Document Document Title
US07862913B2 Oxide magnetic recording layers for perpendicular recording media
An improved structure for the construction of perpendicular recording media is disclosed. The structure includes a perpendicular recording layer with at least two oxide sublayers or a lower sublayer of a non-oxide. One structure includes an upper sublayer comprised of a Silicon-oxide, while a lower sublayer is comprised of a Tantalum-oxide. The structures provide for increased coercivity and corrosion resistance.
US07862909B2 Organic electroluminescent element, illuminator and display
An organic electroluminescent element comprising an anode and a cathode having therebetween an emission layer containing a phosphorescent compound and an layer adjacent to the emission layer, the layer adjacent to the emission layer being provided between the emission layer and the cathode, wherein the layer adjacent to the emission layer comprises a compound having an electron withdrawing group; and the compound exhibits a HOMO level of −5.7 to −7.0 eV and a LUMO level of −1.3 to −2.3 eV.
US07862908B2 Conjugated compounds containing hydroindoloacridine structural elements, and their use
The present invention discloses a conjugated compound containing a hydroindoloacridine structural element and its applications as a host material or a hole transport material in an organic electronic device. The general structure of the conjugated compound containing a hydroindoloacridine structural element is as follows: where R1˜R5 can be identical or different.
US07862904B2 Organic electroluminescent element
The present invention relates to the improvement of phosphorescent organic electroluminescent devices by using materials of the formula in the hole blocking layer.
US07862902B2 Multi-layered bearing
The invention describes a multi-layered bearing with a supporting metal layer, optionally a bearing metal layer disposed on top of it, an anti-friction layer on top of the latter as well as a wearing layer on top of it. The wearing layer is made from bismuth or a bismuth alloy and the anti-friction layer is made from a copper-bismuth or silver-bismuth alloy or silver.
US07862896B2 Core-shell resin particle having low content of volatile components, and resin dispersion
The present invention relates to core-shell resin particles (C2) each comprising one or more film-like shell layers (P) comprising a first resin (a) and a core layer (Q) comprising a second resin (b). The core-shell resin particle (C2) is characterized in that the weight ratio between (P) and (Q) is from 0.1:99.9 to 70:30, the volatile content in the resin particle (C2) is not more than 2 weight %, and the resin (a) has an initial softening temperature of 40 to 270° C., a Tg of 20 to 250° C., a flow temperature of 60 to 300° C., and the difference of the Tg and the flow temperature in a range of 0 to 120° C. The resin particles are excellent in electrostatic property, thermal storage stability and thermal properties, and exhibit a narrow particle diameter distribution.
US07862890B2 Biomedia apparatus and method of use
A biomedia apparatus comprising an elongated central core and a plurality of loops positioned along the central core adapted to collect organisms from water. The biomedia apparatus may further comprise at least one reinforcing member associated with the central core. In one embodiment, the biomedia apparatus is utilized in a trickle tower to treat wastewater. In another embodiment, the biomedia apparatus is utilized outside a power plant to minimize spat that is drawn into the plant through water intake valves.
US07862885B2 Method of room temperature covalent bonding
A method of bonding includes using a bonding layer having a fluorinated oxide. Fluorine may be introduced into the bonding layer by exposure to a fluorine-containing solution, vapor or gas or by implantation. The bonding layer may also be formed using a method where fluorine is introduced into the layer during its formation. The surface of the bonding layer is terminated with a desired species, preferably an NH2 species. This may be accomplished by exposing the bonding layer to an NH4OH solution. High bonding strength is obtained at room temperature. The method may also include bonding two bonding layers together and creating a fluorine distribution having a peak in the vicinity of the interface between the bonding layers. One of the bonding layers may include two oxide layers formed on each other. The fluorine concentration may also have a second peak at the interface between the two oxide layers.
US07862884B2 Electrophotographic film and recorded material using the same
An electrophotographic film with excellent water resistance, which is more reduced in heat curling than before when used as a recording paper for thermal fixing-type electrophotographic printers or a copying machines and prevents stains of the toner-fixing unit if it jams in the printer or copying machine and which can provide continuous printing of a large number of sheets, is provided by an electrophotographic film comprising a resin film (A) formed of a resin composition containing an inorganic fine powder and/or an organic filler, the resin composition having a melt tension of 5 g or more at 210° C., a crystallization temperature of 120° C. or more and a crystallization heat of 60 J/cm3 or less.
US07862882B1 Re-positionable magnetic art apparatus
A re-positionable magnetic art apparatus which is provided in a variety of shapes and sizes. Characters of the apparatus are attracted to a sheet which underlies a picture within a frame, the frames provided in a variety of shapes. A clear laminate covering the picture separates the removably positionable characters from the picture, thereby providing for picture clarity throughout the life of the apparatus. Pictures are provided with characters which match both picture theme and picture scale, ensuring realistic artistic expression. Accessory character material is available which is printable on an inkjet printer.
US07862872B2 Multilayer structure based on polyamides and graft copolymers having polyamide blocks
The present invention relates to a multilayer structure based on polyamides and graft copolymers having polyamide blocks, comprising, in this order: a) a first layer (1) formed from a polyamide (A) or else a polyamide (A)/polyolefin (B) blend having a polyamide matrix; b) optionally, a tie layer (2a); c) a layer (2) based on a graft copolymer having polyamide blocks, formed from a polyolefin backbone and from at least one polyamide graft in which: the grafts are attached to the backbone by the residues of an unsaturated monomer (X) having a functional group capable of reacting with a polyamide having an amine end group; the residues of the unsaturated monomer (X) are attached to the backbone by grafting or copolymerization via its double bond; the layers (1), (2a) and (2) being successive and adhering to one another in their respective contact region. One particularly useful application relates to tubes for cooling circuits of internal combustion engines, such as the engines of cars or lorries.
US07862871B2 Plastic receptacle for domestic washing machines
A plastic container for domestic washing machines comprising a bearing shell (1) that accommodates a plastic member (3) in an injection moulding process, said plastic member being more solid and of better quality than the plastic forming the container (5). The metal bearing shell (1) and the plastic member (3) that is injection-moulded thereinto form a structural unit onto which the corresponding plastic container (5) is injection-moulded.
US07862870B2 Films for inflatable cushions
Films for inflatable cushions are disclosed. Generally, each of the disclosed films includes a pair of web layers that are aligned to be generally coextensive and that are sealed together by longitudinal and/or transverse seals that cooperatively define the boundaries of inflatable chambers.
US07862869B2 Tear initiation and directional tear films and packages made therefrom
The present invention provides a flexible multilayer packaging film and packages formed therefrom wherein the films include a first film layer comprising a first biaxially-oriented polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyester, a polyolefin, a polyamide, and a blend thereof and a surface-roughened portion, a second film layer comprising an adhesive, a third film layer comprising a barrier material, a fourth film layer comprising a second biaxially-oriented polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyester, a polyolefin, a polyamide, and a blend thereof and at least one score-line; wherein the packages comprise a tear-initiation area and a directional tear zone.
US07862865B2 Ultraviolet-resistant fabrics and methods for making them
Embodiments of the invention can provide a protective fabric includes a plurality of inherently flame resistant fibers, and at least one ultraviolet-resistant additive incorporated into the inherently flame resistant fibers through a dye process using a carrier, wherein the ultraviolet-resistant additive significantly increases at least one of the strength retention and the colorfastness of the fabric when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
US07862861B2 Method of manufacturing information recording materials, and information recording materials
Normal simultaneous multi-layer coating can be accomplished without allowing the coating liquids to increase in viscosity before and during their application, and inter-layer mixing can be prevented by increasing the viscosity after the application. In a method of manufacturing an information recording material in which at least one out of a plurality of layers formed by simultaneous multi-layer application of a plurality of coating liquids over a running supporting base 14 with a slide bead coating device 16 is an information recording layer, and the multi-layer coats so formed are dried by a drying device 20, at least one of the plurality of coating liquids contains PVA and boric acid whose mutual contact or mixing causes the coating liquids to increase in viscosity.
US07862860B2 Materials and methods for immobilization of catalysts on surfaces and for selective electroless metallization
A method of immobilizing a catalyst on a substrate surface involves providing novel ligating copolymers comprising functional groups capable of binding to a substrate surface and functional groups capable of ligating to catalysts such as metal ions, metal complexes, nanoparticles, or colloids; applying the ligating copolymer to a substrate surface to cause the ligating copolymer to bind thereto, and contacting the modified substrate surface with a solution of a catalyst, causing the catalyst to be ligated by the ligating copolymer and thus immobilized on the substrate surface. The ligating copolymer may be patterned on the substrate surface using a method such as microcontact printing. A method of selectively metallizing a substrate in a desired pattern involves using a ligating chemical agent comprising functional groups capable of binding to a substrate surface and functional groups capable of ligating to electroless plating catalysts; applying the ligating chemical agent to a substrate in a desired pattern using microcontact printing to cause the ligating chemical agent to bind thereto; contacting the modified substrate surface with a solution of an electroless plating catalyst, causing the catalyst to be ligated by the ligating chemical agent and thus bound to the surface; and metallizing the catalyzed regions of the substrate surface using electroless plating.
US07862856B1 Method for making high temperature polymer dielectric compositions incorporating diamond-like hydrocarbon units for capactive energy storage applications
The present invention provides a method for making a polymer dielectric composition incorporating diamondoids or diamond-like hydrocarbon units. The method includes forming a polymer solution from the cardo-diol 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene and a diacid chloride, casting a freestanding thin polyester film from the polymer solution, and metallizing the polyester film with an evaporated Al layer to form the dielectric composition. The diacid chloride may be derived from trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid; 1,3-adamantanedicarboxylic acid; or 4,9-diamantanedicarboxylic acid.
US07862853B2 Method for manufacturing magnetic recording medium
A method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium with high reliability is provided, which can form a thin magnetic layer having a dry film thickness of, for example, 60 nm or less while the occurrence of defects on the surface is suppressed. In this method, a magnetic paint having a solid concentration NV (mass %) of 3≦NV≦8 is applied to a non-magnetic underlayer formed over a non-magnetic support to a wet film thickness Tw in a range of ≦2300 (nm).
US07862851B2 Process for coating electrically conductive substrates
A process for coating electrically conductive substrates by (1) applying an electrocoat film to an electrically conductive substrate and curing it to give an electrocoat and then (2) applying a layer of a pulverulent coating material to the electrocoat and curing it to give a powder coat or alternatively (1) applying an electrocoat film to an electrically conductive substrate and drying it without fully curing it, (2) applying a layer of a pulverulent coating material to the dried electrocoat film(s) and (3) jointly curing the dried electrocoat film and the layer of the pulverulent coating material to give the electrocoat and the powder coat wherein the pulverulent coating material comprises (A) at least one epoxy resin having a melting point, melting range or glass transition temperature>30° C., (B) at least one carboxyl-containing polyester resin having a melting point, melting range or glass transition temperature>30° C., and (C) at least one polycarboxylic acid having a melting point of between 80 and 160° C.
US07862850B2 Painting method
A panel (9) is conveyed by using a conveyer (3), and the coating surface of the panel (9) is divided into two coating areas (CAa, CAb). Further, the coating areas (CAa, CAb) are coated by reciprocating sprayer units (6, 7) parallel to a conveying direction. At this time, at a boundary between the coating areas (CAa, CAb), the positions of turning paths (Ta0, Tb0) of the reciprocation of a coating machine are shifted sequentially from the front side to the rear side in the conveying direction, so that coating trajectories (Ta, Tb) like a series of steps are formed. Thus, at the boundary between the coating areas (CAa, CAb), the turning paths (Ta0, Tb0) can be spread and located, and the occurrence of color shading can be prevented.
US07862847B2 Packaged beverages containing β-cyclodextrin
Packaged beverages contain the following ingredients: (A) from 0.07 to 0.45 wt. % of non-polymer catechins, (B) from 0.06 to 0.5 wt. % of ascorbic acid or a metal salt thereof, and (C) non-polymer catechingallates. A content weight ratio (C/A) of the non-polymer catechingallates (C) to the non-polymer catechins (A) is from 0.8 to 1.0, and the packaged beverages have a pH of from 4.5 to 7. Another type of packaged beverages contain the following ingredients: (A) from 0.05 to 0.45 wt. % of non-polymer catechins, and (D) from 0.07 to 0.49 wt. % of β-cyclodextrin. The non-polymer catechins (A) contain (C) non-polymer catechingallates at a weight ratio (C/A) of from 0.7 to 1.0 relative to the non-polymer catechins (A).
US07862845B2 Process for manufacturing a sweetener and use thereof
Highly purified Stevioside and Rebaudioside A were prepared from sweet glycoside extracts obtained from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves. The resulting sweeteners are suitable as non-calorie, non-cariogenic, non-bitter, non-lingering sweeteners, which may be advantageously applied in foods, beverages, and milk products.
US07862844B2 Taste improving substances
The present invention in a first aspect relates to taste improvement of foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceutics, tobacco products and oral care products, using extremely small amounts of a substance according to formula (I), or edible salts thereof: R1—CR2(OR3)—CO—X (I). It was found that at very low concentrations, substances represented by formula (I) are capable of modifying and complementing, the sensory impact of taste imparting substances. Thus, the present taste improving substances are advantageously applied in flavour compositions, foodstuffs, pharmaceutics, tobacco products and oral care products. Typical examples of taste improving substances according to the present invention include N-lactoyl GMP, N-lactoyl AMP, N-lactoyl CMP, N-lactoyl IMP, N-gluconyl GMP, N-gluconyl AMP, N-gluconyl CMP, N-gluconyl IMP, O-lactoyl-GMP, O-lactoyl AMP, O-lactoyl CMP, O-lactoyl IMP, O-gluconyl GMP, O-gluconyl AMP, O-gluconyl CMP and O-gluconyl IMP and mixtures thereof.
US07862843B2 Method of sanitizing a biological tissue
A method for treating biological tissue, particularly meats for human consumption, so as to sanitize the tissue, is described. The method inactivates microorganisms and pathogenic prions (proteins) in the tissue.
US07862839B2 Functional food composition for treating allergy, natural tea using the same and the manufacturing method thereof
A functional food composition for treating allergy, comprising Saururus chinensis, Plantago asiatica, Poncirus trifoliata and Schisandra chinensis extracts, as active ingredients, a tea composition comprising the same and a manufacturing method thereof. The functional food and tea compositions for treatment of allergy in accordance with the present invention are therapeutically effective for any type of allergic diseases, irrespective of allergic causes. In particular, the tea composition advantageously enables easy and regular administration at need, which can achieve anti-allergic effects without particular efforts for treatment of diseases.
US07862838B1 Composition and regimen for the treatment of herpes simplex and herpes zoster primarily by eliminating their pathogenetic conditions and taking into account both pathogenesis and etiology
A composition and regimen for the treatment of herpes simplex and herpes zoster, primarily through elimination of the pathogenetic conditions by taking into account both pathogenesis and etiology thereof are disclosed. Administration of 1) repeated large dosages of vitamin B2 to eliminate severe vitamin B2 deficiency inherent in herpes simplex and herpes zoster; 2) Strobilanthes cusia and Berberine to ameliorate febrile illness and to clear “hot” condition; 3) Zizyphus semen to relieve psychological stress; and 4) L-lysine to antagonize arginine and alleviate anxiety-all these hereof are for eliminating the pathogenetic conditions. These, in combination with antiviral agents if necessary, constitute the scope and the spirit of the present invention.
US07862834B2 Pharmaceutical formulation comprising a water-insoluble active agent
A method of preparing a pharmaceutical formulation comprises providing a solution comprising a first solvent, a second solvent, an active agent, and an excipient. The second solvent is less polar than the first solvent and the excipient is more soluble in water than the active agent. The first and second solvents are removed from the solution to produce particles comprising the active agent and the excipient. In one version, the excipient comprises an amino acid and/or a phospholipid. A pharmaceutical formulation made by a version of the invention comprises particles comprising an active agent and an excipient which at least partially encapsulates the active agent, wherein the excipient is more soluble in water than the active agent.
US07862832B2 Generally linear effervescent oral fentanyl dosage form and methods of administering
Fentanyl containing dosage forms and methods using same are described. These dosage forms include substantially less fentanyl by weight than know oral formulation and have advantages in terms of cost and side effects. These dosage forms are intended for oral administration of fentanyl across the oral mucosa.
US07862831B2 Method and material for enhanced tissue-biomaterial integration
The present invention relates to the covalent binding of a hydrogel to an extracellular matrix (ECM). The integration of the hydrogel with the tissue is superior to that in previous techniques. Moreover, unlike previous techniques, the present invention does not require a photoinitiator. Potential therapeutic applications include tissue repair and delivery of drugs or cells. The ECM is first exposed, then treated with a priming agent. Then a polymerizable agent is added and crosslinked to the ECM. Two primary embodiments of methods are disclosed. In the first, the priming agent is an oxidizer which creates tyrosyl radicals in the ECM, which are then bound by acrylate groups in the polymerizable agent. In the second, the priming agent contains aldehydes which bind amino groups in the ECM.
US07862829B2 Viral adjuvants
The present invention provides viral adjuvants for enhancing an immune response to an immunogen. In particular embodiments, the viral adjuvant is an alphavirus adjuvant or a Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis viral adjuvant. Also provided are compositions comprising the viral adjuvant and an immunogen, and pharmaceutical formulations comprising the viral adjuvant or compositions of the invention in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Further provided are methods of producing an immune response against an immunogen in a subject comprising administering the immunogen and a viral adjuvant of the invention to the subject.
US07862828B2 Allergy vaccines containing hybrid polypeptides
Hybrid polypeptides comprising at least two different allergenic proteins or fragments thereof wherein each fragment consists of at least eight consecutive amino acids of the respective allergenic protein are disclosed. The hybrid polypeptides and polynucleotides coding therefor can be used as pharmaceutical compositions, in particular as vaccines.
US07862823B1 Multivalent vaccine composition with mixed carrier
The invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a certain number of infections caused by pathogenic agents such as bacteria, comprising as immunogen, one or several polyosides derived from one or several pathogenic agents. The polyosides are in the form of conjugates, coupled with a carrier protein. The composition contains at least two types of conjugates, each being at least characterised by a different protein carrier.
US07862821B2 Recombinant vaccine against bluetongue virus
The present invention relates to an immunogenic or vaccine composition to induce an immune response or protective immune response against Orbiviruses, more specifically bluetongue virus (BTV) in an animal susceptible to BTV infection. The composition may include a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable vehicle or excipient, and a vector. The vector may contain heterologous nucleic acid molecule(s), expresses in vivo in the animal BTV antigen, immunogen or epitope thereof, e.g., BTV VP2; BTV VP2 and VP5; BTV VP2 and VP5 and VP3 and/or VP7. The composition can contain an adjuvant, such as carbomer. Methods for making and using such a composition, including prime-boost regimes and including as to differential diagnosis, are also contemplated. AGACAGTGGTCAATTCCAATGGTACTGTTTGACGATAC
US07862815B2 Methods for inhibiting angiogenesis with inhibitors of proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP)
The present disclosure concerns the use of peptides and compositions, such as pharmaceutical compositions, to influence angiogenesis. Particular methods are useful for promoting angiogenesis, while others are particularly useful for inhibiting angiogenesis.
US07862810B2 Methods and compositions for the repair and/or regeneration of damaged myocardium
Methods, compositions, and kits for repairing damaged myocardium and/or myocardial cells including the administration cytokines are disclosed and claimed. Methods and compositions for the development of large arteries and vessels are also disclosed and claimed. The present application also discloses and claims methods and media for the growth, expansion, and activation of human cardiac stem cells.
US07862807B2 Dendrimers as molecular translocators
Transport molecules include a dendrimer and a biologically active molecule. The dendrimer of such transport molecules includes at least one guanidine group, at least one protonated guanidine group, at least one protected guanidine group, at least one amidine group, at least one protonated amidine group, at least one protected amidine group, at least one ureido group, at least one protonated ureido group, at least one protected ureido group, at least one thioureido group, at least one protonated thioureido group, or at least one protected thioureido group. The biologically active molecule is bonded to the dendrimer. A method of increasing the bioavailability of a drug includes bonding the drug to a dendrimer of the invention.
US07862797B2 Mixed oxide powder comprising alkali metal oxide, and silicone rubber comprising this powder
Alkali metal oxide-metal oxide mixed oxide powder in the form of aggregates of pore-free primary particles, comprising from 0.005 to 5% by weight of at least one alkali metal oxide, which has a BET surface area of from 100 to 350 m2/g, has a specific DBP number, expressed as DBP number per square meter of specific surface area, greater than or equal to that of a powder which has only the metal oxide component, has the alkali metal oxide distributed in the core and on the surface of the primary particles. Silicone rubber comprising the alkali metal oxide-metal oxide mixed oxide powder.
US07862788B2 Promoter enhanced chilled ammonia based system and method for removal of CO2 from flue gas stream
A chilled ammonia based CO2 capture system and method is provided. A promoter is used to help accelerate certain capture reactions that occur substantially coincident to and/or as a result of contacting a chilled ammonia based ionic solution with a gas stream that contains CO2.
US07862779B2 Visual spill indicating
Composition has an indicating dye encapsulated by an encapsulating material. An encapsulated indicating dye can be combined with an organic substance absorbent and/or adsorbent. The composition, combination and/or a device having one or both of them can be used to indicate the presence of an organic substance by contacting the same with a sample, and, ascertaining whether an appropriate color release occurs to indicate the presence of the organic substance by contact of the organic substance with the composition, combination and/or device.
US07862778B2 Fluid system comprising a safety device
A fluid system that includes a flow system for a liquid having an inlet, an outlet, at least one fluid line extending from the inlet to the outlet and an electrically activatable melting device, wherein activation of the melting device causes melting, which interruptes, stops or diverts a flow of the fluid through the flow system. In one embodiment, the fluid system may be used in a device for measuring blood sugar.
US07862773B2 Purification apparatus
A purification apparatus, kit and method for purifying DNA, RNA, proteins, antigens, antibodies and cells. The apparatus has a wand and a reservoir tube. The wand is made of a cap, a sample collection assembly and an elongated shaft connecting the cap to the sample collection assembly. The sample collection assembly has a series of microstructures on its surface, or microparticles enclosed within it for increasing the surface area of the sample collection assembly. The increased surface area permits maximum exposure to and binding of target molecules thereto. The reservoir tube associated with the wand has one end defining an opening and a second end that is closed and preferably cone or cylindrical shaped. The cap of the wand securely and sealingly fastens to the open end of the reservoir tube with the shaft and the sample collection assembly fitting easily inside the reservoir tube. The apparatus, kit and methods can be used for protein and nucleic acids detection by colorimetric, luminescent, fluorescent or electrochemical means through attachments for detecting such signals. The apparatus, kit and methods can also be used in conjunction with an attachment for thermal regulation to perform nucleic acids amplification. The apparatus, kit and methods can further be configured for integrated, high throughput purification and detection of proteins and nucleic acids.
US07862769B2 Testing body, particularly for verifying the penetration properties of a sterilizing agent in sterilization processes
A testing body (1) that is provided for verifying the penetration properties of a sterilization agent has, with a compact design, a particularly high detection sensitivity and is thus particularly well-suited or use in the sterilization of minimally invasive surgical instruments that are known to be difficult to remove air therefrom thereby rendering the sterilization thereof problematic. For this purpose, the testing body (1) has a detector volume (24), which is provided for accommodating an indicator (26) and which can be connected to a sterilization chamber via a gas collecting space (4). According to the invention, the gas collecting space (4) has a multistage design, and the cross-section and the volume of each stage (14, 16) decrease between adjacent stages (14, 16) in the direction of the detector volume (24).
US07862767B2 Method and apparatus for tensioning composite material
An apparatus and method for tensioning material (12) over a mold (14), such as a cure tool, comprises a tensioning fork (10) consisting of two substantially parallel tapered legs (18,20) between which material (12) is disposed. A tensioning fork (10) is positioned at a first side edge (42) and proximate a first end edge (38) of the material (12). A first leg (18) of the tensioning fork (10) is disposed under the material (12), and a second leg (20) of the tensioning fork (10) is disposed over the material (12). When force is applied to the second leg (20), it pivots about the first leg (18) along the length of the legs, remaining parallel to the first leg (18), thereby pressing a portion of the material (12) against the mold (14).
US07862762B2 Moulding of mouldable materials
A method of moulding and a moulding installation is disclosed. The installation comprises a compounder (16), a flow path (26) from the compounder to a vessel (34) in which the mouldable material emerging from the compounder is accumulated, and further flow paths (28) from the vessel (34) to a number of moulders (30) each of which is associated with a mould (32). The moulders take charges of mouldable material on a cyclical basis.
US07862760B2 Co-injection nozzle, method of its use, and resulting golf ball
A nozzle for an injection molding machine is disclosed. The nozzle includes a nozzle body, an inner nozzle, and an outer nozzle. The nozzle defines two independent flow paths therethrough. The nozzle can simultaneously discharge two materials. A method of using the nozzle and a resulting golf ball product are also disclosed.
US07862757B2 Manufacturing method for seamless manmade leather ball
A manufacturing method for seamless manmade leather ball, wherein composites such as soft bioplastic resin or manmade leather, etc are injected, extruded or hot compressed to form upper and lower half bowl type thin covers to completely matchingly sleeve and sphere the corresponding ball bladder, next it is pressingly combined in the one step or two steps curing molds to fusionly paste with the reinforcement layer on said ball bladder to become an initial blank with waterproof layer which is further pressingly combined and cooled down to a fixed form in another set of forming molds with its outside surface formed with pre-formed lines and is further treated with a surface cortex layer and put in forming molds once again allowing surface decorative lines to be pressingly combined at second time, thereby allowing the ball to appear a better simulated leather ball outlook.
US07862754B2 Casted concrete stone with opposed molded textured surfaces and method of manufacture
A casted concrete stone having opposed parallel surfaces formed in a mold and wherein the opposed parallel surfaces have a molded textured surface. The concrete stone is fabricated by a dry-cast concrete mold wherein a profiling plate is provided with mold bottom wall formations each having a textured outer surface. A bond release film or spray or permanent coating is provided on the textured outer surface of the mold bottom wall formations. Mold forming side walls are disposed about the mold bottom wall formations. After the mold is filled with a dry-cast concrete mixture a top plate, having mold top wall formations, is disposed over the mold forming side walls with the mold top wall formations disposed inside respective ones of the molds to close the molds. Pressure and vibration is applied to compact the dry-cast concrete whereby to form a dry-cast concrete stone with opposed molded textured surfaces.
US07862752B2 Apparatus and method for checking mold vent condition
Apparatus and method for checking the venting of a mold having one or more vents, the apparatus comprising a vacuum source, a flow connection between the source and the mold, and a vacuum gauge connected to the flow connection, whereby vacuum measurement by the gauge correlates with total effective venting area of the mold.
US07862747B2 Arylsulfonic acid compound and use thereof as electron-acceptor material
An excellent EL device having low driving voltage, high luminous efficiency and long life can be obtained by using a charge-transporting thin film composed of a charge-transporting varnish which contains an arylsulfonic acid compound represented by the formula (1) or (2) below as an electron-acceptor material especially in an OLED device or a PLED device. [In the formulae, X represents O, S or NH; A represents a naphthalene ring or anthracene ring having a substituent other than X and n SO3H groups; B represents a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon group, 1,3,5-triazine group or a substituted of unsubstituted group represented by the following formula (3) or (4): (wherein W1 and W2 each independently represents O, S, an S(O) group, an S(O2) group, or a substituted or unsubstituted N, Si, P or P(O) group); n indicates the number of sulfonic acid groups bonded to A which is an integer satisfying 1≦n≦4; q indicates the number of B—X bonds which is an integer satisfying 1≦q; and r indicates the number of recurring units which is an integer satisfying 1≦r.].
US07862744B2 Methods and systems for preparing materials for sucralose production
The present invention provides a method for preparing DMF for sucralose production, including, e.g., isolating DMF from a composition comprising DMF, water, and methanol, using a single-tower rectification system. In various embodiments of the present invention, the composition, after the removal of water and methanol, may be further dried/dehydrated, such as, by using a dehydration agent and/or filtration. The resulting substantially pure DMF may comprise at least about 98-99% DMF. The present invention further provides a method of preparing a composition comprising anhydrous sucrose for sucralose production, which may comprise mixing regular sucrose with a water-containing DMF composition, and drying the resulting sucrose-DMF composition. Also provided is a single-tower separation system for isolating DMF from a composition comprising DMF, water, and methanol.
US07862740B2 Compositions comprising a fluoroolefin
The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises a fluoroolefin and at least one other component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.
US07862738B2 Luminous body
The present invention relates to an inorganic composition mainly containing a compound semiconductor, wherein the inorganic composition contains iridium element. The invention also relates to a method of producing an inorganic composite for producing an luminescent material, wherein the method comprises subjecting an inorganic composition mainly containing a compound semiconductor to an explosion by gunpowder and/or explosive in a sealed vessel.An inorganic composite for producing a luminescent material can be prepared by subjecting an inorganic composition to a doping treatment such as explosive treatment or heat-treatment. The inorganic composite can further be heat-treated to produce a luminescent material. The resulting luminescent material can be formed into a layer as a light emitter layer of an inorganic EL device.
US07862736B2 Method of cleaning plasma etching apparatus, and thus-cleanable plasma etching apparatus
Method of cleaning a plasma etching apparatus capable of suppressing variation in line width among wafers in a single lot, and improving throughput in the cleaning process, includes steps of supplying a cleaning gas into a chamber of a plasma etching apparatus; igniting a plasma of the cleaning gas in the chamber; and allowing plasma cleaning to proceed in the chamber, by bringing the cleaning gas in plasma form into contact with a deposit adhered on the inner wall of the chamber so as to etch off the deposit, wherein in the step of plasma cleaning in the chamber, intensity of plasma emission ascribable to the deposit adhered on the inner wall of the chamber is detected in a time-dependent manner, and the plasma cleaning in the chamber is terminated based on changes in the intensity of the plasma emission.
US07862730B2 Systems and methods for separating hydrocarbons from water
A system for separating hydrocarbons from water, the system including an inlet for receiving a fluid, the fluid including a water phase and a hydrocarbon phase, and a separation tank having a first partition and a second partition, wherein the first partition is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet. Furthermore, the system includes a first outlet configured to receive the water phase from the first partition, a second outlet configured to receive the hydrocarbon phase from the second partition, and a support structure configured to receive the water phase from the first outlet and the hydrocarbon phase from the second outlet. Also, a method of separating a fluid into a water phase and a hydrocarbon phase, the method including injecting the fluid containing the water phase and the hydrocarbon phase into a separation tank. The method further includes separating the water phase from the hydrocarbon phase, wherein the separating includes transmitting the fluid through a plurality of baffles, collecting the water phase, and collecting the hydrocarbon phase.
US07862727B2 Desalination scale inhibitors
A method and composition for processing natural water such as seawater, brackish, and estuarine water wherein the water is concentrated with or without heating comprising adding to the water (I) a water-soluble polymeric phosphonate and (II) a water-soluble polycarboxylate to control scale formation and deposition. Optionally a water -soluble poly[isopropenylphosphonic acid] can also be utilized as component (I) without the addition of component (II).
US07862724B2 Preparative liquid chromatograph system and preparative separation/purification method using the same
A technique for extracting an objective component from a sample solution and obtaining the component in the form of equally separated powder aliquots is provided. A peak detector 12 detects the start point of the peak of the objective component on a chromatogram created from detection signals produced by a detector 5. Then, a controller 14 immediately changes a valve 6 so that the eluate will flow to a trap column 7a. A peak area processor 13 calculates the peak area of the objective component in real time. When the calculated area has exceeded a threshold, the controller 14 changes the valve 6 so that the eluate will flow to the next trap column 7b. Thus, the trap columns 7a to 7d are sequentially selected to divide the peak into one or more portions with the same area so that the objective component in the eluate will be sequentially captured by the trap columns 7a to 7d. Subsequently, the objective component is eluted from each trap column, and then the solvent is vaporized, to obtain powder of the objective component.
US07862721B2 Method for producing hydrogen sulphide and the use thereof, in particular, for depolluting heavy metal-containing flows
A process for the decontamination of an effluent containing one or more dissolved metals is provided. The process includes producing hydrogen sulphide in an aqueous medium by culturing alkaliphilic sulphate-reducing or thio-sulphate reducing bacteria in the presence of an organic compound serving as an electron donor and in the presence of a sulphurous compound serving as an electron acceptor. The effluent is contacted with the hydrogen sulphide and the dissolved metals are reduced and/or precipitated in the form of metal sulphides.
US07862719B2 Square membrane manifold system
A membrane module (3) comprising a plurality of porous hollow membranes (8). The membranes (8) extend between and are fixed at each end in a header (5, 6). One header (6) has one or more of openings (12) formed therein. The openings (12) are in fluid communication with a source of gas and/or liquid (13, 14, 15). The other of the headers (5) is sealingly connected to and in fluid communication with a head-piece (9). The head-piece (9) is adapted to couple to an associated head-piece of a further module to form a rack of modules (17). A potting head (6) for use in mounting porous hollow membranes (8) is also disclosed comprising a preformed potting element (29). The potting element (29) includes one or more cavities (30) for receiving curate potting material which, in use, supports said membranes (8).
US07862717B2 Oil filter arrangement
An oil filter arrangement comprises a housing, which has a receiving chamber for a filter element which can be cross-flowed in a radial manner by oil and which can be inserted into the housing, a support tube which supports the filter element when it is inserted, a housing cover which closes the receiving chamber, and a drainage channel which is provided in the base area of the receiving chamber. The support tube is fixed to the housing and it remains therein when the filter element is replaced and that a drainage plate, which comprises closing means for closing the drainage channel and which is arranged in an axially displaceable manner, to a limited extent, on the support tube, is arranged in the base area of the receiving chamber.
US07862716B2 HPLC schematic with integrated sample cleaning system
The disclosed HPLC flow schematic back-flushes the guard column with mobile phase once every operating cycle, the regular cleaning maintaining its effectiveness and useful life. This mobile phase flow reversal is accomplished by imposing a two position multiple port switching valve between the guard and separation columns. In one valve position, the mobile phase is pumped in one flow direction through both the separation and guard columns, but the switched valve maintains the same flow direction only through the separation column and reverses the mobile phase flow direction through the guard column, for effectively cleaning the guard column. Moreover, the mobile phase back flow is directed over the emptied sample drawing needle for cleaning it to reduce possible sample cross contamination. The improved flow circuits use basically only the typical HPLC system components, except for some insignificant modifications from existing injector designs.
