| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07858277B2 |
Photosensitive body, developing unit, and image forming apparatus
A photosensitive body according to this invention includes a photosensitive layer formed on a surface thereof for being electrically charged and having an electrostatic latent image formed thereon by being exposed to light irradiation, and wherein the photosensitive layer has an initial dynamic friction coefficient μk0 of 0.6 or less against a prescribed member, and wherein where a dynamic friction coefficient of the photosensitive layer against the prescribed member after a prescribed friction is given is defined as a dynamic friction coefficient μk1, the photosensitive layer has a dynamic friction coefficient variation amount Δμk, as a difference between the initial dynamic friction coefficient μk0 and the dynamic friction coefficient μk1, of 0.06 or less. The photosensitive layer having the above mentioned structure has superior durability due to superior wear resistance, so that the photosensitive layer can be made thinner while preventing duration deterioration that may occur with the thinner photosensitive layer. |
| US07858275B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition and color filter
A positive photosensitive resin composition with favorable heat resistance and transparency is provided. The photosensitive resin composition contains a resin component (A1) having a structural unit (a1′) obtained by substituting at least a portion of hydrogen atoms of phenolic hydroxyl groups within a structural unit represented by a general formula (a1) shown below with a naphthoquinone-1,2-diazide-5-(and/or -4-) sulfonyl group. (In the above general formula, R0 represents a hydrogen atom or methyl group, R1 represents a single bond or an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R2 represents an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a represents an integer from 1 to 5, b represents either 0 or an integer from 1 to 4, and a+b is no greater than 5. If two or more R2 groups exist, then these R2 groups may be either the same or mutually different.) |
| US07858271B2 |
Method of measuring dimension of pattern and method of forming pattern
A method of measuring dimension of a first pattern with a narrow first width, and a second pattern with a second width wider than the first width of the first pattern and formed in a symmetrical appearance with respect to a center of the second pattern, the second pattern having edges opposed to each other defining the second width, includes a step of forming a pair of first dummy patterns each having a narrow width, the pair of first dummy patterns being spaced from the edges of the second pattern respectively by a distance approximate to the first width of the first pattern, a first measurement step of measuring, using a dimension measuring device, a spaced distance of one of the first dummy patterns from the edge of the second pattern and a width of the one of the first dummy patterns within the same field of view of the dimension measuring device, a second measurement step of measuring, using the dimension measuring device, a width of the first pattern under the same measurement condition as that of the first measurement step, and a calculation step of calculating a width of the second pattern from WB=2DA+WD+DC, where WB is the calculated width of the second pattern, DC is a design value of a distance between the centers of the pair of first dummy patterns, DA is a measured spaced distance of the one of the first dummy patterns from the edge of the second pattern, and WD is a measured width of the one of the first dummy patterns. |
| US07858268B2 |
Method for generating a circular periodic structure on a basic support material
The present invention is directed to a method for the generation of periodic curved structures in a basic support material such as the basic layer for the magnetic bit cells of a magnetic storage device. The method includes the steps of generating a number of diffraction masks such that each mask comprises at least one transmission diffraction gratings having at least one of a different periodic concentric circular pattern, spiral-like periodic pattern and periodic radial spoke pattern; positioning at least one of the diffraction masks simultaneously or successively in a certain distance of the basic support material to be patterned, the distance being mask dependent; exposing the basic support material by directing light beams through each of the diffraction masks; and interfering the different light beams diffracted by the gratings on each mask in order to generate coincident light intensity patterns on the surface of the basic support material. |
| US07858266B2 |
Structural reinforcement of membrane electrodes
A catalyst ink composition for a fuel cell electrode is provided. The catalyst ink composition includes a plurality of electrically conductive support particles; a catalyst formed from a finely divided precious metal, the catalyst supported by the conductive support particles; an ionomer; at least one solvent; and a reinforcing material configured to bridge and distribute stresses across the electrically conductive support particles of the ink composition upon a drying thereof. An electrode for a fuel cell and a method of fabricating the electrode with the catalyst ink composition are also provided. |
| US07858265B2 |
Carrier for fuel cell, and catalyst, membrane-electrode assembly, and fuel cell system including the same
The present invention provides a carrier for a fuel cell including a cryogel-type carbon. A catalyst of the fuel cell includes the cryogel-type carbon and an active material. One of an anode and cathode of the fuel cell has the catalyst including cryogel-type carbon. The carrier for a fuel cell has excellent porosity, specific surface area, and density characteristics, and thus is capable of improving catalyst activity due to excellent catalyst-supporting efficiency, and thereby cell performance. |
| US07858261B2 |
Systems and methods for stacking fuel cells
The invention, in various embodiments, provides planar fuel cell stack of a plurality of fuel cells, comprising an anode layer including a first anode and a second anode, an electrolyte layer, a cathode layer including a first cathode and a second cathode, and at least one interconnect at least partially disposed within the electrolyte layer, and electrically and mechanically coupling the first anode and the second cathode. In various embodiments, structural supports are provided, the fuel cells are sized to be portable, and are manufactured to produce desired power densities and/or voltages. |
| US07858251B2 |
Fuel cell system and scavenging method for use in a fuel cell system
After an ignition switch is turned off, in order to suppress operation of an air compressor and thereby reduce noise, liquid droplets residing in an oxygen-containing gas flow field as well as liquid droplets residing in a fuel gas flow field are removed during separate time periods, such that the flow rate in the oxygen-containing gas flow field and the flow rate in the fuel gas flow field do not become large at the same time. Then, an electrolyte membrane is dried using an oxygen-containing gas, in order to improve the performance upon starting a next operation. |
| US07858247B2 |
Humidification system for fuel cell
The present invention provides a humidification system with membranes of different species, in which a material having a high humidification performance and capable of being swollen with water is arranged in the center of a hollow fiber membrane bundle disposed in a hollow fiber membrane module and a material that is not swollen with water is disposed on the outside thereof. Accordingly, using the humidification system of the invention, it is possible to provide the same level of humidification performance as the existing humidification system, manufacture the humidification system at low cost, and solve various problems such as a flooding phenomenon of a fuel cell stack and an increase in load on an air blower. |
| US07858241B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary batter using the same
A nonaqueous electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery and a lithium secondary battery including the same are provided. In particular, the nonaqueous electrolyte comprises a compound of chemical formula 1 as an electrolyte additive: NC—(R1)n-A-(R2)m—CN 1 wherein, R1 and R2 represent, respectively, alkylene groups, n and m represent integers of 1 to 10, and A is an aromatic hydrocarbon in which the number of carbons is 5 to 9 or O. When the lithium secondary battery is kept at high voltage and temperature, the electrolyte additive reduces gas generation, thereby reducing battery swelling. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a battery thickness increment rate and to increase discharge capacity at a high temperature. |
| US07858237B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode containing a positive active material, a negative electrode containing a negative active material and a nonaqueous electrolyte. Characteristically, the positive active material comprises a mixture of a lithium transition metal complex oxide A obtained by incorporating at least Zr and Mg into LiCoO2 and a lithium transition metal complex oxide B having a layered structure and containing at least Ni and Mn as the transition metal. |
| US07858236B2 |
Lithium-ion battery
A lithium-ion battery includes a positive electrode that includes a positive current collector, a first active material, and a second active material. The lithium-ion battery also includes a negative electrode comprising a negative current collector, a third active material, and a quantity of lithium in electrical contact with the negative current collector. The first active material, second active material, and third active materials are configured to allow doping and undoping of lithium ions, and the second active material exhibits charging and discharging capacity below a corrosion potential of the negative current collector and above a decomposition potential of the first active material. |
| US07858235B2 |
Ceramic conductor pre-treated by oxidising for a zinc anode
The invention relates to an additive to the active mass of a zinc anode for an alkaline secondary electrochemical generator. Said additive contains conductive ceramic powder, preferably titanium nitride particles which is exposed to an oxidation pre-treatment prior to the incorporation thereof into the active mass of the anode. Said ceramic powder is used as electronic conduction in the anode active mass and as zincates retention which are produced by generator discharge. In order to use said retentive capacity, the powder is exposed to an oxidation pre-treatment, whereby making it possible to form the binding sites on the surface of ceramic grains. The inventive additive makes it possible, starting from the first cycles of the electrode formation, to form uniform zinc deposits, thereby increasing the service life for the cycling of the zinc anode. |
| US07858234B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte battery and battery pack
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a negative electrode containing a titanium-containing oxide, a positive electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode includes a lithium-transition metal composite oxide and at least one kind of oxide selected from a group consisting of FePO4, Li3Fe2(PO4)3, LiFeP2O7, Fe4(P2O7)3, Fe2(SO4) 3, and V2O5. |
| US07858230B2 |
Battery cathodes
Batteries and related compositions and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of making a battery can include heating at least one cathode including a cathode material in an atmosphere including oxygen, heating the cathode in a vacuum, adding the cathode into a housing, adding a separator into the housing, and adding an anode into the housing. |
| US07858228B2 |
Rechargeable battery
A rechargeable battery includes a case having an opening; an electrode assembly accommodated into the case and having first and second electrode taps protruding upwardly; a cap assembly including a cap plate covering the opening of the case and a electrode terminal insulated from the cap plate; first and second electrode leads connected to the electrode terminal and the cap plate, respectively; a circuit board connected to the cap assembly by the first and second electrode leads; a resin portion filling a space between the cap assembly and the circuit board; and an insulation reinforcing portion insulating the cap assembly from the first electrode lead and the cap plate. With the insulation reinforcing portion, it is possible to prevent the cap assembly from separating from the resin portion under external pressure. |
| US07858225B2 |
Cylindrical lithium secondary battery and method of fabricating the same
A cylindrical lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly formed by stacking a first electrode plate having a first electrode tap, a second electrode plate having a second electrode tap, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrode plates. The first electrode plate, the second electrode plate and the separator are wound to form the electrode assembly. The secondary battery also includes a case for storing the electrode assembly and a cap assembly combined with an upper portion of the case to sealing the case. The radius of curvature of the second electrode tap is greater than the radius of curvature of the first electrode tap. |
| US07858222B2 |
Separator-electrode unit for lithium-ion batteries, method for the production and use thereof in lithium batteries
The present invention relates to separator-electrode units for lithium batteries and also to a process for their production.The separator-electrode units comprise a porous electrode which is useful as a positive electrode (cathode) or negative electrode (anode) in a lithium battery and a separator layer applied to this electrode and are characterized in that the separator-electrode units comprise a purely inorganic separator layer which comprises at least two fractions of metal oxide particles which differ from each other in their average particle size and/or in the metal. More particularly, the separator layer comprises metal oxide particles having an average particle size (Dg) which is greater than the average pore size (d) of the pores of the porous positive electrode that are bonded together by metal oxide particles having a particle size (Dk) which is smaller than the pores of the porous electrode.The separator-electrode unit of the invention has the advantage that it is simple to manufacture as one component and, since the step of laminating the separator onto the electrode can be omitted, that it can comprise a large variation of materials. In addition, a separator-electrode unit according to the invention possesses excellent mechanical stability and a very low separator thickness, which is why it can even be used in lithium high energy batteries. |
| US07858221B2 |
Lead terminal and power supply device
A power supply apparatus in which a battery and a circuit wiring board or boards are electrically connected by using lead terminals. The lead terminal is adapted so that thickness of a welding portion is caused to be thinner than the thickness of a conductive portion. Thus, current for welding flows to much degree in a thickness direction so that electric resistance of the welding portion becomes large, and heat based on the electric resistance also becomes large. From this fact, welding nugget can be enlarged. As the result of the fact that large welding nugget is formed, the lead terminals are welded to terminal portions of the battery with high reliability. |
| US07858218B2 |
Cylindrical lithium ion secondary battery having functional center pin
A lithium ion secondary battery including an electrode assembly, a center pin positioned within the electrode assembly, a variable-length member coupled to the center pin, the variable-length member adapted to increase in length when an interior temperature of the center pin reaches a critical temperature, a can containing the electrode assembly, the center pin, and the variable-length member, and a cap assembly coupled to the can, the cap assembly having safety means fracturable in response to the variable-length member being increased in length. |
| US07858216B2 |
System and method for removing an electrolyte from an energy storage and/or conversion device using a supercritical fluid
A method of recycling a lithium-containing energy storage device including an electrolyte is provided. The method includes placing the storage device in an extraction vessel, sealing the extraction vessel, adding a fluid containing CO2 as a primary component to the extraction vessel under such conditions that the CO2 is in a supercritical phase, dissolving the electrolyte in the fluid, transferring the fluid to a recovery vessel and recovering the electrolyte from the fluid in the recovery vessel. Methods of refurbishing lithium-containing energy storage and conversion devices are also disclosed. |
| US07858213B2 |
Hybrid electrode and method of preparing the same
A hybrid electrode and a method of preparing the same are provided. The hybrid electrode includes a substrate, a one-dimensional electrical nanosized conductor of anhydrous ruthenium dioxide or anhydrous iridium dioxide, and a hydrous ruthenium dioxide filled in the one-dimensional electrical nanosized conductor. The hybrid electrode further includes a metal layer formed by reduction of a part of the one-dimensional nanostructure. The hybrid electrode provides high power and high capacitance in a limited space. |
| US07858212B2 |
Dispersion strengthened rare earth stabilized zirconia
A process for forming a coating on a substrate, such as a turbine engine component, is provided. The process comprises the steps of providing a rare earth oxide stabilized zirconia composition, blending the first rare earth oxide stabilized zirconia composition with at least one additional constituent selected from the group consisting of TiO2, Al2O3, a blend of Al2O3—TiO2, La2Zr2O7, and 20 wt % Yttria Stabilized Zirconia; and depositing the blended powder onto the substrate. Articles having the coating formed from the above process are also described. |
| US07858211B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescent device, which has, between a pair of electrodes, at least one organic layer including a light-emitting layer, in which the organic layer contains a specific tetraphenylene compound, and in which the light-emitting layer contains a phosphorescent material; and a specific tetraphenylene compound that can be used in the device. |
| US07858210B2 |
Electroluminescence device
A layer is spaced between an anode and a cathode and is composed of an organic compound represented by the following general formula [1]. wherein R1 to R10 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted amino group, an alkyl group, an aryl group, and a heterocyclic group; and X represents (a) an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, wherein in the alkylene group, one or separate two methylene groups may be substituted by —O—, —CO—, —CO—O—, —S—, or —NRa1—, and a hydrogen atom may be substituted by a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, (b) an aryl group which may be substituted, or (c) a heterocyclic group which may be substituted, or (d) a fluorine atom. |
| US07858208B2 |
Use of a copper (I) complexes for organic luminescent diodes
The present invention relates to the use of copper(I) complexes of the formula I where X is nitrogen or a C—R group, R is alkyl or aryl, Ar is phenyl or naphthyl, each of which is optionally substituted by from one to three radicals selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxysulfonyl, halogen, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxysulfonyl and nitro, and the two optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl radicals may be joined to one another by a chemical single bond via the carbon atoms in the α- and α′-position relative to the phosphorus atom, n is 1, 2 or 3, and Y is halogen, cyano, thiocyanato, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino or diarylamino, in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), The present invention further relates to light-emitting layers which comprise at least one copper(I) complex of the formula I, to OLEDs which comprise at least one copper(I) complex of the formula I or an inventive light-emitting layer, and to stationary visual display units which comprise inventive OLEDs.Furthermore, the present invention relates to novel copper(I) complexes of the formula Ia and Ib where R, Ar and n are each as defined in formula I, Y in formula Ia is defined as cyano, thiocyanato, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino or diarylamino, and Y in formula Ib is defined as halogen, cyano, thiocyanato, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino or diarylamino. |
| US07858207B2 |
Host material for organic electroluminescence devices
A novel class of host materials for organic electroluminescent applications. The materials comprise a general Formula I: wherein R2 may be a substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, heteroaryl, and alicyclic alkyl; wherein at least one of the R1 substituents is different from R2 and chosen from Group A where Group A consists of substituted or unsubstituted aryl, heteroaryl, phenyl, tolyl, naphthyl, anthryl, penylanthryl, dipheylanthryl, biphenylyl, phenylvinyl, and diphenylvinyl; and wherein if only one of the R1 substituents is a substitutent chosen from Group A, then the other R1 substituent is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl group with, for example, from 1 to about 25 carbon atoms, an alicyclic alkyl group with, for example, from about 3 to about 15 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group with from 1 to about 25 carbon atoms, a dialkylamino group with from about 2 to about 25 carbon atoms, methyl, butyl, cyclohexyl, methoxy, ethoxy, butyloxy, dimethylamino, diethylamino, a cyano group and halogens. This novel class of host materials are carbazole derivatives with an unique structure, which are particularly useful for the design of blue emitting organic EL devices. |
| US07858205B2 |
Bimetallic bond layer for thermal barrier coating on superalloy
A bimetallic bond layer (26, 28) for a thermal barrier coating or TBC (30) on a superalloy substrate (22) for a high temperature environment. An interlayer (26) is applied on the substrate. A bond coat (28) comprising a CoNiCrAlY or NiCoCrAlY alloy is applied on the interlayer. A ceramic TBC (30) such as 8YSZ is applied on the bond coat. The interlayer (26) is an alloy that is compatible with the substrate and the bond coat, and that blocks or delays diffusion of aluminum from the bond coat into the substrate at high operating temperatures. This preserves aluminum in the bond coat that maintains a beneficial alumina scale (29) between the bond coat and the TBC. This delays spalling of the TBC, and lengthens the coating and component life. |
| US07858204B2 |
Filler metal with flux for brazing and soldering
A wire (10) for use in a brazing or soldering operation has an elongated body (12) of a metallic material. The elongated body (12) has an outer surface (18). A channel (14) is formed along a length of the body. The channel (14) has an opening (A1). A flux solution (22) is deposited within the channel (14) and along the length of the body. The flux solution (22) covers a portion of the outer surface (18). A portion of the flux solution (22) is exposed through the opening (A1) in the channel (14). |
| US07858194B2 |
Extreme low resistivity light attenuation anti-reflection coating structure in order to increase transmittance of blue light and method for manufacturing the same
An extreme low resistivity light attenuation anti-reflection coating structure in order to increase transmittance of blue light, includes a substrate and a coating module. The coating module is formed on a front surface of the substrate and composed of a plurality of silicon carbide compound coating layers, a plurality of Al-based oxide coating layers and a plurality of metal coating layers that are alternately stacked onto each other. |
| US07858193B2 |
Low emissivity (low-E) thin coating stacks with intermediate antidiffusion layers
In a heat-resistant low-emissivity (low-E) multilayer system that includes a silver layer as functional layer, for transparent substrates, in particular for window panes, which has, between the surface of the substrate and the silver layer, a high-refringence layer, in particular made of TiO2, Nb2O5 or TiNbOx, and, immediately below the silver layer, a layer essentially consisting of ZnO, a mixed oxide layer with a thickness of at least 0.5 nm, made of NiCrOx or InSnOx (ITO) that serves as antiscattering layer is placed between the high-refringence layer and the ZnO layer. |
| US07858192B2 |
Graded glass/ceramic/glass structures for damage resistant ceramic dental and orthopedic prostheses
The present invention provides a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system especially useful in damage resistant, ceramic dental and orthopedic prosthesis. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure comprises an outer (aesthetic) residual glass layer, a graded glass-ceramic layer, and a dense interior ceramic. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure may further comprise a veneer on an exterior surface. The present invention also provides a method for preparing a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system. A powdered glass-ceramic composition or a glass tape is applied to the accessible surfaces of a dense alumina substrate to thereby substantially cover the substrate surfaces. The glass of the composition has a CTE similar to that of the substrate material. The glass-ceramic composition is infiltrated into the dense substrate by heating the assembly to temperatures 50-700° C. below the sintering temperature of the substrate. |
| US07858189B2 |
Fiber-reinforced composites and method for the production thereof
A thread or other element for bonding fibers in a fibrous reinforcement for use in a fiber composite is such that it is at least degraded in the course of the production of said fiber composite. |
| US07858187B2 |
Bonding of carbon-carbon composites using titanium carbide
Method of joining carbon-carbon composite pieces together, e.g. in the refurbishment of aircraft brake discs. The method includes the steps of: providing a first carbon-carbon composite piece and a second carbon-carbon composite piece, wherein the second carbon-carbon composite piece has a surface that is complementary to a surface of said first carbon-carbon composite piece; providing a layer of a mixture of titanium powder and carbon powder on the first complementary mating surface; arranging the second carbon-carbon composite piece on the powder layer such that the second complementary mating surface is matched to the first complementary mating surface, thereby forming a construct of the first carbon-carbon composite piece, the powder layer, and the second carbon-carbon composite piece; placing the construct into a press and applying pressure to the construct to press together the two pieces joined at their complementary surfaces; and applying an electrical current to the powder in the construct to initiate an oxidation-reduction reaction, thereby bonding the carbon-carbon composite pieces together. |
| US07858184B2 |
Fine, TiO2-based titanium oxide-coated metal particles and their production method
A method for producing fine, coated metal particles comprising the steps of mixing Ti-containing powder except for Ti oxide powder with oxide powder of a metal M, an M oxide having a standard free energy of formation meeting the relation of ΔGM-O>ΔGTiO2; and heat-treating the resultant mixed powder at a temperature of 650-900° C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, thereby reducing the oxide of the metal M with Ti to provide the resultant fine particles of the metal M with TiO2-based titanium oxide coating. |
| US07858182B2 |
Wholly aromatic polyamide fibers excellent in processability and adhesiveness
Wholly aromatic polyamide fibers having non-fusible fine powder attached to a surface thereof in an amount of from 1.5 to 14 mg/m2, which are good in process stability in working processes, and exhibit excellent reinforcing effect upon using as a reinforcing material of rubber, resins and the like. |
| US07858178B2 |
Silicate-coated particles in a metal layer
The invention relates to an electrodeposited metal layer on a substrate with embedded particles, especially inorganic particles, which have a silicate coating, and to the use of such layer for coating machine parts. |
| US07858177B2 |
Microcapsule composition for electrophoretic displays
The present invention provides: a microcapsule composition for electrophoretic displays; a production process for the microcapsule composition for the electrophoretic displays; a production process for a sheet for the electrophoretic displays; and a handling method for microcapsules for the electrophoretic displays; wherein the microcapsule composition contains microcapsules and, when used for the electrophoretic displays, can make them as excellent as conventional in various performances (e.g. longtime stability of displaying, respondability of displaying, contrast, and number of times of display rewritability) and, particularly above all, can make the electrophoretic displays exhibit a very high performance as to the contrast. The present invention composition is a composition used for preparation of a coating liquid and comprises an aqueous medium and microcapsules for the electrophoretic displays, wherein the microcapsules include a shell and a dispersion that is capsuled in the shell, wherein the dispersion includes a solvent and electrophoretic fine particles that are dispersed in the solvent; with the composition being characterized by: being a product as obtained without involving the step of drying the microcapsules; and having a microcapsule content of 30 to 80 weight %. |
| US07858176B2 |
Multilayer articles having special visual effects
The present invention relates to a multilayer article, wherein said multilayer article comprises: (i) a first layer comprising an acrylic resin; (ii) at least one translucent second layer comprising (a) an acrylic resin, optionally further comprising an impact modifier; (b) a rubber modified thermoplastic resin composition; (c) optionally a rheology modifier; and (d) a visual effects additive; (iii) a third layer comprising an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin; and (iv) an optional backing layer comprising either a thermosetting polymer substrate, optionally fiber-reinforced, or glass filled ABS resin. |
| US07858175B2 |
Faux photobase
An exemplary method for forming a high gloss base includes providing a paper base stock, coating the base stock with a vacuolated particulate plastic pigment, and calendering the coated base stock with a calendering apparatus applying over 1000 pounds per lineal inch (pli) and substantially no thermal energy. |
| US07858172B2 |
Fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molded article
Provided is a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molded article, which contains reinforcing fibers having a given flattened cross-sectional profile, in which the fiber length distribution of the reinforcing fibers is shifted on the side of long fibers, and which is excellent in mechanical strength, heat resistance, dimensional accuracy such as warpage resistance, and surface appearance. |
| US07858171B2 |
Barrier film
The main object of the present invention is to provide a barrier film having an extremely high barrier property and a good transparency, a laminated material using the above-mentioned barrier film, a packaging container, and an image display medium.The above-mentioned object is achieved by providing a barrier film comprising a base material film and a barrier layer deposited on at least one side surface of the base material film, wherein the barrier layer comprises a water repellent layer and a dense layer, the water repellent layer is a silicon oxide carbide film having the atomic percent of Si:O:C in a range of 100:40 to 120:80 to 160, and the thickness in a range of 2 to 300 nm, and the dense layer is a silicon oxide carbide film having the atomic percent of Si:O:C in a range of 100:100 to 200:5 to 100, and the thickness in a range of 5 to 300 nm. |
| US07858167B2 |
Rewritable optical recording medium and optical recording method
A rewritable optical recording medium including: a substrate having a guide groove formed thereon, a phase-change type recording layer, a portion in a crystalline state of the phase-change type recording layer corresponds to an unrecorded or erased state, and a portion in an amorphous state of the phase-change type recording layer corresponds to a recorded state, so that an amorphous mark corresponding to the recorded state is formed upon irradiation with a recording laser beam. The phase-change type recording layer contains Sb as a main component, and further contains Ge and/or Te, a content of Ge is from 1 atomic % to 30 atomic %, and a content of Te is from 10 atomic % to 30 atomic %, and in the phase-change type recording layer, Sb/Te is at least 4.5, and the atomic ratio of Ge to Te is from 1:3 to 1:20. |
| US07858166B2 |
Phase change recording medium
According to one embodiment, in a phase change optical disk which has a substrate and a multi-layered including an interference film, phase change recording film, interface film, and reflecting film, and in which information is reversibly recorded in or erased from the recording film by using light, an element (e.g., Ge or Te) forming the phase change recording film has segregation or a concentration distribution in the thickness direction of the recording film from a portion in contact with the phase change recording film. |
| US07858165B2 |
Polyamide-based multilayer tube for transferring fluids
The present invention relates to a multilayer tube comprising, in its radial direction from the outside inwards: an optional layer (1) made of nylon-11 or nylon-12 polyamide; an intermediate layer (2) comprising by weight, the total being 100%: 50 to 100% of at least one polyamide A1 of formula X, Y/Z or 6, Y2/Z, in which X denotes residues of an aliphatic diamine having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, Y denotes residues of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having from 10 to 14 carbon atoms, Y2 denotes residues of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having from 15 to 20 carbon atoms, Z denotes at least one unit chosen from residues of a lactam, residues of an α,Ω-aminocarboxylic acid, the unit X1, Y1, in which X1 denotes residues of a diamine and Y1 denotes residues of a diacid, the weight ratios Z/(X+Y+Z) and Z/(6+Y2+Z) being between 0 and 15%, and 0 to 50% of nylon-11 or nylon-12 polyamide; an optional layer (3) made of nylon-11 or nylon-12 polyamide, with the condition that at least one of the layers (1) and (3) is present; the layers being successive and adhering to one another, the inner layer being the layer in contact with the fluid transported. |
| US07858163B2 |
Molded monocomponent monolayer respirator with bimodal monolayer monocomponent media
A molded respirator is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web containing a bimodal mass fraction/fiber size mixture of intermingled continuous monocomponent polymeric microfibers and larger size fibers of the same polymeric composition. The respirator is a cup-shaped porous monocomponent monolayer matrix whose matrix fibers are bonded to one another at at least some points of fiber intersection. The matrix has a King Stiffness greater than 1 N. The respirator may be formed without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, or other reinforcement in the filter media layer. |
| US07858158B2 |
Plasma deposition apparatus and method for making polycrystalline silicon
A plasma deposition apparatus for making polycrystalline silicon including a chamber for depositing said polycrystalline silicon, the chamber having an exhaust system for recovering un-deposited gases; a support located within the deposition chamber for holding a target substrate having a deposition surface, the deposition surface defining a deposition zone; at least one induction coupled plasma torch located within the deposition chamber and spaced apart from the support, the at least one induction coupled plasma torch producing a plasma flame that is substantially perpendicular to the deposition surface, the plasma flame defining a reaction zone for reacting at least one precursor gas source to produce the polycrystalline silicon for depositing a layer of the polycrystalline silicon the deposition surface. |
| US07858157B2 |
Absorbent articles comprising hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics
A process for treating fibers to render the fibers more hydrophilic. The process includes contacting the fibers with a solution of hydrophilic monomers and radical polymerization initiators and exposing the fibers to UV radiation. |
| US07858155B2 |
Plasma processing method and plasma processing apparatus
It is intended to provide a plasma processing method and apparatus capable of increasing the uniformity of amorphyzation processing.A prescribed gas is introduced into a vacuum container 1 from a gas supply apparatus 2 through a gas inlet 11 while being exhausted by a turbomolecular pump 3 as an exhaust apparatus through an exhaust hole 12. The pressure in the vacuum container 1 is kept at a prescribed value by a pressure regulating valve 4. High-frequency electric power of 13.56 MHz is supplied from a high-frequency power source 5 to a coil 8 disposed close to a dielectric window 7 which is opposed to a sample electrode 6, whereby induction-coupled plasma is generated in the vacuum container 1. A high-frequency power source 10 for supplying high-frequency electric power to the sample electrode 6 is provided and functions as a voltage source for controlling the potential of the sample electrode 6. A surface crystal layer of a silicon wafer 9 was rendered amorphous successfully by improving the structure of the sample-electrode 6. |
| US07858150B2 |
Method of making heat treatable coated article with protective layer
A method of making a coated article includes forming a layer including carbon on a glass substrate; and forming a layer (e.g., including tungsten disulfide) on the glass substrate over the carbon to prevent the layer comprising carbon from burning off upon exposure to air if taken to high temperatures. In certain embodiments, the amorphous carbon layer includes at least about 35% sp3 carbon-carbon bonds, more preferably at least about 70%, and most preferably at least about 80% of the sp3 carbon-carbon bonds. |
| US07858149B2 |
Methods and systems for coating and sealing inside piping systems
Methods and systems for cleaning, coating and sealing leaks in existing pipes, in a single operation. A piping system can be cleaned in one pass by dry particulates forced and pulled by air throughout the piping system by a generator and a vacuum. Pipes can be protected from water corrosion, erosion and electrolysis, extending the life of pipes such as copper, steel, lead, brass, cast iron piping and composite materials. Coatings can be applied to pipes having diameters up to approximately 6″. Leak sealants of at least approximately 4 mils thick can cover insides of pipes, and can include novel mixtures of fillers and epoxy materials, and viscosity levels. A positive pressure can be maintained within the pipes during applications. Piping systems can be returned to service within approximately 96 hours. |
| US07858147B2 |
Interconnect structure and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating an interconnect structure is described. A substrate is provided. A patterned interfacial metallic layer is formed on the substrate. An amorphous carbon insulating layer or a carbon-based insulating layer is formed covering the substrate and the interfacial metallic layer. A conductive carbon line or plug is formed in the amorphous carbon or carbon-based insulating layer electrically connected with the interfacial metallic layer. An interconnect structure is also described, including a substrate, a patterned interfacial metallic layer on the substrate, an amorphous carbon insulating layer or a carbon-based insulating layer on the substrate, and a conductive carbon line or plug disposed in the amorphous carbon or carbon-based insulating layer and electrically connected with the interfacial metallic layer. |
| US07858146B2 |
Method of electrolessly depositing metal on the walls of through-holes
Methods of electroless metallalization are disclosed. The methods include treating through-holes of printed wiring boards to increase catalyst adsorption on the walls of the through-holes. The increased catalyst adsorption improves electroless metallization of the through-hole walls. |
| US07858145B2 |
Method of manufacturing electroconductive member pattern, and methods of manufacturing electron source and image displaying apparatus each using the same
Provided is a method for producing a pattern of an electroconductive member, comprising: a step of forming a resin film on a substrate surface; a step of incorporating the first metal component into the resin by applying to the resin a liquid which contains a complex of a first metal component, which contains also a second metal component different from the first component, and to which a compound forming a complex with the second metal component is contacting or contacted preliminary; and a step of baking the resin film to form the electroconductive member from the first metal component incorporated into the resin film. Thus, the second metal component is prevented from adversely affecting the first metal component to be incorporated into the resin. |
| US07858144B2 |
Process for depositing organic materials
A process of making an organic thin film on a substrate by atomic layer deposition is disclosed, the process comprising simultaneously directing a series of gas flows along substantially parallel elongated channels, and wherein the series of gas flows comprises, in order, at least a first reactive gaseous material, an inert purge gas, and a second reactive gaseous material, optionally repeated a plurality of times, wherein the first reactive gaseous material is capable of reacting with a substrate surface treated with the second reactive gaseous material wherein the first reactive gaseous material, the second reactive gaseous material or both is a volatile organic compound. The process is carried out substantially at or above atmospheric pressure and at a temperature under 250° C., during deposition of the organic thin film. |
| US07858141B2 |
Method of creating a sustained silicon-containing quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent within a polymeric material
A method of imparting sustained antimicrobial properties throughout a material or substrate using an antimicrobial polymerizable silicon-containing quaternary ammonium salt monomer in a solvent to form a quaternary ammonium salt solution; and mixing the silicon-containing quaternary ammonium salt solution with at least a second monomer or a polymer or coating a solid polymer. Depending on the nature of the second monomer or polymer and the reaction conditions; a copolymer with the first monomer or a homopolymer will form, such that a polymeric material, substrate or formed plastic product comprising the copolymer or homopolymer or blended with the coated concentrate will have sustained antimicrobial properties. This method can be used to make formed plastic products, thin layer films and other products having sustained antimicrobial properties. |
| US07858137B2 |
Stabilization of fresh mozzarella cheese using fermented whey
The invention is directed to a fermented and clarified nisin-containing whey and a method of making that can be used to produce a stabilized food product by adding, for example, to the pack water of fresh mozzarella cheese. The resulting stabilized food product retards or limits below detection levels the growth of toxins from pathogenic bacterial contaminants when the nisin-containing whey is added in amounts between about 10 to about 30% to the food product. The stabilized food product improves the safety of the food by retarding the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and improves the shelf life of the product by retarding the growth of gas forming bacteria such as bacteria from the Leuconostoc species. |
| US07858136B2 |
Method for manufacturing pure oxygen—containing diluted soju
The present invention relates to pure oxygen-containing soju and a manufacturing method thereof. The invention provides the pure oxygen-containing diluted soju, which has excellent economy and shows a greatly reduced degree of a hangover after drinking thereof, because the amount of lost oxygen is minimized by injecting the largest possible amount of oxygen while preventing the release of oxygen using a method of injecting oxygen, and the amount of dissolved oxygen in the soju is maximized by injecting fine oxygen bubbles at low temperature, as well as a manufacturing method thereof. |
| US07858133B2 |
Cold brew coffee maker
An hourglass shaped apparatus for cold brewing coffee, comprising a brew chamber, an extract chamber and a center piece connecting the brew and extract chambers. The extract and brew chambers comprise two ends of the hourglass shaped apparatus and the center piece comprises middle portion. The brew chamber houses a free standing self-contained filter assembly containing coffee grounds inside a micro-fine wire mesh. Water is poured into the brew chamber to generate coffee extract through cold water infusion. After the brewing process, the apparatus is inverted, and the coffee travels into the extract chamber through the center piece for dispensing. Coffee brewed in this manner is less acidic and more flavorful than the conventionally hot-brewed beverage. All the components of the apparatus, the filter assembly, the brew chamber, the extract chamber, and the center tie piece, are detachable. |
| US07858131B2 |
Method and apparatus for dating a food product
A method of dating a food product that includes packaging at least two packages of a food product into a storage container and after packaging the at least two packages, the method further includes making the at least two packages with a date while the at least two packages are located within the storage container. |
| US07858128B2 |
Hydroxycitric acid compositions, pharmaceutical and dietary supplements and food products made therefrom, and methods for their use in reducing body weight
