Document Document Title
US07863111B2 Thin film transistor for display device including a dispersed carbon nanotube dispersed conductive polymer and manufacturing method of the same
Provided are a thin film transistor for display devices and a manufacturing method of the thin film transistor. The thin film transistor for display devices includes: a flexible substrate; a gate electrode layer formed on the flexible substrate; a first insulating layer formed on the flexible substrate and the gate electrode; a source and a drain formed on the first insulating layer; an active layer formed on the first insulating layer between the source and the drain; a second insulating layer formed on the first insulating layer, the source, the drain, and the active layer; and a drain electrode that opens the second insulating layer to be connected to the drain and is formed of a CNT dispersed conductive polymer.
US07863110B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a device isolation layer on a semiconductor substrate defining an active region in the semiconductor substrate, a low voltage well of a first conductivity type in the active region of the semiconductor substrate, a high voltage impurity region of a second conductivity type in the active region of the semiconductor substrate, the high voltage impurity region positioned in an upper portion of the low voltage well, a high concentration impurity region of the second conductivity type within the high voltage impurity region and spaced apart from the device isolation layer, and a floating impurity region of the first conductivity type between the device isolation layer and the high concentration impurity region, the floating impurity region being a portion of an upper surface of the active region.
US07863109B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with a protrusion on an inner stacking module and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing an inner stacking module die; encapsulating the inner stacking module die with an inner stacking module encapsulation to form an inner stacking module, the inner stacking module encapsulation having an inner stacking module protrusion having a planar protrusion surface; and encapsulating at least part of the inner stacking module encapsulation with an encapsulation having a flat top coplanar with the planar protrusion surface or fully encapsulating the inner stacking module encapsulation.
US07863107B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
The bonding time of a metallic ribbon is shortened in the semiconductor device which connects a lead frame with the bonding pad of a semiconductor chip with a metallic ribbon. The bottom of the wedge tool is divided into two by the V-groove at the first branch and the second branch. In order to do bonding of the Al ribbon to the source pad of the silicon chip, and the source post of the lead frame, first, the first branch and second branch of the wedge tool are contacted by pressure to Al ribbon on the source pad, and supersonic vibration is applied to it. Subsequently, the first branch is contacted by pressure to Al ribbon on the source post, and supersonic vibration is applied to it. Here, since the width of the first branch is narrower than the width of the source post, Al ribbon is not joined at the end surface of the width direction of the source post.
US07863106B2 Silicon interposer testing for three dimensional chip stack
A testing method for a silicon interposer employs a test probe and an electrically conductive glass handler. The silicon interposer includes multiple interconnects that extend between the opposed major surfaces of the interposer, namely from a test side of the interposer to a conductive glass handler side of the interposer. On the glass handler side, the interposer includes a layer of patterned insulative resist with open regions at some interconnects on the glass handler side and remaining resist regions at other interconnects on the glass handler side. The interposer may include a conductive adhesive layer that couples together interconnects at the open regions on the glass handler side. In this manner, a probe may send a test signal from a first interconnect at one location on the test side of the interposer, through the first interconnect, through the conductive adhesive, through a second interconnect to another probe on the test side of the interposer. The method thus provides same-sided probe testing of the interposer. The method also provides for loading or power application to the conductive glass handler and testing of circuits and interconnects on the test side of the silicon interposer.
US07863105B2 Image sensor package and forming method of the same
An image sensor package comprises a substrate, a chip mounted over the substrate. A molding material is formed surrounding the chip to expose a micron lens area, wherein the molding material includes via structure passing there through. A protection layer is formed on the micro lens area to prevent the micro lens. A redistributed conductive layer is formed over the molding material to connect to a pad of the chip. Metal pads are formed on via structure as connecting points with PCB. A cover layer is formed over the substrate to isolate the metal pads.
US07863104B2 Method of producing a thin semiconductor chip
A method of fabricating a semiconductor chip includes the providing an adhesive layer on the outer area of the active surface of a device wafer and attaching a rigid body to the active surface by the adhesive layer. The device wafer is thinned by treating the passive surface of the device wafer. A first backing tape is connected to the passive surface of the device wafer. The outer portion of the rigid body is separated from the central portion of the rigid body and the outer portion of the device wafer is separated from the central portion of the device wafer. The central portion of the rigid body, the outer portion of the device wafer and the outer portion of the rigid body are removed from the first backing tape. The device wafer may be diced into semiconductor chips.
US07863103B2 Thermally improved semiconductor QFN/SON package
A semiconductor device without cantilevered leads uses conductive wires (120) to connect the chip terminals to the leads (110), and a package compound (140) to encapsulate the chip surface (101a) with the terminals, the wires, and the lead surfaces with the attached wires. The chip surface (101b) opposite the terminals together with portions (103) of the chip sidewalls protrude from the package, allowing an unimpeded thermal contact of the protruding chip surface to a substrate (201) to optimize the thermal flux from the chip to the substrate. Solder bodies (250) attached to the compound-free lead surfaces (113b) can be connected to the substrate so that the solder bodies are as elongated as the protruding chip height, facilitating the void-free distribution of an underfill compound into the space between chip and substrate, and improving the absorption of thermomechanical stresses during device operation.
US07863102B2 Integrated circuit package system with external interconnects within a die platform
The present invention provides an integrated circuit package system comprising: attaching a die platform to an integrated circuit die; mounting the integrated circuit die over an external interconnect with a bottom side of the external interconnect partially within the die platform; connecting the integrated circuit die and the external interconnect; and forming an encapsulation over the integrated circuit die with the external interconnect partially exposed.
US07863091B2 Planar array contact memory cards
A Planar Memory Module (PAMM) device comprising a generally planar card comprising a first side and a second side, the first side having a plurality of couplings and the second side having a plurality of connectors, a plurality of memory devices coupled to the card via a first portion of the plurality of couplings, and at least one hub chip coupled to the card via a second portion of the plurality of couplings. Each of the plurality of couplings is connected to an associated one of the plurality of connectors.
US07863090B2 Packaged electronic modules and fabrication methods thereof implementing a cell phone or other electronic system
Circuit structures and methods of fabrication are provided for facilitating implementing a complete electronic system in a compact package. The circuit structure includes, in one embodiment, a chips-first multichip base layer with conductive structures extending therethrough. An interconnect layer is disposed over the front surface of the multichip layer and includes interconnect metallization electrically connected to contact pads of the chips and to conductive structures extending through the structural material. A redistribution layer, disposed over the back surface of the multichip layer, includes a redistribution metallization also electrically connected to conductive structures extending through the structural material. Input/output contacts are arrayed over the redistribution layer, including over the lower surfaces of at least some integrated circuit chips within the multichip layer, and are electrically connected through the redistribution metallization, conductive structures, and interconnect metallization to contact pads of the integrated circuit chips of the multichip layer.
US07863089B2 Planar array contact memory cards
A Planar Memory Module (PAMM) device comprising a generally planar card comprising a first side and a second side, the first side having a plurality of couplings and the second side having a plurality of connectors, a plurality of memory devices coupled to the card via a first portion of the plurality of couplings, and at least one hub chip coupled to the card via a second portion of the plurality of couplings. Each of the plurality of couplings is connected to an associated one of the plurality of connectors.
US07863087B1 Methods for forming resistive-switching metal oxides for nonvolatile memory elements
Nonvolatile memory elements are provided that have resistive switching metal oxides. The nonvolatile memory elements may be formed from resistive-switching metal oxide layers. Metal oxide layers may be formed using sputter deposition at relatively low sputtering powers, relatively low duty cycles, and relatively high sputtering gas pressures. Dopants may be incorporated into a base oxide layer at an atomic concentration that is less than the solubility limit of the dopant in the base oxide. At least one oxidation state of the metal in the base oxide is preferably different than at least one oxidation sate of the dopant. The ionic radius of the dopant and the ionic radius of the metal may be selected to be close to each other. Annealing and oxidation operations may be performed on the resistive switching metal oxides. Bistable metal oxides with relatively large resistivities and large high-state-to-low state resistivity ratios may be produced.
US07863083B2 High temperature processing compatible metal gate electrode for pFETS and methods for fabrication
A method for fabricating a CMOS gate electrode by using Re, Rh, Pt, Ir or Ru metal and a CMOS structure that contains such gate electrodes are described. The work functions of these metals make them compatible with current pFET requirements. For instance, the metal can withstand the high hydrogen pressures necessary to produce properly passivated interfaces without undergoing chemical changes. The thermal stability of the metal on dielectric layers such as SiO2, Al2O3 and other suitable dielectric materials makes it compatible with post-processing temperatures up to 1000° C. A low temperature/low pressure CVD technique with Re2(CO)10 as the source material is used when Re is to be deposited.
US07863082B2 Photo diode and related method for fabrication
A method for fabricating a photo diode first involves providing a substrate. A doping area is then formed on the substrate. Afterwards, a dielectric layer, and a first poly-silicon layer are formed on the substrate. An opening is then formed to expose a surface of the doping area. A second poly-silicon layer is formed on the first poly-silicon layer and within the opening. The second poly-silicon layer is patterned to form a wire, while the first poly-silicon layer is patterned to form a gate. Finally, a source/drain is formed.
US07863077B2 Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
An image sensor and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A semiconductor substrate can be prepared comprising a photodiode region, a transistor region, and a floating diffusion region. A gate dielectric can be disposed under a surface of the semiconductor substrate in the transistor region. A first dielectric pattern can be provided having a portion above and a portion below the surface of the semiconductor substrate in the photodiode and the floating diffusion regions. A second dielectric can be disposed under the gate dielectric. The second dielectric can extend the depth of the gate dielectric into the semiconductor substrate to space the movement path of photoelectrons from the photodiode region to the floating diffusion region.
US07863073B2 Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
An image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The image sensor comprises at least one unit pixel, an interlayer dielectric, a color filter, a planarization layer, and a microlens. The microlens has a smooth surface after performing a plasma treatment process.
US07863070B2 Methods for encapsulating microelectromechanical (MEM) devices on a wafer scale
Apparatus and methods are provided for enabling wafer-scale encapsulation of microelectromechanical (MEM) devices (e.g., resonators, filters) to protect the MEMs from the ambient and to provide either a controlled ambient or a reduced pressure. In particular, methods for wafer-scale encapsulation of MEM devices are provided, which enable encapsulation of MEM devices under desired ambient conditions that are not determined by the deposition conditions of a sealing process in which MEM release via holes are sealed or pinched-off, and which prevent sealing material from being inadvertently deposited on the MEM device during the sealing process.
US07863063B2 Method for fabricating a sealed cavity microstructure
A method for fabricating a sealed cavity microstructure comprises the steps of: forming an insulation layer with a micro-electro-mechanical structure on an upper surface of a silicon substrate, the micro-electro-mechanical structure includes at least one suspended structure and at least one conductive structure between which is disposed a spacer region; after an etching, filling a sacrificial layer into the spacer region and on the surface of the conductive structure; forming holes in the sacrificial layer correspondingly to the conductive structure; depositing a cap layer into the holes and the surface; after removing the sacrificial layer, utilizing the clearance of the cap layer to carry out a further etching to realize the suspension of the micro-electro-mechanical structure; and finally, utilizing a sealing layer to achieve the sealing effect. By such arrangements, the exposure of the micro-electro-mechanical structure can be effectively prevented, and the final package cost can be reduced.
US07863060B2 Method of double patterning and etching magnetic tunnel junction structures for spin-transfer torque MRAM devices
A method for forming a MTJ in a STT-MRAM is disclosed in which the easy-axis CD is determined independently of the hard-axis CD. One approach involves two photolithography steps each followed by two plasma etch steps to form a post in a hard mask which is transferred through a MTJ stack of layers. The hard mask has an upper Ta layer with a thickness of 300 to 400 Angstroms and a lower NiCr layer less than 50 Angstroms thick. The upper Ta layer is etched with a fluorocarbon etch while lower NiCr layer and underlying MTJ layers are etched with a CH3OH. Preferably, a photoresist mask layer is removed by oxygen plasma between the fluorocarbon and CH3OH plasma etches. A lower hard mask layer made of NiCr or the like is inserted to prevent formation and buildup of Ta etch residues that can cause device shunting.
US07863041B2 Rabies virus vector systems and compositions and methods thereof
Rabies Virus compositions and methods are provided. The full-length sequence of Rabies Virus strain Evelyn-Rokitnicki-Abelseth (ERA) is disclosed. A reverse genetics system for producing recombinant ERA virus and derivatives thereof is provided, along with compositions including ERA and/or ERA derivative strain viruses, nucleic acids and/or proteins. In some instances, the compositions are immunogenic compositions useful for the pre- or post-exposure treatment of Rabies Virus.
US07863040B2 Ready-to-use whole blood collection vessel
The present invention relates to a sampling tube for collecting and processing a whole blood sample. The sampling tube contains a reagent for differential hemolysis of whole blood, wherein said reagent for differential hemolysis comprises a chemical for differential hemolysis and an anti-coagulant, and wherein said sampling tube is a ready-to-use and single-use sampling tube. It also relates to the use of said sampling tube in the processing of a whole blood sample for liquid chromatography and also to the use of a blood sample processed in such sampling tube in a liquid chromatography-based analysis.
US07863032B2 Bacillus licheniformis chromosome-encoded endoglucanase
The present invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide of the complete chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis. The present invention also relates to isolated genes of the chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis which encode biologically active substances and to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the genes as well as methods for producing biologically active substances encoded by the genes and to methods of using the isolated genes of the complete chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis.
US07863030B2 Regio- and enantioselective alkane hydroxylation with modified cytochrome P450
Cytochrome P450 BM-3 from Bacillus megaterium was engineered using a combination of directed evolution and site-directed mutagenesis to hydroxylate linear alkanes regio- and enantioselectively using atmospheric dioxygen as an oxidant. Mutant 9-10A-A328V hydroxylates octane primarily at the 2-positio to form S-2-octanol (40% ee). Another mutant, 1-12G, hydroxylates alkanes larger than hexane primarily at the 2-position, but forms R-2-alcohols (40-55% ee). These biocatalysts are highly active for alkane substrates and support thousands of product turnovers. These regio- and enantio-selectivities are retained in whole-cell biotransformations with E. coli, where the engineered P450s can be expressed at high levels and the expensive cofactor is supplied endogenously.
US07863028B2 Methods and device for producing hydrogen from biomass
Disclosed herein are methods of producing molecular hydrogen, where the methods comprise contacting a solution comprising urea with a urease to produce ammonia, and contacting the ammonia with a first catalyst to produce a first gaseous mixture comprising molecular hydrogen.
US07863025B2 Synthesis of fatty alcohol esters of alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids and their use as percutaneous absorption enhancers
The present invention provides a novel approach for the preparation of fatty alcohol esters of α-hydroxy carboxylic acids. In one form of the invention, the target fatty alcohol ester of α-hydroxy carboxylic acid is produced by converting a lower alkyl ester of α-hydroxy carboxylic acid into a fatty alcohol ester of α-hydroxy carboxylic acid via alcoholysis (i.e., transesterification). The transesterification process is an equilibrium reaction, catalyzed chemically (i.e., with acids or bases) or enzymatically, that is shifted in the desired direction to produce the desired product. One preferred way of shifting the reaction in the direction of the desired product is by reducing the concentration of one of the products (e.g., distillation of a lower-boiling alcohol as soon as it is formed). Another preferred way of shifting the reaction in the direction of the desired product is by increasing the concentration of one of the reactants (e.q., adding more of the starting ester).
US07863024B2 Process for producing highly unsaturated fatty acid-containing lipid
The present invention provides a process for producing a highly unsaturated fatty acid-containing lipid which is less expensive than existing ones, which comprises culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Mortierella with the use of, as a medium carbon source, a saccharified starch, which is less expensive than glucose, does not contribute to an increase in osmotic pressure of the culture medium, and can be utilized by the Mortierella microorganism, and collecting a highly unsaturated fatty acid-containing lipid from the culture.
US07863023B2 Stereoselective preparation of gamma-lactones
Method for stereoselectively preparing a (R) or (S) gamma-lactone consists in microbially biosynthesizing gamma-lactone, wherein the biosynthesis is carried out from a substrate selected from C5 to C20 fatty acids with the aid of a strain selected from those enabling a stereoselective hydroxylation in C4 of the substrate, in particular Aspergollus sp or Mortierella sp. The biosynthesis of the gamma-lactone and the use thereof in perfumery and for food flavouring agents are also disclosed.
US07863017B2 TAT-utrophin as a protein therapy for dystrophinopathies
Disclosed is a fusion protein including a full-length TAT-utrophin or an anti-dystrophinopathic fragment thereof, a method of treating dystrophinopathies (including Duchenne muscular dystrophy) using the fusion protein, a pharmaceutical composition for treating dystrophinopathies in mammals comprising the fusion protein, and nucleic acid constructs for expressing the fusion protein.
US07863014B2 Process for preparing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADP)
The present invention provides a novel process for preparing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). The process of the present invention comprises performing phosphorylation using a polyphosphoric acid or a salt thereof and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as substrates in the presence of a polyphosphate-dependent NAD+ kinase from a Mycobacterium, wherein the reaction solution contains 0.1-15% by weight of the polyphosphoric acid or a salt thereof, and 5-150 mM of a divalent metal ion.
US07863012B2 Analysis of circulating tumor cells, fragments, and debris
The methods and reagents described in this invention are used to analyze circulating tumor cells, clusters, fragments, and debris. Analysis is performed with a number of platforms, including flow cytometry and the CellSpotter® fluorescent microscopy imaging system. Analyzing damaged cells has shown to be important. However, there are two sources of damage: in vivo and in vitro. Damage in vivo occurs by apoptosis, necrosis, or immune response. Damage in vitro occurs during sample acquisition, handling, transport, processing, or analysis. It is therefore desirable to confine, reduce, eliminate, or at least qualify in vitro damage to prevent it from interfering in analysis. Described herein are methods to diagnose, monitor, and screen disease based on circulating rare cells, including malignancy as determined by CTC, clusters, fragments, and debris. Also provided are kits for assaying biological specimens using these methods.
US07863001B2 Diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer patients
The present invention relates to genetic markers whose expression is correlated with breast cancer. Specifically, the invention provides sets of markers whose expression patterns can be used to differentiate clinical conditions associated with breast cancer, such as the presence or absence of the estrogen receptor ESR1, and BRCA1 and sporadic tumors, and to provide information on the likelihood of tumor distant metastases within five years of initial diagnosis. The invention relates to methods of using these markers to distinguish these conditions. The invention also relates to kits containing ready-to-use microarrays and computer software for data analysis using the statistical methods disclosed herein.
US07862998B2 Assist probe and method of using the same
Provided are a method of detecting target genes capable of increasing sensitivity in a Palsar method and of simultaneously detecting multiple genes, an assist probe to be used in the above method, and a method of forming a signal probe polymer by using the assist probe. The method of detecting target genes includes: forming a signal probe polymer by using a first probe having a nucleic acid region X, a nucleic acid region Y and a nucleic acid region Z in the stated order from the 5′ end, a second probe having a nucleic acid region X′, a nucleic acid region Y′ and a nucleic acid region Z′ in the stated order from the 5′ end, and an assist probe having a plurality of the same nucleic acid regions as in the first probe and a target region capable of hybridizing with a target gene. In this method, the assist probes are designed so as to have a structure including the nucleic acid regions X, Y and X, and the target region in the stated order from the 5′ end or a structure including the target region, and the nucleic acid regions Z, Y and Z in the stated order from the 5′ end.
US07862996B2 Use of acid scavengers for the synthesis of standard length and long-mer nucleic acid arrays
Protective groups which may be cleaved with an activatable deprotecting reagent are employed to achieve a highly sensitive, high resolution, combinatorial synthesis of pattern arrays of diverse polymers. In preferred embodiments of the instant invention, the activatable deprotecting reagent is a photoacid generator and the protective groups are DMT for nucleic acids and tBOC for amino acids. This invention has a wide variety of applications and is particularly useful for the solid phase combinatorial synthesis of polymers.
US07862988B2 Method for forming patterns of semiconductor device
Provided is a method for forming patterns of a semiconductor device. According to the method, first mask patterns may be formed on a substrate, and second mask patterns may be formed on sidewalls of each first mask pattern. Third mask patterns may fill spaces formed between adjacent second mask patterns, and the second mask patterns may be removed. A portion of the substrate may then be removed using the first and third mask patterns as etch masks.
US07862987B2 Method for forming an electrical structure comprising multiple photosensitive materials
An electrical structure and method of forming. The method comprises providing a substrate structure. A first layer comprising a first photosensitive material having a first polarity is formed over and in contact with the substrate structure. A second layer comprising photosensitive material having a second polarity is formed over and in contact with the first layer. The first polarity comprises an opposite polarity as the second polarity. Portions of the first and second layers are simultaneously exposed to a photo exposure light source. The portions of the first and second layers are developed such that structures are formed.
US07862983B2 Process for preparing stable photoresist compositions
A composition of matter consisting of a stable solution containing a polymer derived from a solution of a polymer containing trace metals, the derived method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a polymer solution containing a polymer, a first solvent and trace metals; (b) passing said polymer solution through an acidic cation ion exchange material to remove said trace metals therefrom and thereby forming a polymer solution containing free acid radicals; (c) precipitating said polymer from said polymer solution of step b by contacting with a second solvent wherein the polymer is substantially insoluble therein; (d) filtering said solution and said second solvent to thereby form a solid polymer cake; and (e) contacting said cake from step d with sufficient quantities of additional said second solvent in order to remove free acid radicals therefrom.
US07862980B2 Salt suitable for an acid generator and a chemically amplified positive resist composition containing the same
The present invention provides a salt represented by the formula (I): wherein P1, P2, P3, Q1, Q2 and R are defined in the specification and the present invention further provides a chemically amplified resist composition comprising the salt represented by the above-mentioned formula (I).
US07862977B2 Image forming method using trickle developing system, developer used for the same, manufacturing method thereof, and image forming apparatus
A method to form an image using a trickle developing system, wherein (a) the toner comprises colorant particles with a volume median diameter of 3 to 8 μm having first inorganic particles on surfaces of the colorant particles to form toner particles; (b) the carrier comprises magnetic particles with a weight average particle diameter (D4) of 20 to 40 μm having second inorganic particles on surfaces of the magnetic particles to form carrier particles; and (c) an area ratio of element (A) based on a total area of surfaces of the carrier particles is 0.5 to 3.0 area % determined by using an X-ray analysis, provided that element (A) represents one or more elements commonly contained in the first inorganic particles and in the second inorganic particles.
US07862976B2 Liquid developer and image forming apparatus
A liquid developer having superior fixing characteristic of toner particles to a recording medium and which is harmless to the environment, and an image forming apparatus using the liquid developer are provided. The liquid developer is comprised of an insulation liquid and toner particles dispersed in the insulation liquid, wherein the insulation liquid contains a first vegetable oil and a reaction product produced by an ester exchange reaction of a second vegetable oil and a monovalent alcohol.
US07862974B2 Toner for electrophotography
An embodiment may be an electrophotographic toner which comprises at least one toner particle which comprises an inner layer and an outer layer covering the inner layer, wherein a cross-sectional area ratio of the outer layer to the inner layer is 0.05-0.46, and wherein a non-uniform thickness exists in the outer layer, and further the average thickness (t) taken at 5 positions as calculated by, is about 0.2—about 1.0 μm, t=(t1+t2+t3+t4+t5)/5 (unit of t1-t5 is μm)wherein t1 represents a thickness of the thickest part of the outer layer, and t2-t5 each represent a thickness of a second to a fifth thickest part of the outer layer in one particle, and wherein a glass transition point Tg of the inner layer is about 2—about 45° C. lower than Tg of the outer layer.
US07862973B2 Toner and developer, and image forming apparatus, image forming method and process cartridge
Provided is a toner that comprises a binder resin, a releasing agent, and a colorant, wherein the mass average particle diameter of the toner is 3 μm to 8 μm, the content of particles having a particle diameter of no more than 5 μm is from 60% by number to 90% by number, the binder resin comprises a polyester resin (A) having a softening temperature Tm(A) from no lower than 120° C. to no higher than 160° C. and a polyester resin (B) having a softening temperature Tm(B) from no lower than 80° C. to lower than 120° C., and at least one of the polyester resins (A) and (B) is prepared by condensation polymerization between an alcohol component and a carboxylic acid component, and the alcohol component comprises divalent alcohol of 1,2-propanediol in a content of no less than 65% by mole and consists substantially of aliphatic alcohol; and also provided is a developer that comprises the toner and a carrier.
US07862970B2 Toner compositions with amino-containing polymers as surface additives
A toner composition includes core particles including a polymeric latex and an optional colorant, and amino-containing polymer particles dispersed on an external surface of the particles.
US07862966B2 Substrate-processing apparatus, substrate-processing method, substrate-processing program, and computer-readable recording medium recorded with such program
A pattern forming system 1 is configured to execute a series of processes, which includes a first heat process for performing a heat process on a substrate W after a resist liquid coating process, a light exposure process for performing light exposure on a resist film in accordance with a predetermined pattern, a second heat process for promoting a chemical reaction in the resist film after the light exposure, a developing process for developing the resist film after the light exposure, and an etching process for etching an oxide film by use of a resist pattern formed by the developing process as a mask. The system includes a checking apparatus 400 configured to measure and check a state of a pattern formed after the etching process, and a control section 500 configured to use a check result to set a condition for the first heat process and/or the second heat process so as to cause the state of the pattern to be uniform on a surface of the substrate W after the etching process.
US07862964B2 Methods for photo-processing photo-imageable material
The invention includes methods for photo-processing photo-imageable material. Locations of the photo-imageable material where flare hot spots are expected to occur are ascertained. A substantially uniform dose of light intensity is provided to at least the majority of the photo-imageable material other than the hot spot locations, and is not provided to the hot spot locations. The provision of the substantially uniform dose of light intensity can occur during formation of a primary pattern in the photo-imageable material with a reticle, utilizing the same reticle as that used for making the primary pattern; or can occur at a separate processing stage than that utilized for forming the primary pattern and with a separate reticle from that utilized to form the primary pattern. The invention also includes reticle constructions which can be utilized for photo-processing of photo-imageable material.
US07862963B2 Halftone type phase shift mask blank and phase shift mask thereof
A halftone type phase shift mask blank including, on a transparent substrate, at least a phase shifter film having a predetermined transmittance for an exposed light and a predetermined phase difference for the transparent substrate, wherein the phase shifter film is formed by a multilayer film in which films including at least two layers having an upper layer formed on the most surface side and a lower layer formed thereunder are provided, and a thickness of the upper layer is adjusted in such a manner that a refractive index of the film to be the upper layer is smaller than that of the film to be the lower layer and a surface reflectance for the inspecting light of the phase shifter film is maximized and approximates to a maximum.
US07862956B2 Z-axis electrically conducting flow field separator
A flexible flow field separator includes a substrate layer formed of a flexible material and having first and second surfaces. A structured flow field pattern is defined on the first surface of the substrate layer. The structured flow field pattern defines one or more fluid channels. The separator includes a first layer formed of one or more metals and disposed on the first surface of the substrate layer. The first layer is formed of an electrically conductive material. The separator further includes a second layer disposed on the second surface of the substrate layer. The second layer is formed of a flexible electrically conductive material. The first layer contacts the second layer at one or more locations to define an electrical connection between the first and second layers.
US07862954B2 Fuel cell
The present invention relates to and provides a fuel cell in which sealing can be reliably made for each unit cell, thereby, enabling thinning, facilitating maintenance, and enabling miniaturization and weight reduction, and enabling free shape design. A fuel cell of the present invention is characterized by comprising a sheet-like solid polymer electrolyte 1 and a pair of electrode plates 2, 3 arranged on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte 1, and further comprising a pair of metallic plates 4, 5 arranged on both sides of the electrode plates 2, 3, and provided flow path grooves 9, and inlets 4c, 5c and outlets communicating with the flow path grooves, wherein the peripheral edges of the metallic plates 4, 5 are mechanically sealed with an insulation material 6 interposed between the metallic plates.
US07862947B2 Fault management in a fuel cell-based system
A system includes a fuel cell stack, a power communication path, a first controller and a second controller. The fuel cell stack generates electrical power, and the power communication path is coupled between the fuel cell stack and a load of the system to communicate the electrical power to the load. The power communication path includes a switch, which is operable to selectively couple the fuel cell stack to the load and isolate the fuel cell stack from the load. The first controller has a first response time to control the fuel cell stack and control the power communication path. The second controller has a second response time, which is significantly less than the first response time to monitor the power communication path for a fault condition and take corrective action in response to detecting the fault condition.
US07862946B1 Self-regulating control of parasitic loads in a fuel cell power system
A fuel cell power system comprises an internal or self-regulating control of a system or device requiring a parasitic load. The internal or self-regulating control utilizes certain components and an interconnection scheme to produce a desirable, variable voltage potential (i.e., power) to a system or device requiring parasitic load in response to varying operating conditions or requirements of an external load that is connected to a primary fuel cell stack of the system. Other embodiments comprise a method of designing such a self-regulated control scheme and a method of operating such a fuel cell power system.
US07862943B2 Method and apparatus for starting a fuel cell engine in a vehicle equipped with an ultracapacitor
A hybrid fuel cell system that employs a fuel cell stack and an ultracapacitor. A diode is provided on a high voltage electrical bus between the fuel cell stack and the ultracapacitor so that high voltage from the ultracapacitor does not affect the operation of the fuel cell stack. During system start-up, a by-pass switch is closed to by-pass the ultracapacitor so that power from the ultracapacitor can be used to start various system loads, such as a cathode side air compressor that provides air to the fuel cell stack. A 12 volt-to-high voltage converter is employed to provide a low power, high voltage supply from a low voltage battery to the system loads at start-up when the by-pass switch is opened, but before a fuel cell stack switch is closed.
US07862939B2 Fuel cell assembly and electricity generation unit used in same
A fuel cell assembly has a housing defining an electricity generation/combustion chamber, and electricity generation/combustion means disposed within the housing. A fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas are supplied to the electricity generation/combustion means, and a combustion gas formed within the electricity generation/combustion chamber is discharged from the electricity generation/combustion chamber. A heat exchanger having a first channel and a second channel is disposed on at least one surface of the housing, the combustion gas is discharged from the interior of the electricity generation/combustion chamber through the first channel of the heat exchanger, and one of the oxygen-containing gas and the fuel gas is supplied to the electricity generation/combustion means through the second channel of the heat exchanger. A plurality of electricity generation units are arranged in parallel within the housing, and each of the electricity generation units includes a cell stack constituting the electricity generation/combustion means.
US07862938B2 Integrated fuel cell and heat engine hybrid system for high efficiency power generation
A fuel cell and heat engine hybrid system using a high-temperature fuel cell having an anode compartment adapted to receive fuel from a fuel supply path and to output anode exhaust gas and a cathode compartment adapted to receive oxidant gas and to output cathode exhaust gas. A heat engine assembly is adapted to receive oxidant gas and a further gas comprising one of the anode exhaust gas and a gas derived from the anode exhaust gas and to cause oxidation of the further gas and generate output power, the heat engine also generating heat engine exhaust including oxidant gas. The heat engine exhaust is then used to provide oxidant gas to the cathode compartment of the fuel cell.
US07862933B2 Lithium secondary battery
The present invention provides a lithium secondary battery which has improved safety, mainly coming from use of an electrolyte solution which is not inflammable at room temperature (20° C.), while not deteriorating output characteristics at low temperatures and room temperature or output maintenance characteristics after storage at high temperature (50° C.). The lithium secondary battery of the present invention, encased in a container, is provided with a cathode and an anode, both capable of storing/releasing lithium ions, a separator which separates these electrodes from each other, and an electrolyte solution containing a cyclic carbonate and a linear carbonate as solvents and a compound such as VC at composition ratios of 18.0 to 30.0%, 74.0 to 81.9% and 0.1 to 1.0%, respectively, based on the whole solvents, all percentages by volume.
US07862931B2 Lead-based alloy for lead-acid battery, substrate for lead-acid battery and lead-acid battery
Provided is a lead-based alloy for a lead-acid battery, comprising not less than 0.02% and less than 0.05% by weight of calcium, not less than 0.4% and not more than 2.5% by weight of tin, not less than 0.005% and not more than 0.04% by weight of aluminum, not less than 0.002% and not more than 0.014% by weight of barium, and the balance of lead and unavoidable impurities.
US07862928B2 Can for a battery and battery using the same
A can includes a body receiving an electrode assembly of a battery and a bottom wall protruding downward from the body and having a convex bottom surface such that the bottom wall does not bend toward an inner portion of the can when the body is compressed.
US07862927B2 Thin film battery and manufacturing method
In a method of fabricating a battery, a substrate is annealed to reduce surface contaminants or even water of crystallization from the substrate. A series of battery component films are deposited on a substrate, including an adhesion film, electrode films, and an electrolyte film. An adhesion film is deposited on the substrate and regions of the adhesion film are exposed to oxygen. An overlying stack of cathode films is deposited in successive deposition and annealing steps.
US07862926B2 Fuel cartridge interconnect for portable fuel cells
A hybrid power supply includes a fuel cell and an interface between the fuel cell and a fuel cartridge or external battery and a switching type DC/DC boost type converter that receives energy from the fuel cell or external battery and is arranged to deliver the energy to a rechargeable cell. The hybrid power supply also includes a fuel cell current sensor/comparator, included in a feedback control loop disposed about the DC/DC converter, which controls in part operation of the converter to provide constant current discharge on the fuel battery side of the hybrid power supply. An adapter that couples a source of AC power such as a charger to the interconnect is also disclosed.
US07862919B2 Battery pack and electronic device using the same
A high-capacity battery pack attachable to a small-sized electronic device in which a lithium-polymer cell and a lithium-ion cell are physically coupled and to be electrically connected in parallel, and an electronic device using the battery pack maximize a battery mounting space while providing a high-capacity battery pack useful for the small-sized electronic device. The battery pack is arranged such that the lithium-polymer cell having a thin thickness in a large cross-sectional area and a lithium-ion cell having a thick thickness in a small cross-sectional area are appropriately arranged to maximize the space of the battery accommodating portion.