US07862713B2 Reservoir water filtration system
A system for reuse of water stored in a reservoir by transfer of initially filtered water from the reservoir to a vertically stacked filtration system located onshore. A flexible filter screened, porous feeder line housed within a perforated carrier pipe extends into the reservoir and is supported above the bottom of the reservoir for transfer of filtered water to the vertically stacked filtration system. The flexible filter screened, porous feeder line includes a conveyance system for retraction and extension of the porous feeder line by two cables. The feeder line is movable from the perforated carrier pipe for cleaning or replacement of the porous feeder line.
US07862702B2 Methods and apparatus for electrosmear analysis
Methods and apparatus for preparing a smear for cytopathology or other analysis. In a representative embodiment, cells of a sample are subjected to a dielectrophoretic force to segregate the cells into two or more zones of a surface. The particles are attached to the surface, thereby defining a “segregated smear.” The segregated smear is then fixed and stained for cytopathology analysis.
US07862701B2 Electro-dipcoating apparatus
An electro-dipcoating apparatus is described in which, in conventional manner, a work-piece to be lacquered is dipped into a lacquer bath, moved through the latter, and lifted out again in a continuous process. Along the path of motion of the work-piece in the lacquer bath there are arranged electrodes which are connected to a first pole of at least one voltage source. Several contact rails extend parallel to one another without electrical interruption along the entire path of motion of the work-piece leading through the lacquer bath and are each connected to the second pole of varying voltage sources. To each work-piece a contact device is assigned which can be brought into communication with a respective one of the several contact rails and in this way applies the potential of the second pole of the corresponding voltage source to the work-piece. In this way, cuts in the contact rails are avoided that would result in wear of the contact devices and in increased control effort.
US07862700B2 Water treatment system and method
A method and apparatus for producing purified water. Treated water may be provided for domestic use wherein the water may be treated by removing selected dissolved species while retaining properties that may improve the properties or aesthetics of the water.
US07862693B2 Apparatus for plating semiconductor wafers
An electroplating apparatus for electroplating a surface of a wafer is provided. The wafer is capable of being electrically charged as a cathode. The electroplating apparatus includes a plating head capable of being positioned either over or under the surface of a wafer and capable of being electrically charged as an anode. The plating head is capable of enabling metallic plating between the surface of the wafer and the plating head when the wafer and plating head are charged. The plating head further comprises a voltage sensor pair capable of sensing a voltage present between the plating head and the surface of the wafer, and a controller capable of receiving data from the voltage sensor pair. The data received from the voltage sensor pair is used by the controller to maintain a substantially constant voltage to be applied by the anode when the plating head is placed in positions over the surface of the wafer. A method of electroplating a wafer is also provided.
US07862690B2 Apparatus and method for manufacturing a multi-layer web product
An apparatus and method for manufacturing a multi-layer web product. A long fiber stream is directed around a rotating carding cylinder. Two combing cylinders are disposed adjacent the carding cylinder to comb a first web of long fiber and a second web of long fiber, respectively, from the carding cylinder. A first conveyor receives the first web from the first combing cylinder and transports the first web toward a layering point. Similarly, a second conveyor receives the second web from the second combing cylinder and transports the second web toward the layering point. A short fiber deposition unit is disposed adjacent the second conveyor and deposits short fibers onto the second web. At the layering point, the first conveyor deposits the first web onto the second web, with the short fibers sandwiched therebetween, to form a layered web product.
US07862689B2 Water content estimation apparatus, sheet material processing apparatus, water content estimation method, and sheet material processing method
Information (particularly, water content) of a sheet material which changes during progression of processing is estimated with higher accuracy and information output or (image formation) processing is performed. The water content estimation method of the present invention includes: detecting a first information regarding moisture contained in a sheet material; detecting a second information regarding a factor affecting information regarding the moisture contained in the sheet material; predicatively computing an estimation of a water content of the sheet material based on the first information and the second information; and adjusting processing conditions for image formation based on the estimation of the water content which is computed.
US07862688B2 Methods to control organic contaminants in fibers
Methods to control organic contaminants in fibers are described. One method involves contacting the fibers with a composition containing water-soluble cellulose derivative and ester hydrolyzing enzyme, for a sufficient time and in a sufficient amount to control the organic contaminants present in the fibers. This method is effective to reduce stickies in paper mill furnish formed with recycled fibers. A method for pitch control in paper mill furnish formed with virgin fibers is also provided by the additional inclusion of lipoxygenase in the composition. Resulting paper products formed from the processed fibers are also described as well as methods to make them.
US07862686B2 Enhanced multi-ply tissue products
Tissues are provided as multi-ply tissue products having greater tactile sensation and resiliency in hand. Improved tissues may have a thickened and reduced density middle layer. The tissues may serve as applicators for chemical agents to be released during use of the tissue. A tissue having an improved tactile impression to the consumer, with enhanced resilience and high external bulk is disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-ply structure having at least three plies is desirable. A middle or intermediate ply is comprised an increased thickness and a greater bulk is employed. In general, the exterior plies of the tissue are smooth and desirable to the consumer.
US07862685B2 Method for deinking pulp using premixed hydrophobically modified calcium carbonate particles
The present invention provides methods for deinking printed waste paper—particularly methods that use a deinking composition that includes a hydrophobically-modified inorganic particle (“MIP”) to improve ink collection efficiency under traditional alkaline, reduced alkali, and true neutral deinking conditions. Deinking compositions are provided that include a hydrophobically-MIP substrate, a nonionic surfactant, and a fatty acid, or mixtures thereof. The improved ink collection of the present invention can result in deinked pulp of high quality and/or yields that has excellent brightness and effective residual ink concentrations (“ERIC”) values.
US07862682B2 Showerhead electrode assemblies for plasma processing apparatuses
Showerhead electrode assemblies are disclosed, which include a showerhead electrode adapted to be mounted in an interior of a vacuum chamber; an optional backing plate attached to the showerhead electrode; a thermal control plate attached to the backing plate or to the showerhead electrode at multiple contact points across the backing plate; and at least one thermally and electrically conductive gasket separating the backing plate and the thermal control plate, or the backing plate and showerhead electrode, at the contact points. Methods of processing semiconductor substrates using the showerhead electrode assemblies are also disclosed.
US07862679B2 Integral double bag for vacuum bagging a composite part and method of using the same
Composite parts such as plastic laminates are formed using a pre-assembled, integral double bag to vacuum bag the part. The double bag is formed of two sheets of bag material that are cut to pre-determined width dimensions, with the width of one sheet being less than that of the other. The bag sheets are prealigned and then attached to each other by spaced apart bonds between the sheets which hold the bag sheets in registered relationship to each other when the double bag is placed over the part and sealed to a tool base. The attachment bonds may be formed by ultrasonic welding, heat sealing or an adhesive.
US07862675B1 Slip method for prestressing beams with bonded tendons
A method for manufacturing a reinforced beam having a bonded tensile reinforcement member includes assembling a tensile reinforcement member to a beam, wherein adhesive is disposed between the tensile reinforcement member and the beam. A load is applied to the tensile reinforcement member to define a pre-tensioned tensile reinforcement member. A force is applied to urge the beam and the pre-tensioned tensile reinforcement member together. The load is released on the pre-tensioned tensile reinforcement member prior to the adhesive becoming cured, allowing longitudinal ends of the tensile reinforcement member to slide relative to the beam at longitudinal ends of the beam, and thereby forming a reinforced beam having a bonded tensile reinforcement member.
US07862673B2 System and method for sealing a telephone handset
A system and method for sealing around openings in a telephone handset casing in which externally facing components are positioned. An exemplary method comprises applying a bead of liquid sealant around the opening in a telephone handset casing, allowing the bead to partially cure to form a skin yet still having a malleable consistency, and placing the externally facing component against the bead to deform the bead in conformance with the surface of the component, to provide a close seal between the casing and the component.
US07862672B2 Method for manufacturing honeycomb structure and extrusion-molding method for forming coupled honeycomb molded body
A method is provided that includes extrusion-molding a raw material composition containing ceramic powder and a binder to manufacture a coupled honeycomb molded body having a shape in which a plurality of pillar-shaped honeycomb molded bodies, each having a number of cells disposed in parallel with one another in a longitudinal direction with a cell wall therebetween, are integrated with one another by interposing a coupling portion. The method includes firing the coupled honeycomb molded body to manufacture a coupled honeycomb fired body, cutting the coupling portion to manufacture coupling-portion-cut honeycomb fired bodies, and binding a plurality of honeycomb fired bodies by interposing an adhesive layer, where at least one of the bound honeycomb fired bodies is a coupling-portion-cut honeycomb fired body.
US07862670B2 Process for the manufacturing of a decorative laminate provided with an aligned surface
A process for the manufacture of a decorative board, which board includes at least one thermosetting resin impregnated paper layer. A decor paper in the form of a web or a sheet, provided with a plurality of decor sections, each decor section being intended to constitute a decor of a decorative panels, is placed as a surface layer on a base layer and bonded thereto by pressing under elevated pressure. A plurality of press plates or press foils, each press plate or press foil being provided with a surface structure intended to match at least one decor section of the decor paper, are accurately positioned on top of the thermosetting impregnated paper layer before the pressing and is after the pressing separated from the laminate achieved. The laminate will hereby be provided with a decor surface with a matching surface structure which is in register with the decor of the decor paper.
US07862668B1 Single-base propellant composition using BuNena as energetic plasticizer
A gun propellant formulation comprising: a nitrocellulose component comprising from about sixty-five percent (65.0%) to about ninety-five (95.0%) of the gun propellant by weight, having a nitrogen proportion of substantially twelve and six-tenths percent (12.6%) nitrogen; an energetic plasticizer component comprising from about 5.0 percent (5.0%) to about 35 percent (35.0%) of the gun propellant by weight, and comprising N-Butyl-2Nitratoethyl Nitramine (BuNena); a burning rate moderator and stabilizer component comprising from about one-half of one percent (0.5%) to about five percent (5.0%) of the gun propellant by weight, and comprising Sym-Diethyl Diphenyl Urea, N,N′-Diethyl Carbanilide (Ethyl Centralite, Centralite I); and a stabilizer component comprising about one-half of one percent (0.5%) to about five percent (5.0) of the gun propellant by weight, and comprising Acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC). Additional components comprising less than 5% of the gun propellant may optionally include Graphite, carbon black, and candelilla wax.
US07862666B2 Highly anticorrosive high strength stainless steel pipe for linepipe and method for manufacturing same
A highly corrosion resistant high strength stainless steel pipe for linepipe, having a composition containing about 0.001 to about 0.015% C, about 0.01 to about 0.5% Si, about 0.1 to about 1.8% Mn, about 0.03% or less P, about 0.005% or less S, about 15 to about 18% Cr, about 0.5% or more and less than about 5.5% Ni, about 0.5 to about 3.5% Mo, about 0.02 to about 0.2% V, about 0.001 to about 0.015% N, and about 0.006% or less O, by mass, so as to satisfy (Cr+0.65 Ni +0.6Mo+0.55Cu−20C≧18.5), (Cr+Mo+0.3Si−43.5C−0.4Mn−Ni−0.3Cu−9 N≧11.5) and (C+N≦0.025). Preferably quenching and tempering treatment is applied to the pipe. The composition may further contain about 0.002 to about 0.05% Al, and may further contain one or more of Nb, Ti, Zr, B, and W, and/or Cu and Ca. The microstructure preferably contains martensite, ferrite, and residual γ.
US07862663B2 Methods for processing a substrate with a flow controlled meniscus
A method for processing a substrate is provided which includes applying fluid onto a surface of the substrate from a portion of a plurality of inlets and removing at least the fluid from the surface of the substrate where the removing being processed as the fluid is applied to the surface. The applying the fluid and the removing the fluid forms a segment of a fluid meniscus on the surface of the substrate.
US07862661B2 Device and method for treating the surfaces of substrates
The invention relates to a device for treating the surfaces of silicon wafers, comprising transport rollers for transporting the silicon wafer, and at least one conveyor device which wets the surface of the silicon wafer with an aqueous medium on a transport plane which is determined by the transport rollers. The conveyor device is configured such that it can apply the process medium to the surface of the silicon wafer, which is oriented in a downward manner and which is arranged on the transport plane. Several suction pipes for suctioning gaseous or mist-like distributed process mediums from the area surrounding the conveyor device are provided. The suction pipes are arranged in the vertical direction below the transport plane.
US07862655B2 Subterranean cementing methods and compositions comprising oil suspensions of water soluble polymers
Of the many methods and compositions provided herein, one method comprises providing a cement composition, wherein the cement composition comprises a cementitious component and an additive comprising a polymer, a phosphorus component, a polyvalent metal ion, an oil-based liquid, and a surfactant; introducing the cement composition into at least a portion of the subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to at least partially set therein. Another method provided herein comprises providing a cement composition that comprises a cementitious component and an additive comprising a polymer, a phosphorus component, a polyvalent metal ion, an oil-based liquid, and a surfactant; introducing the cement composition into a void located in a pipe string; and allowing the cement composition to at least partially set therein. A cement composition provided herein comprises a cementitious component; and an additive comprising a polymer; a phosphorus component; a polyvalent metal ion; and an oil-based liquid; and a surfactant.
US07862654B2 Treating agent for forming a fluoride coating film and method for forming a fluoride coating film
A fluoride coating film formed with a fluoride-containing solution wherein a rare earth fluoride or an alkaline earth metal fluoride, in particular, fluoride of Pr, Nd, Dy, Tb and Ho, is swollen in a solvent comprising a major amount of an alcohol, and the solution is a colloidal solution in which the rare earth fluoride or the alkaline earth metal fluoride is dispersed homogeneously in the solvent comprising a major amount of an alcohol improves magnetic properties of NdFeB rare earth magnets including not only sintered magnets but also bonded magnets.
US07862652B2 Directional self-assembly of biological electrical interconnects
Microtubules are excellent candidates for the fabrication of nanostructures, including nanowires. A method for controlled nucleation and growth of microtubules on substrates (e.g., gold on a silicon wafer) is provided. The substrate is functionalized with a nucleating agent for microtubule growth. The method can be employed to generate nanoscale structures on substrates or between substrates by additional attachment of MT capture agents which function to capture the ends of growing MT to form connecting MT structures. The method can be used to form 2- and 3-D structures on or between substrates and can function to establish interconnects between nanoscale devices or molecular electronic devices and electrodes. A specific method for metallization of biological macromolecules and structures in provides which can be beneficially applied to metallized the MT formed by the growth and capture method. The metallization method is biologically benign and is particularly useful for copper metallization of MTs.
US07862651B2 Apparatus and method for superheated vapor contacting and vaporization of feedstocks containing high boiling point and unvaporizable foulants in an olefins furnace
A contactor/separator is formed from a vessel; an inlet for receiving a vapor/liquid mixture; an inlet for receiving a superheated vapor; a hub located within the vessel, the hub including a plurality of vanes for imparting a centrifugal motion to the vapor/liquid mixture or the superheated vapor; an outlet in a bottom of the vessel for removing liquid; and an outlet for removing vapor from the vessel. A method is also provided for heating and separating liquid and vapor from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising introducing a hydrocarbon feedstock into a contactor/separator: introducing a superheated vapor into the contactor/separator such that it contacts and vaporizes a portion of the feedstock within the contactor/separator; separating unvaporized feedstock from vaporized feedstock in the contactor/separator; removing the vaporized feedstock and the superheated vapor through a first outlet; and removing the unvaporized feedstock through a second outlet.
US07862647B2 Gas adsorption and gas mixture separations using mixed-ligand MOF material
A method of separating a mixture of carbon dioxiode and hydrocarbon gas using a mixed-ligand, metal-organic framework (MOF) material having metal ions coordinated to carboxylate ligands and pyridyl ligands.
US07862646B2 Nanoporous articles and methods of making same
An adsorbent having porosity expanded by contact with a first agent effecting such expansion and a pressurized second agent effecting transport of the first agent into the porosity, wherein the adsorbent subsequent to removal of the first and second agents retains expanded porosity. The adsorbent can be made by an associated method in which materials such as water, ethers, alcohols, organic solvent media, or inorganic solvent media can be utilized as the first agent for swelling of the porosity, and helium, argon, krypton, xenon, neon, or other inert gases can be employed as the pressurized second agent for transport of both agents into the porosity of the adsorbent, subsequent to which the agents can be removed to yield an adsorbent of increased capacity for sorbable fluids, e.g., organometallic compounds, hydrides, halides and acid gases. Also described is a nanoporous carbon composite having porosity that is at least partially filled with material imparting to the composite an enhanced character with respect to characteristics selected from the group consisting of hardness, wear-resistance and toughness, as compared with the nanoporous carbon alone.
US07862643B2 Hydrogen separation membrane and fuel cell, and manufacturing method therefor
A method of manufacturing a hydrogen separation membrane comprises the steps of forming an intermediate layer suitable for controlling oxidation of a hydrogen permeable metal layer on the surface of the hydrogen permeable metal layer on the surface of the hydrogen permeable metal used as a substrate; and attaching a catalytic metal in a granular form on the surface of the intermediate layer. This method can be used to manufacture a hydrogen separation membrane in which the quantity of catalytic metal used is controlled.
US07862634B2 Polycrystalline composites reinforced with elongated nanostructures
A sintered polycrystalline composite for cutting tools that includes a plurality of diamond or cubic boron nitride particles; a plurality of nanotube materials; and a refractory or binder material is disclosed. Methods of forming such polycrystalline composites that include integrating or mixing a plurality of nanotube materials with diamond or cubic boron nitride particle and/or refractory or binder particles are also disclosed.
US07862633B2 Method and system for introducing fuel oil into a steam reformer with reduced carbon deposition
A system and method for creating reformate with decreased carbon deposition. The system is made up of a steam source, a superheater, a fuel injection device, a prereformer, and a reformer with catalyst linings. The system functions to superheat steam while maintaining the fuel at a lower temperature prior to injection and mixing with the steam. After injection and mixing, the steam and fuel mixture is then passed through a prereformer where catalysts treat a portion of the fuel and steam mixture. After these portions are treated with a catalyst, the mixture is passed through to a reformer where further treatment of the material by catalyst takes place.
US07862631B2 Fuel processor primary reactor and combustor startup via electrically-heated catalyst
A primary reactor for a fuel processor system that employs steam and air to convert a liquid hydrocarbon fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas stream. The liquid fuel and an air-steam mixture are mixed in a mixing region within the reactor. The fuel mixture is then directed through an electrically heated catalyst region that heats the mixture to the operation temperature of a light-off catalyst at system start-up. The heated fuel mixture is then directed through a light-off catalyst monolith where the hydrocarbon fuel is dissociated. Once the fuel mixture is heated to the operating temperature of the light-off catalyst, the electrically heated catalyst region is turned off because the exothermic reaction in the light-off catalyst monolith generates the heat necessary to sustain the catalytic reaction.
US07862630B2 Chemical change agent
The present invention relates to an improved chemical change reagent which is used as an additive to coal to enhance the complete combustion of the coal after turning it into a synthetic fuel. The composition is a chemical change agent in that it converts the coal/composition mix into a different material which, when burned, results in lower NOx emissions. The composition includes a wax, a base for ph adjustment and water and is mixed with the coal prior to combustion.
US07862628B2 Mixed metal catalyst additive and method for use in hydrocarbonaceous fuel combustion system
A hydrocarbonaceous fuel additive, fuel composition, and method all lower both carbon particulate emissions and improve slag properties in combustion systems including, for instance, utility furnaces and boiler systems. The mixed metal catalyst may include a transition metal-containing compound, an alkali metal compound, and a magnesium-containing compound.
US07862627B2 Thin film battery substrate cutting and fabrication process
A method of fabricating a battery comprises selecting a battery substrate having cleavage planes, and cutting the battery substrate with pulsed laser bursts from a pulsed laser beam to control or limit fracture along the cleavage planes. The pulsed laser beam was also found to work well on thin substrates which are sized less than 100 microns. Before or after the cutting step, a plurality of battery component films can be deposited on the battery substrate. The battery component films include at least a pair of electrodes about an electrolyte which cooperate to form a battery.
US07862620B2 Sensing systems and methods for monitoring gait dynamics
Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.
US07862617B2 Spinal disc prosthesis apparatus and placement method
A spinal disc prosthesis and method of placing a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The inventive spinal disc prosthesis can comprise one or more solid, compressible prosthesis elements that are formed prior to the method of placing the prosthesis, or one or more solid prosthesis elements that are formed in situ. The inventive method of placing a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent vertebrae of a patient is based on a posterior approach. The invention also includes a spinal disc prosthesis insertion apparatus and specially constructed surgical instruments for use in carrying out the method.
US07862605B2 Coated implantable medical device
A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract, and at least one layer 18 of a bioactive agent posited over at least one surface of the structure 12. Optionally, the device 10 can include at least one porous, preferably polymeric layer 20 posited over the layer 18 of bioactive agent, and can alternatively or additionally include at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure 12, the at least one layer 18 of bioactive agent being posited in turn on at least a portion of the coating layer 16. The porous layer 20 and the coating layer 16 each provide for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the device 10. The structure 12 is preferably configured as a stent graft. The polymer of the porous layer 20 is preferably applied by vapor or plasma deposition. It is particularly preferred that the polymer is a polyamide, parylene or a parylene derivative which is deposited without solvents, heat or catalysts, but rather by condensation of a monomer vapor.
US07862602B2 Indirect-release electrolytic implant delivery systems
Medical devices and methods for delivery or implantation of prostheses within hollow body organs and vessels or other luminal anatomy are disclosed. The subject technologies may be used in the treatment of atherosclerosis in stenting procedures or be used in variety of other procedures. The systems may employ a self expanding stent restrained by one or more members released by an electrolytically erodable latch. Such release means do not connect directly to the implant, though one or more portions may contact it.
US07862601B2 Apparatus and methods for delivering a stent into an ostium
Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering a stent into an ostium. The apparatus includes a catheter including a proximal end, a distal end, and proximal and distal balloons disposed adjacent one another on the distal end. The balloons are expandable independently of one another, and a stent is provided surrounding the balloons. During use, the distal end of the catheter is introduced into a main lumen, and the proximal balloon is inflated to flare a proximal portion of the stent. The distal end is then advanced into the ostium until the flared proximal portion contacts a wall of the main lumen surrounding the ostium. The distal balloon is inflated to expand a distal portion of the stent, e.g., to dilate a lesion within the branch and/or ostium. Thereafter, the balloons are collapsed, and the apparatus is withdrawn, leaving the stent within the ostium.
US07862598B2 Devices and systems that deliver nitric oxide
The present disclosure relates to dressings, such as patches and bandages, and other devices and systems that deliver nitric oxide.
US07862593B2 Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment
This equipment includes: bony anchoring members whereof at least one includes a proximal threaded stud for receiving a nut and a base portion for anchoring to a vertebra; one or two linking rods to be connected to the anchoring members and be attached to the vertebrae thereby parts for connecting the linking rod(s) to the anchoring members, and extension pieces for engaging on the proximal stud(s) of the anchoring member(s) for running down connecting parts on the stud(s) until they rest on the proximal zone(s) of the base portion(s) of the anchoring members. The stud of at least one anchoring member and the extension piece used therewith include positioning elements.
US07862590B2 Interspinous process spacer
Embodiments of an interspinous spacer that maintains spacing between a superior vertebra and inferior vertebra following a laminectomy. The interspinous spacer may include a superior arch engaging the spinous process of a superior vertebra and an inferior arch engaging the spinous process of an inferior vertebra. The superior arch and inferior arch may define a central opening in the interspinous spacer.
US07862589B2 Facet replacement
Facet replacement device is provided. The facet replacement device comprises a superior seating device coupled to a superior vertebral body and an inferior seating device coupled to an inferior vertebral body. The seating devices provide a joint to replace the facet. Another device comprises a superior vertebral body anchor with a first extension terminating in a joint connection, such as, a socket. An inferior vertebral body anchor has a second extension terminating in a corresponding joint connection, such as, a ball.
US07862581B2 Tissue conveyor for use in gastric reduction surgery and associated method for use
A tissue conveyor includes a conveyor body having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end includes a handle allowing for operator control of an end effector located at the distal end. The end effector includes a grasper assembly composed of a first jaw bar and a second jaw bar connected by a support base to define a cavity into which tissue is drawn. A first conveyor member is positioned upon the first jaw bar for movement along an internal surface of the first jaw bar and a second conveyor member is positioned upon the second jaw bar for movement along an internal surface of the second jaw bar. The method for creating a tissue fold includes positioning a tissue conveyor adjacent tissue, pushing the respective first jaw bar and the second jaw bar into the tissue in the area where a fold is desired, and pulling the first conveyor member and the second conveyor member proximally to draw the first and second conveyor members and tissue into a cavity defined by the first jaw bar and the second jaw bar to create a tissue fold.
US07862580B2 Flexible wrist for surgical tool
The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, and a shaft axis between the working end and the proximal end; and an end effector. A wrist member has a flexible tube including an axis extending through an interior surrounded by a wall. The wall of the flexible tube includes a plurality of lumens oriented generally parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The wrist member has a proximal portion connected to the working end of the elongate shaft and a distal portion connected to the end effector. A plurality of actuation cables have distal portions connected to the end effector and extend from the distal portion through the lumens of the wall of the wrist member toward the elongate shaft to proximal portions which are actuatable to bend the wrist member in pitch rotation and yaw rotation.
US07862578B2 Guided filter with support wire and methods of use
A guided filter system for temporary placement of a filter in an artery or vein is disclosed. The system includes a guidewire slideable through a wire guide included in a distal region of a support wire. The support wire has an expandable filter, which is operable between a collapsed or enlarged condition. A variety of endovascular devices, including angioplasty, atherectomy, and stent-deployment catheters, are insertable over the guidewire and/or the support wire. Methods of using the guided filter system to direct and exchange endovascular devices to a region of interest, and to entrap and remove embolic material from the vessel are also disclosed.
US07862576B2 Angioplasty balloon with therapeutic/aspiration channel
An angioplasty balloon catheter with an added channel for delivering medication or removing body fluids distal to the site of angioplasty is disclosed. The balloons are especially useful in the treatment of occlusions in saphenous vein grafts, the coronary and carotid arteries, arteries arising from the aorta and branches thereof and in veins flowing to the heart or their tributaries and sub tributaries thereof.
US07862575B2 Vascular ablation apparatus and method
An apparatus for the treatment of venous stasis includes an elongated intraluminal member shaped and dimensioned for passage through vessels of a subject. The intraluminal member includes a proximal end and a distal end. A conduit extends from proximate the proximal end of the intraluminal member to proximate the distal end of the intraluminal member. The conduit is shaped and dimensioned for fluid communication between the proximal end of the intraluminal member and the distal end of the intraluminal member. The distal end of the intraluminal member includes disruption means proximate thereto for ablating a predetermined vessel wall. A method is also provided for the treatment of venous stasis. The method is achieved by advancing an elongated intraluminal member through a vein to a treatment site, activating the intraluminal member for ablation of the treatment site and injecting sclerosant into the vein at the treatment site.
US07862571B2 Occlusion clip and method of applying same
An occlusion clip is disclosed that comprises an upper occlusion member having substantially parallel first and second upper occlusion arms each having proximal and distal upper occlusion arm ends. The first and second upper occlusion arms define an upper main body width dimension. An upper arcuate portion connects the first and second upper occlusion arms at their distal ends. The occlusion clip also comprises a lower occlusion member having substantially parallel first and second lower occlusion arms each having proximal and distal lower occlusion arm ends. The first and second lower occlusion arms define a lower main body width dimension. A lower arcuate portion connects the first and second lower occlusion arms at their distal ends. The occlusion clip further comprises a torsion spring connecting the proximal end of the first lower occlusion arm to the proximal end of the second upper occlusion arm. The torsion spring biases the upper and lower occlusion members toward a closed position wherein the upper occlusion member is in contact with the lower occlusion member.
US07862568B2 Fixing device
The present invention relates to a fixing device comprising at least one guide for a securing element, a fixing system comprising such a fixing device and at least one securing element, as well as a positioning system comprising such a fixing system, and a positioning element.
US07862567B2 Retrodrill technique for insertion of autograft, allograft or synthetic osteochondral implants
Osteochondral sockets are formed using a retrograde drill assembly. The retrograde drill assembly includes a guide pin having a fluted tip and an externally threaded portion. A removable cutter head has internal threads that engage the threads of the guide pin. The guide pin is drilled through bone, exposing the external threads in a joint space requiring repair. The cutter is threaded onto the guide pin, and the assembly is retrograded with rotation to form a socket in the bone. The cutter is disengaged from the guide pin for disassembly and removal from the bone, making way for an implant to be installed in the pocket. The implant can be drawn into the socket using an attached strand threaded through the bone socket and out of the bone.
US07862563B1 Integral high frequency electrode
A method and apparatus for the application of an electrical signal to neural tissue and other target tissue in the living body.
US07862561B2 Clamp based lesion formation apparatus with variable spacing structures
Apparatus including includes first and second energy transmission surfaces with a predetermined spacing and a device that allows the spacing to increase when the energy transmission surfaces are brought into contact with a tissue structure that is thicker than the predetermined spacing.
US07862560B2 Ablation apparatus having reduced nerve stimulation and related methods
Apparatus and methods for reducing nerve stimulation in electrosurgical instruments utilizing electrically isolated pairs of electrodes are disclosed. At least two pairs of electrodes may be configured to create at least two opposing currents which effectively cancel one another such that a net current flow is inhibited from developing within surrounding tissue structures to mitigate or eliminate undesired electrical stimulation of the tissue.
US07862558B2 Subdermal cryogenic remodeling of muscles, nerves, connective tissue, and/or adipose tissue (fat)
Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve/muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface.
US07862555B2 Apparatus and method for adjustable fractional optical dermatological treatment
In a fractional treatment system, an adjustable mechanism can be used to adjust the beam shape, beam numerical aperture, beam focus depth, and/or beam size to affect the treatment depth and or the character of the resulting lesions. Adjustment of these parameters can improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment. Illustrative examples of adjustable mechanisms include a set of spacers of different lengths, a rotatable turret with lens elements of different focal distances, an optical zoom lens, and a mechanical adjustment apparatus for adjusting the spacing between two optical lens elements. In one aspect, the fractional treatment is configured with a laser wavelength that is selected such that absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue decreases as the tissue is heated by the laser (e.g., 1480-1640 nm). Desirably, the laser wavelength is primarily absorbed within a treated region of skin by water and has a thermally adjusted absorption coefficient within the range of about 7 cm−1 to about 26 cm−1.
US07862549B2 Variable stretch composites and methods of making the composite
Variable stretch composites having one or more first elastomeric members disposed on a first region of an extensible substrate, and one or more second elastomeric members disposed on a second region of the extensible substrate which different from the first elastomeric members to provide variable properties to said regions of the composite. The composite has been incrementally stretched to at least partially break up the structure of the substrate in order to reduce its resistance to stretch. The variable stretch composites are useful for disposable and durable articles, such as disposable absorbent articles including diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, incontinence briefs, catamenial garments, baby bibs, and the like, and durable articles like garments including sportswear, outerwear and the like. The present invention also relates to methods of forming such variable stretch composites.
US07862545B2 Pivoting joint infusion system with steal
An infusion system for delivery of therapeutic fluids from a remote source into a patient's body. The system has an infusion assembly, a rotating pivot joint member, a fluid connector assembly, and a sealing assembly retained within the infusion assembly between the housing of the infusion assembly and the rotating pivot joint member. The seal reduces leakage of fluids. The rotating joint may be pivoted to three distinct positions to allow for emplacement on the patient, delivery of the therapeutic fluid to the patient, and protected, sealed closure of the fluid channels to avoid patient fluid backflow.
US07862536B2 Combined nasal spray and aspirator device
A combined nasal spray and aspirator device includes an air pump disposed within a housing and comprises a spray and aspirator assembly. The air pump, at which an air suction connector and an air discharge connector are disposed, is driven by a driving component to perform air suction and discharge actions. The spray and aspirator assembly, mounted to the air suction connector and the air discharge connector, comprises a spray conduit and a first aspiration conduit; the spray conduit connects to an atomizer which is provided with liquids from a liquid storage container, and the first aspiration conduit connects to a mucus collector so that when some air carrying mucus enters the mucus collector, the mucus is left behind and the air enters the air pump through a second aspiration conduit. The device of the present invention integrates the operations of a nasal spray and a nasal aspirator, sucking the mucus away right after it sprays and liquefies the mucus, with said actions occurring almost simultaneously. The present invention is physically more favorable for users.
US07862533B2 Multiple-component tampon applicator
There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed. This separate component may then be connected to the barrel component either before or after an absorbent pledget is loaded into the barrel component.
US07862530B2 High citrate dialysate and uses thereof
The dose of dialysis in terms of urea clearance is marginal in many hemodialysis patients, and metabolic acidosis as determined by the pre-dialysis serum HCO3 level is common. A dialysate that included citric acid rather than acetic acid as acidifying agent provides superior performance properties. Citrate-containing dialysate was used exclusively in 22 hemodialysis patients. Initially, only 8 of the 22 patients had a pre-dialysis serum HCO3>23 mEq/L (lower limit of normal), however, after 12 weeks of dialysis using the citrate-containing dialysate, the serum HCO3 normalized in 15 patients (p=0.0001, Chi-square). Dialysis variables were kept constant in 19 of the patients, who also used and reused the same dialyzer model throughout. In these patients, the initial average urea reduction ratio (URR) was 68.5±5.9%, and after treatment with the citrate dialysate disclosed herein, this ratio had increased to 73±5.3% (p<0.03). SpKt/V, calculated using the Daugirdas II formula, also increased from 1.23±0.19 to 1.34±0.2 (p=0.01). This increased urea clearance may be the result of the anticoagulant property of citrate maintaining patency of the dialyzer membrane. The increase in pre-dialysis serum HCO3 may represent increased delivery from the dialysate and production from citric acid.
US07862528B2 Patella stabilizing method and system
A unitary knee patella stabilizer for a user's leg, the stabilizer including a patella stabilizer sleeve having an open-upper end and an open-lower end adapted to slidably receive the leg portion of the user and an upper fastener assembly having a first strap, connected at its proximal end to an upper end of the patella stabilizer sleeve, the first strap having a fastener at a distal end of the first strap. The apparatus further includes a lower fastener assembly having a second strap, connected at its proximal end to a lower end of the patella stabilizer sleeve, the second strap having a fastener at a distal end of the second strap and a buttress comprising a plurality of straps adapted to be adjustably positioned on an inside surface of the patella stabilizer sleeve around a location on a circumferential edge of a patella opening.