Hydroxycitric acid compositions which comprise approximately 14 to 26% by weight of calcium, and approximately 24 to 40% by weight of potassium or approximately 14 to 24% by weight of sodium, or a mixture thereof, each calculated as a percentage of the total hydroxycitric acid content of the composition, together with dietary supplements and food products containing such compositions and methods for utilizing such compositions, dietary supplements and food products to reduce body weight in mammals are disclosed. |
| US07858127B2 |
Method for admixing plant essential oils to coatings for the purpose of repelling insects
The Federal EPA has consistently limited the use of known toxicants (insecticides) to preclude their admixture into paints and coatings by contractors or homeowners for the purpose of repelling or killing insects on the dried or cured coating. The current invention is a method to repel, rather than kill, insects, arachnids, and other arthropods, utilizing materials taken from the EPA's GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) List, obviating onerous Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) regulations and greatly extending the useful life of the insect-repellant materials by binding them into the dried film solids—greatly slowing their evaporation and degradation and creating a timed release of insect repellant material. Furthermore, the current invention utilizes the insect repellant nature of these materials to repel insects from the surrounding area during coating application, thereby eliminating the need for applying insect repellants, such as DEET, to the skin. |
| US07858123B2 |
Inorganic materials for hemostatic modulation and therapeutic wound healing
The invention provides compositions, methods and devices relating to a silaceous oxide that generates a reduced heat of hydration upon contact with blood. By reducing the heat of hydration, the compositions provide a hemostatic agent that attenuates a tissue burning side effect of conventional hemostatic agents without adversely affecting the wound healing properties of the composition. |
| US07858120B2 |
Pharmaceutical formulations containing flavouring substances with improved pharmaceutical properties
The invention relates to flavoring-containing pharmaceutical formulations with improved pharmaceutical properties, and to process for the production thereof. |
| US07858117B2 |
Amphoteric liposomes and their use
Amphoteric liposomes are proposed, which comprise positive and negative membrane-based or membrane-forming charge carriers as well as the use of these liposomes. |
| US07858114B2 |
Percutaneous absorption preparations of antidementia drugs
Disclosed is a percutaneous absorption preparation which enables the stable administration of an antidementia drug over a long period of time. More particularly, the percutaneous absorption preparation of the antidementia drug which is used as a plaster on skin comprises at least an adherent layer, an intermediate membrane, and a drug reservoir layer sequentially from the side which is plastered on skin, wherein the drug reservoir layer comprises at least an antidementia drug, an aminated polymer, a polyhydric alcohol, and one or more carboxylic acid esters, the intermediate membrane enables the controlled permeation of the antidementia drug into the side of skin, the adherent layer enables the plastering of the percutaneous absorption preparation on skin, and is permeable to the antidementia drug. |
| US07858111B2 |
Bioactive fiber products
The invention relates to a bioactive fiber product that, as a bioactively effective constituent, contains only one polyester fiber, which is largely or exclusively made of a polyester having links, which are condensed therewith and which contain phosphorous. The bioactive fiber products are suited for all textile products for which antibacterial, fungicidal, acaricidal and similar effects are sought. |
| US07858110B2 |
Long term drug delivery devices with polyurethane based polymers and their manufacture
This invention is related to the use of polyurethane-based polymer as a drug delivery device to deliver biologically active compounds at a constant rate for an extended period of time and methods of manufactures thereof. The device is very biocompatible and biostable, and is useful as an implant in patients (humans and animals) for the delivery of appropriate bioactive substances to tissues or organs. |
| US07858106B2 |
Antimicrobial fiber and its production method, and antimicrobial fiber product comprising the antimicrobial fiber, its production method and regeneration method
An antimicrobial fiber bearing an anionic functional group, and a method of producing it wherein at least a part of the anionic functional group forms a quaternary ammonium salt and at least another part thereof forms an antimicrobial metal salt. The quaternary ammonium salt is preferably a cetylpyridinium salt, and the antimicrobial metal salt is preferably a zinc salt. The fiber is preferably a carboxyalkylated cellulose fiber. An antimicrobial fiber product comprising the antimicrobial fiber. |
| US07858096B2 |
Mutant forms of meningococcal ADP-ribosylating toxin
NMB1343 is an ADP-ribosylating toxin from Neisseria meningitidis. The invention provides a mutant toxin having a substitution at one or more of amino Glu-109, Glu-111 or Glu-120. The mutations(s) is/are preferably Glu to Asp. The protein of the invention preferably has reduced or eliminated ADP-ribosyltransferase and/or NAD-glycohydrolase activity relative to the wild-type protein. |
| US07858088B2 |
Method for the stabilization of chimeric immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments, and stabilized anti-EGP-2 scFv fragment
The present invention relates to a method for stabilizing chimeric immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments. Furthermore, the invention also provides a stabilized anti-EGP-2 scFv fragment. |
| US07858087B2 |
Enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapies by supplementing with complement
The present invention is directed to a composition and method for enhancing the complement-mediated cytotoxicity of therapeutic antibodies for their target cells (i.e. those cells displaying the target epitope). More particularly the present invention enhances the efficacy of such therapies by providing a supplemental source of complement. |
| US07858086B2 |
Binding molecules for treatment and detection of cancer
The present invention provides new tumor-associated antigens, binding molecules that specifically bind to the antigens, nucleic acid molecules encoding the binding molecules, compositions comprising the binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the binding molecules. The new tumor-associated antigen are expressed on cancer cells and binding molecules capable of specifically binding to the antigens can be used in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of cancer. |
| US07858085B2 |
Alkaline phosphatase to control diabetes
The present invention provides methods for using human placental alkaline phosphatase or an active derivative to reduce blood glucose level in a mammal. Treatment regimens provided by the invention may be used to control Type 1 and Type 2 forms of diabetes in humans. The methods and treatment regimens may be effective to maintain the human's blood glucose level below about 10 mM, and preferably within the normal range of 4 mM to 7 mM. The methods and treatment regimens may be used in combination with administration of known anti-diabetic medicaments. Also provided by the invention is a method for inducing weight loss or reducing an expected weight gain caused by or associated with obesity or Type 2 diabetes. The invention further provides a preparation for administration to a human, the preparation comprising homogeneous purified human placental alkaline phosphatase in a physiologically acceptable carrier. |
| US07858083B2 |
Pan cancer oncolytic vectors and methods of use thereof
Replication-competent adenoviral vectors which selectively replicate in cancer cells are provided. The replication-competent viral vectors comprise an E2F responsive promoter and/or a telomerase promoter operatively linked to an adenoviral coding region. The replication-competent adenoviral vectors effectively replicate in a variety of types of cancer cells and find broad utility in the treatment of cancer. |
| US07858082B2 |
Method of stabilizing proteins
A method of preparing a stabilized bulk solution of a monomeric protein is described, which consists in providing a bulk of monomeric protein in a buffer solution and adding an excipient to the bulk, wherein the excipient is selected from the group consisting of bacteriostatic agents, surfactants, isotonicity agents, amino acids, antioxidants and combinations thereof. Prefereably the monomeric protein is IFN-beta. |
| US07858081B2 |
IL-15 mutants having agonists/antagonists activity
The present invention relates to the identification of an epitope in human Interleukin-15 (IL-15) that is responsible for binding to the interleukin-15 receptor α-chain. Two IL-15 regions are involved in the formation of this epitope: the first region (44LLELQVISL52, peptide 1) corresponds to a sequence located in the B helix and the second (64ENLIL68, peptide 2 or 64ENLIIL69, peptide 2a) to a sequence located in helix C. Muteins displaying agonist or antagonist properties are described, and may be useful as therapeutic agents. |
| US07858077B2 |
Functionalized phenolic esters and amides and polymers therefrom
The present invention relates to a compound of the formula: R-AR—O—Y—R′ Wherein R represents one or more members selected from H, alkoxy, benzyloxy, aldehyde, halogen, carboxylic acid, —NO2, —NH2, —NHCOCH3, and —NH—Y—R′, which is attached directly to AR or attached through an aliphatic chain. The carboxylic acid moiety in R includes but is not limited to the following carboxylic acids: benzoic acids, cinnamic acids, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, salicylic acid, vanillic acid, phenylacetic acids, phenylpropionic acids, and sinapinic acid. -AR—O— is a biologically active phenolic moiety comprising 1 to 6 substituted or unsubstituted aryl rings that are directly bonded to each other, fused together, or joined through a linking group. Y represents a member selected from: —COCH2O— (glycolic ester moiety) —COCH(CH3)O— (lactic ester moiety) —COCH2OCH2CH2O— (dioxanone ester moiety) —COCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2O— (caprolactone ester moiety) —CO(CH2)mO— where m is an integer between 2-4 and 6-24 inclusive —COCH2O(CH2CH2O)n— where n is an integer between 2 and 24, inclusive; and R′ is either hydrogen or a benzyl or an alkyl group, the alkyl group being either straight-chained or branched. The resultant functionalized phenolic compounds, used singly or in combinations, and their polymers have controllable degradation profiles, releasing the active component over a desired time range. The polymers are useful for biomaterials and biomedical devices, wherein said biologically active phenolic moiety is a residue of a phenolic compound. |
| US07858069B2 |
Enhancement of alkylation catalysts for improved supercritical fluid regeneration
A method of modifying an alkylation catalyst to reduce the formation of condensed hydrocarbon species thereon. The method comprises providing an alkylation catalyst comprising a plurality of active sites. The plurality of active sites on the alkylation catalyst may include a plurality of weakly acidic active sites, intermediate acidity active sites, and strongly acidic active sites. A base is adsorbed to a portion of the plurality of active sites, such as the strongly acidic active sites, selectively poisoning the strongly acidic active sites. A method of modifying the alkylation catalyst by providing an alkylation catalyst comprising a pore size distribution that sterically constrains formation of the condensed hydrocarbon species on the alkylation catalyst or by synthesizing the alkylation catalyst to comprise a decreased number of strongly acidic active sites is also disclosed, as is a method of improving a regeneration efficiency of the alkylation catalyst. |
| US07858067B2 |
Method for producing alpha-alumina particle
The present invention provides a method of producing an α-alumina particle. The method of producing an α-alumina particle comprises steps of: (1) heating a mixture containing an amorphous alumina and a pyrolyzable salt at temperature of not less than the temperature at which the pyrolyzable salt is decomposed, and less than the temperature at which the amorphous alumina transforms to α-alumina; and (2) calcining the resultant under a partial pressure of water vapor of about 600 Pa or less. |
| US07858062B2 |
Synthesis and use of nanocrystalline zeolites
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for synthesizing nanocrystalline zeolites, the method comprising contacting starting products that comprise a solvent, a silicon source, a cation base, an organic template, and an aluminum source, or any combination thereof sufficient to produce a zeolite gel by hydrolysis, heating the zeolite gel sufficient to produce a first batch of zeolite crystals and a first clear solution, separating the first batch of zeolite crystals from the first clear solution, heating the first clear solution sufficient to produce a second batch of zeolite crystals and second clear solution and separating the second batch of zeolite crystals from the second clear solution. In addition, embodiments relate to a method of using nanocrystalline zeolites, the method comprising contacting a nanocrystalline zeolite with a reductant sufficient to produce a nanocrystalline zeolite with adsorbed reductant and exposing the nanocrystalline zeolite with adsorbed reductant to reactant gases sufficient to obtain reaction products and the nanocrystalline zeolite. |
| US07858061B2 |
Compositions and methods for removing mercury from mercury-containing fluids
Oxidative sorbents are provided for adsorbing elemental or oxidized mercury from mercury-containing fluids such as flue gas from a coal-burning power utility or the like at a temperature range of about 50 to 350° C. The method of preparing and using the oxidative sorbents is also provided. The oxidative sorbent compositions include one or more silicates capable of cation exchange with a plurality of active metal cations and their counter anions. The silicates may include those selected from clays such as montmorillonite, laumonite, bentonite, Mica, vermiculite and kaolinite, and from silica gels, natural and synthetic molecular sieves, zeolites, and ashes from stoker- and pulverized coal-fired boilers. The one or more oxidative metal halides and/or sulfates may be selected from the group consisting of CuCl, CuBr, CuCl2, CuBr2, CuSO4, FeCl2, FeCl3, FeSO4, Fe2(SO4)3, ZnCl2, ZnBr2, NiCl2, and NiSO4. The oxidative sorbents may also include activated carbon. |
| US07858060B2 |
Current storage estimation for selective catalytic reduction catalysts
A dosing control system comprises a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) analysis module and a dosing management module. The SCR analysis module estimates an ammonia (NH3) slip rate downstream of an SCR catalyst, an NH3 conversion rate, an NH3 supply rate, and an NH3 oxidation rate. The SCR analysis module estimates an NH3 rate of change based on the NH3 slip, conversion, supply, and oxidation rates and estimates an NH3 storage change based on the NH3 rate of change. The SCR analysis module estimates NH3 stored by the SCR catalyst based on the NH3 storage change. The dosing management module controls dosing agent injection into an exhaust system upstream of the SCR catalyst based on the NH3 stored by the SCR catalyst. |
| US07858055B2 |
Moisture sensitive auxetic material
An auxetic fiber and corresponding material that not only responds to an external force, but also responds to moisture. The auxetic fiber is made in part from a moisture activated shrinking filament. Even if no external force is applied to the fiber, a pseudo tensile force is created by wetting the auxetic fiber. |
| US07858053B2 |
Etching apparatus and etching method for substrate bevel
In the bevel etching apparatus relating to the present invention, a substrate is inserted between electrically connected electrodes. A high-frequency power source is connected to the electrodes, and ground potential is applied to a support unit that supports the substrate. Gas (atmosphere) is supplied to the gap between the electrodes and the application of the high-frequency electric power to the electrodes causes the generation of atmospheric-pressure glow discharge between the electrode and the substrate. Bevel etching is performed by rotating the substrate along the circumferential direction in this condition. According to this construction, the bevel etching can be simultaneously performed to the front surface, the rear surface and the side of the substrate without causing any configuration change in the substrate. |
| US07858048B2 |
Microfluidic system
A microfluidic system comprising a microchannel (2), a pressurized reservoir (3-5) of fluid and a positive displacement pump (7-9) downstream of the reservoir for pumping the fluid from the reservoir to the microchannel. |
| US07858046B2 |
Detachable test sensor container having a system for reducing coding errors
A test sensor container that releasably attaches to a testing device for testing an analyte concentration in a fluid sample. The test sensor container comprises a housing, a connector and an opening formed in the housing. The housing contains a plurality of test sensors. The opening formed in the housing receives a test sensor having the fluid sample to be tested by the testing device. The opening includes at least two contact springs for contacting the test sensor to be tested. |
| US07858044B2 |
Multi-well plate providing a high-density storage and assay platform
A dual-use, high density plate for storage and assays includes a frame including a matrix of wells. The matrix includes preferably 3456 wells with top portions being arranged preferably approximately flush with a plane of the frame. A solvent-resistant material such as cyclo-olefin polymer forms at least the bottom portions of the wells, and preferably the same solvent resistant material forms the frame, although varying from the bottoms of the wells by being rendered opaque. Evaporation control wells are preferably included at the periphery of the matrix for reducing effects of evaporation on edge wells. |
| US07858042B2 |
Microfluidic chip and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a microfluidic chip and a method of fabricating the same. The microfluidic chip includes: a lower substrate; an upper substrate formed of a silicone resin, wherein the lower substrate and the upper substrate, bonded together, provide a channel through which a fluid can flow and a chamber to receive the fluid; and an organic thin film formed on the upper surface of the lower substrate except for portions on which the lower substrate and the upper substrate are attached to each other. |
| US07858039B2 |
Tissue piece treating apparatus
Provided is a tissue piece treating apparatus comprising an automatic controlling means for feeding back the temperature of the treatment liquid or molten paraffin in the bath inside detected by a temperature sensor to switch a heating mode and a cooling mode alternately to control the temperature; a heating means for turning OFF in an air-cooling fan of the ultrasonic vibrator and ON in a plane heater at the heating mode, thereby transferring the heat generated by the ultrasonic vibrator and the plane heater; and, a cooling means for turning ON in the air-cooling fan of the ultrasonic vibrator and OFF in the plane heater at the cooling mode, thereby blocking the heat transfer from the ultrasonic vibrator and the plane heater to the bath inside. These means can suppress the excessive heating of a tissue piece so that they can suppress the heating modification of the tissue piece. |
| US07858038B2 |
Biopsy device with illuminated tissue holder
A biopsy device includes a probe portion and a holster portion that may be coupled together. The probe portion includes a rotatable tissue sample holder that is configured to hold tissue samples. One or more portions of the tissue sample holder may be formed of a transparent or translucent material, e.g., a translucent manifold and shaft, transparent or translucent tissue sample trays, and a transparent cup that is external to the manifold and trays. The holster portion may include one or more sources of light, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may be configured to illuminate at least a portion of the tissue sample holder, such as to facilitate viewing of tissue samples in the tissue sample holder. For instance, one LED may be aligned with the shaft of the tissue sample holder, while two additional LEDs may be positioned on both sides of the shaft. |
| US07858037B2 |
Adaptor for sample vial
The invention relates generally to a sample vial adaptor for interfacing a sample vial with the sample port of a diagnostic instrument, in particular a sample vial containing a patient body fluid sample with the sample port and sample pathway of a multi-use diagnostic instrument. Embodiments of the sample vial adaptor according to the invention generally include a short exterior vent tube having one end in communication with a chamber having a vent, an interior collection tube that is longer than the short exterior vent tube, axially positioned in the lumen of the short exterior vent tube and extending to a capillary outlet that is located on the portion of the inner collection tube that is outside of the short exterior vent tube and outside the vented chamber. |
| US07858033B2 |
Specimen preprocessing/transport apparatus
A specimen preprocessing/transport apparatus includes a test tube transport path on which test tubes filled with specimens are held in test tube holders and transported, a rack transport path on which sample cups are held in a sample cup rack and the rack is transported, a filled-tube loading section which loads the test tubes into the test tube transport path, a rack loading section which loads the sample cup rack into the rack transport path, an aliquoting/dispensing device which is located in the middle of the test tube transport path and configured to simultaneously aliquot the specimens in the test tubes, and simultaneously dispense the sample cups on the rack transport path, and an analyzer which is located on the downstream side of the rack transport path and configured to receive the sample cup rack stored with the specimens and analyze the specimens. |
| US07858031B2 |
Vial presence indicator for vial-bearing rack
An indicator for enabling an analytical instrument to positively detect the presence of a vial in respective vial-receiving rack position regardless of whether the vial is oriented in a manner necessary for a code reader to read a code printed on the vial. Translation of a leaf spring upon insertion of a vial into a rack position causes a flag to obscure a code provided adjacent the rack position. An instrument into which the rack is installed interprets the failure of the code reader to detect this code as positive indication that a vial is disposed within the respective rack position. |
| US07858025B2 |
Method for manufacturing cubic copper or copper oxide nanoparticles
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing cubic copper nanoparticles, and in particular, to a method including (a) mixing and agitating a copper precursor and an amine compound; (b) raising the temperature of the mixed solution up to 90-170° C. and reacting it at the same temperature; (c) adding the mixture to nonaqueous solvent to lower the temperature of the solution to 20-50° C. when the incubation completes; and (d) precipitating and obtaining the nanoparticles by adding an alcohol solvent to the mixture. According to the invention, while conductive wiring is formed metal nanoparticles can be manufactured not in sphere but in cubic shape so that void between particles can be efficiently removed and the height of wiring can be raised. |
| US07858024B2 |
Non-evaporable getter alloys based on yttrium for hydrogen sorption
Non-evaporable getter alloys, such as Y 75%-Mn 15%-Al 10%, are provided and can be activated at relatively low temperatures and have good properties in sorbing a wide variety of gases, particularly hydrogen. |
| US07858021B2 |
Conveyor system, composite system and method for coupling metallurgical methods
A conveying system comprising elements for conveying lumpy, particularly hot, conveying stock and a cover for shielding the conveying stock. Disclosed are measures for inerting the conveying stock. A combined system encompasses a reduction plant for reducing oxides in a continuous process and processing unit for producing liquid metal in a discontinuous process. The reduction product is deliverable from the reduction plant to the processing unit. A method for coupling a reduction method used for reducing oxides in a continuous process and a method used for producing liquid metal in a discontinuous process. A reduction product from the reduction method is fed to the liquid metal production method for processing. |
| US07858018B2 |
Mounting enclosure for burners and particle injectors on an electric arc furnace
An enclosure for mounting burners and particle injection equipment in an electric arc furnace (EAF) is described. The enclosures are mounted on the sidewalls of an EAF and include passages in which burners or injectors are mounted so that the discharge ends of the burners and injectors are located closer the melt than sidewall mounted burners and injectors. Burners and injectors mounted in the enclosures heat material in the furnace and deliver particulates to the melt more efficiently than conventionally mounted burners and injectors. The enclosures are liquid-cooled, typically by water, and constructed of high conductivity materials such as copper and/or cast iron and can be constructed in one or more pieces. Therefore, the enclosures protect the burners and injectors from the excessive heat and mechanical impact to which they would normally be subjected when mounted so close to the melt. |
| US07858016B2 |
Layer made of base plastic comprising barrier plastic nodules
Layer made of base plastic comprising, in the dispersed form, nodules with a diameter of less than or equal to one micron comprising barrier plastic incompatible with the base plastic; multilayer structure comprising at least one such layer and process for the manufacture of such layers/structures. |
| US07858015B2 |
Beverage container insulators and methods for making the same
Methods for making a molded beverage container insulator from a slurry including water and a polysaccharide by presenting at least one male mold, which may have an elliptical cross section, therein and causing a portion of the slurry to temporarily adhere to the at least one mold. After a suitable period of time, removing the mold from the slurry and then removing the insulator. At such time, and particularly if the mold is not characterized as elliptical in cross section, the insulator is subject to bidirectional compression in order to collapse the same. Opposing hinge elements may be formed in the insulator, either at the time of molding or subsequently, to localize stresses resulting from the collapsing of the insulator. The resulting insulator is fully recyclable/compostable and possesses a constricting bias to mitigate container slip issues. |
| US07858014B2 |
Apparatus for fabricating flat panel display device method of fabricating the same and method of fabricating flat panel display device using the same
An apparatus for fabricating a flat panel display device includes a device that applies a flowable material on a substrate; a soft mold having a base surface, a groove part recessed in relation to the base surface, and a protruding part protruding from the base surface, the soft mold applying a pressure on the flowable material for forming a multi-stepped profile pattern in the flowable material. |
| US07858013B2 |
Injection molding method
Die assembly (21, 22), which includes slide die halves (23, 24) and can define a primary molding section (21a, 22a) and a secondary molding section (22b, 23b) adjacent to the primary molding section according to the positions of the slide die halves, are used. After a preformed film (10) is inserted into the primary molding section, a first resin material has been injected into the primary molding section so as to mold a first part (11), and then a second resin material is injected into a secondary molding section (22b, 23b and 23a, 24a) including a part of the surface of the film of the first part as a joint surface (10a), by which a second part (12a, 12) that is joined to the first part via the joint surface is molded. |
| US07858010B2 |
Soft template with alignment mark
A pattern template includes a flexible substrate, a template mold formed on the flexible substrate to include a pattern, and an alignment mark, the alignment mark has a greater refractive index than that of the template mold. The template is manufactured by providing a master template including a pattern area, coating resin for mold in the pattern area, forming a template mold by installing a flexible plate on the resin for mold and curing the resin for mold by radiating UV rays, separating the template mold and the master template, coating a metal thin film on the template mold, and forming an alignment mark at both sides of the template mold. |
| US07858009B2 |
Synthetic leather and method for producing the same
An aqueous sericin solution and a polar organic solvent are mixed together to prepare a sericin-containing solution, then the sericin-containing solution is added into a synthetic resin solution, followed by drying, to produce an synthetic leather wherein sericin is present as discrete particles of not larger than 3 μm in diameter within the synthetic resin of a skin layer almost uniformly at least 1.0×106 particles per square centimeter. The skin layer of the synthetic leather has a soft and moist touch like that of the natural leather and is superior in moisture absorbing and releasing properties and further superior in processing stability. |
| US07858002B2 |
Method for injection expansion molding of thermoplastic resin
An injection-foaming method for a thermoplastic resin comprising using an injection unit 30 provided with a hopper 35, a plasticizing cylinder 31 and a screw 32, and a mold 10 having a mold cavity 10a of changeable capacity; filling the mold cavity 10a with a foaming-agent-containing melted resin injected from the injection unit 30; and then enlarging the mold cavity 10a for allowing the foaming-agent-containing melted resin to expand, wherein inclusion of a foaming agent into a thermoplastic resin is done by using a mixture of a foam nucleating agent and a foaming gas as foaming agent, feeding the mixture to hopper 35 or plasticizing cylinder 31 and screw 32 of injection unit 30 at a pressure of 0.1 MPa or more and less than 1.0 MPa, and contacting the mixture with a pre- or post-plasticized thermoplastic resin present in hopper 35 or plasticizing cylinder 31 and screw 32. |
| US07857998B2 |
High conductivity polymer thick film silver conductor composition for use in RFID and other applications
Disclosed are thick film silver compositions comprised of silver flake and organic medium useful in radio frequency identification devices (RFID). The invention is further directed to method(s) of antenna formation using RFID circuits or other circuits using polymer thick film (PTF). |
| US07857997B2 |
Conductive ink formulations
A conductive ink formulation comprising silver, at least one first solvent, and a cross link wherein the cross link agent is present in an amount of about 1.5 wt % to about 6 wt % based on total weight of the formulation. The conductive ink formulation is suitable for printing on polymer film substrates, in particular with a gravure printing method. The polymer film substrates may be then applied to other substrates, for example glass substrates, by any suitable process such as lamination. |
| US07857995B2 |
Methods and apparatus for solid carbonaceous materials synthesis gas generation
Methods and apparatus may permit the generation of consistent output synthesis gas from highly variable input feedstock solids carbonaceous materials. A stoichiometric objectivistic chemic environment may be established to stoichiometrically control carbon content in a solid carbonaceous materials gasifier system. Processing of carbonaceous materials may include dominative pyrolytic decomposition and multiple coil carbonaceous reformation. Dynamically adjustable process determinative parameters may be utilized to refine processing, including process utilization of negatively electrostatically enhanced water species, process utilization of flue gas (9), and adjustment of process flow rate characteristics. Recycling may be employed for internal reuse of process materials, including recycled negatively electrostatically enhanced water species, recycled flue gas (9), and recycled contaminants. Synthesis gas generation may involve predetermining a desired synthesis gas for output and creating high yields of such a predetermined desired synthesis gas. |
| US07857994B2 |
Green emitting phosphors and blends thereof
Phosphor compositions, blends thereof and light emitting devices including white light emitting LED based devices, and backlights, based on such phosphor compositions. The devices include a light source and a phosphor material as described. Also disclosed are phosphor blends including such a phosphor and devices made therefrom. |
| US07857992B2 |
White light-emitting lamp, backlight using same, display and illuminating device
A white light-emitting lamp (1) includes a semiconductor light-emitting device such as a LED chip (2) which has an emission wavelength of 360 nm or more and 440 nm or less, and a light-emitting part including a blue light-emitting phosphor, a green light-emitting phosphor and a red light-emitting phosphor, which emits white light when excited by light from the LED chip (2). At least one phosphor selected from Eu activated halophosphate phosphors and Eu activated aluminate phosphors is used as the blue light-emitting phosphor, Au and Al activated zinc sulfide phosphor is used as the green light-emitting phosphor, and at least one phosphor selected from Eu and Sm activated lanthanum sulfide phosphors and Cu and Mn activated zinc sulfide phosphors is used as the red light-emitting phosphor. |
| US07857988B2 |
Sound deadener melt pad composition
The present invention relates to a sound deadener melt pad composition, wherein the composition includes an asphalt, EVA H2020, a oil palm fiber, a hydraulic lime and an oil palm olein. |
| US07857987B2 |
Implant surface preparation
The surface of a device that is surgically implantable in living bone is prepared. The device is made of titanium with a native oxide layer on the surface. The method of preparation comprises the steps of removing the native oxide layer from the surface of the device and performing further treatment of the surface substantially in the absence of unreacted oxygen. |
| US07857983B2 |
Method for manufacturing piezoelectric resonator
To provide a method for manufacturing a piezoelectric resonator which can widen the range of frequency adjustment while saving metal thereby suppressing reduction of the yields when forming a metal film for frequency adjustment at the tip of an vibrating arm. The method of manufacturing the piezoelectric resonator according to the present invention includes the steps of: bringing a substrate in which an outside shape of a piezoelectric oscillating piece is formed, into contact with an etching solution; forming grooves in a plurality of vibrating arms using a mask having an aperture at the portion corresponding to the groove, and having a metal film formed on the whole surface except the aperture; and thereafter, forming a resist mask on the surface of the substrate so that resist is left at the tip of the vibrating arms which will be a formation area of a metal film for frequency adjustment so as to remove the metal film by etching. Then, forming an electrode film after peeling off the resist film left at the tip of the vibrating arm. |
| US07857982B2 |
Methods of etching features into substrates
The invention includes methods of etching features into substrates. A plurality of hard mask layers is formed over material of a substrate to be etched. A feature pattern is formed in such layers. A feature is etched only partially into the substrate material using the hard mask layers with the feature pattern therein as a mask. After the partial etching, at least one of the hard mask layers is etched selectively relative to the substrate material and remaining of the hard mask layers. After etching at least one of the hard mask layers, the feature is further etched into the substrate material using at least an innermost of the hard mask layers as a mask. After the further etching, the innermost hard mask layer and any hard mask layers remaining thereover are removed from the substrate, and at least a portion of the feature is incorporated into an integrated circuit. |
| US07857975B2 |
System for liquid extraction, and methods
A process for removing water from solid material (10) using liquid-solid extraction and liquid-liquid extraction in an extraction system (100). Multiple solvents are used sequentially to replace the water with a first solvent, then replacing that solvent with a second solvent, etc., then eventually removing the last solvent from the solid materials. The solvents have progressively lower heats of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point or related property, so as to conserve use of thermal energy. |
| US07857973B1 |
Self cleaning pump vault for a septic tank
A self-cleaning discharge system used with a wastewater treatment system. The wastewater treatment system includes a tank for collecting wastewater while the wastewater typically includes solid particles. The discharge system comprises a housing, a filter positioned in the housing, an effluent discharge apparatus positioned inside the filter, and a venturi effect flushing system positioned proximate to the bottom of the housing. The housing includes a perimeter and at least one intake aperture positioned in the perimeter to accept the wastewater. The filter is shaped to substantially restrict flow of particles into the filter and to the discharge apparatus. The discharge apparatus is in fluid communication with the wastewater in the tank and includes a discharge path to position to transport filtered wastewater outside of the tank. The venturi effect system is in fluid communication with the housing and the tank to return the particles restricted by the filter to the tank. |
| US07857972B2 |
Apparatus for treating liquids with wave energy from an electrical arc
The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for treating a liquid by providing a wave energy source and creating a thin film of the liquid whirling around the wave energy source such that one or more wave energies irradiate the liquid. Likewise, the present invention provides a method of treating a liquid by providing three zones of wave energy and passing the liquid through the three zones of wave energy. |
| US07857971B2 |
Filter fuel assembly
The present invention describes a fuel filter assembly useful in the purification of fuels such as diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, heating oil and similar liquids. The fuel filter assembled herein described separates solids and semisolids particulates such as algae, microbial growth, fungi and the like from fuel, providing a much cleaner fuel to secondary fuel system, engine and fuel consuming devices. The said fuel filtering assembly comprises a removable lid mounted at the top of an upright vertical housing, a non-disposable removable filter unit enclosed in the internal cavity of the said housing and a multi-purpose base comprising fuel inlet and fuel outlet as internal passages within the said base. |
| US07857970B2 |
Height adjustable center tube and guide for a filter cartridge assembly
A filter media includes a media pack having a central opening that extends between opposing ends of the media pack. A support member, such as a center tube, extends through the central opening and supports one of the opposing ends. A second support member, such as a filter cartridge assembly guide, is secured to the second support member and supports the other of the opposing ends. In one example, the center tube includes a seat that extends radially outwardly from an axially body of the center tube to support the media pack. The first and second support members are secured by an interlocking connection of any suitable configuration. The disclosed arrangement can be used to reduce the number of components required for providing a large number of filter cartridge assembly. Each of a plurality of media packs provide different heights. A first support member is selected to support one of the opposing ends. A second support member is selected to accommodate the height of the selected media pack. The first and second support members cooperate with one another to support the opposing ends of the media pack. |
| US07857968B2 |
High performance sewer system
The system comprises one or more of the following: primary treatment units, flexible pipes, and optionally, one or more pumps. The system is designed and installed in a manner that enables the flow of liquid to be predominantly due to gravity, although one or more pumps may optionally be included at key positions. The system can be sealed and pressure tested in order for optimal performance to be achieved during operation. |
| US07857959B2 |
Methods of fabricating nanowires and electrodes having nanogaps
A cost-effective and highly reproducible method of fabricating nanowires, and small gaps or spacings in nanowires is disclosed. The nanogaps bridge an important size regime between 1 nm and 100 nm. The nanogaps can be selectively predetermined to be as small as 1.0 nm, or larger than 1000 nm. These electrode gaps can be useful in preparing molecular electronic devices that involve making electrical contact to individual molecules, such as biomolecules, or small clusters of molecules. Microelectrodes having nanogaps for electrical and magnetic applications formed by the method, and as well as biosensors and their use in detecting a biological species, such as DNA, are also disclosed. |
| US07857956B2 |
Systems and methods for making and using nanoelectrodes
Systems and methods are provided for the manipulation of a polarizable object with a pair of elongated nanoelectrodes using dielectrophoresis. The nanoelectrodes can be carbon nanotubes and are coupled with one or more time-varying voltage sources to create an electric field gradient in a gap between the nanotubes. The gradient induces the movement of a polarizable object in proximity with the field. The nanotube pair can be used to trap a single polarizable object in the gap. A method of fabricating a nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system is also provided. Applications extend to self-fabricating nanoelectronics, nanomachines, nanochemistry and nanobiochemistry. A nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system having an extended nanoelectrode for use in applications including the self-fabrication of a nanowire, as well as methods for fabricating the same, are also provided. |
| US07857954B2 |
Compact pot tending module for use in plants for the production of aluminum by electrolysis
This invention relates to pot tending module intended for aluminium production plants by fused bath electrolysis. According to the invention, the turret (9) of the pot tending module (7) is equipped with a determined set of tools, in which the tool (101, 102, 103) is mounted on a telescopic arm (111, 112, 113) fixed to the turret (9) through an articulated support (121, 122, 123) that enables pendular movements of the telescopic arm with respect to a determined articulation point while preventing rotation movements of the telescopic arm about its principal axis. The telescopic arms are connected to each other through a mechanical connecting device (200) capable of maintaining the relative angular difference between the pendular movements of the telescopic arms within a determined tolerance range. The invention enables the tools to be arranged closer to each other without any risk that they will collide during use. |
| US07857952B2 |
Method for treating the surface of object and apparatus thereof
An apparatus for treating the surface of an object to be treated comprising introducing a surface treatment fluid into a reaction vessel (4) capable of receiving an object, introducing the surface treatment fluid into a separation vessel (14) after the object is subjected to surface treatment, and circulating the surface treatment fluid, from which a contaminant has already been removed, to the reaction vessel (4). At the time of treatment on the surface of the object, a circulation passage for the surface treatment fluid including the reaction vessel (4) is communicated and the surface treatment fluid is constantly circulated through the circulation passage. |
| US07857949B2 |
Sacrificial anode with resistor assembly for metal tank corrosion protection
A sacrificial metal anode device incorporating a resistor assembly into the construction of the sacrificial anode is insertable into a metal water storage tank. The metal water storage tank designed to contain heated water is thereby protected from corrosion by the sacrificial metal anode. The sacrificial metal anode device comprising an elongated metal anode member with a metal wire core, an insulating sleeve secured over the elongated metal anode member wherein said insulating sleeve has an external wall with threads to fixedly secure a metal cap. The metal cap having threads on an internal wall to fixedly secure the insulating sleeve further including a cylindrical receptacle for receipt of an end of the elongated metal anode member and an electrical resistor assembly. |
| US07857945B2 |
Double action solar distiller
A solar still includes a relatively shallow chamber with a pyramid shaped transparent cover and a transparent base. The still also includes a pair of rollers and an endless heat absorbing belt rotatable about the rollers. The still is positioned to receive solar energy passing through the transparent cover and impinging on an upper surface of the heat absorbing belt in order to vaporize seawater within the chamber. The efficiency of the still is increased by one or more mirrors disposed below the still for reflecting sun light up through the transparent base to impinge on a lower outer surface of the belt to enhance the vaporization of the seawater. One or more fans are also provided for cooling the cover to enhance the condensation of water that will then run down the cover and into a pure water receptacle. |
