Document Document Title
US07923206B2 Method of determining a cellular response to a biological agent
A method of determining a cellular response to a biological agent can be preformed in the presence of gene silencing. Such a method can include the use of siRNA in order to silence various genes in the cell in order to monitor the cellular response to the biological agent when a gene has been silenced. Accordingly, the response of a cell having a silenced gene to a biological agent can be indicative of which genes may be responsible for normal or abnormal cellular responses to various synthetic and natural biological agents such as active agents or pathogens.
US07923204B2 Forward mutation assay based on 5-fluorouracil resistance
Disclosed herein is a novel forward mutation assay based on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance which utilizes a strain of Salmonella typhimurium derived from the Ames strain TA100. More specifically, the invention provides a high throughput alternative to the standard Ames mutation assay for the evaluation of the genotoxicity activity of compounds during an early stage of the drug development process. The invention also identifies the upp locus as a mutational target that is capable of detecting a diverse spectrum of mutagenic events and further describes a S. typhimurium tester strain, designated FU100 (his+, rfa, ΔuvrB, pkM101, 5-fluorouridine resistant) for use in the assay of the invention.
US07923200B2 Composition for coating over a photoresist pattern comprising a lactam
The present invention relates to an aqueous coating composition for coating a photoresist pattern comprising a polymer containing a lactam group of structure (1) where R1 is independently selected hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C6 alkyl alcohol, hydroxy (OH), amine (NH2), carboxylic acid, and amide (CONH2),  represents the attachment to the polymer, m=1-6, and n=1-4. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing a microelectronic device comprising providing a substrate with a photoresist pattern, coating the photoresist pattern with the novel coating material reacting a portion of the coating material in contact with the photoresist pattern, and removing a portion of the coating material which is not reacted with a removal solution.
US07923196B2 Positive resist composition and pattern forming method using the same
A positive resist composition comprising (A) a resin which contains all of the repeating units represented by formulae (I) to (III), and becomes soluble in an alkali developer by the action of an acid, and (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation; and a pattern forming method using the composition. A represents a group capable of decomposing and leaving by the action of an acid, each R1 independently represents hydrogen or a methyl group, R2 represents a phenyl group or a cyclohexyl group, m represents 1 or 2, and n represents an integer of 0 to 2. By virtue of this construction, a resist composition ensuring high resolution, good pattern profile, sufficient depth of focus, little defects after development, and sufficiently high plasma etching resistance is provided.
US07923193B2 Photopolymerizable composition
A composition that is photopolymerizable upon absorption of light and/or heat, the composition including a binder, a polymerizable compound, a sensitizer, and a photoinitiator, characterized in that the composition includes, with respect to its non-volatile compounds, at least about 0.01 wt.-% of a polythiol compound and has a very high sensitivity and hardness.
US07923190B2 Toner
In a toner containing at least a binder resin, a colorant, an ester compound and a low-melting material, the ester compound is an ester of dipentaerythritol with a carboxylic acid having 18 or more to 25 or less carbon atoms, and, where the melting point of the ester compound is represented by Tm(A) (° C.) and the melting point of the low-melting material is represented by Tm(B) (° C.), the toner satisfies the relationship of: Tm(B)≦Tm(A)+5.
US07923188B2 Imaging member
The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to charge transport layers useful in electrostatography. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an improved electrostatographic imaging member having a charge transport layer that is partially crosslinked, wherein the crosslinking is achieved by incorporating a small amount of compatible thermalsetting resins into the layer. Incorporation of these resins have been shown to increase charge transport life.
US07923187B2 Imaging member
The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to charge transport layers useful in electrostatography. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an improved electrostatographic imaging member having a charge transport layer that is partially crosslinked, wherein the crosslinking is achieved by incorporating a small amount of compatible thermalsetting resins into the layer. Incorporation of these resins have been shown to increase charge transport life.
US07923186B2 Imaging member exhibiting lateral charge migration resistance
The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrostatographic, including digital, apparatuses. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an improved electrostatographic imaging member incorporating amino triphenymethane into the charge generating layer which results in a surprisingly lateral charge migration (LCM) resistant device.
US07923183B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes: an image holding member; a toner image formation device that forms a toner image using a toner, the toner including a first component and a second component that are present separately from each other and form a color when they are reacted with each other, and a photocurable composition containing either one of the first component and the second component, the photocurable composition being cured or maintained in an uncured state by applying color forming information, to control the reaction for color formation; a color forming information applying device; a transfer device; a fixing device; and a color formation device.
US07923179B2 Exposure mask and pattern forming method therefor
An exposure mask is constituted of hole-patterns whose scales are higher than the limit resolution of exposure light and which are repetitively aligned in X-Y directions with the prescribed pitch (ranging from 140 nm to 180 nm) therebetween, halftone phase shift regions whose transmission factors range from 2% to 20% and each of which is aligned between two hole-patterns adjacently lying in the X-direction or the Y-direction so as to apply an inverse phase to incidence light, and light preventive regions each of which is aligned between two hole-patterns adjacently lying in an oblique direction inclined to the X-direction or Y-direction by 45°. The exposure mask is illuminated with azimuthal polarization light which is produced by a secondary light source of a zonal illumination and whose polarization direction is perpendicular to the radial direction of the secondary light source.
