Document Document Title
US07863345B2 Process for producing microparticulate hardening catalyst
A process for producing a microparticulate hardening catalyst, comprising the steps of jetting a liquid composition containing epoxy resin hardening catalyst (A), monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated group (B) and photopolymerization initiator (C) through a minute nozzle into a gas so as to form microparticles; and while the microparticles are floating, irradiating the same with high-energy rays to thereby effect polymerization of the monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated group (B).
US07863338B2 Absorbent polymer granulate
Absorbent polymer granulate comprising the following process steps: i) polymerization of an aqueous monomer solution to obtain a polymer gel; ii) comminution of the polymer gel to obtain a gel granulate; and iii) drying of the gel granulate, and is characterized in that the gel granulate after step ii) has a spread behavior. The production process of an absorbent polymer distinguishes itself by a particularly efficient drying step iii), which enables a particularly gentle and uniform drying of the gel granulate. The obtained absorbent polymers and products and items produced therefrom have a particularly uniform product quality and constant physical-chemical properties.
US07863334B2 Guanylhydrazone compounds, compositions, methods of making and using
The present invention relates to compounds having the formula: salts thereof; compositions comprising one or more of the compounds and/or salts thereof; methods of using; and methods of making.
US07863328B2 Phenylbenzoic acid derivatives, processes for the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and therapeutic uses thereof
Compounds of the formula (1) in which R1, R2, X, Y and Z are as defined in the description, the processes for the preparation of these compounds, the uses thereof for the treatment of dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis and diabetes, and the pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US07863325B2 Crystalline genistein sodium salt dihydrate
The disclosure relates to a new crystalline form of genistein. The disclosed crystalline form is crystalline genistein sodium salt dihydrate. The disclosure also relates to the novel genistein salt composition represented by this crystalline form. Therapeutic compositions containing crystalline genistein sodium salt and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are described. The disclosure also relates to therapeutic methods comprising the step of administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic composition containing the crystalline form of the disclosure or crystalline genistein sodium salt dihydrate.
US07863320B2 Anti-cancer combinations
The present invention relates to synergistic combinations of the compound 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) and a platinum compound which has anti-tumour activity. Preferably, the present invention relates to synergistic combinations of the compound 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) and carboplatin. More particularly, the invention is concerned with the use of such combinations in the treatment of cancer and pharmaceutical compositions containing such combinations. The invention further provides for methods of preparing the combinations of the invention.
US07863318B2 Prostaglandins and analogues as agents for lowering intraocular pressure
The present invention relates to cyclopentane heptenoic acid-5-cis-2-(3α-hydroxy or lower alkyloxy-5-thienylpentyl)-3, 5-dihydroxy, [1α, 2β, 3α, 5α] compounds, lower alkyl, hydroxyl lower alkyl and indole lower alkyl amides and esters thereof as potent ocular hypotensives that are particularly suited for the management of glaucoma.
US07863310B2 Kinase inhibitors
The present invention provides kinase inhibitors of Formula I:
US07863307B2 Process for synthesizing a CETP inhibitor
An efficient process is disclosed for producing a compound that is an inhibitor of CETP. The last step of the process is the coupling of an oxazolidinone derivative with a biphenyl moiety to provide a compound of formula (I). In a specific embodiment of this synthesis, a crystalline product is produced which is characterized as a non-solvated crystalline polymorph.
US07863304B2 Analogs of glycyl-prolyl-glutamate
Embodiments of this invention include novel analogs of Glycyl-Prolyl-Glutamate (GPE) and compositions containing such analogs of GPE. Of these, certain analogs have modified proline residues. Other embodiments of this invention include uses of analogs of GPE to protect neural cells from degeneration and/or death in response to injury or disease. Disorders treatable with compounds and compositions of this invention include hypoxia/ischemia, toxic injury, and chronic neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease.
US07863300B2 Process to prepare pioglitazone via several novel intermediates
A novel process for preparing thiazolidinediones, preferably Pioglitazone, as described. Also described are novel intermediates involved in its synthesis and process for their preparation and use in medicine.
US07863295B2 Treatments for neuropathy
Small fiber neuropathy is treated by topically administering to a subject in need thereof topically active quinoline compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof under conditions effective to treat neuropathy in the subject. Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) receptors are modulated with the subject active quinoline compounds, which may be formulated in topical lotions.
US07863292B2 Nitrogen-containing heteroaryl compounds and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to compounds suitable for use in mediating hypoxia inducible factor and for treating erythropoietin-associated conditions by increasing endogenous erythropoietin in vitro and in vivo.
US07863290B2 Derivatives of 5-pyridinyl-1-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, preparation method thereof and use of same in therapeutics
The invention relates to compounds having general formula (I), wherein R is as defined herein. The invention also relates to acid addition salt, a hydrate or a solvate of compounds of formula (I). The invention further relates to the method of preparing said compounds and to the use of same in therapeutics.
US07863287B2 Compositions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, decongestants and anti-histamines
The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition and method for the treatment of rhinitis and cold-like symptoms which includes a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a decongestant, and an antihistamine. It has been found that an NSAID enhances the activity of a decongestant and an anti-histamine, thus permitting a reduction in either or both in administration of separate dosage forms. The same enhancement can also occur with an anti-tussitive. Thus, the effective amount of the decongestant or the antihistamine or both is less than about 75% of an amount present in an approved dose of the decongestant or the antihistamine, or both, relative to an amount of the NSAID corresponding to about 100% of the amount present in a normal strength dosage form of the NSAID.
US07863276B2 Salts of modulators of PPAR and methods of treating metabolic disorders
Salt forms of potent modulators of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and methods of treating disease using the same are disclosed.
US07863274B2 Deuterium enriched analogues of tadalafil as PDE5 inhibitors
The present invention relates to derivatives of tadalafil represented by the formula: or a salt thereof, wherein: X1 and X2 are simultaneously fluoro; or X1 is deuterium and X2 is selected from hydrogen or deuterium; each Y is independently selected from deuterium or hydrogen; the hydrogen attached to the indole nitrogen is optionally replaced by deuterium; and each carbon is independently optionally replaced by 13C. These compounds are selective PDE5 inhibitors and possess advantageous biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic properties. The invention further provides compositions comprising these compounds and methods of treating diseases and conditions that are responsive to PDE5 inhibition, alone and in combination with additional agents.
US07863271B2 2-aminobenzoxazole carboxamides as 5HT3 modulators
Compounds of formulae I, II and III: are disclosed as 5-HT3 inhibitors. The compounds are useful in treating CINV, IBS-D and other diseases and conditions.
US07863269B2 Imino-imidazo-pyridine derivatives having antithrombotic activity
The invention relates to compounds of the formula I having antithrombotic activity, which in particular inhibit the protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), processes for their preparation and use thereof as medicaments.
US07863268B2 Benzothiazinone derivatives and their use as antibacterial agents
Disclosed are benzothiazin derivatives of formula (I), preparation methods therefore, and treatment methods employing such compounds as antibacterial agents in treating infectious diseases of mammals caused by bacteria, especially diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy caused by mycobacteria: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6, and other variables enumerated under one or more of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are as defined.
US07863264B2 Stabilised compositions having antibacterial activity
A stabilised composition having antibacterial, antiviral and/or antifungal activity, said composition comprising silver ions and a ligand, characterised in that the composition comprises a complex of silver and a ligand selected from the group consisting of 5,5-disubstituted hydantoins in which the substituents do not comprise conjugated unsaturated bonds and barbituric acid and derivatives thereof stabilising silver ions against reduction to free silver in a hydrophilic environment, and that the composition has a solubility in water higher than 10 mg Ag/l is stable during sterilisation and retains the activity without giving rise to darkening or discoloration of the dressing during storage.
US07863262B2 Nitroxyl progenitors in the treatment of heart failure
Administration of an HNO/NO− donating compound, such as Angeli's salt, increases myocardial contractility while concomitantly lowering left ventricular preload in subjects experiencing heart failure. Moreover, administration of the HNO/NO− donating compound isopropylamine (IPA)/NO(Na(CH3)2CHNHN(O)NO) surprisingly exhibited positive inotropic effects in subjects experiencing heart failure that were superior to those caused by the HNO/NO− donating compound Angeli's salt. Additionally, in contrast to the effects observed with NO− donors, administration of an HNO/NO− donor in combination with a positive inotropic agent did not impair the positive inotropic effect of the positive inotropic agent. Further, HNO/NO− exerts its positive inotropic effect independent of the adrenergic system, increasing contractility even in subjects receiving beta-antagonist therapy.
US07863257B2 Nanoparticles for protein drug delivery
The invention discloses the nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one protein drug or bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge and their enhanced permeability for paracellular protein drug and bioactive agent delivery.
US07863245B2 Compositions for enhanced epithelial permeation of neuropeptide Y for treating obesity
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising PYY(3-36) or Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a cyclodextrin, and a compound selected from phosphatidylcholine or diglyceride, wherein the PYY(3-36) or Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is present in an amount effective to alleviate one or more symptom(s) of obesity in a subject, and the cyclodextrin and the compound selected from phosphatidylcholine or diglyceride are present in an amount sufficient to enhance epithelial permeation.
US07863243B2 Anti-tumor agent
The present invention provides a new anti-tumor agent containing adiponectin as an active ingredient, particularly, an anti-tumor agent capable of inhibiting carcinogenesis in the liver, use of adiponectin as an anti-tumor agent, and a prophylactic or therapeutic method against a tumor using adiponectin. The administration form may be either oral administration, e.g., by tablets or parenteral administration, e.g., by injection; in the case of intravenous injection for inhibiting carcinogenesis in the liver, the dosage is 1 to 100 mg/kg/day per adult patient.
US07863242B2 Compositions for down-regulation of CCR5 expression and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to the downregulation of surface receptor CCR5 expression through manipulation of the cell cycle in activated lymphocytes by administering a composition that arrests the G1 phase of the cell cycle, thereby reducing receptor sites for entry of HIV into T cells, and thus, the effects of HIV. Further, compositions are disclosed that include at least one G1 phase arresting agent and at least one antiviral agent, wherein the combination of agents synergistically enhances the activity of the antiviral agent.
US07863239B2 Binding compounds, immunogenic compounds and peptidomimetics
The invention provides means and methods for producing compounds suitable for testing for the presence and/or identification of an immunogenic compound and/or a binding compound of interest. Immunogenic compounds and compositions are also herewith provided, as well as peptidomimetics of members of the cystine-knot family.
US07863236B2 Detergent compositions
The present invention provides a detergent composition D comprising at least one compound of formula (1) together with at least one compound of formula (2) wherein all substituents have the meanings as defined in the claims; as well as a process using such detergent composition and mixtures comprising fluorescent whitening agents.
US07863235B2 Method of activating α-amylase with oxidizing agents
The invention provides an activation method of α-amylase. α-Amylase or particles containing the same are contacted with an oxidizing agent or particles containing the same. After contacting, the activated α-amylase can be separated from the oxidizing agent. After contacting, α-amylase and the oxidizing agent can be incorporated in the form of a mixture into a detergent base to give a detergent composition.
US07863233B2 Cleaning and disinfecting agent
A detergent and disinfectant in which water-soluble permanganates are used in an alkaline solution in order to initiate the oxidation of organic substances and simultaneously a chemical oxidant, preferably a peroxodisulfate, is used which is capable of producing radical reactions with catalytic support by manganates originating from the supplied permanganate, which reactions produce the oxidation of organic substances. All components are present in powder form and a respective powder mixture can be dissolved rapidly and free from residues in water. It thus represents a universally applicable, highly effective detergent and disinfectant.
US07863227B2 High performance lubricant containing high molecular weight aromatic amine antioxidant and low boron content dispersant
A method for improving the seal integrity, oxidation resistance, thermal breakdown deposit protection of lubricating oil by combining a base stock and/or base oil with a high molecular weight aromatic amine and a low boron content dispersant.
US07863218B2 Coating composition for producing heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet and heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet
A coating composition for producing a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet comprising at least one receiving layer on a support, wherein the coating composition contains a polymer latex containing a repeating unit derived from a monomer represented by the following formula: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, halogen atom or methyl group; L1 represents a divalent connecting group; and Z represents a C8-C50 straight-chain, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon group.
US07863214B2 Catalysts for polymerizing cyclic olefin
Provided is a metal catalyst complex for preparing a cyclic olefin-based polymer by addition polymerization of a cyclic olefin-based monomer, which is represented by Formula 1 below: [M(L1)x(L′2)y(L3)z]a[Ani]b   wherein M is a Group X metal; [M(L1)x(L′2)y(L3)z] is a cationic precatalyst; L1 is an anionic hydrocarbyl-containing ligand; L′2 is a neutral ligand; L3 is an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand; [Ani] is an anion capable of weakly coordinating with the metal M; x is 1 or 2; y is 0 to 4; z is 1 or 2; 2≦x+y+z≦6; a and b are each 1 to 10. The metal catalyst complex has an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, and thus, is excellent in thermal stability and reactivity.
US07863208B2 Grey glass composition
A grey glass composition employing in its colorant portion at least iron (Fe2O3/FeO), cobalt and selenium is provided. The glass allows high visible transmission, and good IR absorption, while at the same time achieving desired grey color. In certain example embodiments, the colorant portion includes, or may consist essentially of: total iron (expressed as Fe2O3)0.20 to 0.35% selenium0.0002 to 0.0020% cobalt oxide0.0025 to 0.0060% titanium oxide  0 to 1.0% glass redox:<=.27; or 0.10 to 0.25.
US07863205B2 Ballistic-resistant laminate assemblies and panels
A sheet of ballistic-resistant fiber strands includes a bi-directional array of bonding fibers interwoven with the ballistic-resistant fibers to form a fiber panel. In one embodiment, a sheet of laminated ballistic-resistant fibers is joined to the first sheet of laminated ballistic-resistant fibers with the ballistic-resistant fibers running in a second direction as compared to the first fibers. In yet another embodiment, individual laminated sheets of ballistic-resistant fibers are stitched together to form packets of sheets that may be used singularly or bundled together.
US07863201B2 Methods of forming field effect transistors having silicided source/drain contacts with low contact resistance
Methods of forming integrated circuit devices according to embodiments of the present invention include forming a PMOS transistor having P-type source and drain regions, in a semiconductor substrate, and then forming a diffusion barrier layer on the source and drain regions. A silicon nitride layer is deposited on at least portions of the diffusion barrier layer that extend opposite the source and drain regions. Hydrogen is removed from the deposited silicon nitride layer by exposing the silicon nitride layer to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This removal of hydrogen may operate to increase a tensile stress in a channel region of the field effect transistor. This UV radiation step may be followed by patterning the first and second silicon nitride layers to expose the source and drain regions and then forming silicide contact layers directly on the exposed source and drain regions.
US07863199B2 Methods of forming particle-containing materials
The invention includes methods of forming particle-containing materials, and also includes semiconductor constructions comprising particle-containing materials. One aspect of the invention includes a method in which a first monolayer is formed across at least a portion of a semiconductor substrate, particles are adhered to the first monolayer, and a second monolayer is formed over the particles. Another aspect of the invention includes a construction containing a semiconductor substrate and a particle-impregnated conductive material over at least a portion of the semiconductor substrate. The particle-impregnated conductive material can include tungsten-containing particles within a layer which includes tantalum or tungsten.
US07863196B2 Self-aligned dielectric cap
A method of forming a dielectric layer includes providing a substrate that has a copper region and a non-copper region. The substrate is etched to remove any copper oxides from the copper region. A dielectric cap is then selectively formed over the copper region of the substrate so that little or no dielectric cap is formed over the non-copper region of the substrate.
US07863193B2 Integrated circuit fabrication process using a compression cap layer in forming a silicide with minimal post-laser annealing dopant deactivation
Post-laser annealing dopant deactivation is minimized by performing certain silicide formation process steps prior to laser annealing. A base metal layer is deposited on the source-drain regions and the gate electrode, followed by deposition of an overlying compression cap layer, to prevent metal agglomeration at the silicon melting temperature. Thereafter, a rapid thermal process is performed to heat the substrate sufficiently to form metal silicide contacts at the top surfaces of the source-drain regions and of the gate electrode. The method further includes removing the remainder of the metal-containing layer and then depositing an optical absorber layer over the substrate prior to laser annealing near the silicon melting temperature.
US07863189B2 Methods for fabricating silicon carriers with conductive through-vias with low stress and low defect density
Methods are provided for fabricating silicon carriers with conductive through-vias that allow high-yield manufacture of silicon carrier with low defect density. In particular, methods are provided which enable fabrication of silicon carries with via diameters such as 1 to 10 microns in diameter for a vertical thickness of less than 10 micrometers to greater than 300 micrometers, which are capable robust to thermal-mechanical stresses during production to significantly minimize the thermal mechanical movement at the via sidewall interface between the silicon, insulator, liner and conductor materials.
US07863188B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
It is an object of the present invention to provide a semiconductor device where, even in a case of stacking a plurality of semiconductor elements provided over a substrate, the stacked semiconductor elements can be electrically connected through the substrate, and a manufacturing method thereof. According to one feature of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of selectively forming a depression in an upper surface of a substrate or forming an opening which penetrates the upper surface through a back surface; forming an element group having a transistor so as to cover the upper surface of the substrate and the depression, or the opening; and exposing the element group formed in the depression or the opening by thinning the substrate from the back surface. A means for thinning the substrate can be performed by partially removing the substrate by performing grinding treatment, polishing treatment, etching by chemical treatment, or the like from the back surface of the substrate.
US07863185B2 Artificially tilted via connection
A semiconductor integrated circuit with tilted via connection and related method are provided, the circuit including a via layer having at least one tilted via, and a wireway layer having at least one elongated wireway disposed above the via layer, wherein the wireway connects to and partially overlaps the tilted via; and the method including forming a via layer, patterning a via trench in the via layer, forming a wireway layer, patterning an elongated wireway in the wireway layer, etching the patterned wireway and the patterned via, and filling the etched wireway and the etched via with a conductive material, wherein the filled wireway partially overlaps the filled via.
US07863183B2 Method for fabricating last level copper-to-C4 connection with interfacial cap structure
The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a semiconductor device with a last level copper-to-C4 connection that is essentially free of aluminum. Specifically, the last level copper-to-C4 connection comprises an interfacial cap structure containing CoWP, NiMoP, NiMoB, NiReP, NiWP, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the interfacial cap structure comprises at least one CoWP layer. Such a CoWP layer can be readily formed over a last level copper interconnect by a selective electroless plating process.
US07863181B2 Method for manufacturing a device having a high aspect ratio via
Method for manufacturing a device having a conductive via includes the following steps. A dielectric material layer including a through hole is formed on a substrate. A seed metallic layer is formed on the dielectric material layer and in the through hole. A metallic layer is formed on the seed metallic layer, and is filled in the through hole. The metallic layer located over the seed metallic layer and outside the through hole is etched by a spin etching process, whereby the metallic layer located in the through hole is formed to a lower portion. An upper portion is formed on the lower portion, and a metallic trace is formed on the seed metallic layer, wherein the upper and lower portions is formed to a conductive via, and the conductive via and the metallic trace expose a part of the seed metallic layer. The exposed seed metallic layer is etched.
US07863178B2 Method for manufacturing a GaN based optical device
The present invention relates to an AlGaInN based optical device fabricated by a new p-type AlGaInN:Mg growth method and method for manufacturing the same, including a p-type nitride semiconductor layer that is grown using both NH3 and a hydrazine based source as a nitrogen precursor, thereby an additional subsequent annealing process for extracting hydrogen is not necessary and thus the process is simple and an active layer can be prevented from being thermally damaged by subsequent annealing.
US07863176B2 Low-resistance interconnects and methods of making same
Devices and methods for providing low-resistance interconnects in a semiconductor device are provided. Specifically, one or more embodiments of the present invention relate to disposing a conductive material in a trench without disposing a resistive barrier material between the conductive material and the sidewalls of the trench so that the conductive material takes up the full width of the trench. For example, the trench may be disposed over one or more contacts made of a barrier material such as titanium nitride that also acts as a seed, and the conductive material may be grown on top of the titanium nitride to fill the trench.
US07863172B2 Gallium nitride semiconductor device
A gallium nitride based semiconductor Schottky diode fabricated from a n+ doped GaN layer having a thickness between one and six microns disposed on a sapphire substrate; an n− doped GaN layer having a thickness greater than one micron disposed on said n+ GaN layer patterned into a plurality of elongated fingers and a metal layer disposed on the n− doped GaN layer and forming a Schottky junction therewith. The layer thicknesses and the length and width of the elongated fingers are optimized to achieve a device with breakdown voltage of greater than 500 volts, current capacity in excess of one ampere, and a forward voltage of less than three volts.
US07863170B2 Semiconductor body comprising a transistor structure and method for producing a transistor structure
A semiconductor body includes a substrate, a buried zone having a first conductivity type that is formed in the substrate, a first zone having the first conductivity type that is above the buried zone, a second zone having a second conductivity type that is different from the first conductivity type and above the first zone, and a third zone having the first conductivity type that is above the second zone. The buried zone includes first and second implantation regions that are formed via first and second implantations that are performed using a mask. The buried zone, the first zone, the second zone and the third zone are parts of a first transistor structure.
US07863168B2 Plasma doping method and plasma doping apparatus
In order to realize a plasma doping method capable of carrying out a stable low-density doping, exhaustion is carried out with a pump while introducing a predetermined gas into a vacuum chamber from a gas supplying apparatus, the pressure of the vacuum chamber is held at a predetermined pressure and a high frequency power is supplied to a coil from a high frequency power source. After the generation of plasma in the vacuum chamber, the pressure of the vacuum chamber is lowered, and the low-density plasma doping is performed to a substrate placed on a substrate electrode. Moreover, the pressure of the vacuum chamber is gradually lowered, and the high frequency power is gradually increased, thereby the low-density plasma doping is carried out to the substrate placed on the substrate electrode. Furthermore, a forward power Pf and a reflected power Pr of the high frequency power supplied to the substrate electrode are sampled at a high speed, and when a value of which the power difference Pf-Pr is integrated with respect to time reaches a predetermined value, the supply of the high frequency power is suspended.
US07863167B2 Method of manufacturing group III nitride crystal
Made available is a Group III nitride crystal manufacturing method whereby incidence of cracking in the III-nitride crystal when the III-nitride substrate is removed is kept to a minimum. III nitride crystal manufacturing method provided with: a step of growing, onto one principal face (10m) of a III-nitride substrate (10), III-nitride crystal (20) at least either whose constituent-atom type and ratios, or whose dopant type and concentration, differ from those of the III-nitride substrate (10); and a step of removing the III-nitride substrate (10) by vapor-phase etching.
US07863163B2 Epitaxial deposition of doped semiconductor materials
A method for depositing a carbon doped epitaxial semiconductor layer comprises maintaining a pressure of greater than about 700 torr in a process chamber housing a patterned substrate having exposed single crystal material. The method further comprises providing a flow of a silicon source gas to the process chamber. The silicon source gas comprises dichlorosilane. The method further comprises providing a flow of a carbon precursor to the process chamber. The method further comprises selectively depositing the carbon doped epitaxial semiconductor layer on the exposed single crystal material.
US07863155B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor substrate and semiconductor device
It is an object of the present invention to obtain a large-sized SOI substrate by providing a single-crystal silicon layer over a large-sized glass substrate in a large area. After a plurality of rectangular single-crystal semiconductor substrates each provided with a separation layer are aligned over a dummy substrate and both of the substrates are fixed with a low-temperature coagulant, the plurality of single-crystal semiconductor substrates are bonded to a support substrate; the temperature is raised up to a temperature, at which the low-temperature coagulant does not to have a bonding effect, so as to isolate the dummy substrate and the single-crystal semiconductor substrates; heat treatment is performed to separate part of the single-crystal semiconductor substrates, along a boundary of the respective separation layers; and single-crystal semiconductor layers are provided over the support substrate.
US07863153B1 System and method for creating different field oxide profiles in a locos process
An efficient method is disclosed for creating different field oxide profiles in a local oxidation of silicon process (LOCOS process). The method comprises (1) forming a first portion of the field oxide with a first field oxide profile (e.g., an abrupt bird's beak profile) during a field oxide oxidation process, and (2) forming a second portion of the field oxide with a second field oxide profile (e.g., a graded bird's beak profile) during the field oxide oxidation process. A graded bird's beak profile enables higher breakdown voltages. An abrupt bird's beak profile enables higher packing densities. The method gives an integrated circuit designer the flexibility to create an appropriate field oxide profile at a desired location.
US07863152B2 Semiconductor device structure with strain layer and method of fabricating the semiconductor device structure
A semiconductor device with a strain layer and a method of fabricating the semiconductor device with a strain layer that can reduce a loading effect are provided. By arranging active dummies and gate dummies not to overlap each other, the area of active dummy on which a strain layer dummy will be formed can be secured, thereby reducing the loading effect.
US07863147B2 Semiconductor device and fabrication method thereof
A semiconductor device and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate which comprise a first type well and a second type well, and a plurality of junction regions therebetween, wherein each of the junction regions adjoins the first and the second type wells. A gate electrode disposed on the semiconductor substrate and overlies at least two of the junction regions. A source and a drain are in the semiconductor substrate oppositely adjacent to the gate electrode.
US07863146B2 Elevation of transistor channels to reduce impact of shallow trench isolation on transistor performance
Roughly described, transistor channel regions are elevated over the level of certain adjacent STI regions. Preferably the STI regions that are transversely adjacent to the diffusion regions are suppressed, as are STI regions that are longitudinally adjacent to N-channel diffusion regions. Preferably STI regions that are longitudinally adjacent to P-channel diffusions are not suppressed; preferably they have an elevation that is at least as high as that of the diffusion regions.
US07863145B2 Method and resulting structure using silver for LCOS devices
A method for fabricating an LCOS device. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate and forming a plurality of MOS transistor devices formed on a portion of the semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer overlying the plurality of transistor devices and forming a first metal layer overlying the first dielectric layer. The method includes forming a second dielectric layer overlying the first metal layer and forming a plurality of pixel regions made substantially of silver bearing material overlying the second dielectric layer. In a preferred embodiment, the silver bearing material has much higher reflectivity for wavelengths of 450 nanometers and greater.
US07863142B2 Method of forming a germanium silicide layer, semiconductor device including the germanium silicide layer, and method of manufacturing the semiconductor device
Example embodiments relate to a method of forming a germanium (Ge) silicide layer, a semiconductor device including the Ge silicide layer, and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device. A method of forming a Ge silicide layer according to example embodiments may include forming a metal layer including vanadium (V) on a silicon germanium (SiGe) layer. The metal layer may have a multiple-layer structure and may further include at least one of platinum (Pt) and nickel (Ni). The metal layer may be annealed to form the germanium silicide layer. The annealing may be performed using a laser spike annealing (LSA) method.
US07863133B2 Oxide epitaxial isolation
Non-volatile memory cell structures are described that are formed by a method including forming a first oxide layer on a horizontal strained substrate, forming at least one first recess through the first oxide layer to the strained substrate, and forming at least one vertical epitaxial structure in the recess. A crystal lattice of the vertical epitaxial structure is aligned with a crystal lattice of the strained substrate.
US07863132B2 Method for fabricating a charge trapping memory device
A method for fabricating a charge trapping memory device includes providing a substrate; forming a first oxide layer on the substrate; forming a number of BD regions in the substrate; nitridizing the interface of the first oxide layer and the substrate via a process; forming a charge trapping layer on the first oxide layer; and forming a second oxide layer on the charge trapping layer.
US07863128B1 Non-volatile memory device with improved erase speed
A memory device may include a substrate, a first dielectric layer formed over the substrate and a charge storage element formed over the first dielectric layer. The memory device may also include a second dielectric layer formed over the charge storage element and a third dielectric layer formed over the second dielectric layer. The third dielectric layer may have a high dielectric constant and may be deposited at a relatively high temperature. A control gate may be formed over the third dielectric layer.
US07863127B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
After forming a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode on a semiconductor substrate, a silicon oxide film is formed to cover an n-channel MISFET forming region, and a p-channel MISFET forming region is exposed. Subsequently, after a first element supply film made of, for example, an aluminum oxide film is formed on the whole surface of the semiconductor substrate, a heat treatment is performed. By this means, a high-concentration HfAlO film and a low-concentration HfAlO film are formed by diffusing aluminum into the first insulating film just below the second gate electrode. Thereafter, by using a magnesium oxide film as a second element supply film, magnesium is diffused into the first insulating film just below the first gate electrode, thereby forming a high-concentration HfMgO film and a low-concentration HfMgO film.
US07863124B2 Residue free patterned layer formation method applicable to CMOS structures
A method for forming a microelectronic structure uses a mask layer located over a target layer. The target layer may be etched while using the mask layer as an etch mask to form an end tapered target layer from the target layer. An additional target layer may be formed over the end tapered target layer and masked with an additional mask layer. The additional target layer may be etched to form a patterned additional target layer separated from the end tapered target layer and absent an additional target layer residue adjacent the end tapered target layer. The method is useful for fabricating CMOS structures including nFET and pFET gate electrodes comprising different nFET and pFET gate electrode materials.
US07863122B2 Bulk FinFET device
A finFET structure and a method of fabricating the finFET structure. The method includes: forming a silicon fin on a top surface of a silicon substrate; forming a gate dielectric on opposite sidewalls of the fin; forming a gate electrode over a channel region of the fin, the gate electrode in direct physical contact with the gate dielectric layer on the opposite sidewalls of the fin; forming a first source/drain in the fin on a first side of the channel region and forming a second source/drain in the fin on a second side of the channel region; removing a portion of the substrate from under at least a portion of the first and second source/drains to create a void; and filling the void with a dielectric material. The structure includes a body contact between the silicon body of the finFET and the substrate.
US07863120B2 Liquid crystal display device with double metal layer source and drain electrodes and fabricating method thereof
A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device includes, according to an embodiment of the present invention, forming a gate electrode on a substrate, forming a gate insulating layer over the gate electrode and on the substrate, forming a first metal layer on the first semiconductor layer and a second metal layer over the first metal layer, forming source and chain electrode by patterning a separation region in the first and second metal layers, and patterning the first metal layer and the first semiconductor layer in the same pattern.
US07863117B2 Multilayer silicon over insulator device
An apparatus and method for a multilayer silicon over insulator (SOI) device is provided. In the multilayer SOI device, the crystal orientation of at least one active region of a device is different than the active region of at least another device. Where the multilayer SOI device has a first layer including a PMOS device with a silicon active region having a crystal orientation of [100], the second layer may be an NMOS device with a active region having a silicon layer having a crystal orientation of [110]. The second layer is bonded to the first layer. The method and apparatus can be extended to more than two layers thus forming a multilayer SOI device having a different crystal orientation at each layer. The multiple layer SOI device may form circuits of reduced surface area.
US07863113B2 Transistor for active matrix display and a method for producing said transistor
A transistor for active matrix display and a method for producing the transistor (1). The transistor (1) includes a microcrystalline silicon film (5) and an insulator (3). The crystalline fraction of the microcrystalline silicon film (5) is above 80%. According to the invention, the transistor (1) includes a plasma treated interface (4) located between the insulator (3) and the microcrystalline silicon film (5) so that the transistor (1) has a linear mobility equal or superior to 1.5 cm2V−1s−1, shows threshold voltage stability and wherein the microcrystalline silicon film (5) includes grains (6) whose size ranges between 10 nm and 400 nm. The invention concerns as well a display unit having a line-column matrix of pixels that are actively addressed, each pixel comprising at least a transistor as described above.
US07863099B2 Integrated circuit package system with overhanging connection stack
An integrated circuit package system comprising: providing a first conductive line adjacent to a second conductive line; forming a first connection stack over the first conductive line with the first connection stack overhanging the second conductive line; connecting an integrated circuit device and the first connection stack; and encapsulating the integrated circuit device and the first connection stack.
US07863098B2 Flip chip package with advanced electrical and thermal properties for high current designs
A QFN package and method of making same is provided comprising a substrate having a metal line extending from a connection element on a perimeter region of the substrate to a high current contact pad on interior region of the substrate. A semiconductor chip having an active surface generally faces the interior region of the substrate, wherein a heat-dissipating patterned metal distribution layer is formed over the active surface and electrically connected to an active component thereon. A solder strip electrically and thermally connects the high current contact pad and the metal distribution layer, and a mold compound generally encapsulates the semiconductor chip. The solder strip is generally uniform in depth and surface area, wherein low electrical resistance and inductance is provided between the high current contact pad and the metal distribution layer. An integrated heat sink may be further formed or placed on a passive surface of the chip.
US07863094B2 Method for removing bubbles from adhesive layer of semiconductor chip package
In a method for removing bubbles from adhesive layer of semiconductor chip package, one or more semiconductor chips are attached to or stacked on a base plate using an adhesive material. The base plate is selected from a substrate, a lead frame, and other carrier for carrying the semiconductor chips thereon. Before the adhesive material starts curing or becomes fully cured, the base plate with the semiconductor chips is placed in a processing tank which is preset to heat at a predetermined heating rising rate to a predetermined temperature and to apply a predetermined pressure for a predetermined period of time, so that bubbles presented in the adhesive material, at an interface between the adhesive material and the base, and at an interface between the adhesive material and the semiconductor chip are expelled from the adhesive material under the temperature and pressure in the processing tank.
US07863093B2 Integrated circuit die with logically equivalent bonding pads
An integrated circuit (IC) die includes two bonding pads, that share a common logical function, such as signal input or signal output, separated by the width of the die, and preferably on opposite sides of the die. System-in-package devices are produced by steps including directly electrically connecting one or the other bonding pad to bonding pads of other, functionally different IC dies, with the bonding pads of the other IC dies, to which are connected bonding pads of common logical function of the IC dies of the present invention, being functionally identical but geometrically different. Multichip package devices are produced by stacking the IC dies of the present invention with other IC dies and directly electrically connecting one or the other bonding pad to different bonding pads of the other IC dies.
US07863092B1 Low cost bumping and bonding method for stacked die
Disclosed is a method of fabricating an integrated circuit assembly in which a plurality of mother dice having a plurality of through-die vias (TDVs) are formed in the first (active) surface of a semiconductor wafer, a substrate is attached to the active surface of the wafer, the second (inactive) surface is back-ground to expose one end of the through-die vias, a plurality of daughter dice are mounted to the inactive surface of the wafer, each daughter die being electrically coupled to a mother die, and the mother dice are then singulated. Attaching the substrate can be accomplished by adhering a glass wafer carrier to the wafer. The wafer carrier allows handling of the wafer during back-grinding the inactive surface, forming under-bump metal (UBM) pads on the TDVs and attaching the daughter dice.
US07863085B2 Organic thin film transistor, method of manufacturing the same, and biosensor using the transistor
An organic thin film transistor (OTFT), a method of manufacturing the same, and a biosensor using the OTFT are provided. The OTFT includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, source and drain electrodes, and an organic semiconductor layer disposed on a substrate and further includes an interface layer formed between the gate insulating layer and the organic semiconductor layer by a sol-gel process. The gate insulating layer is formed of an organic polymer, and the interface layer is formed of an inorganic material. The OTFT employs the interface layer interposed between the gate insulating layer and the organic semiconductor layer so that the gate insulating layer can be protected from the exterior and adhesion of the gate insulating layer with the organic semiconductor layer can be improved, thereby increasing driving stability. Also, since the OTFT can use a plastic substrate, the manufacture of the OTFT is inexpensive so that the OTFT can be used as a disposable biosensor.
US07863080B1 Process for making multi-crystalline silicon thin-film solar cells
Dichlorosilane and diborane are deposited on the titanium-based alloy film to grow a p+ type back surface field film. The temperature is raised to grow a p− type light-soaking film on the p+ type back surface field film. Phosphine is deposited on the p− type light-soaking film to form an n+ type emitter. Thus, an n+-p−-p+ laminate is provided on the titanium-based alloy film. SiCNO:Ar plasma is used to passivate the n+-p−-p+ laminate, thus forming an anti-reflection film of SiCN/SiO2 on the n+ type emitter. The n+-p−-p+ laminate is etched in a patterned mask process. A p− type ohmic contact is formed on the titanium-based alloy film. The anti-reflection film is etched in a patterned mask process. The n+ type emitter is coated with a titanium/palladium/silver alloy film that is annealed in hydrogen. An n− type ohmic contact is formed on the n+ type emitter.
US07863079B2 Methods of reducing CD loss in a microelectromechanical device
Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems device that minimize critical dimension (CD) loss in the device are described. The methods provide electromechanical systems devices with improved properties, including high reflectivity.
US07863075B2 Method for manufacturing solar cell
A manufacturing method of a polycrystalline solar cell is disclosed. A polycrystalline silicon solar cell in accordance with the present invention performs crystallization-annealing amorphous silicon with a metal catalyst so as to reduce a crystallization temperature. The manufacturing method of a solar cell in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of (a) forming a first amorphous silicon layer on a substrate; (b) forming a second amorphous silicon layer on the first amorphous silicon layer; (c) forming a metal layer on the second amorphous silicon layer; (d) performing crystallization-annealing the second amorphous silicon layer; and (e) forming a third amorphous silicon layer on a resulting crystalline silicon layer of the step (d).
US07863071B1 Combined micro-electro-mechanical systems device and integrated circuit on a silicon-on-insulator wafer
The present invention includes a fabrication method to construct a combined MEMS device and IC on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer (MEMS-IC) using standard foundry IC processing techniques. The invention also includes the resulting MEMS-IC. Deposition layers are added to the SOI wafer and etched away to form interconnects for electronic components for the IC. In one embodiment of the present invention, standard foundry IC processing etching techniques may be used to etch away parts of the insulating layer and device layer of the SOI wafer to create fine gaps and other detailed mechanical features of the MEMS device. Finely detailed etching patterns may be added by using imprint lithography instead of using contact or optical lithography.
US07863069B2 Method of forming an integrated MEMS resonator
A method of producing an integrated MEMS resonator includes providing a substrate including single crystal silicon and partially forming a resonator in a first portion of the substrate, the resonator having a resonating element formed by the substrate and an electrode, the resonating element and the electrode forming a variable capacitor. The method also includes forming circuitry in a second portion of the substrate, the circuitry configured for detecting capacitance of the variable capacitor and finish forming the resonator and integrating the resonator with the circuitry so that the electrode is in communication with the circuitry.
US07863067B2 Silicon substrate with reduced surface roughness
The present disclosure provides a method for fabricating a semiconductor device including providing a semiconductor substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein at least one imaging sensor is located adjacent the first surface, activating a dopant layer in the semiconductor substrate adjacent the second surface using a localized annealing process, and etching the dopant layer.
US07863059B2 Target substance detection method and target substance detection kit
A target substance detection method for detecting a target substance in a specimen, comprises the steps of contacting with a specimen a target substance detecting element comprised of a base, a metal structure and a first capturing body for capturing a target substance; contacting with the target substance detecting element a labeling material comprised of a labeling substance and a second capturing body for capturing a target substance; and acquiring an absorption spectrum (A) of the target substance detecting element contacted with the specimen and the labeling material, wherein the employed labeling substance is a substance that a slope of a tangent of an absorption spectrum (C) of the labeling substance at a peak wavelength (λz) of an absorption spectrum (B) of the target substance detecting element is larger than zero.
US07863056B2 Coated metal surface on solid support for analyte detection by displacement
A coated metal surface on a solid support, wherein the coating consists of a protein layer firmly attached to the metal surface, and said protein layer is coupled to linker molecules that are bound to low molecular weight antigens, wherein the linker molecules are coupled to the protein layer and are bound to the antigen via functional end groups and contain between the functional end groups an aliphatic hydrocarbon of 1, 2 or 3 carbon atoms, and wherein the antigens are optionally reversibly bound to antibodies specific for the antigens, is described. The coated metal surface on a solid support may be used in a method of detecting analyte antigens as part of an analysis device, such as a Piezoelectric Crystal Microbalance device or a Surface Plasmon Resonance biosensor, for detection in an aqueous solution of an analyte antigen with higher affinity to an antibody than the antigen of the coating by monitoring the displacement of the antibody from the coating.
US07863053B2 Swab-based diagnostic systems
A diagnostic test system for detecting the presence or absence of an analyte within a test sample is provided. For instance, the system may include a swab and a detection unit. The detection unit includes a first component that is capable of receiving the swab, the first component defining an insertion chamber within which a fluid is capable of being retained. The detection unit also includes a second component that defines a detection chamber within which an assay for detecting the presence or absence of the analyte is capable of being contained. The first component is rotatable relative to the second component from an inactive position to an active position. In the inactive position, the fluid remains substantially contained within the insertion chamber. In the active position, the fluid may flow from the insertion chamber to the detection chamber and contact the assay.
US07863051B2 Detecting element and detection method
A detection method for detecting a plurality of different substances contained in a specimen using a label, includes sequentially the steps of flowing the specimen through a detecting element having a first substance trapping portion immobilizing a first substance trapping body, a second substance trapping portion immobilizing a second substance trapping body, and a channel, and flowing a solution containing the label through the first substance trapping portion immobilizing the first substance trapping body and the second substance trapping portion immobilizing the second substance trapping body. Additional steps include flowing a solution for generating a signal from the label through the first substance trapping portion immobilizing the label to thereby acquire a signal from, and flowing a solution for generating a signal from the label through the second substance trapping portion immobilizing the label to thereby acquire a signal.
US07863048B2 Coumarin-based cyanine dyes for non-specific protein binding
Protein dyes whose molecular structure is that of a coumarin moiety coupled to a quaternary ammonium heterocycle through a vinyl or polyvinyl linkage demonstrate the ability to associate with proteins in a non-covalent, non-specific manner at low pH, where the associated form displays a significantly higher fluorescence emission than the unassociated form. This makes the dyes useful as selective labels for proteins at the low pH and eliminates the need for the removal of extraneous components from the medium in which the proteins reside prior to detection.
US07863047B2 Intracorporeal medicaments for photodynamic treatment of disease
New intracorporeal photodynamic medicaments and certain medical uses and methods for use of such photodynamic medicaments for treatment of disease in human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such medicaments is a halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. In preferred embodiments, such medicaments are used for treatment of a variety of conditions affecting the skin and related organs, the mouth and digestive tract and related organs, the urinary and reproductive tracts and related organs, the respiratory tract and related organs, the circulatory system and related organs, the head and neck, the endocrine and lymphoreticular systems and related organs, various other tissues, such as connective tissues and various tissue surfaces exposed during surgery, as well as various tissues exhibiting microbial or parasitic infection. In another preferred embodiment, such medicaments are produced in various formulations including liquid, semisolid, solid or aerosol delivery vehicles.
US07863046B2 Method for micropropagation of monocots based on sustained totipotent cell cultures
The present invention provides a method of micropropagating a monocotyledonous plant comprising: (a) cultivating an explant of tissue from a monocotyledonous plant shoot tip on a primary medium, wherein the explant has been pretreated with a cold temperature and the primary medium comprises auxin or auxin and cytokinin, to produce a totipotent embryogenic cell culture; (b) treating the totipotent embryonic cell culture with a cold temperature; (c) maintaining the totipotent embryogenic cell culture by cultivation on a secondary medium, whereby a totipotent embryogenic cell culture of a monocotyledonous plant is produced and maintained; and (d) transferring the embryogenic cell culture of step (c) to a tertiary medium to continue multiplication and to produce a plantlet with roots and shoots, thereby micropropagating a monocotyledonous plant. The micropropagation techniques described herein provide plants for such purposes as development of elite plant lines, phytoremediation and biomass production.
US07863045B2 Isolation of skeletal precursor cells
Cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein CDMP-1 or a transforming growth factor β having at least 80% homology with CDMP-1, or a factor co-expressed and/or co-detectable therewith, is used as a marker of skeletal precursor cells from any part of a mammalian body.
US07863044B2 p18 in stem cell manipulations
A method to increase self-renewal of an undifferentiaded human stem cell culture or cell line, by reducing or eliminating the presence of the protein “p18”.
US07863042B2 Fucose transporter
The present invention provides a gene encoding a fucose transporter, a fucose transporter polypeptide, a method for screening for a compound that binds to a fucose transporter or a compound that inhibits fucose transport activity, a cell having inhibited fucose transporter functions, and a cell wherein the expression of the fucose transporter is inhibited. The present invention further relates to a method for producing recombinant protein, and specifically, to a method for producing protein by which fucose existing within the Golgi apparatus of a host cell is decreased, a method for inhibiting the addition of fucose to protein by which fucose existing within the Golgi apparatus of a host cell is decreased upon production of recombinant protein using the host cell, a method for increasing the cytotoxic activity of an antibody by which an antibody is produced using a cell wherein fucose existing within the Golgi apparatus is decreased, and a cell having a Golgi apparatus wherein fucose existing within the Golgi apparatus is decreased.
US07863038B2 Implantable biosensor from stratified nanostructured membranes
A new class of biosensors and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The biosensors are multi-layered membrane composites, where at least one layer is prepared by the layer-by-layer process and at least one layer is responsive to changes is a property of a biological system such as changes in the concentration of an atom, ion, molecule or molecular assembly. Because the biosensors are multi-layered, a single biosensor is capable monitor a number of different properties of a biological system simultaneously. The biosensors are monitored by systems that impinge an excitation waveform on the biosensors and analyze a reflected and/or a transmitted resultant waveform. Additionally, the biosensors can be associated with field activated electronic components so that implantable, self-contained analytical devices can be constructed and monitored by field generators, where data is transmitted to an analyzer after field activation.
US07863037B1 Ligand binding assays on microarrays in closed multiwell plates
Multiwell plates commonly used for immunoassay are increased in capacity and adapted for ease and speed of testing by forming a plurality of solid posts in each well of a plate. The posts and plate material and the dimensions of the posts are chosen to allow the immobilization of ligand patterns on an exterior wall of a post in a well and to permit a collimated beam of light directed to the post in a direction to achieve total internal reflection from a wall to generate an evanescent field in the plane of the ligands immobilized on the exterior wall of the post. The reflected light carries an image of localized intensity variations due to binding events between the ligand patterns and analytes in a sample introduced into a well. A cover plate seals the wells and provides for through holes for introducing sample material to the wells.
US07863036B2 Biochip with independent recognition areas and optical format and float scanning thereof
A biochip, and a device for reading the biochip, the biochip including a plurality of molecular recognition areas distributed with a determined layout to create a format of molecular recognition areas and a mechanism for making optical position marks for each molecular recognition area, distributed with a determined layout to form an optical format. The optical format and the format of recognition areas are formats produced independently of each other. A mechanism is provided determining the relative position of the two formats being provided on the biochip.
US07863029B2 Alternate morpheeins of allosteric proteins as a target for the development of bioactive molecules
A composition having an agent adapted to affect a multimeric protein by binding to a binding site of the multimeric protein and thereby affecting an equilibrium of units, wherein the multimeric protein has an assembly having a plurality of said units, wherein each of the units has a first complementary surface and a second complementary surface and wherein the first complementary surface of one unit is associated with the second complementary surface of another unit, provided that the assembly is at least one of different quaternary isoforms on a condition that in the multimeric protein (1) a structure of each of the units determines a structure of the different quaternary isoforms, (2) the units are in the equilibrium and (3) the structure of the different quaternary isoforms influences a function of the multimeric protein.
US07863026B2 Microorganism having an ability of producing docosahexaenoic acid and use thereof
An object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism which has a high ability of producing docosahexaenoic acid. The present invention provides a Thraustochytrium strain which has an ability of producing docosahexaenoic acid, and use thereof.
US07863022B2 Amplification of nucleic acids with magnetic detection
A method of amplifying nucleic acids and determining the amount of amplified nucleic acids uses magnetic detection. The detection can be performed during the amplification process of the nucleic acid. During the detection, the amplified nucleic acid is bound to a sensor via a biological molecule.
US07863018B2 G-CSF polypeptides and uses thereof
The present invention relates to G-CSF polypeptides and their uses, particularly for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment in human subjects. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding said polypeptides, vectors comprising such nucleic acids and recombinant cells containing the same. The invention further discloses methods of producing such polypeptides, as well as methods and tools for detecting or dosing these polypeptides in any sample.
US07863016B2 G-CSF polypeptides and uses thereof
The present invention relates to G-CSF polypeptides and their uses, particularly for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment in human subjects. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding said polypeptides, vectors comprising such nucleic acids and recombinant cells containing the same. The invention further discloses methods of producing such polypeptides, as well as methods and tools for detecting or dosing these polypeptides in any sample.
US07863013B2 Method for the production of overproducing Staphylococcus aureus strains
The present invention relates to a method for the production of an overproducing Staphylococcus aureus strain comprising:(a) culturing a Staphylococcus aureus strain on a culture medium M1, M2 or M3,(b) optionally, recovering the strains thus produced from the culture medium,and also to the use of said strains for the production of polysaccharides.
US07863011B2 Screening method for predicting susceptibility to breast cancer
A method to aid in identifying a familial or sporadic pattern of risk in at least one individual for developing cancer of a mucosal epithelial tissue, the method comprising screening said at least one individual for heterozygosity or homozygosity for a mutation in a gene coding for a Poly-Ig (Fc) receptor or a Poly-Ig-like (Fc) receptor capable of mediating inhibition of cancer cell growth by an immunoglobulin inhibitor. A method of treating an individual so identified includes enhancing the amount of immunoglobulin inhibitor contacting a mucosal epithelial tissue of said individual, and, especially in individuals homozygous for the defective receptor, may also include prophylactic surgery. Other methods include implementation of a risk reduction or prevention program in individuals identified as being at risk.
US07863010B2 Method of assessing progress of kidney regeneration
The present invention relates to methods, reagents, and kits for assessing organ damage, such as damage due to ischemia reperfusion injury, in the course of a transplantation therapy and/or for assessing organ regeneration following transplantation therapy. The invention provides a method for determining an index of organ health in the course of transplantation therapy comprising measuring the expression level of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) in the organ. Measuring the expression level of PBR is also useful for assessing the progress of organ regeneration in the course of transplantation therapy by comparing the index of organ health. The expression level of PBR may be used as a predictor of the outcome of transplantation therapy.
US07863004B2 Neoepitope detection of disease using protein arrays
There is provided a diagnostic tool for use in diagnosing diseases, the tool having a detector for detecting the presence of an array of markers indicative of disease. Also provided is a combination of markers for disease, the combination including at least two markers of the disease. A method of choosing such combinations of markers for a given disease as well as a method for detecting a combination of markers for diagnosing the presence of a disease state or determining a disease stage is also provided. The method includes selectively biopanning sera obtained from a patient to obtain cDNA clones to array for analysis and determining if the markers are present among the cDNA clones present in the disease. Epitopes found using this method are also provided as well as a database incorporating these epitopes. A biochip for detecting the presence of a disease marker in a patient's sera is provided, wherein the biochip has a detector contained within the biochip for detecting disease markers in a patient's sera.
US07862999B2 Multiplex targeted amplification using flap nuclease
Methods for multiplex amplification of a plurality of targets of distinct sequence from a complex mixture are disclosed. In one aspect targets are circularized using a single circularization probe that is complementary to two regions in the target that flank a region to be amplified. The targets may hybridize to the circularization probe so that 5′ or 3′ flaps are generated and methods for removing flaps and circularizing the resulting product are disclosed. In another aspect targets are hybridized to dU probes so that 5′ and 3′ flaps are generated. The flaps are cleaved using 5′ or 3′ flap endonucleases or 3′ to 5′ exonucleases. The target sequences are then ligated to common primers, the dU probes digested and the ligated targets amplified.
US07862994B2 Methods for inhibiting HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein-medicated membrane fusion
This invention provides agents determined to be capable of inhibiting the fusion of a macrophage-tropic primary isolate of HIV-1 to a CD4+cell and agents determined to be capable of inhibiting the fusion of a T cell-tropic isolate of HIV-1 to a CD4+cell. This invention also provides methods to identify such agents. This invention further provides methods of inhibiting fusion of a macrophage-tropic primary isolate of HIV-1 with a CD+ cell and methods of inhibiting fusion of a T cell-tropic isolate of HIV-1 with a CD4+cell susceptible to infection by a T cell-tropic isolate of HIV-1.
US07862986B2 Patterning process
The invention is directed to a method for patterning a material layer. The method comprises steps of forming a mask layer on the material layer. A multiple patterning process is performed on the mask layer for transferring at least a first pattern from a first photomask through a first photoresist and a second pattern from a second photomask from a second photoresist layer into the mask layer without performing any etching process. The mask layer exposes a portion of the material layer and the mask layer is patterned at the time that the first photoresist layer and the second photoresist layer are developed respectively. An etching process is performed to pattern the material layer by using the mask layer as an etching mask.
US07862984B2 Polyonium borates and radiation-sensitive composition and imageable elements containing same
A radiation-sensitive composition includes a free-radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating free radicals sufficient to initiate polymerization upon exposure to imaging radiation, an infrared radiation absorbing compound, and a polymeric binder. The initiator composition includes a unique polyonium borate comprising a polyvalent onium cation with multiple onium moieties and sufficient organic borate counterions to provide a net neutral charge. The radiation-sensitive composition can be used to prepare a negative-working imageable element that is sensitive to suitable imaging infrared radiation, can be imaged at relatively low energy, and can be developed either on-press or off-press.
US07862982B2 Chemical trim of photoresist lines by means of a tuned overcoat material
A new lithographic process comprises reducing the linewidth of an image while maintaining the lithographic process window, and using this process to fabricate pitch split structures comprising nm order (e.g., about 22 nm) node semiconductor devices. The process comprises applying a lithographic resist layer on a surface of a substrate and patterning and developing the lithographic resist layer to form a nm order node image having an initial line width. Overcoating the nm order node image with an acidic polymer produces an acidic polymer coated image. Heating the acidic polymer coated image gives a heat treated coating on the image, the heating being conducted at a temperature and for a time sufficient to reduce the initial linewidth to a subsequent narrowed linewidth. Developing the heated treated coating removes it from the image resulting in a free-standing trimmed lithographic feature on the substrate. Optionally repeating the foregoing steps further reduces the linewidth of the narrowed line. The invention also comprises a product produced by this process.
US07862979B2 Toner and manufacturing process therefor
The invention provides a process for the manufacture of a toner which comprises the steps of: a) providing a latex dispersion containing primary resin particles and surfactant; b) providing a colorant dispersion containing primary colorant particles and surfactant; c) optionally providing a wax dispersion containing primary wax particles and surfactant; d) providing at least one carboxy functional compound of Formula (1), which may be in acid, salt and/or complex form: wherein R is a carbocyclic or heterocyclic radical which may be optionally substituted and Z1 is a bond or linker group, on condition that the amount of carboxy functional compound of Formula (1) provided in acid and/or salt form is at least 1.5% by weight, wherein the amount of carboxy functional compound is calculated according to the following equation: amount ⁢ ⁢ of ⁢ ⁢ carboxy ⁢ ⁢ functional ⁢ ⁢ compound ⁢ ⁢ ( % ⁢ ⁢ weight ) = 100 × weight ⁢ ⁢ of ⁢ ⁢ carboxy ⁢ ⁢ functional ⁢ ⁢ compound ⁢ ( weight ⁢ ⁢ of ⁢ ⁢ carboxy ⁢ ⁢ functional ⁢ ⁢ compound + weight ⁢ ⁢ of ⁢ ⁢ solids ⁢ ⁢ content ⁢ ⁢ of ⁢ ⁢ latex , colorant ⁢ ⁢ and ⁢ ⁢ optional ⁢ ⁢ wax ⁢ ⁢ dispersions + weight ⁢ ⁢ of ⁢ ⁢ any ⁢ ⁢ additional ⁢ ⁢ surfactant ) e) mixing the latex dispersion, colorant dispersion, optional wax dispersion and said carboxy functional compound; and f) causing the particles in the mixture to associate. The process advantageously may produce a toner of small size and narrow particle size distribution. The present invention also provides a toner manufactured by the process.
US07862975B2 Carrier core material for an electrophotographic developer, carrier, and electrophotographic developer using the carrier
A carrier core material for an electrophotographic developer containing Li ferrite, maghemite, and Fe3O4, wherein a part thereof is substituted with Mn, a Li content is 1 to 2.5% by weight, a Mn content is 2 to 7.5% by weight, and a silicon content is 25 to 10,000 ppm, a compression breaking strength is 130 MPa or more, an SF-1 is 125 to 145, respective cumulative strengths of respective spinel crystal structure faces in X-ray diffraction satisfy a certain equation, a vacuum resistivity R500 across a 2 mm gap when a measurement voltage of 500 V is applied is 1×106 to 5×109 Ω, and a vacuum resistivity R1000 across a 6.5 mm gap when a measurement voltage of 1,000 V is applied is 5×107 to 1×1010 Ω.
US07862971B2 Emulsion aggregation toner composition
An emulsion aggregation toner having toner particles comprising a gel latex, a high Tg latex and at least one wax, wherein the toner fuses at about 170° C. to about 220° C. at process speeds of from about 560 mm/s to about 870 mm/s, wherein the toner exhibits a crease fix property of less than about 60 and a half-toner rub fix property of less than about 0.15. The toner exhibits excellent half-tone rub fix performance and crease fix at high print speeds.
US07862968B2 Electrophotographic photoreceptor
An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes an electroconductive substrate; and at least a photosensitive layer provided on the electroconductive substrate, wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor has an outermost layer which contains microcapsules having a lubricating oil encompassed therein. The microcapsules may be composed of an inorganic porous particle or an organic polymer material, and the lubricating oil may be a silicone oil or a fluoro oil. Such a photoreceptor has a surface with excellent lubricity and is less susceptible to surface damage and filming from toner or the like while exhibiting good reuseability of toner.
US07862967B2 Photoconductors
A photoconductor that includes a supporting substrate, a first photogenerating layer, a second photogenerating layer and at least one charge transport layer. The first photogenerating layer contains, for example, a phthalocyanine pigment, and the second photogenerating layer contains a different phthalocyanine pigment than the first photogenerating layer phthalocyanine.
US07862965B2 Method for detecting defects which originate from chemical solution and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for detecting defects which originate from a chemical solution includes coating a chemical solution on a surface of a mask, and radiating an exposure beam to the mask on which the chemical solution is coated, thereby performing enlarged projection exposure on a resist film which is formed on a surface of a substrate for an inspection. Further, the method for detecting defects which originate from a chemical solution includes performing an inspection of defects on the resist film which has been subjected to the enlarged projection exposure, and determining whether a result of the inspection meets a predetermined standard.
US07862962B2 Integrated circuit layout design
Provided is a method including layout design of an integrated circuit. A first pattern is provided. The first pattern includes an array of dummy line features and a plurality of spacer elements abutting the dummy line features. A second pattern is provided. The second pattern defines an active region of an integrated circuit device. An edge spacer element of the active region is determined. A dummy line feature of the array of dummy line features is biased (e.g., increased in width), the dummy line feature is adjacent an edge spacer element.
US07862961B2 Mask and exposure apparatus
An exposure apparatus transfers a pattern from a mask onto a sensitive substrate. A film protects the mask, and a film frame, between the mask and the film, holds the film spaced away from a surface of the mask. The film has a first transmittance for radiation of a necessary wavelength and has a second transmittance for radiation of an unnecessary wavelength; the first transmittance is higher than the second transmittance. The film might reflect or absorb the unnecessary wavelength. The necessary wavelength may be an exposure wavelength and may also be in the range of extreme ultra violet radiation. An atmosphere around the mask transitions from an air atmosphere to a reduced-pressure atmosphere, or from a reduced-pressure atmosphere to an air atmosphere, at a speed that allows a difference between a pressure applied to one surface of the film and a pressure applied to the other surface of the film to be held at a predetermined value or smaller.
US07862960B2 Manufacturing method of transparent substrate for mask blanks, manufacturing method of mask blanks, manufacturing method of exposure masks, manufacturing method of semiconductor devices, manufacturing method of liquid crystal display devices, and defect correction method of exposure masks
There are provided a manufacturing method of a transparent substrate for a mask blank, a mask blank, or an exposure mask adapted to prevent occurrence of a transfer pattern defect or a mask pattern defect, by correcting a recessed defect existing on the surface of the transparent substrate, and a defect correction method of an exposure mask.With respect to an exposure mask having a transparent substrate 1 formed thereon with a mask pattern 2 which becomes a transfer pattern, correction is performed by removing, by the use of a needle-shaped member 4, a peripheral portion of a recessed defect 3 formed on a surface 1a of the substrate, where the mask pattern 2 is not formed, so as to induce a reduction in transmission light quantity which causes a transfer pattern defect, thereby reducing a level difference between the surface of the substrate and the depth of the recessed defect. This correction of the recessed defect is carried out at the stage before forming a mask pattern forming thin film on the transparent substrate. A mask blank and an exposure mask are manufactured by the use of the transparent substrate applied with the correction of the recessed defect.
US07862959B2 Transfer mask for exposure and pattern exchanging method of the same
The present invention is a transfer mask for exposure comprising a mask portion having a plurality of cells, each of which an opening of a predetermined pattern is formed in. When one side of the plurality of cells is exposed to a charged particle beam, each of the plurality of cells is adapted to make the charged particle beam pass through itself to the other side thereof based on the pattern of the opening formed in the cell. Thus, when a substrate to be processed is arranged on the other side of the cell, the pattern of the opening formed in the cell is transferred to the substrate to be processed and hence an exposure pattern is formed on the substrate to be processed. The feature of the present invention is that a part of or all the plurality of cells can be exchanged at the mask portion.
US07862958B2 Retaining apparatus for electrochemical generator
The invention provides an electrochemical generator having a retaining apparatus for maintaining a stack of electrochemical cells in a state of compression. The electrochemical generator comprises an assembly of electrochemical cells comprising a plurality of stacked electrochemical cells and a retaining apparatus comprising holding members positioned at each extremity of the assembly and anchoring devices maintaining the holding members at a predetermined distance from one another thereby maintaining the assembly under a state of compression.
US07862957B2 Current collector plates of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys
Collector plates made of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys, the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys providing ruggedness, lightweight structure, excellent resistance to chemical and environmental effects, and low-cost manufacturing, and methods of making such collector plates from such bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are provided.
US07862955B2 Electrolytic cell or fuel cell with pressure pads and improved transfer resistance
The invention relates to an electrochemical battery, in particular a fuel cell battery or electrolytic cell battery comprising several electrolytic electrode units, a number of cooling cards for respectively cooling at least one of the electrolytic electrode units and at least one pressure chamber, which can be impinged by a pressure independently of the media supply of the electrolytic electrode units, for creating a contact pressure between components of the electrochemical battery that adjoin the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber adjoins at least one of the cooling cards and is at least partly delimited by said cooling cards.
US07862950B2 Membrane electrode assembly
The present invention relates to an assembly with a reinforced sealing structure for its use in fuel cells and electrolyzers, comprising a membrane electrode assembly (23) and a sealing structure (S) surrounding said membrane electrode assembly (23), said sealing structure (S) comprising a gasket (G), a reinforcing material (4) integrated in said gasket and reagent gas and coolant fluid openings (10) for the passage of reactant gases and coolant fluid.
US07862935B2 Management via dynamic water holdup estimator in a fuel cell
A strategy of controlling a state of hydration of a fuel cell(s) and actively managing operation of the fuel cell(s) to achieve a desired state of hydration. The control strategy monitors the state of hydration and a rate of change of the state of hydration which are used to control the operation of the fuel cell(s). A supervisory control strategy is implemented that alters the operating parameters of the fuel cell(s) based upon the state of hydration, the rate of change of the state of hydration, and a desired operational range for the state of hydration.
US07862934B2 Battery having a collector plate
The object of the present invention is to provide a reliable alkaline storage battery having a structure by which a short circuit between the electrodes can be prevented in the manufacturing procedures.To achieve this object, the present invention provides a cylindrical battery that includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate spirally wound together and sandwiching a separator. The collector plate includes a main body. One or more convex parts, each having a top extending linearly, are formed on a main surface of the main body by bending processing. A part of at least one of the convex part is cut out to form a cutout region. The collector plate is welded to the end part of the electrode assembly at the top of each convex part.
US07862930B2 Negative electrode for lithium ion secondary battery, producing method therefor, and lithium ion secondary battery using the negative electrode
A negative electrode for a lithium ion battery with high capacity, excellent cycle performance, and discharge performance at high load. In the negative electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery including a current collector and an active material layer carried on the current collector: the active material layer includes silicon, and an element M incapable of forming an alloy with lithium; the proportion of element M is higher in a first side contacting the current collector than in a second side opposite to the first side, in the thickness direction of the active material layer; the element M is different from the element forming the current collector; and the active material layer does not include a binder.
US07862925B2 Secondary battery
A secondary battery having an increased winding area of the electrode assembly due to an absent positive electrode terminal. An electrode plate of the electrode assembly is directly welded to the can for electrical connection and to prevent the electrode assembly from floating inside the can. The secondary battery includes a hexahedronal can having an opening formed on a side and an electrode assembly contained in the can. The electrode assembly has a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate laminated and wound together. The first electrode plate is connected to the inner surface of the can and the second electrode plate is connected to an electrode tab extending a predetermined distance to the exterior. A cap assembly has a cap plate coupled to the opening of the can to which the electrode is welded and an electrode terminal is coupled to the electrode terminal.
US07862924B2 Battery module
A battery module includes unit batteries spaced apart from each other and a barrier arranged between neighboring ones of the unit batteries. The barrier includes protrusions formed on a front surface, a rear surface, or both of the barrier to form an airflow portion; and strength reinforcing portions formed on the barrier, each extending in a direction and having a channel.
US07862912B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium and system with low-curie-temperature multilayer for heat-assisted writing and/or reading
A perpendicular magnetic recording medium, usable for either continuous or patterned media, has a recording layer structure (RLS) of first and second perpendicular magnetic layers (PM1, PM2) and an antiferromagnetically coupling (AFC) layer and a ferromagnetic switching layer (SWL) between PM1 and PM2. The magnetic recording system uses heat to assist in the reading and/or writing of data. The SWL is a Co/Ni multilayer with a Curie temperature (TC-SWL) less than the Curie temperatures of PM1 and PM2. At room temperature, there is ferromagnetic coupling between SWL and the upper ferromagnetic layer (PM2) so that the magnetizations of SWL and PM2 are parallel, and antiferromagnetic coupling between SWL and the lower ferromagnetic layer (PM1) across the AFC layer so that the magnetization of PM1 is aligned antiparallel to the magnetizations of SWL and PM2. When the SWL is heated to above TC-SWL it is no longer ferromagnetic, there is no antiferromagnetic coupling between the SWL and PM1 across the AFC layer, and the magnetizations of PM1 and PM2 become aligned parallel.
US07862911B2 Thermal spray coating and thermal spray powder
A thermal spray coating is made of cermet and provided on the surface of a base. The value that is gained by further dividing the value, which is gained by dividing the coefficient of thermal expansion of the thermal spray coating by the thickness of the thermal spray coating (unit: μm), by the coefficient of thermal expansion of the base is set to a value no less than 0.15×10−2. Accordingly, peeling and cracking of the thermal spray coating can be prevented from being caused by the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the thermal spray coating and the base.
US07862910B2 Photocatalytic coatings having improved low-maintenance properties
The invention provides a substrate bearing a photocatalytic coating. In some embodiments, the coating includes a photocatalytic film comprising titania deposited over a layer comprising tungsten oxide, aluminum oxide, niobium oxide or zirconium oxide. Additionally or alternatively, the photocatalytic film can include both titania and a material selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, tantalum, copper and silica. The invention also provides methods of depositing such coatings.
US07862906B2 Electroluminescent element and light-emitting device
An electroluminescent element which can easily control the balance of color in white emission (white balance) is provided according to the present invention. The electroluminescent element comprises a first light-emitting layer containing one kind or two or more kinds of light-emitting materials, and a second light-emitting layer containing two kinds of light-emitting materials (a host material and a phosphorescent material) in which the phosphorescent material is doped at a concentration of from 10 to 40 wt %, preferably, from 12.5 to 20 wt %. Consequently, blue emission can be obtained from the first light-emitting layer and green and red (or orange) emission can be obtained from the second light-emitting layer. An electroluminescent element having such device configuration can easily control white balance since emission peak intensity changes at the same rate in case of increasing a current density.
US07862905B2 Arylamine compound and organic electroluminescent device
The present invention provides an arylamine compound having a molecular weight of from 1500 to 6000 represented by the general formula (1): According to the present invention, there can be provided an arylamine compound having excellent hole injection and transporting characteristics and being capable of forming a stable thin film. By using the compound, emission efficiency and durability of conventional organic EL devices can remarkably be improved.
US07862903B2 Monolithic and bi-functional extruded structural element
The invention relates to a bi-functional extruded structural element, particularly a stringer for aeronautical construction, comprising a base that can be fixed on a surface, and a body, wherein the base comprises a first aluminum-based alloy, and further wherein the body comprises a second heat treatable aluminum-based alloy, having properties that are different from the properties of the first aluminum based alloy.
US07862901B2 Yttria containing thermal barrier coating topcoat layer and method for applying the coating layer
A gas turbine engine component and coating system including a superalloy substrate having a coating system disposed thereon. A bond coating may be applied to the substrate. An adherent layer of ceramic material forming a thermal barrier coating is present on the bond coat layer. A topcoat layer overlies the thermal barrier coating. The topcoat layer includes greater than about 20 wt % yttria.
US07862900B2 Multilayered construction for use in resistors and capacitors
The invention concerns multilayered constructions useful in forming capacitors and resistors, which may be used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards and microelectronic devices. A thermosetting polymer layer or layers are attached directly onto a heat resistant film layer, specifically on the side(s) of the heat resistant film to be attached to an electrically conductive layer having an electrical resistance material layer thereon. Attaching the adhesive to the heat resistant film rather than the electrically conductive layer streamlines the manufacturing process, particularly in the formation of the electrical resistance material layer onto the electrically conductive layer. This also results in better precision and uniformity of the multilayered construction.
US07862899B2 Multilayer structure for polymers
The invention relates to a multilayer structure which is especially suitable for the anti-scratch sealing and decorative metallic finishing of topographically defined polymer surfaces, and to vacuum methods for building up the series of layers.
US07862898B2 Adhesive composition and articles made therefrom
An adhesive composition comprising a multifunctional ethylenically unsaturated siloxane polymer, a monofunctional ethylenically unsaturated siloxane macromer, and a vinyl monomer is described. The adhesive composition is used to make adhesive articles that, when applied to a substrate, remain removable or repositionable, even after long periods of time. The adhesive composition may be used in transfer adhesive films, and in laminated articles suitable for use in optical applications.
US07862895B2 Organopolysiloxane combination for surface treatment, powder treated with the combination, and cosmetic comprising the powder
A combination of for surface treating powder is disclosed. The combination comprises a mixture of an organopolysiloxane (I) and organopolysiloxane (II), a mixture of an organopolysiloxane (I) and acryl/silicone copolymer (III) or a mixture of an organopolysiloxane (I), organopolysiloxane (II) and acryl/silicone copolymer (III) as defined herein. The organopolysiloxane (I) is represented by the following formula (1) R1a(OR2)bSiO(4-a-b)/2 with the subscripts “a” and “b” and groups R1 and R2 defined herein. The organopolysiloxane (II) is represented by the formula R3cR4dR5eSiO(4-c-d-e)/2 with the subscripts “c”, “d” and “e” defined and groups R3 and R4 defined herein, and group R5 being a silicone compound residue of the formula as defined herein.
US07862893B2 Paraffinic wax particle coated with a powder coating
A granular solid wax particle, comprising a) a highly paraffinic wax having a T10 boiling point less than 427° C. and comprising at least 40 weight percent n-paraffins, and b) an inorganic powder coating on the wax particle. Also, a process for making a fuel or a base oil, comprising transporting the granular solid wax particles in a transport vessel to a distant location where the granular solid wax particles are processed into the fuel or the base oil.
US07862892B2 Microspheres including nanoparticles
A microparticle can include a central region and a peripheral region. The peripheral region can include a nanoparticle, such as a metal nanoparticle, a metal oxide nanoparticle, or a semiconductor nanocrystal. The microparticle can be a member of a monodisperse population of particles.
US07862891B2 Composite tether and methods for manufacturing, transporting, and installing same
The present invention includes a nontwisted composite tether comprising one or more composite rods encased in a jacket and a method for manufacturing same. A portion of the rods may be bundled into one or more strands, provided however that the rods comprising the strands are not twisted into twisted strands in the assembled nontwisted tether. Such untwisted strands, if any, additionally are not twisted relative to each other. Temporary and/or permanent buoyancy may be to the tether. The present invention includes methods for preparing, transporting, and installing a composite tether on a floating platform. The tether, preferably assembled at a waterfront, is launched into the water and towed to an offshore installation site, where the tether is upended and connected via a bottom end connector on the tether to an anchor foundation in the seabed and connected a top end connector on the tether to the floating platform.
US07862888B2 Pressure-sensitive adhesive composition for optical films, pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film and image display
There is provided a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition for optical films. The composition can form a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that can prevent light leakage caused by stress associated with dimensional change of a component such as an optical film, that has reworkability such that it can be easily peeled from a component, and that has satisfactory processability such that it can be processed without pressure-sensitive adhesive stain or dropout, after it is formed on an optical film. A pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film produced using the composition is also provided. The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is prepared to include a (meth)acrylic polymer including (a) 34 to 94% by weight of an alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer unit, (b) 5 to 50% by weight of an aromatic ring-containing (meth)acrylate monomer unit, and (c) 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of an amino group-containing (meth)acrylate monomer unit; 0.01 to 2 parts by weight of a peroxide as a crosslinking agent; and 0.01 to 2 parts by weight of a silane coupling agent based on 100 parts by weight of the (meth)acrylic polymer.
US07862886B2 Optical film, antireflection film, processes for producing the same, and polarizing plate and display employing the same
An optical film comprising a substrate and a layer, the layer comprising a cured object of a composition which contains at least one of: a hydrolyzate of at least one organosilane compound having a directly silicon-bonded hydroxyl or hydrolyzable group; and a partial condensate of the hydrolyzate, and further contains a compound having a polymerization initiation site, and an antireflection film comprising a substrate and at least one layer including an antireflection layer, wherein at least one of the at least one layer is a layer formed by curing, with at least one of a light and a heat energy, a composition which contains at least one of: a hydrolyzate of at least one organosilane compound having a directly silicon-bonded hydroxyl or hydrolyzable group; and a partial condensate of the hydrolyzate, and further contains a compound having a polymerization initiation site.
US07862883B2 Intermediate transfer member, method of producing intermediate transfer member, and image forming apparatus provided with intermediate transfer member
The present invention provides an intermediate transfer member having higher transferability and higher cleaning properties aid durability, an apparatus for producing an intermediate transfer member which does not require the provision of any large equipment such as vacuum equipment, and an image forming apparatus comprising the intermediate transfer member. The intermediate transfer member contains a support and, provided on the support, a first inorganic compound layer containing carbon atoms and a second inorganic compound layer as a surface layer, the second inorganic compound layer not containing any carbon atom or containing carbon atoms in a smaller amount than the carbon atoms in the first inorganic compound layer.
US07862881B2 Label for in-mold formation
A label for in-mold formation is provided which can be readily delaminated from the container by any one because of its excellent delamination initiation property and delamination transmission property as well as its low interlaminar strength, and which can be recorded with information such as pictures and letters on the inner side concealed by the label, and therefore, enabling effective utilization of the display area, or utilization of the delaminated label portion as a request form or a discount ticket, so called coupon.The present invention discloses a label for in-mold formation which includes a base layer (A) containing a thermoplastic resin, a layer (B) which enables delamination, and a heat seal layer (D) in this order; the aforementioned label for in-mold formation which includes an intermediate layer (C) between the layer (B) which enables delamination and the heat seal layer (D); and a resin molded product with a label to which the label for in-mold formation is attached to integrate with such a resin molded product by thermal fusion.
US07862878B2 Layered adhesive construction useful for attaching a collecting bag or collecting device to the perianal area
A layered adhesive construction including a layer of a moldable paste wrapped in one or more wrapping layers, and a first adhesive layer attached to the wrapping layer on one outer surface of the layer of wrapped moldable paste where the layered adhesive construction has a symmetrical shape around a central axis of symmetry lying in the plane of the layers of the adhesive construction. The adhesive construction has a hole going therethrough which is placed with its center on the axis of symmetry so that it divides the central axis of symmetry in two parts. An area around at least one of the two parts on the central axis of symmetry is without the moldable paste layer and has one or more backing layers and a layer of adhesive on the same side of the adhesive construction as the first adhesive layer.
US07862874B2 Welded resin material
A method for producing a welded resin material contains steps of: superimposing a resin member having transmissibility to laser light and a resin member having absorptivity to laser light to form a contact part where the resin members are in contact with each other; forming a closed space that is adjacent to the contact part and faces one end of the contact part; and radiating the laser light from the resin member having transmissibility while pressing the resin members to each other through the contact part, so as to heat the contact part to melt a resin at the contact part, housing a resin excluded from the contact part through melting in the closed space, solidifying the resin melted at the contact part to weld the resin members.
US07862867B2 Bifunctional polymerizable compound, polymerizable liquid crystal composition, and oriented film
Disclosed is a bifunctional polymerizable compound represented by the formula [1]. Also disclosed is a polymerizable liquid crystal composition comprising at least one bifunctional polymerizable compound represented by the formula [1] and a polymerizable liquid crystal compound. The bifunctional polymerizable compound has a high polymerizability. When added to a polymerizable liquid crystal compound to prepare a polymerizable liquid crystal composition, the bifunctional polymerizable compound enables to remarkably improve the thermal stability of a polymer produced from the composition. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing the bifunctional polymerizable compound has a low crystallization temperature and shows a stable liquid-crystallinity under ordinary environment wherein X1, X2 and X3 independently represent a single bond or a benzene ring; Y represents —O— or a single bond; M represents a lactone ring or an acrylate group; and n represents an integer of 4 to 10.
US07862863B2 Method for manufacturing an inkjet recording medium
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an inkjet recording medium having at least applying, on a support, a coating liquid A, a coating liquid B and a coating liquid C in this order from the support to form an ink receiving layer. The coating liquid A contains at least a crosslinking agent. The coating liquid B contains at least a vapor-phase-process silica and a water-soluble binder, in which the content of a pseudo boehmite alumina hydrate with respect to the content of the vapor-phase-process silica in the coating liquid B is less than 3% by mass, and the content of a crosslinking agent with respect to the content of the vapor-phase-process silica in the coating liquid B is less than 3% by mass. The coating liquid C contains at least a pseudo boehmite alumina hydrate and a water-soluble binder.
US07862862B2 Water dispersible silanes as corrosion-protection coatings and paint primers for metal pretreatment
A method of applying to a metal surface a composition and drying the surface for crosslinking, which composition comprises a dispersion in the solvent of a compound comprising the reaction product of (1) a polyamine in which a plurality of amine groups are bonded to at least one radical comprising alkylene or arylene groups that separate the polyamine nitrogen atoms by at least four intermediate atoms in a chain, and (2) a silane which carries a plurality of silicon-bonded hydrolysable groups, and a silicon-bonded organic group that is covalently reactive with and which bonds with an amine group, to provide a reaction product molecule which comprises an average of at least about 2.5 of said silane groups per molecule. Some of these materials show superior advantage as a paint primer and some provide excellent corrosion resistance.
US07862859B2 Method of correcting for pattern run out
A method of correcting for pattern run out in a desired pattern in directional deposition or etching comprising the steps of providing a test substrate; providing a stencil of known thickness on the test substrate; providing a stencil pattern extending through the stencil to the test substrate. exposing the test substrate through the stencil to a source of directional deposition or etching; comparing the stencil pattern to the pattern on the substrate at a plurality of points along at least one direction to determine pattern run out at said points; fitting the measured pattern run out as a function of position to a function of the form ΔX=MX+C where ΔX=pattern run out, X=position on the substrate, M=Magnification and C=translational offset; providing a further substrate at a known position relative to the first; providing a further stencil of known thickness; adjusting the magnification to allow for the difference in stencil thickness between the test stencil and the further stencil; adjusting the transitional offset to allow for the difference in position of the test substrate and further substrate along said direction; providing a desired pattern to be deposited or etched on the further substrate; correcting each point of the desired pattern by the inverse of the determined pattern run out at the point; providing the corrected desired pattern on this further stencil, the pattern extending through the further stencil to the substrate; exposing the further substrate through the further stencil to the directional source of deposition or etching.
US07862855B2 Controlling effusion cell of deposition system
In a method of controlling an effusion cell in a deposition system, including a crucible, a guiding pathway and an injection nozzle, a guiding pathway and an injection nozzle are heated. The crucible is heated after heating the guiding pathway and the injection nozzle. In addition, in cooling the effusion cell including a crucible, a guiding pathway and an injection nozzle, the crucible is cooled. The guiding pathway and the injection nozzle are cooled after cooling the crucible. This method has an advantage of enhancing uniformity of the organic layer formed on the substrate by preventing the clogging of the injection nozzle by deposition material vaporized in the crucible or splashing.
US07862848B2 Direct coating solid dosage forms using powdered materials
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dry coating solid dosage forms. The method includes the steps of placing solid dosage forms in a rotatable, electrically grounded housing, and spraying a film forming polymer powder composition into the housing during rotation thereof to form a polymer coating on the solid dosage forms, the polymer powder composition being sprayed using an electrostatic spray gun, and curing the coated solid dosage forms.
US07862841B1 Multiple serving container
A multiple serving container shaped to incorporate an opening dimensionally sized to fit within the opening of the typical plastic liquid containers used for bottling water, fruit juice and soda. The serving container fitting inside an opening into the liquid container allows transfer of contents without spillage.
US07862840B2 Kiwi extract
The invention describes the preparation, isolation and use of an extract of kiwi fruit for the treatment of a disease or condition related with, caused by or mediated by activity of human pancreatic lipase and/or human fatty acid synthase.
US07862835B2 Method of manufacturing a medical device having a porous coating thereon
Methods of manufacturing drug-coated medical devices having a porous coatings thereon. The pores are created by solid particle additives added to a mixture comprising a solvent, a drug, and a polymer to create a suspension, which is applied to the medical device. The method includes adding a surfactant to the mixture to prevent or decrease flocculation of the solid particle additives. Another method is provided that includes spraying a suspension on a medical device that comprises solid particle additives, a drug, and a polymer and analyzing the distribution of the solid particle additives in the suspension.
US07862830B2 Stereocomplex-forming composition and implantable medical device comprising same
The present invention relates to a composition of a first single enantiomer homopolymer and a separate stereocomplex formed of a second single enantiomer homopolymer and it mirror image enantiomer, wherein the first and second single enantiomer homopolymers can be the same or different.
US07862820B2 Immunoglobulin chimeric monomer-dimer hybrids
The invention relates to a chimeric monomer-dimer hybrid protein that comprises a first and a second polypeptide chain, the first polypeptide chain comprising at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region and a biologically active molecule, and the second polypeptide chain comprising at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region without the biologically active molecule of the first polypeptide chain. The invention also relates to methods of using and methods of making the chimeric monomer-dimer hybrid protein of the invention.
US07862819B2 Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2α (DGAT2α)
Nucleic acid compositions encoding mammalian DGAT2α polypeptide products with diglyceride acyltransferase activity, as well as the mammalian DGAT2α polypeptide products encoded thereby and methods for producing the same, are provided. The subject DGAT2α polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies and in the production of triacylglycerols.
US07862818B2 Method of inhibiting human G-protein chemokine receptor (CCR5) HDGNR10
The present invention relates to a novel human protein called Human G-protein Chemokine Receptor (CCR5) HDGNR10, and isolated polynucleotides encoding this protein. The invention is also directed to human antibodies that bind Human G-protein Chemokine Receptor (CCR5) HDGNR10 and to polynucleotides encoding those antibodies. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing Human G-protein Chemokine Receptor (CCR5) HDGNR10 and human anti-Human G-protein Chemokine Receptor (CCR5) HDGNR10 antibodies. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and/or conditions related to this novel human protein and these novel human antibodies.
US07862817B2 Humanized anti-ErbB2 antibodies and treatment with anti-ErbB2 antibodies
The present application describes humanized anti-ErbB2 antibodies and methods for treating cancer with anti-ErbB2 antibodies, such as humanized anti-ErbB2 antibodies.
US07862814B2 Method of inhibiting the proliferation of B cell cancers using TACI-immunoglobulin fusion proteins
Molecules that interfere with the binding of a tumor necrosis factor receptor with its ligand, such as a soluble receptor, have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides improved soluble transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand-interactor (TACI) receptors.
US07862811B2 Protease inhibition for prevention or treatment of heart failure
Methods, and compositions to prevent and/or treat acute or chronic right ventricular failure from pressure over load (RVPO). In one embodiment, the method includes the inhibition of at least one cysteine protease. In other embodiments, the method includes the inhibition of MMP activity to prevent or treat right ventricular failure from acute pressure over load (RVPO). In another embodiment, combination therapies are included to inhibit cysteine protease activity and MMP activity.
US07862809B2 Use of strains of lactobacillus and by-products thereof for inhibiting formation of blood vessels
A lactic composition containing at least a bacterial strain selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and a mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei, and a whole broth of the bacterial strain or the mixture of the bacterial strains, is useful for the prevention or treatment of disorders which are angiogenesis dependant. Both the lactic composition and its supernatant can be used for prevention or treatment of angiogenesis dependant disorders. The supernatant of the lactic composition exhibits antiangiogenic properties.
US07862808B2 Method for preventing or treating respiratory infections and acute otitis media in infants using Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12
The present invention is directed to a novel method for preventing or treating respiratory infections and acute otitis media in infants. The method comprises the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a Bifidobacteria strain and an adherence-promoting probiotic, such as LGG, to the infant.
US07862802B2 Patches for teeth whitening
The present invention relates to a dry type tooth whitening patch comprising peroxide as a tooth whitening agent. In particular, disclosed is a dry type tooth whitening patch in which a peroxide is contained, as a teeth whitening agent, in a matrix type adhesive layer. The adhesive layer includes, as a base polymer thereof, a hydrophilic glass polymer which provides a strong adhesion to teeth while releasing the tooth whitening agent when hydrated on the enamel layers of teeth in the moist oral cavity. The dry type patch according to the present invention is convenient in use, as compared to wet type patches. Further, it exhibits a superior adhesion while being maintained in a state attached to the teeth for a lengthened period of time so as to assure an enough contact time between the whitening agent in the patch and stains on the teeth, thereby giving a sufficient whitening effect.
US07862801B2 Adhesive dental bleaching compositions comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone
A dental bleaching composition comprises a dental bleaching agent and a polyvinylpyrrolidone thickening agent. The bleaching composition may include water, flavoring agents, a basic substance and desensitizing agents, as desired. Polyvinylpyrrolidone avoids acid etching and chelation of teeth that were problematic in bleaches using carbomer as a thickener. A delivery system for delivering the bleaching composition comprises the aforementioned dental bleaching composition in combination with a moisture-resistant barrier layer such as a dental tray or a flexible strip of material.
US07862793B2 Growth of and defect reduction in nanoscale materials
Methods by which the growth of a nanostructure may be precisely controlled by an electrical current are described here. In one embodiment, an interior nanostructure is grown to a predetermined geometry inside another nanostructure, which serves as a reaction chamber. The growth is effected by a catalytic agent loaded with feedstock for the interior nanostructure. Another embodiment allows a preexisting marginal quality nanostructure to be zone refined into a higher-quality nanostructure by driving a catalytic agent down a controlled length of the nanostructure with an electric current. In both embodiments, the speed of nanostructure formation is adjustable, and the growth may be stopped and restarted at will. The catalytic agent may be doped or undoped to produce semiconductor effects, and the bead may be removed via acid etching.
US07862792B2 Diamond-carbon material and a method for the production thereof
The invention relates to carbon chemistry and is embodied in the form of a diamond-carbon material, in which carbon is contained in the form a diamond cubic modification and in a roentgen-amorphous phase at a ratio of (40-80):(60-20) in terms of a carbon mass, respectively, wherein the inventive material comprises 89.1-95.2 mass % carbon, 1.2-5.0 mass % nitrogen, 0.1-4.7 mass % oxygen and 0.1-1.5 mass % fire-resisting impurities. The inventive method for producing said material consisting in detonating, in a closed space of a carbon-inert gas medium, a carbon-containing oxygen-deficient explosive material, which is placed in a condensed phase envelop containing a reducing agent at a quantitative ratio between said reducing agent mass in the condensed phase and the mass of the used carbon-containing explosive material equal to or greater than 0.01:1. A method for processing the samples of diamond-carbon material produced by means of a detonation synthesis for examining the elemental composition thereof is also disclosed.
US07862791B2 Hydrogen storage systems and compositions
In one aspect, the invention provides a hydrogen storage material that is formed by reacting solid precursors (a) and (b). The (a) precursor is a compound containing X—H and Y—H bonds, where X is a Group 13 and Y is a Group 15 element. Preferably X is boron (B—H) and Y is nitrogen (N—H). Most preferably, the precursor (a) is borazane. The (b) precursor is preferably a hydride, such as LiH or LiAlH4. Another feature of the present invention is a novel hydrogen storage composition material that is formed as an intermediate (INT) in the reaction of the (a) with the (b) precursors. The INT hydrogen storage material can be a quaternary B—H—Li—N composition. Other aspects of hydrogen storage materials are provided herein.
US07862790B2 Carbide nanofibrils and method of making same
A plurality of carbide, such as silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, etc., nanofibrils predominantly having diameters substantially less than about 100 nm and a method for making such carbide nanofibrils. The method includes the steps of: heating a plurality of carbon nanotubes or nanofibrils predominantly having diameters less than about 50 nm in a reaction chamber in the presence of a gas of the form QnAm, where Q is a metal capable of forming a carbide, A is an element or radical and n and m are integers necessary to satisfy valences, such as, for example silicon monoxide, and an inert gas in a reaction vessel to a temperature substantially less than 1700 C but sufficently high to cause substantial reaction of the metal in the gas with the carbon of said carbon nanotubes or nanofibrils to form, in situ, solid carbide nanofibrils, the temperature being sufficiently low to prevent substantial fusing together of individidual ones of said carbide nanofibrils, removing at least a portion of A-based gas from said reaction chamber as said reaction progresses, and maintaining said temperature until substantially all the carbon of said nanotubes or nanofibrils has been converted into Q-based carbide.
US07862789B2 Circulating fluidized bed power plant having integrated sulfur dioxide scrubber system with lime feed
A circulating fluidized bed power plant 100 includes; a circulating fluidized bed boiler 110 which generates flue gases, a flash dry absorber scrubber 140 configured to receive the flue gases from the circulating fluidized bed boiler 110, and a lime feed 150 configured to introduce lime into the flash dry absorber scrubber 140.
US07862787B1 Heat recovery device for a boiler
A boiler conveys an exhaust gas stream to a heat recovery device. The heat recovery device includes an air straightener, a heat recovery unit or feedwater heater, and a catalyst assembly positioned between the air straightener and the feedwater heater. The catalyst assembly has a catalyst drawer or bed that holds a quantity of catalyst materials for removing contaminants from the exhaust gas stream. The air straightener has a plurality of baffles that are arranged in a manner that optimizes the performance of the catalyst drawer or bed. The baffles also prevent condensation from leaking from the feedwater heater into the boiler. The feedwater heater recovers a quantity of heat from the exhaust gas stream.
US07862786B2 Selective precipitation of metal sulfides
A method for recovering zinc ions by selective zinc sulfide precipitation from an aqueous solution comprising zinc ions and metal ions of a metal that precipitates as a metal sulfide at a pH lower than a pH at which zinc ions precipitate as a zinc sulfide.
US07862785B2 Use of surfactants in the production of metal
An aqueous sulfuric acid-containing composition which comprises at least one surfactant, and a process for extricating metal from metal-containing materials with the aid of this aqueous sulfuric acid-containing composition are described.
US07862781B2 Honeycomb structure and method for manufacturing honeycomb structure
A honeycomb structure includes a ceramic block formed by a plurality of pillar-shaped honeycomb fired bodies each having a large number of cells longitudinally disposed in parallel with one another with a cell wall between the cells. The plurality of honeycomb fired bodies are combined with one another by interposing an adhesive layer with a sealing material layer formed on a peripheral face of the ceramic block and include a plurality of different shapes of the honeycomb fired bodies. A thickness of a peripheral wall forming the peripheral face of the ceramic block is virtually even. A shape of a cell located at an outermost periphery of the ceramic block is virtually identical with a shape of a cell located at a place other than the outermost periphery of the ceramic block. On the peripheral wall of the honeycomb fired body, a step is provided.
US07862780B2 Apparatus and method of making transformed water
The present invention provides an apparatus and method of producing transformed water without contact between the original transformed water and the water to be transformed. This is accomplished by organizing the original transformed water into a geometric contained arrangement such that a central cavity is created that substantially surrounds the water that is to be transformed. The water to be transformed is placed into a confined vessel such as a cylindrical container or a pipe inside the central cavity for about sixty seconds. This water then becomes transformed in the same likeness of the molecular clustering of the original transformed water.
US07862777B2 Coaxial tissue block puncher set
A coaxial tissue block puncher set comprises a carrier mechanism, the first, second and third operating mechanisms being respectively installed at proper positions thereon, while each of the operating mechanisms respectively has a base and a lifting unit being movingly installed on the base, wherein lifting unit of the first operating mechanism is movingly installed with a first punch needle tube, lifting unit of the second operating mechanism being movingly installed with a second punch needle tube is pierced through the first punch needle tube, and lifting unit of the third operating mechanism being movingly installed with a thimble is pierced through the second punch needle tube. Therefore, user is able to punch-extract relevant pathological paraffin and put to relevant position in the empty block thereby forming a tissue array without the need for tedious manual methods thus achieving the effectiveness of fastness, precision and easy operation, etc.
US07862772B2 Analyzer-supplying device
The present invention relates to a test piece supplying device (1) comprising a container (4) for containing a plurality of test pieces, and also includes a movable body (3) moving relative to the container (4) with the test piece accommodated in a recess (30) so as to take the test piece out of the container (4). The container (4) includes a sweeping portion (41) for interfering with the test pieces, in the container (4), located above the test piece accommodated in the recess (30), when the movable body (3) moves relative to the container (4). When a warped test piece accommodated in the recess (30) is moved relative to the container (4), the interfering portion (41) flattens the test strip to be accommodated in the recess (30) so that the test piece is easily taken out of the container (4).
US07862770B2 Patches for non-intrusive monitoring of oxygen in packages
This disclosure describes an Oxygen sensing patch that can be attached to the interior surface of packages for oxygen interrogation inside the package. The Oxygen sensing patch is integrated into the inside of the package during the packaging manufacturing process and, when used with a blue LED and fluorometer, will quantitatively report the amount of oxygen in the package. The Oxygen sensing patch is suitable for measuring oxygen in gas, such as headspace applications, and in liquid. Oxygen is sensed by measuring the phase shift of fluorescence of the fluorophore immobilized in the Oxygen sensing patch. The patch can be non-intrusively interrogated by a light source. The interrogation can be done using a phase fluorometer where oxygen level is desired, or inspected visually for color change using a hand held blue LED.
US07862766B2 Method for functionalization of nanoscale fiber films
Methods are provided for functionalizing a macroscopic film comprised of nanoscale fibers by controlled irradiation. The methods may include the steps of (a) providing a nanoscale fiber film material comprising a plurality of nanoscale fibers (which may include single wall nanotubes, multi-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or a combination thereof); and (b) irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material with a controlled amount of radiation in the open air or in a controlled atmosphere. The step of irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material is effective to functionalize the plurality of nanoscale fibers. Irradiated nanoscale fiber films are also provided having improved mechanical and electrical conducting properties.
US07862765B2 Method for synthesizing conductive composite
Provided are an apparatus and method for synthesizing a conductive composite with enhanced electrical conductivity. The apparatus includes: an injection-molding machine which injection-molds pellets created by mixing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with polymers; and an electric field generator which applies an electric field to the pellets that are melted while the melted pellets are injection-molded and thus rearranges the CNTs included in a composite into which the melted pellets are injection-molded.
US07862764B2 Method and applicator for selective electromagnetic drying of ceramic-forming mixture
Electromagnetic (EM) drying of a plugged ware is provided that includes subjecting the ware to an axially non-uniform EM radiation field that causes more EM radiation to be dissipated in either of the plugged regions than in the unplugged region. The EM radiation field is provided by a configurable applicator system that includes a feed waveguide and a conveyor path. The feed waveguide includes configurable slots. The configurable applicator system can be set to selectively vary the amount of EM radiation dissipated by each ware along the longitudinal axis of each ware as a function of ware position along the conveying path, thereby enhancing the EM drying process.
US07862763B2 Methods of quality control in concrete block production
The invention relates to a method of controlling the quality of blocks that are produced front face-up in a mold, and verifying the accuracy of the production of such blocks, to ensure that the blocks are manufactured with consistent quality and minimal block-to-block variability. Measurement locations are formed on the front faces of predetermined blocks. By measuring the distances between the measurement locations and the rear faces and comparing with a target distance, any variation provides an indication that the blocks are not being properly formed. The process variables, such as the alignment of the compression head and/or the pressure plates to the mold, can then be adjusted accordingly.
US07862761B2 Pattern forming method and pattern forming apparatus
A pattern forming method for forming a pattern on a pattern forming material on a substrate by using an imprint pattern provided to a mold is constituted by preparing a substrate having thereon a pattern forming area, disposing the pattern forming material placed in an uncured state in the pattern forming area in a dispersion state at a plurality of positions at different intervals, and curing the pattern forming material in a state in which the pattern forming material is deformed in a shape corresponding to a shape of the imprint pattern provided to the mold.
US07862759B2 Method of manufacturing liquid ejecting head
A method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting head and a supply member having a plurality of liquid supply passages is provided. The supply member includes first and second supply members in which liquid supply passages are provided and filters provided between the first supply member and the second supply member. The method includes: preparing a connected filter formed of a plurality of filter element portions corresponding to the plurality of liquid supply passages and a connecting portion that connects the plurality of filter element portions; in a state where the filter element portions of the connected filter are held between the first supply member and the second supply member, charging molten resin from a position corresponding to the connecting portion of the connected filter to separate the connecting portion; and, during the charging, molding.
US07862758B2 In-mold coat-forming method
An in-mold coating method for molding a molded product with an excellent external appearance. A resin molded product is kept pressed against a mold cavity surface until immediately before coating. Mold-clamping force in a second step in which the shape of the resin molded product is fixed and that in a fourth step are selected so that the deformation of the mold cavity by the mold-clamping forces is substantially the same in the second and fourth steps. Even if the mold cavity deforms by the mold-clamping force in the second step, the mold cavity deforms similarly in the fourth step to provide a uniform coating thickness. Alternatively, a mold-clamping force smaller than that in the first step is selected for the second step to reduce the degree of deformation of the mold cavity and to achieve a uniform coating thickness.
US07862756B2 Imprint lithography
A method of making a substantial replica of a first imprint template which bears a first pattern is disclosed. The method includes filling recesses of the first pattern with a first material, removing the first material from the first imprint template to form a second imprint template which bears a second pattern, the second pattern being the substantial inverse of the first pattern, filling recesses of the second pattern with a photo-curable medium, curing the photo-curable medium by illuminating it with radiation, and removing the cured medium from the second imprint template to form a third imprint template which bears a pattern that is a substantial replica of the first pattern.
US07862753B2 Compression molding method for cutting insert
According to an aspect of the invention, a compression molding method for a cutting insert, in which molding powder filled into a molding space defined by a die, an upper punch, and a lower punch is compression-molded by the upper and lower punches, includes, sliding both the upper and lower punches individually to positions just short of estimated stop positions obtained for design by means of a position controller, and then sliding the punches by means of a load controller so that a predetermined pressure is reached.
US07862751B2 Formulation of fine particles using liquefield or dense gases
The invention provides a method for manipulating or formulating a solid substance which melts under pressure of a gas without degrading at a temperature lower than the melting point of the substance at atmospheric pressure including: applying to the substance a liquefied gas or dense gas to melt the substance without degrading the substance; then contacting the molten substance with a carrier fluid, which is at substantially the same pressure as the liquefied gas or dense gas, to form a solution or mixture of at least a part of the molten substance and the carrier fluid; and passing the solution or mixture into a vessel of lower pressure than the pressure of the liquefied gas or dense gas and carrier fluid to form particles of the substance; and particles formed by the method.
US07862749B2 Flame retardant polyurethanes and additives therefor
A free-flowing, stable liquid flame retardant mixture comprised of or formed by mixing together components comprised of: A) at least one organic halogen-containing reactive flame retardant in which the halogen is bromine, chlorine or both; and B) a liquid additive that is comprised of at least one aliphatic polyepoxide of the formula R(EP)n, wherein R is a straight chain or branched chain aliphatic moiety which consists of carbon, hydrogen, and optionally, one or more ether oxygen atoms and/or one or more epoxy oxygen atoms; Ep is a terminal epoxy group: and n is a whole or fractional number in the range of 2 to about 6. Such mixtures can be effectively used in the preparation of flame retardant rigid polyurethanes and rigid foams thereof, and rigid polyisocyanurate and rigid foams thereof. Component B) serves as an effective hardener for such polymers and foams. It is preferable to include in the liquid flame retardant mixture one or more phosphorus-containing flame retardant additives such a fully-esterified ester of a pentavalent acid of phosphorus, e.g., an organic phosphate or organic phosphonate.
US07862745B2 Liquid crystalline polyester composition and molded article using the same
The present invention provides a liquid crystalline polyester composition comprising (A) a liquid crystalline polyester having a solubility parameter σA of from 13 (cal/cm3)1/2 to 13.5 (cal/cm3)1/2 and (B) a polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester having a solubility parameter σB of from 9 (cal/cm3)1/2 to 9.5 (cal/cm3)1/2, wherein the component (B) is contained in the amount of from 0.1 to 1 parts by weight on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the component (A). The composition has a good mold releasing property to dies in a melt molding at the time of producing a molded article by melt molding the composition and providing a molded article with sufficiently reduced blisters.
US07862742B2 Compositions comprising a fluoroolefin
The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises a fluoroolefin and at least one other component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.
US07862741B2 Compositions comprising a fluoroolefin
The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises a fluoroolefin and at least one other component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.
US07862737B2 Planarizing method
Provided is a planarizing method in which a planarization with high flatness can be performed, without being restricted by the distribution of film thickness in the applied resist film. The planarizing method comprises the steps of: forming a resist film on a film to be planarized formed on a substrate; exposing the resist film with the amounts of exposure light in respective sections into which an area in which the film to be planarized is formed is divided, the amounts of exposure light being determined so as to realize film thicknesses to be left for planarization of the resist film in the respective sections; developing the exposed resist film, to form a resist film pattern with a controlled distribution of film thickness; and etching the resist film pattern and the film to be planarized, until eliminating the thickness amounts to be eliminated of the film to be planarized.
US07862735B2 Method for forming contact hole on semiconductor device
A method of forming a relatively fine contact hole using two masks. The two masks may have only their edge portions open, which may overlap each other.
US07862734B2 Method of fabricating nozzle assembly having moving roof structure and sealing bridge
A method of fabricating an inkjet nozzle assembly having a seal member bridging between a moving portion and a stationary portion. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a partially-fabricated printhead comprising a nozzle chamber sealed with a roof, (b) etching a via through the roof to define the moving portion on a first side of the via and the stationary portion on a second side of the via; (c) plugging the via with a plug of sacrificial material; (d) depositing a layer of flexible material over the plug; and (e) removing the plug to provide the inkjet nozzle assembly. The resultant seal member is comprised of the flexible material.
US07862731B2 Method for producing insulation structures
To form an isolation structure in a semiconductor substrate, at least two trenches are formed with a rib therebetween in the semiconductor substrate, and then the semiconductor material in the area of the trenches and particularly the rib is converted to an electrically insulating material. For example, this is accomplished by thermal oxidation of silicon semiconductor material of the rib.
US07862729B2 Deck drain cover
There is provided a drain cover for a drain disposed within a fabricated layer having an exposed surface. The drain includes a frame member having a top surface. The frame member extends through the fabricated layer. The drain cover includes a collar having a lower surface that is placed adjacent to the top surface of the frame member. The drain cover also includes a cup member having a cavity operative to receive a filling material. The collar defines an area within the exposed surface that is larger than the area of the cup member. There is at least one fin connected to the collar and the cup member.
US07862728B2 Ultraviolet water purification system
An Ultraviolet-C (UVC) based portable water purification system employing a novel array of baffles increases the efficiency per unit energy of irradiating UVC light in the eradication of pathogens in the water. Closed loop feedback allows monitoring the application of UVC light power to ensure high levels of pathogen eradication. This system is capable of eradicating a wide range of waterborne bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminthes, yeast, and mold found in natural freshwater sources worldwide. By adding pre- or post-filters, the system can remove harmful organic compounds, pesticides, inorganic compounds and heavy metals from the water. The system can also be used to eradicate pathogens in fluids other than water. As a feature of this invention, a communications systems that can reach geographically dispersed populations at low cost without the need to install costly wired communications infrastructure is combined with and powered by the water purification system. In one embodiment, a packet radio system is provided to create nodes in a wireless mesh communications system to provide voice, data, video and internet communications using an array of the water purifiers to create a wireless mesh network.
US07862726B2 Method for regenerating ionic exchange resins used for softening water and device for softening water
In a method for regenerating ionic exchange resins (3) used for softening water and a device for softening water, a flow of brine (S) is fed into a housing compartment (2) of the resins (3) at a determined velocity and subsequently a first flow of water alone is fed at a lower velocity than the velocity of the flow of brine (S). The velocities are determined by a ratio between the passage section of a respective throat (8) for feeding the water, and the passage section of a nozzle (10) for feeding the brine (S).
US07862725B2 Method for mercury capture from fluid streams
A method for removing mercury from a fluid stream includes the steps of providing a porous composite material comprising a substrate and a plurality of catalyst and/or photocatalyst particles, and contacting substrate with a fluid stream. The porous composite material adsorbs and/or then oxidizes or reduces metallic species including elemental mercury. A fossil fuel fired power plant can include an emission control device comprising the porous composite material to filter flue gas to and thereby minimize mercury emissions into the environment.
US07862720B2 Portable filtration system
A portable filter and filter system. The filter has a filter housing defining a liquid channel from an inlet to an outlet. The portable filter includes a liquid filter located in the filter housing, a mouthpiece mechanically associated with the dispensing end of the filter housing, and a liquid receiving means connected to the receiving end of the filter housing. The device can include a pre-filter assembly of which the liquid receiving means is a part. The liquid receiving means can include multiple connection members to receive liquid from a variety of liquid sources. The filter can be combined with a liquid container to form a portable filter system. The container can be a flexible bladder having a strap to connect the filtration device to the bladder.
US07862718B2 Integrated permeate channel membrane
A membrane has a permeate channel including a 3D spacer fabric having an upper and a lower fabric surface (2,3) spaced apart by monofilament thread (4) at a predefined distance, the permeate channel being interposed between two membrane layers (12, 13), wherein the membrane layers are linked at a multitude of points with the upper and lower fabric surfaces to form an integral structure with a high bonding strength suitable for backflush operations. A method provides an integrated permeate channel membrane, including the steps of: —Providing a 3D spacer fabric having an upper and lower surface fabric (2,3) spaced apart by monofilament thread (4) at a predefined distance; and—Applying a membrane layer to both the upper and the lower surface fabric.
US07862714B2 Reclamation unit for a liquid
The present invention is a reclamation unit (1) for a liquid comprising a housing (4) with a detachable upper (2) and lower (3) part in which the lower part (3) is connected with a base part (13). The lower part (3) comprises at least one heating unit (17) and inlets (14) and outlets (15,34). The upper part (2) encloses at least one filter unit (8). The lower part (3) and the base part (13) form an evaporation chamber (27), wherein the connection between the lower part (3) and the base part (13) includes a separator plate (19) which guides the liquid from the filter unit (8) onto side walls (37) of the evaporator chamber (27). The heating unit (17) protrudes into the evaporator chamber (27) with no conductive contact to the side walls (37). The present invention also is a filter unit (8), preferable for use in a reclamation unit (1), wherein the filter unit (8) comprises a filter canister (9), wherein membranes (24,28), a first filter medium (25), and a second filter material (26) are arranged, to enclose an inlet tube (10), and where the first filter material (25) is formed of hydrophobic fibers, and the second filter (26) material is formed of fine-mesh fibers.
US07862712B2 Swimming pool cleaning system
A pool cleaning installation that circulates water of a pool filtering and cleaning the water, having a suction connection to a flexible hose of a suction type automated pool cleaner and a return to a Venturi (10) located in the weir (5) of the pool which has a return pipe (11) to the pool, so that the Venturi action draws water into the weir to skim debris off the pool surface to collect in a leaf basket. The operation of the automated pool cleaner on the pool bottom and walls is not affected should the surface debris clog the leaf basket in the weir.
US07862711B2 Biofilter units and water treatment facilities with using the same biofilter units
Wastewater treatment facilities having biofilm contact and solid-liquid separation functions are disclosed, wherein a biofilter unit having biofilm contact, inclination plate precipitation and de-filming functions comprises an inclination plate settler formed with a plurality of inclination plates (2), each plate spaced in parallel relative to water surface at a predetermined downward angle and a predetermined distance apart, and spacings formed by the plates (2) are filled by biofilm media (3,3a) formed with specific surface-increased and bio-affinity materials so that micro-organisms can attach and grow in the shapes of biofilms therein, and de-filming means for separating biofilms attached to and grown on the biofilm media (3, 3a) and solids deposited on the surfaces of the inclination plates (2) by applying shearing force to biofilm media (3, 3a) and inclination plates (2).
US07862707B2 Liquid fuel feedstock production process
A process for converting feedstock into liquid hydrocarbon fuel condensate includes the steps of providing an unconventional feedstock for producing liquid hydrocarbon fuel, providing a heated heat transfer medium flowing through at least one thermal reaction zone under substantially carbon rejection process conditions and placing the feedstock onto the heated heat transfer medium flow so that the feedstock substantially rides on the flow surface of the heated heat transfer medium without substantially any mixing of the feedstock with the heat transfer medium, vaporizing at least a portion of the feedstock to form vapours while the feedstock is in the thermal reaction zones by heat transfer to the feedstock from the heat transfer medium and condensing the vapours into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel condensate.
US07862703B2 Diagnostic and control methods for internally calibrated oxygen sensor
A method for pumping a sealed internal reference chamber of a solid electrolyte oxygen sensor, having an internal electrode and an external electrode, during a dynamically controlled, null balancing, calibration process, the method including: initializing a set of pumping current pulse parameters controlling pulse ON time, post pulse relaxation time and pulse magnitude; applying a pulsed pumping current based on the set of pulse parameters to the internal and external electrodes, wherein the application of current transitions the chamber from a substantially evacuated state to a substantially null or balanced oxygen partial pressure state with respect to an applied external calibration gaseous environment; periodically comparing the Nernst voltage of the sensor to a predetermined limit to determine whether the chamber is at a null or balanced state; comparing an elapsed time from the application of the pulsed pumping current to a third predetermined time limit to determine if the sensor has failed, and progressively reducing at least one of the magnitude, ON time and relaxation time of the pumping current pulses to slow the transition as the chamber approaches the null or balanced oxygen partial pressure state.
US07862698B2 Device and method for preparing an electrochemical sensor
A device and method for preparing an electrochemical sensor may enable the sensor head thereof to be provided with an electrolyte and a membrane. The device may include a retaining means for the sensor in addition to means for depositing the electrolyte and means for depositing the membrane.
US07862697B2 Sensor control device
A sensor control device, and a gas sensor and sensor control device for applying a voltage to a sensor element of the gas sensor including an oxygen ion conductor and a pair of electrodes formed on the oxygen ion conductor of the gas sensor. The sensor control device includes a potential output terminal electrically connected to one of the pair of electrodes and a potential reference terminal electrically connected to the other of the pair of electrodes constituting the sensor element. The sensor control device applies a target voltage to the sensor element via the potential output terminal, corrected to take into account variation in the potential of the potential reference terminal.
US07862696B2 Biosensor system having enhanced stability and hematocrit performance
The present invention relates to electrochemical sensor strips and methods of determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample or improving the performance of a concentration determination. The electrochemical sensor strips may include at most 8 μg/mm2 of a mediator. The strips, the strip reagent layer, or the methods may provide for the determination of a concentration value having at least one of a stability bias of less than ±10% after storage at 50° C. for 4 weeks when compared to a comparison strip stored at −20° C. for 4 weeks, a hematocrit bias of less than ±10% for whole blood samples including from 20 to 60% hematocrit, and an intercept to slope ratio of at most 20 mg/dL. A method of increasing the performance of a quantitative analyte determination also is provided.
US07862694B2 Composite coating device and method of forming overcoat on magnetic head using the same
A composite coating device includes first to third processing chambers. The first processing chamber performs an ion beam etching as a pretreatment process in which an ion beam is irradiated on a surface of a magnetic head at a predetermined angle and the surface is removed for a predetermined depth. The second processing chamber performs a magnetron sputter deposition as a shock absorbing coating formation process in which a shock absorbing coating is formed on the pretreated surface. The third processing chamber performs an electron cyclotron resonance plasma chemical vapor epitaxy or a cathode arc discharge deposition as an overcoat formation process in which an overcoat is formed on the shock absorbing coating. A preparation chamber communicates with the first to third processing chambers through opening and closing devices for transferring the magnetic head.
US07862684B2 Use of particulate material derived from mammalian hair in the preparation of paper or paperboard products
The invention relates to the use of a particulate material derived from mammalian hair in the preparation of a paper or paperboard product, which particulate material has been prepared by means of a process, which comprises the following steps: (a) subjecting mammalian hair to an oxidation treatment in which the hair is contacted with a solution, which comprises a bleaching agent; (b) separating the oxidised hair from the solution; (c) drying the separated hair; and (d) subjecting the dried hair to a treatment in which the hair is formed into a particulate material having an average particle size in the range of from 0.5 to 4 mm. The invention further relates to a paper or paperboard product, or paper pulp comprising said particulate material.
US07862683B2 Chamber dry cleaning
An apparatus and method for improving the chamber dry cleaning of a PECVD system. The apparatus includes an annular gas ring with multiple outlets for introducing a cleaning gas into the process chamber, and the method includes using the gas ring to introduce a cleaning species from a remote plasma source into the processing chamber.
US07862681B2 Plasma processing system and method of contolling the same
Provided is a plasma processing system comprising: a plasma reactor generating plasma by receiving an input gas; and a radio frequency generator supplying radio frequency. The radio frequency generator supplies radio frequency power for plasma generation to the plasma reactor, wherein upon power interruption within a predetermined time occurring during the operation of the plasma reactor, the radio frequency generator re-supplies the radio frequency power, without discontinuing the operation of the plasma reactor, after power returns. Thereby, the plasma reactor stably maintains plasma upon momentary power interruption.
US07862680B2 Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of fluid suppliers 61, 61, 63 for supplying different processing fluids. In processing a wafer W, the substrate processing apparatus moves the fluid suppliers 61, 62, 63 along the peripheral part of the wafer W relatively. The fluid suppliers 61, 62, 63 are arranged in a direction extending from the circumference of the wafer W to its inside. With the arrangement, the apparatus is capable of stable processing of the wafer W in spite of rotating the wafer W at a low speed. Further, it is possible to improve a throughput of the apparatus in resist processing.
US07862662B2 Method and material for cleaning a substrate
Methods for cleaning using a tri-state body are disclosed. A substrate having a particle deposited thereon is provided. A tri-state body that has a solid portion, liquid portion, and a gas portion is generated. A force is applied over the tri-state body to promulgate an interaction between the solid portion and the particle. The tri-state body is removed along with the particle from the surface of the substrate. The interaction between the solid portion and the particle causing the particle to be removed along with the tri-state body.
US07862660B2 Device and method for fluid dynamics cleaning of constrained spaces
A method for cleaning interior surfaces of a header region of a hemodialyzer includes steps of: introducing an insertion device having an end portion and a shaft through a hemodialyzer plug port so that the end portion of the insertion device is within the header region; rotating the shaft at a speed sufficient to generate mechanical stresses for the removal of contaminants from interior surfaces of the header region; removing the insertion device from the header region; and rinsing and flushing away the removed contaminants from the header region. An apparatus and an insertion device for cleaning a header region of a hemodialyzer are disclosed.
US07862659B2 Semiconductor manufacturing device
The present invention relates to a semiconductor manufacturing device that a maintenance or a repairing is easy so that an efficiency of manufacturing can be enhanced because a high temperature of a susceptor can be rapidly down. The present invention relates to a semiconductor manufacturing device that an efficiency of manufacturing can be enhanced because a heater for heating the semiconductor is heated by an external heating device.
US07862656B2 Apparatus and method for growing a crystal and heating an annular channel circumscribing the crystal
An apparatus and method is provided for pulling a crystal seed from melt for growing a single crystal. The method includes the steps of providing a crucible and providing within the crucible an outer container, and providing coaxially within the outer container an inner container. A protruding portion of the inner container protrudes downward relative to the outer container for containing melt, the inner and outer containers defining an annular channel therebetween which has a bottom wall and contains introduced charge feed. The method further includes the steps of providing for allowing fluid communication between the annular channel and the inner container, delivering charge feed into the annular channel, and generating heat from within the annular channel for preventing the formation of a condensate of the charge feed within the annular channel.
US07862653B2 Aqueous ink, ink jet recording method, ink cartridge, recording unit and ink jet recording apparatus
Novel conditions in the physical properties of an ink have been found out to provide an aqueous ink, which can give a high image density and achieve excellent fixing ability. The aqueous ink comprises at least water, a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant and a coloring material, wherein the dynamic surface tension at a lifetime of 50 milliseconds as determined by a maximum bubble pressure method is 49 mN/m or more, and the dynamic surface tension at a lifetime of 5,000 milliseconds as determined by the maximum bubble pressure method is 38 mN/m or less.
US07862650B2 Woven electrostatic oil precipitator element
An electrostatic precipitator element includes preferably a mesh made of at least two individually insulated conductors with defined openings therebetween. An electrical field in the openings electrostatically attracts suspended particulate to a respective conductor for collection.
US07862649B2 Particulate matter detection device and particulate matter detection method
A particulate matter detection device includes a collection electrode that collects the particulate matter, a discharge electrode that allows a corona discharge to occur when a voltage is applied between the collection electrode and the discharge electrode, a measurement electrode, the impedance between the collection electrode and the measurement electrode changing when the collection electrode has collected the particulate matter, and a measurement section that detects a change in the impedance between the collection electrode and the measurement electrode, the particulate matter detection device detecting the particulate matter by charging the particulate matter contained in the gas by utilizing the corona discharge, collecting the charged particulate matter by the collection electrode by utilizing an electrostatic force, and detecting a change in the impedance between the collection electrode that has collected the particulate matter and the measurement electrode using the measurement section.
US07862644B2 Dry scrubber and method of converting a wet scrubber to a dry scrubber
A scrubber that employs a dry chemical medium includes a first vessel defining a first cavity. A second vessel adjoining the first vessel defines a second cavity, and the first and second cavities combine to form a common chamber. A fan draws a gaseous stream into the chamber at a first location and extracts the gaseous stream from the chamber at a second location. A plurality of partitions extend substantially from the upper end of the chamber to the floor. A dry chemical medium is disposed within the spaces between the partitions for neutralizing a pollutant in a gaseous stream. The partitions have openings of a sufficiently large size to permit gas to flow therethrough but of a sufficiently small size to prevent the dry chemical medium from passing therethrough. A method for converting a wet scrubber to a dry scrubber of the type described is also disclosed.
US07862642B2 Extended-release urea-based granular fertilizer
An improved granular-type urea fertilizer having an extended or slow release nitrogen component in which a non-thermosetting urea-formaldehyde resin concentrate is used to provide the granular fertilizer with an extended-release nitrogen component.
US07862636B2 Ceiling type air conditioner
Enclosed is an air conditioner including a foreign matter collecting unit to secondarily collect foreign matter in a brush assembly when the brush assembly for firstly collecting and accumulating the foreign matter filtered by a filter automatically moves. Therefore, the foreign matter separated from the filter is firstly collected in the brush assembly, and the foreign matter can be secondly collected in the foreign matter collecting unit by moving the brush assembly. Therefore, the foreign matter filtered by the filter is automatically removed so that the inconvenient of exchanging and cleaning the filter can be settled and pollution of the filter can be prevented. Since the foreign matter is discharged to outdoor side by simply detaching the foreign matter collecting unit so that convenience of use can be enhanced.
US07862626B2 Fatty phase for the preparation of hair dyes, procedure for the preparation of said fatty phase and system for carrying out said procedure
A fatty phase for the preparation of hair dyes, consisting of a semi-finished product containing the proportions of stearyl and cetyl alcohols suitable for the preparation of the dye. In relation to the prior art, the invention allows a semi-finished product for preparation of hair dyes to be obtained, consisting of a fatty phase with the ingredients already measured out and mixed, so as to be ready to be integrated, inside the mixer, with the remaining components (colorants, etc.) that make up the final formulation of the dye.
US07862624B2 Nano-particles on fabric or textile
Systems and methods for fabricating a wash durable material includes forming a substrate having strands with void spaces in the strands and between the strands; filling at least a part of the void spaces with nano-particles; and forming projections on the substrate.
US07862619B2 Knee joint prosthesis
The present invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis including femoral and tibial components. The bodies of the components possess a network of channels which may be used to deliver bone cement to the component bone interface after the components are implanted. The body of the femoral component possesses a network of channels which is in communication with a bore on the distal surface of the component which may be used to deliver bone cement into the network of channels after the component is implanted. The body of the tibial component possesses a network of channels which is in communication with a bore on the proximal surface of the component which may be used to deliver bone cement into the network of channels after the component is implanted. The components are suitable for implantation using arthroscopic as well as open surgical procedures. The components may be used as unicondylar implants in either compartment of the knee or in both compartments of the knee.
US07862616B2 Intervertebral implant
An intervertebral implant having a three-dimensional body (10) and a securing plate (1). The three-dimensional body (10) includes an upper side (1) and an underside (2) which are suitable for abutting the end plates of two adjacent vertebral bodies, a left side surface (3) and a right side surface (4), a front surface (5) and a rear surface (6), a horizontal middle plane (7) between the upper side (1) and the underside (2), and a vertical middle plane (12) extending from the front surface (5) to the rear surface (6). The three-dimensional body further includes a plurality of boreholes (9a) passing through the body (10), which are suitable for accommodating longitudinal fixation elements (20). The intervertebral implant also includes a front plate (8) displaceably disposed as an insert with the front side (5) of the three-dimensional body, the front plate (8) having a plurality of boreholes (9) in which the longitudinal fixation elements (20) can be anchored, and whose openings overlap with the openings of the boreholes of the three-dimensional body (10). A securing plate can be fastened essentially parallel to the front plate (8) at the three-dimensional body (10) in such a manner that the boreholes of the front plate (9) are covered at least partly by the securing plate (18). By virtue of the configuration of the intervertebral implant, a rigid, firm connection between the intervertebral implant and the longitudinal fixation elements used to fasten it, is possible.
US07862614B2 Intervertebral prosthesis system, in particular for the cervical spine
An intervertebral prosthesis system, in particular for the cervical spine, includes at least two types of prostheses. The type of prosthesis includes a first cover plate that is configured to be connected to a first vertebral body, a second cover plate that is configured to be connected to a second vertebral body, and a prosthesis core which is held by a seat on the first cover plate and forms an articulation with the second cover plate. The core of the first type of prosthesis is movable in the anterior-posterior direction relative to the first cover plate. Mobility can also be provided in the lateral direction and rotational direction. The second type of prosthesis of the system may be the same as the first type of prosthesis or may be different, but in all examples of the second type of prosthesis the core is not movable relative to either cover plate.
US07862613B1 Device and method for attaching hair
A fitting and a method for utilizing one or more of such fittings are described for securing supplemental hair to a person's head, along the outer surface of the person's scalp, to create an enhanced, natural appearance independent of the population and location of any natural hair on the person's head. Each fitting includes a base and a longitudinal bridge rising from the base to establish an eye providing a lateral path beneath the bridge. Each base is embedded beneath the outer surface of the person's scalp to secure the corresponding fitting at a selected strategic location on the person's head with the bridge projecting from the outer surface to provide a corresponding attachment site. Supplemental hair is juxtaposed with and secured to each bridge with a corresponding ligature passed through the eye of each corresponding bridge.
US07862611B2 Intraocular lens
An intraocular lens for inhibiting posterior capsular opacification, or secondary cataract, includes an optic having a periphery provided with at least two sharp edges which lie radially spaced from each other with respect to the optical axis of the lens optic.
US07862610B2 Bicuspid vascular valve and methods for making and implanting same
A vascular valve constructed from a biocompatible material that is designed to be surgically implanted in a patient's blood vessel, such as the right ventricular outflow tract. At the first end of the valve there is an orifice defined by at least two opposing free edges, and which can occupy either a first, closed position or a second, open position. At the second end of the valve there are at least two flexible members attachable to an anterior and a posterior wall of a patient's blood vessel. A length of the orifice between said at least two opposing free edges when the orifice is generally closed is equal to about 1.5 to 2 times the diameter of a patient's blood vessel. Optionally, the two flexible members to a stent or tubular graft. The valved stent or tubular graft can be inserted into a patient's blood vessel or heart.
US07862608B2 Vascular prosthesis and methods of use
The present invention is directed to an implantable vascular prosthesis configured for use in a wide range of applications, such as treating aneurysms, maintaining patency in a vessel, and allowing for the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents to a vessel wall. The prosthesis comprises one or more helical sections coupled to one or more anchoring sections having a generally zig-zag or cell-like configuration. The prosthesis is configured to conform to a vessel wall without substantially remodeling the vessel, and further is configured to be precisely deployed in a vessel without shifting or foreshortening during deployment.
US07862606B2 Stents made of a material with short elongation at rupture
The invention relates to stents made of a material with an elongation at rupture of 30% or less and with a tubular base body which entirely or in parts comprises structural segments which are interconnected in longitudinal direction of the stents by means of transverse connectors and in which the structural segments comprise a zigzagging or undulating structure of a brace which is wrapped around the longitudinal axis of the stent. Due to the mechanical properties of the materials used, adaptation of the stent design is required. This is achieved in that in a turning region of the zigzagging or undulating structure the brace comprises a straight bending section aligned in circumferential direction.
US07862597B2 System for stabilizing a portion of the spine
A system for stabilizing a portion of the spine comprising an elongate plate attached to one or more vertebrae by a number of bone anchors, with the system including one or more features that provide visualization of an implant disposed within a vertebral space and/or the interface between the implant and the adjacent vertebral tissue. A holding instrument is included that is engageable to the plate for positioning the plate adjacent the spinal column.
US07862596B2 Plastic implant for osteosynthesis
The invention relates to an osteosynthesis implant (1) that preferably consists of a bioresorbable plastic material. The inventive implant receives the longitudinal fixation elements (10) to be anchored in the bone, especially in the form of wires, nails, pins or screws. The openings destined to receive the fixation elements (10) do not completely extend through the implant (1) like in conventional bone plates or intramedullary nails but are degenerated to indents (2) in the surface of the implant (1) so that they may serve as a guide for the fixation elements (10) to be guided through the implant (1). The inventive implant (1) allows insertion of the fixation elements (10) in the bone diverging angles and crossing one another, so that the fixation elements (10) extending intramedullarly or in the spongiosa are primarily prevented from migrating in a proximal or distal direction.
US07862595B2 Instruments and methods for stabilization of bony structures
The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the connecting element in a position more proximate the anchors.
US07862592B2 Methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis
This invention relates generally to spine surgery and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis.
US07862591B2 Intervertebral prosthetic device for spinal stabilization and method of implanting same
An intervertebral prosthetic device and method for spinal stabilization, according to which a prosthetic device is implanted relative to two vertebrae and is positioned so that it makes a rigid connection with one of the vertebra and a non-rigid connection with the other vertebra.
US07862588B2 Devices and methods for dynamic fixation of skeletal structure
The disclosed screw assemblies include a screw that attaches onto the bone, a housing member that connects and inter-locks the bone screw to the rod, and one or more locking members that permit immobilization of various components of the assembly relative to one another while still permitting some relative movement. The bone screws and bone screw assemblies described herein permit flexible stabilization of the spine.
US07862585B2 Tissue repair device and fabrication thereof
A device for use in tissue repair, a method of using the device in a surgical procedure and a method of making the device. The device is an assembly of a cannulated anchor with a cord passed through it, and a stopper to prevent the cord from passing back through the anchor.
US07862584B2 Suture lock
A suture lock to be used with a suture thread. The suture lock comprises at least one passageway for receiving a suture thread, with the passageway having at least a portion of its length having a longitudinal side opening arranged to slidably receive the suture. The passageway is tapered inwardly and including an interior surface having inwardly converging teeth. The invention may also comprise a suture lock having an adjustable channel located within the suture lock. The channel may be adjusted between an open and a closed position, thereby allowing the suture to be secured. Translation of the suture itself may be utilized to adjust the positioning of the channel. The suture lock may contain a releasable device to retain the channel in multiple positions between the closed and open position.
US07862582B2 Suture management
Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for tensioning suture. The methods and devices are particularly useful in surgical suturing applications in which it is desirable to maintain tension on suture being delivered, yet to allow the tension to be released as desired without retracting the suture. Thus, when tension is released, a length of suture extended from the device can remain extended without any tension being applied thereto. Tension is only applied to any additional length of suture that is extended from the device. The tension applied to the suture is proportional to the length of the suture extended from the device until the tension is released and reset.
US07862574B2 Obesity treatment tools and methods
Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods.
US07862573B2 Method and apparatus for surgical fastening
A surgical fastener system includes a plurality of fasteners having a throughbore with an internally threaded portion. The fasteners may engage with a threaded mandrel that passes through the throughbore of the fasteners. A rotator may rotate the fasteners relative to the mandrel to move at least one of the fasteners along the mandrel, e.g., along the mandrel's longitudinal axis. A distal end of the mandrel may be inserted into a material, such as a tissue, prosthetic or other, and a fastener may be deployed from the distal end of the mandrel while the distal end is positioned in the material. The throughbore of the fasteners may include a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion, may include an angled face or other feature to aid in fastener deployment and/or have curved depressions in the head portion.
US07862570B2 Surgical positioners
Surgical positioners may include platforms, surgical item positioners and/or surgical references as well as methods for using stabilizer platforms, surgical item positioners and/or surgical references. Stabilizer platforms may include low profile platforms rigidly mounted to portions of an individual's anatomy. Various items may be secured and/or stabilized by the stabilizer platform, including support platforms as well as surgical references. Support platforms may stabilize and assist surgeons in using, navigating, aligning and positioning surgical items. Surgical references may include modular fiducial systems that may be secured to stabilizer platforms, support platforms, surgical items and/or directly to portions of an individual's anatomy.
US07862565B2 Method for tissue cauterization
The invention is concerned with cauterizing and resecting tissue. A pair of electrodes are placed on opposed tissue surfaces, and radio frequency power is applied through the electrodes to cauterizing a tissue mass therebetween. After cauterization has been effected, the tissue may be resected along a plane within the cauterized region with minimum or no bleeding. The tissue mass may then be removed.
US07862564B2 Method of remodelling stretch marks
A cosmetic method of regenerating the skin in the region of a stretch mark is disclosed. The method comprises operating a source of thermal energy with a low thermal time constant, and directing it at the surface of the skin adjacent to and within a stretch mark forming first and second adjacent regions of thermally-modified tissue. The first region is adjacent to, and overlies, the second region, and the first region is thermally modified to a greater extend than the second region such that, following treatment, the width of the stretch mark is reduced and the reticular architecture of the dermis in the stretch mark is at least partially restored.
US07862559B2 High-strength microwave antenna assemblies and methods of use
High-strength microwave antenna assemblies and methods of use are described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. The antenna is a dipole antenna with the distal end of the radiating portion being tapered and terminating at a tip to allow for direct insertion into tissue. The antenna can be used individually or in combination with multiple antennas to create a combined ablation field. When multiple antennas are used, microwave energy can be applied simultaneously to all the antennas or sequentially between the antennas. Furthermore, to facilitate positioning the antennas in or near the tissue to be treated, RF energy may be applied at the tip of the antenna to assist in cutting through the tissue.
US07862554B2 Articulating tool with improved tension member system
The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body, and improved methods of assembling the tools. In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. The articulation mechanisms comprise pairs of links, one link distal and the other proximal, configured such that movement of a proximal link is transferred to the distal link by way of tension bearing members. Embodiments of the invention include a guide for such tension bearing members that facilitates assembly of the tool. Embodiments also include improved methods for attaching tension bearing members to the links. The inventions disclosed herein may also be used with articulating devices outside of the surgical and diagnostic fields.
US07862548B2 Nasal irrigation device
A nasal irrigation device includes a container for storing nasal cleansing fluid, a spout having a connecting end, a nose engaging end and a spout passage, the connecting end of the spout being removably coupled to the container to allow the spout passage to receive nasal cleansing fluid from an opening of the container, the spout having a curved portion for directing nasal cleansing fluid toward a nasal passageway of a user when the container is clear of a nasal discharge path, the spout passage being continually open and unobstructed. The container is partially collapsible to force nasal cleansing fluid through the spout passage and into the nasal passageway.
US07862544B2 Drive device for a piston in a container containing an injectable product
A drive arrangement for an injection device, including a first stage, a second stage and a drive for shifting the stages, wherein the drive acts on one of the stages to shift said one of the stages first and wherein the stage which is first shifted encounters a higher resistance than does the other stage, such that the other stage is shifted.
US07862542B1 Flaccid tubular membrane and insertion appliance for surgical intubation and method
A thin sheath of flexible, flaccid material is introduced through openings in the body of an animal or human patient to permit surgical tools or fluids to be inserted and removed, or debris removed, during surgeries anywhere in the body to protect the tissue of the body from the instruments used. The sheath is inserted by an obturator which holds the sheath thereon by suction through an aperture in the obturator at its distal end. Once the sheath is inserted, suction is removed to release the sheath. Then a balloon on the distal end of the sheath is expanded to hold the sheath in place in the body while the obturator is removed. The sheath then remains in place with the balloon holding the distal end in the open position to enable fluids to flow through the sheath. After a procedure, the balloon is deflated and the sheath removed.
US07862541B2 Catheter having a soft distal tip
The present invention relates to a catheter having a soft distal tip that can be manufactured at lower cost than catheters in the prior art. In one embodiment, the catheter is produced by coupling a soft sleeve to the distal end of a catheter tube. The sleeve may affixed to the catheter tube under temperature and pressure conditions that cause the proximal end of the sleeve to taper against the outer surface of the catheter tube, avoiding or minimizing discontinuities in the insertion profile of the catheter, and that also cause the inner wall of the sleeve to taper against the distal end of the catheter tube, avoiding or minimizing discontinuities in the lumen of the catheter.
US07862540B2 Ophthalmic injection device using shape memory alloy
An ophthalmic injection device has a dispensing chamber housing, a needle fluidly coupled to a dispensing chamber, a power source for providing current to the dispensing chamber housing, a controller for controlling the power source, and a housing at least partially enclosing the dispensing chamber housing, the power source, and the controller. The dispensing chamber housing is made of a shape memory alloy and has an inner surface defining a dispensing chamber for receiving a quantity of a substance. The controller directs a first current to the dispensing chamber housing to heat the substance contained in the dispensing chamber and a second current to the dispensing chamber housing to alter the shape of the dispensing chamber housing to deliver the substance.
US07862535B2 Re-certification system for a flow control apparatus
A process for verifying that at least one component of a flow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range comprises loading a re-certification feeding set to a flow control apparatus and sensing that the re-certification feeding set has been loaded. Software comprising a re-certification procedure verifies at least one component of the flow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range.
US07862532B2 Punctum plugs having insertion guides and strengthening beams
A punctum plug comprises a distal tip for anchoring the punctum plug in an implanted position in the lacrimal drainage system of the eye, a proximal cap that remains exposed in the eye in the implanted position, and a body connecting the distal tip to the cap. The distal tip includes a plurality of longitudinal depressions along its outer surface to facilitate implantation, and one or more strengthening beams to resist deformation or collapse of the punctum plug.
US07862531B2 Flow regulating implants
A flow regulating implant is provided with one or more grooves for allowing fluid flow. One or more grooves may have a constant or varying cross-section along its length. One or more grooves may have in it biodegradable material, absorbable material, and/or threads or sutures. A resilient band or coating may be placed around the implant or one or more grooves, to act as a pressure regulator. The implant may have a side projection, such as a side pin, for engaging tissue. The implant may comprise two or more parts that are held at a distance from each other to allow fluid flow between the parts.
US07862529B2 Neuromusculoskeletal knee support device
A knee brace for proprioceptively treating a patient comprises a sleeve having an anchor strap and a viscoelastic pad. The sleeve defines inner and outer sleeve surfaces and is configured to envelop the patient's knee. The anchor strap is circumferentially wrappable about the outer sleeve surface and defines an inner strap surface. The anchor strap has an intermediate anchor portion disposed on the inner strap surface between opposing end anchor portions that are releasably securable to the outer sleeve surface such that tension in the anchor strap may be selectively adjusted. The knee brace includes an elastic band extending along the inner strap surface. The viscoelastic pad is securable on the inner sleeve surface generally opposite to the elastic band such that pressure may be applied to the patient's infrapatellar tendon when the anchor strap is extended over the outer sleeve surface.
US07862526B1 Cervical traction assembly with sensory feedback
A cervical traction assembly whereby the user can exert a variable load on the cervical spine and receive a sensory feedback when the traction is at or within range of a target load. The assembly includes a head harness wrapped around the forehead of the user that is attached to a traction bar connected to a load line assembly that passes through a direction reversal pulley and terminates with force straps actuated by the user's legs. The load line assembly includes a spring force scale that includes a control assembly that allows the user to set a target applied load and receive sensory feedback in the form of varying audible signals as the user applied load approaches, meets and exceeds a target load range.
US07862523B2 Force or pressure sensor and method for applying the same
The invention relates to a force or pressure sensor and a method for applying the same. The pressure sensor includes a substantially rigid, mechanical-load resistant frame, a flexible diaphragm secured over its peripheral rim to the frame, and a piezoelectric sensor diaphragm applied to the surface of the flexible diaphragm. The sensor diaphragm loading element comprises a substantially rigid, mechanical-load resistant cover, having its protrusion or shoulder bearing against a middle section of the flexible diaphragm and thereby prestressing the flexible diaphragm and the piezoelectric sensor diaphragm attached thereto. The frame and the cover define therebetween a closed, hermetically sealed housing chamber, the flexible diaphragm and the piezoelectric sensor diaphragm located thereinside. The placement of one or more responsive, yet load-resistant sensors in contact with a bed enables measuring a sleeping or lying person for his or her heart rate and respiratory amplitude, as well as frequency.
US07862516B1 Adherent visual stimulator
The present invention describes a novel device for the stimulation of the visual system for the purpose of recording evoked responses. The specific features of the device are particularly relevant to the elicitation of such responses in uncooperative subjects including the mentally impaired, young children, and those under the influence of anesthesia.
US07862513B2 Apparatus for minimally invasive calibration of implanted pressure transducers
This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for the calibration of implanted pressure transducers. It is an object of several embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus and methods for the calibration of one or more implanted pressure transducers implanted in the body of medical patients. Various embodiments of the present invention are particularly advantageous because they offer a calibration system that is less invasive than the systems currently available.
US07862512B2 Blood vessel endothelium function evaluating apparatus provided with an electronic control device
An apparatus for measuring a short-axis image of a blood vessel under a skin of a living being, the apparatus including an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic array which has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in one direction in an emission surface and which emits, from the emission surface, an ultrasonic beam toward the blood vessel, the ultrasonic probe additionally including a main frame which is adapted to be placed on the skin of the living being, an x-axis supporting device which is supported by the main frame and which supports the ultrasonic array such that the ultrasonic array is rotatable about an x axis parallel to the direction of arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers in the emission surface, and an x-axis control device which controls a posture of the ultrasonic array supported by the x-axis supporting device such that in a y-z plane, the emission surface of the ultrasonic array is parallel to the blood vessel.
US07862511B2 Ultrasound imaging method and apparatus
A method of generating three-dimensional (3D) full volume ultra-sound images with the uses of contrast agents includes acquiring ultrasound image data for multiple subvolumes (140,142,144,146) synchronized to an ECG (100) over multiple cardiac cycles (124,126,128,130) via triggering (104,114,106,116,108,118,110,120). Acquiring includes at least one of two acquisition protocols. The first acquisition protocol uses an output acoustic power insufficient for causing destruction of the contrast agents during ultrasound image data acquisition (10). The second acquisition protocol uses an output acoustic power sufficient for causing destruction of the contrast agents during ultrasound image data acquisition (10). Triggering (26,28) of respective ones of the ultrasound image data acquisitions of the multiple subvolumes (140,142,144,146) is selected to enable destroyed contrast agents to be replaced by new contrast agents prior to a subsequent triggering of ultrasound image data acquisition of a subsequent subvolume. Furthermore, ultrasound image data (22) from the multiple subvolumes is combined to generate the 3D full volume 15 ultrasound image data (24).
US07862510B2 Ultrasonic bone assessment apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for the assessment of various properties of bone is provided. A pair of ultrasound transducers are applied to skin on opposite sides of a bony member. The transducers may be single-element or array transducers. An ultrasound signal is generated and directed through the bony member to obtain a bone output signal. A set of parameters associated with the bone output signal is established and processed to obtain the desired bone property including two net time delay (NTD) parameters indicative of differences in transit time for signals taking different paths through bone and soft tissue. Also disclosed is a novel means for acoustically coupling the transducers to skin, as well as a means for establishing bone mineralization through use of both ultrasound and x-ray measurements.
US07862508B2 Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging
Systems and methods are disclosed for improving the resolution and quality of an image formed by signals from an array of receivers. Multiple receivers introduce variations in arrival times that can be less than the period of an operating signal, and also less than the period associated with a sampling operation. Thus, multiple receivers allow sampling of fine features of reflected signals that would be considered beyond the resolution associated with the operating signal. Use of multiple receivers also provides an effective sampling rate that is greater than the sampling rate of an individual receiver. Similar advantages can be obtained using multiple transmitters. Such advantageous features can be used to obtain high resolution images of objects in a medium in applications such as ultrasound imaging. Sub-Nyquist sampling is discussed. Accounting for the effects of refraction on pathlengths as a signal passes between two regions of different sound speed allows improved calculation of focus distances. Extending the analysis to account for additional layers or sub-layers allows further improvement.
US07862507B2 Confocal Raman Spectroscopy for dermatological studies
Use of Confocal Raman Spectroscopy (CRS) for dermatological studies, including a method for determining the thickness of the Stratum Corneum (SC) on a test area of the skin, and to a method for quantifying the effectiveness of a skin care composition. The methods of the invention can be carried in vitro (either artificial skin or a sample of skin) or in vivo (directly on the human skin of a person).
US07862505B2 Method and apparatus for combined dissection and retraction
A method and apparatus for dissecting a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue and thereafter holding open an anatomic space for the performance of a surgical procedure. The method includes steps of making an incision in a body, introducing a deflated balloon dissector into the incision, inflating the balloon dissector to effect dissection of the first layer of tissue from the second layer of tissue, deploying a retractor within the anatomic space in order to hold open the anatomic space, and optionally deflating or evacuating the balloon dissector to open a cavity for surgical manipulations. The apparatus includes a combined dissector-retractor having a balloon retractor disposed upon the surface of the balloon dissector and integrated therewith.
US07862497B2 Brachytherapy device having seed tubes with individually-settable tissue spacings
A brachytherapy device may include a plurality of rods, each configured to move between a straightened position and a bowed position, the plurality of rods configured to collectively form a shaft while each rod is in the straightened position and to collectively form at least one cage while at least some of the rods are in the bowed position, at least some of the rods having lumens that are configured to receive and hold radioactive material. A brachytherapy device may further include a rotatable mechanism configured to cause at least some of the plurality of rods to move between the straightened position and the bowed position upon rotation of the rotatable mechanism.
US07862496B2 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.
US07862495B2 Radiation or drug delivery source with activity gradient to minimize edge effects
A radiation delivery source, such as a stent, and method for making radioactive a delivery source are disclosed. A drug delivery source and method for making a drug delivery region on the drug delivery source are also disclosed.
US07862492B2 Expander roller
A roller for a web-processing machine has a support core, which is braced in the region of both its ends via a respective bearing arrangement, and an outer covering, which in its axially central region is braced in a radially fixed manner in relation to the support core and in the region of its two ends is braced in a radially displaceable manner in relation to the support core by a respective additional bearing arrangement, whereby the radially extending center plane of both the support core bearing arrangement and the outer covering bearing arrangement lies axially within the outer covering, and the outer covering is displaceable in the region of its two ends respectively by an actuator arranged preferably within the outer covering.
US07862489B2 Multipurpose exercise system
An exercise system is provided in which multiple exercise routines may be conducted with a single system. The exercise system may be used for skiing exercises, rowing exercises, and for weight training/resistance exercises. The system includes a housing that encloses a resistance assembly. A movable grip device and/or carriage interfaces with the resistance assembly so that movement of the grip device or carriage is resisted. The exercise system may include a concealment housing so that it may be stored in a compact and concealed position. The concealment housing may be an article of furniture or a portion of a structure to provide space saving benefits.
US07862487B2 Freestanding selectable free weight assembly
This freestanding selectable free weight assembly includes an annular handle assembly that supports a weight set about each end. Each weight set includes end wedge assemblies with slanted interior faces and a set of slanted weight plates are sandwiched between the inner and outer slanted end wedge assemblies. Selectively movable rods are housed within the annular handle assembly. The user can actuate the movable rods to move underneath and support a defined number of weight plates to control the amount of weight disposed about each end of the handle. The weight plates are interconnected by a tang projecting to the side of each plate where each tang is adjacent to a locking slot. Each tang fits into a locking slot of each adjacent weight plate.
US07862486B1 Exercise apparatus with rotational grips
A barbell with rotational grips. The barbell includes a center bar with two grip housings of annular configuration mounted to opposite ends of the barbell. Handgrips are located within the grip housings. Two sets of bearings are diametrically opposed to one another at the ends of each handgrip. A first set of radial wall bearings are perpendicular to the rotational axis of the handgrip, and a second set of sidewall bearings are parallel to the rotational axis of the handgrip. Each grip housing has an interior circumferential groove, with radial and sidewall bearings operatively secured within the groove. Each hand grip is spring-loaded so that a constant force is applied perpendicular to the rotational axis of the handgrips.
US07862485B2 Sparring partner
A boxing device that fights back in response to an attackers blows to simulate a boxing match comprises a boxing bag, a pair of padded arms each having a boxing glove at its end, and a pair of reel type pieces wherein each of said reel type piece works as an axis holding each a padded arm that rotates around the piece in response to an impact applied to the boxing bag.
US07862484B1 Folding exercise rowing machine
A folding exercise rowing or sculling machine has left and right fold-down oar assemblies, each formed of an arm hinged to the side of the frame, and a pivot at the end of the arm on which the oar and oarlock are mounted. A cam plate at a lower end of the pivot pulls a cable that drives the sprocket wheel of a flywheel mounted to the rear or proximal of the frame. The oar assemblies fold to rearward, with the cam wheels fitting in a space between the flywheel and the frame. Multiplier pulley assemblies couple the power cable and elastic cords to a drive chain that is wound around the sprocket.
US07862477B2 Method to evaluate a client by a physical therapist
A method to evaluate a client by a physical therapist, which includes determining if a client is experiencing distress. If a client is experiencing pain, the method selects an evaluation algorithm responsive to the distress, wherein the selected evaluation algorithm comprises (N) evaluation factors. The method determines if any of the (N) evaluation factors is designated an Emergency Referral evaluation factor, and if any of the (N) evaluation factors is designated an Emergency Referral evaluation factor determines if the client's reported distress corresponds to a point rating of “5” for any of the Emergency Referral evaluation factors. If the client's reported distress corresponds to a point rating of “5” for any of the Emergency Referral evaluation factors, the method refers the patent for immediate emergency care.
US07862473B2 Fluid supply device and fluid supply method of fluid coupling
An ECU executes a program including outputting, when the oil temperature THO of ATF
US07862472B2 Automatic transmission
In a planetary gear type stepped automatic transmission, a gear shift control to shift a gear shift stage between a first gear shift stage and a second gear shift stage is performed by a first shift control section by referring to a first gear shift control data used when the gear shift stage is switched between the first gear shift stage and the second gear shift stage, an abnormality state due to a failure of at least one of a first frictional engaging element and a second frictional engaging element is detected, and an abnormality state gear shift control is performed to shift the gear shift stage between a third gear shift stage (for example, first speed) and a fourth gear shift stage (for example, 2.5 speed) by the first shift control section, while forcefully releasing the first frictional engaging element, when detecting the abnormality state.
US07862470B2 Vehicle transmission
A speed change control device carries out speed change control of a stepless speed change mechanism in accordance with the vehicle speed. The speed change control device includes: first vehicle speed selection means for comparing a first vehicle speed obtained from the rotation speed of an output member 26 of the stepless speed change mechanism and a second vehicle speed obtained from the rotation speed of the wheels and for selecting the lower of the first and second vehicle speeds as the substitute vehicle speed; and second vehicle speed selection means for comparing the third vehicle speed obtained from the output side rotation speed of a clutch mechanism and the substitute vehicle speed, and for selecting the higher of the third vehicle speed and the substitute vehicle speed as the control vehicle speed. The control vehicle speed is used as the vehicle speed V for carrying out speed change control.
US07862468B2 8-speed transmission
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting mechanisms, three fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US07862467B2 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.
US07862464B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.
US07862457B1 Illuminated arrow
An illuminated arrow is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the arrow includes an elongated arrow shaft, an arrow cavity provided in the arrow shaft, a plurality of fletchings each having a plurality of strands of fiber optic cable communicating with the arrow cavity and a light source communicating with the arrow cavity.
US07862454B2 Golf ball
The present invention provides a golf ball composed of a core and a cover having an outside surface on which are formed a plurality of dimples. Letting BV and CV be the initial velocity (m/s) of, respectively, the ball and the core as measured by a method using an initial velocity measuring apparatus of the same type as a USGA drum rotation-type initial velocity instrument and letting BE and CE be the deflection (mm) of, respectively, the ball and the core when compressed under a final load of 1,275 N (130 kgf) from an initial load of 98 N (10 kgf), the ball initial velocity BV is from 70.0 to 76.0 m/s and the ball satisfies the formula 0≦(CV−BV)−(CE−BE)≦2. The golf ball of the invention has a flight distance that can be reduced compared with official golf balls currently in use, yet has the same good feel on impact and excellent controllability, scuff resistance and durability to repeated impact as a game ball.
US07862452B2 Golf club head having a composite face insert
A golf club head having a composite face insert attached to a metallic body is provided. The club head preferably has a volume of at least 200 cc and provides superior durability and club performance. The face insert includes prepreg plies having a fiber areal weight (FAW) of less than 100 g/m2. The face insert preferably has a thickness less than 4 mm and a mass at least 10 grams less than an insert of equivalent volume formed of the metallic material of the body of the club head. A metallic cap with a peripheral rim is also provided to protect the ends of the composite material of the face insert. Related methods of manufacturing and alternative materials are disclosed. The resin content of the prepreg plies can be controlled through management of the timing and environment in which the resultant prepreg plies are cured and soaked.
US07862451B2 Golf club head with integrally attached weight members
A golf club head having integrally attached weight members is disclosed and claimed. The club head body defines at least a toe chamber and a heel chamber. Weights of variable mass are positioned within the chambers, moving the club head center of gravity back and down.
US07862448B2 Sports equipment
It is a sport equipment 2 using a partially hardened sheet form prepreg 10 formed by impregnating a reinforced fiber material 6 disposed substantially parallel with a thermal hardening resin material 7 to bind the reinforced fiber material, where the prepreg is layered so as to form a tube rod in a tapered shape having a diameter increasing from one end to the other, and the tube rod is provided with a strengthening means on a radially entire circumference to the axis direction. Herewith it is especially used for a golf club shaft, while maintaining a characteristic of light weight, securing strength equal to or greater than a steel-made golf shaft, and suppressing unnecessary deflection and vibration, so as to provide a sports equipment made of a reinforced fiber combined material such as a gold club shaft having high strength such as bending and twisting rigidity.
US07862446B2 Grip having a varied 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.
US07862442B2 Adjustable swing device
A swing device comprises a stationary seat and a swinging mechanism. The stationary seat includes a pair of side frames, and a top frame interconnecting the side frames. The swinging mechanism includes a frame body unit swingable between the side frames and including front and rear frame bodies that are interconnected telescopically and that are locked releasably on each other, and a suspending unit including a pair of front swinging rods for connecting the front frame body swingably to the top frame of the stationary seat, and a pair of rear swinging rods for connecting the rear frame body swingably to the top frame of the stationary seat. Each of the rear swinging rods includes upper and lower tubes that are interconnected telescopically and that are locked releasably on each other.
US07862435B1 Service enhancing power supply system for gaming machines
A gaming machine having a multi-tiered power supply and power distribution system which enables maintenance of low security and higher failure rate components such as video monitors, LCDs, or reel mechanisms without disconnecting power from higher security, low failure rate components such as the main processor board. The ability to provide multi-tiered power in this manner allows low security risk items to be serviced while the gaming machine is still in contact with the casino's backend reporting system, reporting on its status. This improves security, accountability of maintenance personnel, and significantly reduces overall gaming machine down time.
US07862428B2 Interactive action figures for gaming systems
An action figure is provided with a serial number that provides an access code which allows owners to engage in enjoyable games or other activities via the Internet or other gaming systems. The interactive action figure system comprises a toy, statue, or other three-dimensional figurine with a serial number, and preferably a computer network accessible over the internet and a particular gaming framework managed by a network device. Owners of action figure toys may “log onto” the network using the action figure serial number as an access code to activate a particular computer character identity and participate in games such as hand-to-hand combat games, action-adventure series, or learning games. The action figure may be, for example, a warrior, sports figure, doll or teddy bear to appeal to a wide range of users. Once a particular character is activated, game play proceeds according to preset rules. The game character's traits, powers, and other features may be enhanced or otherwise modified by purchasing preferably-three-dimensional accessories and inputting serial numbers into the gaming system that are also supplied with the accessories.
US07862422B2 Gaming device having a display device having multiple rotatable members
A gaming device including a display device that rotates a co-acting symbol display about a horizontal and vertical axis to display at least one symbol to a player. The symbol display is movably connected to a support and includes a first symbol display and a second symbol display. The first symbol display includes a first wheel and a first reel and the second symbol display includes a second wheel and a second reel. Each of the first and second wheels and reels display a plurality of symbols to the player. A processor causes the symbol display to move to one or more different positions and in one or more different directions to display one or more symbols to a player based on game play, a game function or a game mode in a game displayed by the gaming device.
US07862416B2 System and method for communicating game session information
According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a contract is established for a session comprising two or more plays of at least one gaming device. Information about the game play session, such as outcomes generated at the at least one gaming device, is communicated to a player device. The information is presented to a player via the player device.
US07862413B2 Remotely positionable interruption plate
A remotely positionable interruption plate system for altering chop quality in a chopper assembly. The system includes a base and an interruption plate slidably mounted to the base. The interruption plate is arranged and disposed to selectively position the interruption plate into at least a portion of a residue flow of the chopper assembly. The selective positioning of the interruption plate is accomplished remotely. An agricultural vehicle and a method utilizing the remotely positionable interruption plate system are also disclosed.
US07862412B2 Seal assemblies for grain separators
The invention provides for a seal assembly for a grain separator. The grain separator may include a housing, a rotatable grain separation cylinder within the housing, the cylinder having an end surface, a grain inlet having an inlet spout extending through the end surface for conveying grain into the cylinder in a feed zone, an auxiliary end piece or seal cone functionally connected to the end surface of the cylinder. The auxiliary end piece may have an annular external surface spaced laterally from the feed zone, and a seal interfacing with the annular external surface, thereby defining a seal zone spaced laterally from the feed zone. Such grain separators have increased capacity compared to separators with traditional seal assemblies.
US07862410B2 Air removal unit
An air removal unit configured for removing exhaust air from an equipment rack or enclosure includes multiple fans to achieve a high airflow capacity while defining a compact and portable structure. The unit removably installs along an exhaust side of an equipment rack or enclosure to provide capabilities for managing the thermal output of equipment, such as servers, CPUs, communications, internetworking and other types of equipment. The unit includes one or more upper fan modules and one or more lower fan modules positioned below the upper fan modules. The upper and the lower fan modules are arranged in a stacked configuration along the depth of the unit with the lower fan modules positioned in an offset orientation relative to the upper fan modules. The stacked configuration and the offset orientation of the fan modules help to incorporate multiple fans with the unit while maintaining the compact and portable design. The unit is further configured to serve as a door of an equipment rack or enclosure to thereby provide access to the unit and the rack or enclosure during operation. The unit can be incorporated with a ventilation system or a cooling air system associated with an equipment room or data center.
US07862406B2 Saw chain sharpening assembly
A saw chain sharpening assembly including a support member, a grinding head, a clamping device and a cooling system whereby the saw chain sharpening assembly is adapted to provide a means for efficiently sharpening small and/or large chains.
US07862396B2 Flat panel display device and fabrication apparatus thereof and fabrication method thereof
Disclosed is a method of making a flat panel display device. The device has a first substrate, a second substrate opposing the first substrate and an array of pixels formed therebetween. A frit is interposed and interconnects between the first substrate and second substrate. The frit is melted by irradiating a first laser and a second laser. The first and second lasers move along the different paths.
US07862393B2 Propulsion arrangement
The present invention relates to a propulsion arrangement for a marine vessel, which propulsion arrangement comprises an internal combustion engine, a shaft arrangement and a steerable thruster unit. The marine vessel further comprises an electric generator or a combined electric generator and motor in connection with the propulsion arrangement. In order to reduce space requirements and required equipment as well as to raise efficiency, the shaft arrangement comprises a main shaft extending from the internal combustion engine to a first angle gear and a drive shaft extending from the first angle gear to a second angle gear in the steerable thruster unit. The electric generator or the combined electric generator and motor is connected to the drive shaft of the shaft arrangement after the main shaft and the first angle gear are connected thereto.
US07862392B1 Sleeve-type wire connector
A sleeve-type wire connector comprises: a first tube having a first opening end and a connecting end, with a first guiding surface in the first opening end that can retract toward the connecting end thereof; a copper sleeve in the connecting end of the first tube; and a second tube having a connecting end corresponding to the connecting end of the first tube and a second opening end, with a second guiding surface in the second opening end that can retract toward the connecting end thereof.
US07862387B2 Board connector module for mezzanine circuit board assemblies
The invention relates to a board connector module including a frame accommodating an array of substantially-parallel signal leads (S) and ground leads (G) extending in a longitudinal direction (L). The said frame includes edges extending substantially parallel to said leads and one or more transverse bars extending between said edges. The transverse bars of the frame may resist deflection or buckling of these leads and consequently allow for higher stack heights in mezzanine circuit board assemblies.
US07862385B2 Extension cord lock and in line tap
An electrical, circuit breaker protected, extension cord in-line tap, securement device for securing tandemly connected electrical extension cords. The securement device includes opposing proximal and distal open-ended eyelets each having a hinged locking flap for receiving therein a looped end of the associated extension cord thereby preventing unintended separation of the extension cords. The in-line tap further includes a pair of circuit breaker protected auxiliary electrical outlets on opposing sides for powering additional extension cords.
US07862384B2 Repair adapter for a modular plug
A device and method for repairing a failed modular connector having a broken locking tab by providing an adapter which receives the broken modular connector and includes a mechanism for retaining the broken modular connector, which may include a retaining clip, retaining barbs, or teeth, tight friction, friction bumps, adhesive or other retaining device. The adapter mechanically and electrically connects to the broken connector and provides a straight through wired modular plug with a retaining clip so that the assembly comprising the broken connector and adapter may plug into a jack for the original broken connector and be securely retained.
US07862383B2 Electrical connector for a solar module assembly
An electrical connector includes a rigid body, cable mating bodies disposed within the body, and contacts joined to the cable mating bodies. The body has an upper side and an opposite mounting side that is configured to be mounted to a first solar module. The body frames a window that extends through the body from the upper side to the mounting side. The cable mating bodies are configured to electrically couple the first solar module with cables to communicate electric current generated in the first solar module with one or more of an electrical load and an additional solar module. The contacts extend into the window of the body and are arranged in the window to mate with the module contacts to electrically couple the first solar module with the cable mating bodies.
US07862380B1 Waterproof structure for transform plug of socket
A waterproof structure for a transform plug of a socket includes a housing having a front receiving portion and a rear receiving portion spaced in a hollow exterior thereof by using a first and the second partition to receive a conducting pieces and a transforming unit respectively, and a waterproof layer is formed between outer rims of a back cover, a rear cover, and the housing to prevent water from permeation. In addition, a photo resistor and a transparent portion of the back cover are used to conduct the power source to a light string automatically based on lights, thus flashing light freely.
US07862377B2 USB connector and method of manufacture
A special USB connector which can accommodate PCBA with discrete components soldered on the frontal portion of PCBA is disclosed. The components can be positioned inside the USB connector. A carrier is utilized for PCBA support within a special USB connector used for compact USB devices and sliding motion.
US07862363B2 IC socket with floatable pressing device for receiving testing IC packages of different sizes
An IC socket comprises an insulative housing adapted to accommodate an IC package and a pressing device pivotably attached to the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines some first pivoting holes at two opposite ends thereof and some second pivoting holes distant with the first pivoting holes. A pair of first shafts are assembled in the first pivoting hole of the insulative housing to pivotally latch the pressing device on the insulative housing and are movable in a vertical direction, so that the pressing device is floatable and can engage with different packages of different thickness. Two second shafts are assembled in the second pivoting holes. The IC socket further includes a plurality of spring members linking the first shafts and the second shafts to make the pressing device downwardly in a vertical direction.
US07862359B2 Electrical power contacts and connectors comprising same
Electrical connectors and contacts for transmitting power are provided. One power contact embodiment includes a first plate that defines a first non-deflecting beam and a first deflectable beam, and a second plate that defines a second non-deflecting beam and a second deflectable beam. The first and second plates are positioned beside one another to form the power contact.
US07862357B2 Fluorescent lampholder
A fluorescent lampholder with a top portion for supporting a fluorescent lamp and a base portion with a wire opening located on the bottom surface of the base that receives wires without exposing the wires to the exterior surface of a fixture. The lampholder is capable of supporting various types and/or sizes of fluorescent lamps such as “tall”, “medium” and “small” T-8 fluorescent lamps as well as other types and/or sizes of fluorescent lamps.
US07862356B1 Busway water resistant joint pack or plug-in unit joint
An electrical busway system includes a joint assembly having a joint housing with an upper plate and a lower plate. The lower plate has a nut-receiving hole. A top mounted bolt secures a plurality of electrical conductors to the joint housing, the conductors being mounted between the upper plate and the lower plate. A nut is connected to a threaded end of the bolt, the nut having a main body positioned at least in part within the nut-receiving hole and a tightening end positioned outside the nut-receiving sleeve. A nut gasket is provided for the main body of the nut within the nut-receiving hole to form a sealed zone for preventing water entry into the joint housing.
US07862343B1 Electrical connector having contact with upper terminal and lower terminal
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts. The insulative housing have a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of passageways extending through the top and the bottom surfaces. Each contact includes an upper terminal mounted into the passageway form the top surface and a lower terminal mounted into the passageway from the bottom surface. The upper terminal is configured with an upper retention portion and an upper spring arm extending beyond the top surface of the insulative housing. The lower terminal is configured with a lower retention portion, a lower spring arm extending beyond the bottom surface of the insulative housing, and a lower engaging portion extending upwardly from the lower retention portion to elastically contact with the upper terminal.
US07862338B2 Tripod grip training device
This invention provides a crayon of special external configuration arranged to facilitate the training and development of a tripod grip in the use of pencils, pens and the like. The crayon has a body which has convexly curved end portions and at least first, second and third surfaces which are defined intermediate the body end portions in such manner as to impart to the body a generally triangular transverse cross-sectional shape of a location substantially centrally between the body and portions. Those surfaces converge toward one of the body end portions. The intersections of at least two of the surfaces with each and with the body end portions are smoothly convexly curved. The body is sized in proportion to the size of a hand of an intended user so that it is best grasped between the thumb and adjacent forefinger, preferably also with the cooperation of the adjacent middle finger, for manipulation to make a mark, thereby training the user in the development and use of a tripod grip to grasp and manipulate a pencil, pen, or other more conventionally shaped writing implement.
US07862337B2 Addition and subtraction dice game
An educational game apparatus for practicing arithmetic skills including at least two numbered dice, a game platform with at least two rows of apertures containing removable pegs, and at least ten numbered columns forming a rectangular array with said at least two rows of apertures. A method of play is also described, with the objective of being the first player to remove all the pegs from the board before losing one's turn.
US07862336B2 Method and system for providing feedback data useful in prosthodontic procedures associated with the intra oral cavity
Feedback data useful in prosthodontic procedures associated with the intra oral cavity is provided. First, a 3D numerical model of the target zone in the intra oral cavity is provided, and this is manipulated so as to extract particular data that may be useful in a particular procedure, for example data relating to the finish line or to the shape and size of a preparation. The relationship between this data and the procedure is then determined, for example the clearance between the preparation and the intended crown. Feedback data, indicative of this relationship, is then generated, for example whether the preparation geometry is adequate for the particular type of prosthesis.
US07862328B2 Blow molding station for a container stretch blow molding plant and plant comprising one such assembly
The invention relates to a station for the stretching/blowing of preforms having an upward-facing open end. The inventive station comprises a bracket that supports a blow mould, a stretch rod and means for controlling the movements of the stretch rod. The aforementioned control means comprise: (i) an actuator, and (ii) a roller and a speed control cam, said roller coming into contact with the speed control cam as the stretch rod enters the blow mould, thereby controlling the speed with which the stretch rod enters the blow mould. The invention is characterised in that the speed control cam is disposed below the base of the blow mould.
US07862326B2 Mold lock
A mold lock for a mold that includes a plurality of interlocking arrangements that are configured to provide at least a plurality of interlocks during mold closing. A male interlocking arrangement includes a head with a nose that has a recessed or offset portion that facilitates primary interlocking during mold closing. The nose can be configured with one or more spaced apart bosses that make contact with arms of a female interlocking arrangement at an initial point of contact that then facilitate mold alignment when a second point of contact is achieved.
US07862322B2 Resin infusion between double flexible tooling system
A resin infusion system uses a housing that has an upper flexible diaphragm and a lower flexible diaphragm such that the two diaphragms form a cavity. A fiber reinforcement mat is positioned within the cavity. A mold is positioned below the lower diaphragm. A flow plate has a series of V-shaped grooves and is positioned either underneath the lower diaphragm or overtop the upper diaphragm so that the grooves press into the respective diaphragm. A vacuum is created within the housing causing resin to be drawn into the cavity with the resin interacting with the grooves increasing the turbulence of the resin flow. Once the reinforcement mat is properly wetted, the mold is pressed into the lower diaphragm.
US07862317B2 Mold for vulcanizing a tire, a method of vulcanizing a green tire blank, and a tire obtained by said method
A mold includes at least one axial member carrying at least one sidewall molding surface for molding a sidewall of a tire, radial segments each carrying at least one surface for molding a tread of the tire and locking surfaces for connecting the axial member with the radial segments. First radial and axial locking surfaces which are displaceable and carried by the axial member cooperate with second radial and axial locking surfaces. The sidewall molding surface is integral with a fixed portion of the axial member. The first radial and axial locking surfaces are integral with at least one locking member mounted in the axial member and are movable relative to the fixed portion.
US07862307B2 Swash plate compressor
At a housing, a first gas passage I and a second gas passage II extending along the axial direction, a third gas passage III formed substantially symmetrical to the first gas passage I relative to a plane containing a drive shaft, a fourth gas passage IV formed substantially symmetrical to the second gas passage II and communicating with the second gas passage II and an external component that includes an intake port and an outlet port are disposed. Either the first gas passage or the third gas passage is made to communicate with the intake port to supply a working fluid to a front-side intake chamber and a rear-side intake chamber, and either the second gas passage or the fourth gas passage is made to communicate with a front-side outlet chamber and a rear-side outlet chamber with the gas passage not in communication with the outlet chambers made to communicate with the outlet port. The specific shapes assumed by the gas passages inside the compressor raise the level of freedom with regard to the positions at which the intake port and the outlet port may be formed in a swash plate compressor.
US07862302B2 Fluid circulation system
A fluid circulation system wherein circulation is caused within a body by establishing a ring vortex within the fluid caused by an impeller designed in accordance with the Golden Section or Phi Geometry.
US07862300B2 Turbomachinery blade having a platform relief hole
A turbomachinery blade having a relief hole in its platform and a method of limiting the formation and/or propagation of cracks in the trailing edge of the blade are provided. The relief hole may be formed in the concave side of the platform proximate the trailing edge along its mean camber line. The relief hole may be circular in cross-section and is blind, i.e., does not exit on any other face of the platform. The relief hole prevents the formation of cracks in the trailing edge of the blade and also slows the propagation of any cracks which may have formed in this region of the blade.
US07862299B1 Two piece hollow turbine blade with serpentine cooling circuits
A turbine blade for use in a gas turbine engine, the blade being formed from two pieces bonded together along the blade chamber line to from a pressure side piece and a suction side piece. The pressure side piece includes a first serpentine flow cooling circuit with a first leg located on the suction side leading edge region and the second leg on the pressure side leading edge region with the last leg adjacent to the trailing edge region and connected to exit slots to discharge cooling air out the pressure side of the trailing edge. The suction side piece includes a second serpentine flow cooling circuit with a first leg adjacent to the trailing edge region and connected to suction side exit slots to discharge cooling air. The suction side serpentine circuit ends in a last leg adjacent to the first leg of the pressure side serpentine circuit with a row of film cooling holes to discharge cooling air from the last leg to the suction side airfoil surface for film cooling. The two serpentine flow circuits are separated from each other so that the cooling design can be flexible.
US07862293B2 Low profile bleed air cooler
A bleed air cooler assembly of a gas turbine engine comprises a cooler body defining a fluid passage therein and a connector detachably affixed with the cooler body installed in an annular bypass air passage.
US07862290B2 Fluid energy-harnessing apparatus
Apparatus for harnessing energy from wind comprises upper and lower continuous-loop trackways defining a continuous loop path and a series of connected, movable wind foils. Each wind foil has a leading edge mast engaging and guided by the upper and lower trackways. Each wind foil is movable between first and second orientations when moving along first and second portions of the path. A second example comprises a support structure having upper and lower closed loop trackways having inner and outer trackway rails and defining a closed loop path which guides a series of connected trolleys. Each trolley has a roller mounted to a roller support. The roller is guided by the rails of the upper and lower trackways. Sail assemblies each have a mast and a sail extending from the mast, with the upper and lower ends of the mast mounted to and supported by upper and lower trolleys.
US07862286B2 Unloading system for an agricultural harvester
An unloading system for an agricultural harvester, includes a grain tank (16); a door (56) at the outlet of the grain tank (16) that is disposed to control the flow of grain out of the grain tank (16); a door actuator (84) coupled to the door (56) that is disposed to open and close the door; a first conveyor (30) disposed to receive grain passing through the door (56); a first conveyor drive motor (80) coupled to the first conveyor (30) to drive the first conveyor (30); a control circuit (72) coupled to both the door actuator (84) and the first conveyor drive motor (80), the control circuit (72) being configured to close the door (56) prior to shutting off the first conveyor (30) in response to an operator command to shut down the unloading system.
US07862281B2 Precise linear fastener system and method for use
The present invention provides a linear fastening system capable of rapid engagement and disengagement. More specifically, the system utilizes a cooperating collet member and a compression ring member which are constructed and arranged to slip easily over a shank member. The fastener system is secured by linearly traversing a compression member in an overlapping fashion over the collet member thereby utilizing ribbed surfaces to compress the collet member to grip the outer surface of the shank member. In this manner, the linear fastener system is capable of providing a precise, secure, and reproducible connection between multiple components without the need to apply rotational torque to the assembly.
US07862279B2 Screw
A screw, in particular a self-tapping screw, has a screw thread which covers up to the front end of the screw formed as a drilling tip or cutting tip. In the front area, starting with a distance from the front end of the screw, there is an opposite thread showing the same pitch as the screw thread, however, its thread height is lower than the thread height of the screw thread. This second, opposite single-thread, double-thread or triple-thread/multi-thread forms a cutting edge with its thread edge which is used to cut fibers in order to reduce wedge effect during screwing in the screw. The screw is particularly suitable for wood or wood-like materials in the edge areas of structural elements.
US07862275B2 Fastening device
A fastening device for fastening a plate element, in particular a door or wall lining, on a carrier, in particular a body part of a motor vehicle, can take a preassembly position and a final assembly position. The fastening device includes a connecting element (10), which can be connected with the plate element and defines an axial mounting direction (A). The fastening device further comprises an engaging part (12) for locking the fastening device behind an opening of the carrier. Both the connecting element (10) and the engaging part (12) have integrally formed functional elements, which in the preassembly position directly cooperate with associated functional elements or regions of the engaging part (12) and with associated functional elements or regions of the connecting element (10), respectively.
US07862273B2 Part mounting mechanism
A part mounting mechanism includes a boss, and a resin clip adapted to be assembled to the boss. The resin clip includes holding pieces, elastic engagement pieces, and a connecting portion. The part mounting mechanism also includes projecting portions formed on facing inner surfaces of the connecting portion at predetermined intervals in a staggered fashion along a direction in which the boss is inserted. When the boss is inserted into the connecting portion, the projecting portions bite into the distal end portion of the boss.
US07862270B1 Method and apparatus for restraining cargo
A method and apparatus for restraining cargo in a trailer is provided. The apparatus has four components: a mobile cargo stop, a chain, means for anchoring the chain to the trailer floor near the trailer front wall, and a front wall liner mounted to the trailer front wall. The chain runs from the anchoring means near the trailer front wall, under the cargo, and is affixed to the cargo stop with a turnbuckle hook. The cargo is restrained between the front wall liner and the cargo stop by tightening the chain using a cinching device mounted on the cargo stop.
US07862257B2 Cable guide device for use in a manhole
A cable guide device for a manhole includes a wall supporting plate supported against a wall surface of an entrance part of the manhole, a cable guide body positioned at the bottom part of the wall supporting plate, a rotation shaft mounted vertically to the cable guide body and the wall supporting plate so that the cable guide body can be rotated from side to side with regard to the wall supporting plate, and at least one guide roller which rotates integrally with a roller shaft combined with the cable guide body so as to guide the cable into at least one underground pipe.
US07862256B2 Pipeline weighting device and method
A pipeline weighting device to straddle the longitudinal axis of a pipeline, a method of filling the device, and a method of weighting a pipeline with the device. The pipeline weighting device is formed of a plurality of interconnected, generally tubular-shaped lobes arranged to straddle the pipeline in a balanced manner along the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. The lobes are formed of a flexible, water permeable fabric to hold weighting fill material. Each lobe has opposed and closed longitudinal side edges and opposed ends, one end being a closed end, and the other end forming an open or partially open filling end. Each lobe is formed with a self-closing filling sleeve or filling flap at the open filling end, the filling sleeve or filling flap extending into the interior of the lobe and providing an opening into the lobe in a manner such that, when each of the lobes is fully charged through the opening with the fill material, and the pipeline weighting device is turned on its longitudinal axis, the filling sleeve or tube becomes trapped to close the filling sleeve or filling flap and to contain the fill material.
US07862252B2 Vehicle barrier system
A vehicle barrier system. The vehicle barrier system includes a base, an arm hingably mechanically coupled to the base, a raising/lowering mechanism in mechanical communication with the arm, and a cable supported by the arm, the cable mechanically coupled to first and second anchors placed on opposite sides of an area through which a vehicle may pass, and the raising/lowering mechanism moves the arm and the cable between a first position and a second position.
US07862251B2 Vehicle arresting device
A vehicle arresting device comprises a net intended to be laid flat on the ground in the path of an oncoming vehicle to be arrested. Two rows of barbed spikes are attached to the net along its leading edge. When a vehicle runs over the device the spikes lodge in its front tyres and the net is caused to wrap around the front wheels, eventually being pulled tight under the vehicle so that the tension in the net prevents further rotation of the wheels and the vehicle is brought to a stop. The net is manufactured such that in its deployed condition it has sufficient lateral stretch to allow it to become fully wrapped around the front wheels before the tension builds up to a level at which there might otherwise be a risk of the spikes being pulled from the tyres.
US07862250B2 Dust boot assemblies and apparatus for providing grease relief for a dust boot
Dust boot assemblies for providing grease relief while preventing or minimizing infiltration of contaminants into a cavity in the dust boot and between the surfaces of a greased joint coupled to the dust boot. Some such dust boot assemblies include two-piece grease relief inserts having a body and a shield, wherein the body includes grease relief route(s) and the shield prevents or minimizes infiltration of contaminants into the grease relief route(s). Other dust boot assemblies include one-piece grease relief inserts with integral body and shield components. Some grease relief routes include axial and radial channels. Grease relief inserts are inserted under an edge of a dust boot. A dust boot skirt covers grease relief ports through which excess grease is relieved to the external environment. The grease relief insert is located to in a portion of the dust boot experiencing limited or zero movement.
US07862248B2 Pen retention apparatus
A pen retention bracket for releasably securing a pen tether retracting reel therein is disclosed. The pen retention bracket includes four surfaces that define a rectangular cavity having four sides and a top opening and a bottom opening. A first protrusion and a second protrusion are disposed upon a first surface and extend from the first surface toward a second surface, a distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion greater than a height of the pen tether retracting reel. The first surface is responsive to an application of force to the pen tether retracting reel to elastically deform and increase a depth between the second surface and at least one of the first protrusion and the second , thereby releasing the pen tether retracting reel via either of the top opening and the bottom opening.
US07862242B2 Wheel bearing apparatus for a vehicle
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member formed, on its inner circumference, with double row outer raceway surfaces. An inner member is formed on its outer circumference surface, with double row inner raceway surfaces arranged opposite to the double row outer raceway surfaces. Double ball groups are freely rollably contained between the outer raceway surfaces and inner raceway surfaces, respectively, of the outer member and the inner member. It is formed as a double row angular contact ball bearing of back-to-back duplex type where a predetermined contacting angle is applied to each ball. A pitch circle diameter of the outer-side ball group is larger than a pitch circle diameter of the inner-side ball group. The outer-side groove diameter of curvature ratios are smaller than inner-side groove diameter of curvature ratios.
US07862241B2 Rolling bearing apparatus
A rolling bearing apparatus includes inner rings, an outer ring, and sealing devices each having a seal case fixed to the outer ring. The seal case includes a fixing portion press-fitted in the outer ring, and a ring-shaped portion extending radially inwardly from an axially-outer end of the fixing portion. The fixing portion has a ridge formed on and projecting radially outwardly from an outer peripheral surface thereof. The ridge is disposed nearer to the axially-outer end of the fixing portion than an axially inner end of the fixing portion.
US07862238B2 Hydrodynamic bearing rotary device and information apparatus
A hydrodynamic bearing rotary device which can reduce rotation friction, and recording and reproducing apparatus including the same is provided. In the hydrodynamic bearing rotary device, such as hard disc devices, a rotary shaft having a hub on one end is provided in a bearing of a sleeve so as to be rotatable. Thrust hydrodynamic grooves are provided on the other end surface of the rotary shaft, to form a thrust bearing with the thrust plate. A communication path is provided in the sleeve. The second gap between the hub and the sleeve end surface is used as a flow channel and is connected to the communication path. In this way, the rotation friction torque of the thrust bearing can be made sufficiently small, and internal pressure in bonded portions of the rotary shaft or the bottom plate can be suppressed. Thus, the oil can be prevented from oozing out from a small space of the bonded surfaces. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic bearing can be made thin. These effects can be combined to realize an optimal hydrodynamic bearing rotary device.
US07862230B2 Method and device for controlling an internal combustion engine
On the fulfillment of a specified condition, a temperature signal outside an actuating device is detected to which a piezoelectric actuator is assigned. A piezoelectric temperature value is determined by the temperature signal. A temperature-capacitance characteristic value of the piezoelectric actuator is determined by the piezoelectric temperature value through specified mapping. A measured capacitance characteristic value is determined by a detected piezoelectric actuator charge and voltage corresponding to the temperature signal. A first correction capacitance characteristic value is determined by the measured capacitance characteristic value and the temperature-capacitance characteristic value. Independently, the charge and the voltage of the piezoelectric actuator is detected and the measured capacitance characteristic value is determined on the basis of these. The piezoelectric temperature value is determined by the measured capacitance characteristic value and the first correction capacitance characteristic value through inverse mapping with respect to the temperature and the capacitance characteristic value.
US07862228B2 High temperature wellbore monitoring method and apparatus
The invention provides an apparatus for use in high temperature conditions, constituted of a downhole element and a master element connected together via a sealed connection; wherein the downhole element comprises a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor without any electronics and is embedded in a sealed housing resistant to high temperature; wherein the master element comprises electronics needed for function of the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor; and wherein the sealed connection is resistant to high temperature.
US07862224B2 Vibration actuation system with independent control of frequency and amplitude
Vibrational energy generated with a pneumatic vibrator is controlled to independently adjust the amplitude and the frequency. A mechanical resonator is used to adjust the frequency. The controlled vibrational energy can be applied to equipment, such as a heat exchanger to mitigate fouling.
US07862220B2 Integration of light emitting devices and printed electronics into vehicle trim components
A relatively thin printed LED backlight device with an integral diffuser may be integrated into an interior trim component using a molding process, such as injection molding, compression molding and reaction injection molding. The display portion may be placed behind a textile surface or molded grille or may form a portion of the outer surface of the trim component to provide light to low light areas of the vehicle. Electronic circuitry and components may be printed on to the substrate of the device as part of an in-line continuous process at the molding station to allow low inventory and customization of each backlight device.
US07862218B2 Point source apparatus and method of manufacture thereof
A point electromagnetic radiation source apparatus (200) for fluorescence microscopy comprises an array of individually unpackaged light emitting diodes. A lightguide (102) is coupled to the array of individually unpackaged light emitting diodes (202) by abutment, the lightguide having a coupling window (210) that receives electromagnetic radiation emitted by the array of individually unpackaged 10 light emitting diodes (202).
US07862213B2 Modified reflector surface to redirect off-field side light onto field
An apparatus and method for high intensity lighting includes, in one aspect, a reflector frame having a main portion generally following a surface of revolution of the type that produces a converging beam and a second portion following a surface of revolution of the type that produces a different shape beam. Placement of the second portion in the reflector frame allows shifting of parts of the light beam in desired directions.
US07862212B2 Light emitting diode lens structure and an illumination apparatus incorporating with the LED lens structure
A light emitting diode lens structure includes a lens having an upper section and a lower section. The lower section is provided with a light emitting diode accommodation part. The upper section is coated with a specular reflection layer to form a reflecting surface facing the light emitting diode accommodation part. An illumination apparatus with the light emitting diode lens structure includes a lampshade, a locking module, an electrode module, and a light emitting diode. The lampshade has a reflecting light surface and an aperture. The locking module is coupled on the lampshade and has a through hole corresponding to the aperture. The electrode module is coupled on the locking module and corresponds to the through hole. This design provides a significant reduction in glare to reduce eyestrain.
US07862210B2 LED lamp with heat sink assembly
An LED lamp includes a support, an envelope, a heat sink assembly and a plurality of LED modules. The envelope is coupled to the support. The heat sink assembly includes a first heat sink mounted on the envelope, a cylindrical second heat sink attached to a bottom surface of the first heat sink and positioned in the envelope, and a plurality of heat pipes. The LED modules are mounted on an outside wall of the second heat sink. The heat pipes have condensing portions embedded in the bottom surface of the first heat sink and evaporating portions sandwiched between the outside wall of the second heat sink and the LED modules.
US07862209B2 Permanently installed light emitting elements for a barrier operator
A barrier movement operator controls movement of a movable barrier. The barrier movement operator includes a head unit, including a chassis, for commanding the movable barrier to perform movable barrier functions. A plurality of closely mounted light emitting elements are fixedly mounted onto the head unit. A heat sink is in thermal communication with the set of light emitting elements and with the chassis of the barrier movement operator to dissipate thermal energy from the set of light emitting elements. A controller is utilized for controlling the head unit to provide power to the set of light emitting elements.
US07862208B2 Dimming device for a searchlight
A dimming device for a searchlight for adjusting the brightness of a light field generated by a searchlight is provided. The dimming device comprising a plurality of different screening elements, which are formed and provided to partly or completely screen the light emitted by the searchlight. The screening elements are formed by different structured masks at least partly screening the light emitted by the searchlight, which include regularly arranged opaque or partly transparent regions and transparent regions. Means each are provided for incremental adjustment of the brightness of the generated light field of the searchlight either to bring the screening elements into the region of the light emitted by the searchlight, in order to reduce the brightness of the light field generated by one brightness level, or to remove the same from the region of the light emitted by the searchlight, in order to increase the brightness of the light field generated by one brightness level.
US07862204B2 LED light
A Light-Emitting Diode (“LED”) light including a housing with two ends, a base coupled to the housing at one of the two ends for connecting to an electrical fixture, the housing including vertical plates with a majority of higher-power LEDs mounted on the vertical plates at an angle of less than 75 degrees relative to the vertical plates. In one aspect, the LEDs are mounted in a column and row grid pattern. In one aspect, the housing includes a horizontal plate with lower-power LEDs mounted thereon. In one aspect, the LED light includes a temperature regulation device housed within its housing for heat dissipation.
US07862201B2 Fluorescent lamp for lighting applications
A lighting device comprises a serpentine shaped CCFL, a driver driving the CCFL, a connector that allows the device to connect to and receive power from conventional power sockets, and a fixture that connects them into a single device. Such device can be used for general lighting purposes and replaces incandescent and other fluorescent lamps in current use without having to change electrical sockets. The fixture mechanically connects the CCFL, the driver and the connector to form an unitary mechanical structure. Preferably an air gap is maintained between the CCFL and the driver.
US07862197B2 Searchlight with flexible attachment means
A flexible attachment means for use with a searchlight or other device is disclosed. The flexible attachment means allows a user to attach a housing to an uneven metallic surface, such as a car hood, boat prow or other locations. The flexible attachment means has an attachment base fixed to the bottom of a housing for the searchlight. The attachment base has attachment locations that flexibly attach to a flexible base gasket having a plurality of magnets to hold the flexible attachment means to a metallic surface.
US07862194B2 Baseball-style cap with amplified stereo speakers
An embodiment of a baseball style cap and stereo combination having a crown, a brim/bill, a sweatband, and two amplified stereo speakers concealed within the brim/bill is disclosed. The baseball-style cap combination further includes a battery holder/forehead cushion housing a battery holder concealed within an inner surface of the baseball-style cap combination by a flap. Also included are wires connecting the battery holder to an amplifier concealed within the sweatband and wires connecting the amplifier to the speakers. A stereophonic music generator sends a music signal which is provided to the amplifier by any suitable means of communication, like an audio cord or wireless by means of infrared or Bluetooth wireless technology.
US07862193B1 Compact flashlight
A compact flashlight that allows a user to view documents in a dark situation without having to hold a flashlight. The pocket light fits easily over the top of the pocket and can be covered by a conventional pocket flap. The light is an LED display device that produces a significant amount of light so a user can check identification or documentation, as in a license check, or registration verification for police. The pocket light has a push button power switch that can be activated by the user through the fabric of their shirt.
US07862187B2 Microstructured articles comprising nitrogen containing ingredient
Microstructured articles, such as a retroreflective articles, having a plurality of (e.g. cube-corner) microstructured elements projecting from a major surface are described. The microstructured (e.g.) cube-corner elements or interface with an adjacent layer comprises certain nitrogen-containing ingredients. The inclusion of such nitrogen-containing ingredients can improve the adhesion of the (e.g. cube-corner) elements to adjacent (e.g. olefinic) layers such as a body layer, seal film layer, or combination thereof. The flexible retroreflective articles have a light transmissive polymeric body layer having an elastic modulus of less than 7×108 pascals.
US07862182B2 Optical system for a projector, and corresponding projector
Optical system for a projector, comprising: at least a first polarizing beam splitter for splitting a source illumination beam into a first illumination beam linearly polarized along a first direction and a second illumination beam polarized perpendicular to the first direction; at least one color wheel intersecting the polarized illumination beams in two different regions and producing a first color beam linearly polarized along the first direction and a perpendicularly polarized second color beam; and two imagers illuminated by the first and second polarized color beams respectively.
US07862179B2 Dual-mode projection apparatus and method for locating a light spot in a projected image
A dual-mode projection apparatus has a projection module for projecting an image onto a projection surface. An image sensor module captures images of the projection surface and determines spatial and temporal characteristics of a visible light spot superimposed on the projection surface. A communications module transmits the spatial and temporal characteristics of the visible light spot to a remote device for remote control of the device based on the spatial and temporal characteristics of the visible light spot.
US07862178B2 Scanning projection apparatus
A projection apparatus including an actuator, a light source, and a projection lens is provided. The light source is disposed on the actuator and is capable for emitting light beams sequentially. The actuator is capable for driving the light source so as to change the transmission paths of the light beams. The projection lens is disposed on the transmission paths of the light beams. The volume of the projection apparatus can be reduced since the light source is directly disposed on the actuator.
US07862177B2 Image forming system
When it is determined that the host vehicle is stopped at the intersection in the right turn waiting state, the navigation ECU forms a right turn waiting mark representing the right turn waiting state on the road surface of the opposing lane at the intersection where the host vehicle is stopped with a visually identifiable laser beam with a predetermined color. When it is determined that the host vehicle is brought into the right turn start state from the right turn waiting state where the host vehicle is stopped at the intersection, the navigation ECU forms the right turn start mark representing the right turn start state instead of the right turn waiting mark on the road surface of the opposing lane at the intersection where the host vehicle enters with the visually identifiable laser beam with the color (for example, red) different from that of the right turn waiting mark, at substantially the same position thereof in accordance with the traveling state of the host vehicle.
US07862166B1 Side-view mirror attachment for spectacles
A side-view mirror attachment for a pair of spectacles constructed of a pair of mirrors each having a hemispherical shape, a center frame that has two opposite ends each fixedly connected to one of the pair of mirrors, and a mounting device for either detachably or permanently mount the attachment to a pair of spectacles.
US07862164B2 Ink jet recording apparatus and recording method therefor
An ink jet recording apparatus, which records a image on a recording medium using a recording head provided with a plurality of ink discharge ports, comprises a rotative platen having a plurality of supporting pieces arranged at predetermined intervals; rotation means for rotating the platen; conveyance means for conveying the recording medium; control means for controlling the rotation means to rotate the platen in the conveying direction of the recording medium in synchronism with the conveyance of the recording medium when recording is performed near the edge of the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance means. With the structure thus arrange, this ink jet recording apparatus is capable of performing the entire area recording (no margin recording) on a recording medium without staining the platen that supports the recording medium at the time of recording.
US07862158B2 Method of manufacturing ink jet recording head, ink jet cartridge
A method of manufacturing an ink jet head which discharges ink, comprising: a step of preparing a silicon substrate; a step of forming a membrane having a layer in which a plurality of holes are disposed to constitute a filter mask, and a layer with which a first surface is coated in such a manner that the first surface is not exposed from the plurality of holes on the first surface of the substrate; a step of forming a close contact enhancing layer on the membrane formed on the substrate; a step of forming a channel constituting member on the close contact enhancing layer to constitute a plurality of discharge ports and a plurality of ink channels communicating with the plurality of discharge ports; a step of forming an ink supply port communicating with the plurality of ink channels in the silicon substrate by anisotropic etching from a second surface facing the first surface of the substrate; and a step of forming a filter in a portion of the close contact enhancing layer positioned in an opening of the ink supply port using the layer of the membrane in which a plurality of holes are disposed as the mask.
US07862157B2 Ink jet recording head
An ink jet recording head includes ejection resistors for generating thermal energy for ejecting ink; warming resistors for generating thermal energy for heating the ink; ejection outlets, provided correspondingly to the ejection resistors, for ejecting the ink; and a recording element substrate provided with ink flow paths provided correspondingly to and for supplying the ink to the ejection outlets, the ejection resistors, the warming resistors, a first ejection outlet array portion including the ejection outlets, and a second ejection outlet array portion including the ejection outlets. An amount of one ink droplet to be ejected from an ejection outlet of the first ejection outlet array portion is different from that from an ejection outlet of the second ejection outlet array portion. The warming resistors are formed above the recording element substrate through the ejection resistors and an insulating layer with respect to a lamination direction of the recording element substrate and are disposed between the ejection resistors and the ink flow paths. The warming resistors include a first warming resistor disposed at the first ejection outlet array portion with a larger ejection amount and a second warming heat generating resistor disposed at the second ejection outlet array portion with a smaller ejection amount.
US07862154B2 Liquid ejection method, liquid ejection head and liquid ejection apparatus
The liquid ejection method of ejecting liquid from a nozzle, includes the steps of: growing a column of the liquid from the nozzle; and injecting a bubble into a base of the column of the liquid during growth thereof from the nozzle, by using a bubble supply device which supplies a bubble.
US07862152B2 Printer having a printhead assembly with module alignment fiducials
Provided is a printer having a printhead assembly which includes an elongate support beam. The support beam includes a silicon core, an intermediate elastomeric layer mounted to the core and an outer support structure mounted to the elastomeric layer, as well as a plurality of printhead modules mounted to the support beam. The printhead modules and support beam are configured so that the printhead modules are misaligned when the printhead assembly is at a room temperature and move into alignment when the printhead assembly heats up to an operating temperature of the printhead. The printhead assembly also includes a number of fiducials located on the respective printhead modules to allow visual verification of such alignment.
US07862151B2 Printhead with droplet redirecting nozzle guard
A printhead is provided having an ejection surface having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting droplets and a nozzle guard positioned over the ejection surface and having a plurality of channels therethrough aligned with the nozzles. The channels have hydrophobic sidewalls and are radially flared with respect to the ink ejection surface such that droplets which are ejected from the nozzles with misdirection rebound off the channel sidewalls to pass through the channels.
US07862146B2 Pagewidth printhead assembly having a capping member actuating mechanism
Provided is a pagewidth printhead assembly. The assembly includes two printheads arranged on opposite sides of a print media path for duplex printing, and a printhead actuating mechanism configured to move the printheads relative to each other. The assembly also includes a capping member and a capping member actuating mechanism for moving the capping member between an uncapped position outside the media path and a capped position inside the media path for capping both printheads.
US07862143B2 Compact printer with static page width printhead
A compact printer is provided with a static page width printhead. An elongate support case defines a docking bay and has a personal computer (PC) interface connector protruding from one end thereof. A print media cartridge is configured to dock in the docking bay in a releasable manner. A page-width printhead assembly is mounted across an opposite end of the support case to said one end. The printhead assembly includes a static ink ejection printhead configured to eject ink upon print media supplied from the cartridge.
US07862140B2 Printing method, printing apparatus, and storage medium having program stored thereon with ink ejection amount correction
A method including performing correction of an ink ejection amount for a certain area based on a correction value for a first type row region, and performing correction of an ink ejection amount for another area. The certain area includes a plurality of the first type row regions adjacent to each other in a transport direction. The other area is located on the upstream side in the transport direction from the certain area, and includes a plurality of second type row regions and a plurality of the first type row regions in the transport direction. The second type row region is a region in which a dot row is formed in the movement direction by performing the movement-and-ejection operation another predetermined number of times that is more than the predetermined number of times. A ratio of the second type row regions increases as the distance from the certain area increases.
US07862138B2 Flow control in an ink pen
In one embodiment a pressure regulator for an ink pen includes: a diaphragm between a lower pressure region and a higher pressure region, the diaphragm movable toward the lower pressure region in response to an increase in a pressure difference across the diaphragm; a valve operative between an open position in which ink may flow into the lower pressure region and a closed position in which ink may not flow into the lower pressure region; a first lever rotatable on a first fulcrum in response to movement of the diaphragm toward the lower pressure region; and a second lever connected to the valve, the second lever rotatable on a second fulcrum in response to rotation of the first lever to move the valve from the closed position to an open position.
US07862136B2 Inkjet printer system with interchangeable printhead cartridges and cradles
An inkjet printer system comprises a first cartridge having one or more ink storage reservoirs, an ink delivery assembly, and a printhead integrated circuit. The system further comprises a second cartridge having one or more ink storage reservoirs, an ink delivery assembly, and a printhead integrated circuit, and having a performance characteristic differing from that of the first cartridge. A first cradle is provided for receiving a cartridge, the cradle having a first controller board for controlling a printhead integrated circuit of the received cartridge. A second cradle is further provided for receiving a cartridge, the cradle having a second controller board for controlling a printhead integrated circuit of the received cartridge. The first cartridge, second cartridge, first cradle, and second cradle, are user interchangeable to vary a performance of the inkjet printer system.
US07862134B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus and method of driving liquid ejecting head
Provided is a liquid ejecting apparatus including: pressure generation chambers communicating with nozzle openings for ejecting a liquid; and a liquid ejecting head including pressure generation units which cause pressure variations in the pressure generation chambers, wherein idle nozzles including at least one located adjacent to ejection nozzles in the vicinity of the ejection nozzles are selected according to a liquid ejecting timing from the ejection nozzles for ejecting the liquid from the nozzle openings, the pressure generation unit corresponding to the selected idle nozzles is driven, non-ejection driving for pressurizing the pressure generation chamber communicating with the idle nozzles to a degree not ejecting the liquid is performed, and the non-ejection driving is not performed with respect to the pressure generation unit corresponding to the unselected idle nozzles.
US07862133B2 Liquid discharging method and liquid discharging apparatus
A liquid discharging head is appropriately driven to effectively prevent a satellite from being generated irrespective of conditions such as a property of a discharge liquid or a head structure. The liquid discharging head is driven using volume variation in a manner that a liquid extending in a column shape at the time of separating a liquid droplet (main droplet) is gradually thickened from the separation portion to a discharge port, and that the liquid protrudes from the discharge port during a period where the length of the liquid extending in the column shape is shortened after the droplet is separated. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent a liquid column from further being separated after the main droplet is separated, and to restrict the satellite from being generated, irrespective of conditions such as the property of the discharge liquid or the head structure.
US07862130B2 Solenoid valve for brake system
Disclosed herein is a solenoid valve for a brake system to reduce manufacturing costs via a shorter length and more simplified configuration of a magnet core. In the solenoid valve for a brake system to be mounted in a bore of a modulator block having an inlet and an outlet, the solenoid valve includes a magnet core having a center longitudinal penetrating hole and an entrance and exit for oil flow, an armature movably provided at one end of the magnet core and serving to open or close the exit, a valve seat provided at the other end of the magnet core, and a sleeve in which the armature and magnet core are received, the sleeve being fixed to the bore.
US07862129B2 Electric parking brake system with one cable for vehicle
The present invention provides an electric parking brake system with one cable that has only one cable between an actuator, serving as a power generator, and parking cables and high flexibility in laying-out for mounting to a vehicle. According to an electric parking brake system with one cable of the invention, an actuator that converts torque of a motor into axial moving force to operate parking cables is manufactured into a single module, a housing that defines the whole external shape of the actuator is formed into an integral unit by injection molding, in which vibration caused by rotation in the operation of the actuator is absorbed by elastic members, so that a small-sized actuator having improved workability in mounting can be obtained and desired performance, such as reduction of operational noise caused by absorption of vibration, can be achieved.
US07862127B2 Chrome-plated hubcap and a wheel assembly for a vehicle
A hubcap configured for attachment to a wheel of a vehicle via a plurality of nutcaps that are removably attachable to a plurality of lugnuts of the vehicle includes a chrome-plated body and a standoff. The chrome-plated body defines an inner surface having a sidewall. The standoff is configured to distribute a force, arising during attachment of the plurality of nutcaps to the plurality of lugnuts, through the hubcap to the wheel of the vehicle. The standoff includes a proximal portion spaced apart from the sidewall and a distal portion including a hollow tubular member defining a bore. A wheel assembly configured for attachment to an axle of the vehicle includes the plurality of nutcaps, the wheel, the hubcap, and an insulator configured to protect the hubcap from heat and disposed within the hollow tubular member of the standoff.
US07862124B2 Web adjuster and coupling
A web adjuster device for securing and varying a length of a web. The web adjuster device comprising a connector portion and an adjuster portion. The adjuster portion comprising a gripping bar having a pair of ears mounted near each of its ends, a housing including a web stop, and one or more springs to normally urge the bar toward the web stop and against the web. The connector portion comprises a hook portion integrally attached to the web adjuster portion, the hook portion rising generally upwardly and away from the bottom surface of the web adjuster portion.
US07862117B2 Head rest and harness adjustment for child car seat
A car seat includes a vertically adjustable head rest and harness support apparatus that will properly locate the position of the harness relative to the child in response to the positioning of the head rest. The head rest is movable along a curved track to provide horizontal clearance with respect to the vehicle head rest when in a fully raised position. The harness belt is trapped in a length adjustment lock and follows a path that extends around a fixed guide bar at the top of the car seat frame then downwardly through a guide member that directs the belt through an opening in the seat back for engagement with the child. The guide member is supported on a harness control tube that engages a rack device to fix the position of the harness control tube when the position of the head rest is selected.
US07862116B2 Cushion for aircraft ejection seat
A seat cushion for an aircraft seat includes a plurality of rear edge securing straps attached to the lower surface of the seat cushion. The rear edge securing straps each have a free end that includes a pull-the-dot fastener that engages a corresponding pull-the-dot fastener at the rear edge of the seat pan. The length of the rear edge securing straps is selected so that when the seat cushion is installed, the rear edge securing straps are pulled substantially flat so that the seat cushion is firmly held in place. The seat cushion is easily removable because the pull-the-dot fasteners are at the ends of the rear edge securing straps rather than affixed directly to the bottom of the seat cushion. Therefore, when the front edge of the seat cushion is released, the seat cushion can be lifted up enough to allow the cushion to be released without pulling at the bottom of the seat cushion.
US07862115B1 Protective device for developing infants
An inventive protective device for developing infants is provided, where the protective device is comprised of a triangularly-shaped, padded front portion conforming to the infant's chest, a triangularly-shaped, padded back portion conforming to the infant's back, and a crotch portion connecting the front and back portions. The front and back portions are each constructed of a plurality of tapering tubular-shaped structures extending from the top edge towards the crotch area, with the crotch portion lacking any padding. The inventive protective device fills the gap between the infant's torso and any seating enclosure into which the infant is placed, so as to reduce the chance for injury due to sudden and rapid movement against the enclosure.
US07862111B2 Adjustable work surface
A multi-functional adjustable tray that mounts on the arm of a chair to provide a comfortably accessible work surface to support a computer mouse and other IO devices. The adjustable tray may be easily mounted to an arm of a chair and provides width, length, rotation, and storage adjustments. The adjustable tray includes a platform that is pivotally connected to an armchair stop. The armchair stop may be supported by adjustable guides that may be secured to the chair arm by a compression element. The tray may include one or more rotatable joints to allow the platform or IO devices to be tilted to a comfortable working angle.
US07862109B2 Open roof construction
An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a roof opening in a fixed roof part and a roof assembly having a movable panel for opening and closing said roof opening. At opposite sides of the panel flexible cover members are provided for covering lateral gaps created when the panel moves towards an open position. Further it comprises two guide members extending along corresponding opposite sides of the roof opening for guiding respective parts of the open roof construction. The cover members are integrally connected with the respective guide members.
US07862103B2 Interlocking joint for a wall or door of a trailer
A wall or roof of a trailer are formed from a first panel and a second panel which are joined together by a cap and a strip which interengage. The cap includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The base wall abuts the outer surfaces of the panels. The strip includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The strip and cap are separate members. The base wall of the strip abuts the inner surfaces of the panels. The interlock of the strip and the interlock of the cap mate together to form a joint. The interlocks extend between the panels. The panels may be composite panels or may be from a single sheet or multiple sheets of metal. An adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the cap and the outer surfaces, and an adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the strip and the inner surfaces.
US07862102B1 Apparatus for reducing drag on vehicles
An apparatus for reducing the drag on a moving vehicle includes combinations of a movable diverter with a corresponding fixed diverter. Each combination is adapted to be mounted the rear of a vehicle with the fixed diverter positioned forward of the movable diverter. The movable diverter has a retracted position and an extended position and is biased to the retracted position. The movable diverter deploys to the extended position when moving above a predetermined velocity and returns to the retracted position when moving below the predetermined velocity. The movable diverter in the extended position having the rear end extending over the rear of a vehicle to direct air thereto.
US07862098B2 Vehicle interior assembly
A vehicle interior assembly includes an interior panel and trim panel. The interior panel includes an opening and a mating part. The trim panel is snap-fitted into the opening of the interior panel and includes a main body. An accessory opening is provided in the main body adjacent to a first end thereof. The accessory opening is configured to receive an accessory adaptor that is insertable and removable perpendicularly to the first direction of the main body. A retention tab extends away from the first end of the main body along a section of a concealed surface of the interior panel adjacent to the opening and prevents movement of the trim panel perpendicularly to the first direction of the main body. A snap-fit part is releasably secured to the mating part of the interior panel portion.
US07862097B2 Storage and tread unit
A combination storage and tread unit has a housing which is installed beneath a second row of seating in an automotive vehicle body. The housing has a tread pad at each end which a person can step on to reach a third row of seating when a seat in the second row is tumbled forwardly. The housing has two module-receiving compartments for storing electrical control modules and related wiring. The compartments are covered and protected by the second row of seating when the seats in the second row are in a normal occupant-supporting position, but are readily accessible when the seats are tumbled forwardly, so that the modules may be removed and serviced without removing the seats.
US07862096B2 Upper glove box assembly
An upper glove box for the passenger side of an automotive vehicle in which a door is upwardly hinged and has an upper edge that is received into a void defined in the instrument panel when the door is opened. The revealed wall forward of the opening of the void is an integral portion of the foam injected instrument panel to provide the desired aesthetics.
US07862090B1 Plug-in fitting for direct connection to housing
A plug in fitting for direct connection into an aperture in a housing. The fitting includes an inner cylindrical member having a body with an external diameter, a first end, and an opposed, second end having an radially extending cam. An outer sleeve includes a body and an inner diameter slightly larger than the external diameter of the inner body. A first end of the outer sleeve terminates in a radially extending flange larger than the aperture. A second end of the outer sleeve is opposed to the first end. At least one tab extends radially inward from the body of the outer sleeve, wherein the first end of the inner cylindrical member is inserted through the outer sleeve to form a combined assembly, and wherein the combined assembly is inserted through the aperture so that the radially extending flange of the outer sleeve rests against the housing and wherein the inner cylindrical member is rotated with respect to the outer sleeve so that the radially extending cam of the inner cylindrical member engages the housing and locks the assembly to the housing.
US07862087B2 Reusable safety apparatus for reducing the forward velocity of an occupant of a vehicle
A reusable safety apparatus for reducing the forward velocity of an occupant of a vehicle involved in a collision or another event that imparts forward velocity to the occupant of a vehicle comprising essentially of a casing member, a piston member substantially housed in the casing member, a piston resistance mechanism, and a piston release mechanism; the apparatus is fixedly attached in between a seatbelt anchor of a vehicle and the webbing material of a seatbelt.
US07862082B2 Air bag inflation baffle
An air bag includes a bag base wall having a mouth registering with an inflator and extending rearward along an instrument panel and toward the seated occupant. Spaced apart left and right sidewalls connect the bag base wall with a top wall and an occupant facing wall, thereby defining upper and lower torso restraining portions. An internal baffle has a baffle base wall sewn to the bag base wall rearwardly of the mouth and a left side baffle portion and a right side baffle portion attached to and extending from the baffle base wall and attached to the sidewalls of the air bag so that inflation gas impinges on the baffle and divides into left and right flow streams flowing on opposite sides of the baffle base wall and directed downwardly into the lower torso restraining portion and away from the upper torso restraining portion.
US07862075B2 Bracket for use in curtain airbag and curtain airbag apparatus
A curtain airbag bracket is used to assemble a curtain airbag having an attaching piece, and an inflator connected to the curtain airbag, and to attach the same to a vehicle body. The inflator is connected to the curtain airbag for supplying a pressurized fluid for developing the curtain airbag. The curtain airbag bracket includes an airbag bracket having an airbag-attaching portion for attaching the attaching piece of the curtain airbag to hold the curtain airbag, and an inflator bracket coupled with the airbag bracket for holding the inflator so that the inflator is substantially in parallel with and adjacent to the curtain airbag. The airbag-attaching portion faces the inflator bracket with a gap therebetween.
US07862074B2 Energy absorption systems for vehicles
A vehicle includes an energy absorber that is positionable rearward of a passenger seat to absorb energy from a force having a forward component and being directed toward the rear surface of the passenger seat. In one exemplary embodiment, the energy absorber is a cellular material. In another exemplary embodiment, the energy absorber is a selectively inflatable cushion. A corresponding seat assembly is also provided.
US07862072B2 Passenger air bag chute assembly
The present invention is directed to a seamless airbag door assembly for a motor vehicle. A panel having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the panel has predetermined breaking lines that are not visible when the panel is viewed from the outside surface. A scrim is connected to the inner surface of the panel and has a cut-line operable aligned with the predetermined breaking lines of the inner surface of the panel. An airbag chute is connected to the scrim and inner surface of the panel in order to connected the airbag chute to the panel.
US07862071B2 Automotive interior trim
An automotive interior trim for improving deployment safety of seamless passenger airbags for instrument panel is disclosed. The interior trim, mounted on an deployment opening of an airbag module of a framework for a instrument panel, includes a framework with an airbag deployment opening for a instrument panel, an airbag cover covering the airbag deployment opening, a foaming interlayer, a surface layer, and a netlike additional layer which is integrally combined with the foaming interlayer after penetrated by a foam material. When the airbag bursts, the airbag cover is opened outwards and the surface layer of the instrument panel is torn, and the foaming interlayer is torn thereupon too. Under the effect of the netlike additional layer, the foam in the foaming interlayer is fixed by the additional layer, thereby avoiding crumb and hard particle production and improving the deployment safety of the airbag greatly.
US07862070B2 Airbag flap system
Described is an airbag flap system, and to a method for producing this airbag flap system. The airbag flap system contains an airbag cover and a carrier. The airbag cover comprises at least up to 80 percent by weight of a first plastic material, the carrier comprises at least up to 80 percent by weight of a second plastic material. The first plastic material thereby has a lower bending modulus than the second plastic material. The airbag cover has a border which extends at least partially into the carrier and is covered by the carrier on the upper and lower side.
US07862068B2 Pin constructed for connecting a jack to an implement draft tongue and for supporting a PTO drive shaft assembly
A towed, PTO-driven implement is equipped with a jack that can be selectively coupled to the draft tongue either in a working position at a forward region of the tongue, or in a stored position at a rearward region of the tongue. A PTO drive shaft assembly extends over the draft tongue and a pin for releasably connecting the jack to the tongue incorporates a PTO drive shaft assembly support which is positioned so as to support the PTO drive shaft assembly when the jack is in either of its working or stored positions.
US07862061B2 Air suspension system
An air suspension system includes a first transfer pipe having one end communicating with the outside, the first transfer pipe being constructed such that air flows through the first transfer pipe; a filter mounted adjacent to the one end of the first transfer pipe to filter out foreign matter from the air; a compressor mounted on the first transfer pipe, such that the compressor is located adjacent to the filter, to compress the air; a dryer mounted on the first transfer pipe, such that the dryer is located adjacent to the compressor, to dry the air; an exhaust pipe extending from the first transfer pipe between the compressor and the dryer; an exhaust valve mounted on the exhaust pipe to control the flow of the air; a second transfer pipe communicating with the other end of the first transfer pipe; a control unit connected to the second transfer pipe, the control unit being constructed such that the high and low of the control unit are controlled by the pressure of the air; and a storage unit connected to the second transfer pipe to store the compressed air.
US07862056B2 Steering gear inertia damper
A tunable mass damper for use in a vehicle steering system in which a rack and pinion gearing subsystem would otherwise transfer resonant vibrations to the vehicle steering wheel. The mass damper element is a generally cylindrical mass supported and suspended around the shaft extending from the pinion gear by several cantilevered spring elements. The mass damper is tunable by modifying the size of the mass or the size or material or length of the springs so that the damper's resonant frequency for axial oscillation matches the resonant vibrations present at the steering shaft extending from the pinion gear.
US07862054B2 Split occupant retention structure for strollers
An occupant retention structure for a child's stroller utilizes an abbreviated upper horn extending downwardly from the underside of the tray and an abbreviated lower horn that extends upwardly from the seat pan beneath the lower horn without connection therebetween. Other protuberances formed by the tray and seat structures cooperates with the upper and lower horns to prevent the passage of a small probe used to determine if a child's torso or head could pass through an opening. The tray is mounted on a forwardly extending mounting pin for rotation thereon, while being rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the mounting pin to provide a swivel connection for the tray on one of the arm rests. A spring-loaded detent allows the tray to be released from the mounting pin for removal thereof from the stroller. The opposing end of the tray is latched to the other arm rest.
US07862047B2 Apparatus and method for sealing off components with respect to a pressure difference reversal
A brush seal for sealing off components movable relative to one another with respect to a pressure difference is disclosed. The brush seal having bristles which are arranged in a bristle housing which consists of two housing halves having free ends of legs which project into the area of the ends of the bristles, which legs carry mutually facing supporting surfaces for the bristles.
US07862044B1 Simulated football game and a deck of cards for playing the same
A simulated football game that may be played using a deck comprising “run,” “pass,” and “catch” cards and other special football cards relating to moments of a football game or using an electronic device simulating such cards. Run cards may be played alone, while pass and catch cards must be played as corresponding pairs having corresponding yardages. An exemplary game allows scoring a touchdown by accumulating a drive of exactly 100 yards or scoring a field goal by playing a “field goal” card once the drive has advanced a predetermined number of yards. Some embodiments include variations of the game ranging from a one-drive game to a complete four quarter game. A specialized deck of cards is provided.
US07862043B2 Game assembly employing spring loaded fabric hinge
A game assembly for housing a foldable game board which is quickly and conveniently secured to an open configuration for game play through the use of a spring loaded flexible hinge. The game assembly includes a first base portion, a second base portion capable of cooperating with the first base portion between an open and a closed configuration, and at least one hinge assembly mounted at a first end to the first base portion and at a second end to the second base portion. The hinge assembly includes a flexible strap and biasing element capable of tensioning the flexible strap to maintain the first and second base portions with respect to each other in an open configuration.
US07862041B2 Sheet transport path switching mechanism
A sheet transport path switching mechanism includes a movable guide to be moved rotatably about a support shaft parallel to the width direction of a transport path so as to selectively take either a main posture where the movable guide directs a sheet to the downstream side of a main transport path relative to a branch point, and a branch posture where the movable guide directs a sheet to a branch transport path. An engagement hook is provided in an apparatus body and supports a central region in the longitudinal direction of the movable guide to prevent the movable guide from being deformed due to interference with a sheet fed toward the branch transport path. The mechanism prevents deformation of the movable guide while facilitating reduction in material and production costs and adequately meeting requirements of waste treatment.
US07862039B1 Multi-bin printer
A high-speed printing and sorting machine. A first diverter diverts a first batch of items into a first bin, a second diverter diverts a second batch into a second bin, and so on. A plurality of O-rings and flat belts confront one another and rotate in opposite directions to carry diverted items to their respective bins. A nip formed by opposed rollers causes the items to slow down. Protruding rollers constrain the items to momentarily deviate from a path of travel and the inherent resiliency of the O-rings is harnessed to snap the trailing ends of each slowing down leading item out of the way of the trailing item so that shingling may occur. If a gap between items is too large, the opposed rollers of the nip stop rotating until the gap is restored to a preferred distance so that the desired amount of shingling may be maintained.
US07862036B2 Media restraint device for an input tray
A media restraint device in an input tray of an imaging apparatus includes a movable partition including a primary section and a secondary section. At least one locking mechanism selectively locks the primary section to the input tray, and the secondary section to the primary section. The locking mechanism unlocks either the primary section or the secondary section when the other is at a predetermined position.
US07862033B2 Paper feeding cassette and paper feeding device
An aspect of the invention provides a paper feeding cassette that comprises a cassette body; a front face wall disposed at a front end of the cassette body so as to be elevated from a bottom wall of the cassette body; a medium-stacking member disposed so as to be swingable about a support shaft relative to the cassette body by using the support shaft as a swinging center, the medium-stacking member configured to have a medium thereon stacked inside the cassette body; and a biasing unit configured to bias the medium-stacking member so as to bring the medium into contact with a feeder, wherein the front face wall comprises a face which regulates the medium along a trajectory drawn by a front end of the medium-stacking member in accordance with a swinging movement of the medium-stacking member.
US07862031B2 Feeder and image forming apparatus including the same
A media feeder is provided, which includes: a raisable and lowerable hopper on which multiple media are stacked; an elevator moving the hopper to a raised or lowered position; a pick-up roller picking up an upper media stacked on the hopper by rotating while contacting the uppermost media when the hopper is at the raised position; a friction member disposed on the upper surface of the hopper, at a position facing the pick-up roller; and a projecting member disposed below the hopper. The hopper includes a window hole formed in the vicinity of the friction member. When the hopper is at the lowered position, the projecting member projects from the upper surface of the hoper through the window hole. Thus, when media are placed in the feeder, even the lowermost medium does not come into contact with the friction member, thereby facilitating the placement and positional adjustment of the media.
US07862020B2 Method for forming stacks from upright positioned, successively lined up signatures and arrangement for realizing the method
Signatures are successively conveyed one after another by a conveying system from a printing press to a stack-forming device, in which the signatures are separated into stacks by a separating device. A remaining number of non-stacked signatures of a current production is counted with a counting device. The separating device separates the remaining number of signatures of the current production into standard stacks of a varying length between a minimum length and a maximum length based on the number of the counted remaining signatures.
US07862018B2 Apparatus for cutting into lengths and bringing together a spine strip with cover boards for the mechanized production of book cases
In an apparatus for cutting to length sections of a spine insert (1) that is unwound from a supply reel and for bringing together the spine inserts with infed cover boards (8) in a roller applicator (5, 6) for the mechanized production of book cases, the invention proposes that the pair of cut length transport rollers (3.1) for drawing forward a defined drawing-off length (L) of the spine insert (1) and for positioning the spine insert in the cutting device (9) and the pairs of feed rollers (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) for transporting the cut-to-length spine inserts (1) into the roller applicator (5, 6) through a transport channel (2) can be driven independently of one another, wherein the pairs of feed rollers (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) can be intermittently driven in a cyclic fashion with a constant stroke (HZ) while the pair of cut length transport rollers (3.1) carry out the transport stroke (HS), that is variable due to the drawing-off length (L) and features a first motion segment (20a) for synchronizing with the transport movement of the pairs of feed rollers (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) and a second motion segment (20c, b) in which the pair of cut length transport rollers is synchronized with the pairs of the feed rollers (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) and transports the spine insert (1) together with the pairs of feed rollers.
US07862016B2 Sheet stacking mechanism, sheet folding device, sheet post-processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A receiving member for receiving the leading end of sheet on a sheet placing table is disposed movably along the upper surface of the sheet placing table within a specified range including a first position located at the other end of the sheet placing table and distanced from a carry-in opening at least by the length of the sheet, and an operation control unit causes the receiving member to move to a second position where the trailing end of the sheet received by the receiving member slips under the carry-in opening.
US07862013B2 Packing element for use in a chemical processing apparatus
A chemical processing apparatus that utilizes randomly oriented ceramic packing elements having at least three openings therethrough that accommodate feedstock with combustible and/or noncombustible matter that accumulates in the openings is described. The openings occupy at least 10% of the surface area on one side of the packing element.
US07862012B2 Carburetor of a remote control model
A carburetor of a remote control model has a main body axially bored with an axial hole that is installed with a throttle and a second needle in its one side and provided with a female-threaded section formed at a certain portion of its other side for engaging with a male-threaded section of an adjustment valve. The adjustment valve possesses a fuel entering passage formed axially with a dead end, and an injection nozzle formed at the end corresponding to and for a needle valve of the second needle to move to and fro therein. And, the adjustment valve is directly installed in the axial hole without being accompanied with other components, effective to lower progressive tolerance between the injection nozzle and the needle valve to provide uniform fuel injection.
US07862009B2 Electric winch motor
A winch includes an electric motor having a fixed stator, and a cylindrical rotor which rotates about the stator. A drum is affixed to the rotor and carries the cable which is wound or unwound by the winch. The winch may be a drawworks for an oil and gas rig.
US07862006B2 Air intake valve apparatus for pneumatic gun
An air intake valve apparatus for pneumatic tool, configured in an intake port of a pneumatic tool for controlling air circulations, mainly comprises a valve base configured in the intake port of the pneumatic tool, a stem configured through the valve base inside capable of shifting to a air-blocking position and a air-exhausting corresponding to the valve base and a flexible component propped the stem for keeping the stem on the air-blocking position regularly, wherein the stem has a first portion, a second portion and a mid-reducing portion, the mid-reducing portion is coupled to the first portion and the second portion respectively with different transiting surfaces so as to maintain the force driving the stem in constant no matter the air pressure entering the valve base is lower or higher.
US07862005B2 Flow amount control valve
In a flow amount control valve, a rod is inserted through the interior of a housing, and first and second connecting members are connected coaxially to both ends of the rod. A first bellows and a second bellows, each having a bellows portion, are provided on the rod, for preventing leakage of fluid that is introduced into the interior of the housing. In addition, the first bellows and the second bellows are expanded and contracted by displacement of the rod along the axial direction, which is caused by driving an actuator, such that a valve element of the rod approaches and separates with respect to a valve seat, and a gap between the valve element and the valve seat changes so that a flow amount of the fluid is controlled.
US07862004B2 Gas eliminating control valve
A gas eliminating control valve assembly, system and method is disclosed. The valve system includes a valve casing coupled to a solenoid actuator assembly. The valve casing includes an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a fluid chamber communicating at least with one inlet conduit and one outlet conduit. The outlet conduit communicates with the fluid chamber at a position at least adjacent a portion of the fluid chamber to conduct gases, bubbles or separated gas out of the fluid chamber during operation of the valve open fluid flow, such that gas entrapment and bubble formation within the fluid chamber is reduced, avoided or eliminated.
US07862003B2 Position controller
Both improved protection against explosions and the possibility of performing diagnoses even when the I/P converter has been disconnected are to be provided by a position controller (5) for a pressure medium-operated actuating system, the controller being designed to be connected by a pneumatic line to a pneumatic drive (4)-equipped actuator (1) of an actuating element, especially an actuating element of a safety valve (2), where the actuator (1) has an electric power line (6) for controlling an I/P converter (7) according to the live-zero principle, and where the I/P converter (7) can be driven by an electrically controlled switch (10). The goal is achieved in that the switch (10) is designed to be driven by an additional circuit (11), which is connected to the power line (6) and installed in the position controller and which monitors the current in the power line (6).
US07862001B2 Automatic flush actuation apparatus
An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
US07862000B2 Microfluidic method and structure with an elastomeric gas-permeable gasket
A microfluidic structure and method, where the structure comprises a featureless gasket layer allowing for efficient and reproducible structure production and assembly. Layering methods allow for the use of a variety of device materials and easy assembly.
US07861992B2 Wall-mount support
A wall-mount support includes: a wall bracket adapted to be mounted on a wall and having a vertical track; a carrier mounted slidably on the vertical track; a pair of supporting arms, each of which extends from the carrier in a transverse direction relative to the vertical track and each of which is pivoted to the carrier so as to permit angle adjustment therebetween; and a brake mechanism including a friction-providing member connected to the carrier and operable to abut against the vertical track so as to prevent sliding movement of the carrier on the vertical track.
US07861990B2 Combination awning bracket and light support system
Components for constructing and installing an awning and light support system to provide sun and weather protection to a window or door of a structure are disclosed. Included are a pair of uniquely-constructed bracket members having an L-shaped configuration used to removably secure horizontally-disposed supports and awning spars to provide a frame to support the awning material or skin. Also disclosed is an awning support structure comprising a support channel that extends along the top of an awning and supports a corresponding member attached to an awning frame. In some instances, the awning may be further supported by awning projection props secured between the awning frame and the building at a lower portion of the awning.
US07861988B2 Heat exchanger mounting bracket
The invention relates to a heat exchanger mounting bracket which has a first member with a retaining channel and a second member with a retaining lug. The retaining channel of the first member retains the retaining lug of the second member at an initial mounting position, with a predetermined retaining force, by way of at least a formation on the first member. The retaining channel and lug are releaseable from one another when a force greater than or equal to the predetermined retaining force is applied between the first and second members. A heat exchanger mounting bracket is also provided where a body member is provided with a longitudinal slot toward one end for locating a portion (P) of a heat exchanger, and a pivotal arrangement toward the other end. The pivotal arrangement and longitudinal slot allow displacement of the portion (P) of the heat exchanger from a fore to an aft position upon application of an impact force.
US07861986B2 Bracket and method for supporting a cubicle wall on a movable wall having horizontal mounting channels
A bracket and method for supporting a cubicle wall on a movable wall having at least one horizontal mounting channel. The bracket has a lower bracket member and at least an upper bracket member that attaches to a movable wall module. A cubicle wall start is then coupled thereto. If a higher cubicle is needed, the bracket will have at least one intermediate bracket member to increase the overall length of the bracket.
US07861984B2 Anatomic support for hand and wrist
An anatomical support for hand and wrist is provided. A first embodiment relates to a support for hand and wrist provided with a protruding region, which serves as an anatomical abutment for the central region of the palm of the hand of a user. The remaining parts of the upper surface of the support anatomically accommodate both the wrist and the remaining regions of the anterior portion of the palm of the hand of said user. A second embodiment relates to a support provided with an upper portion made of a substantially elastic material. There is a hollow between the upper part of the inferior portion and the internal portion of the upper portion, and said hollow is filled up with a highly viscous and nearly solid buttery substance, which enables he upper portion to by shaped by pressure to fit both the wrist and the hand of the user.
US07861978B2 Drive and guide arrangement for a flap which is arranged on an aircraft mainplane
A drive and guidance apparatus for a trailing-edge/landing flap,-arranged on an aircraft mainplane, the apparatus comprising a six-element guide chain having seven rotating joints and one or more shafts; a first coupling element mounted via a crank connected to the mainplane wherein the crank can rotate, the coupling is connected to the flap and to a second coupling element wherein the first coupling can rotate, the second coupling mounted on the mainplane wherein the second coupling can rotate. The second coupling element is connected to the flap via an oscillating support. The crank is arranged wherein the rotation direction of the crank for extension of the flap corresponds to the rotation direction of the crank for the trailing-edge flap of the starboard wing of the mainplane, with the rotation direction of the crank for the trailing-edge flap of the starboard wing being counterclockwise when viewed from the aircraft fuselage.
US07861976B2 Latching separation system
Latching elements on a first structure are configured to securely engage corresponding bearings on a second structure, via a lateral member that drives all of the latching elements simultaneously. When engaged, or when disengaged, the system is in a stable state, requiring no active force by the controlling system to maintain the system in each state. Preferably, each latching element is coupled to the lateral member via a pinion that provides a mechanical advantage that substantially reduces the force required on the lateral member to effect the coupling or decoupling. Also preferably, the elements are formed from extruded aluminum forms, thereby providing for a relatively inexpensive and lightweight configuration that is particularly well suited for spacecraft applications.
US07861974B2 Docking system
A convex forward surface of a forward-biased probe head of a first portion of a docking system engages a central concave conical surface of a second portion of the docking system. A first linear actuator moves a flexible docking cable assembly relative to a support structure through bores therein and through the probe head. An aftward retraction of the docking cable assembly causes a linearly-actuated cam element thereof to rotate a rotary cam follower pivoted from the support structure, which engages an aft edge portion of the probe head, forcing the probe head forward. A plurality of distal coupling elements operatively coupled to the support structure around a central axis thereof engage with and become releasably captured by a corresponding socket and associated capture mechanism of a mating second portion of the docking system, and rigidized when the probe head is forced against the central concave conical surface.
US07861969B2 Shaped composite stringers and methods of making
A stiffened skin panel of an aircraft that includes an aircraft skin panel of composite material and a composite stringer consolidated with the aircraft skin panel. The stringer has a pair of stringer sides, each extending from a stringer top to a stringer leg. The stringer sides may each extend through a wide radius, smooth continuous curve to a stringer leg. The wide radius, smooth continuous curve may be proximate the base of the stringer side in a region where the stringer side transitions to the stringer leg.
US07861968B2 Air inlet and method for a highspeed mobile platform
An inlet apparatus and method for use with a cabin air compressor on a high speed, airborne mobile platform, such as a commercial or military aircraft. The apparatus includes a Pitot inlet of a desired shape that is supported outside an exterior surface of a fuselage of the aircraft by a diverter structure. The diverter structure diverts a low energy portion of a boundary layer so that the low energy portion does not enter the Pitot inlet. The Pitot inlet receives the higher energy portion of the boundary layer and channels a ram airflow to an inlet of a cabin air compressor. The apparatus provides a recovery factor (RF) of at least about 0.8 at a cabin air compressor (CAC) inlet face, which keeps the electric power required to drive the CAC within available power limits, while minimizing the drag of the inlet apparatus.
US07861967B2 Aircraft with integrated lift and propulsion system
A vertical take off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is designed to be so efficient that it can be commercially competitive with runway dependent aircraft operating in a range of 100 to 1000 miles. Improvements include a high efficiency tilting rotor and wing design that enable both vertical takeoff and efficient high speed cruising, a high aspect ratio wing, and a variable speed propulsion system that is efficient in both hover and cruise flight. Preferred aircraft use thin inboard and outboard wings, thin rotor blades, and use efficient lightweight design to achieve unusually low empty weight fraction. Inventive methods include utilization of advanced design and analysis techniques, which allow for accurate prediction of an aircraft's physical behavior.
US07861965B2 Reel and recording cartridge
The reel includes a reel hub that is made of a resin material and is formed into a cylindrical shape, an upper flange that is made of a resin material and is extended integrally outward in a radial direction from one end portion in an axial direction of the reel hub, and a reinforcement ring that is integrally disposed radially inside a tape take-up surface of the reel hub by insert molding and reinforces the reel hub in the radial direction. A position of an upper end of the reinforcement ring coincides with a position of an upper end of the tape take-up surface in the axial direction of the reel hub.
US07861961B2 Method and apparatus for utilizing a tape leader in a tape drive system
A system for utilizing a tape leader in a tape drive system. The tape drive system receives a first tape leader and buckles the first tape leader to a drive reel leader. Then the tape drive system threads the first tape leader and a second tape leader connected to the first tape leader through a tape path within the tape drive system using the drive reel leader. After threading the first tape leader through the tape path, the tape drive system retracts head protect pins while the second tape leader is still in the tape path. Subsequent to retracting the head protect pins, the tape drive system performs read/write operations on a data storage media, which is coupled to the first tape leader via the second tape leader inserted between the first tape leader and the data storage media.
US07861959B2 Crushing machine for comminuting laminated glass
A crushing machine for comminuting laminated glass, particularly windshields for cars, consists of a chamber with cylindric wall (24) in which is suspended a rotor (28) with pivotably beaters (50). Plural layers of laminated glass are fed through a feeding opening (20) through rubber rollers (22) which form an almost airtight lock into the crushing chamber. At the inner side of its wall (24), the chamber is provided with a number of evenly distributed ribs (54) to be impacted by laminated glass pieces, which are subsequently further comminuted by the beaters (50). The crushing chamber is provided with a slot-formed discharge opening (34) which may be varied in width. Outside the discharge opening (34), there is mounted a collecting containing (36) provided with subpressure. Due to naturally occurring leaks in the wall (24) of the crushing chamber, including the feeding opening (22), there will be a continuous flow of air out through the opening (34), why the material will eventually be conducted therethrough and collected in a container (36). From here, the material may leave the container (36) through an aperture closed by a flap (38). With the crushing machine according to the invention, there may be achieved a complete comminution of laminated glass material and separation of glass from the plastic film in one step and so that the finest glass particles have a size in the order of 0-3 millimeters.
US07861958B2 Conical-shaped impact mill
An impact mill including a base portion on which is disposed a rotor rotatably mounted in a bearing housing, the rotor having an upwardly aligned cylindrical surface portion coaxial with the rotational axis. The impact mill is provided with a mill casing within which is located a conical track assembly which surrounds the rotor to form a conical grinding path. The mill casing is provided with a downwardly aligned cylindrical collar which may be axially adjusted to set a grinding gap between the rotor and the mill casing. The rotor is provided with a plurality of impact knives complementary with a plurality of impact knives disposed on the inside top surface of the mill casing. The conical track assembly can be a series of assembled conical sections or one unit with varied number of serrations in either a vertical or sloped configuration. This flexibility allows for greater compatibility with the feedstock being milled.
US07861957B2 Particle-size reduction apparatus, and use thereof
A sterilisable particle-size reduction apparatus, component parts thereof and a method of sterilising and validating sterility thereof are provided. Also provided is use thereof to prepare sterile suspensions of drugs.
US07861954B2 Electrostatic atomizer
An electrostatic atomizer including a discharge electrode, a counter electrode, a cooling source, a high voltage power supply and a voltage detector. The cooling source cools the discharge electrode to form thereon dew as water. The power supply applies high voltage for discharge across the electrodes. The detector detects voltage between the electrodes. The power supply includes a control device and a voltage stabilizing device that are opposite to each other in temperature characteristic. The control device operates to pick up the voltage detected with the detector via the voltage stabilizing device, and to adjust the high voltage applied across the electrodes through feedback control so that the voltage corresponds to specified discharge voltage.
US07861951B2 Liquid storage container for a painting device
A liquid storage container for a painting device includes a container for storing paint. The container is connected with a lid by screw fastening. The top of the lid has a connecting part with a hole. A flow guide element extends from below the hole. The glow guide element has a channel in fluid communications with the hole. The other end of the channel has a first glow guide in fluid communication with the inside of the container. A steel ball is disposed in the upper portion of the channel with one side urging against the surrounding of the hole. The other side of the steel ball is urged by a spring. The other end of the spring urges against the bottom of the channel.
US07861922B2 Method, apparatus and system for providing financial service by using mobile station in packet data system
Disclosed is a method, apparatus and system for providing a financial service through a mobile station in a mobile communication network. The system includes the mobile station for reading a barcode, transmitting user authentication data and the barcode, receiving passbook data, and storing and managing the passbook data; the mobile communication network for receiving the user authentication data and the barcode to thereby provide barcode information to a bank server, determining whether to approve the service; the bank server for managing the passbook data, allocating a specific barcode to each automatic machine, providing the location information of the automatic machine, corresponding to the barcode, and providing the mobile station with a banking service; and the automatic machine for receiving the barcode and outputting the received barcode, and providing the banking service through the bank server when the service is approved.
US07861921B1 Cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method
An automated banking machine (10) is operative to carry out financial transactions and includes a user interface (15). The user interface includes a card reader (16) which is operative to read data on user cards which identify user's financial accounts. A fascia of the machine includes a keypad (404, 438, 458) through which users input confidential data. Covers (400, 422, 430) prevent unauthorized persons from viewing confidential inputs to the keypad. Alternatively, movable panels (462, 464) are movable to prevent unauthorized viewing of confidential inputs. Alternatively a keypad cover is selectively collapsible to prevent digit access. A visual indicator is operative to indicate to a user that keypad inputs are being encrypted. Disinfecting techniques may be used to disinfect manual contact surfaces of the machine.
US07861918B2 Voting system and method
Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a voter to vote at any single official polling place in the state (jurisdiction) even if it lies outside the boundaries of his local voting location (division of the jurisdiction). The systems and methods disclosed also prevent voter fraud, including a single voter voting more than once, at any polling place anywhere in the jurisdiction.
US07861917B2 Quadcorner tray wrapper designs
Containers of the wraparound and tray style are provided, having enhanced stacking strength and general robustness, through the provision of internal and external reinforcing panels and flanges. Variations of the basic invention are provided with closure flaps of varying configuration and placement; end walls and minor flaps with angled side edges to provide for containers having inclined sides; regions of weakness, removable portions of panels and/or preformed apertures to permit conversion of the containers to display/merchandising modes; gusseted corner structures to provide for containment of fluent materials; and enhanced transverse support structures.
US07861911B2 Adjustable overlap joint and structure produced thereby
A friction stir welding method and a structural body formed using a friction stir welding method. In particular, a friction stir welding method and a structural body made of an aluminium alloy extruded frame member formed by friction stir welding of a number of extruded frame members. Joining is performed by abutting a first member with a second member by contacting a downwards facing surface of an overlapping portion of a first member which projects above one face of the other member in the lateral direction in and an upwards facing surface of a second member in such manner that the downwards facing surface and the upwards facing surface are in slideable contact before joining and the first and second member are rotatable, and carrying out a friction stir welding to join the members to form a frame structure.
US07861908B2 Component mounting method, component mounting apparatus, and ultrasonic bonding head
A component mounting apparatus includes a component feeder that feeds a component with its bump electrodes facing down, a mounting head that mounts the component onto a substrate, a supporting base that secures the substrate, and a positioning device that aligns the component with the substrate. The mounting head includes an ultrasonic vibration generator, an ultrasonic vibration propagation member that conveys the ultrasonic vibration provided by the ultrasonic vibration generator to a working face holding the component as vibration parallel thereto, a pressure loader that applies a pressure load to the working face from a position immediately thereabove in the direction perpendicular thereto, and a heater that heats the vicinity of the working face. Thereby, ultrasonic bonding is carried out with high reliability even if the component has a number of bump electrodes on its face.
US07861907B2 Surgical stapling apparatus
An endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A first mechanism is provided for effectuating the rotation of the fastener applying assembly about an axis defined by the body portion, a second mechanism is provided for effectuating the articulation of the fastener applying assembly, and a third mechanism is provided for independently rotating the cartridge housing and anvil member relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the base position to increase the range of operability of the apparatus.
US07861904B1 Rolled tape dispenser
A rolled tape dispenser that has a generally L-shaped body with a relatively short leg that supports a cutter blade and cover to extend transversely across the width of the cylindrical outer surface of a roll of tape, and a longer leg configured to extend along one of two opposite sides of the roll of tape. A spindle is configured to be inserted into a hollow central core of the roll of tape has an end region slidably connected to the longer leg for movement along the length of the longer leg. A resilient member connected to the body biases the spindle toward the cutter blade so that a roll of tape carried on the spindle has its generally cylindrical outer surface biased into engagement with the cutter blade, or, more preferably, into engagement with a thin portion of the shorter leg that underlies the cutter blade.
US07861898B2 Piston carrying guide tube
A piston pump is provided in which the piston-chamber forming member has a chamber within which a piston of a piston forming element is coaxially slidable. A locating member is provided on the piston forming element for engagement of the piston-chamber forming member externally of the chamber to assist the piston-chamber forming member and the piston forming element while sliding axially maintaining the piston centered and coaxial relative to the chamber.
US07861896B2 Assembly of a container filled with mineral concentrate and a dosing device
An assembly (1) for preparing mineral water in situ, including a container (2) filled with a mineral concentrate (4) and a dosing device (6) connected to the holder for dispensing the concentrate from the container in a dosed manner, the dosing device being provided with a housing (15) including an inlet (16), an outlet (18), a liquid flow path (20), a pump (22), and a magnetizable or magnetic operating element (24). The operating element is being included in the housing for carrying out a predetermined movement relative to the housing with the aid of a changing magnetic field and the operating element is mechanically connected to the pump for driving the pump when the operating element carries out the predetermined movement. The operating element is manufactured, from corrosion resistant steel, or the operating element is provided with a corrosion resistant coating such as gold, silver or Teflon or the operating element is manufactured, from a magnetizable and/or magnetic ceramic material.
US07861895B2 High velocity foam pump
A foam pump including a pump housing with a liquid chamber in fluid communication with a foamable liquid filled container and an air chamber in fluid communication with a high pressure air source through an air inlet. The foam pump also includes a dispensing tube having a wiper seal post with a closed distal end positioned within the pump housing, and an outlet tube with an open distal end positioned outside the pump housing. The wiper seal post includes at least one inlet hole in fluid communication with the liquid chamber, and a check valve near the second open end. The foam pump further includes at least one foam screen in the open end of the outlet tube, a wiper seal slidably positioned around the wiper seal post and in sealing contact with the pump housing and the wiper seal post, and a spring bias to bias the wiper seal in an unactuated position. The wiper seal forms a movable barrier between the liquid chamber and the air chamber and is adapted to slide axially along the wiper seal post past the inlet hole when actuated by high pressure air, thereby allowing the high pressure air to enter the dispenser tube and cause mixing of said air and foamable liquid within the dispensing tube. The mixture is then expelled through the check valve and the foam screen.
US07861887B2 Pressure vessel
A pressure vessel capable of securely sealing a mouth ring with a liner portion, and being manufactured at low costs. A boss seal part 112 is provided in a liner portion 11 of the pressure vessel, and an inner peripheral surface of a boss part 20 of a mouth ring 2 is covered with the boss seal part 112. A boss-side collar part 114 is provided in the boss seal part 112 so as to project outwardly, and a sealing member 4 composed of a resilient body is disposed in a space between an inner peripheral surface of the boss seal part 112 and an outer peripheral surface of the valve 3.
US07861886B2 Baking sheet
A baking sheet having a substantially flat silicone cooking surface, two rods extending along and coupled to opposite sides of the cooking surface, and two thermo-resistant handles coupled to and extending between the two rods. The thermo-resistant handles may be connected to the rods using thermo-resistant connectors. The baking sheet may be rectangular, square, round or other shape. The handles and rods may be manufactured from various materials.
US07861885B2 Fuel tank of thermoplastic material with functional installation fitments for air intake and venting, for fuel take-off or the like
The invention concerns a fuel tank (1) of thermoplastic material, comprising functional installation fitments for air intake and venting, for fuel take-off or the like, which is distinguished in that at least one functional installation fitment is connected to the inside wall (3) of the container in material-bonded relationship in such a way that the functional installation fitment defines with the container wall a volume separated from the filling volume of the container in such a way that the inside wall (3) of the container serves directly as a boundary wall of said volume.
US07861881B2 Removable overcap for microwaveable packaged good article
An overcap for selectively covering a container of a microwaveable packaged good article is described. The overcap includes a panel, a neck extending from the panel, and a skirt radially spaced from the neck. The skirt defines at least two areas of reduced thickness spaced from one another, which are configured to allow the skirt to flex when the overcap is removed from the container.
US07861873B1 Flip-top dispensing system with a child resistant latch mechanism
A child resistant dispensing system having a flip-top closure. The flip-top closure has a push button positioned in the skirt of the flip-top lid wherein an opposed squeeze disengages the child resistant latch mechanism. The child resistant latch mechanism includes a latch projecting from the flip-top lid and engaging a projection of the closure body. A latch guide assists in positioning the latch during engagement with the projection of the closure body. The push button may be positioned substantially flush with the outside surface of the flip-top lid and closure body.
US07861870B2 Shoe rack
A shoe rack includes subassemblies comprising a lower support including an upward extending sleeve passing through a rear end and having a ridged section on its inner wall, an annular top projection extending inward, and an annular intermediate projection extending inward from the ridged section; and an upper support including a hollow cylinder passing through a rear end and having a ridged structure on its outer surface, an annular top groove on the ridged structure, and an annular intermediate groove on the ridged structure wherein the cylinder is dimensioned to insert into the sleeve to be pivotably frictionally secured thereto by engaging the top groove with the top projection and the intermediate groove with the intermediate projection or engaging the intermediate groove with the top projection; and a pole passing through the sleeve and the cylinder of each subassembly. Each subassembly is adapted to pivot about the pole.
US07861865B2 Packaging assembly
The present invention is embodied in a packaging assembly for both economical and safe shipping, display and advertising of a plurality of products, comprising a plurality of products stacked upon a pallet and a plurality of side panels affixed to the pallet. Each side panel can be folded into an upper position in order to enclose the plurality of products during shipment of the packaging assembly and each side panel can also be folded into a lower position in order to hide the pallet and to advertise the plurality of products during display of the packaging assembly.
US07861862B2 Packaged banded envelopes
An arrangement of envelope packages, the arrangement including a plurality of discreet envelope packages, each package including a plurality of generally aligned envelopes which are compressed together. The plurality of envelope packages are arranged in a first row and a second row located above the first row in a vertical direction thereof. At least one envelope package of the first row is oriented generally perpendicular to at least one envelope package of the second row.
US07861860B2 Modular container for the storage, organization, protection, sterilization and delivery of medical instruments and implants
A container system for organizing, protecting, sterilizing, storing and delivery of surgical instruments, implants and related devices. An optional cover is removably mounted to a tray and is held thereto by a pair of pivotally mounted handles. Post and button fasteners are removably mounted to the tray and hold rigid and flexible bracketry for securing devices within the assembly.
US07861859B2 Plunger storage and transportation device
A plunger storage and transportation device that is adapted to store, hold, and secure, and is capable of storing, holding, and securing, many different sizes, shapes, and styles of plungers. The plunger storage and transportation device includes structure that secures at least the plunger head within a housing. The device can be easily transported from one location to another while securing a plunger in a contained, clean, and easy manner. Accordingly, the plunger storage and transportation device may be used with, and can transport, a multitude of different plungers produced by a wide variety of plunger manufacturers, and therefore not be limited to one type or size of plunger.
US07861858B2 Holding device for use in a bathroom
A bathroom tool holding device includes a hollow body with an opening, a bearing member installed on the body to hold a toilet cleaning brush, a bottom cover joined to a bottom of the body, and a lid with a base; the bottom cover has a middle cavity, in which a pivotal shaft component is inserted; the lid is held in the body, and can be rotated to a closed position to shut the opening of the body at a curved covering half part thereof; the lid can be rotated to an open position so that a plunger can be placed in and taken out of the body; the base is pivoted on the pivotal shaft component for smooth rotation of the lid; the base is biased to come into close touch with the body with an elastic element, and in turn there is no aperture in between.
US07861853B2 Combination multiple-canister carrier and tamper-resistant lip and cap protection device
A beaded lip protection and tamper-resistant device for canisters with caps is disclosed, as well as multiples of the same device joined together to form multiple-canister carriers that may be provided with one or more handles.
US07861852B2 Device for conveying objects
Disclosed is a device for conveying pro-filled objects, particularly bottles or parisons comprising an annular collar between two sliding planes with the aid of at least one conveying apparatus, at least one part of which rests against the object in a frictionally engaging manner and is supported on receiving elements or pressure rollers. The part of the conveying apparatus that rests against the object in a frictionally engaging manner is resilient or is mounted in a resilient fashion.
US07861848B2 Supply station of articles to a plurality of channels opening above a continuous blister strip
A supply station of articles to a plurality of channels opening above a continuous blister strip, of a type comprising supply organs for containing the articles and for dispensing the articles towards conveying means located downstream, which conveying means select and direct the articles in an ordered fashion in an advancement direction towards mouths afforded in the plurality of channels; collection and transfer means, functionally associated to the mouths and receiving and collecting excess articles which accumulate at the mouths, and transferring the excess articles upstream of the mouths, in proximity of a predetermined first zone of the conveying means. In particular the station comprises: directing organs interposed between the supply organs and the conveying organs to release the articles on the conveying organs, in proximity of the first zone; detecting and control organs for detecting a presence or absence of articles and/or excess articles on at least a second zone of the conveying means adjacent to the first zone and for at least temporarily inhibiting the directing organs with a consequent at least temporary interruption of release of the articles by the directing organs in relation to a quantity of articles and/or excess articles present in the second zone, in order to prevent an excess of the articles on the conveying means.
US07861846B1 Singulating apparatus
A singulating apparatus is therefore provided that utilizes a plurality of singulating cavities, each singulating cavity having a plurality of movable wall segments enabling the size and shape of the singulating cavities to be changed to correspond to the size and shape of the object being singulated.
US07861843B2 Travelator and method for controlling the operation of a travelator
Travelator, the conveyor of which comprises a frame, which comprises a stationary first frame part and a second frame part that moves in relation to it. The drive wheel is mounted on a bearing allowing rotation onto the first frame part. The power unit rotates the drive wheel. The diverting wheel is mounted on a bearing allowing free rotation onto the second frame part. The transport surfaces are connected to a traction element which is formed as an endless loop, and which is led to pass over the drive wheel and the diverting wheel. The tightening device is arranged to act between the first frame part and the second frame part to move the diverting wheel linearly away from the drive wheel in order to exert tightening force on the traction element. The travelator comprises identification means for identifying the drive status of the conveyor, and adjustment means for adjusting the tightening force of the tightening device to different force levels based on the drive status identified. In the method the drive status of the conveyor is identified, and the tightening force of the endless traction element of the conveyor of the travelator is adjusted on the basis of the drive status identified.
US07861842B2 Machine for dispensing products and/or services, which is equipped with a banknote reader
The invention relates to a machine (M) for dispensing products and/or services which are paid for with banknotes. The invention is of the type that comprises a banknote reader (L) which is positioned behind a horizontal insertion slot (F1) and which is used to process banknotes inserted by a user. The aforementioned reader is equipped with an essentially-horizontal inlet slot (F2) serving as an inlet for banknotes. According to the invention, the insertion slot (F1) is disposed at a lower level in relation to the inlet slot (F2) along a vertical reference axis (V). In addition, the machine comprises a guiding interface device (1, 2) which is disposed between the insertion slot (F1) and the inlet slot (F2) such as to guide an inserted banknote from the insertion slot (F1) to the inlet slot (F2).
US07861830B2 Safety device
A safety device is provided having a clamping system that uses pressure admission into a chamber of a clamp element dependent on the position of a weight to be carried relative to the clamping system. For this purpose a valve is provided in a medium supply line, which valve is to be opened or closed by means of a movable actuation element. Here, the actuation element should be movable in the same direction in which the weight moves, preferably in a vertical direction. As a result of the arrangement of such a valve, the device couples the vertical movement or position of the weight with an actuation of the valve, and thus to provide an additional control for the pressure admission into the chamber or the clamping force resulting therefrom. A preferred chamber has curved top and bottom walls that elongate with a pressure drop.
US07861829B1 Payout mechanism for advancing screen spline using a spool holder and method for its use
A payout mechanism for spline used for attaching screen mesh to a frame uses a base member with a pair of upright standards, each standard having a downwardly extending channel. A spool with a length of spline wound thereabout has an axle passing through its hollow core with the axle being received within the channels. An end of the spline is grasped and whenever a pulling force is exerted on the spline, the spool rotates about the axle paying out additional spline. A brake mechanism located on one of the standards can be used to slow or even stop rotation of the spool while a post with a notch extending upwardly from the base can be used to frictionally hold an end of the spline between jobs.
US07861826B2 Platform for a ladder
The present disclosure relates to platforms for ladders. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a platform configured to be coupled to rungs of the ladder.
US07861820B1 Electronically steered and sprung idler assembly
A steering system for an industrial vehicle includes a drive wheel configured to steerably align with a first radius of curvature. The steering system further includes an electronically controlled idler wheel configured to steerably align with a second radius of curvature different than the first radius of curvature. The first and second radii of curvature share a common center point of turning radius. A controller is configured to command the electronically controlled idler wheel to steerably align with the second radius of curvature according to a determination of the first radius of curvature.
US07861818B2 Restraint system for a hood lift device
A hood lift device with a restraint system is disclosed. The system can include a catching hole configured to constrain an actuator tip within a hood after the hood lift device is deployed. By engaging the hood lift device with a hood, the hood may be restrained from contacting a windshield.
US07861814B2 Air intake system with flow-diverting plenum box
A work machine comprises an external housing, an air precleaner, an air filter, and a plenum box. The air precleaner is positioned outside the external housing, and the air filter is positioned inside the external housing. The plenum box is coupled fluidly to the air precleaner and the air filter for communication of intake air from the air precleaner to the air filter through the plenum box.
US07861812B2 Vehicle
A vehicle suitable in consideration of each of an electric power supply amount to a motor and a mounting space of a fuel cell or the like is provided. The outputs of a fuel cell and a battery are raised in voltage by a voltage raising device, and electric power of these raised voltages is supplied to a motor. A total output voltage of the fuel cell and the battery, and their total volume can be correspondingly reduced. The total volume of a group is reduced including the fuel cell, the battery and the voltage raising device, and a mounting space of the group in the vehicle. A space of a frame on an upper side of a floor panel and a lower side of a seat in a vehicle interior space can be utilized effectively as the mounting space of the group, without enlarging the space of the frame.
US07861811B2 Ground wheel drive system for an agricultural implement
An implement drive arrangement for a wheel axle assembly pivotally connected to a housing. A drive element is supported on the axle for rotation with the wheel generally about the wheel axis. The housing rotatably supports a driven element for rotation about an axis generally fixed in relation to the housing. A free-floating connecting element is rotatably supported between the drive element and the driven element to facilitate relatively unimpeded pivoting of the axle and wheel relative to the housing. The connecting element has two degrees of freedom offset at 90° to one another and aligned radially relative to the axis of rotation to accommodate axle pivoting while assuring smooth transfer of power from the wheel to the driven element as the angular relationship changes between the axle and housing with movement of the wheel over irregular ground surfaces.
US07861803B2 Auxiliary equipment for use with drilling apparatus
The invention relates to auxiliary working apparatus (10) for use with drilling apparatus for drilling holes into the ground and where the drilling apparatus has a platform supported by a support structure (50) thereof through which a drill bit (30) passes, the platform serving as a barrier between chippings blown from a hole being drilled into the ground and the drill motor and drill bit displacement mechanism of the drilling apparatus. The auxiliary working apparatus includes a roller-type brush (20) arrangement that, in its operative configuration, is mounted beneath the platform and that is operable for displacing chippings blown from a hole being drilled into the ground to spaced locations from the hole.
US07861802B2 Flexible directional drilling apparatus and method
A bottom hole assembly to directionally drill a subterranean formation includes a drill bit, a stabilizer assembly located proximate to and behind the drill bit, a drilling assembly comprising a drive mechanism and a directional mechanism, and a flex member. Optionally, the flex member may be located between the drilling assembly and the stabilizer assembly or an integral to a housing of the drilling assembly. A method to drill a formation includes positioning a stabilizer assembly behind a drill bit and positioning a flex member between an output shaft of a drilling assembly and the stabilizer assembly. The method preferably includes rotating the drill bit, stabilizer assembly, and flex member with a drilling assembly and directing the trajectory of the drill bit and stabilizer assembly with a directional mechanism of the drilling assembly.
US07861801B2 Method to detect coring point from resistivity measurements
Methods are described using resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well using a drilling mud. Resistivity data ahead of the bit is gathered during drilling and prior to penetrating a region of interest of a target subterranean formation using the drill bit and the drilling mud. The drill string progresses at target dip and azimuth angles toward the region on interest. The resistivity data is used to determine the top of the region of interest while the drill bit advances toward but does not penetrate the region. A core bit is then installed and a whole core of the region of interest obtained. Resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well may also be compared with conventional resistivity measurements obtained from one or more offset wells.
US07861795B2 Implement transport
An implement apparatus includes a hitch frame, center frame section, and right and left wing sections pivotally attached to the center section. An actuator pivots the center frame section upward about the hitch frame axis at the rear of the hitch frame to raise the frame sections upward and rearward from a horizontal aligned operating position, where front ends of the frame sections are forward of the hitch frame axis, to a raised position where the frame sections are oriented vertically. Working members mounted to the frame sections forward of the hitch frame support the apparatus on the ground in the operating position, move upward off the ground in the raised position. Transport wheels rearward of the hitch frame axis are above the ground in the operating position, and move down to support the apparatus in the raised position, where wing sections can pivot rearward to the transport position.
US07861793B2 Stabilising and release system for and boom holding and positioning system for an agricultural apparatus
A stabilising and release system, for an agricultural apparatus having a mounting portion for mounting the apparatus to a tractor, a pendulum mounted on the mounting portion, and a boom for spraying or cutting, which is pivotally mounted to the pendulum at a pivot point so as to allow pivoting of the boom relative to the pendulum. The system stabilises the boom against movement imparted to it by disruptive forces which disturb the natural position of the boom by proving a rigid damper arranged between the support frame and the boom and arranged to damp relative movement of the boom and the mounting frame caused by disruptive forces, the damper has an articulated coupling which allows the damper to articulate so that the damper can follow the motion of the boom thus damping any undesired swaying action caused by bumps and ruts over which the tractor passes.
US07861791B2 High circulation rate packer and setting method for same
A high circulation rate packer (50) for establishing a sealing and gripping engagement with a well casing (34) disposed in a wellbore (32). The packer (50) includes a packer mandrel (54), a seal assembly (72) slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (54) that has a running position and a radially expanded sealing position and a cover (74) that is slidably disposed relative to the packer mandrel (54). The cover (74) has a running position wherein the cover is disposed about the seal assembly (72) and a retracted position wherein the cover (74) is at least partially removed from about the seal assembly (72).
US07861787B2 Wellbore fluid treatment tubular and method
A wellbore tubular including: an inner tubular wall; an opening through the inner tubular wall; an outer tubular wall positioned about the inner tubular, the outer tubular wall including an opening therethrough; a chamber between the inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall; and a chemical treatment material in the chamber and positioned between the opening of the inner tubular wall and the opening of the outer tubular wall. The wellbore tubular may be used in downhole fluid treatment process.
US07861785B2 Downhole perforation tool and method of subsurface fracturing
A propellant assembly for subsurface fracturing and method for using the same are provided. The assembly can include a first tubular member having an annulus formed therethrough; a second tubular member at least partially disposed within the annulus of the first tubular member; one or more tubular propellants housed within the first tubular member, between an inner diameter of the first tubular member and an outer diameter of the second tubular member; and one or more detonating cords housed within the second tubular member, wherein the second tubular member has one or more portions thereof having a reduced wall thickness.
US07861781B2 Pump down cement retaining device
A wall casing cement plug assembly includes a receptacle with an axial passage. The receptacle is pumped to a lower end of the casing string and locked in place. The receptacle has a casing seal that engages the string of casing and a retainer mechanism on its exterior that engages a profile in the string of casing. Cement is pumped through the receptacle by rupturing a blocking device in the axial passage of the receptacle. A wiper plug is pumped down the string casing. The wiper plug has a prong on its lower end that stabs into the axial passage of the receptacle. A latch located in the lower portion of the receptacle locks the wiper plug to the body.
US07861776B2 System and method for forming a coiled tubing connection
A coiled tubing connection system is used in a well. A connector having an engagement end is used to couple a wellbore device to the end of a coiled tubing. The connector is spoolable, and the engagement end comprises engagement features that facilitate formation of a connection that is dependable and less susceptible to separation.
US07861774B2 Method and apparatus for wellbore fluid treatment
A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.
US07861773B2 Retrievable bridge plug
Retrievable bridge plug used in oil and gas wells comprises a setting and anchoring mechanism, a locking and releasing mechanism and a sealing and anti-adhering mechanism. The bridge plug in which a self-lock mechanism is placed can be lowered through an coiled tubing or wireline, and provide reliable bi-directional sealing, and can be taken out by a specific tool after setting, in order to be used repeatedly after simple maintenance. By replacing its mandrel, the bridge plug can be refitted into a squeezing bridge plug, a conventional one and a hook-wall bridge plug to be used in a temporary/permanent and selective blocking operation. Also, the bridge plug can be associated with other downhole tools to perform well test, layer protection and snubbing.
US07861772B2 Packer retrieving mill with debris removal
A mill is configured to have large debris passages disposed among a series of radially extending blades. The mill center is adapted to accept a retention nut that supports a tool that secures the downhole tool being milled out, such as a packer. Reverse flow takes cuttings into the large open area between the blades to pass up in an annular space around a support for the retention nut. The passage then opens up to a maximum dimension leaving only the tubular wall needed for structural strength to support the mill and conduct cuttings into a debris removal tool.
US07861767B2 Airflow generating device and electronic apparatus
An airflow generating device includes a housing and a pressure changing mechanism. The housing has a first opening and a first chamber and contains gas. The first opening is where a first airflow is generated at a first flow velocity. The first chamber is connected to the first opening and is where a second airflow is generated. The second airflow has a second flow velocity which is a highest flow velocity in the first chamber and which is lower than the first flow velocity. A pressure changing mechanism discharges the gas through the first opening while generating the second airflow in the first chamber and the first airflow in the first opening by producing a pressure change in the gas in the housing.
US07861763B2 Method of making an optimized overhead sectional door and associated door panel
A panel (14) for an overhead sectional door (10) offers increased performance and economy by optimizing the panel skin (38, 42, 50, 52). The upper and lower structural rail areas (46, 48) which typically mate with corresponding lower and upper rails (48, 46) of an adjacent panel (14) have thicker skin (38, 42, 50, 52). The non-structural areas or the front face of the panel (14) in one embodiment has a thinner skin (38, 42) which is typically embossed with a wood grain or other pattern. The structural rail areas (46, 48) which have the thicker skin (50, 52) add rigidity and resistance to deflection from wind loads and similar dynamic forces. The overhead door panel (14) with differing performance characteristics for specific portions of the skin (38, 42, 50, 52) may be utilized with a variety of rail configurations (46, 48) such as a lap joint, tongue and groove joint, and convex/concave joint between adjacent panels (14). In another aspect, a specific bottom rail section (48) using the variable thickness concept avoids the need for an astragal retainer thereby providing a cost savings while offering structural and strength benefits.
US07861762B2 Overhead doors and associated track, guide, and bracket assemblies for use with same
Overhead door guide assemblies, guide tracks, and guide track support brackets are disclosed herein. An overhead door track assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a vertical track segment mounted to a wall adjacent an opening therein, and a curved track segment operably coupled to the vertical track segment. The curved track segment includes a first guide surface spaced apart from a second guide surface to define a first gap region that movably receives the door guide members as the door moves away from the opening. The track assembly further includes a non-vertical track segment operably coupled to the curved track segment. The non-vertical track segment includes a third guide surface spaced apart from a fourth guide surface to define a second gap region that movably receives the door guide members from the curved track segment. In this embodiment, the second gap region is wider than the first gap region to reduce binding as the door moves onto the non-vertical track segment.
US07861760B2 Portable tire demounting tool
A method and apparatus for demounting tires from wheel assemblies with a hook assembly and a prying foot. One tool has two holding hooks that grasp the tool to the wheel and a foot that is attached to the holding hooks, and a bearing pivot point that allows the demounting tool to easily and safely remove the tire from the wheel. The tool can be used for all types of tire and wheel types. One tool is for large truck and trailer tires and a second too is for light truck, trailer and automobile tires. A third tool is designed for low profile, stiff sidewall tires and includes a telescoping structure to raise and lower the dual hooks. A forth embodiment is for demounting a first and second bead using a fixed pivot hook, sized prying feet and a telescoping assembly for pulling the bead from the wheel assembly.
US07861754B2 Edger with staggered saws
Embodiments of the present invention provide a wood processing machine adapted to cut wood workpieces along multiple optimized cutting paths. In various embodiments, the wood processing machine includes a first saw assembly and a second saw assembly that is disposed down stream from the first saw assembly. The first saw assembly is adapted to cut the workpiece along the first optimized cutting path and the second saw assembly is adapted to cut the workpiece along the second optimized cutting path.
US07861753B2 Dual-edge irregular bevel-cut system and method
A system is provided for creating bevel edges on a plank. In some embodiments, the system comprises two bevel-cutting tools disposed in fixed positions and two guided cylinders disposed to independently move two edges of a plank to within varying degrees of contact with the bevel-cutting tools. Separate controllers can be provided to independently control the time, frequency, and rate of movement of the guided cylinders. Methods are provided for creating the appearance of a hand-scraped wood plank. A method for creating irregular bevel edges on a plank is also provided as are a system and method that use a plank production line operation. A plank having irregular beveled edges and the appearance of a hand-scraped wood plank is also provided.
US07861752B1 Saw guide system
A saw guide system for securing a panel and providing a guide for a saw to cut a straight line across the panel includes a sawhorse being positioned on a support surface. A first rail is coupled to a top plate of the sawhorse. The first rail supports the panel when the panel is positioned on the sawhorse. A support mount is attached to the first rail. A second rail is pivotally coupled to the first rail by the support mount. The second rail is vertically spaced from the first rail to allow the panel to be placed on the first rail. The second rail is pivoted towards the first rail to position the panel between the second rail and the first rail. The second rail is abutted by a saw to maintain a straight cut across the panel when the saw is used to cut the panel.
US07861750B2 Dispenser and apparatus and method of filling a dispenser
A dispenser for holding multiple doses of fluids or other substances, and for dispensing the substances, has a vial, a flexible bladder received within the vial, and a variable volume storage chamber formed between the bladder and vial. A filling valve is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position hermetically sealing the storage chamber from the ambient atmosphere, and (2) an open position allowing the passage of fluid through the valve both to evacuate the storage chamber and to introduce fluid through the valve to fill the storage chamber. A pump is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for pumping fluids out of the storage chamber. A dispensing valve is coupled in fluid communication with the pump and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position preventing the passage of fluid out of the dispenser, and (2) an open position for dispensing pumped fluid therethrough. The sealed, empty dispenser is sterilized, such as by applying gamma radiation thereto. Then, the sterilized, sealed, empty dispenser is filled with fluid by engaging the filling valve with an evacuating/dispensing member to evacuate the storage chamber, and by introducing fluid from the filling member through the open filling valve and into the storage chamber. The filling member is withdrawn from the valve, and a spring moves the valve to a closed position to hermetically seal the fluid within the dispenser.
US07861748B2 Refueling facility, refueling device, and refueling method
A refueling facility (200) according to the present invention comprises a refueling source (210) for refueling a fuel cell vehicle with fuel, a power supply source (220) for supplying power to the fuel cell vehicle, and a controller (230) for controlling refueling and power supply from the refueling facility (200) to the fuel cell vehicle. The forward end of a refueling path (211) and that of a power supply path (221) are integrated into a supply connector (240). The refueling and the power supply are achieved by connecting the supply connector (240) to a fuel receptacle (110) of the fuel cell vehicle.
US07861745B2 Mine blender hose
A flexible hose construction adapted for separately conveying two or more fluids therethrough. The construction includes a core tube, a second tube helically disposed about the core tube, and a tubular jacket surrounding the core tube. The second tube may be substantially concentric with the core tube. The tubular jacket may be substantially cylindrical so as to have a substantially smooth outer surface.