| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07875518B2 |
Semiconductor device having silicon layer in a gate electrode
A method for forming a semiconductor device includes, in order, consecutively depositing a gate insulating film and a silicon layer on a semiconductor substrate, implanting boron into the silicon layer, diffusing the boron by heat-treating the silicon layer, implanting phosphorous into the silicon layer, diffusing at least the phosphorous by heat-treating the silicon layer, and patterning the silicon layer by using a dry etching technique. |
| US07875513B2 |
Self-aligned bipolar junction transistors
A plurality of bipolar transistors are formed by forming a common conduction region, a plurality of control regions extending each in an own active areas on the common conduction region, a plurality of silicide protection strips, and at least one control contact region. Silicide regions are formed on the second conduction regions and the control contact region. The second conduction regions may be formed by selectively implanting a first conductivity type dopant areas on a first side of selected silicide protection strips. The control contact region is formed by selectively implanting an opposite conductivity type dopant on a second side of the selected silicide protection strips. |
| US07875509B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor apparatus and semiconductor apparatus, power converter using the same
In a manufacturing method of a SOI type high withstand voltage semiconductor device formed on a support substrate via an insulation film, a small-sized semiconductor device having small dispersion of withstand voltage is manufactured by introducing impurities into the whole surface of a p-type or n-type SOI substrate having an impurity concentration of 2E14 cm−3 or less and serving as an active layer of the semiconductor device with an ion implantation method and thereby forming a drift layer. |
| US07875505B2 |
Multi-die semiconductor package structure and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a multi-die semiconductor package structure and a manufacturing method thereof, which includes providing at least two dies and a lead frame including a die pad and a lead wire located at the periphery of the die pad, the die pad has a via hole at the edge thereof, binding a base opposite side of a first die to the die pad; electrically connecting the first die to the lead wire through the via hole; binding a base side of a second die to the die pad, the first and second dies are disposed on the opposite sides of the die pad respectively; electrically connecting the second die to the lead wire; stacking other dies above the first or second die and electrically connecting them to the lead wire; and encapsulating said at least two dies and the lead frame to form a package. |
| US07875500B2 |
Bonding semiconductor wafer stuck on dicing tape laminated adhesive sheet onto mounting support
The invention provides an adhesive sheet which can be stuck to a wafer at low temperatures of 100° C. or below, which is soft to the extent that it can be handled at room temperature, and which can be cut simultaneously with a wafer under usual cutting conditions; a dicing tape integrated type adhesive sheet formed by lamination of the adhesive sheet and a dicing tape; and a method of producing a semiconductor device using them. In order to achieve this object, the invention is characterized by specifying the breaking strength, breaking elongation, and elastic modulus of the adhesive sheet in particular numerical ranges. |
| US07875498B2 |
Chip module for complete power train
A chip module is disclosed. It includes a circuit substrate, a semiconductor die comprising a power transistor mounted on the circuit substrate, and a passive electronic component. The passive electronic component is in electrical communication with the semiconductor die, and is in thermal communication with the semiconductor die. |
| US07875495B2 |
Standoff height improvement for bumping technology using solder resist
A semiconductor device is made by disposing a film layer over a substrate having first conductive layer. An opening is formed in the film layer to expose the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is formed over the first conductive layer. A first bump is formed over the second conductive layer which promotes reflow of the first bump at a eutectic temperature. A standoff bump is formed on the film layer around a perimeter of the substrate. The film layer prevents reflow of the standoff bump at the eutectic temperature. A second bump is disposed between a semiconductor die and the first bump. The second bump is reflowed to electrically connect the semiconductor die to the first bump. After reflow of the second bump, the standoff bump has a height at least 70% of the second bump prior to reflow to maintain separation between the semiconductor die and substrate. |
| US07875492B2 |
Integrated circuit including a memory fabricated using self-aligned processing
An integrated circuit includes transistors in rows and columns providing an array, conductive lines in columns across the array, and resistivity changing material elements contacting the conductive lines and self-aligned to the conductive lines. The integrated circuit includes electrodes contacting the resistivity changing material elements, each electrode self-aligned to a conductive line and coupled to one side of a source-drain path of a transistor. |
| US07875486B2 |
Solar cells and methods and apparatuses for forming the same including I-layer and N-layer chamber cleaning
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide an apparatus and method for forming an improved thin film single or multi-junction solar cell in a substrate processing device. One embodiment provides a system that contains at least one processing chamber that is adapted to deposit one or more layers that form a portion of a solar cell device. In one embodiment, a method is employed to reduce the contamination of a substrate processed in the processing chamber by performing a cleaning process on the inner surfaces of the processing chamber prior to depositing the one or more layers on a substrate. The cleaning process may include depositing a layer, such as a seasoning layer or passivation layer, that tends to trap contaminants found in the processing chamber. Other embodiments of the invention may provide scheduling and/or positioning the cleaning processing steps at desirable times within a substrate processing sequence to improve the overall system substrate throughput. |
| US07875484B2 |
Monolithic IC and MEMS microfabrication process
Monolithic IC/MEMS processes are disclosed in which high-stress silicon nitride is used as a mechanical material while amorphous silicon serves as a sacrificial layer. Electronic circuits and micro-electromechanical devices are built on separate areas of a single wafer. The sequence of IC and MEMS process steps is designed to prevent alteration of partially completed circuits and devices by subsequent high process temperatures. |
| US07875481B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
It is made possible to provide a highly integrated, thin apparatus can be obtained, even if the apparatus contains MEMS devices and semiconductor devices. A semiconductor apparatus includes: a first chip comprising a MEMS device formed therein; a second chip comprising a semiconductor device formed therein; and an adhesive layer bonding a side face of the first chip to a side face of the second chip, and having a lower Young's modulus than the material of the first and second chips. |
| US07875476B2 |
High power LED package and fabrication method thereof
An LED diode package includes a heat connecting part for mounting a light emitting part on an upper surface thereof, frames electrically connected to the light emitting part while holding the heat connecting part and a molded part fixing the heat connecting part and the frames together. The light emitting part generates light in response to current applied thereto, and the upper surface of the heat connecting part is protruded beyond an upper surface of the molded part to a predetermined height. This can optimize the unique beam angle of the light source thereby to maximize lighting efficiency as well as prevent overflow of the encapsulating material in the assembling process of the lens, which may otherwise soil adjacent components. |
| US07875474B2 |
Gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor light-emitting device and production method thereof
The invention provides a gallium nitride based compound semiconductor light emitting device with excellent light extracting efficiency and its production method. A light emitting device, obtained from a gallium nitride based compound semiconductor, includes a substrate; a n-type semiconductor layer 13, a light emitting layer 14, and a p-type semiconductor layer 15, sequentially stacked on a substrate 11; a light-permeable positive electrode 16 stacked on the p-type semiconductor layer 15; a positive electrode bonding pad 17 provided on the light-permeable positive electrode 16; and a negative electrode bonding pad provided 18 on the n-type semiconductor layer 13, wherein a disordered uneven surface formed at least on a part of the surface 15a of the p-type semiconductor layer 15. |
| US07875465B2 |
Target substance capturing molecule
A capturing molecule having not less than two domains specifically binding to different sites of a target substance, wherein the not less than two domains comprise (1) a first domain having a hypervariable loop structure at a binding site to the target substance, and (2) a second domain having no hypervariable loop structure at a binding site to the target substance. |
| US07875461B2 |
Test strip and connector
An analyte test strip is provided that includes a generally planar substrate and a plurality of conductive areas disposed on the substrate to define five distinct conductive portions comprising at least five contact lands defining respective vertices of a polygon, and in which two contact lands are located in a single conductive portion. System and method utilizing the test strip are also described. |
| US07875457B2 |
Erasable taggant distribution channel validation method and system
To address counterfeit problems, for example, we propose a secure, flexible, and cost-effective authentication solution that can be integrated into conventional distribution logistic systems. The proposed solution for product authentication and distribution channel validation comprises three major components: 1) machine-readable Raman-active chemical taggant; 2) a taggant reader; and 3) a taggant eraser. The proposed solution is to control and validate the distribution channel by authenticating the origin of products. Authentication is accomplished by verification of distinct taggants associated with the articles, such as on its label, along with other product distribution information in optical, spatial-encoding indicia, such as a barcode. The taggant information is used to identify, validate, and distinguish the origin of the source of the articles, such as goods or products. The taggant material is thereafter rendered unreadable by modifying the taggants to make obtaining the information unfeasible, thereby controlling the taggants' lifecycle. |
| US07875441B2 |
Oligonucleotides for detecting human papilloma virus in a test sample
Oligonucleotides targeted to HPV Type 16 and/or Type 18 nucleic acid sequences which are particularly useful to aid in detecting HPV type 16 and or 18 are described. The oligonucleotides can aid in detecting HPV Type 16 and/or Type 18 in different ways such as by acting as hybridization assay probes, helper probes, and/or amplification primers. |
| US07875434B2 |
Label-free methods for performing assays using a colorimetric resonant reflectance optical biosensor
The instant invention provides compositions and methods for determining cell interactions that are faster than conventional methods and that require the use of fewer reagents than conventional methods. |
| US07875422B2 |
Viral drug susceptibility testing
A method of testing phenotypic drug susceptibility in an enveloped virus-infected mammalian individual by testing on an enzyme packed into an enveloped virus, such as HIV, recovered from a biological sample, such as blood or plasma, from said individual is described. The method comprises the steps of a) adding an enzyme inactivating agent to the sample for inactivating polymerase activity other than that present in the enveloped virion, b) removing the enzyme inactivating agent, enzyme activity blocking antibodies, endogenous enzyme activity inhibitors and antiviral drugs, c) lysing the virus particle to release the enzyme, d) recovering the concentrated purified viral enzyme, such as a HIV reverse transcriptase (RT), resulting from c) and determining the drug sensitivity profile of the individual from the recovered enzyme by using sensitive enzyme assays. The drug sensitivity profile may be used for selecting drug treatment therapy. A commercial package is included. |
| US07875421B2 |
La1—the genome of a lactobacillus strain
The present invention pertains to the use of the DNA sequence of a Lactobacillus johnsonii strain, in particular to its genomic sequence for elucidating interactions of micro-organism with hosts they colonize, and moreover for elucidating the basis of probiotic properties exhibited by such strain. In addition, the present invention also relates to methods of detecting nucleic acids or polypeptides of Lactobacilli and related species, respectively. A data carrier is provided comprising nucleotide sequences and/or polypeptide sequences of La1. |
| US07875420B2 |
Method for improving surface roughness of processed film of substrate and apparatus for processing substrate
To improve the surface roughness of a resist film formed on a wafer.In a coating and developing treatment system, a wafer W on which a resist film has been formed and subjected to exposure and developing treatment is adjusted to a predetermined temperature. A solvent gas is supplied to the surface of the temperature-adjusted wafer W to dissolve the surface of the resist film. The wafer W is then heated to volatilize the solvent in the resist film to thereby heat shrink the resist film. This levels the projections and depressions on the surface of the resist film so as to improve the surface roughness of the resist film. |
| US07875419B2 |
Method for removing resist pattern and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
It is an object to provide a technique for removing a resist favorably without leaving residue in the case of using a nonaqueous resist stripper. According to the present invention, in order to achieve the object, when a resist pattern is removed by using the nonaqueous resist stripper, it becomes easier to remove the resist pattern after dry etching or ion doping, by performing exposure treatment on the resist pattern. After a resist pattern is formed from a DNQ-novolac resin type of positive resist composition, the resist pattern is irradiated with light within the range of photosensitive wavelength of the DNQ photosensitizer, thereby removing the resist pattern with the nonaqueous resist stripper. |
| US07875418B2 |
Method for a multiple exposure, microlithography projection exposure installation and a projection system
In a method for multiply exposing at least one substrate coated with a photosensitive layer, a first exposure is carried out in accordance with a first set of exposure parameters on a first projection system, and a second exposure is carried out in accordance with a second set of exposure parameters on a second projection system spatially separated from the first projection system. The projection systems are integrated in a common projection exposure installation. The first exposure can be carried out, for example, with an amplitude mask, the second exposure with a phase mask. The use of a number of projection systems enables multiple exposure that is performed in parallel and is therefore timesaving. |
| US07875417B2 |
Silicone-containing film-forming composition, silicon-containing film, silicon-containing film-bearing substrate, and patterning method
A silicon-containing film is formed from a heat curable composition comprising (A-1) a silicon-containing compound obtained through hydrolytic condensation of a hydrolyzable silicon compound in the presence of an acid catalyst, (A-2) a silicon-containing compound obtained through hydrolytic condensation of a hydrolyzable silicon compound in the presence of a base catalyst, (B) a hydroxide or organic acid salt of Li, Na, K, Rb or Ce, or a sulfonium, iodonium or ammonium compound, (C) an organic acid, (D) a cyclic ether-substituted alcohol, and (E) an organic solvent. The silicon-containing film ensures effective pattern formation, effective transfer of a photoresist pattern, and accurate processing of a substrate. |
| US07875416B2 |
Composition for forming photosensitive polymer complex and method of preparing photosensitive polymer complex containing silver nanoparticles using the composition
A liquid-type composition for forming a photosensitive polymer complex and a method of preparing a photosensitive polymer complex containing silver nanoparticles using the same are provided. The composition for forming a photosensitive polymer complex includes a multifunctional epoxy resin, a photoacid generator, an organic solvent and a silver compound, or additionally includes a multifunctional acrylate resin and a photoinitiator, or an additive, e.g., a surfactant or a flow improver. This composition is applied, selectively exposed, and developed, thus preparing a photosensitive polymer complex, which contains silver nanoparticles uniformly dispersed and formed in the polymer pattern portion thereof through photo reduction and is therefore improved in terms of physical or chemical properties, e.g., heat resistance and wear resistance. |
| US07875413B2 |
Capsulated toner having fine particle cycloolefin copolymer resin shell
There is provided a capsulated toner which has low-temperature fixing ability, good storage stability, excellent charge stability, high fixing strength to a sheet paper, and low consumption, and is capable of forming a color image of high-definition, high-gloss, and high-density. The capsulated toner for electrophotography includes a shell layer containing a cycloolefin copolymer resin and a core particle including a synthetic resin different from the cycloolefin copolymer resin, wherein the capsulated toner has a core/shell type structure. |
| US07875412B2 |
Positive electrified charge control agent and positive electrified toner for developing electrostatic image
A positive electrified charge control agent comprising a silicon complex compound of an effective component represented by the following chemical formula (I) and/or chemical formula (II) (in the formula (I) and formula (II), [D-(SO3)2]2− is a bivalent anion of an organic acid having at least two sulfonic acid groups, p is 0 or 1, B is a bonding line when p is 0, B is a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom when p is 1, J is a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom, A is an organic group which forms a ring with (B)p and J, both of R are same or different to each other and are an organic group, and these both of R are independent or form a heterocyclic ring). A positive electrified toner for developing an electrostatic image comprises the positive electrified charge control agent. A charge control method of the positive electrified toner for developing the electrostatic image comprises a step for making the toner positively electrified by friction. |
| US07875409B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, mask and semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device answerable to refinement of circuits by correctly connecting adjacent small patterns with each other with excellent reproducibility in connective exposure and a semiconductor device manufactured by this method are proposed. According to this method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, connective exposure is performed by dividing a pattern formed on a semiconductor substrate into a plurality of patterns and exposing the plurality of divided patterns in a connective manner, by forming marks for adjusting arrangement of the patterns to be connected with each other on the semiconductor substrate before exposing patterns of a semiconductor element and connectively exposing the patterns of the semiconductor element in coincidence with the marks for adjusting arrangement. |
| US07875405B2 |
Side-by-side fuel cells
A membrane electrode assembly is used for a planer type fuel cell. The membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, anodes and cathodes disposed counter to the anodes. Ends of current collectors are connected to one side of the anodes, respectively. Ends of current collectors are connected to one side of the cathodes, respectively. On a cathode side, the current collectors are provided in positions opposed respectively to the insulators provided on an anode side with the electrolyte membrane interposed in between. A cathode-side current collection and an anode-side current collector are connected by an interconnector, and adjacent cells are electrically connected in series with each other. |
| US07875398B2 |
Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system which includes: a fuel cell fed with a reaction gas for generating power; an output detection unit which detects output current and voltage of the fuel cell; a storage unit which stores a standard current-voltage characteristic of the fuel cell, from which a standard voltage of the fuel cell at an output current thereof is obtainable; and a gas feed mismatch detection unit which detects a gas feed mismatch of the reaction gas, based on a comparison between the detected output voltage of the fuel cell and the standard voltage at the detected output current, obtained from the standard current-voltage characteristic stored. |
| US07875397B2 |
Permeable inlet fuel gas distributor for fuel cells
An inlet fuel distributor (10-10d) has a permeable baffle (39, 54, 54a, 60) between a fuel supply pipe (11, 83) and a fuel inlet manifold (12, 53, 53a, 63) causing fuel to be uniformly distributed along the length of the fuel inlet manifold. A surface (53, 68) may cause impinging fuel to turn and flow substantially omnidirectionally improving its uniformity. Recycle fuel may be provided (25, 71) into the flow downstream of the fuel inlet distributor. During startup, fuel or inert gas within the inlet fuel distributor and the fuel inlet manifold may be vented through an exhaust valve (57, 86) in response to a controller (58, 79) so as to present a uniform fuel front to the inlets of the fuel flow fields (58). |
| US07875395B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolytic cell and its manufacturing method
A nonaqueous electrolytic cell manufacturing method is characterized in that a nonaqueous electrolyte containing vinylene carbonate is used, a coating on the surface of the negative electrode is formed at the initial charging/discharging in such a way by lowering the negative electrode potential to less than 0.4 V with relative to the lithium potential, wherein the nonaqueous electrolytic cell comprises a nonaqueous electrolyte containing an electrolytic salt and a nonaqueous solvent, a positive electrode, and a negative electrode containing a negative electrode material into/from which lithium ions are inserted/desorbed at a potential higher than the lithium potential by 1.2 V. The nonaqueous electrolytic cell is used in a range of negative electrode potential nobler than the lithium potential by 0.8 V. |
| US07875394B2 |
Fuel cell, using oxidoreductase type enzymes in the cathodic compartment and possibly in the anodic compartment
A proton exchange membrane fuel cell comprises an cathodic compartment including a cathode, an oxidant consisting of oxygen and at least one enzyme catalyst, an anodic compartment comprising an anode, a fuel and at least one catalyst. The anodic and cathodic compartments are arranged at either end of the membrane. The cell is characterized in that the enzyme catalyst of the anodic compartment is an oxidoreductase type enzyme capable of catalyzing the reduction of oxygen into hydrogen peroxide and the hydrogen peroxide is a direct receptor of the electrons from the cathode. |
| US07875384B2 |
Secondary battery
Disclosed is a secondary battery which can prevent twist or bend of a mold resin part of the battery. In one embodiment, a side wall extension part is formed on a top edge of a side wall of a can of the battery. The side wall extension part protrudes upwardly from the top edge of the side wall, and partially encloses a mole resin part that is formed on the top of the can. In another embodiment, a protrusion part is formed on an edge of an upper plane of a cap plate that covers the can of the battery. The protrusion part protrudes upwardly from the upper plane of the cap plate, partially encloses a mole resin part that is formed on the upper plane of the cap plate. In both embodiments, the protruded part adheres to the mold resin part, and supports the mold resin part to prevent mechanical distortion that can be caused by external force. Therefore, the protruded part improves the reliability of the battery. |
| US07875380B2 |
Complex membrane for electrochemical device, manufacturing method and electrochemical device having the same
A complex membrane for an electrochemical device such as a lithium secondary battery, its manufacturing method, and an electrochemical device having the complex membrane are disclosed. The complex membrane includes a micro-porous polyolefin membrane, and a web-phase porous membrane united to at least one side of the micro-porous polyolefin membrane and composed of nano-fibers. Since the complex membrane is capable of absorbing an electrolyte uniformly, it greatly improves performance of a battery when being used for an electrochemical device. In addition, owing to excellent mechanical strength and good binding capacity to an electrode, it helps to increase a process rate for manufacturing the battery. |
| US07875365B2 |
Recordable optical recording media
An optical recording medium is provided with inorganic bi-layer films that were prepared by magnetic sputtering. A first recording layer containing an element selected from Si or Ge, and a second recording layer contacts with the first recording layer and containing a primary component selected from Ta, Ni or Mo. This optical media can record information by way of microscopic structure changing of bi-layer recording films after laser irradiation. |
| US07875364B2 |
Electrically conductive connector housing part
An electrically conductive connector housing body (16, 17) of aluminum or an aluminum compound, and a surface layer on the aluminum which comprises an adhesive layer in the form of a chemical nickel-plating, a corrosion protection layer, and a metallic passivation layer provided in sequence. In order to avoid the use of toxic metals and their compounds in a housing part of this type and nevertheless to assure sufficient conductivity and corrosion resistance, the corrosion protection layer is formed by a zinc-cobalt-iron compound, the passivation layer is constituted by a compound made of trivalent chromium, and a sealing layer made of an inorganic compound containing silicate is applied as the exterior layer. |
| US07875362B2 |
Absorbent article comprising a modified water absorbent resin
An absorbent member and a method for making such an absorbent member. The absorbent member includes a modified water absorbent resin having good production efficiency, absorbency against pressure, absorption speed, gel strength, and liquid permeability. The modified water absorbent resin may be made by mixing a water absorbent resin, water, and a water-soluble radical polymerization initiator without addition of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer to obtain a water absorbent resin composition, and irradiating the water absorbent resin composition with active energy rays. During irradiation, the surface water content of the water absorbent resin is at least 3.0 wt %. |
| US07875359B2 |
Opacifying polymers
A self-stabilizing dispersion composition having a copolymer having at least one polymerizable acid-containing moiety, wherein the at least one acid-containing moiety is at least partially neutralized before or during polymerization, and at least one hydrophobic moiety. A process for producing such compositions is also provided, as well as a process for encapsulating water-insoluble actives in such copolymers. |
| US07875358B2 |
Slurry and acoustical panel with reduced bound water
A composition for a slurry for manufacture of a building panel includes one or more fillers, one or more binders and water. One or more fillers is an expanded perlite at least partially covered with a film-forming, thermoplastic polymer coating Some embodiments use calcined or uncalcined gypsum as a binder or filler. One embodiment is a building panel that includes a solid matrix of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals bound to expanded perlite.A method of making the panel includes acquiring expanded perlite and coating it with film-forming, thermoplastic polymer coating. After the expanded perlite is prepared, it is combined with water other optional fillers and one or more binders to form a slurry. The slurry is shaped into a panel and allowed to dry. |
| US07875354B2 |
Erosions systems and components comprising the same
An erosion system including a toughened resin for improving erosion resistance, the toughened resin including a resin and a toughening agent, and a support for retaining the toughened resin where at least one layer of the erosion system is applied to a component to provide from about a 50% increase to about a 400% increase in erosion resistance to the component per layer of the erosion system. |
| US07875349B2 |
Polymer inactivation method for polycrystalline silicon manufacturing device
A polymer inactivation method for a polycrystalline silicon manufacturing device, wherein humidified gas such as water vapor and humidified nitrogen gas is supplied into a reacting furnace for manufacturing polycrystalline silicon to hydrolyze polymers adhered to an inner surface of the reacting furnace. It is preferable that a furnace wall of the reacting furnace is heated when the humidified gas is supplied. |
| US07875344B2 |
Steel-plate-reinforcement resin composition, steel plate reinforcing sheet, and reinforcing method of steel plate
Steel-plate-reinforcement resin composition that can provide improvement in both of adhesiveness and handleability in a wide temperature range around room temperature, a steel plate reinforcing sheet using the steel-plate-reinforcement resin composition, and a method of reinforcing the steel plate using the steel plate reinforcing sheet. After the steel-plate-reinforcement resin composition comprising an epoxy resin, an acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, a curing agent, and a foaming agent is prepared, the steel-plate-reinforcement resin composition is rolled to form a resin layer 2. Then, a reinforcing layer 1 is laminated on the resin layer 1 to obtain a steel plate reinforcing sheet. After the steel plate reinforcing sheet is adhesively bonded to a steel plate 4, the steel plate reinforcing sheet is foamed and cured, to reinforce the steel plate 4. |
| US07875343B2 |
Anti-microbial carpet underlay and method of making
A method for making antimicrobial rebonded carpet pad includes mixing zinc pyrithione with a polyol to form an antimicrobial polyol mixture concentrate, blending the antimicrobial polyol mixture concentrate with a binder stream, mixing the binder with foam particles and curing the binder. The percentage of zinc pyrithione mixed with the polyol and the addition ratio of the antimicrobial polyol mixture concentrate with the binder stream are selected to provide an overall concentration of zinc pyrithione in the binder of at least about 7500 ppm. The particles and binder are cured into a block and sliced to form carpet pad. |
| US07875341B2 |
Antireflective film, polarizer plate and display
The present invention provides an antireflective film including at least an antireflective layer and a base resin layer, the base resin layer including at least layers a and b respectively including a thermoplastic resin as a main component, the layer a having a flexural modulus higher than that of the layer b, and the layer a being closer to the antireflective layer than the layer b, a polarizer plate obtained by bonding the antireflective film to a polarizer, and a display including the polarizer plate. According to the present invention, an antireflective film in which an antireflective layer is stacked on a transparent resin substrate and exhibits excellent antireflective performance, tenacity, and surface hardness, a polarizer plate using the antireflective film, and a display including the polarizer plate are provided. |
| US07875336B2 |
Method for producing a component, a tool for carrying out said method and the component
A method for production of a component in a tool having a cavity-forming first and a second tool half comprises the following steps: a) insertion at least of two skins with angled-over end regions into the second tool half such that the angled-over end regions of the skins are situated adjacently with the same orientation and angling; b) rear-foaming or rear-spraying of the skins with a foam material or injection moulding material, c) after insertion of the skins, the end regions of the skins being pressed together in a foam-tight or spray-fight manner at least in regions by pressing at least on one side of the end regions which are situated one above the other against a wall which determines the form and position of the pressed-together end regions. |
| US07875335B2 |
Method of fabricating polishing pad having detection window thereon
The present invention provides a polishing pad. The polishing pad comprises a transparent part and a high molecular weight layer. The transparent part has an uneven side surface and the profile of the uneven side surface is selected from a group consisting of a serrated shape, a wavy shape and a toothed shape. The high molecular weight layer encircles the transparent part. |
| US07875334B2 |
Stitchbonded fabric with a slit substrate
A stitchbonded fabric has a substrate material of uniform composition and physical properties and stitching threads stitched through and over the extent of the substrate in which the substrate has one or more slits defined by opposite facing lips that are unparted when the fabric is stitched. The fabric can be tensioned such that the lips part and thereby produce varied performance characteristics such as increased stretch and aesthetically pleasing effects as are useful in fabric utilities such as mattress cover skirts. The lips can pucker to give the fabric texture. The fabric can be extended and/or contracted laterally to further buckle out of plane. The puckering and buckling give the fabric additional functional properties such as dust-catching ability in cleaning wipe utilities. |
| US07875332B2 |
Adhesive tape and method of use
A tape body having an adhesive layer includes a tape center to be affixed to an object and a tape outer periphery continuous to an outer periphery of the tape center and separable therefrom. A release paper includes a release paper center laminated on the tape center except at the outer periphery of the tape center, and a release paper outer periphery at least partially continuous to an outer periphery of the release paper center and separable therefrom. Thus, when the release paper center is separated from the tape center, opposite ends of the tape center adhere to the release paper outer periphery. Therefore, after a part of the tape center is affixed to the object, the tape outer periphery and the release paper outer periphery are separated from the tape center, and the remaining parts of the tape center are affixed to the object, thereby completing the adhesion operation. |
| US07875328B2 |
Optical film and information technology apparatus comprising the same
The present invention relates to an optical film comprising an aromatic based unit having chain having the hydroxy group containing portion and aromatic moiety; and a styrene-based unit comprising one or more styrene-based derivatives, and has absolute values of in-plane retardation (Rin) and thickness retardation (Rin) of 10 nm or less regardless of stretching, and a polarizing plate and an information technology apparatus including the same. |
| US07875323B2 |
Method of manufacturing a substrate and method of crystal display panel having the same
In a method of manufacturing a substrate and a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, a conductive is formed on a base substrate, and a buffer layer is formed on the base substrate having the conductive layer. The buffer layer includes a polymer-like carbon thin film. An alignment layer is formed on the buffer layer. The alignment layer includes a diamond-like carbon thin film containing fluorine. A content of hydrogen in the polymer-like carbon thin film is more than that in the diamond-like carbon thin film. |
| US07875322B2 |
Plasma processing method
Pulsated microwaves are supplied to a wave guide tube from a microwave generation unit through a matching circuit. The microwaves are supplied through an inner conductor to a planar antenna member. The microwaves are radiated from the planar antenna member through a microwave transmission plate into space above a wafer within a chamber. An electromagnetic field is formed in the chamber by pulsated microwaves radiated into the chamber from the planar antenna member through the microwave transmission plate, turning an Ar gas, H2 gas and O2 gas into plasma to form an oxide film on the wafer. |
| US07875316B2 |
Surface-coated cutting insert and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a surface-coated cutting insert that includes an insert body having a substrate of tungsten carbide-based cemented carbide, titanium carbonitride-based cermet or ceramics, a base layer, an intermediate layer and an outermost layer. The base layer and the outermost layer are made of a single layer or two or more layers formed of carbides, nitrides, oxides, or borides of one selected from the group consisting of Group IVa metals, Group Va metals, Group VIa metals, aluminum and silicon, or complex compounds thereof, and the intermediate layer is formed of primarily Al2O3. The outermost layer is removed on part of the insert body surface including the flank face and a flank face-side cutting edge portion of the intersecting edge line region, with the outermost layer being left on part of the rake face inside a boundary with the intersecting edge line region. |
| US07875313B2 |
Method to form a pattern of functional material on a substrate using a mask material
The invention provides a method to form a pattern of functional material on a substrate for use in electronic devices and components. The method uses a stamp having a relief structure to transfer a mask material to a substrate and form a pattern of open area on the substrate. The functional material is applied to the substrate in at least the open area. Contact of an adhesive material to an exterior surface opposite the substrate and separation of the adhesive from the substrate forms the pattern of functional material on the substrate. The method is suitable for the fabrication of microcircuitry for electronic devices and components. |
| US07875310B2 |
Residual solvent extraction method and microparticles produced thereby
Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step. |
| US07875305B2 |
Thin film filter having negative temperature drift coefficient
A structure of a film filter includes a plurality of film layers made of a film stack material and a substrate wafer which said film layers are deposited on at a temperature substantially higher than a room temperature and retained to after being cooled to the room temperature. The substrate wafer has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of the film stack material so as to generate compressive forces upon the associated film layers, thus resulting in the film filter having a negative temperature drift coefficient. |
| US07875303B2 |
Protein system and food products including same
A protein system for food products containing a moisture source is provided having a combination of intact proteins, casein, and partially hydrolyzed dairy protein and partially hydrolyzed legume protein in a total amount effective to reduce mixing time and/or shear requirements, and reduce firmness development during processing and storage of the food products to increase shelf life. The reduced firmness is achieved without embittering the food product by using a protein blend delivering a unique balance of partially hydrolyzed and intact proteins, and casein. Methods of making the food products with the protein blends are also covered. |
| US07875301B2 |
Agent for increasing granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor
The provision of a GM-CSF increasing agent or a TNF-α modulator, which is a composition comprising Cucurbita moschata, Carthamus tinctorius, Plantago asiatica and Lonicera japonica; or a health food, nutritional supplementary food, or the like for increase of GM-CSF, and the prevention of Crohn's disease and the like, and the prognosis thereof, which comprises Cucurbita moschata, Carthamus tinctorius, Plantago asiatica and Lonicera japonica. |
| US07875296B2 |
Conformable tissue repair implant capable of injection delivery
A conformable tissue implant is provided for use in repairing or augmenting a tissue defect or injury site. The tissue implant contains a tissue carrier matrix comprising a plurality of biocompatible, bioresorbable granules and at least one tissue fragment in association with the granules. The tissue fragment contains one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the tissue carrier matrix. Also provided is a method for injectably delivering the tissue implant. |
| US07875294B2 |
Method of attenuating bruise formation
The present invention provides a method of attenuating the formation or reducing the severity of a bruise in the tissue of a patient via applying a composition comprising a hydrophilic foam substrate and a polymeric hydrophilic agent to a portion of the surface of the skin in an amount and at a location sufficient to attenuate formation of or reduce the severity of bruising. |
| US07875293B2 |
Biointerface membranes incorporating bioactive agents
A biointerface membrane for an implantable device including a nonresorbable solid portion with a plurality of interconnected cavities therein adapted to support tissue ingrowth in vivo, and a bioactive agent incorporated into the biointerface membrane and adapted to modify the tissue response is provided. The bioactive agents can be chosen to induce vascularization and/or prevent barrier cell layer formation in vivo, and are advantageous when used with implantable devices wherein solutes are transported across the device-tissue interface. |
| US07875292B2 |
Orally disintegrable tablets
An orally disintegrable tablet, of the present invention, which comprises (i) fine granules having an average particle diameter of 400 μm or less, which fine granules comprise a composition coated by an enteric coating layer, said composition having 10 weight % or more of an acid-labile physiologically active substance and (ii) an additive, has superior disintegrability or dissolution in the oral cavity so that it can be used for treatment or prevention of various diseases, as an orally disintegrable tablet capable of being administered to the aged or children and easily administered without water. Also, because the tablet of the present invention contains fine granules having the average particle diameter such that it will not impart roughness in mouth, it can be administered easily without discomfort at the administration. |
| US07875289B2 |
Compositions of less immunogenic and long-circulating protein-lipid complexes
Provided are lipidic particles comprising phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol and cholesterol. Also provided are compositions comprising the lipidic particles and having associated therewith therapeutic agents such as peptides, polypeptides or proteins. In these compositions, the therapeutic agents have reduced immunogenicity and/or longer circulating time. These compositions can be used for therapeutic administration of the peptides, polypeptides and/or proteins. |
| US07875284B2 |
Methods of manufacturing and modifying taxane coatings for implantable medical devices
This disclosure relates to endolumenal medical devices coated with a taxane therapeutic agent in one or more solid form(s) having varying dissolution rates. Particularly preferred coatings comprise amorphous paclitaxel, dihydrate paclitaxel, or combinations thereof that provide durable coatings that release paclitaxel over a desired period of time, which can be on the order of hours, days or weeks. Preferred embodiments relate to medical device coatings of paclitaxel, or paclitaxel analogs or derivatives, having one or more polymorph solid forms that provide a prolonged release of paclitaxel within a body vessel without requiring a polymer carrier or barrier layer to achieve the desired rate of paclitaxel elution. |
| US07875283B2 |
Biodegradable polymers for use with implantable medical devices
The present invention relates to a stent fabricated of or coated with a composition comprising a biodegradable hydrophobic polymer containing water-labile bonds such that a device fabricated of the composition or the surface of a device coated with the requisite mechanical characteristics required of a stent and the polymer erodes from its outer surface inward. |
| US07875282B2 |
Coated medical device for local vascular delivery of Panzem® in combination with rapamycin to prevent restenosis following vascular injury
Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. In addition, these therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to promote healing, including the formation of blood clots. Also, the devices may be modified to promote endothelialization. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned. In addition, the devices utilized to deliver the implantable medical devices may be modified to reduce the potential for damaging the implantable medical device during deployment. Medical devices include stents, grafts, anastomotic devices, perivascular wraps, sutures and staples. In addition, various polymer combinations may be utilized to control the elution rates of the therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds from the implantable medical devices. |