| US07857942B2 |
Paper machine comprising a translation device
A paper machine for continuous production of paper in a paper web (4) is described. The paper machine comprises a plurality of drivable rolls (5) for control of the paper web (4) and a translation device for moving a means essentially perpendicular to the paper web (4), which translation device comprises a motor, a holder for the means (16), and an attachment device (17), a first arm (18), being arranged on the attachment device (17) turnable around a first axis (23) of rotation and arranged to be turned by the motor (15), and a second arm (19), being arranged turnable around a second axis (28) of rotation, at a distance from the first axis (23) of rotation, mechanically coupled to the first arm (18). The holder (16) and the mechanical couplings are arranged in such a way that the rotation of the first arm (18) by the motor (15) results in an essentially linear movement of the holder (16). |
| US07857940B2 |
Liquid radioactive waste treatment system
The present invention relates to a liquid radioactive waste treatment system. The liquid radioactive waste treatment system includes a plurality of evaporation plates and each of the evaporation plates has an uneven surface, in a housing comprised of a glass. A liquid radioactive waste is dispersed via a liquid waste dispersing unit to the evaporation plate, and the liquid radioactive waste is evaporated using solar heat and airflow in the housing. |
| US07857933B2 |
Device for applying a coating on a lens, the device including means for inflating a membrane
A device for applying a coating film (63) on a face of a lens, the film previously being placed on the face concerned of the lens, includes a seat (40) suitable for receiving the lens, a membrane (62) including a peripheral fixing portion (62A) and an inflatable portion (62B), and an inflater element (61) for inflating the membrane towards the lens seat. The inflater element include a first plate (66) and a second plate (65) with the membrane (62) placed between them, the first plate presenting as a setback a pressurization chamber (80) connected to a source (93) of compressed gas, and the second plate presenting a protrusion opening (71), the two plates being mounted to move relative to each other between an open configuration and a closed configuration. |
| US07857930B2 |
Flexible barrier film structure
A flexible barrier film, including a polyester layer, and a vapor barrier film having a base layer and an inorganic layer disposed on the base layer, and a heat sealable layer having polyethylene. In addition, the flexible barrier film includes a first adhesive layer having a polyurethane component, interposed between the polyester layer and the vapor barrier film, and further includes a second adhesive layer having a polyurethane component that is interposed between the vapor barrier film and the heat sealable film forming the flexible barrier film. |
| US07857927B2 |
Method and machine for producing a seam which is not susceptible to coming undone
The invention relates to a method and a machine for producing a seam (12) which is not susceptible to coming undone, with at least one interlooped and/or interlaced stitching thread and with stitching passes in or through at least one thickness of the material of an object, called the sewn object (3). The seam (12) is produced with at least one stitching thread having a thermoplastic material at least on its exterior. At least one infrared laser beam (17, 18) is applied locally to the seam (12) on the exterior of the sewn object (3), which laser beam is adapted to soften punctually the thermoplastic material present on the exterior of at least one strand of thread extending on the exterior of the sewn object (3) and adjacent to at least one other strand of thread. An air jet enables mingling of the softened fibers and at least one pressing device (6) is then applied to the softened and mingled thermoplastic material of at least one strand of thread of so as to join punctually the adjacent strands together. |
| US07857924B2 |
Method for production of a multi-layer analysis element
The invention relates to a method for production of a multi-layer analysis element for liquid samples, with at least one test field for the analysis of the liquid samples, in which method an analysis element blank composed of at least two superposed material layers is made available. The multi-layer analysis element or a constituent part of the multi-layer analysis element is cut out from the analysis element blank by means of laser radiation. The laser radiation cuts through different material layers in at least two areas and has a laser power which is effective for the cutting and which is varied as a function of the thickness and the material of the different material layers to be cut in the areas. |
| US07857923B2 |
Reinforced fibrous insulation product and method of reinforcing same
An insulation product and method of making the same are provided. The insulation product includes a mat containing randomly oriented fibers bonded by a binder, the mat having first and second major surfaces and a pair of side portions, and at least one flexible reinforcing layer bonded to the mat between the first and second major surfaces and extending along a length of said mat. |
| US07857922B2 |
Pressable plastic-bound explosive composition
The present invention relates to pressable explosive compositions with enhanced sensitivity characteristics and processability. The explosive compositions are based on crystalline explosive crystals of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX) Type I alone or in combination with a smaller percentage of 1,3,5-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazacyclooctane (HMX) where the crystals are coated with a binder system consisting of a polyacrylic elastomer to which a plasticizer is added. These explosive compositions are produced in a so-called water-slurry process where the explosive crystals are washed in water whereupon a solution of the binder system is added. After the admixture the solvent is distilled off and the coated product is isolated by filtering. |
| US07857920B1 |
Low temperature clean burning pyrotechnic gas generators
A propellant composition including, about 5 to about 30 weight % of a polymeric binder component having about 4 to about 10 weight % of at least one oxygen-rich pre-polymer, about 0.1 to about 2 weight % of at least one isocyanate curative, wherein the curative(s) react with alcohol groups on said pre-polymer(s) to formulate urethane linkages, about 1 to about 20 weight % of at least one plasticizer to improve processability and for oxygen balance of the composition, about 0.01 to about 1.0 weight % of at least one additive including cure catalyst(s) and stabilizer(s), about 1 to about 40 weight % of a mixture of high oxygen content insensitive gas generators in solid form, about 1 to about 50 weight % of at least one oxidizer, and wherein the composition is free of perchlorate. |
| US07857913B2 |
Cleaning compound for cleaning surfaces in a food processing environment
A cleaning compound for cleaning surfaces in a food processing environment includes at least one container, with each container including a peroxide and/or an alkaline reactant therein. The alkaline reactant is selected to raise the pH of the cleaning compound into the alkaline range when the peroxide and the alkaline reactant are mixed together. The cleaning compound may be a liquid or dry compound, which is applied to the surface to be cleaned. |
| US07857905B2 |
Flexible thermal cure silicone hardcoats
The present invention relates to thermal cure silicone hardcoat compositions that are prepared with an aqueous/organic solvent silicone dispersion, partial organoalkoxysilane condensate and silylating agent. The novel heat curable silicone hardcoats are useful on various substrates with improved flexibility. |
| US07857904B2 |
Process of producing roofing shingle coating asphalt
A process of producing a roofing shingle coating asphalt from an asphalt feedstock includes the following steps. Wax and blowing catalyst are added to the asphalt feedstock. Then the asphalt feedstock is blown to produce the coating asphalt. The coating asphalt has a softening point within a range of from about 190° F. (88° C.) to about 235° F. (113° C.) and has a penetration of at least about 15 dmm at 77° F. (25° C.). |
| US07857901B2 |
Nonpolar liquid and solid phase change ink compositions comprising nanosized particles of benzimidazolone pigments
An ink composition, such as a nonpolar liquid or phase change (solid) ink composition, that includes a non-polar carrier, and a nanoscale pigment particle composition. The nanoscale pigment particle composition includes a benzimidazolone pigment and a sterically bulky stabilizer compound, which is a substituted pyridine derivative, associated non-covalently with the benzimidazolone pigment. The presence of the associated stabilizer limits an extent of particle growth and aggregation, to afford nanoscale pigment particles. |
| US07857900B2 |
Solid phase change fluorescent ink and ink sets
An ink set includes a plurality of inks, at least one ink but less than all inks of the ink set including an ink vehicle, colorant and fluorescence agent and remaining additional inks including an ink vehicle, colorant and free of fluorescence agent. At least a first ink grouping and a second ink grouping of the ink set form a combination, the first and second groupings of the combination exhibiting a substantially same color under ambient light conditions upon image formation. The first ink grouping and the second ink grouping of the combination contain a different amount of the fluorescence agent, wherein upon exposure to activating energy, the fluorescence agent fluoresces to cause a visible change in the color of a pattern formed in an image by the first ink grouping as compared to the second ink grouping. |
| US07857886B2 |
Powder for laminated ceramic capacitor internal electrode
A metal alloy powder containing at least two alloying elements selected from the group of Ni, Cu, Cr, Sn, Mn, Co and W containing 1 to 99% by weight Ni, 1 to 99% by weight Cu, 6 to 60% by weight Cr, 6 to 15% by weight Sn, 6 to 15% by weight Mn, 6 to 15% by weight Co, and/or 6 to 15% by weight W for use in laminated ceramic capacitors with an internal electrode wherein said electrode comprises a sintered body of said alloy powder. A metal alloy powder containing at least two alloying elements selected from the group of Ni, Cu, Cr, Sn, Mn, Co and W wherein the onset of oxidation of the alloy powder occurs above about 250° C. |
| US07857875B2 |
Autothermal reforming in a fuel processor utilizing non-pyrophoric shift catalyst
A method for start-up and shut down of a fuel processor including an autothermal reformer employing a non-pyrophoric shift catalyst is disclosed. Also disclosed are a computer programmed to start-up or shut down a fuel processor including an autothermal reformer employing a non-pyrophoric shift catalyst or a program storage medium encoded with instruction that, when executed by a computer, start-up or shut down a fuel processor including an autothermal reformer employing a non-pyrophoric shift catalyst. |
| US07857871B2 |
Method of reducing paraffin deposition with imidazolines
This invention provides a composition and a method of using a composition containing an imidazoline, optionally containing a paraffin inhibitor, for improving the pour point of liquid hydrocarbons, such as crude oil and petroleum fuel, and/or inhibiting or reducing the formation of paraffin deposits in such liquids. |
| US07857870B2 |
Fuel and lubricant additive containing alkyl hydroxy carboxylic acid boron esters
A composition is disclosed that comprises the reaction product of an acidic organic compound and a boron compound. The composition is useful as a detergent additive for lubricants and hydrocarbon fuels. |
| US07857869B2 |
Process for producing diesel fuel oil from fat
A process for producing diesel fuel oil from fat and oil comprises producing fatty acid methyl ester for diesel fuel in accordance with transesterification of the fat and oil with methanol, wherein the process further comprises a step of converting glycerol formed as a by-product into methanol, and the obtained methanol is used as a material for the transesterification. In the step of converting glycerol formed as a by-product into methanol, water in an equimolar amount or more to the amount of glycerol is added to glycerol, the obtained mixture is gasified under a pressure of 2 MPa or greater at a temperature of 700° C. or higher to convert the mixture into a gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and carbon monoxide and hydrogen are then converted into methanol in accordance with a methanol synthesis process. |
| US07857866B2 |
Dyeing method using a composition comprising an ortho-diphenol and comprising a wiping, drying or non rinsing stage
The disclosure relates to methods for dyeing keratinous fibers by treatment of said fibers with i) at least entity chosen from ortho-diphenol and derivatives thereof, ii) at least one metal salt, iii) hydrogen peroxide or at least one system which generates hydrogen peroxide and iv) at least one (bi)carbonate, said method additionally involving an intermediate wiping and/or drying and/or non rinsing stage. |
| US07857863B2 |
One-part hair dye composition
Provided are a one-part hair dye composition containing (A) a combination of 5,6-dihydroxyindole and 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid, (B) either one of (b1) ascorbic acid or salt thereof or (b2) sulfurous acid or salt thereof, and (C) an alkali agent and having a pH of from 8 to 11; and a method of selecting the kind of Component (B), thereby controlling a hair color upon dyeing the hair. |
| US07857859B2 |
Femur component for a hip joint prosthesis
The specified implant for use as a femur component in a hip joint prosthesis comprises a shaft, being intended for the implantation in a cavity of a proximal femur, a head section, for fastening a femoral head prosthesis and a femoral neck section, being arranged between the shaft and the head section. The femoral neck section comprises a femoral head axis and a contour in a cross-section perpendicular to the femoral neck axis, tapering in a V-shape or wedge-shape to medial and at least an anterior straight section and at least a posterior straight section, wherein the straight sections define the tapering. |
| US07857849B2 |
Artificial corneal implant
A material that can be applied as implants designed to artificially replace or augment the cornea, such as an artificial cornea, corneal onlay, or corneal inlay (intrastromal lens) is provided. The artificial corneal implant has a double network hydrogel with a first network interpenetrated with a second network. The first network and the second network are based on biocompatible polymers. At least one of the network polymers is based on a hydrophilic polymer. The artificial cornea or implant has epithelialization promoting biomolecules that are covalently linked to the surface of the double network hydrogel using an azide-active-ester chemical linker. Corneal epithelial cells or cornea-derived cells are adhered to the biomolecules. The double network has a physiologic diffusion coefficient to allow passage of nutrients to the adhered cells. |
| US07857847B2 |
One-piece heart prosthesis implantable in an anatomical position
One-piece heart prosthesis implantable in an anatomical position. According to the invention, the artificial left and right ventricles (2, 8) have general directions (14, 15) arranged in an asymmetrical V shape, such that said ventricles approach each other as they move away from the means (6, 12) of connection to the natural left and right auricles, and the individual hydraulic actuators (7, 13), associated respectively with said artificial left and light ventricles (2, 8), are arranged near each other, in proximity to said artificial left ventricle (2). |
| US07857846B2 |
Device and method for modifying the shape of a body organ
An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel. |
| US07857844B2 |
Atraumatic stent with reduced deployment force, method for making the same and method and apparatus for deploying and positioning the stent
An implantable stent includes a plurality of elongate wires braided to form a hollow tubular structure having a tubular wall to define an interior surface and an exterior surface and having opposed open first and second ends, wherein the opposed open first and second ends are atraumatic ends The atraumatic ends of the stent are desirably free of any loose wire ends. The wires include composite wires to enhance visibility of the wires to provide improved external imaging of the wires in the body. The elongate composite wires of the stent may be metallic wires having an outer metallic portion including a first metal, such as nitinol, and an inner metallic core portion including a second metal, which is a radiopaque material, such as gold, barium sulfate, ferritic particles, platinum, platinum-tungsten, palladium, platinum-iridium, rhodium, tantalum or combinations thereof. |
| US07857843B2 |
Differentially expanded vascular graft
A differentially expanded vascular graft for implantation within a body includes a PTFE tube formed of a homogeneous material. The PTFE tube has a longitudinal first portion which has been longitudinally expanded, and a longitudinal second portion which has been longitudinally expanded. The first and second portions have respective microstructures which are different from one another. A method and apparatus for making the differentially expanded vascular graft of the present invention facilitates the formation of the various expanded portions of the PTFE tube. |
| US07857842B2 |
Flat wire stent
The present invention concerns an improved stent in which the limbs have been fabricated from a medium having a cross sectional profile in which at least one segment is flat and straight, whereby the stent is provided with improved expansion characteristics. |
| US07857841B2 |
Multifunction warming device with an upper body convective apparatus
A multifunction warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus disposed to provide therapeutic warming of a patient's upper body during surgery. The warming device includes a clinical garment with an elongate convective apparatus supported on the inside of the garment, transversely to the garment, and running between its sleeves. The positioning of the convective apparatus in the clinical garment locates it against the chest of a patient wearing the garment and permits it to be deployed and used on the patient's upper body during and after surgery without removal of the clinical garment from the patient or removal of the convective apparatus from the clinical garment. |
| US07857840B2 |
Fastener assembly
An improved fastener apparatus includes an outer sleeve which is moved into a patient's body tissue. A distal end portion of the outer sleeve is expanded in the patient's body tissue. An inner sleeve is moved axially through the outer sleeve and a distal end of the inner sleeve is expanded in the patient's body tissue. The fastener apparatus may be provided with an external thread convolution on either or both of the inner and outer sleeves. During expansion of the distal end portion of either the inner or outer sleeve, a proximal end portion of the outer sleeve may be gripped and pulled to offset forces applied to the distal end portion of one of the sleeves. Although inner and outer sleeves may advantageously be utilized, the fastener apparatus may be constructed with only a single sleeve if desired. |
| US07857838B2 |
Anatomical distal radius fracture fixation plate
A fixation plate includes a set of threaded peg holes adapted to individually receive fixation pegs therethrough and non-threaded alignment holes having a relatively smaller diameter than the peg holes and preferably sized to closely receive a K-wire. The alignment holes are located between the peg holes. One peg hole is configured for aligning the plate during an osteotomy procedure, while other peg holes are configured for use after fracture reduction and receive K-wires to temporarily secure the plate to the bone and determine whether pegs inserted through adjacent respective peg holes will be properly located before drilling relatively larger holes for such pegs. |
| US07857831B2 |
Lip closing tool
A lip closing tool can be configured to encourage an infant or the like to close his/her mouth unconsciously and keep his/her mouth closed, thereby encouraging formation of a habit of nasal respiration. The lip closing tool can include a lip contact portion that is contacted by the outer surface of the lips during use, and a main body that is configured to be disposed inside the oral cavity during use. The main body can include a teeth contact portion that is disposed on the outer surface of the teeth during use and extends in a left-right direction. A thin lip contacting portion can connect the lip contact portion to the teeth contact portion and can be contacted by the upper and lower lips during use. The teeth contact portion can be formed entirely and integrally from a flexible material. Stimulation portions can be provided by enlarging the volume of the teeth contact portion near the end of right and left paths thereof. |
| US07857828B2 |
Clip applier and methods of use
An apparatus for delivering a closure element into an opening formed in a blood vessel or other body lumen and methods for manufacturing and using same. The apparatus is configured to retain the closure element such that the closure element is disposed substantially within the apparatus. The apparatus also can engage, and position the closure element substantially adjacent to, the blood vessel wall adjacent to the opening. During deployment of the closure element, the apparatus expands the closure element beyond a natural cross-section of the closure element such that the closure element, when deployed, is configured to engage a significant amount of the blood vessel wall and/or tissue. Engaging the blood vessel wall and/or tissue, the closure element is further configured to return to the natural cross-section, thereby drawing the engaged blood vessel wall and/or tissue substantially closed and/or sealed, such that hemostasis within the opening is enhanced. |
| US07857821B2 |
Surgical universal positioning block and tool guide
A positioning block (10) for use in total knee replacement surgery, permitting five degrees-of-freedom movement relative to a bone element (39) to which it is fixed. The positioning block (10) comprises a rotational mounting element (14) that is removably engaged to the bone element such that the mounting element (14) is selectively rotatable relative to the bone element, about three substantially perpendicular axes of rotation. A guide body portion (12) is engaged with the mounting element (14) such that it is translatable relative thereto along a proximal-distal axis (43) and an anterior-posterior axis (47), while being rotationally fixed relative to the mounting element (14) such that the guide body portion (12) and the mounting element (14) rotate together relative to the bone element (39). |
| US07857820B2 |
Sheath assembly for an access device and method therefor
Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems. |
| US07857814B2 |
Methods and apparatus for minimally invasive arthroplasty
A cutting tool for creating resected surfaces of bone during arthroplasty procedures has a single offset handle arm that presents a narrower effective width than a width of the cutting profile of the cutting tool along a longitudinal axis of the cutting profile. Preferably, the single offset handle arm creates a cutting tool with a generally L-shaped outline simultaneously accounting for soft tissue/incision geometry and bony geometry to accommodate both in facilitating ease of use and minimal displacement of soft tissue during cutting. The cutting tool can be snaked into position through an incision approximately the size of the width of the handle arm, instead of requiring an incision that is essentially the width of the cutting path of the cutting tool. In alternate embodiments, the cutting tool is a milling tool, a wireplasty cutting tool, a band saw or reciprocating cutting tool. |
| US07857812B2 |
Vessel sealer and divider having elongated knife stroke and safety for cutting mechanism
An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft affixed to the housing. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and a pair of jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly for moving one of the jaw members relative to the other jaw member. A movable handle is included which moves the jaw members from the open and closed positions. The forceps is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A trigger assembly is operatively disposed relative to the movable handle for selectively advancing a knife assembly for cutting tissue along the tissue seal. The trigger assembly includes a safety mechanism which operatively cooperates with the movable handle such that the trigger assembly automatically deploys from a retracted position when the movable handle is moved to the closed position. |
| US07857808B2 |
Ablation catheters
The present invention relates generally to multifunctional catheters for performing ablation procedures, and more particularly to ablation catheters utilized in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac disorders. The present invention eliminates many of the problems associated with previous ablation catheters by providing an ablation treatment not dependent upon continuous lesions. |
| US07857803B1 |
Burn patient resuscitation system and method
A method and system for operating a semi-closed loop and/or a closed loop resuscitation of a burn patient in view of patient information and other physiological data gathered as part of the method and/or by the system. The method in at least one embodiment includes receiving patient information, calculating an infusion rate based at least on part on a portion of the received patient information, outputting the infusion rate to an infusion pump, obtaining a urinary output, calculating a new infusion rate using infusion rate model based constants, and outputting the new infusion rate to an infusion pump. In some embodiments, the method includes notifying medical staff when problems arise, displaying information regarding the resuscitation, and setting limits regarding the infusion rates. |
| US07857801B2 |
Diaper having deployable chassis ears and stretch waistband
A disposable diaper including a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The chassis includes laterally opposing side flaps formed by laterally inwardly folded portions of the chassis and deployable chassis ears formed by other laterally inwardly folded portions of the chassis. Each chassis ear is held laterally inwardly folded until being released and unfolded laterally outward so as to project laterally outward beyond the adjacent side flap. An elastically extensible stretch waistband overlies portions of the laterally opposing chassis ears and extends laterally across the waist region between them. |
| US07857799B2 |
Absorbent article
A feminine hygiene device. The absorbent core can have a first compressibility in an unaltered state, wherein at least a portion of the absorbent core that is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core has a second compressibility in an altered state. The second compressibility can be greater than the first compressibility. The portion of the absorbent core having the second compressibility can be a portion of the absorbent core from which absorbent material has not been completely removed. The feminine hygiene device has an elastic member generally aligned with the core longitudinal axis and spanning at least a portion of the absorbent core that has a preferentially weakened zone of compression. A portion of the absorbent core that is generally aligned with the core longitudinal axis can comprise structural features selected from the group consisting of slits, corrugations, nodules, and tufts. |
| US07857796B2 |
Ostomy appliance having pressure applying member
An ostomy appliance is described in the form of a controlled discharge device for controlling discharge from the stoma and/or an ostomy pouch for collecting discharged waste. The appliance may include one or more of: an elastomeric stoma seal for providing a seal around or directly against the stoma; a stoma occluder for occluding the stoma without passing internally into the stoma; a peristomal foam wall; a confinement seal for confining at least solid excreta to a confinement region adjacent to the stoma; a stowable collector bag; and interchangeable controlled discharge devices and ostomy pouches. The foam wall may provide a barrier to stool, but allow escape of flatus. The foam wall and/or the stoma occluder and/or the confinement seal may apply a force in a direction to increase the sealing force on the stoma seal. |
| US07857795B2 |
Eyewash system
An eyewash system for dispensing an eyewash fluid is disclosed. The eyewash system comprises a dispensing assembly having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a valve configurable between an open position and a closed position. The eyewash system also comprises a first tank in communication with the inlet portion of the dispensing assembly, and a second tank in communication with the inlet portion of the dispensing assembly. The outlet portion is configured to dispense eyewash fluid from both the first tank and the second tank when the valve is configured in the open position. |
| US07857794B2 |
Handpiece tip
A tip for a surgical handpiece having two coaxial tubes or channels mounted within a body. The tip has one or more features that shape the fluid discharge so as to optimize the performance of the handpiece for varying parts of the surgical procedure. |
| US07857793B2 |
Luer cleaner
A luer cleaner (100) including a generally hollow body (112) having an open first end (104), a closed second end (106), and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. The first end (104) is sized to receive therein a luer connector (190) proximal end and includes a plurality of bristles (134) extending generally toward the longitudinal axis sufficiently to engage the outer surfaces of the luer proximal end disposed therein. The second end comprises a compressible reservoir (166) containing a fluid (168), wherein, when the second end is compressed, the fluid is transmitted from the reservoir toward the first end through passageways to wet the luer proximal end. A method for cleaning luer connectors is also disclosed. |
| US07857791B2 |
Medication dispensing apparatus with gear set having drive member accommodating opening
A medication dispensing apparatus having a gear set (62) to provide a mechanical advantage to the plunging of the apparatus plunger (64). The gear set has a first pinion (114) in meshed engagement with a rack (91) of the plunger, and a second pinion (126) in meshed engagement with a rack (80) of a drive member (68) of the apparatus. The gear set operatively interconnects the plunger and the drive member such that after the plunger is moved relative to the housing (30, 31) in proximal direction to prepare the apparatus for injection, the plunger, when distally moved, causes the drive member to advance in a distal direction to force medication through an outlet, typically provided with an injection needle (40), at the distal end (22) of the apparatus. An opening (130) through one of the pinions accommodates the drive member to allow for a compact apparatus. |
| US07857782B2 |
Ocular implant delivery system and method thereof
Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has a delivery instrument, with a non-linear axis, configured to be inserted into an anterior chamber of an eye and moved to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The delivery instrument carries an implant that has a distal end sized for insertion into tissue such that aqueous humor drains from the anterior chamber to the physiologic outflow pathway. One method involves inserting a non-linear portion of a delivery device into the anterior chamber to position an implant within the eye. Another method involves using a delivery device with a curved distal portion to implant an implant at a location communicating with the physiologic outflow pathway. The delivery can be through a corneal incision and the implant can comprise a drug. |
| US07857779B2 |
Traction device for use in surgery
A traction device for use in surgery is disclosed with the traction device being secured to one side of a surgical table. The traction device includes one or more traction lines which include a line-tensioning device at one end thereof and a connector at the other end thereof for attachment to the limb of a patient undergoing surgery. A tension meter is associated with each of the traction or lines with the tension meter being connected to a readout which indicates the tension or traction force being imposed in the traction line. The traction device may be used for patients undergoing shoulder surgery or other types of limb surgery. |
| US07857775B2 |
Method for soft tissue treatment
A method and system for non-invasive treatment of a soft tissue, such as adipose tissue, muscle tissue or connective tissue. The apparatus comprises an applicator configured to apply a pressure pulse to the skin surface having a negative pressure phase with respect to ambient pressure. The method comprises applying at least one pressure pulse to the skin surface overlying the soft tissue, where the pressure pulse has at least one negative pressure phase. |
| US07857774B2 |
Wearing-type motion assistance device and program for control
A motion assistance device has a biological signal detection means for detecting a biological signal from the wearer of the device; a motion assistance device installation member having a drive source for applying torque acting to the wearer by use of each joint of the wearer as a rotating shaft; a control means for controlling the drive source to generate torque corresponding to the biological signal detected by the biological signal detection mean; a drive torque estimation means for estimating the drive torque generated by the drive source; a joint angle detection means for detecting angular displacement of a joint; and a parameter identification means for substituting the drive torque estimated by the drive torque estimation means and the angular displacement detected by the joint angle detection means into an equation of motion to specify the wearer-specific dynamics parameter, the equation relating to the entire system and including wearer-specific dynamics parameter. The control means controls the drive source according to a predetermined control method, based on the equation of motion into which the dynamics parameter identified by the parameter identification means is substituted. |
| US07857772B2 |
Stride-monitoring device
A stride monitoring device that can be used particularly for sports applications and that includes a pair of shoes, one of which includes at least one magnetic mass, and the other includes at least a measurement device to make at least one measurement, and a processor for processing of the measurement. The measurement device includes at least one accelerometer and at least one magnetometer capable of outputting signals that can be processed to determine stride parameters. |
| US07857771B2 |
Method and system for the derivation of human gait characteristics and detecting falls passively from floor vibrations
The gait monitor system and method provides various basic gait parameters including step count, cadence, and step duration, in addition to its ability to distinguish between normal, limping and shuffling gait modes, as well as determine falls. Moreover, this gait monitor may be provided with additional sensors, e.g. beam break at the beginning and end of a corridor to estimate average walking velocity (with the distance between the beams known or determined); this enables the calculation of additional gait characteristics such as average step length and average stride length. These parameters can additionally be used to detect various gait anomalies and other diagnostic information. |
| US07857768B2 |
Integrated tail mounted blood pressure monitor and pulse oximeter system for animal research
An integrated tail mounted blood pressure monitor and pulse oximeter system includes a tail blood flow occlusion member configured to selectively occlude blood flow through the tail; a sensor coupled to the tail blood flow occlusion member detecting a degree of operation thereof; Light sources coupled to the tail closer to the distal end of the tail than the tail blood flow occlusion member, and selectively directing light of two different wavelengths into the tail; a light receiver coupled to the tail and selectively receiving a signal associated with light directed into the tail from the light sources; and a controller configured to selectively determine blood pressure parameters from the data and pulse oximeter parameters from the data. |
| US07857766B2 |
System of implantable ultrasonic emitters for preventing restenosis following a stent procedure
A system and method that minimizes plaque accumulation on a stent and thereby restenosis that could require a subsequent invasive medical procedure following implantation of the stent in a patient. A plurality of electrically-powered, biocompatible devices, implantable via injection, are positioned within the patient proximate to the stent and under control of a externally-placed controller are commanded to emit ultrasonic waves corresponding to the mechanical resonance of the stent. By controlling the frequency and the relative phases of the ultrasonic waves, the accumulation of plaque on the stent can thus be minimized. |
| US07857757B2 |
Endoscope with a flexible probe
An endoscope with a flexible, multi-lumen catheter probe 1, a grip 3 provided at the proximal end of the probe, a control element 13 attached to the distal end of the probe and movably guided in the axial direction on catheter probe 1, wherein the catheter probe 1 is to be connected non-rotatingly to the grip 3 by means of a releasable lock 2, the distal end of the optical lumen 4 has a transparent seal 5, and optical system 6 is displaceably disposed inside optic lumen 4 and can be removed from optic lumen 4. |
| US07857756B2 |
Architecture tool and methods of use
The invention provides an apparatus and methods for depositing materials on a substrate, and for performing other selected functions, such as material destruction and removal, temperature control, imaging, detection, therapy and positional and locational control. In various embodiments, the apparatus and methods are suitable for use in a tabletop setting, in vitro or in vivo. |
| US07857755B2 |
Medical instrument for endoscopic interventions
The invention relates to a medical instrument for endoscopic interventions having a hollow shaft and a handle that supports the shaft, and in which the handle contains at least one channel that continues in the hollow shaft. To produce a medical instrument that can be flexibly inserted and in addition can be well cleaned it is proposed with the invention that the handle can be removably secured on the shaft by means of a coupling mechanism. |
| US07857747B2 |
Device and method for treatment with magnetic fields
The invention relates to a device for treatment with magnetic fields, which provides an easily transportable and storable device for the treatment with magnetic fields, which is also convenient for patients and in particular is economical to produce. The device comprises: a first device for generation of a first magnetic field, a second device for generation of a second magnetic field and a support with an upper side and a lower side, whereby the support is embodied for applying the treated body regions of the patient thereto. |
| US07857746B2 |
System and method to reduce discomfort using nerve stimulation
A novel method and system for performing transcutaneous magnetic stimulation is disclosed herein. In the method, a first magnetic field is generated using a first magnetic stimulation device for transcutaneously stimulating a treatment area, and a second magnetic field for transcutaneously stimulating the treatment area is generated by a second magnetic stimulation device. In addition, a novel method and system for reducing discomfort caused by transcutaneous magnetic stimulation is disclosed herein. In the method, a first magnetic field is created at a first and second location using a first magnetic stimulation device. The first magnetic field causes magnetic stimulation at the first and second locations. A second magnetic field is created at the second location using a second magnetic stimulation device, thereby reducing stimulation at the second location. |
| US07857745B2 |
Method for function monitoring in medical accelerator systems
A method for function monitoring in medical accelerator systems, wherein at least one signal characterizing the operation of at least one medical accelerator, is acquired, digitized and deposited in digitized form in a data processing system to hold it for evaluation of the accelerator system. |
| US07857744B2 |
Blood processing apparatus with flared cell capture chamber and method
A cell separation set for separating blood components, having a cell separation chamber with a first entry section having a wall with an outwardly flared curve, the entry section having an axial length and an inmost maximum diameter perpendicular to the axial length, the axial length being greater than the inmost maximum diameter. The cell separation chamber further comprises a separation section having a wall comprising an inward curve. A transition section between the entry section and the separation section has a wall comprising a second inward curve, the second inward curve being different from said first inward curve. The first curve may be tangent to the second curve at a first junction between the first and second curves and the second curve may be tangent to the third curve at a second junction between the second and third curves. |
| US07857742B2 |
Hip training apparatus
A “hip training apparatus” comprises a chassis and a pair of pivotable treadles. At breech of deck cover on said chassis, one ramp is formed at each left and right side descending from central line outwards laterally such that one curved trough with curved track therein is configured at each ramp. Said pivotable treadle, whose front end of back side is set in the chassis, has a roller disposed at rear end of back side thereof. At front rim of chassis, a carrying handle is built on deck cover with an aperture and two lateral slits are configured thereon for having an elastic strap passed inside so that user can arbitrarily perform stretch and twist physical exercise with entire body in balance manner. Meanwhile, by adjusting wing nut acting on the elastic belt, the torsional tension of two pivotable treadles is arbitrarily altered. |
| US07857740B2 |
Bench platform with multiple functions
A bench platform assembly, which has a rectangular deck having a plurality of spaced apart holes therein for permitting the free passage therethrough of an elastic cord or tubing or rope; and a semicircular rocker assembly affixed to a central bottom portion of said deck. Two removable rectangular blocks allow the bench platform to become a fixed platform. |
| US07857739B2 |
Exercise frame
A floor plate is suitably sized to receive a wheelchair and also supports a base frame along rear and side edges. Prepositioned brackets on the floor plate secure the base frame using quick-connect fasteners. Opposite side portions of the base frame carry elevated, horizontal, tubular, side housings that telescope over elongated exercise bars. A fastener secures each exercise bar in a housing at a variably selected degree of insertion. An upright tube at the rear of the base frame has an open top forming a socket. An upright standard engages the socket and carries an overhead bar supporting a transverse crossbar over the center of the floor plate. The ends of the crossbar, the front ends of exercise bars, the front end of the floor plate, and various other locations on the base frame carry C-shaped attachments for clip-on resistance members. The attachments are sized to serve as handgrips. Casters on the rear edge of the floor plate are moved into ground-engaged positions with the upward tilting of the front of the floor plate, which is aided by the use of handgrip attachments on the front of the floor plate. Fasteners securing the base frame to all other components are quickly released for rapid disassembly of the exercise frame, enabling it to be transported by hand or by vehicle to a next site. |
| US07857738B2 |
Hip flexor
A hip flexor is a resistance training device used for training or rehabilitating the muscles and other body structures of the hip and thigh. The hip flexor comprises a frame with a hip actuator having an actuator arm which rotates about a pivot. One or more springs or other resistance devices provide resistance against a user's motion to train or rehabilitate the user's hip and thigh muscles. The position of the hip actuator and the amount of resistance, the variability of the resistance, or both may be adjusted as desired. During training, a user engages the actuator arm with his or her thigh and actuates the actuator arm against the resistance provided by the one or more springs. Training may be focused on various muscles of the thigh. |
| US07857737B1 |
Oscillating exercise device for shoulder and core strengthening
The disclosed device is an oscillating exercise device for strengthening of the muscles comprising the shoulder and the torso. The device is held in the user's hand and moved in an oscillating manner to simulate a sports specific movement or for muscle strengthening. The device is composed of a tube with internally threaded ends, detachable, threaded end caps, hinged clamshell handle, weight mass and elastic resistance bands. The end caps house springs that extend into the tube when screwed to the ends of the tube. The weight is of a diameter such that it may travel freely along the inner length of the tube, yet closely matched to the inner diameter of the tube such that significant air compression occurs in front of the moving weight. The generated air compression slows the velocity of the traveling weight and reduces the shock of the weight when it impacts the springs at the tube ends. An attachable handle allow for improved simulation of sports specific throwing motions. The elastic resistance bands attach to the tube by way of the clamping handle unit and provide directional resistance during sports related training exercises. |