US07862524B2 Portable arm exoskeleton for shoulder rehabilitation
The present invention relates to an exoskeleton interface apparatus that parallels human arm motion and is comprised of a serial assemblage of five powered linkages and joints based at a rigid support structure worn on the torso of the human subject. Such apparatus generates shoulder rotation using three orthogonal revolute joints mounted on serial linkages encompassing and intersecting at the anatomical glenohumeral joint. Elevation of the shoulder joint is articulated using a link member driven by a single revolute joint mounted in the torso structure. Passive adjustable linkages are used to match variation in anatomical forearm length, upper arm length, and scapula-to-glenohumeral radius. A plurality of integrated dc motor/harmonic drive transmission modules is co-located on adjoining linkages to power the joints. Force is exchanged with the human at the handgrip and elbow brace, and reacted to the torso structure via the base attachment. The present invention is applicable in particular to rehabilitation of the shoulder.
US07862522B1 Sensor glove
A Sensor glove is an instrument, in the same way that a piano is an instrument. The Sensor glove is purchased and the owner then learns to use it and the sensors therein to develop the performance of a sound, character or model, or to “conduct” or “play” the sensor movements and experience the response of the model in real time. Several performers with a number of the Sensor glove can control over 200 motors or hundreds of control points on a character at one time, manipulate audio data, or computer images etc. The characteristics of the sensors on the gloves can be adjusted to the needs and demands of the wearer or the many performer and wearers in those venues where multiple performers are used with many gloves to control or produce the motions and sounds of many distinct characters in a screen play.
US07862521B1 Uterine contraction sensing system and method
The present invention provides a system for enabling the sensing of changes in pressure in response to uterine muscle tone changes relating to contractions, and for enabling the evaluation of contractions based thereon. The system enables a portion thereof to effectively and efficiently project at least partially below the non-compressed abdominal surface, and provides electrical isolation of the system elements. It enables ease of use and enhanced patient comfort. It also enables maximized sensitivity and minimized system loading retention pressure.
US07862519B1 Easy-to-use multi-use body fluid specimen collection and analyte sensing assembly
A multiple use analyte sensing assembly that includes a long, thin conductor. A plurality of sensing sites are spaced along the conductor and each sensing site includes a membrane system adapted to create a current when placed into contact with body fluid containing the analyte. The assembly also includes a housing, having an aperture, an uptake spool and a payout spool, the conductor being wrapped about the payout spool before the sensing assembly is used. A sensor positioning actuator turns the uptake spool to move each sensing site, in sequence, to the housing aperture and then to the uptake spool. The assembly also includes a skin broaching assembly, having a multiplicity of lancets and a lancet positioning actuator adapted to move each lancet to the aperture. In addition, a lancet use actuator is adapted to move each lancet at least partially through the aperture and then back again.
US07862517B2 MRI biopsy device
A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and in particular a sleeve, to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A depth stop enhances accurate insertion, and prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, and marker deployment etc.
US07862506B2 Diabetes management system
A diabetes management system, comprising a glucose meter measuring blood glucose level data and a portable microprocessor-based unit in communication with the blood glucose meter such as to be capable of accessing the blood glucose level data. Input data corresponding to the blood glucose level data is used in a program of instructions running on the portable microprocessor-based unit or the glucose meter, or both. The program of instructions includes instructions to communicate a signal to inject insulin based upon the blood glucose level data.
US07862503B2 Rotational, translational and torqueing control members for an endoscopic instrument
A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The actuator includes a lever for opening and closing the jaws, a knob for rotating the jaw assembly, and a crank for dispensing clips. The knob and the lever are coupled to a single control member which extends through the coil to a joiner where it is joined to a pair of pull wires coupled to the jaws. The crank is coupled to a second control member which is threaded along a distal portion. The threaded portion engages a threaded member near the pusher and is coupled to the pusher such that rotation of the threaded control member by the crank causes the pusher to be moved distally.
US07862502B2 Method and apparatus for adjusting a gastrointestinal restriction device
A gastrointestinal implant system includes an adjustable restriction device having a contact surface configured for at least partially engaging a surface of a gastrointestinal tract of a mammal. The implant system further includes an implantable interface including a first driving element, the first driving element being moveable and operatively coupled to the adjustable restriction device by an actuator configured to change the dimension or configuration of the contact surface in response to movement of the first driving element. The system also includes an external adjustment device having a second driving element configured to non-invasively engage the first driving element of the implantable interface from a location external to the mammal. In the system, actuation of the second driving element of the external adjustment device produces movement in the first driving element of the implantable interface and results in a change in the dimension or configuration of the contact surface.
US07862499B2 Blood vessel wrap
A wrap (20) for securing about a blood vessel (36) by encasing a section of the vessel. The wrap (20) being of thin flexible construction having two ends (22, 24) and two sides (26, 28). The wrap (20) is more elastic or stretchable at, near, or along at least some of its sides (22, 24) compared to at, near, or along its center, to provide strain relief from wrapped to unwrapped aorta. The wrap (20) is not inelastic, so that loss of aortic compliance is minimized or enhanced. The wrap (20) is adapted to apply, in use, less compressive force at, near, or along at least some of its sides (22, 24) compared to at, near, or along its center.
US07862491B1 Resistance arrangement of a waist-twisting machine
A resistance arrangement of a waist-twisting machine, wherein the waist-twisting machine having a bottom base, a foot-rotating disc, and a handrail frame. The operation of the foot-rotating disc imparts a motion to a lateral post coupled with the handrail frame such that the hands and the feet rotate in opposite direction. Two driven arms are pivotally attached to the bottom base, and a plurality of elastic elements are interposed between the driven arms. Moreover, a bumping post is positioned between the driven arms for limiting the driven arms to a proper return position. One of the driven arms corresponding to the exercise direction will be extended outwards by a contact roller at the bottom of the lateral post when the lateral post is moved by an external force. At that time, another driven arm that is not moved will stay there to act as a fixing end. Accordingly, the elastic elements may be pulled to produce an expected exercise resistance.
US07862490B2 Exercise machine force application apparatus
An exercise machine has a reactant force generating mechanism and a force application device. The force application device is coupled to the force input structure of the reactant force generating mechanism and is configured for transmitting force generated by a user to the force input structure. At least a portion of the force application device protrudes from within an opening in the force input structure. The force application device includes a non-compliant base portion, a compliant outer shell coupled to the base portion and pressure displaceable material contained within an interior space of the compliant outer shell. The force application device allows the user-generate force to be transmitted through the pressure displaceable material and exerted on the reactant force generating mechanism of the exercise machine so as to cause the force input structure to exert a proportional reactant force on the force application device.
US07862478B2 System and methods for controlling the operation of one or more exercise devices and providing motivational programming
The present invention is directed to systems and methods for providing exercise devices with motivational programming. The programming includes motivational content and control signals, synchronized with the motivational content, for controlling operation of the exercise device. The motivational content includes audio and/or video designed to simulate a group exercise setting and optionally instructional and educational content for the benefit of a user. The control signals can be carried in wireless carrier signals and can include bytes of data that define changes to the value of one or more operating parameters of an exercise device. The control signals can control one or more operating parameters of one or more exercise devices, whether at once, or device specific.
US07862469B2 Method for controlling a drivetrain of a motor vehicle
A method for controlling a drivetrain of a motor vehicle is provided. The drivetrain includes, as components, at least an internal combustion engine, an electric drive machine, a clutch and a transmission that can be connected to drive wheels. A control device initiates gear shifts at the transmission based on a wide variety of sensor signals by using a characteristic diagram. In order to ensure an excellent shift quality over long operating periods, a drive torque value MV of the internal combustion engine, which is determined by the control device, can be checked and if necessary corrected in dependence of given conditions by determining the drive torque value ME of the electric drive machine.
US07862465B2 Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission that includes two clutches that are provided in mutually different positions in a radial direction while overlapping each other in an axial direction. The two clutches each include a clutch drum; a piston that structures a operating oil chamber while using a part of the clutch drum as a cylinder; a plurality of friction plates that engage the clutch drum; and a cancel oil chamber that is disposed on a back face side of the piston and that cancels a centrifugal hydraulic pressure acting on the operating oil chamber.
US07862463B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.
US07862440B2 Nut assembly and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to both nut assemblies and methods for producing the same. Said nut assemblies consist of a nut body (1a) and a pressure disk (2a). The nut body has a drive portion, such as a polygonal portion, for engaging with a tool and an abutment region that can be brought into contact with the supporting surface of the pressure disk arranged on the nut body in a captive manner. The pressure disk has a central opening into which a neck formed on the nut extends axially at least in part. The neck has a projection for forming a captive connection. This projection radially overlaps or engages the thrust ring.
US07862437B2 Spring-mass damper system for vehicle transmission
A damper assembly for absorbing and attenuating torsionals and vibrations transmitted from an engine to a transmission is provided. The damper assembly includes a damper flange with a plurality of spring-mass damper systems operatively attached thereto and elongated circumferentially about its outer periphery. Each spring-mass damper systems include an inner spring nestably positioned inside an outer spring, a first spring retainer having a base portion defining a first interface surface with a first pilot portion extending therefrom to define a second interface surface with a second pilot portion extending therefrom, and a second spring retainer having a base portion defining an interface surface with a pilot portion extending therefrom to define a fourth interface surface. The first and third pilot portions engage with and thereby restrict axial and radial movement of the outer spring. The second pilot portion is attached to the inner spring thereby restricting relative movement therebetween.
US07862436B2 Custom configurable gaming machine and gaming machine components
A configurable gaming machine includes a door defining a component area. The component area is configured to accept multiple components, such as displays and player tracking elements, in multiple arrangements, permitting the gaming machine to be constructed in multiple configurations. Other aspects of the invention include an internal component mounting configuration, a door biasing mechanism, a venting configuration, a backlight enclosure, a speaker mount, and a gaming machine stand with integrated footrest.
US07862434B2 Multi-sensor system for counting and identifying objects in close proximity
A system for counting and identifying a plurality of gaming chips having a programmable RFID device embedded therein. The programmable RFID device having unique authentication data disposed therein. The system includes a tray structure defining a plurality of predetermined chip positions within a multi-dimensional grid. The tray structure is configured to carry the plurality of gaming chips such that each of the plurality of gaming chips are substantially disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of predetermined chip positions within the multi-dimensional grid. An optical sensing assembly is configured to optically scan each of the plurality of predetermined chip positions to detect the presence of a gaming chip in each of the plurality of predetermined chip positions if present therein and generate a count corresponding to a number of detected gaming chips. An RFID reader assembly is configured to interrogate the plurality of gaming chips disposed in the tray structure and generate a list of authenticated gaming chips, the RFID reader assembly further generating a system status based on a comparison of the list of authenticated gaming chips relative to the number of detected gaming chips counted by the optical sensing assembly.
US07862433B2 Communication game program and communication game system
A game device receives from another game device through a network calculation data. The calculation data includes, at least, position data which represents a position of an object operated by using the other game device, and time data which represents time in which the object is at the position. The game device calculates, based on the position data and the time data included in the received calculation data, a calculated position of the object as of when the calculation data is received. Further, the game device determines, based on the calculated position, a position of the object in a game space as of when the calculation data is received.
US07862431B2 Storage medium storing a game program, game apparatus, and game control method
A video game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU allows a game to proceed according to input data transmitted from a controller performed a swing operation by a player. When a ball hit by a player character according to a swing operation performed by the player collides with a target object, a collision location thereof is detected. For example, a normal target image and several different types of broken target images are prepared and one of the broken target images is selected according to the collision location. In addition, a determinant is calculated for placing the broken target image in a virtual three-dimensional space such that a direction oriented toward the collision location from a center of a target object matches a reference direction of the broken target image. Then, the broken target image is placed and thereafter display is provided in such a manner that the target object is breaking.
US07862430B2 Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming device that the player is currently playing.
US07862424B2 Methods and apparatus for facilitating a flat rate play session and for extending same
The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. The gaming device identifies price parameters and determines the flat rate price of playing the gaming device based on those price parameters. In one embodiment, identifying price parameters includes receiving player selected price parameters. In another embodiment, price parameters further incorporate operator selected price parameters. Should the player decide to pay the flat rate price, the player simply deposits the necessary funds into the gaming device or makes a credit account available for the gaming device to debit. Once the player initiates play, the gaming device tracks the duration remaining in the flat rate play session and stops the play when the given period has elapsed. During the play, payouts are made either directly to the player in the form of coins or indirectly in the form of credits to the player's credit account.
US07862421B2 Gaming device and method having increasing payline wager amounts
A gaming device which includes a variety of methods to enhance payline awards by increasing one or more payline wager amounts. In one embodiment, a predetermined symbol appearing on a payline increases the wager amount of that payline by a random amount.
US07862420B2 Gaming device having a symbol accumulation game with a physical prize
A gaming device including a free spins game having a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols. The symbols include at least one prize symbol, where a physical prize is associated with the prize symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming device activates or spins the reels for a designated number of spins in a game. The gaming device spins the reels in the game and accumulates any prize symbols indicated on the reels. If the accumulated number of prize symbols reaches a designated number of prize symbols necessary to win the physical prize, the gaming device awards the physical prize to the player.
US07862419B2 Gaming device having outcomes which replicate the laws of physics
A processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates and displays a pachinko-type game and outcome on a screen connected to the processor. The gaming device initially provides a preliminary game that yields the number of attempts or objects that the player has in the pachinko-type game. Next, the game displays the pachinko-type game screen having a player selectable starting area. The starting area is large enough so that when the player picks a certain position of the area, the object falls from the selected position, hits a plurality of pegs and lands in an award position. The selected start position affects which award position that object eventually falls in accordance with the probability distribution predicted by the laws of physics. The player's award, however, is not affected by which start position the player selects.
US07862417B2 Card game enabling separate evaluations for multiple game outcome combinations
A card game and method of playing the card game is disclosed. The card game involves placing cards into pre-defined card positions in the form of grids or matrices. For example, a 3×3 grid is filled with nine cards. Game outcome combinations are defined by three horizontal, three vertical and two diagonal pay lines. Another grid arrangement includes a 3×3 grid with each row and column having an extra card position at each end thereof. Accordingly, after the 3×3 grid is filled with random cards, a player may select one or more pay lines after which the two extra card positions are filled. The player is paid for any winning hands formed of the five card defined by the selected pay lines. Countless grid arrangements and pay lines are conceivable. In other versions, the player may replace one or more initially dealt, displayed or otherwise provided cards. The card game and method disclosed herein may be played through an electronic gaming device, over the Internet or at a live gaming table with a dealer.
US07862415B1 Method and apparatus for electronic puzzle device
An electronic game, method and apparatus, is disclosed which includes a playfield that is subdivided into a plurality of sectors. Each sector includes one or a plurality of playing positions, and each playing position has an indicator. The device incorporates a plurality of rotation patterns, each of which maps a plurality of indicators on the playfield. The device further incorporates a plurality of indicating states that correspond to a plurality of visual indications. In addition, the device includes a plurality of input control mechanisms to enable a player to activate the rotation patterns. The object of the game is for the player to manipulate the switches in order to transform an initial pattern of visual indications to a desired pattern of visual indications. The device functions by rotating the indicating states between the various sectors on the playfield using predefined rotation patterns. As an indicating state is shifted, or rotated, from one sector to another, it provides a different visual indication. The device employs a microprocessor to control the progress of the game, monitor the activation of the input switches, rotate the indicating states between indicators defined by a rotation pattern, and generate visual indications based on the configuration of indicating states and sectors. The microprocessor also controls the generation of audio/visual effects to enhance the enjoyment of play. Further, the device employs means to generate a plurality of puzzles, and games, and provisions to vary the level of difficulty of play.
US07862414B2 Golf course communication system and method
A golf course (10) having a plurality of wireless access points (18) disposed within or near the outer periphery (11) of that golf course can offer communications regarding golf course infrastructure information as well as supporting subscriber communications of various kinds. Such communications can comprise, for example, data packet communications. Pursuant to one embodiment the subscriber communications can include Internet access.
US07862411B1 Raised or lowered corn cob collection device with stowable conveyor system having positive de-husking capability
A cob collection device for use with a corn harvester, includes a conveyor system including a portion for positively removing or cleaning attached husks from the cobs after removal of corn therefrom by the harvester, the conveyor system including an upwardly inclined conveyor portion operably movable in cooperation with the collection device for distributing delivery of cobs thereto, the cob collection device having a wall portion including an aperture for receiving the inclined conveyor portion, and a door for closing the aperture when the conveyor is removed, allowing unloading of the collection device, and stowage of the conveyor in a compacted manner to facilitate travel under bridges, utility wires, doorways and the like.
US07862409B1 Motorized height-adjustable table apparatus
A motorized height-adjustable table apparatus including a table having a meat-cheese slicer mounted on a work surface thereof and having telescopic legs connected by a pair of perpendicular crossbars which are raised and lowered by a motor having a threaded shaft extending downwardly from a motor center axis, the shaft rotationally engaging an aperture in the center of the crossbars. The motor may be controlled by a hand-operated or a foot-operated control device.
US07862403B2 Surface grinder for ball of ball valve
A surface grinder for a ball of a ball valve comprises a ball positioning device at an X axis for driving the ball to rotate about the X axis and a grinding device at a Z axis for driving a grindstone set to rotate about the Z axis, wherein the grindstone set grinds a spherical surface of the ball.
US07862401B2 Moulded textile lingerie item, particularly a bra with support region made from silicone
An article made of elastic textile material comprising at least one zone intended to be shaped by thermal molding is provided. The at least one zone has at least over one part a support region in which the textile material is coated, prior to thermal molding, with a non-moldable material with shape-memory. The article is, in particular, a brassiere coated with silicone in the zone of the cups of the brassiere.
US07862400B2 Toy vehicle
A toy vehicle includes a plurality of wheels and an electric motor operably coupled to rotate at least one of the wheels. At least the one wheel and preferably each rotated wheel includes a hub and a tire mounted on the hub. The tire has an interior sufficiently hollow to make the wheel buoyant in water and the wheel is sufficiently sealed to prevent water penetration of the interior of the tire with the wheel immersed in water. The tire has a central portion surrounding the hub and a plurality of hollow lobes spaced from one another about the central portion. Each lobe has a pair of opposing outer sides at least one outer side being at least partially inwardly cupped to improve thrust caused by rotation of the wheel in water.
US07862398B2 Robot toy
A robot toy including one block to which a servo is installed, another block joined to the one block by fitting an output shaft of the servo to a shaft hole, and a shaft hole diameter adjustment member to change a diameter of the shaft hole so as to be in a condition where the shaft hole is loosely fitted to the output shaft or a condition where the shaft hole is tightly fitted to the output shaft.
US07862397B1 Mechanical apparatus operated by a slight lateral force
A toy or game apparatus that includes a base in the shape of a cupcake, a simulated flame structure movable between an exposed-to-view position and a hidden-to-view position within a simulated candle structure, a support structure mounted to the base with a top edge in contact with a bottom edge of the flame structure to support the flame structure in the exposed position, a reset structure having a slanted top surface to enable the flame structure to move to the support structure and have the top edge of the support structure engage the bottom edge of the flame structure, the candle structure being depressible for moving the support structure relative to the reset structure, and a spring for raising the flame structure and the support structure so that the flame structure is again exposed, is disclosed and described.
US07862390B2 Power utility connector with a plurality of conductor receiving channels
An electrical connector assembly includes a main conductive member and a tap conductive member separately fabricated from one another. Each of the main and tap conductive members including at least one conductor receiving channel, wherein the main and tap conductive members together include at least three channels configured to receive conductors therein and extending along three different channel axes. The channel(s) of the main conductive member is configured to receive a main power line conductor, and the channel(s) of the tap conductive member is configured to receive a tap power line conductor. The main and tap conductive members are joined to one another such that the main conductive member and the tap conductive member cooperate to capture the main power line conductor therebetween when the main and tap conductive members are joined, and the tap conductive member and the main conductive member cooperate to capture the tap power line conductor therebetween when the main and tap conductive members are joined.
US07862388B2 Connector block with cable manager
The invention relates to a connector block for separating a plurality of insulated conductors of an electronic data cable, said connector block containing: a plurality of slits arranged in a row along a common side of the connector block; a plurality of insulation displacement contacts comprising forked contact sections which at least partially extend into respective individual slits in order to electrically separate the insulated conductors; and a cable manager which is coupled to another side of the connector block and extends outwardly therefrom. The cable manager is embodied in such a way as to secure the conductors in substantially fixed positions between one end of the sheath of the data cable and the insulation displacement contacts.
US07862376B2 Compliant pin for retaining and electrically connecting a shield with a connector assembly
A compliant pin is configured to be press-fit into a cavity of at least one of a connector assembly and a substrate to retain the pin in the cavity. The pin includes a neck, a plurality of compliant beams, and an insertion tip. The neck interconnects the pin with the connector assembly. The beams are configured to engage an inner surface of the cavity to retain the pin in the cavity. The beams are arranged side-to-side and project along a longitudinal plane in a loading direction. The beams have arcuate portions that are arched in different directions transverse to the longitudinal plane. The arcuate portions are shaped to deflect toward the longitudinal plane without substantially engaging one another. The insertion tip interconnects the ends of the beams.
US07862373B2 Low profile seal for floating connector interface
An electrical connector has a flexible boot to create a flexible, sealed interface. A connector body has a plurality of pin receivers positioned within a tubular sleeve. The flexible boot is received in the connector body and includes a tubular body of elastically flexible material. The tubular body has a body diameter dimensionally controlled to provide an interference fit when received in the tubular sleeve. A boot flexible sleeve is positioned outward of the tubular body. A boot joining wall homogenously joins the tubular body to the flexible sleeve. A flange extends from a free end of the flexible sleeve defining a circular ring oriented transverse to and encircling the flexible sleeve. A boot ring fixes the flange to a panel. The connector body is thereafter elastically displaceable with respect to the panel when the tubular body deflects with respect to the flexible sleeve and the flange.
US07862369B2 Backshell coupling for an electrical component
The invention relates to a backshell coupling for connecting an electrical cable to an electrical component, the coupling comprising a first part having a cylindrical sleeve suitable for passing the cable, the sleeve having an end provided with a first pair of arms; and a second part having guide means for said cable and a second pair of arms, the free ends of the first arms facing the ends of the second arms, with one of the pairs of ends being disposed between the other pair of ends; means defining a pivot axis between the pairs of arms, the facing faces of said ends being provided with portions in relief for defining a plurality of relative angular positions between the two parts, the arms having their ends disposed between the ends of the other arms being elastically deformable; and means for temporarily deforming the arms.
US07862368B1 Socket assembly
A socket assembly includes a socket, a connection terminal, and a snap-fit member. The connection terminal is plugged into the socket. The snap-fit member includes a main body, a positioning portion, and a snap-fit portion. The positioning portion and the snap-fit portion are connected to the main body. The positioning portion is locked with the socket. The main body is pivotable between a first position and a second position about the portioning portion. The snap-fit portion is snappingly engaged with the connection terminal when the snap-fit portion is in the first position. The snap-fit portion is disengaged from the connection terminal when the snap-fit portion is in the second position.
US07862366B2 Electrical connector with locking clip
An electrical connector assembly includes first male and second female connectors having respectively a generally annular locking spring with inwardly directed flexible tines and an outer cylindrical coupling member. The tines are deflected outwardly by the outer coupling member when the second connector is inserted into the first connector for coupling the connectors. A locking clip having a pair of identical, semi-cylindrical mating sections adapted for mutual engagement and manual assembly about the coupled first and second connectors locks the two connectors together to prevent inadvertent disconnection. An uncoupling tool adapted for insertion in respective opposed slots in the two connected mating sections of the lock clip engages and axially displaces a release sleeve in one of the connectors, which, in turn, engages and outwardly deflects the locking clip's tines permitting the non-destructive separation of the two connectors.
US07862362B2 Test holder for microchip
The invention relates to a test holder for fixing the position of a microchip in a microchip contactor, having a base frame and a pressing unit, which is connected to the base frame such that it can be pivoted open or shut and which comprises a pressure body designed to interact with the microchip. In order to press the microchip all over with a uniform pressure onto the contactor, even if the microchip is inclined with respect to the pressing means when it is contacted with the contactor, the invention provides that the pressure body may be tilted about a first and a second tilting axis.
US07862361B2 Electrical flex connector for mounting on a printed circuit board
An electrical flex connector device for a printed circuit board, comprising a female member having a fixation portion for affixing the female member to an associated printed circuit board, a tab member extending from the fixation portion and configured to guide a male member of the flex connector device and to hold the male member between the tab member and the printed circuit board and a least one fastening member arranged on the female member for securely holding the male member in a predetermined position.
US07862360B2 Antenna connector assembly
Provided is an antenna connector assembly which eliminates adverse effects to a window glass when being fitted on a manufacture line, and is easily and surely attached and removed even in a small space. The antenna connector assembly for connecting an antenna element and a cable is composed of a plug section (10) and a socket section (20). A cable (11) is connected to the plug section (10). The antenna element is connected to the socket section (20), and the plug section (10) fits in the socket section. The socket section (20) has an inserting port (201) from which the plug section (10) can be inserted by being slid in the longitudinal direction of the socket section (20). The plug section (10) has an inclined surface (101) on a portion which abuts to the socket section (20) when the plug section is started to be inserted into the inserting port (201) in a diagonal direction.
US07862354B2 Separable loadbreak connector and system for reducing damage due to fault closure
Separable loadbreak connectors include an interference element spaced about the contact tube that is configured to engage a portion of a connector piston.
US07862352B2 Stackable electrical panel modules
An electrical panel assembly comprised of individual electrical panel modules. The electrical panel modules comprise a first receptacle comprising transmitting electrical contacts to interface with a first connector comprising receiving electrical contacts and a first rotation ring for facilitating contact between the transmitting electrical contacts and the receiving electrical contacts, where the first rotation ring rotates between an open position permitting connection or disconnection of the first connector from the receptacle and a closed position preventing connection or disconnection of the first connector from the first receptacle. The first electrical panel module interacts with a second electrical panel module in a manner that the absence of the first connector in the first receptacle prevents the second electrical panel module from accepting a second connector.
US07862349B1 Connector
A connector has a conductive elastic member, an inner frame configured to hold the conductive elastic member so that the conductive elastic member is connectable with connection targets in a vertical direction, and an outer frame configured to hold the inner frame so that the inner frame is movable along a movable direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. An inner frame engagement portion is provided on an outside surface of the inner frame. An outer frame engagement portion is provided on an inside surface of the outer frame. The inner frame engagement portion and the outer frame engagement portion are engaged with each other so as to regulate a relative movement of the inner frame in the vertical direction and to permit a relative movement of the inner frame in the movable direction.
US07862348B2 Connector for an electrical circuit embedded in a composite structure
According to one embodiment, a connector for a composite structure includes at least one conducting element that is coupled to a node of an electrical circuit embedded in a composite structure. The composite structure has two opposing surfaces in which the conducting element is disposed essentially between the surfaces of the composite structure.
US07862346B1 Socket connector
A socket connector has an insulative housing, multiple first terminals, multiple second terminals, a positioning bracket and a shell. The first and second terminals are mounted through the insulative housing, and each of the first and second terminals has a mounting section, a soldering section and a contacting section. The soldering sections of all terminals are arranged in a transverse row relative to the insulative housing. The positioning bracket is mounted under the insulative housing and holds the soldering sections. The shell covers the insulative housing, first and second terminals and positioning bracket. The soldering sections arranged in one row makes the socket connector compact.
US07862345B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector consists of a plug connector and a receptacle connector to be fitted. An insulator is supported only by plug contacts each provided between second and third fixed portions with an elastic portion having at least one snaked portion so as to be floating in a housing. The shape of the second contact portion of each of the plug contacts is substantially in the form of a plate-shaped piece so that the second contact portion of the plug contact and the first contact portion of a receptacle contact are caused to contact each other in line contact at one location, and the elastic portion is arranged within a range from a position below the second contact portion to a position below the insulator. The electrical connector thus constructed is superior in resistance to vibration, and achieves space-saving and floating of the insulator.
US07862344B2 Electrical connector having reversed differential pairs
A contact module is provided for an electrical connector. The contact module includes a body having a mating edge portion and a mounting edge portion. A lead frame is held by the body. The lead frame includes a differential pair of terminals extending between the mating edge portion and the mounting edge portion. The differential pair includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal having positive and negative mating contacts, respectively, and positive and negative mounting contacts, respectively. The positive and negative mating contacts extend from the mating edge portion in a first orientation. The positive and negative mounting contacts extend from the mounting edge portion in a second orientation. The first orientation at the mating edge portion is inverted relative to the second orientation at the mounting edge portion.
US07862342B2 Electrical interfaces including a nano-particle layer
An electrical interface includes a nano-particle layer. The electrical interface also includes a first conductor and a second conductor. The nano-particle layer and the first and second conductors are electrically coupled together.
US07862339B2 Negative wound pressure therapy test system
A system for testing a negative pressure wound dressing, includes a simulated wound having a housing and a wound cavity within the housing, and having a shape and dimension representative of an actual wound type, a wound dressing positionable at least over the simulated wound, a negative pressure source in fluid communication with the wound cavity, at least one sensor adapted to record at least one parameter within the simulated wound, an air leak model including a valve in fluid communication with the wound cavity whereby opening of the valve simulates an air leak within the wound cavity, a fluid source in fluid communication with the wound cavity for delivering fluid to the wound cavity to simulate presence of exudates and a computer coupled to the at least one sensor for recording and analyzing data recorded by the at least one sensor to thereby providing an indication of functioning of the system.
US07862334B2 Heat treatment apparatus and heat treatment method using the same
A heat treatment apparatus and a heat treatment method using the same are disclosed. In the method, a support plate on which a device substrate is mounted is loaded into the heat treatment apparatus using a transfer unit in an in-line manner, and the device substrate mounted on the support plate is heat-treated using the heat treatment apparatus.
US07862331B2 Catalytic microcombustors for compact power or heat generation
The present invention comprises a device which utilizes catalytic microcombustion for the production of heat or power and which exhibits a low pressure drop and has a high catalytic surface area. The catalytic microcombustor includes catalyst inserts in the reaction chamber separated by a sub millimeter distance. Thermal spreaders ensure temperature uniformity and maximum thermal efficiency. A mixing zone is prior to the combustion zone. Thermally conductive and/or insulating inserts are in the vicinity of the reaction zone.
US07862330B2 Angled fill ports and seal-off arrangement for patty-forming apparatus
A food patty molding machine has a reciprocating mold plate. A moldable food product is pumped through a fill passage into cavities of the mold plate when the mold plate is in its fill position. A fill plate, interposed in the fill passage immediately adjacent the mold plate, has a multiplicity of fill orifices distributed in a predetermined pattern throughout an area aligned with the mold cavity when the mold plate is in its fill position. The fill orifices define paths through the fill plate, wherein the paths each have an inlet portion that is perpendicular to a fill side face of the mold plate that is connected to an outlet portion that is obliquely angled to a fill side face of the mold plate. A seal-off stripper plate is interposed in the fill passage immediately adjacent the face of the fill plate opposite the mold plate. The stripper plate is movable along a path transverse to the mold plate path between a fill location and a discharge location. The stripper plate has a multiplicity of fill openings aligned one-for-one with the fill orifices as extensions thereof when the stripper plate is in its fill location.
US07862329B2 Easily removable valve pin bushing
The invention provides a replaceable bushing in the base of a nozzle of a hot runner assembly and provides access through a manifold and a rear plate for removal and replacement of the bushing without having to disassemble the hot runner assembly. According to one embodiment of the invention, an actuator access port is provided for removing the valve pin actuator and a bushing access port is provided for accessing the bushing upon removal of the valve pin actuator, both of which may be removed from a second or rear plate of the injection molding assembly.
US07862323B2 Press and method for forming a composite article
A press includes a pressure chamber filled with a substantially incompressible medium that at least partially encloses an elastomeric vessel filled with a substantially incompressible fluid that is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of the same fluid. Method and systems employing the press are also disclosed.
US07862321B2 Modular injection mold and manifold arrangement
A molding arrangement is provided for multi-level stack molds wherein mold sets and runners are made up of modular sections interchangeable individually or as larger assemblies for exchanging molds for one part for those for different parts or exchanging runners between hot tip and valve gate designs to accommodate different molding arrangements. The arrangement has discrete melt paths for each mold level, at least some of which extend around rather than through the mold levels and which incorporate readily separable connectors. This enables one set of molds and possibly as well the runners for one mold level to be interchanged without interfering with the mold and runner arrangement for an adjacent level.
US07862319B2 Adjustment method, particularly a laser adjustment method, and an actuator suitable for the same
The invention relates to an adjustment method, especially for the adjustment of optical or fiber optical components, whereby a partial region of an actuator is locally heated in such a defined manner that compressive stresses are created therein as a result of the restricted thermal expansion of said heated partial region, caused by at least one other partial region of the actuator. If the yielding point σ of the material of the partial region is exceeded, said compressive stresses lead to the plastic compression of the heated partial region. Furthermore, said heated partial region is contracted during cooling and leads to a defined modification of the geometry of the actuator following the cooling process. Tensile stresses are created as a result of a restriction of said contraction by means of at least one other partial region in the previously heated partial region, and compressive stresses are frozen in the at least one other region. During the adjustment process, essential regions of the actuator, in which the tensile stresses or compressive stresses are frozen after cooling, are brought to a critical temperature in relation to the operating temperature of the actuator, at least until flow processes of the material are ended at the critical temperature.
US07862313B2 Compressor and oil separating device therefor
A compressor and an oil separating device therefor are provided which are capable of always maintaining a predetermined amount of oil in the compressor without additionally providing an oil separating device along a refrigerating cycle system. This results in the refrigerating cycle system having simplified piping and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor having a constant pressure, thereby preventing a function of the refrigerating cycle system from being reduced. The compressor includes a casing, a compression device having a compression chamber disposed within the casing and configured to receive, compress, and output a refrigerant, and an oil separating device disposed within the casing. The oil separating device includes a separation chamber configured to circulate the refrigerant to separate oil therefrom, a guide member configured to direct the refrigerant discharged from the compression device, and a circulation member configured to receive the refrigerant from the guide member and direct the refrigerant into the separation chamber in a direction of circulation.
US07862310B2 Fuel pump
The invention relates to a pump module (2) comprising a housing part (4) with precisely determined force introduction points (25) in relation to adjacent components. Supporting elements (24, 27) and a groove (26) are located between the force introduction points (25) and a disc element (20) that comprises a partially annular channel (10). Forces that are introduced into the housing parts (4) thus lead to negligible deformations in the areas of said housing parts (4) that are adjacent to the impeller.
US07862309B2 Thin fan structure
A thin fan structure is composed of a driving unit and a rotating unit. The driving unit has a base, a coil circuit board and a shaft, in which the coil circuit board is disposed at the base. The rotating unit has a bearing, a fan blade, an iron-containing metal sheet and a magnet, in which the bearing has an outer ring and an inner ring. The fan blade, the iron-containing metal sheet and the magnet are fixed at the outer ring of the bearing, the inner ring of the bearing is fixed at the shaft of the driving unit and the coil circuit board of the driving unit is able to drive the rotating unit turning around.