US07862917B2 Thermally stable perpendicular magnetic recording medium
Provided is a thermally stable perpendicular magnetic recording medium. The provided perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes a perpendicular magnetic recording layer between a lower layer and an upper layer, wherein a thickness of the perpendicular magnetic recording is determined by Equation 7, in the case of K>105 erg/cm3 and D > ( 30 ⁢ k B ⁢ T π ⁢ K ⁢ ⁢ A ) 1 / 2 , and determined by Equation 9, in the case of K>105 erg/cm3, n > 30 ⁢ k B ⁢ T π ⁢ ⁢ D 2 ⁢ A ⁢ ⁢ K , and ⁢ ⁢ D ≤ ( 30 ⁢ k B ⁢ T π ⁢ K ⁢ ⁢ A ) 1 / 2 . The provided perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes the perpendicular magnetic recording layer having a thermally stable thickness even when the value of K is large and an energy barrier does not follow KV. Thus, data recorded on the provided perpendicular magnetic recording medium is preserved for over 10 years.
US07862914B2 Heatsink films for magnetic recording media
Metal alloy heatsink films for magnetic recording media are disclosed. The metal alloy heatsink films possess both high thermal conductivity and improved mechanical properties such as relatively high hardness. The metal alloy heatsink films also have controlled microstructures which are compatible with subsequently deposited crystalline magnetic recording layers. The films may comprise single phase CuZr or AgPd alloys having a selected crystal structure and orientation. The combination of high thermal conductivity, good mechanical properties and controlled microstructures makes the metal alloy heatsink films suitable for various applications including heat assisted magnetic recording systems.
US07862907B2 Dimethylenecyclohexane compound, method of preparing the same and organic light emitting device comprising the same
A dimethylenecyclohexane compound represented by formula 1, a method of preparing the same, and an organic light emitting device using the dimethylenecyclohexane are provided. The dimethylenecyclohexane compound can improve the driving voltage, efficiency and color purity of the organic light emitting device.
US07862897B2 Biphasic nanoporous vitreous carbon material and method of making the same
A biphasic nanoporous vitreous carbon material with a cementitious morphology characterized by presence of non-round porosity, having superior hardness and tribological properties, as useful for high wear-force applications. The biphasic nanoporous vitreous carbon material is produced by firing, under inert atmosphere, of particulate vitrified carbon in a composition containing (i) a precursor resin that is curable and pyrolyzable to form vitreous carbon and, optionally, (ii) addition of one or more of the following: solid lubricant, such as graphite, boron nitride, or molybdenum disulfide; a heat-resistant fiber reinforcement, such as copper, bronze, iron alloy, graphite, alumina, silica, or silicon carbide; or one or more substances to improve electrical conductivity, such as dendritic copper powder, copper “felt” or graphite flake, to produce a superior vitreous carbon that is useful alone or as a continuous phase in reinforced composites, in relation to conventional glassy carbon materials.
US07862894B2 Material composition and method for its manufacture
A material composition for play or modelling purposes includes a particulate material and a binder which is disposed as thin layers on the particles. T-he binder includes a hydroxy-terminated polymer cross-linked by a boron compound, in particular a silicone oil. The concentration of particles is 90-98 vol % of the finished composition. A method for producing the material composition includes placing the particles in a mixer, adding the hydroxyl-terminated polymer, in particular silicone oil, and distributing it as thin layers on the surfaces of the particles and, thereafter, adding a boron-containing cross-linking agent in solution and mixing so that a cross-linking of the polymer takes place and the viscosity increases.
US07862889B2 Adhesion assisting agent-bearing metal foil, printed wiring board, and production method of printed wiring board
The invention relates to an adhesion assisting agent-bearing metal foil comprising a layer of an adhesion assisting agent containing an epoxy resin as an indispensable component on a metal, wherein the adhesion assisting agent layer has a thickness of 0.1 to 10 μm. The invention also relates to a printed wiring board being a multilayer wiring board having a plurality of layers, wherein an adhesion assisting agent layer is formed between insulating layers.
US07862887B2 Multilayer sealable film having a temperature-resistant layer therein
The present invention provides a multilayer sealable film having a sealable outer layer, a first heat resistant layer, a core layer, and a second heat resistant layer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the core layer is positioned between the two heat resistant layers. The sealable layer is positioned such that one of the heat resistant layers is located between the seal layer and the core layers.
US07862880B2 Film comprising a polymer layer
The invention concerns a film, in particular a stamping film, laminating film or sticker film, which has at least one anisotropic polymer layer of an at least partially oriented liquid crystal material. The anisotropic polymer layer has one or more first regions which form a first security feature and in which the anisotropic polymer layer has properties which linearly polarise or which rotate the direction of rotation, and one or more second regions which form a second security element and in which the anisotropic polymer layer has circularly polarising properties. The first security feature is visualised when viewed through a first polariser and the second security feature is visualised when viewed through a second polariser responsive to a different polarisation state from that of the first polariser.
US07862879B2 Fabrics with v-guides
A fabric having one or more guides attached to a wear surface of the fabric so to encapsulate fifty percent or more of the fabric caliper. Advantageously, the encapsulation of the fabric by the guide, and not the chemical affinity of the materials, is the mechanism that attaches the guide and fabric. Consequently, the bond strength is equal to the tear strength of either the fabric or guide material alone.
US07862877B2 Sanitary wrap
A sanitary article is provided for reducing the spread of contamination between a user and an object. The article comprises a permeable layer, an impermeable layer, and an anti-bacterial gel interposed between the permeable layer and the impermeable layer. The permeable and impermeable layers may be sealed to each other to restrict the movement of the gel and to make the article unitary. The gel may at least partially diffuse through the permeable layer upon the user contacting the permeable layer while the impermeable layer impeded diffusion of the gel toward the object upon the object contacting the impermeable layer.
US07862876B2 Film for suppressing conduction of radiation heat and heat insulating material using the same
Provided are a film for suppressing conduction of radiation heat to sustain an infrared-ray-reflective capability over a long term and exhibit an excellent radiation-heat suppressivity, and a heat-insulating material using the same. A film for suppressing conduction of radiation heat includes a resin film having at least an infrared-ray absorptivity of lower than 25%, an infrared-ray-reflection layer and an adhesive layer, wherein an infrared-ray reflectivity is 50% or higher.
US07862875B2 Flinger disc
To achieve proper lubrication, a bearing housing or reservoir is filled with a predetermined amount of lubricant. When the machine, of which a bearing is a component, is operated, a flexible flinger disc provides proper lubrication by disturbance of the lubricant.
US07862873B2 Biodegradable irrigation pipe
An Irrigation pipe having a wall comprising: a core layer formed from a biodegradable material; and at least one relatively non-biodegradable protective layer formed on the core layer.
US07862868B2 Ink-jet recording material
The present invention refers to an ink-jet recording material comprising a support, and at least one ink receiving porous layer coated on the support, wherein at least one porous layer comprises, dispersed therein, an organic solvent having a logP value higher than 2.00, an antifading compound, a non-ionic surfactant having low EDLB, an anionic surfactant, and a carboxylic derivative.
US07862866B2 Method for forming an electronic paper display
Methods form multi-color electrophoretic displays. The method includes providing a solution containing microcapsules, wherein the microcapsules comprise a shell that is transparent and a display medium within the shell, wherein the display medium comprised of either (a) at least two sets of differently colored particles in a substantially clear fluid, or (b) at least one set of colored particles in a differently colored fluid. The method includes dispensing the solution onto a substrate, wherein a display layer of microcapsules is formed on the substrate. The method includes positioning a conductive substrate adjacent to the substrate, wherein the substrate is located between the display layer and the conductive substrate, wherein the conductive substrate applies an electric field to at least one microcapsule of the display layer, wherein the sets of particles of each microcapsule in the display layer are movable within the microcapsule by the electric field to be displayed.
US07862864B2 Bar coating method and apparatus
The present invention provides a bar coating method comprising the step of: weighing and applying a coating liquid by the bar with bringing the bar into contact with a continuously running web and supplying the coating liquid to an feed side of the web with respect to the bar to form a coating liquid puddle, wherein a plurality of coating liquids are supplied to the feed side of the web with respect to the bar via a plurality of slits formed in a multistage form in an feed direction of the web in order to apply the coating liquid having a high viscosity or low wettability without problems.
US07862858B2 Scanning probe-based lithography method
A resist medium in which features are lithographically produced by scanning a surface of the medium with an AFM probe positioned in contact therewith. The resist medium comprises a substrate; and a polymer resist layer within which features are produced by mechanical action of the probe. The polymer contains thermally reversible crosslinkages. Also disclosed are methods that generally includes scanning a surface of the polymer resist layer with an AFM probe positioned in contact with the resist layer, wherein heating the probe and a squashing-type mechanical action of the probe produces features in the layer by thermally reversing the crosslinkages.
US07862857B2 Scalable lead zirconium titanate (PZT) thin film material and deposition method, and ferroelectric memory device structures comprising such thin film material
A novel lead zirconium titanate (PZT) material having unique properties and application for PZT thin film capacitors and ferroelectric capacitor structures, e.g., FeRAMs, employing such thin film material. The PZT material is scalable, being dimensionally scalable, pulse length scalable and/or E-field scalable in character, and is useful for ferroelectric capacitors over a wide range of thicknesses, e.g., from about 20 nanometers to about 150 nanometers, and a range of lateral dimensions extending to as low as 0.15 μm. Corresponding capacitor areas (i.e., lateral scaling) in a preferred embodiment are in the range of from about 104 to about 10−2 μm2. The scalable PZT material of the invention may be formed by liquid delivery MOCVD, without PZT film modification techniques such as acceptor doping or use of film modifiers (e.g., Nb, Ta, La, Sr, Ca and the like).
US07862854B2 Method for preparing a partially coated roofing membrane
A method for preparing a roofing membrane, and a membrane, having significantly less adhesive while retaining the same sealing properties. The reduction in the amount of adhesive significantly decreases the cost of raw materials needed for manufacturing the membrane and thus reduces the overall cost of the membrane itself.
US07862852B2 Manufacturing method of tantalum condenser
There is provided a method of manufacturing a tantalum condenser, in which a high-performing tantalum condenser is manufactured through a more simplified and higher-efficient process using simpler and economical equipment. The method of manufacturing a tantalum condenser including: preparing a tantalum pellet by sintering a tantalum powder; oxidizing the tantalum pellet to form a dielectric layer on a surface thereof; forming a polymer layer on the tantalum pellet having the dielectric layer formed on the surface thereof; and immersing the tantalum pellet having the polymer layer formed on the surface thereof in a polymer suspension to be subjected to chemical reformation.
US07862849B2 Nanocontact printing
A method of stamping of molecular patterns and/or devices based on the reversible self-assembly of molecules, particularly organic molecules is disclosed. This method is suitable for the stamping of almost any nanofabricated device and can be used to transferring a large amount of pattern information from one substrate to another at the same time.
US07862846B2 Food product which artificially has been given a cell-like structure by coextrusion of several components, and method and apparatus for manufacturing such food product
Two or more different materials such as food material are co-extruded through adjacent orifices of an extruder. The flows of the two materials are cut in a direction transverse to the flow to form segments of flow. These segments are interspersed so as to join upstream and downstream of each segment of first material to a segment of a second material. Generally two rows of joined segmented flows are extruded side by side. Preferably between the two rows is formed a boundary cell wall which usually is transformed to a harder material after extrusion. Cell walls of the harder material may surround, in two or three dimensions, cells of softer or foamed material. The apparatus and method to provide the food product having the cell-like structure is particularly useful for producing confectionery products formed of chocolate, marzipan or dough materials.
US07862842B2 Use of cationic preservative in food products
A novel use of cationic preservatives and preparations according to this novel use. A cationic preservative derived from lauric acid and arginine, in particular, the ethyl ester of the lauramide of the arginine monohydrochloride, hereafter named LAE, can be used for the protection against the growth of microorganisms. LAE and related compounds are particularly suitable to be used in the preservation of all perishable food products. The composition optionally comprises auxiliary components and excipients.
US07862837B2 Herbal composition
The present invention relates to a novel herbal composition comprising extract of leaves of Polyalthia longifolia and method of manufacture of said composition. The present invention relates to a herbal extract selectively comprising a compound 16-hydroxycleroda-3,13(14)-dien-15,16-olide (compound 1), as a bioactive marker and optionally other active(s). The invention also discloses methods of administration of the said herbal composition for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. Optionally the said extract may be combined with other bioactive substances to obtain a synergistic effect.
US07862836B2 Phosphorus binder for treatment of kidney disease
The present invention relates to oral compositions which are useful for binding phosphorus in ingesta, and inhibiting absorption of phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract of subjects. A method for binding phosphorus in ingesta and inhibiting its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is also provided. The dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products and methods of the present invention are particularly useful in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia of chronic uremia and reducing serum phosphorus levels in patients requiring such therapy.
US07862833B2 Effervescent oral opiate dosage forms and methods of administering opiates
Opiate containing dosage forms and methods using same are described. These dosage forms include substantially less opiates by weight than known oral formulations. These dosage forms are intended for oral administration across the oral mucosa.
US07862827B2 Combination neisserial compositions
Compositions comprising a first biological molecule from a Neisseria bacterium and a second biological molecule from a Neisseria bacterium. The term “biological molecule” includes proteins and nucleic acids. Preferred Neisseria species are N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae.
US07862826B2 Trophic factor combinations for nervous system treatment
The present invention relates to a composition including an effective amount of at least one of an antimicrobial peptide and a substance having an antimicrobial peptide effect and an effective amount of a neurotrophin. The composition can also include an effective amount of at least one of a growth factor and a neuropeptide. The present invention also relates a method of treating an injury to a nervous system of an animal that includes the steps of identifying the injury to the nervous system and applying to the injury an effective amount of at least one of antimicrobial peptide and a substance having an antimicrobial peptide effect. The method can also include applying an effective amount of one or more trophic factors selected from the group consisting of a growth factor, a neurotrophin, and a neuropeptide to the injury.
US07862825B2 Method of controlling tight blood glucose by somatostatin receptor antagonists
The present disclosure provides methods and uses for controlling tight blood glucose levels in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of a somatostatin inhibitor. The present disclosure provides methods and uses for treating or preventing hypoglycemia in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of a somatostatin inhibitor.
US07862824B2 Enhancement of GLP-2 activity of suppressing appetite
The effects of GLP-2 are enhanced using a GLP-1 activity inhibitor. For medical use to treat or inhibit the onset of medical conditions, disorder or diseases for which treatment with GLP-2 is indicated, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical combination comprising a GLP-2 activity enhancer, and a GLP-1 activity inhibitor. The combination is useful particularly to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as small bowel syndrome, mucositis and Crohn's disease, and to suppress appetite, for instance to treat obesity.
US07862822B2 Extracts from black yeast for whitening skin
The present invention relates to topical skin whitening compositions comprising a whitening effective amount of a black yeast-derived melanin-degrading enzyme extract and a method of preparing the compositions. The compositions provide a whitening effect by degrading melanin on the surface of the skin, the hair and the nails. The enzyme extract can be derived from Exophiala mansonii. The compositions containing the enzyme extract are more effective than are similar compositions containing kojic acid in producing a whitening effect on the skin.
US07862816B2 Polypeptide compounds for inhibiting angiogenesis and tumor growth
In certain embodiments, this present invention provides polypeptide compositions, and methods for inhibiting Ephrin B2 or EphB4 activity. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions for treating cancer or for treating angiogenesis-associated diseases.
US07862813B2 Bi-specific monoclonal antibody (specific for both CD3 and CD11b) therapeutic drug
The present invention relates to the treatment of immune system abnormalities that can be found in lethal human cancers and also in the progressive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) infections and provides medicaments to correct abnormalities in a subject with cancer or HIV-1-infected subjects, in order to allow the immune system to fight the cancer or HIV-1 infections. The present invention also discloses multivalent polypeptides which specifically bind to and enable destruction and/or inactivation of immune cells that have CD11b and CD3 on their surface, therefore dissipating the deleterious effects of the CD11b+ T cells.
US07862812B2 Methods for decreasing immune response and treating immune conditions
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for decreasing an immune response in an animal comprising administering to said animal an agent that binds a bioactive lipid and reduces the effective concentration of said bioactive lipid. Also provided are methods for treating diseases or conditions, including autoimmune disorders, which are characterized by an aberrant, excessive or undesired immune response. The methods of the invention utilize agents that bind bioactive lipids and are capable of decreasing the effective concentration of the bioactive lipid. In some embodiments, the agent is a monoclonal antibody that is reactive against sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) or lysophosphatidic acid (LPA).
US07862806B2 Hair cosmetic composition
Provided is a hair cosmetic composition containing (A) from 0.001 to 10 wt. % of an amphipathic amide lipid, and (B): from 0.05 to 10 wt. % of a dialkyl ether or ethylene glycol dialkyl ether with an alkyl group having from 18 to 22 carbon atoms, or an ethylene glycol monofatty acid ester, ethylene glycol difatty acid ester, fatty acid monoethanolamide or acylated β-alanine with an acyl group having from 18 to 22 carbon atoms.The hair cosmetic composition of the present invention for example, protects the hair from physical or chemical stimulation, prevents appearance of split ends and broken hair, imparts natural smoothness, moist feeling, resilience and strength, and moisture retention property to the hair after treatment (shampooing), and at the same time has excellent storage stability.
US07862805B2 Cosmetic composition forming after application a supramolecular polymer
The present invention relates to a care, and/or treatment, and/or make-up cosmetic composition for keratin materials, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, an efficient amount of at least one linear, branched or cyclic polymer, or dendrimer, comprising: a -POL- polymeric backbone comprising at least two repeating patterns, and at least two binding groups (A), attached on the polymeric backbone and adapted to create H links with one ore more partner binding groups, of an identical or different chemical nature, each coupling of two binding groups involving at least three H links.
US07862804B2 Admistration of C-glycoside compounds for depigmenting/whitening the skin
C-glycoside compounds having the formula (I): are useful for depigmenting/whitening the skin and/or for the anti-browning thereof.
US07862803B2 Oxidizing composition for treating keratin materials based on amphiphilic polymers of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer with a sulphonic group and comprising a hydrophobic portion
The invention concerns a cosmetic composition for treating keratinous materials comprising in a carrier suitable for keratinous materials: (a) at least an amphiphilic polymer comprising at least an ethylenically unsaturated monomer with sulphonic group, in free form or partly or completely neutralized and further at least a hydrophobic part; (b) at least an oxidizing agent.
US07862800B1 Radiopaque cyanoacrylate compositions
This invention relates to sterilized cyanoacrylate adhesive compositions with x-ray imagining capabilities, methods of making such compositions, and methods of using such compositions.
US07862799B2 Antibody production method
A method of inducing the sustained release of antibodies in milk comprising the step of: a) implanting at least one antigen releasing device adjacent to, within close proximity of or within at least one supramammary lymph node, wherein in use the antigen releasing device releases an antigen into the tissue area around the supramammary lymph node which stimulates antibody secretion into a mammary gland.
US07862798B2 Vitamin-targeted imaging agents
The invention relates to compounds and methods for targeting radionuclide-based imaging agents to cells having receptors for a vitamin, or vitamin receptor binding derivative or analog thereof, by using such a vitamin as the targeting ligand for the imaging agent. The invention provides a compound of the formula for use in such methods. In the compound, V is a vitamin that is a substrate for receptor-mediated transmembrane transport in vivo, or a vitamin receptor binding derivative or analog thereof, L is a divalent linker, R is a side chain of an amino acid of the formula H2NCHRCOOH, M is a cation of a radionuclide, n is 1 or 0, K is 1 or 0, and the compound can be in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. The vitamin-based compounds can be used to target radionuclides to cells, such as a variety of tumor cell types, for use in diagnostic imaging of the targeted cells.
US07862796B2 Method of preparing cadmium sulfide nanocrystals emitting light at multiple wavelengths, and cadmium sulfide nanocrystals prepared by the method
A cadmium sulfide nanocrystal, wherein the cadmium sulfide nanocrystal shows maximum luminescence peaks at two or more wavelengths and most of the atoms constituting the nanocrystal are present at the surface of the nanocrystal to form defects.
US07862795B2 Method for preparing single walled carbon nanotubes
Methods of preparing single walled carbon nanotubes are provided. Carbon containing gas is contacted with a supported metal catalyst under reaction conditions to yield at least 90% single walled carbon nanotubes and at least 1 gram single walled carbon nanotubes/gram metal catalyst. The support material may be calcined at temperatures between 150 and 600° C., and may have at least one oxidized planar surface. Reaction conditions include less than 10 atmospheres pressure and less than 800° C.
US07862794B2 Surface treatment of carbon microfibers
A method of oxidizing the surface of carbon microfibers that includes contacting the microfibers with an oxidizing agent that includes sulfuric acid and potassium chlorate under reaction conditions sufficient to oxidize the surface. The invention also features a method of decreasing the length of carbon microfibers that includes contacting the microfibers with an oxidizing agent under reaction conditions sufficient to decrease the length.
US07862784B2 Apparatus and method for variably sterilizing aqueous liquids
A flow through aqueous liquid sterilization apparatus which employs substantially fixed temperatures and pressures and variable flow rates through the apparatus for controllably processing aqueous liquids to achieve predetermined values of SALs.
US07862783B2 Separation process for methyl acetate hydrolysis and apparatus thereof
A separation system for a methyl acetate hydrolysis is provided. The separation system comprises a reactive distillation system, a reflux system, a first separation system and a second separation. The reactive distillation system allows the hydrolysis of a methyl acetate solution to generate a first mixture and a second mixture. The reflux system is packed with a heterogeneous catalyst and coupled to the reactive distillation system, which refluxes the first mixture to the reactive distillation system. The first separation system is coupled to the reactive distillation system, which directs the second mixture thereinto so as to isolate an acetic acid and a third mixture therefrom. The second separation system is coupled to the first separation system, which directs the third mixture thereintio so as to separate a methanol therefrom. The methyl acetate feeding system is coupled to, one of the reactive distillation system and the reflux system, which feeds the methyl acetate solution thereinto.
US07862782B2 Apparatus and methods for producing nanoparticles in a dense fluid medium
An apparatus and method are disclosed for producing nanoparticles in a dense fluid medium. The method is based on the formation of nanoparticles from nanoparticle precursors in a dense fluid medium in which a plasma discharge is created between electrodes submerged in the dense fluid medium. The electrodes define a plasma discharge zone between opposing electrode discharge faces and further define an internal cavitation zone into which a cavitation gas is released, creating bubbles in the dense fluid medium. The result is the efficient production of nanoparticles using a high-frequency, high-voltage electric field to react dense-phase precursors in an atmospheric pressure, low temperature environment.
US07862776B2 Interactive security screening system
An interactive security screening system includes a main housing, a contact pad provided on the main housing and a sample sheet positioned upon the contact pad. A sensor is operatively connected to the contact pad to measure pressure applied to the contact pad during a sample collection process. A feedback system, operatively connected to the contact pad and the sensor, provides the subject or screener with at least one of a visual signal and an audio signal to indicate whether requisite pressure was applied to the contact pad. A sample processing system analyzes the sample collection sheet through series, parallel or image processing to determine whether the trace residue sample contains a threat residue. The screening system also employs a spatial recognition system that focuses the sample processing system on particular portions of the sample collection sheet to increase overall system accuracy.
US07862775B2 Determination of explosives including RDX
The present invention provides sensors and methods for determination of an analyte. The analytes may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of an emissive material upon exposure to an analyte. In some embodiments, the analyte and the emissive material may interact via a chemical reaction, or other chemical, biochemical or biological interaction (e.g., recognition), to form a new emissive species. In some cases, the present invention may be used for the detection of analytes such as explosives (e.g., RDX, PETN). Methods of the present invention may be advantageous in that the high sensitivity of luminescence (e.g., fluorescence) spectroscopy can allow for the reliable detection of small changes in luminescence intensity.
US07862774B2 Analyzer system and drive mechanism for same
An analyzer system has an instrument holder that can hold at least two instruments and is movable along a vertical guide. At least one washing device is provided for the instruments, with one or more jet orifices fed by a supply conduit to spray wash fluid at the instruments. The washing device comprises one or more wash rings surrounding the instruments. The washing device is separate from and movable in relation to the instrument holder, and the one or more jet orifices are aimed at the instruments positioned inside the one or more wash rings.
US07862771B2 APC process parameter estimation
A virtual analyzer is provided to estimate either an attribute of a reactant applied during performance of, or an amount of a reactant exhausted by, a process having multiple process parameters (MPPs) that is performed to control an amount of a pollutant emitted into the air. The virtual analyzer includes an interface which receives signals corresponding to attributes of the MPPs. If the process is a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured pH level of the applied reactant. If the process is a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured amount of the reactant exhausted by the process.
US07862768B2 Plain bearing and method of manufacturing the same
A plain bearing is provided which has an Sn-and-Si-rich layer formed of an Al alloy containing Sn and Si, and a base material which does not contain Sn. The Sn-and-Si-rich layer have the sliding surface having an area ratio of Sn phase grains in a range of 6 to 40% and that of Si phase grains in a range of 5 to 25%.
US07862755B2 Constant shear rate extrusion die
An extrusion die for extruding thermoplastic materials to produce a sheet of substantially uniform thickness, the extrusion die having a manifold width that increases from the centerline toward the die exit or lip. The increasing width manifold arms, with the preland portion, provide a constant shear rate at all areas of the die and a constant residence time, so that every fluid particle path through the die has the same residence time. By having the increasing width manifold arms, the preland area of the extrusion die is decreased, usually by about 30%, often about 40-60%, compared to a Winter die, thus decreasing clam-shelling effect and allowing design and extrusion of wider sheets.
US07862750B2 Apparatus and method for producing optical data carriers
A device and a method are disclosed for producing an optical data medium, in particular high density optical media, such as the recently developed BlueRay™ disk for illumination with a blue laser (λ≈405 nm). The required thickness of the data and/or protective layers is of the order of at most several tenths of millimeters. Such thin layers are difficult to produce with conventional injection molding processes. The disclosed device and method solve this problem by overflowing an element placed in a narrow cavity with a low-viscosity material having a viscosity lower than the viscosity of polycarbonate, which then forms the data or protective layer, or by bonding a layer produced in this manner to another layer using a low-viscosity adhesive.
US07862748B2 Indium tin oxide target, method for manufacturing the same, transparent conductive film of indium tin oxide, and method for manufacturing transparent conductive film of indium tin oxide
Disclosed are an indium Tin Oxide (ITO) target, a method for manufacturing the same, a transparent conductive film of ITO, and a method for manufacturing the transparent conductive film of ITO. The ITO target includes at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of Sm2O3 and Yb2O3, wherein an amount of the oxide is about 0.5 wt. % to about 10 wt. % based on the weight of the target.
US07862746B2 Stabilization of natural composites
The invention relates to a method of stabilizing natural composites against damage by heat and light by treating the wood derived fillers with a water based solution of a sterically hindered amine, drying the treated wood derived filler and then combining with plastic via compounding methods such as extrusion.
US07862743B2 Method of using heat transfer oil with high auto ignition temperature
A method to use a heat transfer oil, comprising: a. selecting a heat transfer oil having an auto ignition temperature greater than 329° C. (625° F.) and a viscosity index greater than 28×Ln(Kinematic Viscosity at 100° C., in cSt)+80; wherein the heat transfer oil comprises a base oil, made from a waxy feed, with the base oil having: i. greater than 10 weight percent and less than 70 weight percent total molecules with cycloparaffinic functionality, wherein the one or more fractions have at least 31.2 wt % 1-unsaturations by FIMS; b. providing the heat transfer oil to a mechanical system; and c. transferring heat in the mechanical system from a heat source to a heat sink.
US07862739B2 Refrigerant
This invention relates to a refrigerant that is azeotropic or near-azeotropic and comprises a binary blend of R1270 and R161, R170 and R717, or R744 and R41. In a first embodiment, the binary blend has a molar composition of 50 to 80 percent R1270, the remainder being R161. In a second embodiment, the binary blend has a molar composition of 30 to 60 percent R717, the remainder being R170. In a third embodiment the binary blend has a molar composition of 20 to 60 percent R744, the remainder being R161.
US07862733B2 Method for manufacturing a probe
The present invention provides a probe manufacturing method in which, after a metal material for a probe is deposited on a base table, the probe can be detached from the base table relatively easily. A sacrificial layer is formed on a base table. The sacrificial layer is partially removed so as to form a recess in the sacrificial layer. A mask that exposes an area formed in a desired probe flat surface shape containing the recess is formed on the sacrificial layer. A probe material exhibiting different etching resistance characteristics from those of the sacrificial layer is deposited in the area exposed from the mask. By the deposition of the material, a coupling portion corresponding to the recess and a probe that is integral with the coupling portion are formed. After the mask is removed, the sacrificial layer is removed with use of etchant. Thereafter, the probe held on the base table at the coupling portion is detached from the base table together with the coupling portion.
US07862732B2 Method for forming micro lenses and semiconductor device including the micro lenses
In a method for forming micro lenses, a lens material layer made of an inorganic material is formed on a substrate, and an intermediate layer made of an organic material is formed on the lens material layer. Then, a mask layer made of an organic material is formed on the intermediate layer, and lens shapes are formed in the mask layer. The lens shapes of the mask layer are transcribed to the intermediate layer by etching the mask layer and the intermediate layer. Thereafter, the lens shapes of the intermediate layer are transcribed to the lens material layer to form micro lenses by etching the intermediate layer and the lens material layer using a processing gas containing SF6 gas and CHF3 gas.
US07862723B2 Reverse osmosis system
An apparatus for purifying water according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a feed line fluidically connected to a reverse osmosis module containing a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane produces purified water and a concentrate. A drain line is also connected to the reverse osmosis module configured to transport concentrate. A product line is connected to the reverse osmosis module for transporting purified water. Operatively associated with the product line and drain line is a shut-off mechanism containing a pressure sensor or gasket operatively associated with an appliance configured to activate the shut-off mechanism.
US07862722B2 Sewage treatment control device, method, and sewage treatment system
A sewage treatment control device, a method and a sewage treatment system, are disclosed. In one example, the sewage treatment control device includes measuring units having sensors for inspecting specific components in water, respectively; validity verification units connected to the measuring units to determine validities for measured component values, respectively; target value setting units connected to the validity verification units to set target values for the component values measured in the measuring units, respectively; a manual setting unit for setting a target value depending on a component value inputted by an operator; a signal selection unit for allowing either one of the respective target value setting units or the manual setting unit to be connected; a proportional-integral-derivative control unit for performing proportional, integral or derivative action for the target value inputted from the signal selection unit to convert the target value into a control signal; and a manipulation unit for manipulating a sewage treatment apparatus depending on the control signal converted in the proportional-integral-derivative control unit.
US07862715B2 Apparatus for removing undesirable components from a contaminated solution containing both desirable and undesirable components
A method and apparatus for separating purifying media from a treated fluid. The method includes transporting the purifying media and the treated fluid along a substantially horizontal direction while a substantial quantity of purifying media fall along a substantially vertical direction relative to the treated fluid to generate a concentration of purifying media below the treated fluid. The falling purifying media are collected while releasing the treated fluid so as to separate the purifying media from the treated fluid.
US07862710B2 Residential reverse osmosis system
Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.
US07862709B2 Separating compositions and methods of use
Compositions and methods are provided for separating bitumen from oil sands in an efficient and environmentally acceptable manner, and for recovering residual bitumen from existing tailings ponds.
US07862708B2 Process for the desulfurization of heavy oils and bitumens
The present invention relates to a process for desulfurizing bitumen and other heavy oils such as low API gravity, high viscosity crudes, tar sands bitumen, or shale oils with alkali metal compounds under conditions to promote in-situ regeneration of the alkali metal compounds. The present invention employs the use of superheated water and hydrogen under conditions to improve the desulfurization and alkali metal hydroxide regeneration kinetics at sub-critical temperatures.
US07862706B2 Methods of recovering hydrocarbons from water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material using a constructed infrastructure and associated systems
A method of recovering hydrocarbons from water-containing hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined or separately collected water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via an outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.
US07862705B2 Methods of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous material using a constructed infrastructure and associated systems
A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.
US07862699B2 Matrix and dynamic polymer systems and compositions for microchannel separation
Matrix polymers and dynamic coating polymers, compositions thereof and related methods, systems and apparatus for microchannel separation.
US07862695B2 Electrochemical biosensor
According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical sensor (10) for detecting the concentration of analyte in a fluid test sample is disclosed. The sensor (10) includes a counter electrode having a high-resistance portion for use in detecting whether a predetermined amount of sample has been received by the test sensor.
US07862692B2 Liquid evaporating method and device
A method of evaporating liquid in a liquid evaporating system having heat exchangers, evaporators, and steam reheaters, includes: preheating condensed water in the heat exchangers; distilling in the evaporators the condensed water from the heat exchangers, wherein the evaporators each has a horizontal plane evaporating chamber at an upper side thereof and a horizontal plane steam heating chamber at a lower side thereof, wherein heating steam is provided from an external boiler to the heating chamber; exchanging heat between the evaporating chamber and the heating chamber using a heat exchange boundary face formed in a concavo-convex shape, wherein the heat exchange boundary face is formed of a metal plate; and reheating in the steam reheaters the steam from the respective evaporators, wherein the reheaters each are coupled to a subsequent one of the heating chambers to serve as a heating source of the subsequent heating chamber.
US07862691B2 Decomposition method of waste plastics and organics
A method of decomposing waste plastics, organics, and particularly medical waste composed of a varieties of plastics is described.
US07862687B2 Process for producing a low density acoustical panel with improved sound absorption
A process useful for producing low density high mineral wool based acoustical panels with improved acoustical absorption properties using a water felting process is disclosed. The process includes forming a dilute slurry mixture including water, mineral wool, a thermoplastic binder and/or starch; and distributing the dilute slurry on a porous carrier to have the slurry dewatered to a base mat by gravity drainage to remove water by gravity. A vacuum is adjusted to gradually apply vacuum to the gravity dewatered base mat to further dewater the base mat without subjecting the mat to static pressure that would compress the base mat. The base mat is dried to form an acoustical ceiling product that has a low density and excellent acoustical absorption properties.
US07862678B2 Drop generator
A method for making a plurality of electromechanical devices including attaching a laminar electromechanical structure to a receiving substrate using a not appreciably cured adhesive in a liquid state, laser cutting the laminar electromechanical structure while the adhesive is not appreciably cured to form a plurality of electromechanical devices, and curing the adhesive.
US07862677B2 Display device and method of manufacturing the same
To provide a technique for manufacturing a high-performance display device by employing a plastic substrate. A peeling layer is formed on an element-forming substrate, and a semiconductor element and a luminous element are further formed thereon. Then, a fixed substrate (130) is bonded on the luminous element by using a first adhesive (129). The entire substrate in this state is exposed in a gas containing halogen fluoride to thereby remove the peeling layer and separate the element-forming substrate. Thereafter, a bonding substrate (132) that comprises a plastic substrate is bonded in place of the separated element-forming substrate.