| US07857734B2 |
Sports training system
A sports training system includes a supporting structure, a first moving element supported by the supporting structure so as to be moveable relative to the supporting structure along a first path, a second moving element supported by the first moving element so as to be moveable relative to the first moving element along a second path different from the first path, and a punching bag suspended below the first moving element by the second moving element. The punching bag is moveable to any point within an area defined by the first and second paths when a trainee strikes the punching bag, thereby mimicking movements of an opponent. One or more elastic elements can be attached between the punching bag and the supporting structure for returning the punching bag to a desired region within the area. |
| US07857731B2 |
Mobile systems and methods for health, exercise and competition
An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium preferably including the Internet that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system. A method for controlling an exercise apparatus includes running a modifiable script on a local computer to control the use and to monitor the operation of an exercise apparatus, and communicating with a remote system, preferably via the Internet, to provide the remote system with data concerning the use of the exercise apparatus. The script is stored in read/write memory of the local computer and remote system data received from the remote system may include at least a portion of a new script to be stored in the read/write memory of the local computer. |
| US07857730B2 |
Methods and apparatus for monitoring and encouraging health and fitness
Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and encouraging health and fitness. In accordance with a first aspect, an apparatus is provided that is adapted to assist in weight loss and exercise. The apparatus comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA) having computer program code adapted to assist in at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. The PDA also includes computer program code adapted to display historical data regarding at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. Numerous other embodiments are provided, as are methods, systems and computer program products. |
| US07857729B2 |
Automated striking and blocking trainer with quantitative feedback
An automated striking and blocking trainer is disclosed. In some embodiments, the trainer includes the following: a frame; a striking body joined with the frame, the punching bag including one or more strike zone assemblies, the strike zone assemblies each having a light indicator and a striking force sensor; an arm assembly joined with the frame, the arm assembly including one or more arms, each of the one or more arms including a voltage differential sensor and a motion indicator in the form of an electrical motor, wherein the voltage differential between the power being used by the electrical motor when the one or more arms are not struck and when the one or more arms are struck is used to determine a torque of the one or more arms and an input force of a blocking strike; and a head assembly including a processor unit and a display. |
| US07857718B2 |
GolfDiscney: GolfDiscney World, the Triple Star GolfDiscney World and SanXing GolfDiscney World for Triple-Star Golf, SanXing Golf of GolfRing, GolfDisc, GolfBall and Golfrisbee, RingBall Golf
The Golf Discney World or GolfDiscney World is the combinatory hot topic on golfdisc, ancient China mystery, SanXingDui heritage and Eastern Olympics, YanYun. The GolfDiscney World has the versatile Golfing activities. The GolfDiscney World goes through the mysterious China history to find out the ancient 5000 years golf history. It has the SanXing Golf which is reconstructed from the heritage of SanXingDui 3500 years ago. GolfDiscney has the GolfDiscney movie going through the 5000 years timing channel of the Oriental Grand Ming, Oriental Dark Ages, Oriental Renaissance and Oriental Olympics, YanYun Sports. The GolfDisney has the parade of the oriental YanYun Torch team and the ancient golf which are discovered from the SanXingDui heritage. The ancient golf are the YuanShi golf, 7-Sun golf and the GaoShang golf. Furthermore, the GolfDiscney has the modem RingDiscBall golf, ball golf, disc golf, golfrisbee, golfishing, and golfrisbee lifesaving, etc. |
| US07857716B2 |
Golf ball
In a golf ball, the surface of the core layer has a predetermined number of depressions, and the depressions have a predetermined total volume. By means of the aforesaid structural design, the spin rate of the golf ball is effectively controlled, and the golf ball has the advantages of simple design and high productivity. |
| US07857714B2 |
Negative hardness gradient inner core for dual core golf ball
A golf ball includes an inner core having a first outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a first substantially homogenous composition such that the inner core has a hardness of about 60 Shore C to about 90 Shore C; an intermediate layer disposed about the inner core and being formed from a second substantially homogenous rubber-based composition such that the outer core layer has a hardness of about 20 Shore D to about 80 Shore D; and a cover layer disposed about the intermediate layer. A hardness of the first outer surface is 61 Shore C to 83 Shore C and is lower than a hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient having a magnitude of up to −10. |
| US07857707B2 |
Golf club
A golf club which helps master a proper swing path is provided. A golf club includes a hollow shaft; a club head at a tip portion of the shaft; a grip at a base end portion of the shaft; and a balance-shifting unit which increases a swing balance of the golf club. The balance-shifting unit includes a partitioning portion which divides an inside space of the shaft into a first portion on the base end portion side and a second portion on the tip portion side; and a balancing material. The partitioning portion includes a first shifter portion which allows the balancing material held in the first portion to move to the second portion side in association with a swing; and a second shifter portion which allows the balancing material on the second portion side to return to the first portion. The golf club further includes a balance holder. |
| US07857696B2 |
System and method of pausing and restarting wagering games
A system and method permit pausing/saving a game and restarting/restoring a game. In one embodiment, a player may pause a wagering game and then restart or restore that game at a later time and at the same or a different gaming machine. Game state information may be stored on a machine readable medium and then later read from that medium. Alternatively, game state information may be stored remotely from a gaming machine, such as at a remote server. The remotely stored information may be identified by information associated with a machine readable medium issued to the player or other information provided by the player. |
| US07857694B2 |
Gaming machine, method and computer program for controlling the same, and computer-readable storage medium having the program stored therein
A display includes a plurality of display areas connected with each other, each operable to variably and stationarily display one kind of plural hexagonal indicium. A controller determines a win occurrence, in a case where an identical kind of indicium are stationarily displayed on at least two of the display areas which are adjacently arranged on the display. |
| US07857691B2 |
Entertainment system and method of operation thereof
An entertainment system (1) comprises a gaming server (2), a player station (3) operable by a player to display a simulation of a multi-stage accumulator game having a boxing theme, and a communication network (4) providing communication between the gaming server (2) and the player station (3). The gaming server (2) operates under stored program control to regulate the progress of the game and to determine an outcome thereof. The player places a wager on the outcome of the game, which is either a successful outcome in which the player wins a prize, and an unsuccessful outcome in which the player forfeits the wager. The prize may either be collected by the player or carried over as a wager for a succeeding stage of the multi-stage accumulator game. |
| US07857685B2 |
Apparatus and method for preparing food
An apparatus and method for selectively or contemporaneously tenderizing and marinating meats or other desired food items, wherein implementation of the present method entails application of a sealable apparatus having a mechanical tenderizing assembly incorporated therein, thus permitting the sequestration and containment of raw meat juices, meat particulate, and/or marinade therewithin during the tenderizing process, thereby eliminating leakage and/or splatter of same, and reducing or eliminating associated bacterial proliferation and contamination of surrounding surfaces or food items. |
| US07857682B2 |
Process of and device for machining ball hubs
A process machining inner joint parts (11) of constant velocity universal ball joints, which inner joint parts (11) comprise a longitudinal axis (A) and at least one guiding face by which the inner joint part (11) is continuously angularly movably guided in a ball cage, and which comprise a plurality of ball tracks (12) which are distributed around the circumference of the guiding face and which divide the guiding face into a corresponding plurality of guiding webs (13) and in which torque transmitting balls can be held so as to be longitudinally displaceable. One ball track (12) and at least one guiding web (13) are machined simultaneously. |
| US07857681B2 |
Automatic rotation knife sharpener
The present invention is directed to an automatic rotation knife sharpener where the crossed sharpening rods are automatically rotated each time a knife is passed down and through the sharpener. The rotation is derived through the means of a spring steel actuator mechanism making contact with the cogwheels of the sharpening rod holders. Magnets retain the sharpening rods in place within the sharpening rod holders. Sharpening rods may be easily removed and stored in troughs on the upper surface of the protective cover. A variety of sharpening rods with different abrasive surfaces can be easily exchanged in the device. |
| US07857678B2 |
Toy with customization feature
A toy is provided comprising a plush figure with a hole passing through a body part thereof, and an accessory for removable attachment to the figure, for customizing the toy. |
| US07857677B2 |
Infant apparatus actuated by sucking
An apparatus for sensing onset, offset, duration, frequency, and intensity of infant sucking and creating electrical signals which actuate a stimulus producing device in direct response to the infant sucking. |
| US07857674B2 |
Bonding member bonding method and method for manufacturing image display apparatus
A bonding member, which can achieve a sufficient degree of vacuum without forming a gap caused by air bubbles that have been released out through the surface of the bonding member, a bonding method, an image display apparatus, and a manufacturing method therefor. The bonding member 92 of a strip has a first portion 92a and a second portion 92b. The first portion 92a has a uniform thickness t1. The second portion 92b has a smaller thickness t2 than the thickness t1 of the first portion 92a and constitutes a side plane of the bonding member 92. The second portion 92b also has a shape such that a convexity and a concavity alternate along a longitudinal direction of the bonding member 92. |
| US07857673B2 |
Display device, apparatus for producing display device, and method for producing display device
A display device free from a deterioration in luminescence efficiency is provided. In the display device of the present invention, since an inorganic film is formed after concave parts in which luminescence portions are positioned are filled with a filling film, no crack is formed in the inorganic film. Since the inorganic film is made of a material having high gas tightness and heat conductivity (such as, diamond-like carbon or AlN), water and oxygen will hardly penetrate the luminescence portions, and heat of the luminescence portions will be conducted to the inorganic film, so that the luminescence portions do not reach high temperatures. Further, since a gap between first and second panels is filled with a resin film, the atmosphere does not enter from the outside. Because the luminescence portions are free from damage from water, oxygen and heat, the display device of the present invention has a prolonged life. |
| US07857665B2 |
Electrical connector with improved contact arrangement
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a set of first contacts retained in the insulative housing and a metal shell. The insulative housing includes a tongue plate with a plurality of first passageways defined thereon. The first contacts include first contacting sections received in the first passageways, first bending sections and first tail sections. The first bending sections include a plurality of first offset sections and at least one second offset section. A first slope of each first offset section is of negative number while a second slope of the second offset section is of positive number so that a space between each adjacent two first tail sections is much larger than that of the corresponding first contacting sections for easily soldering of the first tail sections. |
| US07857663B2 |
Connector assemblies, combinations and methods for use with foil-shielded twisted pair cables
Connector assemblies, combinations and methods for use in wiring/cabling applications are disclosed. Connector assemblies include openings that facilitate interaction between plugs and cables, particularly foil-shielded twisted pair (FTP) cables. Connector assembly sub-components and connector sub-assemblies are also disclosed. Connector assemblies and sub-assemblies include securely joined sub-components. Sub-components are secured to one another through the use of deflectable latching members of one sub-component engaging corresponding latching slots of another sub-component. Sub-components and sub-assemblies are secured to one another through the use of a cam nut engaged into a slot of a sub-component. Connector assemblies, combinations and methods including a cylindrical contact capable of engaging an FTP cable, drain wire and metal foil or sheath through the application of a cam nut are also disclosed. |
| US07857660B2 |
Watt hour meter socket adapter with current transformer housing structure
A meter socket adapter includes an insulating housing that is connected to a power circuit on one side by bus bars and connected to a watt-hour meter on the other side by jaw contacts. The housing includes insulating compartments for current transformers through which the bus bars extend. Current transformers extend around the bus bars and are housed in individual compartments in the current transformer housing. Transformed current is directed to the jaw contacts for metering with the watt-hour meter. The bus bars include an insulating layer there on, reducing the need for insulation around the secondary of the current transformers. The current transformers are then significantly smaller and fit within a K-Base meter socket. The adapter housings define a cavity with separate dielectric plates between the bus bars and the jaw contacts. The adapter conveniently allows for self-contained meters to be used in high current installations. |
| US07857657B2 |
Multicore cable connector having an alignment plate with a cable receiving portion on one side and a substrate receiving portion on the other side
To provide a multicore cable connector in which alignment of signal lines of a cable and soldering of the signal lines to a wiring pattern of a substrate are facilitated, and impedance mismatch on the substrate is minimized. A multicore cable connector 1 includes a cable fixing member 2, an aggregate cable 3 accommodated in cable fixing member 2, an aligning plate 4 for aligning signal lines 312 included in aggregate cable 3, and a substrate 5 formed with a wiring pattern 53 conductively connected to signal lines 312 of aggregate cable 3. |
| US07857645B2 |
Connector arrangement for a medium-conducting, electrically-heatable hose
A connector arrangement connects an electrically-heatable hose to a piece of equipment. The connector arrangement is configured as a plug connection wherein the hose has a first plug connector which can be plugged into a mating second plug connector mounted on the piece of equipment. The hose has at least one heater lead embedded in the hose and the heater lead has an end segment brought out of the hose for fitting with the first plug connector. The first plug connector includes a body having an annular housing region defining an end. A connector stub is arranged on the end for receiving an end portion of the hose thereon. An annular receptacle is pushed onto the annular housing region and has a surface and a helical slot formed in the surface. The end segment of the heater lead is helically placed in the helical slot so as to spirally cover over the annular housing region. |
| US07857634B2 |
Socket connector having positioning members severing as poisoning members for electronic device
A socket connector for receiving an electronic device includes an insulative housing having a base and a pair of sidewalls located at opposite sides of the base, a plurality of contacts retained in the base, and at least one positioning member attached to the sidewall. The base and the sidewalls jointly define a receiving space for the electronic device. The positioning member includes a soldering section capable of being soldered onto a printed circuit board on which the insulative housing is mounted, and a positioning section protruding into the receiving space and capable of positioning the electronic device. |
| US07857633B2 |
Contact and electrical connector
A contact includes a substantially rectangular base plate. A linking member extends from the base plate such that the linking member is perpendicular thereto. A first elastic contact arm extends obliquely upward from a tip end of the linking member. The first elastic contact arm has a contact member for electrically connecting the first elastic contact arm to an integrated circuit socket. A second elastic contact arm extends obliquely downward from a tip end of the linking member. The second elastic contact arm has a contact member for electrically connecting the second elastic contact arm to a circuit board. |
| US07857632B2 |
Power connector
The electrical connector has an insulative housing and a number of contacts embedded in the housing and distributed in rows and columns. Each of the contact has a pair of contacting arms with a contacting portion thereon for electrically connecting with a pad of the electronic package. The contacting portions of the contacts are arranged in a pattern of contact portions of two adjacent contacts in same row can engage with a same pad on the electronic package when the electrical connector is coupled with the electronic package, such that the contacts of the row are coupled with each other in series. By way above mentioned, pitch between two adjacent contacts can be reduced and a high density of the contacts can be achieved. |
| US07857630B2 |
Printed circuit board mounted connector housing shielded cables
Connector for high-speed two-wire link, able to be mounted directly on a printed circuit. The connector comprises two parallel pins, an insulating insert in which the pins are mounted, a metal casing associated with mounting means for the fixing thereof onto a printed circuit and two shielded linking cables, each linked to a pin. |
| US07857618B2 |
Orthodontic bracket including mechanism for reducing slot width for early torque control
Orthodontic brackets include a bracket base, at least one arch wire slot formed in the base adapted to receive an arch wire therein, and a moveable structure for selectively narrowing the width of at least a portion of the arch wire slot so as to allow for engagement of an undersized arch wire having a width less than the slot width. The moveable structure for selectively narrowing the width of the arch wire slot may be defined by one or more spaced apart cuts disposed in at least one side wall defining the arch wire slot so as to define a bendable portion of the sidewall. |
| US07857615B2 |
Injection mold having a buffer region
An injection mold has a plurality of cavities and a runner system for injecting material into the cavities. The runner system includes a main-runner and a sub-runner. The sub-runner interconnects the main-runner and the cavities. The sub-runner includes a first runner and a pair of second runners. The first runner connects the main-runner, and the second runners respectively connects ends of the first runner. A buffer rejoin is formed around a joint of the first runner and each second runner for mixing material when the material flows from the first runner into the second runners to make the material have a symmetric speed distribution in the second runners. |
| US07857611B2 |
Imprinting device and imprinting method
After a transfer material was hardened in a situation an imprint mold which has a concave part pattern is forced against the liquid transfer material, a replica which has a convex part pattern corresponding to the concave part pattern by releasing the imprint mold. A pressurization mechanism and a vacuum pump are set, regarding depth K of the concave part pattern of the imprint mold, height k of the convex part pattern of the transfer material, effective pressure Mo while the imprint mold is forced, pressure P in the space, with satisfying: Mo/P≧k/(K−k). With this arrangement, even if air comes inside of the concave part pattern of the imprint mold and is stuffed in the inside, it is possible to have transcription with no problem. |
| US07857607B2 |
Rotary lobe pump
A rotary lobe pump comprises a pump body having a driving means and an outer casing, and an insert that can be replaced. The replaceable insert comprises a housing formed of a plastic material and having an inlet port, an outlet port and internal surfaces defining a pumping chamber. The replaceable insert also includes a pair of lobed rotors arranged for rotation within the pumping chamber. The housing includes apertures through which the lobed rotors may be rotationally driven, so that the lobed rotors mesh together for pumping a fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port. |
| US07857602B2 |
Muffler installation structure for compressor
A muffler installation structure for compressors includes an end plate member fitted to an opening end of a cylinder body, a cup-shaped muffler fitted to the end plate member, and a fixing member for fixing the muffler to the end plate member. At places near the fixing member, an inner peripheral surface of a peripheral wall of the muffler and an outer peripheral surface of a body portion of the end plate member are clearance-fitted to each other. At places distant from the fixing member, on the other hand, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the muffler and the outer peripheral surface of the body portion of the end plate member are close-fitted. |
| US07857601B2 |
Variable displacement compressor
A variable displacement compressor comprising a displacement control valve disposed somewhere in a discharge pressure supply passageway capable of communicating with a crank chamber from a discharge chamber, and a fixed orifice disposed somewhere in a pressure relief passageway communicating with a suction chamber from the crank chamber, the displacement control valve being controlled in opening/closing operation to adjust a pressure in the crank chamber to control a piston stroke, wherein a part of the discharge pressure supply passageway and a part of the pressure relief passageway are formed as a common passageway communicating with a crank chamber end. Variable displacement control at a high reliability is possible with no foreign matter accumulation in the displacement control passageway, and the processing of a cylinder block is simplified. |
| US07857599B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming wind turbine machines
A wind turbine includes a nacelle connected to a unitary tube bedplate. |
| US07857592B2 |
Quick install blade arms for ceiling fans
Quick attachable and detachable mounting arms for ceiling fans. A first version has flat headed fasteners initially attached to one end of mounting arms, with key-hole slots in the endshield of the ceiling fan motor. The user raises the mounting arm so that the flat headed fasteners fits through the larger openings in the keyhole slots and then pulls the mounting arm outward until the arm locks in place by the smaller opening portions of the keyhole slots. Rubber type gaskets and washers help lock and hold the mounting arms in place. The flat headed fasteners can also be located on the endshields with the keyhole slots on mounting arms. A second embodiment includes inwardly deformable springably snapable fasteners that can be located on the ends of the mounting arms which can deform inwardly and expand after passing through slots on the endshield of the rotor. Alternatively, the fasteners can be located on the bottom of the endshield with the receiving slots on the ends of the mounting arms. The different versions can include guide posts for allowing only one single fastener to be needed. A third embodiment allows the inwardly bendable snapable fasteners to be removable with screws. |
| US07857589B1 |
Turbine airfoil with near-wall cooling
A turbine airfoil having a mini-serpentine flow cooling circuit on the leading edge portion to provide both convective and film cooling for the leading edge portion. The mini-serpentine flow cooling circuits are formed as separate modules, each module including a three-pass or a five-pass serpentine flow circuit with the first leg on one side of the leading edge and the last leg on the other side of the leading edge such that the middle leg of the serpentine flow circuit for each module is located along the stagnation line of the airfoil. Film cooling holes discharge cooling air from each leg onto the airfoil surface. Each module includes a metering and impingement hole located on the bottom of the first leg to individually meter cooling air from the cooling supply cavity. |
| US07857587B2 |
Turbine blades and turbine blade cooling systems and methods
A turbine blade with improved tip cooling includes an airfoil having a tip cap and a tip wall extending outwardly from the tip cap. A recessed portion of the tip wall forms a tip shelf. At least one tip shelf hole extends through the tip shelf in flow communication with an internal airfoil cooling circuit. At least one tip wall opening extends through the recessed portion of the tip wall radially outward of the tip shelf in flow communication with the internal cooling circuit. The recessed tip wall portion may be tapered from a wider base to a minimum thickness. In a cooling method, cooling air channeled through the tip wall openings joins and mixes with a stream of hot combustion gases downstream of where cooling air channeled through the tip shelf openings joins and mixes with the stream of hot gasses to enhance convection cooling of the blade tip. A system for cooling a blade includes at least one tip shelf hole and at least one tip wall opening for channeling cooling air from an internal cooling circuit toward a stream of hot combustion gases for improved cooling of at least the blade tip. |
| US07857583B2 |
Base design of cooling structure
The present invention relates to a base design of cooling structure, which includes a base, and a shaft tube disposed on the base to support a spindle of an impeller to rotate therein. The base has at least a groove and the groove is located beyond an outer diameter; the groove design can be employed to effectively prevent the issue of contraction stress caused by difference of cooling time of temperature and to prevent a slanted shaft tube for supporting a stable operation of the spindle of the impeller, thereby avoiding the resulting run-out and noise, making vibration and noise test values of the product comply with a standard value range, reducing the defective rate of the product and prolonging the product lifespan. |
| US07857582B2 |
Abradable labyrinth tooth seal
A seal assembly (52, 54) for a gas turbine engine (10). The seal assembly (52, 54) includes a first seal member (40) including an abradable structure having at least first and second seal portions (58, 64) radially spaced from each other, and a second seal member (44) including first and second seal surfaces (56, 62) located in facing relationship to the first and second seal portions (58, 64), respectively. The first seal member (40) is formed of a honeycomb structure, and the first seal portion (58) of the first seal member (40) is a thin fin-like structure having a width in the axial direction of the turbine engine (10) that is less than the width of the second seal portion (64) in the axial direction. |
| US07857579B2 |
Sealing element for use in a fluid-flow machine
A sealing element for sealing a component gap with respect to a flow, in particular for use in a fluid-flow machine, specifically in a turbomachine is provided. In addition a fluid-flow machine is provided including such a sealing element for sealing a component gap. The sealing element includes a hollow profile enclosing a cavity. Arranged in the hollow profile are a first opening and a second opening, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the hollow profile. The first opening is formed as an inlet opening for a cooling fluid into the cavity of the hollow profile, the second opening is formed as an outlet opening for the cooling fluid from the cavity of the hollow profile. With the sealing element arranged in a fluid-flow machine, the sealing element can consequently be internally cooled by means of the cooling fluid. Furthermore, the sealing element uses the pressure gradient occurring in the flow in the direction of flow to form a stable cooling fluid flow. |
| US07857575B2 |
Stacker
A stacker (1) for storing a plurality of microplates each having a top surface side and a bottom surface side opposed to the top surface side, comprises a housing and a removal gate (13) for removing a microplate of the plurality of microplates out of the housing. The stacker (1) is arranged to accommodate the plurality of microplates inside the housing such that the top surface side of one microplate of the plurality of microplates abuts on the bottom surface side of an adjacent microplate of the plurality of microplates and such that the housing adjoins to the plurality of microplates. Using such a stacker 1, the plurality of microplates can be arranged and stored in a compact manner wherein the single microplates of the plurality of microplates can still selectively and efficiently be accessed. Further, due to the controlled access to the plurality of microplates being arranged inside the housing of the described stacker 1 via the removal gate 13, icing of the microplates can be minimized when the stacker is cooled for long term storage of samples arranged inside the microplates. |
| US07857572B1 |
Load moving system
A load moving system includes a pair of lifting assemblies. The assemblies are positioned on opposite sides of a load to be carried. Each of the assemblies includes a plate. A vertical wall is attached to the plate and the plate extends forward from a bottom edge of the vertical wall. The plate is extendable under the load and the vertical wall is positionable against the load. An upper wall is attached to an upper portion of the vertical wall and extends rearward of the vertical wall. A pair of wheel assemblies is provided. Each of the wheel assemblies is positioned below and is rotatably coupled to the upper wall. A pair of support posts is attached to and extends upwardly from the upper wall. A coupling assembly releasably couples the support posts to the load. |
| US07857568B2 |
System and methods for preparing edges of sheets to be bound in a text body
A method is disclosed of preparing edges of sheets to be bound in a text body. The method includes cutting a printed sheet along a straight line passing through the center of the sheet using an irregular cutting edge having an irregularity selected to form cut sheets with a rough edge having a roughness that is a function of desired adhesive wicking; and aligning the cut sheets on top of each other with the rough edges adjacent one another. |
| US07857566B2 |
Reactive fasteners
Several embodiments of reactive biasing fasteners are described. The fasteners are utilized in place of jam nuts and Belleville washers providing for the storage of a pre-load and effectively providing a locking function to prevent unintended loosening of an associated bolt. The embodiments resiliently deform under load to store pre-load or live load energy. Further, the fasteners provide a means for interfacing with a self-reacting tightening power tool thereby eliminating or minimizing the need for reaction arms. Additionally, several embodiments through the incorporation of a threaded bore effectively act to create a substantially torsionless live load on the portion of a bolt located in the bolt hole of a workpiece when in use. The resilient deformation of the biasing fasteners permits the live load to be stored therein and accordingly lessens the risk of loosening of the bolted joint due to exteriorly applied forces such as but not limited to vibration and thermal expansion and contraction. |
| US07857565B2 |
Compensator bushing assembly for fasteners with location variability
In an exemplary, non-limiting bushing assembly, a first bushing defines a first opening therethrough. The first opening has a first dimension along a first axis that is sized to receive a fastener therethrough. The first opening has a second dimension along a second axis, and the second dimension is larger than the first dimension. A second bushing defines a second opening therethrough that is sized to receive a fastener therein. Means are provided for engaging the first and second bushings. |
| US07857564B2 |
Expansion dowel
An expansion dowel includes an anchor bolt (12) having a load application element (16) at a first end region (14) of the anchor bolt (12), and an expansion part (17) at a second free end region (15) of the anchor bolt (12), and an expansion sleeve (21) having an inner profile (22) with a region (23) having a surface roughness increasing in the direction of the first end region (14) of the anchor bolt (12), with the expansion part (17) having a conical section (18) widening toward the second free end region (15) of the anchor bolt (12) for expanding the expansion sleeve (18). |
| US07857563B2 |
Mechanically locked blind bolt fastener
The present invention provides a blind bolt fastener having a core bolt. The core bolt has a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion engaging a deformable sleeve and a body. A protrusion extends from the sleeve or the body to engage a groove in the core bolt to prevent axial movement of the core bolt with respect to the body and the sleeve. An optional drive nut is positioned between a head of the body and wrenching flats of the core bolt. The drive nut has protrusions engaging mating members in the head of the body. |
| US07857557B2 |
Combination tool and method for metal-cutting machining of a drill-hole and its hole surface as well as cutting insert for such a combination tool
A combination tool and method for metal-cutting machining of a drill-hole and its hole surface as well as cutting insert for such a combination tool. |
| US07857556B1 |
Multi-function drill press system
A drill press has a bit, a base and a support shaft with a lower end supported by the base and an upper end supporting the housing. A lower plate with a connector coupled between the lower plate and the support shaft varies the angular attitude of lower plate with respect to the bit. An upper plate with threaded apertures, recesses, blocks and bolts secures the upper plate in preselected planar positions with respect to the lower plate. Aligned central apertures in the plates with a pivot pin provide a plurality of preselected rotational orientations of the upper plate with respect to the lower plate. |
| US07857555B2 |
Indexable cutting bit and cutting bit holder
A double-sided indexable cutting bit has the basic shape of a prism with cutting edges along a part of the intersection lines of the peripherally extending faces with the upper and lower faces and no cutting edges at another part of the intersection lines of side faces with the upper and lower faces. An indexable bit holder has a first support face for supporting an indexable cutting bit. In respect of the indexable cutting bit, in plan view on to the upper or lower face, at least a part of the side faces respectively has at least one respective concave recess that is adapted to receive a support element. In respect of the indexable bit holder, two support elements extend from oppositely disposed portions of the support face substantially perpendicularly to the first support face, which support elements define respective further second and third support faces that are perpendicular to the first support face and that face towards each other. |
| US07857547B1 |
Drain panels and blocks
A gravelless drainfield and drain panel product for all legal gravity and pressure dosed drain configurations for trenches, beds, mounds and elevated systems and foundation and other drain panel applications. The product allows for appropriate reduction in drainfield sizing. Individual pieces of expanded polymer aggregate with three or more fingers are connected where they touch to form a variety of rigid porous panels and blocks of randomly disposed, interconnected, high-surface-area, high-void space elements of light weight expanded polymer material. For the drainfield product, a main pipe for gravity, low-pressure dosing, or drip irrigation receives a flow of liquid in the form of wastewater effluent, gray water, irrigation water or run-off and is held in place by a positioner. A drain panel may be placed against a structure for structural drainage. |
| US07857546B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling drainage and irrigation of fields
A method of and apparatus for controlling drainage/irrigation of a field includes laying out a network of spaced, interconnected water level-responsive valves coupled to drainage tiles, which typically may include a main line and a number of lateral lines, extending from higher elevations to lower elevations and exiting through a manually controlled main valve to a drainage ditch. When the water level adjacent a valve is below a predetermined level, the valve is open allowing water to flow down to the lowest level. As the ambient water level in the soil rises, the valve's float also rises, causing the valve to close when the water reaches a predetermined level and producing a “terracing” effect wherein the rising water is sequentially stored at increasingly higher elevations for irrigating these elevated areas. Overflow conduits associated with each valve allow water to discharge into the drainage ditch when the sub-surface water level is too high. |
| US07857544B2 |
Extension plate for a compactor
An extension plate for use in a compactor includes an elongate body extending between a first surface configured to be coupled to the compactor frame and a second surface configured to be coupled to a support of the compactor. The first surface includes a first opening aligning with an opening into an interior of the compactor. A second opening in at least one of the elongate body or the second surface communicates with the first opening to allow passage of a hose through the extension plate and through the opening in the frame into the interior space. |
| US07857543B2 |
Traffic installation
The invention relates to a traffic installation having at least two traffic routes arranged one above the other, which each comprise at least one traffic area, which traffic area is completely enclosed at least over a certain length, the enclosure having at least one transparent element allowing a view out of the enclosure. |
| US07857540B2 |
Connection systems for reinforcement mesh
A connecting system for connecting first and second mesh sheets each defining a plurality of longitudinal members at least one pin housing, a first pin member, and a second pin member. A first loop portion is formed on at least one of the plurality of longitudinal members of the first mesh sheet. A second loop portion is formed on at least one of the plurality of longitudinal members of the second mesh sheet. At least one pin housing defines a loop passageway, and the first and second loop portions extend in opposite directions through the loop passageway. The first pin member is arranged between the first loop portion and the at least one pin housing. The second pin member is arranged between the second loop portion and the at least one pin housing. Loads that displace the first and second mesh sheets away from each other are transferred between the mesh sheets by the pin housing and the first and second pin members. |
| US07857533B2 |
Method of judgement of ink ribbon jamming
Magnetic force lines 51 are generated in the direction from a first limited portion 52 of an inside peripheral face 50a of a ribbon-delivering cylindrical core 50 toward an opposing second limited portion 54. A first magnet is fixed at the first limited portion: a second magnet is fixed at the opposing second limited portion. With the ink ribbon cassette 40 set in a main body of a printer 10, a magnetic sensor 24 takes the position in the middle of the inside of the ribbon-delivery core 50, and detects the magnetic force line 51. |
| US07857525B2 |
Optical connector
An optical connector according to the present invention comprises a ferrule and a V-groove board connected to the ferrule, wherein a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber being butt jointed in a V-groove formed in the V-groove board so as to be interconnected; the second optical fiber is connected to the first optical fiber through a refractive index matching material of cross-link curing type applied to an end surface on the V-groove board side of the first optical fiber; and spaces are provided in the V-groove so as to relax stress loaded on the refractive index matching material of cross-link curing type. |
| US07857524B2 |
Plug for an optical plug-in connection
Plug part (1, 2) for an optical plug connection for connecting optical waveguides (3) with one another, with the plug part (1, 2) having at least one pivotable closure flap (4) and a housing (5) and at least one optical waveguide (3) arranged inside the housing (5); and at least a sliding part (6) fitted on the housing (5), particularly inside the housing (5), displaceable especially linearly relative to the housing (5); with the sliding part (6) having at least one outlet (7) and the Plug part (1, 2) having at least one actuating element (8) to pivot the closure flap (4), with the actuating element (8) pivoting the closure flap (4) during the sliding of the sliding part (6); with the outlet (7) in the sliding part (6) closed, preferably completely, in at least one closed position of the closure flap (4) by the closure flap (4). |
| US07857522B2 |
Rolling mill oil film bearing
An oil film bearing assembly rotatably supports the neck of a roll in a rolling mill. The bearing assembly comprises a housing containing a sleeve bearing and a thrust bearing. A circular lock assembly coacts with the thrust bearing to axially retain the bearing assembly on the roll neck. The lock assembly is axially received on and is rotatable into and out of mechanical interengagement with the roll neck. First bearing elements are carried by and project inwardly from the lock assembly to contact a surface of the roll neck at a first location, and second bearing elements project inwardly from the housing to contact an outer surface of the lock assembly at a second location spaced axially from the first location. |
| US07857517B1 |
Connecting rod bearing housing
A connecting rod bearing housing includes an attaching portion and a retaining portion releasably joined together. The attaching portion and the retaining portion are each provided with a pair of alignment bores respectively located on opposite sides of the transverse passageway. The alignment bores are registered with one another and partially intersect the transverse passageway. An alignment washer is held within each pair of registered, alignment bores and projects into the transverse passageway. A sleeve-like bearing is positioned within the transverse passageway and has notches for snugly receiving the alignment washers. The washers prevent the rotation of the bearing within the housing. |
| US07857516B2 |
Hydrodynamic bearing with bearing surface having branched grooves
A hydrodynamic bearing (300) has a bearing surface adapted for receiving a shaft to rotate thereon. The bearing surface has a plurality of grooves (34) defined therein. The grooves are used for generating hydrodynamic pressure. A depth of each of the grooves is changed in a sloping trend along the extension direction of the groove. |
| US07857510B2 |
Temperature sensing circuit
A temperature sensor, in accordance with the principles of the invention comprises a silicon substrate. The silicon substrate includes a bandgap, an offset circuit for providing calibration offsets, and a gain block for providing an output that varies substantially linearly with changes in temperature of the substrate. |
| US07857509B2 |
Temperature sensing arrangements for power electronic devices
A cooling system is provided for controlling temperature in a power electronic device. The power electronic device includes a semiconductor having a major surface. The cooling system includes a temperature sensor coupled to the major surface of the semiconductor; and a control circuit coupled the temperature sensor. The control circuit is configured to reduce current to the inverter circuit when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. |
| US07857508B2 |
Method for monitoring the functionality of a temperature sensor