US07862306B2 Pressure regulating variable displacement vane pump
A variable displacement engine oil vane pump includes a displacement control for controlling displacement of the pump. The control includes a cam ring in a housing pivotally connected to a wall of the housing by a pivot. The cam ring is internally engaged by slide vanes. A control chamber is defined by the cam ring and the housing wall. A control orifice provides for communication of control oil from a pressurized source to the control chamber. A vent chamber is generally opposite the control chamber and is defined by the cam ring and the housing wall. A dump chamber is defined by the cam ring and the housing wall and is generally disposed between the control chamber and the vent chamber. A dump orifice provides for communication between the control chamber and the dump chamber. A vent orifice provides for communication between the vent chamber and the dump chamber.
US07862305B2 Variable displacement vane pump
A variable displacement vane pump, including a pump body, a driving shaft, a rotor, a cam ring swingable around a swing fulcrum, first and second support members on opposite axial sides of the cam ring, a suction port and a discharge port disposed on at least one of the support members, a seal dividing a space on an outer circumferential side of the cam ring into a first fluid pressure chamber defined in a direction in which the cam ring is swung to cause increase in a flow rate of a working fluid discharged, and a second fluid pressure chamber defined in a direction in which the cam ring is swung to cause decrease in the flow rate of the working fluid discharged, and a plunger biasing the cam ring from a side of the second fluid pressure chamber toward a side of the first fluid pressure chamber.
US07862304B2 Compressor turbine blade airfoil profile
A single stage high pressure turbine blade includes an airfoil having a profile substantially in accordance with at least an intermediate portion of the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table 2. The X and Y values are distances, which when smoothly connected by an appropriate continuing curve, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z. The profile sections at each distance Z are joined smoothly to one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US07862301B2 Laminated impeller
The present invention relates generally to impeller of aerators, and more particularly to a laminated impeller of paddlewheel aerator. To solve the shortcoming of existing impeller of aerator: single-body structure, large volume, complicated manufacturing technique and high production cost, fixed blade quantity and axial length, narrow application range and inferior universal use, the present invention provides a laminated impeller that is characterized by simple structure, easy installation and better universal use. The technical scheme of the present invention comprises single impeller body consisting of impeller seat and blade connecting on the seat, a plurality of single impeller body connected in succession to form a laminated impeller, connecting mechanism provided on impeller seat to connect neighboring single impeller, axial impeller length adjusted according to the power needed actually and blade quantity changed to meet wider application.
US07862298B2 Centrifugal compressor housing
A housing for a radial flow compressor, particularly for a turbocharger, comprises a first housing part and a second housing part joined together to form at least part of the housing, each of the housing parts comprising at least one cavity, said cavities in fluid communication, when the housing parts are juxtaposed, forming a cavity system into which a fluid joining compound, such as an adhesive, thermoplastic material, etc., is introduced to form a solid joint of said both housing parts, wherein the housing parts are dimensioned such that a gap for introducing the fluid joining compound extends from a free housing surface of the housing parts when juxtaposed, along facing joining surface sections of the housing parts, and ports into the cavity system.
US07862297B2 Holding device for holding cooling fan
A holding device for holding a cooling fan comprising: a duct having a hollow in which a cooling fan is to be fitted; a stopper portion which keeps one operative end of the cooling fan from further moving to hold the cooling fan at a fitting position; and a plurality of elastic wall segments formed in a cooling fan insertion end of a wall of the duct; wherein each of some of the plurality of elastic wall segments is formed with a locking claw for keeping the other operative end of the cooling fan from moving. With this construction, the cooling fan 31 can be more surely mounted in a duct. Consequently, vibration reduction effect and sound reduction effect with respect to the cooling fan is improved.
US07862296B2 Turbine vane securing mechanism
A turbine vane attachment system configured to eliminate movement of a turbine vane relative to a turbine vane carrier. The turbine vane attachment system may include a base attached to a turbine airfoil. The base may be configured to contact a wedge support along a plane that is generally nonparallel and nonorthogonal with a longitudinal axis of the airfoil. A bolt may connect the base with the wedge support. The bolt may change a distance between a channel in the base and an outer bearing surface. The turbine vane may be positioned in a vane carrier such that tongues extending from the vane carrier are positioned in the channels. As the bolt is advanced, the wedge support is moved laterally along the support surface of the base and the channels engage the tongues, thereby preventing movement of the turbine vane.
US07862294B2 Labyrinth seal in a stationary gas turbine
The invention relates to a segmented inner ring for holding guide blades. According to the invention, a lateral wall opposing the front side of the inner ring and pertaining to a shaft shoulder formed on the rotor shaft extends radially, and respectively one half of a labyrinth seal is formed on the front side of the inner ring and on the shaft shoulder. The aim of the invention is to apply an arrangement of stacked labyrinth seals, known from aeroplane turbines, to a stationary gas turbine having a separation plane. To this end, a method is used to mount an inner ring of a gas turbine. The invention also relates to a stationary gas turbine comprising a segmented inner ring.
US07862292B2 Horizontal motion wave power generator
A paddle wheel-driven horizontal wave generator system which is situated on the ocean shore for converting shore waves to unidirectional rotational force for generating power. By the use of a pair of one-way clutches on a single power shaft the incoming and outgoing motion of ocean waves is converted into continuous unidirectional rotational force to drive an electric generator. The generator system is attached to a base having troughs. The lower portions of the paddle wheels are positioned in the troughs, and engage incoming and outgoing shore waves which rotate the axle of the paddle wheels in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. The one-way clutches convert the bi-directional rotation of the paddle wheel axle to unidirectional rotation of the power shaft.
US07862285B1 Compressor trolley
Disclosed is a hoist trolley having a pair of jacking plates with apertures for attaching the plates to a compressor. Fixed to the opposing ends of the jack-plates are telescopic legs with extendable retractable wheels and a screw jack that is used to elevate the load, once the plates are attached, enabling the wheels to be extended. Once extended, the jack base plate is raised with the wheels supporting the load. Transporting the load is accomplished by providing a pair of rails cantilevered from a stand. Also provides are additional elements to enhance the range of applications for the compressor trolley including a pry bar incorporating a motive member whereby the bar can be used in the similar function of supporting some part of the load while moving to a workspace and a depending pivot arm having one element of a fastener, with the other incorporated into an opposing jacking plate. Furthermore, the spaced apart trolley rails can include integral rollers.
US07862284B2 Pallet transfer system
A pallet transfer system capable of smoothly transferring a pallet between a machine tool and a pallet conveying device is provided. The pallet transfer system includes an intermediated station to temporally place a pallet between a front ward position of a pallet stand-by position and the pallet stand by position. The pallet on a conveying plate at a stand-by position is carried to a temporary placing position by horizontally moving the conveying plate. Then the pallet is transferred to the intermediate position by being supported by lift arms which are raised from the conveying plate. Further, the pallet, supported by the lift arms, is transferred from the intermediate station to a stacker crane by advancing the stacker crane toward the intermediate station side and entered into an entering space below the pallet.
US07862280B2 Saw tooth screw
A saw tooth screw provides a screw thread divided into a first and a second thread sections. A plurality of slots, inclined with respect to a shank axial line, are disposed on each thread of the first thread section for dividing the thread into a plurality of thread segments, wherein each of the thread segment has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface on two ends thereof; the first inclined surface is parallel to the second inclined surface. The thread of the second thread section is formed of a saw-tooth-shape by having recesses extending from a shank to an outer edge of the thread for debris of object to exit through the slots, thereby reducing the screwing torsion and increasing the screwing rotation speed.
US07862278B2 Anti-tamper device
An apparatus for preventing removal of, or tampering with, a construction fitting includes two construction element engaging components and a fastener for connecting the two construction element engaging components to one another. The fastener includes a bolt extending between the two construction element engaging components and a nut for tightening on the bolt rigidly connecting the two engaging components with a gap therebetween. A body portion, for at least partially covering a nut, prevents access thereto by an unfastening tool with the body portion extending from the nut to a position alongside the bolt within the gap. A locking device is able to be moved relative to the body portion between a first position, in which the apparatus is removable from the construction fitting, and a second position in which the apparatus is prevented from being removed from the construction fitting with the locking device extending, in the second position, from the body portion in a direction toward the bolt with the gap.
US07862277B2 Component interlocking
There is disclosed a pair of components which, in the embodiment described, are a tooth (2) and adaptor (3) for earth-moving apparatus (1). The adaptor is for mounting the tooth on an earth-moving bucket, this mounting being releasable to allow replacement of the tooth when worn. The components define aligned passages (11) through which a locking pin (12) extends to retain the components together. The locking pin has formations (22) for engaging formations (20) on the first component when the pin is rotated from a free position into a locked position. The pin has an insertion recess (27) which is aligned with the formations (20) allowing the pin, in the free position, to be inserted into, or removed from, the aligned passages. The formations (20) are resiliently movable to stably engage the pin when in the locked position.
US07862271B2 Friction stir rivet method of joining
A method of joining workpieces includes rotating a friction stir rivet via a mandrel and driving the rivet into the workpieces causing frictional heating between the rivet and the workpieces and causing the materials of the workpieces to soften, thereby providing a fiction stirred displaceable path for the rivet to traverse, and driving the rivet along the displaceable path until the rivet mandrel pierces through the workpieces and a cap of the rivet is seated against the workpieces. Subsequent to seating the cap, further rotation of the mandrel is stopped and the workpieces are allowed to cool and harden. An axial load is then applied to the mandrel sufficient to provide mechanical loading between the rivet body and the workpieces. A resultant volume of displaced material from the workpieces is fixedly attached to the workpieces, thereby avoiding the creation of a potentially detachable slug of the displaced material.
US07862266B2 Cutting tool for machining a hole
A recess and an attachment seat are formed in a front end of a tool body. A panel-shaped insert attached to the attachment seat where the thickness direction is matched with the diameter direction of the tool body and a surface of the insert facing the rear in a tool rotation direction becomes a pressed surface. A peripheral cutting edge is formed at a ridge of an inclined surface on the outside in the diameter direction of the tool body, a bevel edge is formed at a ridge on the front side of the tool body, and a back taper is attached to the peripheral cutting edge. A pressing member for pressing the pressed surface of the insert to adjust a position of the peripheral cutting edge in the diameter direction of the tool body is disposed on the rear side of the attachment seat in the tool rotation direction.
US07862265B1 Off-set drill guide assembly and method of drilling holes in a workpiece
An off-set drill guide assembly useable with a conventional drill press or bench vice and portable power tool to drill holes in a workpiece has a body chucked to the drill press supporting a horizontal slide connected to the power tool with an adapter to locate the power tool off-set from the drill press beyond the normal range of the drill press. The body and power tool are moved downward to drill holes in a workpiece.
US07862263B2 Cutting tool with multiple flutes defining different profiles, and method
A cutting tool having multiple cutting edges includes a tool body having a longitudinal axis, a first cutting edge including a first leading edge that defines a first profile when rotated about the longitudinal axis, and a second cutting edge including a second leading edge that defines a second profile when rotated about the longitudinal axis, the first and second profiles being different from each other and being adapted to cut a workpiece in succession. A method is also disclosed.
US07862261B2 Tool holder with resharpenable cutting tool inserts
A tool holder for a resharpenable cutting tool insert has a body portion which includes a recess. A wedge member is positioned in the recess. A locking screw locks the wedge member such that the top surface of the wedge member is in engagement with the bottom surface of the insert and the locking screw is threadably connected to the body portion and to the wedge member so that the cutting tool insert may be removed for sharpening and re-inserted at the same location relative to the tool holder.
US07862260B2 High capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus
A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.
US07862258B2 Floating standoff assembly
A standoff system for keeping a containment boom or other floating barrier device spaced at a desired standoff distance away from a structure. The system includes an inner side member, an outer side member, and a plurality of compression members disposed between the side members. The system has a collapsed configuration in which the distance between the inner and outer side members is less than the desired standoff distance, and a deployed configuration in which the distance between the side members is greater than or substantially equal to the desired standoff distance. Alternatively, the system can be collapsed longitudinally by moving the adjacent compression members into abutting relationship with each other. The system is towed into place in the collapsed configuration, and once in place, is transformed into the deployed configuration by applying tension to the side members. The system also may include one or more tension members attached diagonally between adjacent compression members to keep the system in the deployed configuration. The standoff system can be a separate, free-standing structure placed between a ship and a boom or it can be integrated with a containment boom.
US07862254B2 Underground root margin even irrigation apparatus
Disclosed are an even-irrigation apparatus for an underground root zone and an even-irrigation method using the same for evenly supplying water into the root zone of a variety of crops. The even-irrigation apparatus includes a plurality of irrigators buried in the entire underground root zone, to directly and evenly supply water into the root zone. Once water is introduced into a pressure-reduction valve after passing through a main pipe, limb pipe and capillary pipe connected in sequence, the water is supplied to the irrigators by way of a plurality of diverged-capillary pipes. With this even-irrigation of water, unnecessary consumption of water due to adsorption of the water into the surrounding soil except for the root zone is minimized, enabling effective irrigation of water and even growth of roots of crops. Further, even nutrition throughout the roots enables balanced growth of crops.
US07862249B2 Ball-point pen tip and ink refill
There is provided a ballpoint pen tip in which a shoulder of a bent portion does not touch a paper surface during writing and bleeding caused by deformation of an inner periphery of the bent portion can be prevented, and an ink refill using thereof. The ballpoint pen tip 20 comprises a first tapered surface 22 formed by tapering an outer periphery at a front end of a holder 21, a connecting surface 23 that is formed at a front end side of the first tapered surface 22 and has an outside angle larger than 180° with respect to the first tapered surface 22, a second tapered surface 24 that is formed at a front end side of the connecting surface 23 and has an outside angle smaller than 180° with respect to the connecting surface 23, and a bent portion 25 in which a front end portion of the second tapered surface 24 is bent inwardly so as to hold a writing ball 35 inserted into a ball house 29. A boundary between the first tapered surface 22 and the connecting surface 23 is referred to as a first shoulder portion 26, and a boundary between the second tapered surface 24 and the bent portion 25 a second shoulder portion 27. The second shoulder portion 27 is located inside a virtual tangent line 41 between the first shoulder portion 26 and the writing ball 35.
US07862246B2 Power supply controller for motor in feeding device
A feeding device including: (a) a feed mechanism including a motor driven with supply of a power thereto, and a feeder operated by the motor for feeding an object; (b) a power supply controller for supplying the power to the motor until an actual operating position of the feeder coincides with a power-supply-stop operating position located before a target operating position of the feeder, and to stop the supply of the power to the motor when the actual operating position coincides with the power-supply-stop operating position, for causing the actual operating position to eventually coincide with the target operating position owing to an inertia of the feed mechanism; and (c) a power-supply-stop operating-position determiner for determining the power-supply-stop operating position, for reducing a positioning error of the object in presence of a torque fluctuation of the feed mechanism, based on the target operating position and a cyclic variation of an operating velocity of the feeder that is caused by the torque fluctuation.
US07862240B2 Bearing device
Bearing device (1) with a first bearing part (2) and a second bearing part (3) which cooperate in bearing contact, wherein the first bearing part (2) and the second bearing part (3) is each provided with a surface layer (21, 31), wherein the hardness of the surface layer (21) of the first bearing part (2) is greater than the hardness of the surface layer (31) of the second bearing part (3).
US07862236B2 Circumrotating circulating guiding assembly of linear sliding rail
A circumrotating circulating guiding assembly of a linear sliding rail includes a sliding base body, a plurality of guiding assembly and a plurality of rolling elements. The sliding base body has a plurality of engaging portions and a plurality of guiding holes. The sliding base body is provided longitudinally with engaging portions. The guiding assembly comprises two circumrotating guiding portions, a plurality of fixing portions, a spacer and a plurality of guiding tubes. The fixing piece is fixed to the engaging portion. The guiding portion is combined with the circumrotating guiding portion. The rolling element is provided on the circumrotating circulating path in a rolling manner. With the fixing pieces being fixed to the engaging portion, and the spacer being engaged in the recessed portion, the insufficient strength of the guiding assembly formed of plastic materials can be compensated, thereby avoiding the vibration, noise and excessive frictional resistance efficiently.
US07862235B2 Linear guide device
In a linear guide device, a rolling element cage 24 holding balls interposed between a rail side rolling element rolling groove and a slider side rolling element rolling groove is formed of a synthetic resin material, and has two plate parts 244 facing to each other with a slider body being held therebetween. The rolling element cage 24 has a positioning part that makes contact with the inside surface of the slider body and is positioned on the slider body by the positioning part with respect to the slider.
US07862233B2 Self heating monitor for SiGe and SOI CMOS devices
A structure, apparatus and method for deterring the temperature of an active region in semiconductor, particularly a FET is provided. A pair FETs are arranged on a silicon island a prescribed distance from one another where the silicon island is surrounded by a thermal insulator. One FET is heated by a current driven therethrough. The other FET functions as a temperature sensor by having a change in an electrical characteristic versus temperature monitored. By arranging multiple pairs of FETs separated by different known distances, the temperature of the active region of one of the FETs may be determined during operation at various driving currents.
US07862225B2 Apparatus and method for mixing a cleaning solution for a vehicle washing system
An apparatus configured for mixing and distributing a cleaning solution for use in a vehicle washing system. A container includes a cavity configured to receive the cleaning solution. A supply device for providing an aqueous solution includes a control mechanism for determining the level of aqueous solution in the container. One or more conduits in fluid communication with the supply device supply the aqueous solution to the container. A distribution device in communication with the cavity of the container is configured to remove the aqueous solution from the container for distribution to the vehicle washing system. The one or more conduits include one or more injection inlets for supplying the aqueous solution under pressure to dilute an additive placed in the container with the aqueous solution to create the cleaning solution.
US07862222B2 Backlight module and light guide plate
A backlight module includes a light guide plate and two light emitting elements for emitting light beams. The light guide plate includes first and second light guide portions and a connecting portion interconnecting the first and second light guide portions. The first light guide portion has two opposite first light incident surfaces at opposite sides thereof, and a first light output surface. The second light guide portion has a second light incident surface facing first light output surface of the first light guide portion. Each of the light emitting elements faces one of the first light incident surfaces of the first guide portion. The first guide portion receives the light beams via the first light incident surfaces and output them via the first light output surface. The second light guide portion receives the light beams from the first light output surface via the second light incident surface.
US07862211B2 Configuration of multiple LED modules
A configuration of multiple LED modules comprising a plurality of LED modules that each contain a carrier that has a first main area, a second main area and at least one semiconductor layer, wherein the first main area has a planar configuration. The LED modules also include a plurality of LED semiconductor bodies that applied on the first main area of the carrier. In addition, the multiple LED modules include a common heat sink, where the carrier of the LED modules in each case are connected to the common heat sink on the second main area.
US07862207B2 Optimizing use and performance of optical systems implemented with telecentric on-axis dark field illumination
Systems and methods are provided for imaging a planar specular object such as a semiconductor wafer. In one embodiment, an imaging system for imaging a defect on a planar specular object includes a telecentric lens having a sufficiently aspherical surface such that the telecentric lens is substantially corrected for an optical aberration. The imaging system also includes a telecentric stop including an aperture therein to block light reflected from the planar specular object while allowing light reflected from the defect to pass through the aperture. The imaging system further includes a lens group having a system stop positioned between the telecentric stop and the lens group. The lens group is substantially corrected for the optical aberration independent of the telecentric lens.
US07862205B2 Lighting unit and lamp
A lighting unit has at least two submounts, wherein each submount has multiple light sources. Furthermore, a lamp may have such a lighting unit.
US07862202B2 Method and apparatus for installing a motion sensor in a luminaire
A method and apparatus for motion sensor installation includes an apparatus for installing a lighting accessory to a first luminaire having a luminaire housing. The bracket includes a coupling member operative to couple the bracket to one of the luminaire housings. A support member extends from the coupling member, and is operative to support the lighting accessory a first distance from the luminaire housing. An attachment member that is operative to attach the lighting accessory to the lighting accessory extends from the support member. The bracket couples the lighting accessory to the luminaire housing without extending the length of the luminaire or creating a substantial gap between two luminaires in a linear configuration. In one aspect, the lighting accessory can be a motion sensor that is operative to control the power to one or more of the luminaires.
US07862200B2 Lamp arrangement
A lamp arrangement is disclosed, with at least one low-pressure discharge lamp, in particular, a compact fluorescent lamp to generate a main illumination with at least one discharge bulb, fitted in a socket and at least one alternative light source, in particular, a light diode arrangement with at least one light diode (LED) for generation of an alternative illumination. According to the invention, the light diode arrangement is at least partly arranged in the vicinity of cold spots on the low pressure discharge lamp.
US07862195B2 Multiple positioned light source to achieve uniform or graded illumination
An integrated and modular lighting system is disclosed. The lighting system includes a plurality of modules, each module including at least two echelons of light emitting diodes and a power supply on a common substrate. The modular lighting system is used to provide uniform illumination of an enclosed display stand.
US07862192B2 Lighting device
A lighting device includes a housing, a plurality of LEDs arranged on a base of the housing, and a first optical plate positioned above the LEDs. The first optical plate includes a light input surface, a light output surface opposite to the light input surface, and a plurality of V-shaped ridges aligned in at least two different directions formed on the light output surface. The V-shaped ridges aligned in different directions intersect with one another. The lighting device may be used as a backlight module.
US07862191B2 Lamp socket, backlight assembly having the same, and display device having the same
A lamp socket includes a socket housing and a power supply member. The socket housing has a connecting hole. The power supply member includes a first lamp and a second lamp connecting terminal. The first lamp connecting terminal is inserted into the connecting hole, and includes a securing member for preventing a lamp from secession from the lamp socket. The second lamp connecting terminal is inserted into the connecting hole, and includes securing member opening inserted by the securing member. Therefore, the number of elements may be decreased and the stability of lamp socket may be increased.
US07862190B2 Surface light source for emitting light from two surfaces and double-sided display device using the same
A surface light source device includes a light-emitting element which generates light, and a light guide plate which causes light emitted from the light-emitting element to be incident from an end face, causes the light to be reflected between opposite plate surfaces to guide the light along the plate surfaces and make the light emerge from the plate surfaces, and transmits light incident from one plate surface toward the other plate surface. A first optical element is placed on one plate surface side of the light guide plate, transmits part of light emerging from one plate surface of the light guide plate toward a front side, and returns the remaining light to a rear side. A second optical element is placed on the other plate surface side and transmits at least part of light emerging from the other plate surface side.
US07862189B1 Adjustable mirror attachment
A mirror device for observing an infant in a rear-facing child safety car seat secured to the rear seat of a vehicle including a front seating area, a rear seating area, and a rear seat within the rear seating area, the rear seat having an upwardly-extending headrest. The mirror device includes a mirror and backing assembly having a rear surface, and an attachment connected to the rear surface for attaching the mirror device to the headrest. The attachment in turn includes a swivel device having a concavity element including a first bowl-like structure having a concave working surface; and a corresponding convexity element including a second bowl-like structure having a convex working surface configured to engage the concave working surface. The concavity and convexity elements are frictionally maintained in a desired adjusted position with reference to each other, while at the same time permitting manual adjustment.
US07862188B2 Image detection improvement via compensatory high frequency motions of an undedicated mirror
Imaging systems in which an undedicated optical component—i.e., a component that would be present in the system even in the absence of image stabilization—is configured to undergo corrective motion and/or other correction of image data, and thus to function as a stabilization component. The stabilization component may be a mirror and/or a lens, and a positioner may be provided to tilt, rotate, and/or otherwise precisely adjust the position and orientation of the stabilization component to improve image resolution, compensate for platform motions, and/or improve image tracking. Because an undedicated optical component functions as the stabilization component, the stabilization occurs upstream, rather than downstream, from separation (if any) of the incoming image data into two or more beams. As a result, only one stabilization component is required regardless of whether the system is configured to split the image data into multiple data channels, and imaging systems as described herein therefore may be particularly well-suited for integration into a shared-aperture imaging system.
US07862186B2 Projector
This projector comprises a source lamp, a lamp storage portion, storing the source lamp therein, including an air discharge opening for discharging internal air from the lamp storage portion and a netlike member so arranged as to cover the outer side of the air discharge opening of the lamp storage portion for inhibiting fragments of the source lamp from being discharged outward from the lamp storage portion through the air discharge opening when the source lamp is broken. The lamp storage portion further includes a protrusion provided on the outer side surface close to the air discharge opening to protrude in a direction intersecting with the extensional direction of the netlike member with a function of inhibiting the fragments of the source lamp from passing through a clearance between the lamp storage portion and the netlike member.
US07862180B2 Optical system for image projection and image projection apparatus
The invention provides an optical system for image projection, wherein when used in an image projection apparatus, a screen-continuing portion (e.g., screen-underlying portion) of the apparatus can be reduced to a small size, or can be removed, and thereby the apparatus can be so compacted, and provides an image projection apparatus mounting such optical system. An optical system 10 for image projection including a lighting optical system 1 leading light from a light source 11 for lighting a display element 4 (or 4′), and a projecting optical system 3 for projecting projection light containing image information from the display element 4 (or 4′). The lighting optical system 1 is arranged such that a straight optical axis α from the light source 11 in the lighting optical system 1 is positioned in an area deviated from a luminous flux β of the projection light incident into the projecting optical system 3 toward an area where the projection light γ from the projecting optical system 3 passes. The image projection apparatus A (or B or C) mounting such optical system 10.
US07862173B1 Digital imaging ophthalmoscope
An opthalmoscope. Implementations include a handle coupled to a head where the head includes a front section coupled with a diopter wheel and the front section includes a view window. A back section fixedly attached to the front section includes a diopter number viewer, a trigger button, and a digital imaging section. The digital imaging section may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The trigger button may be adjacent to the handle and may be positioned opposite the front section between the handle and the LCD screen. The back section may include a rounded projection rotatably coupled with a central hole in the diopter wheel extending from a diopter surface substantially parallel with and in close proximity to the diopter wheel. The diopter number viewer may extend from the diopter surface away from the diopter wheel and may include an opening configured to expose a diopter number.
US07862170B2 Compound modulation transfer function for laser surgery and other optical applications
Methods, devices, and systems establish an optical surface shape that mitigates or treats a vision condition in a patient. An optical surface shape for a particular patient can be determined using a set of patient parameters for the specific patient by using a compound modulation transfer function (CMTF). The compound modulation transfer function can include a combination of modulation transfer functions (MTF's) at a plurality of distinct frequencies.
US07862169B2 Contact lenses and methods for their design
The invention provides methods for designing contact lenses in which method the lens flexure is taken into account. The method of the invention is insensitive to the lens' back surface design and does not require complex back surface designs. Additionally, the lens design can be optimized virtually, eliminating the need for iterative design-test on-eye-re-design cycles.
US07862168B1 Eyeglass holding device
Left and right curved discs may be attached to distal end portions of the left and right temple frames of an eyeglass. The left and right curved discs are positionable at a slight depression covered by skin above a mastoid process of the wearer's head and behind the wearer's ears for securing the eyeglass to the wearer. When not in use, the left and right curved discs may be hooked onto the wearer's ears for temporarily storing the eyeglass.
US07862167B2 Linear element, especially a spectacle side, and method of producing it
A linear element, especially a spectacle side, of the type comprising a flexible metal core coated with a flexible elastomer for comfort and/or appearance. Its structure is composed of a plurality of rigid plastic rings placed in fixed positions around predetermined areas of the flexible metal core so that each can serve as a point of intermediate mechanical attachment of the flexible elastomer with respect to the core. The cross section of the rings are inscribed within that of the elastomer surrounding it.
US07862163B2 Image forming method and image forming apparatus
The image forming method for forming a desired image on a recording medium, includes the steps of: applying a first liquid on the recording medium, the first liquid containing no coloring material and having a dynamic surface tension at a surface age of 0.1 seconds measured at 25° C. of γ1(0.1 s); and then depositing droplets of a second liquid on a region of the recording medium where the first liquid has a form of a liquid film, the second liquid containing coloring material and having a dynamic surface tension at a surface age of 0.1 seconds measured at 25° C. of γ2(0.1 s) that is greater than γ1(0.1 s).
US07862161B2 Ink detector viewable with the human eye
An ink cartridge configured to hold an ink includes a substantially hollow body including an inner space and a substantially continuous inner wall. The cartridge further includes an optical prism in the inner space, disposed at a predetermined distance from the continuous inner wall such that an ink pocket is defined by a prism wall and the continuous inner wall. The prism includes at least one reflection site formed at an angle configured to reflect light from a light source through the prism at a predetermined height relative to a bottom of the body. If ink is present in the ink pocket at a level below at least a portion of the reflection site, the ink does not block the light reflected off of the portion of the reflection site from traveling across the ink pocket at the predetermined height, such that the reflected light is externally viewable.
US07862156B2 Heating element
Embodiments of a heating element of a fluid ejection device are disclosed.
US07862153B2 Electrical wiring structure, liquid ejection head, liquid ejection apparatus and image forming apparatus
The electrical wiring structure includes an electrical connection section where a first electrode and a second electrode are connected, wherein: the electrical connection section is formed by a first alloy containing at least gallium metal; and the first alloy has a melting point lower than 30° C.
US07862148B2 Method of priming picolitre inkjet printhead
A method of priming an inkjet printhead having ink ejection nozzles. The method includes: providing an ink bag containing ink for distribution to the nozzles via a fluid path between the ink bag and the nozzles; applying inwardly directed force on at least one exterior wall of the ink bag so as to reduce an available fluid volume of the ink bag, thereby causing ink to flow from the ink bag to the nozzles along the fluid path; and arranging a biasing member in the ink bag so that the biasing member applies outwardly directed force on at least one interior wall of the ink bag to restrain the reduction of available fluid volume of the ink bag only once the available fluid volume has been reduced to a predetermined volume. Each nozzle is configured to eject an ink drop having a volume of about 1.2 picolitres.
US07862145B2 Printing apparatus and method of controlling the same
An object of this invention is to properly prevent clogging of each nozzle in order to stably discharge ink without increasing a circuit scale even when the number of nozzles increases. For this purpose, the number of ink discharges from each printing element is stored in a memory. The number of ink discharges from each printing element that is measured from input printing data is subtracted from that stored in the memory, and the subtraction result is rewritten into the memory. The subtraction result is checked in a predetermined period, and if the number of ink discharges from each printing element is equal to or larger than a predetermined count, preliminary discharge to be performed periodically is suppressed.
US07862144B2 Printhead assembly with a print media guide and a wicking element
Provided is a printhead assembly that includes a printhead mounted on a support structure, said printhead having an ink ejection face, and a print media guide mounted on 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, as well as a pad with an angled contact surface to operatively facilitate the transferal of ink from the printhead to the wicking element. The wicking element is formed from an absorbent material and is positioned in a cavity defined between the print media guide and the support structure.
US07862142B2 Ink jet head
Pressure fluctuations that occur inside an ink jet head will be controlled. The ink jet head has a body. A common ink storage chamber is formed inside the body. A plurality of nozzles and a plurality of pressure chambers are formed in the surface of the body. One nozzle corresponds to one pressure chamber, and one pressure chamber corresponds to one nozzle. A plurality of individual ink storage chambers are formed inside the body. Each individual ink path extends from the common ink storage chamber, through one corresponding pressure chamber, and to one corresponding nozzle. The ink jet head is provided with an adjustor that allows the volume of the common ink storage space to increase or decrease. When the pressure of the ink that is stored in the ink jet head fluctuates, the volume of the common ink storage space will increase or decrease, and the pressure fluctuations will be smoothed.
US07862139B2 Method of adjusting output signal level, and liquid ejecting apparatus operable to execute the same
In order to adjust a level of a detection signal output from an optical sensor in accordance with a state of a target object in a liquid ejecting apparatus, the optical sensor includes a light emitting element operable to irradiate the detected object and a light receiving element operable to detect a light amount which varies in accordance with the state of the target object. The detection signal is output from the optical sensor, based on the detected light amount. Luminance of the light emitting element is adjusted based on the detection signal, so that the level of the detection signal falls within a prescribed range.
US07862137B2 Method and system for avoiding bottom of page printing artifacts
Method and devices for reducing printing artifacts. In one embodiment, a method includes directing ink onto a medium, the medium having a trailing edge; tracking the position of the medium in relation to a nip roller; adjusting the direction of ink onto the medium a first time when the trailing edge of the medium is in close proximity to the nip roller; and adjusting the direction of ink onto the medium a second time.
US07862135B2 Method of driving liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A method of driving a liquid ejecting head is provided. The liquid ejecting head varies pressure of a liquid in a pressure-generating chamber as a result of operating a pressure-generating element by supplying an ejection pulse, to eject liquid drops from a nozzle opening due to the pressure variation. The method includes performing a first contraction and performing a second contraction. In the first contraction, the liquid drops are ejected from the nozzle opening as a result of contracting the pressure-generating chamber. In the second contraction, the pressure-generating chamber is contracted so as to reduce withdrawal towards the pressure-generating chamber, of a meniscus after the ejection of the liquid drops A time from a start of the first contraction to a start of the second contraction is between ¼ to ¾ of a Helmholtz vibration period Tc of the pressure-generating chamber. A time of the first contraction is less than or equal to a natural vibration period Ta of the pressure-generating element.
US07862128B2 Vehicle wheel spoke connection
A vehicle wheel, including an outer rim, a central hub with a central axle and an outer flange, a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub, a bracing element connected to one of the spokes, and a clamping element connected to the bracing element. The spokes have a span portion between the rim and hub. The spoke has a tensile axis of applied tensile load along the span portion, a sidewall surface, and a longitudinal axis along its length. The bracing element includes a portion of one of the rim and hub. The spoke is anchored to the clamping element in a clamped connection where the clamping element is clamped to one of the spokes by a clamping force. At least one of a first portion and a second portion of one of the spokes is joined to the clamping element by a deformed engagement.
US07862126B2 Method of providing a degradation drum
In one aspect of the invention a degradation drum comprises a generally cylindrical body comprising inner and outer diameters. At least one degradation assembly is disposed on the outer diameter and it comprises a holder and a pick shank secured within a bore of the holder. At least one lubricant reservoir is disposed within the inner diameter and is in fluid communication with the bore of the holder through a fluid pathway. In some embodiments, the lubricant reservoir maintains a fluid pressure on the pick shank.
US07862123B2 Articulated chair having universal reclining armrest system
A universal reclining armrest system for use with an articulated examination chair. The system includes an armrest adapter having a universal aperture for receiving a post portion of an armrest assembly. The armrest adapter further includes a splined peg for coupling to a pivoting mechanism of an articulated chair. The pivoting mechanism enables the chair to move throughout an operable range of motion while maintaining a fixed rotational position of an attached armrest adapter. The armrest assembly further includes an adjustable joint to provide 360° of rotational adjustment to the armrest relative to the fixed position of the armrest adapter.