US07862676B2 Method for stretching polymer film and device for recovering slit film edge
A rear end portion of a leading TAC film and a front end portion of a following TAC film are connected using a double-sided adhesive tape and a single-sided adhesive tape. A laser welding device emits a welding laser beam along a welding line onto the films. Owing to the welding laser beam, the leading and following TAC films are welded along the welding line. The laser welding device emits a cutout laser beam along a cutout line onto the films. Owing to the cutout laser beam, a part of the leading and following TAC films surrounded by the cutout line is cut out. The cut out part has the single-sided adhesive tape attached. Since the tape cannot be recycled, the cut out part is absorbed by an absorbing device and disposed.
US07862674B2 Forming method for assembly of bead core and apex rubber
In a forming method for forming an assembly of a bead core and an apex rubber, there is used a rotating body which comprises a rotating base substance having an assembly forming surface, and a core receiving portion projecting from the rotating base substance in the axially outward direction of the rotating base substance. The core receiving portion projecting has a receiving surface supporting the radially inner peripheral surface of the bead core.The apex rubber is formed by winding an unvulcanized rubber strip along the assembly forming surface from a starting position constituted by the radially outer peripheral surface of the bead core supported on the receiving surface so as to laminate in a tapered cross sectional shape.
US07862671B2 Welding of a polymeric material and structures formed thereby
The present invention is directed to welding of a polymeric material and structures formed by such welding. The material is preferably a thermoplastic material that is a blend of one or more thermoplastic polyolefins and one or more elastomers. One preferred welding technique is vibration welding.
US07862669B2 Method of insulation formation and application
The method of forming a lightweight, high performance, glass fiber blanket for acoustical and thermal insulation, that includes treating glass fibers with a fluid binding agent at elevated temperature to form a first cohesive glass fiber layer of thickness t1 traveling endwise, and winding that layer into a roll above a travel zone of that layer, repeating said treating to form a second cohesive glass fiber layer of thickness t2 traveling endwise over said zone below said roll and into an oven, and unrolling said first layer from said roll to travel into the oven in overlying surface to surface contacting relation to the traveling second layer, subjecting said layers to heat treatment and pressurization in the oven to compress the first and second layers to a controlled density thickness t3 which is substantially less than t1 and t2, and to progressively bond said first and second layers together in laminated relation to form the blanket, and removing said laminated product from the oven.
US07862667B2 Steels for sour service environments
Embodiments of the present application are directed towards steel compositions that provide improved properties under corrosive environments. Embodiments also relate to protection on the surface of the steel, reducing the permeation of hydrogen. Good process control, in terms of heat treatment working window and resistance to surface oxidation at rolling temperature, are further provided.
US07862665B2 Pump system for a drawer-type dishwasher
A drawer-type dishwasher includes a frame assembly, a tub, a wash arm and a pump system. The pump system includes a flow housing mounted at a rear portion of the tub and a drain conduit. The flow housing includes an inlet portion, an outlet portion, a pump portion and a drain port. Within the pump portion are arranged an impeller, a chopper mechanism as well as a plurality of flow straightening fins. A motor is mounted to the flow housing for driving the impeller and the chopper mechanism. The drain conduit is connected between the drain port and a drain line. A venturi is provided in the drain conduit to create a siphoning action the decreases an amount of time required to drain the tub.
US07862664B2 Dishwasher with adjustable basket(S)
A dishwasher is disclosed which includes a washing cabinet, a frame disposed within the washing cabinet, and a basket, which is placed on the frame, and whose height is adjustable by a back and forth movement. With this construction, there is no need to lift the basket, rotate it 90°, and reposition the basket to adjust a height of the basket. Rather, it is possible to adjust the height of the basket by a simple operation of pulling the basket forward or pushing it rearward.
US07862658B2 Etching and cleaning methods and etching and cleaning apparatuses used therefor
An etching/cleaning apparatus is provided, which makes it possible to effectively remove an unnecessary material or materials existing on a semiconductor wafer without damaging the device area with good controllability. The apparatus comprises (a) a rotating means for holding a semiconductor wafer and for rotating the wafer in a horizontal plane; the wafer having a device area and a surface peripheral area on its surface; the surface peripheral area being located outside the device area; and (b) an edge nozzle for emitting an etching/cleaning liquid toward a surface peripheral area of the wafer. The etching/cleaning liquid emitted from the edge nozzle selectively removes an unnecessary material existing in the surface peripheral area. The etching/cleaning liquid emitted from the edge nozzle preferably has an emission direction oriented along a rotation direction of the wafer or outward with respect to a tangent of the wafer formed near a contact point of the liquid with the surface peripheral area of the wafer. A back nozzle may be additionally provided to emit an etching/cleaning liquid toward a back center of the wafer. A surface nozzle may be additionally provided to emit a protecting liquid toward a surface center of the wafer, covering the device area to protect the same against the etching/cleaning liquid.
US07862657B2 Crystal growth method and apparatus
A crystal growth method for forming a semiconductor film, the method includes: while revolving one or more substrates about a rotation axis, passing raw material gas and carrier gas from the rotation axis side in a direction substantially parallel to a major surface of the substrate. The center of the substrate is located on a side nearer to the rotation axis than a position at which growth rate of the semiconductor film formed by thermal decomposition of the raw material gas is maximized.
US07862648B2 Hydrothermally-stable silica-based composite membranes for hydrogen separation
Thin layers of a mixed composition are deposited on a porous substrate by chemical vapor deposition in an inert atmosphere at high temperature. The resulting membrane has excellent stability to water vapor at high temperatures. An exemplary membrane comprises an amorphous mixed-element surface layer comprising silica and at least one oxide of additional element, an optional porous substrate on which said surface layer is deposited, and a porous support on which said substrate or mixed-element surface layer is deposited, wherein the permeance of the membrane is higher than 1×10−7 mol m−2s−1Pa−1 and the selectivity of H2 over CO, CO2, and CH4 is larger than 100, and wherein the H2 permeance of the membrane after exposure to a stream containing 60 mol % water vapor at 673 K for 120 h is at least 50% of its initial H2 permeance.
US07862645B2 Removal of gaseous contaminants from argon
Method for argon recovery that comprises (a) providing a feed gas mixture comprising argon and nitrogen; (b) contacting at least a portion of the feed gas mixture with a nitrogen-selective adsorbent in a cyclic pressure swing adsorption process and adsorbing at least a portion of the nitrogen on the adsorbent in a first pressure range above 100 psia to provide a purified argon product and an adsorbent comprising adsorbed nitrogen; and (c) desorbing the adsorbed nitrogen in one or more regeneration steps effected in a second pressure range between atmospheric pressure and a super-atmospheric pressure below any pressure in the first pressure range, inclusive; wherein the cyclic pressure swing adsorption process is effected at an average operating temperature of at least about 0° C.
US07862641B2 Extruded porous substrate and products using the same
A highly porous substrate is provided using an extrusion system. More particularly, the present invention enables the production of a highly porous substrate. Depending on the particular mixture, the present invention enables substrate porosities of about 60% to about 90%, and enables advantages at other porosities, as well. The extrusion system enables the use of a wide variety of fibers and additives, and is adaptable to a wide variety of operating environments and applications. Fibers, which have an aspect ratio greater than 1, are selected according to substrate requirements, and are typically mixed with binders, pore-formers, extrusion aids, and fluid to form a homogeneous extrudable mass. The homogeneous mass is extruded into a green substrate. The more volatile material is preferentially removed from the green substrate, which allows the fibers to form interconnected networks. As the curing process continues, fiber to fiber bonds are formed to produce a structure having a substantially open pore network. The resulting porous substrate is useful in many applications, for example, as a substrate for a filter or catalyst host, or catalytic converter.
US07862640B2 Low temperature diesel particulate matter reduction system
A system for treating diesel exhaust is disclosed. The system includes a first filter including layers of filtration material positioned between layers of corrugated metallic foil. The metallic foil defines a honeycomb arrangement of longitudinal passageways from an upstream end to a downstream end and also openings for allowing exhaust to pass between adjacent longitudinal passageways of the metallic foil. The filtration material is positioned such that exhaust between the adjacent longitudinal passageways passes through the filtration material. The metallic foil also includes flow diverting structures to divert flow within the longitudinal passageways through the openings. A second filter is positioned downstream from the first filter. The second filter defines a honeycomb arrangement of longitudinal passageways. The longitudinal passages are selectively plugged adjacent upstream and downstream ends to force flow radially through walls between the longitudinal passages of the second filter.
US07862639B2 Intake filter for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle
An intake filter for an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle including an unfiltered air intake region, a filter medium and a filtered air conduit, in which the unfiltered air intake region is arranged beneath the engine hood of the motor vehicle and is attached to the engine hood. The filter medium is tubular body which has a porosity that ensures a sufficient filtration of the intake air for the internal combustion engine.
US07862638B2 Gas supply system for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus
A gas supply system according to the present invention comprises a gas filter disposed in a gas supply flow passage through which a gas is supplied to a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and a metal component remover disposed in the gas supply flow passage downstream relative to the gas filter, which removes a volatile metal component contained in the gas flowing through the gas supply flow passage by liquefying the volatile metal component. The structure adopted in the gas supply system prevents entry of the volatile metal component, which cannot be eliminated through the gas filter, into the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus as the corrosive gas is supplied thereto by the gas supply flow passage.
US07862637B2 Multi-cyclone dust separator
A multi-cyclone dust separator is provided, including a first cyclone unit that centrifugally separates dust from dust-laden air drawn into the first cyclone unit through a first air inlet, and a second cyclone unit that is formed inside the first cyclone unit, wherein the second cyclone unit includes a second cyclone body that has a second air inlet through which the air, from which the dust is separated by the first cyclone unit, enters the second cyclone body, and a guide unit that enables the air entering the second cyclone unit to be rotated.
US07862635B2 Shielded regeneration heating element for a particulate filter
An exhaust system includes a particulate filter (PF) that is disposed downstream from an engine. The PF filters particulates within an exhaust from the engine. A heating element heats particulate matter in the PF. A catalyst substrate or a flow converter is disposed upstream from said heating element. The catalyst substrate oxidizes the exhaust prior to reception by the heating element. The flow converter converts turbulent exhaust flow to laminar exhaust flow prior to reception by the heating element.
US07862632B2 Multi-burner gasification reactor for gasification of slurry or pulverized hydrocarbon feed materials and industry applications thereof
Disclosed is a multi-burner gasification reactor for gasification of slurry or pulverized hydrocarbon feed materials and industry applications thereof. Burners are disposed on the periphery or top of a gasification reactor vessel, wherein the side burners are at a small downward angle relative to the horizontal plane, which can prolong the life of refractory bricks. The operating pressure of the gasification reactor is 0.1˜12 MPa, and the operating temperature thereof is 1350° C.˜1700° C. The gasification reactor is applicable to a hot-wall lining as well as a cold-wall lining. The notable advantages of the gasification reactor are carbon conversion is high and can reach 99%, and the effective gas content is high; specific coal consumption and specific oxygen consumption are low; and it is applicable to a large coal gasification plant that processes above 3000 tons of coal per day.
US07862629B2 Leaded aviation gasoline
Aviation gasolines having an enhanced peak indicated mean effective pressure are provided by admixing with a leaded base aviation gasoline an aromatic amine of the formula NH2—Ar—(R1)n wherein R1 is selected from C1-C10 alkyl, halogen, and mixtures thereof provided that when R1 is alkyl it occupies the meta- or para-positions on the aromatic ring, Ar is a phenyl aromatic group and n is an integer from 0 to 3 to provide an aviation gasoline having a peak indicated mean effective pressure as determined by ASTM D-909 of greater than about 200 psi.
US07862625B2 One-part hair dye composition
Provided is a one-part hair dye composition containing (A) one or two or more compounds represented by the formula (1), (B) an antioxidant composed of a combination of ascorbic acid or salt thereof and sulfurous acid or salt thereof, (C) a nonionic surfactant, and (D) a thickening polymer; and having a pH of from 8 to 11; and a method of controlling hair color by adjusting an (ascorbic acid or salt thereof)/(sulfurous acid or salt thereof) weight ratio in Component (B) of the composition: (wherein, a broken line: the presence or absence of a π bond, R1: OH or acetoxy, R2: H, —COOR (R: H, CH3 or C2H5) or —COO−X+ (X+: cation), and R3: H, acetyl, CH3 or C2H5).
US07862623B1 Extraction cleaning with oxidizing agent
A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a base module for movement along the surface; an upright handle pivotally attached to the base module; a fluid dispensing system including at least one fluid supply tank mounted to the handle or the base module, a dispensing nozzle mounted to the base module for applying a cleaning fluid to an upholstery or carpet surface to be cleaned, and a heater for heating the fluid to be applied to the surface to be cleaned to a temperature less than boiling; a fluid recovery tank mounted to the handle or the base module for holding recovered fluid; a suction nozzle associated with the base module; a working air conduit extending between the recovery tank and the suction nozzle; and a vacuum source and fluid communication with the recovery tank for generating a flow of working air from the suction nozzle through the working air conduit and through the recovery tank to thereby recovering fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the suction nozzle and working air conduit and into the recovery tank. A method for cleaning an upholstery or carpet surface in which a fluid cleaning solution is contained in a tank and dispensed on the surface through a nozzle and the cleaning solution is recovered from the surface with suction and deposited into a recovery tank includes, according to the invention, the steps of admixing an oxidizing agent with the cleaning solution, and heating the admixture prior to the step of dispensing the cleaning solution onto the surface to be cleaned.
US07862622B2 Prosthetic foot with adjustable heel height
A prosthetic foot having an adjustable height heel includes a frame portion with an ankle link pivotally supported on the frame portion at a first pivot axis. A detent rod is pivotally connected to the ankle at a second pivot axis, and a detent member is pivotally affixed to the frame portion at a third pivot axis. The detent member is selectively operable to receive and releasably retain a length of the detent rod therein so that the length of the detent rod extending between the second and third pivot axes may be selectably adjusted. When the length of the rod is so adjusted, the angular relationship of the frame portion and the ankle link is changed thereby changing the heel height of the foot. The detent mechanism may be activated by various means including fluidic means, mechanical means, electromechanical means, and the like.
US07862621B2 Prosthesis, in particular prosthetic foot
The invention relates to a prosthetic device (30), in particular a foot prosthesis, for fitting leg amputees, with a universal joint mechanism (32), which couples a shaft (34) with a treading attachment (40, 42) through an articulation, wherein the universal joint mechanism (32) comprises a joint element (44) supported such that it is rotatable about a first rotational axis (C) and a second rotational axis (D) differing therefrom. For more accurate modeling of the natural gait of a healthy human foot, the invention provides that the universal joint mechanism (32) comprises a shaft-side joint fork (36) coupleable with the shaft (34) and a treading-side joint fork (38) coupled via the joint element (44) through an articulation with the shaft-side joint fork (36), wherein the shaft-side joint fork (36) is swivellable about the first rotational axis (C) and the treading-side joint fork (38) about the second rotational axis (D) relative to the joint element (44), and wherein the swivel movements of shaft-side and treading-side joint fork (36, 38) relative to the joint element (44) are carried out against the resistance of at least one damping element (90, 92) proximal to the joint element.
US07862618B2 Expandable vertebral body implants and methods of use
A vertebral implant for insertion into a patient includes first and second end members that include recesses for engaging a spacer member and a distractor. The end plates include a bone contact surface and an oppositely facing surface. A peripheral surface extends around a perimeter of the end members. The recesses may extend inward from the oppositely facing surfaces. Further, the recesses may extend inward from the peripheral surfaces. The recesses for engaging the spacer member and distractor may be separate from each other or may intersect one another. A spacer may engage the end plates to establish a desired vertebral spacing. The spacer may be positioned between the implants after a desired distraction is obtained with a distractor that engages the end plates.
US07862615B2 Intervertebral implant with two shapes
The invention concerns an intervertebral implant that includes a spacer designed firstly to assume an implantation shape in which the spacer has two opposed channels (3, 4) bordered by retaining wings (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b), intended to receive the two spinous processes of two vertebrae, and secondly an insertion shape in which the parts of the implant forming the channels (3, 4) are separated by a value (d), and on at least one of their sides are lacking the retaining wings (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b), characterized in that the implant (1) is made from a shape-memory material, so that the implant changes to its implantation shape when it is subjected to heat, and so that, in this implantation shape, the parts of the implant forming the channels (3, 4) are separated by a value (D) that is greater than the value(d) of the insertion shape, in order to ensure the separation of the spinous processes.
US07862612B2 Apparatus and method for reconstructing a ligament
A method and apparatus for reconstructing a ligament using a graft ligament support block which comprises a body, and a graft hole and a transverse fixation pin hole extending through the body, with both the graft hole and the fixation pin hole preferably extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. A graft ligament is looped through the graft hole, and the support block is advanced into the bone tunnel, with the two free ends of the looped graft ligament extending back out the bone tunnel. Next, a transverse tunnel is formed in the host bone, with the transverse tunnel being aligned with the fixation pin hole. Then the support block is secured in place by pinning the support block within the tunnel, i.e., by advancing a fixation pin along the transverse tunnel in the host bone and into the fixation pin hole in the support block.
US07862609B2 Stent graft having a pleated graft member
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a stent graft for insertion into a body vessel of a patient, the stent graft includes a hollow substantially cylindrical radially expandable stent having a body, two open ends and a longitudinal axis therebetween. The body of the stent is made from a plurality of interconnected struts. The stent graft further includes a graft member attached to the body of the stent, wherein the graft member having a plurality of substantially longitudinally directed pleats disposed thereon. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the graft further includes a plurality of radially oriented pleat interruptions disposed thereon.
US07862607B2 Stent with bio-resorbable connector and methods
A helical stent having bioresorbable connecting members connecting sections of the stent. The connecting members provide various spring rates or spring constants to the stent, and permit a change in the flexibility of the stent subsequent to implantation while maintaining the unitary design of the stent. A method of making the helical stent includes forming a tube with a section made of a bioresorbable material prior to forming the stent.
US07862604B1 Bifurcated graft with an inferior extension
A bifurcated graft is formed from a series of individual components which are intraluminally delivered apart from one another and then assembled to form a fully supported structure. The modular system includes a base member and one or more grafts connected thereto. The base member preferably includes a portion which gradually increases in diameter. A tubular device for inserting the components of the modular system and a method employing the modular system for repairing an abdominal aortic aneurysm are also disclosed.
US07862603B2 Stent delivery system
A stent delivery system 1 for supplying a stent to a body cavity which includes an endoscope 6 that has an insertion portion 5 with a curvature portion 3 disposed at the distal end thereof, a sheath 7 that is disposed with the insertion portion 5 inserted in the inside thereof and a stent 2 placed on the outer surface of the distal end side thereof; and a regulating portion 8 that regulates the relative movement of the stent 2 to the proximal end side of the sheath 7, with the sheath 7 formed of a length that allows the distal end of the insertion portion 5 that is inserted in the sheath 7 to protrude from the distal end of the sheath 7. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a stent delivery system that can place a stent by endoscope observation without the need of excessive diametrical contraction or additional expansion of the stent.
US07862600B2 Methods and devices for prevention of hypothermia in a mammal during prolonged exposure to extreme cold
Methods and devices for preventing a change in the core body temperature of a mammal under cold conditions are provided. In the subject methods, a requirement for thermal energy input in said mammal is first detected. In response to the detection of this requirement for thermal energy input, a surface of a portion of the mammal is contacted with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the core body of the mammal. The subject devices include at least a means for detecting a requirement for thermal energy input and a means for contacting a surface of the mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in maintaining the core body temperature of a mammal substantially constant under cold conditions for an extended period of time.
US07862599B2 Convective warming device with a drape
A convective warming device including a clinical garment and at least one inflatable convective apparatus supported on an inside surface of the garment is provided with a drape. When the convective warming device is used to warm a person, the drape is deployed over skin of the person not covered by the clinical garment. The drape protects the covered skin from thermal injury by an air hose used to conduct heated pressurized air to the inflatable convective apparatus.
US07862594B2 Polyaxial pedicle screw assembly
A pedicle fixation assembly and method for assembly comprises a screw head comprising a male bulbous end; a bone fixator component comprising a female concave semi-spherical socket for receiving the screw head; a locking saddle pin for engaging the screw head and the bone fixator component; and a blocker for engaging the screw head and for securing the longitudinal member.
US07862587B2 Dynamic stabilization assemblies, tool set and method
A hinged bone screw and tool set is used for implanting such bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws. The hinged bone screw includes a shank with an upper portion and a receiver with integral arms forming a U-shaped channel. A lower curved seat partially defining the U-shaped channel cooperates with an upper portion of the bone screw shank for hinged movement of the shank with respect to the receiver. The tool set includes an insertion tool, a bone screw driver, a reduction tool and a closure starter. The insertion tool includes a bone screw attachment structure and a laterally opening channel. The insertion tool further includes a threaded portion for cooperation with the reduction tool to provide synchronized placement of a closure structure in the bone screw receiver while reducing and capturing a longitudinal connecting member within the receiver. Further alternative bone screws are hinged, polyaxial or fixed and include lordosing or kyphosing lateral surfaces.
US07862586B2 Spinal stabilization systems
Spinal stabilizing elements and spinal stabilization systems composed of spinal stabilizing elements in combination with disc prostheses or disc nucleus replacements are provided. The stabilizing elements and stabilization systems are designed to preserve the natural mobility of vertebral discs and facet joints in patients with facet joint disease or patients who has undergone a prior destabilizing procedure, such as a facetectomy. The stabilizing elements may be pivoting elements or dynamic elements.
US07862583B2 Fusible suture and method for suturing therewith
The present invention relates to a fusible suture for joining portions of tissue. The suture includes an elongate electrical conductor. The conductor extends between opposite ends of the suture and has sufficient flexibility to permit segments of the conductor to overlap, thereby forming a loop sized for joining portions of tissue. The overlapped segments of the conductor are heated upon application of an electrical current to the conductor. The suture further includes a coating that at least partially covers the conductor and extends over at least one of the segments of the conductor. The coating softens when its temperature is at and above a softening temperature so that the overlapping segments of the coating coalesce. The softening temperature is lower than a melting temperature of the conductor. The coating returns to a non-softened state when its temperature falls below a hardening temperature, thereby forming a bond between the overlapped segments of the conductor.
US07862579B2 Electroactive polymer-based articulation mechanism for grasper
Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a grasping device. In one exemplary embodiment, a grasping device is provided having a shaft with an end effector having opposed jaws coupled to the shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to actuate the end effector to open and close the opposed jaws to grasp tissue or other objects. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the end effector relative to the shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator.
US07862577B2 Temporary vascular filter guide wire
A temporary filter is described for use in percutaneous intravascular procedures for the treatment of diseased blood vessels, such as angioplasty or stent placement procedures. The guide wire which is used to direct a catheter (such as a balloon catheter) to a treatment site contains a deployable filter. The guide wire is moveable independently of the catheter and can be used to position the filter at a desired location downstream of the treatment site. The guide wire includes parts moveable with respect to each other and the filter is connected to these parts in such a way that it can be deployed and collapsed by relative movement of the parts.
US07862572B2 Apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing
An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes an elongated barrel having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the elongated barrel; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated barrel, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the elongated barrel to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
US07862569B2 System and method for strengthening a spinous process
Systems, procedures and tools for repairing, or reinforcing the spinous process. The systems and procedures provide for injecting bone cement into and optionally around the spinous process. Additional reinforcing elements may be embedded in the bone cement inside or outside the spinous process. The procedures include positioning of the guide and reinforcing elements relative to a spinous process, preparation of the spinous process for injection and injection of bone cement into the spinous process. Tools are provided to facilitate the accurate injection of bone cement. The systems and procedures increase the strength of the spinous process and enhance the applicability and outcome of spinal interventions.
US07862566B2 Midface external distraction method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for midfacial and maxillofacial external distraction includes attaching one end of each curved temporal bar to a skull and the other end to a surgically isolated (osteotomized) portion of the patient's midface (maxilla, orbit(s) or zygoma(s)).
US07862562B2 Wrap based lesion formation apparatus and methods configured to protect non-target tissue
Apparatus, systems and methods for forming lesions in target tissue and positioning an insulation element adjacent to non-target tissue.
US07862557B2 Cryotherapy methods for treating vessel dissections and side branch occlusion
The present invention provides cryotherapy treatment of dissections in a blood vessel of a patient. The present invention further provides cryotherapy treatment of side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel. One method for treating potential or existing dissections in a blood vessel comprises cooling the blood vessel to a temperature and for a time sufficient to remodel the blood vessel such that dissections of the blood vessel are reduced. Another method for treating side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel, the bifurcated blood vessel having a side branch and a main branch, the main branch having plaque disposed thereon, comprises cooling an inner surface of the main branch to a temperature and for a time sufficient to inhibit plaque shift from the main branch into the side branch.
US07862556B2 Surgical system that ablates soft tissue
A surgical system that ablates soft tissue. The system may include a fiber laser oscillator as the gain medium that emits electromagnetic radiation. The system may process the electromagnetic radiation, and direct the electromagnetic radiation on to the soft tissue to be ablated. Due at least in part to the nature of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the fiber laser oscillator, the system may provide various enhancements, such as a higher power conversion efficiency, a longer lifetime, less heat dissipation, a more compact design, and/or other enhancements, for example. The system may also generate electromagnetic radiation with a relatively high beam quality. This may reduce beam divergence and beam spot size on targeted soft tissue, thereby enhancing power density in the electromagnetic radiation guided to the soft tissue. This enhanced power density may facilitate effective ablation.
US07862553B2 Tip and shaft connection for medical device
A medical device includes a tube end to which a tip having a medical tool is attached. The tip includes a tip housing and a lock tab, as well as a yoke. The tube end includes an outer tube and an inner shaft, in which the inner shaft engages the yoke and the outer tube engages the tip housing. The lock tab fits into a recess in the outer tube to prevent twisting of the tip when engaged with the tube end, and the yoke includes a locking ring to which a spring protrudes, to fixedly and detachably connect the tip to the tube end.
US07862552B2 Medical devices for treating urological and uterine conditions
The present invention relates to implantable or insertable medical devices that treat uterine and urological conditions that cause chronic pelvic pain and other symptoms. In another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing such implantable or insertable medical devices.
US07862551B2 Apparatus and methods for treating tissue using passive injection systems
Methods and apparatus are provided for treating damaged tissue using apparatus that atraumatically delivers a bioactive agent within the tissue, wherein the apparatus provides a column of stem cells may be advanced simultaneously with a needle during needle insertion, and then held stationary or injected at low pressure while retracting the needle. Alternatively, the needle may employ electromotive forces, or to change a dimension of the needle, to expel the bioactive agent into the needle track.
US07862550B2 Mechanical fastening system for an absorbent article
A mechanical fastening system for an article having a stretchable loop fastener component mountable on the article and including an elastomeric substrate and a high bond point non-woven loop material secured to the elastomeric substrate. The bond points on the non-woven loop material are defined by discrete compression points and the non-woven loop material is substantially free from discrete compression points other than at the bond points. A hook fastener component is mountable on the article and adapted for releasable engagement with the loop fastener component. The stretchable loop fastener component is stretchable relative to the hook fastener component when the fastener components are engaged.
US07862547B2 Safety shield for medical needles
A medical needle shield apparatus is provided which includes an extensible shield having a first segment and a second segment extending therefrom. The second segment includes an opening configured for clearance of a medical needle of a medical needle device during attachment of the extensible shield to the medical needle device. The second segment defines a planar surface adjacent a distal portion thereof. The planar surface is configured to engage the needle for disposing the shield in an extended position. In alternate embodiment, the medical needle shield apparatus has a syringe having a needle hub supporting a needle. The first segment articulates from a collar disposed about the needle hub. The collar includes a pair of latches. The opening is configured for travel about the needle to facilitate extension of the shield from a retracted position to an extended position. The second segment further includes a proximal fulcrum that engages the needle to facilitate extension of the shield. The second segment also has a pair of catches. The catches are engageable with the latches to maintain the shield in the retracted position. The second segment has a nose portion defining a planar surface configured to engage the needle to facilitate fixing the shield in the extended position.
US07862546B2 Subcutaneous self attaching injection port with integral moveable retention members
A self attaching injection port has integral moveable fasteners which are moveable from a undeployed state to a deployed state engaging tissue. The fasteners may be disposed radially or tangentially, and rotated to pierce the fascia. The fasteners may be rigid or elastically deformable.
US07862543B2 Drug delivery system
A drug delivery system is disclosed which may be a throwaway or reusable device for delivery at least one drug to a patient. Also described is a method for administering a drug using said device and a packaged drug for use with said device. The drug delivery device (10) comprises a housing (12), a means (14) for generating a force capable of pushing a drug (16) from a packaging (18) into a human or animal body, a means (20) for transmitting said force to push the drug (16) from the packaging (18) into the human and animal body, and a means (38, 42b) for triggering the device. Where the device is a single use drug delivery system, a packaged drug (100) forms an integral part of the device. The packaged drug comprises a region (102) allowing it to be slidably mounted to the drug delivery device (10).
US07862539B2 System and method for infusing toxins using safety set, connect set and cyto admin set
The present invention provides a method for safely infusing a toxic fluid into a patient comprising the steps of drawing toxic fluid from a toxic fluid container into a withdrawing syringe, disconnecting a safety set from the toxic fluid container at a junction of a first male locking connector and ar interlocking slide, pushing the interlocking slide into a needle shroud assembly such that a sharpened distal tip of the needle is positioned within a resilient septum carried by the interlocking slide, connecting a second male locking connector to the interlocking slide, connecting the second male locking connector to a connect set, dispensing the toxic fluid from the syringe into the infusion bag, withdrawing the needle to position its sharpened distal tip within the resilient septum, attaching the connect set to the cyto admin set and infusing the toxic fluid into the patient.
US07862538B2 Surgical delivery system for medical sealant
Described herein are systems for packaging dual or multiple-component adhesive systems that provide enhanced convenience and efficacy. In one aspect, the components of such a system may be divided into containers that allow for foolproof mixing schemes to avoid mixing the wrong components while also providing a sterile surface for mixing materials, with the sterile surface having optimal physical properties for mixing the materials, especially in small amounts. Certain embodiments include a surgical delivery system for a medical sealant including a packaging system with a detachable a sterile surface for mixing the sealant as needed for application.
US07862537B2 Medical device for in situ liquid drug reconstitution in medicinal vessels
Medical device for in situ liquid drug reconstitution in medicinal vessels containing drug contents. The medical device includes a body member having a vessel port for insertion into a medicinal vessel containing drug contents, and a syringe port for receiving a syringe containing a diluent for reconstituting the drug contents into a reconstituted liquid drug. The medical device includes a one-way flow restriction mechanism between the two ports for positively restricting injection of diluent into a medicinal vessel and only slightly restricting aspiration of reconstituted liquid drug therefrom, if at all.
US07862534B2 Infusion circuit subassemblies
Infusion system configurations and assemblies facilitate routing of infusion circuit tubing lines. Tubing lines are routed into and out from compartments of a shielding assembly for the infusion system, at locations which prevent kinking and/or crushing of the lines, and/or provide for ease in assembling the circuit. A plurality of the lines may be held together by a support frame to form a disposable infusion circuit subassembly, that can further facilitate routing of the lines.
US07862527B2 Edge binding for orthopedic supports and method of using same
An orthopedic support includes a sheet of flexible material having a proximal edge and a distal edge configured to extend at least partially around a portion of the wearer's anatomy and a pair of opposing lateral edges configured to at least partially enclose the portion of the wearer's anatomy. The orthopedic support includes at least one strap attached to the sheet of material and configured to extend over one of the lateral edges, wherein the strap comprises an associated fastening element configured to attach to the sheet of material so as to secure the sheet about the portion of the wearer's anatomy. The orthopedic support further includes an edge binding molded to an edge of the sheet of material.
US07862525B2 Automated therapy device for biomechanical rehabilitation massage and method for use
An automated massage device for biomechanical rehabilitation massage for use on CP patients comprises at least one inflatable bladder with inflation means adapted to provide compressive forces against the body to stimulate smooth muscles in a controlled manner. The device includes a programmable controller that is able to receive instructions on a dynamic prescriptive basis from a professional therapist and then relay these instructions to a care-giver in a home situation. The instructions include the placement of the bladder, the duration of the massage and the sequence of body locations to receive massage therapy. Once the bladder is placed in the required position against the body the device will execute the prescribed massage therapy for that location and then cue the care-giver to move the bladder to the next body location in the prescribed sequence. The prescription is time limited and once expired renders the device inoperable to prevent over application of the massage therapy.
US07862520B2 Body fluid sampling module with a continuous compression tissue interface surface
A sampling module includes a housing and a penetrating member positioned in the housing. An attachment device is coupled to the housing. The attachment device is tiltably attached to a tissue interface that permits the tissue interface surface to tilt. The tissue interface includes an opening for the penetrating member to pass there through.
US07862518B2 Biopsy device with telescoping cutter cover
A biopsy device comprises a targeting set, a probe assembly, and a holster assembly, which are detachable from one another. The targeting set comprises a needle assembly having a tissue piercing tip, a tissue receiving aperture, and fluid sealing mechanisms. The probe assembly comprises a tissue cutter, a variable external helix, a body, and telescopic cutter cover. The helix may partially retract the cutter within the probe assembly, while a portion of the cutter extends distally from the probe body. The telescopic cutter cover extends from the distal portion of the probe assembly when the probe assembly is detached from the needle assembly. This extension of the telescopic cutter cover shields a user of the biopsy device from the sharp cutter. The telescopic cutter cover further retracts into the probe assembly when the probe assembly is coupled with the needle assembly of the targeting set assembly.
US07862515B2 Apparatus for detecting sleep apnea using electrocardiogram signals
An apparatus for diagnosing sleep apnea only uses an electrocardiogram signal and a computer processor and associated computer code that are configured to analyze the electrocardiogram signal and classify each time period of the electrocardiogram signal as either apneic or normal. A diagnostic measure of sleep apnea for the human patient is provided based on classification results obtained by combining a results for various electrocardiogram signal time periods. A computer-readable medium has computer code that causes the computer to analyze an electrocardiogram signal relating to the human patient and classify each time period in a set of time periods as either apneic or normal. A diagnostic measure of sleep apnea is provided based on classification results obtained by combining a plurality of results from the set of time periods using either time or frequency domain processing, or both.