In a method for monitoring the functionality of a temperature sensor that can deliver an electrical signal as a function of the measured temperature and is disposed, in particular, in the cooling water circuit of an internal combustion engine, the persistence of the temperature sensor in the high signal range is made possible by a method encompassing the following steps: Characterizing the sensor as possibly faulty if the sensor indicates, upon engine shutdown, at least a maximum value of the cooling fluid temperature; determining a first gradient of the cooling fluid temperature, measured by the possibly faulty sensor, up to a first point in time after engine shutdown, and characterizing the sensor as fault-free if the gradient exceeds a minimum value; determining a second gradient of the cooling fluid temperature, measured by the possibly faulty sensor, between the point in time and a point in time after engine shutdown, and characterizing the sensor as fault-free if the second gradient exceeds a minimum value; determining the cooling fluid temperature measured by the possibly faulty sensor at a point in time after engine shutdown, and characterizing the sensor as fault-free if the cooling fluid temperature falls below a maximum value. |
| US07857507B2 |
Temperature patch and method of using the same
A patch having an infrared (IR) target is placed proximate to the surface of a mammal. The patch may include an insulator for protecting the target from exterior, ambient IR and may include bar codes or other indicia uniquely associated with either the patch or the mammal. The patch may also include a bio-reactive agent for indicating characteristics such as the pH of the mammal's skin. The patch may also include a thermometer for sensing the level of IR radiation from the IR target and may include a display of the temperature associated with such a level. The patch may also include a transmitter for wirelessly communicating information about such level to a remote location. A method of using the patch is also disclosed. |
| US07857504B2 |
Crystal display shielded by one or more protective guards
Structures are disclosed that can improve the visibility of instrument displays. With some implementations, an instrument is provided with a bezel surrounding a crystal, wherein the upper surface of the bezel extends above the upper surface of the crystal. Also, a guard system may be embedded into and/or otherwise provided at portions of the crystal, wherein an upper surface of the guard also extends above the upper surface of the crystal. |
| US07857503B2 |
Timepiece for water sports items and beach accessories
A timepiece for the top of a surfboard comprising; a polymer pliable member which can be temporary attached to the top of a surfboard by surface adhesion; and an LCD timepiece affixed to the pliable member, said pliable member having a plurality of folds and snaps such that said pliable member can be formed into a wristwatch band. |
| US07857500B2 |
Apparatus for vacuum-less meat processing
A system and method for making processed meat products without the need for a vacuum system is disclosed. Meats and other meat product constituents are forced into a mixer having rotating elements for directing the constituents through a housing. The system limits the amount of air that is in contact with the constituents while resident within the housing, and provides high shear force to reduce the necessary mixing time. |
| US07857499B2 |
Method and device for homogenizing and filtering a viscoelastic material using coaxial telescoping screws
A viscoelastic material is extruded by kneading-and-conveying screws of different respective diameters positioned coaxially and telescopingly. A flight trough of a larger-diameter screw has radial orifices allowing a first space swept by the flight of the larger-diameter screw to communicate with a second space swept by a flight of a smaller-diameter screw. A fixed cylindrical tube arranged coaxially with the screws is disposed radially between the first and second spaces within the region in which the screws telescope. The tube has radial apertures therethrough to conduct material from the orifices to the second space. The first space is closed off at an axial end thereof by a wall where foreign substances accumulate that do not pass through the orifices. A passage through the wall can be opened to remove the accumulated substances without interrupting the extrusion operation. |
| US07857497B2 |
LED lighting fixture
An LED lighting fixture is provided which achieves effective use of light, uniformly illuminates a large area and, has a high degree of freedom in designing light distribution characteristics. Three types of LED optical modules are used each having different light distribution characteristics. Each LED optical module includes an LED light source and a light distribution controlling lens of a different shape which constitute an optical system. Three types of LED optical units having different light distribution characteristics can be used. Each LED optical unit includes a set of LED optical modules having the same light distribution characteristics. The LED lighting fixture is configured to have a combination of the LED optical units having different light distribution characteristics. |
| US07857491B2 |
Cooling system for a projector
A cooling system for a projector for dissipating the heat output by a light source and/or optical components or electric and electronic components through which current flows in a projector housing with a lamp housing and a base tray is provided. The cooling system comprising a first cooling device in which a first convection flow is guided through the interior space of the base tray and the lamp housing and around which a second convection flow circulates which circulates around the lamp housing at least partially in the circumferential direction, and a second cooling device for a cooling air flow which is directed substantially perpendicularly to the second convection flow and runs parallel to the optical axis of the projector. |
| US07857490B1 |
Collapsible lighting device
The present invention includes a collapsible lighting device comprising: (a) a container having a base portion and optional lid portion, that is adapted to be reversibly moved from a closed position to an open position; (b) at least one light source disposed in the container; and (c) a collapsible envelope of a diffuser material disposed in the container, and adapted to be reversibly moved from a contained position defining a contained volume within the container when the container is in the closed position, to a deployed position when the container is in the open position. |
| US07857489B2 |
Mixed light apparatus
A mixed light apparatus for mixing light emitted from a first light source and a second light source includes a body, a first light reflecting element and a second light reflecting element. The body has a light emitting surface. A first reflecting element extends from the light emitting surface. The first light reflecting element has a first emanating point and a first focal point. The first light source is disposed at the first focal point. A second reflecting element extends from the light emitting surface. The second light reflecting element has a second emanating point and a second focal point. The second light source is disposed at the second focal point. The first emanating point and the second emanating point overlaps and are disposed on the light emitting surface. |
| US07857488B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a printed circuit board, a plurality of LED modules mounted on the printed circuit board and a reflector mounted on the printed circuit board and covering the LED modules. The reflector includes a first extending portion and a second extending portion extending from a side of the first extending portion. Top surfaces of the first and second extending portions are slantwise and oriented towards different directions, thereby to cooperatively form a V-shaped configuration. The LED modules are received in receiving holes in the first and second extending portions. Each receiving hole has a cross section gradually enlarged along a bottom-to-top direction. |
| US07857487B2 |
Miniaturized linear light source sub-module for various format main modules
A miniaturized linear light source sub-module comprising a symmetrical lens array, a light guide bar with dual reflecting surfaces, at least one light emitting diode light source, and a sub-module housing is disclosed. The symmetrical lens array comprises two identical covers, two identical lens sections, and a middle holder. Each lens section comprises a plurality of lenses disposed on the top and bottom of the lens section. The dual reflecting surface light guide comprises a light emitting surface, a v-shaped light reflecting surface, an asymmetrical saw-toothed light reflecting surface, an apex cut-off surface, and a bottom cut-off surface. At least one light emitting diode light source is connected to an end of the dual reflecting surface light guide. The sub-module housing holds the lens array assembly, the dual reflecting surface light guide, and the at least one light emitting diode light source to form the miniaturized linear light source sub-module. |
| US07857478B1 |
Wearable safety light apparatus
A wearable safety light apparatus includes a housing that includes a rear wall, a front wall and a perimeter wall extending between the front and rear walls. A light emitter is mounted in the housing and extends outwardly of the front wall. At least one battery is mounted within the housing and is electrically coupled to the light emitter to supply power to the light emitter. At least one lens is attached to the front wall and covering the light emitter. A strap is removably attached to the housing to removably attach the housing to a person. |
| US07857476B2 |
Display backlight including an array of optical waveguides
A backlight assembly includes an array of optical waveguides that are arranged in rows and columns. The array of optical waveguides has a planar upper surface substantially comprised of light exit facet of optical waveguides and spaced-apart lower surface substantially comprised of light input facet of optical waveguides. Backlight assembly also includes a light reflector panel that is spaced-apart from the lower surface of the array. Disposed between reflector panel and the lower light input facet of the optical waveguides are light sources. Light sources comprise light emitting diodes having 120 degree emission angles. |
| US07857474B2 |
Laser etched graphic for a decorative surface
An example vehicle instrument panel includes a control panel having illuminated buttons formed with an illuminatable decorative surface. The disclosed decorative surface includes a translucent layer disposed between a background layer and a graphic layer. Material is removed from the background layer to reveal the underlying translucent and graphic layers. The depth within which material is removed is determined to fall within a thickness of the translucent layer such that any variation in depth is accommodated within the translucent layer. |
| US07857472B2 |
Backlight source having first and second electroluminescence devices
A backlight source has different luminescence types of electroluminescence devices and coordinates at least one of the arrangement positions and the arrangement spacing of the electroluminescence devices to improve the brightness uniformity of the backlight source and make the mixed light better. Moreover, because of the brightness uniformity promotion, the overall thickness of backlight module can be reduced. |
| US07857471B2 |
Optical sheet having bonded prism and polarizer sheets and display device
The optical sheet includes a first lens sheet having a plurality of first three-dimensional structures arrayed to extend to one surface thereof, and a reflective polarizer sheet for transmitting either one of p-polarization component and s-polarization component of incident light and reflecting the other of p-polarization component and s-polarization component of the incident light. Head portions of the first three-dimensional structures are bonded to the reflective polarizer sheet. |
| US07857469B2 |
Exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles
An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed having a bracket which is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A mirror casing is secured to the bracket. The mirror casing defines a primary opening. A primary mirror is disposed within the primary opening and provides a view rearward of the motor vehicle through a primary field of view. A spotting mirror is disposed adjacent the primary mirror. The spotting mirror is defined by a single radius of curvature differing from the primary mirror such that the spotting mirror provides a secondary field of view rearward of the motor vehicle. |
| US07857468B2 |
Antiglare film and method of forming the same
The present invention provides an antiglare film, which includes a transparent resin layer, a plurality of transparent hollow particles and a plurality of transparent solid particles. The hollow particles and the solid particles are distributed in the transparent resin layer, while the hollow particles are partially exposed thereon. The refraction index of the hollow particles and the refraction index of the solid particles are different from the refraction index of the transparent resin layer. Applying both the solid particles and the hollow particles mixed together can lead the antiglare film to have an excellent antiglare property, a high contrast and a great clarity. |
| US07857466B2 |
Projection-type image display device having illuminance improving coefficient calculator
A projection-type image display device has a solid light source and a light valve, and causes light emitted from the solid light source to perform scanning on the light valve along a predetermined scanning line. The projection-type image display device is provided with a modulation amount controller configured to control a modulation amount of the light valve according to an input video signal which is a video signal inputted to the projection-type image display device, and an output controller configured to determine a reference output according to the input video signal. The output controller controls an output of the solid light source according to the reference output. |
| US07857461B2 |
Projector and projection method
A projector includes: an image capturing unit that captures an image of a projection target image (an original image or a corrected image) projected by the projector on a projection surface; a shape model hold unit that holds shape models; a model selection unit that selects a projection surface shape model based on correspondence relationships between first feature points on the projection target image and second feature points on the captured image; a parameter calculation unit that calculates a model parameter which is to be used to approximate a shape of the projection surface shape model to the shape of the projection surface and indicates a positional relationship between the projection surface and the projector, for each projection target image based on the correspondence relationships; a correction unit that corrects another original image; and a projection unit that projects the corrected image as another projection target image. |
| US07857460B2 |
Image stabilization in a laser-scanning based projector
A projector assembly includes a multi-pixel frame projector that sequentially projects each pixel making up a frame to a viewing surface, a movement detector coupled to the projector to detect a physical movement of the projector, and a movement compensator coupled to the projector, the movement compensator operable to transmit a correction signal to the projector, the correction signal capable of causing the projector to compensate for the detected movement. |
| US07857458B2 |
Image display device and image projection device
An image display device is disclosed that has a simplified structure and is able to display a high quality image of high resolution at low cost. The image display device includes a light separation unit configured to extract a light beam having a predetermined wavelength band from light emitted from a light source; a light valve that controls a light beam incident thereon to form a plurality of sub frames of a target image; and a light path shift unit operable to shift a light path of an output light beam from the light valve having the predetermined wavelength band according to a frame period of the target image to locate one or more sub frame of the target image at different positions from other sub frames of the target image formed by the light valve. |
| US07857449B2 |
Eye portion diagnosis support apparatus, method therefor, program, and recording medium
There is provided a technique for efficiently acquiring a tomogram of an eye portion. A diagnosis support apparatus includes a wide-area image acquisition means for acquiring a wide-area image of an eye portion, a detection means for detecting a lesion candidate on the eye portion by analyzing the wide-area image acquired by the wide-area image acquisition means, a determination means for determining a parameter associated with acquisition of a tomogram of the eye portion, based on a lesion candidate detection result obtained by the detection means, and a tomogram acquisition means for acquiring a tomogram of the eye portion based on the parameter determined by the determination means. |
| US07857444B2 |
Ophthalmic lens incorporating an optical insert for projecting information
The invention provides an eyesight correcting lens having a front face and a rear face, and into which light beams emitted by a light beam generator system are introduced via an inlet surface and directed towards the eye of an ametropic wearer of said lens to enable information content to be viewed, an optical insert being included in the lens, said lens being arranged so as to enable the wearer of said lens to provide an accommodation effort that is less than or equal to 2D when viewing the information content. |
| US07857443B2 |
Assembly forming a pair of spectacles especially for an infant or very young child
The present invention relates to an assembly forming a pair of spectacles especially for an infant or very young child having a connection piece, which is joined, or can be joined, to a pair of spectacles. In addition, the assembly is joined, or can be joined, to a pacifier. |
| US07857440B2 |
Visual identification of solid ink sticks
An ink stick comprises an ink stick body configured for insertion in an insertion direction into an ink loader of the phase change ink imaging device. The ink stick body has an insertion perimeter in a plane substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction and has a longitudinal dimension for aligning with a feed direction of the ink loader. A symbol contour is formed in a first position on the perimeter of the ink stick body. The symbol contour defines a portion of a perimeter of a visually recognizable symbol shape and extends at most partially along the perimeter of the ink stick in the longitudinal dimension of the ink stick body. At least one key contour is formed in a second position on the perimeter of the ink stick body corresponding to a color of the ink for the ink stick body. |
| US07857439B2 |
Solid ink stick with interface element
An ink stick for use in a phase change ink imaging device is provided, the phase change ink imaging device having an ink stick feed system comprising at least one ink stick feed channel for receiving the ink stick and for moving the ink stick through the ink stick feed channel. The ink stick comprises a three dimensional ink stick body configured to fit within a feed channel of a phase change ink imaging device. The ink stick has an exterior surface with an interface element formed in the exterior surface of the ink stick body. The interface element interfaces with an appropriately equipped ink loader to provide a reference signal to a control system. The controller receives the reference signal and then may translate the reference signal into control information pertaining to the ink stick. |
| US07857438B2 |
Printhead cartridge priming protocol
A method of priming a printhead cartridge upon installation in a printer, the printhead cartridge having a printhead with a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles for ejecting ink on to a media substrate fed past the printhead in a media feed direction, by providing a printer with at least three ink tanks for storing the inks of different color, the printer also having a cradle for supporting the printhead cartridge adjacent a media feed path, a fluid interface in fluid communication with the ink tanks, and a latch for securing the printhead cartridge in the cradle, the latch being movable between an open position where access to the cradle is unobstructed, and a closed position where access to the cradle is obstructed, placing the printhead cartridge in the cradle while the latch is in the open position, the printhead cartridge having a fluid coupling positioned to align with the fluid interface when placed in the cradle, moving the latch to the closed position to secure the printhead cartridge in cradle, providing a mechanical linkage between the latch and the fluid interface such that the fluid interface sealingly engages the fluid coupling upon moving the latch to the closed position and, priming the printhead with ink from all of the ink tanks. |
| US07857435B2 |
Method of purging printhead using hammer mechanism
A method of purging ink from an inkjet printhead is provided. The printhead is in fluid communication with an ink reservoir via an ink conduit. The method comprises compressing part of the ink conduit using a hammer mechanism, thereby purging ink from the printhead and flooding an ink ejection face of the printhead. |
| US07857432B2 |
Drop generator
A drop generator includes a pressure chamber and a flexible diaphragm plate disposed on the chamber and forming a wall of the pressure chamber. A piezoelectric transducer having a bottom surface is attached to the diaphragm plate. The diaphragm plate includes a recess that forms a perimeter around the bottom surface of the transducer that partially underlies at least one edge of the bottom surface. An inlet channel is connected to the pressure chamber and configured to direct ink to the pressure chamber from a manifold. An outlet channel is connected to the pressure chamber to receive ink from the pressure chamber and has a channel axis that is perpendicular to the diaphragm plate. The outlet channel includes a first outlet channel section and a second outlet channel section. The first outlet channel section includes a plurality of subsections having alternating diameters. The second outlet channel section includes an aperture disposed at an end thereof. The second outlet channel section has a substantially continuous cross-sectional shape and a length that is greater than a length of the first outlet channel section. |
| US07857431B2 |
Piezoelectric substance element, piezoelectric substance film manufacturing method, liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus
A piezoelectric substance element has a piezoelectric substance film and a pair of electrodes connected to the piezoelectric substance film on a substrate, and a main component of the piezoelectric substance film is Pb(Zr, Ti)O3, a composition ratio of Zr/(Zr+Ti) is over 0.4 but less than 0.7, the piezoelectric substance film is a film having at last a tetragonal crystal a-domain and a c-domain within a range of ±10° with respect to the surface of the substrate, and a volume rate of the c-domain to the total of the a-domain and the c-domain is equal to or larger than 20% and equal to or smaller than 60%. |
| US07857429B2 |
Ink jet recording head and manufacturing method of ink jet recording head
An ink jet recording head includes a substrate provided with an energy generating element to generate energy used for discharging ink, a discharge port through which the ink is discharged, a supply port for supplying the ink, and an ink path formed on the substrate for making the discharge port and the supply port communicate with each other, wherein wall members forming the ink path are made of an inorganic material, and a space between adjacent ink paths is filled up by a metal layer. |
| US07857426B2 |
Micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement with a roof structure for minimizing wicking
Provided is a micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The arrangement includes a substrate defining an inverted pyramidal ink chamber with a vertex thereof terminating at an ink supply channel through the substrate, said substrate having a layer of CMOS drive circuitry. The arrangements also includes a roof structure connected to the drive circuitry layer and covering the ink chamber, the roof structure defining a fluid ejection nozzle rim above said chamber in addition to ink flow guide rails to minimize wicking along the nozzle rim according to surface tension effects of ink in the chamber. Also included is a plurality of actuators displaceable with respect to, and radially spaced about, the nozzle rim, and in between, the guide rails. Each actuator has a serpentine heater element configured to thermally expand upon receiving current from the drive circuitry thereby moving said actuators into the chamber operatively increasing a fluid pressure inside the chamber to eject a drop of ink via the ejection nozzle. |
| US07857424B2 |
Liquid droplet ejection apparatus, method of manufacturing electrooptical device, electrooptical device, and electronic apparatus
A method of manufacturing an electrooptical device includes forming a film-deposited section of function liquid droplets on a substrate by a liquid droplet ejection apparatus having a plurality of color-dependent function liquid droplet ejection heads are arranged such that a plurality of color-dependent partial imaging lines, each formed by a plurality of ejection nozzles, are formed so as to continuously make up a single imaging line in the Y-axis direction. An imaging process is performed by repeating a main scanning operation for driving each function liquid droplet ejection head in synchronization with moving of the substrate in the X-axis direction, and a sub-scanning operation for moving the function liquid droplet ejection heads through a carriage unit in the Y-axis direction by a length of a partial imaging line. |
| US07857422B2 |
Dual feed liquid drop ejector
A liquid ejector includes a structure defining a chamber. The chamber includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes a nozzle orifice. A drop forming mechanism is located on the second surface of the chamber opposite the nozzle orifice. A first liquid feed channel and a second liquid feed channel are in fluid communication with the chamber. A first segment of a segmented liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the first liquid feed channel and a second segment of the segmented liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the second liquid feed channel. |
| US07857420B2 |
Methods and apparatus to identify pages to be discarded in a print system
Methods and apparatus for adding pages to a sequence of imprinted images used for flushing of inkjet features and then discarding the added pages following imprinting of the added pages. Features and aspects hereof within a printing system automatically insert additional pages (flush pages) in a sequence of imprinted page. The inserted pages are used for flushing ink-based nozzles (e.g., inkjet nozzles). The frequency of flushes and the volume of ink to be flush at each opportunity may be determined by automated features hereof based on statistics regarding operation of the printing system or may be statically pre-determined. Post-processing features (e.g., paper handling features) may scan the pages for marks identifying a page as a flush page inserted for flushing and may discard the added pages so identified. |
| US07857418B2 |
Maintenance sheet and liquid ejecting apparatus
A maintenance sheet with a facing surface facing a nozzle formation surface of a liquid ejection head provided in a liquid ejecting apparatus is provided. The maintenance sheet includes a cap section that is brought into abutment with the nozzle formation surface to form a sealed space in cooperation with the nozzle formation surface when the facing surface and the nozzle formation surface have been made to approach each other relatively in a facing position where the facing surface faces the nozzle formation surface, and that is made variable in internal volume in the abutment state, a communication hole that is penetratingly formed so as to allow the inside and outside of the cap section to communicate with each other, and a valve that opens and closes the communication hole. The valve activates to open with a reduction in the internal volume of the cap section, while the valve activates to close with an increase in the internal volume of the cap section. |
| US07857417B2 |
Printhead assembly with a wicking element
Provided is a printhead assembly having a support structure with a printhead mounted on the support structure, said printhead having an ink ejection face, and a print media guide proximate the support structure for guiding print media past the printhead for printing. The assembly also includes a wicking element mounted on the support structure between the support structure and the print media guide. An ink collector is arranged on the wicking element for receiving ink that has wicked through the wicking element to ensure that wicked ink is removed away from the printhead. |
| US07857416B2 |
Nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer
A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer is disclosed. The nozzle arrangement is formed on a substrate defining an ink supply conduit. A nozzle chamber is formed over the ink supply conduit. The nozzle chamber is defined by a floor portion, a roof portion having an ejection port defined therein, and peripheral sidewalls extending from the floor portion and the roof portion respectively. The roof portion and the sidewalls extending from the roof portion are movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the floor portion. The nozzle arrangement further includes a bend actuator fastened at one end to the substrate and at an opposite end to the roof portion of the nozzle chamber. Differential expansion of the bend actuator causes the bend actuator to bend and straighten. This in turn displaces the roof portion and varies the volume of the nozzle chamber, causing ink to be ejected through the ink ejection port. |
| US07857414B2 |
Printhead registration correction system and method for use with direct marking continuous web printers
A registration system for use with an imaging device includes sensors for detecting a web speed and a web tension of a moving web and a control system configured to generate a first timing offset for at least one marking station based on the detected web speed and web tension. An image sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a position of a marking material applied to the moving web by at least one of the marking stations. The control system is configured to generate a second timing offset for the at least one marking station based on the position of the marking material indicated by the third signal, and to adjust an actuation time for the at least one marking station using the first timing offset and the second timing offset. |
| US07857413B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling and testing jetting stability in inkjet print heads
The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring and controlling a slew rate of a voltage signal provided to a PZT capacitor of a print head. The system includes a digital driver circuit adapted to generate a signal indicating a nominal slew rate, a probe circuit for measuring a firing pulse voltage signal provided to the capacitor, a comparator coupled to the digital driver and the probe circuit comparing a measured slew rate with the nominal slew rate generating a signal indicating a difference between the measured slew rate and the nominal slew rate, an analog driver circuit coupled to the comparator adapted to adjust the slew rate of the voltage signal in response to the difference signal, and an analog/digital converter adapted to sample the voltage signal output from the probe circuit and to provide an output for diagnostic purposes. Numerous other features and aspects are disclosed. |
| US07857407B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus includes: a liquid ejection head including a plurality of nozzles, the liquid ejection head ejecting a first liquid containing a coloring material through the nozzles onto a recording medium while the liquid ejection head and the recording medium are relatively moved in a first direction; an abnormal nozzle identifying device which identifies, out of the nozzles, an abnormal nozzle for which an error in a landing position of the first liquid on the recording medium with respect to a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is not less than a predetermined amount; and a correcting device which corrects dot data in such a manner that a second dot on the recording medium formed from the first liquid subsequently ejected from the abnormal nozzle makes contact with at least part of a first dot on the recording medium formed from the first liquid previously ejected from the abnormal nozzle. |
| US07857405B2 |
Method of mapping error-detection and redundant encoded data to an image
This invention provides for a method of mapping data to data region dots on a photograph. The method includes the steps of compressing the data with a JPEG compression technique, and redundantly encoding the compressed data using Reed-Solomon encoding techniques. The method also includes the steps of shuffling the encoded data in a deterministic manner to reduce potential effects of localized encoded data damage to said photograph, and printing the shuffled data as dots in data blocks on the photograph. |
| US07857403B2 |
Retaining mechanism for a multi-section slide track assembly
A retaining mechanism for a multi-section slide track assembly includes a stop actuating assembly and a resilient retainer assembly. The stop actuating assembly is provided on an intermediate slide track of the multi-section slide track assembly while the resilient retainer assembly is provided on an outer slide track of the multi-section slide track assembly. To retain a return movement of the intermediate slide track, the stop actuating assembly is directly engaged with the resilient retainer assembly to provide a high-degree effective operation of retaining reliability. The stop actuating assembly includes a stop-engaging member and a resiliently actuating member combined therewith. The resilient retainer assembly correspondingly includes a resilient stop member which can be engaged with the stop-engaging member for positioning the intermediate slide track, and can be actuated by the resiliently actuating member for releasing the intermediate slide track. |
| US07857399B2 |
Anti-skid control apparatus for vehicle
An anti-skid control apparatus controls the value of electric current, which is being applied to the first solenoid valve and equal to or greater than the predetermined electric current value, to a value of electric current corresponding to the pressure difference between the master cylinder pressure and the wheel cylinder pressure at a time point where the pressure-increasing control is started; and changes the value of electric current in a direction to be reduced for a first period of time during the pressure-increasing control as the estimated amount of the wheel cylinder pressure reduced by the pressure-reducing control is increased, when the estimated amount of the wheel cylinder pressure reduced by the pressure-reducing control is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. |
| US07857396B2 |
Method and system for solution mining
A relatively warm mineral deposit is solution mined by injecting fluid through a well drilled into the deposit and dissolving the mineral to form a production brine. Warm production brine is cooled at the surface using a heat exchanger as a crystallizer to precipitate the mineral in the exchanger and form a slurry. Crystals of the mineral in the slurry are recovered in a separation plant leaving a relatively cool, dilute or depleted brine, which is conveyed through the heat exchanger for cooling the production brine and then injected into the mineral deposit to dissolve more mineral thereby providing a continuous process. A pipe-in-pipe heat exchanger is preferably used and in a manner so that the heat exchanger also serves as a primary means for conveying the production fluid and/or slurry from the well to the separation plant. This method extracts and recovers the desired mineral(s), recovers much of the heat in the production brine, accelerates the solution mining process since the injection fluid has been warmed, reduces salting in the production string, is relatively inexpensive to install and maintain, and does not require a source of energy for cooling the production brine such as electricity for a refrigeration system. |
| US07857395B2 |
Seat, seat cushion and backrest thereof
A backrest of a seat includes: a pad including a slit air guide hole which penetrates the pad from a front surface of the pad to a rear surface of the pad; a base member for blocking the air guide hole on a rear side of the pad, the base member including an inlet hole communicated with the air guide hole; and a cover for blocking the air guide hole on the front surface of the pad, the cover including a plurality of outlet holes communicated with the air guide hole. |
| US07857394B2 |
Wheelchair seat back with two-point mounting hardware
Wheelchair seat back mounting hardware permits the seat back to be mounted on various wheelchairs. The mounting hardware may be in the form of two-point mounting hardware that connects the seat back to the wheelchair and permits the seat back height to be adjusted independently of the mounting hardware location on the wheelchair. |
| US07857393B2 |
Adjustable armrest for a road vehicle
An adjustable armrest for a vehicle seat comprising an armrest housing pivoted on a seat back frame and a pair of locking elements in the housing, one of which is adjustable and the other being fixed. A seat back stop is engageable with the adjustable locking element. A seat occupant, using an armrest release mechanism, may adjust the relative positions of the locking elements to change a desired active position of the armrest. A memory feature permits return of the armrest to the desired active position from an upright stowed position. |
| US07857387B2 |
Pneumatic lordosis support
A pneumatic lordosis support (1) consists of a cushion (3), which is integrated into the backrest (2) of a seat. Laterally of a vertical center line (7), the cushion encompasses horizontal connections (8) between a front side and a rear side of the cushion (3). The cushion (3) is composed of an air-tight flexible membrane. In the region of the vertical center line (7), the connections (8) encompass breaks. Vertically offset to the connections (8), the cushion (3) encompasses further central horizontal connections (10), which extend substantially across the region of the breaks in the connection (8). In the region where connections (8) and central connections (10) are located close to one another, reduced radii of the membrane lead to the occurrence of less stress than in the remaining cushions (3) and allow the spine of a user to dip into the cushion (3) more softly. |
| US07857386B2 |
Child seat
A child seat for transporting a child in a car includes a seat support with a support bottom and a support back which extends above the support bottom, a seat frame that has harness belts for holding the child against the seat frame, and slides between the seat support and the seat frame for coupling the seat frame in adjustable tilt positions to the seat support, which slides include an upper slide for connecting the upper or shoulder part of the seat frame to the support back and a lower slide for connecting the lower or bottom part of the seat frame to the support bottom. In accordance with the invention on both sides of the seat frame the seat support includes a diagonal bar for connecting the forward part of the support bottom to the support back above or at the height of the upper slide. |
| US07857384B2 |
Semi-custom fit slipcover
A slipcover for a piece of furniture including a base, a back, first and second arms, and a seat portion. The slipcover has back pleats located at the respective back corners and having pleated seams and elastic, which runs through the pleated seams and travels across the back pleats for allowing the slipcover to expand over the largest perimeter of the furniture and then relax to fit the base of the furniture as the slipcover is placed on the furniture. First and second arm fronts cover respective top front portions of the first and second arms. A wrap skirt covers respective bottom portions of the first and second arms. |
| US07857383B2 |
Soft cover for covering a seat
Various embodiments of the invention provide a soft cover for covering a seat having an inner frame. According to various embodiments, the soft cover includes a rear portion having a first side portion, a second side portion, an upper portion, and a flap portion with a medial portion. In various embodiments, the medial portion of the soft cover is configured to be recessed by engaging hooks that are attached to the inner surface of the medial portion to the inner frame of the seat and engaging fasteners along the edges of the flap portion with corresponding fasteners along the first and second side portions of the rear portion. |
| US07857381B2 |
Active head restraint system with lumbar support for vehicle seats
A vehicle seat is disclosed with a seat back frame with a pair of spaced apart linkages connected to side members of the frame. A horizontally actuatable lumbar mechanism is connected to the pair of linkages for providing lumbar support to the occupant and for receiving an input force for actuating the linkages. A head restraint extends from the seat back frame and is operably connected to the frame and the pair of linkages such that actuation of the linkages actuates the head restraint from a design position to an actuated position. A flexible band lumbar support mechanism is provided. Also, a lumbar mechanism is provided with a pair of upright wires and a series of transverse suspension wires for supplying the back of the occupant and for distributing the input force during an impact. |
| US07857380B2 |
Portable multifunctional chair
A portable chair is configurable to serve various utilitarian needs. In one embodiment, the portable multifunctional chair includes a frame, a seat attached to the frame and an adjustable seat flap fixed to the seat. The seat has an inner edge that encloses a seat opening. The adjustable seat flap is approximately flush with the seat when the seat flap is secured to the seat in a closed position in which the seat flap covers the opening. The multifunctional chair has at least one transverse dimension that is less than 25% of the longitudinal length when the multifunctional chair is configured in a portable state. |
| US07857372B2 |
Tonneau cover apparatus for an automobile
A tonneau cover apparatus for an automobile including a baggage compartment, a baggage compartment opening, and a gate which covers the baggage compartment opening to be openable is provided. The tonneau cover apparatus includes a cover member extending from a position spaced apart from the baggage compartment opening toward the baggage compartment opening to cover the baggage compartment, and a guide portion which is formed at a portion of the baggage compartment opening to be covered by the gate and guides vertical movement of the cover distal end of the cover member. |
| US07857367B2 |
Front fender for an automobile
A front fender for an automobile; the fender is provided with an external element; with a supporting trestle, which supports the external element, presents a rigid horizontal supporting bar, and is adapted to be rigidly connected to a frame of the automobile; and with horizontal sword, which on one side is protrudingly mounted on the horizontal supporting bar and on the opposite side is rigidly secured to the external element at an upper portion of the external element itself. |
| US07857363B2 |
Device and method of sealing a freight container
The invention is a locking arrangement for securely sealing the doors of a freight container. The container comprises two locking rods, each of which is fixed to one of each of the doors. A handle is pivotably connected to the first locking rod. The handle comprises a first opening situated at a location along its longitudinal length. A seal clasp is joined to the first of the doors. The said seal clasp comprises a second opening aligned with the first opening. The locking arrangement comprises a sealing device comprising a bolt seal and a cable. The bolt seal comprises an insertion bolt comprising an elongated body, an enlarged base and a securing tip. The bolt seal further comprises a locking bush into which the securing tip is inserted. The cable comprises a first end and a second end joined to the bolt seal. When the cable is wrapped around the locking rods, and when the insertion bolt is disposed through the first and second openings, the doors are securely sealed. |
| US07857355B2 |
High pressure pipe liner coupling assembly and method
A liner assembly including a first ring member, a second ring member, a corrosion barrier ring, a first liner and a second liner. The first ring member has a body member with a first end and a second end. The first end has a first flange and a second flange extending therefrom. The first flange and the second flange define a space therebetween. The second ring member has an extended body member having a first end and a second end. The second end has a first flange and a second flange extending therefrom. The first flange and the second flange define a space therebetween. The corrosion barrier ring is disposed between and cooperates with the first end of the first ring member and the second end of the second ring member. The first liner is configured to be secured in the space formed between the first flange and the second flange of the first ring member. The second liner is configured to be secured in the space formed between the first flange and the second flange of the second ring member. |