| US07875281B2 |
Composition and method for repelling moles, voles and gophers
The present invention is a composition and method for repelling moles, voles, gophers, chipmunks and armadillos by applying a composition comprising castor oil, yellow grease and sodium lauryl sulfate to plant materials. |
| US07875280B2 |
Methods and compositions involving LcrV proteins
The present invention concerns methods and compositions involving modified LcrV proteins from Yersinia bacteria. These methods and compositions can be employed to invoke an immune response in a subject against the bacteria, while not suppressing the immune system as much as the native LcrV protein. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to vaccines, as well as methods to protect a subject against Yersinia pestis and plague. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods and compositions for suppressing a subject's immune system using non-native LcrV polypeptides. |
| US07875277B2 |
Compositions and methods for inhibiting squamous cell carcinoma
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting and inhibiting squamous cell carcinoma using agents that target the laminin 5 alpha 3 G4-G5 domain. |
| US07875272B2 |
Treatment of stroke and other acute neuraldegenerative disorders using postpartum derived cells
Cells derived from postpartum tissue such as the umbilical cord and placenta, and methods for their use to regenerate, repair, and improve neural tissue, and to improve behavior and neurological function in stroke patients are disclosed. |
| US07875269B2 |
Thickened hair colourant and bleaching compositions
The present invention relates to hair colouring and hair bleaching compositions comprising a source of carbonate ions, at least one oxidizing agent and a specified gel network thickener system wherein said composition is free of a source of radical scavengers. The compositions surprisingly provide improved hair colourant and bleaching compositions which deliver improved lift, lightening and colour delivery whilst minimizing damage which are easy to manufacture and have long shelf life stability. |
| US07875268B2 |
Dimercaptoamides, compositions comprising them as reducing agents, and processes for permanently reshaping keratin fibers therewith
The present disclosure relates to specific dimercaptoamides, reducing compositions for permanently reshaping keratin fibers comprising the dimercaptoamides, for instance, human keratin fibers such as the hair; and processes for reshaping keratin fibers comprising the application of said reducing compositions. The present disclosure also relates to processes for preparing the dimercaptoamides. |
| US07875265B2 |
Cosmetic composition comprising a sequenced polymer and a plasticizer
A subject matter of the invention is a cosmetic composition comprising a cosmetically acceptable organic liquid medium, a block polymer and a plasticizer, characterized in that: the block polymer is a film-forming linear ethylenic polymer, the plasticizer is a compound, the nature and the amount of which are such that the composition is capable of forming a film having a hardness of less than or equal to 35 seconds, the hardness of the film being measured using a Persoz pendulum according to Standard NF-T-30-016, and in particular a compound having a solubility parameter δh ranging from 5.5 to 11 (J/cm3)1/2. Application to making-up and caring for keratinous substances, in particular the skin. |
| US07875264B2 |
Self-tanning cosmetic
The present invention provides a self tanning cosmetic containing 0.2-20.0 mass % of dihydroxyacetone and 0.1-10.0 mass % of an inorganic pigment powder whose surface is treated with silica coating followed by a hydrophobing treatment.The present invention provides a cosmetic that has superior storage stability, is free of discoloration and odor generation, and achieves both the decorative effect of the pigment immediately following application and the long term dyeing effect of dihydroxyacetone. |
| US07875263B1 |
Polymeric structured gels
The present invention is directed to a gel composition which comprises an specific solid alkyl silicone polymers combined with specific liquid esters selected from the group consisting of glyceryl esters, trimethylolpropane esters, and pentaerythritol esters. The invention is also directed to a process for providing emolliency to the skin by applying the compositions of the present invention. Finally, the invention is also directed to application of sun screen actives, hydroxy acids, antioxidants, flavonoids, tocopherol, vitamins and the like to the skin in gelled form. |
| US07875262B2 |
Aqueous starch-oil dispersions having improved UV stability and absorbing ability
A delivery system for UV-protective sunscreen agents, antioxidants, skin care agents, cosmetics and the like comprising feruloylated acylglycerols (FAG) and other cinnamate-modified vegetable oils (CMVO) incorporates the agents into starch-based composites. These composites permit the use of a lower level of CMVO for comparable UV protection than if the CMVO were used alone. |
| US07875259B2 |
Biological materials and methods useful in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases
The present invention relates to a method of making a β-form of a prion protein which preferably has more β-sheet than α-helix structure and is soluble in the absence of a denaturant and/or is non-aggregated and exhibits partial resistance to digestion with proteinase K. The invention also relates to use of the β-form in medicine, especially for raising antibodies useful in the treatment and/or diagnosis of prion diseases. The invention also relates to methods of screening for compounds which are capable of inhibiting and/or reversing the conversion of the native α-form of a prion protein to a β-form, and to uses of identified compounds in medicine. |
| US07875257B2 |
Dispersion and separation of nanostructured carbon in organic solvents
The present invention relates to dispersions of nanostructured carbon in organic solvents containing alkyl amide compounds and/or diamide compounds. The invention also relates to methods of dispersing nanostructured carbon in organic solvents and methods of mobilizing nanostructured carbon. Also disclosed are methods of determining the purity of nanostructured carbon. |
| US07875256B2 |
Method for producing carbon nanocoils
The present invention discloses a method for producing carbon nanocoils, which comprises: providing a metal substrate; depositing a tin precursor on the substrate; heating the substrate with the precursor to a predetermined temperature to form a catalyst on the substrate; placing the substrate in a quartz tube furnace; and introducing carbon source gas and protective gas into the quartz tube furnace to allow carbon nanocoils to grow on the surface of the catalyst. Another method for producing carbon nanocoils is also disclosed, which includes: depositing a mixed solution of iron acetate and tin acetate on a substrate; heating the substrate with the mixing solution to a predetermined temperature to form a catalyst on the substrate; placing the substrate in a quartz tube furnace; and introducing carbon source gas and protective gas into the quartz tube furnace to allow carbon nanocoils to grow on the surface of the catalyst. |
| US07875255B2 |
Nanoparticles comprising calcium phosphate and ethylene imine compositions and methods of production thereof
Highly dispersible inorganic compound nanoparticles modified by functional molecules include the functional molecules; a high molecular nitrogen compound having at least two amino groups selected from primary amino groups, secondary amino groups and tertiary amino groups; and inorganic compound nanoparticles bonded to at least one amino group of the at least two amino groups. The high molecular nitrogen compound is modified by the functional molecules, and the inorganic compound nanoparticles are covered with the high molecular nitrogen compound modified by the functional molecules. |
| US07875251B2 |
Ozone-decomposing agent
An ozone-decomposing agent including a first iron compound and a second iron compound is provided. The second iron compound may have a spinel type structure. The first iron compound of the ozone-decomposing agent may include an oxide selected from Fe2O3, FeO(OH) or Fe(OH)3. The second iron compound of the ozone-decomposing agent may include an oxide selected from MnFe2O4, ZnFe2O4, NiFe2O4, CuFe2O4 or CoFe2O4. |
| US07875249B2 |
Reactor-integrated syphon
In order to improve sealing properties between a downcomer and a high-speed layer and in order to efficiently take out produced gas obtained through gasification of, for example, a solid reactant, a syphon for sealing between a downcomer and a high-speed layer through temporary storage of particles moving from the downcomer to the high-speed layer comprises a reactor portion for causing the solid reactant to conduct chemical reaction through action of the particles, a downcomer seal portion in communication, at upper and lower ends thereof, with the downcomer and a lower portion the reactor portion, respectively, a particle outlet seal portion provided in a spaced apart relationship from the downcomer seal portion and in communication, at upper and lower ends thereof, with the high-speed layer and the lower portion of the reactor portion, respectively, and a freeboard portion formed above the reactor portion. |
| US07875247B2 |
UV flux multiplication system for sterilizing air, medical devices and other materials
An ultraviolet flux multiplying air sterilization chamber comprises inner surfaces having a diffuse reflective behavior. The sterilization chamber includes an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture for air to flow through said chamber and a light source emitting an ultraviolet light. Due to the reflectivity of the inner surfaces of the chamber, a flux of the ultraviolet light is multiplied by reflecting multiple times from the inner surfaces of the chamber. The inlet and outlet apertures are advantageously configured to reduce the amount of light that escapes from the chamber and increase the amount of photons available in the chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, perforated end panels having diffuse, reflective interior surfaces may be provided over at least a portion of the inlet and outlet apertures. |
| US07875244B2 |
Gas sensor with at least one catalytic measuring element
A gas sensor has shock resistance and temperature resistance attributes. The gas sensor includes at least one catalytic measuring element (3), which is arranged in a sensor housing (1) forming a combustion chamber (2). The sensor housing (1) has at least one gas-permeable housing opening (4) for the gas exchange between the environment and the combustion chamber (2). The catalytic measuring element (3) is arranged between at least two disk-shaped support elements (5) made of a heat-insulating and temperature-resistant material. |
| US07875242B2 |
Slide stainer with multiple heater stations
Apparatus and methods for treating hematological, cytological, or histological specimens deposited on slides are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first heating station, a second heating station, and at least one processing station adapted to receive specimen slides. A lifting device moves a first set of the specimen slides and a second set of the specimen slides among the first heating station, the second heating station, and the at least one processing station. A controller independently controls the temperature of the first and second heating stations and selectively positions each of the first and second sets of specimen slides within at least two of the first heating station, the second heating station, and the at least one processing station. |
| US07875240B2 |
Auto-calibration label and method of forming the same
An auto-calibration circuit or label (20) being adapted to be used with different first and second instruments. The first instrument being different from the second instrument. The auto-calibration label comprising first and second plurality of electrical connections. The first electrical connections conveys first instrument encoded-calibration information (82) corresponding to a sensor. The first instrument information is adapted to be utilized by the first instrument to auto-calibrate for the first sensor. The first plurality of electrical connections includes contact areas. The second electrical connections conveys second encoded-calibration information (84) corresponding to the first sensor. The second information is adapted to be utilized by the second instrument to auto-calibrate for the sensor. The second electrical connections includes a second plurality of contact areas, which are distinct from the first contact areas. The first electrical connections is adapted to be routed directly from each of the first contact areas to a first (52) or second common (54) connection. The second electrical connections is adapted to be routed directly from each of the second contact areas to the first or second common connection. |
| US07875238B2 |
Device for generating aqueous chlorine dioxide solutions
The invention pertains to a device for generating aqueous chlorine dioxide solutions when the device is contacted with liquid water. The device comprises an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorite, e.g., sodium chlorite, and a chemical reagent comprising an acid or a material capable of releasing an acid upon exposure to liquid water, e.g., sodium bisulfate. The chlorite and the reagent are either combined as a mixture or are disposed as separate components adhered to the surface of one or more substrates. Upon exposure to liquid water, the chlorite and the reagent produce boundary layers. The chlorite and the reagent are disposed upon, and adhered to, the surface(s) of the substrates in a manner such that upon exposure to liquid water, the chlorite boundary layer comes into contact with the reagent boundary layer to thereby produce an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution. |
| US07875236B2 |
Linear hearth furnace system and methods regarding same
Systems and methods for use in processing raw material (e.g., iron bearing material) include a linear furnace apparatus extending along a longitudinal axis between a charging end and a discharging end (e.g., the linear furnace apparatus includes at least a furnace zone positioned along the longitudinal axis). Raw material is provided into one or more separate or separable containers (e.g., trays) at the charging end of the linear furnace apparatus. The separate or separable containers are moved through at least the furnace zone and to the discharging end where the processed material is discharged resulting in one or more empty containers. One or more of the empty containers are returned to the charging end of the linear furnace apparatus to receive further raw material. |
| US07875235B2 |
Method for batchwise heat treatment of goods to be annealed
A method is described for batchwise heat treatment of goods to be annealed which are heated in a heating chamber after scavenging air with a scavenging gas under protective gas to a predetermined treatment temperature, with the protective gas being conveyed through the heating chamber depending on the occurrence of impurities in different quantities. In order to enable the economic use of protective gas, it is proposed that the protective gas which is withdrawn from the heating chamber after the main occurrence of impurities and which is loaded with a residual quantity of impurities is conveyed, optionally after intermediate storage, into the heating chamber during the main occurrence of impurities of a subsequent batch before non-loaded protective gas is introduced into the heating chamber. |
| US07875234B2 |
Method of making and method of use of fine-grained polyarylene ether ketone powder
A milling process for the preparation of fine-particled polyarylene ether ketone comprises milling a porous polyarylene ether ketone having a BET surface area of more than 1 m2/g. |
| US07875230B2 |
Method of manipulating a sheet of thermoplastic material
A mold assembly (100) formed of a pair of molds (102, 104) and a pair of release plates (118, 120). The molds (102, 104) have holes (126) which extend from outer surfaces into the mold cavities (106). The release plates (118, 120) have pins (122, 124) which pass into the holes (126, 128). When molding is finished, the molds (102, 104) are moved toward the release plates (118, 120). The pins (122, 124) contact the molded article(s) (134) and hold them in position as the molds (102, 104) are withdrawn. |
| US07875226B2 |
Method of making an armrest and the armrest made thereby
A method of making an armrest that is mountable between adjacent left and right passenger seats includes: separately forming two receptacle parts by molding a prepreg in a first mold assembly, the receptacle parts being adapted to hold personal objects and each having a looped wall surrounding a slot; forming an armrest frame by molding a prepreg in a second mold assembly, the armrest frame including a lower frame portion having a plurality of downwardly extending legs, and an upper frame portion disposed on top of and bridging the legs; and positioning the receptacle parts within the second mold assembly and combining the receptacle parts with the upper frame portion during the forming of the armrest frame in the second mold assembly, thereby providing a one-piece unitary structure having the receptacle parts and the armrest frame. |
| US07875224B2 |
Method for producing a coated composite component
In a method for producing a coated composite component, an injection-molded part is produced in a first cycle by introducing a melt into the cavity of a first mold. A polyurethane layer is then applied to the cavity surface of an open polyurethane mold half. The mold half with the injection molded part produced in the first cycle is associated with the polyurethane mold half, and the so formed second mold is closed. The polyurethane layer is pressed or embossed onto the injection-molded part in the second mold, and the coated injection-molded part is removed once the second mold has been opened. |
| US07875214B2 |
Electroconductive composition, method for forming electroconductive film, and electroconductive film
An electroconductive composition including silver oxide (A) and silver salt of a fatty acid (B) containing at least one hydroxy group is provided. The electroconductive composition is capable of forming an electroconductive film at a low temperature and in a short period. The electroconductive composition is capable of adequately forming an electroconductive film on a substrate having a low heat resistance. |
| US07875210B2 |
Adhesive composite material with controlled resistivity
The invention relates to a composite polymer material comprising an adhesive resin matrix and an electrically-conductive filler that consists of an oligoaniline in an electrically-conductive form comprising from 4 to 30 repeat units and present in an amount ranging from 15 to 40% by weight relative to the total weight of the material, said material having a resistivity ranging from 105 to 107 Ω.cm. |
| US07875207B2 |
Thermally-responsive materials and devices comprising such materials
Devices are described that include a component comprised of a material having a structure of R1—C(O)—NX—R2, wherein each of R1 and R2 is independently a saturated alkyl having between 7-22 carbon atoms or an aryl, X is H or C(O)—Y, Y together with R1 forms a ring. The material is characterized by a single, sharp melting point, thus making it suitable for use, for example, in thermomechanical actuating devices or in temperature-indicating devices. Also described are compositions comprising two or more materials each having a structure of Rn1—C(O)—NH—R2 wherein, n is an identifying integer corresponding to a material in the composition; wherein for each material n in the composition, Rn1 and Rn2 are a saturated alkyl having between 7-22 carbon atoms, wherein for each material n Rn1 and Rn2 differ by one carbon atom, and wherein the number of carbon atoms in Rn2 of each material n differs by four or less. |
| US07875203B2 |
Deicing agent and/or anti-icing agent
The invention relates to a deicing or anti-icing agent containing, based in each case on its total weight, from 35.0% by weight to 95.0% by weight of at least one glycol, from 0.001% by weight to 5.0% by weight of at least one dendritic polymer and from 0.01% by weight to 5.0% by weight of at least one further thickener and optionally water.It furthermore relates to the use of from 0.001 to 5.0% by weight of at least one dendritic polymer and from 0.01% by weight to 5.0% by weight of at least one further thickener for thickening a composition which contains from 35.0% by weight to 95.0% by weight of at least one glycol and optionally water. |
| US07875199B2 |
Radical generating method, etching method and apparatus for use in these methods
The method for generating radicals comprises: feeding F2 gas or a mixed gas of F2 gas and an inert gas into a chamber of which the inside is provided with a carbon material, supplying a carbon atom from the carbon material by applying a target bias voltage to the carbon material, and thereby generating high density radicals, wherein the ratio of CF3 radical, CF2 radical and CF radical is arbitrarily regulated by controlling the target bias voltage applied to the carbon material while measuring the infrared absorption spectrum of radicals generated inside the chamber. |
| US07875193B2 |
Method for manufacturing probe structure of probe card
A method for manufacturing a probe structure of a probe card is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a portion of a substrate exposed through a crossing region of one more probe beam regions defined by a first mask layer pattern and a windows defined by a second mask layer pattern are etched to form one or more self-aligning probe tip regions, thereby preventing a misalignment of the one or more probe tip regions. |
| US07875192B2 |
Slurry flow divider
A slurry dividing apparatus is configured to divide a main slurry stream into smaller constituent slurry streams, wherein each stream contains a desired proportion of suspended solids. The dividing apparatus includes a main flow channel and a plurality of branch flow channels extending upward from a flow divider that terminates an upper end of the main flow channel. The main slurry stream enters the main flow channel, at an inlet opening thereof, and is decelerated, by an upward extension and expanding cross-section of the main flow channel, before reaching the flow divider and being divided into the smaller constituent slurry streams flowing within the plurality of branch flow channels. Each of the smaller streams flows up and then over a weir, which extends across an upper portion of each of the branch flow channels, and then down into a corresponding discharge flow channel of the apparatus. |
| US07875191B2 |
Biocide
A two part biocide composition containing metal ions and bromine donor for killing microorganisms in a body of water and a method of killing microorganisms in a body of water by placing both metal ions and a bromine in the body of water to allow use of lower concentrations of bromine than if bromine were used alone as a biocide. |
| US07875188B2 |
Treatment of aqueous suspensions
A process in which a suspension comprising dispersed particulate material in an aqueous medium is transferred as a fluid to a deposition area, then allowed to stand and rigidify, and in which rigidification is improved whilst retaining the fluidity of the suspension during transfer, by combining with the suspension during transfer a rigidifying amount of a treatment system which comprises i) a water-soluble synthetic polymer and ii) a water-soluble natural or seminatural polymer. Improved rigidification can be achieved, including dose efficiency especially in regard to the amount of synthetic polymer required. In addition improvements in the clarity of liquor released from the suspension can be achieved. |
| US07875186B2 |
Process for regenerating and protonating a weak-base anion exchange resin
The invention consists of a water treatment process using selective and regenerable weak base anion exchange resins to remove any number of complex anions, especially oxyanions including perchlorate, nitrate, chlorate, arsenate, selenate, and chromate, from aqueous solutions. The treatment process is comprised of three key processes including 1) pretreatment to lower pH, 2) ion exchange, and 3) post treatment to adjust pH and alkalinity. The invention also includes processes for regenerating weak base anion resins and treatment of the residuals generated. This invention employs pressurized treatment, carbon dioxide management, and reuse of regenerating solution to minimize pumping and treatment costs. |
| US07875172B2 |
Back-water trap for a floor drain system
A back-water trap unit comprises a housing having an outer perimetric wall sealed to a base to define an enclosure, and a removable housing cover comprising inlet apertures. An interior wall, shorter than the housing wall, is sealed to the base to define an inner compartment and an outer compartment within the enclosure, the inner compartment being sealed by a cover secured to the upper interior wall edge and the inside of the housing wall. A flapper valve secured to the interior wall within the inner compartment is rotatable in response to liquid pressure to open or close an inlet aperture proximate the lower interior wall edge. An outlet through the housing wall as high as or above the upper edge of the inlet aperture allows discharge of fluid from the inner compartment, while the flapper valve prevents unwanted back-flow from the inner compartment to the outer compartment. |
| US07875168B2 |
Device for calculating blood flow in an extracorporeal blood circuit, and an apparatus for treatment of blood using the device
The invention relates to a device for calculating blood flow and to an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment provided with the device. The device includes a memory for receiving and storing either a first datum relating to a blood flow removed from the patient Qb, or a second datum relating to a flow of liquid Qt crossing a tract of the extracorporeal circuit, and a third datum relating to a flow of infusion liquid Qinf flowing through the infusion line. The device also comprises a control unit able to calculate the first datum or the second datum as a function of the third datum relating to the flow of infusion liquid Qinf. |
| US07875157B2 |
Composite anode well and revitilization method
A composite reconstituted anode well. The composite well has a first while section and a second regenerative section. The first well section has a pre-existing anode well earthen wall, pre-existing sacrificed carbon material, pre-existing sacrificed anode materials, and pre-existing sacrificed well casing. The second regenerative section has a regenerative well casing, regenerative anodes, and regenerative carbon material. The regenerative well casing is driven into the first well section which compacts the pre-existing sacrificed carbon material, pre-existing sacrificed anode materials, and pre-existing sacrificed well casing against the pre-existing anode well earthen wall which forms a first outer section of the composite reconstituted anode well. The regenerative anodes are placed inside the regenerative well casing, and regenerative carbon material is filled inside the regenerative well casing which encases the regenerative anodes and forms the inner well section. The first outer section and the first inner section result in the composite reconstituted anode well. |
| US07875152B2 |
Torn paper web capture system
A torn paper web capture system that is a mechanism for securing a band, tape or strap, preferably composed of paper, across a paper roll as the roll is rotating. A sensor means detects the torn paper web and initiates both the shut down of rotation of the paper roll and the release of the band. The band resides within a guide track, the track being generally C-shaped in cross-section Upon contact with spool journal or similar rotating member the end of the band adheres and is wrapped around the rotating member. This wrapping action takes up the slack in the band and pulls it from the guide track and against the paper web, thereby securing the loose end of the paper web. The contact between the band and the rotating member may be initiated in multiple ways, such as with a nip roller, an actuating shoe member, or the like. |
| US07875150B2 |
Papermaking additive
A new class of polymeric additives for papermaking is disclosed as well as a process for their manufacture, a method for their use and a paper sheet containing the addition. The additives can be used in paper manufacture as agents for improving retention, paper machine operation and the strength properties of the product. The additives are manufactured from a microbial biomass. The biomass that contains acetyl amino groups or other amides is chemically modified by hydrolysis of the amides to form primary amino groups. Under neutral or acidic conditions these primary amines become cationic, which assures a good absorption of the additive onto fibres and fines of pulp that is generally of anionic nature. |
| US07875144B2 |
Transferring device and transferring method
A transferring device 10 for transferring plate-like members such as a semiconductor wafer and the like among the first table T1, the second table T2 and the third table T3. The transferring device 10 includes a supporting unit 11 provided with a supporting face for a semiconductor wafer W, and a multi joint robot 12 for transferring the supporting unit 11. The supporting face includes a stacked body of adhesive sheets S in which an adhesive layer A is laminated on a sheet base material SB, and transferring among the table T1 through T3 can be performed through sticking and peeling operation between the adhesive sheet S positioned in an outermost layer and the semiconductor wafer W. |
| US07875140B2 |
Method for manufacturing multilayer ceramic substrate
A method for manufacturing a multilayer ceramic substrate includes: a) discharging a droplet of a conductive ink on each of a plurality of green sheets so as to draw a liquid pattern made of the conductive ink on each of the green sheets; b) drying the liquid pattern so as to form a dry pattern; c) laminating the green sheets including the dry pattern so as to form a laminated body, and applying hydrostatic pressure on the laminated body that is decompress-packaged so as to form a pressure-bonded body; and d) firing the pressure-bonded body so as to form a multilayer ceramic substrate. In the method, in the step a), the liquid pattern is drawn by drawing a wiring liquid pattern and a dummy liquid pattern drawn along a vicinity of the wiring liquid pattern. |
| US07875139B2 |
Method of assembling pagewidth printhead
A method of assembling a pagewidth printhead. The method includes: aligning a multilayered adhesive film an said ink supply manifold such that ink supply holes in the film are aligned with respective ink outlets in the ink supply manifold; bonding a first adhesive layer of the film to a manifold bonding surface; heating a printhead integrated circuit and positioning the heated printhead integrated circuit on an opposite side of the film such that each ink supply hole is aligned with an ink inlet defined in a printhead bonding surface of the printhead integrated circuit; and repeatedly bonding printhead integrated circuits to the film to provide the pagewidth printhead. |
| US07875136B2 |
Method for manufacturing an absorbent article
A method for manufacturing an absorbent hygiene article having a plurality of components that are joined together during the manufacturing process. Thermochromic fibres are incorporated in a component web, component or a selected area thereof, said thermochromic fibres being adapted to change colour between a contrasting colour to a less contrasting colour. A colour change of said thermochromic fibres is induced during one step of the manufacturing process and the presence of the thermochromic fibres being in their contrasting state is detected by a detection means. A measure in the process control is actuated in response to the detected presence of thermochromic fibres in their contrasting state. |
| US07875132B2 |
High temperature aluminum alloys
High temperature aluminum alloys that can be used at temperatures from about −420° F. (−251° C.) up to about 650° F. (343° C.) are described herein. These alloys comprise aluminum; scandium; at least one of nickel, iron, chromium, manganese and cobalt; and at least one of zirconium, gadolinium, hafnium, yttrium, niobium and vanadiuim. These alloys comprise an aluminum solid solution matrix and a mixture of various dispersoids. These alloys are substantially free of magnesium. |
| US07875131B2 |
L12 strengthened amorphous aluminum alloys
An improved amorphous aluminum alloy having high strength, ductility, corrosion resistance and fracture toughness is disclosed. The alloy has an amorphous phase and a coherent L12 phase. The alloy has nickel, cerium, at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium; and at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, niobium and iron. The volume fraction of the amorphous phase ranges from about 50 percent to about 95 percent and the volume fraction of the coherent L12 phase ranges from about 5 percent to about 50 percent. |
| US07875130B2 |
Crude oil tank comprising a corrosion resistant steel alloy
The present invention provides: a steel for a welded structure to be used for a crude oil tank that exhibits excellent general and local corrosion resistance in crude oil corrosion caused in a steel oil tank and is capable of suppressing the formation of corrosion products (sludge) containing solid sulfur; a method for producing said steel; a crude oil tank; and a method for preventing a crude oil tank against corrosion. The present invention makes it possible to obtain general and local corrosion resistance in a crude oil tank environment and suppress the formation of corrosion products (sludge) containing solid sulfur by using a steel: containing, in mass, 0.001 to 0.2% C, 0.01 to 2.5% Si, 0.1 to 2% Mn, 0.03% or less P, 0.007% or less S, 0.01 to 1.5% Cu, 0.001 to 0.3% Al, 0.001 to 0.01% N as basic components and, further, 0.01 to 0.2% Mo and/or 0.01 to 0.5% W; and preferably satisfying the following expression; Solute Mo+Solute W≧0.005%. |
| US07875129B2 |
Method for forming a conversion layer on an aluminum alloy product prior to fluxless brazing
A method of assembling aluminum alloy products, such as sheets, strips or tubes, by means of fluxless brazing, where the absence of flux is made possible by using a prior treatment resulting in formation of a conversion layer on the surface of the products. The treatment involves using a solution containing K+ and F− ions and at least one acid in a quantity such that the pH of the solution is less than 3. The inventive method enables effective flux was brazing in industrial conditions, such as a for the production of heat exchangers used in motor vehicles. |
| US07875123B2 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning percolation basins
A method and apparatus for cleaning accumulated silt from the floor of a percolation basin are provided. An underwater terrain vehicle (UTV) moves along the basin floor and carries a series of blades that cut and lift the accumulated silt. An eductor driven vacuum head also carried by the UTV vacuums fragmented silt and transports the entrained fragmented silt through a vacuum hose into a location where the silt particles are separated from the water in which they are entrained. The UTV carries a first sonar for continuously scanning the basin floor and which is utilized to guide the UTV. A second sonar is placed in the basin in a known location and continuously scans and continuously monitors the location of the UTV on the basin floor. An operator remotely guides the UTV from an onshore location. |
| US07875115B2 |
Epitaxial wafer and method for producing epitaxial wafers
This disclosure is aimed at providing a method for producing an epitaxial wafer allowing uniform occurrence of oxygen precipitate in a substrate plane in the radial direction in a base plate and excelling in the crystal quality of an epi-layer.A method for the production of an epitaxial wafer, characterized by using as a substrate a base plate of nitrogen- and carbon-added silicon single crystal having a nitrogen concentration of 5×1014 to 5×1015 atoms/cm3 and a carbon concentration of 1×1016 to 1×1018 atoms/cm3, having a crystal growth condition during the production of silicon single crystal in a range in which the whole surface of substrate becomes an OSF region, and being pulled at a cooling speed of not less than 4° C./minute between 1100 and 1000° C. during the growth of crystal, and depositing the silicon single crystal layer on the surface of the substrate by the epitaxial method. |
| US07875113B2 |
Concrete compositions
A concrete obtained through mixing a composition comprising the following constituents: a) 21 to 27% of a hydraulic binder, b) 52 to 68% of aggregate particles having a size of between 0.02 mm and 5 mm, c) 2 to 6% of pozzolanic reaction particles having a particle size of between 0.1 and 1 micron, d) up to 10% of filler having a particle size between 10 and 200 microns, e) 0.32 to 1.6% of a dispersant, f) 0.1 to 1.2% of fibres, g) 0.02 to 0.1% of a defoamer agent, and h) 7 to 10% of water, each percentage being the percentage by weight of the respective constituent relative to the sum of the weights of constituents a) to h). The concrete obtained is particularly suitable for polished flooring overlay. |
| US07875112B2 |
Effect pigments that are surface-modified with LCST and/or UCST polymers
The present invention relates to surface-modified effect pigments based on flake-form substrates which are distinguished by the fact that they are sheathed with one or more layers of immobilised LCST and/or UCST polymers. The invention furthermore relates to a process for the production of the surface-modified effect pigments and to the use thereof in surface coatings, water-borne coatings, powder coatings, paints, printing inks, security printing inks, plastics, concrete, in cosmetic formulations, in agricultural sheeting and tarpaulins, for the laser marking of papers and plastics, as light protection, as pigment for corrosion protection and for the preparation of pigment compositions and dry preparations. |
| US07875109B1 |
Integral flow restrictor valve
A gas sample cylinder outlet valve having a flow restricting element associated therewith. The preferred embodiment of the flow restricting element comprises an orifice constructed of a low thermal conduction material such as a plastic. Preferably the outlet valve Cv characteristic is large relative to the orifice Cv characteristic resulting in essentially all of the gas pressure drop taking place across said orifice and therefore essentially all of the J-T effect cooling taking place at said orifice. Due to the low thermal conductivity construction of said orifice an insignificant amount of cooling takes place upstream of the valve mechanism. Test have shown that the integral orifice outlet valve having a large Cv characteristic is more efficient then the typical sample cylinder outlet valve and extension tube and/or flow restrictor combination. |
| US07875106B2 |
Adsorbent and adsorbent bed for materials capture and separation processes
A method device and material for performing adsorption wherein a fluid mixture is passed through a channel in a structured adsorbent bed having a solid adsorbent comprised of adsorbent particles having a general diameter less than 100 um, loaded in a porous support matrix defining at least one straight flow channel. The adsorbent bed is configured to allow passage of a fluid through said channel and diffusion of a target material into said adsorbent under a pressure gradient driving force. The targeted molecular species in the fluid mixture diffuses across the porous support retaining layer, contacts the adsorbent, and adsorbs on the adsorbent, while the remaining species in the fluid mixture flows out of the channel. |
| US07875105B2 |
Oxygen concentrator having structural sieve beds
Embodiments of oxygen concentrators having a sieve bed that includes a vessel filled with a separation medium are disclosed. The sieve bed vessel at least partially supports one chassis component of the oxygen concentrator with respect to another chassis component. of the oxygen concentrator. |
| US07875104B2 |
Electrostatic filter cartridge for a tower air cleaner
The disclosed electrostatic precipitator cartridge for a tower air cleaner in accord with the present invention is low-cost, because it is constructed of injected molded plastics material and stamped and extruded metal components. It is easy to clean, not only because it's constitutive metal parts and plastic components are machine washable but also because the cartridge as a whole is machine washable, the pieces and components are designed and arranged to prevent intracartridge fluid buildup or retention after washing, thereby eliminating any electrical shorting or arcing or other undesirable phenomena resulting therefrom that could interfere with the operation of the electrostatic filter cartridge. It is mechanically stable and has high particulate collection efficiency because it's ionizer bars have a predetermined preferably air foil shape that provides improved ionization efficiency and that imparts improved torsion stability rendering it possible to provide taller electrostatic filter cartridges and/or greater cleaning power. |
| US07875101B2 |
Hybrid membrane—PSA system for separating oxygen from air
A portable, non-cryogenic, oxygen generation system capable of delivering oxygen gas at purities greater than 98% and flow rates of 15 L/min or more is described. The system consists of two major components. The first component is a high efficiency membrane capable of separating argon and a portion of the nitrogen content from air, yielding an oxygen-enriched permeate flow. This is then fed to the second component, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit utilizing a commercially available, but specifically formulated zeolite compound to remove the remainder of the nitrogen from the flow. The system is a unique gas separation system that can operate at ambient temperatures, for producing high purity oxygen for various applications (medical, refining, chemical production, enhanced combustion, fuel cells, etc . . . ) and represents a significant advance compared to current technologies. |
| US07875097B2 |
Method of granulating raw material for sintering, and method of manufacturing sintered iron ore
A raw material for sintering of 100% in total is blended so as to adjust iron-containing dust and/or sludge to 60% or more, and coarse grains having a grain size of 2 mm or larger to 20% or more on the weight basis, one-third or less of the total amount of addition of coke breeze is added as a fuel, the blend is kneaded and granulated using a vibration kneading granulator to thereby produce granulated grains, the residual portion of the total amount of addition of coke breeze is added to the granulated grains, the blend is subjected to exterior coating granulation using a rolling type granulator, thus-granulated raw material for sintering is screened, and a fraction having a grain size of 1 mm or larger is used for sintering, making it possible to sinter microparticulate dust and microparticulate sludge as main raw materials, which have conventionally been used only to a limited amount of use. |
| US07875092B2 |
Separator with axial flow demisting cyclone for separation of material compositions of gas, liquid and particulate solids
Axial flow demisting cyclone for separation of material compositions of gas, liquid and particulate solids comprising an inlet conduit (18) for the material composition and an outlet conduit (19) for the substantially dry and clean gas, and a swirl facilitating device (20) that sets the entering material composition in rotation. The cyclons comprises a mainly cylindrical tube (11) which is provided with slots or perforations (21) to allow parts of the material composition, hereunder liquids and particulate solids to flow out from the cyclone tube (11) and into a substantially closed chamber (22) which is delimited by an inlet plate (24), by an outlet plate (23) ad by a circumferential plate (12). The chamber (22) has a deposition surface (25) which is geodetically the lower, inner surface of the chamber (22) ad which has an inclination relative to the horizontal plane so that particulate solids will not accumulate on the deposition surface but slide to one or more drainage outlets (14) in the deposition surface (25) arranged to convey liquids and particulate solids out from the substantially closed chamber (22) into a drainage pipe the lower end of which is positioned under the liquid surface of the separator liquid compartment. |
| US07875090B2 |
Method and apparatus to protect synthesis gas via flash pyrolysis and gasification in a molten liquid
Disclosed are a method and a corresponding apparatus for converting a biomass reactant into synthesis gas. The method includes the steps of (1) heating biomass in a first molten liquid bath at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is at least about 100° C., but less than the decomposition temperature of the biomass, wherein gas comprising water is evaporated and air is pressed from the biomass, thereby yielding dried biomass with minimal air content. (2) Recapturing the moisture evaporated from the biomass in step 1 for use in the process gas. (3) Heating the dried biomass in a second molten liquid bath at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is sufficiently high to cause flash pyrolysis of the dried biomass, thereby yielding product gases, tar, and char. (4) Inserting recaptured steam into the process gas, which may optionally include external natural gas or hydrogen gas or recycled syngas for mixing and reforming with tar and non-condensable gases. (5) Further reacting the product gases, tar, and char with the process gas within a third molten liquid bath at a third temperature which is equal to or greater than the second temperature within the second molten liquid bath, thereby yielding high quality and relatively clean synthesis gas after a relatively long residence time needed for char gasification. A portion of the synthesis gas so formed is combusted to heat the first, second, and third molten liquid baths, unless external natural or hydrogen gas is available for this use. |