US07862514B2 Blood pressure measurement
The diastolic blood pressure and a systolic blood pressure of a vertebrate are measured using an inflatable pressure cuff disposed about a limb of the vertebrate and connected to an inflation device through a single conduit. A pressure sensor is pneumatically connected to the cuff through the same common conduit. The sensed pressures at the diastolic and systolic points are corrected for a pressure differential associated with the flow of an inflation fluid through the common conduit. The sensed pressures at the diastolic point and the systolic point may be measured during inflation of the cuff or during controlled deflation of the cuff.
US07862509B2 Measuring transducer movement methods and systems for multi-dimensional ultrasound imaging
Methods and systems for measuring transducer movement are provided. For example, free-hand scanning for three-dimensional imaging is provided. An optical sensor within the transducer measures motion along the skin surface similar to measuring movement of a personal computer mouse with an optical sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the transducer is tilted at an angle other than perpendicular to the skin surface generally towards or away from the direction in which the transducer is translated. The transducer is then translated while maintaining the angle. Motion to or from the transducer is measured, and a component of the motion measured while the transducer is maintained at an angle is parallel to the direction of translation. The component of motion is angle corrected and used to determine a distance of travel.
US07862504B2 Insertion apparatus
An insertion apparatus includes: a tubular member equipped with a propulsion power generating portion; a rotating portion for rotating the tubular member provided with the propulsion power generating portion around the longitudinal axis of the tubular member; and a distal portion which is provided on a more distal side than the tubular member rotated by the rotating portion, is slidably provided to the tubular member, and is disposed with an observation portion for observing a body to be examined.
US07862501B2 System for preventing diastolic heart failure
A pumping system for assisting the circulatory system of a patient, wherein the system includes a rotary flow blood pump by a first cannula connected to a portion of the left side of the heart and a second cannula connected to the aorta; and characterised in that the pumping speed of said pump is adjusted in accordance with measurements from a pressure sensor mounted in or on an inner wall of a portion of the left side of the heart.
US07862500B2 Multiple partitioning devices for heart treatment
This invention is directed to a system and method for partitioning a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion which are particularly suitable for treating patients with congestive heart failure. The partitioning system has a plurality of partitioning devices with reinforced, expandable membranes which separate the productive and non-productive portions of the heart chamber. When deployed within the patient's heart chamber, the second partitioning device is off-set from the deployed first partitioning device to cover a region of the wall defining the patient's heart chamber which is not covered by the first partitioning device. The multiple partitioning devices may be independent from each other or may be interconnected, e.g. a tether or strand.
US07862498B2 Expandable brachytherapy apparatus and methods for using them
Apparatus for delivering brachytherapy to a target tissue region includes an elongate body including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a tissue tract and carrying a plurality of elongate members including pathways for receiving a source of radiation. The elongate members are movable between collapsed and expanded configurations. During use, a tract is created through tissue, and the elongate body carrying the elongate members is advanced through the tract into a target location with the elongate members in the collapsed configuration. The elongate members are directed to the expanded configuration at the target location, and radiation is delivered to treat tissue at the target location, e.g., by introducing one or more radiation sources along the pathways. The apparatus may include features to prevent overexpansion of the elongate members and/or to facilitate rapid collapse of the elongate members.
US07862494B2 Centrifuge with removable core for scalable centrifugation
The present invention relates to a centrifuge apparatus. The centrifuge apparatus is operable at certain predetermined parameters depending upon a product to be separated and is useable with a plurality of rotor assemblies. For example, a first rotor assembly of said plurality of rotor assemblies includes a first core having a first core configuration which is contained within a rotor housing of the first rotor assembly to define a first volume capacity such that the product passing through the first rotor assembly having the first volume capacity during rotation of the first rotor assembly in the centrifuge apparatus achieves a first particle separation of the product. A second rotor assembly of said plurality of rotor assemblies includes a second core having a second core configuration which is contained with a rotor housing of the second rotor assembly to define a second volume capacity such that product passing through the second rotor assembly having the second volume capacity during rotation of the second rotor assembly in the centrifuge apparatus achieves a second particle separation of the product. It is observed that the second particle separation is a linear change with respect to the first particle separation.
US07862493B2 Centrifuge for continuous separation of flowable substances of different densities having an air extraction member
A screw centrifuge for the continuous separation of flowable substances of different densities includes a rotor drum having discharge openings for the heavy phase that are arranged in a conical portion of the rotor wall, and weir openings for the light phase that are provided on an end wall of the rotor drum. A conveyor screw is rotatable inside the rotor drum and has a screw blade mounted on a hollow shaft for transporting the heavy phase to the discharge openings. A mixture inflow tube is arranged coaxially inside the hollow shaft and leads to a feed chamber in the hollow shaft that is in flow communication with the screw blade. An air extraction member is provided before the feed chamber and generates, in the annular space enclosing the inflow tube, a suction flow co-directional with the delivery direction in the inflow tube.
US07862488B2 Weightable hoop belt system
A weightable hoop system comprising: a single bodied molded hoop with a top and a bottom comprising: a first annular volume located at the top; a second annular volume located at the bottom; a pinch seal located between the first annular volume and the second annular volume, and preventing fluid communication between the first annular volume and the second annular volume; a first threaded input member in fluid communication with the first annular volume; and a second threaded input member in fluid communication with the first annular volume.
US07862483B2 Inclining treadmill with magnetic braking system
A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes a support base and a treadbase that selectively inclines with respect to the support base. The treadbase includes a motor for driving an endless belt upon which the user ambulates. The treadbase also includes a magnetic braking assembly for regulating the speed of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the treadbase motor is driving the endless belt. The magnetic braking assembly includes a magnet that selectively moves relative to the treadbase flywheel along a threaded lead screw to provide the braking force.
US07862482B1 Adjustable elliptical trainer
The adjustable elliptical trainer has a base, a transmitting wheel, two link assemblies and two pedals. The base has a wheel frame mounted on the base and having a fulcrum shaft on a top end of the wheel frame. The transmitting wheel is mounted rotatably on the wheel frame and has a transmitting shaft and two transmitting levers. The transmitting levers are respectively mounted radially on the transmitting shaft and extend in two opposite directions. The link assemblies are respectively set on two sides of the base, and each has multiple levers and an adjusting element. The levers are mounted pivotally on the fulcrum shaft and the transmitting lever to rotate the transmitting wheel. The adjusting element is mounted on the levers and is adjusted to change an orbit of the elliptical trainer. The pedals are respectively mounted on the link assemblies.
US07862481B2 Stepper apparatus
A stepper apparatus includes a base, two axle units, two pedal units and a coordinating unit. The base includes a post formed thereon. Each of the axle units includes an axle extended downwards from a flank of the post. Each of the pedal units includes a pedal pivotally connected to the axle of a related one of the axle units. The coordinating unit includes a lever pivotally connected to the post and formed with two ends each connected to a related one of the pedals so that one of the pedals is moved upwards and outwards while the other pedal is moved downwards and inwards.
US07862480B2 Safety mat securement assembly
A safety mat securement assembly for providing open and a closed position for a climbing wall assembly using a safety mat. The safety mat securement assembly utilizes a plurality of security hand hold members each having latching means and a safety mat having a plurality of bottom securement members, top and side loop members. The security hand hold members may be used as hand holds on the climbing wall assembly and may have a locking structure. The bottom securement members function to hold the safety mat to the bottom of a climbing wall assembly during both open and closed positions of the safety mat. The mat securement assembly is opened or unlocked by loosening the latching means, removing security mat top loop members from the hand hold, and placing the mats on the floor along the base of the climbing wall. When in closed or locked position, the security mats may contain a printed message communicating that the climbing wall is closed and climbing should not take place. A cover member may be provided to further secure the climbing wall.
US07862479B2 Foldable trampoline and conversion kit
Embodiments of the invention are directed to trampolines and component parts including a frame assembly to fold a fixed or foldable trampoline from an expanded state to a collapsed state or vice-versa. In one embodiment, a frame assembly includes a base frame member, two peripheral frame members and two connecting members connecting the two peripheral frame members to the base frame member. The two peripheral frame members are also connected to a center joint which may slide up and down a center frame post via a folding mechanism which may include a crank shaft and an elongated threaded member. In some embodiments, the frame assembly may include hydraulics and the two peripheral frame members may be off-set relative to one another. Embodiments of component parts for the trampoline may also include a plurality of net frame members, a foldable ladder, a wheeled support and a frame pad.
US07862476B2 Exercise device
A control system and method for exercise equipment and the like provides a way to simulate a physical activity in a manner that takes into account the physics of the physical activity being simulated to provide an accurate simulation. According to one aspect of the present invention, the control system and method takes into account the physics of the corresponding physical activity to generate a virtual or predicted value of a variable such as velocity, acceleration, force, or the like. The difference between the virtual or expected physical variable and a measured variable is used as a control input to control resistance forces of the exercise equipment in a way that causes the user to experience forces that are the same or similar to the forces that would be encountered if the user were actually performing the physical activity being simulated rather than using the exercise equipment.
US07862475B2 Exercise device with proximity sensor
An exercise device configured to sense and respond to objects in proximity to the exercise device is provided. The device includes a sensor configured to sense objects in proximity to the exercise device other than the user who is operating the exercise device. A console is in communication with the sensor that instructs components of the treadmill to provide, for example, an audible and/or visual response to the user of the exercise device, or to slow or stop the exercise device from moving. Sensors that are capable of sensing whether objects are within different spatial zones of proximity are disclosed. Multiple pre-defined and/or user-defined responses to objects detected in multiple corresponding spatial zones of proximity are also disclosed herein.
US07862474B2 Speed change control device for automatic transmission and control method thereof
A speed change control device for an automatic transmission according to this invention determines whether or not a request to downshift a gear position of the transmission exists during traveling in a manual speed change mode (S1, S2), and calculates an input shaft rotation speed of the transmission following a downshift based on the downshift request (S4). When it is determined that the calculated rotation speed is higher than a rotation speed limit value (S5), the speed change control device performs a downshift to a gear position at which the input shaft rotation speed of the transmission is lower than the calculated rotation speed (S6, S8).
US07862471B2 Valve control system
A solenoid control system for implementation with an electronic range selection (ETRS) system that shifts a transmission range between a park position and an out-of-park position. A first solenoid assembly is operable to control a fluid valve to supply pressurized fluid to urge a valve spool toward a first position. A second solenoid assembly is operable to control a fluid valve to supply pressurized fluid to urge said valve spool toward a second position. A control module selectively energizes one of the first and second solenoids based on a transmission fluid temperature.
US07862466B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
US07862462B2 Differential device
A differential device is provided with a case being capable of rotation around a rotation axis; a differential gear set housed in and drivingly coupled to the case, which includes first and second output gears and is configured to differentially transmit the rotation of the case to the first and second output gears; a clutch configured to controllably limit and free a differential motion between the first and second output gears, which is housed in the case; an actuator configured to actuate the clutch; and a notifying member configured to notify whether the differential motion is limited or freed to an exterior of the case.
US07862461B2 Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission that includes one clutch that includes a clutch drum; a piston that forms a hydraulic oil chamber using a part of the clutch drum as a cylinder; a plurality of friction plates that engage with the clutch drum; and a cancel oil chamber that is provided on a rear side of the piston and that cancels a centrifugal oil pressure that acts on the hydraulic oil chamber. Oil is supplied to the cancel oil chamber from a boss portion formed in the clutch drum on a radially inner side, and the oil is discharged from discharge holes formed in the boss portion to an outside of a hydraulic oil chamber side of the clutch drum.
US07862460B2 Chain noise damping device
A sprocket (S) for a chain driven power transmission system used on an internal combustion engine. Severe ITVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) characteristics associated with a chain engaging the sprocket is damped by two annular rings (R1, R2) that are loosely positioned on either side of the circumferential row of teeth. The inner diameters (ID1, ID2) of each of the annular rings (R1, R2) form cavities between the annular rings and the sprocket grooves. Pressurized viscous fluid is supplied to each cavity via channels in the hub of the sprocket to cushion the impact of each roller of the chain as it engages each row of teeth during engine operation. The pressure of the viscous fluid creates a resistive force to minimize the severe impact noise experienced by non-damped sprockets.
US07862459B2 Transmission, power unit having the same, vehicle, controller for transmission, and method of controlling transmission
To prevent engine speed from increasing during low-speed operation, a transmission includes a change-gear mechanism, a centrifugal clutch, a control unit and a secondary sheave rotation sensor. The change-gear mechanism has an input shaft, an output shaft and an actuator for changing a change-gear ratio between the input and output shafts. The centrifugal clutch is connected to the output shaft. The control unit controls the actuator. The secondary sheave rotation sensor detects and outputs a rotational speed of the output shaft to the control unit. The control unit controls the actuator based on a target change-gear ratio obtained by dividing a target rotational speed of the input shaft by the rotational speed of the output shaft.
US07862458B2 Panel configuration for a game ball
A game ball, which may be a soccer ball or a variety of other types of ball. The game ball includes a plurality of pentagonal panels, with each of the pentagonal panels having five convex edges. The game ball also includes a plurality of hexagonal panels, with each of the hexagonal panels having three substantially linear edges and three concave edges. The pentagonal panels and the hexagonal panels are connected along abutting concave edges and convex edges, and the hexagonal panels are connected each other along abutting linear edges.
US07862456B2 Hockey stick
A composite hockey stick having a tubular hollow rectangular shaft and a blade is disclosed. The shaft comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, each of the inner and outer layers are formed of uni-directional substantially continuous fibers disposed in a hardened resin matrix and wrapped and molded around a middle elastomer layer. A new manufacturing method is also disclosed in which a cured hollow tubular composite hockey stick shaft is inserted between the front and back faces of an un-cured composite hockey stick blade and the blade is then cured in a mold around the hockey stick shaft to form a unitary composite hockey stick.
US07862455B1 Stringing sandwich, an apparatus that lays strings on top of each other within a frame of a racquet
An apparatus that lays strings on top of each other within a frame; the overlying of the strings, once the process is finish, will create the arrays of intersections between the vertical and horizontal strings that create the net in a racquet, such as a tennis racquet, or squash racquet. The apparatus is new, very useful and has of a main section, a complementary overlap cover for the main section, a way of securing and undoing the main section to and from the frame of the racquet, and an inlet and outlet passage for the strings to and from the main section. In addition, a preferred embodiment includes the main section with vertical and horizontal routes that overpass each other made of transparent plastic, and consisting of any number of vertical and horizontal routes. A preferred embodiment includes the complementary overlap with a design of any geometric shape.
US07862453B2 Golf club head
The invention prevents a resin member from being broken so as to improve durability. The invention provides a golf club head (1) in which at least a part of a crown portion (4) forming an upper surface of the head is formed by a resin member (FR) made of a fiber reinforced resin in which a fiber is oriented in a matrix resin. The resin member (FR) includes a one-way fiber reinforced resin layer in which the fiber is oriented in one direction, and a fiber intersection lamination portion which is laminated so as to differentiate a direction of the fiber. At least two one-way fiber reinforced resin layers which are adjacent in a thickness direction are intersected at an angle of 30 to 130 degrees of the fiber. Further, a compressive strength of the fiber of the one-way fiber reinforced resin layer which is arranged in an innermost side in the fiber intersection lamination portion is set to be equal to or more than 1.3 GPa.
US07862450B2 Golf club head groove configuration
The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves have sharp edges, radiused ends, and a draft angle between about 2° and 12°. The striking face is machined such that it has a uniform texture with a roughness of more than 40 Ra. The grooves may contain a plurality of portions, including a radiused or angled portion, a portion having substantially parallel walls, a portion having a v-shape, and a curved portion. The grooves may also be characterized by various dimensions, including draft angle, inclusive side wall angle, width, depth, cross-sectional area, spacing, and pitch ratio. Preferred values for these dimension are provided.
US07862449B2 Golf club face with spin strip
A golf club head (such as a putter head), has a face that includes a ball-contacting region. The ball-contacting region has an inset containing an elastically deformable material and at least one rigid element disposed within the elastically deformable material. When a golf ball is struck, the elastically deformable material compresses and the rigid element imparts overspin to the ball that causes it to roll more accurately.
US07862447B2 Matrix composite golf club shaft and mandrel
A golf club shaft is provided that has a grip end opposite a head end and defining a length of the shaft extending between those two ends. The shaft has a tubular cross-section over at least one portion of the shaft length which cross-section has a substantially circular outer periphery and a polygon inner periphery formed of a plurality of between 4 and 24 flats, and preferably formed of 8-16 flats. A mandrel having the shape of the inner periphery of the shaft is also provided, as is a method of forming the shaft that uses the mandrel and composite matrix materials.
US07862445B2 Grip having a stabilized gripping surface
The disclosure herein includes a grip for a golf club with a flexible tube and a layered sheet. The tube includes a tubular body and raised portions extending from the tubular body. The outer surface of the raised portions cooperates with the layered sheet to form a gripping surface. The grip reduces impact shock and provides a feeling of tackiness while providing increased variation in the physical characteristics of the gripping surface.
US07862444B2 Golf swing training device
In general, this disclosure relates to a golf swing training device, comprises three interoperating portions, the first portion of the device being an active area, the second being a collapsible frame, and the third being a golf club-like device and carriage. The collapsible base frame allows the active area to be repositioned from a fully upright orientation, to a partially lowered orientation, and continue to a significantly lowered orientation, to a fully lowered (collapsed) orientation. In the fully lowered orientation, the device has a much smaller profile and can therefore be more easily transported and stored.
US07862443B2 Golf club
A golf putter with a novel offset and shaft-attachment design is disclosed and claimed. The club includes a head having a strike surface, a sole, and a top line. A tube is coupled to the head, a coupling member is coupled to the distal end of the tube, and a shaft is also coupled to the coupling member. The coupling member connects the tube and the shaft such that they are relatively offset. The longitudinal axes of the tube and the shaft may be substantially parallel, or the coupling member may be adjustable such that the longitudinal axes are not parallel. An alignment indicia is provided on the club head. The tube is coupled to the head at an angle such that it blocks the indicia from a user's view at address when the head is aligned properly. If the club head is not properly aligned, the golfer will be able to see the indicia and therefore know to adjust the club head before putting. Thus, putter disclosed and claimed herein provides both offset and a putting alignment aide.
US07862441B2 Self aligning die
The die has a bore that is generally sized to fit onto a like-sized stud. Threads are formed on the interior of the bore for cutting the threads on the stud. The die includes an integrated alignment mechanism to ensure that the die is aligned with respect to the stud as the die is rotated onto the stud.
US07862439B2 Plunging constant velocity universal joint
Unpleasant vibration and muffled sound are restrained. A constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint part having a plurality of track grooves formed on its cylindrical inner circumferential surface and extending in an axial direction, an inner joint part having a plurality of track grooves formed on its spherical outer circumferential surface and extending in the axial direction, six torque transmitting balls, each being put in a ball track formed by a pair of the track groove of the outer joint part and the track groove of the inner joint part, and a cage having pockets for retaining the torque transmitting balls. The center of curvatures of the spherical outer circumferential surface and the center of the spherical inner circumferential surface of the cage are offset by the same distance in the opposite directions along the axis about the center of the joint. A circumferential arrangement of the ball tracks is made with a uniform pitch, and a circumferential arrangement of the pockets of the cage is made with a random and non-uniform pitch of 55° or more.
US07862438B2 Unitized disc pack and disc pack coupling formed therewith
A unitized disc pack for use in a disc pack coupling includes at least two coaxial discs forming a disc pack. The disc pack defines a first axially outwardly facing face and a second axially outwardly facing face facing away from the first outwardly facing face, and includes a plurality of axially aligned holes formed through said disc pack. A first flanged bushing including a flange extends into one of the holes formed through the disc pack. The first flanged bushing is inserted into the one of the holes from the first outwardly facing face of the disc pack. The first flanged bushing flange engages the first outwardly facing face of the disc pack. A second flanged bushing including a flange extends into one of the holes formed through the disc pack. The second flanged bushing is inserted into the one of the holes from the second outwardly facing face of the disc pack. The second flanged bushing flange engages the second outwardly facing face of the disc pack, such that the discs are sandwiched between the flanges of the first and second flanged bushings.
US07862432B2 Multiple player game system, methods and apparatus
Methods and systems are described for providing a multi-player game system using standard consumer electronics equipment. For example, a system for playing multi-player games on a DVD player and other standard consumer electronics equipment receives commands from player remote controls in response to prompts from a game being played on the DVD player and other standard consumer electronics equipment. An electronic control mechanism determines which of the player remote controls first responds to the prompt. If necessary, the electronic control mechanism translates commands from the remote controls to commands compatible with and understandable by the DVD player and other standard consumer electronics equipment. A transmitter then sends the commands to the DVD player and other standard consumer electronics equipment. Based on those commands, the game proceeds until completed.
US07862429B2 Method and apparatus for bonus round play
Methods and apparatus are provided for enabling a player to take a tour of a secondary game at a game machine. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes offering to enable entry of a player into a bonus round of a game machine in exchange for a fee, receiving the fee from the player, and enabling entry of the player into the bonus round. The method further includes receiving an indication of at least one player selection during the bonus round, and determining an outcome based on the at least one player selection. In other embodiments, the method includes providing a prize to the player based on the outcome.
US07862427B2 Wide area progressive jackpot system and methods
A progressive jackpot system for allowing access to multiple wide area progressive jackpots at a gaming machine is described. The gaming machine connected to the progressive systems can be switched between two or more different progressive games where each progressive game provides the chance to win a different wide area progressive jackpot. The gaming machine may be operable to dynamically connect to and communicate with one or more different progressive systems. Switches can be triggered based upon a player input at the gaming machine or based upon a command received from a remote gaming device.
US07862426B2 Systems and methods for facilitating play of a casino game via expiring prepaid plays of the casino game
In accordance with at least one embodiment, an expiring prepaid casino account is disclosed. The expiring prepaid casino account has associated therewith an amount of money, time, and/or game plays. The amount of money, time, and/or game plays expires in predetermined portions over a plurality of defined expiration periods, thus encouraging a player to return to a casino during each of the predefined expiration periods. The present invention may be implemented via either a brick-and-mortar casino or an online casino.
US07862425B2 Method and system for allocating loyalty reward points to gaming players
A system for allocating loyalty reward points to a player at a gaming area, where the player has a loyalty reward card. The player further being associated with identifiable casino chips each having a radio frequency identification tag. The system has a recording device located in the vicinity of the gaming area for reading and recording the player details on the loyalty reward card, and RFID readers for detecting player casino chips located in play in the gaming area. The RFID reader is operatively connected to the recording device such that at the completion of bet placement the value of player casino chips in play in the gaming area detected by the RFID reader is communicated to the recording device thus enabling the value of bets placed by individual players to be calculated and thereby determining the allocation of loyalty reward points to individual players for the particular bet placement.
US07862423B2 Methods and apparatus for representing play in a reverse mode
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for facilitating play of a gaming device is presented, in which the method comprises enabling a reverse payout mode of play of the gaming device and displaying an indication that play of the gaming device is to be provided in accordance with the reverse payout mode of play. In some embodiments, the indication may include a representation of a virtual player playing in a normal mode of play.
US07862418B2 Voucher gaming systems and methods
A gaming system and related methods comprising a gaming device and a voucher mechanism in communication with the gaming device. The voucher mechanism is configured to present various types of vouchers to the player depending on a game outcome. The types of vouchers include, without limitation, a jackpot voucher, a merchandise voucher, a free play voucher, a mystery voucher, a competition entry voucher, and a restricted machine play voucher.
US07862408B1 Meat tenderizer with disposable face plates
A meat tenderizer with disposable face plates requires that a fresh face plate be chosen for each use to prevent cross contamination from one use of the tenderizer to the next. The table or tables of the tenderizer head are flat and accept the face plates which may have a flat tenderizing surface or any of several textured tenderizing surfaces. The face plates are intended for a single use. Once used a face plate is discarded. The user selects the appropriate face plate for the task at hand, attaches it to the tenderizer and removes and discards it after use. Since a clean unused face plate is selected for each use, the tenderizer does not have to be washed between uses thereby saving time for the chef and providing a sanitary tenderizing surface for contact with the meat.
US07862407B2 Device for sectioning individual sausages of continuosly extruded product
The present invention concerns a device (1) for portioning a food product (3) continuously extruded from a filling apparatus, preferably for making meat-base elongated extrusions in form of sausages, frankfurters and the like, wherein two front and opposed pincers (4) carry out a succession of neckings onto the extrusion (3), via outwardly and inwardly reciprocating alternate motions therebetween parallel, carried out by plural gearings, the kinematic motion enabling the pincers (4) to carry out axial displacement s concomitantly to said reciprocating motions, so as to follow the extruded product (3) in the feeding direction thereof and in predetermined lengths which are variable by variably adjusting the angular velocities of said gearings.
US07862405B2 Zero-torque orifice mount assembly
A fluid jet system includes an upstream high-pressure body having a high-pressure bore axially positioned, a retaining nut configured to couple to the upstream high-pressure body, and an orifice mount assembly. The retaining nut includes a mounting chamber configured to laterally receive the orifice mount assembly without application of a torque while the retaining nut is coupled to the upstream high-pressure body and the system is at ambient pressure. A face seal may be mounted in either a downstream portion of the high-pressure bore or the orifice mount assembly to provide a high-pressure seal while the system is pressurized.
US07862404B2 Micro-concave portion machining method
A micro-concave portion machining method is provided for forming micro-concave portions on an inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical bore form in a workpiece. The micro-concave portion machining method includes performing mirror surface machining and subsequent plastic working on the inner circumferential surface. The plastic working on the inner circumferential surface forms a plurality of recesses with each of the recesses including a micro-concave portion.
US07862402B2 Polishing apparatus and substrate processing apparatus
The present invention relates to a polishing apparatus for removing surface roughness produced at a peripheral portion of a substrate, or for removing a film formed on a peripheral portion of a substrate. The polishing apparatus includes a housing for forming a polishing chamber therein, a rotational table for holding and rotating a substrate, a polishing tape supply mechanism for supplying a polishing tape into the polishing chamber and taking up the polishing tape which has been supplied to the polishing chamber, a polishing head for pressing the polishing tape against a bevel portion of the substrate, a liquid supply for supplying a liquid to a front surface and a rear surface of the substrate, and a regulation mechanism for making an internal pressure of the polishing chamber being set to be lower than an external pressure of the polishing chamber.
US07862399B1 Armature kit and construction
Described are novel armature kits, constructions and elements, providing increased flexibility in design and ease of use. In one aspect, inventive armatures include adaptations to isolate the tensioning of ball-and-socket joints occurring at either end of a motion segment. In other aspects, inventive armatures and kits include uniquely shaped plates, providing interchangeability among chest and hip areas of a human form. Novel threaded and tie-down armature elements are also described.
US07862395B2 Methods for creating consistent large scale blade deflections
Methods are disclosed to design resilient hydrofoils (164) which are capable of having substantially similar large scale blade deflections under significantly varying loads. The methods permit the hydrofoil (164) to experience significantly large-scale deflections to a significantly reduced angle of attack under a relatively light load while avoiding excessive degrees of deflection under increased loading conditions. A predetermined compression range on the lee portion of said hydrofoil (164) permits the hydrofoil (164) to deflect to a predetermined reduced angle of attack with significantly low bending resistance. This predetermined compression range is significantly used up during the deflection to the predetermined angle of attack in an amount effective to create a sufficiently large leeward shift in the neutral bending surface with the load bearing portions of the hydrofoil (164) to permit the hydrofoil (164) to experience a significantly large increase in bending resistance as increased loads deflect the hydrofoil (164) beyond the predetermined reduced angle of attack. The shift in the neutral bending surface causes a significant increase in the elongation range required along an attacking portion of the hydrofoil (164) after the predetermined angle of attack is exceed. Methods are also disclosed for designing the hydrofoil (164) so that it has a natural resonant frequency that is sufficiently close the frequency of the reciprocating strokes used to attain propulsion in an amount sufficient to create harmonic wave addition that creates an amplified oscillation in the free end of the reciprocating hydrofoil (164).
US07862394B2 Apparatus having a buoyant structure that resists rotation
Apparatus includes a buoyant structure having a central vertical axis when floating in water and having at least one feature to reduce a rotation of the buoyant structure about the central vertical axis when floating in the water. The apparatus further includes an electronic camera assembly coupled to the buoyant structure. The electronic camera assembly is configured to generate an electronic image signal. The apparatus further includes a tubular structure coupled to the buoyant structure and configured to remain under the surface of the water. The tubular structure includes a watertight compartment and an electronic circuit assembly disposed within the watertight compartment. The electronic circuit assembly is coupled to receive the electronic image signal and is configured to generate an optical image signal representative of the electronic image signal. The apparatus further includes a fiber optic cable configured to carry the optical image signal.
US07862391B2 Spring contact assembly
A spring contact assembly having a first plunger with a tail portion having a flat contact surface and a second plunger having a tail portion with a flat contact surface wherein the flat contact surfaces are overlapping and are surrounded by an external compression spring such that the sliding engagement of the flat surfaces increases during compression of the spring.
US07862389B2 Terminal block with U-shaped conducting part for connecting electric wires
Terminal block for connecting electric wires comprising an insulating body and a conducting part housed inside it and associated with means for retaining the free end of the electric wire, said conducting part having a U-shaped form.
US07862386B2 Power connector and power supply cord set having such power connector
A power supply cord set includes a power connector and a power cord. The power connector includes an insulating body, a first conducting element and a second conducting element. The second conducting element includes a first conducting part having a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment. The power cord includes a first multi-core wire and a second multi-core wire, which are covered by the external insulating cover layer. The internal insulating cover layer is partially extended out of a distal aperture of the external insulating cover layer. The bare wire portion of the first multi-core wire is fixed on the first conducting element of the power connector. The bare wire portion of the second multi-core wire is fixed on the first connecting segment of the second conducting element. A terminal part of the internal insulating cover layer is fixed by the second connecting segment.
US07862382B2 Memory card connector
A memory card connector is able to insert and remove a memory card (200) without leaving marks of insertion and removal on the memory card (200), prevent the memory card from popping out when the memory card is inserted and removed and enable miniaturization at ease with a simple configuration. In this connector (100), by the side of a container (104) in which the memory card (200) is inserted, a slider (150) that has a lock claw part (155) engaging with a notch part (220) formed on the side of the memory card (200) is arranged movable in the longitudinal direction and swingable in a location at a card insertion slot end which is a location the memory card (200) is inserted halfway. The slider (150) is urged in the direction of removal by a coil spring (160), and this urge is suppressed by a slider pressuring piece (122) which presses the slider (150) from above and claw pressing piece (128) that presses the slider (150) located in a location at the card insertion slot end toward the memory card (200).
US07862381B2 Connector block feature
A memory card connector, within a slot of a host device, for receiving a first memory card having a first row of contact fingers and a second row of contact fingers and a second memory card having only a single row of contact fingers. The memory card connector includes a first row of contact pins, a second row of contact pins and a protrusion. The first row of contact pins are configured to mate with the first row of contact fingers of the first memory card. The second row of contact pins are configured to mate with the second row of contact fingers of the first memory card. The protrusion is received within a contact finger in the second row of contact fingers of the first memory card to allow full insertion of the first memory card into the connector, and abuts against a distal end of one of the contact fingers of the second memory card to prevent full insertion of the second memory card into the connector.
US07862379B2 Shielded electrical connection arrangement
This invention relates to a shielded electrical connection arrangement with a plug-in contour which accommodates at least one plug-in contact with a plug-in region and a receiving region for receiving and holding the plug-in contact in an attachment section of the plug-in contact, a cover for attaching the attachment section in the receiving region of the plug-in contour, the cover and the receiving region having shields on their outside contour and electrically conductive connecting elements being provided for contact-making of the plug-in connections and mechanical connection of the cover to the plug-in contour.
US07862378B1 Vertical socket connector
A vertical socket connector has an insulating housing, an insulating bracket, multiple first terminals, multiple second terminals and a shell. The insulating bracket is mounted on the insulating housing. The first terminals are mounted on the insulating housing. The second terminals are mounted on the insulating bracket. The shell covers the insulating housing, insulating bracket and terminals and forms a socket hole. Soldering sections of the first and second terminals protrude horizontally backward through rears of the insulating housing and insulating bracket so that the vertical socket connector is mounted vertically on a PCB with the socket hole opposite to the PCB.
US07862375B2 Electrical connector for a roll-up heating
The roll-up heating (1) for a floor, or wall, comprises an insulating layer (10), a heating element (11) and a cladding (12). The insulating layer (10) is intended for laying on a floor (2) and the heating element (11) extends between the cladding (12) and the insulating layer (10). The cladding (12) is intended to support a floor covering and comprises a force distribution layer (13) for transmitting a force which is exerted on the cladding (12) in a distributed manner to the insulating layer (10). In as far as (a part of) the heating element (11) is at the location or in the vicinity of the exerted force, the load which will be exerted on it will be lower than the original load, due to the force being transmitted in a distributed manner. This lowers the risk of the heating element (11) being damaged.
US07862374B2 Connector having a locking lance
Locking lances (12) are formed at an outer wall (10B) of a housing (10) and are resiliently deformable between engaging positions to engage terminals (20) and disengaging positions outward from the engaging positions to permit the insertion and withdrawal of the terminals (20). Leading end surfaces (12B) of the locking lances (12) are inclined to project gradually forward toward an inner side of the housing (10). A facing surface (15A) of the outer wall (10B) of the housing 10 facing the leading end surfaces (12B) of the locking lances 12 is inclined to project gradually toward the locking lances (12) at more outward positions on the housing (10). The leading end surfaces (12B) of the locking lances (12) contact the facing surface (15A) when the locking lances (12) are deformed outward beyond the disengaging positions.
US07862372B2 Power supply and connector assembly thereof
A power supply includes a body, a number of cables, a first connector, and a second connector. The first and second connectors are connected to the body of the power supply via the cables. The first connector includes a first connecting portion. The second connector includes a second connecting portion, operable to engage with the first connecting portion.
US07862371B1 Light socket adapter for a fan holding device
A system to facilitate installation of a small fan into a ceiling light fixture. A male electrical plug with electrical wire is installed upon the top of a rigid structure. An electrical adapter is inserted into the light fixture's socket in lieu of a light bulb. The conductive prongs of the plug are inserted into a receptacle of the adapter. A leverage arm is created at the bottom of the rigid structure and extends opposite and beyond the vertical centerline of the apparatus to a position where a higher percentage of the weight of the combined appliance and fan is distributed to the side of the centerline opposite the plug putting downward pressure on the outer end of the leverage arm configuration which, in turn, causes the top portion of the apparatus to rotate toward the centerline and to push the prongs inward.