| US07857346B2 |
Safety arrangement
A safety arrangement for a motor vehicle is disclosed which comprises an air-bag module (1) having an inflatable air-bag (5) in fluid communication with an inflator (4). An internal tether (14) is provided having a first end (15) and a second end (16). The first end (15) of the tether is connected to a restrainable part (13) of the air-bag, whilst the second end (16) of the tether is free from connection with the air-bag but is initially trapped between the folds or rolls of an initially folded or rolled part of the air-bag. The arrangement is such that, upon inflation of the air-bag, the tether serves to restrain the restrainable part (13) of the air-bag until such time as the folded or rolled part of the air-bag (9) becomes sufficiently unfolded or unrolled to release the second end (16) of the tether (14). |
| US07857344B2 |
Trailer hitch with adjustable hitch bar
A trailer hitch having an adjustable hitch bar for coupling with a tow vehicle and a front member coupled with the adjustable hitch bar. A rear member couples with a trailer frame and a yoke couples between the rear member and the trailer frame. Converging links connect between the front member and the rear member, whereby the angular position between the front member and the rear member can be varied. The converging links effectively move the pivot point between the tow vehicle and trailer forward of the hitch assembly. |
| US07857342B2 |
Hitch assembly
The present invention is a hitch assembly for coupling a powered cart mover to a cart, wherein the cart has one of three different types of hitching elements. The hitch assembly comprises a mount and a foot. The mount secures the assembly to the mover and includes a vertically adjustable portion biased in an upward position via a biasing element. The foot is pivotally coupled to the vertically adjustable portion and includes first, second and third attachment features. Each attachment feature is configured to receive one of the three different types of hitching elements. |
| US07857336B1 |
Air suspension system
An air suspension device includes a housing enclosing a compressor chamber that communicates with an air source and at least one piston chamber, optionally through internal air ports. A compressor is disposed in the compressor chamber. When the compressor is driven by a power source, such as a motor, the compressor draws air from the air source and drives the air into the piston chamber. A piston disposed in the piston chamber is cushioned by the pressurized air. |
| US07857328B1 |
Mobile garden tool center
A mobile garden tool center is provided. The mobile garden tool center comprises a transport cart having a support frame, upper support arms secured to and extending from the support frame, lower support arms secured to and extending from the support frame, a pair of wheels are rotatably secured to the lower support arms, and a carrying platform is attached to the support frame opposite the lower support arms. A barrel is restable on the carrying platform and is releasably secured to support frame of the cart with at least one strap. At least one tube is secured to the support frame of the cart. A basket is releasably attached between the upper support arms. A compactable stool is pivotally connected to the lower support arms. |
| US07857325B2 |
Adjustable-height suspension system
A system for adjusting the height or spacing between the frame and axle of a vehicle. The system may operate by manipulating a suspension system connecting the frame to the axle and comprising shock assemblies. The system may include hydraulic spacers selectively changing in length in unison, thereby manipulating the equilibrium positions of the shock assemblies and changing the distance between the frame and axle. Between changes in length, the hydraulic spacers may act as a substantially rigid bodies. |
| US07857323B1 |
Multi-piece seal
A multi-piece seal preferably for a sealed joint of a fuel tank assembly. An outer member has in an uncompressed state a cross-sectional shape defined by substantially semi-circular-shaped portions that define a substantially semi-circular channel and that terminate in free ends. An inner member is disposed at least partially in the channel of the outer member and has in an uncompressed state a substantially round cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the outer member is composed of a permeation-resistant material, and the inner member is composed of a relatively less expensive material capable of better elasticity performance at relatively lower temperatures compared to the outer member. The outer member preferably has lobed ends and the inner member preferably includes one or both of a stress-relieving feature or an orientation feature to orient the inner member relative to the outer member. |
| US07857313B2 |
Polygon identification board game
A board game includes a board having an upper surface with a peripheral region and a central region. The peripheral region has positions for placement of player pieces thereupon, each peripheral region having located thereon an image of one of a plurality of polygonal shapes. The central region has central sub-regions, each of which has a plurality of polygonal cut-outs for receiving a corresponding one of a plurality of polygonal objects of a particular color that are shaped in a same manner as the polygonal cut-out. When a player answers a question related to polygon shapes correctly, that player places a respective polygon-shaped piece into a corresponding polygon-shaped cut-out region in his/her assigned central region. Players move player pieces a number of positions on the peripheral region of the board corresponding to dice roll numbers. When a player answers a question incorrectly, for the player's next turn, the player piece is moved in the opposite direction on the peripheral region of the board. |
| US07857310B2 |
Method of controlling a dice game and gaming machine
A gaming machine includes a dice releasing unit, a game section, a player terminal, and a controller. The dice releasing unit sequentially releases a plurality of dice. The game section has a stopping plate that causes the dice released from the dice releasing unit to rest. The player terminal has a display through which a player can place a bet on predicted dots to appear on tops of the plurality of dice. The controller is configured with logic to (i) control the dice releasing unit to release the plurality of dice, (ii) control the player terminal so as to perform a bet operation, and (iii) control a payout of game media in accordance with an award. The controller receives, from the player terminal, a signal indicative of placing the bet on the predicted dots in combination with an order of release of the plurality of dice. |
| US07857307B2 |
Sheet accumulation apparatus and image forming system having same
The invention is to provide a sheet accumulation apparatus enabling to uniformly load tabbed sheets into a train of sheets for load and store the sheets on a tray. The sheet accumulation apparatus has a sheet outlet for successively discharging the sheets, a tray means for loading to hold the sheets thereon, a sheet carrier means for discharging the sheets from the sheet outlet to the side of a downstream, a sheet front end regulating means for colliding the sheets sent by the sheet carrier means against the regulating means at the sheet front ends and regulating them, and a sheet rear regulating means disposed to the tray means for regulating the positions of the sheets from the sheet outlet at the sheet rear ends. The sheet front end regulating means comprises (1) stopper member movable back and forth in the sheet carrying direction; or (2) stopper means of two or more disposed back and forth in the sheet carrying direction and selectively facing the sheet front end regulating means; or (3) stopper means movable in a direction traversing with carrying along the sheet head ends; a shift means for driving the stopper means; and a control means for controlling the shift means. |
| US07857304B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including a sheet bundle boundary detecting unit which detects a boundary of sheet bundles added to a sheet storage case, and a control unit which controls a feeding condition of sheet feeding unit based on a detection result of the sheet bundle boundary detecting unit. With this, overlapping-feeding and misfeeding at the boundary between the sheet bundles are reliably prevented. |
| US07857301B2 |
Sheet feed devices and image recording apparatuses comprising such sheet feed devices
A sheet feed device includes a motor that rotates in a first and second direction, a first transmitting mechanism having an upstream and a downstream portion, that transmits a rotational force in a first transmitting direction, a second transmitting mechanism having an upstream and downstream portion, that transmits the rotational force in a second transmitting direction, a first idling mechanism, and a second idling mechanism. When the motor transitions between rotating in the first direction and rotating in the second direction, the first idling mechanism allows the upstream portion of the first transmitting mechanism to perform an idle rotation with respect to the downstream portion of the first transmitting mechanism, and the second idling mechanism is configured to allow the upstream portion of the second transmitting mechanism to perform an idle rotation with respect to the downstream portion of the second transmitting mechanism. |
| US07857300B2 |
Apparatus and method for disk stacking and compiling media sheets
An apparatus (100) and method (1200) that disk stacks and compiles media sheets. The apparatus can include a media sheet transport (120) configured to transport media sheets and a stacker (130) configured to stack the media sheets (110). The apparatus can include a rotatable disk (140) coupled to the media transport, the rotatable disk configured to receive a leading edge (112) of a media sheet and configured to transport the media sheet to the stacker. The apparatus can include a compiler (150) configured to compile a set of a plurality of the media sheets and an ejector (160) configured to eject the set of a plurality of the media sheets from the compiler onto the stacker. One of the rotatable disk and at least a portion of the compiler can be movable (171) relative to each other to switch between the rotatable disk providing media sheets to the stacker and the rotatable disk providing media sheets to the compiler. |
| US07857299B2 |
Method and device for adding one insert each to folded or bound printed products
Folded inserts (B) are added to folded or bound printed products (P) which, held individually by transfer grippers (6), are conveyed in an essentially continuous fashion, in that the inserts are placed on the folded or rear edges of the printed products in a manner whereby their fold (8) is aligned with the folded or rear edge of the latter. If necessary, the inserts (B) are attached by gluing or stapling to the folded or rear edges of the printed products (P). For adding small inserts the printed products (P) can be conveyed with their folded or rear edges held by the transfer grippers (6) of a printed product conveyor (1) and the insert (B) can be placed next to the gripper (6). If the inserts are larger (B), an auxiliary conveyor takes over the printed products for the placement of the inserts. Such placement of inserts (B) into printed products (P) is simple and can, in particular, be implemented with conventional device components and easily integrated into existing equipment. |
| US07857293B2 |
Fluid filled type vibration damping device
A fluid filled type vibration damping device includes a fluid chamber divided by a partition member into a pressure-receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber. The partition member has a first and a second member axially superposed together. A locking projection is formed on one of the first member or the second member and a locking hole is formed on an other, with the locking projection being inserted through the locking hole to effect locking so as to constitute a locking mechanism for holding the first and second member in a superposed state. Outer circumferential faces of the first member and the second member held in the superposed state by the locking mechanism are fastened fitting into a second mounting member via a seal rubber layer, and the first or second member having the locking hole includes a cover portion that covers an opening of the locking hole from a side thereof to which the locking projection projects. |
| US07857292B2 |
Fence system with insect barrier
A fence system including a fence post and a rail inserted into and supported by the fence post. The rail being an elongated member having a channel or U-shaped cross section defined by a web member and parallel leg members attached to the web member. The rail is inserted into an aperture located in a sidewall of the post. The aperture having a shape or configuration that is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the rail. Accordingly, any gaps between the opening or aperture in the post and the rail, once the rail is inserted into the post, are minimized. |
| US07857286B1 |
Faucet having leakproof effect
A faucet includes a faucet body, a sleeve, a control valve, and a mounting seat. The control valve includes a control shaft, a stop gasket, a retaining member, a leakproof gasket, a sealing gasket, a first leakproof cap, a second leakproof cap, a control knob, and a restoring member. Thus, the sealing gasket, the leakproof gasket, the first leakproof cap and the second leakproof cap of the control valve are tightly and closely located between the control shaft and the through hole of the faucet body to seal the through hole so as to prevent the water from leaking from the through hole and to stabilize the water pressure in the faucet body. |
| US07857282B2 |
Solenoid valve
A solenoid valve has a valve closure member (5) which is positioned in a self-centering manner about a center of rotation (D) between the valve tappet (4) and the valve seat (14). |
| US07857281B2 |
Electrohydraulic valve control circuit with magnetic hysteresis compensation
A method for operating an electrohydraulic valve initially derives a characterization value that denotes how magnetic hysteresis affects valve operation. Upon receiving a command that designates a desired magnitude of electric current to be applied to the electrohydraulic valve, that command is modified based on the characterization value to compensate for the magnetic hysteresis. The modified command then is employed to apply electric current to the electrohydraulic valve. |
| US07857280B2 |
Automatic flush actuation apparatus
An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet. |
| US07857279B2 |
Bow holder and bow cradle
An improved bow holder is comprised of a bow cradle, at least one extension member and a base. The bow cradle is comprised of a body, a guide and a limb rest. The guide receives and holds the limb of a bow and is attached to the top of the body. The limb rest is comprised of a pair of extension arms pivotally attached to the body, upright arms projecting from each extension arm and a stop. The extension arms and upright arms securely hold the lower limb and cam of a bow. The base is comprised of a stem for insertion into a ground surface and a pair of pedals for applying ground insertion force to the stem. The bow cradle is attached to the base, or if a higher bow holding position is desired, an extension member. |
| US07857278B2 |
Vehicular mirror device
The operation torque during disengaging of clutch projections out of clutch grooves, is effectively suppressed from excessively increasing immediately after start of device assembling. In a door mirror device, a gear plate has clutch grooves made substantially in trapezoidal form, in circumferential cross-section, increasing in width from a groove bottom to an opening end. A clutch disk has clutch projections made substantially in trapezoidal form, in circumferential cross-section, decreasing in width in taper form from a base toward a tip wherein the top surfaces are made in an inverted radial form decreasing in width from inner periphery to outer periphery. Due to this, when a torque exceeding a set value is transmitted to the gear plate, the pressure-contact area of the clutch projection with the clutch groove gradually moves from inner periphery to outer periphery while moving the clutch disk upward against a bias force of a clutch spring. |
| US07857272B1 |
Holder for arm-mounted medical imaging probe
This invention provides a holder for an imaging probe that attaches to a flexible arm, which accommodates a variety of sizes and shapes of probes, is lightweight and allows for easy attachment and detachment of probes. The probe holder includes a pair of confronting clamp plates that include clamping jaws for holding a probe or other item at their distal end. The distal ends of the plates can include elastomeric pads that conform to the shape of the probe being gripped. The proximal end of each plate includes a hemispherical well that engages a ball on a base member to define a highly flexible ball joint. This ball joint allows for easy fine adjustment of probe alignment, rotation and tilting, while frictionally maintaining the set position. A variety of alternate alignment and movement-limiting components can be employed. |
| US07857271B2 |
Surgical tool holder with engagement portions
A surgical tool holder that includes a holding member with a clamping jaw, which is movable between open and clamping positions. A gripping member is configured to supportingly grip a surgical tool and is selectively placed in a rotatable or fixed association with the holding member. Engagement portions of the holding member and gripping member are engagable to block rotation therebetween to obtain the fixed association. |
| US07857261B2 |
Docking system
An automatically aligned docking system, comprises a multi-point kinematic rigidization system that provides precise, repeatable rotational alignment at the spacecraft-docking interface without over-constraining the interface. |
| US07857259B2 |
Modular seat system for a vehicle
A modular seat system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, with at least one seat which includes a seat unit with a seating element and a seat back, a seat frame with at least one pair of essentially vertical support elements, at whose upper end a bearing structure is arranged on which the seat unit rests, and a fixing structure in the floor of the passenger compartment with at least two longitudinal rails, which have a predetermined spacing from one another, for accommodating the lower ends of the support elements.In order to ensure a cost-effective and flexible fixing of standardized installation modules—in particular passenger seats—with different spacing of the mounting rails, there is provided a spacing device, which defines the spacing between the two support elements at their upper and/or lower end, so that the spacing of the support elements from one another is variable independently of the width of the seat unit. |
| US07857255B2 |
Helicopter with an improved vibration control device
A helicopter having a rotor, a fuselage connected to the rotor by connecting means, and a control device for controlling vibration of the fuselage; the control device including generating means for generating signals associated with vibration of the fuselage, and actuating means for producing a force on the fuselage associated with the signals to reduce vibration; and the actuating means being carried by the connecting means. |
| US07857251B2 |
Film lamination vehicles and methods
Film lamination vehicles and methods that can be used to laminate films to surfaces are disclosed. The vehicles and methods use a moving lamination device that forms a lamination front over which the film is applied to the surface. The lamination front complies to irregularities in the surface such as dips, bumps, etc. while providing substantially uniform pressure such that the film conforms to the surface. |
| US07857249B2 |
Tire chopping apparatus and method
Used tires are chopped up in a punch press which progressively punches out areas of each tire lying flat in the press. The tire fragments are conveyed from the press to a collection container. An elevator mechanism may receive four tires stacked vertically, each used tire therein successively fed into the press by a feed mechanism receiving each tire from the elevator mechanism. An on-site enclosure houses all of the components and a container of collected fragments which is accessed for removal through a door in the enclosure. |
| US07857247B2 |
Milling system
A milling apparatus containing a radially symmetrical sleeve having an axial passageway with an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet or vice versa, a radially symmetrical rotor located within the sleeve, one of the rotor and sleeve being rotatable relative to the other, the diameter of the rotor being less than the diameter of the sleeve at each axial position to define an annular passageway between the rotor and sleeve, one or both of the surfaces of the rotor and sleeve having formations adapted to increase the surface area encountered by particles in a fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. |
| US07857240B2 |
Rotary shower head
A rotary shower head for showering includes an outer case to house a universal joint, an inner case assembly, a driving mechanism and a water discharge disc. Water entering the shower head provides a water discharge force to thrust the driving mechanism to generate automatic turning of the water discharge disc to achieve water-saving effect. |
| US07857238B2 |
Vehicle windshield cleaning system
Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid two glow plug heating elements and a control for activating or energizing the glow plugs to heat fluid within a reservoir. |
| US07857233B2 |
Electronically based control valve with feedback to a building management system (BMS)
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for regulating temperature in a system comprises receiving, at a building management system, information concerning a degree of opening of a plurality of control valves. Each of the plurality of control valves is associated with at least one terminal that is in communication with a supply header line of a system, and is operable to open or close according to its own logic based on the demand of the associated terminal or terminals. A determination is made, based on the degree of opening of the plurality of control valves, as to whether changes need to be made to the operating parameters of production equipment of the system. The changes to the production equipment operation of the system are operable to change at least one parameter of a fluid being supplied to the supply header line of the system. An initiation of changes is made if it is determined that the change needs to be made. The changes in the production equipment yield a difference in the at least one parameter of the fluid. |
| US07857231B2 |
Rotatable disc and method for adjusting its orientation
A rotatable disc comprises a first zone in which a plurality of features, e.g. optical filters, are located at uniform angles from each other with respect to an axis of rotation of the disc and a second annular zone comprising sets of adjacent marks of a first type and of a second type. Each set may have a same total circumferential length, but the marks of a given type may have at least two different total circumferential lengths within a set of marks, or may be distinguishable by the relative position of marks of the different type to each other. The adjacent marks of the first and the second type may also form a code pattern that can be used for identifying the features. A method for adjusting the rotational orientation of the disc based on detecting the widths of the sectors is described. |
| US07857221B2 |
RFID tag system
A system for applying radio frequency identification tags on which are disposed respective barcodes includes a processor and a plurality of representations of the items accessible by the processor. Each representation is associated with at least one of the barcodes and includes an indication of a predetermined position for placement of the radio frequency identification tag on an item corresponding to the barcode. A barcode reader and a display are in communication with the processor. When the barcode reader detects a first barcode on a first item, the barcode reader outputs a first signal to the processor identifying the first barcode. The processor receives the first signal, identifies a first representation that is associated with the first barcode, and outputs to the display a second signal associated with the first representation. The display receives the second signal associated with the first representation and displays the first representation. |
| US07857220B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for reading machine-readable characters and human-readable characters
Systems, devices, and methods for automatic data collection. An automatic data collection system includes an image capture subsystem and a processor subsystem. The automatic data collection system is operable to decode machine-readable symbols in a machine-readable symbol reading mode, and to automatically switch from a machine-readable symbol reading mode to an optical character recognition mode in response to information encoded in a machine-readable symbol. In some embodiments, the automatic data collection system is further operable to perform optical character recognition on human-readable symbols in a human-readable symbol reading mode. |
| US07857215B2 |
Method and system including phone with rewards image
A system having a host configured to maintain information relating to a first portable device and a second portable device and an interface device configured to communicate with the host and the first and second portable devices. The interface is configured to determine whether the first portable device is valid for image synchronization for recording an image of the first portable device, determine whether the second portable device is valid for image synchronization so as to download an image of the first portable device to the second portable device. The interface is further configured to determine whether the second portable device is valid for image replacement using information provided by the host for retrieving an image of the first portable device and download the retrieved image to the second portable device. The interface device also includes control logic configured to determine whether the second portable device includes additional information that is not included in the image of the first portable device for concatenating the additional information with the image of the first portable device, and download the concatenated additional information and image of the first portable device onto the second portable device. The interface device concatenates the additional information and the image of the first portable device based on a set of conflict resolution rules. |
| US07857211B2 |
Information processing system
An information processing system comprises an identifying information reading portion that reads out identifying information from a recording medium storing the identifying information capable of identifying an individual, an information managing portion that in advance manages and keeps information available for information providing, an information extracting portion that extracts information from the information managing portion, based on the identifying information read out by the identifying information reading portion, and an information output portion that outputs the information extracted by the information extracting portion. The information extracting portion selects and extracts the information to be provided out of the prearranged information, based on the identifying information read out by the identifying information reading portion and acquiring conditions of the identifying information. |
| US07857208B2 |
Method of authorizing automated banking machine use responsive to user data read from data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards, to cause machine user authorization and financial transfers. The read card data can also be associated with a server address, where a record is located. The machine operates prior to a transaction to determine whether the record can be fully downloaded from the server address. Based on a successful determination, the machine can then fully download the record from the address during a transaction that needs the record. The pre-check arrangement reduces transaction time outs that may occur as a result of futile attempts by the machine to access an unavailable record during a transaction. |
| US07857204B2 |
Reusable sticker
An encoded, reusable sticker is provided for temporary adhesion to a support surface. The sticker has coded data that is indicative of a sticker identity that is recorded in a computer system. The coded data is a two dimensional pattern and has an interactive element and a generation element. The interactive element is an area of the two dimensional pattern in which the coded data is also indicative of an action to be performed by the computer system. The generation interactive element is an area of the two dimensional pattern that is also indicative of an instruction for the computer system to generate an association between the sticker identity and an object stored in an object repository in the computer system. The sticker also has a visual representation of the action to be performed by the computer system and a visual representation of the generation of an association between the sticker identity and an object. The sticker allows the use of a sensing device for sensing the coded data and transmitting to the computer system to initiate the association between the sticker identity and the object by holding the sensing device in an operative position relative to the interactive element, and initiate the action performed by the computer system by holding the sensing device in an operative position relative to the interactive element. |
| US07857198B2 |
Device for processing sheet objects such as banknotes
A device for processing sheet objects comprises a tamper proof housing that contains an opening device operable to receive a container containing sheet objects such as banknotes from outside the housing and to open the container within the housing, and a counter configured to count sheet objects from the opened container within the housing and produce a count signal corresponding to the number of sheet objects counted. The count signal can be checked against reference data received from another location or derived from data carried in the container on a RFID tag. |
| US07857186B2 |
Surgical stapler having an intermediate closing position
A surgical stapling instrument including first and second jaw members which can be pivotably connected to each other and secured in position relative to each other by a latch. The first and second jaw members can include first and second locking members which can allow the first and second jaw members to be rotated relative to one another but prevent, or at least inhibit, the first and second jaw members from being separated from one another. Such embodiments may be particularly useful in circumstances when the latch is in a partially-closed position and the first and second jaw members are being manipulated to position tissue therebetween. The first and second jaw members can be sufficiently connected together in order to prevent, or at least reduce the possibility of, the first and second jaw members from becoming detached from one another and exposing a cutting member. |
| US07857181B2 |
Multiple configuration strap apparatus for briefcases and other carrying bags
This invention presents strap apparatus that is attached to a carrying bag such as a briefcase, computer bag, or golf club bag. In the first embodiment, the strap apparatus is constructed from a single strap that is configured as a closed loop. The closed loop is constrained to the sides of the bag near the top by two constraining means; the closed loop being divided into two strap segments of approximately equal lengths. Depending on how the straps are shouldered, the bag may be worn in a single-strap configuration, a backpack configuration, or a dual-strap configuration. Transitioning from one configuration to the other is easily done by the wearer without having to remove the apparatus from the bag. Furthermore when in the single-strap configuration, the straps stay together and appear to the casual observer as a single-strap as found on an ordinary bag. The appearance of the bag when in the single-strap configuration will not reveal its multimode capability. |
| US07857176B2 |
Seat mountable video system
A video system includes a display, and a media source operatively coupled to the display, wherein the display and the media source are mounted to a vehicle seat, and at least the display is capable of being fixed to different positions using a mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism may include at least one of a bracket, a post and a wedge. |
| US07857175B2 |
Bow-making assist device with storage
An uncomplicated, easy-to-use, and non-mechanical device for making loop-fashioned bows from wraphia, curling, or other similarly flexible ribbon. The rectangular box configuration serves a three-fold purpose. First, the two horizontally-placed dowel-like rods act as the “hands” by which the ribbon is held taut. Secondly, spools of ribbon can be supported by four vertically-placed dowel-like rods located on the top surface, giving the bow-maker various ribbon color options while keeping the spools contained in an easy-to-work-with space. Finally, an added feature is the pull-out drawer which will allow for storage of various bow-making and gift-wrapping supplies, including the various dowel-like rods. This allows for easy and compact storage when the device is not in use. |
| US07857170B2 |
Wall plate system for dispensers
A universal wall plate which can be secured to a wall and to which a variety of dispensers can readily be secured and removed with minimal effort, without the need to remove the wall panel and without causing damage to the wall. |
| US07857169B2 |
Rectangular metered dispenser with feed-containing piston drive mechanism
A metered dispenser includes a housing including a reciprocal piston drive stem including an inlet opening at a first end thereof, a floating piston at a second end, and a passage between the first and second ends. An inlet valve is provided adjacent the first end for permitting entry of liquid product into the passage. A biased cocking mechanism is reciprocally disposed substantially within the housing. A biased loading mechanism is movable in a second generally opposite direction by the cocking mechanism, and is engageable with the piston drive stem to move the drive stem in the second direction. When the cocking mechanism is moved from an initial rest position toward the second direction, a series of operations allow the loading mechanism to project the drive stem in the first direction to dispense a metered dose of liquid product through a discharge orifice provided adjacent the second end. |
| US07857165B2 |
Dispensing unit for measuring articles
A measuring instrument (A) includes: a storage (1) which has an insertion port (10) for insertion of measuring articles (S) and is capable of storing the measuring articles stacked in a direction of the insertion; and movable members (2A, 2B) for a movement of dispensing a predetermined quantity of the measuring articles (S) out of the storage (1) toward a measuring position (P). With such an arrangement, refilling of the measuring articles (S) to the measuring instrument (A) becomes easy, and the measuring instrument (A) can be always loaded suitably with a quantity of the measuring articles. |
| US07857163B2 |
Drug dispenser
A drug dispenser which can push a drug package in a stable state and discharge it. The drug dispenser includes a drug case (1) for containing a plurality of drug packages (100) stacked in a vertical direction, each of the plurality of drug packages (100) is packed in a rectangular package with a flange (100a), and a pushing mechanism (3) for pushing out the lowermost drug package (100) in a horizontal direction. A guide member (35) for supporting and guiding the flange (100a′) of the second drug package (100′), when the lowermost drug package (100) is pushed out, is provided in a pushing direction of the drug package (100). |
| US07857160B2 |
Optimized tray for case-ready meat
An optimized tray for case-ready meat products is disclosed. The tray comprises a base, a plurality of sidewalls connected at a plurality of corners, a flange extending from an upper edge of each sidewall, and a plurality of substantially vertical ribs extending from said sidewalls and spaced apart therealong. At least one of the sidewalls is bowed inwardly, and the flange along at least a partial length of the at least one bowed sidewall is varied in width. The ribs can also vary in thickness along at least a partial length of at least one of the sidewalls. The interaction of the at least one bowed sidewall, the varying flange width, and the varying rib thickness allows for optimization of tray resistance to vertical and horizontal stress without increasing the overall outer dimensions of the tray and without substantially decreasing the internal volume of the tray. |
| US07857155B2 |
Closure for high torque installation on a container
A closure that can be threadingly screwed onto an associated container includes a body having a thread form for engaging a thread form on the container. The body has a wall with projecting hook-like ribs. By the provision of the hook-like ribs, the closure exhibits an enhanced capability for being gripped by the rollers of an automatic capping machine, to accommodate a relatively high torque installation without slipping in an automatic capping machine. |
| US07857154B2 |
Container with lid and tamper-evident features
Apparatus (10) for securing sample collection, comprises an open-topped container (12), a lid (14) for securely covering the open-topped container (12) to prevent access to container contents, and first and second tamper-evident features (16, 18) each having a frangible portion (20, 22) which fractures in use to provide an indication of tampering with container contents when its respective tamper-evident feature is activated. The first and second tamper-evident features (16, 18) are independently-operable, with activation of the first tamper-evident feature (16) preventing activation of the second tamper-evident feature (18) until the frangible portion (20) of the first tamper-evident feature (16) is fractured. The second tamper evident feature (18) is operable without having to remove the fractured frangible portion (20) of the first tamper evident feature (16) from the apparatus (20). |
| US07857153B2 |
Artificial nipple, infant feeding device, and artificial nipple manufacturing method
An artificial nipple can include a nipple body portion connected to a mounting structure that is configured for mounting the nipple on an infant feeding bottle. A mammary papilla leading end portion can be disposed at the leading end portion of a mammary papilla portion and have a leading end opening portion. The inner layer on the inner side of the wall is formed of a shape holding layer made of a material having a rigidity capable of holding the wall shape. The outer layer on the surface side of the wall is formed of a tongue abutting layer having a smooth face. Between the shape holding layer and the tongue abutting layer there is disposed a deformation absorbing layer which is made of a material having a lower rigidity than that of the material of the shape holding layer and the tongue abutting layer. |
| US07857152B2 |
Flue spacer
A flue spacer for providing a flue space in a storage rack having a transversely extending spacer surface and first and second legs. The first and second legs extend from the spacer surface and are adapted to attach the spacer surface to at least two uprights of the storage rack so that the spacer surface is offset from the uprights to form a vertical flue space within the storage rack. At least one of the legs may be adapted to attach to a lateral surface of an upright. The flue spacer also may be adapted to extend across multiple storage racks. A shelving system using the flue spacer is also provided. |
| US07857148B2 |
Jar dispenser
A jar dispenser includes a housing defining a row that accommodates multiple jars of baby food in single file atop a planar floor. A pushplate is configured for movement along the row. A biasing member is in communication with the pushplate to bias the pushplate from a housing back side toward a housing front side. The device includes a door adjacent the row at the housing front side, the door being pivotal to restrict access to the row when at a closed position and to allow access to the row when at open and load positions. A first biasing member biases the door toward the closed position. A door catch is positioned to interact with the door when the door is at the load position. A second biasing member biases the door to bias the door to interact with the door catch when the door is at the load position. |
| US07857147B2 |
Dish rack with splash guard and dish towel drying handles
A dish rack comprises a tubular hub with a bottom segment and an outwardly flared top segment. An inner ledge supports a funnel and a flat-panel grate. The funnel may be molded together with the hub, eliminating the ledge. The rear of the hub is a vertical splash guard rising above the height of the front of the hub. A removable drainage tray is configured to slide into the bottom segment at the front of the hub. Cutouts on the bottom segment define hand-hold cavities. Handles are located on the exterior of the flared top segment to also serve as dish towel drying bars. The flat-panel grate is preferably configured with a slot to support and cradle a dish edge. An optional utensil holder is preferably configured to be supported by the flat-plate grate at the inner periphery of the flared top segment. |
| US07857140B2 |
Semiconductor wafer storage case and semiconductor wafer storing method
A semiconductor wafer storage case is disclosed that includes plural support members that are spaced at predetermined intervals with respect to each other and are each configured to come into contact with a peripheral edge region of a first face of a semiconductor wafer, and an elastic member that elastically supports the support members with respect to each other and is configured to elastically deform to come into contact with a second face of the semiconductor wafer and press the semiconductor wafer onto a corresponding support member. |
| US07857139B2 |
Invertible front opening unified pod
A front opening unified pod (FOUP) for holding wafers is invertible and compatible with process machines in an inverted orientation. The FOUP can safely transport and store wafers while in a non-upright orientation. The shelves within the FOUP are capable of collapsing and constraining the wafers. Further, a method of holding wafers for processing is provided. |
| US07857137B2 |
Wound care kit
A portable wound care kit sized, shaped, and configured to carry only articles necessary for wound care treatment. In one embodiment, the wound care kit contains only a container of wound treatment medicament and two or more wound coverings. However, the wound care kit may also be configured to carry wound cleansing wipes or wound wash. The wound care kit is configured to permit ready and easy access to the wound care treatment articles. |
| US07857135B2 |
Flexible composite snack package
A combination product/napkin package is provided. The combination package includes a product wrapper and a napkin. The product wrapper comprises a sheet of flexible film that is foldable around the product and has edges sealable around a periphery to enclose and seal the product therein. The napkin is affixed to the wrapper at a position outside the sealed product. |
| US07857131B2 |
Patch-like infusion device
A packaging system and method which provides at least one tray or nest, having a number of wells and ribs to position and secure a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device having one or more patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir assembly within the device and upon which a disk, or Belleville spring assembly, applies an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents. The device further provides for the release of one or more spring-loaded patient needles into a patient's skin surface to establish a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents. |
| US07857126B2 |
Guide, assembled guide and device for conditioning products displaceable along a guide track
The invention relates to a guide for supporting a displaceable object, comprising: a plastic guide profile (1, 7, 16, 30) and a support structure (6, 12, 18, 32) supporting the guide profile, characterized in that the guide profile is engaged at least at two spaced-apart positions by the support structure, at least one engaging position of which consists of a free support (4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 14, 33, 34) of the guide profile on the support structure such that the freely supporting side of the guide profile is displaceable relative to the support structure. The invention also relates to a device (21) for conditioning products displaceable along a guide track (22). |
| US07857117B2 |
Bottle inverting and bottle draining station configured to drain rinsed bottles from a rinser in a container filling plant
A conveyor for transporting bottles from a sterilization machine or rinsing machine to a filling machine, in which the container mount, which is configured to move around and/or all along at least one axis on the transport element, is moved to invert a container to allow that container to drain or empty before being filled with a liquid beverage material at a filling station in a beverage bottling plant. |
| US07857116B2 |
Sortation system
A sortation conveyor has a plurality of pairs of slats which are generally aligned with each other and which define a portion of an upper conveying surface. A gap is defined between the slats of the pair which extends laterally. The gap may have an offset portion. |
| US07857115B2 |
Device for working on an escalator