| US07875089B2 |
Ammonia-based hydrogen generation apparatus and method for using same
A hydrogen generation apparatus employs a thermocatalytic reactor (60) formed of a top plate (62), a bottom plate (66), and a reactor core (64) disposed between the top an bottom plates. The reactor core has a reaction surface (64a) and a combustion surface (64b), each surface having a raised periphery defining opposing ends (61a and 61b) and opposing sides (63a and 63b). The reaction surface (64a) and the top plate (62) together define a reaction chamber and the combustion surface (64b) and the bottom plate (66) together define a combustion chamber. The reaction core (64) has a first set of a plurality of spaced apart, substantially straight radiating fins (76a) extending from the reaction surface (64a) and a second set of a plurality of spaced part, substantially straight radiating fins (76b) extending from the combustion surface (64b). The first set of fins (76a) defining a plurality of reaction channels (71), while the second set of fins (76b) defines a plurality of combustion channels (69) running parallel to the opposing sides (63a and 63b) and is spaced apart from the opposing ends (61a and 61b). |
| US07875088B2 |
Automated tracking and storage system for use with an automated thermal battery manufacturing system
The present invention is directed at a system for automatically manufacturing thermal batteries. In the present invention, thermal batteries are manufactured using a press system, a stacking system and an enclosing system. The present invention uses a tracking, storage, and/or retrieval system to track various components used in the manufacturing process to improve manufacturing quality and to track the various components throughout the manufacturing process. |
| US07875085B2 |
Color enhancing shampoo composition
A coloring enhancing shampoo composition for hair comprising at least one cleaning and lathering surfactant selected from anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants and present at a concentration of 5 to 50% by weight, calculated to total composition; at least one oil soluble dye; at least one polypropylene glycol compound having a formula as disclosed in the claims and the disclosure and optionally at least one silicone compound having at least one quaternary ammonium group. |
| US07875084B2 |
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 nonionic, nonhydrophobic polymer of the hydroxyalkylcellulose type, and at least one oxidation dye, and oxidation dyeing process
The present disclosure relates to a dye composition for keratin fibers, including human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing: (A) at least one nonionic derivative of cellulose comprising at least one hydrophobic substituent containing from 8 to 30 carbon atoms; (B) at least one nonionic, nonhydrophobic polymer of the hydroxyalkylcellulose type; and (C) at least one oxidation dye. The present disclosure also relates to a process for dyeing keratin fibers using such a composition; and also to a device that uses this composition for dyeing keratinous fibers. |
| US07875081B2 |
Posterior stabilized knee prosthesis
A knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component having an anterior side, a posterior side, a pair of laterally spaced condylar portions, and an intercondylar portion joining the condylar portions and including a recess. A cam surface is located adjacent the intercondylar recess on the anterior side of the femoral component and has a saddle shape that is defined by an at least substantially concave first radius of curvature and a convex third radius of curvature that is perpendicular to the concave first radius of curvature. The prosthesis also includes a tibial component including a platform having an upper surface that includes first and second laterally spaced concavities. Each concavity is adapted for receiving one condylar portion of the femoral component. The tibial component has a tibial post for reception in the intercondylar recess of the femoral component. The tibial post has a saddle shaped anterior cam surface that is complementary to the saddle shaped anterior cam surface of the femoral component and is defined by an at least substantially convex second radius of curvature and a concave fourth radius of curvature that is perpendicular to the convex second radius of curvature. |
| US07875079B2 |
Vertebral implant containment device and methods of use
A containment device is inserted between vertebral members in a patient and provides a rapid implant solution adapted for use in different applications. The device includes an interior volume to contain a curable substance at substantially atmospheric pressure. Upon filling the enclosure member with a curable substance, the enclosure member is able to conform to and maintain a space between vertebral members. The containment device may include an enclosure member constructed of an impermeable material adapted to constrain migration of the curable substance. The enclosure member may include an exterior wall surrounding the interior volume and an opening in the exterior wall that exposes the interior volume. The containment device may include end members that may be distracted to establish a desired vertebral spacing. Spacer members may be included to further maintain the desired spacing. Upon hardening of the curable substance, the device is capable of maintaining the desired spacing. |
| US07875074B2 |
Naturally contoured, preformed, three dimensional mesh device for breast implant support
A preformed, seamless, three-dimensional, anatomically contoured prosthetic device for reinforcing breast tissue and supporting a breast implant includes a flat back wall, a concave front wall and a curved transitional region between the flat back wall and the front wall defining a smoothly curved bottom periphery. A concave receiving space is defined by the back wall and the front wall for at least partially receiving and supporting the breast implant therein. The three-dimensional prosthetic device is free of wrinkles, creases, folds or seams, which may have otherwise caused potential tissue irritation, bacteria hosting, infection and palpability problems. |
| US07875073B2 |
Block copolymers of acrylates and methacrylates with fluoroalkenes
A block copolymer comprising a fluorinated block and a non-fluorinated block and method of making the block copolymer are provided. Also provided herein are a coating on an implantable device comprising the block copolymer and method of using the implantable device. |
| US07875072B2 |
Cellular transplant stent
A cellular stent carries living therapeutic cellular material for implantation into a human or animal body and allows either localized or systemic delivery of the therapeutic products, while promoting engraftment, either on a tissue surface or its interior. The cells are contained within wells in the stent that are enclosed by inner and outer membranes that seal the cellular material within the stent until it is to be released. The outer membrane is preferably in the form of a thin, hard plastic sheet having a plurality of score lines, perforations, or other lines or weakening provided therein. The membrane may be embedded in a softer perimetral mount which retains it in position until the seal is to be broken. Rupture of the outer membrane ensures penetration of the cells into the interior of tissue or an organ in which the stent is implanted. |
| US07875071B2 |
System and method for delivering a bifurcated stent
A system and method for delivering and assembling a bifurcated stent in a bifurcated vessel having a first lumen and a second lumen. The system and method includes the use of three balloon catheters wherein at least one of the catheters is a fixed wire catheter. A first segment of the bifurcated stent having a stem portion, a first leg portion, a longitudinal bore extending therethrough and a branch aperture formed in the side wall is mounted on two of the balloon catheters and delivered to the treatment site where it is implanted into the first lumen. A second segment of the bifurcated stent having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal bore extending therethrough is mounted on the third balloon catheter and is delivered to the treatment site such that the distal end extends into the second lumen and the proximal end extends into longitudinal bore of the first segment. The second segment is then implanted into the second lumen and secured to the branch aperture of the first segment to form a bifurcated stent. |
| US07875070B2 |
Avoiding stress-induced martensitic transformation in nickel titanium alloys used in medical devices
A process for assembling a medical device made from a nickel-titanium alloy for use in a mammalian body while avoiding the formation of stress-induced martensite and a medical device used in combination with a delivery system for deployment into the mammalian body are disclosed. By heating the nickel-titanium alloy of the medical device to a temperature above Md, and deforming and installing the device into a delivery system or holding capsule, it is possible to avoid the formation of stress-induced martensite in the stent, which stays in the austenitic phase throughout. |
| US07875067B2 |
Apparatus for delivery and deployment of an expandable stent within a blood vessel
Apparatus for delivering and deploying an expandable stent having a protection sheath within a blood vessel is provided. The apparatus comprises a fluid pressure device that is coupled with a retraction device for the protection sheath, wherein the stent is automatically deployed by the fluid pressure device after retraction of the protection sheath. |
| US07875065B2 |
Polyaxial bone screw with multi-part shank retainer and pressure insert
A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion, a receiver, a compression insert and an articulation structure made from at least two discrete pieces. The shank upper portion cooperates with the compression insert to place the retainer in frictional engagement with the receiver. The geometry of the retainer structure pieces corresponds and cooperates with the external geometry of the shank upper portion to frictionally envelope the retainer structure between the capture structure and an internal surface defining a cavity of the receiver. |
| US07875060B2 |
Multi-axial screw with a spherical landing
A multi-axial screw assembly with a spherical landing surface is disclosed. The multi-axial screw assembly 100 includes a bone anchor 150, a head 130 with a spherical outer surface and an extension member 160 extending from the top of the head 130. The multi-axial screw is designed to attach a planar or semispherical end member of a plate to a vertebra. The plate is part of a spine fixation or stabilization assembly. The multi-axial screw provides multi-axial pivoting of the screw relative to the plate. |
| US07875058B2 |
Bunion repair using suture-button construct
A method for bunion repair using a suture-button construct. The suture-button construct includes a first button, a second button, a first suture strand, a pull-through suture strand and a needle. The first and second buttons have apertures to facilitate the suture strands to pass through the buttons. The first suture strand is double looped through the first and second buttons and the pull-through suture strand is looped through one of the apertures of the first button. The pull-through suture strand also loops through an eyelet of the needle and thus, is operatively associated with the needle. A suture anchor-button construct can also be used for bunion repair. |
| US07875057B2 |
Method and suture-button construct for stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle
A method for stabilization of a cranial cruciate ligament in canines using a suture-button construct. The method includes the steps of drilling a hole across the femur and the tibia, passing a needle with a pull-through suture strand through the femoral hole, and applying a tensile force to the pull-through suture strand and a suture tape such that a first button lies sideways for passage through the femoral hole, advancing the first button through the femoral hole until the first button exits the femoral hole, passing the needle with the pull-through suture strand through the tibial hole, applying a tensile force to the pull-through suture strand and the suture tape such that the first button lies sideways for passage through the tibial hole, flipping the first button to engage it against the tibia, pulling free ends of the suture tape to advance a second button and to seat and secure it against the femur. |
| US07875054B2 |
Connective tissue closure device and method
A device for closing wounds such as openings in blood vessels as well as a method of doing so are disclosed. The device employs a fabric wrapped around an expandable frame both of which are inserted into a blood vessel through an introducer sheath. Once inserted, the expandable frame expands thereby expanding the fabric therewith. The fabric is made from a bioabsorbable material and includes a plurality of microhooks extending therefrom. One suitable material is polylactic acid fiber. Upon retraction of the device, the microhooks engage the adventitia surrounding the blood vessel causing the fabric to remain in position sealing the opening even after the expandable member is retracted and removed as well as the introducer sheath As the fabric is made from a bioabsorbable material, the device can remain in place even after hemostasis is reached and eventually dissolve within the body. |
| US07875052B2 |
Tissue closure and tissue closing device
A tissue closure includes a body, and a thread includes a knot which is slidable on the thread. The body is composed of a plate-like anchor portion, and a deformation portion having a frame-like shape which can be deformed between a first form in which the deformation portion is elongated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the anchor portion and contracted in a direction substantially parallel to the anchor portion and a second form in which the deformation portion is contracted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the anchor portion and elongated in a direction substantially parallel to the anchor portion. The tissue closure can also include a connecting portion connecting the anchor portion and the deformation portion to each other. In the condition where the deformation portion is in a desired form between the first form and the second form, the condition is maintained by the thread. |
| US07875051B2 |
Embolic protection filter having an improved filter frame
An embolic protection filter having an improved filter frame and method of making the same. In at least some embodiments, the present invention includes an embolic protection filter coupled to an elongate shaft. The filter may include a filter frame assembly having one or more frame members. The frame members may include a filter mouth defining portion. |
| US07875048B2 |
One-way valve devices for anchored implantation in a lung
An intra-bronchial device placed and anchored in an air passageway of a patient to collapse a lung portion associated with the air passageway. The device includes a support structure, an obstructing member carried by the support structure that reduces ventilation to the lung portion by preventing air from being inhaled into the lung portion, and at least one anchor carried by the support structure that anchors the obstruction device within the air passageway. The anchor may engage the air passageway wall by piercing or friction, include a stop dimensioned for limiting the piercing of the air passageway wall, and may be releasable from the air passageway for removal of the intra-bronchial device. The anchors may be carried by a peripheral portion of the support structure, or by a central portion of the support structure. The obstructing member may be a one-way valve. |
| US07875046B2 |
Surgical tool for removing a block of tissue from an organ
A surgical tool for removing a block of tissue or other material from an organ or other body has an elongated support element which carries a first blade assembly including a pair of arms pivotally mounted about a first transverse axis, and a first blade element pivotally mounted to the arms. A second blade element is also pivotally mounted to the support element. A mechanical actuation arrangement is configured to resiliently bias the first blade assembly and the second blade element from in-plane positions towards deflected positions for initiating a predefined cutting sequence for removal of the block of tissue. |
| US07875043B1 |
Cinching loop
A solution is provided to release a tissue cinching loop within a body having a first thread having a first end and a second end, and a second thread having a first half having a first tip, a second half having a second tip, a bottom half having a link, and a top half, wherein the first end is inserted through the link. A first knot is formed around the first thread with the top half thereby forming a loop where the diameter of the loop decreases as the knot is pushed into the body and the first thread is pulled out of the body and where the loop is released within the body when the first end is pulled out of the body. |
| US07875042B2 |
Suture anchor loader
A suture anchor loader comprises a housing with a port. A channel extends into the housing from the port, the channel being dimensioned to receive a surgical needle. A suture anchor is preloaded in the channel with a length of suture connected to the suture anchor and stored in the housing. A push rod is slideably positioned in the channel such that the suture anchor is intermediate the push rod and the port. An actuator is operatively connected to push rod to selectively deploy the anchor into the needle. |
| US07875040B2 |
Visual indication of a trigger intermediate position on an applicator
A visual indication of an intermediate position is provided on an applicator (10) to enable an operator to correctly position the trigger (14) of the applicator to achieve a defined intermediate position. |
| US07875039B2 |
Support assembly for a tracking assembly and mounted transrectal ultrasound probe
Provided herein are devices and methods for supporting and positioning a tracking assembly for mounting variously configured medical devices for prostate imaging, biopsy, and other therapeutic applications. In one aspect, a support assembly provides multiple degrees of freedom for positioning a tracking assembly and mounted probe relative to a patient on a patient support structure such as an examination table or a gurney bed and/or maintaining a tracking assembly and mounted probe in a desired location throughout the rendering of imaging, biopsy, or other therapeutic procedures. |
| US07875022B2 |
Portable infusion pump and media player
Some embodiments of a portable infusion pump system can be configured to deliver medicine (e.g., insulin or the like) to a user and to deliver media content to a user. The media content can include, for example, MP3 music and other audio/video data stored in a memory device in the portable system. Thus, in particular embodiments, the portable infusion pump system can serve a dual purpose of providing medication and entertainment for the user from a compact and unobtrusive device. |
| US07875017B2 |
Cardiac repair, resizing and reshaping using the venous system of the heart
Structurally supportive material is implanted or injected into cardiac veins as discrete masses at various sites in the cardiac venous system to reinforce the myocardium for the purpose of preventing, moderating, stopping or reversing negative cardiac remodeling due to various adverse cardiac conditions, both acute and chronic, or for the purpose of treating localize anomalies of the heart, or for both purposes. The sites may be arranged in a pattern about one or more chambers of the heart such that the masses cooperatively reduce stress in the chamber wall and reduce chamber size. Some patterns also cause a beneficial global reshaping of the chamber. These changes occur quickly and are sustainable, and have a rapid and sustainable therapeutic effect on cardiac function. Patterns of distribution of discrete masses in the heart for global resizing and reshaping may also be used as is or augmented by supplemental patterns to treat localized conditions such as myocardial infarctions and overt aneurysm of the ventricular wall as typically forms in response to large transmural myocardial infarctions. These techniques may also be used to treat localized conditions that may not yet have progressed to cardiomyopathy. |
| US07875016B2 |
Flexible multi-chamber container for the preparation of medical mixed solutions
A flexible multi-chamber container for preparation of medical mixed solutions includes at least three chambers separated from each other by leaktight seams. The chambers are designated to be filled with different solutions and are separated from each other by leaktight seams. At least a part of the first leaktight seam is provided with a separation zone to be opened for fluid transfer from the first chamber into the second chamber. At least a part of the second leaktight seam is provided with a separation zone to be opened for fluid transfer from the second chamber into the third chamber. The leaktight seams are arranged and the separation zones are formed such that, in use of the container for preparation of the medical mixed solution, the first separation and second separation zones are opened in a sequential order. The first zone is opened before the second separation zone is opened. Thus, the components are mixed one after another in a predetermined sequential order. |
| US07875013B2 |
Close fitting leakage resistant feminine hygiene pad
A Feminine Hygiene Pad Comprising having a wide forward portion which is at least one and half times the length of a narrow rear, tail-like portion. |
| US07875010B2 |
Incontinence device
An incontinence device for wearing by a female is disclosed. A urine collection trough has an elongated open top end that is adapted to fit around the labia area of the female, encompassing her urethra. The trough has at least one non-rigid side wall and includes a drainage aperture in a lower portion thereof and a vaginal anchor means at an upper portion thereof. The vaginal anchor means is preferably a resilient protruding member fixed to the upper portion of the side wall of the trough. A drainage conduit is fixed at an upper end thereof to the drainage aperture that has at a lower end a valve means having an open position and a closed position. Preferably, the at least one side wall includes at least one attachment aperture therethrough, such that the device may be fixed to articles of clothing with straps, buttons, or the like. |
| US07875006B2 |
Needle protection device for a syringe and an injection device comprising a syringe and said protection device
A needle-protection device (2) for a syringe (1) having a needle (6), a tubular body (4) and an injection plunger (8). The device includes: a needle protector (22); a protector support (20); a spring (24) which presses against the support (20) and the protector (22), the support and protector being movable relative to one another between a retracted protector position, in which the needle of the syringe is exposed and the spring is locked in compression, and a deployed protector position in which the needle is disposed inside the protector and the spring is at least partially decompressed; and a mechanism for unlocking the spring. When locked, the spring (24) exhibits a predetermined force which is greater than the push force required to move the plunger (8) along essentially all of the injection stroke thereof. The mechanism has a digital support flange (50) which (i) transmits to the spring a compression force, which is less than the predetermined force, as the plunger slides along the injection stroke, and (ii) transmits to the spring a compression force, which is greater than the predetermined force, when the plunger reaches the end of the injection stroke. |
| US07875005B2 |
Syringe barrel with reinforcing rib
Since this syringe has projections provided on the rear surface of a flange of a syringe barrel, when it is inserted in an insertion groove of a cylinder holder, the tips of projections are compressed and the flange is fixed. Consequently, even when a solution having high viscosity is injected at higher pressure, breakage does not occur easily. Further, pressure-receiving area may also be increased by providing a guide defining mounting direction of a syringe, alternatively, a positioning mechanism may be provided so as to obtain mounting at a correct position, or the surface of a flange may be roughened. |
| US07875004B2 |
Method and system for detecting an occlusion in a tube
Systems and methods for detecting an occlusion in a fluid delivery device are disclosed. The system includes a fluid delivery tube, an occlusion detection sensor configured to be coupled to the fluid delivery tube and further configured to detect occlusion within the fluid delivery tube. The fluid delivery tube includes an occlusion detection portion. The occlusion detection sensor is further configured to detect alteration of a shape of the occlusion detection portion when at least one condition occurs within the fluid delivery tube. |
| US07875002B2 |
Stent delivery system and method of use
A balloon dilation catheter comprising: a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member comprises a first lumen disposed in communication with an interior of the inflatable balloon and a second lumen for receiving a guidewire substantially along the entire length of the tubular member. The second lumen has a first opening at the proximal end of the tubular member and a second opening at the distal end of the tubular member. A first slit is disposed longitudinally from the first opening along substantially the entire length of the tubular member to permit separation of the guidewire with respect to the second lumen. The subject balloon dilation catheter provides improved rapid exchange advantages of either the catheter or the guidewire used in a catheterization technique. |
| US07874997B2 |
Medical product, also for sports use, and relative manufacturing method
A health product for sports use, in particular a joint support includes a main strap (5; 105; 205; 305) destined to surround the part of the body to be supported. The main strap includes: a bottom layer (2) destined to come into contact with the skin of the wearer, an intermediate layer of padding (3), and a top layer (4) destined to face outward. The main strap is obtained by die-punching and moulding along the peripheral edge. |
| US07874995B2 |
Reducing or avoiding muscle cramps
Muscle cramps can be reduced or avoided by monitoring the concentration of salt in perspiration to indicate the degree of salt depletion. Based on the degree of salt depletion, a sufficient amount of rehydration beverage is consumed to normalize the salt level. |
| US07874994B2 |
Method and apparatus for penetrating tissue
An improved penetrating tissue system is provided that reduces pain when penetrating tissue by providing controlled depth and velocity of penetration, stimulation and pressure to the targeted tissue without breaching a sterile environment. The system has user interfaces, human interfaces and low volume sample chambers. |
| US07874982B2 |
Illuminated surgical access system including a surgical access device and coupled light emitter
A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a port and a light emitter coupled to the surgical access device for illuminating the port. The light emitter preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a light transmitting element housed therein, which emits light transmitted to the elongated shaft from a light source. The elongated shaft is configured to be inserted in an elongated channel in the access device. The elongated channel has or forms a window for transmitting light emitted by the light emitter into the interior of the access device. |
| US07874980B2 |
Articulation section
The invention is an articulation section for an endoscope (10). The articulation section (50) is characterized in that each one of its vertebrae (52) is comprised of several pieces that can be easily assembled or disassembled. This arrangement allows the replacement of individual ones of the vertebrae and/or the replacement of individual ones of the wires, cables, fibers, and tubes that pass through the vertebrae section without having to disassemble and reassemble the entire articulation section. |
| US07874979B2 |
Observation method of biological tissue
When an observation target in a membranous tissue such as an amniotic membrane filled with a liquid such as an amniotic fluid is observed, the observation is performed without leaking the liquid. There is provided an observation method of an observation target arranged in a membranous tissue filled with a body fluid, comprising: a step for coating a gel-like adhesive on the outer surface of the membranous tissue; a step for cutting the membranous tissue through the coated adhesive; a step for inserting the distal end of the objective unit through the adhesive and the open cut in the membranous tissue; and a step for observing the observation target through the inserted distal end of the objective unit. |
| US07874974B2 |
Delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy
A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising a substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated member made of material, which is bio-absorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the member. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription. |
| US07874969B2 |
Abdominal muscle training device
A training device (10) for exercising the abdominal muscles (40) of a user (30), comprises a base portion (11), an upstanding resistance member (21) contained within a housing (12) and a plunger (13). The resistance member (21) is operably connected to the plunger (13) and is biased normally to urge the plunger (13) upwardly out of the housing (12). By standing on the base portion (11) and exerting a downward force (c) on the plunger (13) whilst keeping his arms (41, 42) and legs (43, 44) straight, the user (30) causes his abdominal muscles (40) to work to overcome the resistance to the downward motion of the plunger (13) provided by the resistance member (21), thus driving the plunger (13) downwards into the housing (12). |
| US07874967B2 |
Adjustable-weight exercise apparatus and method
A method of exercising includes steps of providing a rod and weights configured for self-attachment to the rod, assembling at least one weight onto each end of the rod, and securing the weights to the ends by rotating the weights on the rod from a first rotational orientation to an interlocking second rotational orientation. The weights have a hub defining a hole, an undulating outer surface for gripping, and inwardly-extending curved fingers with a slot around the fingers allowing the fingers to flex for frictionally engaging the rod when the weights are rotated on the rod. |
| US07874963B2 |
Exercise device with adaptive curved track motion
An exercise device reciprocates footpads along curved tracks having first pivotally supported ends and second ends that are alternately raised and lowered with respect to one another. |
| US07874962B1 |
Wheelchair exercise apparatus
A wheelchair exercise apparatus has a platform which will support a wheelchair. The platform has an elongate slot which the driving wheels of the wheelchair can drop slightly into. An elongate roller, having a central axis which is vertically below the center line of the slot, is movable between a lowered position where it is substantially below the upper surface of the platform and a raised position where it projects through the slot and extends partially above the upper surface of the platform. A locking system holds the wheelchair while the roller is being moved to its raised position and during the exercise period. |
| US07874961B2 |
Machines and methods for combined and isolated upper and lower body workouts
An elliptical exercise machine allowing a user to move between a first position (standing on a stationary platform and using the machine's exercise arms), a second position (using the machine's footskates and holding a stationary handlebar), and a third position (using the machine's footskates and exercise arms), or any variation thereon. The machine may include a computer that directs the user's movements between those positions and others. |
| US07874959B2 |
Collapsible athletic training ladder
A collapsible ladder for use primarily for athletic training and the like has a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially rigid rungs secured with collapsible connectors to a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially rigid spacers extending therebetween. In one disclosed embodiment, the collapsible connectors are strips of flexible material extending between the rungs and spacers. Another disclosed embodiment has a second set of rungs aligned substantially parallel to the plurality of spaced-apart rungs along a common central set of spacers. The collapsible connectors allow the ladder to be quickly and easily transitioned between an extended, operational position, and a collapsed, storage position. |
| US07874956B2 |
Engine start controlling apparatus and method for hybrid vehicle
A hybrid-vehicle engine start controlling apparatus includes an engine, a motor connected to a vehicle driving shaft, a first engaging element provided between the engine and the motor for connecting and disconnecting the engine and the motor and engine start control means. The engine start controlling means is configured to start the engine by increasing a driving torque of the motor and increasing a transmission torque capacity of the first engaging element so as to increase a rotation speed of the engine by the driving torque of the motor in a state in which the engine is stopped and the first engaging element is released. The engine start controlling means includes a first engaging phase for increasing the transmission torque capacity of the first engaging element at a first velocity, and a second engaging phase for changing the transmission torque capacity at a second velocity lower than the first velocity. |
| US07874954B2 |
Locking differential including resilient disc means
A locking differential includes a pair of clutch members that are biased together by a resilient disc and friction pack assembly toward a cross pin that extends diametrically across the central chamber of a cylindrical housing driven by the drive shaft of a vehicle, thereby to drive a pair of side gears and the output shafts splined thereto. The cross-pin extends within operating cam grooves contained in the adjacent faces of the clutch members, such that when the rotational velocity of one output shaft exceeds that of the other by a predetermined amount, the friction pack assembly of the faster shaft is operated to a non-compressed condition, thereby to disengage the over-running output shaft from the drive shaft. The resilient disc devices may be annular wave springs, or resilient disc springs. |
| US07874953B2 |
Stator torque transmission assembly
A stator torque transmitting assembly for a vehicle including a stator shaft connected to a stator in a torque converter for the vehicle and arranged to transmit torque from the stator during a torque conversion mode for the torque converter. In some aspects, the assembly includes a first planetary gear set with a first sun gear, a first planetary carrier, and a first ring gear. The first sun gear is rotationally connected to the stator shaft and the first carrier is grounded. A first transmission input shaft is rotationally connected to the first ring gear and to a second carrier in a second planetary gear set in a transmission in the vehicle. A second transmission input shaft, rotationally connected to a turbine in the torque converter, is rotationally connected to a second ring gear in the second planetary gear set. |
| US07874948B2 |
Rocker arm assembly for the rear derailleur of a bicycle
Rocker arm assembly for the rear derailleur of a bicycle, comprising an outer plate carrying a pivot pin, an inner plate and a pair of idle transmission wheels arranged between the outer plate and the inner plate. The inner plate is made of metallic material and the outer plate is made of a structural fiber fabric incorporated in a thermoplastic material matrix. |
| US07874947B1 |
Lawn dart
In one embodiment there is provided a lawn dart having a shaft that connects to a head assembly at one end thereof. A sleeve is mounted coaxially about the shaft. The sleeve has an inner profile that matches a predetermined cross-section of the sleeve such that the sleeve is capable of axially movement and not capable of rotationally movement relative to the shaft. A plurality of fins is mounted on the sleeve. |
| US07874944B2 |
Weighted end cap for lacrosse stick
An end cap for a lacrosse stick is provided. The end cap includes a cover configured for being placed over at least a portion of a shaft of a lacrosse stick. The end cap also includes a weighted member carried by the cover and configured for being at least partially located within the shaft of the lacrosse stick when the cover is placed over at least a portion of the shaft of the lacrosse stick. |
| US07874942B2 |
Ball toss toy
A portable lightweight ball toss toy comprises a tube, a wind sock and an air supply adapted to direct air through the tube and support a ball in a hover mode at an open end of the wind sock. The toy can include a ball supply adapted to hold at least one ball, a controller adapted to control the air supply to propel the ball from the open end of the tube in various modes including (a) a hover mode in which the ball hovers at the open end of the wind sock, (b) a toss mode in which the ball is propelled vertically out of the tube by one or more distances and/or (c) a pitch mode in which a ball is lobbed in a horizontal direction. |
| US07874941B1 |
Clip-on alignment device for golfers
An alignment device for helping a user perform a golf swing comprising a clamp having a first end, a middle portion, and a second end; a pair of pinchers for gripping one's shoulders disposed on the first end of the clamp, the pair of pinchers can move between an open position and a closed position, the pinchers are biased in the closed position caused by a spring disposed in the middle portion of the clamp; and an extension component pivotally attached to the second end of the clamp and extending outwardly from the clamp. The extension component may resemble a golf ball and a golf tee. |
| US07874940B2 |
Extrusion method for making golf balls
The present invention relates to a method for making golf balls by an extrusion molding process, particularly forming golf ball cores from an extrusion moldable composition. The present invention also relates to a golf ball having an extruded core, an outer cover layer and, optionally, one or more inner cover layers. |
| US07874939B2 |
Multi-layer core golf ball
The present invention is directed to an improved golf ball displaying the desired spin profile and having a generally rigid, thermoset polybutadiene outer core surrounding a relatively soft, low compression inner core. In general, this golf ball has an inner core and at least one outer core layer surrounding the inner core. |
| US07874935B2 |
Golf club head with reinforced crown
A golf club head with reinforced crown is described herein. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein. |
| US07874933B2 |
Adjustable length and torque resistant golf shaft
An adjustable golf shaft having an upper shaft member, a lower shaft member and a torque resistant mechanism. The adjustable golf shaft includes an upper shaft member having an elongated bore therein, an outer torque resistant member having a substantially cylindrical shape and secured to an inner surface of the upper shaft member, a lower shaft member having a flared upper end configured to fit within the inner surface of the upper shaft member, and an inner torque resistant member having a substantially ring shape and secured to an outer surface of the lower shaft member. The inner torque resistant member is slidably engaged into the outer torque resistant member and configured to prevent the inner torque resistant member from rotating relative to the outer torque member, to thereby form a torque resistant shaft. |
| US07874931B2 |
Inflatable type golf swing training apparatus
An inflatable type golf swing training apparatus, which comprises an inflatable track guide and adjustable struts. The inflatable track guide had a radian of an swing track and is made by an enclosed capsule which is hollow and inflatable and is made of elastic material. The adjustable struts includes two front adjustable struts which are provided at the lower part of the inflatable track guide and used for adjusting the height and angle thereof, and two rear adjustable struts which are provided at the middle part of the inflatable track guide and used for adjusting the angle of the track guide plane with respect to the horizontal plane. |
| US07874924B2 |
Tripod type constant velocity joint
A tripod type constant velocity joint comprises a housing having three track grooves defined at trisected positions of the housing and extending in an axial direction, and a spider having three trunnions projectedly formed at trisected positions of the spider to be respectively inserted into the track grooves, each trunnion having at least two polygonal surfaces at each of two opposing sides subjecting to a load. Inner rollers each has an inner surface of a concavely curved contour for receiving a corresponding trunnion therein, and an outer is mounted to each inner roller with a plurality of needle rollers engaged there-between. |
| US07874911B2 |
Products and processes for providing a benefit according to a pattern in outcomes
A hardware or software module is added to a gaming device. The module renders the gaming device capable of permitting play of the gaming device when a credit balance of the gaming device is insufficient, in which prior to such rendering, the gaming device was not capable of permitting play of the gaming device when the credit balance is insufficient. |
| US07874908B2 |
Method and apparatus for payouts determined based on a set completion game
A method and gaming device, such as a slot machine, is disclosed that generates a spin results which are used to determine a player's progress toward a secondary or overall game objective. The secondary game objective may include completing a set or a collection. A game objective may instruct a player to attempt to assemble a picture or image. Portions of the complete image may be displayed on a first game area, such as the reel area of the gaming device. A player executing a spin on the gaming device may acquire or utilize portions of the image as they occur in the context of a reel-based game. Image portions may “occur” when they appear on the gaming device payline as part of a traditional reel-based game. The image portion may be utilized on a second game area of the gaming device (e.g. a screen located above the gaming device reel area) in order to depict progress toward the secondary game objective of completing the image. |
| US07874907B2 |
Devices and methods for feature ball bingo
An electronic bingo game and method for playing the same wherein a random number generator selects bingo balls from a predetermined range that includes regular bingo balls (210) and one or more feature balls (208). As regular bingo balls (210) are selected they are compared to the numbers on a bingo card (206). The card is marked when a match occurs. Eventually, if the spaces marked on the player's card match one or more of the winning patterns, the player receives an award. The selection of a feature ball (208) triggers a game altering function such as terminating the game and comparing the marked spaces on the bingo card to a set of winning patterns, or, alternatively, terminating the game and paying additional winnings for bingo patterns marked on the player's bingo card prior to selection of the Feature Ball (208). Other feature ball functions may also be implemented. |
| US07874904B2 |
Gaming device having a composite game with potential award-generating game or event and guaranteed award-generating game or event
A gaming device and a method of operating a gaming device which include at least one potential award-generating event and at least one guaranteed award-generating event. The award-generating events can include independent games of a composite game or independent plays of a game. For each occurrence of a potential award-generating event, at least one guaranteed award-generating event occurs to provide the player at least one award. In an embodiment, the award-generating events occur simultaneously by being simultaneously displayed to a player and simultaneously played. Even if a terminating event occurs in the potential or guaranteed award-generating event, an award is provided to the player in the guaranteed award-generating event. In an embodiment, the potential award-generating event includes an advancement game and the guaranteed award-generating event includes a random selection game. In an embodiment, if a predetermined number of awards provided to a player are associated with an accumulation indicator, the player is provided an additional award. |
| US07874903B2 |
Modified poker with bonus match card
A system and method for adding a bonus round to any poker-style card game on a Nevada-style gaming machine. The bonus round is characterized by the existence of a match card. The match card is not part of the traditional poker hand (the “in-hand” cards) of the player, and only comes into play during a bonus round. The suit and value of the match card may be generated by the game machine or a remote game controller or backend server. The match card is then displayed in a manner visually associating the match card with one of the player's “in-hand” cards. A bonus is determined by evaluating the associated pair. Alternatively a bonus may be determined first, in which case the game machine determines a match card and associated card from the player's in-hand cards that is the equivalent of the predetermined bonus. |
| US07874900B2 |
Displaying 3D characters in gaming machines
Embodiments of the invention include a method of performing a bonus event in a gaming machine that produces a gaming outcome. The method for performing a bonus event includes displaying a three-dimensional character; modifying the character based on one or more user selections; and controlling the character to influence the gaming outcome. |