US07862370B1 Connector for sturdily connecting flexible circuit boards
A connector includes a housing, a flexible circuit board, a terminal and a pressing element. The flexible circuit board, two sides of which are formed respectively with a latching part, is electrically connected with the connector. The terminal includes a movable arm and a fixed arm which are extended toward a same direction and parallel provided. An end of the movable arm is a pushing part, and the other end is a pushed part. The fixed arm is fixed by using the housing and includes a snap part close to the pushing part. The pressing element has an abutting part to push the pushed part. Accordingly, when the pressing element is acted upon by a displacement operation to displace toward a pre-determined direction, the snap part of the fixed arm is engaged into the latching part of the flexible circuit board which is therefore effectively fixed at the connector.
US07862367B2 Releasably engaging high definition multimedia interface plug
A releasably engaging high definition multimedia plug comprises a plug body and an actuator operable with the plug body to move a locking tab of the plug and facilitate releasable engagement of the plug with a standard high definition multimedia receptacle. A corresponding method of releasably securing a high definition multimedia interface plug into standard high definition multimedia interface receptacle is also provided.
US07862365B2 Block-out cover and removal tool
A block-out cover is installed in a jack module to prevent entry of undesirable objects. The block-out cover includes at least one window and at least one locking arm. The locking arm secures the cover to the jack module. The window receives a removal tool designed to remove the cover from the jack module. The removal tool includes a body, a lever secured to the body to engage the cover and a prong with a cam surface. The cam surface of the prong deflects the cover from locking engagement with the jack module allowing the removal tool to remove the block-out cover.
US07862364B2 Contact having lead-in arrangement in body portion facilitating smooth and reliable insertion
An electrical connector includes a base defining at least a passageway extending from an upper surface of the base to a bottom surface of the base. An electrical contact is inserted into the passageway from the bottom surface and includes a retention portion engaging with an inner wall of the passageway. A lead-in chamfer is formed on an edge of the retention portion and toward the inner wall such that the lead-in chamfer is offset away an edge of the inner wall of the passageway and the contact is inserted by guiding of the chamfer.
US07862358B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector for a flat conductive member includes a housing having a bottom wall, a top wall, a first receiving groove, and a second receiving groove. The first receiving groove and the second receiving groove extend from a first side toward a second side. The connector includes a first terminal disposed in the first receiving groove; a second terminal disposed in the second receiving groove; and a pressing member disposed to be movable between an open position and a closed position for pressing the first terminal and the second terminal. The first terminal includes a first fixing arm portion contacting with the bottom wall, a first movable arm portion contacting with the top wall, and a first connecting portion. The second terminal includes a second fixing arm portion contacting with the bottom wall, a second movable arm portion contacting with the top wall, and a second connecting portion.
US07862355B2 Repair device for printed circuit board
A repair device for a PCB includes a clamp portion having a plurality of receptacles defined therein, a connector head having a plurality of contacts configured to connect with the PCB, a plurality of conductive lines arranged side by side, and a lead wire. One end of each of the conductive lines is connected to the clamp portion and exposed to outside of the clamp portion via a corresponding receptacle of the clamp portion, the other end of each of the conductive lines is connected to a corresponding contact of the connector head. Two ends of the lead wire are electrically connected to two of the conductive lines via the corresponding receptacles, thereby switching signal transmission from one of the input terminals of the PCB to another input terminal of the PCB.
US07862353B1 Electrical connector housing and electrical connector assembly incorporating the electrical connector housing
An electrical connector housing has a housing body and a U-shaped lever that is connected to the housing body in a manner that the U-shaped lever can both pivot and slide relative to the housing body. The U-shaped lever engages a mounting structure so that the U-shaped lever pivots from a pre-engaged position to an engaged, extended position in order to draw a female electrical terminal into secure connection with a male electrical terminal and, simultaneously therewith, the housing body is drawn into sealing contact with the mounting structure. From the engaged, extended position, the U-shaped lever slidably moves to an engaged, retracted position relative to the housing body. The electrical connector housing and the mounting structure constitute an electrical connector assembly.
US07862350B2 Combination device including a guide light and an electrical component
There is disclosed a combination electrical device comprising a housing wherein there can be at least one light and at least one sensor disposed in the housing. The light serves as a guide light wherein the sensor is for determining the presence or absence of light. Inside the housing can be face terminals which extend up to a user accessible interface in the form of apertures for receiving prongs of a plug. The housing can include an additional housing for receiving a circuit board coupled to the light and the sensor. In addition, there can be a translucent cover for covering the light and the sensor. In at least one embodiment, the translucent cover can extend along at least one fourth of a length of a front face of the housing. In another embodiment, the translucent cover can extend along at least one third of a length of a front face of the housing. In still another embodiment, the translucent cover can extend along one half of a length of the housing.
US07862347B2 Communication system with short length compliant pin
An electrical connector having a plurality of connector units each having a pair of columns of edge coupled differential signal pairs separated by a ground shield terminal. The ground shield terminals each face a different signal pair of terminals in an adjacent column. Notwithstanding the different size and configurations of the ground and signal terminals, the terminals have mounting tail portions that are disposed in a uniform array different from the arrangement of the body portions of the terminals of the connector unit. The mounting tail portions are of a reduced length which benefit the electrical performance of the connector where it meets its supporting circuit board.
US07862341B2 Marker board
A mobile furniture and accessory system for an office environment includes storage components, table or desk components, screen or partition components, paper management components, marker board components, computer support furniture and the like, for use in facilitating flexibility in manufacturing such components to user specifications and in arranging such components according to user requirements.
US07862340B2 Medical simulation system and method
A method, apparatus and system for simulating the release of radio opaque dye within a vasculature system. The method, apparatus and system include simulating a vessel tree of the vasculature system for display on a display device, activating a particle-based contrast software effect, and injecting a plurality of physics-based particles into a confined vessel space of said vessel tree. The method and apparatus may also include fading down over a period of time an opacity of each of the physics-based particles and opacifying a portion of a vessel wall.
US07862335B2 System and method for detection of dental tartar
A dental tartar detection system (10), especially for detection of subgingival tartar (S), comprises a probe (12) adapted to be displaced along a tooth (T), an illumination system (14) for illuminating with an incident light a region on the tooth (T), a detection system (16) for collecting the light reflected thereat, and an analysis system (34) for providing a signal to an operator of the probe (12) when measurements on the reflected light in one or more predetermined range of wavelengths fall within any predetermined range of values that are characteristic of tartar (S). Typically, the detection of tartar (S) is achieved on the basis of the possible colors that tartar (S) can have such that the aforementioned one or more predetermined range of values cover wavelengths associated with colors of tartar (S).
US07862333B2 Regulator for the cooling air inflow of a cooling grate
In order to provide, for a grate cooler for cooling hot bulk material, such as, for example, cement clinker, an, in particular, automatically operating cooling air regulator which has a simple construction and can be used without difficulty both for unmoved and, in particular, for moved cooling grate regions or moved cooling grate systems, for example, cylindrical hose sleeve comprised of elastic material be tension-mounted as an actuating member coaxially in the regulator housing which is arranged below the cooling grate, participates in the movements of the latter and has a casing comprised of solid material, the pressure difference inside and outside the hose sleeve and the deformation resistance of the sleeve being set such that the hose sleeve is deformable, in particular, automatically from its maximum flow cross section into its minimum flow cross section and at the same time regulates the volume flow of the cooling air flow from below into the cooling grate.
US07862332B2 Apparatus for controlling pollution from a cement plant
A method and apparatus for reducing air pollutants associated with dry process, precalciner cement manufacturing is shown. Raw feed meal used in cement production is heated in a special heating chamber to drive off volatile compounds, such as organic materials and salts of ammonia. Preferably, the feed meal is heated to a temperature of at least 350° F. The gases that are driven off flow to the precalciner where they are combusted and rendered harmless. Heat is provided by diverting at least a portion of the exhaust gases from the cement pyroprocessing kiln to the special heater. The raw feed meal is indirectly heated using a heat exchange wall between the feed meal and the kiln exhaust gas flow. In addition, a base-containing material such as lime or precalcined feed meal, may be added to the raw feed before treatment meal to promote the breakdown of inorganic ammonium compounds, thereby releasing gaseous ammonia which is also destroyed upon subsequent combustion. Hot precalcined meal may also be used to provide some of the heat required to heat the raw feed meal in the special heating chamber.
US07862327B2 Device for moulding thermoplastic containers by blow-moulding or stretch blow-moulding
Device for moulding thermoplastic containers by blow-moulding hot preforms, comprising a mould (1) and blow-moulding means (2) comprising a bell nozzle (8) which is axially displaceable between a raised position and a blow-moulding position in abutment against the mould; the driving means comprising mechanical means (12) with a cam follower roller (13)/cam (14) and pneumatic means (16) with a piston (18) integral with the upper end of the nozzle and sliding in a fixed enclosure (17), defining therein an upper chamber (19) connected to a source (24) of control fluid and a lower chamber (20) connected to this source and to the upper chamber via a solenoid valve (26); the upper face of the piston has a surface area which is greater than that of its lower face and that of the bell (9) of the nozzle.
US07862325B2 Apparatus for forming turbine blade with angled internal ribs
A die for forming a lost wax ceramic core allows the formation of non-parallel separating spaces between adjacent portions of the core. The core will eventually form cooling channels in an airfoil. The die for forming the core includes a plurality of moving parts having rib extensions. At least some rib extensions are non-parallel to form the non-parallel spaces. The die includes two main die halves that come together to form several of the spaces. Inserts move with those die components and come together to form other spaces. At least one of the inserts contacts surfaces on one of the die halves, such that the non-parallel spaces are formed.
US07862324B2 Solid ink stick formation with flexible molding tool
A molding tool is provided for forming solid ink sticks. The molding tool comprises a vessel having at least one sidewall defining a cavity for receiving molten phase change ink material. The molding tool includes a lid for covering an opening over the cavity of the vessel. The lid has an interior surface for at least partially enclosing the cavity. The enclosed cavity has a shape corresponding to at least a portion of an ink stick shape. The at least one sidewall of the vessel and/or the interior surface of the lid are configured to flex to facilitate release of an at least partially solidified ink stick from the cavity.
US07862320B2 Three-dimensional object forming apparatus and method for forming three dimensional object
A three-dimensional object forming apparatus forms a three-dimensional object by binding powder particles with a curable liquid. The apparatus includes a powder layer forming unit that spreads a powder to a uniform thickness to form a powder layer. A curable liquid ejection head ejects the curable liquid to the powder layer through an ejection nozzle. A sectional data producing device produces sectional data at each of a plurality of cross sections of a desired three-dimensional object according to shape data of the desired three-dimensional object. A cross-sectional member forming section is also included by which cross-sectional members are formed by ejecting the curable liquid to the powder layer from the curable liquid ejection head according to the sectional data and thus binding the powder layer. The cross-sectional member forming section includes a permeation rate controller controlling the permeation rate of the curable liquid to the powder layer.
US07862318B2 Container having a rim or other feature encapsulated by or formed from injection-molded material
A tray (100) or container (478) which may be hermetically sealed having a flange (116), rim (124), handle (258), rib, bottom surface (500), sidewall (114), or other portion that is encapsulated by or formed from injection-molded material.
US07862316B2 Foamed mechanical planarization pads made with supercritical fluid
Foamed thermoplastic polymeric mechanical planarization polishing pads (“MP pads”) made with supercritical fluids are presented. A supercritical fluid foaming agent is dissolved in a thermoplastic polymer. A rapid change in the solubility and volume of the supercritical fluid foaming agent in the thermoplastic polymer results in foaming of the thermoplastic polymer. Foamed thermoplastic polymeric MP pads are advantageously both significantly and uniformly porous.
US07862315B2 Screw displacement pump
A screw displacement pump is provided. The screw displacement pump is of single-entry, double-shaft construction with an external bearing of the two screw shafts. A pump housing encloses the screw shafts by forming feed chambers and externally delimiting the feed chambers with its internal shell surface, as well as a suction chamber for the medium to be induced and a pressure chamber to accommodate the medium pumped by the screw shafts. The pump housing is inserted into a pressure housing and attached to the pressure housing, so that the pressure chamber encloses the pump, at least in part.
US07862314B2 Screw compressor
A screw compressor rotatably accommodates, within a casing including a suction port and a delivery port, a pair of female and male rotors under the meshed state and compresses gas in the state where a liquid is mixed by pouring the liquid to the gas confined within a working chamber formed with both rotors and the casing. On the wall surface of the casing opposing to the rotor delivery end, a recessed part is provided. The working chamber is communicated with the recessed part immediately before isolating from the delivery port and this communication is maintained until a volume of the working chamber substantially becomes zero. Thereby, the screw compressor can be control increase in power consumption, vibration, and noise.
US07862312B2 Suction baffle for scroll compressors
A scroll compressor including a hermetic housing with a motor-compressor unit disposed therein, including fixed and orbiting scrolls. The fixed scroll defines perpendicular axial and radial directions, and includes an outer wall having a suction inlet facing substantially in the radial direction. A baffle member is associated with the suction inlet of the fixed scroll, and in one embodiment, is attached to the fixed scroll with fasteners. The baffle member includes a first open end facing in the axial direction toward a suction port of the compressor housing, and a second open end facing in the radial direction in fluid flow alignment with the suction inlet of the fixed scroll. The baffle member directs a portion of the working fluid which enters the compressor housing substantially directly into the suction inlet of the fixed scroll to reduce turbulent flow of the working fluid within the compressor housing, improving the operating efficiency of the compressor.
US07862311B2 Variable displacement vane pump
A variable displacement vane pump includes a pump body, a rotor, an annular cam ring, a rear body closing the pump body, a low pressure supply passage constantly connecting the inlet passage and the other of the first fluid pressure chamber and the second fluid pressure chamber, a low pressure introduction port formed in the other of the pressure plate and the rear body, and opened in the other of the first fluid pressure chamber and the second fluid pressure chamber, and a low pressure introduction passage formed in the other of the pressure plate and the rear body, the low pressure introduction passage connecting the low pressure introduction port and the inlet side vane back pressure grooves.
US07862308B1 Rotary reciprocating pump
A rotary reciprocating pump comprises: i) a pump housing having intake and discharge ports; a shaft driven rotary piston carder, rotatably carrying pistons circularly arranged therearound; ii) a driven rotary cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores therein, circularly arranged therearound for reception of the pistons, and having a flat outer side portion having an intake/discharge port therethrough communicating with the cylinder bores; iii) a stationary sloping inner control surface portion in sliding proximity with the outer side portion of the rotating cylinder block, the control surface portion configured so that the cylinder block moves outwardly for intake and inwardly for discharge, the control surface portion also having grooved openings therethrough to appropriately communicate with the ports to the bore through the cylinder block and with the intake and discharge ports in the pump housing; and, iv) a spring biasing the cylinder blocks towards the control surface portion.
US07862303B2 Compressor turbine vane airfoil profile
A single stage high pressure turbine vane 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.
US07862295B2 Device for guiding a stream of air entering a combustion chamber of a turbomachine
A device for guiding a stream of air entering a combustion chamber of a turbomachine is disclosed. The device includes a flow straightener followed by a diffuser. One of the flow straightener shrouds is formed as one with one wall of revolution of the diffuser. The other flow straightener shroud is added and attached to the other wall of revolution of the diffuser. The vanes of the flow straightener are secured by one end to one shroud of the flow straightener and separated by a small clearance from the other shroud at their other end.
US07862291B2 Gas turbine engine component cooling scheme
A gas turbine engine component includes a platform and an airfoil extending from the platform. The platform includes an outer surface. A cover plate is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the platform. A cooling channel extends between the outer surface and the cover plate and receives cooling air to cool the platform and the airfoil.
US07862289B2 Vacuum processing apparatus and vacuum processing method
A vacuum processing apparatus and method in which the apparatus includes vacuum processing chambers for subjecting a sample to vacuum processing, a vacuum carriage, a switchable chamber, a cassette support for supporting a plurality of cassettes capable of housing samples, and a waiting cassette support for supporting a waiting cassette that differs from the cassettes supported on the cassette support and capable of having a number of samples. An atmospheric carriage enables carrying a sample among a given cassette of the plurality of cassettes or the waiting cassette. A controller effects control for carrying unprocessed and processed samples among the given cassette, the waiting cassette and the vacuum processing chamber, so that a mixture of both processed and unprocessed samples does not exist in the given cassette or the waiting cassette.
US07862288B2 Hay bale accumulating method and device
A bale accumulator and method in which a plurality of hay bales can be accumulated and arranged into a cluster of ten bales (a “ten stack”). The accumulator first collects a bale in each of two angled bale receivers at the rear of the accumulator. These remain in position as four columns having two bales each are collected in a more forward collection. The result is two angled bales being dragged to the rear of a conventional “eight stack.” As the device releases all ten bales, gate mechanisms rotate the two rear bales 90 degrees so that they lie transverse to the eight bales comprising the “eight stack.” The two rear bales are pressed against the rear of the eight stack in order to form a ten stack.
US07862287B2 Multi-motion lifting and transferring apparatus and method
A multi-motion lifting and transferring apparatus and method are disclosed. The multi-motion lifting and transferring apparatus and method may be realized in primarily two versions, the first being referred to as the single linkage arm version, and the second being referred to as the dual linkage arm version. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a multi-motion lifting and transferring apparatus in accordance with the single linkage arm version may be realized as having a first pivot point for rotating an intermediary support member about a first substantially vertical axis, a second pivot point for rotating an electrically or hydraulically powered up/down extension arm about a second substantially vertical axis, and a seat support member for supporting a seat for accommodating at least one person.
US07862283B2 Tanged screw thread insert with improved removability
A helical-shaped insert to engage a threaded fastener to a receiving member includes a helical coil having a plurality of coil sections having inner and outer surfaces forming a thread shape, and opposing first and second coil end sections. A removable tang extends radially inward from the first coil end section. A continuously curved surface at a finished end of the second coil end section forms a tangent point where the continuously curved surface tangentially meets the second coil end section outer surface. A notch in the first coil end section proximate to the tang and positioned between the inner and outer surfaces permits removal of the tang by mechanical failure at the notch. A second notch in the second coil end section and the continuously curved surface assist coil removal.
US07862282B2 Separation fastener with segmented washer
A separation fastener assembly including a base and a housing positioned adjacent the base. A nut is disposed in the cavity. A bolt extends through an aperture in the base and including an end coupled to the nut. A washer is positioned proximate the nut and operative to retain the nut within the housing. The washer includes a plurality of segments. An actuator is carried by the housing and is in communication with the cavity. The actuator is operative to displace the housing relative to the washer from a first position radially retaining plurality of segments of the washer and retaining the nut in the cavity to a second position permitting radial expansion of the plurality of segments and permitting withdrawal of the nut from the housing.
US07862276B2 Anti-unscrewing device for ring nuts in coupling systems for tubes
An anti-unscrewing device for coupling the tubular ends of two components in fluid conveying or delivery systems by means of a threaded ring nut that can be screwed to one of said tubular ends to connect said ends, wherein said anti-unscrewing device comprises a connecting portion to connect the device to one of the components and at least one counter element provided with an engaging portion suitable to engage a corresponding engaging surface formed at said ring nut, such that the engaging portion can be displaced by means of a movement of the ring nut. There are further provided guide means dictating a movement path for the counter element, such that an unscrewing movement of the ring nut will cause the engaging portion to move to a locking position relative to the ring nut thereby preventing the ring nut from unscrewing.
US07862274B2 Fastener to affix a component to a support with aperture
A fastener to affix a component in a support fitted with an aperture, comprising an affixation casing of resilient plastic, further a hollow conical shell, and at one end a radial flange that cooperates in sealing manner with the support surface facing it when the affixation casing has been mounted in said aperture, the casing being fitted peripherally with radial bosses, ribs or the like that engage from below the aperture rim when the affixation casing, being temporarily deformed radially at its bosses, ribs or the like is being inserted into said aperture, further comprising a plastic core which is fitted with a head and which can be inserted from the affixation casing's flanged end into the core cavity and which radially expands the casing and prevents it from being removable from the aperture, characterized by at least one radially inwardly pointing boss on the wall of the casing cavity and by the core being fitted at its end with a preferably peripheral groove that is entered by said boss when the core is pressed into the conical shell of the affixation casing and by the core being fitted on the side of the clearance facing the of the core with a shoulder or a shoulder engaging under the boss when the core has been fully inserted into the conical shell.
US07862272B2 Clip
A clip which is easily removed from an object to be fixed is provided. The clip includes: two parts including a first member 1 and a second member 2, the first member having a head portion 4 and a shaft portion 5, and the second member having a flange portion 11 and a leg portion 12, wherein an opening 13 is formed in the flange portion of the second member, and the leg portion of the second member is split into two split leg portions 16 to form a gap 17, which communicates with the opening and into which the shaft portion of the first member is inserted between the split leg portions 16, and wherein elastic blades 18 projecting radially are provided in multiple stages along a vertical direction on outer peripheral surfaces of the split leg portions. Consequently, if the shaft portion of the first member is pulled out from the gap between the split leg portions of the second member, the shaft portion of the first member ceases to be present in the gap formed between the split leg portions of the second member. Therefore, if the first member together with the second member is subsequently removed from the object to be fixed while the head portion of the first member is being gripped, the split leg portions are greatly deflected inwardly by making use of the gap, so that it becomes possible to easily remove the clip itself.
US07862269B2 Vehicle cargo bed
A vehicle cargo bed includes a cargo bed floor, a wall structure and an attachment member. The cargo bed floor has an approximately horizontal cargo bed surface. The wall structure at least partially surrounds the cargo bed surface. At least a portion of the wall structure has an upper end. The attachment member is secured to the upper end of the portion of the wall structure defining an approximately horizontal first surface disposed above the cargo bed surface. The first surface has a linearly extending scalar demarcations formed thereon.
US07862268B2 Cargo holder for a vehicle
A cargo securing apparatus for holding cargo to the bed of a vehicle such as a pickup truck includes a one-piece body and straps. The body has a first horizontally extending portion, a second vertically extending portion and a third angled portion. The horizontal portion extends either under or over the cargo. The vertical panel extends along the end of the cargo. Straps are used to secure the body to the vehicle.
US07862267B2 Rotary cutting machine
A rotary cutting machine 10 has a machine body 14 and an arbor 18. The arbor 18 includes a proximal rotary shaft 22 mounted to the machine body 14 for rotation, an intermediate rotary shaft 24 telescopically connected to the proximal rotary shaft via a splined connection, and a distal rotary shaft 26 telescopically connected to the intermediate rotary shaft 24 via a splined connection. A cutting tool C secured to the arbor 18 is extended and retracted via a feed mechanism 20 including first, second, and third racks 30, 31, and 32, and first and second pinions 33, 34.
US07862264B2 Method and apparatus to secure a component in position for fabrication
A method for forming an opening in two different turbine components is provided. The method includes coupling a clamp to a base and coupling the clamp to a clamp bar, wherein the clamp bar is moveable with respect to the base. A first bushing plate is selected based on a first turbine component being drilled and is removably coupled to the base. A bushing is removably coupled to at least one aperture extending through the first bushing plate. An opening is formed in the first turbine component. A second bushing plate is selected based on a second turbine component being drilled. The second turbine component is different from the first turbine component. The second bushing plate is removably coupled to the base. An opening is formed in the second turbine component.
US07862262B2 Multi-flute ball endmill for airfoil machining
A milling cutter comprises a shank section joined to a cutting section. The cutting section includes a plurality of peripheral teeth separated by a plurality of flutes to form cutting edges extending around the cutting section in a helix direction. The number of respective teeth and flutes is more than 12.
US07862259B2 Erosion control mat anchor system
An anchor system for an erosion control surface. The system includes a resilient strap and a one-way retainer, which may be inserted utilizing a single operator and inexpensive tools. The resiliency of the system biases the erosion control surface into the ground and prevents undesired movement of the erosion control surface.
US07862255B2 Marine pipelaying system for laying an offshore pipeline
A marine pipelaying system and method for installing an offshore pipeline that includes one or more accessories. The system comprises a vessel (1), a pipeline launch device (10) for launching the pipeline (2) from the vessel in the direction of the seabed, and a clamping device (30) adapted to support the weight of the previously launched pipeline. The system further includes an accessory handling device, which is adapted to receive and support an accessory (40) and allow displacement thereof between an receiving position, wherein the accessory is received by the handling device and a pipeline connecting position, wherein the accessory can be connected to the pipeline (2).
US07862253B2 Wave protection structure and method for producing a wave protection structure
A wave protection structure is intended for a slope, such as the slope of a breakwater or a bank, which slope merges into a bed at the location of a toe. The wave protection structure comprises wave protection elements and toe elements. The wave protection elements are each provided with a plurality of projections for engaging in one another and are provided on the slope in a substantially regular imaginary grid, with a horizontal grid spacing between the centers of gravity of the wave protection elements. The toe elements extend along the toe and their shape differs from the shape of the wave protection elements. The centers of gravity of the toe elements are provided at substantially the horizontal grid spacing from one another. As a result of the toe elements being provided at the grid spacing of the wave protection elements, it is easier to position the toe elements. This also allows the use of larger blocks and means that it is no longer necessary to stack the wave protection elements.
US07862247B2 Printer with gear fitting member for mounting drive and idler gears
Provided is a printer that employs a platen roller as conveying means, for which the accuracy of the assembly of the constituents of a drive transmission mechanism that drives a platen roller is increased, and the heat releasing function of a motor that is a drive source is also improved, so that downsizing and increasing output can be coped with. Therefore, according to the present invention, a printer comprises: a platen roller, for conveying a recording sheet, a print head, arranged opposite the platen roller, a drive unit, for rotating the platen roller, and a main frame, including a pair of side walls that can rotatably support the platen roller, wherein the drive unit includes: a motor; idler gears, for transmitting a rotational force provided by the motor to the platen roller; and a gear fitting member, integrally formed with gear support shafts that support the idler gears, wherein the motor and idler gears are capable of being mounted in the main frame while attached to the gear fitting member, and wherein a drive gear of the motor and the idler gears are stored in a space defined by the gear fitting member and one of the side walls of the main frame.
US07862245B2 Optical fibre connector
An optical fiber connector for forming a mechanical splice between first and second optical fibers comprises a connector body arranged to clamp the optical fibers therein, wherein the connector body is configured to be at least partially opened to release, or to allow insertion of, at least one of the optical fibers by a squeezing action applied to the connector body.
US07862244B2 Optical module providing a sleeve burying a tubular member
An optical module with a sleeve assembly is disclosed. The sleeve assembly, which receives a ferrule secured in an end of the optical connector and is primarily made of resin material, provides a buried member made of a material, typically meal, having a polygonal cross section, a linear thermal expansion coefficient less than that of the resin material and a Young's Modulus greater than that of the resin material. The bore of the sleeve assembly has a deformed circular shape with a first diameter less than the outer diameter of the ferrule.
US07862243B2 Device for an optical-fiber connection
Device for the coaxial connection of fiber-optic cables, comprising a single-piece coupling housing (10) and a single-piece sleeve mount (20), the sleeve mount (20) being designed with at least one latching nose (21) and the coupling housing (10) being designed with at least one latching mount which complements the at least one latching nose (21), wherein the latching mount is designed with at least one latching hook (14) and at least one stop (15).
US07862239B2 Tilting pad thrust bearing
A tilting pad thrust bearing is described including a substantially solid flat carrier body, a plurality of bearing pads, and an intermediate component which is disposed in the assembled bearing between the bearing pads and the carrier body, the intermediate component providing a plurality of fulcrum means corresponding in number to the bearing pads and being angularly orientated such that the fulcrum means are disposed beneath the bearing pads. The arrangement is designed such that the intermediate component includes at least one of an annular hub portion and an annular rim portion from which a plurality of ribs project outwardly or inwardly thereof and on which individual bearing pads are arranged to be seated to pivot thereon, the ribs thus providing the fulcrum means, and in that a locating component is provided which also includes at least one of a hub portion and a rim portion.
US07862237B2 Hydrodynamic bearing and spindle motor and information recording and reproducing apparatus equipped with the same
As axis direction dimensions become smaller in HDD spindle motors as a result of thinner and more compact designs, there is a demand for hydrodynamic bearings with a long lifespan. As a means of solving this problem, a lubricant reservoir section is formed between a sleeve side surface and a cover side surface with a depth varying in a circumferential direction, lubricant is circulated in a bearing gap section, a sleeve end face gap section larger than a bearing gap between a sleeve end face and the cover, and a connecting channel, and the lubricant reservoir section and the sleeve end face gap section are connected via an introducing gap section having a bubble separation function.
US07862234B2 Linear motion guide unit
Lubrication points of lubricant around a rolling element are made in a turnaround passage to ensure proper and steady lubrication by the lubrication system simple in construction, with accompanying sustainable maintenance-free condition for lubrication. The end cap has a recess as large as permitted and a hole to communicate the recess with the turnaround passage. A porous compact is composed a thick block to fit into a deep cavity in the recess, a nose leading lubricant in the turnaround passage, and a conjunctive part between the thick block and the nose. The porous compact fits snugly into the recess in a fashion that the nose comes into rolling-touch at its tip with the rollers as they roll through the turnaround passage.
US07862232B2 Temperature sensor, device and system including same, and method of operation
A temperature sensor and device and system including same, comprise a switched capacitor circuit configured to generate a noise voltage in response to switching and circuitry configured to generate a relative temperature output signal proportional to an absolute temperature output signal in response to the noise voltage. The device includes a temperature sensor, temperature sensitive device logic and temperature compensation logic configured to receive the absolute temperature and generate an adjustment signal to adapt the temperature sensitive device logic in response thereto. A related method for sensing temperature includes amplifying a noise voltage from a switched capacitor circuit in a plurality of parallel amplifier channels and removing amplifier noise from each of the plurality of parallel amplifier channels to form a relative output signal proportional to an absolute temperature.
US07862231B2 Apparatus and method for testing temperature
An apparatus for testing temperature includes a plurality of thermocouples, a plurality of relays, a ground circuit, a compensation circuit, a power supply circuit, a switch circuit, and an MPU. The thermo-couples samples temperatures at different locations in a CNC machine, each thermo-couple is connected to a corresponding relay and selectively connected to the switch circuit by turning on or off the corresponding relay, the compensation circuit includes a cold junction compensator and a first relay, the ground circuit includes a ground terminal and a second relay, the power circuit includes a power supply and a third relay. The first, second, and third relays selectively turn on or off to connect the cold junction compensator, the ground terminal, or the power supply to the switch circuit. The switch circuit includes a capacitor and a fourth relay, the fourth relay is selectively connected the MPU, the ground circuit, the compensation circuit, or the power supply circuit to the capacitor, the MPU obtains voltage at the capacitor, and converting the voltage to a temperature signal.
US07862229B2 Temperature-gradient cancelation technique and device
A system, device, and method for minimizing x-axis and/or y-axis offset shift due to internally produced as well as externally produced on chip temperature imbalances. At least one temperature gradient canceling device is disposed on a substrate including a temperature gradient sensitive device having at least one pair of sensors. Voltage signals generated by the temperature gradient canceling devices can be combined with voltage signals generated by each of the pair of sensors to account for the offset.
US07862227B2 Method and apparatus for testing building materials
An apparatus (A) for testing an associated construction material sample includes a housing (20) having an internal chamber (22) divided by a wall portion (30) into first and second portions (24, 26). A support in the housing is dimensioned to mount an associated construction material sample therein. A first burner (60) communicates with first portion of the housing for supplying a flame thereto. A second burner (80) communicates with the second portion of the housing for preheating the first portion. The testing method of an associated construction material sample includes installing the sample in the housing, preheating the housing, introducing a flame toward the sample, monitoring the flame as combustion progresses longitudinally along the sample, and recording data regarding the flame progression. The method further includes weighing fuel used for combustion in order to calculate BTU input to the test chamber, may also include using a remote (98) to actuate a recording member (94) that is selectively advanced as the flame spreads, and may further include providing a continuous window along the housing through which the flame can be viewed.
US07862226B2 Watch with a function indicator
The dial (4) of the watch is fitted with an indicator (10), preferably with a hand (11), which displays the function fulfilled by a control crown (8), respectively, in each axial position of the crown, including a highly water resistant position in the case of a screwed-in crown. The indicator is controlled by axial movements of a sleeve (15) secured to the crown, via a transmission mechanism (30) including a slide block (35) that is mobile parallel to an axis of rotation (14) of the crown. The hand is secured to a pinion (32) meshed with a rack (34) arranged on a slide block. The slide block includes a flexible part (38) between a back part that slides in a groove (36), and a front arm (39) provided with a lateral finger (40) engaged in an annular groove of the sleeve. This transmission is compact and facilitates assembly and removal.
US07862223B2 Thin and flexible light guide element
The subject invention provides a thin and flexible light guide element, which comprises a first optical layer composed of a flexible transparent material; a second optical layer formed on the lower side of the first optical layer and having a light-adjusting structure to change the light path; and a third optical layer formed on the upper side of the first optical layer and having a convex-concave structure to homogenize the light emitted from the first optical layer, wherein the first and second optical layers have different refractive indices.
US07862221B2 Optical lens, optical package having the same, backlight assembly having the same and display device having the same
An optical lens refracts and reflects a light to increase a luminance in a top direction of the optical lens and to decrease a luminance in a horizontal direction of the optical lens. The optical lens includes a central portion and a peripheral portion. The central portion has a convex shape. The peripheral portion has a concave shape. The peripheral portion surrounds the central portion. Therefore, a power consumption and a manufacturing cost are decreased.
US07862219B2 Optical fiber light diffusing device
A light diffusing device for use in photodynamic therapy has a progressively distally increased exposed amount of core fiber defining a light emitting section. Excessive light energy emission is thus prevented access to proximal locations and provides an increased amount of available light energy at distal locations, thus permitting an even emission of light energy along the light emitting section.
US07862217B2 Vehicle lamp unit and vehicle headlamp using the same
A vehicle lamp unit includes a reflective surface based on an ellipse; a semiconductor light source of which a light emitting portion is provided at a first focal point of the reflective surface or a vicinity of the first focal point; and a projection lens that projects a reflected light that is a light emitted from the semiconductor light source and reflected by the reflective surface to outside. An emission direction of a maximum light emission intensity from among light intensities of the semiconductor light source is inclined in a direction opposite to the projection lens with respect to an optical axis of the projection lens.
US07862216B2 Lighting device
A lighting device is disclosed, which is provided for the front region of a motor vehicle, for example in a motor vehicle headlight, and which emits electromagnetic radiation during operation. The lighting device comprises at least one first primary radiation source which emits infrared radiation, and at least one second primary radiation source which emits visible light, wherein the first primary radiation source and the second primary radiation source are arranged in such a way that the second primary radiation source outshines the first primary radiation source and thus generates a color impression of the lighting device which deviates from the color impression stemming from the infrared radiation source alone.