US07862120B2 Chair
The invention achieves a chair in which a shape of a backrest surface can be three-dimensionally changed while following a motion such as a sitting person looks around while sitting or the like. In a chair provided with a backrest in which an upper portion of a backrest surface is supported by a plurality of frame elements arranged so as to be spaced with each other in a width direction, the respective frame elements are independently movable backward and forward.
US07862119B2 Vehicle seat with lordosis support
The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a back rest having a frame (2) and a lordosis support (6), with the following additional configuration: The lordosis support (6) comprises a pressure plate (9) that is essentially bend resistant in at least the transverse direction of the seat or the Y-direction, forms a supporting surface in the lordosis region of the back rest and is arranged between two side frame parts (3) of the frame (2); there is at least one holding element (5a, 5b) that extends between the side frame parts (3) with a length-variable adjustment section (21), which runs in the Y-direction and connects to the pressure plate (9), and is affixed there at fixing points (30) arranged opposite each other; in an inoperative position, the pressure plate (9) is arranged with a horizontal clearance (11) or a clearance in the X-direction behind the fixing points (30); there is a driving device with which the length of the adjustment section can be shortened as the horizontal clearance is reduced.
US07862118B2 Infant seat rocker
An infant seat rocker includes a base member having a pair of rails that protrude generally vertically from the base member and extend a length of the base member, a front wall that protrudes at an angle from the front of the base member, at least one rear wall that protrudes at an angle from the rear of the base member, a motor that is positioned on the base member and a spring that attaches the motor to the infant seat. The infant seat is positioned on the base member and the rails, the front wall and at least one rear wall are capable of locating the infant seat on the base member while the motor is energized to produce and maintain a rocking motion in the infant seat.
US07862114B2 Seat restraining device
The embodiments described herein provide a vehicle seat assembly that is coupled to a floor of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a seat back frame, a seat cushion frame, at least one leg and at least one blocking member. The seat cushion frame is pivotally coupled to the seat back frame. The leg is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion frame and pivotally coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The blocking member is coupled to the seat cushion frame and capable of moving into engagement with the leg as the assembly moves from the folded position to the upright seating position. The blocking member is adapted to block movement of the leg and to stabilize the seat assembly in the event of a vehicle collision.
US07862110B2 Headrest for recliner chair
A reclining seating unit includes: a seat; a backrest, the backrest including a frame having a top edge; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat and backrest that moves the seat and backrest between upright and reclined positions; a headrest including a headrest panel; and a headrest mechanism attached to the backrest and the headrest. The headrest mechanism comprises a plurality of pivotally interconnected links and is configured to move the headrest between a retracted position, in which the headrest panel is generally horizontally disposed and overlies the top edge of the backrest frame, and an extended position, in which the headrest panel is vertically disposed and is separated from the top edge of the backrest frame. Movement of the seating unit from the upright position to a reclined position moves the headrest from the retracted position to the extended position. The headrest mechanism comprises: a connecting link pivotally connected to the reclining mechanism; a rear extension link pivotally connected to the connecting link; a front extension link pivotally and slidably connected to the connecting link; a headrest mounting bracket mounted to the headrest panel, the headrest mounting bracket being pivotally interconnected to the front and rear extension links; and a control link pivotally interconnected with the backrest frame, the front extension link and the connecting link. In this configuration, the seating unit can include a headrest that can be employed with chair styles that have a relatively low and narrow backrest.
US07862107B2 Cover for vehicle
An intake system cover for a vehicle is mounted in an engine compartment to cover a reservoir tank that stores coolant for an engine. The intake system cover for the vehicle is formed with a light introduction opening for introducing light to be directed toward a liquid level gauge at a side of the reservoir tank. The visibility of the liquid level of the reservoir tank at the liquid level gauge is improved.
US07862106B2 Utility vehicles with an armoured cab of special design
Utility vehicle, in particular for military purposes, with a chassis and a cab arranged on it frame so that it can be tilted, and guarded in certain places by affixed armor plating. The cab has a front module and a rear module, whereby the front module has a front wall, two side walls, a rear wall, a floor and a roof forming a cabin for the driver and co-driver. The rear module has a bearer frame enclosed at least in part by walls that form a hood-like protective and stowage space for the power aggregate and other vehicle parts and accessories. The rear module is releaseably attached to the rear of the front module and supported by it. Rear armoring of the cab is implemented by armor plating fitted between its front module and rear module.
US07862104B2 Impack absorbing member for vehicle
The present invention relates to an impact absorbing member (14L, 14R) for vehicle which has a hollow cylindrical shape and is disposed in a vehicle between a side member (12L, 12R) and a bumper beam (10), and which is axially crushed along an axis of the impact absorbing member by receiving a compressive force into a bellows shape to absorb an impact energy upon deformation, wherein (a) the impact absorbing member includes a main body (20; 80; 90) of a hollow cylindrical shape, and a pair of attaching plates (54, 56) to which both axial ends of the main body are fixedly welded respectively; (b) the main body has, at least one axial end thereof, a flange (68, 70) protruding at least axially and being integrally formed with the main body; (c) the attaching plate has an adhered supporting portion (76) formed in parallel to the flange to be surface contacted therewith; and (d) the main body is fixedly welded to the attaching plate with the flange being surface contacted with the adhered supporting portion.
US07862100B1 Motorcycle seat covering system
A motorcycle seat covering system includes a motorcycle having a frame, handlebars, seat and rack extending rearward of the seat. A housing has a pair of end walls and a perimeter wall extending between the end walls. The housing has an elongated opening therein. A coupling assembly couples the housing to the handlebars. A spindle is mounted within the housing and extends through a sleeve. A biasing member biases rotation of the sleeve in a first direction with respect to the spindle. A flexible panel is attached to the sleeve and has a free end extending outwardly of the housing through the slot. The panel is rolled up onto the sleeve when the sleeve is rotated in the first direction. A fastener is attached to the free end and is releasably attached to the rack when the panel is pulled outwardly from the housing to cover the seat.
US07862099B2 Roof opening/closing apparatus
A roof opening/closing apparatus for operating a roof of a vehicle to move between first and second positions includes a panel member for covering an upper portion of an accommodating space and a panel moving mechanism. The panel member includes a first panel and a second panel which are aligned in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The panel moving mechanism is provided under the panel member to movably support the first and second panels. The panel moving mechanism includes a sliding mechanism slidably moving the second panel relative to the first panel so that the first and second panels are overlapped when the roof is located in the first position and a length of the panel member in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle is reduced to be smaller than the length of the panel member when the roof is located in the second position.
US07862095B2 Sandwiches 'n more toddler utensil
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for empowering a toddler or person with a disability to eat whole foods, such as sandwiches, pizza, waffles, burritos, etc. more efficiently than without the aid of the apparatus, which apparatus has two body units, each having surfaces capable of holding a food product between them, and a compression component operationally connected to the two body units that controls the amount of force exerted by the surfaces on the food product when the food product is between the surfaces, at least two handles on the device, which handles project from the body unit, and are adapted to be held by a pair of hands, and an area on each body unit, which permit compression of these areas to move apart the surfaces.
US07862088B2 Swivel
A swivel includes two coaxial, mutually rotatable members and is provided with flexible hoses or cables connected between the rotatable members for transferring operating and/or controlling media or the like between the rotatable members. The flexible hoses or cables are connected to the rotatable members by use of quick-couplings.
US07862086B2 Tongue storage device and seat belt apparatus having the same
In a tongue storage device according to the present invention, a pickup portion (4c) is picked up and an anchor tongue (5) is then rotated, which causes the anchor tongue (5) to abut on an occupant restraint tongue (6). The tongue (6) is then rotated together with the tongue (5) clockwise with a pivot rib (12f) as a pivot. The rotation of the two tongues (5), (6) is stopped when the tongue (6) abuts on a tongue support portion (12h). Under this condition, a lock tab (5a) of the tongue (5) is inserted through a tongue insertion hole (12g) and locked in tongue lock-and-hold means (13), thereby storing the tongue (5). At this time, the other tongue (6) is stored by being clamped between a seat belt (4) and the pivot rib (12f), and between the tongue (5) and the tongue support portion (12h). A single action for storing the tongue (5) allows both tongues (5), (6) to be stored.
US07862079B2 Steering column device with knee airbag device
A steering column device with a knee airbag device includes a steering column provided with a telescopic mechanism; a column cover that covers the rear end portion of the steering column; an airbag module, provided inside the column cover, which includes a gas generation device that generates gas, and a knee airbag that is inflated and deployed by the gas; an airbag door that is provided in the column cover, and that is opened when the airbag door receives the inflation pressure of the knee airbag; a collision prediction device that predicts that a vehicle will have a collision with a collision object; and a control device that operates the telescopic mechanism so that each of the column cover and the airbag module is moved rearward to a predetermined position, when the collision prediction device predicts that the vehicle will have a collision with the collision object.
US07862077B2 Side-impact airbag and side-impact airbag apparatus
A side-impact airbag is disposed in a space between a side wall portion of a vehicle and a seat. The side-impact airbag includes a plurality of chambers partitioned in the airbag, a communication passageway formed in a front region of the airbag in a front-and-back direction of the vehicle, and a tether disposed between two of the plurality of chambers located at a rear region of the airbag in the front-and-back direction. The communication passageway allows at least two of the plurality of chambers to communicate with each other at the front region. An inflator supplies the gas to expand the side-impact airbag. The gas from the inflator is lead toward the communication passage through one of the partitioned chambers.
US07862065B2 Adjustable length bicycle mountable hand pump
An adjustable length bicycle mountable hand pump. The pump includes a barrel having an internal cylinder within which a piston is reciprocatingly moveable. A piston rod connects to a piston at a proximal end and to a handle at a distal end. The handle is selectively, longitudinally, adjustably lockable relative to the barrel. The end of the handle is contoured to mate with a bicycle frame member. A head having a contoured portion mates with an opposing spaced bicycle frame member.
US07862062B2 Non-motorized vehicle
A non-motorized foot board scooter including a frame, a front wheel and a rear wheel, a steering assembly, and a drive train. The drive train includes a kick arm that rotates the rear wheel when the kick arm is pushed backwards by the rider. The kick arm is centered with the rear wheel and a kick guard is located between the rear wheel and the kick arm. A first sprocket is mounted to the arm. The rear wheel has an associated second sprocket that is connected to the rear wheel via a clutch. A chain is mounted to the frame and extends around the first and second sprockets. The chain is routed such that as the arm is rotated the chain is drawn across the second sprocket thereby rotating the drive wheel.
US07862060B2 Front suspension apparatus for vehicle
A front suspension apparatus includes a plurality of links suspending an axle member. First and second lower link members are arranged to dispose the second lower link member at a more rearward position than the first lower link member, to cause an imaginary line connecting both attaching points of the second lower link member to have a smaller angle than that of an imaginary line connecting both attaching points of the first lower link member relative to a line extending right in the vehicle-width direction as viewed from above of the vehicle, to cause the imaginary line of the second lower link member to overlap with a shaft portion of the axle member as viewed from the above, to locate the axle-member-side attaching point of the second lower link member at a more downward position than the axle-member-side attaching point of the first lower link member, and to locate the axle-member-side attaching point of the first lower link member more inwardly in the vehicle-width direction than the axle-member-side attaching point of the second lower link member.
US07862059B2 Torsion beam axle having connecting tube between torsion beam and trailing arm
A torsion beam axle includes a torsion beam, a plurality of trailing arms made of a material different from that of the torsion beam, and connecting tubes made of a material better than that of the trailing arms with respect to weldability with the torsion beam, and integrally coupled to the trailing arms at one end part thereof, and welded to the torsion beam at the other end part thereof. Thereby, the coupling force between the trailing arms and the torsion beam made of different materials can be improved.
US07862057B2 Wheel suspension of a steerable wheel
The invention relates to a wheel suspension of a steerable wheel, which wheel suspension has at least one wheel carrier to which are connected at least one steering rod and at least one lower transverse link. The wheel carrier is designed in at least three parts with a first wheel carrier part, a second wheel carrier part and a third wheel carrier part, which wheel carrier parts can be connected to one another by means of connecting elements in such a way that the at least three wheel carrier parts are moveable relative to one another.
US07862052B2 Vehicle roll control system
A roll control system comprising a front torsion bar; a front first hydraulic actuator attached to the front torsion bar; a rear torsion bar; a rear first hydraulic actuator attached to the rear torsion bar; and control means connected to the hydraulic actuators and controlling the operation thereof on detection of a predetermined vehicle condition; wherein each hydraulic actuator comprises a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber; wherein the control means comprises a source of fluid pressure, a fluid reservoir, a pressure control valve fluidly connected between the pressure source and the reservoir, two pressure relief valves each having two positions to selectively fluidly connect the fluid chambers of the hydraulic actuators either to the pressure source or to the fluid reservoir, and a directional valve fluidly connected between the pressure relief valves and the fluid chambers of the hydraulic actuators; wherein the pressure relief valves and the directional valve are positioned on detection of the predetermined vehicle condition to apply a fluid pressure to the first fluid chamber of the first front and rear hydraulic actuators, and/or to apply a fluid pressure to the second fluid chamber of the first front and rear hydraulic actuators.
US07862051B2 Diaphragm chuck
A diaphragm chuck assembly having clamping jaws disposed in a chuck body and in driven connection with a diaphragm deformable by an axially adjustable actuator, the clamping jaws having contact pieces, in which counterweights are disposed in recesses of the chuck body and the clamping jaws are clamped against the diaphragm by means of quick-clamping devices engaging in the contact pieces, the contact pieces being arranged in the diaphragm and in the counterweights with radial play. The clamping jaws are supported against a first surface extending axially in parallel to the chuck body in the clamping position and against a second reference surface extending at right angles to the first reference surface and into the diaphragm. The clamping jaws can be changed in a short time and the clamping jaws can be replaced without having to be reground.
US07862050B2 Centering process in chucking work and apparatus therefor
A process and apparatus for centering accurately and speedy a workpiece on a magnet chuck mounted on a work spindle. A pair of action pads spaced away from one another comes into engagement with the workpiece attracted to the work spindle, thereby performing the centering operation. The action pads are mounted on a support plate that can freely turn on a fulcrum. As the fulcrum makes head towards a rotational center of the magnet chuck, the action pads comes into abutment in a rocking manner against the workpiece that is held at off-center relation in the chuck, thereby compensating the off-center relation to keep a center of the workpiece in alignment with the rotational center of the chuck.
US07862049B2 Gasket and method of forming a seal therewith
A gasket and method of forming a seal between opposite surfaces of a pair of bodies. The gasket has a body with one portion having a plurality of perforations adapted for receipt between the opposite surfaces. The method of forming the seal includes disposing the portion of the body with the perforations between the opposite surfaces and fastening the pair of bodies to one another to compress the perforate portion of the body therebetween.
US07862046B2 Mechanical seal assembly
A mechanical seal assembly including at least one pair of co-operating seal rings, one of which is provided for common rotation with a rotating component and the other of which is provided rotationally fixed at a stationary component. One of the seal rings is axially movable and axially biased with a biasing force against the other seal ring, the biasing force being transmittable through a force transmitting ring to the respective seal ring, in order to bias facing sliding surfaces of the seal rings, between which a sealing gap is formed during operation, in a mutual sealing engagement, and a secondary sealing assembly provided at the force transmitting ring for sealing the axially movable seal ring with respect to at least one circumferential guiding surface of a guiding component guiding the movement of the seal ring and the force transmitting ring.
US07862034B2 Paper feeding device and image forming apparatus
A paper feeding device including: a paper feeding device body; a paper feeding cassette which is contained in the paper feeding device body so as to be freely drawn out; a guide part for guiding the paper feeding cassette with respect to the paper feeding device body along a substantially rectilinear line; a stopper for locking the paper feeding cassette on the way of drawing out the paper feeding cassette from the paper feeding device body; and a stopper releasing part which is integrally formed with the guide part and adapted to be flexed according to operation of drawing out the paper feeding cassette, thereby to release the lock of the stopper.
US07862032B2 Feeding device and recording apparatus
A feeding device includes a feeding unit configured to be driven while being in contact with a recording sheet to feed the recording sheet, and a stacking unit configured to stack a plurality of the recording sheets and to press or release the stacked recording sheets to or from the feeding unit. Also, the feeding device includes a separating unit configured to separate the plurality of recording sheets fed by the feeding unit, one by one, a detecting unit configured to detect the recording sheet in an area downstream of the separating unit, and a control unit configured to control each of the units. The control unit switches a feeding operation between at least two feeding operations in accordance with a drive time of the feeding unit from when the feeding unit is started to be driven to when the detecting unit detects the recording sheet.
US07862030B2 Recording medium conveying device, image forming apparatus and cartridge
A first guide member includes a concave-shaped guide surface. A recording medium such as a sheet fed by register rollers takes a curved position while being fed in a sheet feeding direction such that the leading edge of the sheet slides on the guide surface. A space is defined between the sheet and the guide surface due to the stiffness of the sheet. Thus, the sheet smoothly curves. When a speed of conveying the sheet by the register rollers is faster than a speed of conveying the sheet by a conveying belt, slack in the sheet is allowed in the space defined between the sheet and the guide surface. Therefore, the sheet can be stably conveyed without applying excessive load to the sheet or a sheet conveying device.
US07862029B2 Image forming system, image forming device, post-processor, and program
An image forming system includes an input unit for input of setting information, an image forming unit, a conveying unit, a control unit, and a jam detecting unit, wherein a set of a plurality of different kinds of special sheets disposed in a predetermined order is used. When occurrence of a jam is detected by the jam detecting unit, the control unit recognizes whether a special sheet having been fed is present in the image forming system, and if it is recognized that a special sheet is present in the image forming system, the control unit controls the conveying unit, after the jam being released, to eject a special sheet or sheets as unnecessary up to one that is disposed preceding a special sheet that is of the same kind as a most front one that was present in the image forming system at the time of the occurrence of the jam.
US07862027B2 Sheet loader, sheet folding apparatus, and sheet finishing system
A sheet loader for loading a folded sheet bundle provided from a sheet bundle provider with a folded edge of the folded sheet bundle in the lead, including: a folded edge support configured to support the folded edge of the folded sheet bundle provided from the sheet bundle provider, the folded edge support movable back and forth in a direction declined from a side near the sheet bundle provider, and an undersurface support configured to support an undersurface of the folded sheet bundle so that the folded edge is lower than a trailing edge of the folded sheet bundle.
US07862023B2 Sheet processing device and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing device includes a stapling tray, a rear-end clamp, and a stapler that staples sheets while the rear-end clamp is clamping the sheets. In response to a start signal, the stapler moves to a position where the stapler does not interfere the rear-end clamp while being closest to a stapling position. When the last sheet of a sheet bundle to be stapled is conveyed into the stapling tray, timing at which the stapler moves to the stapling position is determined according to a preset condition.
US07862021B2 Gathering device with variable static charging of books
A gathering device for gathering books is provided including a gathering conveyor for transporting a book, a variable static charging unit having a voltage output providing a static charge to the book on the gathering conveyor and a controller connected to the variable static charging unit, the controller controlling the voltage output of the variable static charging unit.
US07862017B2 Sheet processing apparatus and sheet processing method
There is provided a technique in which while the occurrence of a sheet jam is avoided, a pair of folding rollers for a folding process and a stapler for a staple process can be disposed to be close to each other, and a contribution can be made to the improvement of productivity. A staple unit is provided which performs a staple process to a bundle of sheets transported to a specified staple position in a sheet transport path, and staples the bundle of sheets by causing a press unit that presses a sheet surface of the bundle of sheets when the staple process is performed to cooperate with a reception unit that is disposed to face an inside of the sheet transport path through a hole provided in an inner wall of the sheet transport path and receives the bundle of sheets pressed by the press unit, and a vicinity of an upstream side edge of the reception unit in a sheet transport direction on the sheet transport path is covered by an elastic member supported by one of a wall surface of the sheet transport path and the reception unit.
US07862008B2 Winch with tension indicator
A winch has a color area or other indicium that indicates whether an elongate member extending from winch spool is or is not tensioned. The winch includes a biasing member between a winch drive system and the spool that allows only limited rotation of the spool relative to the drive system. Movement of the drive system relative to the winch spool causes the indicium to signal that the elongate member is under tension.
US07862007B2 Lightweight valve
A lightweight valve (1), in particular for internal combustion engines, is provided, with a valve stem (3), with a hollow valve cone (5) and with a valve disk (7) closing the valve cone hollow space on one side, a valve cone support being provided in the hollow space. The valve cone support is provided at a distance from the valve disk (7).
US07861999B2 Lens molding apparatus
An adjustable mold includes a distortable boundary, a flexible membrane, and a pressurizer, and method of use thereof. Pressure is applied to the flexible membrane, which causes the membrane to distort over the boundary. The shape of the boundary and the distortion of the flexible membrane control the optical characteristics of a lens resulting from the application and curing of a molding composition placed on the flexible membrane or to cast other items having variable shapes determined in part by the flexible membrane. In addition, a mold edge is used to allow casting in predetermined shapes, reducing need for grinding or edging. Visual and emission device calibration features used in conjunction with calibration reference images allow uniform selective distortion of the flexible membrane.
US07861998B2 Adjustable supporting device for a display panel
An adjustable supporting device for a display panel includes: a coupling seat connected pivotally to a supporting seat mounted on a supporting surface; a mounting frame coupled to the display panel and connected pivotally to the coupling seat; a torsion spring having a first end engaging the mounting frame, and a second end opposite to the first end and engaging movably the coupling seat, and operable to provide a torsional force for supporting an assembly of the mounting frame and the display panel at a desired orientation relative to the coupling seat; and an adjusting member disposed movably in the coupling seat, abutting against the second end of the torsion spring, and operable so as to adjust the torsional force provided by the torsion spring.
US07861994B2 Seat adjustment apparatus of vehicle
A seat adjustment apparatus of a vehicle that prevents a torque rod from falling off. A torque rod is rotatably supported by through holes, which are provided in a left base frame. The torque rod pivots with respect to base frames through pivoting of rear lifter links. A metal hook member is secured to the torque rod. The metal hook member includes a first engagement portion, second engagement portions, and a third engagement portion. The first engagement portion is passed through the torque rod and engaged with a torsion bar. The second engagement portions are engaged with the torque rod. The third engagement portion is provided at a position radially outward from the second engagement portions and engaged with the left base frame. The torsion bar is fixed to the torque rod through the metal hook member.
US07861993B2 Heated/cooled cup holder and sealing unit
A cup holder, wherein the cup holder comprises a well adapted to receive a beverage container through an open top of the well. The cup holder also includes a sealing unit having a ring seal secured to the well adjacent to the open top of the well. The ring seal engages the container when the container is disposed in the well to cooperate with the well in providing a substantially closed and sealed chamber resistant to heat transfer to or from the chamber.
US07861989B2 Drapery rod bracket
The bracket comprises a support arm that can be mounted to either a vertical surface such as a wall or a horizontal surface such as a ceiling. A rod supporting member such as a ring or hook is removably attached to the arm and is adapted to receive and support a drapery rod. The rod supporting member can be removed from the support arm and attached directly to a surface to provide an inside mount for the rod. A separate mounting clip may be used to mount the rod supporting member to the surface. the mounting clip may be provided with a rod engaging element for centering the rod and a surface engaging element for fixing the position of the rod supporting member on the surface.
US07861983B2 Cold-insulated fixed-point support
The invention relates to a cold-insulated fixed-point pipe support for a low-temperature pipeline which includes an insulating system arranged between an outer shell and a supportable low-temperature pipeline having solid thermal insulating material which thermally insulates the pipeline from the low-temperature environment. A rotation-preventing and displacement-preventing device prevents rotation and displacement of the thermal insulating material with respect to the pipeline and an outer shell. A fixed-point pipe support is adapted to be fitted and removed in a substantially radial direction over the pipeline, and has at least one division with respect to shape with a division plane thereof extending perpendicular to a cross-sectional plane, and having a connecting device for releasable connecting and fixing shaped parts formed by the division.
US07861982B1 Subsea clamp for hoses and control lines
A clamp for a tubular hose or cable is disclosed. The clamp comprises a first clamp half, a second clamp half, and a hinge pin. The first clamp half has a first end and a second end and defines a first concave semi-cylindrical face. The first end of the first clamp half carries means for mounting the clamp. The second clamp half has a first end and a second end and defines a second concave semi-cylindrical face. The first clamp half and the second clamp half come together along a parting line and are retained together by a hinge pin. The clamp halves are provided with snap-in liners for easy use. Alternative mounts for mounting the clamp on subsea wire line or tubulars is also disclosed.
US07861981B2 Protective saddle mount for cable tie
A method and apparatus for providing a mounting system for an elongated item such as a cable, tube or wire, or an assembly of multiple cables, tube and/or wires. The mounting system includes an apparatus for mounting to a supporting structure, and an apparatus for receiving the elongated item. Also included is an apparatus for receiving a tying member such as a cable tie. Also included is an apparatus for permitting the tying member to be cut to release the elongate item from the mount without damage to the elongate item.
US07861979B2 Dragging equipment detector
Disclosed systems, methods, and apparatti generally define inventions that detect and alert train crews of a potentially unsafe condition caused by equipment hanging below any portion of the train. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US07861970B2 Fuselage structure including an integrated fuselage stanchion
A fuselage structure for an aircraft or similar vehicle may include an upper fuselage portion and a lower fuselage portion. A floor may be disposed between the upper fuselage portion and the lower fuselage portion. At least one unitized stanchion may be disposed between the floor and the lower fuselage portion. The at least one unitized stanchion may form the only structural support between the floor and the lower fuselage portion without any vertical beams.
US07861966B2 Supersonic aircraft footprint spreading control system and method
A method and system to optimize the process a spreading the weight of supersonic aircraft downstream over a large area to reduce the pressure and intensity on the ground as function of air flow velocity, temperature, and/or pressure is provided.
US07861955B2 Wet-grinding gypsum with polycarboxylates
The process of the present invention includes obtaining a feed material having an initial median particle size. A solution of a polycarboxylate dispersant in water is formed, then the feed material is added to the solution to form a slurry. The slurry is wet-ground to reduce the median particle size of the feed material. Optionally, the total amount of polycarboxylate dispersant is divided into a plurality of doses that are added periodically over the total grinding time.
US07861953B2 Dispersing apparatus, ceramic slurry preparation method, and monolithic ceramic electronic component and manufacturing method thereof
A dispersing apparatus that can efficiently disperse agglomerated particles in a slurry at a lower energy, a method for preparing a ceramic slurry containing ceramic particles that have been dispersed with the dispersing apparatus, a reliable monolithic ceramic electronic component manufactured using ceramic green sheets formed of the ceramic slurry, and a method for manufacturing the monolithic ceramic electronic component. A slurry containing agglomerated particles is passed through a dispersing section to produce a tensile stress, and the tensile stress is applied to the agglomerated particles in the slurry, thereby dispersing the agglomerated particles. The dispersing section includes a nozzle, a first channel thorough which a jet generated through the nozzle passes, and a cylindrical second channel through which the jet coming through the first channel passes to produce a tensile stress. The nozzle, the first channel, and the second channel are disposed in that order from the upstream side to the downstream side.
US07861950B2 Texture sprayer noise reducer
A hand-held apparatus for spraying texture material including a body, a pressurized air source mounted on the body, a texture material hopper mounted on the body, and a texture delivery nozzle for selectively spraying texture material from the hopper onto a surface to be coated by propelling the texture material using pressurized air from the pressurized air source wherein each of the air source and the hopper can be disconnected from the body without the use of tools. An air directing plunger has a plurality of discontinuities at an outlet thereof, which may be radially outwardly directed recesses or radially inwardly directed teeth for reducing the noise generated by the pressurized air during operation.
US07861947B1 Wall-mounted lawn sprinkler system
A wall-mounted lawn sprinkler system disposed along an exterior wall of a building for watering a lawn or garden area adjacent to the building. The system includes at least one sprinkler water supply conduit connected with the existing pressurized water supply line associated with the building, at least one housing mounted on the exterior wall of the building, and a water sprinkler device housed within each housing. The sprinkler device has a body with an interior chamber connected with the water supply conduit, a retractable member slidably mounted at a first end in the chamber having a sprinkler head at a second end exterior of the chamber, and a spring engaged with the retractable member to bias it into a normally retracted position. The retractable member and sprinkler head are extended outwardly of the housing when water under pressure is supplied to the chamber.
US07861938B2 RFID thread and sheet-shaped material using it
The present invention provides a sheet-shaped material containing an RFID thread. The RFID thread comprises a strip-shaped film onto one side of which a semiconductor chip containing plural bits of memory and provided with an antenna wire is bonded. The strip-shaped film has plural openings formed therethrough except where the semiconductor chip is bonded. Since intertwining occurs between paper fibers via the openings, the RFID thread is strongly fixed in the paper.
US07861936B2 digital image capturing and processing system allowing third-parties to extend the features and functions of said system, and modify the standard behavior thereof without permanently modifying the standard features and functions thereof
A digital image capture and processing system having a set of standard features and functions, and a set of custom features and functionalities said external host computer system, which can be extended by third parties to modify the standard behavior of the digital image capture and processing system into a custom behavior for the system, without permanently modifying the standard features and functions thereof.
US07861935B2 Label sheet out-feeding detection device for barcode printer
A label sheet out-feeding detection device is provided for a barcode printer and includes a guide member coupled to a front enclosure of the barcode printer. The guide member forms at least one pair of opposing rails. Two casing members are combined to each other to form a combined casing movably received between the rails of the guide member for conducting up and down movement. The combined casing has a top portion forming a detection channel. A guide rail is formed inside the casing. A least a pair of photo-electric detection elements is respectively mounted on wall portions of the casing respectively above and below the detection channel for detecting out-feeding of a label sheet passing through the detection channel. At least one resilient device has an end coupled to the guide member and an oppose end engaging a bottom portion of the casing. At least one positioning bar has an end pivotally jointed to the guide member and an opposite end forming a positioner fit into and movably received in the guide rail of the casing. When the casing is depressed, the location of the positioner of the positioning bar within the guide rail is changed. The casing is selectively and resiliently raised up for conducting detection or depressed down for being concealed inside the casing. Thus, a label sheet out-feeding detection device that is switchable between an operation condition and a concealed and stowed condition by means of depression is realized.
US07861934B1 Devices and method for recording sales leads
A sales lead recorder and a method of operation are described. The sales lead recorder may be used at an exhibition (or similar venue) to capture, compile, and output sales lead data associates with attendees of the exhibition. When an attendee provides a badge, the sales lead recorder captures embedded sales lead data within the badge. The presented recorder includes an imager that may capture a variety of embedded codes positioned at a variety of locations with a badge. In addition, the sales recorder is optimized for configuring the sales recorder according to an exhibitor's preferences. Furthermore, a variety of downloading and output options for sales lead data are available.
US07861933B2 Methods and systems for network configuration
Network and device configuration systems and methods are described. In an embodiment, a first user interface configured to receive from a user configuration information regarding a first network provided. Program code stored in computer accessible memory is configured to generate a barcode that includes information related to the first network configuration information, wherein the barcode can be scanned by a device having a barcode scanner and a network interface to configure the network interface to access the first network.
US07861930B2 System and method for managing wireless point-of-sale transactions
A system that enables a wireless point-of-sale transaction. In one embodiment the system comprises an account module, an account selection module, a display, an input interface, and a wireless transmitter. The account module stores account information corresponding to a plurality of payment accounts. The account selection module selects a payment account from the plurality of payment accounts as a default payment account for a wireless point-of-sale transaction based on one or more predetermined criteria. The display displays the default payment account to a user. The input interface enables the user to accept the default payment account by the account selection module. The wireless transmitter that wirelessly transmits payment information to a point-of-sale device, wherein the payment information comprises account information associated with the default account when the default payment account is accepted via the input interface.
US07861928B2 Electronic fund transfer or transaction system
A fuel dispenser control system is provided which includes a biometric device. The biometric device is configured to acquire instances of biometric information in connection with respective fueling transactions. The fuel dispenser control system further includes a control subsystem. The control subsystem is configured to receive at least first biometric information in connection with at least a first fueling transaction, request comparison of the first biometric information with second biometric information associated with corresponding financial information, and determine whether to effect payment of the fueling transaction on the account, based on the comparison.
US07861926B2 Transaction card with movable member
A transaction card includes a housing, a first roller, a second roller and a machine readable link. The first roller is rotatably coupled to and at least partially stored within the housing and has a first rotational axis. The second roller is rotatably coupled to and at least partially stored within the housing and has a second rotational axis. The second rotational axis differs from the first rotational axis. The machine readable link to an account or record is coupled with the housing. The account or record is configured to track an associated value available for application toward one of a purchase and a use of one or more of goods and services. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.
US07861924B1 Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader that is operative to read card data corresponding to a user financial account. The card data is linked in at least one data store to an indication that the card data corresponds to an authorized financial account to enable operation of the automated banking machine. The card data is also linked in the at least one data store to a mobile communication device (i.e., cell phone of an owner associated with the financial account). In response to receipt of card data and a transaction request from an automated banking machine, contact data for the owner's cell phone is determined and a message notifying the owner of the requested transaction is sent. The transaction is completed only if the owner provides a responsive message granting permission for the transaction to proceed. Alternatively or in addition transaction authorization may be based on the then current location of the owner's cell phone adjacent to the automated banking machine, and/or other criteria.
US07861923B2 Negotiable instruments and systems and processing same
There is provided a check with additional data capture capability that in conjunction with a linked transaction card provides substantially complete coverage for card holders to conduct transactions with merchants for the payment of goods and services. The additional data capture capability enabling generation of a card statement with detailed information regarding purchases and expenditures of both check transactions and card transactions to thereby permit a card holder to accurately track, monitor, describe, and reconcile all transactions in a statement period. The check comprises first and second data entry location for identification and descriptive information about a financial transaction, account holder name adjacent to a drawer signature field and check limit adjacent to a written check amount field, as well as other check information and entry fields, including routing, account and check reference number, date, payee designation, numeric check amount and account holder and financial institution information.
US07861914B2 Self-assembly of components
A method is provided for the production of a bond between a first element having at least one first metal coating and at least one further element having a second metal coating, the at least one further element being freely moveable in a medium and the at least one first metal coating of the first element and the second metal coating of the at least one further element being in a solid state, a liquid phase being formed upon contact of the at least one first metal coating with the second metal coating.