| US07874894B2 |
Polishing pad
A polishing pad provides excellent optical detection accuracy properties over a broad wavelength range (particularly at the short-wavelength side) and is capable of preventing a slurry from leaking from the boundary between a polishing region and a light-transmitting region. The polishing pad includes at least a transparent support film laminated on one side of a polishing layer including a polishing region and a light-transmitting region; the light transmittance of an optical detection region containing at least the light-transmitting region and the transparent support film is 40% or more in the overall range of wavelengths of 300 to 400 nm. |
| US07874892B2 |
Fluid driven vehicle playset
A playset includes a launching device and one or more accessory toys. The launching device includes a launch tube and a bellows system operable to generate a flow of air through the launch tube. The accessory toys may include vehicles such as air-launched vehicles and surface-launched vehicles. Each accessory toy may include a port that receives the launch tube. In use, an accessory toy is mounted onto the launch tube and the bellows is compressed, causing the air to propel the vehicle into the air or along a surface. In another embodiment, the launch tube may include and interference assembly that selectively prohibits the mounting of an accessory toy onto the launch tube, or prevents the launching of accessory toys already mounted onto the tube. The launching device may further be incorporated into a carrying case or a transport vehicle toy. |
| US07874889B2 |
Printing bead spacers on flat panel display substrates
An apparatus for printing bead spacers on a substrate of an LCD panel includes a head unit for spraying a plurality of bead spacer groups on the substrate, a transfer unit for transferring the head unit, and a supply unit for supplying the bead spacers to the head unit. Each of the bead spacer groups includes a plurality of bead spacers, and the sizes of the respective spacers of at least two of the spacer groups are different from each other. The invention enables a cell gap of a substantially uniform thickness to be created and maintained in the panel, prevents the occurrence of smear failures in the panel, and increases the allowable tolerance in the amount of liquid crystal material needed to fill the panel correctly. |
| US07874881B1 |
Full tension swaged connector
An improved full tension connector for electrical conductors has a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a stepped series of substantially cylindrical inner surfaces with progressively smaller inside diameters. The design of the connector allows for improved control of the compression of the cable inside the fitting. A series of swages, progressing successively from a light compression to a heavier compression, ensures that the connector will sustain the required tensile load. |
| US07874879B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reducing crosstalk in electrical connectors
A communication jack having crosstalk compensation features for overall crosstalk interference reduction is disclosed. In one embodiment, the jack is configured to receive a plug to form a communication connection, and comprises jack contacts disposed in the jack, with each contact having at least a first surface and a second surface. Upon the plug being received by the jack, the plug contacts interface with the first surface of the jack contacts. The jack further includes a first capacitive coupling connected between two pairs of jack contacts to compensate for near end crosstalk, with the first capacitive coupling being connected to the pairs of jack contacts along the second surface adjacent to where the plug contacts interface with the jack contacts. A far end crosstalk compensation scheme is also set forth. |
| US07874874B2 |
Connecting device having a build-in digital television tuner
A connecting device having a built-in digital television tuner includes a base, a digital television tuner, a cover plate and a connector. The base has two ports. One of the two ports is assembled with the digital television tuner. The inner walls of both sides of the port have two symmetrical grooves. Rails provided on both sides of the cover plate are assembled in the grooves, so that the cover plate can slide in the port. The other port of the base is assembled with the connector. When being electrically connected to an electronic device, the connecting device of the present invention allows transmission lines of different functions to be inserted therein and receives digital television signals, whereby a user can watch digital television programs. |
| US07874871B2 |
Connecting assembly for an end of a coaxial cable and method of connecting a coaxial cable to a connector
A connecting assembly for an end of a coaxial cable and having a first element, that is turned around a first axis in a first rotational direction to progressively tighten the first element to a connector, and a housing. The connecting assembly further has: a) an axially elongated first groove in one component; and b) an axially elongated first finger on a second component that resides within the first groove with the connecting assembly in a first state. With the connecting assembly in the first state, turning of the housing in the first rotational direction causes the first finger to cause driving of the first element with a torque up to a predetermined torque. Continued turning of the housing with a torque exceeding the predetermined torque causes reconfiguration of the connecting assembly in a manner whereby the first finger moves circumferentially out of the first groove. |
| US07874869B2 |
Reconfigurable patch panel
A reconfigurable patch panel and a method of reconfiguring a patch panel comprising a support member supporting at least one adapter, where the at least one adapter comprises a plurality of ports for coupling to electric signal bearing cables. A pivot, associated with each of the at least one adapters, couples the at least one adapter to the support member. The at least one adapter selectively rotates about the pivot to a selected position relative to the support member. A retainer, associated with each of the at least one adapters, couples the support member to the at least one adapter and retains the at least one adapter in the selected position. |
| US07874868B2 |
Connector with projecting function
A connector with projecting function is electrically connected to a circuit board of an electronic device and includes a casing, a base, a rear cover, a projecting module and an electrical connector. The base has a first port and a second port. The projecting module is provided in the first port. The electrical connector is provided in the second port. The casing and the rear cover are assembled outside the base. When the connector is combined with the electronic device, a plurality of electrical-conductive terminals of the connector is configured to transmit image signals of the electronic device to a circuit board of the connector. Then, a control circuit and an image processing chip of the projecting module can process the image signals to project the processed images onto an external screen. |
| US07874867B2 |
Electrical connection member with outer insulating film member and inner inclined spring member
In an electrical connection member having elasticity and adapted to be interposed between connection objects for electrically connecting them together, an inner member has a plurality of spring pieces each extending from a base plate portion, an outer member including a flexible insulating film and a plurality of conductive paths formed at the flexible insulating film. Each conductive path has a first and a second contact portion for connection to the connection objects. Each spring piece includes a root portion formed adjacent to the base plate portion and faced to a portion, corresponding to the second contact portion, of an inner surface of an intermediate portion of the insulating film. Each spring piece further includes an inclined spring portion extending obliquely from the root portion and faced to a portion, corresponding to the first contact portion, of the inner surface of the intermediate portion. |
| US07874865B2 |
Electrical connector with a compliant cable strain relief element
An electrical connector includes a housing including a rear end. The housing has a cable bore configured to receive a cable, and the housing has an outer pocket positioned radially outward from, and surrounding portions of, the cable bore. A strain relief element is coupled to the housing. The strain relief element includes an end wall having an opening therein. The strain relief element has a flexible beam extending axially inward from the end wall proximate to the opening that is configured to engage the cable. The strain relief element also has a mounting tab extending axially inward from the end wall that is received in the outer pocket and that engages the housing to secure the strain relief element to the housing. |
| US07874863B1 |
Test and burn-in socket for integrated circuits (ICs)
Disclosed herein is a test and burn-in socket for integrated circuits. The socket includes a socket body (37). A lead guide (36) is provided under the socket body. A slide (35) is mounted to the socket body to move horizontally. A plurality of slide springs (39) is elastically supported between the slide and the socket body, thus allowing the slide to smoothly restore an original position thereof. A contact guide (31) is provided above the slide to guide positions of upper contact terminals of contacts. An IC guide (30) is provided above the contact guide to guide a position of an IC. A cover (21) is provided to move vertically from the socket body (37). A latch (29) presses the IC. The socket also includes the contacts (33). |
| US07874861B2 |
PCB connector
For connecting multiple PC boards to form a PCB pane, a PCB connector is disclosed include a bearing strip, which has locating grooves spaced along the length, upright pins disposed in the locating grooves and inserted through respective through holes on connection portions of the PC boards to be connected and studs spaced along the length and disposed beyond the locating grooves, and a holding down strip, which has locating grooves corresponding to the locating grooves of the bearing strip for receiving the connection strips of the PC boards, pin holes respectively press-fitted onto the upright pins and sockets respectively fastened to the studs of the bearing strip. |
| US07874860B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an electrical plug having a threaded sleeve for screwing on a union nut of an electrical socket or for screwing into a stationary housing component of an electronic device. The threaded sleeve includes an external thread not having a threadless area. The union nut includes an internal thread configured for threaded engagement with the external thread of the plug. The internal thread has at least one threadless area. |
| US07874856B1 |
Expanding space saving electrical power connection device
An electrical power connection device is disclosed having a base socket, a power receiving means adapted to connect to a power source, and a plurality of socket modules. At least one socket module includes at least one electrical socket electrically interconnected with the power source. Each socket module is mechanically and adjustably engaged with at least one other socket module, whereby the device is expandable and compressible such that both small power plugs and larger AC adapters may be plugged into the electrical socket of each socket module. |
| US07874851B2 |
Earth connection unit
An earth connection unit, in which the elastic engagement piece portion of the earth plate for locking the earth plate to the unit case is engaged with the engagement projection formed on the outer side surface of the unit case, and wherein the elastic engagement piece portion formed on the earth plate is covered with the engagement piece cover integrally interconnecting the plurality of opening covers, and is not exposed to the exterior. |
| US07874846B2 |
Hermetically sealed liquid crystal polymer interconnect
A hermetically sealed housing encloses an inert gas atmosphere, and an electrical interconnect has at least one electrically conductive signal trace embedded onto a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) body to extend from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing. |
| US07874845B1 |
Scissor-type multi-functional connector
A scissor-type multi-functional connector includes a male connector and a female connector respectively mounted to circuit substrates. The male connector includes a housing that includes a frame wall and receives and retains therein plate terminals. The female connector includes a housing and a lower body between which clips are retained. Both connectors are mounted to the substrates by pins. Contact legs of the plate terminals and the clips extend outside the housings and are mounted to the substrates through SMT or PCB soldering (DIP). As such, the frame wall of the male housing may be set to mate the female housing to have the plate terminals and the clips efficiently and effectively engaging each other to form a connected condition. |
| US07874844B1 |
Universal magnetic power supply adaptor
A universal power plug adapter for supplying power to an electrical device. The adaptor is comprised of two intermediate electrical connectors attached together by magnetic force. One connector attaches to an electrical power supply, and another contains a plug compatible with the receptacle on one or more electrically powered devices. An optional specially designed extension cord can be inserted between the two connectors. The extension cord has ends that are identical to the two mating ends of the two connectors so that the extension cord can insert therebetween. |
| US07874843B2 |
Drawing tablet for underwater or extreme environment
A writing or drawing tablet that is suitable for use in an underwater or any extreme environment is provided. A length of waterproof (plastic) vellum is stretched between two rollers over a flat surface thereby enabling the user to easily draw or write on the vellum to save the drawing and writing. |
| US07874841B1 |
Method and apparatus for personal awareness and growth
An presentation generator is disclosed for generating presentations for interacting with a user on a personal topic of, e.g., the user's selection, wherein the presentations assist the user in obtaining a greater awareness of his/her motivations and/or behaviors relating to the topic. In one embodiment, the presentation generator generates and presents to the user textual observations, questions, and/or statements for the user's consideration. Such presentations use and/or are consistent with textual descriptions obtained from: (a) the results of one or more personality/motivation test results, and (b) user inputs, e.g., regarding the selected topic together with his/her confidence in the validity of such inputs. The invention organizes the textual descriptions so that outputs to the user can be generated from various personality/motivational perspectives thereby assisting the user in viewing the topic of discussion from different perspectives and thereby becoming more aware of his/her biases, motivations, and/or concerns relating to the topic. |
| US07874840B2 |
Flexible dental dam and methods of using same
A flexible dental dam for application in a variety of dental procedures, the flexible dental dam including a flexible dome having at least two apertures for inserting dental tools, and a flexible sheet bound between two rigid rings, wherein the flexible dome is attached to the flexible sheet at one of the two rigid rings. The flexible sheet can include an aperture for positioning around a tooth. Methods for use of the flexible dental dam are describe. |
| US07874838B2 |
Instrument and process for the minimum distance verification between teeth for the placement of one or two bone integrated dental implants
An instrument which verifies whether the distance between two teeth is the minimum adequate distance for the placement of one or two implants and centers edentulous space for placement of an implant or divides equidistantly the space for the placement of two implants, the instrument having a first sheet with a perforation joined by an extension from one side to one side of a second larger sheet having two perforations and an opposite side from which a handle extends is improved by stops extending from opposite ends of at least one of the one side of the first rectangular sheet or the opposite side of the second rectangular sheet for engaging the teeth in a position that verifies whether the distance between two teeth is the minimum adequate distance for the placement of one or two implants and centers edentulous space for placement of an implant or divides equidistantly the space for the placement of two implants. |
| US07874837B2 |
Defining tooth-moving appliances computationally
Methods and corresponding apparatus for segmenting an orthodontic treatment path into clinically appropriate substeps for repositioning the teeth of a patient include providing a digital finite element model of the shape and material of each of a sequence of appliances to be applied to a patient; providing a digital finite element model of the teeth and related mouth tissue of the patient; computing the actual effect of the appliances on the teeth by analyzing the finite elements models computationally; and evaluating the effect against clinical constraints. The appliances can be braces, polymeric shells, or other forms of orthodontic appliance. |
| US07874834B2 |
Air fuel ratio sensor of incinerator
Disclosed is a combustion apparatus using an air fuel ratio sensor, which detects the operation of the air fuel sensor based on pressure of gas and air introduced into a combustion chamber and adjusts the amount of gas and air introduced into the combustion chamber using a controller based on data detected by the air fuel sensor. The combustion apparatus includes a combustion chamber of a boiler; a blower installed in an air feeding line communicated with the the combustion chamber; an electronic proportional gas valve installed in a gas feeding line communicated with the combustion chamber; an air fuel ratio sensor including a movement section connected to the combustion chamber, the blower and the electronic proportional gas valve and moved up and down according to pneumatic pressure supplied thereto from the combustion chamber, the blower and the electronic proportional gas valve, and a distance sensor for detecting a moving distance of the movement section; and a controller for adjusting an amount of gas and air based on data detected by the distance sensor. |
| US07874832B2 |
Assembly for producing an auto headliner with a folded-over perimeter edge
An assembly for creating a folded edge for a flexible headliner material. A table defines an outer configured perimeter upon which is supported the headliner with or without a supporting template. Pairs of primary and secondary fingers are arranged at perimeter spaced locations in mounted fashion over the outer configured perimeter. The fingers contact outwardly displaceable fashion relative to the headliner inner perimeter, and such that the fingers are cooperatively displaced in a first step imparting a bent edge to the headliner. A projecting edge of the secondary finger is subsequently displaced over a terminating edge of the first finger in order to fold over the bent edge, or against the template, to form the edge profile to the headliner in a non-pleated fashion. |
| US07874830B2 |
Method for closing a molded bottle cap
The invention concerns a closure system (100) for molded caps comprising: two guide rails (102), a carriage (108) able to move on each rail (102), a closure bar (110) disposed between the two carriages (108), two wheels (116a, 116b), each mounted on a carriage (108), able to move in rotation about a rotation axis and each end of the bar (110) being mounted on one of the wheels (116a, 116b) so as to be offset with respect to said axis, a rack designed to move parallel to the rail (102), for each wheel (116a, 116b), a maneuvering gear able to move in rotation, secured to and coaxial with the wheel (116a, 116b) and designed to mesh with the rack, for each carriage (108), a locking device (106) designed to lock the carriage (108) with the rack and the guide rail (102), for each rack, an activation device (104). |
| US07874829B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming adhesive strips
A method and apparatus for forming adhesive strips from an adhesive sheet. The apparatus may generally comprise a first forming wheel, a second forming wheel, and a cutting wheel including a plurality of circumferential grooves. The cutting wheel can be positioned in proximity to the first and second forming wheels to define a first formation interface with the first forming wheel and a second formation interface with the second forming wheel. The cutting wheel can be operable to receive at least a portion of the adhesive sheet and rotate to force at least a portion of the adhesive sheet through the first formation interface and the second formation interface such that the adhesive sheet is at least partially cut by at least one of the circumferential grooves at both the first and second formation interfaces to at least partially form the adhesive strips. |
| US07874827B2 |
Syringe mold
A syringe mold with a coolant circulation outward and homeward positioned close to the cavity space and a sufficient coolant circulating flow for cooling a core cylinder is provided.Slide cores (5, 5) are put in the position where the slide cores (5, 5) protrude from the circumference of the core cylinder (2) by moving the slide core operating jig (4) forward in the axial direction of the core cylinder (2) while cooling the core cylinder (2) by the coolant. Then, a two medical agent mixing type syringe having a communicating groove on the inner circumference for mixing two medical agents is injection-molded. A molding failure due to insufficient cooling of the core cylinder (2) can be prevented by positioning the coolant outward and homeward close to the cavity space and making the cross sectional area of the coolant outward and homeward enough large because the coolant outward and homeward is partitioned by the circumference of the jig container space in the core cylinder (2). |
| US07874825B2 |
Nozzle for forming an extruded wall with rib-like interior
A nozzle for extruding a surface may include a first outlet configured to controllably extrude a first extrudate of unhardened material, a second outlet configured to controllably extrude a second extrudate of unhardened material that is separated from the first extrudate, a third outlet configured to extrude a third extrudate of unhardened material between the first and the second extrudates, and a controller. The third outlet may have a width that is substantially less than the distance between the first and second extrudates. The controller may be configured to cause the third extrudate to repeatedly traverse between the first and second extrudates and/or to cause the third extrudate to leave a plurality of substantial and separated spaces between the first and second extrudates. |
| US07874824B2 |
Equipment
Problems with incipiently gelling alginate or low-methoxy pectate sols in a bath of an aqueous solution containing calcium ions are reduced by having in the bath a perforated support surface which can be oscillated. The surface is preferably oscillated horizontally and vertically and preferably these oscillations are synchronised. Transport means to remove the product from the bath can be provided at one end of the bath. It is advantageous to ensure that at the beginning of the vertical oscillation the horizontal oscillation is in the direction of such transport means. Portions of the sol can be formed by extrusion either below or above the surface of the bath. The process is particularly useful for sols which have a sugar content greater than 10%. The invention also provides equipment comprising such a perforated support surface. Although the equipment is particularly useful for preparing alginate and low-methoxy pectate products it can also be used advantageously for other products which are formed in a bath and are susceptible to damage before they solidify adequately. |
| US07874822B2 |
Tire building core segment manipulator apparatus
A core segment manipulating apparatus and method is provided for relocating core segments forming a toroidally shaped core body configured to carry a cured tire. The apparatus includes multiple core key segment engaging mechanisms and core second segment engagement mechanisms arranged in a spaced apart circular array adjacent to respective key segments and second segments of the core body. The key segment and second segment engaging mechanisms operate to individually move respective key segments and second segments from a radially outward core body position to a radially inward segment removal position. The key segment and second segment engaging mechanisms transfer a respective segment to a segment removal device at the segment removal position and return radially outward to a segment-receiving location. |
| US07874821B2 |
Tire forming mold
A tire forming mold in which a depression for forming a land portion of a tread surface is provided in a molding surface forming a tread pattern of a tire. The tire forming mold has a pocket provided in the depression, a block fitted into the pocket to form an exhaust chamber in an inner portion of the pocket and holding a laminated blade, which is formed by superposing thin plates, so that one end portion is exposed to the molding surface and the other end portion is exposed to the exhaust chamber, and an exhaust hole having one end portion is communicated with the exhaust chamber and the other end portion is communicated with a mold back face or a mold split face. |
| US07874820B2 |
Compressor unloading valve
A compressor apparatus (20) has a housing (22) having first (53) and second (58) ports along a flow path. One or more working elements (26; 28) cooperate with the housing (22) to define a compression path between suction (60) and discharge (62) locations along the flow path. An unloading valve (100) has a valve element (102) having a range between a first condition and a second condition, the second condition being unloaded relative to the first condition. Means (120, 160) bias the valve element toward a third condition intermediate the first and second conditions. |
| US07874819B2 |
Marked tube for a peristaltic pump
A tube is provided for use in a peristaltic pump, with the tube including a cylindrical wall defining a hollow interior and a cylindrical outer surface. The tube further includes a longitudinal centerline axis and a plurality of indicia applied to the cylindrical outer surface, with the indicia including first and second indicium extending transversely to the longitudinal centerline axis. The second indicium is longitudinally spaced from the first indicium by a predetermined distance. |
| US07874815B2 |
High-pressure cleaning appliance
The invention relates to a high-pressure cleaning appliance with a motor-pump unit, comprising a pump head on which is positioned a piston subassembly, which carries a drive motor with the interposition of a planetary gearing, and has a plurality of pistons which can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the motor-pump unit and each penetrate into a pumping chamber of the pump head, and also comprising a swash-plate unit which interacts with the pistons, the planetary gearing having a sun gear which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the motor shaft of the drive motor and is coupled to a ring gear via planet gears rotatably mounted on a planet gear carrier, the planet gear carrier being connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the swash-plate unit. In order for it to be possible for the planetary gearing to be lubricated to good effect even when the motor-pump unit is oriented substantially vertically, it is proposed for the piston subassembly to have an oil sump into which penetrates an oil-delivery tube which is aligned coaxially with the motor shaft and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the planet gear carrier, it being possible for oil to be fed to the planetary gearing from the oil sump via the oil-delivery tube. |
| US07874814B2 |
Piston pump with fluid reservoir
In an electrically-driven piston pump including a fluid reservoir for retaining fluid that has leaked into a cam chamber, at an edge between a side wall surface of the cam chamber and the fluid reservoir, an upper edge, which is positioned on the upper side, is arranged so as to extend downward from the electric motor side toward the side away from the electric motor. With this arrangement, the fluid that has leaked into the cam chamber from a piston bore flows from the electric motor side toward the side away from the electric motor, coursing along the upper edge due to the gravity, and is thus introduced into the fluid reservoir. |
| US07874813B2 |
Variable displacement compressor
A variable displacement compressor comprising a first control means for detecting the suction pressure of fluid or the crank chamber pressure and controlling the suction pressure to a target control value, and a second control means including means for detecting high-pressure side pressure to control the displacement of the compressor so as to relax an increase in the high-pressure side pressure when it is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold and increasing the control value of the suction pressure depending on the increase in the high-pressure side pressure in a region exceeding the threshold. The control system is simple, the control valve is inexpensive and simple and capable of stabilized operation, and the variable displacement compressor has the internal control means suitable for refrigeration cycle operating in a supercritical region. |
| US07874812B2 |
Suction jet pump with ribs for guiding the flow of fuel
In known devices for pumping fuel, suction jet pumps are used which are driven by the fuel flowing back from the internal combustion engine and pump fuel from a supply tank into an impoundment container of a fuel pumping unit. In known suction jet pumps, the suction power is limited by the fact that the fuel stream applies itself to the housing wall, so that the entire area of the fuel stream is no longer available for entraining fuel. The device of the invention lessens this effect by providing at least one rib between the first partial section of the fuel line and the mixing conduit. |
| US07874809B2 |
Water-lifting pump apparatus and method for controlling operation thereof
A water-lifting pump apparatus which is free of a discharge valve and a check valve, is low in cost, and is capable of reducing vibration and noise due to a waterfall after the end of water pumping operation. The water-lifting pump apparatus has a suction tank (10), a discharge tank (20), a pump (30) for pumping water in the suction tank (10) into the discharge tank (20), and a discharge piping (50) connected to a discharge side of the pump, an actuator (60) for actuating the pump (50), a reverse flow preventing mechanism (80) for preventing a reverse flow of water pumped into the discharge tank (20) toward the discharge piping (50), and a back flow rate control (90) for controlling the flow rate of a waterfall falling from the discharge piping (50) into the suction tank (10) when pumping operation is finished. |
| US07874802B2 |
Tip turbine engine comprising turbine blade clusters and method of assembly
A tip turbine engine comprises a fan-turbine rotor assembly that includes one or more turbine ring rotors. Each turbine ring is assembled from a multitude of turbine blade clusters. Assembly of a multitude of turbine blade clusters to a diffuser includes axial installation and radial rotation. The clusters are axially installed, then rotated toward a radial stop in a direction which will maintain each cluster against the radial stop during operation of the fan-turbine rotor assembly. A multitude of turbine rotor ring stages may also be locked together to future increase the rigidity of the turbine. |
| US07874801B2 |
Device for measuring the displacement travel of a hydraulic displacement mechanism
A device for measuring the displacement travel of a hydraulic displacement mechanism for blades of an impeller of an axial-flow fan, wherein the displacement mechanism includes as components a displacement cylinder and a piston rod having a piston, one of the components being axially displaceable and the other component not being axially displaceable. Respective spindles of the blades are secured to a displacement disk to which is connected the axially displaceable component of the displacement mechanism. An oil transfer element surrounds an extension of the piston rod that extends out of the displacement cylinder. A magnetostrictive displacement-measuring device that includes a sensor housing with a wave guide, sensor head, and an annular magnet is coupled to the displacement mechanism. The sensor housing and the sensor head are connected to the oil transfer element. Either the oil transfer element or one of the displacement mechanism components is axially displaceable relative to the other component. The magnet is connected to that component for which the axial displacement relative to the oil transfer element exists. |
| US07874800B2 |
Wind energy plant with a pitch bearing
A wind energy plant with a rotor hub housing, which is connectable to at least one pitch bearing via joining means, and with at least one rotor blade, the blade root of which is connected to the pitch bearing, wherein a stiffening element is provided, which is fastened between the pitch bearing and the rotor hub housing. |
| US07874799B2 |
Flow cavity arrangement
It is known with regard to particularly cavities below high pressure turbine discs that mixing of hot gas leakage flows through an inner seal with cooling flows can diminish the effectiveness of that cooling flow when presented to other parts for cooling. By providing a path within a wall which is particularly shaped in portions it is possible to provide entrainment of a hot leakage gas flow away from entry into the cavity. Thus, the cooling flow retains a higher cooling effect and maintains its swirling nature in comparison with prior arrangements where mixing with the hot leakage flow occurred. |
| US07874798B2 |
Fan assembly having improved hanger arrangement
A fan assembly includes an elongate support member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The fan assembly further includes a motor assembly including (i) a motor having an output shaft, and (ii) a support assembly that supports the motor, the support assembly being secured to the first end portion of the elongate support member. The fan assembly also includes at least one fan blade coupled to the output shaft of the motor so that rotation of the output shaft causes rotation of the at least one fan blade. In addition, the fan assembly includes a bracket assembly having (i) a base, (ii) a first support extending from the base, (iii) a second support extending from the base, (iv) a first jaw interposed between the first support and the second support, and (v) a second jaw interposed between the first support and the second support. The fan assembly also includes a first fastener. The first jaw and the second jaw are spaced apart from each other to define a space. The second end portion of the elongate support member is positioned within the space. The first fastener extends through each of the first support, the first jaw, the second end portion of the elongate support member, the second jaw and the second support. |
| US07874796B2 |
Heat dissipation module
A heat dissipation module includes a housing, and a fan including an outer frame, a first rotor, a base, a second rotor and a driving device. The first rotor includes a shaft, a first hub and a plurality of first rotor blades disposed around the first hub. The base is disposed in the outer frame. The second rotor includes a plurality of second rotor blades, and is coupled to the shaft of the first rotor and disposed next to the first rotor. The driving device is supported by the base for driving the first rotor and the second rotor simultaneously. |
| US07874794B2 |
Blade row for a rotary machine and method of fabricating same
A blade row for a rotary machine includes a radially inner endwall, a radially outer endwall having a radially inner surface, and an airfoil including a root section coupled to the inner endwall and a tip section coupled to the outer endwall such that the airfoil extends radially between the inner and outer endwalls. The radially outer endwall includes a projection extending radially inward from the outer endwall inner surface such that the outer endwall inner surface includes a non-axisymmetric shape. |
| US07874791B2 |
Turbomachine
A turbomachine (1), in particular a turbine or compressor, includes a rotor (2) which has at least one moving blade row (4) with a plurality of moving blades (5), and a stator (3) which has at least one guide vane row (6) with a plurality of guide vanes (7), at least in one of the blade or vane rows (4, 6) all the blades or vanes (5, 7) each having a shroud plate (10). In order to simplify the maintenance of the turbo-machine (1), the shroud plates (10) are separate components with respect to the respective blade or vane (5, 7) and are mounted on the respective blade or vane (5, 7), shroud plates (10) adjacent in the circumferential direction (9) being coupled to one another for the transmission of tensile forces in the circumferential direction (9). |
| US07874785B2 |
Workpiece conveying apparatus of machine tool
A workpiece conveying apparatus of a machine tool, capable of covering a workpiece moving mechanism based on a simple structure and thereby preventing the entire machine from increasing in size is provided. A frame member 8 is formed by a pipe body extending from a workpiece machining position A to the vicinity of a workpiece carry-in-and-out position B, and the workpiece moving mechanism 7 is structured that a belt 12 is wound around a driving pulley 10 and a driven pulley 11 to drive the driving pulley 10 to rotate by a driving motor 13 where the belt 12 is arranged in the accommodated state in the frame member 8. |
| US07874782B2 |
Wafer transfer apparatus and substrate transfer apparatus
A wafer transfer apparatus is provided. In a minimum transformed state where a robot arm is transformed such that a distance defined from a pivot axis to an arm portion, which is farthest in a radial direction relative to the pivot axis, is minimum, a minimum rotation radius R, is set to exceed ½ of a length B in the forward and backward directions of an interface space, the length B corresponding to a length between the front wall and the rear wall of the interface space forming portion, and is further set to be equal to or less than a subtracted value obtained by subtracting a distance L0 in the forward and backward directions from the rear wall of the interface space forming portion to the pivot axis, from the length B in the forward and backward directions of the interface space (i.e., B/2 |
| US07874775B2 |
Fastening device
A fastening device to be fitted into a support part (22) has a cover plate (1) and two clamping arms (6, 7). Each clamping arm (6, 7) has an inner leg (5) and an outer leg (10) which has a bracing structure on its end facing the cover plate (1). The bracing structure of each clamping arm (6) is provided with two flat side cheeks (15, 16) that are joined to mutually opposite side margins (13, 14) of the respective outer leg (10) and extend toward the other clamping arm (6, 7). Each side cheek (15, 16) has an end face (17) that is oriented at an angle to the cover plate (1) and falls away toward the respective outer leg (10) from the end remote from that outer leg (10). The fastening device according to the invention can consequently be used in the presence of relatively high extraction forces with support parts that vary in thickness over a relatively large range. |
| US07874769B2 |
Method for transferring particles
Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A body within the lower zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and obstructs the particle flow within the lower zone. |
| US07874766B2 |
Jet-mixing method and jet-mixing apparatus
The invention provides a jet-mixing method for casting a pile of predetermined diameter by thrusting or feeding into the ground a rod provided at its lower end with a first jet nozzle section for jetting ground improvement medium and a second jet nozzle section for jetting reactant in substantially the same direction as the jet direction of the first jet nozzle section, and provided above the first and second jet nozzle sections with a third jet nozzle section for mixing and jetting compressed air and water in a direction opposite the jet direction of the first and second jet nozzle sections, jetting compressed air and water within a predetermined range while simultaneously rotating and upwardly extracting the rod from the ground, thereby jet-cutting a ground improvement region into a cylindrical shape, discharging mud generated by the cutting operation to the ground surface through a bored hole, and jetting the reactant from the second jet nozzle section and jetting the ground improvement medium from the first jet nozzle section. A jet-mixing apparatus for implementing the method is also provided. |
| US07874764B2 |
Secondary containment system for an above-ground petroleum storage tank
A secondary containment system for an above-ground petroleum storage tank includes a berm rising above the ground surrounding the tank and spaced apart from the tank for defining a petroleum retention basin about the tank. An impermeable liner covers the ground between the tank and the berm. At least one drain is formed through the liner and into the underlying ground. A hydrocarbon sensor monitors the presence of petroleum in the drain. A control device responds to the presence of petroleum in the drain by closing a containment valve to prevent discharge of petroleum from the basin. An indicator device provides at least one of an audible and visible signal indicating that petroleum is sensed in the drain. |
| US07874762B2 |
Dowel device with closed end speed cover
Disclosed are a concrete dowel placement devices and a method of utilizing the same. A metallic stud is driven, screwed, or otherwise attached to a form. The stud may be a unitary structure, or may be a hollow tube with conventional fastening means such as nails and screws extending through and holding the hollow tube to the form. A cover having an interior compartment substantially equal in diameter to the stud is slid ably placed thereon, and a first enclosed area is developed with a plurality of forms. Concrete is poured into the first enclosed area, and upon curing, the form and the stud are removed, leaving the cover embedded in the concrete. A metallic dowel is inserted into the cover, and a second enclosed area is developed with like configured forms. The metallic dowel extends into the second enclosed area. Upon pouring concrete into the second enclosed area, a cold joint is formed between the concrete of the first enclosed area and the concrete of the second enclosed area, supported and braced by the metallic dowel. |
| US07874757B2 |
Window cleaning apparatus with deionization cartridge
A cleaning apparatus for cleaning surfaces connects to a water source, and uses a portable cylindrical deionized water unit, a garden hose, a replaceable ion exchange resin cartridge, a brush pole system, and a second hose. |
| US07874755B2 |
Roller for selectively applying paint at surface corners
A frustoconically-shaped paint roller (210) to selectively apply paint to surfaces and surface corners. The paint roller has a rolling guide (280) that permits the roller to rotate eccentrically so as to accommodate rough or uneven surfaces. A circular integral guard (260) of predetermined diameter is present to prevent the user from applying excessive force when using the roller and squeezing paint from the roller. When used correctly, the integral guard does not contact the surface to be painted. One embodiment of the invention has a chamber (270) to store paint so that the repeated frequent charging of the roller with paint from a can or tray is avoided. |
| US07874750B2 |
Systems and methods for printing multi-layer documents
A system for printing a multi-layer document includes no less than two continuous feed simplex printing devices that each print on no more than one of a plurality of media webs. An in-line post-processing device merges the media webs into a multi-layer document. The system also may have a controller that controls the printing devices and the post-processing device from a single synchronized dataflow. A method prints a multi-layer document, including the steps of simultaneously printing on no less than two media webs by a plurality of roll fed printers that each print on only one of the media webs; and merging the media webs from the plurality of roll fed printers in an inline post-processing device. |
| US07874749B2 |
Apparatus, method, and control program for turning the pages of a passbook
A page turning apparatus of a passbook printer, which detects a turning error or the like at the early stage of turning irrespective of the size and characteristics of passbooks and allows retry of turning in a short time. The apparatus includes: a passbook conveying path; a detecting device placed on the conveying path; storing means that stores a passbook holding position and a threshold value corresponding to a determined size; a page turning mechanism configured to buckle the paper of an turning target page and to turn the buckled paper at the passbook holding position; a buckling sensor that senses a buckling status; a conveying mechanism that can convey the passbook to a designated position on the conveying path; and control means configured to drive the conveying mechanism so that the passbook is conveyed to the passbook holding position, and drive the page turning mechanism to buckle the paper, wherein the control means, if the buckling status sensed by the buckling sensor indicates that the buckling extent does not reach over the threshold value within a predetermined time, determines that the buckling has failed and drives the conveying mechanism so that the passbook is conveyed from the passbook holding position to a revised position apart therefrom by a predetermined adjusting distance. |