A device (42) useful for working on an escalator (20) provides a tread surface (50) that is obliquely oriented relative to an incline (I) of the escalator (20) during a maintenance or repair procedure. A disclosed example is useful for spanning at least a portion of an escalator (20) where the normal operating steps (22) have been removed for purposes of working on the escalator (20). A disclosed example includes a tread surface (50), a riser portion (52) that is at least partially generally perpendicular to the tread surface (50), a first axle hook (54) and a second axle hook (56). The axle hooks rest upon spaced axles (46) associated with the escalator for positioning a temporary step (44) as desired for facilitating working on the escalator. |
| US07857114B2 |
Banknote discrimination apparatus and banknote discrimination method
A banknote discrimination apparatus includes bodies and a plurality of sensors each detachably provided to the bodies and adapted for detecting a banknote. The banknote discrimination apparatus further includes a control unit adapted for discriminating the banknote, based on detection information detected by each sensor. The control unit is configured to discriminate the banknote, by using the detection information detected by one of the plurality of sensors, which is newly attached to one of the bodies, in addition to the detection information detected by the sensor or sensors already attached to the bodies, if the one of the plurality of sensors is attached to the one of the bodies. |
| US07857112B1 |
Hydraulic brake
A hydraulic brake includes a body defining a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder, a brake lever disposed pivotally on the body, a first pivot disposed rotatably on the brake lever, and a push rod unit connected between the piston and the brake lever and including a sleeve member and a first adjustment rod. The sleeve member has a first end confined in the cylinder, a second end connected pivotally to the first pivot, and an adjustment hole extending from the first end to the second end and in spatial communication with a through hole in the first pivot. The first adjustment rod engages threadably the adjustment hole, and has an inner end in contact with the piston, and an outer end disposed outwardly of the through hole. The first adjustment rod is threadable within the sleeve member to vary a starting position of the piston. |
| US07857110B2 |
Disk brake
A disc brake with a rotatable and axially displaceable shaft for actuation, and with an actuating element. Further, a sealing means with a sealing portion is provided, which acts elastically on an associated sealing surface, with the sealing portion closing a slot between the sealing surface and the housing for sealing purposes and abutting on a stop. The stop, the sealing surface and the actuating element are designed integrally. This measure allows significantly reducing the production costs because the complexity of components is decreased and the assembly is thus simplified. |
| US07857108B2 |
Brake assembly and control mechanism for a cart, and method
A cart having a frame for conveying cargo. The cart includes at least one brake assembly mounted within the frame of the cart. The brake assembly is configured to provide braking by engaging and disengaging a rear wheel axle. The cart further includes a control mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage the brake assembly by rotation of a cart handle. In addition, the cart includes a brake release device configured to disengage the brake assembly when carts are nested. |
| US07857105B2 |
System and method for forming information pertaining to a transportation device
The present invention relates to a system for forming information pertaining to a transportation device, such as an elevator. Audio visual information of the contents of an elevator, such as a person using the elevator, is captured and transmitted to a remote computing system. The status of the elevator, such as position between floors, is also captured and transmitted to the computing system. The elevator status and video/audio information are date/time stamped so that they can subsequently be searched to determine the status of the elevator when particular audio/visual information was captured, and vice versa. |
| US07857103B2 |
Elevator system
An elevator system has a lower elevator car, an upper elevator car and a common counterweight in an elevator shaft. A support device has a first support strand and a second support strand. Each of the elevator cars is connected with the two support strands. In addition, a drive for driving the elevator cars is arranged in the elevator shaft. The drive includes four drive pulleys, wherein a first drive pulley and a second drive pulley are associated with the first support strand and the third drive pulley and the fourth drive pulley are associated with the second support strand. |
| US07857101B2 |
Wick holder for a lubricating system of a locomotive traction motor support bearing
An improved wick-holder for mounting a felt lubricating wick of a lubricating system for lubricating the axle journal surface supported in a support bearing of a traction motor used in a locomotive is provided with a plurality of oil-reservoir louver pockets or splash-cups molded or pressed into the wick holder which store oil from the time that the oil reservoir was full or near its maximum height and which store splashed oil during normal operational use, and delay the run off of the oil to increase the oil saturation of the wick housed within the wick holder. The oil reservoir pockets are located above the minimum serviceable oil level, and are designed to improve and increase oil saturation of the wick. As a result of the increased oil saturation, the wick are, therefore, capable of delivering increased amounts of oil to the axle journal area. The increased amount of oil saturation and reduced wicking height provide increased protection against traction motor support bearing failure if a locomotive is used with axle journal oil levels near the recommended minimum oil levels. Each reservoir pocket or splash cup is preferably louver-shaped, whereby during normal locomotive operating service, the splashing of oil in the bearing housing oil reservoir is collected and delivered to the lubricating wick. In a second embodiment, the reservoir pockets or splash cups are provided on a separate splash sleeve telescopingly mounted over, and to, the lower, free end of the central lubricating wick. |
| US07857100B2 |
Ball screw lubricative sealing device
The invention provides a ball screw lubricative sealing device having a simplified lubrication mechanism. It is attachable to an installed standard ball screw nut, capable of retaining larger amount of lubricant and long supply of lubricant to the contacting screw parts, and further includes a sealing function. It includes: generally cylindrical case members having attachment part to be attached to both ends of a screw nut, respectively; plural thin seal plates made of lubricating oil impregnated felt-like fiber material which is a three-dimensionally crosslinked plastic fiber and resilient rubber members, and having a hole each and fitted inside said case member in such a state that they circumferentially overlap with each other, the hole having a shape corresponding to a lateral cross-sectional shape of a screw groove of ball screw shaft; and a plastic wiper fitted with a space from the thin seal plates inside each of the case member. |
| US07857098B2 |
Elevated sports stand for the handicapped
An automated hunting blind which includes a platform operable to be always maintained in a generally horizontal position. The blind includes a base which is secured in an elevated position with a tree trunk. A boom is pivotally connected with the base and the platform. A drive and a control are provided to move the platform between a down position and selected elevated positions. |
| US07857097B2 |
Scaffolding apparatus and method
An apparatus comprising a frame scaffold with a mechanically operated sliding support, as well as methods of assembling, using and disassembling a frame scaffold using the sliding support are disclosed. The apparatus provides for at least one individual to vertically ascend and/or descend along the perimeter of frame scaffold by mechanical operation. The operator of the apparatus is in close proximity to the scaffold. The apparatus does not require the support of an additional structure (i.e., it is self-supporting). The apparatus provides improved safety and efficiency in the assembly and disassembly of frame scaffold. |
| US07857096B2 |
Steel pump jack with safety latch and method
An upper shackle assembly for a steel pump jack for a wood pole includes a u-shaped shackle component to receive the wood pole. The assembly includes a crank handle that extends through the shackle component and engages the pole to lower the pump jack down the pole. The assembly includes a brake attached to the shackle component to engage with the pole if the crank handle fails. A method for installing a steel pump jack to a wood pole includes the steps of placing a u-shaped shackle component about the wood pole. There is the step of closing a brake with the shackle component to engage with the pole if a crank handle fails. There is the step of extending the crank handle through the shackle component to engage the pole. A steel pump jack. |
| US07857091B2 |
Transmission and vehicle having transversely mounted transmission and engine arranged in axial direction thereof
A vehicle includes an engine, a pair of side frames extending along a vehicle body in front-rear direction of the vehicle, a transmission adapted to be axially connected with the engine and adapted to be transversely mounted on a vehicle body, includes an input shaft, a first counter shaft, a second counter shaft, a first gear mechanism, a second gear mechanism, a third gear mechanism, and a transmission case, wherein the first and third gear mechanisms are arranged close to the engine, the second gear mechanism is arranged more distant from the engine, the second counter shaft is arranged above the input and the first counter shaft, and the transmission case forms a cut-out portion at an upper portion of the back wall portion of the transmission case. |
| US07857090B2 |
Auxiliary input arrangement
A control system for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The control system includes a plurality of joysticks supported by an operator seat assembly of the motor grader. |
| US07857087B2 |
Actuator
An actuator AE1 includes a lock mechanism R1 configured to fill a gas G generated by operating a gas generator 35 at inside of a cylinder 22 and moving forward a piston 38 along with a support rod 40 for restricting a rearward movement of the support rod moved forward. The support rod 40 is arranged to be able to absorb a kinetic energy of a protection object person and capable of being plastically deformed when the protection object person is received by a receiving member after having been moved forward. A lock mechanism R1 is constituted by a diameter enlarging deformed portion 42 arranged at a piston and a locking stepped portion 24 capable of restricting the rearward movement of the piston. Further, the diameter enlarging deformed portion 42 is locked by the locking stepped portion 24 by being elastically deformed by an elastic force of the diameter enlarging deformed portion 42 per se from a diameter contracting state to a diameter enlarging state when arranged to the locking stepped portion 24 after moving the piston forward. |
| US07857085B2 |
Off road vehicle
The invention describes vehicles where the steering effect of the driver-selected wheel angles is made identical to the steering effect of positively and independently driving the driven wheels.Means of delivering most of the power to each of the driven wheels by means of shaft drives is also described. Here speed-correcting differentials are close coupled to each driven wheel where the first input to the said differentials is by means of shaft drives, and the second input to the said differentials is provided by means of speed-correcting hydraulic or electric motors. |
| US07857083B2 |
Excavation machine
An objective of the present invention is to provide a counterweight of a power shovel interchangeable with that of a superordinate model without affecting a rear end radius of the shovel at the time of rotation. In the power shovel 50 in which the counterweight is formed at the rear part of a vehicle body frame 11 extended from a front end to a rear end of a lower part of a rotation upper body 10, and an engine 14 is mounted on the rear part of the vehicle body frame 11, an additional weight 12 is placed in a space between the rear part of the vehicle body frame 11 and the engine 14. |
| US07857079B2 |
Multi-wheel vehicle
A vehicle comprises a steering operation device, a pair of running-driving wheels, which differentially drive when the steering operation device is manipulated, a pair of steerable running wheels interlocking with the steering operation device, and a steering mechanism interposed between the steering operation device and the pair of running-driving wheels. The steering mechanism includes a pair of drive gears interlocking with the steering operation device and a pair of follower gears interlocking with the respective steerable running wheels. The drive gears mesh with the respective follower gears so as to control lateral turning of the respective steerable running wheels. A gear radius of the drive gear may be greater than that of the follower gear meshing with it. A gear ratio between the mutually meshing drive and follower gears may be variable. The lateral turning centers of both the steerable running wheels may coincide with each other, and further coincide with a lateral turning center of the vehicle body caused by differential rotation of the running-driving wheels. |
| US07857077B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing and injecting drill cuttings
An improved cuttings system located adjacent a drilling rig's shale shaker system utilizing a vacuum collection/gravity fed processing system, thereby eliminating expensive and complicated cuttings transfer systems. The use of a vacuum cuttings collection system combined within a common fluid-filled open tank and submersible grinding pumps eliminate the need for extensive circulating and holding systems. Cuttings are sized and chemically prepared within the same tank and fed directly to an injection pump for discharge to cuttings transport tanks or injected down hole. Other improvements include non-restrictive cuttings sizing, filtering, and an injection pump cuttings relief system. |
| US07857073B2 |
Agricultural implement
An agricultural implement includes first and second outer harrows positioned adjacent front and left sides and front and right sides of a frame, respectively, at generally opposite diagonal directions. Third and fourth harrows are similarly positioned adjacent rear and left sides and rear and right sides of the frame, respectively, at generally opposite diagonal directions. The implement may include inner harrows positioned to close gaps left by the outer harrows and positioned at generally opposite diagonal configurations. Each harrow includes a plurality of discs and a chain with a plurality of links. Each outer harrow chain is held in relative tension by a spring interconnecting a respective chain end and the frame. Left and right sides of the frame are foldable upwardly and inwardly for transport and storage. |
| US07857072B2 |
Row unit soil finishing apparatus
The agricultural row units feature soil finishing assemblies. This configuration of the finishing assembly provides a simple adjustment of the height of the finishing assembly to enhance usability and flexibility of the row unit. The improved adjustment mechanism enhances user control over the vertical distance between the finishing wheels/discs and the ground opening assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, soil finishing assembly is pivotally coupled to the row unit frame via a height adjustment assembly. The height adjustment assembly may feature a biasing member and other components to allow adjustment of one end of the pivotal coupling of the adjustment assembly within the row unit assembly. |
| US07857070B2 |
Control system using a single proportional valve
The present invention relates to machinery having multiple hydraulically actuated functions and, more particularly, to a control system for using a single proportional valve to control multiple hydraulically actuated functions on a piece of machinery such as a tractor or front-end wheel loader. |
| US07857055B2 |
High temperature fracturing fluids and method of use
A treatment fluid for treating a subterranean formation is formed from an aqueous solution of a polysaccharide, a polyacrylamide, a crosslinking agent, which may be a Group 4 transition metal crosslinking agent, and less than 0.1% by weight of any clay component. In certain embodiments, the polyacrylamide may have an average molecular weight of from greater than 0.5 million to about 20 million and may be present in the fluid in an amount of from about 0.01% to 1% by weight of the fluid. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may be carried out by introducing the treatment fluid into the formation through the wellbore. In certain embodiments, the treatment fluid may be introduced into a portion of the formation having a temperature of 120° C. or higher. |
| US07857054B2 |
Degradable cement compositions containing degrading materials and methods of cementing in wellbores
A temporary matrix is provided in treating a subterranean formation by providing a composition comprising a matrix forming material and a matrix degrading material. The matrix degrading material is capable of degrading the matrix after a period of time when subjected to existing or induced conditions of the subterranean formation. The composition is placed into a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation. The composition is allowed to form a matrix within the wellbore, whereby the matrix at least one of significantly reduces the passage of fluid across or near the matrix or provides structural strength. A treatment operation is performed on the subterranean formation or wellbore and the degrading material is allowed to degrade the matrix. |
| US07857050B2 |
Flow control using a tortuous path
An apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a flow conduit and a structure defining a tortuous fluid path proximate the flow conduit, where the tortuous fluid path receives a flow of fluid. The tortuous fluid path is defined by at least first and second members of the structure, and the first and second members are movable with respect to each other to adjust a cross-sectional flow area of the tortuous fluid path. |
| US07857048B2 |
Method for breaking fracturing fluids
A method for breaking a fracturing fluid includes identifying application parameter(s) including a subterranean formation temperature, and determining an acid precursor concentration in response to the application parameter(s). The method further includes providing a treatment fluid including a carrier fluid, a metallic peroxide breaker, and an amount of an acid precursor according to the acid precursor concentration, and treating the subterranean formation with the treatment fluid. The application parameter(s) may further include a flowback wait time, a composition of the metallic peroxide breaker, a gel loading of the carrier fluid, and/or a permeability of the subterranean formation. The metallic peroxide breaker may include an alkaline peroxide and/or a zinc peroxide. The acid precursor may include polylactic acid and/or polyglycolic acid. |
| US07857047B2 |
Method of drilling and producing hydrocarbons from subsurface formations
A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, method for drilling a well is described. The method includes performing drilling operations at one or more wells to a subsurface location in a field to provide fluid flow paths for hydrocarbons to a production facility. The drilling is performed by (i) obtaining mechanical specific energy (MSE) data and other measured data during the drilling operations; (ii) using the obtained MSE data and other measured data to determine the existence of at least one limiter; (iii) obtaining and examining lithology data for the well; (iv) identifying a primary limiter of the at least one limiter based on the lithology data; and (v) adjusting drilling operations to mitigate at least one of the at least limiter. |
| US07857046B2 |
Methods for obtaining a wellbore schematic and using same for wellbore servicing
Methods are described for determining or estimating a wellbore schematic, one embodiment comprising running one or more measured distances of coiled tubing into a wellbore while pumping a fluid at varying flow rates through the coiled tubing, and calculating true vertical depth of the wellbore using pressure and flow rate data of the fluid. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It may not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b). |
| US07857045B2 |
Torque transfer arrangement and method
A torque transfer arrangement includes a relatively immobile construct; a relatively mobile construct. The relatively mobile construct is radially adjacent the relatively immobile construct. One or more torque body assemblies are mounted to the relatively mobile construct. The assemblies are radially responsive to applied hydraulic pressure to contact a surface of a separate structure and transmit torque from the arrangement to the separate structure. A method is included. |
| US07857043B2 |
Polished rod rotator
A polished rod rotator uses a new method and mechanism to rotate a string of sucker rods relative to a string of oil well tubing to high degrees of rotational angle and achieve large rotator torque. The activation and resulting rotation torque is achieved through axial impact directly by the weight of the sucker rod string at the end of the downward movement of the pumping equipment. The rotator is a two-part assembly, one part is attached to a well-head stuffing box and the other is attached to a polished rod, having a hollow body with spiral slots with rollers. With the downward movement of a beam, the two parts dock through their docking surfaces, while the weight of sucker rods forces the rotator to move down using rollers in spiral slots rotating the polished rod along with the sucker rods until the beam's movement is complete. With the upward movement of the beam, the parts undock rod rotator is static waiting for the completion of pumping cycle. |
| US07857032B2 |
Overhead garage door
An overhead garage door has an apparatus for pinch resistant operation. The garage door may include horizontal sections and the door may be formed from a plurality of these sections, arranged in a stack, and pivotally connected to adjacent sections. The apparatus, such as meeting rails, may be attached to adjacent horizontal sections to mask the appearance of a seam created as adjacent sections are joined or provide pinch resistant operation. |
| US07857029B2 |
Method for joining adhesive tape to semiconductor wafer, method for separating protective tape from semiconductor wafer, and apparatuses using the methods
An annular convex portion is formed along an outer periphery of a back face of a wafer so as to surround a ground area in the back face. The wafer is placed on a holding table with its front face directed upward. A locking member of the holding table supports and contacts the outer periphery of the annular convex portion, thereby securing the wafer. In this state, a separating adhesive tape is supplied toward a surface of a protective tape joined to the front face of the wafer. Then, a joining member presses the adhesive tape against the wafer, thereby joining the adhesive tape to the surface of the protective tape. Further, a guide member guides the adhesive tape joined to the protective tape in a reverse direction, Thus, the adhesive tape and the protective tape are simultaneously separated from the front face of the wafer. |
| US07857028B2 |
Mounting device for electrical component
A mounting device for an electric component includes a thermocompression bonding head with a pressure bonding member made of a predetermined elastomer, the pressure bonding member provided in a head main body, and a pressing force adjusting mechanism for adjusting a pressing force corresponding to a region on a pressure bonding surface of the pressure bonding member, wherein the pressure bonding member is pressed at a predetermined pressure toward an electric component placed on a wiring board. |
| US07857026B2 |
Method for repairing loose molded-in bushings
The present invention relates to a method for bonding a component, such as a bushing, into a part, such as a panel. The method broadly comprises attaching a vacuum chamber to a surface of the part, seating the component into a slot in the part, and applying an adhesive material about a circumference of the component while drawing a vacuum in the vacuum chamber to allow the adhesive material to flow between the part and the component. |
| US07857023B2 |
Golf club cover having a pull member
Various exemplary implementations of the principles described herein provide a cover for a golf club. The golf club may include a head and a shaft, the head having a heel end and a toe end, and the shaft connected at the heel end. The cover may include a toe portion substantially shrouding the toe end of the club head and a heel portion substantially shrouding the heel end of the club head and a first length of the shaft. The cover may include a sleeve portion extending from the heel portion and substantially shrouding a second length of the shaft, the second length being greater than the first length. The sleeve portion may have an opening opposite the heel portion. The cover may include a first pull member on the heel portion. |
| US07857019B2 |
System and method for cutting a profile in a workpiece
A system for cutting a profile along a linear edge of a wooden workpiece utilizes two spaced-apart rotatable cutting tools which are mounted for rotation in opposite rotational directions and a support surface for supporting the workpiece for movement along each of the two cutting tools. By positioning the workpiece upon the support surface so that the linear edge thereof extends between the two cutting tools, the workpiece can be moved into cutting engagement with a first of the cutting tools and subsequently into cutting engagement with the second of the cutting tools. By subsequently reversing the movement of the workpiece along the first cutting tool before the cutting edges thereof exit a trailing (side) edge of the workpiece, the likelihood that the workpiece will be damaged from the profile-forming process is reduced. |
| US07857006B2 |
Pressure accumulator, especially pulsation damper
A pressure accumulator, especially a pulsation damper, includes an accumulator housing (10) and a piston element (28) disposed in it. A bellows-type separative element (30) is supported on the piston part (28) with its one end (32) and with its other end (34) on the accumulator housing (10). The separative element (30) separates two working chambers (26, 40) within the accumulator housing (10) from each other, especially a gas chamber (26) from a fluid chamber (40), in a fluid-tight, especially gas-tight manner. To one working chamber (26), in addition to a defined volumetric proportion of a working gas, is filled with a fluid. In this manner, the working gas allows for a compression to a certain degree and for a dampening and smoothening of the pulsations of the fluid medium migrating to and occurring on the fluid side of the accumulator. |
| US07857004B2 |
Automated condensate drain line cleaning system, method, and kit
Automated condensate drain line cleaning apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a controller, a fluid supply line, and at least one fluid flow regulation device. The at least one fluid flow regulation device may be electrically coupled with the controller to receive at least one control signal from the controller. The at least one fluid flow regulation device may cause a fluid to flow into a condensate drain line through the fluid supply line responsive to the at least one control signal. Other apparatus as well as methods and kits are also disclosed. |
| US07857003B2 |
Selectable detent assembly with neutral protection
A selectable detent assembly that has a housing with a plurality of passageways. Within the housing is a selector spool that is disposed within a selector passageway and is rotatable to provide a plurality of rotational positions including a no detent position, a kick down position, and a continuous detent position. A pilot check valve is disposed within the housing and provides a fluid flow path from a pilot passageway to the selector passageway and a detent passageway. A detent arming piston is disposed within the detent passageway and is connected to a directional control valve spool. Thus, depending on the rotational position of the selector spool, the selector spool can either provide a continuous flow path through the selector passageway to a tank, a flow path that is controlled by the axial position of the selector spool or prevent flow to the tank in order to operate the detent arming piston. |
| US07857000B1 |
Garden water hose assembly
A garden hose assembly is provided which includes a protective and decorative housing at least partially enclosing a hose reel assembly. The housing is rotatable fully 360 degrees about a supporting post. Water is supplied to the assembly through a connector mounted on the post. Water is conducted in a water supply line concealed entirely within the post and housing. |
| US07856996B2 |
Light support adapter
A light support system is provided for a structure for supporting a light device thereon. The system can comprise a deployable member and a retention mechanism. The deployable member can have an exterior surface onto which the light device can be mounted. The deployable member can be selectively movable from a stowed position to an extended position in which the member can support the lighting device. The member can be engaged in order to retain or lock the member in at least one of the stowed and extended positions. |
| US07856989B2 |
Electrostatically produced fast dissolving fibers
Fibrous structures composed of electrostatically prepared polysaccharide micro- and nanofibers are described which contain active agents such as drugs and/or flavorants encapsulated within the structures. When exposed to moisture, the structures are disrupted and the active agent rapidly released. The fibrous structures containing active agents such as flavorants can be incorporated into smoking articles which, when smoked, release the flavorants. |
| US07856988B2 |
Method of making reconstituted tobacco with bonded flavorant
A process of manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco material is provided which includes: preparing a heated mixture of water and sugar; providing a liquid flavorant such as menthol; mixing tobacco particles, water and a gum binder with the mixture of water and sugar and with the flavorant to form a reconstituted tobacco mixture; and forming the reconstituted tobacco mixture, such as by casting or extruding the reconstituted tobacco mixture, into a reconstituted tobacco material. Exemplary menthol reconstituted tobacco products provided herein enable high levels of menthol to be retained in a tobacco product. |
| US07856986B2 |
Magnetic alignment apparatus for a transcutaneous transfer system
In one embodiment of the invention, a transcutaneous transfer system is disclosed. The system comprises: an inductively-coupled coil system comprising an external and an internal coil adapted to be transcutaneously juxtaposed along a coupling axis; an internal magnet fixed relative to the internal coil; an external magnet assembly coupled to the external coil; and an apparatus to securely retain the magnet assembly in a desired one of a plurality of positions along a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the coupling axis in response to tool-less manipulation of the apparatus. |
| US07856985B2 |
Method of treatment body tissue using a non-uniform laser beam
Methods and apparatus for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, using non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a non-uniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the target tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production). A large area of tissue, preferably 7-10 mm in diameter, can be treated simultaneously, while minimizing the risk of burning or other damage to the skin.In one embodiment, the invention uses a fiber bundle to provide a non-uniform energy output beam. In another embodiment, the invention uses a diffractive lens array to produce the non-uniform output beam. A cooling system can also be integrated with the laser treatment system. |
| US07856978B2 |
Process for operating an anesthesia apparatus
An anesthesia apparatus with a breathing circuit (1) has improved initiation of anesthesia for the patient. The gas mixture dispensed into the breathing circuit (1) is circulated in a first operating state without release to a patient until a preset anesthetic concentration is set in the breathing circuit (1). The respiration of the patient connected to the anesthesia apparatus takes place in a subsequent second operating state with the gas mixture set in the first operating state. |
| US07856976B2 |
Gas mask with drinking device
A gas mask with device for supplying a liquid into the interior space of the gas mask includes a feed tube (6) for drinking liquid that can be fastened to the mask body of the gas mask (3) in a simple manner. A circumferential bead (10) with holes (11), into which a closing plug (8) on the gas mask (3) can be inserted, is provided on the feed tube (6). |
| US07856973B2 |
Cooking appliance
A cooking appliance is provided that has a structure which efficiently cools an electric element chamber. The cooking appliance includes an appliance body that has a cooking chamber to cook food, a door that opens and closes the cooking chamber, and cooling flow passages that absorb heat transferred from the cooking chamber. Additionally, an intake air duct may be provided proximate a top side of the cooking chamber to communicate with the cooling flow passages. Further, an exhaust duct may be provided proximate the intake air duct to communicate with the intake air duct. Further, a fan-motor assembly may be provided in a space formed by the intake air duct and the exhaust duct such that the fan-motor assembly forms a portion of a connecting passage that connects the intake air duct and the exhaust duct. |
| US07856971B2 |
Elevator for hot plates or grates of barbecue grills
The object of the present patent is an elevator for hot plates or grates of barbecue grills, having gutters (1), (2) and (3) assembled in a “U” shape, the gutter (5), in its ends the plates (6) with rollers (8), the gutters (10), (11) and (12), also assembled the shape of a “U”, constituting the support for the hot plate or grate and with the mortises (13) embracing the gutter (5), which slides vertically through the grooves (4) of gutters (1) and (3), taken by the cable (18), which passes through the groove of the pivot (7) of one of the plates (6) and is fixed there by the fixers (19), being the cable mobile in a circuit between the pulleys (16) and (17), by the action of the crank (14), fixed to the axle (15), the pulley (16) and the pivot (20), after its release from the part (21), but coming back due to the work of the spring (22), when the hot plate or the grater is the desired position and, in order to keep the hot plate or the grate in a horizontal position, there are the cables (24) and (25) departing from the closing plates (9) of the gutters (1) and (3), passing on the double pulleys (26), crossing one another inside gutter (5) and ending in the tensioners (27) and (28). |
| US07856964B2 |
Method of controlling a piezoelectric actuator
A method for controlling the displacement of a stack of a piezoelectric actuator for use in a fuel injector comprises determining a desired amount of charge (ΔQ) to be added or removed from the stack. The method further comprises determining an operating parameter of the fuel system and selecting a drive current level (PO, SO) and a drive time (topen, tclose) in accordance with the desired amount of charge (ΔQ) and the operating parameter, and driving the drive current through the stack for the drive time (topen, tclose) in order to add or remove the desired amount of charge (ΔQ). |
| US07856949B2 |
Heat pipes and use of heat pipes in furnace exhaust
An array of a plurality of heat pipe are mounted in spaced relationship to one another with the hot end of the heat pipes in a heated environment, e.g. the exhaust flue of a furnace, and the cold end outside the furnace. Heat conversion equipment is connected to the cold end of the heat pipes. |
| US07856936B2 |
Lift lock security system
An anti-theft security system for boats on boat lifts, which also provides for stability to eliminate boat swaying on the lift during wind storms. The system includes two opposing secondary side rails configured to move laterally along an underside of the primary boat lift I-beams. The side rails are interlocked within receiving brackets mounted to the boat lift posts, using a locking device that locks one of the side rails to the post mounted brackets on the dock pier side. The opposite secondary side rail includes an attached pull bar that allows a person to place the rail in position for locking or to pull the opposite side rail away from the lift posts to lower the boat into the water. The pull bar handle is interlocked with the rail nearest the dock pier side. |
| US07856933B2 |
Wooden dowel in pallet assembly
An improved pallet that is capable of easy assembly, functionally adequate for some situations and capable of easy disassembly. In one form of the invention, a pallet is provided that is made of all wood. In one embodiment, the pallet may be comprised of a plurality of stringers with bores, a plurality of deck boards with openings, and a plurality of wooden dowels disposed in the bores and openings to connect the stringers and deck boards. |
| US07856931B2 |
Center sill for railroad freight car
A center sill for inclusion in a center sill assembly of a railroad freight car. The center sill includes a first main structural member of metal plate bent to a three-sided shape including a bottom cover and a pair of side web portions, and a top cover plate fastened to the side web portions to form a box beam structure. Horizontal filler plates that may be of thicker material are fastened to the bottom cover portion at the ends. Stub sills may be attached to the ends of the center sill to form a center sill assembly for a freight car such as a hopper car. |
| US07856930B2 |
Electric motor driven traversing balancer hoist
A balancer hoist has an electric servomotor driving irreversible gearing in turn driving a hoist chain drive. A float mode and a manual mode are provided using two independent load sensors for sensing the load weight and force applied to a control grip. A traversing control is produced by a tractor carriage rolling on tracks defined by bottom flanges of an overhead rail connected to a trolley also traveling on the rail and supported on upper hoist assembly. A load sensor interconnects the tractor carriage and upon hoist assembly to sense forces created by an operator pulling on the chain, which are used to control an electric motor on the tractor carriage driving a pinion gear engaged with a separately assembled gear rack held against the underside of one of the bottom flanges of the overhead rail by being attached to a series of vertical clamping plates which are each held against the side of the rail by threaded fasteners passed through each plate and received in a series of retainer blocks in a sideways facing T slot defined in either bottom flange to positively drive the carriage, trolley and upper hoist assembly along the rail. A stationary dual hoist system is also provided in which two hoist assemblies are interconnected by a chain and sprockets to provide synchronized operation. |
| US07856928B1 |
Countermine dart system and method
An anti-mine dart includes a body containing an explosive payload and having a flyer-plate port. The dart is operable responsive to the payload being detonated to propel through the flyer-plate port a flyer plate having sufficient energy to detonate an explosive material surrounding the dart. The darts may include a plurality of explosive payloads, flyer-plate ports and flyer plates. The darts may be formed in a stack arrangement within a missile such that the flyer-plate port of each dart is not aligned with the flyer-plate ports of any of the adjacent darts in the stack arrangement. The darts may contain a simplified safe-and-arm mechanism or no safe-and-arm mechanism at all. |
| US07856927B2 |
Digital offset printing method, electrophotographic machine and software for causing an electrophotographic machine to carry out such a method
The present invention provides a digital offset printing method for producing a composite image on a substrate wherein the image is made up of a first plurality number of component images, each being formed from a different ink. The method comprises providing a first component image on a first surface, transferring the first component image from the first surface to an intermediate transfer module, repeating said provided and transferring steps for further component images until a second plurality number, less than the first plurality number, of component images has been accumulated on the intermediate transfer module, and transferring the accumulated component images from the intermediate transfer module to the substrate. The step of transferring the accumulated images from the intermediate transfer module to the substrate comprises applying a plurality of inks, which correspond to the second plurality number of accumulated component images, to the substrate, and repeating said steps until all of the first plurality number of component images have been transferred to the substrate. |
| US07856920B2 |
Coffee maker for brewing coffee powder contained in a cartridge
The coffee maker for brewing powder coffee contained in a cartridge comprises a brewing chamber adapted to receive the cartridge, at least one punching member for punching the cartridge and a pump for feeding brewing water into the brewing chamber. In order to avoid that the prepared coffee shows froth at its surface, the coffee maker comprises means for restricting the amount of water fed by the pump into the brewing chamber per unit of time. This means ensures that the brewing water flows through the cartridge essentially unpressurized. |
| US07856916B2 |
Isolation systems, inertial navigation systems, and recoil artillery systems
Recoil artillery systems and isolation systems are provided. An isolation system is provided for mounting an inertial navigation system onto an artillery system having a barrel adapted to move along a longitudinal axis during a firing sequence. The system includes an inner cradle, an outer cradle, first and second elastomeric isolators, and a first single axis damper. The first elastomeric isolator is mounted between the inner and outer cradles. The second elastomeric isolator is mounted between the inner and outer cradles. The first single axis damper is aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis and includes a first end and a second end, the first end is mounted to the first inner sidewall, and the second end is mounted to the first outer sidewall. |
| US07856915B1 |
Blast mitigating mobile self-contained networked checkpoint
A portable checkpoint system is disclosed that incorporates a configurable freight container to intercept and inspect an approaching vehicle. The container includes a quadrilateral set of walls connectable to form a rectangular box, first and second ends of the walls, a blast plate disposed within the box, and a receptacle for mounting a device. At least one of the ends includes a door. The blast plate is disposed between two interior surfaces of the quadrilateral set of walls for absorbing shock and shrapnel, such as at an oblique angle. The mounted device is an instrument for measuring a characteristic of the vehicle. Another such device is a lamp for illuminating the vehicle. The checkpoint includes an obstacle to direct the vehicle in traffic flow, and a pair of configurable freight containers as described. The obstacle directs the vehicle towards the zone. The containers are disposed substantially parallel to each other and separated apart to form a zone that enables the vehicle to pass there-between. The checkpoint includes a communications system accessible to a database having information on vehicle identification, vehicle sensory characteristics, personal identification and facial-recognition photographs for comparison with the vehicle and its occupants. |
| US07856914B2 |
Noise suppressor
A device for suppressing noise from a firearm. In one aspect, the suppressor has an elongate body that defines a bullet pathway extending longitudinally therethrough. The elongate body may define a plurality of adjacent chambers spaced along its longitudinal axis. The suppressor may also have at least two elongate body shells configured to selectively substantially envelop the elongate body and substantially enclose each of the adjacent chambers. The body shells of the suppressor are designed to be easily removed to clean the chambers of the suppressor. |
| US07856910B2 |
Method of balancing a kitchen knife using removable handle weights
A knife with a handle capable of adjustable weight configurations. The handle is hollow such that the weight balance between the handle and blade may be adjusted through the selective use of one or more removable weights that form part of an axially oriented weight mounting assembly. A user may add or remove weights until a desired knife balance is achieved. |
| US07856909B2 |
Screw prestressing device and method
A screw prestressing device having a piston and a draw pin structured and arranged to be disconnectably coupled to an element and movable, via the piston, to apply a defined prestressing force in the element. |
| US07856908B2 |
Sucker rod coupling extractor