US07861905B2 Hand-held fastener driving tool
A hand-held drive-in tool (10) has a trigger switch (19) for triggering a drive-in process by drive unit (30) that drives a drive-in ram (13), a press-on feeler (18) which is arranged so as to be displaceable at a muzzle (16), which can detect that the drive-in tool pressed against a workpiece, and which prevents the actuation of a drive-in process in its initial position (41) and enables actuation of its drive-in process in its switching position (43), a component feeler (17) displaceably arranged at the muzzle (16) and capable of being actuated independently from the press-on feeler (18) and preventing actuation of a drive-in process in its initial position (42) and enabling the actuation of the drive-in process in its switching position (44), the component feeler (17) detecting fitting of an auxiliary constructional component (110) to the muzzle (16), with a drive-in process being initiated by the trigger switch (19) only when the component feeler (17) and the press-on feeler (18) are both in their respective switching positions (43, 44).
US07861903B2 Display apparatus for a vehicle having a receiver hitch
A display apparatus for use with a truck having a receiver hitch includes a mounting bracket having oppositely disposed first and second ends, the first end being configured to be received in the receiver hitch. The apparatus includes a main support member coupled to the second end of the bracket, the main support member being height adjustable. The main support member defines an elongate channel. At least one fastener is coupled to the main support member for movement along the elongate channel, the fastener being selectively securable at a desired position along the channel. The fastener includes an eyelet to which a flag or banner may be secured. The apparatus may also include at least one auxiliary support member pivotally coupled to the main support member for displaying another flag.
US07861901B2 Pants hanger system
A pants hanging system with a vertically disposed hanger strip, a plurality of elongate hanger receiving members and a plurality elongate semi rigid pants hanging members. The hanger receiving members are attached to the hanger strip in an equal spacing one above the other. The hanger receiving members are formed into a U shaped profile. The pants hanging members have a teardrop shaped profile. The bottom most portion of the teardrop shape includes a gap capable of removably retaining the cuff portion of a pair of pants. The rear, wall facing side of each the pants hanging member includes a horizontally disposed inverted U shaped profile. The U shaped portion of the hanger receiving member can slidably engage with the inverted U shaped portion of the pants hanging member to removably retain the pair of pants.
US07861897B2 Applicator device
An applicator device for a free-flowing substance includes a carrier body provided with an application device at one end and a pin at an opposing end. A transverse channel penetrates the pin, and an axial channel branching off from the transverse channel leads to the application device. A reservoir device having a ring-shaped edge seal sealingly engages the pin, whereby the applicator device is activated by displacing the reservoir device on the pin toward the application device to open a flow connection between the reservoir device and the transverse channel. The reservoir device has a receptacle segment that is elastically deformable at least in portions so that, when the applicator device is activated and a flow connection between the transverse channel and the receptacle segment exists, the free-flowing substance is discharged via the application device by manual compression of the elastically deformable area of the receptacle segment.
US07861893B2 Adhesive dispenser for surgery
A number of surgical devices for the mixing and dispensement of a dual component surgical adhesive onto tissue are described. The surgical devices can provide adhesive storage chambers for the adhesive components within the surgical device and can have removable cartridges that draw and mix and apply the adhesive onto tissue. The removable cartridges can be easily replaced when clogged with set adhesive. Alternately, an adhesive dispensing device can comprise an adhesive dispensing gun containing the dual components of the adhesive and a plurality of rotatable orifices that can dispense the adhesive. One orifice can be selected and aligned with the adhesive dispensing gun to mix and apply the adhesive onto tissue. A fresh orifice can be rotated into alignment with the gun should a prior orifice become blocked.
US07861890B2 Dispensing apparatus and method for semi-solid product
Dispensing apparatus is primarily intended for dispensing product from product containers by extrusion. In controlling discharge of product a flexible tube is connected to the container outlet and the tube is engageable with drive means for deforming the tube and controlling product discharged along the tube to an outlet nozzle. Usually there will be valves towards the entry and exit of the flexible tube and the drive means engages the tube between the spaced positions.
US07861884B2 Fuel tank assembly
A fuel tank assembly are provided which may limit the damage otherwise occasioned by the impact of a ballistic projectile. The fuel tank assembly may include a bladder defined between exterior and interior bladder walls, with the interior bladder wall defining a volume for storing fuel. The exterior bladder wall is at least as or more rigid than the interior bladder wall. The fuel tank assembly can also include connectors between the exterior and interior bladder walls to at least partially limit expansion of the bladder. The fuel tank assembly can also include an inlet opening into the bladder to permit a pressurized gas to be introduced into the bladder. The fuel tank assembly may also include a valve through the interior bladder wall into the volume for storing fuel to permit at least some of the pressurized gas to be introduced therein.
US07861883B2 Article baskets for a dishwasher
Article baskets are adapted to support articles within a dishwashing machine. The article baskets can include an article support wall with a plurality of openings defined by an edge extending along a path circumscribing substantially the entire opening. If provided, the edge of each of the openings can be concave in a direction facing the opening along substantially the entire path. In addition, or alternatively, the article basket can further include a divider. The divider can include a portion configured to be selectively inserted into a elongated slot of a sidewall to divide the interior area into a first interior area portion and a second interior area portion. In addition, or alternatively, the divider can include a plurality of article receiving openings with at least one protrusion extending partially across the article receiving opening to divide a plurality of articles.
US07861880B2 Portable and/or collapsible containers having pliable surfaces
Containers provide for portability and ease of handling by being constructed of pliable materials such as various polymers and having additional features. The containers may have biasing members such as tension poles to hold the containers in an upright and open top position and/or may have sleeves that can be engaged by a forklift for dumping of the container by a conventional forklift equipped garbage truck. The containers may include additional features such as loops along a top edge to allow grasping of the loops by a lift and loops along a bottom edge to allow dragging of the container such as onto a flatbed hauler. Additional features may include a top cover that can be pulled over the open top and secured such as by a fastener.
US07861878B2 Fastening device for folding boxes
A fastening device for folding boxes, the folding boxes including a bottom and four lateral walls coupled in jointed fashion to the edges of that bottom, two opposite walls having each fastening devices for ensuring the unfolding of the box, the device in general including a vertically displaceable central piece and some lateral bolts with horizontal displacement for fastening the lateral walls via their adjacent edges. The folding device includes elastic spring elements which link the central control piece with the pairs of bolts, at the same time, the spring elements, in the rest position, maintain the bolts in the engagement and fastening position of the bolts, while for the release position of the bolts the spring elements pull the bolts towards the release position against the resistance of the elastic elements.
US07861871B2 Hand tool rack
A hand tool rack has an elongated base bracket, multiple clamping elements, two hangers and a lock. The base bracket has a baseboard and a rail bracket. The rail bracket is detachably mounted on the baseboard. The clamping elements are movably mounted on the rail bracket of the base bracket. The hangers are movably mounted on the base bracket and each hanger has two mounting arms and a hanging arm. The mounting arms of the each hanger are clamped on the baseboard. The hanging arm is formed with the mounting arms of the hanger for hanging on a tool cart. The lock is detachably connected to the base bracket to provide a burglarproof effect and has a display clamp and a container clamp. The display clamp has a display panel and a catching bracket. The container clamp has a container panel and a container casing.
US07861869B2 Reinforced capillary membranes and process for manufacturing thereof
A process for manufacturing asymmetric braid reinforced capillary ultra- or micro-filtration membranes (1), including the subsequent steps of pulling a tubular braid (5) through a spinneret (7) and coating the braid with a dope. Prior to the coating step, the braid is impregnated with a non-coagulation liquid, being a liquid which does not cause coagulation of the dope, when brought in contact with the dope. The result is a membrane with an outer skin, i.e. smaller pores near the outside diameter than near the inside diameter, and a coating which is closely arranged around the outside diameter of the braid, without any substantial penetration of the coating into the braid.
US07861868B2 Chip sorting and stacking devices
Chip sorting devices include a rotatable disc having a plurality of wells for receiving chips therein, a plurality of channels for holding stacks of chips, at least one ejector for ejecting chips from the wells of the disc into the channels, and at least one removal lever associated with at least one of the channels. The removal lever has an arm configured to extend adjacent at least a portion of a stack of chips when the stack of chips is in a channel. Other chip sorting devices include a plurality of wells for receiving chips therein, a plurality of channels for holding stacks of chips, at least one ejector for ejecting chips from the wells of the disc into the channels, and at least one spring member configured to bias the ejector to a position.
US07861867B1 Material screening systems
A reconfigurable grizzly-type system providing improved field processing of ore, rock, and soil. The system provides reconfigurable screening of rocks, rubble, gravel, and debris from soil based on material size. The system also provides improvements related to efficient storage and transportation.
US07861866B1 Screening system with knocking device
A screening system with knocking devices includes a screen panel support, connector bars, knocking devices, and screen panels. The knocking devices are generally spherical-shaped balls held by elastic arms connected to the connector bars. When the screening system is activated by moving material onto the screen panels and vibrating the screen panel support, the knocking devices bounce around the undersurface of the screen panels and prevent the build-up or jamming of material blocking the openings in the screen panels. The knocking device and screen panels are separate so that when one of those elements becomes defective, the screening system can be fixed without replacing both elements.
US07861861B2 Container for holding elastic loops therein
A container for holding elastic loops is described. The container includes a foldable and substantially planar card. A foldable, substantially planar sheet is included for holding elastic loops. The sheet is formed such that it can be contained within the card. A separator is pivotally attached with the card. When an elastic loop is placed upon the sheet and the sheet is positioned upon the card, the separator covers a portion of the sheet such that it holds elastic loops against the sheet to allow the loops and sheet to be concealed within the card. For ease of storage and concealment, the card has a shape and size such that when folded, the card is of a substantially similar shape and size as a credit card for placement within a wallet.
US07861857B2 Carry-on luggage with garment hanging feature
An advantageous carry-on bag is now disclosed which accommodates hanging garments, folded garments and accessories. The bag comprises a bottom portion comprising a first bottom area and a flap area. The flap area which zips or otherwise removably secures to the top edge of each of two ends and the front side of the bag. The first bottom areas secured to the bottom edge of the two ends and the front side. When the flap is in a first position extending outwardly from said end bottom edges, it forms an area adapted to receive hanging garments. Upright flaps attached to the side edges of the end sections removably secure to one another to form a wall parallel to the front side section and define a packing area which may receive for example folded garments.
US07861856B2 Disposable tissue package with reflective surface and reflective element for use with tissue packages
A portable or disposable package of tissues includes a reflective surface. The surface may be directly associated with the package. In another embodiment, the reflective surface is associated with another body which is connected to the package. That body may be removable from the package, so that it may be used with successive packages after the tissues in prior packages have been exhausted and the package disposed of.
US07861855B2 System and method for storing and mixing two or more substances
A container system for separately storing and mixing two or more substances. The container system is comprised of a main container for holding at least one first substance and a cup for holding at least one second substance, the cup being removably mounted on the neck of the main container such that at least a portion of the cup is suspended within the main container. The cup has an upper portion, a lower portion and one or more arms for connecting the upper and lower portions. Apertures are formed between the upper and lower portions of the cup such that the contents of the cup may mix with the contents of the main container following removal of an inner cap attached to the cup, and agitation of the main container. The cup and neck are sized to provide a void therebetween, thereby also permitting the substances to mix.
US07861849B2 Merge conveyor including high-friction rollers
A merge conveyor comprising a timing conveyor feeding a singulating conveyor characterized by a transverse-roller conveyor belt having rollers with a high-friction peripheral surface. The timing conveyor delivers articles to the singulating conveyor one article at a time at precise intervals. The rollers in the transverse-roller belt rotate freely transverse to the conveying direction. A plow guides the timed articles received on the singulating belt into a single file. The high-friction rollers inhibit the rollers from sliding along the rollers in the conveying direction to maintain the precise timing established by the timing conveyor.
US07861844B2 Method and apparatus for sorting items
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to the sort destinations, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered.
US07861840B1 Anti-back drive system
An anti-back drive system preferably includes a drive housing, a drive ring, a lock ring and an output pinion. The drive housing includes a drive counterbore. The drive housing is secured to an electric motor. The drive ring preferably includes a base member and a plurality of drive projections. The drive ring is secured to a drive shaft of the electric motor. The lock ring includes a plurality of inward facing cam surfaces and a plurality of inward facing loop projections. The output pinion includes a drive gear and a plurality of drive fingers, which extend radially outward from the output pinion. The plurality of inward facing cam surfaces are sized to receive an end perimeter of said plurality of drive fingers. A push on clip is secured to the drive shaft to retain the drive ring, the lock ring and the output pinion on the drive shaft.
US07861839B2 Transmission lock
A lock arrangement for a transmission, in particular in the form of a parking-lock arrangement for an automated transmission. The lock arrangement is prestressed by a first spring accumulator into a locking position in which the transmission is locked. The lock arrangement is capable of being shifted by means of an actuator from the locking position into a release position in which the transmission is released. The lock arrangement has an electronically activatable blocking device which is designed for blocking the lock arrangement mechanically in the locking position.
US07861838B2 Automatic transmission control apparatus
An automatic transmission control apparatus is provided with a brake switch, a brake fluid pressure detecting section, a range position detecting section, a neutral control section and a prohibiting section. The brake switch is configured to output an on-signal when a brake pedal is depressed and otherwise output an off-signal. The brake fluid pressure detecting section is configured to detect a brake fluid pressure corresponding to a brake pedal depression force. The range position detecting section is configured to detect if a traveling range of an automatic transmission is selected. The neutral control section is configured to start a neutral control that puts the automatic transmission into a neutral state when the brake fluid pressure detected by the brake fluid detecting section exceeds a start threshold value while the range position detecting section detects that the traveling range is selected, and to end the neutral control when the brake fluid pressure falls below an end threshold value while the neutral control is being executed, with the start and end threshold values being set to values that are higher than the brake fluid pressure occurring when the brake switch starts outputting the on-signal. The prohibiting section is configured to prohibit the neutral control from being subsequently started again, after the neutral control has been started by the neutral control section, regardless of the brake fluid pressure detected by the brake fluid pressure detecting section until the brake switch outputs the off-signal.
US07861836B2 Roller-type one-way clutch
The present invention provides a roller-type one-way clutch comprising an annular outer race provided at its inner periphery with a cam surface, an inner race spaced apart from the outer race in a radially inner diameter side and disposed coaxially with the outer race for a relative movement therewith and having an annular outer peripheral track surface, a plurality of rollers disposed between the outer race and the inner race and adapted to transmit torque between the outer peripheral track surface and the cam surface, a cage for holding the plurality of rollers, and a C-shaped annular spring for biasing the rollers, through the cage, toward engagement with the cam surface.
US07861835B2 Disposable luggage wrap
A disposable strip of non-elastic, tear resistant luggage wrap material is provided that extends around the outer periphery of a piece of luggage and adhesively secures to itself. A plurality of disposable strips may be coupled end-to-end to accommodate large luggage pieces. The disposable strip may be removed by tearing along a plurality of spaced, inline apertures. The disposable strip includes several features, such as indicia that identify luggage as belonging to a group, organization or commercial carrier. The disposable strip also may include a security portion having an area for receiving the user's signature or initials to inhibit unauthorized tampering. A pocket may be provided on the disposable strip to receive user identification, a travel itinerary or other document. Furthermore, the disposable strip may be configured to receive an R.F.I.D. tag for electronic tracking.
US07861831B2 Front wheel brake device for forklifts
A front wheel brake device for forklifts is used in applying brake to a front wheel attached to opposite lateral bottom sides of a mast assembly. The device includes a support bracket provided at the bottom sides of the mast assembly, a brake housing fixed to the support bracket and received within the front wheel, a wheel hub fixedly secured to the front wheel, an axle shaft rotatably provided within the brake housing and engaged with a shaft portion of the wheel hub for unitary rotation with the front wheel, brake discs axially movably fitted to the axle shaft for unitary rotation therewith, friction plates alternately arranged between the brake discs and fitted to the brake housing for movement in an axial direction of the axle shaft, and a piston provided within the brake housing for, when operated, pressing the friction plates against the brake discs.
US07861827B2 Oil manifold for lubricating bearings
A bearing oil supply assembly includes (a) a plate member with opposed first and second sides, the plate member having a first bore formed in the first side which is adapted to receive a first bearing; (b) an annular manifold attached to the plate member such that the plate member and the manifold cooperatively define an annular oil gallery; and (c) a plurality of passages formed in the manifold, the passages cooperating with the plate member to define a plurality of generally axially-directed pathways in fluid communication with the first bore and the oil gallery. The passages are substantially evenly spaced around the circumference of the manifold. The oil supply assembly may be used to supply oil to two bearings carrying separate shafts running at different speeds.
US07861825B2 Method and apparatus for a loudspeaker assembly
A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided which comprises forming a loudspeaker frame so as to define a driver housing portion, a horn portion, and a conformal portion. A driver aperture is defined for the driver housing portion, and a port aperture is defined for the horn portion. A driver is attached to the loudspeaker frame proximate to the driver aperture. A rear baffle is applied to a first conformal portion surface of the conformal portion of the loudspeaker frame. The rear baffle defines a horn cavity wall of a horn cavity of the horn portion. The horn cavity has an increasing cross sectional area as the distance from the driver housing portion increases. A grille is applied to a second conformal portion surface of the conformal portion of the loudspeaker frame.
US07861824B2 Sound absorber for an exhaust system
The invention relates to a sound absorber for an exhaust system having a Y-shaped feed piece arranged upstream from the sound absorber, combining two exhaust gas-carrying lines to form a single line entering into the sound absorber whereby the Y-shaped feed piece and the sound absorber are assembled from a common bottom shell and a common top shell. The invention also relates to an exhaust system equipped with the sound absorber.
US07861823B2 Duct for reducing shock related noise
A duct 26 has circumferentially distributed features capable of scattering acoustic energy associated with fluid dynamic shocks 34 extending in a shock orientation direction D. Each feature is oriented, over at least a portion of its length, substantially perpendicular to the shock orientation direction. The features may be splices 42 used to connect segments of an acoustic liner 30, partitions 56 in a stability enhancing casing treatment 32, or other features capable of scattering acoustic energy associated with shocks.
US07861822B2 Engine noise reduction apparatus
A vehicle including an enclosure and a separator wall is disclosed. The enclosure defines an engine compartment and the engine compartment encloses an internal combustion engine. The separator wall extends from a forward portion of the engine compartment to a rear portion of the engine compartment. The engine compartment is at least partially separated into an upper portion and a lower portion by the separator wall.
US07861821B2 Acoustically transmissive blanket system
A blanket system, which can include a blanket, quilt, or similar bed-covering can include one or more localized sound-emitting areas, one or more separately-located sound-processing devices, and one or more acoustically transmissive communication channels coupled between the sound-processing devices and the sound-emitting areas. A control can be provided to adjust the sound characteristics provided at the sound-emitting areas. The system can be used to mask unwanted sounds.
US07861817B2 Occupant protection apparatus for vehicle
An occupant protection apparatus for a vehicle includes: a plurality of communication devices for communicating an external device; and a controller for determining a collision of the vehicle based on information transmitted from the external device via the plurality of communication devices and for activating an occupant protection device corresponding to the collision. The controller prohibits activation of the occupant protection device when the controller detects communication anomaly occurred at more than one communication device.
US07861815B2 Motorcycle
A motorcycle is provided in which the size of the body frame is restricted from increasing in a vehicle-width direction while enhancing the frame rigidity. The body frame includes a head pipe and left and right front frame sections which extending from the head pipe. The left and right front frame sections have left and right side wall sections which extend in a longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle. Left and right side wall sections are disposed on the left and right sides of the engine unit. The engine unit is supported by the left and right side wall sections which have relatively high rigidity, thereby enhancing the supporting rigidity of the engine unit. This type of engine unit support ensures body frame rigidity without widening the space between the left and right body frame sections in a vehicle-width direction.
US07861813B2 Vehicle ground connection comprising a wheel and a suspension integrated therein
A ground contact system for a vehicle. The ground contact system comprises a wheel, a hub carrier, means for driving the wheel using at least one rotary motor secured to the hub carrier, reduction means comprising at least one gearwheel connected to the wheel and at least one pinion connected to the rotary motor, a sliding-bar suspension suspending the wheel from a support connected to the vehicle, and braking means. The braking means comprises a brake disc connected by its periphery to the wheel, and a brake calliper positioned inside the brake disc.
US07861808B2 Cutter for maintaining edge sharpness
A cutter comprising a base portion, an ultrahard layer disposed on said base portion, and at least one recessed region on an outer surface of the cutter. A start of the recessed region disposed a selected distance behind a cutting face.
US07861807B2 Drill bit including one piece cutting head
A cutting head for a drill bit has a body with an overall cruciform shape. One pair of opposing arms defines a main cutting edge. The other pair of opposing arms defines an auxiliary edge. The main cutting edge is defined by rake surfaces and relief surfaces. Each rake surface and relief surface is defined by a plurality of facets. The main cutting edge includes a chisel edge. A first pair of planar rake facets, one on each end of said chisel edge, and a first pair of planar relief facets, adjacent said chisel edge, defines a portion of the cutting edge. A remaining portion of the main cutting edge is defined at the apex of a plurality of curved rake facets and curved relief facets. The auxiliary edge is defined by a plurality of curved surfaces.
US07861806B2 Shank structure for rotary drill bits
A shank configuration for rotary drill bits is disclosed for positioning of the shank in relation to a bit body. A tapered surface or feature of the shank may be configured and sized to matingly engage a complementarily shaped surface or feature of the drill bit body and thereby become centered or positioned in relation thereto. A deformable element may be disposed between the shank and bit body. Also, the shank may comprise a material having a carbon equivalent of less than about 0.35%. A multi-pass weld procedure may be employed to affix the shank and bit body to one another wherein welds may be formed so that one weld originates at a circumferential position that differs from the origination circumferential position of its immediately preceding weld by at least about 90°. Further, a stress state may be developed within the multi-pass weld. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.
US07861805B2 Conformal bearing for rock drill bit
A rock drilling bit having PDC radial bearings has journal and cone bearing surfaces with increased contact area to increase load support. The radius of curvature of the bearing pin journal and cone bearing surfaces are matched or conformed on the bearing pressure side. The conformal journal surfaces may be formed on the main journal bearing, the pilot pin radial bearing, or both surfaces. In addition, diamond inlays may be located on the bearing surfaces of the cone, the bearing pin, or both components.
US07861804B2 Sleeve arrangement
Sleeve arrangement for a drill rig, especially adapted for damping sound and sealing to the ground, said drill rig comprising a feed beam (4) having a drill end (41) and a rear end (42), said feed beam (4) comprising a first and a second part (411, 412) near the drill end (41), the first part (411) being fixed in relation to the feed beam (4,) and the second part (412) being movable in relation to the feed beam (4) in a longitudinal direction. The invention is characterized in that said sleeve arrangement comprises a first flexible element (100) attached to the first part (411), and a second flexible element (200) attached to the movable second part (412), such that said first and second flexible elements (100, 200) are movable in relation to each other, wherein said second flexible element (200) is capable of taking an upper and a lower position, as well as all positions there between.
US07861800B2 Combining belief networks to generate expected outcomes
A method is described for determining an oilfield parameter for a drilling operation in an oilfield, the oilfield having a well site with a drilling tool advanced into a subterranean formation with geological structures and reservoirs therein. A first set of decision factors and a second set of decision factors about the drilling operation are identified. Each of the first set of decision factors is contained within a first set of nodes, and each of the second set of decision factors is contained within a second set of nodes. Both the first set of nodes and the second set of nodes contain a set of common nodes, which are common to both the first and second sets. The first set of nodes is associated to create a first belief network and the second set of nodes is associated to create a second belief network. Then, the set of common nodes of the first belief network is associated with the set of common nodes of the second belief network to form a multinet belief network. Oilfield parameter can be generated from the multinet belief network.
US07861799B2 Impact tool
It is an object of the invention to provide a technique which is effective in improving the durability of an angular positioning device of a tool bit and in reducing weight of a tool body in an impact tool. A representative impact tool includes a tool body, a lubricant sealed in the housing space, a driving mechanism, a tool holder, an angular positioning device disposed on a tip end side of the tool body and serves to fix a position of the tool bit around the axis with respect to the tool body. The angular positioning device includes first and second locking members. The first locking member is disposed between the tool body and the tool holder. The second locking member is disposed opposite to the first locking member. One end of the first locking member in the axial direction of the tool bit extends into the housing space of the tool body and is connected to the tool body within the housing space.
US07861796B2 Method of operating drill with solid state speed control
A method of operating a hand power tool in one embodiment includes generating a variable speed control signal with a solid state switch that corresponds to a selected speed for a motor, generating a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal corresponding to the variable speed control signal, generating H-bridge driving signals for an H-bridge circuit in correspondence with the PWM signal, and selectively coupling a motor to a power source using the H-bridge circuit in accordance with the H-bridge driving signals.
US07861794B2 Three-point implement mounting for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle
A three-point implement mounting for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle includes an upper member and two lower members. A working implement is coupled to the three-point implement mounting in order to couple the working implement to the utility vehicle. In order to provide an interface between the utility vehicle and the working implement which is versatile and can adapted to the physical application, the three-point implement mounting is of modular design and has a coupling interface for coupling the three-point implement mounting to the utility vehicle.
US07861792B2 Fire suppression system
A system for discharging inert gas for extinguishing or suppressing a fire is disclosed. A fluid discharge control arrangement is positioned in a fluid flow path between a pressurised gas supply 10A,10B,10C and the target fire suppression zone 20. The fluid discharge control arrangement reduces the pressure in the fluid flow path downstream thereof. This may allow the downstream pipework to be selected to withstand a lower pressure than in a conventional system in which the fluid discharge control device was not provided, thereby reducing costs. The fluid discharge control device may comprise a first valve 30 and first restrictor 26 in the first flow path 22 and a second valve 32 and a second restrictor 28 provided in the second flow path 24. Fluid from the containers 10A,10B,10C flows initially through flow path 24 and restrictor 26. Subsequently flow path 22 may be closed by optional valve 30, and flow path 24 is opened by valve 32. Fluid flow then passes through restrictor 28. This reduces the peak pressure in the downstream pipework 34. In another embodiment the discharge of inert gas from the containers 10A,10B and 10C is staggered to reduce the peak pressure in pipeline 34. A further embodiment provides a restrictor in the inlet 14A,14B,14C from each of the containers 10A,10B,10C to the manifold 16, thereby also reducing the peak pressure in the pipeline 34.
US07861790B2 Injection valve and method
The present invention generally relates to controlling the flow of fluids in a wellbore. In one aspect, a valve for selectively closing a flow path through a wellbore in a first direction is provided. The valve includes a body and a piston surface formable across the flow path in the first direction. The piston surface is formed at an end of a shiftable member annularly disposed in the body. The valve further includes a flapper member, the flapper member closable to seal the flow path when the shiftable member moves from a first position to a second position due to fluid flow acting on the piston surface. In another aspect, a valve for selectively closing a flow path through a wellbore in a single direction is provided. In yet another aspect, a method for selectively closing a flow path through a wellbore in a first direction is provided.
US07861788B2 Casing valves system for selective well stimulation and control
Casing valves for selective well stimulation and control. A well system includes at least one valve interconnected in a casing string operable via at least one line external to the casing string to selectively control fluid flow between an exterior and interior of the casing string, and the casing string, valve and line being cemented in a wellbore. A method of selectively stimulating a subterranean formation includes: positioning a casing string in a wellbore, the casing string including spaced apart valves operable via a line to selectively control fluid flow between an interior and exterior of the casing string; and for each of multiple intervals of the formation in sequence, stimulating the interval by opening a corresponding one of the valves, closing the remainder of the valves, and flowing a stimulation fluid from the casing string into the interval.
US07861786B2 Method and apparatus for fluid bypass of a well tool
Apparatuses and methods to inject chemical stimulants (284) to a production zone (102, 202) through a string of production tubing (110, 210) around a downhole obstruction are disclosed. The apparatuses and methods include deploying an anchor seal assembly (200) to a landing profile (120, 220) located within a string of production tubing (110, 210). The anchor seal assembly (200) is in communication with a surface station through an injection conduit (260, 264) and includes a bypass pathway (262) to inject various fluids to a zone below.
US07861782B2 Foamed cement compositions, additives, and associated methods
A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a cement composition comprising: cement; a surfactant composition comprising: an ethoxylated alcohol ether sulfate in an amount in the range of about 60 to about 64 parts by weight, a first alkyl or alkene amidopropyl betaine in an amount in the range of about 30 to about 33 parts by weight, and a second alkyl or alkene amidopropyl betaine in an amount in the range of about 1 to about 5 parts by weight; a gas; and water.
US07861780B2 Method of treating subterranean formations with porous particulate materials
Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that include porous materials. Such porous materials may be selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials to have desired strength and/or apparent density to fit particular downhole conditions for well treating such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control treatments. Porous materials may also be employed in selected combinations to optimize fracture or sand control performance, and/or may be employed as relatively lightweight materials in liquid carbon dioxide-based well treatment systems.
US07861775B2 Casing patch
A casing patch includes a deformable seal configurable to a deformed and undeformed position for sealing and unsealing respectively with a target stub and a pressure based subsystem in operable communication with the deformable seal. The patch may also contain a stop ring to prevent overcompression of the seal.
US07861771B2 Rod pump stuffing box
A stuffing box for sealing around a polished rod in a well including a cylindrical connector for receiving the polished rod, a packing member having top and lateral surfaces and wherein the packing member is concentrically disposed around the polished rod, a body concentrically disposed around the packing member and sealing engaging the cylindrical connector, and wherein the body may be selectively moved to expose the top and lateral surface of the packing members is disclosed. A method of repairing, redressing, or replacing packing members of a stuffing box including providing a stuffing box at a wellhead, manipulating the stuffing box such that top and lateral surfaces of the packing members are exposed, removing the packing members, and redressing the stuffing box with new packing members is also disclosed.
US07861770B2 System for cyclic injection and production from a well
A system is provided for injecting an injection fluid into an earth formation via a wellbore formed in the earth formation and for producing hydrocarbon fluid from the earth formation via the wellbore. The system comprises an injection conduit extending into the wellbore and being in fluid communication with a plurality of outlet ports for injection fluid, and a production conduit extending into the wellbore and being in fluid communication with at least one inlet section for hydrocarbon fluid. The injection conduit is arranged to prevent fluid communication between the injection conduit and each said inlet section.
US07861766B2 Method for firing a ceramic and refractory metal casting core
In an investment casting process, a composite core is formed as a combination of ceramic casting core element and a non-ceramic casting core element. The core is heated in an oxidative atmosphere and then heated in a non-oxidative atmosphere.
US07861765B2 Method of making a multi-element mold assembly for, e.g., footwear components
A mold assembly for footwear components is cast as a collection of mold elements having integral attachment members. Attachment members of separate mold elements may then be joined by, e.g., welding. Handles may also be formed into one or more mold elements as part of the casting process. Outsole negatives are juxtaposed with templates for attachment tabs and/or handles and used to form ceramic casting molds. The ceramic casting molds can then be used to cast individual mold elements.
US07861764B1 System for suspending quilts and the like
A sleeve is provided which is attachable to a back of a quilt or other object to be suspended from a rod or other elongate object. The sleeve is of generally tubular form including a front panel extending from a bottom up to a top pleat. The forward panel is coupled to the back of the quilt through top stitching adjacent the top pleat and bottom stitching adjacent the bottom. Preferably, a rear panel similar in form to the forward panel extends up from the bottom to an upper pleat. A gusset is also preferably provided between the forward panel and the rear panel with the gusset itself formed of a first panel and second panel spaced from each other by a center pleat. The forward panel has a length between the top pleat and the bottom which is less than half of an entire circumferential length of the sleeve.
US07861757B2 Flashless welding method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for welding two separate ends of an extrusion or two separate extrusion ends to form a flashless extrudate or gasket by having a first and a second mold for supporting and clamping the extrusion ends, and a spacer bar for positioning the extrusion ends to a location within the mold. A heating element elevates the temperature of the extrusion ends to a welding condition, and a clamping device is used for securing the extrusion ends. A flashless welding operation results by inserting and clamping at least one heated extrusion end into a welding mold until an acceptable contact pressure is obtained against the opposing heated extrusion end.
US07861755B2 Pneumatic tire with tread having middle rib, middle lateral grooves, assistant grooves and lateral narrow grooves
A pneumatic tire includes a tread surface having a middle rib defined by a first circumferential groove and a second circumferential groove in its center region. Middle lateral grooves, that obliquely extend in the widthwise direction of the tire, are disposed at predetermined intervals in the tire circumferential direction in the middle rib; only one terminal end of each middle lateral groove communicates with one circumferential groove of the first and second circumferential grooves. An assistant groove is provided between each of adjacent middle lateral grooves; the assistant groove extends in such an inclined manner that the inclination direction thereof with respect to the tire circumferential direction is opposite to that of the middle lateral grooves; a block is defined by the assistant groove, middle lateral grooves and one circumferential groove. The middle lateral grooves each include a first inclined groove portion having an inclination angle a ranging from 35 degrees to 60 degrees and a second inclined groove portion having an inclination angle β ranging from 0 degree to 30 degrees.
US07861747B2 Forming fabric having exchanging and/or binding warp yarns
Forming fabric that includes a top layer having top weft yarns and a bottom layer having bottom weft yarns. At least one pair of binding warp yarns and at least two adjacent pairs of top and bottom warp yarns are utilized.
US07861746B2 Motor vehicle hose
A motor vehicle hose consisting of plastic material, where the interior surface of the hose consists at least in segments of an electrically conducting plastic material. The invention provides for a section of electrically conducting plastic material that extends at least over a portion of the circumference of the hose and which is connected to the electrically conducting interior surface of the hose. The section extends in a radial direction into a layer of non-conducting plastic material. The section extends at least in segments in the longitudinal direction of the hose.
US07861734B2 Umbrella hub with cord lock feature
An umbrella hub is provided that is operative to engage an umbrella cord for maintaining an umbrella in an open position. The hub can comprise a hub body, a channel, a passage section, and an engagement section. The hub body can comprise a series of projections extending outwardly from the hub body. The channel can be formed in one of the projections of the hub body. The channel can be configured to allow the cord to pass therethrough. Further, the passage section can be configured to allow the cord to pass freely therethrough. Finally, the engagement section can be configured to engage the cord to prevent upward movement of the cord relative to the hub body.
US07861733B2 Device for treating pieces of a substrate at high pressure with a supercritical or near-critical treatment medium, piece by piece or in batches
A device for treating pieces of a substrate at high pressure, piece by piece or in batches, with a treatment medium in the supercritical or near-critical state, includes a first pressure chamber, a pipe system for supplying and discharging the treatment medium, to and from the pressure chamber under high pressure and an electric motor, which is fixed to the housing in the first pressure chamber or in a second pressure chamber coupled to the first pressure chamber under the high pressure, for driving an actuator to carry out a mechanical action in the treatment medium. The electric motor is in this case open to the treatment medium and is disposed and designed to be accessible to the treatment medium, in such a manner that during the treatment of a substrate the treatment medium flows through and around the electric motor.