| US07874742B2 |
Splicing device for optical fibers and method for operating a splicing device for optical fibers
A splicing device for optical fibers comprises a programmable splicing apparatus which can be controlled by means of at least one program parameter, for connecting optical fibers, and a speech recognition unit. Spoken text is detected via the speech recognition unit, and a spoken command is determined from the detected spoken text. The at least one program parameter of the splicing apparatus is adjusted and/or the splicing apparatus is controlled as a function of the determined spoken command. |
| US07874739B2 |
Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections
In one embodiment, a fiber assembly is provided. The fiber assembly has a first fiber having at least one core. The core has a length, a first end, and a second end, and light may be transmitted along the core. The second end has an obtusely angled end surface. The assembly also has a second fiber having at least one core having a first end. Light may be transmitted along the core. The second end of the first fiber is optically coupled to the first end of the second fiber such that light emitted from the first fiber may be transmitted to the second fiber. |
| US07874736B2 |
Oil-lubricated roller bearing assembly
A roller bearing assembly is provided which is adapted to enhance lubrication performance for preventing seizure and for reducing frictional torque during rotation. The roller bearing assembly includes an inner ring (1), an outer ring (2) and a roller (3) rollably interposed between these inner and outer rings. The inner ring (1) is formed with a rib (4) making contact with a greater end face (7) of the roller (3) for guiding the rolling motion of the roller (3). A recess (5) is formed centrally of the greater end face (7) of the roller (3). A stopper member (6) for preventing oil invasion is fitted in the recess (5) of the roller (3). |
| US07874735B2 |
Bearing apparatus for a wheel of vehicle
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member (10), an inner member (1), an inner ring (3), and double row rolling elements (6, 6) are freely rollably retained between double row outer raceway surfaces (10a, 10a) and double row inner raceway surfaces (2a, 3a). An end face at the outboard side of the inner ring (3) is adapted to abut a stepped portion (11) formed on the wheel hub (2). The inner ring (3) is secured on the wheel hub (2) by being sandwiched between a caulked portion (2c) and the stepped portion (11). A ratio (α) of the thickness (e), of an end (3c) at the outboard side of the inner ring (3) to abut the stepped portion (11), relative to the inner diameter (d) of the inner ring (3) is limited at or smaller than a predetermined value. |
| US07874734B2 |
Wheel support bearing assembly
To provide a wheel support bearing assembly, in which the sufficient proof strength of an inner race during assemblage onto the vehicle body can be secured without its function being lowered, the wheel support bearing assembly includes an outer member, an inner member, and rows of rolling elements interposed therebetween. The inner member includes an hub axle having a flange and an inner race on an inner race mount, with raceways defined in the hub axle and the inner race. The inner race has a counterbore at its inboard end. The hub axle has a plastically deformed portion which engages an axially oriented surface of the counterbore when radially outwardly crimped and does not protrude outwardly beyond an inboard end face of the inner race. The difference P between the inner race mount and an outer peripheral face of the plastically deformed portion is 0.13 mm or more. |
| US07874732B2 |
Bearing device for drive wheel
A drive wheel support bearing assembly includes a hub axle, a constant velocity joint and a bearing unit which are unitized together, and an inner member made up of an outer coupling member of the CVT with the hub axle mounted on an outer periphery of a hollow stem portion of the outer coupling member. Inner peripheral side raceway surfaces are formed on the hub axle and the outer coupling member. Hardened indentations are formed in an inner periphery of the hub axle, and the hub axle and the outer coupling member are plastically coupled integrally with each other by radially outwardly expanding a mounting area, at which the hub axle is mounted on the hollow stem portion, to allow it to bite into the indentations to crimp. Sensors for detecting the displacement or deformation of the outer coupling member and the hub axle are provided in the outer member. |
| US07874728B2 |
X-ray imaging apparatus and portable detector panel
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes: a mobile system console with an X-ray irradiator and a control circuit; and a portable detector panel with an X-ray detector, an interface electronic circuit, and a power supply battery. The system console includes an accommodating section for accommodating the detector panel at the time of nonuse, and the detector panel includes feeding control device for unexecuting and executing feeding to the electronic circuit from the battery according to the accommodation and non-accommodation in the accommodating section, respectively. |
| US07874720B2 |
Hydraulic interference knives for a vertical auger mixer
An interference knife apparatus is provided for use with an environmental material mixer. The mixer includes a tub housing at least one auger with blades mounted on the auger flight. The apparatus includes a post rotatably mounted on the outer sidewall of the mixer tub. The post can include one or more knives extending therefrom. Rotating the post moves the knives in and out of the mixer tub through access slots extending through the mixer's sidewall. The combination of the knives and the auger blades provides a “scissors-like” cutting action for cutting the environmental material during auger rotation. |
| US07874719B2 |
Mounting assembly and method for a drive system for a mixer
An improved method and apparatus for mixing is provided that features a drive system that is removable from a bearing housing that supports the impeller shaft in the vessel. Some versions of the system and method use a magnetic drive system having a canister projecting outward from the bearing housing. The drive system has a lower shell that engages with the bearing housing and is quickly releasable and/or detachable to facilitate mounting and dismounting of the drive system from the bearing assembly. |
| US07874715B2 |
Light emitting diode back light unit
A light emitting diode backlight (LED) unit includes: a substrate having a plurality of divided areas; a plurality of LEDs disposed on the substrate; and an LED driver supplying a drive power to the plurality of LEDs disposed in at least two of the plurality of divided areas, wherein at least a part of the plurality of LEDs disposed in one of the plurality of divided areas is electrically connected to each other. |
| US07874713B2 |
Bi-color illuminated wheel emblem
A bi-color illuminated wheel emblem includes a rotating part that rotates together with the wheel, a stationary part that remains stationary when the automobile is moving, a bi-color illuminated display that is attached to the stationary part and an electric power supply. The rotating part comprises a mounting device that mounts the emblem to the wheel and a shaft that holds the stationary part rotatably. The stationary part comprises a hollow shell that is held by the shaft and a weight that is attached to the shell. The bi-color illuminated display comprises a metal look layer, illuminating elements and a light diffusion layer that diffuses light from the illuminating elements. The electric power supply comprises a stator that is attached to the stationary part and a rotor that is attached to the rotating part. |
| US07874710B2 |
Light-emitting diode lamp
An LED lamp including a lamp housing, an LED light source, a heat sink and a control circuit. The lamp housing has an accommodating space, a plurality of air inlets and a plurality of air outlets, wherein the accommodating space joins an environment through the air inlets and the air outlets. The LED light source and the heat sink are disposed in the accommodating space and the heat sink is connected with the LED light source. The heat sink includes a pedestal and a plurality of heat dissipation fins connected to the pedestal. An air convection channel is located between any two adjacent heat dissipation fins. Air from the environment flows into the accommodating space, passes through the air convection channel, and leaves the accommodating space via the air outlets sequentially. The control circuit is disposed in the accommodating space and connected to the LED light source. |
| US07874705B2 |
Cover for a luminary device
The present invention is directed toward a cover for an illumination device including a composite image including selectively visible design elements. The exterior surface of the cover may include a design element viewable regardless of whether the light source is extinguished or illuminated. The interior surface of the cover may further include a design element that is viewable on the exterior surface only when the light source is illuminated. Thus, when a viewer views the exterior of the lamp generally in elevation, the cover selectively displays different designs to the viewer depending on the illumination state of the device. |
| US07874703B2 |
Total internal reflection lens with base
The present invention relates generally to a light transmitting device and a total internal reflection lens with base. In one embodiment, the total internal reflection lens includes a light output portion and a first base coupled to the light output portion. The first base includes a cavity for receiving a light emitting diode (LED) and an undercut adjacent to the cavity. |
| US07874701B2 |
Lighting apparatus with adjustable lenses or filters
A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. Lenses and/or filters are adjusted in distance from the light elements, by for example moving the lenses/filters into different slot positions of the frame, to alter characteristics of the emitted light. Focal lenses, diffusion lenses, and color filters may be used individually or in combination. A compound lens includes lens elements having different characteristics arranged in a pattern. Through groupwise control of the intensity of the light elements, the different characteristics are emphasized or de-emphasized. The light panel may have an integrated battery, and may be mounted on a stand. The panel may be modular, allowing larger panels to be constructed from smaller panels. |
| US07874695B2 |
Electrical actuator system for articles of furniture
An electrical actuator system, especially for hospital and care beds and patient beds, comprising a number of actuators (6,7; 10,11), a control box (12) with a mains-based power supply, and typically also a rechargeable battery package and a control unit with a microprocessor, a number of controls (15,16), an orientation light (17) for mounting under the bed. The system comprises at least one junction box (13,14) and the orientation lighting is, with its own control unit, located in this. This enables a flexible location of the lighting. |
| US07874692B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a lamp cover consisting of a plurality of sector-shaped connecting bodies, a plurality of fins attached to the lamp cover and a plurality of LED modules attached to the lamp cover and opposing the fins. A locking device is pivotably mounted to the lamp cover and comprises a supporting pole extending in the lamp cover, a plurality of branches pivotably mounted to the lamp cover and the supporting pole. The branches are movable along the supporting pole to be locked at a desired position, whereby an illumination angle of the LED modules of the lamp cover relative to the supporting pole is changeable via movement of the branches along the supporting pole of the locking device. Thus, an illumination area and an illumination intensity of the LED lamp are adjustable. |
| US07874691B2 |
Light emitting device for divers
A light emitting device (1), which is adapted to be attached to at least one air cylinder (2, 3) that is to be carried by a diver, such as a scuba diver or a smoke diver, comprises an electroluminescent filament and a protective cover enclosing the filament and made of translucent, heat resistant silicone material. The light emitting device (1) further comprises resilient fastening elements (4a, 4b), which are arranged to secure the light emitting device (1) to the air cylinder/cylinders (2, 3) by a force determined by the resilient properties of the fastening elements. |
| US07874690B2 |
LED lighting fixture for illuminating a cavity
An oven lighting fixture includes an LED assembly or assemblies optically coupled with an optical guide member. The lighting fixture also includes a mounting bracket and a pair of electrical leadwires to connect the LED lighting fixture to an external voltage source. The LED assembly has an LED attached to a printed circuit board containing ancillary circuitry for powering the LED, and a heat sink for removing heat from the LED. The mounting bracket is attachable to a door of the oven cavity to support the LED lighting fixture adjacent to a sidelight window. The mounting bracket has a slot adjacent to the window for transmitting light from the LED through the light guide and into the oven cavity. Positioning the lighting fixture outside of the oven cavity and adjacent to the sidelight window permits the LED to operate within required temperature limits. |
| US07874685B2 |
Projection system, projector, and information processing device
A projection system includes an information processing device for processing image information, a projector for modulating a light beam emitted from a light source device in accordance with the image information processed by the information processing device and enlargedly projecting the modulated light beam, and an information transfer section for connecting the information processing device and the projector to each other so as to communicate information. The projector includes, a cooling device for cooling internal heat generator, and a power generation section for supplying at least the cooling device with a drive voltage based on the electric power supplied via the electric power transmission path. The information processing device includes a cooling device control section for generating a control instruction for performing drive control of the cooling device and for outputting the control instruction to the cooling device via the information transfer section. |
| US07874684B2 |
Housing assembly and projection device having the same
A housing assembly which comprises a primary housing, a secondary housing and a moving mechanism is provided. The primary housing has a first external contour and an opening disposed on the primary housing. The secondary housing has a second external contour. The moving mechanism connects the secondary housing to the primary housing so that the secondary housing can move between the sheltering position and the open position. When the secondary housing is located in the open position, the primary housing can define a space within the secondary housing. When the secondary housing is located in the sheltering position, the secondary housing is adapted to at least partially cover the opening. The first external contour and the second external contour together form a third external contour, which has substantially the same or different contour as the first external contour. |
| US07874675B2 |
Pupillary reflex imaging
A method, system and device for recording image data for a pair of eyes exposes to a series of flashes that includes flashes that vary chromatically is provided. More particularly, one eye is exposed to the series of flashes, and the resulting pupillary reflexes of both eyes are concurrently recorded. |
| US07874674B2 |
Aberrometer having reduced noise
Methods and apparatus for facilitating determination of centroids of image spots in an image containing an array of image spots generated by an aberrometer, the image comprising a first plurality of pixels each pixel having a corresponding intensity value, the method comprising calculating an average intensity value for a second plurality of pixels in a perimeter around a pixel, the average calculated using a subset of the second plurality exclusive of at least a portion of the pixels in the perimeter. |
| US07874670B2 |
Sunglasses secured with fashionable tapered fabric component
The present invention is a novel apparatus comprising tapered fabric components which cover or replace the eyeglass frame arms, and which are secured to the eyeglass frames by a discrete attachment means which gives the appearance that the eyeglass and fabric components are a unitary accessory. |
| US07874667B2 |
Eyemask
To attain the object of the invention to provide an eye mask of a simple structure that is easy to assemble using the integrally formed arc-shaped mask body, with the centrally located concave part abutting the nose of the wearer, the eye mask of the invention comprises an arc-shaped oblong mask body (1) integrally formed of resin, a concave (4) formed at the center of the mask body (1), a first and a second eye spot (5 and 6) comprising small perforated holes (2) formed on both sides of the concave (4) and temples (10) each mounted on both sides of the mask body (1) via a hinge (9), wherein the cross section of the mask body (1) perpendicular to its length direction has a C-curved surface. |
| US07874664B2 |
Electrically conductive pressure roll surfaces for phase-change ink-jet printer for direct on paper printing
A printing apparatus having a) a printing station including at least one printhead for applying phase-change ink to a print substrate in a phase-change ink image, and b) an ink spreading station including an ink spreading member and a back-up pressure member in pressure contact with the ink spreading member forming a nip between the ink spreading member and pressure member for spreading the phase-change ink image on the print substrate, wherein the print substrate is passed through the nip, and wherein the pressure member includes i) a pressure member substrate, and ii) an outer coating with a urethane and conductive salt. |
| US07874661B2 |
Solid ink stick with coded markings and method and apparatus for reading markings
An ink stick for use in a phase change ink imaging device is provided. The ink stick comprises a three dimensional ink stick body having an exterior surface. The ink stick includes one or more coded markers formed in the exterior surface from a leading end to a trailing end of the ink stick body parallel to a feed direction of the ink loader, each coded marker including a coded pattern of indicia for being optically read as the coded marker passes a sensor in the feed channel. The coded pattern of indicia may include areas of varying widths and/or varying reflective properties for generating a coded signal pattern indicating variable control/attribute information to a control system of an imaging device. |
| US07874656B2 |
Ink-feeding device and pressure-generating method
An ink-feeding device is provided in which the pressure applied to the ink in the printing head can be adjusted arbitrarily irrespective of the relative positions of the ink container and the printing head. Inside the sub-tank 80, a pressure-adjusting pump 82 is installed for applying a suitable pressure to many nozzles 22Kn of the printing head 22K. This pressure-adjusting pump 82 is placed a little above the bottom face of the sub-tank 80 at a prescribed distance from the bottom face. Thereby the pressure-adjusting pump 82 is immersed in the ink held in the sub-tank 80. A drive unit 83 for driving the pressure-adjusting pump 82 is placed above the sub-tank 80. On the upper wall of the sub-tank 80, an air-vent valve 84 is fixed to bring the inside pressure in the sub-tank 80 to an atmospheric pressure. The inside pressure in the sub-tank 80 is made equal to the atmospheric pressure by opening the air-vent valve 84. |
| US07874655B2 |
Liquid transporting apparatus and piezoelectric actuator
A liquid transporting apparatus includes a channel unit in which liquid transporting channel transporting the liquid is formed, the liquid transporting channel including a pressure chamber; a piezoelectric actuator which is connected to the channel unit, and which applies a pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber, the piezoelectric actuator having: a piezoelectric layer; a first electrode arranged on a first surface of the piezoelectric layer to face the pressure chamber; a second electrode which is arranged, to face the first electrode, on a second surface of the piezoelectric layer different from the first surface; third electrodes arranged on the piezoelectric layer to sandwich the first electrode in a plan view; and fourth electrodes which are arranged, to face the third electrode, on the piezoelectric layer; a voltage applying mechanism which applies a voltage to the piezoelectric actuator; and a controller which controls the voltage applying mechanism. |
| US07874653B2 |
Piezoelectric device, its manufacturing method, liquid ejection head, and printer
A piezoelectric device includes a substrate composed of a (110) single crystal silicon, a driver IC formed in the substrate, and a piezoelectric device that is formed above the substrate and is driven by the driver IC, wherein the driver IC has an analog switch including a transistor, the transistor having a channel direction in <001> orientation of the substrate. |
| US07874651B2 |
Liquid droplet discharge head and liquid droplet discharge apparatus
A piezoelectric actuator includes upper and lower constant electric potential electrodes. The upper constant electric potential electrodes are connected to a first-common conducting section extending in a predetermined direction, both ends of the first-common conducting section are connected to second-common conducting sections, and thus a first electrode assembly is formed. Both ends of the lower constant electric potential electrodes extending in the predetermined direction are connected to third-common conducting sections, and thus a second electrode assembly is constructed. A flexible wiring board stacked on the piezoelectric actuator has a first-connecting land extending in the predetermined direction and to which one of the first and second electrode assemblies having a smaller voltage drop when a predetermined current is applied is connected, and second-connecting lands to which the other is connected and which are arranged on both end sides of the first-connecting land. |
| US07874649B2 |
Piezoelectric element, ink jet head and producing method for piezoelectric element
A piezoelectric element comprises a piezoelectric film disposed on a substrate and a pair of electrodes disposed in contact with the piezoelectric film and utilizing a bending mode. The piezoelectric film includes domains constituted of a tetragonal crystal and including an a-domain which is formed by a crystal having a (100) plane parallel to the film surface of the piezoelectric film, the a-domains include an A-domain having a normal axis of (001) plane substantially parallel to a principal bending direction of the piezoelectric film and a B-domain having a normal axis of (001) plane substantially perpendicular to the principal bending direction of the piezoelectric film, and the A-domains have a volume proportion larger than 50 vol % with respect to the sum of the volume of the A-domains and the volume of the B-domains. |
| US07874646B2 |
MEMS bubble generator incorporating superalloy heater in direct contact with bubble formation liquid without intervening protective coating
A MEMS vapor bubble generator includes a chamber for holding liquid; and a heater positioned in the chamber, the heater being formed using a sputtering technique. The heater is formed from a superalloy material. The superalloy material of the heater is in direct contact with the liquid, without any intervening protective coating. The superalloy has a crystalline structure with a grain size less than 100 nano-meters. The superalloy is MCrAlX, where M is one or more of Ni, Co, Fe with M contributing at least 50% by weight, Cr contributing between 8% and 35% by weight, Al contributing more than zero but less than 8% by weight, and X contributing less than 25% by weight, with X consisting of zero or more other elements, preferably including but not limited to Mo, Re, Ru, Ti, Ta, V, W, Nb, Zr, B, C, Si, Y, Hf. |
| US07874645B2 |
Modular printhead assembly with serially mounted printhead modules
A printhead assembly has an elongate casing. A plurality of printhead modules is mounted serially on the casing. Each printhead module has a fluid channel member defining a number of channels extending along a longitudinal axis of the casing. A printhead tile defines a fluid distribution assembly mounted on the fluid channel member in fluid communication with the channels. The fluid distribution assembly is defined by a laminated structure of the printhead tile. A micro-electromechanical printhead integrated circuit is mounted on the tile to receive fluid from the fluid distribution assembly. The fluid distribution assembly is configured to supply the integrated circuit with at least ink and to adjust fluid flow to compensate for microscopic nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit. A securing arrangement is on the fluid channel member to secure each module to the casing in a replaceable manner and drive circuitry is arranged in the casing and connected to the printhead integrated circuits to control operation of the printhead integrated circuits. |
| US07874640B2 |
Inkjet printhead employing nozzle paddle ink ejecting actuator
An inkjet printhead includes a substrate defining a fluid chamber, the fluid chamber having a fluid outlet nozzle and a fluid supply channel respectively defined in opposite walls of the chamber; a thermal actuator extending from outside of the fluid chamber into the fluid chamber via an aperture in a sidewall of the fluid chamber; and a nozzle paddle terminating the thermal actuator and positioned within the fluid chamber, the nozzle paddle operatively displaceable upwards by the thermal actuator to eject ink from within the fluid chamber out through the fluid outlet nozzle. The fluid chamber is provided with a rim extending around an inner surface of the side wall, the rim partially protruding from the inner surface into the fluid chamber. The rim is provided with a rim edge angled upwards towards the fluid outlet nozzle. The nozzle paddle is spaced from the rim edge to define a gap between an edge of the nozzle paddle and the rim edge, the gap facilitating ink flow from a side of the nozzle paddle facing the fluid supply channel to a side of the nozzle paddle facing the fluid outlet nozzle. |
| US07874639B2 |
Ink jet recording head, ink jet cartridge with ink jet recording head, and ink jet recording apparatus
An ink jet recording head includes at least three nozzle array groups, each including at least two nozzle arrays with an ink supply port interposed therebetween and each ejecting a different ink. Opening areas of the ejection outlets of the nozzle arrays in each array group are of different sizes. Two adjacent nozzle array groups each include three nozzle arrays. The nozzle array group not identified as one of the two adjacent nozzle array groups is supplied with ink having a highest lightness among the three kinds of inks. |
| US07874637B2 |
Pagewidth printhead assembly having air channels for purging unnecessary ink
Provided is a pagewidth printhead assembly having a plurality of printhead modules. Each printhead module comprises a printhead integrated circuit (IC) having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles, and an ink distribution assembly formed from a stack of ink distribution layers, each layer defining apertures therein at predetermined locations, the layers laminated together so that the apertures of each layer complementarily define discrete ink distribution channels to the printhead IC. The module also includes air channels for directing air at the nozzles of the IC to purge unnecessary ink from said nozzles. |
| US07874636B2 |
Print head cleaning with vacuum source and solvent
To clean a print head of an ink jet printer, an ink gun is connected to an ink chamber, a solvent chamber, a vacuum source, and an ink collection gutter, which is capable of being connected in a controlled manner to a vacuum source. During cleaning, an interruption of a hydraulic connection between the gun and the ink chamber is ordered. Next, the gun is connected to the vacuum source. Finally, the solvent chamber is hydraulically connected to the vacuum source via a conduit which includes the ink gun. |
| US07874633B2 |
Printhead IC with non-ejection maintenance
A printhead IC is provided having an ejection nozzle having a heater for heating printing fluid, and drive circuitry for generating print pulses and maintenance pulses for driving the heater of the ejection nozzle. The maintenance pulses have a series of sub-ejection pulses preceding a de-clog pulse. The print signals are generated to heat the heater to form a first vapor bubble in printing fluid that causes ejection of the printing fluid from the nozzle. The de-clog pulse is generated to have lower power and longer duration than the print pulses so as to heat the heaters to form a second vapor bubble in the printing fluid which does not cause ejection. The sub-ejection pulses are generated to have lower power than the print pulses and shorter duration than the de-clog pulse so as to heat the heater without sufficient energy to nucleate a vapor bubble in the printing fluid. |
| US07874628B2 |
Boxes for keys
The aim of the invention is to provide boxes for keys that can be produced at low costs, especially when they form an integral part of a series of boxes of different capacities. For this purpose, the housing of such a box is configured with side walls (7, 8) screwed together with an upper part (1) and a lower part (2) and a back wall (22 22) guided in a guide groove (18, 19) of the side walls (7, 8). The side walls (7, 8) and the door (13) of the housing are preferably constituted of continuous profiled elements cut to shape and the back wall (22, 22) as well as the upper and lower parts (1, 2) consist of diecast elements. The back wall is provided with perforations (24) for hanging at least one key rail (25). |
| US07874626B2 |
Hydraulic modulator for brake device
A hydraulic modulator includes a cylinder for slidably supporting a power piston and changing the volume of a hydraulic chamber communicating with brake calipers according to the sliding of the power piston, and an electric motor for sliding the power piston through a power transmitting mechanism. The cylinder extends parallel to a rotating shaft, and a rotational motion of the electric motor is converted into a linear motion on an axis parallel to the rotating shaft. The power transmitting mechanism is provided by a ball screw mechanism composed of a ball screw nut, balls, and a ball screw shaft for converting the rotational motion of the electric motor into the linear motion of the push slider. The push slider has a head portion coming into spherical contact with the power piston. The hydraulic modulator so configured has a small size, and an improved arrangement of components. |
| US07874618B2 |
Vehicle seat with a deformable backrest
The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a backrest (1) and a seat part (2a), wherein the seat part (2a) can be displaced in the forward and backward direction (4) with respect to a base frame (3, 11) and the backrest (1) has a lumbar spine region (14) which can be deformed in the forward and backward direction (13), wherein a rocker-like element (8) is provided which is arranged in the lumbar spine region (14) such that it can pivot about a horizontally running pivot axle (9), said rocker-like element extending at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the backrest, wherein the pivot axle (9) can be displaced together with the seat part (2a) in the forward and backward direction (4) and a pivotable section (8b) of the rocker-like element (8) is attached to the base frame (3, 11) in a backrest region of the base frame (3, 11). |
| US07874617B2 |
Baby seat rocker system
A rocker mechanism for a baby seat, having: a housing; a rotatable member in the housing; a drive mechanism for rotating the rotatable member; a power source for the drive mechanism; a projection on the rotatable member; a first line anchor on the housing; a second line anchor on the housing; and a line wrapped around the projection, the line having a fixed end connected to the first line anchor, a mid-portion connected to the second line anchor, and a free end, wherein the free end of the line repeatedly moves towards and away from the housing as the rotatable member rotates in the housing. |
| US07874616B2 |
Horizontal lumbar suspension for vehicle seats
An adjustable lumbar assembly for a vehicle seat is provided with a wireframe for attachment to a frame of the seat. The wireframe has a pair of spaced apart side members. A flexible lumbar support band has a pair of outboard portions affixed to the side members, a pair of lateral portions extending inboard from the outboard portions and pivotally connected to the outboard portions offset from the side members. A central portion of the support band is pivotally connected to the lateral portions. A cable assembly is mounted to the outboard portions for extension and retraction of the lateral portions and the central portion for providing adjustment of the lumbar assembly. A method for manufacturing an adjustable lumbar assembly is provided by forming a wireframe with the side members, inserting the wireframe into a mold, and molding a flexible lumbar support band to the wireframe side members. |
| US07874610B2 |
Drag reduction device for a motor vehicle
A drag reduction device for a motor vehicle is provided that includes a substantially flat plate member preferably rotatably connected to a tailgate assembly. The tailgate assembly has at least one, but preferably two panels defining a cavity. The plate member can be selectively positioned at a first position and a second, third, or fourth position. When in the first position, the plate member is inside the cavity. In the second position, the plate member is substantially vertical, and partially extending outside the cavity. In the third position, the plate member is extending forward, preferably in a horizontal orientation outside the cavity. When in the fourth position, the plate member is extending rearward, preferably in a horizontal orientation outside the cavity. The plate member is of sufficient length when in the second, third, and fourth positions to thereby reduce the coefficient of drag and lift on the vehicle. |
| US07874600B2 |
Bumper system for vehicle
The bumper system for a vehicle body includes a vehicle body bumper beam of a hollow construction with an impact buffer member arranged in the front side. The impact buffer member is provided with a collision wall part, side wall parts and joint flanges and is integrally formed by a metallic material, the collision wall part and the side wall parts forming a sectional shape of approximately U-shape which embraces the bumper beam. The joint flanges are joined with the flanges protruding from the rear wall of the bumper beam and support the impact buffer member from the rear wall side of the bumper beam. |
| US07874596B2 |
Connecting arrangement with end sections of two fluid conduits to be connected
A connecting arrangement has end sections of two fluid conduits to be connected to one another and a coupling element having an axis and an outer side surrounding the axis and an inner side surrounding the axis. On the circumference of the end sections first securing ribs extend in the circumferential direction. On the inner side of the coupling element second securing ribs extending in the circumferential direction are provided proximal to each axial end of the coupling element. The coupling element is coaxially coupled to the end sections in the coupled state of the connecting arrangement by being elastically expanded, wherein the second securing ribs lock behind the first securing ribs and the end sections are coupled seal-tightly with one another. The coupling element is a circular cylindrical sleeve that is closed circumferentially. |
| US07874594B2 |
Label adherable to an object and method for making
A label assembly including a carrier sheet and label sheets, including a first sheet and a second sheet and defining at least one label portion. The label portion is adhesively bonded to the carrier sheet and removable with respect to the carrier sheet. A label comprises a first sheet having a first outer periphery and a second sheet having a second outer periphery. The first outer periphery may be coextensive with the second outer periphery. At least a portion of the first sheet is adhesively bonded to the second sheet by a first adhesive. The label further includes a second adhesive at least partially covering a back surface of the label. When the label is in a mounted position with respect to an object, the second adhesive contacts a surface of the object. Voids and/or openings within the label, or any part thereof, may be aligned with or over certain areas on a surface of an object to allow visual and/or physical access to such areas on the surface of the object. |
| US07874592B2 |
Adjustable fender mount
A vehicle fender is mounted to a mounting arm through at least one clamp that is mounted on the mounting arm. The clamp and an edge of the fender have complementary teeth and grooves to adjustably mount the fender to the mounting arm. The fender teeth and grooves are formed in a pocket and the pocket extends beneath the fender panel and receives the mounting arm. |
| US07874584B2 |
Sealing patch for the ventilation hole of a non-siliconized cushion of an airbag module
The invention relates to an airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle in the event of a collision, comprising a cushion (11) that can expand with the gas provided by a generator with at least one ventilation hole (13) sealed with a patch (21) including a silicone membrane (23) intended to break due to the effect of the internal pressure in the cushion (11) so as to allow gas discharge, in which the fabric of the cushion (11) does not have a silicone coating, the patch (21) is formed by said membrane (23) joined at its edges to two pieces (25, 27) of fabric and fixed to the cushion (11) by means of a seam (31). The invention also comprises a process for manufacturing the cushion (11). |
| US07874576B2 |
Adjustable airbag systems for vehicles
Adjustable airbag systems for a vehicle may comprise an airbag assembly having an inflatable airbag within a housing and an actuator associated with the housing, a sensor operable to measure a physical characteristic of an occupant of the vehicle, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the actuator such that upon receiving a feedback signal from the sensor relating to the physical characteristic of the occupant, the controller sends a control signal to the actuator to adjust a position of the housing with respect to the occupant. |
| US07874575B2 |
Airbag apparatus
The airbag apparatus is provided with a retainer that includes a hold-down portion for attachment of a periphery of a gas inlet of an airbag to the case, a cover wall surrounding an inflator body, deflectors and catches. The cover wall includes a plurality of outlet ports for releasing inflation gas exited discharge ports of the inflator body radially. The deflectors deflect the inflation gas exited the outlet ports in a range of angle from a direction orthogonal to an axis of the inflator body to a downward direction extending toward the hold-down portion. The catches capture residual particles contained in the inflation gas when the gas deflected by the deflectors hit them. |
| US07874573B2 |
Convertible toe strap
A convertible toe strap for securing a toe area of a snowboarding boot is selectively and repeatedly convertible between different restraining configurations. The convertible toe strap includes a first configuration where one of toe lift or forward movement is resisted and a second configuration where both toe lift and forward movement is resisted. |
| US07874570B2 |
Tow behind steerable caddy trailer
A steerable caddy trailer is provided that has an improved structure including a main frame assembly, spindle assemblies attached to each end of the main frame for attachment of a wheel, a pair of swinging arms forwardly extending from the main frame and pivotally attached to the main frame, and tie rods connecting the swinging arms with the spindle assembly such that pivoting of the swinging arms steers the wheels. |
| US07874568B1 |
Method for remotely launching and securely retrieving a trailered watercraft
A boat trailer modified to include a dolly and dolly track, the dolly including a hook triggering mechanism, a bow cradle and a slidable hooking mechanism for engaging a watercraft bow ring at a wide range misalignment with the centerline of the trailer. The trailer further including a remote controlled power winch with an automatic shut off for stopping the power winch when a watercraft is fully loaded. The invention providing a means for a single user to launch a securely retrieve a watercraft to and from a watercraft trailer. |
| US07874567B2 |
Bicycle shifting control apparatus
A bicycle shifting control apparatus controls an electrical power supplied from a power supply to first and second gear shifting devices that are operated by first and second gear shift operating devices, respectively. The bicycle shifting control apparatus includes a first power supply sensor and a controller. The first power supply sensor detects a power level of the power supply. The controller receives a power level signal from the first power supply sensor. The controller performs a stopping operation of the first gear shifting device in response to the first power supply sensor detecting the power level of the power supply being below a first prescribed power level, but the controller transmits a second gear shift signal from the second gear shift operating device to the second gear shifting device to perform a second shifting operation of the second gear shifting device. |
| US07874566B1 |
Dual riding and driving tricycle in juxtaposing link
A dual riding and driving tricycle in juxtaposing link comprises a primary bicycle body, an auxiliary cycle body and an articulation mechanism including a resilient tension mechanism.Primary bicycle body comprises a saddle sat by a primary rider, a front wheel controlled by a steering handle, a rear wheel and a pair of pedals to drive.Auxiliary cycle body comprises an auxiliary saddle sat by an auxiliary rider, an auxiliary wheel with a hub shaft located between hubs of front wheel and rear wheel in primary bicycle body and a pair of pedals to drive.Articulation mechanism comprises a left holding base, a right holding base and two parallel linking trough beams being disposed between both holding bases.Resilient tension mechanism comprises plural elastic elements connected on articulation mechanism respectively. Thereby, primary rider and auxiliary rider can independently tread respective pedals to drive synergistically. |
| US07874558B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same
A sheet processing apparatus includes an intermediate stacking portion which temporarily stacks, thereon, a sheet conveyed thereto; a discharge portion which discharges sheet stacked on the intermediate stacking portion; an aligning member which is provided downstream of the discharge portion in a sheet conveying direction and has a sheet holding surface capable of holding the lower surfaces of the sheet and a sheet aligning surface capable of abutting against end portions of the sheet in the widthwise direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction, the aligning member being movable in the widthwise direction; a first stacking portion which is provided below the aligning member and stacks, thereon, a sheet discharged from the discharge portion; and a second stacking portion which is provided above the aligning member and stacks, thereon, a sheet conveyed thereto; wherein a standby position of the aligning member is at a position more inward than the outermost position in the widthwise direction, within the range through which the aligning member is movable. |
| US07874556B2 |
Printer with reversible air flow sheet picker
A printer for sheets of porous media supplied from a stack of such sheets. The printer has a printhead, a sheet pick-up assembly having a conduit connected to a reversible air supply, the conduit having an outlet directed towards a top sheet of the stack for directing an airstream onto the top sheet such that air penetrates the top sheet and generates an air cushion lifting the top sheet from a second sheet, the reversible air supply configured to suck air into the outlet after the top sheet has lifted from the second sheet to hold the top sheet against the outlet and a sheet feed mechanism for displacing the conduit to draw the top sheet away from the stack. |
| US07874552B2 |
Sheet post-process apparatus including movable stack tray, and sheet post-process method
A sheet post-process apparatus according to one example of the present invention includes a movable stack tray for stacking a sheet that is elevated in a vertical direction; a movable tray position detection unit that detects a vertical position of the movable stack tray while a request command for post-processing of the sheet is not received; an upper surface sensor that senses either an upper surface of the movable stack tray or an upper surface of the sheet stacked on the movable stack tray when a first position of the movable stack tray detected by the movable tray position detection unit is lower than or equal to a predetermined first height; and a movable tray moving unit that moves the movable stack tray upward when either the upper surface of the movable stack tray or the upper surface of the sheet stacked on the movable stack tray is not sensed by the upper surface sensor. |
| US07874551B2 |
Holding unit having delayed conveyance time
