connected to the pneumatic inflation and pressure regulation device, and making it possible to determine the pressure applied by the body of an individual bearing against the inflatable top layer and to regulate the inflation pressures of the elements of the top layer. In at least one support zone designed to support the sacrum of an individual, the top layer is made up of a plurality of inflatable elements that are of a width smaller than their height. |
| US07849543B2 |
Encasement systems
In one embodiment, a fabric cover configured to substantially surround a mattress is disclosed. A zipper is coupled to the fabric cover and configured to provide an opening in the fabric cover. The zipper is further has a zipper pull and is configured to be opened and closed by movement of the zipper pull. A zipper anchor is also configured to secure the zipper pull in a position causing the zipper to be substantially closed. |
| US07849540B2 |
Reusable surgical perioperative positioning system
A support system including a cushion or pad having a foam core and cover is disclosed. The support system is capable of taking a variety of different shapes and can be adjusted for firmness. The support system may be used during and after surgery and more generally, any time when it is desirable to utilize a sterilizable, adjustable cushion. Additionally, multiple cushions may be used in a variety of combinations at any one time. |
| US07849538B1 |
Height adjustable apparatus
The present invention has a deck and a mid-frame, connected by first and second levers. An arm of the first lever has an interface. These levers are connected with a drag link. An actuator is pivotally and movably connected to the interface and pivotally connected to the drag link. The location of the actuator relative the interface is controlled with a control arm. The deck, mid-frame and first set of levers comprise a first parallelogram. Third and fourth levers are connected to the mid-frame. The fourth lever has an arm with an interface. These levers are connected with a drag link. An actuator can be pivotally and movably connected to the interface and pivotally connected to the drag link. The location of the actuator relative the interface is controlled with a control arm. The bases, mid-frame and second set of levers comprise a second parallelogram. |
| US07849535B2 |
Mat, pillow and sleeping bag connectable to the mat, and bedding including all connected to each other
A mat can be connected to a pillow, a sleeping bag, or other mats, and is comfortable to sleep on, sturdy, and convenient to carry around. A strap is provided on a mat body for attaching a pillow A mat may include multiple mat bodies each having first engaging members located near at least two corners located at the ends of a first diagonal line, and second engaging members for engaging with the first engaging members and located near at least two corners located at the ends of a second diagonal line intersecting with the first diagonal line, to connect mat bodies together. A mat body may be made of multiple laminated layers, with edges of an outer layer forming a joint distal from the mat edges on a surface where a user of mat lies down, or the reverse surface thereof. |
| US07849527B2 |
Toilet apparatus with processing material
A toilet apparatus is adapted to put the excrement produced each time by the user of the toilet into a bag to form a package of waste, treating the excrement into a state of combustible substance before putting it into a bag. The toilet apparatus is equipped with a long, flexible and folded continuous cylindrical member set in position below a toilet seat as packaging member that is adapted to receive the excrement produced by the user each time and become sealed and transferred downward in the toilet bowl, a processing material for absorbing liquid and semi-solidifying the excrement being arranged at a side of the toilet apparatus, a quantity of the processing material being fed into the packaging member for receiving the excrement each time of production of excrement so as to absorb liquid from the excrement, the packaging member being subsequently sealed at an opening thereof. |
| US07849525B2 |
Apparatus for reducing brain and cervical spine injury due to rotational movement
The present invention may comprise a helmet worn by a person, with additional elements to dampen, restrain or totally block rotational movement upon the sensing of severe rotational movement of the head. This device prevents serious brain and cervical spine injury by restraining or totally blocking rotational movement of the head in response to severe acceleration/deceleration. |
| US07849524B1 |
Apparatus and method for controlling temperature with a multimode heat pipe element
A helmet has an outer shell, an inner lining configured for thermal communication with a wearer's head, an intermediary layer disposed between the outer shell and the inner lining with a layer of insulating material with a plurality of passageways therein and a cavity defined by the outer shell and the outer surface of the intermediary layer, and a fluid contained between the outer shell and the inner lining. In another variation, the insulating material includes a shape memory polymer operable to change the size of one or more of the plurality of passageways when activated. In yet another variation, the helmet has one or more selectively closeable pores in its outer shell and may have a fixed or detachable fluid reservoir. |
| US07849522B2 |
Article of clothing
An article of clothing that includes a snugly fitting inner portion having at least one connecting band extending along at least one limb (such as an arm, leg) of the body of the wearer, a more loosely fitting outer portion covering the inner portion, the inner and outer portions being assembled to one another by the connecting band extending along at least one limb. |
| US07849520B2 |
Laminated collar and a garment having such laminated collar
A garment and a collar for such garment, the collar having a lower zone and an upper zone, the lower zone having a greater rigidity than the upper zone. |
| US07849519B2 |
Air bag system for vehicle
To make it easy for a rider to put on protective clothing provided with air bags and to effectively absorb an impact on the rider using the air bags. A wearable air bag system is provided wherein the rider puts on the protective clothing beforehand. An air bag for covering a chest portion of a rider in an undivided manner is provided on the back surface of a front main section of a jacket worn by the rider. The jacket has opening edges capable of being opened and closed by a fastener. The opening edges are provided on the front main section of the jacket to be closer to one sleeve of the jacket in such a manner that the air bag is avoided. |
| US07849517B2 |
Mounting system for accessories on a safety helmet
Embodiments of a fixture secured, securable to, or integral with the outer shell of a helmet to facilitate convenient positional adjustment, attachment and removal of multiple accessories include a fixture, attachable to the helmet, for securely receiving an accessory, wherein the fixture comprises a rail for slidably and adjustably receiving a plural of accessories thereon. |