US07861732B2 Immersion cleaner for print rollers
What is contemplated is a printing cylinder washer having a removable or portable drive assembly, or a series of portable drive assemblies of different lengths to accommodate different sizes of print rollers. The drive assemblies have a drive mechanism enabled by a dynamic flow of cleaning solution within the washer reservoir. What is also contemplated is the use of an elevation system, an agitation platform, under-immersion spray bars, an ultrasonic wave cleaning system, and a hatch or door equipped with a thermal breaker in conjunction with the hydro-driven portable drive assembly. What is also contemplated is a method of washing printing rollers within the above-described printing cylinder washer by aligning a nozzle with the drive assembly.
US07861729B2 Hair weave foundations and methods of use
A hair piece to be attached to the head of a user, the hair piece having a cloth-based foundation having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge and a right edge, with the foundation including a middle slit provided at about the center of the foundation, a bottom slit provided adjacent the bottom edge, a first set of side slits provided along the left edge, a second set of side slits provided along the right edge, a first set of rubber bands provided along the left edge, a second set of rubber bands provided along the right edge, a third set of rubber bands provided along the top edge, a fourth set of rubber bands provided along the bottom edge, a fifth set of rubber bands provided about the middle slit, and a plurality of wefts of hair attached to the foundation.
US07861722B2 Sleep appliance
A dental oral appliance to reduce or eliminate snoring or obstructive sleep apnea and to open the airway for a sleeping patient. The appliance covers the inside (lingual) of the upper or lower teeth and has an open palate. Retention for the appliance is provided by an occlusal coverge of the upper or lower teeth. A raised incisor ramp that extends from the incisal tip of the incisors toward the lingual, or posterior ramps, separate the posterior teeth to open the airway. A transpalatal bar, which extends from the inside (lingual) of the right molars to the inside of the left molars, inhibits the upward and backward movement of the tongue. An anterior tongue restrainer which is attached to the transpalatal bar at one end and the front of the appliance at the other end, aids in inhibiting and restraining the upward and backward movement of the tongue.
US07861721B2 Appliance, system and method for preventing snoring
An appliance, a system and a method prevent snoring of a patient. The appliance opens an airway of the patient by advancing a lower jaw of the patient. A slot is formed on an upper shell and/or a lower shell of the appliance to receive teeth of the patient for wearing the appliance. A hinge connects the upper shell to the lower shell and resists the closing of the mouth of the patient to maintain the open airway of the patient. Wedges protrude from the hinge between the upper shell and the lower shell to further resist the closing of the mouth of the patient. Stiffer material of the hinge and/or the wedges relative to material of the upper shell and the lower shell requires more force to close the mouth of the patient and maintains the open airway of the patient during sleep. Extended margins may receive liner material to secure the appliance to the dentition. Lingual extensions on the lower arch help to maintain the lower jaw in a forward position relative to the upper jaw.
US07861717B1 Controlled gas-supply system
The invention relates to a gas-supply system for patients receiving artificial respiration or breathing spontaneously, in which one or several gases (for example NO, oxygen) are added to the respiration gas at varying proportions (continuously or intermittently) by means of a control device (program control, sensor control or combined program/sensor control). This gas-supply system allows for adaptive dosing of the gas to suit individual patients.
US07861716B2 Closed loop control system for a high frequency oscillation ventilator
A control system for a high frequency oscillating ventilator (HFOV) includes and oscillator controller and a mean airway pressure (MAP) controller. The HFOV includes a reciprocating piston which is adapted to generate positive and negative pressure waves for delivery to a patient airway. The oscillator controller comprises a pair of closed loop control circuits including an oscillator pressure loop and a centering loop which are collectively adapted to regulate frequency and amplitude of piston reciprocations and centering of the piston. The MAP controller comprises a closed loop control circuit that is adapted for regulating MAP at the patient utilizing feedback in the form of patient circuit pressure. Likewise, the oscillator controller utilizes patient circuit pressure as well as piston displacement feedback in order to regulate movement of the piston.
US07861713B2 Adapter for use in an aerosol delivery system
According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol inhalation system includes a first conduit member for delivering medication in the form of aerosol particles to a patient. The system also includes a first device in fluid communication with the first holding chamber for producing the aerosol particles and being sealingly yet releasably received within an adapter that forms an entrance into a first holding chamber. The adapter has a compressible material disposed thereon which is at least partially compressed by insertion of the first device to form the seal between the first device and the adapter, thereby creating a closed system that is therefore capable of delivering a fixed concentration of the medication to the patient due to a valve of the valve mechanism being closed when the patient inhales and the medication is delivered to the patient.
US07861708B1 Draft inducer blower mounting feature which reduces overall system vibration
A draft inducer blower for high efficiency furnaces, including a blower housing which provides enhanced contact between the blower housing and the furnace collector box to reduce the flexing and vibration between the blower housing and the collector box. The blower housing includes contact structure which provides a direct abutting contact relationship between the blower housing and the collector box at least along a substantial periphery of the blower housing and/or at one or more rigid transition points on the collector box. In one embodiment, the contact structure can be part of the blower housing body and/or the blower housing cover. In another embodiment, the contact structure can be part of the collector box or furnace to which the blower housing is mounted. When fasteners secure the blower housing to the collector box, the contact structure provides a substantially integral rigid construct between the blower housing and the collector box.
US07861707B2 Gravity feed natural draft pellet stove
A pellet stove utilizing gravity feed and natural draft more effectively and efficiently burns pellet fuel while producing less air pollution and ash. In one embodiment, the pellet stove has a primary combustion area comprising a burn unit removably disposed in the vent tube, a feed tube defining a fuel chamber above the burn unit and a secondary combustion area, comprising a burn box defining a secondary burn chamber, below the burn unit. The burn unit has a removable receptacle which defines a primary burn chamber that receives pellet fuel from the fuel chamber and discharges substantially burned fuel to the secondary burn chamber for additional burning. Openings in the burn box, pellet receptacle and vent tube draw air into the burn chambers. A control mechanism controls the air flow to regulate the heat generated by the pellet stove. The pellet stove can be manufactured in various aesthetically pleasing designs.
US07861703B2 Paintball gun
A paintball gun includes an air valve and a body portion, in which the body portion includes a paintball hole, a communicator, a piston, an axle and a bolt. By the pneumatic control of the air valve, the piston is pushed between the first and second positions, and the movement of the bolt is controlled between the third and fourth positions, so as to control the pneumatic air to flow out of the projection passage to project the paintball.
US07861701B1 Shooting device for air guns and paintball guns
An improved shooting device for air guns and paintball guns comprises a gun barrel sheathed into a sliding base of a breech of a gun, a tension spring installed at the front end, a bullet supplying device installed at the rear end, an opener connected to the rear of the bullet supplying device, and a bullet supplying hole formed at the bottom of the bullet supplying device and interconnected with the bullet feeding hole of a handle type magazine. The gun barrel includes an elastic turning base pivotally connected thereon, a pushing groove formed at the rear edge of the turning base, a sliding surface formed at the bottom of the turning base, and the pushing groove and a pushing protrusion disposed at the top of a trigger are engaged, so that when the trigger is pulled, the pushing protrusion at the top of the trigger pushes the pushing groove of the turning base, such that the turning base drives the gun barrel to compress the tension spring and produce a forward displacement. In the meantime, the rear end of the gun barrel moves forward along the bullet supplying device to open the bullet supplying hole, such that the bullets will be supplied automatically from the bullet feeding hole of the cartridge magazine by the pushing force, until the pushing protrusion is separated from the pushing groove, and then the resilience of the tension spring drives the gun barrel to shift backward, and the rear end of the gun barrel will be loaded with a bullet and the bullet feeding hole will be shut, and the opener is pushed to open a valve. The high-pressure gas in a pressurized cylinder forces to shoot the bullet. The invention can reduce the volume of the automatic bullet loading device and avoid the leak of pressurized gas, and further improve the shooting force.
US07861697B2 Carbureted natural gas turbo charged engine
A control system for a turbo charged natural gas engine. A butterfly valve used for fuel control upstream of a carburetor provides non-linear flow response during opening and closing and a flow compensator compensates for the non-linear response. A throttle valve position sensor acts in association with a controller which compares the throttle valve position signal with a predetermined set point and thereby opens or closes the waste gate of the turbo charger which affects oxygen content in the exhaust. A compensator for a throttle valve used with electronic engine controllers is also provided.
US07861691B2 Controller for accumulator fuel injection system
A common-rail fuel injection system is equipped with a common-rail, a fuel pump 11, and an injector. The fuel pump has a plurality of fuel pumping systems. A pressure sensor is provided at a fuel inlet of the injector. When the fuel pump supplies fuel to each of the fuel pumping systems, an ECU detects a variation in fuel pressure in a fuel passage between the fuel pump and the injector. Based on the detected fuel pressure variation, the ECU computes a pumping characteristic with respect to each of the fuel pumping systems.
US07861690B2 Device and method for controlling internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine has a valve driving mechanism (VM) capable of changing the valve-opening characteristic of at least one of an intake valve (Vi) and an exhaust valve (Ve), an in-cylinder pressure sensor for detecting the in-cylinder pressure in a combustion chamber and ECU. ECU calculates the variation amount of the in-cylinder pressure caused by the valve-overlap of the intake valve (Vi) and the exhaust valve (Ve), and based on this variation amount of the in-cylinder pressure and the in-cylinder pressure detected at a predetermined timing in the compression stroke, calculates an amount of air sucked in the combustion chamber, as well as, based on this calculated intake air amount, determines the ignition timing. The amount of air sucked in the combustion chamber is accurately and costlessly calculated, and the ignition timing is optimally determined by using the calculated air amount.
US07861689B2 Method for controlling an internal combustion engine
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine with at least two cylinders in the case of irregular running caused by combustion problems has the following steps: measurement of a segment time of a first cylinder during a first time interval T1 in the sequence of operations of the internal combustion engine, with a corresponding first signal being transmitted as a first actual value to a control, sensing of pressure fluctuations in the second cylinder during a second time interval T2 in the sequence of operations of the internal combustion engine, with a corresponding second signal being transmitted as a second actual value to a control and changing of operating parameters of the at least one cylinder by means of the control on the basis of the first and second signal, when the first and the second actual value each deviate from setpoint values stored in the control.
US07861688B2 Control apparatus and method of an internal combustion engine
A control apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes an idle torque calculating portion, a target torque setting portion, and a target throttle opening amount calculating portion. The idle torque calculating portion and the target throttle opening amount calculating portion calculate the idle torque and the target throttle opening amount when the internal combustion engine is in a non-idling state, respectively, using a common physical quantity relating to an operating state of the internal combustion engine.
US07861686B2 Fuel injection control apparatus and fuel injection control method
According to an internal combustion engine fuel injection control apparatus and control method, when an operating region of the engine shifts from a fuel cut region in which no fuel is injected to a low load region in which a small amount of fuel is injected, or visa versa, at least one pilot injection is executed ahead of a main injection in the low load region, and the number of pilot injections is determined according to the engine coolant temperature. This injection control makes it possible to ensure drivability while suppressing the amount of HC produced.
US07861681B2 Switchable valve train for gas-exchange valves of internal combustion engines
A switchable valve train for gas-exchange valves of internal combustion engines with a rocker arm device (1), in which a rocking motion about a rocker arm axis (3) can be introduced by at least one cam (2a, 2b), one tappet, or the like, wherein this rocking motion can be transmitted to at least one valve (4). The rocker arm device (1) is formed from at least one cam lever part (5) in working connection with the cam (2) and a valve lever part (6) in working connection with the valve (4), which are supported so that they can rock about the rocker arm axis (3). A coupling device is constructed between the cam lever part (5) and the valve lever part (6), in order to selectively engage and disengage the transmission of the rocking motion.
US07861674B2 Pet porch
A pet porch for placement in a casement or conventional double-hung window, allowing an indoor pet to access the outdoors safely. The porch has adjustable windows that can be set in a variety of positions for ventilation, yet closed when necessary. Closure can be effected by remote command, so that absentee owners can be sure the porch is closed for bad weather.
US07861668B2 Batch-type remote plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber in which a plurality of substrates are stacked and accommodated; a pair of electrodes extending in the stacking direction of the plurality of substrates, which are disposed at one side of the plurality of substrates in said processing chamber, and to which high frequency electricity is applied; and a gas supply member which supplies processing gas into a space between the pair of electrodes.
US07861666B2 Width adjustable multi slot gun
Apparatus for applying fluids such as adhesive, in particular hot-melt glue, onto a substrate that is movable relative to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a basic body (12) and an applicator valve (22) for selective interruption or release of the stream of fluid. The basic body (12) is connectable to a fluid source and includes a slit-shaped nozzle opening (54) that communicates with a distribution channel (14), and a piston (16) that is movably situated in the distribution channel (14), by means of which the length of the distribution channel (14) which may be supplied with fluid is variable. The nozzle opening (54) communicates with the distribution channel (14) by means of a plurality of output channels (18) spaced at a distance from each other.
US07861660B2 Adjustable row cleaner
An adjustable row cleaner includes a row cleaner assembly that functions to clear material from the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner includes, in one embodiment, a connector that is in mechanical communication with both a row cleaner frame, to which row cleaner wheels may be pivotally mounted, and a first end of a translator member. The translator member may pivot with respect to the row unit frame and/or row unit sub-frame about a translator member pivot. The position of a translator member second end may be manipulated, thereby adjusting the maximum depth to which the row cleaner wheels penetrate the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner may be powered or manually adjusted, and the position of the row cleaner wheels may be monitored and automatically adjusted via a control system.
US07861659B2 Lightweight hopper car with through center sill
A lightweight hopper car that includes one or more reinforcing members at specified locations, so that the hopper car has both a carrying capacity and a structural strength comparable to those of existing, heavier hopper cars. Specifically, the present application discloses that the hopper car may be reinforced at one or more locations including (i) at selective intersections between the center sill and slope sheets of cargo wells; (ii) between side slope sheets of adjacent cargo wells; (iii) at the junction between the side sheets and end slope sheets of the hopper car; and (iv) along the end combing seal between opposed carlines, if the hopper car is covered. In addition, the present application discloses a novel means of reinforcing side sheets of a rail car, including hopper cars, against the warping that commonly occurs when welding the side sheets at the car is fabricated.
US07861658B2 Human powered rail bike
Disclosed herein is a human powered rail bike. The rail bike includes a chassis having a predetermined shape. Rail wheels comprising a pair of front wheels and rear wheels, roll along two rails of the track which are arranged side by side. A plurality of seats is mounted to the chassis. A one-way clutch capable of changing direction limits the rotating direction of an axle to one direction, that is, a forward direction or a backward direction. A plurality of crank pedals is rotatably mounted to the chassis, and is connected to the one-way clutch capable of changing direction via a chain. A direction conversion lever functions to convert the rotating direction of the one-way clutch. Further, a pair of brake units is provided to reduce the speed of the rail bike or stop the rail bike.
US07861657B2 Non-lethal projectile
A projectile is provided for use in a non-lethal weapon system. The projectile having kinetic energy is launched substantially along the longitudinal axis in the direction of a target. Upon impact of the projectile with the target an elastic mechanism absorbs elastically a first portion of the kinetic energy. A locking mechanism stores the first portion of the kinetic energy within the elastic mechanism; whereby the remaining kinetic energy of the impact is reduced to a non-lethal level of the target. The projectile preferably includes a deformable head attached to the first body. The deformable head is formed from a viscoelastic material which manifests both the elastic mechanism (with the elastic mechanical properties of the viscoelastic material) and further manifests the locking mechanism with the viscous properties of the viscoelastic material.
US07861654B2 Cylinder with retaining device and a control assembly for controlling the force exerted on the retaining device
A cylinder of a printing machine is provided with at least one axially extending channel located beneath the circumferential surface of the cylinder. At least one plate end holding device is arranged in the channel and usable to exert a clamping force on an end of at least one printing forme or plate positioned on the assembly's circumferential surface. At least one control assembly is utilized to counteract the clamping force exerted on the plate end by the at least one holding device. A force that is exerted by the control assembly can be set to a value which is different either a maximum force or a minimum force which the control assembly can exert. Preferably, the circumferential surface of the cylinder can be divided, in its axial direction, into several adjacent sections. Several of the plate end holding devices are then arranged in the cylinder channel or groove and are positioned adjacent each other. The forces exerted by the control assembly against each one of the plate end holding devices can differ from each other.
US07861652B2 Packing sleeve for a printing unit cylinder of an offset printing press
A packing sleeve including an outer lateral surface for a printing unit cylinder of an offset printing press is disclosed, wherein the outer lateral surface has at least one region with an area containing a number of incisions, which increase the elasticity of the packing sleeve in the peripheral direction. The packing sleeve according to the invention can advantageously be used to enlarge the effective outer diameter of a printing unit cylinder in an offset printing press by drawing the packing sleeve over the printing unit cylinder in the offset printing press.
US07861651B2 Method and device for keeping a number of spray nozzles in a printing press beam clean
In order to keep a spray nozzle (3) in a printing press spray beam (1) clean, air with a certain overpressure is supplied to a cover (5; 13; 24) surrounding the spray nozzle (3), the spray cone from the spray nozzle leaving the cover undisturbed through a slot (7; 16; 26) therein.
US07861648B2 Device for separating banana pulp from its peel
A large scale processing method for separating banana pulp from its peel is shown. In this method bananas are separated into two parts (generally in a transverse direction), each part having a tip end and a cut end. A compression force is applied to those banana parts such that the force increases from the tip end to the cut end. A device which implements that process, comprising a cutting device, a means for feeding bananas into the cutting device, and two processing conveyor devices (to apply the compression force to the banana parts), is also shown.
US07861646B2 Device for producing small batches of coffee from liquid coffee concentrate
A device for brewing batches, such as, but not limited to, relatively small one or two cup batches, of coffee from water and liquid coffee concentrate, preferably shelf stable. The size of the device, preferably similar to an automatic drip coffee maker, allows the device to be conveniently utilized in the home, an office, a hotel suite, or hospitality area or the like. The device includes a metered volumetric mix valve assembly that, when activated, admits simultaneously or sequentially a finite volume of water and liquid concentrate to a mixing chamber or conduit where they are mixed and then dispensed to a container such as a carafe, cup, mug or the like. Mixing can take place in one or more of the mixing chamber or conduit and the container in which the water and concentrate are dispensed. In this manner, repeatable beverage solutions are obtained. Advantageously, the device is constructed so that the liquid concentrate flows gravimetrically to the volumetric mix valve assembly, and a costly concentrate pump is not necessary. The device can be sealed so that theft of the coffee concentrate can be prevented.
US07861627B2 Machine tool bed having fluid channel
A bed for machine tool includes a fluid channel crossing the bed and at least one reinforcement bridging the fluid channel. Thus the machining accuracy of a workpiece becomes higher.
US07861626B2 Lens surface cutting apparatus and lens surface cutting method for spectacle lens, and spectacle lens
A lens surface cutting method for a spectacle lens includes the steps of calculating the mean curvature of a lens surface (5) to be machined, calculating a helical machining path (4) that matches the mean curvature, and cutting the lens surface (5) to be machined by a cutting means. The helical machining path (4) calculated by the helical machining path calculating step is a path in which helix spacings P (=P1, P2, . . . Pn) on the lens surface (5) to be machined are equidistant and a helix spacing d (=d1, d2, . . . dn) on an X-Y projection plane 100 increases continuously from a lens outer periphery toward a center. The cutting means cuts the lens surface (5) to be machined from the outer periphery toward the center along the helical machining path (4). Thus, a spectacle lens having a lens surface with a surface accuracy that is almost uniform throughout an entire surface can be obtained.
US07861621B2 Box end/open end wrench
A driving head of a wrench includes three engaging surfaces and three reception concavities alternatively defined in an inner periphery thereof. A recess is defined in a center of each of engaging surfaces and located between first and second engaging portions. The last reception concavity has one of two insides connected to the second engaging portions next to it, the other insides of the last reception concavity is connected with a third engaging portion. The recesses and the reception concavities are sized to accommodate protrusions of a star-shaped nut. The reception concavity is sized to accommodate one of protrusions of a star-shaped nut. The adjacent first and second engaging portions have a common tangent line and three respective common tangent lines are located on three sides of a hexagonal object. The wrench is able to drive the object in two opposite directions without removing the wrench from the object.
US07861616B2 Vehicle transmission
A vehicle transmission is adapted to transmit a power output from an engine unit to a wheel. The vehicle transmission includes a driving unit and a speed-changing unit. The driving unit includes a main box, a first driving mechanism disposed within the main box and adapted to be driven by the engine unit, and an output shaft driven by the first driving mechanism. The speed-changing unit includes an auxiliary box connected removably to the main box, a second driving mechanism disposed within the auxiliary box and driven by the output shaft, and an axle parallel to the output shaft and driven by the second driving mechanism. The axle is connected fixedly to the wheel, and extends into the auxiliary box.
US07861615B2 Adjustable steering column assembly
A steering column assembly having a column jacket defining a longitudinal axis and moveable in a telescoping direction and a tilting direction is disclosed. A first bracket defines a telescoping slot having a first tooth rack extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. A second bracket defines a tilting slot having a second tooth rack extending transverse to the telescoping slot. A first locking member and a second locking member are moveable along a pivot axis transverse the longitudinal axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking members have a first locking surface parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second locking surface transverse to the longitudinal and pivot axes. The locking surfaces are disposed in the telescoping and tilting slots, respectively when in the locked position such that the locking surfaces engage the first and second tooth racks, respectively for preventing movement of the column jacket.
US07861613B2 Selector mechanism for dual-clutch transmissions
An embodiment provides a method shifting a multispeed transmission. The multispeed transmission includes multiple gear paths having alternating speed ratios and a plurality of shift members. Each shift member is selectively moveable to engage a speed ratio of the transmission. The method includes directing a shift finger to contact a first shift member, moving the first shift member generally in a first generally orthogonal direction to engage a first gear, and moving the shift finger in a second generally orthogonal direction to an intermediate configuration. The shift finger will not contact a selector rail when moved in the first direction when the shift finger is in the intermediate configuration. The method also includes moving the shift finger generally in the second generally orthogonal direction to a second engaged configuration. The shift finger will contact a second shift member when moved in the first direction when the shift finger is in the second engaged configuration.
US07861611B2 Stop device
A stop device comprises a rotatable shaft, a travelling nut mounted upon the shaft in such a manner that rotation of the shaft causes the nut to translate along the shaft, and a stop member mounted upon the shaft and operable to limit the length of the shaft along which the travelling nut can translate, wherein the stop member is adjustably mounted upon the shaft.
US07861606B2 Measuring arrangement for determining the constituents of a sample taken from a crop stream
A measuring arrangement is associated with a branch channel of a channel through which crops flow. The measuring arrangement comprises a measuring device for detecting the constituents of a sample of a crop stream in the branch channel, where in the branch channel between an opening and the measuring device, a processing device is arranged for reducing in size or for squeezing the sample.
US07861603B2 Coriolis mass flowmeter including an inner pipe made of fluororesin and outer pipe having fibers
A Coriolis flowmeter includes an oscillator for oscillating a fluid pipe that forms a flow path for allowing a measurement fluid to flow; first and second detectors that are disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the flow path of the fluid pipe so as to detect a state of oscillation of the fluid pipe; and a calculator for calculating a mass flow rate of the measurement fluid that passes through the flow path of the fluid pipe on the basis of a relative amount of the states of oscillation that are detected by the first and second detectors. The fluid pipe includes an inner pipe made of a fluororesin whose inner circumferential surface is in contact with the flow path, and an outer pipe having fibers that are arranged in order to surround an outer circumferential surface of the inner pipe and a resin that is cured in a state of close adhesion between the fibers arranged in order, and having an elastic modulus larger than that of the inner pipe.
US07861602B2 Explosion-proof high temperature compatible, multi-vortex flow meter
A temperature-sensitive sensor (21) and a heating temperature-sensitive sensor (22) are fixed in position in a liquid-tight fashion by welding, with the metal tubular bodies (36 and 37) being inserted into the tubular body insertion holes (19 and 20) of a vortex detector (4). Sealing performance is secured without using any O-ring. The temperature-sensitive sensor (21) and the heating temperature-sensitive sensor (22) respectively have lead wires (42 and 43) held together with the lead wires (27) of a vortex detection sensor (11) within the internal space (35), and the lead wires (27, 42, and 43) thus held together are led out toward the flow rate converter (not shown) via a metal pipe (34). Since the lead wires (27, 42, and 43) are held together within the internal space (35) and led out toward the flow rate converter via the metal pipe (34), there is involved only one joint portion between the sensors and the flow rate converter. With this structure, explosion-proof performance can be attained easily.
US07861601B2 Measurement of liquid flow in porous media by tracer dilution without continuous mixing
A natural gradient, single well, tracer dilution non-continuous mixing apparatus and method for measuring flow of liquids through porous media are described. The method has been applied to concentrations of Light Nonaqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) in monitoring wells to measure the rate of LNAPL flow through the wells and through the adjacent formation. Similar measurements were made for concentrations of water in other formations. A LNAPL-soluble fluorescing tracer was added to LNAPL in the wells, and a water-soluble fluorescing tracer was added to water in the wells. The tracer is initially uniformly-mixed into the LNAPL or water in the well, and the tracer concentration is measured using a fiber optic cable and a spectrometer. The LNAPL or water with dissolved tracer is then allowed to flow from the well without any mixing. At a later time, the LNAPL or water and tracer in the well are mixed to a uniform tracer concentration, and the tracer concentration is remeasured. Using the initial tracer concentration, the subsequently mixed tracer concentration, the elapsed time, and the well diameter, a LNAPL flow rate is calculated.
US07861598B2 Pressure transducer
A pressure transducer, including a housing having a housing axis and a measuring cell chamber defined in the housing. The measuring cell chamber is exposable to a pressure via an opening. The opening is surrounded by an annular, first sealing surface. A pressure measuring cell having a second sealing surface facing towards the opening, and a support surface facing away from the sealing surface sealing ring; and a clamping apparatus, which engages the housing are provided. The pressure measuring cell and the sealing ring are clamped by means of an axial clamping force in such a manner between the clamping apparatus and the first sealing surface, that the sealing ring is arranged pressure-tightly between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The pressure transducer further includes a misalignment accommodating arrangement, which includes a first transmission body, which faces toward the opening, and a second transmission body, which is facing away from the opening. The axial clamping force is transmitted through the misalignment accommodating arrangement, from the clamping apparatus to the pressure measuring cell, and the first transmission body is tiltable relative to the second transmission body about two mutually perpendicular axes.
US07861593B2 Rotational vibration measurements in computer systems
Embodiments of a mechanical device to facilitate in-situ measurements of vibration associated with a corresponding component in a computer system are described. This mechanical device includes a housing that has approximately a same mass as the component, approximately a same distribution of mass about a geometric center of the component, and approximately a same form factor as the component. Moreover, the mechanical device includes one or more vibration sensors, which are mechanically coupled to the housing, and which are configured to perform the in-situ vibration measurements.
US07861591B2 Device for the ultrasonic inspection of the weld seam of longitudinally welded pipes for defects
The present invention pertains to a device for ultrasonic inspection of a weld seam of a longitudinally welded pipe for longitudinal defects with an inspection unit, which is relatively displaceable on a pipe surface on at least one side of the weld seam. The device also has two inspection heads in a tandem and spatially-variable arrangement, such that they can be positioned relative to the pipe surface to correspond to an intended acoustic irradiation angle independent of the diameter of the pipe. According to the invention, one inspection head acts as a transmitter and the other inspection head acts as a receiver. The device also has a pick-up connected to each of the two inspection heads, a coupling means connection connected to each pick-up, and a replaceable connecting element connected each pick-up via the coupling means connection.
US07861589B2 Ring body and supporting structure of vibratile gyroscope
The invention is to provide a ring body and supporting structure of a vibratile gyroscope. The ring body is a thin sheet ring body having a height. The supporting structure is provided for supporting the ring body. The supporting structure is located on two opposing edges of the ring body. The supporting structures provide axial and radial supporting forces to restrain the ring body, providing better sensitivity and capability to resist environmental vibration and noise. Additionally, a reinforcing structure surrounding the ring body is arranged at an interior surface of the ring body to raise the rigidity of the ring body and maintain an elliptical resonance mode. If the reinforcing structure si arranged as high as the ring body, then it is possible to arrange electrodes at both inner and outer sides of the ring body to raise the effective area of driving and/or sensing electrodes. Raising the effective sensing area is further beneficial to reduce the needed driving voltage and increase the signal-to-noise ratio.
US07861584B2 Probe tips for airborne instruments used to measure cloud microphysical parameters
An instrument for obtaining airborne measurements of cloud microphysical parameters. The instrument comprises supporting arms mounted thereon, optics and a detector for measuring the cloud microphysical parameters The supporting arms define an optical path of the instrument and comprise probe tips affixed thereto. The probe tips comprise an outer portion for deflecting particles away from the optical path of the instrument and an inner portion opposite the outer portion. The outer portion of the tips have a pyramidal section with a centre ridgeline and flat or concave surfaces effective to reduce water shedding and particle shattering during in-flight collection of data.
US07861583B2 Wind turbine anemometry compensation
A system for estimating a freestream wind characteristic for a wind turbine having a rotor includes estimating a nacelle wind speed for the turbine; determining, from the estimated nacelle wind speed, at least one angular position of the rotor for measuring a nacelle wind characteristic for the turbine; and measuring the nacelle wind characteristic at the determined angular position of the rotor.
US07861581B2 Fluidic volume dispense verification tool
Disclosed herein is a device for measuring fluid dispense volumes including one or more wells adapted to receive a fluid; a tube having an internal passageway fluidly coupled to the one or more wells, wherein fluid in the wells passes into the internal passageway via capillary action to form a fluid column having a meniscus spaced from the wells; and a scale coupled to the tube, the scale calibrated to provide an indication of the volume of the fluid based upon the location of the meniscus in the fluid passageway.
US07861579B2 Aircraft engine pre-dressing unit for testing facility
A turbofan test cell pre-dressing unit that enables the installation of the engine in a test cell in minimal time is provided.
US07861578B2 Methods and systems for estimating operating parameters of an engine
A method for estimating an operating parameter of a turbine engine is provided. The method includes receiving at least one sensor input, calculating the operating parameter using at least the one sensor input, and determining whether an anomaly is present in the calculated operating parameter using a redundancy system. An estimated operating parameter is output.
US07861576B2 Apparatus for analyzing sample using centrifugal force and inertia
A sample analyzing apparatus using centrifugal force and inertia including a rotating body composed of a disk including upper and lower thin-films; a plurality of chambers composed of a polygonal space parts in the rotating body and including apertures on one side corner and a bottom side thereof; paths connected between the apertures of the chambers to transfer fluids mixed or separated in the chambers; sample inputting holes connected to the chambers formed inside of the rotating body through the paths; and balls moving within the chambers.
US07861575B2 Micro gas sensor and manufacturing method thereof
A micro gas sensor is disclosed including a substrate; an open cavity formed in the substrate; an electrode pad separation groove formed on the substrate; a first and a second electrode pads formed over the substrate and electrically insulated from each other by the electrode pad separation groove; a micro heater connected to the first electrode pad and configured of a bridge structure suspended over the open cavity; a first sensing electrode extending from the first electrode pad and suspended over the open cavity; a second sensing electrode extending from the first electrode pad and suspended over the open cavity; and a gas sensing film electrically coupled to the micro heater and filling a gap between the first and the second sensing electrodes.
US07861573B1 Laser shock induced spallation
Laser shock methods and systems are disclosed for evaluating impact resistance of materials, and for simulating and evaluating threshold conditions where damage may occur.
US07861572B2 Method and device for making at least partly profiled tubes
A method and device are disclosed for producing tubes that are at least partially profiled on their interior and preferably on their exterior from a hollow cylindrical blank (3), using a mechanical cold forming method, wherein the end of the blank (3) that is not to be machined (3′) is fed to a clamping device (10). The blank (3) is then secured in the clamping device (10) and a mandrel (2) is subsequently inserted into the end of region (3) of the blank (3) that is to be machined. A lance (8) is guided in the mandrel so that it can be coaxially displaced in a longitudinal direction and the free end of the lance (8′) can be introduced into the clamping device (10). The tip (8′) of the lance (8) is then brought into a positive fit with the clamping device (10) in the axial direction of the blank (3) and the mandrel (2), together with the clamping device (10) and the blank (3) is guided axially through a fixed machining point (6). Radial exterior machining of the surface of the blank (3) along the section that is to be machined (3′) takes place at the machining point (6), to create the interior and exterior profiling of the blank (3). During the process, the mandrel (2) is preferably rotated about its axis in an intermittent manner.
US07861564B2 Slot device
A slot device for holding a portable device that communicates with a controller installed in a vehicle. The slot device includes a retainer for retaining the portable device, a shutter for closing the retainer, and a spring received in a spring receptacle for urging the shutter to close the retainer. The spring is supported in an inclined state to contact the inner surface of the spring receptacle and prevent vibrations and noise.
US07861560B2 Drum type washing machine and balancer for drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine having a balancer to prevent a reduction in the washing capacity of a rotating drum while preventing a collision noise of balls installed in the balancer. The diameter of the balls is maintained in a range of 12 millimeters to 30 millimeters, so as to prevent a collision noise of the balls during rotation of the rotating drum while preventing a reduction in the washing capacity of the rotating drum.
US07861559B2 Yarn feeding device for knitting machines, particularly for circular knitting machines
A device for feeding yarns for knitting machines comprising a supporting element arranged on the inner side of the machine bed which supports a set of yarn guides arranged side-by-side. Each of the yarn guides has a passage for at least one yarn to be fed to the needles of the machine arranged in the bed and the supporting element, for each of the yarn guides, supports an element for clamping and cutting the yarn dispensed by the corresponding yarn guide. A first actuator for the yarn guides is provided for the passage of the yarn guides from an inactive position to an active position, and a second actuator is provided for actuating the clamping and cutting elements. The first actuator comprises individual actuators actuated to produce passage of each of the yarn guides from the inactive position to the active position or vice versa.
US07861558B2 Method of making assemblies of multi-fiber with irregular hexagonal array
A method of making a multi-fiber assembly with irregular hexagonal array, which includes the steps of forming a plurality of primitives each made of a plurality of fibers, said fibers having cylindrical outer surfaces of same diameter and being arranged in an irregular hexagonal array, said irregular hexagonal array having six sides wherein three alternate sides of said primitive are each composed of n fibers and the other three alternate sides of said primitive 11 are each composed of n−1 fibers; and bringing together said primitives in such a way that sides with n fibers of said primitives are in contact with sides with n−1 fibers of other primitive thereby arranging said fibers at a central portion among said primitives in alignment with one another and therefore preventing said fibers at said central portion from squeezing one another.