A finisher includes: a holding unit; a stapling unit; a discharge unit; and a control unit. The finisher forms a part of a second sheet bundle subsequent to a first sheet bundle until discharging the first sheet bundle. The holding unit receives a sheet of the first sheet bundle and the subsequent sheet within a first period. The holding unit receives the last sheet of the first sheet bundle and a first sheet of the second sheet bundle within a second period as same length as the first period. The holding unit receives a sheet of the second sheet bundle and the subsequent sheet within a third period different from the second period in time length. |
| US07874550B2 |
Method for producing books
A book product apparatus and method for producing books includes the step of supplying a controller, a gathering line, and a plurality of feeding devices, wherein the feeding devices are adapted to dispense at least one signature onto the gathering line based on instructions from the controller. The method further includes the steps of loading a customer list and a separate recipient list associated with each feeding device into the controller and comparing two customer data sources to generate the instructions to send to the feeding devices as to what signatures to dispense from the feeding devices. |
| US07874545B2 |
Intrusion-prevention enclosure
An intrusion-prevention enclosure of the type comprising a plurality of modular panels, that are mutually associatable in an orderly and predefined manner to provide a barrier structure, a plurality of ground support posts provided with detachable upper retention elements for lateral uprights of the panels, and a plurality of lower collars, which are arrangeable at adjustable heights along the posts and are provided with a peripherally distributed plurality of wings, which can engage detachably open lower ends of the uprights. Each wing forms a lateral supporting surface for the base of the open lower end, which allows tilting of the panel in a preset direction, with the retention elements in the configuration for releasing the panels. |
| US07874542B2 |
Actuator levers, collets, and collet removers
Actuator levers, collets and collet tools for use in process control devices are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an actuator lever, a collet coupled to the actuator lever, and a collet tool. In the example apparatus, the collet tool is removably coupled to at least one of the lever or the collet, and the collet tool applies a force to at least one of the actuator lever, the collet, a valve shaft, or an intervening structure to couple or decouple the collet to or from the lever. |
| US07874541B2 |
Proportional solenoid and flow control valve employing thereof
A proportional solenoid 5 comprising: an electromagnetic coil 9; a fixed yoke 10 provided immovably inside the electromagnetic coil 9 and having a convex portion 13 formed at an edge portion of an end surface of the fixed yoke; and a movable yoke 20 that is disposed inside the electromagnetic coil 9, has a tip portion thereof inserted into the convex portion 13 of the fixed yoke 10, and is provided movably relative to the fixed yoke 10, the proportional solenoid 5 enabling the position adjustment of the movable yoke 20 by controlling an electric current applied to the electromagnetic coil 9, wherein a protruding portion 21 that protrudes at the side of the fixed yoke 10 is formed at an edge portion of the surface of the movable yoke 20 on the side of the fixed yoke 10, and an inner surface 21b of this protruding portion 21 is tapered such that the inner surface is located further outside as the inner surface approaches the fixed yoke 10. |
| US07874540B2 |
Concrete form for pouring non-round columns, and method of making same
A concrete form comprises a single insert assembly or a plurality of insert assemblies within an outer tube. Each insert assembly comprises a pre-formed polymer liner sheet, a pre-formed polymer backing sheet, and a plurality of prefabricated cellular material pieces. Each cellular material piece has a first surface configured to form a portion of the non-round cross-section desired for the column and an opposite second surface formed substantially as an angular section of a cylinder. An insert assembly is constructed by affixing the liner sheet to the first surfaces of a plurality of the cellular material pieces. The cellular material pieces are arranged in a plurality of laterally adjacent rows extending lengthwise along the liner sheet for a length approximately equal to the length of the outer tube. The backing sheet is then fixed to the second surfaces of the cellular material pieces. The liner sheet and backing sheet together substantially fully envelope the cellular material pieces. |
| US07874539B2 |
Integral nail bar hanger for recessed luminaire
A bar hanger assembly is provided for supporting a recessed electrical device in a ceiling support. The bar hanger includes first and second telescoping support arms that are slidably connected together for adjusting the length of the bar hanger. The support arms having an elongated body with first and second ends and a mounting plate coupled to the first end. The mounting plate is oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of the body. An attachment member is coupled to a bottom edge of the mounting plate for attaching to the bottom edge of a ceiling joist. The attachment member includes a detent extending from one side thereof. The attachment member can be bent from a first position perpendicular to the mounting plate to a second position parallel to the mounting plate for attaching to a T-bar support. |
| US07874538B2 |
Adjustable lectern system
An adjustable lectern includes a base portion having a tubular upstanding base member and a tubular upstanding tower member that is mounted in a telescoping arrangement with respect to the base member. The base member and the tower member are each respectively formed as rigid tubes or channels by a single, unitary piece of material such as sheet metal. The lectern further includes a work platform that is positioned at an upper end of the tower portion. The work platform is both vertically and horizontally adjustable with respect to the base portion, so that both users who will be standing behind the lectern making a presentation and users who will be sitting behind the adjustable lectern in a wheelchair when making a presentation may be accommodated. Both the work platform and the base member include industry-standard rackmount structure for facilitating integration of electronic components. |
| US07874536B2 |
Angle ceiling hanger or bracket
An angle ceiling bracket, hanger or support which is specially designed for use with sloped ceilings of the type found in attics or the second or third stories of residences or related building structures. The design is such that it has virtually universal application for any type or angle of sloped ceiling so that a new bracket need not be designed for various ceiling work sites. The hanger design is contemplated for use with closet clothes hanger rods and has many other possible uses. |
| US07874535B2 |
Cup holder
A cup holder includes a box-shaped body having a holder opening at the top, a supporting arm, an urging element urging the supporting arm to come inward into the holder opening of the box-shaped body, an engaging element engages temporarily the supporting arm at a retreated position, an enabling/disabling element enabling the urging action of the urging element and disabling the engagement action of the engaging element by a pressing force resulting from a container, a fixing element, and a releasing element. The fixing element includes a mechanical mechanism, which fixes the supporting arm to bring it into contact with the container. The releasing element includes a mechanical mechanism, which releases the supporting arm from the fixing action of the fixing element upon taking out the container, and enables the supporting arm to come outward out of the holder opening. |
| US07874530B2 |
Supporter usable with display apparatus
A supporter usable with a display apparatus includes a base, a vertical moving member coupled to a display main body, a guide frame coupled to the base to support the vertical moving member to slide up and down, a spring rotor supported in the vertical moving member rotatably having a rotational axis transverse to a moving direction of the vertical moving member to move up and down along with the vertical moving member, a spiral plate spring having an inside end part coupled to the spring rotor as being wound around the spring rotor and an outside end part coupled to the guide frame to elastically resist a downward movement of the vertical moving member, a spring friction part to frictionally contact the spiral plate spring to resist a rotational movement of the spiral plate spring, and a rotor friction part to frictionally contact the spring rotor to resist a rotational movement of the spring rotor. |
| US07874529B2 |
Deck and pier accessories and mounting assemblies
A recreational accessory and corresponding mounting assembly is disclosed which is adapted and configured for use in combination with a substrate, such as a pier, dock, deck, porch, staircase, etc. The mounting assembly is secured to the substrate and the recreational accessory is removably attached to the mounting assembly. In the complete assemblage, the mounting assembly is optionally cantilevered outwardly beyond the perimeter of the substrate. Accordingly, the recreational accessory does not occupy any surface area of the substrate. |
| US07874527B2 |
Fastening rail in railway slide chair assembly
A rail fastening apparatus fastens an inner stock rail in a railway slide chair assembly. The apparatus includes a base plate. The base plate has on one face a rail seat region on which the inner stock rail sits when the slide chair assembly is in use. A resilient rail fastening clip restrains the inner stock rail. A locating means locates the rail fastening clip in a first position. A loading means vertically deflects the clip so as to produce a load in a toe portion of the clip. A second locating means holds the rail fastening clip in a second position different from the first position such that the toe portion of the clip sits on a ramp of the loading means in a preload condition in which the clip does not bear on the rail |
| US07874526B2 |
Full authority fly-by-wire pedal system
A pedal system particularly tailored to a Fly-By-Wire (FBW) flight control system includes a double gradient linkage assembly. The double gradient linkage assembly includes a damper system and a spring system that improves yaw axis (azimuth) control of the aircraft. Control is only required when a change in the yaw axis state is demanded. Since only minimal displacement inputs to such a FBW flight control system is required, the travel of the pedals are exceeding compact, such that pilot workload is significantly reduced through the reduction in the frequency and magnitude of aircraft control inputs. |
| US07874525B2 |
Method and system for fully fixed vehicle control surfaces
A fully fixed, non-articulating geometry vehicle that includes a number of virtual control surfaces operable to replicate a mechanical control surface's functionality. These virtual control surfaces further include a number of flow control devices on the non-articulating vehicle surface. The plurality of flow control surfaces is operable to induce secondary flow structure(s) within a boundary layer of a fluid flow over the non-articulating vehicle surface. A virtual control surface controller is operable to dynamically adjust a frequency and amplitude of the secondary flow structure(s) in order to reposition the virtual control surface. A vehicle control and stability system communicatively coupled to the plurality of virtual control surfaces is operable to direct positioning of the plurality of virtual control surfaces in response to vehicle control commands. |
| US07874524B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a multi-segment flap fence
A multi-segment flap fence is incorporated into the wing such that a lower fence structure is attached to the underside of the fixed wing, an upper fence structure is attached to the main flap (e.g., at the outboard end). The two flap segments are configured to slideably articulate with respect to each other when the flap is extended to form a composite flap fence having an area that is substantially equal to the sum of the surface areas of the upper and lower flap fence structures. In one embodiment, the area of the upper fence is less than that of the lower fence. |
| US07874522B2 |
Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices
Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both. |
| US07874519B2 |
Spacecraft three-axis attitude acquisition from sun direction measurement
Methods and apparatus for a spacecraft (1) orbiting about a celestial body such as the Earth to reacquire operational three-axis orientation with respect to that body. A method embodiment of the invention comprises determining (201) a set of actual conditions of the spacecraft, comprising a position of the spacecraft (1) in inertial space as a function of time and a set of angular rotation rates of the spacecraft (1) with respect to a coordinate frame of the spacecraft (1), determining (202) an actual instantaneous direction of the sun with respect to the coordinate frame, and propagating (240) an estimated actual sun direction with respect to the coordinate frame as a function of time; determining (260) a desired sun direction with respect to the coordinate frame as a function of time; rotating (270) the spacecraft (1) and adjusting angular rotation rates of the spacecraft (1) so that an actual angle between the spacecraft (1) coordinate frame and the sun as a function of time substantially coincides with the desired sun direction with respect to the coordinate frame as a function of time; and, rotating (280) the spacecraft (1) around an axis defined by a line between the sun and the spacecraft until (1) the celestial body is observed by a celestial body sensor of the spacecraft. |
| US07874518B2 |
Aircraft structure including composite beam and composite panel with metal foil therebetween
A method and article of manufacture of joining a stringer to a wing or tail panel and curing a wing or tail panel is disclosed. A sheet of titanium is placed between a cured stringer and an uncured wing or tail panel. The stringer, wing or tail panel and sheet are then placed within a vacuum bag, and gas is pumped out of the bag. The bag is then placed in an auto-clave to cure the wing or tail panel. |
| US07874516B2 |
Structural frame for an aircraft fuselage
A structural frame for a fuselage including a lower arched structure (1), a cross-piece (2), supporting a floor element (3) and a connecting lattice (4) between the lower arch (1) and the cross-piece (2), the connecting lattice (4) more particularly may comprise bars (4a, 4b) the ends of which are spliced to the cross-piece (2) and the lower arch (1). |
| US07874515B2 |
Air vehicle propulsion system on gimbaled truss
A gimbaled truss assembly is disclosed including a frame rotatably mounted in a gimbal mount, and a truss rotatably mounted within the frame. The truss is configured to retain a propulsion system. The frame and the truss rotate independently of one another. A fastening system for mounting the propulsion system to the truss includes vibration isolators. A plurality of braces are coupled to the gimbal mount. The braces conform to the external surface of an air vehicle on which the assembly is to be attached. |
| US07874511B2 |
Breakdown reel
The present device provides a breakdown reel that includes a spool barrel, at least one flange and likely two, one disposed at each end of the barrel, and a locking mechanism such that the flange lockingly engages and removeably disengages the barrel. The locking mechanism is divided into two sections, one is conjoined with the barrel and the other is conjoined with the flange. The two sections of the locking mechanism provide the unique the locking and unlocking action. |
| US07874510B2 |
Strap dispenser apparatus
Device for dispensing strapping material from a coil of the strapping material includes a carriage for receiving the coil of material such that the coil can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the coil by pulling the material from the coil to unwind the material from the coil. The carriage supports the coil at circumferential spaced locations on the periphery of the coil, is adjustable to various widths or thickness of the coil, and operates to apply a proportional braking force to the coil at circumferential spaced locations on the periphery of the coil as a function of the weight of the coil. The carriage is mounted to a wheeled cart that includes various receivers for storing tools and supplies used in the process of bundling articles together with strapping. |
| US07874494B2 |
Product item having first coded data and unique identifier
An object comprising first coded data disposed on or in a surface thereof and an identifier is provided. The first coded data identifies a plurality of locations on the surface and the identifier identifies a unique identity of the object. The first coded data and the identifier are distinguishable from each other and are independently readable. |
| US07874491B2 |
Carrier arrangement with overvoltage protection
A carrier arrangement having a carrier configured to fix a semiconductor chip, contacts located on the carrier and configured to make contact with the semiconductor chip, and an overvoltage protection in a form of a spark gap arrangement formed between the contacts. |
| US07874487B2 |
Integrated illumination assembly for symbology reader
This provides a plurality of novel features that can be applied variously to a reader. In one embodiment, the light pipe is constructed from durable polycarbonate for increased shock resistance and can define a rectangular cross section. The chamfered end of the light pipe is textured or frosted to further diffuse refracted light passing through the end so as to present a more even effect. The conical/tapered diffuser within the light pipe is illuminated by a reflector with a white textured surface that reflects a plurality of rearward-directed illumination sources back into the diffuser. The reflector can define a predetermined cross section that directs further light into the forwardmost, remote regions of the diffuser to generate a better spread of light and alleviate spotting effects. The textured surface on the chamfered light pipe end can be employed to better project indicator light. The illumination sources are arranged in a ring at the inner end of the pipe, and can be multi-colored sources that respond to the controller to project and appropriate color and/or blink in an appropriate pattern to indicate various conditions, such as read success or failure. The controller is adapted to provide indications between image acquisitions. The controller can operate individual portions of the ring so that only corresponding portions of the light pipe perimeter are illuminated in a particular color (quadrants, for example) at a given time. Different quadrants may be simultaneously illuminated in different colors in one example. |
| US07874486B2 |
Portable communication device with DMD
A filter-free projector includes a light source unit to generate a light beam with different color and a color control module coupled to the light source unit for switching the light source unit to emit one color light at a time. A digital mirror device panel having a plurality of mirror elements is provided so as to reflect light fed from the light source unit. Projection lens is positioned in the reflected light path from the digital mirror device panel to project image. |
| US07874477B2 |
Carton with top dispensing feature
A carton with a new dispenser that can be opened by a pull tab with this dispenser flap being placed in a corner of the top panel of the carton so that it is adjacent to the tops of the small necks of the bottles for easy opening and removal or for opening and reclosing. The dispenser flap is held in position by resistant tear lines but can be easily removed by an attached pull tab that is loosely connected to the top panel. |
| US07874476B2 |
Container and blank for the production thereof
A container (1) for the transport of a foodstuff comprises an upper and a lower container half (2, 3) which are interconnected for pivoting between a closed and an open position (4). Each container half comprises a flat bottom and/or cover wall (5, 6), from which side walls (7, 8, 9, 10) extend essentially obliquely upwards or downwards and outwards to the respective other container half (2, 3). In order to improve the thermal insulation with containers of this nature and at the same time to achieve increased stability, in particular with containers made from paper, cardboard or the like, the bottom and/or cover wall (5, 6) is formed double-walled at least in places. A one-part blank (40) is provided for the manufacture of a container of this nature. |
| US07874470B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing solderability of electrical components
The described embodiments relate generally to methods and apparatus for use in determining solderability of an electrical component. One particular aspect relates to apparatus comprising a vacuum chamber, a load sensor, a platform and a control module. The load sensor has a contact portion disposed within the vacuum chamber and the platform is disposed in relation to the contact portion and has a component mounting surface and a mounting member for mounting an electrical component to the component mounting surface. The control module causes relative movement between the platform and the load sensor so that a contact surface of the electrical component is brought into close proximity with the contact portion. When the contact portion has solder thereon and the solder is brought into contact with the contact surface, the load sensor measures force arising from wetting of the solder to the contact surface. The force generated under contact changes over time, depending on the degree of solderability of the electrical component. Thus, measurement of the wetting forces over time provides an indication of the solderability of the electrical component. |
| US07874469B2 |
Nailing depth adjustable device for a nail gun
A nailing depth adjustable device for a nail gun includes: a barrel-extending part mounted slidably on a barrel; an interconnecting part extending from the barrel-extending part and defining a driving surface; a support; and a telescopic adjusting unit mounted movably on the support and including a first part and a second part that is coupled movably to the interconnecting part, that defines a driven surface, and that engages threadedly the first part so as to be rotatable relative to the first part and the interconnecting part and therefore to be movable relative to the first part and the interconnecting part, thereby permitting adjustment of the distance between the driving and driven surfaces. |
| US07874468B2 |
Sizer for a garment hanger and garment hanger having a sizer
A sizer for a garment hanger configured to extend over a garment hanger comprising a body. The body has an outer surface and an inner surface, and defines a cavity with an upper opening and a lower opening. The body further having a central region with a first wall and a second wall spaced apart therefrom, and, a first curved wall spanning between the first wall and the second wall and a second curved wall spanning between the first wall and the second wall. The first and second curved walls are outwardly convex and define a peak region on each of the first and second curved walls. Applying a pinching force upon the first and second curved walls toward each other drives the first wall and second wall further apart, to, in turn, temporarily widen at least one of the lower and the upper openings of the body. |
| US07874464B2 |
Venting system for a product dispensing device
A device for containing and dispensing a product includes a piston secured to a base portion and a housing configured to be secured to the base portion, the housing including an open first end for receiving the piston and a second end for dispensing the product. At least one aperture is formed on a portion of the piston to allow air compressed in the device to flow there through. |
| US07874462B2 |
Pressure-actuated liquid disinfectant dispenser and method for an aerobic treatment system
A pressure-actuated disinfectant dispenser and method for treating wastewater in an aerobic treatment system. The dispenser includes a reservoir for holding a disinfectant supply and a dosage container for holding a dosage of disinfectant. The container is positioned within the reservoir and has a flow-regulated path for fluid communication from the reservoir into the container. The invention also includes actuation means for increasing the pressure within the dosage container to force disinfectant therefrom, and a discharge assembly for discharging fluid from the dosage container into said storage tank. |
| US07874458B2 |
Multichamber dispensing system
Disclosed is a multichamber dispensing system for dispensing a mixture containing several substances. Said dispensing system comprises a receiving unit (10) with several chambers (12, 14) which are aligned parallel to each other and each of which is provided with a first end for inserting a plunger (21, 23) as well as a second end encompassing an outlet (11, 13), and with a neck region (15) that is located downstream from the outlet(11, 13) of the chambers (12, 14). The dispensing system further comprises a dispensing unit (30) that is provided with a discharge duct (33) and an adapter section for establishing a fluid-tight connection to the neck region (15) for the receiving unit (10). The inventive multichamber dispensing system also comprises a position ring (40) for axially positioning the dispensing unit (30). Said positioning ring (40) is rotatably mounted on the receiving unit and embraces the receiving unit (20). |
| US07874451B2 |
Container assembly for use on planar surfaces of varying slopes
The present invention relates generally to containers configured for use on dual planar as well as single planar surfaces that can deviate from the horizontal. Such special receptacles can be used in a variety of static environments having sloped surfaces including: hills, damaged or structures under construction, sloping roofs, and the like. The primary object is to provide a substantially horizontal storage or support structure for objects. |
| US07874441B2 |
Closure and package for high-temperature applications
A plastic closure includes a plastic closure shell having a base wall with a central opening and a skirt for securing the closure to a container neck finish. A plastic disk includes angularly spaced fingers extending into the central opening of the shell base wall and external beads on the fingers for engaging an inner periphery of the central opening to retain the disk within the shell. The beads have flat undersurfaces and the inner periphery of the central opening has a ledge with a conical surface engaged by the beads. Any doming that occurs in the disk and/or the closure shell base wall increases the surface contact between the finger beads and the opposing surface of the ledge so that removal of the shell from a container neck finish will simultaneously lift and remove the disk from the neck finish without having the beads snap through the central opening in the shell so that the shell is removed while the disk is retained on the neck finish. |
| US07874439B2 |
Overhead crane
An overhead crane adapted to be supported by at least one main support beam includes a bridge adapted to travel in a substantially horizontal direction along the at least one main support beam, a trolley adapted to travel in a substantially horizontal direction along the bridge, a jib rotatably coupled to a bottom surface of the trolley, and a hoist adapted to travel in a substantially horizontal direction along the jib. |
| US07874438B2 |
Boom assembly
A boom assembly comprising: a base anchored to a structure/ground. A boom is rotatably mounted to the base at a connected end so as to be rotatable about a generally vertical axis, the boom having a device to support loads at a free end. An orientation clutch is provided between the base and the boom. The orientation clutch has a mechanism for locking a rotation of the boom with respect to the generally vertical axis so as to selectively adjust an orientation of the boom. The orientation clutch has a release configuration to allow the boom to self-adjust its orientation to align with a load pulled by the device. |
| US07874432B2 |
Protected alloy surfaces in microchannel apparatus and catalysts, alumina supported catalysts, catalyst intermediates, and methods of forming catalysts and microchannel apparatus
The invention describes microchannel apparatus and catalysts that contain a layer of a metal aluminide or are made in a process in which a metal aluminide layer is formed as an intermediate. Certain processing conditions have surprisingly been found to result in superior coatings. The invention includes chemical processes conducted through apparatus described in the specification. Other catalysts and catalyst synthesis techniques are also described. |
| US07874431B2 |
Filter element for cleaning a fluid
A filter element for cleaning a fluid having a pleated filter medium designed for radial flow, to the outside of which a circumferential reinforcing thread is applied. The outside of the filter medium is divided into two axial sections, to which the reinforcing thread is applied in a plurality of circumferential thread windings, such that the axial distance between directly adjacent thread windings differs in the two sections. |
| US07874428B2 |
Structure for air-packing device
An air-packing device has an improved shock absorbing capability to protect a product in a container box. The air-packing device is comprised of first and second thermoplastic films where predetermined portions are bonded thereby creating a plurality of air containers, a plurality of heat-seal lands each sealing the first and second thermoplastic films in a small area of the air container thereby creating a plurality of series connected air cells for each air container, a plurality of check valves for corresponding air containers for allowing the compressed air to flow in a forward direction. The plurality of heat-seal lands at predetermined sides of the air-packing device create triangled areas of the air cells, and the air-packing device is folded at the heat-seal lands, thereby creating an inner space for packing a product therein. |
| US07874427B2 |
Linear fluorescent lamp end cap locking system
A locking system for two linear fluorescent lamps comprises an endcap (10) formed to receive two linear fluorescent lamps (12, 14) (FIG. 3). The endcap (10) has two chambers (16, 18) formed by the outside surfaces of endcap (10) and a central partition (19). Each of the chambers has a forward portion (20) and a rearward portion (22). The endcap (10) has a width W equal to the diameter of the fluorescent lamps, a length L equal to twice the diameter of the fluorescent lamps and a depth, for example, 4 to 6 inches, that is substantially less than the length of the lamps, which can be one to eight feet long. A stop (24) is formed in each of the chambers at the forward portion (20) to retain the lamps within the endcap. Each of the stops (24), in the form of a reverse corner, extends inwardly toward the center of the endcap and has a first leg (26) with a first dimension equal to the width W and a second leg (28) with a second dimension that is greater than one half of said width W but less than the width W. The first leg (26) is provided with a score line (72) that divides the first leg into two segments. |
| US07874425B2 |
Golf bag stand
A golf bag has an extensible stand which incorporates legs having a compound bend. The legs provide increased stability when deployed, without increasing the splay angle of the leg pivots. The compound bend in the legs also permits the legs to fold compactly against the golf bag body. |
| US07874422B2 |
Cigarette box and blank therefor
A cigarette box has a V-shaped notch (6) cut in an edge of a top wall thereof, a push-pull wall (8) forming one side wall thereof, and a fin-shaped knob (10) provided on the outer surface of the push-pull wall (8). When the push-pull wall (8) is pulled out of the cigarette box, an upper end thereof is shaped like the letter V forming a rhombic opening (12) in cooperation with the notch (6). On the other hand, when the push-pull wall (8) is pushed into the cigarette box, the upper end thereof coincides with the notch (6), forming an oppositely directed V shape and closing the opening (12). |
| US07874421B2 |
Container having multiple connected packs
A container comprises two or more connected packs at least one for housing a bundle of smoking articles. The container comprises a first pack having a first wall and a second, hinge-lid pack comprising a box part and a lid connected to the box part along a hinge line extending across a back wall of the second pack, wherein a wall of the lid is affixed to the first wall of the first pack. |
| US07874419B2 |
Contained drive system for chain conveyor belt to reduce catenary sag
A conveyor frame assembly for use with a conveyor belt formed from individual links each joined together at pivot points. The conveyor frame assembly includes a drive assembly that pulls the conveyor belt around a drive roller to transition between the upper and lower runs of the conveyor belt. The drive end includes a support block that encloses the side edges of the conveyor belt as the conveyor belt transitions over the drive sprockets. The side frame members each include a continuous retaining channel having a height greater than the thickness of the conveyor belt. The retaining channels formed on opposite sides of the conveyor frame assembly allow the lower run of the conveyor belt to “tent” by creating an angle between adjacent links of the conveyor belt assembly. The tenting of the lower run of the conveyor belt eliminates catenary sag. |
| US07874418B2 |
Multi drive unit for conveyor and long conveyor implementing a plurality of multi drive units
Multi drive unit for propelling a modular conveyor belt, where the conveyor belt is made from a plurality of substantially identical belt links, where each link has a top and bottom surface, two side faces and a front and rear edge, where eye parts project from the front and rear edges, where the eye parts are separated by openings, such that the eye parts along the front edge of one belt link may intermesh in the openings provided between the eye parts along the rear edge of an adjacent belt link, and that apertures provided in the eye parts perpendicular to the intended travelling direction are superposed and a hinge pin may be inserted in order to hingely connect the overlapping eye parts and thereby adjacent belt links, wherein the unit comprises a plurality of parallely arranged axles, where each axle is provided with a plurality of sprocket wheels, each sprocket wheel having a number of projecting teeth distributed along its circumference, where the sprocket wheels on the same axle are spaced along the axle by way of spacing members, and where at least one axle is coupled to a drive. |
| US07874417B2 |
Machine for grouping packs
A machine for grouping packs includes a sliding work plane for advancing in sequence at least a consecutive and equidistanced row of packs along a predetermined advancing direction (A); and a retaining means for cyclically braking the advancing of one of the packs of the row with respect to the sliding work plane, the retaining means including at least a striker body and a moving means for cyclically locating the striker body close to a pack advancing on the work plane, such that the striker body receives the pack in contact there-with, preventing the pack from advancing at a same speed as a previous speed thereof on the work plane. |
| US07874416B2 |
Self-aligning detent spring assembly
An automatic transmission has a park system with a shaft and a parking pawl. The shaft rotates in response to a gear shift lever, and a detent lever positions the parking pawl in response to rotation of the shaft. A detent spring assembly biases the detent lever and has a detent spring, cage, and roller assembly. The cage aligns the roller assembly, while the detent spring is connected to the cage at one end and has a flat reaction surface formed at a second end. A cage notch portion aligns the cage with the detent lever, and the roller assembly into a perpendicular orientation with detent lever teeth. The notch portion engages either a detent tooth or a stationary portion of an internal mode switch (IMS). A shaft inserts into a roller through a side hole in the cage to retain the roller assembly therewithin. |
| US07874408B2 |
Work bag or travel suitcase with an incorporated extendable pull handle and with wheels
A work bag or travel suitcase with an incorporated extendable pull handle and with wheels includes a framework, having a practically parallelepiped shape and with an outer covering, in a lower portion of whose frame a supporting and containment element for a pull handle is constrained at one side having a greater length and lesser width, which is situated at the end of rod elements which can be extracted from the supporting and containment element, a pair of wheels being arranged in an opposite position with respect to the pull handle and with both the supporting and containment element and the extractable rod elements have a flattened telescopic form and are made of a light and particularly resistant material, also to shear and flexural stress. A particular pulling device which can be applied to a work bag or travel suitcase is also envisaged. |
| US07874405B2 |
Brake carrier
Embodiments of the present invention provide a brake carrier for a disk brake, which comprises a flange facing in parallel to the brake disk plane. The brake carrier comprises a flange facing having at least two sections that are configured on respective shoulders on the side of the brake carrier facing away from the brake disk. |
| US07874403B2 |
Lubrication system for pin connections
The present invention is a lubrication system for movable pins connecting pivotable structural members of a deepwater floating oilfield production platform. The lubrication provides adequate lubrication for easing movement of the pins and also for maintaining the long-term functionality of the pins by reducing the corrosion of the pin assemblies. The lubrication of each of the pins is provided by a closed loop circulation system that provides sufficient flow and pressure to establish hydrostatic bearings around the bearing surfaces of the pin-connected members that are being axially assembled and between pin-connected members that are being rotated relative to each other. The lubrication system provides for continuously lubricating a static pinned connection for the purpose of preventing water intrusion and subsequent corrosion. Furthermore, the lubrication system provides a means for ensuring the lubrication of the most highly loaded zones of a laterally loaded pin connection. |
| US07874402B2 |
Acoustic laminate
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an acoustic laminate including: a first layer of viscoelastic acoustic barrier material; a sound absorbing/decoupling batt affixed to the first layer of viscoelastic acoustic barrier material, the batt at rest defining a batt plane; the batt including a plurality of batt fibers; the batt further including retaining fibers, wherein the batt fibers and/or retaining fibers are disposed perpendicular to the batt plane and having end portions thereof disposed at a batt surface, the end portions affixed to the viscoelastic barrier material so that either the first layer of viscoelastic acoustic barrier material or the sound absorbing/decoupling batt itself may be retained in spaced relation from a mounting surface when the laminate is so mounted, the retention being achieved in any orientation by bearing a mass load of the batt or first layer of viscoelastic material along the axis of the affixed batt fibers and/or retaining fibers. |
| US07874401B2 |
Exhaust muffler for exhaust system
An exhaust muffler (1) is provided for an at least partly dual-flow exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle. The exhaust muffler has a housing (2), which encloses an interior space (3), with two exhaust pipes (6), through which exhaust gas can flow in parallel, and which are each led through the interior space (3), and which have a side opening (8) each within the housing (2). A neck body (9) connects the two side openings (8) of the exhaust pipes (6) in a communicating manner to form a Helmholtz resonator with the interior space (3) of the housing (2), which interior space (3) acts as a resonance volume (12). An embodiment, which has an especially compact design and can be manufactured at a low cost, is obtained when the neck body (9) has two plate-shaped longitudinal walls (11), which are in contact each with the two exhaust pipes (6) and which define a neck volume (10), into which the side openings (8) of the exhaust pipes (6) open, and which is open towards the resonance volume (12). |
| US07874398B2 |
Rearward torque arm for damping independently suspended and driven axle shafts
An independently suspended, driven axle shaft set in which the axle shafts are driven by a differential which is rigidly connected to the body of the motor vehicle by a rearward torque arm, whereby powerhop is mitigated thereby. Where the axle shafts are torsionally asymmetric with respect to each other, the differential is a limited slip differential and the relative torsional stiffness therebetween is different by a ratio substantially between about 1.4 to 1 and about 2.0 to 1, wherein powerhop is mitigated synergistically by both the rearward torque arm and the asymmetric axle shafts. |
| US07874395B2 |
Electric motor mounting structure for vehicles
A structure for mounting an electric motor in a vehicle, comprises: a mounting frame detachably fixed to a body component of the vehicle by a bolt; an upward-projecting bracket, which is upwardly projected from the mounting frame, being attached to the body component of the vehicle; a bolt hole, in which the bolt is inserted, being formed on the upward-projecting bracket; and a downward-projecting bracket, which is downwardly projected from the mounting frame, being connected to the electric motor. Both the mounting frame and the downward-projecting bracket are set apart from an axis of the bolt hole. |
| US07874393B2 |
Theft deterrent shield for electronic device
A theft deterrent system for an electronic device associated with a motor vehicle is disclosed. The theft deterrent system includes a shield portion, a bracket portion and a fastener. The shield portion and the bracket portion are attached to an electronic device with the fastener. The shield portion prevents substantially immediate removal of a connector from a connecting port of the electronic device. |
| US07874381B2 |
Pneumatic line deicing system
A wellbore servicing method comprising supplying a deicing fluid to a pressurized pneumatic line on a drilling rig, whereby the deicing fluid retards the formation of ice within the pressurized pneumatic line. A wellbore servicing apparatus comprising a pump, a sight glass container coupled to the pump, and a storage tank coupled to the sight glass container and the pump. A wellbore servicing apparatus comprising an air regulator configured to couple to a pneumatic line coupled to an air compressor, a pneumatic pump coupled to the air regulator and configured to couple to the pneumatic line, a sight glass container coupled to the pneumatic pump, and a storage tank coupled to the sight glass container and the pneumatic pump. |
| US07874378B2 |
Vibratory and impact connector for a power tool
A vibratory and impact connector for a power tool is provided with a spring, a first drive rod, a drive ring and a second drive rod which are sequentially received in an outer cylinder. The first drive rod is inserted through the spring and extended out of the outer cylinder, the second drive rod is inserted through the drive ring and into the first drive rod, and the drive ring is fixed to the outer cylinder. By such arrangements, driving the second drive rod can rotate the outer cylinder, the first drive rod and the drive ring. Furthermore, by restricting the rotation of the outer cylinder, the drive ring can also be restricted from rotation, and the drive ring and spring can cooperate with a spring to drive the first drive rod to perform axial reciprocation, thus creating an impact operation. |
| US07874377B1 |
Circle drive arrangement for motor grader
A motor grader is equipped with a circle drive arrangement including a variable displacement motor capable of operating at a high speed for driving the circle at a high speed, as when the blade is elevated above the ground and the grader is turning around for reversing the operation of the blade, and capable of operating at a high torque for driving the circle to change the angle of operation of the blade relative to the grader frame when the blade is in ground contact. |
| US07874374B2 |
Turf aerator tine
A tine for a turf aerator comprises a hollow, generally cylindrical tine having a lower section that first contacts the ground as the tine is driven into the ground with the lower section having an open bottom mouth. The tine includes an aeration core exit. A core comprising a splitting or dividing wall is fixedly carried within the hollow tine to split or divide the aeration core into at least two sub-cores or pieces thereof, which are subsequently ejected from the tine through the exit. These two sub-cores dry more quickly than the single larger aeration core that would have been formed and ejected had the core splitter been absent. |
| US07874373B2 |
Pump system for a firefighting vehicle
A firefighting vehicle having a dual pressure pump system includes a fluid supply, a first pump stage coupled to the fluid supply and configured to pump fluid at a first pressure, a second pump stage coupled to the first pump stage and configured to pump fluid at a second pressure, the second pressure being substantially different from the first pressure, a fluid manipulator; and a valving arrangement coupling the first pump stage and the second pump stage to the fluid manipulator, the valving arrangement being selectively adjustable between a first position forming a first fluid path and a second position forming a second fluid path, wherein the first fluid path provides the fluid to the fluid manipulator at a first output pressure and the second fluid path provides fluid to the fluid manipulator at a second output pressure. |