US07862215B2 Light fixture assembly and method
A lamp cover assembly for a recessed light fixture assembly is provided. The light fixture has a socket for receiving an electrical light bulb and a canister housing for housing the bulb of the light fixture assembly. The canister housing has an opening for allowing the passage of light through the opening. The lamp cover assembly includes a lens body that is substantially translucent to allow the passage of light through the body and is configured to cover the opening so that the light bulb of the light fixture assembly is generally concealed from view through the opening. A light fixture engagement portion for engagement with the light fixture assembly is provided with the lamp cover assembly so that the lamp cover may be selectively engaged and disengaged from the light fixture assembly. The body of the lamp cover assembly has an outer perimeter that is sized so that the perimeter is spaced radially inward a distance from the edges of the opening of the light fixture assembly when the cover assembly is engaged with the light fixture assembly.
US07862214B2 Lighting devices and methods of installing light engine housings and/or trim elements in lighting device housings
A lighting device, comprising a housing and at least one mounting clip. The housing comprises an electrical connection region engageable in an electrical receptacle. The mounting clip is pivotable from a first position, where an end region of the mounting clip does not extend beyond a periphery of the housing, to a second position, where the end region extends beyond the housing periphery. Also, a lighting device, comprising a housing, a trim element and at least one mounting clip. The mounting clip is pivotable, such that if the mounting clip is in a second position and then the trim element is rotated, the mounting clip will pivot to a third position, where the mounting clip engages the housing such that the trim element is biased toward a ceiling or other structure in which the lighting device is mounted. Also, methods of installing housings and/or trim elements.
US07862206B2 Adjustable light-emitting diode display module
An adjustable LED display module is provided, including a plurality of light-emitting units, and at least a set of spacing adjusting mechanism. The spacing adjusting mechanism is of a retractable grid-like structure or a retractable mesh-structure. The plural light-emitting units are distributed on different locations of the components of the spacing adjusting mechanism. When the spacing adjusting mechanism operates to adjust the spacing, at least spacing between some neighboring light-emitting units will change so that the location after adjustment will vary. Hence, the display module will have different form factor and light dots arrangement to provide higher flexibility for various application environments and conditions as well as convenience for storage and transportation when contracted.
US07862203B2 Lighting assembly
A lighting assembly is adapted to be connected to at least one conductive connection hole of an illumination device. The lighting assembly comprises at least one lighting cell and connection mechanism, wherein the lighting cell comprises a base, at least one electrical connector and a lighting unit. The electrical connector and the lighting unit are connected to the base, and electrically connected with each other. The lighting unit has a plurality of lighting circuits linearly arranged thereon, and one end of the connection mechanism is electrically connected to the electrical connector. When the lighting assembly only comprises one lighting cell, the other end of the connection mechanism is connected to the electrode connection hole; while when the lighting assembly comprises a plurality of said lighting cells, the other end of the connection mechanism is selectively connected to the conductive connection hole and the other electrical connector of the neighbor lighting cell.
US07862199B2 Luminaire having a fiberoptic element and at least one diffussor arranged laterally with respect therto
The invention concerns a luminaire having a housing, which at the emission side of the luminaire has a housing opening, having, situated in the housing, connection means for at least one lamp which define the position thereof in the housing, having a light guiding element which is so positioned that, in the main emission direction, it is located in front of the lamp to be used, and having at least one diffuser arranged at the side neighbouring the light guiding element, which has a shaping projecting beyond the edge of the housing, having a flank rising towards the light guiding element. In order to improve the light guiding and/or light emission of the diffuser, the shaping has further a flank falling towards the light guiding element.
US07862198B2 Lighting device having energy conversion module
The present invention provides a lighting device having an energy conversion module, comprising a lamp and at least one energy conversion module. The lamp includes a shade and a lamp tube. The lamp tube is disposed beneath the shade, and the inner wall surface of the shade can reflect light from the lamp tube. The energy conversion module is configured inside the shade or disposed on a lamp grid to receive light energy and convert it into electrical energy. As such, the lighting device can give light to photovoltaic cells in the environment so that electrical energy is generated. The object of converting part of the light energy into electrical energy for further utilization can thus be achieved.
US07862196B1 Baluster light system
A lighting system for illuminating a deck area. The wiring for the lighting system may be hidden from view, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, the lighting system may be installed simultaneously with the deck itself, or afterwards. Embodiments of the present invention include baluster lights which may be mounted between the railing balusters and also mounted to the sides of posts. Embodiments of the present invention also protect the lighting system from environmental damage.
US07862185B2 Mobile phone
A casing 20 of a mobile phone body is provided with a sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23, a projector lens 26, a light source 35 including an LED. The sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23 and the projector lens 26 are movable between a normal position contained within the casing 20 and a raised position raised from the normal position. The sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23 is fixed at the raised position roughly perpendicularly to the light axis Q between the-sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23 and the light source 35 so that the light axis of the projector lens 26 is substantially aligned with the light axis Q. The illumination light from the light source is set to be parallel rays.
US07862184B2 Projection distance adjustable projection display apparatus
A projection display apparatus is provided with a projection distance adjustment mechanism for adjusting a distance between a projection plane and an emitting position of projection light, and provided with a focus adjustment mechanism for making a focus adjustment of a projection image with respect to the projection plane. The focus adjustment mechanism is driven such that a projection image is properly focused onto the projection plane in accordance with the distance between the projection plane and the emitting position.
US07862183B2 Speckle reduction using a tunable liquid lens
A representative embodiment of the invention provides a projection system having a laser source that incorporates a tunable liquid lens and a spatial light modulator adapted to modulate light generated by the laser source to project an image on a viewing screen. The tunable liquid lens is adapted to vary focal length, alignment or position with respect to an optical element that is external to the lens, ability to diffuse light, and/or polarization rotation angle.
US07862181B2 Projection apparatus
A projection apparatus having a temperature controlling system is provided. The projection apparatus comprises at least a heat generating element, while the temperature controlling system comprises a liquid flow system, a heat generating device, and a heat transferring device. The liquid flow system is disposed along the heat generating element. The heat generating device produces heat with a positive value (endothermic) or a negative value (exothermic) in response to an environment dependent on the location of the projection apparatus. The heat transferring device transfers the heat generated by the heat generating device along the liquid flow system. The present invention maintains the operation of the projection apparatus under the desired working temperature and enables a thermal equilibrium of the projection apparatus without being influenced by the over-temperature or under-temperature of the external environment.
US07862176B2 Method of fitting rigid gas-permeable contact lenses from high resolution imaging
A method, computer program product, and data processing system for designing a contact lens. A sagittal image of an anterior portion of an eye having a sclera is measured. Measuring is performed using a digital imaging device. Measuring includes measuring the sclera. A sagittal image is formed. A shape of the eye is derived using the sagittal image, wherein the shape includes the sclera. The shape is converted to a curvature of a contact lens. The curvature is designed such that the contact lens, once manufactured, can be worn over a surface of the eye.
US07862175B2 Optometer
An optometer for subjectively examining refractive power of an examinee's eye, comprises: a phoropter which selectively disposes an optical element in front of the examinee's eye; a controller having a switch panel for transmitting a signal to the phoropter and a horizontally extending rotation axis; a display rotatable about the rotation axis of the controller, orientation of the display being changeable by its rotation between a side with the switch panel and a side without the switch panel; and a control part which controls a display screen of the display to appear in a constant orientation irrespective of whether the display is reversed upside down by its rotation.
US07862174B2 Method and device for measuring the local scattering of an optical system
A method for measuring, in a given plane, the scattering of an optical system, including: the illumination of the system by a point source emitting a light flux to be transmitted by the system, and including a direct flux component and a flux component scattered by the system; the interception of part of the transmitted flux by a sampler positioned in a plane, the intercepted flux including the direct flux component and a narrow angle of the scattered flux component; the measurement of the intercepted flux by an analyser including an array of microlenses and first image detector, each microlens forming the image of the sampler on the first image detector, the dimensions of the sampler being defined such that the images of the sampler formed by adjacent microlenses present an overlap zone smaller than the projection zone of a microlens on the image detector.
US07862172B2 Gaze direction measuring method and gaze direction measuring device
A face horizontal direction measuring unit measures the angle of the face horizontal direction for a face image obtained by an imaging unit. By using information on the radius of the head and information on the shoulder position of the person obtained by the aforementioned measurement, a face vertical displacement measuring unit measures a face displacement in the vertical direction not affected by a head posture. According to the obtained displacement, the face angle in the vertical direction is decided. By using the obtained face direction, the angle of the gaze in the horizontal direction and the eyeball radius are measured. Further, a gaze vertical displacement measuring unit is provided for which measuring the pupil center position against the eyeball center position as the gaze displacement in the vertical direction. This displacement amount is used to measure the gaze angle in the vertical direction.
US07862171B2 Ophthalmic lens element for myopia correction
An ophthalmic lens element (100) for correcting myopia in a wearer's eye is disclosed. The lens element (100) includes a central zone (102) and a peripheral zone (104). The central zone (102) provides a first optical correction for substantially correcting myopia associated with the foveal region of the wearer's eye. The peripheral zone (104) surrounds the central zone (102) and provides a second optical correction for substantially correcting myopia or hyperopia associated with a peripheral region of the retina of the wearer's eye. A system and method for dispensing or designing an ophthalmic lens element for correcting myopia in a wearer's eye is also disclosed.
US07862165B2 Detachable sideshade for spectacles
A sideshade for reducing peripheral glare that is removably attachable to a temple of spectacles such that the wearer of the spectacles is not required to remove the spectacles in order to attach the sideshade to or detach the sideshade from the temple of the spectacles. The detachable sideshade is optical or near-optical quality so as not to degrade the wearer's peripheral vision. The sideshade may be light in weight and easy to attach and remove.
US07862162B2 Low insertion force fluid coupling
A fluid coupling for establishing a sealed connection between a first conduit and a second conduit that has a seal seat and a compression member. The compression member is movable relative to the seal seat in which an annular seal is positioned. An engagement mechanism moves the second conduit from a disengaged position where there is no sealed fluid connection between the first and second conduits, to an engaged position where the compression member moves toward the seal seat to compress the annular seal to form a sealed fluid connection.
US07862160B2 Hybrid manifold for an ink jet printhead
A print head has an array of jets to dispense ink onto a printing surface, an array of actuators to cause the jets to dispense ink and an ink manifold to route ink to the array of jets, the ink manifold being formed of at least one polymer layers. A print manifold has an array of jets formed on a metal plate, at least one polymer layer mounted on the metal plate, the polymer layer including an array of manifolds corresponding to the array of jets and an electronic circuit board mounted on the polymer layer, the electronic circuit board having an array of holes corresponding to the array of manifolds. A print system includes at least one ink reservoir at least one umbilical to transport ink out of the ink reservoir and a print head as described above.
US07862159B2 Ink jet recording head and recording apparatus
An ink jet recording head includes a recording element substrate including an ejection outlet array consisting of a plurality of arranged ejection outlets for ejecting ink, a plurality of heat generating elements, provided correspondingly to the ejection outlets, for generating thermal energy for ejecting the ink, and a supply port, formed along the ejection outlet array in an elongated hole-like shape, for supplying the ink to the ejection outlets; and a supporting member, having a supply flow passage communicating with the supply port, for supporting the recording element substrate. The supporting member is provided with at least two beams each extending over an opening of the supply flow passage in a widthwise direction of the supply flow passage and having a width W with respect to a longitudinal direction of the supply flow passage. At least two beams described above are disposed within a range from a center of the supply flow passage with respect to the longitudinal direction toward both longitudinal end sides of the supply flow passage by 2.5 W for each of the end sides and are spaced 2 mm or more apart.
US07862155B2 Ink jet head circuit board, method of manufacturing the same and ink jet head using the same
An ink jet head circuit board is provided which has heaters to generate thermal energy for ink ejection. This board has the heaters formed with high precision to reduce their areas. It has provisions to protect the electrode wires against corrosion and prevent a progress of corrosion. The substrate is deposited with the thin first electrodes made of a corrosion resistant metal. Over the first electrodes the second electrodes made of aluminum are formed. The second electrodes are deposited with a resistor layer. The heater is formed in the gap between the first electrodes. With this construction, the heaters are formed without large dimensional variations among them. Should a defect occur in a protective layer above or near the heaters, a progress of corrosion can effectively be prevented because the material of the resistor layer is more resistant to encroachment than aluminum and the first electrodes are corrosion resistant.
US07862150B2 Inkhead printhead configured to overcome impaired print quality due to nozzle blockage, printing method using the same, and method of manufacturing the inkjet printhead
The inkjet printhead includes substrate having an ink feed hole formed to supply ink, a chamber layer stacked on the substrate, and including a plurality of main ink chambers formed therein with the ink feed hole therebetween and a plurality of compensation ink chambers formed therein between the main ink chambers that face each other; and a nozzle layer stacked on the chamber layer, and including a plurality of main nozzles corresponding to the main ink chambers and a plurality of compensation nozzles corresponding to the compensation ink chambers.
US07862149B2 Ink jet printing apparatus and printing method
By suppressing deviation of dot-formation positions stemming from insufficient accuracy in conveying a printing medium due to eccentricity of a conveying roller, a printed image in which unevenness is less visible is obtained. An accumulated amount of conveyance errors is decreased by narrowing a nozzle-use range and reducing a conveyance amount over an entire printing region according to a mode used for printing an image in which the coverage of a printing medium is low due to a small number of ink colors to be used, for example, a mode used for printing a monochrome image by using a black ink dominantly in all of the density regions.
US07862147B2 Inclined feature to protect printhead face
A printhead has a substrate with a mounting surface for a printhead die. The printhead die includes a first face bonded to the mounting surface of the substrate and a second face opposite the first face. The second face including at least one array of marking elements disposed along a marking element array direction. An edge of the printhead die is substantially parallel to the marking element array direction. An inclined surface is positioned proximate to, but not overlapping the edge of the printhead die, wherein a distance from the inclined surface to the mounting surface of the substrate at a first location is greater than a distance from the inclined surface to the mounting surface of the substrate at a second location, the first location also being nearer the edge of the printhead die that is substantially parallel to the marking element array direction than the second location.
US07862141B2 Liquid-discharge-failure detecting apparatus and inkjet recording apparatus
A light-emitting element emits a beam onto a droplet discharged from a nozzle from a direction opposite to a direction of discharge of the droplet. A light-receiving element receives a scattered light generated by scattering of the beam by the droplet. Finally, a failure detecting unit detects a liquid discharge failure from data of the scattered light received by the light-receiving element.
US07862132B2 Counterbalance assembly for a dishwasher door and associated method
A dishwasher is provided, comprising a door pivotably attached to a body and having a counterbalance assembly coupled therebetween for facilitating pivoting of the door, wherein the counterbalance assembly includes a biasing member coupled to the body and serially engaged with a flexible element coupled to the door, and a guide member secured to the body and including a fixed arcuate member defining a first guide track, and a pulley rotatable about an axis and defining a second guide track, wherein the flexible element is at least partially wrapped about each of the fixed arcuate member and the pulley so as to serially engage the first and second guide tracks, and wherein the first guide track of the fixed arcuate member is offset from the second guide track of the pulley along the axis thereof.
US07862131B2 Dual mode undercarriage for tracked vehicle
A vehicle with a frame connecting a driver wheel, an idler wheel and mid-roller wheels, an endless track belt being tensioned around the driver wheel and the idler wheel and being in contact with the mid-roller wheels on a lower run thereof, the mid-roller wheels being arranged in bogies, including a front bogie having a first pivot axis, a middle bogie and a rear bogie arranged in tandem having a second pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis and said second pivot axis act as load transfer pivots.
US07862125B2 Seat belt buckle positioner
A seat belt device for stabilizing and positioning a flexible vehicle seat belt buckle having a substantially rigid support structure configured for combining with a vehicle seat belt buckle to convert a movable, flexible vehicle seat belt buckle to a substantially stationary seat belt buckle for facilitating engagement of a seat belt latch. The support structure includes splinting configurations and wedging configurations.
US07862122B1 Lift assist for the physically challenged
An un-automated lift assist for the physically challenged whereby a user may push against a pair of armrests causing a portion of the armrest to initially compress, and later rebound when the individual is transitioning from a seated to an upright position. The lift assist has two upright side members with armrests and a base member with a support panel that are placed between a removable cushion of a article of furniture and the support frame of the article of furniture, so that the in-situ cushion is between a seated individual and the base member.
US07862121B2 Seat
A seat may be obtained with improved operability of plural adjustable units.A vehicle seat 10 is provided with: a seat lifter 22 provided to a seat body that is for sitting on, and is adjusted by operation force transmitted from a first operating system; a reclining mechanism 20 provided to the seat body, that is adjusted by operation force transmitted from a second operating system; and an operation lever 30, imparting operation force for independently adjusting the reclining mechanism 20 and the seat lifter 22. The operation lever 30 imparts operation force to the seat lifter 22 when operated by rotation along the seat up-down direction in the direction of arrow D and arrow E, and imparts operation force to the reclining mechanism 20 when operated by rotation along the seat width direction in the direction of arrow F.
US07862113B2 Modular comfort assembly diffuser bag having integral air mover support
A ventilation diffuser bag for disposition on a vehicle occupant support includes a perforated, occupant facing side and an opposite non-perforated, support surface facing side. The non-perforated side includes an opening to allow air flow into the diffuser bag. An air mover support integral with the non-perforated side includes an endless sidewall extending from the opening for providing support for an air mover. The endless sidewall includes a retaining edge spaced from the non-perforated side for suspendably retaining the air mover within the air mover support. The non-perforated side of the diffuser bag is supportable on an occupant facing surface of a vehicle occupant support, and the air mover support extends into the occupant support.
US07862112B2 Support device to mount against the rear of the back of a cockpit seat
The invention relates to a support device suitable for being installed in an arrangement referred to as “mounted” against the rear of a back of a seat comprising a headrest. The headrest is held at the top of the back by at least one upright. The support device includes a framework suitable for being positioned and supported on the top of the back, a clamp movable in relation to the framework, and at least one reversible fastener making it possible to fasten the clamp to the framework so as to immobilize the framework in relation to the upright.
US07862108B2 Vehicle lower body structure
A vehicle lower body structure (1) including a vehicle compartment; a windshield pillar (3) that is provided at the side portion the vehicle and that extends in the vehicle-height direction; a rocker (4) that is connected, at the front end portion, to the lower end portion of the windshield pillar (3) and the extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a floor tunnel member (5) that is provided at the lateral center portion of the vehicle and that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a floor cross-member (6) that is connected to the rocker (4) and the floor tunnel member (5) and that extends in the vehicle-width direction; and a floor panel (7) that is connected to the windshield pillar (3), the rocker (4), the floor tunnel member (5), and the floor cross-member (6) and that forms the floor of the vehicle compartment.
US07862105B2 Motor compartment rail assembly with stability enhancement member
A rail assembly for a motor compartment of a motor vehicle having a bumper and a deformable energy-absorbing device secured rearward of the bumper, includes a longitudinally-extending motor compartment rail operatively connected rearward of the energy absorbing device and having an inner rail member and an outer rail member configured to define a cavity therebetween. A stability enhancement member transversely spans the cavity and is secured to both the inner rail member and the outer rail member.
US07862101B2 Composite body for a vehicle
A vehicle primarily a mass transit vehicle is formed primarily of composite materials which define a roof section and a floor section of two fiber reinforced sheets connected by an integral core and two rigid side wall sections each formed from welded steel or optionally bolted aluminum defining a series of window openings in a row along the side wall section in a ladder shape. The separate sections are connected to a front end cap and a rear end cap. Mountings for the seats are defined as well as conduits through the floor and roof for electrical and fluid connections. Releasable joints of adhesive are provided between the metal rails and the edges of the composite panels.
US07862094B1 Container scoop and scraper with ergonomic pockets for fingers and thumb of one hand
A container scoop and scraper device operable by a user's fingers and opposing thumb of one hand forms a container around a grasped object or material. The device includes a first arcuate scoop adjoining an elliptical right side to an elliptical left side along a minor arc on both sides, a front edge of the first scoop forms a scraper. The device also includes an ergonomic concave pocket to receive the user's thumb and extends the width of the device. Similarly, a second arcuate scoop is configured to adjoin elliptical sides along a major arc, and form a second scraper. An ergonomic convex pocket receives the user's fingers and also extends the width of the device. A hinge adjoins the first scoop to the second scoop and disposes the first scoop sides adjacent the second scoop sides to form a closed rigid container around a grasped object or materials.
US07862093B2 Wire spool caddy
A novel wire spool caddy for transporting spools of electrical wire is comprised of a handle perpendicularly connected to the upper end of a shaft member. The shaft member is angularly connected to an extension member. The lower end of the extension member is angularly connected to the upper end of a second shaft member. An axis member is perpendicularly connected to the second shaft member. The axis member has an interior and exterior retaining cap for the purpose of retaining a coaxial rotational member which supports a wire spool when it is placed on the wire spool caddy. During use, the wire spool caddy allows the operator to guide and transport a wire spool by pushing it along.
US07862092B2 Door lock and method for manufacturing said door lock
A door lock for locking a door to an underlying structure. A machine element disposed in connection to a through opening in the underlying structure is arranged so as to engage a bolt that is insertable into a through opening in the door. The machine element is inserted through the opening in the underlying structure to a position at which the openings in the door and the underlying structure form, together with the part of the machine element that extends outside of the underlying structure, a length that is longer than the bolt length, while at the same time an internal thread on the machine element extends sufficiently far through the underlying structure that, with the joint mounted, it engages the bolt to create the joint. Also, a method for manufacturing the door lock.
US07862091B2 Electromechanical door solenoid current surge booster circuit
An apparatus, circuit and method for operating a solenoid-actuated electromechanical door latching mechanism that includes a capacitor to meet the power surge requirements needed to move a door latching mechanism. A power supply at one end of a transmission line is coupled with a capacitor adjacent the solenoid at the other end of the transmission line to reduce the need for a larger capacity power, heavy gauge transmission lines and increases the distance at which a power supply may be located from a door latching device.
US07862089B2 Piping joint assembly system and method
A pipe fitting assembly package and fastening ring removal tool allow re-use and repair of push-fit piping fittings and valves without damage to the fitting or valve elements or the pipe. The quick connection pipe fitting assembly package of the present invention employs a threaded retaining cap that when removed, exposes the clamping, sealing and fastening mechanism of the fitting or valve. In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a removable packing gland mounted on a body about an axis of an orifice. The fastening ring removal device provided as part of the present invention is manually pushed onto the cylindrical object and is capable of expanding to traverse over the installed fastening ring. The fastening ring removal device includes a parallel angular surface to lift the fastening ring off of the pipe member. In one embodiment of the present invention, the removal device has a plurality of cut areas or slits extending axially along its surface to allow for the expansion of the upper rim portion of the fastener removal tool as it slides over a remaining fastening ring. The present invention facilitates re-use of existing fittings and valves by allowing the internal components to be removed, repaired and/or replaced.
US07862085B2 Three-dimensional vehicle frame
A vehicle frame includes first and second lower rails and first and second upper rails operatively interconnected. Cross members horizontally interconnect the lower rails and the upper rails, and stanchions vertically interconnect the upper rails and the lower rails. The frame provides improved stiffness and strength at a reduced mass compared to the prior art.
US07862084B2 Vehicle steering apparatus
A vehicle steering apparatus, includes a steering member for rotational operation, a support mechanism that supports the steering member so as to be movable between a housing position where the steering member is housed in a fixed frame of an instrument panel and a projection position where the steering member projects to an outside of the fixed frame, and that regulates an attitude of the steering member located between the housing position and the projection position, and a movable frame that moves together with the steering member, and that constitutes a part of the instrument panel by covering an opening formed in the fixed frame of the instrument panel when the steering member is housed at the housing position.
US07862083B2 Actuation mechanism for the deployment of a laterally extendable running board to provide rollover resistance
An actuation mechanism is used with the deployment apparatus mounting a running board on an automotive vehicle for laterally outward movement to increase rollover resistance for the vehicle. The actuation mechanism includes a cup with a hollow tube attached thereto to provide a path for the movement of a ball from the cup into engagement with the latching mechanism on the deployment apparatus. The ball is retained within the cup member until the actuation mechanism and the automotive vehicle to which it is mounted tilts to a minimum roll angle, whereupon the ball is released to roll down the hollow tube into engagement with the latching mechanism of the deployment apparatus. In one embodiment, a single cup with a pair of laterally extending tubes directs the ball to the deployment apparatus that requires actuation. In other embodiments, a separate actuation mechanism is provided for each respective deployment apparatus.
US07862081B2 Motor vehicle safety restraint system
A safety restraint system for selectively restraining an occupant of a motorized vehicle is provided. The safety restraint system includes a cylinder defining an elongate channel therein. A piston is disposed inside the channel, and selectively translates from an undeployed position to a deployed position. A linking member operatively connects the safety belt webbing to the piston such that translation of the piston increases the tension of the belt webbing. The safety restraint system also includes an inflatable cushion operatively attached to the cylinder, and configured to selectively transition from a non-expanded state to an expanded state. An inflation device operable to release inflation fluid is in fluid communication with both the inflatable cushion and the cylinder. Activation of the inflation device operates to transition the cushion from the non-expanded state to the expanded state, and translate the piston from the undeployed position to the deployed position.
US07862080B2 Vehicle airbelt apparatus
An inflatable member is restricted to expand outwardly in the vehicle width direction and allowed to expand upwardly to a position facing a side of an occupant's head when a lateral collision occurs. A belt guide mounted on the shoulder portion of a seat back guides a restraint webbing, including an inflatable member that is provided for supporting the head of a vehicle occupant when inflated, and allows a guide hole to be vertically enlarged by being projected upwardly in the vehicle vertical direction when the inflatable member is inflated. The inflatable member is thereby expanded so as to form a vertically extended shape regulated by the guide hole and disposed to an upward position facing the side of the occupant's head when a lateral collision occurs.
US07862078B2 Side collision airbag device
A side collision airbag device includes an airbag to inflate and extend between a side wall portion of a vehicle and an occupant seated on a seat disposed in the vehicle. An inflator is connected to the airbag to spout a gas for inflating and extending the airbag from one side thereof in its longitudinal direction. A restricting member is attached for restricting a movement of the inflator toward the other side thereof in its longitudinal direction when the inflator is activated.
US07862076B2 Airbag for installation in a motor vehicle
In order to achieve improved protection of the occupants of a motor vehicle, a side airbag is proposed which, when necessary, provides different hardnesses depending on the size of the vehicle occupant. The airbag includes at least one main chamber and at least one auxiliary chamber. The main chamber and auxiliary chamber are connected with each other via a connecting opening. Furthermore, an outflow opening is present from which gas can flow out of the airbag. The outflow opening is included in the auxiliary chamber. A closing element is provided which, when the auxiliary chamber meets an obstacle during or after expansion of the airbag, blocks or throttles the gas flow through the outflow opening.
US07862073B2 Split top air bag assembly
Air bag assembly is inflatable by an inflator mounted on the vehicle forward of the vehicle occupant seat. The air bag assembly has a vertical extending, occupant facing restraining surface located at a distance from the air bag base end. An air bag base wall extends generally horizontally from a base end mounted on the inflator and divides the air bag assembly into a lower air bag portion for restraint of the occupant lower torso and an upper air bag portion for restraint of the upper torso. The upper air bag portion includes an inflatable left hand lobe rising from the left side of the base wall and an inflatable right lobe rising from the right side of the base wall. The left and right hand lobes define an upper un-inflated void space, the lower extent of which is provided by the horizontal extending base wall.
US07862069B2 Basket structure for child's stroller
A basket structure for a stroller is formed with a basket tube extending around the upper surface of the basket structure from one seat tube to the laterally opposing seat tube. The basket tube is a single formed tubular member that extends rearwardly from the seat tubes and bends downwardly at a rearward end thereof to define an access opening. The formed basket tube is depressed at the access opening below the surface against which the seat back is located when lowered into a reclined position. The access opening, therefore, remains open and allows access into the interior of the basket, even when the seat back is reclined, without disturbing the child positioned in the seat.
US07862067B2 Adjusting device, air deflecting system, control member and device enabling aerodynamic resistance of a semi-trailer to be reduced
A device for adjusting a fifth wheel, comprising a displacement device provided with two guide rails placed on the vehicle, in particular on a tractor semi-trailer combination in the longitudinal direction thereof, said guide rails whereon a slide may be installed capable of being moved by means of an actuating device, said actuating device being designed such that, upon a displacement, the positive connection between the guide rails and the slide is maintained. The actuating device, which is designed to move the slide, comprises a first powered device. Additionally, at least one first position sensor is arranged to detect the position of the slide, at least said first position sensor being connected to a control device.
US07862066B2 3 way ATV/UTV tractor receiver hitch
A three-way hitch assembly for a tractor-type vehicle, such as an ATV/UTV, is designed to facilitate the attachment of multiple accessory devices to the vehicle. The hitch assembly includes: a drawbar pintle, a hook, and a replaceable hitch ball.
US07862064B2 Boom for recumbent bicycle
A recumbent bicycle includes a boom that telescopes within one end of a center tube in the main frame of the bicycle, and a boom clamp that encircles the center tube of the main frame at a location overlying at least a portion of the boom. The boom clamp has a locator tab which extends into a notch formed in the center tube, and within a slot formed in the boom while the boom telescopes within the center tube. The location of the slot in the boom, and the location of the tab relative to the center tube, are chosen to ensure that throughout the telescoping movement of the boom it is retained in a desired orientation with respect to the main frame.
US07862063B2 Bicycle frame composed with convoluted curves
The invention is a frame for a bicycle or other two wheeled vehicle that utilizes convoluted curves in its structure providing function in utility and manufacture as described here with this disclosure, as well as ornamental form as described by the subject complementing disclosure by design patent application No. 29/243,986. The specific utility that is offered by this invention is a suspension quality inherent to the frame itself. The frame serves as a suspension system isolating the vehicle rider from the displacements of the vehicle wheels forced by the irregularities that may exist in a road over which the vehicle may travel. A specific quality of manufacture offered by this invention is a frame that avoids the necessity of tube and tube joints, and likewise an otherwise necessary welding or fusion of such tube joints.
US07862058B2 Fabricated vehicle axle
A fabricated vehicle axle is provided with a single piece main body having an inverted U-shaped configuration. The ends of the main body are curved upwardly to define a pair of gooseneck portions. A first king pin fixture having a king pin bore is secured to one of the gooseneck portions, while a second king pin fixture having a king pin bore is secured to the other gooseneck portion. A bottom plate is secured to the main body and has ends extending beyond the gooseneck portions to provide seats for the king pin fixtures.
US07862055B2 Vehicle having multiple operational modes
A vehicle includes a deck, an aft running gear attached to the deck, a steering assembly, a flexible joint attaching the steering assembly to the deck, such that the steering assembly is pivotable about the flexible joint with respect to the deck between a rider-standing mode and a rider-sitting mode, and a brake assembly attached to the deck.
US07862053B2 Golf bag cart foldable device
A golf bag cart foldable device includes a bottom cart stand having a link segment at its top, where both sides of the link segment each is in pinned connection with a rear wheel frame, which has its bottom end join the rear wheel, and the bottom cart stand is provided with a slider at the bottom of the link segment. An upper cart stand is in pinned connection with the link segment at its bottom, and has a bracket at its top, where the bracket couples to a mount at its one end. A handle bar is joined the mount at its bottom at which an angle adjustable joint is located, and has a score board at its top. A linkage set comprises a first linkage being set up between the upper cart stand and the slider, a second linkage being set up between the slider and the rear wheel frame, and a third linkage being set up between the mount and the first linkage. Through the linking of the linkage set, the angles between the upper cart stand and the handle bar and between the bottom cart stand and the rear wheel frame will change for the folding or fixing of the device.
US07862048B2 Gasket for a valve in an internal combustion engine
A gasket for a valve in an internal combustion engine is provided with a support element having a tubular configuration according to an axis and coaxially mounted on the valve. An elastically deformable element is interposed between the support element and the valve. The support element includes a first portion elongated according to the above mentioned axis, and a second portion extending from the first portion in a direction transversal to the axis, at least partially housed in an annular seat of the elastically deformable element and having its radially outermost end connected to the first portion itself. The support element comprises a third portion extending from the radially innermost end of the second portion and folded on the second portion itself so as to generate, in the folding area, a rounded edge cooperating with the annular seat of the elastically deformable element.
US07862045B2 Method and apparatus for determining and retrieving positional information
An apparatus for determining and retrieving positional information including a surface having a plurality of first elements and a plurality of second elements, a first detection element connected to at least one of the plurality of first elements, and a second detection element connected to at least one of the plurality of second elements. The detection elements may include pulse detection elements or current sensing circuits. The plurality of first elements and the plurality of second elements may include conductive and non-conductive threads, and the conductive threads may include piezoelectric crystals embedded within conductive plastic.
US07862042B2 Doll of football game table
A doll of football game table for mounting on an operation rod of the football game table. The doll includes a first main body and a second main body which are detachably latched with each other to hold the operation rod. The doll further includes at least one fixing member for engaging at least one of the main bodies with the operation rod, whereby by means of operating the operation rod, the doll can be driven to move or rotate. The doll can be directly mounted on or taken off from the operation rod. In case of damage of the doll, the main bodies of the doll can be unlatched from each other to take off the doll from the operation rod so that the doll can be easily replaced.
US07862040B2 Item feeder with overthickness detection
An item feeder includes a deck for supporting items, a transport element for transporting the items along the deck on a transport path from an upstream loading area through a downstream receiving passage, a drive element for driving the transport element, and a cover element comprising a leading edge. The cover element may be movable between a closed position in which the leading edge is disposed at a first distance from the deck, and an open position in which the leading edge is disposed at a second greater distance from the deck. The leading edge may engage transported items having a thickness greater than the first distance to move the cover element out of the closed position. The item feeder further includes a controller for controlling the drive element, wherein the controller is configured to stop the drive element when the cover element is moved out of the closed position.
US07862037B2 Sheet feed cassette and image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a sheet feed cassette to store a sheet supplied to the image forming apparatus. The sheet feed cassette has a cassette body and a cassette cover. The cassette body stores the sheet and has first and second cassette portions coupled adjustably in length. The cassette cover is detachably mounted on the cassette body to cover its upper portion and has first and second cover portions coupled adjustably in length. The cassette cover has a fitting portion, and the cassette body has fitting receive portions in the first and second cassette portions. Each of the fitting receive portions is fittable with the fitting portion. The fitting receive portions overlap in a sheet feed direction when the cassette body is retracted. Of the fitting receive portions, one fitting receive portion not fitted with the fitting portion when the cassette body is extended is at least partially closed.
US07862035B2 Sheet feed devices and image recording apparatus comprising such sheet feed devices
The invention describes a sheet feed device having a sheet tray having a bottom plate defining a first portion of a storing portion that receives sheets therein, a feed roller, a separation plate, and a recessed portion formed in the separation surface. The feed roller moves to contact a sheet of the sheets, and to feed the sheet. The separation plate is disposed at a downstream end of the sheet tray and extends in a width direction. The separation plate has a separation surface which is inclined with respect to the bottom plate of the sheet tray, and defines at least a second portion of the storing portion. The recessed portion is formed in the separation surface and extends toward a downstream end of the separation surface. The separation plate is configured to separate the sheet from the sheets as the feed roller feeds the sheet.
US07862028B2 Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus provided with the same
A sheet processing apparatus, comprising: a sheet introduction port for feeding a sheet to inside from outside of the sheet processing apparatus; a sheet exit port for ejecting the sheet from inside to outside of the sheet processing apparatus; a sheet carrying part having a sheet carrying passage that communicates the sheet introduction port and the sheet exit port; a fold processing part disposed in a middle of the sheet carrying passage, for arbitrarily folding the sheet; a sheet stacking part that stacks the sheet ejected from the sheet exit port; and a detector that detects whether a height of a bundle of sheets stacked on the sheet stacking part reaches a prescribed height and outputs an OFF signal for turning off a drive of the sheet carrying part, wherein the detector performs detection at a first detection level for detecting the prescribed height of the bundle of sheets folded when the fold processing part is set in a drive state, and at a second detection level for detecting the prescribed height of the bundle of sheets not folded when the fold processing part is in a stop state, with the first detection level and second detection level differentiated from each other.
US07862026B2 Sheet post-processing apparatus and sheet post-processing method
A bundle claw attached to a sheet conveyor belt includes a concave portion having a bottom surface for regulating a position of a trailing end of the sheets, and, in the bottom surface, a surface on a lower side that comes into contact with the sheet conveyor belt is formed deeper than a surface on an upper side to form the step portion between the surface on the lower side and the surface on the upper side. Therefore, when a small number of sheets are discharged from a processing tray to a stacking tray, a trailing end of the sheets is located on the lower surface side of the concave surface of the bundle claw, where the trailing end of the sheets should be originally located, and does not move to the upper surface side of the concave surface of the bundle claw.
US07862025B2 Sheet post-processing apparatus
A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a sheet aligning device that increases, when the number of sheets conveyed thereto exceeds a predetermined number, the number of times of an aligning operation of the sheet aligning device, which aligns the sheets conveyed thereto, to be larger than the number of times of the aligning operation at the number of sheets equal to or smaller than this predetermined number.
US07862024B2 Sheet finisher, image forming apparatus, and sheet finishing method
According to the invention, a sheet finisher has a folding mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a stacking mechanism, and a slip amount calculator. The folding mechanism forms a folding line by folding a sheet which an image forming unit discharges. The discharging mechanism discharges the sheet including the folding line which the folding mechanism forms. The stacking mechanism stacks the sheet which the discharging mechanism discharges. The slip amount calculator outputs a fullness state of the stacking mechanism to the image forming unit, if a slip amount of the discharging mechanism exceeds a threshold.
US07862022B2 Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus including: a saddle stitching stapler including a staple driving portion movable in a sheet width direction and a staple clinching portion arranged at a saddle stitching position, and adapted to staple a middle portion of a sheet bundle by causing the staple driving portion to approach the staple clinching portion after the staple driving portion moves to the saddle stitching position; and a side stitching stapler including a staple driving portion and a staple clinching portion pivoted to each other, and adapted to staple an end portion of the sheet bundle by holding the end portion between the staple driving portion and the staple clinching portion after the staple driving portion and the staple clinching portion move to a side stitching position in the sheet width direction, the side stitching stapler and the saddle stitching stapler being aligned in the sheet width direction.
US07862019B2 Printed product collecting device and method
A collecting device for forming a printed product includes a conveyor and a plurality of printed material delivery devices, the plurality of printed material delivery devices including a first delivery device for first printed materials and a second delivery device for second printed materials. A first transfer device is assigned to the first delivery device and delivering the first printed materials to the conveyor and a second transfer device assigned to the second delivery device and delivering the second printed materials to be collected with the first printed materials on the conveyor. Each of the first and second transfer devices have printed material buffer positions between the respective first and second delivery devices and the conveyor, which permit advantageous reduction in the amount of waste.
US07862015B2 Sheet folding device, and paper post-processing device and image forming system provided therewith
In a sheet folding device 1 provided with a folding part 70 for folding a sheet S carried into the device, a discharge part 80 for discharging a sheet S already subjected to folding processing, and a discharge tray 74 for receiving a sheet S discharged from the discharge part 80, a holding member 5 for holding a discharged sheet S from above and an arm 4 disposed above the discharge tray 74 and also adjacently to the discharge part 80 and so provided as to project in a sheet discharge direction are provided. The holding member 5 is supported at the arm 4 in such a manner as to be rotatable upward and downward, and also rotatable to a position above the bottom end of the arm 4.
US07862014B2 Hybrid diffuser system headloss balancing
In a tank for treating wastewater and including a first plurality of air diffuser elements and a second plurality of air diffuser elements, means for adjusting the relative height of the first diffuser elements with respect to the height of the second diffuser elements in response to changing operating conditions in the tank and changes in the characteristics of the diffusers.
US07862011B2 Non uniform water distribution system for an evaporative cooler
An evaporative cooler, including one or more media, distributes water from a source of water to each media through a constant flow valve. A distribution unit at each media includes a pair of spray bars for spraying water through two rows of uniformly spaced apertures disposed in each spray bar. A spray bar channel associated with each spray bar distributes the streams of water impinging thereupon from one row of apertures to the underlying media in specific locations. A distribution cap associated with each spray bar distributes streams of water impinging thereupon to the front and back edges of the underlying media. The water dripping from the media is drained. A fan or other air moving device draws air through the media to obtain cooled air resulting from evaporation of water flowing downwardly along the media. A microprocessor controller, responsive to any of one or more sensors for sensing the temperature of the air flowing into and out of the media, the relative humidity of the air flowing into and out of the media, the pressure differential between the upstream and downstream sides of the media, the temperature of the water flowing to the spray bars, the fan speed, and the pressure differential between the downstream side of the media and the downstream side of the fan, controls the flow of water and the fan speed.
US07862010B2 High impact resistant barrier/fence
A barrier is disclosed which includes a connected pair of upstanding and equidistantly spaced first and second walls which together define a channel having a bottom and an open top. Dirt or rock fill (or fill of any other non-vegetative material) is poured into or otherwise placed in the channel between the walls to cover the bottom of the channel and at least partially fill the channel. The area of the channel containing the fill may be lined with geo-textile material to help contain the fill.
US07862002B2 Vacuum valve
To provide a vacuum valve with an improved endurance of a bellows, a vacuum valve comprises: a valve section including a first port, a second port, a valve seat provided between the first and second ports, and a valve element movable into or out of contact with the valve seat; an actuator section including an orifice through which an operating fluid is supplied to the actuator section, and a piston coupled to the valve element, the piston being allowed to operate according to changes of pressure of the operating fluid to apply a driving force to the valve section; and a bellows which can be contracted and elongated as the valve element vertically moves upward and downward. The orifice is designed to have an effective sectional area determined so that an operating speed of the valve element and the piston is controlled to a predetermined speed for preventing damage of the bellows.
US07861997B2 Releasable deck mount for shipboard printers
A releasable deck mount used to tie printers to the deck of vessels includes a metal plate for welding to the vessel's deck that incorporates a profile of a clip that is connected to a strap and inserted into the deck mount for capture purposes. The plate is very low and minimizes any tripping hazard. A spring plate is attached to the top of the metal plate and a pin is secured to the spring plate and extends through a hole in the metal plate. The pin is designed to be movable and has a chamfer to allow insertion of the strapping clip. The clip is released from the deck mount by lifting the pin to allow the clip to be removed.
US07861996B2 Adapter devices for securing an aircraft passenger seat to an aircraft fuselage seat track
Adapter devices are provided that, when installed on an aircraft seat track break area, allow for the installation and/or positioning of passenger seats thereat. The devices include a main body having two portions. One end of the portion is integrated to a fork-shaped part 2 which defines a half-opening 3. Close to the end of the other portion there is provided a pair of half-tabs which are symmetrically disposed in relation to one another on each side of the body. Pairs of symmetrically disposed semi-circular tabs are provided on the main body. Threaded pass-through holes are located one of the body portions so as to threadably accommodate retaining discs in the form of screw screws heads provided with screws which are installed in the threaded holes.
US07861995B2 Portable electronic device stand
This electronic device stand is a credit-card-sized sheet, equipped with cut-outs and scoring to permit its easy folding into an adjustable stand. The lower half of the card rests on a flat surface, while the upper half of the card is folded upward and is held in place by a tab that folds upward from the lower half to adjustably engage the upper half. A second tab, located at the far end of the lower half, is folded upward to secure the bottom of the electronic device, the back of which is leaned against the erected upper half of the card.
US07861991B1 Attachment means for portable multimedia device
An attachment apparatus for securing a portable multimedia device to an infant stroller or perambulator that is fully adjustable. The apparatus is connected to the stroller's side support arms by frame clamp mechanisms. An adjustable support arm structure, comprised of a telescopic second arm assembly pivotally attached thereto a telescopic first arm assembly, is attached to the frame clamp mechanisms. A tray assembly removably affixed to a latitudinal adjustment plate is releasably attached to an upper portion of said adjustable support arm structure supports and secures the portable multimedia device. A tilting mechanism at the releasable attachment point adjusts the viewing angle, and latitudinal adjustment is accomplished by manually adjusting the tray assembly in an axial direction with respect to the latitudinal adjustment plate via an adjustment knob and guide. When not in use, the entire apparatus can be detached and stowed to the tray assembly via stowing clips.
US07861987B2 Hunting accessory holding devices
A device for holding archery bows and/or other hunting accessories is provided. The hunting accessory holding device includes a base member that attaches to a mounting substrate such as a tree, an arm assembly that is configured to hold the archery bow, and a lift mechanism that connects the arm assembly to the base member. The lift mechanism automatically retracts the arm assembly upwardly, from an extended position to a retracted position, when the bow is removed from the arm assembly, thereby removing the arm assembly from the hunter's view and way. The lift mechanism can include a spring that provides a retracting force for moving the arm assembly. As desired, the lift mechanism can also provide an adjustable or variable braking force that opposes the retracting force and enables the hunter to determine a rate of arm retraction, as desired.
US07861985B2 Hands-free device holder for securing hand-held portable electronic device with a screen
A hands-free electronic device holder for holding handheld electronic devices with a screen at or below the user's eye level at a typical distance of 20 to 30 cm is provided. The handheld electronic device is selected from MP3 players, video players, cell phones, PDAs, GPS units or other screen containing devices that display images or interacts with the user via software generated buttons. The hands-free device holder has a flexible adjustable gooseneck, the proximal end of which carries a tab having two spring pins that securely engage with a pocket member. A securement attachment means secures the pocket member to the backside of the handheld electronic device, and two lateral slots receive the pins. The distal end of the flexible adjustable gooseneck connects to a spring clip similar to a clothes line pin, which attaches the hands-free electronic device holder to an airline dining tray or a worktable.
US07861980B1 Hanger for rain gutter device
A hanger bracket for a rainwater deflector in a gutter system comprises channels for holding heater cables, flanges and ribs to strengthen the bracket against bending, and a ledge that captures and holds the lip of a gutter without fasteners. Tabs on one side of the bracket engage a panel of the rainwater deflector, while a mounting hole on the other side of the bracket enables the bracket to be mounted to the fascia after the panel is affixed.
US07861977B1 Adaptive material actuators for Coanda effect circulation control slots
A system and method of use are provided for introducing tangential control fluid flows along the surface of an aerodynamic member. The fluid flows are directed toward a coanda surface disposed at the trailing edge of the aerodynamic member. At least two injection slots are provided on opposite sides of the aerodynamic member to produce opposing forces. Control of the flow of fluid from each slot determines the net effect of these opposing forces. Smart material actuators are used to control the flow of fluid from each slot by varying the size of each slot.
US07861975B2 Two part spacecraft servicing vehicle system with universal docking adaptor
An in-space spacecraft servicing system (10) includes a servicing spacecraft (22) and a propellant module (24). The servicing spacecraft includes a client servicing system (136), as well as navigation avionics (108) for independent flight operation and a servicing propellant tank (170). The propellant module moves the servicing module from an upper stage drop off location and releases it in proximity to a client spacecraft (16) for a servicing mission. It has a propellant tank (172) with capacity for multiple missions and is used to refill the servicing spacecraft's propellant tanks between missions. Either or both the servicing spacecraft and the propellant module may have navigation avionics. The servicing spacecraft also has a universal docking adaptor (70) for different client spacecraft, and can convert a client spacecraft from non-cooperative to cooperative.
US07861973B1 Wind responsive power generation system
A system and method for generating electricity using kites and controlling the kites in flight. A plurality of kites is provided that include a first kite and at least one subsequent kite. The kites form a string of kites that are connected by at least one tether to a reel or similar structure. Each tether has a first end that is coupled to the first kite and a second end that is coupled to the reel. Each tether passes through openings in each subsequent kite. An actuator is carried by the subsequent kite proximate each tether opening. The actuator operates between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. Each actuator engages a tether when in its engaged condition, therein selectively holding the subsequent kite at a fixed point along each tether. The movability of the subsequent kite enables the string of kites to be deployed and retrieved in a simplified manner.
US07861972B1 Release mechanism for a forward and aft restrained load in an aircraft
An object is deployed from an aircraft using gravity extraction of the object with the aid of a small parachute. The object is restrained in the fore and aft directions on either side of the center of gravity by fore and aft loading chains which hold the object to a loading deck. The chains are attached to the object by pear shaped rings mounted to a load plate. The load plate is supported on a lower attachment plate mounted to the object and is attached by a pin to an upper attachment plate also mounted to the object. Pulling the pin causes the load plate to rotate about a hinge formed on the lower attachment plate followed by release of the load plate from the lower attachment plate and the object to be deployed.
US07861971B2 System for opening and closing a landing-gear compartment for an aircraft
A system for opening and closing an aircraft landing-gear compartment is described. The landing-gear compartment includes a plurality of hatches mounted on a fairing of the aircraft and has main hatches with crosswise openings and at least one secondary hatch with a longitudinal opening.
US07861964B2 Apparatus for securing and dispensing sheet product
A spindle sleeve for a sheet product dispenser is disclosed having a body with a first end, a second end, an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a central longitudinal axis. The body includes a first portion disposed proximate the first end, a second portion disposed proximate the second end, and a third portion disposed between the first and second portions. The third portion has a U-shaped cutout defining a cantilevered flexible finger oriented to align with the central longitudinal axis, and the first and second portions have unbroken surfaces of the body around the perimeter of the body at the first and second ends, respectively. The finger has a dorsal-type fin extending perpendicular to the outer surface of the finger.
US07861963B2 Thread accumulation device
A thread accumulation device includes a discharge chute (13) for receiving and guiding a strand that is formed by a thread take-up device and a carriage for taking up a thread spiral, guided on the discharge chute (13) and resting on the end of the strand of the side that is opposite to the thread take-up device. At the outlet of the thread take take-up device, the discharge chute (13) is equipped with a transport unit (16) that adapts to the inside shape of the discharge chute (13). The invention can be applied more particularly in the field of the textile industry, in particular the treatment of thread.
US07861962B2 Twine tensioning device for a baler
A tensioning device is described for mounting between a knotter and a twine supply roll in a baler. The device comprises a spring biased tensioning arm 210 for taking up slack in the twine 216 and a clamp 220 for gripping the twine 216 at a location between the tensioning arm 210 and the supply roll. In the invention, the clamp 220 is coupled to the tensioning arm 210 in such a manner that the force applied by the clamp 220 to grip the twine 216 varies with the position of the tensioning arm 210.
US07861960B2 Installation of liners in a tube mill, tube mill provided with liners
A tube mill is provided with liners fastened to a shell. The tube mill is provided with an adaptor plate. The adaptor plate is provided with a first pattern of drilling holes in a DIN pattern and a second pattern of drilling holes in a non-DIN pattern. The adaptor plate is fastened to the shell via one or more holes of the second pattern and a number of liners is fastened to the adaptor plate via one or more holes of the first pattern.
US07861956B2 Apparatus and method for crushing anodes
There is provided an apparatus for crushing anodes, including a chamber for receiving the anodes. At least one movable wall is received in the chamber. The wall has a plurality of cutting devices associated therewith. The wall is able to move in a first direction for crushing the anodes and in a second direction away from the anodes. An apparatus is provided for applying pressure to the wall for moving the wall in the first direction. At least one pressure sensor associated with the apparatus for applying the pressure is provided. When a predetermined pressure level is reached, the wall ceases moving in the first direction and begins moving in the second direction.
US07861952B2 Sprinkler having shutoff control device
A sprinkler includes a tubular member having a longitudinal track and a number of water discharging openings formed through the track, and one or more shutoff control devices slidably attached onto the track and movable along the track to selectively align with either or some of the water discharging openings of the tubular member and to selectively block and seal the water discharging openings of the tubular member. The shutoff control devices each include a seat slidably attached to the track, and a latch pivotally attached to the seat for selectively blocking either of the water discharging openings of the tubular member and for controlling the water spraying patterns of the sprinkler.
US07861949B1 Portable washing apparatus
A portable washing apparatus includes a housing that has a bottom wall, a top wall and a perimeter wall. A dividing wall divides the housing into a first compartment and a second compartment. A valve is mounted in the housing and is fluidly coupled to each of the first and second compartments. An outlet pipe is fluidly coupled to the valve. Actuation of the valve allows selective fluid communication between the outlet pipe and the first or second compartments. A pump is fluidly coupled to the outlet pipe and draws fluid out of the housing. A tube has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to the pump. Fluid drawn outwardly of the housing by the pump is ejected outwardly of the second end. A cleaning fluid is positioned in the first compartment and a rinsing fluid is positioned in the second compartment.
US07861948B1 Adjustable arc rotor-type sprinkler with selectable uni-directional full circle nozzle rotation
A sprinkler includes a drive mechanism mounted in a riser that rotates a nozzle at the top of the riser. The drive mechanism enables a user to select between oscillation of the nozzle through an adjustable arc and uni-directional full circle rotation of the nozzle. The sprinkler includes an automatic arc return feature that enables the nozzle to resume oscillation between a pair of original pre-set arc limits when the nozzle is twisted by a vandal outside of the arc limits.
US07861946B2 Nozzle apparatus
A nozzle apparatus for an agricultural crop sprayer, the apparatus having a control element adjustable using ah external power source for controlling the flow of a spray liquid from a spray line through at least one channel of the nozzle apparatus. Once the control element has been moved to a control position, the position is maintained without further need for external power. The control element may be a ball valve movable to simultaneously select two or more nozzle connections and also to vary flow through the selected nozzle connections.
US07861945B2 Rotary spraying head type painting device
A first wash fluid discharging passage having an outlet end thereof opened to an outer peripheral surface is provided on a rotary atomizing head and positioned behind a paint reservoir. A second wash fluid discharging passage having an outlet end thereof opened to the paint reservoir is also provided on the rotary atomizing head positioned around a fore end of a paint tube. Also, a nozzle is provided at a fore outlet end of a wash fluid tube. The nozzle internally defines an annular chamber for pooling a wash fluid. The nozzle includes first and second outlet openings to spurt a wash fluid toward the first and second wash fluid discharging passages. Further, a check valve in the annular chamber of the nozzle prevents a reverse flow of a wash fluid.
US07861944B2 Jets device
A jet device is provided in the present invention. The jet device includes a chamber having a nozzle and a lateral channel, wherein the lateral channel is disposed along the outer side of a first side of the chamber, the nozzle is disposed at one end of the lateral channel and the chamber is connected with the lateral channel via the nozzle which is connected with the external space, wherein the fluid is filled in the chamber, the nozzle and the later channel and an arc and a block are disposed at the connection of the nozzle and the lateral channel; and a piston disposed at a second side of the chamber.
US07861943B2 Adaptive piezoelectric actuator control system
Adaptive piezoelectric actuator control system, including: a power supply, a piezoelectric actuator, a driver driving the actuator, a signal generator providing a frequency signal to the driver, a user interface allowing user input of operating conditions, memory storing parameters of the actuator, and system control means controlling the power supply, driver generator and memory so operating frequency of the actuator is monitored and regulated, wherein the driver comprises test means providing a test signal to the actuator, voltage measurement means measuring voltage applied to the actuator caused by the test signal and voltage applied to the actuator caused by the frequency signal, the system control means receiving a response signal in response to the test, and receiving voltages measured by the voltage measurement means, and comprising signal analysis means creating a response signal envelope and controlling the generator to generate a frequency signal corresponding to the envelope maximum.
US07861942B2 Sealed waterfall assembly
A waterfall assembly features a first, substantially hermetically sealed chamber adapted to contain a quantity of liquid. The first chamber includes at least one substantially vertical and transparent side having an internal surface, preferably with a plurality of protrusions. A pump or fluid transport device is in fluid communication with the first chamber and at least one nozzle/aperture disposed within the first chamber. The nozzle/aperture directs the liquid against at least a portion of the internal surface of the vertical side of the first chamber such that some of the liquid flows over the protrusions. A second chamber having a light source may be disposed beneath the first chamber for illuminating the first chamber.
US07861941B2 Automatic thermostat schedule/program selector system
A thermostat system having multiple and individual schedules. For instance, a user may have different schedules and setpoints for heating and cooling. An appropriate schedule combining individual schedules may be automatically selected based on a system configuration. Schedule control may involve manual changeover from one schedule to another or automatic changeover relative to the schedule combining schedules. The thermostat system may be programmable. Also, there may be a system switch mode, for example, between heat and cool, where the schedules of either may be edited. Scheduling may be menu and option key driven.
US07861940B2 Plate handling system
A plate handling system provides for movement from storage of a variety of image-ready printing plates, organized in plate stacks with interleaf protective slipsheets. Each stack contains plates of a particular size, corresponding to the capabilities of an associated imaging system. Each plate stack is supported by a pallet, which facilitates easy loading and unloading into the plate handling system. A plate picker aligns with the desired plate and transports the appropriately sized plate to an imaging system. The corresponding slipsheet is transported to a storage area where it is stored with a flat orientation.
US07861939B2 Methods and arrangement in an information management system
An arrangement and method of allotting pattern units of an overall coding pattern in an information management system, are based on selectively setting a state indicator for each pattern unit to indicate one of a plurality of states. The flow of data in said system may be controlled based on the state indicator. The data may be originally recorded by an electronic pen from a coded product which is provided with at least part of a pattern unit. The product may be generated on demand by requesting an allotment of one or more pattern units.
US07861937B2 Method of manufacturing a security thread having an embedded microchip, security thread and document comprising the thread
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a security thread (1) having a microchip (2), comprising the steps of providing a support material on a substrate; softening said support material, preferably by heating said support material; depositing a microchip (2) on or at least partly in the softened support material; and curing said support material, preferably by cooling said support material. The invention also relates to the security thread (1) manufactured by the method, and to a document, preferably a paper document, comprising that security thread.
US07861932B2 System for printing unique interactive document in response to print request
A system for printing and interacting with documents comprising: (a) a computer system configured for: receiving a print request; allocating a unique document identifier to the document in response to receiving the print request; and associating the document identifier with a description of the document; (b) a printer for printing the document containing human-readable content together with a coding pattern on a surface; and (c) an optically imaging pen for sensing a portion of the coding pattern during handwritten input on the document and for generating a signal indicative of the unique document identifier and a position of the pen relative to the document. The computer system is further configured for: receiving the signal from the pen; determining the document identifier and the position of the pen; retrieving the description associated with the document identifier; interpreting the positions as a path of handwritten input; and updating the description with information corresponding to the handwritten input.
US07861931B2 Method, apparatus, assembly and kit for identification token
In some embodiments, an identification token assembly includes: a card-shaped plastic body having a scored line formed therein, the plastic body including a subcard body, the scored line adapted to allow the subcard body to be detached from the plastic body; a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit (IC) supported by the subeard body; and an antenna supported by the subeard body and coupled to the RFID IC to transmit a signal generated by the RFID IC.
US07861929B2 Time delimited multiple admission method and system
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a provision of access to services. A time delimited, multiple use ticket/admissions card is provided that controls admission to services offered by participating service providers. The ticket/admissions card is issued to a ticket holder, and the card is valid for a certain amount of uses, where each use should be completed during a certain period of time. The first use of the card, for example, should be completed within a first time period, and if the first use is not completed during this first time period, then the first use expires; the second use of the card should be completed within a second time period, and if the second use is not completed during this second time period, then the second use expires. In this way, the ticket/admissions card provides a time delimited, multiple use scheme to control allowed admittance to authorized services.
US07861927B2 Automated retail kiosk with changeable presentation formats
An automated retail kiosk or vending machine that can vend working cellular handsets and that uses changeable presentation formats. The kiosk is generally an automated retail kiosk that can deliver primarily prepaid wireless products and services such as prepaid cellular handsets, prepaid cellular and long distance calling plans and E-pins, accessories like ear buds, phone holsters, SIM backup devices, cables and the like. In addition the kiosk or vending device can optionally provide a complete array of banking services including check cashing, prepaid debit cards, transfer of funds from debit card to debit card and many other services. An advertisement screen can play continuous or targeted advertising. The kiosk or vending device can change how it looks by accepting changeable front plates or housings, and it can communicate wirelessly over a network and be managed from a central location.
US07861925B2 Material dispensing station
A method of verifying a material application including the steps of inputting a first product number, inputting a second product number and confirming. The inputting of the first product number is done from a routing instrument. The inputting of the second product number is done from a number physically associated with the product. The confirming step is carried out by confirming the first product number and the second product number are identical.
US07861919B2 Method and system for managing loyalty program information on a phone
A system for managing token image replacement is provided. The system includes a remote server, a token acceptance device, such as a personal computer (PC), connected to the remote server, a token, such as a phone, that can be read by the PC, and a token image server. Using application logic and rules, the remote server is able to read the token image on the token and determine if the image on the phone needs to be updated. The remote server forwards a backup token image to the PC which, in turn, writes the backup token image including transaction information to the phone. Once the backup token image is written onto the phone, subsequent interactions with the system would not initiate an update.
US07861916B2 Materials for and method for manufacturing container with integrated divider and resulting container
In accordance with the invention, a method of manufacturing containers such as shipping, display and display ready packaging, for example, and resulting containers and associated preassemblies and blanks are provided, which, when utilized, result in preassemblies that are more easily, reliably and quickly assembled into fully assembled containers.
US07861915B2 Soldering process
A process by which molten solder is purified in-situ, making the soldering process more efficient and yielding better results, particularly for lead-free soldering. Lead-free solder becomes practical for use since the temperature for reliable soldering is reduced. A layer of active additive is maintained on the surface of molten solder for scavenging metal oxide from the solder and assimilating metal oxide into a liquid layer. The active additive is an organic liquid having nucleophilic and/or electrophilic groups. As an example, a layer of dimer acid maintained on a wave soldering apparatus scavenges metal oxide from the bath, and assimilates dross that may form on the surface. Scavenging metal oxide cleanses the bath and lowers viscosity of the solder, and PC boards or the like soldered on the wave have reliable solder joints.
US07861913B2 Soldering method for mounting semiconductor device on wiring board to ensure invariable gap therebetween, and soldering apparatus therefor
In a soldering method for mounting a semiconductor device on a wiring board, a plurality of solid-phase solders are provided between the semiconductor device and the wiring board, and are thermally melted to thereby produce a plurality of liquid-phase solders therebetween. A constant force is exerted on the liquid-phase solders by relatively moving the semiconductor device with respect to the wiring board so that an invariable gap is determined between the semiconductor device and the wiring board.
US07861912B2 Fabrication method of semiconductor integrated circuit device
Productivity is to be improved in assembling a semiconductor integrated circuit device. A matrix substrate is provided and semiconductor chips are disposed on a first heating stage, then the matrix substrate is disposed above the semiconductor chips on the first heating stage, subsequently the semiconductor chips and the matrix substrate are bonded to each other temporarily by thermocompression bonding while heating the chips directly by the first heating stage, thereafter the temporarily bonded matrix substrate is disposed on a second heating stage adjacent to the first heating stage, and then on the second heating stage the semiconductor chips are thermocompression-bonded to the matrix substrate while being heated directly by the second heating stage.
US07861910B2 Method and apparatus for inspecting joined object formed by friction stir joining
This invention provides a method for inspecting a joined region and joining strength of a joined object formed by a spot friction stir joining process. In this method, an ultrasonic wave is introduced into the joined object from a backing face 25 opposed to a joining tool plunging face 24 and the ultrasonic wave reflected from the joined object 20 is taken in. In this case, the joining region 21 and the joining strength is estimated by observing a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave in the vicinity of a position, along a reference direction Z, corresponding to an interface 27 of two joining members, without using the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave reflected from the joining tool plunging face, thereby inspecting the joined object based on the estimation result. Thus, influence of a concave/convex shape of a joining mark 29 formed in the joining tool plunging face 24 can be avoided, and the use of the ultrasonic wave for estimating the joined region 21 can achieve an inspection of joining quality without destroying the joined object 20.
US07861909B2 Replenished lead-free solder and a control method for copper density and nickel density in a solder dipping bath
Lead-free solder is replenished to a solder bath to receive a work having copper, the work to be processed subsequent to a soldering process using an air knife or a die. The replenished lead-free solder includes Sn as a major composition and at least 0.01 to 0.5 mass percent Ni. By replenishing the lead-free solder having the above composition, the density of the solder bath, being sharply changed for using one of a HASL device and a die, is quickly restored back to within an appropriate range.
US07861906B2 Surgical stapling apparatus with articulatable components
A surgical stapling apparatus for use with a disposable loading unit. Various embodiments include an elongated body assembly that comprises a distal body segment and a proximal body segment that are operably coupled together by an intermediate articulation joint such that the proximal body segment and the distal body segment define a longitudinal axis. The intermediate articulation joint may be configured to facilitate articulation of the distal body segment about an intermediate articulation axis that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. The elongated body assembly may be configured to transfer actuation motions from an actuation shaft housed in a handle assembly to the disposable loading unit. In various embodiments, the intermediate articulation joint may be adjacent to the handle assembly.
US07861902B2 Spare tire stowage apparatus
A spare tire and wheel assembly is stowed on a rear tail gate of a motor vehicle by a carrier. The carrier is pivoted to rigid vehicle frame structure beneath the rear tail gate for vertical swinging movement about a transverse horizontal axis from a generally upright stowage position downwardly to a rearwardly extending, lower position. A latch mechanism releasably latches the carrier to the tail gate in the stowage position. The tire and wheel assembly is releasably mounted on the carrier.
US07861900B2 Fluid dispensing system
A fluid dispensing system for efficiently rapidly dispensing fluid for a user to drink. The fluid dispensing system generally includes a container including an upper end, a lower end, a cavity and an upper opening, wherein the upper end is opposite the lower end, wherein the upper opening extends within the upper end and wherein the cavity extends from the upper opening of the upper end toward the lower end. A release valve extends within the container, wherein the release valve includes a channel extending through the release valve and wherein the release valve selectively seals the channel.
US07861899B2 Dispenser
A single-use dispenser using air pressure and includes an outer vessel in which air and content material are charged, a fixed body coupled to an open upper end of the outer vessel, a valve installed in the fixed body for selectively dispensing the content material using pressurized air, and a push button coupled to a top of the valve for pushing the valve, thereby spraying out the content material and air, wherein the valve includes a hollow body, a hollow valve body elastically supported to a top of the body and moving into and out of a hollow of the body, a packing member installed on the valve body for blocking an orifice pipe, and an air suction hole formed to penetrate the body for supplementing air pressure of the outer vessel.
US07861894B2 Lockable dispenser
A dispenser is provided for use with an associated container having pressurized contents. The dispenser includes a base configured for fitment on the associated container, and an actuator snap-fit to the base for limited, relative rotation with respect thereto. The base of the dispenser includes a nozzle joined in fluid communication with a valve stem of an associated dispensing valve fitted to the container, such that deflection of the nozzle permits dispensing of the pressurized contents of the container therethrough. The actuator cooperates with the nozzle of the base to permit selective movement of the nozzle for convenient dispensing of the container contents.
US07861892B1 Portable draft bar
A portable draft bar has an insulated chamber with an open top, an insulated cover for the open top, and a horizontal shoulder on the inside wall near the top. A rigid panel fits on the shoulder. At least one beverage tap mounted on the panel extends above the open top, with a drip tray below the tap outlet. A cooling coil within the chamber connects the tap inlet to a pressurized beverage container, with chamber ice cooling the coil. When not in use, the panel may be inverted and returned to the shoulder. With the cover in place and the container disconnected, the device is secure and transportable.
US07861891B2 Apparatus for discharging a stream of fluid
A device for discharging a stream of fluid is presented. The device includes a water pump handle and trigger mechanism that are selectively connectable to a ratchet mechanism to allow incremental discharge of the fluid. The device includes a body accommodating a water reservoir and a fluid line extending through the body. A spring urges the ratchet bar to allow the discharge of fluid during the spring-induced movement of said ratchet bar. A trigger mechanism arrests the spring-induced movement of the ratchet bar.
US07861889B2 Thin-part feeding device
A thin-part feeding device is provided which is compact and efficient. The device has a funnel portion with a feeding opening at the bottom thereof, a take-out tube for taking out thin parts from the funnel portion, and a receiving portion with separate opening for receiving thin parts from the discharge opening. The receiving portion is movable, and the receiving opening is sized to receive only one thin part. The device is operative to repeat a state where the receiving opening faces the discharge opening, and a state where the receiving opening is away from the discharge opening to enable thin parts to be taken out from the receiving opening. The device also features a novel, posture-correcting portion to correct vertical posture of thin parts, a delivery portion for receiving posture-corrected thin parts, and a transporting portion as described.
US07861888B2 Stackable stemware
Stackable stemware provides nestably stackable respective upper and lower portions wherein the lower portions include at least one reinforcing rib to limit the stacking depth of similar lower portions when nestably stacked.
US07861882B2 Sealed docking device for moblie containers of various diameters
The invention relates to a device for the sealed docking (14) of mobile containers (42) equipped with plugs (44) of various diameters on a containment box (10). The device includes a center disk (22) and at least one docking flange (20a, 20b, 20c) that are concentric to each other, normally plugging the access opening (18) of the containment box. A locking/unlocking mechanism (24) makes it possible to only unlock the center disk (22) alone or the center disk and one or more of the docking flanges (20a, 20b, 20c), according to the diameter of the plug (44). This arrangement makes it possible, in particular, to clean the plug (44) of a mobile container (42) serving to transport contaminated nuclear equipment.
US07861879B2 Folding container
A folding container having integrally formed hinge elements. The container including a base portion, first and second lower side wall portions having a snap-fitted hinge connection to a first side and second side of the base portion respectively, first and second upper side wall portions having a hinge connection to the lower side wall portions, and a rim portion having a snap-fitted hinge connection to the first and second upper side wall portions, and end walls having a hinged connection to the rim portion. The hinge elements including hook-shaped snaps having a first ramp segment and a second ramp segment on the outer surface of the hook portion to facilitate connection of a hinge axel to the hook-shaped snaps. A tongue and groove combination in the lower and upper side wall portions to provide structural support for loads placed on the container. The folding container including locking tabs in the base portion for engaging notches in the lower side wall portions when the container is in a folded configuration. A plurality of stanchion ribs extending upward from the rim portion to supports loads on the container. A locking tab having a window for providing visible evidence the end wall is properly positioned in an unfolded configuration. A stamping tab extending downward from the rim to facilitation hot stamping of the tab when the container is assembled.
US07861877B2 Foldable container
A foldable container comprises a box including a floor and sidewalls attached to one another to present a chamber. The box further includes foldable panels that shift from a retracted position within the chamber to an upright extended position. The extended panels serve to expand the chamber for containing a liquid or solid bulk material. The extended panels are interconnected by joints that resist tampering and that are tamper-evident. The container further includes a retaining assembly for securely holding the material in the chamber and a lid for covering the chamber. The lid cooperates with the panels to resist tampering and to be tamper-evident. The container also includes stanchions for selectively stacking at least two containers when the containers are storing the bulk material.
US07861876B2 Bottle with intruding margin vacuum responsive panels
A container exhibiting superior resistance to unwanted or uncontrolled sidewall deformation has plurality of vacuum responsive panels, generally uniformly spaced around the sidewall periphery, including a panel surface portion radially inset from the sidewall. A post or land is provided between each nearest neighbor pair of vacuum panels, the posts having upper and lower ends joined together upper and lower sidewall edge portions. A margin is located at least at the upper and lower edges of each vacuum panel and extending between the panel surface and the sidewall. At least one of the upper and lower margins of each vacuum responsive panel includes an axially offset portion, which in response to decreasing pressure focuses any initial deflection of the panel surface to that portion of the panel contiguous to the axial offset portion.
US07861875B2 Seal for tube
A seal for sealing against the interior of a tube includes upper and lower rigid plates with flexible plates between them, which are compressed to form a seal.
US07861874B2 Container and removable closure cap with venting feature
A resealable can end is provided including a neck (10) and a cooperating cap member (12) which can be sealed onto and removed from the neck, and is capable of containing product under pressure or vacuum if desired. This end may be added, by convention seaming methods, such as roll seaming or by appropriate adhesive, to a container body, or may be formed integrally with container bodies. The venting feature of the end will achieve a controlled release of differential internal-to-ambient pressure upon initial opening of the cap, and may also provide resealed containment of partial contents retained in the container, although the contents will no longer be under pressure or vacuum, as the case may be. The end may be applied to, or incorporated in, containers made of various material, such as aluminum, coated steel, or selected plastics.
US07861872B2 Trolley and spreader assembly
A trolley assembly (200) comprising means for supporting a spreader assembly (300), said means including cables (20), said spreader assembly (300) adapted to engage at least one freight device; a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion; the supporting means adapted to connect the spreader assembly (300) to at least one of said carrier portions and; a trolley separation means for selectively varying the relative position of the first and second carrier portions wherein the adjustment of the trolley separation means is such that the cables (20) are maintained in a substantially vertical orientation.
US07861864B2 Bakery tray
A tray includes a base having opposed front and rear walls and opposed side walls. The front and rear walls are shorter to provide access to products stored on the tray when in a stacked configuration. The trays provide audible feedback when one tray is slid on another when they are properly aligned during a blind stacking operation to confirm the proper alignment. The tray further includes reinforced intersections between the front and rear walls and side walls.
US07861863B2 Tray
A tray for bakery items includes a floor and side walls extending around a periphery of the floor. The tray has a relatively thin upper edge with a bail member pivotably attached to the upper edge along at least one of the first and second pairs of side walls. The bail member is rotatable between a stack orientation wherein a like tray may be rested upon the bail member, and a nest orientation in which like trays may be nested within like trays. Further, one or more side walls also includes a relatively large continuous opening therein capable of retrieving bakery items stored in the tray through the at least one pair of side walls, the opening extending generally from the upper edge to the periphery of the floor. In another embodiment, at least one of the sidewalls is pivotably attached to the floor and is movable between an upright position and a collapsed position.
US07861854B2 Cartridge unit for a multi-compartment container assembly
A cartridge container unit having a compartment for storing a material. The compartment is adapted for separately storing one component of a formulation until ready for mixing with a second component in an assembly unit prior to use. Thus, the cartridge unit allows the user to store a material until ready for use, or to store multiple components of a formulation in separate individually sealed containers until ready for use that can be readily assembled into a single multi-compartment container. The cartridge unit includes a substantially cylindrical housing having a sealable opening at its top end and an opening at its bottom end. The bottom end may be adapted and configured to engage and seal the assembly unit. A first inwardly extending annular shoulder is provided between the sealable opening and the bottom opening, defining a flow passage along a longitudinal axis of the housing.
US07861851B2 Apparatus for moving grain from a pile or a bag
An apparatus for moving grain from a grain includes a vertical main auger at a rear end of a frame, a knife extending rearward to cut the grain bag, a turret auger pivotally attached to the top of the main auger, and a feed auger extending laterally from the bottom intake of the main auger. A bias element forces a pair of pinching rollers against each other. A drive rotates the pinching rollers such that an empty portion of the bag can be fed between the rollers and the rollers rotated to pull the empty bag upward from the ground and forward between the rollers such that the empty bag falls on the ground in front of the rollers as the frame moves rearward, and such that the frame is pulled rearward by the rollers and the feed auger moves rearward into a filled portion of the grain bag.
US07861850B2 Conveyance apparatus, cleaning apparatus, and manufacturing method for a liquid crystal display
A conveyance apparatus includes: a stage section having: a feeding stage on which a work to be fed is placed; a first working stage on which the work is subjected to a working process; a second working stage on which the work is subjected to the same working process as that of the first working stage; and a discharging stage on which the work to be discharged is placed; and a conveyance section having: a feeding arm feeding the work from the feeding stage to the working stages; a discharging arm which is provided on a discharging stage side of the feeding arm and discharges the work from the working stages to the discharging stage; a first drive unit moving the two arms in an alignment direction of the four stages; and a second drive unit changing distance between the two arms in the alignment direction.
US07861847B2 Roller-belt depalletizer
A conveyor and a method for depalletizing and singulating packages. The conveyor comprises, in one version, a set-down conveyor on which pallet layers are deposited and conveyed, a row-separation conveyor that separates the pallet layer into spaced rows, a row-extraction conveyor that extracts a leading row of packages from the trailing rows and conveys the packages of the extracted row in a transverse direction, and a singulating conveyor that arranges the articles in a single file. The conveyor system operates by first pulling a gap in the leading row of a pallet layer when the packages cross into the row-separation conveyor. Then the row is extracted from the other rows on the row-extraction conveyor. Finally, as the packages travel on and along the singulating conveyor, they are aligned to the conveyor's outer edge and rotated, if necessary, to be properly singulated.
US07861845B1 Roller sorter system
This device feeds and sorts tablets or small parts from a common hopper to a product count sensor head. Two parallel feed and transport rollers rotate together on an adjustable incline. The rotation direction of each feed and transport roller can vary along with its speed. As the feed and transport rollers rotate the feeding threads will push out the product from the hopper and sort them along the length of the rollers. As the roller angle increases so does the product feed rate. As the product flows out from the hopper, the product will start to separate in a common row. This is also due in part to the feed and transport roller angle and the product's roll ability. The product exits the bottom end of the feed and transport rollers in a straight line, is spaced, and directed downwards through a guide to a product count sensor arrangement.
US07861841B2 Coin depositing and dispensing machine
A coin depositing and dispensing machine automatically returning coins remaining on a passage in case an error-stop during depositing operation. The coins on the passage are transported by the transporting unit for depositing in a reverse transporting direction reverse to the depositing and transporting direction, one coin in a sorting passage is transported to the upstream side from a rejecting portion. Then, the coins on the passage are transported by the transporting unit for depositing in the depositing and transporting direction, and eliminated by the rejecting portion. While the coins on the passage are transported by the transporting unit for depositing alternately in the depositing and transporting direction and the reverse transporting direction, the coins in the sorting passage are eliminated by the rejecting portion one by one.
US07861837B2 Hydraulic clutch actuation system
A hydraulic clutch actuation system is provided having a hydraulic clutch control device which includes one first clutch master cylinder that communicates via a first pressure-medium line with a first clutch slave cylinder, which is used for actuating a first clutch device, and a second clutch master cylinder that communicates via a second pressure-medium line with a second clutch slave cylinder used for actuating a second clutch device, the pressure prevailing in the first and/or in the second pressure-medium line being relievable via at least one emergency release valve device to permit disengagement of at least one of the clutch devices in an emergency situation. The emergency release valve device includes a 4/2-way directional control valve which has a connection for the first pressure-medium line, a connection for the second pressure-medium line, a connection for a first pressure-relief line, which is connectable via the 4/2-way directional control valve to the first pressure-medium line, and a connection for a second pressure-relief line, which is connectable via the 4/2-way directional control valve to the second pressure-medium line.
US07861834B2 Retractable wheel system for towable baggage
A towable baggage item is provided. The towable baggage item includes a body defining a storage compartment, the storage compartment configured to receive and carry objects. The towable baggage item also includes a retractable towing member coupled to the body. Furthermore, the towable baggage item also includes a retractable wheel assembly responsive to a position of the retractable towing member, wherein the retractable wheel assembly comprises at least one wheel and an actuator operatively coupled to each the wheel, wherein the actuator is movable along a first linear axis to extend and retract the wheel along a second linear axis different from the first linear axis.
US07861833B2 Damper in a washing machine and fabricating method of the same
A damper for a washing machine includes: a cylinder; a piston body having one end inserted into the cylinder; a first friction member interposed in a contact surface between the piston body and the cylinder; an extension bar extended from an inserted portion of the piston body, the extension bar having a circumferential stopper at the extended portion; a friction ring formed between the circumferential stopper and the first friction member; and a second friction member formed on an outer circumferential surface of the friction ring to contact with an inner surface of the cylinder.
US07861832B2 Thermally accommodating interconnection for cast-in-place components
A first component portion including a first material and that may have a flange. The flange may have one or more ribs located on a surface thereof. A second component portion including a second material that is different from the first material. The second component portion may be cast-in-place over a part of, or substantially all of, the flange and over the ribs. An interconnection is formed between the first and second component portions so that relative movement between the component portions is substantially prevented. Also, thermal expansion and contraction which may occur during use of the first and second component portions is accommodated at the interconnection.
US07861828B1 Vehicle storage lift
A vehicle storage lift includes a base frame having a first floor engaging leg parallel to a second floor engaging leg. A vehicle support supported by the base frame is movable between a load position and a store position. First and second support arms connect the vehicle support to the base frame. Each of the first support arms are connected at one end to the first leg and at an opposing end to the vehicle support. Each of the second support arms are connected at one end to the second leg and at an opposing end to the second frame member.
US07861819B2 Vehicle drive line and a working machine provided therewith
A vehicle drive line (1), comprising an engine (2) provided with an outgoing crank shaft (3), a main transmission unit (4), an intermediate drive shaft (8) that connects the main transmission unit (4) with the crank shaft (3), the intermediate drive shaft (8) being connected to the crank shaft (3) through a second transmission unit (7), and being offset in relation to the crank shaft (3). The drive line (1) comprises a circuit through which a liquid used for lubricating the main transmission unit (4) is conducted to the second transmission unit (7) and used for cooling and lubrication purposes in the latter, and then conducted back to the main transmission unit (4).
US07861816B2 Motorcycle configured to facilitate access to engine cylinder
A motorcycle includes a main frame having left and right main frame members which each extend obliquely downwardly and rearwardly from a forward end to a rearward end. The forward end of the main frame includes a steering interface and the rearward end of the main frame includes a swingarm interface. An engine is attached to the main frame. A swingarm is attached to the swingarm interface and supports a rear wheel. A seat is attached to the main frame at an attachment location. The main frame, the swingarm, and the seat together at least partially define an open space of sufficient size to facilitate substantially complete access to the second cylinder head when the motorcycle is fully assembled.
US07861810B2 Mobile body
A mobile body includes a string body that can be pulled out from and retracted into a main body, a length measurement device configured to measure a pull-out length by which the string body is pulled out, and an angle measurement device configured to measure an angle of the string body with respect to the main body. A drive unit is controlled on the basis of the results of the measurements performed by the length measurement device and the angle measurement device.
US07861809B2 Rotary drag bit with multiple backup cutters
A rotary drag bit includes a primary cutter row comprising at least one primary cutter and a multiple backup cutter group. The multiple backup cutter group comprises a first and second trailing cutter row, each comprising at least one cutter positioned to follow the at least one primary cutter. The rotary drag bit life is extended by the multiple backup cutter groups making the bit more durable and extending the life of the cutters. Further, the cutters of the multiple backup cutter group are configured to selectively engage a subterranean formation material being drilled, providing improved bit life and reduced stress upon the cutters. Other embodiments of rotary drag bits are provided.
US07861798B2 Needle gun
A hammer device in the form of a needle gun. The gun includes a cylinder housing containing a cylinder, in which a flying piston is displaced and an anvil, against which the piston strikes. A needle carrier is located on the anvil, and the needles of the gun are held in the carrier so that the needles can be longitudinally displaced. To reduce the wear on the needle carrier and to preserve the needle heads of the needles, the needle carrier is configured from several layers, at least in the vicinity of the guide plate. The layers are of alternating hard and soft material.
US07861797B2 Hand-held machine tool with slip clutch
An at least partially rotating and axially percussive hand-held machine tool (4) has an impact mechanism (5) with a guide tube (6) in which a percussion piston (7) is driven in an axially percussive manner by a pneumatic spring (8) and with a slip clutch (10) which is driven in rotation, encloses the guide tube (6), is provided axially with cams (9), and has a driving sleeve (11) and driven sleeve (12) which are biased axially relative to one another under pressure by a spring (13). The driving sleeve (11) is connected by positive engagement to a control sleeve (14) coaxial to the driving sleeve by balls (18) which partially engage, respectively, in two control contours (19a, 19b) of the driving sleeve (11) and of the control sleeve (14), which control contours (19a, 19b) are arranged partially opposite one another, and the driving sleeve (11) is positively guided in such a way that the driving sleeve (11), which is axially biased under pressure by the spring (13), is displaced axially and rotated relative to the control sleeve (14) when a limiting torque is exceeded.
US07861789B2 Metal-to-metal seal for bridging hanger or tieback connection
A method of completing a well having a casing hanger set in a subsea wellhead housing includes attaching a running tool to a tubular bridging hanger. A metal-to-metal inner seal is attached to a lower exterior portion of the bridging hanger and a metal-to-metal outer seal is located on an upper exterior portion of the bridging hanger. The assembly is lowered into the well and the lower exterior portion of the bridging hanger is inserted into the casing hanger. The inner seal is wedged between the casing hanger and the bridging hanger in response to weight of the running string. The running tool is actuated to set the outer seal between the upper exterior portion of the bridging hanger and the wellhead housing. Then, a tubing hanger is landed and sealed in the interior of the bridging hanger.
US07861784B2 System and method of controlling surge during wellbore completion
A downhole oilfield completion method comprises determining a surge profile for a wellbore and assembling a downhole completion tool having an interior surge volume and comprising a surge attenuation system operable to reduce a surge of the downhole completion tool based at least in part on the surge profile. The method also comprises running the downhole completion tool into the wellbore and surging the wellbore by admitting wellbore fluid into the interior surge volume, the surge reduced at least in part by the surge attenuation system.
US07861783B2 Method for adapting a tubular element in a subsiding wellbore
A method for adapting a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation, where the tubular element is susceptible to damage caused by axially compressive forces acting on the tubular element as a result of compaction of the earth formation surrounding the tubular element. The method comprises the steps of reducing the axial stiffness of at least one section of the tubular element, and allowing each tubular element section of reduced axial stiffness to be axially compressed by the action of said axially compressive forces, thereby accommodating compaction of the earth formation surrounding the tubular element.
US07861779B2 Method and device for establishing an underground well
A method and a device for establishing an underground borehole (10) and setting a casing (6) in the borehole (10), wherein the running tool (1) including a drilling tool (14), an expandable casing (6), an expansion tool (32) and a packer (30) which is arranged to seal against the wall of the borehole (10), is placed at the bottom of the borehole (10), whereupon the borehole (10) is drilled to the necessary length in order then to set the expandable casing (6), and in subsequent operations the casing is reinforced and a completion string is run, having built-in cables for downhole control and monitoring.
US07861778B2 Pressure orienting swivel arrangement and method
A pressure orienting swivel arrangement includes a freely rotatable weight assembly to orient to gravity prior to being urged to a fixed position. In the fixed position, a pin adapter is reactably interengagable with the weight assembly to orient the pin adapter to the weight assembly without reorienting the weight assembly from gravity. A method for orienting a downhole tool is also included.
US07861777B2 Viscometer for downhole pumping
A submersible pumping system for use downhole, wherein the system includes a pump, an inlet section for receiving fluid, a pump motor, and a viscometer. Pumping system operating parameters are adjusted based on wellbore fluid viscosity measured by the viscometer. The viscometer can be disposed deep in the wellbore, adjacent the pump, seal, motor, at the pump intake or anywhere on the pumping system. The viscometer may be connected to a control system for controlling the pumping system in response to viscosity measurement and may include a sonic viscometer. A method of operating a downhole submersible pumping system is included that measures fluid viscosity in the wellbore during production operations. Pumping parameters can be adjusted based on the measured viscosity.
US07861769B2 Magneto-hydrodynamic hot spot cooling heat sink
A heat sink is configured to cool at least one hot spot of an integrated circuit. The heat sink has a first pipe and a second pipe disposed interior to and concentric with the first pipe, where at least a portion of each of the first pipe and the second pipe is arranged to be disposed vertically over the hot spot. An assembly connected to the first pipe and the second pipe is arranged to generate a magnetic field and induce electrical current flow through the magnetic field. A flow of thermally and electrically conductive fluid in the first pipe and a flow of the fluid in the second pipe are dependent on the electrical current flow and the magnetic field.
US07861768B1 Heat sink
A heat sink having an embedded heat pipe and fins attached to opposite sides of a base plate having a heat spreader component made of a diamond copper composite is disclosed. In various embodiments, the diamond copper composite heat spreader contains channels for receiving a main heat pipe as well as auxiliary heat pipes.
US07861761B2 Retractable screen and frame assembly
The present invention is a retractable screen (22) and frame (24) assembly (20). The frame (24) includes a first track (32) and a second track (34) in spaced and parallel relationship to the first track (32). The retractable screen (22) includes a canister (36), a screen cloth (38), a control bar (40), a first glide (42), a second glide (44), and a biasing device (46). The biasing device (46) is disposed between a first end (52) of the control bar (40) and the first glide (42). The first glide (42) is inserted into the first track (32) and the second glide (44) is inserted into the second track (34). The glides (42, 44) slide along the respective tracks (32, 34) while the biasing device (46) biases the first end (52) of the control bar (40) with respect to the first track (32). The biasing provided by the biasing device (46) prevents the control bar (40) from binding with the tracks (32, 34) as the control bar (40) and the glides (42, 44) are slid along the tracks (32, 34).
US07861759B2 Lamination unit of ceramic green sheets
Provided is a lamination unit of ceramic green sheets including a pair of upper and lower plates having a plurality of slits formed therein; a plurality of posts of which the upper and lower ends are closely attached to corresponding surfaces of the respective plates such that the upper and lower plates are supported in parallel to each other; a plurality of fixing sections, each of which is composed of a bolt inserted into a contact portion between the plate and the post and a button surrounding the bolt; and a pressing bar attached on the bottom surface of the lower plate and pressing the top surface of the ceramic green sheets laminated under the lower plate.
US07861758B2 Push-button controlled correction tape
The present invention relates to a push-button controlled correction tape, comprising: a casing, which is provided with an accommodating space, as well as an upper covering, a lower covering, and an assembling covering; a tape holder, which is placed in the accommodating space of the casing, and is provided with a first assembly, a second assembly, a tape exporting device, and an applicator head, wherein the first assembly is provided with a pair of poles; a pressing mechanism, which is placed on one side of the rear coving of the casing, and is provided with a pressing portion, a guiding block and a sliding bar.
US07861756B2 Staggered cutting knife
A method and apparatus for producing disposable undergarments having areas of defined elastic material is disclosed. The method provides for staggered cutting knives for severing the elastic material, which results in less necessary material used in the construction of the undergarments.
US07861751B2 Edge trimming and board ripping apparatus and method
A wood product assembly includes a cutter subassembly and a skewing assembly. A cutter positioning body is movable by a slewing assembly along a slewing axis. A spindle housing is mounted to the cutter positioning body for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. A spindle, to which a cutter, such as a sawblade or chipper head, is affixed, is mounted to the spindle housing for rotation about a spindle rotation axis by a cutter driver. The skewing assembly is coupled to the spindle housing to position the spindle rotation axis to a selected angular orientation to position the cutter at a selected skew angle. In some examples the cutter driver comprises a drive source fixedly secured to a frame and an extendable length universal-joint driveline assembly.
US07861749B2 Dispenser
A dispenser for dispensing metered amounts of powdered material, such as baby formula, from a dispenser unit, or cartridge, that can be quickly and easily interconnected with the dispenser. The dispenser can accommodate formula bottles of various sizes and includes a dispensing plunger that provides an oscillating action to prevent compaction of the formula and functions to ensure even dispensing of the formula into the formula bottle. Uniquely, actuation of the dispensing plunger creates a negative pressure internally of the dispensing chamber of the dispenser so as to assist the uniform withdrawal of formula from the cartridge.
US07861744B2 Tubular expansion device and method of fabrication
The invention comprises a device for expanding tubular members to a controlled diameter and its method of fabrication. The device includes an expandable bladder held in a convoluted form. After the device is inserted into a cylindrical tube to be evenly expanded, the bladder is expanded by hydraulic pressure to a controlled maximum diameter. It is then deflated so the device can then be moved to another location and reused. The bladder is formed from a flexible impervious material having integral reinforcing fibers. It is initially formed in a fully expanded configuration over a convoluted mandrel and a removable cylindrical shell. When the shell is removed vacuum or external pressure draws the bladder against the mandrel. The bladder is overmolded with a resilient cover to hold it in reduced form until pressurized. The bladder cover prevents the bladder from kinking during the expansion.
US07861742B2 Cartridge of water supply valve
A cartridge of a water supply valve that controls the flow rate and temperature of water without causing interference between flow rate control operation and temperature control operation of the valve. In the cartridge, a flow rate control knob (12) angularly moves forwards and rearwards and actuates a control lever (14) to open or close cold and hot water supply holes (1a and 1b). A temperature control knob (13) is coupled to the flow rate control knob (12), linearly moves leftwards and rightwards, and actuates the control lever (14) to control the opening ratios of the water supply holes. Thus, this cartridge does not change the existing temperature of water during flow rate control operation or change the existing flow rate of water during temperature control operation. This invention reduces the quantity of water to be unnecessarily wasted and, at the same time, prevents undesirable consumption of excessive energy.
US07861740B2 Digital flow control
A digital flow control assembly for controlling the volumetric flow rate of fluids includes a fluid flow conduit, a plurality of serially-arranged flow nodes positioned along a length of the fluid flow conduit, and a device for generating a signal. The device for generating a signal is used to adjust one or more of the plurality of serially-arranged flow nodes to maintain a desired volumetric flow rate of fluid in the fluid flow conduit. A method for controlling the volumetric flow rate of fluids includes providing a fluid flow conduit, providing a plurality of serially-arranged flow nodes positioned along a length of the fluid flow conduit, and providing a feedback signal to adjust one or more of the plurality of serially-arranged flow nodes to maintain a desired volumetric flow rate of fluid in the fluid flow conduit.
US07861735B2 Automatic retractable canopy for wheelchairs, scooters, and the like
A folding canopy for a mobility device, such as a wheelchair or scooter, can be displaced, via switch activation, from a folded position behind the backrest to the operating position above the mobility device. In the folded position, the canopy and structural members are kept behind the backrest. A press of the switch located on the armrest activates an electric motor and drives a mechanical assembly comprising of: two gears a shaft and two U-shape tubular structural members attached to weather resistant upholstery. The canopy and structural members assemble directly above the vehicle. Another press of the switch retracts the canopy.
US07861731B2 Cleaning/drying apparatus and cleaning/drying method
A cleaning/drying apparatus including a vapor area where vapor of an organic solvent inside the cleaning/drying apparatus is generated, an ejecting part configured to eject the organic solvent onto a cleaning/drying target, a first detecting part configured to determine whether the temperature of the cleaning/drying target is a first temperature equivalent to a temperature of the vapor in the vapor area, a second detecting part configured to determine whether the temperature of the cleaning/drying target is a second temperature enabling the organic solvent to condense on a surface of the cleaning/drying target, and a cleaning/drying control part configured to drive the ejecting part to eject the organic solvent when the first detecting part detects that the temperature of the cleaning/drying target is the first temperature and stop the ejection when the second detecting part detects that the temperature of the cleaning/drying target is the second temperature.
US07861730B2 Methods and devices for applying solid nail coatings to mammalian and artificial nails
Devices, methods, and kits for making and using a graphic film laminate to decorate fingernail and/or toenail are provided. In one aspect, a thermally-curable vinyl-based pressure-sensitive self-adhesive nail cover/coating laminate is provided.
US07861728B2 Smokeless tobacco composition having an outer and inner pouch
A smokeless tobacco product includes a powdered or granular smokeless tobacco formulation that is contained within a moisture-permeable packet or pouch. The smokeless tobacco formulation may include finely ground particles of tobacco in powder-like form and other ingredients such as sweeteners, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, fillers, flavoring ingredients, disintegration aids, antioxidants and preservatives. The tobacco formulation may have a dry or moist form. The container has the form of a pouch or bag, such as is the type commonly used for the manufacture of snus products. The container preferably contains at least one capsule, such as a spherical breakable capsule. The container is intended to be placed in the mouth of the tobacco user, such that the tobacco formulation within the container may be enjoyed by the user. After the tobacco user is finished using the smokeless tobacco product, the container is removed from the user's mouth for disposal. Alternatively, the container is dissolvable or dispersible in the mouth of the user.
US07861726B1 Filtration device for tobacco products
A system and method for a cigarette smoke filtration device that reduces second-hand smoke and holds a lit cigarette while being smoked or sitting idle. The device somewhat resembles a bifurcated cigarette holder wherein a lit cigarette is placed within the device while being smoked or sitting idle. Once inside, the device draws the smoke from the cigarette through a filtering system reducing offending odors as well as most of the harmful gases from cigarette smoke. The filtering system has replaceable filter cartridges. The spent ashes are collected in the device's base which can be emptied as needed.
US07861725B2 Method for monitoring formation of a lesion in a tissue structure using a cryogenic system
Clamp based low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods.
US07861724B2 Sleep appliance
A dental oral appliance for use with patients who suffer with sleep disorders, to reduce or eliminate snoring and to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance covers the inside (lingual) of the upper teeth and has an open palate. Retention for the appliance is provided by either clasps placed over the upper right and left molars and a retainer in the anterior area or by an occlusal coverage of the upper teeth. A raised incisor ramp that extends from the incisal tip (biting edge) of the incisors toward the lingual, or posterior raised ramps, separate the posterior teeth to reduce spasm on the temporalis muscle. A transverse, transpalatal member, which extends from the inside (lingual) of the upper right molars to the inside of the upper left molars, covers the tongue, preventing it from moving upward or backward during sleep, opening the airway.
US07861723B2 Apparatus, system and method for detecting and treating airway obstructive conditions during sleep
An airway obstruction correction apparatus including an expandable bladder configured to fit within a user's external auditory canal, a pump configured to expand the bladder with a pumped fluid, a passage coupled with the pump and with the bladder and configured to convey a fluid between the pump and the bladder, a microcontroller coupled with the pump and configured to affect an activation condition of the pump, and a reservoir coupled with the pump and configured to retain sufficient fluid to expand the bladder into contact with a surface of the auditory canal when transferred to the bladder by the pump. At least one of a local data processing means and/or a remotely located data processing means can be configured to receive data from the apparatus and transmit data to the apparatus via a data networking means and/or at least one of a wired or wireless signal. According to a method using an apparatus configured as described, a detected indication of an obstructed airway causes the apparatus to stimulate a user and induces an involuntary airway clearing response.
US07861718B2 Adjustment system for a mask apparatus for use in a breathing assistance system
An adjustable mask apparatus for use in a breathing assistance system may include a housing, an adjustment arm, and a locking member. The housing may support a cushion configured to provide a seal against a patient's face. The adjustment arm may include a first end configured for attachment to a head gear, and a second end rotatably coupled to the housing to allow rotation of the adjustment arm to adjust a distance between the first end of the adjustment arm and the patient's head. The locking member may be coupled to the housing and may be configured to secure the adjustment arm in one of a plurality of predetermined rotational positions, each predetermined rotational position comprising a rotational position of the adjustment arm with respect to the housing.
US07861712B2 Sealed capsule including an integrated puncturing mechanism
A sealed self-piercing capsule for storing and delivering a substance, such as a medicine, comprises one or more barrier layers forming a sealed chamber for containing the substance. An internal puncturing mechanism is disposed within the capsule chamber for puncturing a barrier layer to release the substance from the chamber. The internal puncturing mechanism may comprise a sharpened edge located on a movable tube, which moves relative to a barrier layer forming the sealed chamber to puncture the barrier layer.
US07861711B2 Method for judging the reverse connection of a flow sensor and a respiratory mechanics measuring module used therein
A respiratory mechanics measuring module includes a flow sensor, a differential-pressure sensor and a sampled-signal processing circuit which are connected in series. The module further includes a flow sensor reverse connection judging module and an alarm. The flow sensor reverse connection judging module judges the reverse connection of the flow sensor. The alarm gives an alarm signal indicating the flow sensor reverse connection to the main controller when the flow sensor reverse connection judging module judges that the flow sensor is reversedly connected.
US07861710B2 Respiratory assistance apparatus and method
A hand-held apparatus that delivers pressurized breathing gas to the airway of a patient, thereby creating positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and reducing respiratory muscle fatigue. The apparatus includes a deformable reservoir, a breathing interface, and a pressure relief valve. The apparatus may include a means for creating fluid communication between the deformable reservoir and a source of pressurized breathing gas. The apparatus may also include an adjuster that allows a user to vary the pressure of the breathing gas contained in the deformable reservoir.
US07861709B2 Apparatus for warming a user and keeping a user warm, a system, and a method
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus including a heat source, a covering, and a transportable case. The a transportable case may be sized and shaped to enclose the heat source and the covering in thermal transfer relation to warm the covering while the covering is in a first state. The covering may also have a second state, after being heated by the heat source in the first state wherein it may be at least partially wrapped around a user to partially warm the user from the heat provided thereto in the first state. The covering may be formed into a canopy-like form, in the second state, being substantially enclosed at a top and wherein the heat source may be positioned in relation to the canopy-like form to provide heat to within the canopy-like form.
US07861706B2 Gas manifold for a cooking range, with a pipe closure
The gas manifold (1) adapted for installation on a cooking range includes a conduit (2) for distribution of a flow (Q) at a pressure “P”, with a number of regulating taps (5) fixed to the conduit (2). The conduit is made from a metal pipe (3) with a thin cylindrical wall To and the pipe end (6) is sealed without cracks by means of friction welding with no addition of material, with a sealing wall (7) formed by means of a thickening in the form of a tip (7a) in the axial direction of an enlargement or height “H” greater than the original thickness To of the pipe. For making the gastight closure a rotary tool (8) is used that includes at least two rotary rollers (9) for the compaction of the metallic mass between two counterposed centripetal forces (Fr), in combination with an axial stretching force (Fa).
US07861704B2 Paintball gun having internal pressure regulator
A paintball gun having an internal pressure regulator is provided. The paintball gun includes a body, a launching tunnel, a rear lead shaft, the pressure regulator, and a back cover. A hollow barrel of the body allows the launching tunnel and the rear lead shaft to be accommodated successively therein. The pressure regulator is received in the rear lead shaft. The back cover is screwed to the body. Thereby, pressurized air coming from a gas cylinder is directly introduced to the pressure regulator so as for the paintball gun to dispense with any external air duct. Thus, the paintball gun poses no risk of duct burst and requires less assembling operation and fewer fixtures, thus reducing manufacturing costs.
US07861702B1 Gas air operated with draw back boring toy long-barrelled gun
The present utility model relates to a gas air operated with draw back boring toy long-barrelled gun. Its firing module, ammunition box module and trigger module are installed in the main body of the gun, wherein a rifle bolt main body is provided inside the firing module, and there is a connecting rod, a piston module and a rifle bolt gearing component provided inside the rifle bolt main body. Through the trigger module, and the connecting rod, the piston module and the rifle bolt gearing component provided inside the rifle bolt main body, its trigger module produces gas air fire, and makes the firing module produces gas air draw back and automatic loading. It enables the firing module to draw back and loading automatically, and allows the gun to fire continuously.
US07861698B2 Projectile type insect swatter such as fired from a gun
A toy device for use in entrapping an object including a handheld implement exhibiting at least a barrel which supports a propelling mechanism and a trigger which, further upon depressing, actuates the propelling mechanism. A projectile includes a stem and a pair of mutually hingedly supported and opposingly actuation pads, the stem being supported upon the barrel and in contact with the propelling mechanism. Upon being discharged, the pads are actuated from a first position to a second rotated position, such as through the action of a lanyard extending from the handheld implement to a release plate associated with the projectile, and in order to entrap the object such as a winged insect.