A prior art sucker rod tong is improved to remove a coupling completely from a sucker rod assembly comprising sucker rods joined end to end by couplings. The prior art sucker rod tong has a rotatable jaw assembly and a lower backup wrench adapted to cooperate to unscrew a coupling joining first and second rods, where the coupling remains screwed to the second rod after it is unscrewed from the first rod. The improvement comprises a coupling extractor for unscrewing the coupling from the second rod so that the coupling can be replaced. The coupling extractor comprises a shaft having an extractor end portion on each end of the shaft and a shield around each extractor end portion, wherein the coupling extractor is designed and sized to fit within and to be rotated by the jaw assembly. The extractor end portion engages the inside wall of the coupling to unscrew the coupling from the second rod. The extractor end portion is preferably a tapered, left-handed spiral fluted easy-out extractor. The improvement preferably further comprises an upper backup wrench movably connected to the sucker rod tong for holding the second sucker rod when the second sucker rod is above the coupling. |
| US07856906B2 |
Gear assemlby including a wear component for use with metal housings
A gear assembly is provided for use in a metal housing having a bore formed therein. The gear assembly includes a plurality of rotating gear members and at least one bushing for supporting the plurality of rotating gear members. A wear component, defined by a ring-like structure and including an opening defined therein, is provided. The plurality of rotating gear members are disposed within the opening of the wear component. The wear component is received inside of and in close tolerance with the bore. The wear component is in direct contact with the plurality of rotating gear members thereby minimizing damage to an interior surface of the bore. |
| US07856901B2 |
Actuating device for a motor vehicle transmission
An actuating device for a motor vehicle transmission having multiple transmission steps, having a threaded spindle which is mounted so it is rotationally movable and axially fixed and a spindle nut which is positioned on this threaded spindle and may be driven thereby, and also having a first component, which is positioned so it is axially fixed and rotatable to select gears of the motor vehicle transmission, which may be coupled and/or is coupled via a rotational carrier unit to the spindle nut, so that the first component may be driven to rotate by the threaded spindle via the spindle nut to select gears, a braking unit being provided to reduce and/or avoid axial position changes of the spindle nut caused by mass inertia as a result a braking procedures of the threaded spindle from a movement rotationally driving the first component; as well as a motor vehicle transmission unit, a motor vehicle drivetrain, and a method for reducing or avoiding control errors caused by mass inertia in the control of gear changing actions in a motor vehicle transmission. |
| US07856896B2 |
Analyzer
The present invention relates to an analytical tool including a plurality of flow paths 21 each including a detection cell 26 for detecting a particular component contained in a sample and configured to move the sample by capillarity, and a common path 22 connecting the plurality of flow paths 21 to each other. Each of the flow paths 21 includes a water stopper 29 for preventing the sample from flowing into the common path 22. Preferably, the water stopper 29 suppresses the movement of the sample by differentiating a cross sectional area at a target portion in a direction perpendicular to the sample flow direction from a cross sectional area at a portion near the target portion. |
| US07856894B2 |
Device for measuring the strip tension in a metal strip
The invention concerns a device (1) for measuring the strip tension in a metal strip, especially a steel strip, which device has a flat, level table (2), over which the metal strip can run and at one end (3) of which a plurality of measuring elements (4) is mounted, which are suitable for measuring the strip tension, where cooling elements (5) are provided, which are installed under the table (2) and with which cooling liquid, especially water, can be carried into the area of the measuring element (4). In order to secure the table against sagging in a simple way, the invention provides that the cooling elements (5) have a box-like cooling liquid tank (6), which is arranged on both sides of the metal strip on at least one support member, such that the underside of the table (2) rests directly or indirectly on the box-like cooling liquid tank (6). |
| US07856893B2 |
Bearing for wheel with sensor
To provide a sensor incorporated wheel support bearing assembly, in which a load sensor can be compactly installed in an automotive vehicle, the load acting on the vehicle wheel can be detected with high sensitivity and the manufacturing cost can be reduced, the bearing assembly having a plurality of rows of rolling elements interposed between an outer member and an inner member includes a sensor unit fitted to one of the outer member and the inner member, which serves as a stationary member. The sensor unit includes a sensor mounting member and a strain sensor fitted thereto. The sensor mounting member has two contact fixing portions fixed to the outer member and a first contact fixing portion is fixed to a flange surface of the outer member and a second contact fixing portion is fixed to a peripheral surface of the outer member. |
| US07856889B2 |
High speed pull test device and method
A device and method for tensile testing of the bond strength of an electrically conductive ball adhered to a substrate. A ball is gripped and moved at a speed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane of adherence. The substrate is abruptly halted by an abutment to impose a sudden load on the ball/substrate interface. During the test the substrate is lightly urged toward the ball to eliminate unwanted tensile forces. |
| US07856885B1 |
Reinforced piezoresistive pressure sensor
A MEMS-based silicon pressure sensor for the ocean environment is presented. The invention is a multiple diaphragm piezoresistive pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of a liquid, comprising an inner deformable diaphragm formed on a silicon substrate, the inner deformable diaphragm having a first thickness an outer deformable diaphragm formed on the silicon substrate, the outer deformable diaphragm having a second thickness which is greater than the first thickness, positioned below the inner deformable diaphragm to support the inner deformable diaphragm, a first piezoresistive bridge embedded in the inner deformable diaphragm, a second piezoresistive bridge embedded in the outer deformable diaphragm and possibly a third piezoresistive bridge embedded in the silicon substrate to compensate for temperature variations. |
| US07856880B2 |
Vehicle sensor for detecting impact sound
Disclosed is a vehicle sensor (4) for detecting impact sound, including a measured-value sensor (4.1) for detecting an impact sound. The measured-value sensor (4.1) includes several individual, separate measured-value sensing elements (4.1.x), each of which is coupled to a vehicle structure (5) in such a way that impact sound waves are transmitted by the vehicle structure (5) to the measured-value sensing elements (4.1.x). |
| US07856872B2 |
Single phase fluid sampling apparatus and method for use of same
An apparatus (100) for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples in a subterranean well includes a carrier (104), a plurality of sampling chambers (102) and a pressure source (108) of the apparatus (100). The carrier (104) has a longitudinally extending internal fluid passageway (112) providing a substantially smooth bore therethrough and a plurality of chamber receiving slots (159). Each of sampling chamber (102) is positioned in one of the chamber receiving slots (159) of the carrier (104). The pressure source (108) is selectively in fluid communication with each of the sampling chambers (102) such that the pressure source (108) is operable to pressurize each of the sampling chambers (102) after the samples are obtained. |
| US07856871B2 |
Wheel for vehicles
A wheel for vehicles includes a rim, a tyre mounted on the rim, and at least one device for energy generation operatively associated with the tyre. The device for energy generation includes a first element that is fixed relative to the rim or to the tyre, and a second element mounted on the first element and free to rotate relative to the first element around a predetermined rotation axis. The second element has a mass centre eccentric to the predetermined rotation axis. The device for energy generation further includes an electric generator having a stator mounted on the first element and a rotor mounted on the second element. |
| US07856866B2 |
Method of operating an atomic force microscope in tapping mode with a reduced impact force
In a tapping mode Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) system, a probe is excited at an excitation frequency other than the probe's first natural frequency to produce a response signal manifesting a grazing bifurcation between “non-collision” and “collision” states of the AFM system, so that an additional characteristic frequency component is generated in the “collision” state. The magnitude of the additional characteristic frequency component is monitored in real time, and the probe-sample separation is adjusted to maintain the monitored magnitude at an optimal value to operate the AFM system at near-grazing conditions. |
| US07856864B2 |
Deriving information about leaks in pipes
A method and system for deriving fluid leak information are described. A plurality of sealing elements are introduced into the pipeline at a location upstream of the leak, and at least some of the sealing elements are drawn towards the leak to cause a sealing event which reduces fluid seepage. A pressure change caused by the sealing event is detected, and associated time data is used to derive information about the leak. In one embodiment, leak location information is derived. In an alternative embodiment, pressure transient information is used to derive leak size information. |
| US07856860B1 |
Bottle cap flattener and method for flattening bottle caps
The present invention in one embodiment is a device and method for flattening bottle caps from beverage containers. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottle cap flattener includes a bottle cap positioner, a bottle cap holder, a bottle cap flattening tool, a motor and a positioning jig. The bottle cap positioner precisely locates a bottle cap so that the bottle cap flattening tool can interact with the bottle cap to flatten the bottle cap. The bottle cap positioner preferably includes a rotatable disk that is rotated by the motor. The bottle cap flattening tool applies pressure to a bottle cap through a tip to force the outer portion of the bottle cap into a flattened configuration along with the central portion of the bottle cap. The bottle cap holder applies force to a bottle cap located on the bottle cap positioner to hold the bottle cap in a precise relationship with the bottle cap positioner. Where the bottle cap positioner includes a rotating disk, the bottle cap holder applies force to a bottle cap located on the disk to hold the bottle cap on the disk. The positioning jig precisely locates the bottle cap on the friction surface of the disk so that the bottle cap can be acted on by the bottle cap flattening tool. |
| US07856859B2 |
Retractable key-holder
The present invention relates to a concealable key ring, including: a carrying plate with two side walls, at least one key ring axle mounted transversely between the two side walls, where the key ring axle has at least one slot made axially on the surface of the axle, a positioning pin having a body and two ends, the body of the positioning pin is partially mounted in the slot with the body partially extruding beyond the slot and the two ends of the positioning pin are fixed on the two side walls, and multiple keys each having a head with a transverse hole in the head where the perimeter of the hole has at least one groove made transversely through the head. |
| US07856858B2 |
Safe gear box for electrical steering column lock
A steering lock for locking the steering spindle of a motor vehicle steering system including a blocking element that pivots along a longitudinal axis from a locking to an unlocking position using an electromechanical drive and is maintained in the unlocking position by a spring-loaded lever. In order to enable the lever to maintain the blocking element in the unlocking position when a worm drive generates the displacement of the blocking element, a worm gear representing a first control contour is used. A first cam for pivoting the blocking element to the unlocking position and a second cam for actuating the lever are mounted on the worm gear. Prior to the pivoting of the blocking element from the unlocking to the locking position, the lever is pivoted from a rest into a release position and, only afterwards, the worm gear enables the blocking element to pivot to the locking position. |
| US07856857B2 |
Door lock of key-driven transmission structure
A door lock of key-driven transmission structure which is comprised of a case, a swing arm, a first link bar and a second link bar, whereof the first and second link bars and a lock-bolt structure on the case can be driven by the swing arm to open or close lock. A first transmission piece is driven when the lock-bolt structure is actuated, and an actuator is driven by the first transmission piece to further drive the two top and bottom pull rods which further drive the two top and bottom lock-bolts to extend outward for locking, thereby to reach a combining action between the lock-bolt structure as well as the top and bottom lock-bolts. The lock-bolt structure is further through linking with a labor saving component installed on the second link bar to achieve the labor saving and easy operation effects. |
| US07856849B2 |
Interchangeable ornament ring
Shown is a ring for interchangeably displaying a bead-type ornament. The ring includes a shank portion for at least partially circling a user's finger. A support member extends away from the shank to a position spaced from the user's finger. A post extends from the support member toward the user and terminates in a free end. A bead-type ornament may be positioned on the post while the ring is not on a finger and is held captive by the support member and post when the ring is on a finger. |
| US07856848B2 |
Flexible hydrocarbon gas separation process and apparatus
The present invention related to a flexible hydrocarbon gas separation process that could dehydrate the water-saturated hydrocarbon gas mixture and recover thereof the required higher hydrocarbons (NGL) therein with a controllable ethane recovery rate (ranging from >95% to <2%) while keeping high recovery rate of all other heavier components. The flexible process comprises the following steps: deep-cooling and dehydrating the raw gas and get the NGL condensate; flowing the deep-dehydrated gas into the flexible absorber to get the rich oil with desirable ethane content; completely demethanizing and partially deethanizing as desired the rich oil and the NGL condensate to get purified rich oil and purified NGL condensate, respectively; separating the NGL vapor from the purified rich oil; cooling and compressing the NGL vapor; mixing the NGL vapor with the purified NGL condensate; and liquefying the mixture to get the final NGL product. The present invention also provides a flexible apparatus with highly efficient components for the flexible process. |
| US07856846B2 |
Multi-functional air conditioner
A multi-functional air conditioner has a casing, a compressor, a cooler, an evaporator, at least two fans and at least one gate controller. The casing is stored with the compressor, the cooler and the evaporator that connected by multiple pipes, has two inlets, an outlet, a first gate, a second gate, a third gate and a fourth gate. The third and fourth gates are corresponding to the cooler. The first and second gates are corresponding to the evaporator. The fans are mounted respectively on the cooler and the evaporator to generate air flow. The gate controller selectively close the first gate, the second gate, the third gate and the fourth gate to change the route of the air flow according to the function that the multi-function air conditioner intends to provide. With such an air flow route change, air flow with different condition is discharged from the casing to provide air cooling, air warming, air exhausting, air recycling and air exsiccating function. |
| US07856845B2 |
Refrigerating device
The invention relates to a refrigerating device having a cooling compartment that can be closed by a door. The door has a heat insulated inner lining and a cooling air duct. The cooling air duct in the door conducts air cooled by an evaporator to the cooling compartment and the cooling air duct is recessed in the heat insulation of the door and is not covered by the heat insulation on the side facing the inner lining of the door. |
| US07856843B2 |
Thermal energy storage system using compressed air energy and/or chilled water from desalination processes
The invention relates to a universal system for producing cost effective energy particularly for cooling purposes. In one embodiment, wind turbines are used to generate electricity and compressed air energy, wherein the compressed air energy is used to co-generate electricity and chilled air. The chilled air is then used to chill water in either a mixing chamber, or a desalination system, wherein the chilled water is stored in a separation tank, wherein it can later be used to provide cooling for an air conditioning system for a facility. When desalination is used, the system produces chilled fresh drinking water which can be used for air conditioning, and then used as fresh drinking water. Any exhaust chilled air can be used directly for air conditioning. |
| US07856837B2 |
Air conditioning equipment, fan equipment, method of reducing noise of equipment, pressure pulsation reducer for refrigeration cycle equipment, pressure pulsation reducer for pump equipment and method of reducing pressure pulsation of equipment
Air conditioning equipment that ensures sufficient noise reduction in the low frequency range of a few hundred hertz or below. The air conditioning equipment is characterized by including a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between air and refrigerant of a refrigeration cycle, a fan that supplies air to the heat exchanger, an air duct in which the fan is installed and through which acoustic waves are propagated, and a plurality of small holes that blows a jet into the air duct and sucks a jet from the air duct by a pressure difference between the blow side and the suction side of the fan. |
| US07856836B2 |
Refrigerating air conditioning system
A refrigerating air conditioning system is provided with a refrigerant circuit which includes a compressor 3, an indoor heat exchanger 6, a first pressure reducing device 10, an outdoor heat exchanger 11, and a switching device 4 for switching a direction of a refrigerant flow between heating and cooling modes for supplying heat from the indoor heat exchanger 6. In the system, a refrigerant temperature detection sensor 14c of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and an outdoor air temperature detection sensor 14d are provided for determining a state of a frost formed on the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Two types of defrosting inhibition time values τ1 and τ3 are allowed to be set in accordance with a previous defrosting time τ2 for continuously performing heating operation. A defrosting operation is performed by controlling the defrosting inhibition time value to be long when an amount of the frost formed on the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is determined to be small, and the defrosting inhibition time value to be short when the amount of the frost formed on the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is determined to be large. |
| US07856834B2 |
Centrifugal compressor assembly and method
A centrifugal compressor assembly for compressing refrigerant in a 250-ton capacity or larger chiller system comprising a motor, preferably a compact, high energy density motor or permanent magnet motor, for driving a shaft at a range of sustained operating speeds under the control of a variable speed drive. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises a mixed flow impeller and a vaneless diffuser sized such that a final stage compressor operates with an optimal specific speed range for targeted combinations of head and capacity, while a non-final stage compressor operates above the optimum specific speed of the final stage compressor. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises an integrated inlet flow conditioning assembly comprising a flow conditioning nose, a plurality of inlet guide vanes and a flow conditioning body that positions inlet guide vanes to condition flow of refrigerant into an impeller to achieve a target approximately constant angle swirl distribution with minimal guide vane turning. |
| US07856832B2 |
Refrigerator with supercooled beverage dispenser and method for controlling the same
A refrigerator that allows a user to receive supercooled beverage through a dispenser in the refrigerator door. The refrigerator includes a main body having a compartment and a door opening and closing the compartment, a supercooling compartment in the main body to supercool a beverage, and a dispenser in the door to dispense supercooled liquid from the supercooling compartment without opening the door. A supercooled liquid tank is detachably installed in the supercooling compartment to supercool beverage. The supercooling compartment is installed in the rear side of the door such that a supercooling compartment door may be installed in the front side of the door to open and close the supercooling compartment in front of the door. |
| US07856828B2 |
Flameholder arm for an afterburner
A flameholder arm for an afterburner of a turbomachine, particularly a jet engine, is disclosed. The arm includes a ventilation duct which is centered and immobilized inside the arm independent of the heatshield. The duct also includes a transverse lip which includes an orifice for centering and guiding a fuel injection harness. The transverse lip prevents the harness from being positioned in any way incorrectly in the arm. |
| US07856824B2 |
Cooling systems for use on aircraft
Cooling systems for an aircraft are provided. In an embodiment, a system includes an engine nacelle, an engine, a bypass duct, and a heat exchanger. The engine nacelle includes an airflow inlet. The engine is housed in the engine nacelle in flow communication with the airflow inlet. The bypass duct extends between the engine nacelle and the engine is in flow communication with the airflow inlet. The bypass duct includes an outer wall and an opening formed therein. The heat exchanger is integrated with the engine and is disposed over the opening of the bypass duct outer wall between the bypass duct outer wall and the engine nacelle. |
| US07856818B2 |
Compressor
A compressor having a discharge chamber into which compressed refrigerant gas is discharged, a discharge passage connected to the discharge chamber, an oil separation device that centrifugally separate oil from the refrigerant gas, an oil reservoir chamber that communicates with a separation chamber through an oil passage and retains the oil separated from the refrigerant gas, and a filter provided between the separation chamber and the oil passage is disclosed. The oil reservoir chamber communicates with a low pressure zone in the compressor the pressure of which is lower than the pressure in the discharge chamber. The oil reservoir chamber thus supplies the separated oil to the low pressure zone. The oil separation device is arranged in the discharge passage in such a manner as to define the separation chamber. The oil separation device centrifugally separate the oil from the refrigerant gas by causing swirling of the refrigerant gas that has been sent to the separation chamber. The filter extends in a swirling direction of the refrigerant gas in the separation chamber. |
| US07856814B2 |
Exhaust device for motorcycle
To provide an exhaust device for a motorcycle for suppressing an exhaust resistance due to the thickness of an exhaust control valve. An exhaust device for a motorcycle is provided for an engine having a plurality of cylinders. A plurality of upstream exhaust pipes are respectively connected to exhaust ports for the cylinders with an exhaust control valve provided in the downstream exhaust pipe. A separator is provided in the exhaust manifold portion for separating the flows of exhaust gas. The exhaust control valve is located on the downstream side of the separator so that a main surface of the exhaust control valve in its fully open condition becomes substantially parallel to a main surface of the separator. |
| US07856804B2 |
MEMS process and device
A MEMS device comprising a flexible membrane that is free to move in response to pressure differences generated by sound waves. A first electrode mechanically coupled to the flexible membrane, and together form a first capacitive plate. A second electrode mechanically coupled to a generally rigid structural layer or back-plate, which together form a second capacitive plate. A back-volume is provided below the membrane. A first cavity located directly below the membrane. Interposed between the first and second electrodes is a second cavity. A plurality of bleed holes connected the first cavity and the second cavity. Acoustic holes are arranged in the back-plate so as to allow free movement of air molecules, such that the sound waves can enter the second cavity. The first and second cavities in association with the back-volume allow the membrane to move in response to the sound waves entering via the acoustic holes in the back-plate. |
| US07856800B2 |
Chopper assembly for a harvesting implement
A chopping assembly for a harvesting implement having a blade assembly, a housing, and a guide. The blade assembly is disposed within the housing and the guide directs cornstalks toward an input port on the housing. The blade assembly not only cuts the cornstalk from its root but also chops the stalk into stover. A fluid dynamic force is created by the blade assembly to direct the stover with the aid of the housing to an output port. |
| US07856796B2 |
Method for securing an automatic washer for shipping
A method for securing the drum casing of a washer during shipping includes at least one airbag for wedging between the drum casing and washer housing. The preferred airbag has three arm extensions, although a bag with two arm extensions, or two separate bags could be used. Two of the extensions, or two separate bags, whichever is used, are positioned around the washer drum exterior to prevent free, lateral movement of the drum casing relative to the housing. The third arm of a three arm bag is slid between the drum casing and rear washer housing before inflating. Preferably included with this method is a spacer for wedging between the drum and a housing bracket to prevent free, vertical movement of the drum relative to its washer housing. |
| US07856792B2 |
Bag filling and packaging apparatus
A bag filling and packaging apparatus including hollow guide members that are disposed below ascending/descending hoppers and guide product dropping from hoppers into the interior of bags, the guide members being raised/lowered and moved together with the hoppers in a filling region. The guide members comprise a pair of opening and closing guide frames that are disposed to face each other; and when clogging is detected in a guide member, its guide frames are repeatedly opened and closed while moving through a non-filling region, thus promoting the dropping of product. Directly below the guide members is provided a receiving member that receives the product. |
| US07856791B2 |
Plastic spacer stock, plastic spacer frame and multi-sheet unit, and method of making same
The present invention provides a multi-sheet unit with a spacer frame having at least three sides, at least three corners, a first sheet supporting surface and an opposite second sheet supporting surface. The spacer frame includes a spacer stock member having a first end, an opposite second end, the at least three sides and at least two corners of the at least three corners; a corner key comprising a bendable elongated body having a first end in the first end of the spacer stock member, an opposite second end in the second end of the spacer stock member to provide one of the corners of the at least three corners of the spacer frame, and a cut out between the ends of the corner key, the ends of the corner key bendable relative to one another to decrease the spacing of the cut out; a first sheet secured to the first sheet supporting surface by a first moisture and/or gas impervious layer, and a second sheet secured to the second sheet supporting surface by a second moisture and/or gas impervious layer. |
| US07856789B2 |
Method for laying and interlocking panels
The method for laying and interlocking the panels uses panels with complementary, formfitting retaining profiles extending over the length of the sides. The complementary edges of the panels allow two adjacent panels to be positively joined such that displacement of the panels away from one another is prevented, while enabling articulation of the panels with respect to one another at the joint location. The method of installation provides for installing a new panel to a first row and a panel in a second row by first joining the new panel to the panel of the second row at its short side, followed by pivoting the new panel upwards out of the plane of the laid panels along its long side, along with at least the adjacent end of the first panel in the second row, into an inclined position, and sliding the new panel into the retaining profile of the panels in the first row. The new panel and the raised end of the panel in the second row are then pivoted down into the plane of the laid panels. Laying of panels continues according to this process until the complete floor assembly has been laid. |
| US07856782B2 |
Grid muntin retaining clips for muntins
Techniques are provided for mounting simulated muntin bars, preassembled muntin grids and the like between parallel glazing sheets in an integrated multipane window sash. Among the mounting techniques disclosed are clips for holding simulated muntin components to a spacing and mounting structure of an integrated multipane window sash. All or portions of the clips can be desiccated. |
| US07856777B2 |
Clip arrangement for wall panel tiles
A cover tile for releasable cooperation with one side of a wall panel frame. The cover tile has elongate rails fixed to the rear side thereof so that the rail ends terminate adjacent corners of the tile. A pair of connector clips are engaged on the rail for disposition at the corners of the tile. Each connector clip includes a main channel-like body transversely slidably engaged on the rail, and this body has a transversely protruding spring or hook projection for cooperation with an opening in the panel frame. The main body of the clip, in one of the legs of the channel-shaped body, has a transversely deformed positioning tab adapted for cooperation with a positioning notch formed in the rail. The one leg also has a locking tab deformed transversely for cooperation with an edge formed on the respective rail to fixedly positionally secure the clip on the rail in the transverse direction thereof. |
| US07856776B2 |
Construction system for constructing plane structures
The invention relates to a plane structure, such as a wall, floor, ceiling or roof, comprising profiles (3A) extending mutually parallel in a first direction, elements (1) which can be coupled releasably to the profiles, wherein a profile extends on both sides of an element and wherein the elements are coupled to both adjacent profiles. The invention also relate to the elements and profiles for use in this structure, as well as to the method for building such a structure. An automatic positioning of the elements is created as a result of these measures; this then no longer depends on the skill of the builder. Owing to the releasability of the coupling the elements can simply be stacked on the profiles. |
| US07856773B2 |
All-in-one modular construction system
The invention relates to a modular construction system for full size or toy/model size buildings. The basic structure is made of interconnectable panels, which are grouped into four main types: base panels, wall panels, ceiling panels, and roof panels. Each panel has a plurality of service conduits extending therethrough for passing all of the service requirements for the building, e.g. electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, vacuum etc, without having to cut or drill through the existing structure. Each vertical wall panel has upper and lower connector blocks for mating with the horizontal ceiling and base panels, respectively. The connector blocks also align the service conduits of the wall panel with the service conduits of the ceiling and base panels. |
| US07856769B2 |
Rack assembly for mounting solar modules
A rack assembly is provided for mounting solar modules over an underlying body. The rack assembly may include a plurality of rail structures that are arrangeable over the underlying body to form an overall perimeter for the rack assembly. One or more retention structures may be provided with the plurality of rail structures, where each retention structure is configured to support one or more solar modules at a given height above the underlying body. At least some of the plurality of rail structures are adapted to enable individual rail structures o be sealed over the underlying body so as to constrain air flow underneath the solar modules. Additionally, at least one of (i) one or more of the rail structures, or (ii) the one or more retention structures are adjustable so as to adapt the rack assembly to accommodate solar modules of varying forms or dimensions. |
| US07856764B2 |
Cathedral ceiling vent baffle
A vent baffle assembly provides air ventilation in a cathedral ceiling having rafter beams and roof sheathing. The vent baffle assembly includes a first vent sheet and a second vent sheet. The first vent sheet has first and second ends, first and second longitudinal ribs and a first lateral stiffener extending generally perpendicularly to the ribs. The second vent sheet includes third and fourth ends, third and fourth longitudinal ribs, and a second lateral stiffener extending perpendicularly to the ribs. The first vent sheet is positioned between adjacent rafters with the ribs oriented parallel to the rafters. The second vent sheet overlaps the first vent sheet with respective ribs interengaged to limit lateral movement of the first vent sheet relative to the second vent sheet. The first lateral stiffener engages the second lateral stiffener to limit longitudinal movement of the first vent sheet relative to the second vent sheet. |
| US07856762B2 |
Modular shelter system, particularly for transport of persons and/or objects
The invention relates to a modular shelter system, in particular for transporting persons and/or objects comprising at least one container/capsular enclosure and a reception system arranged in the case for persons and/or objects. The inventive reception system is mounted in such a way that it is isolated in the direction of the enclosure bottom and/or a receptacle is formed in such a way that it ensures a blast wave deflection. |
| US07856760B2 |
Pre-hung door assembly installation kit
A kit for installing a door assembly including a plurality of door frame brackets adapted to be attached to a door frame and to a wall having an opening in which the door assembly is to be installed and a lockset bracket adapted to be attached to a lockset hole formed in an edge surface of the door and to the door frame, the lockset bracket being operable to fix the door in relation to the door frame and the door frame brackets being operable to fix the door assembly relative to the opening. |
| US07856758B2 |
Electromechanical drive for a door
The invention concerns an electromechanical drive for a door or the like, with a motor and a transmission, which are connected with each other, wherein a drive gear in the form of a gear wheel or the like is present on a drive shaft of the transmission and cooperates with means for moving the door or the like, preferably in or on a guide rail. The drive has a modular design, and it has a compact power unit that can be used with different types of mounting units for different doors. In this regard, the power unit is equipped with a standard mounting bracket. In addition, different housings can be used for different areas of application. |
| US07856742B2 |
Adjustable orthopedic device
An application for an adjustable orthopedic device includes a holder configured to be worn on a wearer's foot. The holder has an elastic cloth band sized to encircle the wearer's foot at a location between the wearer's toes and the wearer's ankle. A platform is removably secured to the holder by hook and loop material. The platform includes more hook and loop material on its top surface. Raised pads are provided for applying pressure to one or more bones of the wearer's foot, the raised pads include mating hook and loop material for providing a removable adherence to the top surface of the platform and allowing the raised pads to be manually repositionable to any X and Y coordinate on the platform. |
| US07856740B2 |
Sports shoe and tightening strap for such a shoe
Sports shoe, in particular a cycling shoe, comprising at least one strap for securing the instep. The strap (B) comprises at least two parts, namely a first strap part (B1) provided, at one of its ends, with a first fastening means (A1), while its other end (2) is intended to be attached to the shoe, and a second strap part (B2) provided, at one of its end, with a second fastening means (A2) mating with the first, the other end (3) of this second strap part being intended to cooperate with a tensioning device, the cooperation between the fastening means allowing a preadjustment of the length of the strap (B) as a whole, while a locking means (V) is intended to occupy a first position in which the two fastening means (A1, A2) are maintained in a state of cooperation, and a second position in which the fastening means can be disengaged. |
| US07856738B2 |
Hygienic toothbrushing method
A method for sanitizing a toothbrush using a receptacle having a plurality of openings, a plurality of toothbrushes to be removably retained in the receptacle, where the toothbrushes are arranged for each cycle of use so that a dry toothbrush is always available for use and replaced after use within the receptacle in a different arrangement from the rest and allowed to be dried for a sufficient period to kill and prevent bacterial proliferation prior to its reuse in a subsequent cycle of use. |
| US07856725B2 |
Razor with articulated handle extension
A razor assembly has a shaving head and a handle. The handle has a first handle section attached to the shaving head, and a second handle section pivotably coupled to the first handle section, the second handle section having a length that is adjustable. The second handle section is pivoted in a first direction to a first retracted position adjacent the first handle section, and pivoted in a second direction to a second extended position with respect to the first handle section. |
| US07856722B2 |
Cutlery set assembly
A cutlery set assembly is disclosed and comprises a knife (50) and a spoon (10) and/or a fork (30). The items of cutlery are made of resilient plastics material and each item of cutlery has a cylindrical handle. The handles are shaped such that they can be nested coaxially with each other. When in such a nested condition, the handle of the outermost item extends more than half way around the handle of the second item to hold the items in the nested condition. The resilience of the plastics material keeps the assembly together. |
| US07856716B2 |
Method for assembling a plurality of tubes to a tubesheet
A method for assembling a plurality of tubes to a tubesheet. A first end of each of the tubes is situated over a corresponding support rod that extends from a pattern block of the fixture. A first end of a plurality of locating members is inserted into a second end of each of the tubes such that a second end of the locating member extends from the tube second end. The tubesheet is then slid over the locating members and tubes such that each of a plurality of holes in the tubesheet receive corresponding ones of the tubes. |
| US07856715B2 |
Method for removably securing an internal wall within a vessel
A vessel system comprising a vessel. The vessel system further comprises at least one internal wall located within the vessel. The vessel system further comprises at least one inflatable seal allowing to create a seal between an outer periphery of the internal wall and an internal cavity wall of the vessel. |
| US07856712B2 |
Method of manufacturing a female terminal
A method for manufacturing a female electrical terminal includes, according to one embodiment, blanking of strip of conductive material and forming a wire connecting portion to receive an electrical wire. The blank may include a contact arm extending into an area adjacent the wire connecting portion. The contact arm extends into this area from a terminal connecting portion at a predetermined angle. The contact arm may be straightened and folded prior to bending the terminal connecting portion into a tubular member for receiving the tab of a male terminal. The step of straightening the contact arm can be performed using a special coining process that applies pressure to the conductive material around the shoulder causing the conductive material to flow within a confined area allowing the contact arm to be straightened. |
| US07856706B2 |
Methods of manufacturing printed circuit boards with stacked micro vias
A method of manufacturing at least a portion of a printed circuit board. The method includes: applying a lamination adhesive on a first plural-layer substrate that includes a plurality of circuit layers with at least one first metal pad on a first side of the first plural-layer substrate; applying a protective film on the lamination adhesive; forming at least one via into the lamination adhesive to expose the at least one metal pad on the first side of the first plural-layer substrate; filling at least one conductive paste into the at least one via formed in the lamination adhesive; removing the protective film to expose the lamination adhesive on the first plural-layer substrate; and attaching the first plural-layer substrate with a second plural-layer substrate that includes a plurality of circuit layers with at least one second metal pad on a second side of the second plural-layer substrate. |
| US07856705B2 |
System and method for assembling and interconnecting functional components of an active implantable medical device
A process for mechanical assembly and electrical interconnection of the functional components of an active implantable medical device. A first step involves preparing an interconnection flex circuit (20) that is able to be electrically and mechanically linked to an electronic circuit module (14), a supply battery (12) and a series of feedthrough terminals (16) of the device, prior to being placed in a common case. The flex circuit has a series of pads (34) for linking to homologous metallizations (46) of the substrate. The mechanical assembling and electrical linking of these pads (34) to the metallizations (46) is performed without either the use of any activation flux or introduction of fusible brazing, and rather by applying an intermediate anisotropic conductive material (38) placed between the pads (34) and metallizations (46), followed by polymerizing this material. The applying and polymerizing are performed under controlled conditions of pressure, temperature and duration. |
| US07856703B2 |
Method for making a short-circuiting member and method for making a commutator
A short-circuit member includes a short-circuit conductor and a short-circuit insulator. The short-circuit conductor includes superimposed first and second short-circuit member formation groups. Each of the short-circuit member formation groups has outer terminals, inner terminals, and linking portions. The outer terminals contact one another and the inner terminals contact one another between each of the short-circuit member formation groups. The linking portions are maintained in non-contact between each of the short-circuit member formation groups. In a method for manufacturing the short-circuit member, the short-circuit insulator is molded by filling molten resin material between opposing ones of the linking portions in the first and second short-circuit member formation groups, which are superimposed in a mold, along a longitudinal direction of the linking portions so that filled resin material leaks out of gaps between adjacent ones of the linking portions in a thicknesswise direction of the linking portions. |
| US07856702B2 |
Method for manufacturing an armature for a dynamo-electric machine
A method for manufacturing an armature including securing a core to the shaft having a plurality of slots extending in the axial direction formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof, forming a coil composed of a plurality of coil portions by simultaneously winding wires a plurality of turns around a pair of slots separated by a predetermined number of slots and offsetting each of the coil portions one slot at a time in the circumferential direction of the core, securing a commutator to the shaft having a plurality of segments, adjacent coil portions having a slot along one side thereof, wherein a number of vacant slots between adjacent ones of the coil portions within each of simultaneously-wound coil portion groups is nonuniform, and electronically connecting segments which should have the same electric potential by means of equalizing connectors so that each of pairs of the coil portions that should have the same electric potential has a substantially equal electric potential. |
| US07856701B2 |
Manufacturing method of a coil assembly
A manufacturing method includes a step of setting prescribed dimensions L and p, a wire feeding step of feeding a wire on a turning base surface by the dimension L, a turning step of turning the wire on the turning base surface to thereby form a first turning portion, a straight first portion, a second turning portion and a straight second portion, and a pushing step of pushing the straight first portion or the straight second portion so that it goes away from the turning base surface by the dimension p. A manufacturing apparatus that executes the above steps is also disclosed. |