US07861557B2 Plasma torch for making synthetic silica
The improved plasma torch for making synthetic silica includes use of nitrogen screen gas from outer quartz tubing to provide active environment isolation. In addition, the present induction plasma torch includes a ring disk for more compact but complete environmental protection (360 degree coverage). It also includes offsetting and switching the position of the chemical injection nozzles for allowing improved deposition in both directions, when operated in a horizontal mode. Further, the present induction plasma torch maintains laminar flow for the injected chemicals and the middle quartz tube is provided with a concave section for increasing the average enthalpy of plasma jet, thus improving the efficiency of the plasma torch. In addition, it may utilize more plasma gas inlets. It also includes chemical injection nozzles having a downward angular inclination.
US07861555B2 Article of jewelry
An article of jewelry including a body having an outer major surface and a decorative pattern formed on the outer surface of the body, the pattern including pairs of intersecting grooves and an optically transparent synthetic decorative element that includes admixed glitter, diamond dust, or both formed in a respective well created by the intersection of each pair of intersecting grooves.
US07861554B2 Adjustable sized jewelry
An adjustable ring according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a ring portion having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an opening for receiving a finger therethrough; a movable segment coupled to the ring portion and movable between a first position and a second position; and a spring element coupled to the ring portion and the movable segment to allow movement of the movable segment between the first position and the second position. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable ring further includes an insert portion coupled to an inner surface of the ring portion, the insert portion having an opening; and the movable segment coupled to the insert portion and having a surface movable through the insert portion opening.
US07861552B1 Insulated food carrier and organizer
An insulated carrier having an interior lip for supporting a planar organizer having a plurality of spaced apart apertures for receiving user provided containers and organizer aperture covers for covering said containers. The carrier having a lid for covering said carrier and having segregated storage compartments for utilitarian use, such as cutlery storage. The storage compartments having a latch door providing access therein.
US07861551B2 Method and device for producing ice droplets on demand
A method and device for producing ice droplets on-demand in a refrigerator is provided wherein small water droplets are dropped from a valve through a supercooled chamber where the water freezes and forms ice pieces, such as in the form of pellets, while free-falling through the chamber, with the ice being directed to a dispenser assembly. The size and dispensing rate of the droplets can be selected by a user and regulated by a controller. The method and device eliminates the need for bulk ice storage and dispensing components.
US07861547B2 HVAC system control for improved vehicle fuel economy
A method of operating a HVAC system in a vehicle having an engine that operates in a high efficiency mode and a less efficient mode is disclosed. The method may comprise the steps of: operating a refrigerant compressor to cool a passenger compartment and charge a cold thermal storage apparatus; determining if a cold charge in the storage apparatus has exceeded a threshold; enabling compressor cycling if the cold charge in the storage apparatus has exceeded the threshold; detecting if the engine is operating in the high efficiency mode; determining an amount of HVAC loads on the engine; determining a proximity of the engine operation to a switching point from the high efficiency mode to the less efficient mode; and conducting a HVAC load shed if the HVAC load reduction allows the engine to stay below the switching point and the compressor cycling is enabled.
US07861544B2 Apparatus and methods for creating sparkling water from the atmosphere
What is disclosed is a system designed to extract water moisture from the atmosphere, highly purify and condition the extracted water, and provide optional carbonation of the extracted water for human consumption. In one embodiment, the device collects water-vapor condensation from filtered intake air, then subjects the condensate to a series of purification filters and to a sterilization process in order to produce drinking water, while also providing a means to combine the purified water with CO2 gas to facilitate dispensing carbonated water and/or carbonated drinks.
US07861541B2 System and method of refrigeration
In a refrigeration system, an asymmetric scroll expander has an orbiting scroll element engaged with a fixed scroll element. The orbiting scroll element and fixed scroll element can define a first expansion pocket and a second expansion pocket at positions relative to one another.
US07861539B2 Cooling fan with thermostatic air output
A cooling fan with thermostatic air output has a water cistern and a water reservoir respectively disposed on the top portion and the bottom portion of the fan body, wherein an electric fan and two pipes of recycling pipe and water outlet pipe for water circulation are disposed therein; Wherein a Thermoelectric Cooling Modules (TECM) is secured in said water cistern, and a water absorbing curtain is hung downwards between the wind inlet of said fan body and said electric fan such that the top end of said water absorbing curtain being immersed in the water cistern; Then, by means of the sucking function of said electric fan in front of said water absorbing curtain, the air of normal temperature from wind inlet is sucked and blown out of the wind outlet via said water absorbing curtain, where the inlet air mixing with moisture of lower temperature; Thus, the cooling effect in breeze of lower temperature by blowing action is achieved so as to let us enjoy such cooling breeze.
US07861536B2 Ejector controlled twin air source gas turbine pressurizing air system
A passive pressurizing air system for a gas turbine engine includes a flow path for directing an air flow having a low temperature and low pressure, extending through a cavity to a pressurized area of the engine. The cavity contains pressurized air having a high temperature and high pressure. An air flow mixing apparatus is provided for adding the pressurized air from the cavity into the flow path to provide a mixed air flow having an intermediate temperature and intermediate pressure.
US07861532B2 System and methods for heat recovery steam generators hot purging
A method for operating an energy system includes calculating an auto-ignition temperature of a fuel in use with the energy system, storing the auto-ignition temperature in a system memory, unloading a gas turbine associated with the energy system to a pre-determined range of operations, controlling a temperature of the exhaust flow discharged from the gas turbine, opening an exhaust bypass damper to a pre-determined position to enable a pre-determined volume of air to enter an exhaust flow path defined within the energy system, and releasing the energy system for normal operation after a pre-determined amount of time has elapsed.
US07861531B2 Fairing for a combustion chamber end wall
An annular fairing for covering the annular chamber end wall of a turbomachine combustion chamber, and in particular of an airplane turbojet. The fairing presents openings for passing fuel injectors that are supported by the chamber end wall. The fairing is subdivided into a plurality of adjacent sectors, each sector presenting inner and outer fastener edges capable of being fastened on either side of said chamber end wall. Each sector includes a lip on one of its side edges, which lip is connected to the remainder of the sector by a step, said lip being designed to over the side edge of the adjacent sector.
US07861524B2 Master cylinder of brake
A master cylinder of a brake is disclosed. The master cylinder includes a cylinder body connected with an oil tank and defining therein a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber, which are separated from each other by a partition, a first piston to perform reciprocating movements in the first pressure chamber, a second piston to perform reciprocating movements in the second pressure chamber, a first return spring to elastically support the first piston in the first pressure chamber, and a second return spring to elastically support the second piston in the second pressure chamber. The first piston has a plurality of recesses formed at one end thereof to assure smooth supply of oil during braking. The master cylinder has the effects of assuring smooth supply of brake oil during braking, and preventing fluctuation of a piston therein.
US07861522B2 Electrically driven brake booster
The present invention relates to an electrically driven brake booster in which boost control is performed as follows; when an input piston is displaced forward by an input rod upon an operation of a brake pedal, an electric motor is operated according to the input, and a primary piston is displaced forward by a ball-screw mechanism, and then a primary and secondary pressure chamber in a master cylinder main body are pressurized. A first seal and a second seal are disposed at a seal portion between the primary piston and the input piston. A portion between the first seal and the second seal is in communication with an outside through a discharge passage. Brake fluid which leaks from the first seal is sealed off by the second seal, and is discharged to the outside through the discharge passage, whereby it becomes possible to prevent that the electric motor and the ball-screw mechanism otherwise might be corroded by the leaking brake fluid.
US07861520B2 Method and apparatus for reducing emissions in diesel engines
A method of reducing emissions from a diesel engine including the steps of providing an injector to an exhaust outlet of the diesel engine, the injector having an orifice with a diameter of about 0.006 inch or less, providing a reagent to the injector at an inlet pressure between about 120 psi and about 60 psi, actuating the injector on and off at a frequency between about 10 Hz and about 1 Hz with an on-time of about 1% or more, injecting the reagent via the orifice into the exhaust outlet at an injection rate, and wherein varying of at least two of the inlet pressure, the frequency, and the on-time achieves a turn-down ratio of a maximum injection rate to a minimum injection rate of at least about 31:1.
US07861513B2 Aeroengine ventilation system
A gas turbine engine comprising a ventilation zone defined between a core engine casing and a core fairing and having a discharge nozzle, the engine further comprises a pre-cooler having a flow of coolant therethrough and which coolant being ducted into the ventilation zone wherein an additional ventilation zone outlet system is provided and comprises a variable area outlet.
US07861509B2 Methods and systems for gas turbine syngas warm-up with low emissions
Methods and systems of operating an integrated gasification combined cycle system are provided. The method includes coupling a non-fuel fluid conduit to a fuel conduit, warming a flow of non-fuel fluid, and channeling the warmed non-fuel fluid through the fuel conduit such that heat from the warmed non-fuel fluid heats the fuel conduit to a predetermined temperature.
US07861505B1 Reduced-weight plant-cutting assembly for a header
A cutting assembly for a header of a plant-cutting machine has an elongate blade support bar including a first elongate segment that can engage a second elongate segment by interlocking. Overlying the elongate blade support bar is a plurality of blade sections, including first sub-plurality of blade sections overlying a first lengthwise portion of the first elongate segment, and a second sub-plurality of blade sections overlying a second lengthwise portion of the first elongate segment and a third lengthwise portion of the second elongate segment. An elongate attach bar overlies the first sub-plurality of blade sections, and a spanning bar overlies the second sub-plurality of blade sections.
US07861500B2 Automatic cart bagger
A method of automatically placing a bag over an object and removing the bag from a bag dispenser is provide. Fold grippers mounted to an arm support frame positioned at a first location on a frame are closed on folds of a first bag. A fold gripper is moved from a first location to a second location on the arm support frame opening the first bag. The arm support frame is moved from the first location to a second location on the frame to cover the object. The fold grippers are opened after moving the arm support frame to the second location. The arm support frame is moved from the second location to the first location on the frame. The fold gripper is moved from the second location to the first location on the arm support frame. Bag grippers mounted to the arm support frame are closed on the first bag. The fold grippers are closed on the folds of a second bag attached to the first bag. The fold gripper is moved from the first location to the second location on the arm support frame separating the bags and opening the second bag.
US07861499B2 Filling machine for open, sealable sacks
A filling machine for open, sealable sacks includes a fill pipe for filling the attached sacks with contents having a tendency to develop dust, and a cleaning device which includes a blow rail for cleaning the inner faces of the sack mouth rim and side folds of a sack by an air flow which emerges from the blow rail. The blow rail is fastened to two-armed levers which can be pivoted about a stationary axis by means of a drive. As a result, the air jets are directed onto the surfaces to be cleaned from different directions during the cleaning process and the layers of the side folds are also separated from one another and cleaned. The filling machine is suitable, in particular, for filling powdery contents.
US07861497B2 Box wrapping assembly and method
A box wrapping assembly and method incorporates a framework having a special top hold-down platen that functions with a cooperating fixture that is affixed to a rotatable turntable. Using this assembly and method, the operator can place four sidewall panels in a self-positioning fixture and panel-capturing platen prior to wrapping. Stretch film is connected to the fixture by a hook device and the stretch film is automatically pre-stretched to a rope of stretched film for particular application where the box contents are intended to be contained within the box under pressure.
US07861494B2 Intravaginal device with fluid transport plates
An apparatus for producing an absorbent article includes a holding tool, a female tool disposed along a machine axis, and a male tool disposed along the machine axis. The holding tool has an aperture aligned along the machine axis and means for holding a flexible sheet across the aperture. The female tool has at least one folding element extending in a direction radially away from the machine axis, and the male tool has means for holding a fluid storage element and at least one pleating blade extending in a direction radially away from the machine axis. At least two of the holding tool, female tool, and male tool are capable of relative motion along the machine axis. Further the at least one pleating blade and of the male tool and the at least one folding element of the female tool are aligned to permit manipulation of the flexible sheet about the fluid storage element.
US07861490B2 Method of packaging articles
A heat-shrinkable holder is disclosed for securing a plurality of articles. The holder may include a first sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material, and a second sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material and joined to the first sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet each have a substantially equal pre-shrinking length, and are joined so as to create at least two openings therebetween. Each of the openings is sized larger than one of the articles. The first and second sheets are heat-shrinkable to an extent to shrink the openings sufficiently to secure two of the articles together into a unit. Various modifications and additions are possible, including use of more than three sheets, providing for the reading of printed indicia on the articles or holder, providing a handle. Numerous orientations and collections of articles are possible. Related packages including a holder and articles are also disclosed, as well as related methods of manufacture of the holder and package.
US07861489B2 Preform, hydroforming method, and hydroformed product
A preform having edges overlapped and jointed, two outer members for forming outer surfaces of a hydroformed product, and reinforcement members for forming reinforcement ribs that divide a hollow cross section of the hydroformed product, including a joint formed by, when more than three sheet materials for forming the outer members and the reinforcement members are overlapped together, welding a first sheet material on a surface of the overlapped sheet materials to a second sheet material positioned inside the first sheet material, and a space disposed and aligned with a joint plane between the second sheet material and a third sheet material located inside the second sheet material during the welding process.
US07861487B2 Tile alignment and leveling device
A device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are laid in floors, walls, countertops, or the like. The device has a locking assembly and a bottom plate. The components are combined with a shaft that extends from the bottom plate through the locking assembly so that the locking assembly is movable along the length of the shaft. In use, the device is placed between adjacent tiles so that the locking assembly and bottom plate hold adjacent tiles at a desired height as the setting bed dries.
US07861485B1 Method for installing a stanchion on a tile roof and system therefor
A method and apparatus for installing a stanchion on a tile roof includes a tile which has an aperture and a stanchion which fits through the aperture. An existing roof tile is removed and the stanchion is connected to the roof sheathing at the place of removal. The tile is then placed over the stanchion so that the stanchion project through the aperture. In an embodiment of the invention, a sleeve surrounds the aperture and a seal provides a weather proof seal between the stanchion and the sleeve.
US07861484B2 Method for making a sound-insulating load-bearing floor
A method for making a sound-insulating load-bearing floor, includes the following steps: applying a sound-insulating material over a load-bearing floor as to form a continuous coating layer; allowing the continuous coating layer to harden; applying a covering floor over said hardened continuous coating layer; wherein the sound-insulating material includes: 40% by weight to 95% by weight, preferably 60% by weight to 90% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sound-insulating material, of at least one rubber in a subdivided form; 5% by weight to 60% by weight, preferably 10% by weight to 40% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sound-insulating material, of at least one binding agent including: a first, component including at least one organic compound having at least one acid functional group or a derivative thereof, the first component having a Brookfield viscosity, measured at 23° C., of 0.1 Pa·s to 100 Pa·s, preferably 0.2 Pa·s to 50 Pa·s, more preferably 0.5 Pa·s to 20 Pa·s; and a second component including at least one metal oxide or hydroxide.
US07861483B2 Floor panel with the tongue more elastic than the locking element
The invention relates to a panel, with a tongue on a longitudinal and a transverse edge, projecting beyond said longitudinal or transverse edge, with essentially parallel tongue surfaces and a groove on the opposing longitudinal or transverse edge, enclosed by lateral panel sections, corresponding to the tongue of an adjacent panel with essentially parallel groove edges. In order to lock two adjacent panels such as to run into each other, a projecting locking element is provided on at least one tongue surface at least in parts and in each region of (a) panel section(s) corresponding to said locking element(s) for connected panels a recess(es) is provided, whereby the region (B) of the tongue with the locking element and/or at least one of the regions of the tongue and the panel sections which are in contact on introducing the tongue into the groove, before the locking element clips into the recess, have an elastic embodiment such that said elasticity is greater than the elasticity of the locking element.
US07861481B2 Floor covering
The invention relates to a connecting element (24) for a floor covering (20) consisting of a first part element (26) and a second part element (28), each having connecting openings (34) by which means they can be connected to one another by a connecting means (36). In the assembled state these form a connecting channel (38) in which a connector (40) can be disposed, which connector also has a connecting opening (34) for the connecting means (36), wherein the connector (40) projects laterally from the connecting element (24) in such a manner that it can be inserted into a connecting channel (38) of a neighbouring connecting element (24) and a connecting means (36) can likewise extend there through a second connecting opening (34) so that two connecting means (36) located adjacent to one another can be connected to one another by the connector (40), wherein the connecting means (36) has dimensions such that it does not protrude over a useful area (21) of the floor covering (20) (FIG. 5).
US07861480B2 Roof subframe system
A subframe for retrofitting an existing roof with a new roof is disclosed. In some embodiments, the subframe comprises a base, a first and second longitudinal flanges, a first wall extending between the base and the first longitudinal flange, a second wall spaced apart from the first wall and extending between the base and the second longitudinal flange, and a traversely-oriented punch out passing through the base, the first wall and the second wall. The punch out is configured to receive a rib of the existing roof. Once installed on the existing roof and coupled to the new roof, the subframe and new roof form an enclosed, self-supporting structure with increased structural capacity and stability in comparison to conventional retrofitted roof systems.
US07861478B2 Roof membrane and roof system using the membrane to simulate a standing seam metal roof
A roof membrane is disclosed, for use in simulating a standing seam metal roof when applied to a roof surface and a roof system is also provided, that employs the roof membrane, disposed between longitudinal, but spaced-apart, generally parallel roof battens. Underlayments of various constructions are also provided, beneath the membrane, as an option. Caps are provided for upstanding legs of the roof battens.
US07861474B2 Ceiling attachment for full-height panel
A prefabricated wall panel has a top frame structure defining an upward-opening channel extending lengthwise along the upper edge of the panel. An elongate header member is normally disposed within this channel. The header member is vertically slidably supported on supports fixed to the top frame structure so that the header member, in a storage position, is retained in the space. When the panel has been swung upwardly so that the upper edge is aligned below a preinstalled ceiling track, then the header member is manually displaced upwardly until the header telescopes over the ceiling track. A fixed connection is then formed between the header and the ceiling track to provide lateral stability at the upper edge of the wall panel.
US07861473B1 Low-profile screen framing system
A system for framing a porch using concealed fasteners and concealed or partially-concealed framing elements on support posts. The framing elements have a small cross section, generally shaped like the letter C with a slot on one side and a spline groove in one of the opposing corners. The framing elements are attached to a support post by screwing plural, spaced-apart buttons into the posts and then snapping the button heads into the slot of the framing elements. The framing elements may be applied to the surface of the posts or, because of their small size, may be put into grooves formed in the sides or corners of the posts and concealed on one or more sides by trim boards.
US07861470B2 Self centering shaft wall system
A J-runner, used in the construction of shaft walls in buildings is provided with a lifting element or ledge or both to permit simple centering of studs or shaft walls or both. By providing a lifting member in a lower J-runner, the studs or shaft walls or both can rest upon the lifting member to assist in vertically centering the studs or shaft walls or both when the shaft is fully constructed.
US07861468B1 Window well
A window well for use by a person to escape through a window formed in a basement wall including a generally U-shaped body member having upper and lower ends and inner and outer ends. The open upper end of the body member has a spacer and a removable lid mounted thereon. The body member is comprised of a composite material such as fiberglass.
US07861466B2 Mounting apparatus for lighting and lighting accessories
Embodiments of the invention provide a mounting apparatus that includes at least two ceiling mounts. Each of two scissor mounts may be coupled to the same or different dropped ceiling rail(s) using a corresponding scissor clip feature. The mounting apparatus further includes a mounting pipe that is coupled to each of the scissor mounts. The mounting pipe is thus suspended by the scissor mounts below the dropped ceiling, providing an unlimited number of potential mounting positions for lighting and/or lighting accessories.
US07861463B1 Sliding door grab bar opener
A sliding door grab bar opener for opening and closing a sliding door. The opener includes outside and inside tube members, each having first and second ends. The inside tube member is positioned within the outside tube member and is adapted to slide from a fully retracted configuration with the first end of the inside tube member being located adjacent the first end of the outside tube member to a fully extended configuration with the first end of the inside tube member being located adjacent the second end of the outside tube member. First and second end stanchion members are attached to the outside and inside tube members adjacent their first and second ends, respectively. A middle stanchion member is attached to the outside tube member adjacent its second end. The stanchion members are adapted to be attached to the frames of the sliding door panels by fastener means.
US07861461B2 Method for automatically opening door and device for automatically opening and closing door
A door opening and closing device for a slide door, which can be horizontally open and close the slide door by application of a light load and which can be constructed and maintained at low costs. The door opening and closing device has a transmission mechanism for converting through a lever (31) the amount of settlement of a tread plate (21) placed on floor surfaces at positions in front and back of the slide door (12), into a predetermined displacement amount. The tread plate (21) is weight-wise balanced such that the transmission mechanism and settlement of the tread plate due to the weight of an adjustment weight (W) causes the tread plate (21) to float through the lever (31). Up-down movement of the long transmission member (32) presses a drive rotation body (42) to an open door rail (41), and a component force of the pressing force allows the slide door (12) to be opened by application of a light load.
US07861460B1 Emergency window opening system
An emergency window opening system includes a vehicle, a vehicle door attached to the vehicle and a window mounted in the vehicle door. A primary window motor is mechanically coupled to a lift gear mechanically coupled to the window to allow selective raising or lowering of the window. A housing is mounted within the vehicle door. A secondary motor is mounted within the housing. A drive shaft of the secondary motor is mechanically coupled to the lift gear. The secondary motor lowers the window when turned on. An actuator is mounted on the vehicle door and is electrically coupled by a wire to the secondary motor. The secondary motor is turned on when the actuator is actuated. A power supply line extends between and directly electrically couples a battery to the secondary motor. The power supply line extends into the housing.
US07861457B2 Reusable line connector
A splice system for linear connection of fishing lines includes a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has first and second opposite ends, a longitudinal axis, and a shaped exterior surface. The first end of the female connector is connected to a first fishing line section; the second end has a first opening; and the connector has a raised interior feature. The second end of the male connector is connected to a second fishing line section; the first end is configured for coaxial insertion into the first opening of the female connector, and the first end has a raised exterior feature. The connectors have a first relative position representing a disengaged state and a second relative position representing an engaged state. The first relative position and the second relative position are rotationally displaced about the axis.
US07861456B2 Fishing rig
A fishing rig that reduces the likelihood of snags on submerged objects. The fishing rig includes a flexible rod and a retainer secured to the top of the rod. The retainer has a ring for fastening a fishing line to the rig. A float is secured to the rod adjacent the retainer. A sinker is secured to the bottom of the rod. A spreader is secured to the rod between the retainer and the float. The spreader has a pair of outstretched arms, each of which has an outer end with an aperture therein. Two flexible leaders have inside ends that are connected to the ring and have outside ends extending respectively through the apertures. A fishhook is fastened to the outside end of each one of the flexible leaders.
US07861452B2 Vertical foregrip leg extender
Devices, and methods of extending legs from vertical fore grip handles on firearms, such as rifles, to different height positions. The vertical fore grip can include expandable bipod legs. The legs can be individually extended to different lengths by moving telescoping rod members in leg housings from retracted positions to extended positions. A lever switch can allow for the legs to be locked into the different extended positions, and depressing the switch can allow for the legs to go back to the retracted positions. Anti-rotation pins and slots can prevent the telescoping members from rotating relative to the legs.
US07861451B1 Folding stack plate for foregrips
Adapter devices, apparatus, systems and methods of allowing a firearm to be supported by a foldable fore grip/gun handle. The fore grip gun handle can have bipod type legs that can be extendable from the handle. The fore grip handle can be just a vertical extension. The adapter can allow for the fore grip/gun handle to move from a fold back position along the bottom of the firearm so that the firearm can be easily carried, and the adapter to can allow for the handle to move down to a vertical support position beneath the firearm when the firearm is to be used. The adapter can also support a light in both a folded position and in a downwardly extended position, where light can be aimed forward, rearward to the side and/or pointed down from the firearm. The adapter can allow for a dual functioning component that can be either or both a fore grip and/or a light source.
US07861444B2 Animated artificial flower
A device which simulates natural flowering actions, including growth and efflorescence, is actuated by partial immersion of a stem into a liquid. An aperture through the stem base admits the liquid into the stem. A piston slidably disposed within the stem is driven downwardly by the bias force of a resilient spring while an agent which impedes the piston motion dissolves in the liquid. Growth is simulated by a sleeve outside the stem which descends in relation thereto to push the flower upwardly. A simulated corolla is attached to the stem and gradually rotates and opens during the ascent thereof. A cam controls the pivotal position of lifters which open and close the corolla. The petals of the corolla vibrate before opening and open with variations in starting time. As the corolla opens, a surprise gift, gradually ascending on a presentation platform, is revealed. The device may be reused.
US07861443B2 Identification tag and releasable attachment clip
An identification tag that is adapted to be attached to a collar ring. The tag has a molded tag body that defines a pair of recesses, and a pliable clip having spaced arms that are adapted to be releasably received into the tag body recesses, the clip further adapted to be coupled to the collar ring, to releasably couple the tag body to the collar ring.
US07861441B1 Gift card envelope
An envelope for one or more gift cards is disclosed.
US07861440B2 Ironingboard adustable in height
An ironing board includes a base, a body with a work surface and an easy height-adjustment operation to adjust the distance of the body relative to the base. A column extends between the body and the base and is equipped with a stationary frame secured to the base and a moveable frame secured to the body. In order to decrease the force needed to adjust the height of the body relative to the base, the height adjustment device includes device for exerting a repelling force between the body and the base.
US07861434B2 Post sleeve positioning apparatus and method
A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
US07861433B2 Railway car coupler reconditioning contour gauge
A railway car coupler head contour gauge includes a cylindrical portion configured to be rotatably coupled to a coupler head. A gauging blade is coupled to the cylindrical portion. The gauging blade includes a gauging contour that is configured to align with a contour face of a top pulling lug of the coupler head after operational use of the coupler head.
US07861432B1 Method and apparatus for hole measurement
A method and apparatus for measuring hole parameters by using a probe signal have been disclosed.
US07861431B2 Injection molding fixing for feelers
The invention relates to a feeler (1) having a shaft (2) and a coupling body (3) fixing the latter for coupling to a coordinate measuring device. It is provided here that the shaft is fixed in the receiving body by means of injection molding.
US07861430B2 Articulating probe head apparatus and method
Apparatus for a co-ordinate positioning machine is described that comprises an articulating probe head for supporting a measurement probe. The articulating probe head comprises at least one electric motor. Heating means are provided for generating heat in the articulating probe head. The heating means may be the motors or discrete heating elements. Temperature sensing means, such as one or more temperature sensors, is also provided for determining the temperature at the articulating probe head. The apparatus allows the temperature of the articulating probe head to be controlled.
US07861425B2 Centering mandrel
A method and apparatus for aligning structures. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a tapered member and a plurality of segments. The tapered member has a first end and a second end, a diameter that increases from the first end to the second end, and the diameter has a first center. The each of the plurality of segments has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the plurality of segments define a tapered channel capable of receiving the tapered member, wherein the outer surface has an outer diameter with a second center corresponding to the first center, and wherein movement of the plurality of segments to the second end increases the outer diameter with the second center remaining in around a same location.
US07861422B2 Skyline imaging system for solar access determination
A skyline imaging system includes an image sensor and an inclination reference coupled to the image sensor. The inclination reference provides a righting moment for the image sensor and establishes a predetermined orientation for the image sensor relative to the Earth's gravity vector. A heading reference determines an azimuth heading for the image sensor.
US07861417B2 Portable electric cutting apparatus
A portable electric cutting apparatus includes a housing for housing an electric motor rotating a saw blade, a saw cover attached to the housing, the saw cover having a shape to cover an upper half of an outer periphery, the saw cover including a saw blade housing portion at least partially housing the saw blade and a cylindrical portion having a substantially cylindrical shape, the cylindrical portion connecting to the housing at an end face of the cylindrical portion a base being joined to at least one of the saw cover and the housing, the base having an opening to allow the saw blade to project downwardly from a bottom face which is slidable on a cut material and a fan being driven by the electric motor, wherein a discharge passage forming member is provided with the saw cover so as to form a discharge passage by cooperating with a wall face of the saw cover.
US07861410B2 Heat treated devolatilizer nozzle
A method is provided for perforating a steel plate, forming a devolatilizer nozzle from the steel plate, and heat treating the devolatilizer nozzle. The devolatilizer nozzle may have a yield strength of at least about 110 ksi, and a tensile strength of at least about 140 ksi. The perforations in the steel plate are holes in the nozzle and may be no more than about 0.05 inches in diameter. The thickness of the steel plate may be from about 0 to about 0.75 inches. The nozzle may include at least about 500,000 perforations where the center-to-center hole distance may be at least about 0.08 inches. The capacity of the devolatilizer nozzle may be from about 0 to about 75,000 pounds per hour.
US07861409B2 Method of preparing orifice counterbore surface
A method of preparing a surface of a counterbore surrounding an orifice in an orifice layer includes determining a property of a fluid to be ejected through the orifice, and controlling a surface characteristic of the counterbore surface based on the property of the fluid.
US07861404B2 Method for removing the endplate of an electric generator
A method and apparatus for compressing the endplate of an electric generator to relieve the restraining force on a plurality of key blocks that restrain the endplate in compression. The method includes simultaneously applying independent compressive loads at each of the key block locations to the endplate to relieve pressures on the key blocks and removing the key blocks so the endplate can be removed.
US07861403B2 Current transformer cores formed from magnetic iron-based alloy including final crystalline particles and method for producing same
A current transformer core has a ratio of the core outside diameter Da to the core inside diameter Di of <1.5, a saturation magnetostriction λs of =|4| ppm, a circular hysteresis loop with 0.50=Br/Bs=0.85 and an Hcmax=20 mA/cm. The current transformer core is made of a soft magnetic iron alloy in which at least 50% of the alloy structure is occupied by fine-crystalline particles with an average particle size of 100 nm or less, and the iron-based alloy comprises, in essence, one combination.
US07861402B2 Method for production of a pole face of a metallic closing element of an electromagnet
A method is disclosed for producing a pole face of a metal closing elements of a solenoid, especially for electromechanical switchgear. In at least one embodiment, the method includes machining the surface of a crude stamped part of the closing element to give the pole face. A corresponding armature, yoke, solenoid and switchgear are also disclosed.
US07861400B2 Fabricating a write head with multiple electronic lapping guides
Write heads and corresponding methods of fabrication are provided using multiple electronic lapping guides to collect information regarding multiple distances of a write head, such as a throat height and a flare point distance of a write pole. A method of fabricating a write head includes fabricating a write pole and a corresponding write pole ELG. The method further includes fabricating a trailing shield and a corresponding trailing shield ELG. The method further includes performing a lapping process on the write head, and monitoring a lapping depth of the lapping process based on the resistance of the write pole ELG and the resistance of the trailing shield ELG.
US07861398B1 Method for fabricating a miniature tunable filter
A method for fabrication of a filter includes forming an input transformer pole in a first substrate by forming a first conductive via, forming an output transformer pole in the first substrate by forming a second conductive via, forming one or more filter poles in the first substrate between the input transformer pole and the output transformer pole by forming one or more conductive vias in the first substrate between the input transformer pole and the output transformer pole, fabricating one or more tuning elements on a second substrate, wherein the number of tuning elements corresponds to the number of filter poles between the input transformer pole and the output transformer pole, and bonding the second substrate to a top surface of the first substrate so that each tuning element on the second substrate is aligned with and overlays a filter pole on the first substrate.
US07861393B2 Method of making a dispensing closure
A dispensing closure includes a base having a lid integrally connected to the base by a hinge. The base has a deck with a central portion, a dispensing opening in the in the central portion, and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion. The peripheral portion includes a raised wall partially surrounding the central portion, and having a greatest height adjacent to the hinge and decreasing in height around the central portion. The wall has an inner surface that blends with the central portion of the deck to form a concave channel surrounding the central portion of the deck. The channel surface has a base that is angled with respect to the peripheral portion down and away from the raised wall.
US07861389B2 AT cut quartz crystal resonator element and method for manufacturing the same
An AT cut quartz crystal resonator element includes a quartz crystal element piece having an exciting part formed from an AT cut quartz crystal plate in a rectangular shape having an X-axis direction of a quartz crystal set to a long side, and an exciting electrode formed on each of front and back main surfaces of the exciting part, in which each side surface in the longitudinal direction of the exciting part is composed of two faces, an m-face of a quartz crystal and a crystal face other than the m-face.
US07861380B2 Replaceable hand grip
The replaceable elastic hand grip for framed mobility devices such as walkers that have a substantially elliptical gripping portion with at least one hole, the replaceable hand grip includes a substantially elliptical hand grip cover which includes an opening to form a C-shape cross section for securely installing the grip over the gripping portion of the frame of the mobility device. The hand grip further includes a mechanical means, such as a normally mounted pin on the inner surface of the grip cover that mates with the hole of the gripping portion of the mobility device so that the hand grip is prevented from slipping. The elastic and non-absorbent hand grip provides a replaceable, sanitary, stable grasping point for the user of the framed mobility device.
US07861379B2 System for selectively locating a door within a frame
A system for selectively locating a door within a frame may include a frame, a door selectively located within the frame and a hinge. The hinge has a frame attachment portion and a door attachment portion. The portions are pivotally connected to one another via a pin. The frame attachment portion and door attachment portion cooperate to cause an outside surface of the door to be flush with an outside surface of the frame when the door is substantially within the frame. The frame attachment portion has a roller flange extending substantially transverse to the frame attachment portion that selectively engages with a roller on the door attachment portion.
US07861375B2 Spring and hinge assembly for installing a door on toilet partitions
A hinge assembly comprises a first hinge half, a second hinge half, a spring, and a pin passing through the spring joining the first hinge half and the second hinge half. The spring in turn comprises a coil body, a first spring arm extending from the coil body having a first distal end portion, a second spring arm extending from the coil body having a second distal end portion, a first support extending from the first distal end portion towards the first hinge half and bearing on the first hinge half, and a second support extending from the second distal end portion towards the second hinge half and bearing on the second hinge half.
US07861374B2 Flexible hinge for structural panels
A hinge unit useful in the manufacture of readily assembled and erect shelving and storage units and furniture comprises an elongate locking member having a first portion adapted to be received within a slotted channel in the surface of a first panel, a second portion extending away from the elongate member for attaching the hinge to a second panel and integral axial flexion member between the two portions of the hinge. The cross-sectional shape of the elongate locking member and the channel are selected to prevent rotation of the locking member within the channel.
US07861373B2 Assemblable jerk handle for inflators
An assemblable jerk handle for a lanyard cord including in one embodiment a base portion having a center channel with interior progressive teeth for receiving the lanyard cord and a cap portion for permanently snap-fitting to the base portion to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion. In another embodiment, the assemblable jerk handle comprises a base portion having a center channel positioned therethrough for receiving a bifurcated plug that receives the lanyard cord therein and forcibly closes about the lanyard cord to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion.