Document Document Title
US07871735B2 Ceramic laminate structures
Ceramic laminate structures, particularly laminate structures including stabilized zirconia compositions, as well as electrodes and electrochemical cells including such laminate structures. The stabilized zirconia composition preferably are selected from scandia-stabilized zirconia and yttria-stabilized zirconia. These laminate structures enhance the overall flexural strength of the electrolyte layer while preserving high electrical conductivity. Such laminate structures may be useful in electrochemical fuel cells such as solid oxide fuel cells.
US07871734B2 Micro fuel cell
The present invention discloses a solid oxide fuel cell and method for fabricating solid oxide fuel cells using thin film processing techniques. The fuel cell comprises a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an anode layer arranged in various configurations to optimize fuel cell performance.
US07871732B2 Single reactant gas flow field plate PEM fuel cell
A fuel cell stack (32) includes a plurality of fuel cells in which each fuel cell is formed between a pair of conductive, porous, substantially hydrophilic plates (17) having oxidant reactant gas flow field channels (12-15) on a first surface and fuel reactant gas flow field channels (19, 19a) on a second surface opposite to the first surface, each ˜f the plates being separated from a plate adjacent thereto by a unitized electrode assembly (20) including a cathode electrode (22), having a gas diffusion layer (GDL) an anode electrode (23) having a GDL with catalyst between each GDL and a membrane (21) disposed therebetween. Above the stack is a condenser (33} having tubes (34) that receive coolant air (39, 40} to condense water vapor out of oxidant exhaust in a chamber (43). Inter-cell wicking strips (26) receive condensate and conduct it along the length of the stack to all cells. In-cell wicking strips (1G, 1 ˜a) on one or both surfaces conduct the water from the inter-cell wicking strips downwardly along the entire planform of each cell. Reactant air is provided to an air inlet manifold (47) through an air inlet conduit (48) from an air pump (49).
US07871729B2 System and method for mixing gases in a fuel cell exhaust system
A system and method for reducing concentrations of reactants in gases flowing through an exhaust system are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises creating a turbulent flow of gases along a periphery region of an exhaust pipe, the turbulent flow created by the gases transported over a wire mesh residing in the periphery region; and mixing the gases in the periphery region with a reactant gas being transported in a flow-through region, the mixing caused by the turbulent flow of gases, such that concentration of the reactant gas is reduced as the reactant gas is transported through the exhaust system.
US07871721B2 Electrochemical device comprising aliphatic mono-nitrile compound
Disclosed is a cathode comprising a complex formed between the surface of a cathode active material and an aliphatic mono-nitrile compound, and an electrochemical device comprising the cathode. A non-aqueous electrolyte containing a lithium salt, a solvent and an aliphatic mono-nitrile compound, and an electrochemical device comprising the electrolyte are also disclosed. The electrochemical device shows excellent low-temperature characteristics, high-temperature life characteristics and safety.
US07871719B2 Battery module including electrochemical cell with pressure relief feature
A battery module includes at least one electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes a first terminal conductively coupled to a first electrode and a body portion configured to function as a second terminal and conductively coupled to a second electrode via a pressure relief portion. The battery module further includes an end cap comprising a conductive portion and an insulating portion, the conductive portion being conductively coupled to the body portion. The pressure relief portion is configured to separate from the body portion to a deployed position when a pressure within the body portion reaches a first predetermined level, thereby substantially breaking the conductive coupling between the body portion and the second electrode. The insulating portion substantially prevents formation of a conductive coupling between the body portion and the second electrode when the pressure relief portion is in the deployed position.
US07871714B2 Polymer, electroluminescent device, and light emitting device
A novel electroluminescent polymer is represented by the following formula. A film of the polymer represented by the following formula can be formed by electrolytic polymerization, and farther emits light in a different color by an electric field when a substituent thereof is changed. Therefore, a light-emitting device that is capable of multicolor displaying can be easily obtained.
US07871713B2 Electroluminescent material, electroluminescent element and color conversion filter
An electroluminescent element is disclosed, comprising an electroluminescent material and a fluorescent substance emitting light having an emission maximum at the wavelength different from that of light emitted from the electroluminescent material upon absorption of the light emitted from the electroluminescent material. A color conversion filter is also disclosed, comprising a fluorescent substance emitting light having an emission maximum at the wavelengths of 400 to 700 nm upon absorption of the light emitted from the electroluminescent material.
US07871711B2 Organic electroluminescent element and organic electroluminescent display
The invention relates to an organic EL element having a glass substrate and an anode, a hole-injecting layer, a hole-transport layer, a blue light-emitting layer, a hole-blocking layer, an electron-transport layer, and a cathode formed on the glass substrate sequentially in that order, wherein the electron-transport layer contains an electron-transporting material and a light-emitting material having emission-spectrum peak wavelength of longer than 555 nm, and the light-emitting material consumes the holes, thereby preventing degradation of the electron-transporting material, improving blue chromaticity, and elongating the life of the organic EL element.
US07871709B2 Modified tie-layer compositions and improved clarity multi-layer barrier films produced therewith
Tie-layer adhesive compositions which are blends of modified and unmodified polyolefins and containing a saturated bicyclic modifier compound and multi-layer barrier films having improved clarity produced therewith are provided.
US07871706B2 Graded glass/zirconia/glass structures for damage resistant ceramic dental and orthopedic prostheses
The present invention provides a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system for use in damage resistant, ceramic and orthopedic prosthesis. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure comprises an outer residual glass layer, a graded glass-ceramic layer, and a dense interior ceramic. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure may further comprise a veneer on an exterior surface.The present invention also provides a method for preparing a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system. A powdered glass-ceramic composition is applied to the accessible surfaces of a presintered zirconia substrate to thereby substantially cover the substrate surfaces. The glass of the composition has a CTE similar to that of the substrate material. The glass-ceramic composition is infiltrated into and densifies the substrate by heating the assembly to at least the sintering temperature of the substrate.
US07871705B2 Carbon fiber composite transfer member with reflective surfaces
A method of transporting precision equipment materials without absorption of thermal energy through the heat sensitive material or device such as flat panel displays. The transfer member has a carbon fiber reinforced composite material body with a layer of metal film on the top and bottom surfaces of the transfer member that provides a reflective surface. Flat panel displays, for example, release radiant thermal energy that is absorbed by the carbon fiber reinforced composite which is detrimental to the flat panel display. The reflective surface created by the metal film prevents the energy absorption by the carbon fiber reinforced composite. A glass fiber and epoxy layer on the metal film surface protects the metal film.
US07871703B2 Lithia-alumina-silica containing glass compositions and glasses suitable for chemical tempering and articles made using the chemically tempered glass
A glass composition for chemical tempering includes oxides in wt % ranges of: SiO2 60 to 75; Al2O3 18 to 28; Li2O 3 to 9; Na2O 0 to 3; K2O 0 to 0.5; CaO 0 to 3; MgO 0 to 3; ZrO2 0 to 3; where MgO+CaO is 0 to 6 wt %; Al2O3+ZrO2 is 18 to 28 wt %, and Na2O+K2O is 0.05 to 3.00 wt %. The glass has a log 10 viscosity temperature in the temperature range of 1328° F. (720° C.) to 1499° F. (815° C.); a liquidus temperature in the temperature range of 2437° F. (1336° C.) to 2575° F. (1413° C.), and a log 7.6 softening point temperature in the temperature range of 1544° F. (840° C.) to 1724° F. (940° C.). The chemically tempered glass has, among other properties, an abraded modulus of rupture of 72 to 78 KPSI, and a modulus of rupture of 76 to 112 KPSI.
US07871701B2 Chipboard
An oriented strand board for structural applications and a method of its production comprising elongated strands having aspect ratios greater than 2, the strands being derived from the outer shells of oil palm tree fronds formed as a bi-product of the harvest of oil palm fruit, such that the strand length is limited to about a meter, the strands being cut from the outer shell area of the fronds and at least the outer regions of the major faces of the board being substantially free of core material, the shell strands being combined with a heat settable binder material, the strands being formed by elongated blades moving relative to a frond length in planes generally aligned with a longitudinal direction of the frond length, the strands of the frond shells being arranged and being permanently bonded together such that they are predominately generally aligned with the structural direction of the board at least at the outer regions of the major faces of the board.
US07871699B2 Iodine-containing hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive capable of being melted and coated at a temperature not higher than 100c, and a medical adhesive sheet product with such a pressure sensitive adhesive
An object of the invention is to provide an iodine-containing hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive that can be melted and coated at a temperature not higher than 100° C., and that can retain stability of the iodine in the adhesive through all stages of making, storage and use thereof, without utilizing any harmful organic solvent, while utilizing the antimicrobial efficacy of iodine.
US07871695B2 Reinforced structure comprising a cementitious matrix and zinc coated metal elements
The invention relates to a reinforced structure comprising a cementitious matrix and zinc coated metal elements. The structure comprises at least at the interface of the zinc coated metal elements and the cementitious matrix a compound selected from the group consisting of the imidazoles, the triazoles and the tetrazoles. The invention further relates to a zinc coated metal element for the reinforcement of a cementitious matrix and to a method to inhibit hydrogen gas evolution at the interface of zinc coated metal elements embedded in a cementitious matrix.
US07871694B2 Prepreg, metal-clad laminate and printed circuit board using same
This invention provides a prepreg which can yield printed circuit boards with excellent dimensional stability and heat resistance and the ability to be bent and housed at high density in electronic device packages, by impregnating a thin fiber base material with a resin having excellent adhesion with metal foils or fiber base materials, excellent heat resistance and high pliability, as well as a metal foil-clad laminate and printed circuit board employing it. The prepreg of the invention is obtained by impregnating a resin composition containing a resin with an imide structure and a thermosetting resin into a fiber base material with a thickness of 5-50 μm.
US07871692B2 Multi-ply tissue paper, paper converting device and method for producing a multi-ply tissue paper
A multi-ply web of tissue paper having at least two plies comprising a first web (2a) consisting of at least one ply and being provided with a first embossing pattern forming cushions (24) limited by regions (22) of compressed material and a second web (3a) having at least one ply and being provided with a second pattern with protrusions (32) of compressed material. The first web and the second web are combined together such that the protrusions of compressed material (32) of the second web (3a) are positioned inside the cushions (24) limited by the regions (22) of compressed material (22). Further, the invention relates to a paper converting device and a method for producing such product.
US07871690B2 Thermoplastic resin film comprising a scratch-resistant surface coating formed from polyurethane and olefin resin particles protruding from an outer surface of the coating
A thermoplastic resin film capable of ensuring ink adhesion in a printed matter having an oxidative polymerization-type ink or ultraviolet-curable ink, and imparting scratch resistance to the printed matter, contains on at least one surface thereof a coating layer containing (A) a curable resin having a pencil hardness according to JIS-K-5600-5-4 of HB or more and (B) an olefin-based resin, the coating layer having a protrusion originated in the olefin-based resin (B) on the outer surface of the thermoplastic resin film.
US07871689B2 Honeycomb structure
A honeycomb structure includes at least one honeycomb unit having a first end face and a second end face. The at least one honeycomb unit includes an inorganic binder, inorganic particles, and cell walls extending from the first end face to the second end face to define a plurality of cells. The inorganic particles include ceria particles doped with zirconia. A percentage by weight of zirconia doped in ceria in the ceria particles is in a range of about 20% to about 50%.
US07871686B2 Ag base alloy thin film and sputtering target for forming Ag base alloy thin film
The present invention relates to an Ag alloy film. Particularly, it is preferably used as a reflective film or semi-transmissive reflective film for an optical information recording medium having high thermal conductivity/high reflectance/high durability in the field of optical information recording media, an electromagnetic-shielding film excellent in Ag aggregation resistance, and an optical reflective film on the back of a reflection type liquid crystal display device, or the like. The Ag alloy film of the present invention comprises an Ag base alloy containing Bi and/or Sb in a total amount of 0.005 to 10% (in terms of at %). Further, the present invention relates to a sputtering target used for the deposition of such an Ag alloy film.
US07871681B2 Coating composition for offset paper
Coating for an offset paper comprising a catalyst for fixing polymerisable or crosslinkable constituents of the offset ink. The chemical drying time can be substantially reduced if such a catalyst system is added to the coating, wherein preferentially such a catalyst is a transition metal complex/salt, like Mn (2-ethylhexanoate, bpy).
US07871679B2 Getter metal alloy coating and device and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a coating comprising a getter metal alloy and to an arrangement and method for the production thereof. The coating therein consists of a non-vaporizing getter metal alloy (2) for an inner wall (3) of a high-vacuum vessel (4). The arrangement basically consists of a metal plasma generator (7), which in turn comprises an insulator member (8), which carries an ignition electrode (9) and a cathode wire (10) comprising a getter metal alloy (2). Those three components are surrounded by a cage-like anode member (13), which together with the insulation member (8) projects into the high vacuum vessel (5) to be coated and is supplied with cathode potential (12), high-voltage ignition pulse (19) and anode potential (14) by a voltage supply device (16), the anode member (13) together with the high-vacuum vessel (4) being held at ground potential.
US07871664B2 Parabolic trough or dish reflector for use in concentrating solar power apparatus and method of making same
A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming a reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.
US07871660B2 Preparation of getter surfaces using caustic chemicals
A technique for manufacturing a device that includes a deposit of getter material on a support involves treating the support on which the getter material is formed with a caustic fluid. An aspect of the technique is that it may clean and/or chemically activate the getter material without substantial damage to the getter material. The getter material may be formed on an internal wall of the device.
US07871647B1 Topical treatment of neuropathy
A method for treating the pain in the limbs relating to restricted blood flow to nerve endings and reduction in motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities by topically administering a composition containing a plant extract which is a vasodilator, a plant extract which is a stimulator of lymphatic activity and a mobilizer of white blood cells which is derived from snake venom or plants.
US07871644B2 Pharmaceutical composition for oral use with improved absorption
The present invention presents a pharmaceutical composition for oral use with improved absorption, which comprises drug, aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E, and acidic substance and is obtained by bringing said 3 components together and uniformly mixing at least this polymer and this acidic substance, and a method of improving oral absorption/by using this pharmaceutical composition. Moreover, the present invention presents an agent for improving oral absorption that increases drug permeability of the digestive tract mucous membrane and/or mucous layer present on the surface of this membrane, whose active ingredient is aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E. In addition, the present invention presents an oral agent for improving absorption by increasing drug permeability of the digestive tract mucous membrane and/or the mucous layer distributed over this mucous membrane, whose effective component is aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E.
US07871634B2 Cosmetic compositions useful for lengthening lashes
Disclosed are mascara compositions containing an aqueous phase, fatty phase, a structuring agent, and a polyurethane/poly(meth)acrylate graft copolymer, and methods of making and using them.
US07871633B2 Anhydrous, transfer-resistant cosmetic lip compositions
The anhydrous cosmetic composition of the present invention provides a durable film after application that resists degradation over time. The anhydrous cosmetic composition includes an aminosilicone, an organosiloxane resin, a diorganopolysiloxane polymer and a volatile carrier. The anhydrous cosmetic composition can also be packaged with a topcoat product.
US07871630B2 Therapeutic modulation of the tumor inflammatory response
The invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for alleviating cancer (i.e., a tumor) in a human patient. The therapeutic modality effected by the invention involves inducing a type 1 inflammatory response in the tumor tissue, whereby the tumor tissue is diminished or destroyed and the patient develops immune memory that inhibits or prevents recurrence of the tumor.
US07871628B2 Peptide mimics of conserved gonococcal epitopes and methods and compositions using them
The present invention relates to peptide mimics of a conserved gonococcal epitope of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which epitope is not found on human blood group antigens. This invention also relates to methods and compositions using such peptide mimics for the prophylaxis of gonorrheal infections.
US07871622B2 Stably tethered structures of defined compositions with multiple functions or binding specificities
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for stably tethered structures of defined compositions with multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. Particular embodiments concern stably tethered structures comprising a homodimer of a first monomer, comprising a dimerization and docking domain attached to a first precursor, and a second monomer comprising an anchoring domain attached to a second precursor. The first and second precursors may be virtually any molecule or structure, such as antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody analogs or mimetics, aptamers, binding peptides, fragments of binding proteins, known ligands for proteins or other molecules, enzymes, detectable labels or tags, therapeutic agents, toxins, pharmaceuticals, cytokines, interleukins, interferons, radioisotopes, proteins, peptides, peptide mimetics, polynucleotides, RNAi, oligosaccharides, natural or synthetic polymeric substances, nanoparticles, quantum dots, organic or inorganic compounds, etc. The disclosed methods and compositions provide a simple, easy to purify way to obtain any binary compound attached to any monomeric compound, or any trinary compound.
US07871618B2 Methods of treating skin disorders using an IL-31RA antagonist
The present invention relates to methods of treating patients suffering from Contact dermatitis, Drug induced delayed type cutaneous allergic reactions, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma, Bullous pemphigoid, Alopecia aereata, Vitiligo, Acne Rosacea, Prurigo nodularis, Scleroderma, Herpes simplex virus, or combination by administering an IL-31RA antagonist.
US07871611B2 Compositions and methods relating to anti IGF-1 receptor antibodies
The present invention provides compositions and methods relating to or derived from anti-IGF-1R antibodies. In particular embodiments, the invention provides fully human, humanized, or chimeric anti-IGF-1R antibodies that bind human IGF-R, IGF-1R-binding fragments and derivatives of such antibodies, and IGF-1R-binding polypeptides comprising such fragments. Other embodiments provide nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, cells comprising such polynucleotides, methods of making such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, and methods of using such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, including methods of treating or diagnosing subjects having IGF-1R-related disorders or conditions.
US07871606B2 Use of stimulated peripheral-blood mononuclear cells for the treatment of cancerous diseases
The invention relates to the use of peripheral-blood mononuclear cells that have been stimulated via cascade priming (CAPRI cells) for the purpose of providing an agent for the treatment of cancerous diseases. The CAPRI cells may also be administered in combination with CD3-activated cells.
US07871605B2 Mixed cell populations for tissue repair and separation technique for cell processing
The present invention provides a fluid exchange cell culture technique and tissue repair cells (TRCs) made by these methods, as well as methods using these cells. The method includes a new wash step which increases the tissue repair properties of the TRCs of the invention. This wash step allows for the production of TRC populations with greater tissue repair and anti -inflammatory capabilities. Embodiments of the present invention include a post-culture process for cultured cells that preferably includes the steps of: a wash process for removing unwanted residual culture components, a volume reduction process, and a harvesting process to remove cultured cells. Preferably, all these steps are performed within a aseptically closed cell culture chamber by implementing a separation method that minimizes mechanical disruption of the cells and is simple to automate. The harvested cells may then be concentrated to a final volume for the intended use. In such embodiments, the final composition is a substantially purified and concentrated cell mixture suspended in a physiologic solution suitable for immediate use in humans without further washing, volume reduction, or processing. Embodiments are also applicable to harvesting (and/or washing) particles within a liquid or solution within a chamber.
US07871603B2 Interferon-beta and/or lambda for use in treating rhinovirus infection in the elderly
Use of interferon-beta (IFN-β) and/or IFN-λ for treating rhinovirus (RV) infection in elderly people, particularly elderly people who are, or have been long-term smokers, especially those who have a clinical history of recurrent RV infections, and may have other medical conditions, such as cardiac or circulation problems, and who are liable to suffer severe complications/high mortality from poor innate ability to fight such a viral infection.
US07871600B2 Hair care composition
A leave on hair care composition comprising a) a wax dispersion; and b) an aqueous oil emulsion wherein the oil phase is a liquid and comprises: i) one or more non-volatile oils, where the dynamic viscosity of any single non-volatile oil or the dynamic viscosity of a blend of non-volatile oils is less than 1000 mPa·s at 35° C. and 5 s-1; ii) an oil dispersible structurant such that the dynamic viscosity of the structured oil phase at 35° C. prior to formation of the emulsion is at least 50,000 mPa·s at a shear rate of 0.5 s-1 and is less than 6,000 mPa·s at a shear rate of 500 s-1.
US07871598B1 Stable metal ion-lipid powdered pharmaceutical compositions for drug delivery and methods of use
Microparticle compositions comprising metal ion-lipid complexes for drug delivery are described including methods of making the microparticle compositions and methods of treating certain conditions and disease states by administering the microparticle compositions. The metal ion-lipid complexes can be combined with various drugs or active agents for therapeutic administration. The microparticle compositions of the present invention have superior stability to other microparticle compositions resulting in a microparticle composition with longer shelf life and improved dispersability. The microparticle compositions of the present invention have a transition temperature Tm of at least 20° C. above the recommended storage temperature (Tst) for drug delivery.
US07871596B2 Higher fatty acid triester compound having diethylenetriamine-type metal chelate structure
A compound having superior solubility and suitable for a liposome contrast medium selective for a lesion such as vascular diseases is provided which is represented by the following general formula (I) wherein R1, R2 and R3 independently represent an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 8 to 25 carbon atoms; X represents —O—, or —N(Z)— (Z represents hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms); and L represents a divalent bridging group constituted by atoms selected from the group consisting of carbon atom, hydrogen atom, oxygen atom, nitrogen atom and sulfur atom; Ch represents a functional group represented by the following general formula (II), and in the general formula (II), any one of the hydrogen atom Ha, Hb, Hc, Hd, He, and Hf is substituted with L.
US07871593B2 Process and apparatus for the catalytic oxidation of SO2-containing gases by means of oxygen
Process for the continuous catalytic complete or partial oxidation of a starting gas containing from 0.1 to 66% by volume of sulphur dioxide plus oxygen, in which the catalyst is kept active by means of pseudoisothermal process conditions with introduction or removal of energy; apparatus for the continuous catalytic complete or partial oxidation of a starting gas containing sulphur dioxide and oxygen having at least one tube contact apparatus in the form of an upright heat exchanger composed of at least one double-walled tube whose catalyst-filled inner tube forms a reaction tube, with heat being transferred in cocurrent around the reaction tube and an absorber for separating off SO3 downstream of the tube contact apparatus; the reactivity of the catalyst being preset by mixing with inert material.
US07871588B2 Silica by precipitation at constant alkali number, and its use
Precipitated silica or silicates, obtainable by acid precipitation of aqueous silicate solutions while maintaining a constant alkali number of at least 1.
US07871584B2 Consecutive or simultaneous leaching of nickel and cobalt containing ores
A process for the recovery of nickel and cobalt from nickel and cobalt containing ores, including the steps of first leaching a laterite ore and/or a partially oxidized sulfide ore with an acid solution to produce a pregnant leach solution containing at least dissolved nickel, cobalt and ferric ions, and subsequently leaching a sulfide ore or concentrate with the pregnant leach solution to produce a product liquor. Alternatively, the laterite ore and/or partially oxidized sulfide ore can be leached in a combined leach with the sulfide ore or concentrate. The ferric ion content in the pregnant leach solution or in the combined leach is sufficient to maintain the oxidation and reduction potential in the sulfide leach high enough to assist in leaching nickel from the sulfide ore or concentrate.
US07871583B2 Process for recovery of silica followed by alumina from coal fly ash
A process for recovery of silica and alumina from fly ash, in which, Si is leached out from the fly ash in the form of Na2SiO3 using a NaOH solution of NaOH >40% (w/w), followed by separation to obtain a Na2SiO3 solution and a residue having Al—Si ratio ≧2; vaporizing the solution to obtain Na2SiO3 solutions of various concentrations, or producing silica by carbonation, and producing Al2O3 by prior art methods from residues obtained after alkali-leaching, ultimately producing filler or cement from the residue after the recovery of Al. The method permits recovery of Al2O3 directly from fly ash by removing Si before recovering the Al, which raises the Al—Si ratio of the residue after alkali-leaching and thus simplifies the recovery of Al2O3 and raises the rate of Al recovery from fly ash. The invention further includes calcining high Al coal gangue, kaolinite and middle-low-class bauxite at 900-1100° C.
US07871582B2 Medical instrument container system
The system contains a molded plastic reticulated tray composed of a continuous rib that forms a tray rim and a plurality of intersecting ribs defining relatively large openings therebetween. The intersecting ribs are dished and having opposite ends connected to the continuous rib at spaced apart locations therealong. The plurality of intersecting ribs have rounded surfaces so that a fluid sterilant directed at the plurality of intersecting ribs from the outside, upon flowing through said openings, will follow and intimately contact said rounded surfaces to the tray interior so that those surfaces are cleaned thoroughly.
US07871580B2 Automated workstation for disinfecting objects and methods of use thereof
An automated workstation or apparatus for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided. A method for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided.
US07871579B2 Tubular reactor with expandable insert
A tubular reactor having an insert for improving heat transfer characteristics of the tubular reactor. The insert comprises a catalyst and metal structures consecutively arranged in a lengthwise direction of the tube. The metal structures have radially expandable side walls and orifices for squeezing fluid between the metal structures and the tube wall. The radially expandable side walls form hollows between the radially expandable side walls and the tube wall of the tubular reactor. The radially expandable side walls deform responsive to the fluid pressure difference between the inside of the metal structure and the outer space between the metal structure and the tube wall thereby maintaining the gap between the orifice opening and the tube wall to adjust for tube creep.
US07871577B2 Process and apparatus for the production of hydrocarbon compounds from methane
Higher molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds or oxygenates are produced from a gas comprising methane in a process comprising the steps of generating synthesis gas (“syngas”) comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen by reaction of a gas comprising methane with steam and/or an oxidant gas comprising oxygen, producing higher molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds or oxygenates in a syngas conversion process, removing offgas comprising unreacted hydrogen and unreacted carbon monoxide from said syngas conversion process and separating cryogenically unreacted hydrogen from said offgas or from a gas derived therefrom to produce separated hydrogen product that is substantially free of unreacted carbon monoxide and a first cryogenic liquid comprising unreacted carbon monoxide. The unreacted hydrogen is preferably separated from the offgas in a liquid methane wash column. Two advantages of this process are that this cryogenic separation process is more efficient than known pressure swing absorption techniques and that the concentration of carbon monoxide in the separated hydrogen product is sufficiently small that the separated hydrogen product may be used in the hydrogenation of a wax fraction of the higher molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds without further purification or processing.
US07871573B2 Enhancement of sensitivity of fluorophore mediated biosensing and bioimaging
A method of enhancing fluorescence emission in a fluorophore-mediated sensing, biosensing, imaging, and bioimaging. An example of biosensing is a fluorophore-mediated sandwich immunoassay with a 1° monoclonal antibody against a target analyte and a fluorophore-linked 2° monoclonal antibody, exposing the immunoassay to an enhancing agent, applying excitation light to the immunoassay, and measuring an emission signal from the immunoassay.
US07871572B2 Chemical sensors based on metal nanoparticle encapsulated by mixed ligand and sensor array
Provided are mixed ligand metal nanoparticle chemical sensors in which metal nanoparticles are encapsulated by at least two kinds of different molecule ligands having a relatively low conductivity and various composition ratios, and a chemical sensor array in which a film of the metal nanoparticle sensor is formed on the substrate. The metal nanoparticle sensor using the mixed ligand improves sensitivity and reaction speed with respect to an analyte, and selectivity with respect to various analytes, and a kind and a composition of a ligand of the mixed ligand constituting the metal nanoparticle sensor are adjusted to allow the high sensitivity nanoparticle sensor to be applied to the sensor array technology, thereby enabling a design of sensor properties as well as systematic access to a configuration of the sensor array the most efficient for the analytes.
US07871569B2 Biosensor utilizing a resonator having a functionalized surface
Systems and methods for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a sample using biosensors that incorporate resonators which have functionalized surfaces for reacting with target biomolecules. In one embodiment, a device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a functionalized surface configured to react with target molecules, thereby changing the mass and/or charge of the resonator which consequently changes the frequency response of the resonator. The resonator's frequency response after exposure to a sample is compared to a reference, such as the frequency response before exposure to the sample, a stored baseline frequency response or a control resonator's frequency response.
US07871567B2 System and method for coding information on a biosensor test strip
The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. In one embodiment, a first test strip comprises: a first measurement electrode connectable to a test meter; a first trace loop with a first associated resistance, where the first trace loop is connectable to the test meter; and a second trace loop with a second associated resistance, where the second trace loop is connectable to the test meter. The test meter is adapted to: receive the first test strip; connect to the first measurement electrode, the first trace loop, and the second trace loop; and obtain a first resistance ratio by comparing the first and second associated resistances.
US07871564B2 High-purity Ru alloy target, process for producing the same, and sputtered film
In order to obtain a high purity sputtered film for a capacitor electrode of a semiconductor memory and to make the sputtered film have uniform thickness and good adhesiveness with Si substrate, a high-purity Ru alloy target is provided, wherein a total content of the platinum group elements excluding Ru is in a range of 15 to 200 wtppm and remnants are Ru and inevitable impurities. Also, provided is a manufacturing method of the high-purity Ru alloy target, comprising the steps of mixing Ru powder having a purity of 99.9% or higher and powder of platinum group elements excluding Ru, performing press molding of the mixed powder to obtain a compact, performing electron beam melting of the compact to obtain an ingot, and forging the ingot at 1400 to 1900° C.
US07871562B2 Manufacturing process for thin films made of metal /ceramic composite
Process for manufacturing composite metal/ceramic thin films, consisting of: a) preparing a suspension (S) in an organic solvent starting from a substantially homogenous mixture of ceramic reinforcements, metallic particles, a binder, a plasticizer and a dispersant, the metallic particles constituting at least 5% by weight of the suspension; b) tape casting the suspension to form a thin film, and then de-binding said thin film; c) densifying the de-binded thin film in a furnace.
US07871561B2 Artificial bone and method for producing the same
An artificial bone which is excellent in the ability to form bone in a living body, reliably thereof, and has high mechanical strength. The process comprises the steps of: mixing granules, composed of a titanium or a titanium alloy powder and an organic binder, with a particulate pore-forming material, pressure-molding the mixture to obtain a molded body, firing the molded body at 1200° C. to obtain a porous body, bringing the porous body into contact with an aqueous alkali solution, subsequently with water of 35° C. or higher for a period longer than that of contacting with the aqueous alkali solution and then heating the porous body at 100 to 650° C., preferably 200 to 600° C.
US07871560B2 Metallurgical vessel with fixing system
A metallurgical vessel having support brackets mounted on a vessel wall. The support brackets are mounted by a mounting system on a support body that does not completely surround the circumference of the vessel. The mounting system includes clamps that act on the support brackets. A coupling device is provided, which has, a first coupling component designed as a male part mounted on the support body and a second coupling component designed as a female part mounted on the vessel wall. The first and second coupling components are configured and arranged so as to automatically engage when the clamps are in the engaged position and to automatically disengage when the clamps are not in the engaged position. The coupling device has sealing elements and a coupling mechanism of the first coupling component relative to the second coupling component.
US07871558B2 Containers intended for moisture-sensitive products
A container for a moisture-sensitive product. The container has an openable container body defining an interior volume for holding the product. More specifically, a rigid container defining an interior volume for holding a moisture-sensitive product, and comprising at least an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner and outer layers being coextruded layers, the inner layer comprising a polymeric material and a desiccant material, the outer layer comprising a moisture-barrier material.
US07871555B2 Method and device for producing a profiled rim on a component, and glazing provided with a profiled rim
A method for producing a profiled bead made of a plastic, particularly of a polymer, on a piece, particularly on a window pane. In the method at least a partial portion of an edge region or lateral face region of a surface of the piece is brought into contact with a forming face. The plastic is deposited stuck to at least part of the periphery of a surface of the piece untouched by the forming face and the external dimensions of the profiled bead formed are also defined by the forming face. The forming face is pressed against the edge region or lateral face region of the fixed piece using a flat support, the shape of which can vary under the pressure of a fluid. This then gives a better matching of the forming face to the contour and to any dimensional discrepancies of the piece.
US07871554B2 Process for producing polyimide film
The invention is directed to a process for producing polyimide film, including stretching, at 150° C. to 380° C. and a stretch ratio of 1.2 to 4.0, an unstretched polyimide film which is formed from a polyimide having a repeating unit represented by formula (1): (wherein R represents a tetravalent group derived from cyclohexane; and Φ represents a divalent aliphatic, alicyclic, or aromatic group, or a combination thereof that has a total number of carbon atoms of 2 to 39 and may have at least one connecting group selected from the group consisting of —O—, —SO2—, —CO—, —CH2—, —C(CH3)2—, —OSi(CH3)2—, —C2H4O—, and —S—) and which has an organic solvent content of 0.5 wt. % or more and less than 30 wt. %. The produced polyimide film exhibits transparency, excellent heat resistance, and reduced dimensional changes.
US07871552B2 Device and method for the production of a roof tile with at least one water barrier
The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for providing a roof tile with at least one water stop. With the arrangement it becomes possible to press a water stop, comprised of a material differing from that of the roof tile, into a roof tile blank. After the water stop has been pressed in, it is partially disposed with its edge in the material of the roof tile blank in the proximity of the watercourse, of the central brim and of the lateral beading.
US07871546B2 Vegetable oil based dielectric coolant
In one aspect, the present invention provides a dielectric fluid for use in electrical equipment comprising a vegetable oil or vegetable oil blend. In another aspect the invention provides devices for generating and distributing electrical energy that incorporate a dielectric fluid comprising a vegetable oil or vegetable oil blend. Methods of retrofilling electrical equipment with vegetable oil based dielectric fluids also are provided.
US07871544B2 Films for electrochemical structural elements and method for producing such films
The invention relates to a paste-like mass that can be used in electrochemical structural elements, including a heterogeneous mixture of (1.) a matrix (A) containing at least one organic polymer, precursors thereof, or prepolymers thereof, or consisting of said components, (2.) an electrochemically activatable inorganic material in the form of a solid substance (B), said material not being soluble in said matrix and in water, and (3.) a material (C) which is capable of improving the transport of a liquid electrolyte into and the storage thereof within the structural element, with the proviso that said material (C) is not a material which simultaneously has conductivity improving properties, if said solid substance (B) is a material that is suitable as an electrode material. From said mass, layers (films) and electrochemical composite layers can be produced that are subsequently impregnated with an electrolyte solution preferably of electrolytes dissolved in plasticizers for said matrix (A). In this manner, electrochemically active structural elements such as batteries and accumulators are obtained.
US07871536B2 Additives to prevent degradation of cyclic alkene derivatives
This disclosure relates to compositions that includes (a) one or more substituted or unsubstituted cyclic alkenes, and (b) an antioxidant composition including at least one compound of Formula (I): R1 through R4 in Formula (I) are described in the specification.
US07871535B2 Composition for dust-preventive treatment
A composition for dust-preventive treatment including an aqueous dispersion of fluorine-containing polymer showing a low potential for environmental concerns and a dust prevention effect as high as that of known composition for dust-preventive treatment. The composition for dust-preventive treatment includes an aqueous dispersion of fluorine-containing polymer containing 50 ppm or less of a fluorine-containing emulsifier. The composition for dust-preventive treatment comprising aqueous dispersion of fluorine-containing polymer containing 50 ppm or less of a fluorine-containing emulsifier can preferably be obtained by removing the fluorine-containing emulsifier from a polymer dispersion prepared by polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene using the fluorine-containing emulsifier.
US07871532B2 Plasma processing method and post-processing method
A plasma processing method for performing a plasma process on a target object placed in a chamber includes a first plasma process of turning a gas containing at least a halogen element into plasma to generate first plasma, thereby processing the target object; a second plasma process, subsequent to the first plasma process, of supplying a gas containing oxygen into the chamber to generate second plasma, thereby processing the chamber and the target object; and a third plasma process, subsequent to the second plasma process, of turning a gas containing at least fluorine into plasma to generate third plasma, thereby processing the target object.
US07871531B2 Method of manufacturing liquid ejection head
A method of manufacturing a liquid ejection head in which a pressure chamber for storing an ejection liquid is connected with an ink supply channel through a restrictor, includes the steps of: forming first spaces for the liquid supply channel and the pressure chamber in a silicon substrate by performing anisotropic etching on a surface of the silicon substrate, the surface of the silicon substrate being parallel to a Si(110) plane, each of the first spaces being defined by two vertical walls and two inclined walls, each of the two vertical walls being parallel to a Si(111) plane that is perpendicular to the surface of the silicon substrate, each of the two inclined walls being parallel to a Si(111) plane that is inclined with respect to the surface of the silicon substrate; then forming an etching protection film on the silicon substrate, the etching protection film protecting the silicon substrate from being etched; then forming an opening corresponding to a second space for the restrictor in the etching protection film; and then performing anisotropic etching on the surface of the silicon substrate through the opening of the etching protection film to form the second space in the silicon substrate, the second space for the restrictor being defined by two inclined walls each of which is parallel to the Si(111) plane that is inclined with respect to the surface of the silicon substrate, the second space connecting the first spaces for the liquid supply channel and the pressure chamber with each other.
US07871530B2 Near-field optical probe based on SOI substrate and fabrication method thereof
Provided is near-field optical probe including: a cantilever arm support portion that is formed of a lower silicon layer of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, the cantilever arm support portion having a through hole formed therein at a side of the lower silicon layer; and a cantilever arm forming of a junction oxidation layer pattern and an upper silicon layer pattern on the SOI substrate that are supported on an upper surface of the lower silicon layer and each have a smaller hole than the through hole, a silicon oxidation layer pattern having a tip including an aperture at a vertical end, corresponding with the hole on the upper silicon layer pattern, and an optical transmission prevention layer that is formed on the silicon oxidation layer pattern and does not cover the aperture.
US07871527B2 Processes for water and wastewater treatment, including stationary cloth media filtration
The present invention relates to stationary cloth media filtration systems and devices, as well as processes and devices for uniform flow distribution and improved cloth media filter backwashing.
US07871526B2 Gravity separator for a multi-phase effluent
A method of separating a hydrocarbon multiphase fluid mixture. The method comprises an application step in which the hydrocarbon fluid mixture (E) is applied to a separator that separates by gravity the hydrocarbon fluid mixture (E) into a liquid layer and a gas layer. The method further comprises an extraction step, a liquid-level measurement step, a level-based adjustment step, a parameter measurement step, and a parameter-based adjustment step.
US07871525B2 Biomass treatment of organic waste or waste water
A method, system, apparatus and program for effecting the decomposition of organic waste material comprises: providing a treatment tank for decomposition of organic waste material, the treatment tank containing an active biomass comprising at least one bacteria that decomposes organic material; providing at least two inlets to the treatment tank, a first inlet comprising an inlet for organic material and a second inlet comprising an inlet for an aqueous stream; a processor that receives and stores information on: the status of chemical oxygen demand of the active biomass; and the oxygen provision capability of a first organic material that can be fed into the treatment tank through the first inlet; a mass flow control system controlled by the processor which feeds the at least one organic material through the first inlet at a rate based at least in part upon the status of chemical oxygen demand in the treatment tank as recognized by the processor.
US07871524B2 Method for removing merury and/or arsenic from water using a silane coupling agent reacted organoclay
The use of a coupling agent containing a mercapto, disulfide, tretrasulfide and/or polysulfide end group provides a mercury removal media having increased reactivity, stability, and mercury removal ability. The mercury removal media described herein is prepared by reacting an organophilic clay containing onium ions with a mercapto, disulfide, tetrasulfide, and/or polysulfide end moiety. Alternatively, the clay can be made organophilic by onium ion reaction prior to or simultaneously with the coupling reaction of the mercapto- or sulfide- end group-containing coupling agent.
US07871518B2 Apparatus for treating wash water supplied
Apparatus for providing activated treated water to washing machines with a water treatment conduit connected between a water supply and an inlet of the washing machine, having a reactor chamber with a UV lamp and a coated metal target that generates oxidizing gases that communicate by an injector into the conduit and a transparent portion of the conduit treats the oxidated water by illumination from the UV lamp. A disinfector injects disinfecting silver ions into the treated oxidated water. A controller activates the apparatus during flow of water through the conduit. A method of activating and treating water for washing machines is disclosed.
US07871514B2 Extractive distillation processes using water-soluble extractive solvents
Extractive distillation processes whereby water-soluble extractive distillation (ED) solvents are regenerated and recovered employ improved operations of the extractive distillation column (EDC) so that polar hydrocarbons are recovered and purified from mixtures containing polar and less polar hydrocarbons and measurable amounts of hydrocarbons that are heavier than intended feedstock and/or polymers that are generated in the ED process. The improved process can effectively remove and recover the heavy hydrocarbons and/or remove polymer contaminants from the solvent in a closed solvent circulating loop through mild operating conditions with no additional process energy being expended. With the improved process, the overhead reflux of the EDC may be eliminated to further reduce energy consumption and to enhance the loading and performance within the upper portion of the EDC, especially when two liquid phases exists therein.
US07871511B2 Method to alter coke morphology using either polynuclear aromatic compounds or functionalized lignin
A method for altering coke morphology in a delayed coking process of heavy oil is provided. An effective amount of one or more oil dispersible or oil soluble polynuclear aromatic compounds, or functionalized lignin, is added or contacted with the resid or heavy oil at a point before or after the step of heating the heavy oil to coking temperatures. The addition of additives facilitates the formation of shot coke and inhibits the formation of sponge coke.
US07871510B2 Production of an enhanced resid coker feed using ultrafiltration
This invention relates to a high-pressure ultrafiltration process to produce an improved coker feed for producing a substantially free-flowing coke, preferably free-flowing shot coke from an atmospheric and/or vacuum resid feedstock. The process of this invention utilizes a high-pressure ultrafiltration process to produce an intermediate product stream with improved the Conradson Carbon Residue (CCR) content which is utilized in either an improved delayed coking or a fluid coking process.
US07871509B2 Process and apparatus for modifying bitumen
Apparatus for modifying bitumen. The apparatus includes a multi-section loop tube reactor A circulation pump (11) circulates bitumen in the reactor (10) and air is introduced at air injection point (13). Bitumen is introduced into the reactor (10) at inlet (14) by variable speed pump P1. A plurality of mixers (15) are located between the air injection point (13) and a head section (24) beyond which is an outlet (27) where modified bitumen is drawn off by variable speed pump P2.
US07871506B2 Continuous ARC deposition apparatus and method with multiple available targets
An arc deposition apparatus comprises an evacuatable chamber and means for positioning at least two targets in the chamber, wherein a first one of the at least two targets is positionable in an operative position and another of the at least two targets is positionable in a standby position. An electrical power supply is provided for supplying electrical power to the target held in the operative position to form an arc on an emission surface of the operative target. Means are provided for preparing an emission surface of the target positioned in the standby position to have a predetermined morphology. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the surface preparing means, means are provided for inspecting whether the emission surface of the target positioned in the standby position has a predetermined morphology. Preferably, the positioning means is configured to interchange the at least two targets at a predetermined time.
US07871502B2 Method for manufacturing chalcopyrite thin-film solar cell
A method for fabricating a chalcopyrite-type thin film solar cell includes a first step of forming onto a Mo electrode layer 2 a precursor including an In metal layer and a Cu—Ga alloy layer by sputtering, a second step of attaching an alkali-metal solution onto the precursor, a selenization step of subjecting the substrate 1 which has undergone both the first and the second steps to a selenization treatment, and a transparent electrode forming step of depositing an optically transparent conductive layer. As the alkali-metal solution, an aqueous solution of an alkali metal compound, such as sodium tetraborate, sodium sulfide, and sodium aluminum sulfate, can be used.
US07871501B2 Laser-based method for removal of sulfur (DMDBT) in hydrocarbon fuels
The laser-based method for removal of sulfur (DMDBT) in hydrocarbon fuels provides for deep desulfurization of hydrogen fuels through the elimination of dimethyldibenzothiophene (DMDBT) from hydrocarbon fuels. The method involves photoexciting atomic or molecular oxygen to a singlet or triplet energy state, mixing the photoexcited oxygen with the hydrocarbon fuel, and irradiating the hydrocarbon fuel with UV radiation from a tunable laser source at a wavelength corresponding to an absorption band of dimethyldibenzothiophene. The hydrocarbon fuel may be in a liquid or an aerosol state. The oxygen may be provided by pure oxygen gas, by N2O, or by air, and may be diluted by an inert carrier gas, such as N2. Exemplary wavelengths of the laser radiation include 193 nm, 248 nm, and 266 nm. Sulfur is eliminated from DMDBT as elemental sulfur or gaseous sulfides and sulfur oxides, which are easily separated from the hydrocarbon fuels.
US07871499B2 Retort oven with adjustable floor
A retort oven for decomposition of waste materials through pyrolysis employing a deck with a variable angle of inclination for adjusting the retention time and processing rate of waste material flowing unassisted through the oven interior. The oven includes an outer shell lined with a refractory material and houses an inner oven chamber. The deck is adjustably hinge mounted to the inner chamber supporting sidewalls extending in a decline from a waste material entrance to a charred material exit. The deck is operated in a preferred angle range of inclination between 28°-50° from the oven floor normal. A controlled heat source is positioned within the oven to heat a first outer volume whose heated gases are transferred into a second inner volume of the inner chamber using an array of heat gun tubes heating the deck and material as it descends along the declined deck. The deck can be adjusted for varying the retention time of material within the oven for varied exposure to heat and charring efficiency.
US07871498B2 Fabrics for forming decorative tissue sheets
Forming fabrics for making tissue webs are provided with structural icons on the side of the fabric that does not contact the tissue web during formation. The resulting tissue web has good formation without pinholes, yet contains a watermark corresponding to the shape of the structural icon.
US07871497B2 Paper machine covering
A covering for a machine for treating a material web, in particular a fibrous web, has a multilayer construction with at least two layers formed respectively by at least one polyurethane film, between which there lies a layer made of a reinforcement fabric whose mesh widths are selected such that the two adjacent layers of polyurethane film touch each other in the meshes. This covering can be used advantageously in particular as a transfer belt or a dryer fabric.
US07871493B2 Environmentally-friendly tissue
A method of making an environmentally-friendly tissue sheet for conversion into a single-ply roll product, such as bath tissue or paper towels, is disclosed. The method utilizes numerous process aspects that are determined to minimize energy consumption, which is about 100 grams CO2 equivalent emissions or less per 38 square feet of tissue, while at the same time producing a tissue roll product having desirable roll bulk, firmness and absorbency.
US07871490B2 Inductively coupled plasma generation system with a parallel antenna array having evenly distributed power input and ground nodes and improved field distribution
An antenna adapted to apply uniform electromagnetic fields to a volume of gas and including radiating elements connected in parallel with evenly distributed input terminals for receiving electromagnetic energy into the antenna and output terminals for grounding. In the illustrative embodiment, the antenna has three radiating elements connected in parallel. Each radiating element is a conductor wound in a circular shape with the same diameter. Each radiating element is connected to the input terminal on one end and an output terminal on the other. The input terminal of the second element is 120° rotated counterclockwise from the first and the input terminal of the third is rotated by 120° counterclockwise from the second. The ground terminals of each radiating elements are located in the same manner as the input terminals. Each element is feed by a feeder coil. While the antenna elements are disposed around a chamber, the feeder coils are disposed above the chamber to improved the distribution of electromagnetic energy within the chamber.
US07871489B2 Method for the production of composite elements based on isocyanate-based foams
The invention relates to a process for production of composite elements composed of at least one outer layer a) and of an rigid isocyanate-based foam b), where between the outer layer a) and the rigid isocyanate-based foam b) an adhesion promoter c) has been applied, and where the outer layer a) is continuously moved and the adhesion promoter c) and the starting material for the rigid isocyanate-based foam b) are applied successively to the outer layer, which comprises applying the adhesion promoter c) by means of a rotating plate which has been installed horizontally or with a deviation of up to 15° from horizontal, preferably parallel to the outer layer.
US07871488B2 Waterborne adhesive
Novel waterborne adhesives comprising a crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent and acetaldehyde scavenger are useful in the manufacture of products exhibiting reduced acetaldehyde emission rates. Manufactured products having acetaldehyde emission rates of less than 9 μg/m3 may be manufactured using the adhesive of the invention.
US07871483B2 Bond enhancement for underwater repair
Provided is a method for enhancing an adhesive bond between a pile and a resin adhesive by maintaining a constant uniform positive pressure of the entire wrapped region regardless of the shrinkage in the resin adhesive. This invention enhances underwater adhesive bond by ensuring proper contact while curing. In one embodiment, constant inward pressure is created by encapsulating the repair and applying a vacuum. The invention can be used for a variety of underwater applications using different resins and different substrate materials. For instance, the invention could be used to repair damaged critical infrastructure, e.g. Bridges, dams, pipelines and locks. Local, state and federal agencies in US and elsewhere as well as marine and naval contractors would find great utility with the invention. The concept could be extended to all adhesion dependent repairs.
US07871479B2 Method and system for manufacturing label kits comprised of carrier sheets having labels of specific shape removably retained thereon
A method for the manufacture of label kits is described. Each kit comprises one or more of carrier sheets having one or more labels of specific shape and containing specific information associated with a specific product or parts thereof on which they are to be affixed. The labels have an adhesive backing removably retained on a surface of the carrier sheet. The method uses a digital printer and a laminator die-cutting machine which is computer controlled with the data being automatically printed and labels automatically cut into a web whereby to form detachable labels, some having a UV protected clear or opaque synthetic or paper surface material face sheet. The carrier sheets are cut from the web and individually placed or stacked into kits or piles to form label kits containing a predetermined number of such labels associated with a specific product or part with the carrier sheets potentially containing a tracking code identifying the specific kit to the product.
US07871478B2 Homogenization and heat-treatment of cast metals
A method of casting a metal ingot with a microstructure that facilitates further working, such as hot and cold rolling. The metal is cast in a direct chill casting mold, or the equivalent, that directs a spray of coolant liquid onto the outer surface of the ingot to achieve rapid cooling. The coolant is removed from the surface at a location where the emerging embryonic ingot is still not completely solid, such that the latent heat of solidification and the sensible heat of the molten core raises the temperature of the adjacent solid shell to a convergence temperature that is above a transition temperature for in-situ homogenization of the metal. A further conventional homogenization step is then not required. The invention also relates to the heat-treatment of such ingots prior to hot working.
US07871476B2 Magnesium alloy exhibiting high strength and high ductility and method for production thereof
A magnesium alloy exhibiting high strength and high ductility, characterized in that it comprises 0.03 to 0.54 atomic % of certain solute atoms belonging to 2 Group, 3 Group or Lanthanoids of the Periodic Table and having an atomic radius larger than that of magnesium and the balanced amount of magnesium, and has a fine crystal grain structure wherein solute atoms having an average crystal grain diameter of 1.5 μm or less and being unevenly present in the vicinity of crystal grain boundaries at a concentration being 1.5 to 10 times that within crystal grains, wherein an atom selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Th, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu can be used as the above solute atom; and a method for producing the magnesium alloy. The above magnesium alloy is novel and achieves high strength and high ductility at the same time.
US07871473B2 Automatic compressor stage cleaning for air boost systems
A method and device for maintaining air boost system performance is provided. One or more stages of the air boost system can be connected by tubing to a cleaning system that includes a fluid reservoir (135, 235) containing cleaning fluid and a means of conveying the cleaning fluid into at least one stage of the air boost system. The air boost system can also include a means for detecting (150, 250) at least one fouling parameter of said air boost system. Mien the fouling parameter meets a pre-determined condition, a control means (155, 255) can trigger the cleaning means and inject cleaning fluid into the stage or stages to be cleaned.
US07871471B2 Substrate processing apparatus inspection method and method for reducing quantity of particles on substrate
It is intended to prevent an increase in the quantity of particles on a test-piece substrate having undergone processing executed at a low temperature equal to or lower than 0° C. In an inspection method adopted when inspecting the state inside a processing chamber by measuring the quantity of particles on a test-piece substrate, i.e., a test-piece wafer, the test-piece wafer W having undergone a specific type of test processing inside the processing chamber is carried out into a transfer chamber via a loadlock chamber after holding it in the loadlock chamber over a predetermined length of time while delivering a dried inert gas into the loadlock chamber. The predetermined length of time is set to a value at which the increase in the quantity of particles on the test-piece wafer can be kept down at least within an acceptable range.
US07871454B2 Chemical process for recovery of metals contained in industrial steelworks waste
This invention provides chemical processes for the treatment of industrial steelworks waste, especially those from an electric arc furnace, called “flue dust,” to allow for the subsequent recovery of metals (e.g. zinc and iron) from the dust. The main purposes of the process are: (i) the opening of the crystalline webs (zinc ferrite) originally formed in the flue dust, with the simultaneous production of soluble sulfates in aqueous medium; (ii) and the destruction of possible dioxins without subsequent regeneration. The processes encompass production of salts or sulfates of the metals in the flue dust, utilizing concentrated sulfuric acid and reagents or catalysts by dry medium, at normal pressure and moderate temperatures. The processes promotes reaction of sulfuric acid with elements found in the flue dust to maintain a homogenous mixture without the presence of water, and prevent agglomeration of the particles through the addition of secondary reagents and catalysts.
US07871451B2 Moisture separator heater
A moisture separator heater includes a body, a manifold installed inside the body to supply moisture-containing steam to the interior thereof, slits formed on the manifold to allow a steam reserving portion positioned at the lower part of the body to eject steam, a separator for separating moisture from steam ejected from the slits, a steam collecting portion for collecting steam after separation of moisture by the separator, a heater for heating steam ascending inside the steam collecting portion, and a partition plate installed inside the steam collecting portion.
US07871450B2 Pre-processing assembly for pre-processing fuel feedstocks for use in a fuel cell system
A pre-processing assembly and method for processing fuel feedstock containing oxygen and hydrocarbons having higher and lower hydrocarbon content for a fuel cell, wherein the pre-processing assembly has a deoxidizing bed for reducing oxygen in the fuel feedstock and a pre-reforming bed for reducing higher hydrocarbon content in the fuel feedstock and wherein the deoxidizing bed and the pre-reforming bed are disposed within a common reaction vessel such that the fuel feedstock first passes through the deoxidizing bed and thereafter through the pre-reforming bed. The pre-reforming assembly may further include a propane processor bed for processing propane and propylene in the fuel feedstock, where the propane processor bed is disposed within the common reaction vessel with the deoxidizing bed and the pre-reforming bed.
US07871447B2 System and method for manufacturing a thermal battery
An automated system and method for manufacturing a thermal battery is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a press system, a stacking system, and an enclosing system to automate the manufacturing process of thermal batteries. A method of manufacturing a thermal battery using the system is also disclosed. An automated tracking, storage, and retrieval system for pellets used in the manufacturing process and a pellet pairing system are also disclosed.
US07871445B2 Composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers comprising at least one nonionic derivative of cellulose with at least one hydrophobic substituent, at least one oxidation base of diaminodiazacyclopentene type, and at least one oxidation coupler, an oxidation dyeing process, and kit
The present disclosure relates to a dye composition for keratin fibers, such as keratin fibers, for example the hair, comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing: at least one nonionic derivative of cellulose comprising at least one hydrophobic substituent containing from 8 to 30 carbon atoms; at least one oxidation base chosen from diaminodiazacyclopentene derivatives; and at least one oxidation coupler; and a process for dyeing keratin fibers using such a composition.
US07871438B2 Tissue marking implant
A tissue marking implant includes a matrix material and a dye marker. The implant, which can be formed entirely of bioresorbable material such as a collagen foam, is sized and shaped to replace excised tissue. The implant supports surrounding tissue upon implantation, while allowing for in-growth of fibrous tissue to replace the implant. According to various alternative embodiments, the implant is elastically compressible, or can be formed from self-expanding foam or sponges, and can be implanted through a cannula or by injection, as well as by open procedures. The implant can carry therapeutic and diagnostic substances. The dye marker leaches from the implant such that a surgeon, upon subsequent surgical intervention, visibly recognizes the tissue marked by the dye marker.
US07871437B2 Accommodating intraocular lenses and associated systems, frames, and methods
An intraocular lens for providing accommodative vision to a subject includes a frame disposed about an optical axis, a first optical element, a second optical element, and a connecting element operably coupling the frame to the optical elements. The frame comprises an anterior frame element and a posterior frame element. The connecting element is configured to convert a first displacement between the frame elements in a direction that is substantially parallel to the optical axis into a second displacement between the optical elements that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The second displacement may be translational and/or rotation. In some embodiments, the optical elements are two varifocal lenses.
US07871436B2 Replacement prosthetic heart valves and methods of implantation
A replacement prosthetic heart valve for engagement with a structure of a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve, the replacement heart valve including a stent structure and at least two leaflets attached within the interior area of a tubular body portion of the stent structure. The stent structure includes a generally tubular body portion having an interior area, at least two upper flange portions for positioning at an outflow end of the previously implanted heart valve, wherein the upper flange portions extend radially outward from the tubular body portion and are biased toward an inflow end of the replacement heart valve, and at least one lower flange portion for positioning at an inflow end of the previously implanted heart valve, wherein the lower flange portions extend radially outward from the tubular body portion and are biased toward an outflow end of the replacement heart valve.
US07871432B2 Heart valve holder for use in valve implantation procedures
A valve holder for a prosthetic valve having a stent with a stent base and multiple commissure posts projecting from the stent base, the valve holder including a central base portion, a plurality of legs radially extending from the central base portion, each leg comprising a first prong portion spaced from a second prong portion by a gap distance, a plurality of commissure post engaging members, wherein one commissure post engaging member is slideably engaged with each of the plurality of legs, and a handle extending from the central base portion.
US07871427B2 Apparatus and method for using a portable thermal device to reduce accommodation of nerve receptors
A system and method for portably delivering a therapeutic dose of heat to the skin to relieve pain, reduce accommodation of thermal nerve receptors, promote healing, and deliver transcutaneous medications. The heating device is user programmable or pre-programmed to deliver according to a variety of cycles, patterns and algorithms. The cycles, patterns, and algorithms of the heat are programmable parameters, are under the user's control, and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the device. The heating algorithms are designed to interact with an individual user's thermal nerve receptors and other tissue characteristics and to reduce the tendency of the receptors to accommodate to the external stimuli with back pain, muscular pain, dysmenorrhea, headaches, fibromyalgia, post-herpetic neuralgia, nerve injuries and neuropathies, and sprains and strain. The device can also be used in conjunction with existing medical devices such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS) to increase the effectiveness of TENS devices.
US07871425B2 Minimally-invasive nipple-lift procedure and apparatus
Medical devices and methods are provided for a minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure. In the procedure, barbed sutures are used to accomplish a nipple-lift by deploying the sutures cranially from the nipple-areolar complex to stable anatomical features higher on the chest. Additional barbed sutures may be used to accomplish a breast-lift and/or breast contouring by deploying the sutures caudally from stable anatomical features into the breast tissue.
US07871421B2 Therapeutic ring
A therapeutic ring to be worn on an outer finger. The therapeutic ring includes a ring band and a pair of projections, the pair spaced on the ring band and extending from an inner surface of the ring band to apply continuous pressure to opposed sides only of an arterial or meridian channel in the outer finger.
US07871419B2 Delivery/recovery system for septal occluder
A delivery/recovery system to allow an operator to deploy and recover a medical implant, such as an occluder for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO). In one embodiment, the system includes a delivery mandrel for preventing the occluder from moving in the proximal direction, a delivery wire for securing the occluder to the delivery mandrel and preventing unwanted movement in the distal direction, and a sheath for enveloping the delivery wire, mandrel and occluder. By moving the sheath relative to the occluder in a series of steps, the occluder opens first on a distal side and then on a proximal side, in a manner that holds the occluder in place.
US07871411B2 Sternal closure device
A sternal closure device for securing and retaining longitudinally divided halves of a sternum, the device having two sets of anterior and posterior longitudinally extended brace members with brace joining mechanisms extending through the sternal halves to join the anterior brace members to the posterior brace members, such that the sternal halves are compressed between the anterior and posterior brace members, and transverse bridging members that laterally connect the two sets of brace members, with securing mechanisms to retain the two sets of brace members in a contracted configuration with the sternal halves in abutting relation.
US07871406B2 Methods for planning and performing thermal ablation
A thermal ablation system is operable to perform thermal ablation using an x-ray system to measure temperature changes throughout a volume of interest in a patient. Image data sets captured by the x-ray system during a thermal ablation procedure provide temperature change information for the volume being subjected to the thermal ablation. Intermediate image data sets captured during the thermal ablation procedure may be fed into a system controller, which may modify or update a thermal ablation plan to achieve volume coagulation necrosis targets. The thermal ablation may be delivered by a variety of ablation modes including radiofrequency ablation, microwave therapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, laser ablation, and other interstitial heat delivery methods. Methods of performing thermal ablation using x-ray system temperature measurements as a feedback source are also provided.
US07871402B2 System with a reservoir for perfusion management
A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.
US07871400B2 Side panel for sanitary articles, corresponding sanitary article and method of producing same
Described herein is a side panel for sanitary articles that can be worn as pants, such as baby diapers or sanitary towels, with a main body, which can assume a general U-shaped configuration, with end parts arranged on the front and on the back of the body of the user, and with at least one aforesaid side panel for connecting the aforesaid end parts on each side of the user. The side panel has an as a whole tapered pattern starting from a proximal edge to be fixed on the main body of the article and a distal edge carrying a connection formation for closing the article itself around the waistline of the user. The panel has, in connection with the proximal edge and distal edge, two end sides inclined with respect to the general direction of extension of the aforesaid proximal edge and distal edge. The end sides have profiles such that the side panel is juxtaposable without any solution of continuity in a position corresponding to said end sides with two homologous side panels rotated through 180° in the general plane of extension of the panel. Each connection formation is extendable in a distal direction beyond the distal edge of the panel.
US07871398B2 Catheter with larger proximal end portion
Catheter assembly (100) having at least one lumen (150 or 160) and joined to hub (106). While the lumen inner diameter(s) remain constant from distal end (144) of the catheter (140) to proximal end (142), the outer catheter diameter increases proximate the hub (106) providing increased resistance to kinking during connection and disconnection from medical apparatus. The increased proximal catheter diameter preferably is sufficiently large to plug the proximal end of an introducer sheath through which the catheter is inserted during patient placement, to plug the proximal sheath end and minimize blood aspiration therethrough, and later serves to fill the vascular insertion upon complete catheter insertion after removal of the introducer sheath again to minimize blood aspiration through the vascular incision. The catheter may have two lumens (150,160) or more, joined to respective extension tubes in hub (106). The two lumens may each have a respective inner diameter of between about 0.020 in and 0.025 in. The catheter body may have a lengthy distal portion vascularly implanted having an appropriate outer diameter for the vessel, and also a lengthy proximal portion with a larger diameter for resistance to kinking at a sharp bend between the vascularly implanted portion and the subcutaneously tunneled lengthy proximal portion.
US07871392B2 Endoscopic ultrasonic surgical aspirator for use in fluid filled cavities
An ultrasonic horn assembly is configured so that irrigating fluid can be supplied only to a vibrating tip portion of the ultrasonic horn and so that suction aspiration can occur through a portion of the ultrasonic horn not in contact with the irrigating fluid. Controllers supplying irrigation fluid during a surgical procedure and controlling suction aspiration via monitoring of fluid level in the patient cavity are operatively coupled one to another to coordinate control of the fluid level in the patient cavity. Circuitry controlling power, frequency and amplitude of the tip of the ultrasonic horn occurring as a result of operation of a source of ultrasonic signal generating power controls either or both the supply of irrigation fluid and the suction aspiration so as to minimize damping of vibration of the tip of the ultrasonic horn. An optical viewing element is provided to view the tip of the ultrasonic horn.
US07871390B2 Enhanced clearance in an artificial kidney incorporating a pulsatile pump
A continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) device is provided that weighs between 2 and 10 pounds. The CRRT device can be portable, mobile or completely worn on the person of the patient. Blood and dialysate are each pumped in a pulsed or pulsatile manner through a dialyzer such that a significant portion of the peak pulse of the blood flow coincides with a significant portion of a low pulse portion of the dialysate flow. An differential pressure between a dialysate inlet of the dialyzer and the blood inlet of the dialyzer periodically changes from a high differential pressure of between 70 and 120 mmHg for a first time period and a low differential pressure of between −10 and 10 mmHg for a second time period. The frequency of the high and low differential pressure cycle is between about 0.5 and 4 Hz.
US07871385B2 Urine sample collection device
A urine sample collection device comprising a urine receptor having an outlet aperture, a generally elongate tubular member extending from said receptor outlet aperture to an open end, the tubular member having an opening (21) formed in the side thereof, a coupling means (5′) for releasably mounting a urine collection container, the coupling means having a passage extending therethrough which meets said opening whereby urine can flow from the tubular member into a mounted container, and a flow director (24) located at or adjacent said opening and formed to direct urine past the opening.
US07871383B2 Arrangement for cell sampling
An arrangement for taking a sample of cells from a suspicious lesion or a tumor with the so called fine needle aspiration technique, provides a good penetration of tumors, especially small and/or hard fibrous tumors, and in the meantime yielding an increased amount of cells in the sample, by applying a longitudinal movement to the needle when the needle is penetrating the tumor and by applying both a rotational and a longitudinal movement to the needle when the needle is positioned inside the tumor. The arrangement is further provided with heat generating elements in order to apply a short pulse of heat to the needle in order to lower the risk for the tumor to spread.
US07871376B2 System and method for monitoring a physiological condition
Method for treating a medical condition in a human patient comprising choosing a psychological strategy for treating the medical condition, encoding electronic instructions for an interactive video game in such a way that the interactive video game implements the psychological strategy, loading the electronic instructions into a microprocessor-based unit equipped with a display for displaying the interactive video game and with an patient input device for receiving responses to the interactive video game from the human patient, and instructing the human patient how and when to use the microprocessor-based unit to play the interactive video game. The interactive video game contains instructions for a scoring procedure for quantitatively analyzing the medical condition of the human patient, and/or counseling instructions or self-care instructions. The video game can be used in conjunction with a physical parameter measuring device connected to the microprocessor-based unit.
US07871375B2 LED lighting apparatus and method of using same for illumination of a body cavity
The present invention provides an LED lighting apparatus and a method of using the same for illumination of a body cavity. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of surgery in which one incision is made for hands and surgical instruments, and another incision is made for insertion of an LED lighting device. Both incisions open into the same cavity, and the lighting device provides continuous internal lighting to the body cavity where the operation is occurring. In another aspect, a method and apparatus are described that provide internal chandelier lighting to an internal body cavity using a plurality of switched LED's for surgical without damaging tissue within the body cavity.
US07871370B2 Endoscope-shape monitoring system
An endoscope shape monitoring system that is used to grasp a shape of a flexible insertion portion is provided that includes a position detector and a determining processor. The position detector detects a plurality of positions of the insertion portion along the central axis of the insertion portion at predetermined intervals. The determining processor determines the position of at least one of the central axis or an outline of the insertion portion.
US07871369B2 Cardiac sleeve apparatus, system and method of use
Cardiac assist sleeve and methods for using and making the cardiac assist sleeve that includes first elongate strips and second elongate strips of memory alloy that change shape to change a volume of cardiac assist sleeve.
US07871361B2 Rotating roller to shape moving webs
A rotating roller imparts complex curvature onto a web of material. The roller includes a flexible outer surface and a plurality of control rings inside the rotating roller. The control rings are mounted coaxial to a central shaft and are disposed side by side along an axial length of the shaft. The outside of each ring supports a substantially circular slice of the flexible outer surface of the rotating roller. Each control ring defines a diameter that may be changed independent from the diameter of the other control rings.
US07871357B2 Weight stack selector
A weight system includes a selector which is movable along weights and may be inserted into a void between adjacent weights.
US07871356B2 Elliptical exerciser
An arm mechanism for an elliptical exerciser comprises a linkage having a first end pivotally mounted to a frame of the elliptical exerciser, and a second end receiving a reciprocating movement from a foot pedal of the elliptical exerciser. An arm member has a handling portion to be handled by a user of the elliptical exerciser, and a coupling portion to be coupled to the first end of the linkage. A coupling mechanism releasably couples the linkage to the arm member such that the linkage and the arm member rotate jointly about the frame upon the linkage receiving the reciprocating movement from the foot pedal in a coupled position of the coupling mechanism, and for decoupling the arm member from the linkage in a decoupled position of the coupling mechanism to prevent rotation of the arm member while the linkage rotates.
US07871354B2 Method for increasing the spontaneity of overlapping shifting operations in an automatic transmission
A procedure for increasing the readiness of crossover gearshifts in an automatic transmission which, with the switching command or immediately thereafter, a motor fueling is provided through which a snatch operation of the disengaging switching element and/or an increase of the rotational speed gradient (turbine revolution speed) is achieved.
US07871347B2 Bicycle rear sprocket assembly
A bicycle rear sprocket assembly has a sprocket carrier, a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a third sprocket. The first and second sprockets are attached to opposite axial sides of the outer end portion of the attachment member of the sprocket carrier using a common fastener that extends through the first and second attachment portions and the outer end portion of the attachment member. The third sprocket is disposed on adjacent the second sprocket. The second sprocket has a free edge spaced radially inwardly from the common fastener by a distance at least as large as one-half of a maximum transverse dimension of the fastener measured in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. At least one space maintaining projection extends axially toward an adjacent one of the second and third sprockets.
US07871339B2 Golf club with swing balance weight cover
A golf club head includes a balance weight for swing balancing the golf club. The balance weight is selected from a plurality of balance weights and mounted in a weight cavity formed in the golf club head. A cover, imprinted with information such as the club model designation, is mounted to the club head body so that it substantially covers the balance weight. By providing a single cover for each model of golf club, in combination with a plurality of weights that are interchangeable between golf club models, the total number of balance weights that must be maintained in inventory is significantly reduced.
US07871336B2 Golf club having removable sole weight using custom and interchangeable panels
A golf club head is presented comprising a sole including a removable panel secured to the sole via a non-threaded attachment assembly. Further, the removable panel may have a large surface area relative to its thickness, resulting in a chip-like or wafer-like weight member. This design allows the mass of the removable panel to be spread substantially along the surface of the sole as opposed to in the interior of the club head. The golf club head may comprise more than one removable panel. A removable panel of the present invention may generally comprise one or more discrete areas of higher basis weight or higher density. Even further, the removable panel may generally be releasably attached via a quick disconnect mechanism that allows easy interchangeability.
US07871335B2 Golf club head and golf club with tension element and tensioning member
A golf club head includes a club head having a plurality of components and a plurality of retaining members, with each retaining member positioned on one of the components. A tensioning assembly for releasably securing the components of the club head together includes a tension element coupled to the club head components by way of the retaining members, and a tensioning member for introducing tension into the tension element.
US07871333B1 Golf swing measurement and analysis system
The present invention relates to a method for determining the effectiveness of a golfer's swing requiring no club contact with the golf ball. The measurement and analysis system comprises an attachable and detachable module, that when attached to a golf club head measures three dimensional acceleration data, that is further transmitted to a computer or other smart device or computational engine where a software algorithm interprets measured data within the constraints of a multi-lever variable radius golf swing model using both rigid and non-rigid levers, and further processes the data to define accurate golf swing metrics. In addition, if the club head module is not aligned ideally on the club head a computational algorithm detects the misalignment and further calibrates and corrects the data.
US07871332B2 Device for a tee
An apparatus at a driving tee for golf balls or the like, comprising a raisable and lowerable ball support a so-called peg, on which a ball may be placed for driving thereof after lifting of the ball support with the ball to the desired level above the tee, the ball support being disposed on means for switching of the ball support from a low position for loading of the ball support with a ball to a higher position of said desired ball driving level, the ball support being disposed on the switching means via positioning means which are disposed to permit pivoting of the ball support in at least the driving direction, wherein the positioning means include a substantially U-shaped bracket between whose shanks the ball support is pivotal.
US07871330B2 Electronic sword game with input and feedback
An electro-mechanical device for providing an input to a computer program and said computer program providing a tactile output through said electro-mechanical device to a user. More specifically, the present invention provides an electro-mechanical virtual sword game apparatus that receives positional information from sensors on the sword apparatus and the sword apparatus contains a propulsion gyrostat that under the control of a computer process may be topple to provide a torque on the housing of the sword apparatus that may be used to simulate the impact of sword blows.
US07871324B2 Gaming device having a countdown indicator associated with an award indicator
A gaming device including a video display containing multiple or split screens displayed at one time. Each of the screens displays indicia relating to a single event and thus each of the screens preferably displays indicia relating to the other screens of the display. The screens preferably present the event a chronological or otherwise sequential manner. The screens can show different views of the event occurring at one time of the event and can show the same view of different times of the event in one display. At some point, in accordance with the event or theme of the bonus round, the game provides an award to the player in such a way that is exciting to the player. The game can employ one or more of the screens in awarding the player, wherein one or more screens displays the award, and wherein other screens celebrate the award.
US07871323B2 Method and apparatus for providing regular entrance into a bonus game
A method is disclosed for providing entry into a bonus game at a gaming device, where the bonus games may occur at predictable times and may payout predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed entry into a bonus game every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed entry into a bonus game. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide entry in bonus rounds simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays.
US07871322B2 Game program and game device
A game device provides a question to a plurality of players. The game device counts the number of players each having provided an answer to the question or each having provided a correct answer to the question. When the counted number of players reaches a predetermined number of players, a predetermined time limit is set. The game device measures an elapsed time from when the time limit has been set (i.e., a correct answer elapsed time), and stops accepting an answer to the question when the correct answer elapsed time reaches the time limit.
US07871320B2 Thresher basket arrangement for a combine
A thresher basket arrangement for a combine with a thresher basket and with a harvested crop processing arrangement located ahead of the inlet to the thresher basket which includes a body with a first group of projections and a second group of projections arranged on the surface of the body, where the body can be pivoted about a pivot axis extending along the inlet side of the thresher basket between a first position in which the projections of the first group interact with the harvested crop and a second position in which a smooth guide surface interacts with the harvested crop. The body is provided with a consistent shape at least in the area of the smooth guide surface and of the projections of the first group and that it is spaced at the same distance from the pivot axis in the area of the smooth guide surface and of the projections of the first group.
US07871319B2 Computer thermal dissipation system and method
A computer thermal dissipation system comprises a computer device having a base member and a display member where the computer device has at least one airflow door disposed on the base member adapted to be opened to facilitate thermal energy dissipation from the base member.
US07871318B2 Automotive air duct oscillating device
An oscillator device is configured to be attached to a vent in an interior of an automotive vehicle. The device includes a housing and a fan element pivotally coupled thereto. The fan element has a plurality of radially outwardly extending channels for causing rotation of the fan element relative to the housing and for distributing air radially outwardly from the vent as air passes from the vent and through the housing.
US07871317B2 Air exit guidance
An air exit guidance which in particular is provided for arrangement in the personal service unit of an passenger aircraft. The guidance includes an air inlet and an air outlet as well as an adjustable throttle which is arranged at the inflow side of the air exit guidance.
US07871316B2 Passage opening and closing device
A passage opening and closing device has first and second doors for respectively opening and closing passages defined in a case. The first and second doors have first and second rotation shafts, respectively. Each of the first and second rotation shafts includes a projection on its first end and a cylindrical portion defining an engaging hole on its second end. When the first and second doors are assembled in a first assembled condition where the projections extend in opposite directions and the cylindrical portions are rotatably engaged with a second supporting portion of a shaft receiving portion, the first and second rotation shafts are independently rotatable. When the first and second doors are assembled in a second assembled condition where the projection of the second rotation shaft is engaged with the engaging hole of the first rotation shaft, relative rotation of the first and second rotation shafts is restricted.
US07871312B2 Hydrant grinding arrangement
An adjustable removable grinding arrangement for grinding inside annular openings in bottom portions of water hydrants. The grinding arrangement comprises a router having an energizable motor with a grinding tool attached to an end thereof, a base plate supportively attached to an end of a housing of the router, a support plate pivotally attached to the base plate attached to the router, and an annular guide ring having securement studs for removable securement to a rim of an opening on a lower end of a hydrant. The support plate is rotatable on a plurality of wheel members engaged with the guide ring to permit the grinding tool of the router to remove material from the rim of the hydrant as the support plate is rotated about the guide ring.
US07871307B2 Fluid barrel-polishing device and polishing method
A fluid barrel-polishing device comprises a cylindrical fixed tank (1) and a turntable (2) that is located at the bottom of the tank (1) with a gap (3) that allows it to rotate horizontally, and wherein when workpieces and media are thrown in the fixed tank (1) and the turntable (2) is rotated horizontally, the workpieces and the media circulate and form themselves into a mass (M) and thereby the workpieces are polished, wherein an inner cylinder (4) is rotatably or fixedly placed coaxially on the center of the rotation of the turntable (2) and it allows the workpieces in the mass (M) to be polished with the inside of the mass (M) contacting the wall of the inner cylinder (4) and with its outside contacting the wall of the fixed tank (1).
US07871304B2 Device for enhancing sporting event on television
A gaming device for enhancing sporting event on television including an assembled unit loaded with a number of pins/flags and a remote control through which the unit receives radio/infrared signals in order to actuate the device. A right arm of the figurine is connected to a stepper motor and can be placed on top of the assembled unit. When the user depresses the button on the remote control the stepper motor makes one revolution and the hand portion of the arm makes contact with the pin/flag and ejects the pin/flag out of the assembled unit in order to signal rule infractions associated with a game. The device simply gives users the satisfaction of calling their own penalties, and or counts the number of actual penalties in the game.
US07871301B1 Decorative light
A decorative light has two conductors mounted in a casing. Two terminals of a bulb are positioned by electrical connectors of the conductors, and the terminals electrically connect with the electrical connectors. The bulb is positioned in the casing without a light seat, so number of elements is decreased. The terminals of the bulb are inserted and positioned by the electrical connectors, so cutting and bending of the terminals is not required and an efficiency of fabrication is increased.
US07871299B2 Connector, jack socket component, electronic equipment and plug component
A connector of the present invention comprises a jack socket with a plurality of first terminals disposed at a cylindrical inner wall at predetermined intervals in a depth direction, a plug with a plurality of second terminals disposed at an outer wall thereof, constituting a plurality of electrical contacts by individually making contact with each of the first terminals in a state of insertion into the jack socket, and ring-shaped elastic seal members that seal each of the electrical contacts when the plug is inserted in the jack socket.
US07871297B2 Electrical connector assembly
An electrical connector assembly of the invention comprises a butt plug with a contact portion and an electrical connector capable of matching the butt plug. One side of the contact portion has at least one engaging point. The electrical connector comprises an insulating body and a shield casing with at least one bottom wall. A side wall extends upward from at least one side of the bottom wall and the side wall covers at least one part of the insulating body. An opening, which is located at the front of the bottom wall and the side wall, is used for receiving the contact portion. The bottom wall has at least one fastening hole matching the engaging point. Enable the engaging point to slide into the corresponding fastening hole in parallel. When the butt plug is inserted into the shield casing once, the invention can ensure good electrical connection.
US07871295B2 Coaxial connector having improved central pin
A coaxial connector (100) includes a bracket (10) defining a cavity (15), a central pin (30) received in the cavity and an insulative member (20). The central pin includes a contact portion (31), a mounting portion (32), and a fixing portion (33) disposed between the contact portion and the mounting portion. The fixing portion has at least an engaging face (331) extending along a direction angled to a rotating direction of the central pin. The insulative member is mounted around the fixing portion of the central pin and disposed between the bracket and the central pin. The insulative member includes a working face (211) engaging with the engaging face of the central pin.
US07871293B1 Bi-directional audio cable assembly
A bi-directional audio cable assembly (10) (BACA 10) that functions in combination with an audio amplifier (90), a microphone (92) and a pair of headphones (94). The BACA (10) consists of a single cable that includes an XLR cable (12) that is integrated with a TRS cable (52). The XLR cable (12) has a first end (14) having an XLR plug (44) that is attached to the input of the audio amplifier (90), and a second end (18) having an XLR socket (46) that is attached to the microphone (92). Likewise, the integrated TRS cable (52) has a first end (54) having a TRS plug (64) that is attached to the output of the audio amplifier (90), and a second end (58) that is attached to the pair of headphones (94). The BACA (10) allows a single person to produce an audio signal that is applied via the microphone (92) to the input of the audio amplifier (90) and to hear the same produced audio signal via the pair of headphones (94) without interference from cable-internal noise or external ambient noise.
US07871288B1 Power connector structure
A power connector structure is provided. The present invention includes a cable having a plurality of cores and each core provided with a terminal electrically connected thereto, an inner holder structure configured for fixing those cores and providing electricity isolation among those terminals, an inner case, a strain relief structure, and an external cover. The inner case has a main body and a plurality of out-extending positioned protrusions extending outwards from the edge of a side opening of the main body and towards the cable, wherein the out-extending positioned protrusions are disposed between those cores to separate those cores from each other. The strain relief structure is set on the side opening and substantially filled with the gap within the side opening, wherein the strain relief structure covers the out-extending positioned protrusions and a portion of the cable.
US07871285B1 Methods and apparatus for terminating electrical connectors to cables
An electrical connector includes a front housing holding a plurality of contacts and holding a cutting blade proximate to a rear of the front housing. The electrical connector also includes a rear housing having a wire organizer at a front of the rear housing that has a plurality of wire channels configured to receive corresponding wires therein. The rear housing has an outer support wall spaced apart from, and arranged outward of, the wire channels, where the outer support wall has a front edge. The wire channels extending along wire channel axes that extend across the front edge. During mating of the rear housing with the front housing, the cutting blade is configured to trim the wires extending from the wire organizer and is positioned between the outer support wall and the wire organizer. The wires are terminated to the contacts when the front housing and the rear housing are mated.
US07871283B2 Semiconductor package socket
A semiconductor package socket (1, 101) has a socket base (10, 110) including a package rest (11, 111) on which a semiconductor package (50) having gull-wing leads (52) is put, a cover member (20, 120) movably attached on the socket base, and a plurality of contacts (30, 130) each including a first contact piece (31, 131) capable of making contact, from above, with a horizontal shoulder portion of the lead, a second contact piece (32, 132) capable of making contact, laterally, with a vertical leg portion of the lead and a fixed portion, and formed to advance onto or retract from the package rest due to vertical movement of the cover member. The package rest is formed with a dam wall that allows the leads to be lied thereover, wherein the first and the second contact pieces each have an elastic deforming portion to determine a contact pressure.
US07871281B2 Connector
A connector has a base having an opening to be inserted with a tip portion of a flexible printed circuit board at a front surface, and having a first insertion hole and a second insertion hole alternately juxtaposed at a predetermined pitch at the front surface and a rear surface, respectively, a first connection terminal to be inserted to the first insertion hole from a side, and having a first movable contact that comes into pressure contact with a first joint juxtaposed at a lower surface of the tip portion of the flexible printed circuit board, a second connection terminal to be inserted to the second insertion hole from a side, and having a second movable contact that comes into pressure contact with a second joint juxtaposed at an upper surface of the tip portion of the flexible printed circuit board, and an operating lever turnably supported by a pair of elastic arms extending in parallel from both side surfaces of the base, and having a first operating portion and a second operating portion for operating the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, respectively, alternately juxtaposed at an edge on one side.
US07871277B2 Electronic device with retractable connector
An electronic device with a retractable connector has a housing, an electronic assembly being mounted in the housing and a positioning assembly being mounted between the housing and the electronic assembly. The housing has at least one positioning detent being formed in an inner surface of the housing. The electronic assembly has a circuit board and a connector being mounted on the circuit board and through the connector hole of the housing. The positioning assembly is securely mounted on the circuit board and selectively engages in the positioning detent of the housing. Since positioning structures are formed on the housing and the circuit board, the volume of the electronic device is reduced. In addition, no additional holes are formed through the housing and an original design and an appearance of the housing are kept.
US07871271B2 Creation and use of hyperlinks for accessing information pertaining to content located in a Braille document
A user system for detection and access of hyperlinks within a Braille document. A hyperlink table is generated and includes for each touched item on a page of the Braille document: identification of the touched item, a hyperlink associated with the touched item, and spatial coordinates of the touched item on the page of the Braille document. After the hyperlink table is generated, a proximity sensing foil placed under a Braille page senses the position of a user's fingertips and provides coordinates of the sensed position on the Braille page. A distance between the sensed position and spatial coordinates stored in the hyperlink table is determined to be less than a predetermined distance, resulting in alerting the user via a signal, identifying a hyperlink in the hyperlink table associated with the sensed position, retrieving information from a destination address associated with the identified hyperlink, and displaying the retrieved information.
US07871270B2 Deployable training device visual system
A simulator is disclosed which includes an image generator that includes a forward display system and a peripheral display system to provide a field of view. The forward display system utilizes a forward projection system to provide forward imagery with high-resolution. The peripheral display system utilizes a helmet-mounted display system to provide peripheral imagery. The forward and peripheral imagery are merged by the image-generator so as to provide a full field of view with as much high-resolution imagery as possible.
US07871269B2 Injection impression tray
The present invention relates to an improved dental impression tray and related methods. In one embodiment, a dental impression tray includes a first portion for receiving impression material from a source and a second portion is configured for receiving a patient's upper or lower teeth and will at least partial define a cavity shaped to receive the teeth during use. In use, impression material introduced into the first portion can pass through openings and into the second portion and around a patient's teeth.
US07871268B2 Method and apparatus for selecting non-opacious dental materials
A method and system for selecting dental constructions using translucent materials that match an individual's preexisting tooth appearance uses a set of reference templates. The reference templates are constructed from layers of various translucent dental materials positioned on bases constructed from actual or simulated tooth structures. The layers of translucent materials have a thickness that varies in increments that correspond to the likely thicknesses of the materials when used in dental constructions. A reference table is created based upon color measurements of each of the reference templates. A color measurement of the individual's preexisting teeth is then compared to the reference table to determine which particular dental construction will most closely match the individuals preexisting teeth.
US07871266B2 Oven apparatus and seasoning method used therewith
An oven apparatus including wall members which constitute an oven wall defining internal and external regions of an oven and partition walls forming oven compartments within the oven by defining internal and external regions thereof, the wall members including an inner wall panel facing an internal side of the oven or oven compartment, an outer wall panel facing the external side of the oven or oven compartment, and thermal insulation installed between the inner and outer wall panels, wherein a sealable ventilation port is formed on the inner wall panel, a sealable suction port is formed on the outer wall panel, and a suction-generator is connected to the suction port for evacuating the atmosphere within the wall member.
US07871265B2 Heat treatment device
In a heat treatment device including a heating chamber having a heating plate heating a semiconductor wafer, a cooling plate cooling the wafer heated by the heating chamber, and a transporting device transporting the wafer into and from the heating chamber, the cooling plate is provided with a coolant passage, a plurality of projections carrying the wafer with a space between the wafer and the surface of the cooling plate, and suction holes neighboring to the respective projections and connected to a suction device.
US07871263B2 System for controlling air/fuel ratio in a gas flow containing gaseous fuel
A system for controlling air/fuel ratio in an air/fuel mixture supplied to a premix burner for gaseous fuels includes a blower (310) for inducting and pressurising combustion air, a Venturi-pipe (330) for governing a rate of gas to be mixed into the combustion air, and a pressure regulator (230) interconnecting a source of gaseous fuel to a supply point in the Venturi pipe (330). A preheated reaction chamber (500) and a lambda sond (620) are connected to a controller (350) controlling an amount of air bypassing said Venturi-pipe (330).
US07871261B2 Injection-molding apparatus for producing profiled elongated parts
The invention relates to an injection molding installation with a fixed and a moveable machine clamping plate, and at least one injection unit as well as an injection molding device which is located between the machine clamping plates for producing profiled parts, elongated at least in sections, by means of closure-side components which are assigned to the one machine clamping plate, and nozzle-side components which are assigned to the other machine clamping plate, as well as a slide module which is located between these components and which has a slide which is arranged in a moveable manner on a closure-side or nozzle-side component, wherein said slide contributes to form an original mould cavity, and a drive module for controlling the movement of the moveable part(s) of the slide module, wherein the part is produced in the intended dimension and shape inside and outside the mold via the movement of the slide. An at least partial functional integration of at least the closure-side components, and/or the drive module, and or the slide module in one or more components in the installation is intended.
US07871258B2 System for agglomerating wet fiber strand segments
A new system and method for making agglomerates from material like wet chopped glass fiber strand segments is disclosed and the agglomerates so produced. Agglomerates, made by feeding wet chopped fiber strand segments into a wave chamber having a vibrating curved surface supporting a curved, dimpled liner working surface have improved density and flow characteristics compared with dry chopped strands, but it was discovered that the dimpled liner flexes during operation during vibration causing undesirable variation in properties like agglomerate size. In the invention the dimpled liner is backed up with a substantially non-compressible material and this results in agglomerates that have even better uniformity of flow and agglomerate diameters. Typical backing materials include a particulate material, an elastomer, a rididized elastomer, slurry or liquid, or wire or slivers of metal.
US07871252B2 Rotary compressor having two compression capacities
A rotary compressor includes a driving shaft rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, and an eccentric portion of a predetermined size; a cylinder forming a predetermined inner volume; a roller installed rotatably on an outer circumference of the eccentric portion to contact an inner circumference of the cylinder; a vane installed elastically in the cylinder to contact the roller continuously; a first bearing installed in the cylinder, for supporting the driving shaft rotatably; a second bearing rotatably supporting the driving shaft and preliminarily storing the fluid to be sucked; discharge ports communicating with the fluid chamber; and a valve assembly having openings separated by predetermined angle from each other, wherein compression spaces that have different volumes from each other are formed in the fluid chamber according to the rotation direction of the driving shaft so that two different compression capacities are formed.
US07871251B2 High-pressure pump for feeding fuel to an internal combustion engine
A high-pressure pump for feeding fuel to an internal combustion engine has a pump housing; a fuel delivery duct; and a check valve, which is arranged along the delivery duct, and comprises a fuel chamber; a valve member mobile within the fuel chamber; and a biasing and guiding assembly, which has a fastening member suitable for being fastened to the pump housing and sealing the fuel chamber in a fluid-tight manner; a helical spring suitable for biasing the valve member; and a bushing arranged about the helical spring in order to prevent bending of the helical spring.
US07871248B2 Airframe mounted electric motor driven lubrication pump control deoil system
A system for controlling lubricant displacement from a machine during turbomachine shutdown sequence includes a motor, a pump, a control valve, and a motor control unit. The motor is selectively energized from a power bus to rotate at a rotational speed and supply a drive force to the pump. The pump, in response to the drive force, draws fluid from a fluid and supplies the fluid to the machine. The control valve is movable between at least a first position, in which the control valve fluidly communicates the pump with a lubrication fluid source, and a second position, in which the control valve fluidly communicates the pump with a gaseous fluid source. During the shutdown sequence, the motor control unit controllably energizes the motor from the power bus to thereby control its rotational speed in accordance with a schedule that will displace at least a substantial volume of lubricant in the rotating machine with fluid from the gaseous fluid source.
US07871247B2 High modulus metallic component for high vibratory operation
A high modulus component, such as an aircraft engine turbine blade, is formed from a base metal that has a high modulus crystallographic orientation that is aligned with the primary, i.e. radial, direction of the turbine blade. The base metal is Ni, Fe, Ti, Co, Al, Nb, or Mo based alloy. Alignment of a high modulus direction of the base metal with the primary direction provides enhanced high cycle fatigue life.
US07871245B2 Method for forming turbine blade with angled internal ribs
Two pairs of ribs define three intermediate cooling chambers. Each rib in each pair extends parallel to the other rib in the pair. The ribs in a first pair are non-parallel to the ribs in a second pair. A first rib from the first pair is positioned spaced toward the leading edge. A first rib of the second pair is then serially positioned spaced toward the trailing edge. A second rib of the first pair is then positioned toward the trailing edge relative to the first rib in the second pair. A second rib in the second pair is then positioned toward the trailing edge relative to the second rib in the first pair.
US07871242B2 Single actuator controlled rotational flow balance system
A rotational flow balance system includes an actuator system which controls operation of both a fan duct blocker ring and a modulated exhaust cooling ring through a kinematic system. The kinematic system is controlled by the single actuator system such that the modulated exhaust cooling ring will remain in a fixed position while the fan duct blocker ring can be moved to satisfy operational requirements.
US07871239B2 Multi-segment compressor casing assembly
A casing assembly for a compressor includes an internal compression assembly with a shaft and at least one impeller disposed on the shaft. The casing assembly includes an inlet body segment having a fluid inlet, an outlet body segment having a fluid outlet, and a number of intermediate body segments selected from a plurality of intermediate body segments, which are preferably preformed. The intermediate segments are disposed between the inlet and outlet segments to form the casing and each has an inner circumferential surface defining an interior chamber section, the chamber sections collectively defining at least a portion of a compressor chamber sized to receive the compression assembly. Preferably, the intermediate segment inner surfaces have equal inside diameters and are generally coaxially aligned. As such, the inner surfaces collectively define a portion of continuous compressor support surface of a desired axial length for supporting the compression assembly.
US07871233B2 Front load container lifter
A cart lifter is provided that is adapted to be mounted to a refuse container or directly to a refuse collection vehicle. A support is provided that is adapted to be pivotally mounted adjacent to the loading area of either the refuse container or the vehicle. First and second support arms are provided that are carried by the pivoting support. The support arms are movable relative to the support frame between a first position in which the support arms are adjacent the refuse container or vehicle and a second position in which the support arms are relatively angularly disposed with their free ends being spaced outwardly away from the support frame. A container capturer is provided for engaging and releasing a smaller refuse collection cart, and the free ends of each of the support arms are adapted to carry the container capturer. Actuators are provided for pivoting the support frame relative to the container or vehicle to dump or invert the refuse collection cart, to move the support arms between the first position for storage and/or dumping and the second position for capturing or releasing a cart, and an actuator for actuating the container capturer so that it can engage and release the refuse collection cart.
US07871231B2 Vertical carrying apparatus
An elevation conveyor 5 includes a turntable 17 and a roller conveyor 18. The roller conveyor 18 is supported onto the turntable 17. A turntable controller 7 turns the turntable 17 so that the roller conveyor 18 matches with a carrying direction of a conveyor rail for receiving or delivering a load and then drives the conveyor rail and the roller conveyor 18 to receive or deliver an FOUP 8. An elevation conveyor 5 is held in a cable 20a installed in an elevation space 9 through a coupling member 20b of a cableveyor 20, and can freely elevate and stop at a port 21 installed on each floor while being interlocked with motion of the cableveyor 20 caused by reciprocating circulation of the cableveyor 20 in a vertical direction by an elevation conveyor controller 4.
US07871230B2 Mold device, easy-open end, method of manufacturing easy-open end, and laminated steel sheet for easy-open end
The mold apparatus has a pair of upper and lower molds being used for forming a score on one side surface of an easy-opening can end fabricated by a laminated metal sheet. The upper mold has a convex part for forming the score, and the cross sectional shape of the convex part at the portion contacting the laminated metal sheet is composed of a curve having a change rate of inclination of 0.08 or smaller to the upper surface of the facing lower mold, or having the curve and a straight line. The formed score has a maximum width of 0.80 mm or smaller.
US07871229B2 Temporary bulkhead for refrigeration structures
A temporary, disposable bulkhead disposed within a refrigerated structure such as a refrigerated cargo trailer for separating frozen product from non-frozen product and maintaining the integrity of both types of product includes a pair of pivotally attached insulation members with each insulation member including a cavity containing a flexible, inflatable air bag and a measuring device for measuring the interior dimensions of the cargo trailer so that the bulkhead can be cut to fit the interior dimensions whereupon the air bags are inflated for sealing against the cargo trailers' sidewalls and a foam insulation strip extending along the upper side of both insulation members seals against the cargo trailer ceiling thereby creating two separate compartments within the cargo trailer that are airtight sealed from each other for maintaining the integrity and quality of the frozen and non-frozen product throughout the transport and shipping process.
US07871227B2 Auxiliary device for a hand-held power tool
The invention relates to an auxiliary device for a portable tool, comprising a receptacle (2) for a motor-operated portable tool (22) having an output shaft (26), and comprising a drive train (9) which has a tool receptacle (8), to be opened and closed by rotation, and which can be connected to the output shaft (26) of the motor-operated portable tool (22) via a coupling device. Provision is made for the auxiliary device (1) for the portable tool to have an anti-rotation locking means (13) acting on the drive train (9).
US07871225B2 Machine tool having a work space
A machine tool has a work space (17) in which a device (15) for accommodating workpieces (16) to be machined is arranged. The machine tool further has a work spindle (18) for machining the workpieces (16) and a slide (34) which carries the work spindle (18) and is traversable in a longitudinal direction relative to the device (15), a respective cover (25), variable in length in the longitudinal direction (x), for the work space (17) being provided on the slide (34) on each of its sides, said cover (25) being connected with its respective first end to the slide (34) and with its respective second end to a side wall (21, 22; 51) of the work space (17). Each cover (25) variable in length has a respective rear wall (26) and a respective top (27), whereby the top (27) is connected to the rear wall (26) in a detachable, push-in, manner. A further flexible cover (31) is arranged in front of the slide (34) to protect the work space (17) at the bottom. The flexible cover (31) is variable in a direction (y) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (x) and is partly designed as a link apron (54).
US07871223B2 Retaining wall block
A retaining wall block has parallel top and bottom faces, a front face, a rear face, first and second side wall faces and a vertical plane of symmetry extending between the front and rear faces. The block is formed as a body portion including the front face, a head portion including the rear face and a neck portion connecting the body portion and the head portion. The body, head and neck portions each extend between the top and bottom faces and between the first and second side wall faces. An opening extends through the neck portion from the top face to the bottom face, dividing the neck portion to into first and second neck wall members extending rearwardly from the body portion to the head portion.
US07871219B2 Connection mechanism of plate member and shaft member
A connection mechanism is provided with a shaft member formed with an outer-screw portion which is formed with an outer screw, a plate member formed with a connection hole in which the shaft member is fitted, a nut member formed with an inner-screw to engage with the outer-screw of the shaft member, the nut member engaged with the shaft member being urged toward the plate member fitted on the shaft member to fixedly secure the plate member onto the shaft member, and a fixing mechanism that fixes the plate member and the nut member with each other to retain a status where the plate member and the nut member are urged oppositely in a rotational direction about a central axis of the shaft member.
US07871218B2 Coupling mechanism
A coupling mechanism, in particular for medical instruments, having a coupler plug and a coupler socket for inserting the coupler plug, where the coupler socket and coupler plug can be secured to one another by at least one spring-loaded catch connection, where the catch connection can be actuated by a safety mechanism and can be released by the coupler plug inserted into the coupler socket. To create a coupling mechanism that is simple to operate and ensures secure catching connection of the components and that are to be connected with one another, the safety mechanism should be configured as a spring-loaded catch element positioned in the coupler socket.
US07871216B2 Medium supporting member and image forming apparatus
A medium supporting member, which is used in an image forming apparatus, includes: a plurality of ribs that support a recording medium; and an irradiation target portion that has a flat and smooth surface which is irradiated with a light by a light emitting unit of the image forming apparatus, wherein: a reflected light of the light emitted by the light emitting unit is detected by a light receiving unit of the image forming apparatus, and a presence or absence of the recording medium in the irradiation target portion is detected based on a quantity of the reflected light; and a distance between the irradiation target portion and the recording medium is increased in a direction from the light receiving unit to the light emitting unit.
US07871215B2 Reconfigurable mailing machine for printing and opening mailpieces
A mailing machine for processing mailpiece envelopes, wherein a print station thereof is reconfigurable to process envelopes in two operating modes. The reconfigurable print station includes a displacement device having an integrated cutting mechanism to perform both printing and cutting operations. The displacement device includes a displacement surface for urging the mailpiece envelopes against a registration surface to facilitate print operations and a cutting mechanism coupled to the displacement device for cutting the sheet material in a direction substantially parallel to the processing path of the mailpiece envelope. The cutting device is adapted to be repositioned relative to the displacement surface such that, (i) in a first operating mode, the cutting device is retracted beneath or below the plane of the displacement surface, and (ii) in a second operating mode, the cutting device is extended above the plane of the displacement surface to cut the sheet material as it traverses the processing path. In the first operating mode, the print station is adapted to print delivery information/images, such as postage indicia, on a face surface of the mailpiece and, in the second operating mode, the print station is adapted to cut an edge of the mailpiece to open the envelope. The print heads may remain operational in the second operating mode to print mailpiece opening information such as the date, time, and/or location of mailpiece processing.
US07871201B2 Tapered roller bearing, tapered roller bearing apparatus, and automotive pinion shaft supporting apparatus utilizing same tapered roller bearing apparatus
In a tapered roller bearing, LWR/DW is in the range of 1.1 to 1.7 where LWR represents a roller effective length of tapered rollers and DW represents a roller mean diameter of tapered rollers. RCO/LRO is 30 to 150, and RCI/LRI is 50 to 260 where RCO represents a crowning radius of an outer ring, LRO represents a raceway length of the outer ring, RCI represents a crowning radius of an inner ring and LRI represents a raceway length of the inner ring. The following expressions are satisfied: 20°≦α≦30°, and α−0.87γ−0.334≦BK≦α−0.87γ−0.167, where α represents a raceway angle of the outer ring, γ represents a roller angle of the tapered rollers, and BK represents a rib angle of a large rib portion of the inner ring.
US07871199B2 Dental x-ray bite block and alignment method
A bitewing x-ray film holder for interproximal radiographic analysis. The device includes a bite block including a biting portion, a dental medium holder for placement of a dental x-ray imaging medium, and an alignment guide extending along the biting portion to aid a dental professional in achieving a perpendicular or near perpendicular relationship of the x-ray medium to the interproximal region of clenched maxilliary and mandibular teeth. The bite block also includes a textured portion extending substantially adjacent to the alignment guide to provide friction between the biting surfaces of the teeth and the bite block.
US07871198B2 High-temperature thermocouples and related methods
A high-temperature thermocouple and methods for fabricating a thermocouple capable of long-term operation in high-temperature, hostile environments without significant signal degradation or shortened thermocouple lifetime due to heat induced brittleness.
US07871191B2 Side light type back light including a plurality of rows of LEDs
A side light type backlight having a light source including a plurality of LEDs, and a light guide plate. Opposing end surfaces of the light guide plate are light incidence surfaces at which the plurality of LEDs are arranged. Wherein a plurality of rows of the LEDs are arranged in a direction of a thickness of the light guide plate. Under a first option, each row of LEDs is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the light incidence surface of the light guide plate, and electrically connected to one another in series. Under a second option, each row of LEDs is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the light incidence surface of the light guide plate, with N number of the LEDs being electrically connected in series in which the LEDs adjacent to each other belong to different rows.
US07871183B2 Light source
A light source for an atomizing device, specifically an atom absorption spectrometer comprising one, two, or more lamps, whose ray can be selected by means of at least one two-dimensionally moveable optical selection element, and which can be directed in the direction of atomizing device. Fine-tuning is thereby achieved quickly with little constructive expenditure and with low costs. A very high degree of accuracy is possible from the selector through a rotational and highly adjustable rotation spindle.
US07871181B2 Structure of a color changeable soft-tube light
An improved color changeable tube light includes a opaque core line, a plurality of LEDs being arranged in the core line, a translucent diffuser with the same length as the core line, a cladding layer having the same length as the core line and covering the core line and being formed by extrusion molding integrally with the diffuser into one piece. A unit is formed by disposing a red LED, a green LED and a blue LED of the plurality of LEDs into a fixing means, a plurality of the units are connected in series and disposed in the plurality of transversal through-holes of the core line respectively. The fixing means may be a box. The box may be quadrate, round or elliptic in shape. The tube light of the present invention to have the effects of light beams of neon light, and the color changing and the color mixing to obtain various results are available.
US07871180B2 Structure of lighting bar assembly
A lighting bar assembly includes at least two lighting bar and at least one connector. Each lighting bar of the at least two lighting bars includes an enclosure, a circuit board, at least one power supply device, four male terminals, and two end caps. The enclosure is coupled to the circuit board. The circuit board includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes. The enclosure forms an interior space receiving the at least one power supply device. Each male terminal, the at least one power supply device and the circuit board are in electrical connection with one another. Opposite ends of the enclosure are respectively closed by the two end caps with the two end caps being in tight engagement with the enclosure. Each end cap forms a connection window in which the at least one connector is fit into the connection windows of the end caps. As such, advantages of easy manufacturing, enhanced lighting, small size, and easy replacement can be obtained.
US07871176B2 Display cabinet illumination
An illuminator has two lines of LEDs on inwardly-directed faces of an elongate body which forms a mullion for a display cabinet. Heat conduction through the body to outer surfaces provides the durable effect of anti-sweat heating to prevent condensation in doors of the cabinet.
US07871175B1 Apparatus and method of drawing with light
An apparatus and method of drawing with light. The apparatus comprising of a cylindrically shaped body which houses a light emitting diode of various colors and intensities. The apparatus additionally comprising of a lens which focuses the light emitted through an aperture of various sizes. Under darkroom conditions, the apparatus is manually passed over chosen areas of light sensitive paper to create drawings. Thereafter, the paper is developed with photo chemicals to expose the drawn images.
US07871169B2 Vehicular signal mirror
A vehicular signal mirror includes a reflective mirror element comprising a mirror reflector on a light-transmitting substrate. The visible light reflectance is at least about 40% for visible light incident upon the front side of the reflective mirror element. A turn signal light display and/or a blind-spot indicator light display is disposed to the rear of the reflective mirror element and configured so that the light emitted by the light display passes through the reflective mirror element to be viewed by a viewer viewing from the front of the reflective mirror element. The light display exhibits, when electrically powered and when operated in the vehicle during day time driving conditions, a display luminance of at least about 60 foot lamberts as measured with the light display placed behind, and emitting light through, the reflective mirror element.
US07871166B2 Optical projection system utilizing an aspherical lens for producing a pincushion distortion of the image and a reflector for compensating the same
An optical projection system includes an image generation element, a projection lens set for receiving an image from the image generation element, refracting the image and projecting the image out, and a reflector for reflecting the image from the projection lens set and projecting the image to a screen. The projection lens set includes an aspherical lens with a distortion coefficient larger than 0.5 for producing a pincushion distortion of the image and several other lenses, and the absolute value of the sum of the distortion coefficients of the other lenses are less than the distortion coefficient of the aspherical lens. The reflector produces a barrel distortion to the image for compensating a pincushion distortion of the image produced by the projection lens set.
US07871163B2 Method and apparatus for universal improvement of vision
“Universal improvement” of vision is achieved by effectively changing the shape of the anterior refracting surface of the cornea to an ideal “turtleback” shape, on which is imposed the necessary curvature adjustment to achieve correction of distance vision. In accordance with one embodiment, the cornea is actually formed to the turtleback shape through corneal surgery, preferably laser ablation surgery. In accordance with a second embodiment, a contact lens with the desired distance corrected ideal turtleback shape on its anterior surface is positioned over the cornea.
US07871161B2 System for pairing spectacle glasses without strapping
The invention relates to the devoid of a strap spectacles comprising two spectacle glasses (1, 2) which are arranged above the nose and each of which is preferably provided with a notch (3) embodied where said two glasses are jointed, wherein said glasses are paired by a connection element (5) which comprises a tongue (7) forming a lug for assembling the glasses (1, 2), the connection element (5) for the glasses and a kit for producing the spectacles.
US07871155B2 Fluid cartridges and fluid amount detection systems
A fluid cartridge includes a fluid container, with the fluid container having a fluid chamber configured to store a fluid, a first passage configured to supply a fluid from an interior of the fluid chamber to an exterior, a first flexible sheet portion with first and second surfaces, and a second flexible sheet portion with third and fourth surfaces. The first flexible sheet portion deforms when a pressure difference is greater than or equal to a first value, and the second flexible sheet portion deforms when a pressure difference is greater than or equal to a second value. The fluid cartridge may also be used in a fluid amount detection system, with a light emitting portion, and a light receiving portion, where the second flexible sheet reflects light so that the reflected light reaches the light receiving portion.
US07871144B2 Inkjet image-forming apparatus and method thereof
An inkjet image-forming apparatus includes an array inkjet head that is formed along a printing path through which a paper on which an image or a test image is formed is discharged, and includes a length corresponding to the width of the paper, and a plurality of nozzles to eject ink, and a missing nozzle detection unit formed along a missing nozzle detection path that is connected to the printing path to scan an image or a test image formed by the array inkjet head by transporting the paper (P), on which the test image is formed, towards the printing path, and a method thereof.
US07871143B2 Ground structure for temperature-sensing resistor noise reduction
An inkjet printhead. The inkjet printhead includes a temperature-sensing resistor with a low voltage end which is connected to a ground structure that at least partially encloses the temperature sensing resistor.
US07871140B2 Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus includes an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium; a supply unit that supplies a recording medium to the image recording unit; a discharging unit that discharges the recording medium having the image recorded thereon to an outside of the image recording apparatus; and a control unit having a circuit board that controls a driving of the image recording unit. The control unit is in alignment with the image recording unit at at least one of an upper side of the supply unit and the discharge unit within a height of the located image recording unit.
US07871134B2 Wheel hub comprising axial recesses formed between the holes for lug bolts
A wheel hub, which has a central section and a radial section that is radially connected to the central section, a bearing section which axially protrudes from the central section and is used to receive a wheel bearing, and an axially opposing receiving section for receiving a brake disk and a wheel rim. Holes for receiving lug bolts are formed in the radial section. In order to produce an especially light wheel hub that can withstand all operating loads and provides a brake disk with a secure abutment surface under all operating conditions, the wheel hub has recesses at least between some holes, which fully penetrate the wall of the radial section of the wheel hub, and at least one reinforcing element is embodied on the radial end of the wheel hub.
US07871129B2 Seat assembly having an adjustable head restraint assembly
A seat assembly having a headrest for supporting the head of a seat occupant. The seat assembly includes a seat back, a support post disposed on the seat back, a headrest being moveably disposed on the support post, and a latch mechanism moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The headrest is simultaneously moveable in multiple directions when the latch mechanism is disposed in the unlatched position.
US07871128B2 Seat recliner wtih single-position-memory dump mechanism
A seat-back motion controller is used in a foldable vehicle seat to control motion of a seat back relative to a seat base. The motion controller includes a seat recliner configured to be locked to retain the seat back in a selected reclined position and unlocked to free the seat back to be pivoted forwardly to assume a forward-leaning seat-back dumping position to facilitate passenger access to a back seat area in a vehicle.
US07871127B2 Seat recliner/dump mechanism such as incorporated into a seatback slaved to a floor latch release
A recliner mechanism for use with a vehicle seat having a floor striker engaging bottom and a pivotally associated seatback. A seatback is pivotally secured to a fixed support and includes an arcuate lower surface upon which are defined teeth. A pawl is pivotally secured to the support and includes an upper surface with additional inter-engaging teeth when the seatback is in an upright position. A release cam secures to the support proximate a recessed underside location of the pawl and maintains the pawl in locking engagement with the seatback sector in a first position. The release cam rotates to cause the pawl to pivot out of engagement with the seatback, allowing it to pivot to a dump position opposing the seat bottom and concurrent with the seat bottom releasing from the floor striker and tumbling to a forward rotated position. A floor latch release lever is also pivotally secured to the support and, upon being contacted by the release cam, in turn pivots so that an end feature displaces to prevent the locking pawl from pivoting in a reverse direction against the seatback. The release lever reverse pivots in response to the seat bottom reengaging the floor striker, causing the pawl to reverse pivot its teeth into reengagement with the seatback upon the latter rotating back to the upright position.
US07871122B2 Crash box for a vehicle
A crash box consists of two U-profiles (18, 19) of sheet metal, the webs of which (21, 23 and 20, 22) overlap and are joined such that the crash box obtains a closed profile. The two joined sides (21, 23 and 20, 22) of the crash box have a number of transverse dents (26-33) with intermediate side areas (34-40) along their lengths. One web, or both webs, in one pair or in each pair of joined webs (21, 23 and 20, 22) has notches (50-54) in its edge in some of the dents (26-33) or in the intermediate areas (34-40), or both of these, as initiators of deformation.
US07871121B1 Air dam device for trucks
An aerodynamic air dam device comprising a polychloroprene panel adapted for mounting on the front bumper of a vehicle, wherein the polychloroprene panel can wrap around the outer side corners of the bumper; a mounting strip positioned along the top edge of the panel for holding the panel in place by clamping the panel between the mounting strip and the bumper; a bolt for inserting through a coinciding strip aperture, panel aperture, and bumper of a vehicle, wherein the bolt together with a nut secure the mounting strip and the panel to the bumper.
US07871119B2 Door trim panel with dual density bolster armrest and integrated components
A door trim panel including a cover stock, an armrest coupled to the cover stock and having a first density, an upper energy absorber disposed above the armrest and having a second density higher than the first density, and a lower energy absorber disposed below the armrest and having a third density higher than the first density.
US07871118B2 Tie-up point for a lid drive in a motor vehicle
A body-side tie-up point for a drive of a lid for a body aperture of a vehicle. The tie-up point has an inner reinforcing plate which is fastened on the outside to a sealing duct laterally adjacent to the body aperture, and an outer reinforcing plate which is fastened to the inner reinforcing plate on a side facing away from the sealing duct. A strengthening element is provided which bears against the sealing duct and the inner reinforcing plate in a contact zone on a side facing away from the inner reinforcing plate. The outer reinforcing plate directly or indirectly supports the strengthening element in a region spaced apart from the contact zone.
US07871110B2 Sealing element and a coupling device and a valve device provided with such a sealing element
A sealing element that includes a hollow body of metallic material and first and second male sealing members formed at a respective end of the body. The respective male sealing member has an external spherical contact surface designed for mating with a corresponding internal conical contact surface of a female sealing member so as to form a fluid-tight seal between the male sealing member and the female sealing member when their contact surfaces are pressed against each other. Also, a coupling device and a valve device provided with the sealing element.
US07871104B2 Vehicle side airbag apparatus
A side airbag of a vehicle side airbag apparatus has a concave portion that is provided at a position corresponding to the shoulder of an occupant and is thinner than other portions of the side airbag. The upper portion of the side airbag is formed to be deployed before the lower portion of the side airbag upon deployment of the side airbag.
US07871099B2 Collapsible pushchair
A collapsible pushchair can be expanded into a deployed state for carrying a child and collapsed into a portable state for being carried as a piece of luggage. Transformation of the pushchair between its deployed and portable states is enabled by the use of rotationally mounted chair legs.
US07871098B2 Coupler for towed vehicles
Apparatus, methods, and other examples associated with a hitch ball coupler are described herein. In one example, a coupler includes a body and a cap. The body and cap are pivotally connected on a first end. The body includes a first recess and a shoulder. The cap is selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position. The cap includes a second recess that selectively forms a socket with the first recess, and an arm extending from a second end that engages the shoulder when the cap is in the open position.
US07871093B2 Torsion beam suspension
A torsion beam suspension includes a pair of lateral trailing members, each of which has a front end portion pivotally supported by a vehicle body and also has a rear end portion adapted to suspend wheels. The suspension also includes a torsion beam adapted to have an open face, in which a vehicle front side or a vehicle rear side thereof is opened, and arranged to extend in a lateral direction of a vehicle. Intermediate portions of the pair of trailing members are respectively bonded to corresponding end portions of the torsion beam. On an inner side wall of each of the trailing members, a patch member connecting a corresponding one of the trailing members to the torsion beam is disposed.
US07871090B2 Powder spray coating cart
A powder spraycoating cart comprising two lateral posts fitted at their upper ends with a grip system and connected to each other by a control implement bin, said posts being connected at their lower ends by a base designed to support any one of several different powder containers.
US07871087B2 Corrugated hanger for skateboard truck
A hanger for a skateboard truck that generally comprises a ring-shaped member, a pivot stem, and an elongated barrel that houses an axle. Such elongated barrel defines a plurality of corrugations on the bottom thereof, the longitudinal axis of each corrugation aligned generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of such elongated barrel. Such corrugations are strategically distributed along such elongated barrel to ensure adequate engagement of some number of corrugations with such obstacle during a grind, helping to prevent such hanger from slipping off from such obstacle in a direction generally perpendicular to the general direction of intended grinding motion along such obstacle. Such hanger can be adapted to cooperate with a variety of existing skateboard truck baseplates.
US07871084B2 Telescopic actuator
A telescopic actuator includes a motor, an input flange rotated by the motor, a male screw member coupled to the input flange, a female screw member threadedly engaged with the male screw member, an output rod coupled to the female screw member, the output rod being moved in an axial direction thereof to output a thrust force when the input flange is rotated, and a housing inside which the male screw member and the female screw member are accommodated. The input flange is supported by the housing such that a relative movement of the input flange with respect to the housing is allowed in a radial direction but restricted in the axial direction.
US07871082B2 Hydraulic anti-roll system
Anti-roll system especially for a vehicle, comprising system control means, a tank (4) and a pump (3) for a hydraulic fluid, and two or more stabilizers, each stabilizer comprising an actuator (5, 6) which is arranged to control the relevant stabilizer's moment in dependency of the hydraulic pressure at the actuator's terminals. Each actuator has either one or both of its terminals (A, B) connected to a first terminal (I) of a pressure control module (8) which has a second terminal (II) connected to the tank's inlet side and a third terminal (III) to the pump's outlet side. The control means and each control module are arranged to supply a fluid pressure at its first terminal under control of said control means. The pressure control modules (8) may comprise a series connection of two pressure control valves (1, 2) e.g. pressure relief or limitation valves. As an alternative the pressure control modules (8) comprise a three-way pressure control valve (9), e.g. a three-way pressure reduction valve. To minimize energy consumption of the pump during moderate cornering and straight line driving a pressure control valve is provided in parallel to the three-way pressure control valve.
US07871081B1 Air-cushion type shock absorbing system that is operated in a wireless controlling manner
A shock absorbing system includes an air container, a power source to supply a high-pressure air into the air container, a plurality of shock absorbers each provided with at least one air spring, a central controller including a plurality of control units each connected between the air container and a respective one of the shock absorbers, and a drive unit to control operation of the central controller in a wireless way. Thus, each of the shock absorbers can be lifted to lift the chassis of the car so as to prevent the chassis from being worn out or broken due to a violent hit when the car passes a rugged road and can be lowered to lower the chassis of the car so as to enhance maneuverability of the car.
US07871080B2 Tool-less blade clamping apparatus for a reciprocating tool
Several preferred embodiments are disclosed for a tool-less blade clamping apparatus for a reciprocating tool of the type which has a reciprocating plunger which has a tool attachment receiving slot for receiving a tool attachment of the type that has a shank portion. The clamping apparatus has an unclamped position and a clamped position. In the unclamped position, a tool attachment can be easily inserted and when it is in its clamped position, the tool attachment is securely retained. The preferred embodiments have at least one spring biasing the apparatus toward the clamped position, a releasable retaining mechanism for holding the apparatus in its unclamped position after being placed in that position. When the blade shank portion is inserted into the slot a predetermined distance, the shoulders of the shank portion release the retaining mechanism to move it to its clamped position. When a blade is to be removed, the clamping apparatus needs only to be moved to its unclamped position by manually rotating the outer sleeve or collar, and the blade is normally ejected from the mechanism by contact with the blade shoulders as it reaches its unclamped position.
US07871079B2 Sealing assembly
A sealing assembly having a flexible sleeve and a means for sealing a top portion of the sleeve around a plurality of cables, such as by a hook and loop type fastener attached at the top portion of the sleeve. The sleeve is configured to receive at least one cable therethrough and a bottom portion of the sleeve is configured to be secured to a surface. The sleeve can also be electrically conductive such that the sleeve dissipates static electricity from the cable to the surface. The sealing assembly can also have a grommet positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the sleeve. The grommet has a first wall having a plurality of apertures for connecting the grommet to a surface and a second wall that extends substantially perpendicular to the first wall and is configured to extend through an aperture in the surface. The second wall is flexible to protect the cable from sharp edges associated with the aperture in the surface.
US07871070B2 Material handling apparatus
A conveyor conveys sheets and deposits the sheets at a location to be stacked. The conveyor includes a sensor for determining the presence of a sheet before the sheet arrives at the location. A controller is coupled to the sensor and responsive to sensor inputs for controlling a movable support for projecting into a projected orientation to receive the sheets as the sheets exit the conveyor. The movable support moves to a retracted orientation to assist a stack to be withdrawn therefrom. Apparatus for manipulating pallets includes a conveyor, a mechanism for tilting the conveyor between a generally horizontal orientation and an orientation in which a first end of the conveyor is elevated above a second end of the conveyor, a first shifting mechanism to shift the conveyor horizontally along a first axis, a second shifting mechanism for shifting the conveyor horizontally along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis, and an elevator mechanism for raising and lowering the conveyor along a third axis generally perpendicular to the first and second axes. Apparatus for dispensing a pallet includes vertically spaced magazines, conveyors, and an elevator. The conveyors and elevator are selectively operable to deliver a pallet from the magazine in which that pallet is located to a common location.
US07871069B2 Sheet roller
Disclosed is a sheet roller capable of achieving compactness and thinness, and improves space usability and design freedom. The sheet roller includes a roller body coupled with the rotation shaft, a plurality of coupling members coupled with a side surface of the roller body in order to surround a part of an outer peripheral surface of the roller body, and disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the roller body in such a manner as to be spaced apart from one another, and an elastic sheet interposed between the roller body and each of the plurality of coupling members. The roller body is formed to have a predetermined thickness thereof while maintaining a predetermined shape and strength thereof, and thus, improving space usability and the design freedom of an automatic transaction machine where the sheet roller is mounted.
US07871066B2 Sheet post-processing unit and image forming apparatus
A sheet post-processing unit which includes a sheet stacking portion, a sheet conveying portion, an intersectional moving device, a vertical moving device, an intersectional regulating member, and a controller. The sheet stacking portion stacks sequentially discharged sheets. The sheet conveying portion conveys each sheet stacked on the sheet stacking portion. The intersectional moving device moves the sheet conveying portion in a direction intersecting with a sheet discharging direction. The vertical moving device moves up and down the sheet conveying portion in a vertical direction. The intersectional regulating member aligns each sheet by contacting an edge of each sheet. The controller controls the intersectional moving device and the vertical moving device to move the sheeting conveying portion, and to press-contact the sheet conveying portion to an upper surface of a sheet and separate it from the sheet.
US07871063B2 Two phase reactor
A two phase reactor includes a source of liquid reactant and a source of gas reactant. A chamber has an inlet coupled to the source of gas reactant and a flat jet nozzle coupled to the source of the liquid reactant.
US07871060B2 Solenoid actuator and method for making and using same
A solenoid actuator includes a generally cylindrical armature captured to a generally annular coil tube by means of interference geometry. A major portion of the coil tube has a first inside diameter and a second portion of the coil tube has a second, smaller inside diameter. A first portion of the armature has an outside diameter corresponding to the inside diameter of the first portion of the coil tube, and a second portion of the armature has an outside diameter corresponding to the inside diameter of the second portion of the coil tube. The armature is inserted within the coil tube such that the second portion of the armature is free to slide through the second end of the coil tube. A coil tube end closure, for example, a plug, is joined to the first portion of the coil tube. An O-ring provides a seal between the end closure and the tube. A wound electromagnetic coil surrounds the coil tube and can be selectively energized to displace the armature.
US07871057B2 Sensor actuated faucet
A faucet includes a main body and a water discharger having a water discharge port. The main body includes a first water supply channel placed therein and being communicative with a water supply piping; and a first electric component placed therein. The water discharger includes a second water supply channel placed therein, being communicative with the first water supply channel, and connected to the water discharge port; and a second electric component placed therein and being in electrical connection to the first electric component. The connection between the first electric component and the second electric component is made by wiring. The main body and the water discharger are detachable and capable of liquid-tight coupling to each other.
US07871055B1 Lightweight composite concrete formwork panel
A lightweight concrete formwork panel has a wooden rectangular frame with perimeter members and inner ribs that define openings in the frame. A lightweight core material substantially fills the openings in the wooden frame. An outer skin substantially covers the frame. The outer skin has a layer of transversely oriented fibrous material and a layer of longitudinally oriented fibrous material.
US07871054B2 Brick formliner apparatus
The present invention is a formliner apparatus comprising a plurality of substantially planar layers. The formliner further comprises a plurality of ribs extending in a direction away from the substantially planar layers and defining a plurality of recesses within the formliner in conjunction with the substantially planar layers, each of the plurality of ribs extending to a preselected rib plane. The present invention further comprises at least one resilient ridge on each rib defining each recess, each at least one resilient ridge extending into an adjacent recess, wherein each substantially planar layer is substantially parallel with the rib plane and located a preselected variance depth distance from the rib plane, each variance depth distance for at least some of the substantially planar layers being preselected from a preselected variance depth distance range, wherein each preselected variance depth distance not being equal to every other variance depth distance.
US07871052B2 Flexible cover hold down system
An adjustable cover hold down system designed to be used with an awing cover or a tarp that includes a flexible elongated body capable of being rolled into a compact roll during storage and then unrolled prior to being used. The system includes a plurality of clips designed to attach to an enlarged, longitudinally aligned, perimeter beaded edge that extends the entire length of the body. The clips may include adjustable clamp, a hook clip or an elongated traveler that enables them to be attached to the lower free edge of a trap, a tarp gusset, or the slot formed on a roller bar used on an awning cover, respectively. The body includes a bladder with at least one port opening with a removable cap that allows the bladder to be selectively filled with different volumes of a fluid material, such as water or sand.
US07871045B2 Method and system for bracing pipes
A method and system for bracing pipe, conduit and ductwork, which includes a mounting plate attachable to an underside of a structural flooring member, an elongated support member attachable to an underside of the mounting plate, and at least one elongated channel member. The at least one elongated channel member attaches to a side of the elongated support member, wherein the at least one elongated channel member is adapted to receive a fastener for attaching at least one conduit member to the elongated channel member.
US07871040B2 Composite aircraft structures with hat stiffeners
A composite panel structure for an aircraft includes a plurality of annular, hat-shaped frames disposed coaxially along a long axis of the aircraft in a spaced, parallel relationship, an inner skin having an inner surface bonded to an outer surface of the hat frames, a plurality of elongated, hat-shaped stringers disposed in a longitudinal direction along an outer surface of the inner skin in a spaced, parallel relationship, a solid or rigid foam offset bonded to an outer surface of each of the stringers, and an outer skin having an inner surface bonded to an upper surface of each of the offsets. The inner skin carries the loads of the structure and the outer skin defines an aerodynamic surface of the aircraft and provides impact and lighting protection. The frames, inner skin and stringers are formed on a single forming tool and cured and bonded with each other simultaneously.
US07871039B2 Modular passenger seat for an aircraft
An aircraft passenger seat assembly as described herein is formed from two primary and modular components: a structural frame that provides passenger support and dynamic load paths for the seat assembly; and a comfort frame that provides the passenger seating surface and the external upholstery layer for the seat assembly. If the seat assembly is designed for multiple passengers, then a separate comfort frame is used for each passenger seat location. The structural frame can be formed as a molded composite construction, and the comfort frame can also utilize a molded composite support frame. The support frame is used as a mounting shell for a fabric carrier that includes the external upholstery layer. The modular design and use of composite materials results in a significant weight and parts count savings relative to conventional seat designs.
US07871037B2 Emergency landing apparatus
The present invention discloses an apparatus for emergency landing comprising: an extraction vehicle (10), a first adjustable tower and a second adjustable tower (11), a first gearbox (4) wherein said gearbox is mounted on top of said first adjustable tower, a second gearbox wherein said second gearbox is mounted on the top of said second adjustable tower, a third gearbox wherein said third gearbox is mounted on lower right side of said chassis, a fourth gearbox unit wherein said unit is mounted on the lower left side of chassis, a first rubber restrainer (8) wrapped around said first gearbox unit and extended to said third gearbox unit wherein said rubber restrainer is wrapped around said third gearbox unit, a second rubber restrainer wrapped around said second gearbox unit and extended to said fourth gearbox unit, wherein said rubber restrainer is wrapped around said fourth gearbox unit, wherein said first and said second rubber restrainer stabilize said aircraft and reduce initial impact by said aircraft.
US07871034B2 Rotor hub systems and methods
A rotorcraft is equipped with a rotor hub of large diameter in order to accommodate high loads from a hingeless rotor. In preferred embodiments, a rotorcraft has a rotor disposed on a mast with blades attached to a hub by means of a feather bearing that receives a shank of a blade. The hub is attached to non-rotating structure such as a tilting nacelle by means of a hub bearing. This facilitates the transfer of moments generated on the rotor to the airframe. The hub and feather bearings can be sized and arranged such that a feather bearing on a hub is disposed within an imaginary cylinder centered at a rotational axis of the hub and having a diameter no greater 1.2 times an inner diameter of the hub bearing. This can result in a large diameter hub and hub bearing capable of withstanding very large bending moments.
US07871033B2 Tilt actuation for a rotorcraft
An aircraft is equipped with hingeless rotors on tilting nacelles, and the tilt angles of the nacelles are controlled using either or both of an actuator and a mast moment generated by a hingeless rotor. An aircraft with two or more rotors on tilting nacelles can achieve control of yaw orientation by differential tilt of its nacelles or masts. Hingeless rotors can be manipulated to control a tilt angle of a mast by changing the rotor blade pitch to produce a mast moment. The rotor and nacelle tilt of a tiltrotor rotorcraft can be controlled and effected in order to manipulate the yaw orientation and flight mode of a rotorcraft such as a tiltrotor. The use of mast moment to control nacelle tilt angle can reduce tilt actuator loads and allows for the control of nacelle tilt even in the event of an actuator failure.
US07871031B2 Device having a liftable strap supply reel
A device having a liftable strap supply reel includes a housing, a liftable mechanism and a pushing force generator. The liftable mechanism is pivoted on the housing and it has a first arm that is disposed with a rotatable strap supply reel. The liftable mechanism contains a home position, a critical position, and a lift-up position. When this lifting mechanism is positioned at the lift-up position, the pushing member generates a force to create a torque so that the strap supply reel stays at a height near a waist of a human. So, the strap supply reel can be lifted up to a height approximately near a waist of a human. It can be operated by one hand. In addition, it is convenient to repair or replace the strap.
US07871029B2 Bale processor having improved shredding roller
A bale processor, having a support surface for supporting a bale of crop material, a shredding roller positioned at one end of the support surface, the shredding roller having an elongate roller body, the roller body configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, and a feed mechanism positioned on the support surface, the feed mechanism configured for urging the bale towards the shredding roller. The shredding roller includes at least one separating section having at least one impacting member that protrudes outwardly from the elongate roller body, the at least one impacting member configured to impact the bale when the roller body rotates so as to separate the crop material therefrom. The shredding roller also includes at least one conveying section configured to engage a portion of the bale and to direct that portion towards the separating section in a longitudinal direction aligned with the axis of rotation of the roller body.
US07871027B2 Auto feed shredder apparatus and methods
Shredding devices and methods are disclosed for automatically feeding multiple sheets of paper to be simultaneously shredded. The shredding devices include an auto feed portion for receiving and advancing the paper to be shredded. Certain examples include a paper feed tray and an auto feed assembly having a rotatable elongated shaft and a plurality of disks disposed thereon. As the elongated shaft rotates, the plurality of disks engages a stack of paper present in the feed tray and advances multiple sheets of the stack of paper to shredding blades. Certain feed trays are further configured to fold into a top portion of the housing during non-use and can advantageously protect the auto feed assembly. Certain shredding devices further include at least one feed slot for receiving material manually fed into the shredding device by the user.
US07871025B2 Feeding mechanism auto-adjusting to load for use in automatic high-security destruction of a mixed load, and other feeding systems
A inventive feeding mechanism continuously feeds and continuously subjects to shredding, cutting, recycling, sorting, or other processing, a load consisting of a mixture of different-thickness materials, such as a mixture of paper, compact disks (CDs), cassette tapes, videotapes, etc. The auto-adjusting feeding mechanism is useable in high-security destruction, food processing, recycling, sorting, processing, and other applications.
US07871023B2 Two-part flow regulator, jet regulator or backflow preventer having a snap-in joint between the parts
A flow regulator, jet regulator or backflow preventer (11) having at least two components or parts (2, 11), a first one (2) of which can be inserted into a receiving opening (12) of the second part (12). The two parts (2, 11) can be interconnected using a locking arrangement (13, 17). One part is provided with at least one locking cam while the other part (11) is provided with a locking groove which is assigned to the locking cam and is used as a counterpart. One of the parts is provided with a slot (15) or similar recess located at a distance (a) from the outer or inner circumference of the part (2) in the area of the at least one locking groove. The wall section (16) of the part which supports the locking groove or locking cam located on the inner or outer side can be resiliently deflected into and out of the slot in a locking manner due to the resiliency thereof so that a reduced amount of pressure is required to lock the parts (2, 11) together while allowing for comparatively greater tolerances for the snap-in connection. One component can be made of a transparent or semi-transparent material as a filtering sieve or attached sieve (2) while the second is embodied as a jet regulator, flow regulator and/or backflow preventer.
US07871014B2 System for controlling demand of multi-air-conditioner
A system for controlling multiple air conditioners. The system includes a demand control unit configured to calculate an estimated power amount used by the multiple air conditioners based on an amount of power consumed by the multiple air conditioners during a predetermined time period, and to forcibly control an operation of one or more air conditioners based on a size of the estimated power amount. Further, the demand control unit is connected to the multiple air conditioners and communicates with the multiple air conditioners using a serial data communication protocol.
US07871013B2 Transaction product with electrical circuit
A transaction product includes a support member, an electrical circuit, a button and an account identifier. The support member at least partially depicts a measurement device. The electrical circuit is coupled to the support member, and the button is in communication with the electrical circuit such that user interaction with the button activates the electrical circuit causing the electrical circuit to automatically indicate a reading of the measurement device. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record and is machine readable. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.
US07871011B2 Mini-plug SIM card with improved positioning capability
The chip card comprises a card body and an embedded chip module having a plurality of contact fields connected to respective terminals of the chip. The card body further comprises a positioning feature adapted to univocally identify said contact fields according to their location and orientation on the card body. The positioning feature is a hole or a notch formed on the card body in an area including the chip module such as a contact field which has no electrical functionality as contact field C6 according to ISO 7816-2. The invention is particularly adapted to card bodies including a plug-in removable portion of smaller size comprising said chip module and said positioning feature such as smaller size “mini-plug” SIMs for mobile phones.
US07871008B2 Wireless IC device and manufacturing method thereof
A wireless IC device includes a radiation plate, a wireless IC chip, and a substrate provided with a feed circuit that includes a resonant circuit and/or the matching circuit including an inductance element and that is electromagnetically coupled to the radiation plate. The substrate is made of a resin material. A recess is provided in a first main surface of the substrate. The substrate is provided with a wiring electrode arranged along a bottom surface and an inner circumferential surface of the recess and the first main surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the feed circuit, and a wedge member made of a different material from the resin material and extending between the bottom surface of the recess and a second main surface of the substrate spaced apart from the wiring electrode. The wireless IC chip is mounted in the recess and coupled to the wiring electrode.
US07871006B2 Trigger unit for a wearable data acquisition device
A detachable trigger unit for a wearable device (e.g., a wearable data acquisition device) includes (i) a trigger housing having a triggering mechanism for engaging a housing unit of the device; (ii) a strap housing detachably coupled to the trigger housing; and (iii) a protective membrane coupled to the strap housing and protecting a body part of a user. The trigger housing includes a first connector for receiving a corresponding second connector of the housing unit. The housing unit is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to a bottom surface thereof.
US07871005B2 Information reader for optically reading code
An information reader has a light source, an optical system having a light receiving sensor and a lens, and a board supporting the source and sensor such that a sensor axis of the sensor perpendicular to the sensor and passing an intersection of an optical axis of the optical system and the sensor is parallel to an emission axis of the source. A positional relation among the lens, sensor and source satisfies a distance Di between the lens and sensor, a distance Da between an optical axis of the lens and the axis of the source, and a distance Do between the lens and a readable area. The axis of the sensor is shifted from the optical axis of the lens by an offset value F=Da×Di/Do in a direction away from the source. The reader optically reads a code placed in the readable area.
US07871001B2 Remotely-alterable electronic-ink based display device employing an electronic-ink layer integrated within a stacked architecture
A remotely-alterable electronic-ink based display device employing an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The device includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in electrical communication with the addressable display assembly and an antenna structure. A signal transmitting structure transmits signals from the antenna structure to the remote activator module. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from the remote activator module, using the antenna structure. An on-board battery power structure, operably connected to the integrated circuit structure, supplies electrical power the integrated circuit structure, which is responsive to electromagnetic signals received from the remote activator module by the antenna structure and the signal receiving structure. The addressable display assembly is responsive to output signals generated by the programmed processor, to display the determined graphical indicia. The antenna structure, integrated circuit structure, signal transmitting structure, signal receiving structure, on-board battery power structure are arranged and stacked together behind and within the spatial extent of the addressable display assembly so as to form the remotely-alterable electronic-ink based display device having a stacked construction.
US07870999B2 Internet-based shipping, tracking, and delivery network supporting a plurality of mobile digital image capture and processing (MICAP) systems
An Internet-based shipping, tracking, and delivery network including a data collection and processing center operably connected to the infrastructure of the Internet, and including a RDBMS for storing and managing shipping information, and a plurality of pickup/delivery vehicles. Each pickup/delivery vehicle is equipped with a mobile digital image capture and processing (MICAP) system for (i) capturing and processing digital images of shipping documents, bearing embedded bar codes, at the point of pickup, (ii) automatically decoding embedded bar codes in said shipping documents, and performing optical character recognition (OCR) on text presented therein, (iii) formatting captured digital images of the shipping labels with such decoded/recognized information, and (iv) transmitting the formatted digital images to said data collection and processing center, for automatic recognition processing and population of the RDBMS maintained by said network.
US07870994B2 Carton with dispenser
A carton for containing a plurality of articles and a blank for forming such carton. The carton has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The end flaps at least partially form a closed end of the carton. A dispenser allows access to the articles in the carton and includes a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton. The dispenser panel is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening in the closed end. The closed end of the carton comprises an end wall that angles inward toward the interior of the carton.
US07870993B2 End dispensing carton
A carton for packaging articles can be carried and unloaded in an upright condition. The carton is formed as an elongated tubular structure with opposed open ends. An end wall partially closes the first open end. At least one edge of the end wall is free from the tubular structure so as to define an open region therebetween that facilitates grasping the end wall for removal of the end wall to reveal the articles for dispensing. A handle formed from at least one aperture is positioned proximate to the detachable end wall to facilitate carrying of the carton in an upright condition with the dispensing end up. An end flap is hingedly connected to the tubular structure includes a second aperture that is reinforcingly aligned with the first aperture.
US07870992B2 Container with freestanding insulating encapsulated cellulose-based substrate
A container (100) generally includes an outer shell (102, 108), wherein at least a portion of the outer shell includes a moisture-resistant barrier (902). The container further includes at least one insulating member (104, 106) disposed within the outer shell and having a cellulose-based substrate substantially encapsulated in a polymeric film.
US07870987B1 Fastener driving tool with protection inserts
A fastener driving tool includes a housing, a nose assembly having a fastener passage configured to allow fasteners to be advanced therethrough, and a safety contact assembly movable in relation to the nose assembly between a disable position and an enable position. A magazine assembly is configured to supply fasteners toward the nose assembly, and a driver is configured to cause a fastener located in the fastener passage to be advanced within the nose assembly. The nose assembly includes (i) a base member defining at least a portion of the fastener passage and has a first recess and a second recess which are spaced apart from each other, (ii) a first protection insert located in the first recess, and (iii) a second protection insert located in the second recess. The base member defines a leading side surface and a trailing side surface. The leading side surface defines an ejection orifice that is aligned with the fastener passage. The leading side surface defines a first opening aligned with the first recess and a second opening aligned with the second recess, and the trailing side surface defines a third opening aligned with the first recess and a fourth opening aligned with the second recess. The first protection insert extends through the first opening and the third opening, and the second protection insert extends through the second opening and the fourth opening.
US07870986B2 Method and device for clearance adjustment for lead-in roller clearance adjustment mechanism
A lead-in roller clearance adjustment mechanism includes a pair of lead-in rollers for guiding a web with a clearance therebetween and a clearance adjustment mechanism for adjusting an amount of clearance. The lead-in roller clearance adjustment mechanism further includes motors for driving the clearance adjustment mechanism and potentiometers for detecting output positions of these motors, and adjusts the amount of clearance automatically. A clearance adjustment device includes a control device for an automated paper threading device and for clearance adjustment between the lead-in rollers, a web thickness of the web being inputted in the control device, the control device controlling the motors to set the amount of clearance at a predetermined value before threading the web into a lead-in roller unit, and to set the amount of clearance at a value corresponding to the inputted web thickness of the web after threading the web into the lead-in roller unit.
US07870985B2 Carrying apparatus for cycle-type vehicle
A carrying apparatus for a cycle-type vehicle comprises a pair of object carriers releasably mountable on corresponding transverse sides of the cycle, a pair of upper support members which extend transversely between the cycle and the object carriers to support upper portions of the object carriers, and, a pair of lower support members which extend transversely between the cycle and the object carriers to support lower portions of the object carriers.
US07870984B2 Housing with lid and kinematic frame
The invention relates to a device for holding objects, preferably a telephone, in particular for use in a center arm rest and/or the center console of a vehicle, with a frame or receptacle and a reversibly closable lid which is mounted so that it may be swiveled in each case about one of the rotary axes arranged in the region of the upper closing edges of the side walls of the frame or container and lying essentially parallel to the closing edges. The lid has an opening and closing mechanism which is arranged in a function carrier frame that may be connected to the lid. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the production of a device for holding objects, in particular for use in a center arm rest and/or the center console of a vehicle.
US07870983B2 Tissue box holder with magnetic and hook and loop attaching arrangements
A facial tissue box holder for automobile includes two supports comprising a rectangular main section having slits at both ends, a rectangular side section hingedly secured to the main section, an engagement section pivotably secured to the side section, and a magnetic strip on inner surfaces of the engagement and side sections; and two straps comprising two hook and loop fasteners at both ends. The engagement sections can be inserted into sides of a tissue box. For each support pivoting the side section to magnetically secure to the engagement section, pivoting the main section to engage the back of the tissue box, looping one end of the strap around a post, securing one hook and loop fastener around the post, inserting the other end of the strap through the slits, and securing the hooks to the loops of the other hook and loop fastener will hang the tissue box.
US07870980B2 Non-drip spout closure
A closure includes a flip-top member including an elongated flange, a base member including a curved flange extending from the base member, and a hinge to connect the flip-top member and the base member. The base member has an opening therein. A portion of the elongated member is configured to reside within the opening when the closure is in a closed position.
US07870979B2 Container with a scoopable and pourable spout
A container for storing pourable contents having a cover with a spout wall upwardly extending from the top surface of the cover. The spout wall has a pouring section which gradually reduces in height to the front of the spout. On either side of the pouring section the spout wall also has a spill inhibiting section to prevent spilling as the contents of the container is poured. The container also has a removable lid which mates with the spout wall to prevent contents from spilling over the spout wall when the container is being used for dispensing.
US07870972B2 Sliding safety hinge assembly for lid of box
The Sliding Safety Hinge Assembly (SSHA) minimizes the degree of personal injury or discomfort that could result from accidental closure of the lid of a box, i.e. “toy box”, by pinching a finger between the lid and box, particularly as the obstruction approaches the side or rear of the box near the hinge. A traditional hinge attached to the lid and rear of box carcass provides a fixed pivot point such that a severe pinch point exists due to the leverage of the lid. The SSHA reduces this potential by a sliding design such that the hinge element normally fastened to the rear of the box is rather installed on a slide assembly allowing free sliding motion in the vertical plane at the rear of the box. The SSHA assembly would include a slide, pivot and counter weight device to reduce the weight of the lid.
US07870970B2 Collapsible container
A collapsible container includes a base, a top, and opposed side covers arranged between the base and the top. The side covers have a lower section frame pivotally connected to the base and a top section frame pivotally connected to the top, and a central hinge arrangement configured so that the top section frame is pivotally movable relative to the lower section frame. The side covers can thus be selectively positioned between an erected position and a collapsed position. In the erected position, the container presents an interior space. End covers are arranged to be pivotally movable between an upright position for covering respective open ends, and a down position for allowing the side covers to be movable to the collapsed position.
US07870969B2 Container having locking buttresses for flip-top cap
A package is provided including a container and a cap attached thereto. The container has an open and a closed end, the former having a dispensing opening surrounded by a shoulder. A pair of first buttresses are molded into the shoulder arranged along a cross-sectional major axis bisecting the opening. A pair of second buttresses are also molded into the shoulder and arranged along a minor axis bisecting the opening. Each of the buttresses have an upper edge tapering downwardly away from the opening. Upper edges of the second buttresses have a steeper taper angle than those of the first buttresses. The cap includes a lid hingedly connected to an edge of a fitment, the latter having a platform surrounded by a skirt wall and a product exit orifice formed in the platform. On a lower surface of the platform are four legs surrounding the orifice, projecting downwardly with each leg being asymmetrically shaped and lockingly fitted between first and second adjacent buttresses.
US07870962B2 Multi-functional storage apparatus
A multi-functional storage apparatus for selectively supporting a capturing device includes a main casing having a receiving cavity and a supporting arrangement. The supporting arrangement is provided on the main casing to operate the main casing between a normal storing mode and an capturing mode, wherein in the normal storing mode, the supporting arrangement is arranged to rest on the main casing so as to allow the main casing to function as a portable carrying device through storing objects within the receiving cavity, wherein in the capturing mode, the supporting arrangement is selectively extended from the main casing to detachably attach to the image capturing device, in such a manner that the image capturing device is securely and suspendedly supported by the main casing as a supporting base for stably capturing image in a predetermined direction.
US07870956B1 Tool storage assembly
A tool storage assembly has a storing mount and a protecting cover. The storing mount has a body. The body has multiple mounting recesses, a pivotal groove and a locking protrusion. The mounting recesses are formed in two outer sides of the storing mount at intervals. The pivotal groove is formed through one end of the body. The locking protrusion is formed on and protrudes from other end of the body. The protecting cover is pivotally connected to the storing mount and has a casing. The casing is pivotally connected to and mounted around the body of the storing mount and has two holding panels and a retaining board. The holding panels are respectively formed on and protrude downward from two sidewalls of the casing to mount around the mounting recesses. The retaining board is formed on and protrudes downward from the casing to mount around the body.
US07870947B2 Gripper for holding and conveying flat objects
A gripper for holding and conveying flat objects (P) in a firmly held manner, in particular printed material such as newspapers, magazines or brochures, includes two clamping tongues (4 and 5) which can pivot relative to one another into an open and into a closed configuration, wherein the clamping tongues (4 and 5) are pressed against one another in the closed configuration. The distal ends of at least one of the clamping tongues (4 and 5) are fitted with two elastic arms (30) that extend laterally away from the clamping tongue, in the same direction as the clamping force, a clamping jaw (10, 11) being arranged at the free end of each of the arms. The contact surfaces of the clamping jaws of at least one clamping tongue adapt to fit the contact surface of an opposite clamping jaw or a clamped object, under compression force, for example, they are mounted on the arm (30) by means of a ball joint.
US07870946B2 Device for non-contact conveying, handling and storage of structural elements and materials
A device for generating a floating state of an object by sound waves includes a rigid support structure having a top surface for absorbing forces generated by the gravitation or acceleration of the levitating object and perpendicularly acting on the top surface. A thin oscillatory element is arranged in parallel to the top surface. Further provided is a vibration generator for making the thin oscillatory element vibrating and levitating above the top surface so that the object is levitating above the thin oscillatory element without contacting it.
US07870945B2 Process for sorting objects
A method for sorting objects using a continuous loop conveyor sorting system having two or more feeders. In one embodiment, the method includes sorting a batch of objects to form a first group of objects and a second group of objects, using a first feeder to feed all of the objects from the first group onto the conveyor, using a second feeder to feed all of the objects from the second group onto the conveyor, removing the objects from the first group from the conveyor prior to the any of the objects reaching the point at which the second feeder feeds objects onto the conveyor, and removing the objects from the second group from the conveyor prior to the any of the objects reaching the point at which the first feeder feeds objects onto the conveyor.
US07870939B2 Magnetorheological clutch
A magnetorheologic clutch includes a stationary part, a rotatable primary part having primary discs, a secondary part having secondary discs, and a chamber containing magnetorheologic fluid formed between the primary and secondary parts that is exposed to an adjustable magnetic field. To make a magnetorheologic clutch as small as possible which is capable of transmitting a peak torque at a minimum power consumption and which is easily controlled, at least one magnet coil is axially arranged before or after the discs and encompasses a first U-shaped cylinder head whose two surfaces are arranged on the side of the discs in a parallel thereto. A second cylinder head is disposed on the side of the discs opposite with respect to the first cylinder head. Areas of the secondary part are radially disposed inside and outside the discs which are made of a low-permeability magnetic material.
US07870934B2 Self-retracting lanyard and braking mechanism with pawl lockout
A self-retracting lanyard having a housing; a rotatable drum in that housing; a line for winding about that drum; and an improved braking mechanism for preventing the drum in that housing from ratcheting due to line rebounding after a fall arrest event. The braking mechanism has a plurality of pawl lockout elements for flexibly engaging with a stationary component of the lanyard to keep at least one pawl in a locked position during reverse rotation of the drum thereby preventing ratcheting from occurring.
US07870933B2 Portable hammock assembly
A portable hammock (kit) with artificial limb assembly enables a user to selectively support a vertical load adjacent a select vertical support structure. The artificial limb assembly comprises a pair of compression members and first and second tension members. Each compression member has first and second compression ends. The first compression ends are drawn together such that the longitudinal axes of the members substantially intersect. The second compression ends are thus spaceable from one another. The first tension member interconnects the second member ends and receives a supportive outer surface of the vertical support structure. The second tension member interconnects the first compression ends with the vertical support structure at a superior portion thereof. The first compression ends at an opposite portion receive the vertical load.
US07870932B2 Retractable access system ladder and work machine using same
A work machine and work machine access ladder assembly are provided. The work machine includes a work machine body having an operator platform. A hinge mechanism is coupled to the work machine body and defines a hinge axis oriented diagonally with respect to a vertical line. The ladder may be rotated about the hinge axis between a use and a stowed position.
US07870925B2 System and method for managing a powertrain in a vehicle
A system and method for managing a powertrain in a vehicle determines a number of vehicle conditions, and compares them to predetermined conditions to determine whether a secondary axle of the vehicle should be automatically connected to or disconnected from the powertrain. In general, if the speed of the vehicle is above some predetermined speed threshold, the secondary axle is disengaged to increase fuel economy. Conversely, if the speed of the vehicle is below some predetermined threshold, the secondary axle is typically engaged to help maximize the capture of regenerative braking energy during a braking event. Additional vehicle conditions may be examined, and exceptions to the general rule utilized, to further enhance the control strategy.
US07870924B2 Arrangement structure of a rear master cylinder and a hydraulic fluid reservoir tank in a saddle-riding type vehicle, and motorcycle incorporating same
A saddle-riding type vehicle includes a vehicle body, a pivot frame that supports a swing arm for rear wheel suspension, and a rear master cylinder disposed rearwardly of the pivot frame. A reservoir tank supplies hydraulic fluid to the rear master cylinder, and the reservoir tank is disposed between the pivot frame and the rear master cylinder. A portion of the swing arm, adjacent to the reservoir tank, is configured with a concave recess formed therein extending inwardly towards a longitudinal center line of the vehicle body. The reservoir tank is situated closer to a vehicle body inner side, and is deeper in the recess than the rear master cylinder.
US07870920B1 Snowmobile
The present invention generally relates to snowmobiles. More particularly, the present invention relates to the components of a snowmobile such as the frame, skis, motor, and endless belt assembly.
US07870918B2 Drive unit for a motor vehicle
In a drive unit for a motor vehicle having a vehicle body, an electric machine which is supported by the vehicle body, a sprung wheel suspension and a wheel supported thereby, and the wheel being drive-connected to a device for transmitting torque between the electric machine and the wheel, the wheel suspension comprises a strut unit and the device for transmitting torque is arranged between the electric machine and the wheel and extends coaxially with respect to the axis of the strut unit so as to form a compact design with small unsprung masses while providing for the possibility of a torque transfer between the electric machine and the wheel.
US07870916B2 Systems and methods for power storage and management from intermittent power sources
A power management system is disclosed. Embodiments of the power management system may be configured for use with an electric generator that produces AC or DC voltage from an energy source, which may be intermittent or fluctuating. One embodiment of the power management system includes an energy storage reservoir configured to be electrically coupled to the electric generator. The energy storage reservoir includes at least one ultracapacitor and at least one rechargeable battery. The power management system also includes an electronic controller configured to control storage in the reservoir of energy generated by the electric generator and to control power usage from the reservoir and the generator. The electronic controller is configured to control energy storage and power usage in response to one or more control signals.
US07870892B2 Climate control method for hybrid vehicles using thermoelectric devices
The present invention provides a system for controlling the climate of a hybrid vehicle. The system includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger, a pump, and a valve. The thermoelectric module includes thermoelectric elements powered by electric energy. The thermoelectric elements emit or absorb heat energy based on the polarity of the electrical energy provided. A tube containing coolant runs proximate the thermoelectric elements. To aid in the transfer of heat energy, a blower is provided to generate an air flow across the thermoelectric elements and the tube. The coolant is provided from the thermoelectric module to a heat exchanger that heats or cools the air flow provided to the cabin of the vehicle. The pump and valve are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and thermoelectric module. The pump pressurizes the coolant flow through the tube and coolant lines. In a cooling mode, the valve is configured to selectively bypass the engine coolant system of the vehicle.
US07870890B2 Heat dissipation device with heat pipe
A heat dissipation device includes a base for thermally engaging with an electronic device, a fin assembly including of multiple fins, a first heat pipe and a second heat pipe. The first heat pipe includes two evaporation sections engaged in the base, two interconnecting condensation sections parallel to the evaporation sections and respectively thermally inserted in a central portion of the fin assembly, and two connecting sections interconnecting corresponding condensation sections and the evaporation sections. The second heat pipe includes two evaporation sections engaged in the base, two interconnecting condensation sections parallel to the evaporation sections and respectively thermally inserted in an upper portion of the fin assembly far away from the base, and two connecting sections interconnecting corresponding condensation sections and evaporation sections of the second heat pipe.
US07870888B2 Base for heat radiator, heat dissipation assembly for central processing unit, and method of using the same
A heat dissipation assembly for a central processing unit includes a heat radiator adapted to contact the central processing unit from above and a base adapted to support the central processing unit from below. The base includes at least a snap-on fastening mechanism adapted to snap into a through hole formed in a supporting substrate of the central processing unit. The heat radiator includes at least a fastener receiving portion for receiving an elongated fastener and aligning the elongated fastener with a matching engaging element of the snap-on fastening mechanism.
US07870887B1 Solid composition having enhanced physical and electrical properties
A method of making a treating wash includes mixing brass granules with acetone, mixing carbon nanotube material, iron pyrite granules and copper granules in the acetone brass mixture, and straining the liquid from the remaining solid material. Methods of treating materials such as brass granules, iron pyrite granules, carbon nanotube material, and brass granules comprises washing the materials in the treating wash, followed by straining and drying the materials.
US07870886B1 Solid composition having enhanced physical and electrical properties
A method of making a treating wash includes mixing brass granules with acetone, mixing carbon nanotube material, iron pyrite granules and copper granules in the acetone brass mixture, and straining the liquid from the remaining solid material. Methods of treating materials such as brass granules, iron pyrite granules, carbon nanotube material, and brass granules comprises washing the materials in the treating wash, followed by straining and drying the materials.
US07870885B2 Method of and a device for producing a liquid-solid metal composition
A method of producing a liquid-solid metal composition (8), including the steps of charging a vessel (2) with a molten metal or alloy (3), charging the vessel (2) with a solid metal or alloy (6), stirring the molten metal or alloy (3) upon cooling thereof. The amount of solid metal or alloy (6) is chosen such that a substantial amount of solid particles (7) will be formed in the melt (3) due to the enthalpy exchange between the solid metal or alloy (6) and the molten metal or alloy (3), and at least a part of the added solid metal or alloy (6) is melted by the heat transferred to it by the molten metal or alloy (3).
US07870884B2 Method for casting molded parts
A method for casting molded parts, comprising the following steps: The mold is prepared by forming a core packet from the cores which are made of molding sand; the metal melt is poured into the mold; the mold is thermally insulated prior to and/or after casting and the thermal process is used in a known manner inside the mold and/or insulation for controlled treatment of the cast molded part and/or the material forming the core packet.
US07870883B2 Method of manufacture of an energy absorbing tire cage
A tire cage is disclosed for containing the debris from a tire explosion. The cage includes a lightweight energy absorbing material for protecting structural members of the cage from tire explosion damage so that the cage is reusable. The energy absorbing material may be a metallic foam or other open celled structured material that is able to absorb large amounts of kinetic energy by permanently deforming. The cage is particularly effective in containing explosions of large equipment tires 6 to 12 feet in diameter and having a stored kinetic energy in a range of approximately 900 kilojoules to 1500 kilojoules.
US07870881B2 Tyre for medium/heavy transport vehicles
A method for reducing tire microsliding includes defining a rotation point and rotating a cross section profile about it. A cross section of a radially-external reference profile of a tread band includes a first rectilinear segment near at least one circumferential rib of a first shoulder portion. The first rectilinear segment extends axially outward beyond a corresponding shoulder edge point. A cross section profile of the at least one circumferential rib of the first shoulder portion includes a second rectilinear segment. The rotation point is on the first rectilinear segment, either the corresponding shoulder edge point itself or axially outward of it. The cross section profile of the first rectilinear segment is rotated to define the cross section profile of the second rectilinear segment, so that an axially-inner end of the second rectilinear segment is closer to the carcass structure than an axially-inner end of the first rectilinear segment.
US07870875B2 Corrugated tube
A corrugated tube which can easily bend a wiring harness in one direction and can make the wiring harness hardly bend in another direction crossing the one direction at right angles. The wiring harness is made so that it can hardly bend in the other direction, so that the slack of the wiring harness for use in supplying electric power to a slide door can be effectively prevented from occurring. The corrugated tube includes: dented grooves and projecting strips formed on an outer periphery of the corrugated tube and arranged alternately in a longitudinal direction of the corrugated tube; and a reinforcing rib formed projecting from an outer peripheral surface of the dented groove and extending beyond an outer peripheral surface of the projecting strip, the reinforcing rib being formed in the longitudinal direction of the corrugated tube.
US07870872B2 Controlling cooling fluid flow in a cooling system with a variable inline nozzle
In a cooling system, a variable inline nozzle controls the flow of cooling fluid. The variable inline nozzle includes a composite fibrous tube through which the cooling fluid flows. Upon manipulation of the composite fibrous tube, a diameter of a portion of the composite fibrous tube is adjusted to control the flow of the cooling fluid.
US07870871B1 Inlet orifice for a fuel pressure damper
A fuel pressure damper (10′) includes a housing (15) defining an inlet (46) constructed and arranged to receive fuel. An orifice disc (54) is provided at the inlet and includes at least one orifice (58). A cover (22) is coupled to the housing. A flexible diaphragm (12) has a periphery fixedly secured to at least the housing or the cover and has a freely movable central portion (36). A compression spring (14) biases the diaphragm to a normal position. In an operating position, the central portion of the diaphragm alone, or in combination with the spring, is constructed and arranged to dampen fuel pressure pulsations at the inlet. The orifice is constructed and arranged to ensure that pressure pulsations of a certain magnitude are prevented from entering the damper and damaging the diaphragm.
US07870870B2 Multiport vertical axial valve with sealing rotor
This invention discloses an axial multiport rotary valve capable of accomplishing the simultaneous interconnection of a plurality of conduits in accordance with a previously determined cycle, where any conduit communicates with no more than one other conduit at any one cycle step, or valve index position. The rotary valve comprises a hollow stator element and a rotor element inside the hollow interior of the stator element which rotates with a substantially vertical axis of rotation within the stator element, the surfaces of both elements being in the form essentially of a frustum of an inverted cone. Bed-line ports in the stator and rotor have a non-circular shape with a greater dimension in the vertical plane for higher capacities than provided in the known art.
US07870869B2 Dome-loaded pressure regulators
Dome-loaded pressure regulators are disclosed. An example pressure regulator includes a dome-loaded pressure regulating valve fluidly coupled to a pressure inlet, a pressure outlet, and a control pressure. The pressure regulating valve includes a piston, having a transverse bore defining a fluid path through the piston to fluidly couple the pressure inlet to the pressure outlet configured to engage a valve seat and to respond to the control pressure to control the flow of fluid between the pressure inlet and the pressure outlet via the valve seat.
US07870865B2 Safety pressure relief device
A pressure relief bursting disc has a flange portion, a sloping portion interior of the flange portion and a dished portion interior of the sloping portion. The sloping portion has its wider end joined to the flange portion and slopes up from the flange portion in a first direction and is joined at its narrower end directly to the dished portion. The dished portion has its concave side facing in the first direction. In use pressure is applied to the concave side of the dished portion. The disc has a line of weakness, in the sloping portion. This shape achieves reliability of the burst strength, because the sloping portion buckles at the burst strength.
US07870864B2 Belt-driven spray assembly for a dishwasher
A dishwasher includes a spray assembly positioned in the wash chamber of the dishwasher's tub. The spray assembly includes a pump outlet that rotates relative to the bottom wall of the tub. One end of a flexible hose is secured to the pump outlet. The other end of the pump outlet is secured a belt that advances around a number of pulleys. Water is sprayed from the flexible hose via a number of nozzles.
US07870862B2 Vanity case
A vanity case in which a lid is coupled to part of peripheral walls of its case body pivotably and a slide piece is slidably mounted in the case body such that when the slide piece is at a first position, the lid is closed against the case body and that when the slide piece has moved from the first position to a second position, the lid is open relative to the case body. Formed through adjacent part of a bottom wall of the case body to one of the peripheral walls is a slit extending along the peripheral wall such that the peripheral wall adjacent to the slit bends inwards when an inward external force is exerted on the peripheral wall, and the deformation of the peripheral wall acts as an external force on the slide piece to make the slide piece move to the second position.
US07870860B2 Respiratory mask having intraoral mouthpiece with large sealing area and multiple sealing configuration
A respiratory mask provides improved sealing through the use of an intraoral mouthpiece with a large sealing area. A tubular extension, configured at one end to accept standard respiratory fittings, is the conduit for gas delivery to the intraoral mouthpiece. The respiratory mask may also include an intraoral oropharyngeal airway which flexes so that it can be inserted without the need for rotation or use of a tongue blade. The respiratory mask may also include an external shield to enhance sealing and provide a barrier of protection for the healthcare provider. The mask's design allows for a novel handgrip technique that allows a single healthcare provider to ventilate with enhanced sealing.
US07870857B2 Patient interface assemblies for use in ventilator systems to deliver medication to a patient
According to one aspect of the present invention, a ventilator system includes (a) a ventilator device having an inhalation port and exhalation port; (b) a patient conduit for delivering to and removing gas from the patient; (c) an exhalation conduit fluidly connected to the exhalation port and the patient conduit; (d) an inhalation conduit fluidly connected to the inhalation port and the patient conduit; and (e) a device for generating aerosolized medication, the device being fluidly connected to the inhalation conduit so that the aerosolized medication is delivered to the patient as the patient inhales. According to the present invention, at least the inhalation conduit has a variable length to position the device for generating aerosolized medication a predetermined distance from the patient conduit.
US07870855B2 Solar heat collecting apparatus
A solar heat collecting dome includes a frame having an odd number of frame elements extending upward and inward from a floor structure to a disk at the top of the dome. A dome shaped helical structure including two flexible tubes is woven to extend along and around the frame elements, with the dome shaped helical structure extending across alternating inner and outer sides of the frame elements, and with adjacent portions of the dome shaped helical structure extending across alternating inner and outer sides of each frame element. At an outer end of the dome shaped helical structure, the two tubes form an inlet and an outlet. At the inner end, the two tubes are joined. The frame may also include a fluid path, with the fluid moving in opposite directions in each of the frame elements.
US07870852B2 Pneumatically powered projectile launching device
The pneumatically powered projectile launching device has a bolt located within a body. A front gas chamber in the body has an opening through which the bolt extends into the chamber. The bolt can move forward and backward thereby changing the volume of the front chamber. The bolt has a backward facing working surface. A gas valve in the body selectively releases compressed gas into the chamber. The released gas applies pressure on the backward facing working surface of the bolt to move the bolt forward, and then passes through a passage in the bolt to pneumatically force the projectile to leave the device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US07870849B2 Method and group for the LPG feeding of an internal combustion engine
Method and group for feeding LPG to an internal combustion engine according to which during some engine operation instants the temperature of the LPG fed to injectors is determined and, for each temperature value, a correspondent value of a maximum optimal pressure is determined so that LPG remains in gaseous phase; an incoming LPG real pressure to the injectors is adjusted so that it is substantially the same of maximum optimal determined pressure and the gas flow from injectors is controlled according to the adjusted effective pressure of engine inlet camera and of the LPG temperature.
US07870847B2 Fuel injector comprising a pressure-compensated control valve
The invention relates to an injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. According to the invention, an injection valve member, which opens or closes at least one injection opening, is controlled by a control valve. The control valve opens or closes a connection from a control chamber into a fuel return line by the positioning of a closing element in a seat or by the opening of the seat. A bore is embodied in the closing element, and a pin is received in the bore. The diameter of the bore essentially corresponds to the diameter of the seat. The pin is supported on one side against a pressure rod, against a spring seat, or against the injector housing.
US07870845B2 Fuel injection control device and fuel injection control system
A fuel injection control device controls an operation of an injector such that fuel to be injected into a combustion chamber per combustion cycle is divided and injected at least through a first injection and a second injection, which is performed with a larger fuel quantity than the first injection after the first injection. The fuel injection control device includes an acquiring section and a first combustion state estimating section. The acquiring section acquires a sensing value of cylinder pressure in the combustion chamber sensed with a cylinder pressure sensor. The first combustion state estimating section estimates an actual combustion state of the fuel injected by the first injection based upon a second combustion timing cylinder pressure sensing value attributable to combustion of the fuel injected by the second injection out of the cylinder pressure sensing values.
US07870843B2 Torque control system with scavenging
An engine control system includes a scavenging module that generates a scavenging signal when both a driver torque request is greater than a predetermined torque threshold and a rotational speed of an engine crankshaft is less than a predetermined speed threshold. A cam phaser control module controls intake and exhaust cam phasers based on the scavenging signal such that opening times of intake and exhaust valves of a respective cylinder overlap.
US07870841B2 Variable valve actuation system for an internal combustion engine
A valve system is disclosed for an internal combustion engine which allows a secondary valve event, serving for example to provide internal EGR, to be selectively disabled. The system comprises two valve 10 and 22, a first cam 20 acting on the first valve 10 by way of a rocker 12 pivotable about a fixed pivot axis and a second cam 36 having at least two lobes and acting on the second valve 22 by way of a second rocker 24 pivotable about an eccentric 26. The second of the two lobes of the second cam 36 is arranged to open the second valve 22 at a time that the first valve 10 is opened by the first cam 20. A selectively operable latching mechanism 50 latches the eccentric 26 in a fixed position in which each of the cam lobes of the second cam causes the second valve to open. When the latching mechanism 50 is released, a coupling between the eccentric 26 and the first rocker 12 causes or permits the eccentric 26 to move during the opening of the first valve 10 in a sense to oppose the lifting of the second valve 22 by the second lobe of the second cam.
US07870840B2 Cattle management system and method
A cattle management system and method for managing numerous routine and non-routine management activities. The system and method incorporate a data processing system wherein comprehensive data is gathered and maintained on each individual animal as well as on selected groups of animals. Preferably, a central database is used which allows enhanced functionality with respect to not only data entry and data transfer, but also with respect to providing system generated management recommendations. Some significant functionality of the present invention includes the ability to track the location of each individual animal by utilizing unique identification data for each animal, recording all monitored events that take place at each location during the animal's production cycle, and reporting the events and locations as required to government entities, financial institutions, and other entities within the cattle industry.
US07870839B2 Dual layered pet toy
A flexible, durable pet toy includes an outer plush layer and an inner fleece layer positioned adjacent thereto and optionally adhesively secured thereto. The outer and inner layers form a shell of a three dimensional object, and a filling material fills the shell. Seams that join edges of the outer and inner layers are folded inward and are contained within the object. The seams are reinforced with a webbing strip, and fastened by thread to create a flexible interior skeleton frame. A method for making such a pet toy is also disclosed.
US07870837B2 Livestock blow dryer with grooming nozzle
A blower system for livestock may include a housing. An air inlet may be located on the housing. One or more motors may be located in the housing. One or more fans may be coupled to at least one of the motors. The fans may be located in the housing. The fans may draw air in through the air inlet and expel air out through an air outlet located on the housing. A nozzle may be coupled to the air outlet. The nozzle may have a wide, narrow slit opening for air to exit the nozzle. The blower system may be portable. The blower system may allow a user to apply the air from the air outlet to livestock.
US07870836B2 Device for raising, transportation and releasing crustacea juveniles and use of the device
The present invention relates to a device for raising, transporting and releasing on a sea bed (50) crustacea juveniles which are in a housing section (1), the housing section (1) being adapted for connection to an emigration device (60, 80, 100) and the emigration device (60, 80, 100) being provided with at least one bore (70, 86) arranged to form an open path between an area near the surface of the sea bed (50) and a tubular element (10) disposed in a cut-out (12) in the housing section (1).
US07870833B2 Slide curtain coating apparatus and slide curtain coating method
To provide a slide curtain coating apparatus and method for depositing a curtain of coating liquid onto a running web, the apparatus and method capable of preventing the curtain from being condensed at its center region and preventing the resulting coating from having greater thickness at its edge regions. The coating apparatus includes: a slit for discharging the coating liquid; a slide on which the curtain flows down; and, a slide edge guide along which the curtain flows and which is provided at both edges on the slide and each having auxiliary liquid supply means at the surface facing the curtain; and auxiliary liquid supply means for discharging the auxiliary liquid from all over the surface thereof which touches the curtain at the edge guide. The coating method includes discharging the auxiliary liquid from all over the surface of the auxiliary supply means coating apparatus.
US07870832B2 Pressure indicating device
A pressure indicating device includes a case including a gas passage, and a movable indicator carried by the case. The indicator has an end in fluid communication with the gas passage and an indicator end projectable out of a portion of the case when pressure in the gas passage is at least a predetermined minimum pressure. A spring may retract the indicator when pressure in the gas passage is below the predetermined minimum pressure.
US07870826B2 Method and device for adjusting and controlling packing force
A seeding apparatus having a furrow opener attached to a first trailing arm, sensor for sensing the amount of ground force to which the furrow opener is being subjected, a second trailing arm, a packing wheel in secure engagement with the second trailing arm and adapted to pack a seeded furrow, an actuator and a control device in communication with the actuator and in communication with the sensor for applying a variable bias force to the packing wheel.
US07870824B2 Single-pass double-sided image transfer process and system
The present disclosure is directed to a printing assembly incorporating an improved double-sided image transfer station. The present disclosure also describes a product processing apparatus including a cross feed processing architecture. The single-pass double-sided image transfer station and cross feed processing architectures described herein provide numerous advantages over prior art product processing devices. In particular, the single-pass double-sided image transfer station provides for reduced print times, less shuttling of the product during printing, and a less complex, therefore, more reliable printing operation overall. The cross feed architecture provides an efficient processing path for the product through the device and facilitates processing modularization.
US07870823B1 Multilayer print pad
A print pad for printing on a hard surface has a tip portion made of a silicon rubber having a first durometer. Rearward of the tip portion is a central body portion made of a silicon rubber having a durometer that is different than the durometer of the tip portion. Rearward of the central body is a base suitable to attachment to a machine.
US07870821B2 Coffee maker and microwave oven having the same
Provided is a coffee maker having a structure for preventing water from leaking while a water storage container is unloaded, and a microwave oven having the same. The coffee maker includes: a water storage container storing water for extracting coffee and having a drainage hole formed at one sided portion thereof; a tube guiding water drained through the drainage hole of the water storage container so as to extract coffee; and a connection unit having a first connector of which one end is connected to the water storage container, and a second connector of which one end is connected to the tube and the other end is separatably connected to the first connector. The connection unit communicates the water storage container with the tube and prevents water from leaking from at least one of the water storage container and the tube when the first connector and the second connector are separated from each other.
US07870820B2 Method and system for preparing a jerky food product
A method and apparatus for preparing a jerky food product. The method comprises: (a) preparing a raw meat to obtain a moldable meat dough; (b) contacting at least a portion of the meat dough with a jerky mold apparatus having a pre-determined geometric configuration, wherein a plurality of sectors are spatially separated and defined by supported partitions arranged in a pre-determined pattern; (c) causing at least one of the partitions of the jerky mold to impale the meat dough to dispose portions of the meat dough into at least one of the sectors, thus separating the meat dough into a plurality of meat segments having a size and shape corresponding to that of the sectors; (d) removing the meat segments from the jerky mold; and (e) treating the meat segments to produce a plurality of jerky pieces.
US07870818B2 Piston for a piston-cylinder unit
A piston-cylinder assembly includes a working cylinder, and a one-piece stamped and formed piston body which is attached to a piston rod, the piston body being axially movable in the cylinder and dividing the cylinder into two working spaces. The piston body has at least one first opening provided with a first valve for passing fluid when the piston moves in a pull direction, and at least one second opening provided with a second valve for passing fluid when the piston moves in a push direction. A circumferential surface of the piston body is formed with a shallow groove which holds a seal between the circumferential surface and the working cylinder.
US07870817B2 Actuator using fluid cylinder and method of controlling the same
An actuator using a fluid cylinder in which rigidity may be attained with a simple configuration, includes a fluid cylinder, a first choke valve device, and a second choke valve device. The first choke valve device is disposed between a fluid pressure source and a first chamber, and the second choke valve device is disposed between the fluid pressure source and a second chamber. An opening of a valve of a discharge valve mechanism included in each of the choke valve devices is set so as to be in inverse proportion to a target pressure in the chamber in which the fluid pressure is adjusted by the choke valve device.
US07870809B2 Handlebar assembly
A handlebar assembly (100) is disclosed comprising a lower base portion (101) which is adapted to support a handlebar (202) through a guide means which is so constructed and arranged to permit the handlebar (202) to move along a path relative to the base portion (101) whereby upon movement of the handlebar (202) along the path to the left or the right relative to a central position the handlebar (202) tilts and the center of the handlebar (202) moves downwards relative to the base portion (101) as well as horizontally from the central position. The assembly allows the handlebars to move in a way which mimics the movement of the handlebars of a bicycle. In a modification, the guide means may restrain the handlebar for movement up/down or forwards/backwards or side to side, again to provide a more realistic range of movement.
US07870808B2 Flexible actuator and joint-driving unit using the same
A displacement member can be displaced in a direction substantially perpendicular to a moving direction of a translation member that is held on a base member so as to reciprocatingly move thereon linearly, and an elastic mechanism secured to the base member accumulates and releases elastic energy in accordance with the distance to the displacement member. Protruding members of the translation member are pressed against a transmission member by generated force provided by the energy release from the elastic mechanism; thus, a distance adjusting operation between coupling mechanisms coupling the transmission member and the displacement member is controlled by a control device so that the relative position and relative angle between the displacement member and the transmission member are changed.
US07870806B2 Ball screw device
The invention relates to a ball screw device in which a screw shaft and a nut member are threadedly engaged with each other through a number of balls. In such a ball screw device, an inner surface of a cover plate contacting an end surface of a nut main body is provided with a projecting return piece adapted to be fit-engaged with a recess cut in an inner peripheral surface of the nut main body, the return piece being provided with a scoop portion for dislodging the balls from the ball rolling groove of the screw shaft and a direction switching passage for guiding the dislodged balls to the entrance of a ball return hole. The projecting return piece is divided into a first piece formed integral with the cover plate and a second piece fixed to the first piece by a curved plane including the center line of the direction switching passage.
US07870803B2 Ball screw and method for displacing a threaded spindle in a ball screw
A ball screw comprising a threaded nut with thread channels for rolling bodies, a threaded spindle with thread channels for rolling bodies, and an intermediate bush, which is arranged between the threaded nut and the threaded spindle, wherein the intermediate bush has thread channels, which face the threaded nut and are adapted to the thread channels of the threaded nut, and rolling bodies are guided in these thread channels, and wherein the intermediate bush has thread channels, which face the threaded spindle and are adapted to its thread channels, and rolling bodies are guided in these thread channels, is proposed, wherein a first threaded arrangement, which is formed by means of the thread channels of the threaded nut and the intermediate bush facing one another, and a second threaded arrangement, which is formed by means of the thread channels of the intermediate bush and the threaded spindle facing one another, operate in opposite directions.
US07870802B2 Rotary start stop mechanism
An engine-flywheel hybrid in which the engine power is varied mainly by the frequency of power cycles, not by the power per power cycle. The flywheel absorbs the energy from the power cycles and delivers energy. The rotary stop start mechanism stops and starts a crankshaft efficiently with minimal energy loss. This is accomplished by varying the offset of a double crank four bar linkage. The invention allows an engine's flywheel to be quickly be brought up to speed in about a half of a revolution, followed by combustion, expansion, and stopped one revolution after starting. Further, utilizing offset, the engine crankshaft will turn faster than the input shaft when the piston is at top dead center, shortening the time of highest heat transfer, making the engine more efficient. Also, that when used as an auto engine, the part load efficiency would be near the maximum efficiency of the engine, nearly doubling the miles per gallon of the auto.
US07870799B2 Method and apparatus for testing the air flow in a clothes dryer
A method and apparatus for testing the air flow in a clothes dryer by determining a pressure characteristic of the air within the drying chamber when the dryer is turned on and comparing the determined pressure characteristic to a predetermined reference value to ascertain the condition of the air flow in the dryer.
US07870798B2 Method and mechanism of the suspension resonance optimization for the hard disk driver
A system and method are disclosed for using a test slider to test the resonance performance of a head gimbal assembly. The test slider has a two-stripe air-bearing surface to allow the test slider to glide above a surface and a block with a mass equal to the combined mass of the electrical slider and the micro-actuator. The leading edge of the slider is tapered and has a main air groove to facilitate gliding. A back step on the side of the test slider opposite the air bearing surface maintains a parallel gap between the slider and the suspension tongue of the head gimbal assembly.
US07870797B2 Apparatus and method for aspirating and dispensing liquid
A liquid aspirating and dispensing apparatus and method of using the apparatus. Among other elements, the apparatus includes a liquid handling device having one or more channel members, each of which has a removable liquid holding tip attached, and a signal transmitting device. A signal transmitted from the signal transmitting device may be used in a variety of ways to yield information regarding the performance of the apparatus. This information may be provided via direct detection of the signal by an operator of the apparatus. Alternatively, the signal may be detected by a programmable signal detecting device, interpreted by the apparatus, and then displayed in a form that is understandable to the operator. Furthermore, the liquid holding tip may be modified to enable different forms of signal transmission.
US07870794B2 Device for measuring a mass flow
A device for measuring a mass flow (5) with guide means (4) having a surface shaped as a circular arc, across which the mass flow can flow during the measurement, and a force sensor (2), wherein the guide means (4) is supported above the force sensor (2) and the support occurs on a straight line extending through an endpoint of a radius vector TO of a resulting friction force F acting on the mass flow (5) in the direction of the resulting friction force F acting on the mass flow (5).
US07870791B2 Method and apparatus for pressure measurement using quartz crystal
A pressure sensor includes a sensor which is arranged to couple to a process pressure. A quartz crystal is coupled to the sensor and is configured to measure pressure of fluid in the sensor body. An output from the quartz crystal is related to pressure applied to the sensor body by the process pressure.
US07870789B2 Seismic sensor
A seismic sensor includes a frame, a pendulum pivotably mounted to the frame, a mechanism for sensing angular position of the pendulum, and a monolithic flat spring oriented between the frame and the pendulum for balancing the pendulum at an equilibrium position. The monolithic flat spring includes: (i) an operating region for providing a restoring force to the pendulum proportional to an angular displacement of the pendulum; and (ii) a suspension region for transmitting a force to a portion of the operating region and applying a negligible bending moment to the portion of the operating region.
US07870788B2 Fabrication process and package design for use in a micro-machined seismometer or other device
An accelerometer or a seismometer using an in-plane suspension geometry having a suspension plate and at least one fixed capacitive plate. The suspension plate is formed from a single piece and includes an external frame, a pair of flexural elements, and an integrated proof mass between the flexures. The flexural elements allow the proof mass to move in the sensitive direction in the plane of suspension while restricting movement in all off-axis directions. Off-axis motion of the proof mass is minimized by the use of intermediate frames disbursed within and between the flexural elements. Intermediate frames can include motion stops to prevent further relative motion during overload conditions. The device can also include a dampening structure, such as a spring or gas structure that includes a trapezoidal piston and corresponding cylinder, to provide damping during non-powered states. The capacitive plate is made of insulating material. A new method of soldering the capacitive plate to the suspension plate is also disclosed.
US07870783B2 Method for measuring the turbulence intensity of a horizontal axis wind turbine
The present invention provides a method for measuring the turbulence intensity of a horizontal axis wind turbine that is capable of accurately obtaining the value of the turbulence intensity without the effect of the rotor and by taking into consideration the motion of the nacelle. In the method for measuring the turbulence intensity of a horizontal axis wind turbine, with the nacelle located on the upwind side of the rotor of the horizontal axis wind turbine, measurement values are obtained from an anemometer that is located on the nacelle and an acceleration sensor that is fastened to the nacelle, and the absolute value of the turbulence intensity is calculated based on the measurement values from the anemometer and the measurement values from the acceleration sensor. As a result, it is possible to accurately calculate the absolute value of the turbulence intensity that includes the effect of the movement of the nacelle.
US07870782B2 Method and apparatus for determining the properties of drilling fluids
Methods and apparatus to measure flow of a drilling fluid composition include a test housing including a test matrix located between an inlet and an outlet, a test valve connected between the inlet of the test housing and a fluid reservoir, and a pressure assembly configured to apply pressure to drilling fluid contained in the fluid reservoir. The apparatus and methods further include a sample valve connected to the outlet of the test housing and a measurement device configured to measure a filtrate fluid flowing through the outlet. A method to measure flow of a drilling fluid includes measuring an amount of filtrate fluid flowing through the test matrix as a function of time.
US07870777B2 Gas sensor
A gas sensor having an axis including a detecting element; a metal shell; an outer cylinder; and a plug member, as defined herein, and the gas sensor includes a first protective member that covers an air vent of the plug member so as to protect the filter member, the protective member having a ventilation portion having an opening smaller than an opening of the air vent and at least partially overlapping the air vent in the axial direction, and at least one of the outer cylinder and the plug member is provided with a locking portion that limits rotation of the protective member around the axis.
US07870773B2 Inserted wiper die for high-pressure tube-bending and method of using same
The present invention is a wiper die assembly that combines the performance of a solid-body wiper die with the economy of a inserted wiper die for high-pressure rotary-draw tube-bending. The key features of the present invention are: [1] A wiper insert attached to the wiper holder by a mechanical means that retains the bore of the insert as a smooth, uninterrupted working surface, and [2] radius face support shoe attached to the wiper holder that can be adjusted to support and stabilize the entire wiper assembly against the cavity of the bend die.
US07870765B2 Safing lock mechanism
A locking mechanism for a pyrotechnic safe and arm interrupter 98 may be constructed with an external lock casing 2, longitudinally extending bolt 3, washer 4, spring 5, retaining ring 8 and interlocking element 9 that may be configured in various shapes and features corresponding with a safety release component. A key 10 may be constructed with key stem 11, handle 12 and two pairs of teeth 13, 14 of different diameters radially protruding from successively reduced diameters along a distal portion of key stem 11. Lock 1 may be installed with notch 19 in alignment with a corresponding feature of the safe and arm interrupter mechanism and fastened in place with mounting holes 20 so that only mounting flange 17 and the key access 18 are external to the interrupter device, panel or door.
US07870761B2 Garment and method for producing the same
A garment includes a sensor band of generally smaller dimensions than the garment for holding sensor electrodes incorporated in the band against a user's body while wearing the garment. The sensor band is elasticated to conform against the user's body and the garment is relatively loose fitting. The sensor band may be attached to the remainder of the garment by highly elastic and flexible webbing portions.
US07870758B2 Ejector cycle
In an ejector cycle with an ejector including a nozzle for decompressing refrigerant, a control unit controls an air blowing amount of an evaporator fan so that a flow speed of refrigerant flowing in an evaporator becomes in a predetermined flow speed range. Therefore, it can prevent a large amount of lubrication oil from staying in the evaporator, and thereby the lubrication oil can sufficiently returns to a compressor. For example, the control unit includes a determining means for determining the predetermined flow speed range based on at least one of an atmosphere temperature of a condenser, a temperature of air supplied to the evaporator and a flow amount of refrigerant discharged from the compressor.
US07870757B2 Liquid discharge method and liquid discharger in temperature controller
There is disclosed a liquid discharge method in a temperature controller having a refrigerant circulation line circulating a refrigerant to a target of temperature control and a heater heating the target, wherein the refrigerant is circulated so as to control the temperature of the target with the refrigerant and the heater in the case where the temperature of the target is controlled to be a first temperature lower than or equal to a room temperature, wherein the circulation of the refrigerant is stopped so as to control the temperature of the target with the heater in the case where the temperature of the target is controlled to be a second temperature higher than the room temperature, wherein in the case of changing the setpoint of the target from the first temperature to the second temperature.
US07870755B2 Ice maker equipped with a convection fan
An ice maker equipped with a convection fan includes a control box, an ice making tray, a water intake unit and an ice sweeping shaft. The control box holds at least one convection fan and has at least one air inlet and one air outlet to allow the convection fan to generate cooling air convection to accelerate cooling speed and improve ice making efficiency.
US07870754B2 Refrigerator ice compartment latch and cover
An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent with a damper in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency, including movement of the damper between open and closed positions. An improved latch and seal are provided for the ice bin assembly to allow removal of the bin assembly and to ensure a positive seal between the bin assembly and the front cover of the ice compartment.
US07870753B2 Appliance door with a service interface
An appliance comprises a cabinet, a door movably mounted to the cabinet and having a peripheral edge, and a standardized service interface located on the peripheral edge. The standardized service interface is configured to supply at least one service for use by a consumer electronic device. The peripheral edge can be the top edge of the door and the standardized service interface can receive the service from the use environment of the appliance. A connector can be incorporated into the standardized service interface to selectively supply the consumer electronic device with the service. The appliance can comprise a refrigerator. The service can comprise mechanical, power, or data communication.
US07870750B2 System and method for controlling demand of multi-air-conditioner
A system for controlling multiple air conditioners. The system includes a demand control unit configured to divide the multiple air conditioners into groups, to assign a priority level to each group, to calculate an estimated power amount used by the multiple air conditioners based on an amount of power consumed by the multiple air conditioners during a predetermined time period, and to forcibly control an operation of one or more air conditioners included in a respective group based on the priority level assigned to the respective group.
US07870748B2 Method for controlled rate freezing and long term cryogenic storage
A containment apparatus (10) having a floor wall (12) with four side walls (16) extending therefrom and an opening (13) at the top. Each of the side walls (16) and the floor wall (12) include apertures (20) defined within to allow air to flow freely throughout the containment apparatus. A lid (18) may be provided to place on the containment apparatus to cover the opening (13). A divider (21) made of interlocking wall strips (23) that connect to define a plurality of separate compartments (25). Each interlocking wall strip (23) having multiple apertures (20) defined within to allow for free airflow around, through and between each compartment (25). An alternative embodiment of the divider (31) is comprised of a molded material such as plastic for holding thermosensitive product vials. The alternative divider (31) having a plurality of aligned wells (39). Each well (39) being adapted to support one thermosensitive product vial.
US07870747B1 Fogless ambient air vaporizer
In the method of using ambient air to vaporize liquefied gas, the steps include transferring heat from a stream of ambient air to a stream of liquefied gas, thereby cooling the air stream, and vaporizing the liquid; transferring heat from a source into the cooled air stream; and then discharging the heated air stream to atmosphere, sufficient heat being transferred to obviate objectionable fog production resulting from step c).
US07870743B2 Compound nozzle cooled engine
A gas turbine engine includes a compressor, combustor, and high pressure turbine operatively joined together. The turbine includes a nozzle followed by a row of rotor blades. A first bleed circuit is joined in flow communication between the last stage of the compressor and a forward cooling channel in vanes of the nozzle for feeding first cooling holes therein with pressurized primary air at a first pressure. A second bleed circuit is joined in flow communication between an intermediate stage of the compressor and aft cooling channels in the nozzle vanes to feed second cooling holes with pressurized secondary air at a second pressure less than the first pressure.
US07870742B2 Interstage cooled turbine engine
A gas turbine engine includes a compressor, combustor, and high pressure (HP) turbine operatively joined together. An interstage cooling circuit is joined in flow communication from an intermediate stage of the compressor to a forward face of an HP disk supporting a row of turbine blades for channeling interstage bleed cooling air thereto.
US07870738B2 Gas turbine: seal between adjacent can annular combustors
The present invention is directed to a seal for sealing a gap between transition sections of adjacent can annular combustors in a turbine engine such that the seal is usable in applications for sealing pressure drops of 0.5 bar or greater. The seal includes a plate configured to extend between adjacent transition sections and the plate may have at least one perforation extending from the front surface of the plate to the rear surface of plate. The seal further includes a porous matrix formed from materials capable of withstanding turbine combustion gas temperatures, wherein a portion of the porous matrix may be fixedly attached to a surface of the plate.
US07870736B2 Premixing injector for gas turbine engines
A premixing injector for use in gas turbine engines assists in the lean premixed injection of a gaseous fuel/air mixture into the combustor of a gas turbine. The premixing injector is designed to mix fuel and air at high velocities to eliminate the occurrence of flashback of the combustion flame from the reaction zone into the premixing injector. The premixing injector includes choked gas ports, which allow the fuel supply to be decoupled from any type of combustion instability which may arise in the combustor of the gas turbine and internal passages to provide regenerative cooling to the device.
US07870730B2 Variable geometry turbocharger extender idle vane cycle
A method to operate and electronic controlled internal combustion engine, and particularly a heavy duty diesel engine, to effect vane cleaning of a variable geometry turbocharger.
US07870729B2 Hydraulic control device
The invention relates to a hydraulic control device for a priority, first hydraulic consumer and a subordinate, second hydraulic consumer, pressure medium being deliverable to the first or the second consumer via a first or a second metering diaphragm. A pressure scale which allows a constant pressure difference to be adjusted above the first metering diaphragm is mounted upstream from the first metering diaphragm. For this purpose, said pressure scale is provided with a valve piston encompassing a first control edge, by means of which a first flow area between a feeding duct and the first metering diaphragm can be controlled. A second control edge which allows a second flow area to be controlled between the feeding duct and a load signaling line is provided on the valve piston of the first pressure scale.
US07870723B2 System and method to operate fuel cell in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine
A method for operating an international combustion engine, the engine also includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, an exhaust system, and a fuel cell in the exhaust system. The method comprises operating the first cylinder lean to provide air to the fuel cell during at least one condition; and operating the second cylinder rich or stoichiometric to provide torque output and fuel to the fuel cell.
US07870719B2 Plasma enhanced rapidly expanded gas turbine engine transition duct
A plasma enhanced rapidly expanded duct system includes a gas turbine engine inter-turbine transition duct having radially spaced apart conical inner and outer duct walls extending axially between a duct inlet and a duct outlet. A conical plasma generator produces a conical plasma along the outer duct wall. An exemplary embodiment of the conical plasma generator is mounted to the outer duct wall and including radially inner and outer electrodes separated by a dielectric material. The dielectric material is disposed within a conical groove in a radially inwardly facing surface of the outer duct wall. An AC power supply is connected to the electrodes to supply a high voltage AC potential to the electrodes.
US07870714B2 Air-splicing device for splice-connecting two glass fiber roving strands and process of splice-connecting same
An Air-splicing device for splice-connecting two glass-fiber roving strands (1, 3), comprises a strand channel (6) open at its two opposing ends (7, 8), two splice chambers (9, 10) arranged side-by-side in said strand channel, at least three strand clamps (13, 14, 15, 16) two of which are outer strand clamps (13, 15) arranged at either side outside of said two splice chambers and at least one of which is an inner strand clamp (14, 16) arranged between said two splice chambers, and two strand cutters (17, 18) arranged at the opposite ends of the strand channel. Said first and second splice chambers are feedable with pressurised air independently of each other.
US07870713B2 Sickle guard with integral streamlined air discharge system for blowing plant material toward a header of an agricultural plant cutting machine
A guard for a sickle of an agricultural plant cutting machine includes a forwardly extending finger including a longitudinally extending, upwardly facing surface extending over the sickle, which includes a rearwardly facing air discharge nozzle therein located above and/or forwardly of the sickle, and the finger includes an air flow passage extending internally therethrough from an air inlet adjacent to a base of the finger to the nozzle, for delivering a flow of pressurized air thereto, the nozzle being at least mostly flush with or recessed into the upwardly facing surface. As a result, the nozzle is operable for discharging the flow of air rearwardly over the finger without obstructing plant material flow thereover, the air flow being sufficient to blow at least a substantial amount of loose grain and other plant material located forwardly of the front edge of a header floor of the machine, onto the floor for collection by a conveyor of the header for processing.
US07870712B2 Method and machine for vine automatic pruning
An apparatus for automatically pruning vines grown in a row in a cordon-leading manner has a chassis, a pre-pruning module, a clear-cutting module and a position sensor. The clear-cutting module is positioned behind the pre-pruning module and has cutters thereon. The position sensor is forward of the clear-cutting module so as to locate the cordon and to position the cutter so as to achieve a clear cut from a periphery of the cordon. The clear-cutting module has upper cutters, lower cutters and lateral cutters.
US07870708B2 Device and method for evacuating a storage bag
A storage system for storing and preserving food items or the like includes a sealable storage bag having attached to it a one-way valve element that communicates with the interior volume of the storage bag. The system also includes an evacuation device that can be positioned over the one-way valve element to evacuate air entrapped in the interior volume via the valve element. To avoid possible damage to the storage bag, the valve element, or the stored food items, the evacuation device is configured to have a maximum evacuation pressure of 6 pounds per square inch absolute or greater. In an embodiment, to control the maximum evacuation pressure of the evacuation device, the evacuation device can include a pressure control feature which in further embodiments may be pressure activated or user selectable.
US07870705B2 Production of band-driven packages and their components
Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.
US07870703B1 Upper beam slab bolster for use in construction
A bolster for use in construction has a beam, a pair of spaced apart foot members, a first plurality of leg members on one side of the beam, and a second plurality of leg members on an opposite side of the beam. The first plurality of leg members are connected at one end to the beam and at the opposite end to one of the pair of spaced apart foot members. The second plurality of leg members are connected at one end to the beam and at the opposite end to the other of the pair of spaced apart foot members. The beam, pair of spaced apart foot members and first and second pluralities of leg members are integrally formed together of a polymeric material. Multiple lengths of bolster may be joined together in a snap-fit engagement.
US07870702B2 Concrete reinforcement support chair
An apparatus (“chair”) for supporting one or more reinforcement bars or post-tension cables (“bars/cables”) in a concrete structure includes a base member having a centered opening, a pair of opposing first leg members extending upward from the base member at a first angle, a pair of opposing second leg members extending upward from the base member at a second angle, and a strap-shaped locking cradle. The strap-shaped locking cradle includes an arc-shaped receiving portion attached to the first and second leg members, a flexible portion suitable for wrapping over the bars/cables and a fastener to affix the flexible portion to the arc-shaped receiving portion or one of the first leg members such that transverse and vertical movement of the bars/cables is limited and longitudinal movement of the bars/cables is allowed.
US07870700B2 Pan tile for roofing system
A pan tile for use in a roofing system, wherein a plurality of such pan tiles are disposed in confronting, supported relation on an underlying roof support and in underlying, at least partially supporting relation to plurality of overlapping, exteriorly exposed roof tiles, wherein the pan tiles may be structured individually or integrally in longitudinal arrays. The pan tile includes a planar base and two oppositely disposed planar side segments extending outwardly from opposite peripheries of said base at a common, preferred obtuse angle. Leading and trailing ends of pan tiles have a greater and lesser transverse dimension respectively, wherein the side segments or oriented in a converging configuration extending from the leading end to the trailing end of the pan tile. Solar energy systems may also be incorporated in the individual pan tiles and/or the longitudinal arrays thereof.
US07870698B2 Non-combustible reinforced cementitious lightweight panels and metal frame system for building foundations
A foundation system includes metal framing members that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable cementitious panel. The foundation system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, and termite resistant. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.
US07870693B1 System for shingle tile roof protection
A system for protecting tile roofs that includes a wire mesh assembly that substantially covers the shingle tile roof structure. The wire mesh assembly includes peripheral sides defined by outermost wire members. Strap members with some degree of deformability have two folded ends. One of the ends hooks over the outermost wire member and the other end removably mounts to the distal peripheral end of the drip guard. The system can be readily deployed over the roof structure and removed for volumetrically efficient storage.
US07870689B2 Mount for firearms
A mount comprising a connecting portion attachable to a firearm, a first member connected to the connecting portion to be rotatable about a first axis, a second member connected to the first member to be rotatable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and an attachment system connected to the second member for receiving an accessory. Also, a mount attachable to a firearm and having a dampener system connected to base and body portions thereof, the dampener system acting to dampen a recoil force produced by the firearm. Further, a mount attachable to a firearm and allowing a first rotation varying an azimuth of an accessory and a second rotation varying an angle of elevation of the accessory, and control means adjusting the second rotation to obtain a desired value and automatically producing the first rotation to correct a lateral drift of the firearm.
US07870688B1 Clamping device for coaxially coupling optical devices
A clamping device for coupling optical devices in coaxial, tandem alignment includes a front clamp assembly that has elastically deformable split collar halves tightenable onto a front optical device by a screw tightenable into bores disposed transversely through a pair of arms extending radially from the split collar halves. A rear optical device support protrudes rearward from the front clamp assembly, and has a releasable fastener such as a screw or dovetail joint for supporting a rear optical device in coaxial alignment with the front optical device. Preferably, the arm is mounted to the front clamp assembly by means of a pivotable joint which is latchable in a first, rearward position, and a second, forward position in which the rear optical device is positioned along the side of the front optical device, so that the front device may be used independently of the rear device.
US07870685B2 Method for the treatment of covering materials for interior fitting pieces in particular for vehicle interiors and interior fitting pieces
A method for the treatment of covering materials for use with a vehicle component, in particular for pieces of trim or vehicle seats, whereby the moisture content of the covering material is temporarily increased, such that the covering material is softened in a treatment chamber by the introduction of moisture and then smoothed by the action of a drawing force extending the covering material is disclosed. A vehicle component treated by the above method, in particular seats, roof linings, and trim pieces for motor vehicles is further disclosed.
US07870684B2 Method and system for optimising land levelling designs
A method and system for creating a levelling surface for use in levelling a substantially uneven ground surface, optimised for a single plane, row cropping, or dryland cropping with no rows (a surface for row cropping will typically optimise the surface with a defined water flow direction and a surface for dryland cropping will typically optimise the surface to allow water flow in any direction). Terrain data is collected, at least one constraint corresponding to desired surface characteristics is inputted, and a data transformation engine is operated, wherein the data transformation engine optimises the terrain data for at least one terrain variable, generates an optimised terrain model that substantially complies with the at least one constraint, and outputs a levelling surface. The levelling surface may be outputted to a three-dimensional controller for land-levelling machinery which could then shift the soil from the existing terrain to match the levelling surface.
US07870673B2 Method of manufacturing a spherical bearing
Provided is a method of manufacturing a spherical bearing having an inside member with a metal ball portion and an outside member having a ball support portion enclosing and supporting the ball portion of the inside member and connected to the inside member swingably or rotatably relative to each other, including the steps of performing injection molding in which the ball portion of the inside member is inserted as a core in a mold to mold a resin liner covering the ball portion, molding the outside member covering the resin liner by a casting in which the ball portion and the resin liner are inserted as a core in the mold, and after the completion of the casting, heating the resin liner covering the ball portion through the ball portion of the inside member.
US07870671B2 Method of manufacturing a plate heat exchanger
Brazed double wall plate heat exchangers are manufactured so that the double walls are connected and sealed to each other around port holes of the exchanger. This is obtained by providing areas that are shaped so as to include areas not covering each other. The brazing is provided by capillary suction of brazing material from other plate areas.
US07870667B2 Terminal crimping apparatus and method of crimping a terminal
To provide a reliable terminal crimping apparatus and a terminal crimping method, which crimps an electric wire to a terminal having crimping pieces, ends of which curve in a direction of approaching each other, the terminal crimping apparatus includes a first die for placing the terminal on a surface thereof, a second die arranged correspondingly to the first die and freely approaching and parting the first die to crimp the crimp pieces by approaching the first die, and a third die arranged correspondingly to the first die and freely approaching and leaving from the first die to approach the first die before the second die crimps the crimping piece so as to push the electric wire toward the bottom plate and insert the electric wire between the pair of crimp pieces.
US07870665B2 Method of manufacturing a conductor circuit, and a coil sheet and laminated coil
A conductor circuit and method of manufacturing a conductor circuit. The method includes forming a continuous conductor pattern on an insulating substrate, and connecting a short-circuit wire at a first position on the continuous conductor pattern such that two or more points on the continuous conductor pattern are short-circuited to each other by the short-circuit wire at the first position. An electrolytic plating film is formed on the continuous conductor pattern while the short-circuit wire is connected to the continuous conductor pattern at the first position, and the short-circuit wire is removed from the first position on the continuous conductor pattern to uncover a first exposed portion of the continuous conductor pattern.
US07870660B2 Method of manufacturing magnetic head for perpendicular magnetic recording
A magnetic head includes: an encasing layer made of a nonmagnetic material and having a groove that opens in the top surface; a nonmagnetic metal layer made of a nonmagnetic metal material, disposed on the top surface of the encasing layer, and having a penetrating opening that is contiguous to the groove; and a pole layer made of a magnetic metal material and encased in the groove of the encasing layer and in the opening of the nonmagnetic metal layer. The pole layer has an end face located in a medium facing surface, the end face having a first portion and a second portion that is located farther from a substrate than the first portion and connected to the first portion. The first portion has a width that decreases as the distance from the substrate decreases. The second portion has a uniform width that defines the track width. In the medium facing surface, the nonmagnetic metal layer exists on both sides of the second portion, the sides being opposed to each other in the direction of track width.
US07870659B2 Method for defining a perpendicular magnetic head
A method for defining a perpendicular magnetic head is provided. The method includes forming a portion of the read and write head including depositing a sensor film on a surface only over a region of the read head to form a sensor; depositing a full-film shaping pole layer over the write head; defining a track width of the sensor; patterning a photoresist to define a pole tip of the write head including write track width and flare position, and at the same time to define a back edge of the sensor; removing material of the sensor and pole tip from the areas not covered by the photoresist; completing the fabrication of the write and read head layers; and lapping the write pole concurrently with the sensor to define the flare position of the pole tip and to define a sensor height with accurate positioning of write head flare.
US07870658B2 Method for sheathing an armature for electrical machines
A method for sheathing an armature for electric machines, in which a stack of lamellae that is equipped with grooves for armature windings is mounted on an armature shaft by means of a bore and is provided with at least one groove insulation with the aid of the sheathing process. The sheathing plastic flows through ducts that extend along the bore of the stack and the armature shaft. The plastic is molded in only on a first face of the stack and flows into the grooves and through the ducts. The plastic invades the grooves also from the second face after being discharged from the ducts and converges with the plastic discharged from the first face. The method implements fixing and insulation of the grooves while the groove insulation is provided with a minimum layer thickness for such sheathings at the bottom thereof in order to allow for maximum copper fillings.
US07870656B2 Method for connecting two or more metal sheets or profile parts, especially of an automobile body segment, and said automobile body segment description
Method for connecting two or more metal sheets or profile parts, especially of an automobile body segment as well as said automobile body segment.A method is described for joining two or more metal sheets and/or profileparts of which typically one is a high strength steel with the following steps. a) mechanically joining in a force-locking or frictional manner the metal sheets or profile parts at one or more connecting sites and subsequently b) thermally joining the connecting sites by means of pressure welding. With the method according to the invention in particular in the motor vehicle sector automobile body segments can be produced which display qualitatively very high quality point weld joints.
US07870654B2 Mechanical seal device
A primary technical goal of a mechanical seal device of the present invention is to decrease assembly cost thereof as well as machining cost thereof and to prevent wear of seal surfaces by preventing occurrence of squealing noises of the seal surfaces. The mechanical seal device comprises a first seal ring which is one of a pair of seal rings and disposes an engagement portion at the outer circumferential surface, a retainer ring which has a first support portion supporting an inner diameter surface of the first seal ring and a second support portion engaging the engagement portion and is fixed with either a seal housing or a shaft, and a gasket which joins the retainer ring and the first seal ring in a sealing manner, wherein an engagement clearance (C) formed in a rotational direction between the engagement portion and the second support portion is within 0.5 mm.
US07870653B2 Tamper evident feature for package fastening clips
A product package clip has tamper evident protection which is formed integrally with the clip. Breakage of frangible connectors indicates that the clip, and thus the package, has been the target of tampering.
US07870652B2 Fasteners having improved comfort
A fastening member has inboard and outboard ends, a panel region, an end region, and a stiffening element. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end and has first and second layers. The first and second layers are joined in a face-to-face orientation. The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end and has a fastening element zone and an intermediate zone. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent an interface between the panel and end regions. The stiffening element is disposed in the end region and has a stiffness of greater than about 200 N/m. A portion of the stiffening element is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and is joined to the first layer and the second layer. The portion is disposed adjacent to the interface between the panel region and the end region.
US07870647B2 Methods and apparatus for assembling a door handle assembly
A handle assembly includes a handle body including a handle body having at least one attachment portion proximate a respective end of the handle body, wherein the at least one attachment portion is configured to engage a door panel. At least one latch member is coupled to a respective one of the at least one attachment portion, and the at least one latch member is configured to attach the at least one attachment portion to the door panel. At least one protective member is coupled to a respective one of the at least one attachment portion. The at least one protective member facilitates reducing damage to the door panel during installation of the handle assembly to the door panel.
US07870644B2 Hinge and interference assembly thereof
An exemplary interference assembly of a hinge includes a first element and a second element. The first element defines a through hole in a center, and a first depression portion in the side. A first raised portion protrudes from the side of the first element. The first depression portion and the first raised portion are opposite each other across the through hole. The second element defines a fixing hole in a center, and a second depression portion in a side facing the side of the first element for engaging with the first raised portion. A second raised portion protrudes from the side of the second element for engaging with the first depression portion. The second depression portion and the second raised portion are opposite each other across the fixing hole.
US07870643B2 Hinge arrangement for a tailgate of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a hinge arrangement, in particular for a tailgate of a motor vehicle, having a first hinge part, in particular firmly connected to the body, which is knuckle-jointed with a second hinge part, and having an energy accumulator, the force application points of which are positioned in relation to both hinge parts in such a way that the force released upon its discharge supports the rotation of the two hinge parts around the hinge axis from a first rotation position, which corresponds in particular to a closed position of the tailgate, to a second rotation position, which corresponds in particular to the open position of the tailgate. To obtain useful improvements, a transposition device is proposed for transposing at least one force application point in one of the two rotation positions, so that after a transposition onto the hinge parts a force acts in the opposite rotation direction.
US07870641B2 Door stay with support housing
The invention relates to a support housing comprising a housing part for an active component of a door stay, the housing part having at a first end an opening for receiving the active component. The problem of developing a support housing which can be produced on an industrial scale easily and flexibly in line with changing requirements is solved by the invention in that the housing part comprises a cut-off extruded profile. The invention also relates to a door stay comprising a stay bar with a first side, a first active component, which co-operates with the first side of the stay bar, and a support housing with a first housing part, the first end of which is open, and with an opening for the first active component, the first housing part comprising a cut-off extruded profile.
US07870638B2 Bare floor cleaner with agitator lift
A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank.
US07870632B1 Pocket golf ball washer
A portable golf ball cleaning device carried in a golfer's pocket for ball washing on the green. A cleaning element comprising a soft, flexible, absorbent material absorbs and retains a cleaning liquid and wipes a golf ball. An open container comprising a soft, flexible, resilient, waterproof material holds the cleaning element in a waterproof cavity formed by a bottom and a wall with an upper edge forming an opening. A mechanical fit or waterproof adhesive retains the cleaning element in the waterproof cavity. A vertical gap between the cleaning element and the upper edge of the wall keeps the cleaning element from prolonged contact with the pocket. A lateral cushion formed by the wall in the vertical gap keeps a ball engaged on the cleaning element during wiping. During play, cleaning liquid is added and the device is squeezed to adjust wetness and to clean the device. For ball cleaning, a ball is inserted through the opening and wiped on the cleaning element.
US07870631B2 Fold out ramp
A ramp assembly is suitable for use with a vehicle having a floor. The ramp assembly includes a ramp rotatably coupled within the vehicle, and a moving floor having an inboard panel and an outboard panel. The outboard panel has an outboard end hingedly coupled to the inboard end of the ramp to define an outboard hinge line that moves between a raised position when the ramp is in a stowed position and a lowered position when the ramp is in a deployed position. An outboard end of the inboard panel is hingedly coupled to an inboard end of the outboard panel. A reciprocating mechanism reciprocates an inboard end of the inboard panel between a lowered position and a raised position.
US07870630B2 Articulating close out assembly for a fold out ramp
A closeout assembly is suitable for use with a ramp assembly disposed within a vehicle having a floor. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion rotatably coupled at a first end for reciprocating movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. A panel assembly is hingedly coupled to the first end of the ramp portion. The close out assembly includes an end cap hingedly coupled at a first end to the first end of the ramp portion. A link is hingedly coupled at a first end to a second end of the end cap. A second end of the link is hingedly coupled to the panel assembly. When the ramp portion reciprocates between the stowed position and the deployed position, the hinged coupling of the end cap to the ramp portion moves along an arcuate path .
US07870628B2 Enhanced girder system
An enhancing mechanism to be placed primarily below the neutral axis of a girder is presented. The movement and deflection of the girder causes the enhancing mechanism to alter the bending moment distribution of the girder. The mechanism is configured so that when combined with the girder, the overall dimensions of the combined system is not much bigger than the dimensions of the girder alone. A tension member may be incorporated into the lower boundary of the enhancing mechanism, and connections are used to attach the mechanism to the girder below the neutral axis. The girder and the enhancing mechanism may be made of the same material or different materials. The compression forces developed in the long diagonal members of the enhancing mechanism become a reaction at the girder end points. A direct connection of the long diagonal members to support points load shear directly to the end supports.
US07870625B2 Mat for child development
A child management system is provided for entertaining, calming, and affecting the proper development of a child. The child management system comprises a mat having a top and bottom surface, a timing device mounted on the mat and set for a pre-determined amount of time, and a pressure sensitive sensor embedded within the mat electronically connected to the timing device such that the timing device counts down a predetermined amount of time while a child is activating the pressure sensitive sensor. The system further comprises a speaker mounted on the mat that is electronically connected to the sensor wherein the type of audio sound emitted by the speaker is a function of a child activating the pressure sensitive sensor. Additionally, a control device is connected to the timing device and speaker to set the pre-determined amount of time and control the audio sound emitted by the speaker.
US07870623B2 Weighted article
A weighted article for providing deep pressure therapy includes a plurality of patchwork pieces including a plurality of layers. At least some of the patchwork pieces include a filler of weighted material contained between at least two of the plurality of layers. The plurality of patchwork pieces are fastened together at edges.
US07870619B2 Potty training device
A potting training device for preventing a potty-training child's urine stream from passing through the opening formed between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl. The device is made of a flexible, water-resistant, preferably non-porous sheet material, having a folding seam separating a urine-deflecting surface and a plurality of attachment tabs. An adhesive material is applied to the surface of each attachment tab and attaches the attachment tabs to the underside of the toilet seat. The sheet material, in its unattached flat configuration, is manipulated into a curved configuration that matches the curvature of the toilet seat, and is attached thereto. The potty training device is also not visible to the observer unless the toilet seat is lifted up, in a vertical position or viewed from a position to the rear of the attachment point when the toilet seat is down.
US07870617B2 Protective helmet with adjustable support
The present invention relates generally to a protective helmet that includes a shell defining a shell exterior and a shell interior configured to protectively receive a wearer's head. The helmet also includes an internal support disposed in the shell interior in supportive association with the shell for supporting the shell on the wearer's head, and an adjustment member associated with the internal support for adjusting the size of the internal support to fit to the wearer's head. The adjustment member and the shell are configured and dimensioned such that the adjustment member is operable to adjust the internal support from outside the shell while the helmet is mounted on the wearer's head.