| US07874364B2 |
Method for jarring with a downhole pulling tool
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method of jarring with an overpull generator. In one aspect, a method of dislodging an object stuck in a wellbore is provided. The method includes the step of running an assembly into the wellbore on a conveyance member and attaching the assembly to the object, wherein the assembly comprises an overpull generator and a delay force release device. The method also includes the step of generating an overpull force in the wellbore by selectively activating the overpull generator. Additionally, the method includes the step of applying an impact force to the object by activating the delay force release device and releasing the generated overpull force, thereby dislodging the object stuck in the wellbore. In a further aspect, an assembly for dislodging an object stuck in a wellbore is provided. In yet a further aspect, an overpull generator for use in generating an overpull force in a wellbore is provided. |
| US07874362B2 |
Determination of downhole pressure while pumping
Tubewaves are used to transmit an indication of the depth at which a condition is detected in a well. In particular, the depth is calculated based on the difference in arrival time at the surface of a first tubewave which propagates directly upward in the borehole and a second tubewave which initially travels downward and is then reflected upward. The tubewaves may be generated by a canister designed to implode at a certain pressure. The canister is carried downhole by gravity and the fluid being pumped. At a depth at which its pressure tolerance is exceeded, it implodes and generates the tubewaves. An analyzer at the surface detects the tubewaves and generates a pressure versus depth profile of the well. Canisters may be acoustically tagged in order to generate tubewaves having particular frequency and amplitude characteristics. Canisters may also be configured to produce multiple implosions. |
| US07874361B2 |
Methods and devices for forming a wellbore with casing
A method for cementing a tubular in a wellbore in a subterranean formation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises connecting a circulating tool to a slip and a top drive; gripping a first tubular with the slip above the surface of the wellbore; sealingly engaging the first tubular with a seal member; fluidly connecting a wiper plug to the circulating tool; connecting the first tubular to a second tubular; and lowering the second tubular into the subterranean formation. |
| US07874359B2 |
Methods of retrieving data from a pipe conveyed well logging assembly
A method of performing a pipe conveyed well logging operation is provided that includes providing a pipe conveyed well logging assembly having a pipe string, a memory logging tool and a memory module; deploying the assembly into a wellbore; operating the memory logging tool to perform a logging operation to obtain logging data from the wellbore; and retrieving the obtained logging data prior to withdrawing the pipe string from the wellbore. |
| US07874356B2 |
Single packer system for collecting fluid in a wellbore
A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having a plurality of sample collectors disposed along an expandable packer element. An anti-expansion device also is deployed along the expandable packer element to limit expansion in localized regions. Limiting the expansion can provide additional space or an increased production surface that facilitates collection of samples. |
| US07874354B2 |
Packer-anchoring device
A packer-anchoring device between an annular packer and a body, wherein the annular packer is provided, at least at one of its end portions, with an expandable end ring. |
| US07874351B2 |
Devices and systems for measurement of position of drilling related equipment
A depth measurement system for determining an absolute depth of a drill string uses a position acquisition device to determine a length value for a joint or stand being added to the drill string. The position acquisition device receives a signal from a target object associated with the added joint. The processed signal can be an optical signal, a radio signal, an acoustic signal, or other suitable signal. Using techniques such as time lapse, Doppler effect or phase shift, the depth measurement system determines a position parameter such as distance or position based on the received signal. Thereafter, the processor determines the absolute depth of the drill string by summing a length of each joint making up the drill string and correcting for the position of the newly added joint. |
| US07874350B2 |
Reducing the energy requirements for the production of heavy oil
An apparatus for generating a heated product stream downhole is provided wherein a fuel rich mixture is reacted downhole by contact with a catalyst to produce a partially reacted product stream, the fuel rich mixture comprising fuel and oxygen. The partially reacted product stream is brought into contact with an oxidant thereby igniting combustion upon contact producing a combustion product stream. The combustion product stream may be cooled by injecting a diluent flow such as water or CO2. The cooled combustion product stream may be injected into oil bearing strata in order to reduce the energy requirements for the production of heavy oil. |
| US07874349B2 |
Heat exchanger tank
A heat exchanger includes a pair of tanks, each of the tanks having a pair of baffles sealingly engaged to a center wall, a pair of sidewalls, and a cover to form a fluid tight seal therebetween and provide a closure to the tank, wherein each of the sidewalls includes a portion of at least one of a pin and bracket for mounting the heat exchanger. |
| US07874348B2 |
Fan holder
A fan holder used to secure a fan to a heat dissipation device, includes a main body for mounting the fan thereon, a pair of blocking wings and a pair of baffle walls extending from the main body to define a space for receiving the fan therein. The blocking wings each include a pair of locking protrusions engaging in the fan to prevent the fan from moving vertically. The baffle walls each includes a pair of blocking flanges fittingly received in cutouts defied in the fan to prevent the fan from moving horizontally along a lateral direction of the fan holder. The baffle walls engage with front and rear sides of the fan for preventing the fan from moving along a front-to-rear direction. |
| US07874344B2 |
Method for producing a functionally gradient component
A method for producing a functionally gradient component, such a component having an outer layer of a first material, and an inner core of a second material, there being a gradual change in microstructure across the interface between the two materials, the method having particular application in producing a component formed from two or more aluminium alloys based on the aluminium-silicon (Al—Si) system, the method involving introducing a first molten metal into a mould, and allowing a layer of the first metal to partially solidify against a wall of the mould, decanting the remaining molten portion of the first metal, and introducing a second molten metal into the mould and allowing same to solidify. |
| US07874343B2 |
Roller blind with noiseless flat spiral spring drive
A spring motor having a pot shaped housing in which a flat spiral spring is housed. The flat spiral spring is connected at one outer end to the pot-shaped housing while the inner end is coupled to a shaft or axle. To prevent radial vibrations of individual spring layers when the spring motor is wound or unwound, a damping plate is housed in the pot-shaped housing and held in pressed engagement with a side edge of the flat spiral spring. This spring motor can be combined with the wind-up shaft of roller-blind arrangements for motor vehicles, including fixed roller blinds, storage-area covers, or separating screens. |
| US07874342B2 |
Wind resistant movable barrier
A door system (20) having a door (21) movable between a closed position and an open position, a plurality of panels (40-43; 140-143; 240-243), a facer (45; 145; 245) generally defining the configuration of the panels, hinges (50; 150; 250) joining adjacent of the panels for articulation in moving between the closed position and the open position, a reinforcing member (65; 165; 265) associated with the facer extending substantially the longitudinal length of at least one of the panels, a roller assembly (80; 180; 280) mounted on the reinforcing member, and a track system (31, 32; 131, 132; 231, 232) operatively interrelated with the roller assembly, whereby forces imparted to the facer are transferred to the track system through the reinforcing member and the roller assembly. |
| US07874334B2 |
Pneumatic tire for motorcycle
The present invention provides a pneumatic tire for a motorcycle capable of satisfying all of high-speed durability, turning performance and slide controllability.The invention relates to a pneumatic tire 10 for a motorcycle having a bead core 12, a carcass 14, a tread rubber 18, a side rubber 26 and a spiral belt 30. The number of cords Nmc in the spiral belt 30 in the center area is set to 30 to 70/50 mm, and the number of cords Nms in the spiral belt 30 in the shoulder area is set to 10 to 45/50 mm (Nmc/Nms=1.5 to 3.0). The tread rubber 18 is set to tan σ/E′=0.06 to 0.14 MPa−1 in the center area CA and the tread rubber 18 is set to tan σ/E′=0.12 to 0.16 MPa−1 in the shoulder area SA (TEc/TEs=0.4 to 0.9). |
| US07874330B2 |
Motorcycle tire for off-road traveling
An off-road motorcycle tire having a block pattern comprising a plurality of blocks 11 defined by tread grooves 10, each block 11 having a circumferential profile 16 of top surface 12 in the form of a straight line or a circular arc having a radius Ra of curvature of at least 500 mm, in which the circumferential profile denotes a profile in the circumferential section which passes through the centroid G of the top surface 12 and is parallel to the tire equatorial plane Cc. According to the invention, the ground contact pressure at the periphery of the top surface of blocks 11 is prevented from lowering to enhance the edge effect. |
| US07874329B2 |
Low noise pneumatic tire
Disclosed is a low noise pneumatic tire in which a plurality of noise absorbing members of a porous material are attached to the tire inner peripheral surface with intervals in the tire circumferential direction. The number of the noise absorbing members is from 5 to 50. The total length obtained by integrating the lengths of the noise absorbing members in the tire circumferential direction is not less than 75% of the tire maximum inner peripheral length. The distance between each adjacent two of the noise absorbing members is equal to or more than the maximum thickness of the noise absorbing members at the end portions thereof in the tire circumferential direction, while being not more than 15% of the tire maximum inner peripheral length. |
| US07874327B2 |
Tree feeding control for a tree handling device
In a tree handling device, where the tree is fed longitudinally through at least three drive wheels driven by a fixed-displacement hydraulic pump, feeding commences with all drive wheels simultaneously propelling the tree longitudinally through the knife arms and frame. During feeding, once the approximate maximum feeding speed of the drive wheels is achieved, one of the drive wheels is shifted to a free-wheeling condition, allowing the maximum feed speed to increase. |
| US07874324B2 |
Methods, rack and device for preparing samples for analysis
A rack for preparing samples for analysis is provided. The rack includes a frame, a sliding assembly, a first and a second receptacle mounted in the frame underneath the sliding assembly; and means for selectively connecting each receptacle with a vacuum source. The sliding assembly is mounted for sliding in the frame and is provided with a plate having a plurality of columns for receiving samples through an upper opening of the columns. The sliding assembly is movable between a first position above the first receptacle and a second position above the second receptacle. The sliding assembly is provided with engagement means for a needle, wherein the engagement means are located outside the columns. |
| US07874322B2 |
Industrial two-layer fabric
The object of the present invention is to provide an industrial two-layer fabric which exhibits good hydration property and good air permeability by forming a longitudinal groove on its upper surface side through a weave design without decreasing the number of warps, while at the same time exhibits good fiber supportability, good surface smoothness and high rigidity.The present invention provides an industrial two-layer fabric constituted by at least one upper surface side warp to be woven with at least one upper surface side weft, at least one lower surface side warp to be woven with at least one lower surface side weft, and at least one warp binding yarn to be woven with the at least one upper surface side weft and the at least one lower surface side weft comprising at least one pair of upper and lower warps in which said upper and lower surface side warps are located to be upper and lower, respectively, and at least one pair of warp binding yarns in which at least one yarn constitutes the warp binding yarn, characterized in that all knuckles emerging on the upper surface side formed by the yarns of said pair of warp binding yarns are aligned with knuckles on the upper surface side formed by the upper surface side warp adjacent to said pair of warp binding warps to form a hydrating groove. |
| US07874320B2 |
Method of producing a woven artificial turf
In one embodiment, there is a method which includes providing a plurality of warp yarns; providing a plurality of fill yarns; providing a plurality of pile yarns of a first type; providing a plurality of pile yarns of a second type; providing a plurality of dummy yards; weaving the plurality of pile yarns of the first type with the plurality warp yarns and the plurality of fill yarns for a first predetermined distance to form a backing; weaving the plurality of pile yarns of the first type with the plurality of dummy yarns to form a plurality of short hoops for a second predetermined distance; cutting the plurality of pile yarns of the first type to form a first plurality of upstanding ribbons representing grass to produce a synthetic field surface. |
| US07874319B2 |
Tube for guiding gas or liquid
The invention relates to a tube (1) for guiding gas and/or liquid, particularly on an internal combustion engine, comprising a supporting body (2) and a skin (3). The supporting body (2) consists of a relatively stiff first plastic and has a number o recesses (6), which pass through the supporting body (2) and are arranged in such a manner that the supporting body (2) is flexible in a longitudinal section provided with the recesses (6) and resists pressure forces. The skin (3) consists of a relatively supple second plastic and is placed on the supporting body (2) in such a manner as to close the recesses (6) in a tight manner and transfers pressure forces acting thereupon to the supporting body (2). |
| US07874315B2 |
Multi-channel, multi-phase flow metering valve
A multi-channel, multi-phase flow metering valve has multiple pintle valves for metering liquid media through each valve channel. The valve channels have venturi passageways that alone, or in cooperation with the pintles, cause the local pressure of the media to fall below its saturated vapor pressure and allow the liquid media to change phase. The cavitation creates a gaseous region, formed from one or many discrete cavities, in the media within valve channels that effectively isolates the pressures in the upstream and downstream parts of the valve channels to reduce the affects of input pressure fluctuations in the output media. The valve components, particularly the modules defining the venturi passageways, are made of a high-strength material to better resist pitting and other surface erosion from sonic shock associated with the collapse of the gaseous cavities. |
| US07874314B2 |
Motor fuel connector with replaceable tip seal
An improved fuel line connector for connecting a fuel line connection valve to a fuel cylinder outlet valve includes an improved, replaceable tip seal mounted on the tip or nose of the connector valve. The tip seal provides an additional, effective face seal between the connector body and the cylinder outlet valve. The tip seal, being on the fuel line connector, can be maintained and replaced by the party using the vehicle or filling the fuel cylinder. |
| US07874313B2 |
Pipe coupling
At least one coupling member (2) has a slide valve holder (42) that is pushed in by the other coupling member (3) when coupled to the coupling member (2). The coupling member (2) further has a rotary valve (41) rotatably supported by the slide valve holder. The slide valve holder has a through-hole (425) constituting a flow path. A valve seat (26) is provided around the through-hole. The rotary valve (41) has an outer peripheral surface portion that slidingly engages the valve seat. One end of a fluid passage (411) extending through the rotary valve is open on the outer peripheral surface portion. The rotary valve is displaceable toward the valve seat and is urged toward the valve seat by a spring member (64). Thus, the outer peripheral surface portion is pressed against the valve seat. When a fluid pressure acts in the coupling member (2) when the coupling members (2, 3) are not coupled to each other, the fluid pressure presses the rotary valve toward the valve seat. |
| US07874310B1 |
Water cooled liquid fuel valve
A water cooled valve is provided in the form of a check valve, an air purge valve, a distributor valve, a combination air purge and distributor valve and the like for use in the liquid fuel system of a gas turbine. A movable valve member controls the flow of fluid through the valve's fuel circuit. A separate cooling circuit circulates cooling water through the valve near or alongside the valve member. The water is of a lower temperature than the high temperature liquid fuel, and thereby carries away heat transferred to the valve by the fuel. In one form, the cooling circuit is formed in part by a helical groove in the periphery the valve body housing the valve member. A sealed water jacket surrounds the valve body and has dedicated supply and return ports for coupling the valve to a water supply via water lines. The water ports are positioned tangentially to induce swirling flow inside the valve. |
| US07874307B1 |
Check valve and method of use
A check valve is shaped and dimensioned to be installable inside a conventional pipe coupling, thereby reducing the amount of length required to install the check valve. |
| US07874306B2 |
Efficient liquid processing system
A fluid processing system has a plurality of segments configured to receive flow of a fluid product. Each of the plurality of segments has a line input, a line output, a cleaning input valve, and a cleaning discharge valve. The cleaning input valve connects to the line input and the cleaning discharge valve connects to the line output. A cleaning medium is provided wherein the cleaning medium is injected into a respective cleaning input valve and drained through a respective cleaning discharge valve, such that each segment can be cleaned independently of each other. |
| US07874299B2 |
Methods of neutralizing relaxed hair and compositions for same
The present invention relates to processes for neutralizing relaxed hair. Still further, the present invention relates to neutralizer compositions for use on relaxed hair. Still further, the present invention relates to a system for neutralizing relaxed hair. Yet further, the invention relates to relaxed hair neutralized by the compositions and methods disclosed herein. |
| US07874298B2 |
Unit and method for decorating nails
A unit for decorating nails comprises a container 2 of nail varnish, a lid 4 for the container incorporating means for applying the nail varnish, at least one ink pad 8, and at least one stamp 6 being a decoration design for applying ink from the ink pad to a nail. The stamp is provided on an external surface of the lid. |
| US07874295B2 |
Shredded tobacco material feeder of a cigarette manufacturing apparatus
A shredded tobacco material feeder of a cigarette manufacturing apparatus has a reservoir (2) of shredded tobacco material; a first separation chamber (20) and a second separation path (28) for dividing the shredded tobacco material into normal particles and separation material having larger particle sizes than the normal particles in a process when the shredded tobacco material is fed from the reservoir (2) toward a tobacco band of the apparatus; a sieve conveyor (34) for receiving and transferring the separation material discharged from the second separation path (28), and separating the separation material into large particles having large particle sizes and medium particles having smaller particle sizes than the large particles; and a cyclone (48) for receiving the medium particles from the sieve conveyor (34), the cyclone (48) separating returnable components corresponding to the normal particles from the medium particles, and returning the returnable components to the reservoir (2). |
| US07874290B2 |
Breathing assistance device
A breathing assistance device (10) for a patient, comprising: A source of respiratory pressurised gas (105), A breathing connection (120) to allow the patient to receive said gas, At least one sensor for acquiring a parameter representative of the operation of the device (10), wherein said gas source (105) is a ventilator (210), and said ventilator (210) is integrated into a removable module (20) which also comprises at least one sensor for acquiring a parameter representative of the operation of the device (10). |
| US07874286B2 |
Heated holding compartment for food
A food item is cooked in a cooking device and transferred to a heated holding table by two exit conveyors. The food item then falls onto one of two transfer conveyors that move perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the exit conveyors. The food items travel on the transfer conveyors and then fall onto a main conveyor. The main conveyor moves in a direction that is parallel to the direction of movement of the exit conveyors. If the food item has not been manually removed from the main conveyor after a predetermined amount of time, the food item falls off the main conveyor and into a drawer waste chute for disposal. |
| US07874285B2 |
Method and device for monitoring an exhaust gas probe
Depending on a trim controller diagnosis, a suspicion marker for an asymmetric ageing of the exhaust gas probe is allocated either a “true” value or a “false” value and, if the value of the suspicion marker is “true”, a dynamic diagnosis will be performed based on the exhaust gas probe's measuring signal, on the basis of the results of which diagnosis either an asymmetrically aged or a non-asymmetrically aged exhaust gas probe will be detected. |
| US07874281B2 |
Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine
In a method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine with a fuel pump, which on the drive side is coupled with a camshaft or a crankshaft, and a fuel accumulator, which is supplied by the fuel pump and to which a pressure sensor is assigned for sensing the pressure in the fuel accumulator, to each cycle of the internal combustion engine a first and a second crankshaft rotation (CRK_R1, CRK_R2) are assigned. Depending on a signal sequence (P_F_S) of the sensed pressure in the fuel accumulator which is characteristic of the respective crankshaft rotation it is ascertained whether the crankshaft is in its first or second rotation (CRK_R1, CRK_R2). |
| US07874277B2 |
Combustion method for a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine
A reciprocating engine includes a combustion chamber, and a gas exchange inlet valve and a gas exchange outlet valve for a charge cycle. The method introduces an inlet gas into the combustion chamber in an intake phase; introduces a primary quantity of fuel into the combustion chamber during the intake phase and/or a compression phase; compresses the inlet gas and the fuel in the compression phase; ignites a mixture of inlet gas and fuel formed in the combustion chamber; and expands and discharges an exhaust gas formed by the combustion in an expansion phase. A pilot quantity of fuel is introduced into the combustion chamber before the primary quantity of fuel is introduced. Intermediate products of the pilot quantity of fuel are formed and the primary quantity of fuel is introduced into the combustion chamber during the compression phase such that complete ignition of the mixture consisting of inlet gas and the intermediate products is suppressed and other intermediate products are formed until a controlled ignition of the mixture and other intermediate products occurs. |
| US07874276B2 |
Fuel injection control method for an internal-combustion engine and engine using the same
The invention relates to a method for control of fuel injection for an internal combustion engine, in particular with direct fuel injection, comprising at least one cylinder (10), one piston (30) running in said cylinder, with a projection (34) arranged in a concave bowl (32), a fuel injector (22) and a combustion chamber (26). According to the invention, during high engine loads, a first amount of fuel is injected at a piston (30) position of between 35 and 70° before the top dead centre position of said piston, followed by an injection of at least one second amount of fuel, the first amount of fuel being less than the second amount and the fuel is injected into said combustion chamber by means of an injector (22) with a cone angle (a1) less than or equal to 2Arctg CD/2F where CD is the diameter of the cylinder (10) and F the distance between the points of origin of the fuel jets from the injector (22) and the position of the piston corresponding to a crankshaft angle of 50° with relation to the top dead centre (PMH) of the piston. |
| US07874274B2 |
Apparatus for the variable setting of control times of gas-exchange valves of an internal combustion engine
An apparatus (10) for the variable setting of control times of gas-exchange valves (9a, b) of an internal combustion engine (1) is provided and includes a drive element (22), a driven element (23), at least one pressure chamber (35, 36), a pressurized medium system (37), and a pressure storage device (43). The pressure chamber (35, 36) and the pressure storage device (43) communicate with the pressurized medium system (37), and a phase position between the driven element (23) and the drive element (22) can be changed by supplying pressurized medium to or discharging pressurized medium from the pressure chamber (35, 36) by the pressurized medium system (37). |
| US07874269B2 |
Styptic applicator with file
A styptic powder applicator and file for use with pets. The applicator is designed to be integrated with the container and have a funnel-like shape in order to handle a styptic powder in an easier fashion. The container further has a file attached to a side of the container for the removal of burrs left after clipping a pet's nails. This invention provides a more efficient structure for grooming a pet by incorporating a file for removing burrs with the styptic applicator for staunching the flow of blood from a “quicked” nail. |
| US07874267B2 |
Animal breeding system and use thereof
The present invention has objectives of providing a low-cost, easy-to-handle individual isolation animal breeding unit and a system for using the same, significantly reducing costs of facilities and maintenance for animal experiments and saving on labor, and providing a new animal transportation form. For achieving the objectives, the present invention provides a system for maintaining an animal breeding environment, comprising A) an animal breeding unit capable of comprising an internal tray having a sufficient space for breeding an animal of interest, comprising an external tray capable of accommodating the internal tray, and capable of keeping a predetermined cleanliness degree; B) a method for providing the internal tray having the predetermined cleanliness degree; C) an internal tray exchange unit capable of accommodating the animal breeding unit and exchanging the internal tray while keeping the predetermined cleanliness degree; and D) a method for recovering the exchanged internal tray. |
| US07874263B2 |
Arrangement and method for milking a plurality of milking animals
An arrangement for milking a plurality of milking animals comprises an automated milking system (11) provided with a milking robot (13) for automatically milking a milking animal; a milking system (15) provided for batchwise milking of multiple milking animals; an identification arrangement (19, 21) provided for identifying each of the plurality of milking animals prior to being milked; decision means (23) connected to the identification arrangement for deciding, for each of the plurality of milking animals, whether that milking animal should be milked by the automated milking system or by the milking system for batchwise milking; and means connected (25) to the decision means for guiding each of the plurality of milking animals to the automated milking system or to the milking system for batchwise milking depending on the decision made for that milking animal. |
| US07874262B2 |
Masking system for the masking of a crank chamber of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a masking system (1) for the masking of a crank chamber (2) of an internal combustion engine (3) during a surface treatment of a cylinder running surface (4, 41, 42) of a cylinder bore (5, 51, 52) of a cylinder (6, 61, 62) of the internal combustion engine (3). The masking system (1) includes a hollow masking body (7) with a connector segment (71) for the connection of the hollow masking body (7) to the cylinder bore (5, 51, 52) as well as a screen segment (72). In accordance with the invention, the hollow masking body (7) is configured such that the connector segment (71) of the hollow masking body (7) can be positioned on the cylinder bore (51) of the first cylinder (6, 61) at the crank chamber side during the surface treatment of a first cylinder (6, 61) of the internal combustion engine (3). The invention further relates to the use of a masking system (1) in accordance with the invention. |
| US07874259B2 |
Steering system
Road and marine steering means in an amphibious vehicle are linked so that the ratio between them is variable. In a first embodiment, an arm connects a lever to a steering rack. A cable operates the marine steering means. The lever pivots about a pin, which may be moved along a slot by the motor and gearbox driving screw shaft. At pin position A, full road steering travel x is achieved with minimal marine steering travel. At pin position B, road and marine steering have equal travel x′; and at position C, full marine steering travel z is achieved with minimal road steering travel y. In a further embodiment, a lever arm fixed to steering rack casing has a cam profile constraining pin. Full marine steering travel z of the cable is achieved over rack travel y. The steering wheel controls both road and marine steering. |
| US07874254B2 |
Device for the secondary suspension of a car body in a rail vehicle
A device for the secondary suspension of a body of a rail vehicle, the device comprising a spring element which is between the body and a bogie and to ensure at least one raised transport level for the body during the journey of the rail vehicle. The spring element can be compressed by a traction cylinder when the rail vehicle is stationary, in order to adjust a sunken platform level for the body, which is arranged below the raised driving level. The traction cylinder is provided with means for mechanically decoupling the advancing movement of the body from a pressure reduction in the pressure chamber of the traction cylinder. |
| US07874253B2 |
Firearms projectile
A projectile structured to be discharged from a firearm includes a body having a nose portion and a tail portion separable from one another when the projectile strikes a target. The body further includes an interface disposed intermediate opposite ends of the body of the projectile structured to removably interconnect the nose and tail portions. Separation of the nose and tail portions such as when striking a soft tissue is caused by the tumbling of the projectile and the cooperative structuring of the interface to facilitate separation of the nose and tail portions. The interface is disposed, dimensioned and structured to define the primary area of contact of the projectile body with the rifling or interior surface of the barrel of the firearm. Another embodiment includes one of the nose or tail portions structured to contain a supplemental payload that is carried to the target upon discharge of the firearm. |
| US07874250B2 |
Nano-based devices for use in a wellbore
An apparatus includes a component for use in a wellbore, and a nano-based device for activating the component. |
| US07874248B2 |
Typing device, printer and card case with printing function
Date can be printed on a business card in a business card case by realizing a business card case with a printing function. The business card case with a printing function includes an upper case (1) provided with a pressing rubber (12) and a pressing block (13) of a printing hammer, a lower case (2) connected to the upper case (1) so as to be freely opened and closed, a card containing section (3) formed in the case, a typing device in which a plurality of date printing type units coupled so as to move up and down among a plurality of type blocks each having a type formed on the upper surface are fixed to a type case (4), and a printing ribbon (5) for printing the date. The date is printed by pressing the print hammer and pressing the business card (34) against the type with the printing ribbon (5) interposed therebetween. |
| US07874247B2 |
Waste bin having compacting means
The present invention relates to a waste bin (1) for used paper towels or the like waste having an upper part including a rear wall (2), two side walls (4.5), and a front wall (3), which upper part include compacting means (6,7). According to the invention the compacting means (6,7) in its rest position divides the inner space of the waste bin (1) into an upper (8) and lower compartment (9) and are movable to open and re-close an opening into a lower part of the waste bin. |
| US07874239B2 |
Mosaic extremity protection system with transportable solid elements
A flexible armor system adaptable to a garment suitable for extremity protection uses planar, polygon-shaped solid elements made of ceramic cores wrapped in high strength fabric and arranged with rotable edge and intersection protection as a flexible mosaic array which is bonded between an elastic strike side spall cover and a high tensile strength flexible backer layer, further supported by a substantial fiber pack. A progressive mode of localized system failure during a ballistic strike includes: a projectile penetrating the spall cover, fracturing the ceramic core of a wrapped SE while being partially deformed; the deformed projectile accelerating the fractured but still wrapped solid element before it so as to free the solid element from the array and drive it through the flexible backer as a combined mass at a reduced velocity into the fiber pack. |
| US07874238B2 |
Asymmetric firearm silencer with coaxial elements
The present invention relates to a silencer for reducing muzzle blast and noise of firearms or similar devices. The present silencer has a hollow cylindrical or other shape casing comprising front and rear end caps and an opening aligned along a longitudinal axis defining a passage for a projectile and propellant gases to emerge from the muzzle opening. A plurality of serially placed baffles of symmetrical or slanted orientation and intervening coaxial spacers are positioned within the casing and define a multitude of chambers among the baffles, spacers, and outer housing. The baffles shear propellant gases away from the projectile path and through openings or ports into additional chambers formed between the spacers and outer housing. The arrangement of baffles and spacers provides flow-impeding paths, dispersion, and controlled expansion of gases and lowers gas temperature to reduce audible noise and observable signature of the muzzle blast. |
| US07874236B2 |
Metal cutting band saw with suspended saw frame
A metal cutting band saw is provided that includes a main carrier, on which an intermediate carrier is pivotally mounted. The saw frame, which can be adjusted in the direction of the workpiece, is mounted on the intermediate carrier by a swivel support or a parallel guide. The swivel support for connecting the main carrier to the intermediate carrier is located above the workpiece to be processed. |
| US07874230B2 |
Lockable rotary operating handle such device
A lockable handle assembly, having an operating handle rotatably mounted on a frame, with a bore therein, having an axis extending laterally, a blocking bolt slideably mounted in the handle, one end of the bolt being slideable into a strike in the frame, a drum rotatably mounted in the bore, with a second end of the bolt in contact with the drum so that rotation of the drum moves the bolt into and out of the strike, a lateral hole through the handle and passing through the bore, the drum having a throughhole therein coaxial with the lateral hole in the handle when the drum is positioned with the bolt in the strike, so that a bar extending through both the throughhole in the drum and the lateral hole in the handle prevents rotation of the drum to maintain the bolt is the strike thereby preventing rotation of the handle. |
| US07874229B2 |
Bicycle handlebar assembly and bicycle brake/derailleur operating unit
A bicycle handlebar assembly is provided with a handlebar, a first gearshift operating part and a second gearshift operating part. The handlebar includes a central portion, a first end portion on a first lateral side of the central portion and a second end portion on a second lateral side of the central portion. The first gearshift operating part is attached to the first end portion of the handlebar with the first gearshift operating part being arranged to electrically control a front derailleur to selectively perform a first gearshift operation. The second gearshift operating part is attached to the first end portion of the handlebar with the second gearshift operating part being arranged to electrically control a rear derailleur to selectively perform a second gearshift operation. |
| US07874221B1 |
Devices for obtaining cylinder samples of natural gas or process gas, and methods therefore
A sample pump system for metering the amount of sample taken from a pressurized fluid process such as a natural gas pipeline or the like, the sample pump system designed for immersion, directly or indirectly, into the pressurized fluid stream so that the sampling is taken at the prevailing pressure and temperature of the fluid stream. A spot sample cylinder device is further provided which employs a method of collection wherein the initial cylinder volume of the collection vessel or sampling cylinder is zero. The spot sample cylinder is inserted into the pressurized gas (or fluid) source, said sample cylinder employing a piston or moveable end configured such that purging of the cylinder sample cavity is not required, since the sample cavity volume is essentially eliminated prior to sampling by the location of the piston within the cavity, the cavity expanding upon sampling via piston movement within the cavity. |
| US07874218B2 |
Capacitive electromagnetic flowmeter
A measuring pipe obtained by applying an insulating resin lining to the inside of a nonmagnetic pipe is employed. A through hole reaching the resin lining is made in the sidewall of the nonmagnetic pipe, and a signal electrode and a guard electrode are arranged in the through hole. The through hole is filled with an insulating vibration absorbing member so as to cover the periphery of the signal electrode and the guard electrode. A gelatinous substance of silicon resin, or the like, is employed as the vibration absorbing member, but liquid such as oil may be employed to liquid seal the signal electrode and the guard electrode in the through hole. Consequently, the electromagnetic flowmeter can be formed compact and its production is facilitated. |
| US07874216B2 |
Mounting apparatus and method for accurately positioning and aligning a leadless semiconductor chip on an associated header
There is disclosed a method and apparatus for mounting a leadless semiconductor chip on a header. The semiconductor chip has contacts on a surface and the chip is of a specified geometric shape. The header has a contact surface for receiving the chip with the contact surface of the header containing header contact pins, which pins have to contact the contacts on the semiconductor chip. The header has a guide pin extending from the contact surface and there is a guide plate which has an aperture adapted to be placed over the guide pin, the guide plate further has a chip accommodating aperture of the same geometric shape as the chip. The guide plate, when placed over the guide pin enables the chip to be placed in the chip accommodating aperture so that the contacts of the header pin are properly and accurately aligned with respect to the contacts on the semiconductor chip. |
| US07874207B2 |
Fluid flow direction detection
In order to provide a robust, weather resistant, portable, low-noise, relatively inexpensive, wind direction detection device, disclosed herein is a method and device for detecting fluid flow direction based on sensing a temperature variation transmitted from a temperature variation source to one or more temperature sensors. One or more indicators are utilized to communicate the measured fluid flow direction to a user. An implementation of the fluid flow direction detection device utilizes a resistance heater as the temperature variation source, thermistors as the temperature sensors, and light emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding to each thermistor as the indicators. The thermistors and LEDs are arranged in a circular fashion around the resistance heater to accurately detect the direction of a thermal plume generated by the resistance heater. |
| US07874206B2 |
Single phase fluid sampling apparatus and method for use of same
A fluid sampler operable for taking at least one fluid sample in a subterranean well and associated methods. A fluid sampling method includes the steps of disposing a fluid sampler at a first target location in the well, receiving the fluid sample into at least a first sample chamber of the fluid sampler, pressurizing the fluid sample in the first sample chamber using a pressure source of the fluid sampler, retrieving the fluid sampler to a surface location, isolating the fluid sample in the first sample chamber from the pressure source of the fluid sampler and supercharging the fluid sample in the first sample chamber using a pressure source on the surface. |
| US07874205B2 |
Mounting structure of electronic device, and pneumatic tire onto which electronic device is mounted by such mounting structure
A bonded patch is bonded on a surface of an inner liner. A first patch wall having a first wall surface for restraining a movement of an electronic device main body in one direction is provided integrally with the bonded patch so as to project toward a tire center. A second patch wall having a second wall surface for restraining a movement of an electronic device main body in another direction is provided integrally with the bonded patch so as to project toward the tire center. A connecting segment is provided between the first patch wall and the second patch wall with bridging them for engaging a top of the electronic device main body. A crack occurrence on the mounting structure is prevented by deconcentrating a force applied on an electronic device to overall of the mounting structure to restrain an intensive stress concentration on the mounting structure. |
| US07874204B2 |
Method for determining a correction value for the lambda center position in the control of an internal combustion engine
In a method for determining a correction value λk for the lambda center position λm which is specified in the control of the air/fuel ratio which is force-modulated between a first lean lambda value λ1 and a second rich lambda value λ2 and supplied to an internal combustion engine or a catalyst, using the signal from a binary jump sensor downstream from a catalyst volume, and whenever the jump sensor signal Uλ jumps from “lean” to “rich” or from “rich” to “lean” the air/fuel ratio is switched back and forth between the lean lambda value λ1 and the rich lambda value λ2, it is proposed that the time period between two signal jumps Uλ, which indicates the residence time T1 in the lean phase or the residence time T2 in the rich phase, is determined, and the correction value λk is determined from the first lean lambda value λ1, the second rich lambda value λ2, the first residence time T1, and the second residence time T2. According to the proposal, a particularly simple yet accurate method is provided for determining the correction value λk for the lambda center position λm. |
| US07874203B2 |
Misfire detection apparatus and misfire detection method for internal combustion engine
In a misfire detection apparatus and method that detects a misfire in an internal combustion engine with cylinders provided in a vehicle, it is determined that a misfire occurs in the engine, if a first condition and a second condition are satisfied; the first condition is a condition that a rotational speed of an output shaft of the engine decreases by an amount equal to or larger than a first change amount during a time period from a compression top dead center in a first cylinder to the compression top dead center in a second cylinder; and the second condition is a condition that the rotational speed of the output shaft increases by an amount equal to or larger than a second change amount during a time period from the compression top dead center in the second cylinder to the compression top dead center in a third cylinder. |
| US07874201B2 |
Leakage search assembly having a sniffing probe
The leakage search assembly has a main device which contains a vacuum pump and a test gas sensor, and a hand-held sniffing probe. Capillary lines which connect the sniffing probe to the basic assembly contain valves by means of which these lines can be selectively opened. In a leakage search mode, the capillary line having the larger cross section is open. This results in leaks also being found from a greater distance. The dead time before response of the test gas sensor is shortened. Once a leak has been located, the assembly is switched to the leakage rate measurement mode, in which only the capillary line with the smaller cross section is open. This results in quantitative determination of the leakage rate with high accuracy and high stability. |
| US07874197B2 |
Measuring liquid flow rate from a nozzle
An apparatus for measuring a rate of liquid flow through a spray nozzle includes a container with an opening in a top thereof adapted to receive a liquid discharge from a spray nozzle. A level sensor comprises an electrical capacitor oriented substantially vertically in the container and configured such that as liquid rises in the container, a capacitance of the capacitor changes. A processor circuit is connected to the capacitor and is operative to measure the change in capacitance of the capacitor and convert the change in capacitance into a rate of liquid flow into the container, and a display is operative to display the rate of liquid flow. The apparatus is applicable to an agriculture or industrial application whereby an operator can periodically check the flow to determine wear or plugging of a spray nozzle. |
| US07874192B2 |
Arrangement for cooling a roll
The present invention discloses an arrangement for cooling a roll (5). The arrangement comprises a housing (2) to be secured to the roll (5), a hollow shaft (8) mounted for rotational movement within the housing (2) and a cooling medium line to convey cooling medium into the roll (5) via the interior of the shaft(8). The cooling medium line comprising an inlet communicating with an elbow portion, a first length (27) of the elbow portion (20) extending from the inlet substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shaft and a second length (26) of the elbow portion extending from the first length in the direction of the axis of the shaft (8), the axes of the first and second lengths being in substantially the same plane. |
| US07874191B2 |
Cylinder lock
A cylinder lock includes a lock housing receiving a plug assembly that has a key hole, tumbler pieces having respective toothed parts, and a re-keying unit. The re-keying unit has rotatable gear wheels engaged releasably with the respective toothed parts to reposition the respective tumbler pieces. The gear wheels disengage from the respective tooth parts by moving transversely of a longitudinal axis of the lock housing. Re-keying methods are also disclosed. |
| US07874187B2 |
Laundry appliance
A laundry machine configured to supply a first amount of water to the wash tub wherein a wash plate can be oscillated such that clothes items directly above and in contact with the impeller are frictionally dragged in a oscillatory manner with the wash chamber while continuing to oscillate said wash plate, an additional supply of water is added to said wash tub such that as cloth items lost frictional engagement with the wash plate, the cloth items continue to move along an inverse toroidal rollover path at higher water levels. |
| US07874185B2 |
Washing machine and base system and method of making the same
A system for stacking a laundry treatment machine provided with a bottom panel of predetermined three-dimensional configuration onto a pedestal or the like provided with a support surface of a complementary three-dimensional configuration. The bottom panel is preferably made of sheet metal of a predetermined thickness or gauge, and the support surface is made of a sheet metal of lesser thickness or gauge. |
| US07874183B2 |
Knitting machine needle with meandering slit curve
A knitting machine needle (1) that is designed as a meander needle in accordance with the invention comprises at least one meander curve (12) that is provided with a meander curve slit (18) having the shape of a vertical slit that is parallel to the tongue slit. It is delimited by two side walls (19, 20) that are preferably aligned parallel to each other and circumscribe an open intermediate space. |
| US07874182B1 |
Crochet hook with ergonomic configuration
A crochet hook with one or more elevation changes associated with the exterior surface of its elongated shaft that provide ergonomic benefit on the grip area of the shaft typically held by a person crocheting, to allow crocheting with enhanced comfort, faster crocheting, and/or crocheting for longer periods of time with less risk of hands becoming tired, numb, or aching from the repetitive motion inherent in crocheting activity. The hook's shaft may also have different cross-sectional configurations that provide ergonomic benefit, such as that of a triangle with softened edges, instead of the traditional circular shape still most commonly used. The elevation changes typically extend longitudinally along the crochet hook shaft a minimum of approximately two-and-one-half to three inches, and are not usually positioned on the hook associated with the crochet hook's shaft, or within approximately one to one-and-one-eighth inches thereof. |
| US07874178B2 |
Absorption refrigerator flame arrestor system
An ignition containment system is provided for absorption refrigeration systems. The system encloses the burner area to contain an inadvertent ignition of gases that may have escaped from the refrigerant tubing or elsewhere. By containing a potential fire or vapor leak, the system can substantially mitigate the spread of a fire to other nearby combustible materials, further damage to the appliance, and fire or smoke damage to property or materials beyond the appliance. The ignition containment system can also include an electrical detection device that can indicate an abnormal rise in temperature, a presence of foreign material, or the presence of ignitable gases in the contained or encapsulated ignition chamber. Detection of any one of the above can trigger a termination of the ignition source. |
| US07874168B2 |
Modular refrigeration unit and process for assembling a modular refrigeration unit to a cabinet of a refrigeration appliance
The present invention relates to a modular refrigeration unit for a refrigeration appliance, and to a process for assembling the modular refrigeration unit to a cabinet of a refrigeration appliance. A modular refrigeration unit (3) includes a base plate (6) supporting a condensing assembly (7), which comprises condensing means (8) and a compressor (9), and an evaporating assembly (10) comprising an evaporator (11); the condensing assembly and the evaporating assembly are operatively interconnected. The evaporating assembly (10) is arranged, in use, vertically spaced apart and above the compressor (9); the evaporating assembly (10) is supported by support means (24) vertically extending from the base plate (6); insulating means (16) separate the evaporating assembly (10) from the condensing assembly (7, 107). |
| US07874167B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing slush for surgical use
Methods and apparatus for producing saline slush for surgical applications. Producing surgical saline slush in a slush bottle that is a rigid or semi-rigid, high integrity, sturdy container that resists punctures and leaks to better maintain a sterile barrier and does not rely on having an external object placed in the fluid to mix the slush. Slush is agitated by rotating the slush bottle within a slush bottle carriage around an axis of rotation. Agitation of the slush may be increased by including an agitation feature such as at least one fin in one or more sidewalls of the slush bottle. The rotating slush bottle is chilled. One variation is to keep the sterile saline in a flexible container and tumble the flexible container in a rotating slush bottle. Other variations are suggested. |
| US07874165B2 |
Wind power installation
An apparatus is provided including a generator, at least two rotor blades coupled to the generator, a pylon, and electrical equipment configured to receive electrical power generated by the generator and located within an internal space of the pylon. The apparatus further includes a dehumidification device adjacent the electrical equipment, the dehumidification device having a first element, a heat transfer element coupled to the first element and configured to remove heat from the first element, and a second element coupled to the heat transfer element and to a wall of the pylon. The second element is configured to receive the heat removed from the first element. The apparatus may include a deflecting structure configured to deflect cooled air toward the second element for extracting the heat received by the second element. |
| US07874158B2 |
Dirt separator for compressor diffuser in gas turbine engine
A compressor diffuser for a gas turbine engine is provided with a dirt separator. The dirt separator ensures the air having moved downstream of the compressor section, and moving toward the combustion section, is separated into a dirtier air flow path directly radially outwardly, and a cleaner airflow path directed radially inwardly. In this manner, the air reaching a combustion section, and the air being utilized for radially inner cooling air is relatively cleaner air. Further, the dirt separator provides a convenient surface for mounting a pressure sensor. In one embodiment, the dirt separator is mounted within the diffuser housing, and in a second embodiment, it is mounted immediately downstream. |
| US07874157B2 |
Coanda pilot nozzle for low emission combustors
A low emission combustor includes a combustor housing defining a combustion chamber. A secondary nozzle is disposed along a centerline of the combustion chamber and configured to inject air or a first mixture of air and fuel on a downstream side of the combustion chamber. The secondary nozzle includes an air inlet configured to introduce a first fluid including air, a diluent, or combinations thereof into the secondary nozzle. At least one fuel plenum is configured to introduce a second fluid including a fuel, another diluent, or combinations thereof into the secondary nozzle and over a predetermined profile proximate to the fuel plenum. The predetermined profile is configured to facilitate attachment of the second fluid to the profile to form a fluid boundary layer and to entrain incoming first fluid through the fluid boundary layer to promote mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid and fuel to produce the first fluid. A plurality of primary fuel nozzles are disposed proximate on an upstream side of the combustion chamber and located around the secondary nozzle and configured to inject air or a second mixture of air and fuel to an upstream side of the combustion chamber. |
| US07874156B2 |
Methods and apparatus for heating a fluid
A method for heating a fluid in a turbine engine is provided. The method includes channeling an exhaust flow through an exhaust duct of the turbine engine and coupling a panel to the exhaust duct. The panel includes a first wall and an opposite second wall that is spaced a distance from the first wall such that at least one passageway is defined within the panel. The fluid is supplied to the at least one passageway through an inlet defined at a first end of the passageway, such that heat is transferred from the exhaust flow to the fluid flowing through the panel. The fluid is injected into the turbine engine. |
| US07874144B2 |
Method for controlling a fuel mixture, exhaust gas system having a mobile internal combustion engine and vehicle having an exhaust gas system
A method for controlling a fuel mixture in an exhaust gas system of a mobile internal combustion engine having at least one catalytic converter in an exhaust gas line, includes carrying out the control with an individual control probe in the interior of the at least one catalytic converter. An exhaust gas system and a vehicle having the exhaust gas system, are also provided. |
| US07874142B2 |
Aeroengine thrust reverser
A gas turbine engine comprising a bypass duct defined radially outwardly by a nacelle and radially inwardly by a core engine casing. The nacelle comprises a thrust reverser unit having at least one blocker door rotatably attached to a static part and slidably connected to a translating part. The translating part is arranged to move between a stowed position and a deployed position and in the deployed position the blocker door spans the bypass duct. In the stowed position the blocker door is stowed inside the translating part and does not form part of an airwash surface of the bypass duct. |
| US07874133B2 |
Forage harvester having a blower
A forage harvester having a header for harvesting crop from a field, a chopper for comminuting the crop harvested by the header, a spout from which the chopped crop is discharged and a rotary blower (10) for propelling the chopped crop from the chopper along an intake chute (18) leading to the spout. A deflector plate (14a) is provided at the entrance of the blower. The deflector plate (14a) is pivotable between a first position in which the crop is guided to flow in a substantially tangential direction relative to the trajectory of the blades (10a) of the blower (10) and a second position in which the crop is deflected radially inwards from the tangential direction to impact the blades (10a) of the blower (10) at a point along their length. |
| US07874129B2 |
Sterile de-molding apparatus and method
Apparatus for molding and filling a device having a body defining an opening in communication with an interior chamber for receiving a substance therein, and a closure including a penetrable and resealable portion for sealing the opening and substance received in the device. A mold includes within the aseptic chamber plural mold cavities shaped to form the closure and body, and substantially sterile surfaces extending about and contiguous to the peripheries of the mold cavities. An assembly device including end-of-arm tooling having an engaging portion engageable with each of the body and closure is movable relative to the mold to engage and de-mold the substantially sterile closures and bodies from the mold cavities. Flexible barriers are coupled to the mold and the tool to substantially prevent the passage of contaminants from the molding machine and tool therethrough. |
| US07874128B2 |
Test unit and method for testing whether a sterilizing packaging unit is effective against recontamination, and container packaging suitable for applying said method
A testing unit and a method of testing a sterilization packaging unit for microbial contamination of sterilized objects after they have been sterilized are disclosed. The testing unit includes a dry matrix for accommodating a nutrient medium and a receptacle containing a liquid. By applying the liquid onto the matrix, the matrix is provided with a nutrient medium. In the method, the testing unit is inserted into the sterilization packaging unit which is sterilized and stored. At a desired point in time, the receptacle is opened in order to produce the nutrient medium in the matrix. After a possible multiplication of microbes on the matrix, an observation of microbes takes place. The invention also relates to a sterilization packaging unit which has a rigid outer casing and is suitable for the application of the method. |
| US07874127B2 |
Device with a quick release mechanism and methods of releasing and re-connecting
A device is provided for interconnecting a support and a connector through a quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism is normally biased in the locked position and is configured to automatically move from the unlocked position back to the locked position when the connector mates with the support as a user re-connects the unit back to the support. Methods of releasing and re-connecting the unit to the support are also disclosed. |
| US07874126B2 |
Service line distribution base
A service line distribution base (10) comprises a ground anchor (18) having an upstanding cruciform portion adapted to extend into the ground. A cabinet (20) suited to support a utility pole (14) extends upwardly from the ground anchor (18). The cabinet (20) defines and internal space for receiving buried wire conduits (28) incorporated to the cruciform ground anchor (18). The cruciform shape of the ground anchor (18) advantageously permits to incorporate a greater number of wire conduits (28) into the base of a utility pole as compared to conventional concrete bases. |
| US07874125B2 |
Molded support beam
A molded support beam (1, 2, 3) that includes an elongated lower portion (11) an elongated upper portion (14) and at least one elongated flange (17, 18) extending upwardly from the elongated upper portion, is described. The elongated lower portion (11) includes at least three separate downwardly extending supports (e.g., 29, 32, 35) which together define at least two open-bottomed transverse openings (e.g., 41, 44), at least one of which being an arched open-bottomed transverse opening (e.g., 219, 234, 249). The elongated upper portion (14) includes a longitudinal passage (68), and a ledge (92) that extends horizontally outward from a second vertical side (56) thereof. An elongated hollow support tube (74) resides within the longitudinal passage (68) of the elongated upper portion (14). The elongated lower portion (11), elongated upper portion (14) and the elongated flange(s) (17, 18) are substantially continuous and together form a substantially unitary structure, and are each typically fabricated from a plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyethylene), and the elongated hollow support tube (74) is typically fabricated from metal. The molded support beam (e.g., 1, 2, 3) may be used as a lower molded support beam in numerous structures, such as shipping containers (e.g., ISO Containers having lengths from 6.1 to 16.2 m). |
| US07874124B2 |
Method for securing a building structure
Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for securing a wall system together in a vertical direction. More specifically, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a first floor lower linkage beam attached to a foundation of a structure. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed including attaching a first floor lower linkage beam to a foundation of a structure. |
| US07874123B2 |
Stop bead for separating stucco material from a frame of a window or door
A stop bead for mounting along a frame or jamb of a window or door of a building to separate the frame or jamb from plaster or stucco material during application of the plaster or stucco material to the building comprises a first side end portion and a second side end portion, the first side portion having a leading edge for engaging the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, a base panel having a front face, a wall formed on the base panel and extending outwardly above the front face of the base panel, the wall having an engaging surface for engaging plaster or stucco and a frame/jamb facing surface that faces the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, and a spacing member formed on the stop bead and extending outwardly away from the frame/jamb facing surface of the wall for spacing the wall a predetermined distance from the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, the spacing member forming the leading edge of the first side portion of the stop bead and forming gap between the wall and the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb. |
| US07874119B2 |
Locking system, floorboard comprising such a locking system, as well as method for making floorboards
The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1) constructed from a body (30), a rear balancing layer (34), and an upper surface layer (32). A strip (6), which is integrally formed with the body (30) of the floorboard and which projects from a joint plane (F) and under an adjoining board (1), has a locking element (8) which engages a locking groove (14) in the rear side of the adjoining board. The joint edge provided with the strip (6) is modified with respect to the balancing layer (34), for example by means of machining of the balancing layer under the strip (6), in order to prevent deflection of the strip (6) caused by changes in relative humidity. The invention also relates to a floorboard provided with such a locking system, as well as a method for making floorboards with such a locking system. |
| US07874116B2 |
Wall mold attachment clip
A clip for attaching the end of a grid tee to a wall angle. The clip, in various forms, is arranged to frictionally lock between the hem of the horizontal leg of the wall angle and the vertical leg. The clip, typically, has a pair of opposed open hems forming channels in which the flange of the tee end is received to join the tee to the clip. The clip can be elongated horizontally to accommodate movement of the grid during seismic activity. The clip can be used to trim the edges of a ceiling island and can be made to accommodate angular intersections of the grid with a wall or island edge. |
| US07874114B2 |
Radiant heat barrier
A radiant heat barrier may be installed under a wide variety of roofs between the roof supports. In one configuration, the radiant heat barrier is provided in the form of a plurality of boards that are each erectable into a barrier tray having at least one high-reflectivity, low-emissivity surface. The surface reflects a large percentage of the radiation energy back in the direction from where the radiation originated. Each board includes features that allow the board to be formed into different-sized trays. In one configuration, the trays may be configured to fit between the rafters of typical residential construction. The trays include tabs that allow the tray to be mounted to the supports. |
| US07874113B2 |
Expansion-compensating deck fastener
The present invention is an anchoring biscuit device for joining three boards. It includes, (a) an at least partially flat horizontal top element having an imaginary center line, having opposite side walls, and having a top view footprint adapted to be inserted into grooves of adjacent boards; (b) at least one substantially vertical support member attached to the underside of the top element and extending downwardly therefrom for a predetermined length for joinder of two adjacent boards which contain said grooves for receiving portions of said top into said grooves; and, (c) at least one compressive element located on aid device, with at least a portion of said at least one compressive element, from a top view footprint, being located away from said imaginary center line and way from said vertical support member, wherein said compressive element is adapted to at least partially collapse under predetermined compressive force. |
| US07874110B2 |
Reinforced or pre-stressed concrete part which is subjected to a transverse force
The invention concerns a reinforced concrete or prestressed concrete part stressed by shearing forces with layers of reinforcement (22, 24) provided at its upper and lower sides. For shear protection at least one sheet metal reinforcing part (30, 32, 34, 36) is provided between these layers of reinforcement which mainly extends at right angles to a surface of the reinforced concrete part and mainly over the entire distance between the layers of reinforcement (22, 24) and crosswise to at least one crack (50) occurring in the reinforced or prestressed concrete part under transverse load. |
| US07874109B2 |
Fireproof panels and methods of fabricating the same
Methods and apparatus are provided for making a fireproof panel. The fireproof panel includes a first ply of material and a ceramic material impregnating at least a portion of the first ply of material, the ceramic material formulated to resist loss of physical properties when exposed to temperatures of at least 1090° C. |
| US07874099B2 |
Pest control device and method
An aggregation base for use within a subterranean cavity for detecting subterranean termites includes an elongate member having longitudinally opposite ends, a circumference, and an outer surface. A void extends longitudinally within the elongate member for forming an aggregation site for the termite. The elongate member is open at least at one end in communication with the void. At least one channel extends circumferentially about at least a portion of the circumference of the elongate member at the outer surface thereof and also extends transversely through the elongate member from the outer surface inward to the void. |
| US07874098B2 |
Weighted rodent bait stations and related methods
Rodent bait station assemblies and methods for assembly and bundling. |
| US07874096B2 |
Fish releasing device
The present invention relates to a releasing device and more particularly a releasing device used to release fish in water. Deep-water fishes such as rockfish often exhibit the effects of rapid water pressure change such as expelled gas bladder, protruded eyes when brought to the surface. The fish releasing device of the present utilizes a jaw assembly, a weight, and other components to clamp onto a fish. The device is dropped into the water which pulls the fish beneath the surface of the water and automatically releases the fish upon the opening of the clamping jaw. |
| US07874095B2 |
Fishing lure
A fishing lure has a body having a front end, a rear end, a top and a bottom. A hook is secured by a shank to the rear end of the body. A slot extends through the body from the top to the bottom. The slot at the top of the body is enlarged toward the front end and the slot at the bottom of the body is enlarged toward the rear end. A fishing line, is extended through the slot from the top to the bottom and secured to the shank of the hook. The body assumes a substantially linear orientation when the body is pulled forward by the line, such as when casting or trolling. The body enlarged slot results in the body pitching, such as to imitate a swimming motion during jigging. |
| US07874094B2 |
Fishing lure spiral spinner application
A fishing lure and spinner blade designed in a helical form that rotates in a free form fashion or in an inline application. The “Tornado or Funnel” appearance of the blade as it spins through the water can be regulated by the speed of the retrieval, size of the blades and number of rotations on the spinner blade, which give a consistent spinning experience at any retrieval speed and level. The blades are affixed through split rings and swivels on varying spinner bait wire forms and spin effortlessly at high very slow to high retrieval rates and upon natural free falling through the water. The inline technology uses the tornado design to employ a dependable and effortless spinning motion around the axis of the wire form, and a streamlined spinner that doesn't need to have the blades set by applying force to the lure before spinning commences. |
| US07874092B2 |
Head for a gun support
A Head for a gun support apparatus is provided, which includes a body, a left arm assembly, a right arm assembly, and a blocking member. The left arm assembly is pivotally coupled to the body, and the right arm assembly is pivotally coupled to the body and is engaged to the left arm assembly so that they can be revolved simultaneously. The blocking member is engaged to both the left arm assembly and the right arm assembly to form a ratchet mechanism. |
| US07874089B2 |
Rotational displays
A rotation apparatus includes at least one magnet, and a flexible suspension coupled to the at least one magnet. The at least one magnet is suspended from the suspension. Moreover, when the flexible suspension causes rotation in a first direction via a force, the at least one magnet alternately rotates in the first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. |
| US07874088B2 |
Tray-tag
A tray-tag that can be mounted on a tray and display information about items on the tray is provided. A tray-tag of the present invention includes a face plate having front and back surfaces. The front surface of the face plate is adapted to have indicia thereon that display information about the items on the tray. The tray-tag also includes a mounting assembly capable of selectively and securely coupling the tray-tag to a tray. The mounting assembly includes an engagement flap and first and second support tabs. The engagement flap and the support tabs securely couple the tray-tag to the tray. The engagement flap extends over a rim of the tray, while the support tabs extend underneath the rim to couple the tray-tag to the tray. Additionally, the support tabs maintain the face plate in a generally vertical orientation. |
| US07874085B1 |
Plow blade and moldboard shoe
The present disclosure provides a plow blade edge device for mounting to a moldboard of a plow comprising at least one adapter blade including a bottom edge having a carbide insert along at least a portion of the bottom edge. The device further includes at least one moldboard shoe selectively reversible to present the adapter blade at a first angle or a second angle. The device further includes at least one impact bar mounted to a front side of the adapter blade. The at least one moldboard shoe can include a bottom edge having a carbide insert along at least a portion of the bottom edge. |
| US07874084B2 |
Recycled bicycle tire foxing tape for footwear and method of making footwear
A method of manufacturing and article of footwear from a reclaimed bicycle tire includes the steps of providing an article of footwear having an upper attached to a sole, providing a worn bicycle tire, cutting a strip from the tire, and attaching the strip to at least a portion of a peripheral surface of the sole as foxing tape. |
| US07874082B2 |
Method and apparatus for drying bulk material, especially bark, sawdust, pretreated sludge or a mixture thereof
Method and apparatus are provided for drying bulk material, especially bark, sawdust, pretreated sludge or a mixture of these. Also provided are a method and apparatus for cooling waste water produced in a pulp or paper production process. Certain embodiments include a pulp mill, paper mill and a novel way of using a wire. Other embodiments provide for cooling in one and the same heat exchanger the waste water produced in a pulp or paper production process while simultaneously heating the gas that cools the waste water. Heated gas extracted from the heat exchanger is conducted through one or several drying conveyers and through the material to be dried that is conveyed on the drying conveyer so as to dry the material with the heated gas. |
| US07874080B1 |
Measuring device and method for measuring suspension sag of a vehicle
A measuring device has a first elongate body element, a second elongate body element, and an elongate ruler element. The first and second elongate body elements slidably engage each other, and the elongate ruler element is slidably engaged adjacent the first elongate body element. A plurality of ruler markings on the elongate ruler element enable measuring the sag of a vehicle. A partial-fastening element fastens the elongate ruler element to the first elongate body element. A body fastening clip is attached to a top end of the first elongate body element for removably engaging a body of the vehicle. A hub engagement post is attached to the second elongate body element for removably engaging a hub of the vehicle. A method of using the measuring device to measure the sag of the vehicle is also disclosed. |
| US07874078B2 |
Vehicle dimensional measuring system
The present invention relates to a vehicle measuring apparatus for establishing baselines and dimensionally measuring a vehicle's upper and lower structure, without requiring the use of a fix mechanical grid mechanism. A method is presented which includes having a pre calibrated portable gauge (52) placed to a selected point on the vehicle with a squaring device (66) on gauge (52) positioned outwardly of the vehicle and having a light source (20) placed on or in proximity to the vehicle for projecting a plane of light (90 or 92) to align to squaring device (66). This alignment establishes a light beam baseline at a predetermined dimensional value with respect to the vehicle. Once the baseline is established measurements of the vehicle's upper or lower body may be determined by placing a portable gauge (52) relative to a point on the vehicle and using squaring device (66) to square the alignment of gauge (52) to the selected baseline. |
| US07874076B2 |
Razor handle having ergonomic ribbed sides
A razor handle having a rigid core and a layer of elastomeric material. The razor handle includes a head portion for connection to a razor head and an body portion. The body portion includes a first neck portion in the vicinity of the head portion, the first neck portion having opposite side gripping areas. Each side gripping area has a series of spaced fins made of elastomeric material, protruding from the rigid core. The rigid core defines a comb-like structure in which the spaced fins are imbricated. |
| US07874073B2 |
Nose hair cutter
To provide a nose hair cutter, comprising a blade configures to cut nose hair, a motor which drives a movable blade of the blade, and a fan which is driven by the motor to suck pieces of the nose hair cut by the blade into a body. |
| US07874069B2 |
Method of manufacturing a gasket
A gasket for preventing high-temperature fluid of an internal combustion engine from leaking is located between an adjacent pair of components of the engine. The gasket includes a gasket plate made of an electrically insulating material. The gasket plate has a hole. An annular sealing member is made of a material having a higher heat resistance than the gasket plate. The annular sealing member covers part of the gasket plate that defines the hole. Therefore, the gasket is capable of, for an extended period, preventing metal components in an internal combustion engine from directly contacting each other. |
| US07874064B2 |
Device for positioning and fixing wires in tubes
A device for fixing and positioning in tubes and its use in tubular reactors. |
| US07874056B2 |
Method of controlling delivery of components to an assembler
An assembling machine with a feeder is provided. The feeder feeds receiving components into an assembler, where a moveable coupling mechanism couples attaching components to the receiving components. Transporting mechanisms coupled to a plurality of drive trains deliver the receiving components across the feeder table and to the assembler. The transporting mechanisms alternate between a plurality of speeds so as to deliver the receiving components to the assembler such that the moveable coupling mechanism may operate at a continuous, periodic rate. |
| US07874055B2 |
Method and system for assembly of lighting fixtures
An apparatus, method and system for assembling lighting fixtures where reflective inserts are installed into a reflector frame to create a reflective surface for the fixture. According to one aspect of the method, some type of worker-perceivable indication prompts a worker as to which reflective insert should be installed at which mounting location on the reflector frame. The worker does not have to guess or translate written instructions. The method can be used sequentially to provide such assistance for each of a plurality of reflective inserts for a plurality of mounting locations. The method is particularly helpful if the reflective inserts are not identical for each mounting location. According to one aspect of an apparatus according to the invention, a reflector frame is removably mounted to a machine that holds the reflector frame in an indexed position. A controller generates a signal that produces the worker-perceivable indication that correlates for the worker the assigned reflective insert for each mounting position. This can be done with LEDs or other types of lights. |
| US07874046B2 |
Apparatus on a spinning preparation machine for monitoring and/or adjusting clearances at components
An apparatus on a spinning preparation machine for monitoring and/or adjusting clearances at components has a clothed, high-speed roller located facing at least one clothed and/or unclothed component and the clearance between the components facing one another is alterable. The roller and opposed component(s) are electrically isolated with respect to one another and are connected as contact elements to an electrical power supply line in which a measuring device for ascertaining contact is located. In order to avoid an undesirably heavy contact between the components, electric signals are emitted upon contacts with the clothing of the roller and the measuring device is arranged quantitatively to determine the contacts. |
| US07874043B2 |
Furniture hinge with damping device
Furniture hinge with damping and/or braking device in alternative to those already existing and capable of guaranteeing an improved efficiency during the closing and/or opening operation of doors, or other furniture parts, without any variations to the overall dimensions of standard hinges. The improved efficiency of the hinge is obtained by increasing the friction surfaces with a viscous medium present in suitable areas of the hinge and/or by allowing regulation of the trend of the angular velocities of one or more circular shaped elements, for example a disc, which act as braking elements in contact with the viscous medium. |
| US07874038B2 |
Air gun equipment for cleaning workpieces
An air gun equipment (10) for cleaning workpieces includes an air gun (20), a switch (50) connected to the air gun and an air source by pipes (206, 70), and a sensor (30) fixed on the air gun. The switch is controlled by an output signal from the sensor to control the flow of air from the air source to the air gun. |
| US07874033B2 |
Universal support pillow
A universal support pillow usable by both back and side sleepers includes a first chamber having multiple filled compartments that define a first side of the pillow and a second filled chamber that defines a second side of the pillow. The multiple compartments of the first chamber are designed particularly to receive a head of a back sleeper, and the second chamber is designed to receive a head of a side sleeper. The universal support pillow, in one version, includes a closable opening that is disposed between the two chambers for receiving a pillow insert to provide user-customized thickness and firmness characteristics of the universal support pillow. Multiple types of pillow inserts having different thickness and/or firmness characteristics may be provided, wherein a user is able to select one of the pillow inserts based on the user's sleep pillow preferences. |
| US07874032B2 |
Method and device for maintaining a side sleeping position
A method and device for developing a positional orientation sleep aspect (POSA) to enable an individual to assume at least one preselected side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side, including the steps of: a) placing first and second cylindrically configured, elongate pillows in parallel orientation on the bed, tethered by an intermediate member having a length approximately equal to a distance from the individual's low back to an extended knee; b) positioning the individual's body in a preselected, side-position on the intermediate member, c) establishing two additional, concurrent points of contact respectively at the individual's low back side with the first pillow and a projecting limb or knee with the second pillow; and d) sustaining the at least three points of contact to establish a sustainable recognition and awareness during sleep of the side-position while allowing the individual freedom of movement to also assume alternate right and left side positions, including free movement of the limbs between the pillows. |
| US07874028B2 |
Sofa protector and bedding substitute
An easily laundered one piece sofa protector and bedding substitute for couches and sofas having a fitted sheet type element conjoined to a flat sheet in such a way to stay in place while the sofa occupant sleeps. Alternately, the flat sheet may be pulled away from the fitted sheet and laid against the back sofa cushions to protect them from soiling. Additionally, a sewn in pouch for the temporary retention of a typical throw pillow is provided so that the throw pillow may be used as a sleeping pillow without soiling the surface of the throw pillow. |
| US07874024B1 |
Neck support for hair salon sink
The invention as presently conceived discloses a padded neck support for beauty salon washing sinks. The invention is an apparatus to aid in the support of a user's head during the hair washing process at a sink in a beauty salon. The head and neck support pad is configured as a conformable pad to be removably attached to the head receiving portion of a conventional hair salon sink. If necessary, means exist to removably attach multiple support pads thereon each other for vertical adjustment due to the physical characteristics of the individual user. The apparatus is covered with a waterproof cover for ease in washing after use. |
| US07874023B1 |
Inflatable safety swimming pool cover
A system and method for an inflatable swimming pool cover that is elevated above the water line, particularly for above ground pools, is herein disclosed. The cover is configured with a donut-shaped air pillow around a higher center air pillow. The donut-shaped air pillow maintains the cover above the levels of the pool sidewalls such that rain, snow, leaves and the like are directed off the pool cover to the ground, thus eliminating unwanted debris from accumulating on the cover. Further, since no water can collect on the pool cover, the risk of drowning by young children or pets that may accidentally be trapped upon or within the pool cover is significantly reduced. The two air pillows are interconnected with a tube structure and also an air filling tube that extends to the side of the pool to allow the air pillows to be filled or refilled from the perimeter. A plurality of straps secures the pillows in place to the underside of the pool cover. |
| US07874019B2 |
Powder skirt zipper system
Garments and garment sets are described that include a jacket having a powder skirt and trousers that can be attached to the powder skirt via at least one fastener. One embodiment of the invention includes a water resistant jacket, an elasticized powder skirt having at least two edges, the first of which is attached to the water resistant jacket, at least one fastener connected to the second edge of the powder skirt, water resistant trousers including a waist opening and two leg openings and at least one corresponding mating fastener connected to the trousers. The fastener and the corresponding mating fastener are constructed to detachably fix the powder skirt to the water resistant trousers. In several embodiments, the fastener and corresponding mating fastener are two mating zipper portions of standard length that can be combined to form a zipper irrespective of the garment size. |
| US07874017B2 |
Flexible knee pad with rotating knee support cushion
A flexible knee pad of the kind to be worn over the knee of a workman who must kneel down for long periods of time while working on a work surface. According to a preferred embodiment, the flexible knee pad includes an upper knee support cushion against which the workman's knee is laid, a lower pivot support base to rest upon the work surface, and an intermediate pivoting reinforcement plate having a flat bed upon which the knee support cushion is seated. The intermediate pivoting reinforcement plate includes a pair of pivots that are coupled to respective pivot slots formed in the lower pivot support base. Accordingly, the pivoting reinforcement plate, the knee support cushion seated thereon, and the workman's knee are all suspended by and rotatable relative to the pivot support base above the work surface so as to advantageously reduce pressure applied to the workman's knee cap by the work surface should he rock his body and shift his weight back and forth over the work surface. |
| US07877815B2 |
Battery authentication in a wireless communication device
Multiple battery authentication security levels and procedures alert a user of counterfeit or unapproved batteries that are installed after manufacture of the wireless communication device. In an exemplary a battery authentication system, a mobile device sends a pre-stored plain text to a battery installed in the mobile device. An approved battery receives the plain text and performs an encryption algorithm on the plain text. Encrypted text is sent back to the mobile device. The mobile device compares the received encrypted text with a pre-stored encrypted text. If the received encrypted text matches the pre-stored encrypted text, then the battery is authenticated. Upon completion of the authentication of the installed battery, the mobile phone conducts normal battery and charging operation. If the received encrypted text does not match the pre-stored encrypted text, then the device enters authentication failure events that limit the use of the battery. |
| US07877813B2 |
Copy protection method and system for digital media
A copy protection method and a copy protection system are disclosed. The system includes a private key verifier receiving a media certificate that includes a private key identification of a compliant playing device and searching for an actual private key corresponding to the private key identification, an intermediate key decryptor receiving an encrypted intermediate key and decrypting the intermediate key with the actual private key, a media key decryptor obtaining an original media key by decrypting the decrypted intermediate key with a media identification; and a media data decryptor receiving an encrypted media data set and decrypting the media data set with the original media key. The method and system of the present invention are applicable to all types of digital media data, and it makes no assumption of any specific media properties. The primary goal of the present invention is to significantly reduce the possibility of making any illegal copies on any nonstandard equipment and is to restrict the media data transfers only to authorized entities. |
| US07877812B2 |
Method, system and computer program product for enforcing privacy policies
A method for enforcing privacy policies associated with data. The method includes accessing a database to identify labeled data in the database, the labeled data associated with a privacy policy. An access node accessing the label data is determined. For the access node accessing the labeled data, it is determined whether the access node applies an authorization test as indicated by the privacy policy. An authorization test is associated with the access node if the access node does not apply necessary authorization indicated by the privacy policy. |