US07923178B2 Glass substrate for mask blank and method of polishing for producing the same
The present invention aims at providing a glass substrate required to have a surface polished with extremely high accuracy as in glass substrates for reflective masks for use in EUVL; and a polishing method for producing the glass substrate. The present invention provides a glass substrate for mask blank, which is a glass substrate comprising SiO2 as a main component and having a polished main surface, wherein concave defects and convex defects on the main surface have a depth of 2 nm or smaller and a height of 2 nm or smaller, respectively, and have a half-value width of 60 nm or smaller, so that the concave defects and/or the convex defects do not cause phase defects when the glass substrate is used to produce a mask for exposure and the mask is used. Also disclosed are a polishing method for producing the glass substrate, and a mask blank and a mask for exposure using the glass substrate.
US07923177B2 Method for making a reflection lithographic mask and mask obtained by said method
The invention relates to a process for fabricating an extreme ultraviolet photolithography mask operating in reflection, comprising a substrate, a mirror structure (uniformly deposited on the substrate, and an absorbent element forming a pattern deposited on the mirror structure, characterized in that the absorbent element is obtained by the irradiation and then development of an organometallic resist layer deposited on the mirror structure.
US07923176B2 Mask and method of manufacturing the same
A mask includes a transparent substrate, a light-blocking layer and a halftone layer. The light-blocking layer includes a source electrode pattern portion including a first electrode portion, a second electrode portion and a third electrode portion, and a drain electrode pattern portion disposed between the second electrode portion and the third electrode portion. The halftone layer includes a halftone portion corresponding to a spaced-apart portion between the source electrode pattern portion and the drain electrode pattern portion, and a dummy halftone portion more protrusive than ends of the second electrode portion and the third electrode portion. Thus, a photoresist pattern corresponding to a channel portion of a thin film transistor (TFT) may be formed with a uniform thickness, to thereby prevent an excessive etching of the channel portion.
US07923171B2 Cathode catalyst for fuel cell, and membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell and fuel cell system including same
A cathode catalyst of the present invention includes an A-B-Ch compound, where A is a metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ru, Rh, and combinations thereof, B is a metal selected from the group consisting of Bi, Pb, Tl, Sb, Sn, In, Ga, Ge, and combinations thereof, and Ch is an element selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof. The cathode catalyst may be used in a membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell.
US07923167B2 Polymer electrolyte membrane, method of manufacturing the same and fuel cell using the polymer electrolyte membrane
A polymer electrolyte membrane including an ionic conducting polymer and a light-irradiated product of a photoacid generator (PAG), a method of manufacturing the same, and a fuel cell using the same. The polymer electrolyte membrane has excellent proton conductivity and homogeneity by radiating light such as UV light onto the PAG, thereby producing an acid radical which generates an acid. The polymer electrolyte membrane also suppresses methanol crossover well. The polymer electrolyte membrane can be used as an electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell, for example, a direct methanol fuel cell.
US07923163B2 Structure of bipolar plate for direct methanol fuel cell and shape of flow path thereof and fuel cells including them
The present invention relates to the structure of a bipolar plate for direction methanol fuel cell, the shape of a flow path and a fuel cell including them, more particularly, to the structure of a bipolar plate for direct methanol fuel cell using a flow path with a dispersion structure not the existing serpentine type for supplying a fuel to the new bipolar plate and functioning as a collector and the shape of a flow path. According to the present invention, a fluid flow resistance is decreased and a direct reaction region of a fluid and an electrode catalyst is increased in a bipolar plate, and therefore the performance of a fuel Cell can be improved.
US07923162B2 Fuel cell assemblies with integrated reactant-conditioning heat exchangers
A fuel cell assembly in which at least one heat exchanger for conditioning either the anode or cathode reactant gas is integrated with the fuel cell stack and located at the end of the fuel cell stack, to isolate the fuel cell stack from contact with the end plates of the stack. The heat exchanger may preferably be comprised of a stack of plates which may preferably be the same as the plates as the fuel cell stack, with outer and inner end plates to direct the flow of reactant gases, waste gases and coolant to and from the fuel cell stack. The assembly is preferably configured to include reactant conditioning heat exchangers at both ends of the fuel cell stack.
US07923158B2 Fuel cell system and method of controlling the same
A fuel cell system capable of preventing reaction efficiency from being reduced although, the activity of an oxidation catalyst bed is deteriorated due to continuous operation. The fuel cell system includes a reformer which generates a fuel gas through a reforming reaction, a carbon monoxide purifier which includes a reactor main body having an inlet into which a reformed fuel gas is introduced and an outlet through which a purified fuel gas is discharged, and an oxidation catalyst bed that is filled in the reactor main body, and reduces a concentration of carbon monoxide contained in the fuel gas generated from the reformer, at least one electricity generator which is supplied with the fuel gas from the carbon monoxide purifier, and which generates electricity by means of a chemical reaction, and a catalyst supply which generates catalyst particles from material and supplying the catalyst particles to the oxidation catalyst bed.
US07923156B2 Composite polymer electrolytes for a rechargeable lithium battery
The composite electrolyte for use in a thin plate rechargeable lithium battery comprises a porous or micro-porous inert, multi-layered polymer separator laminate which carries an adherent second polymer coating containing a dissociable lithium compound, and the multi-layered separator having adherent solid second polymer layer, is impregnated with an organic liquid containing another lithium salt. The porous or micro-porous separator laminate is made of multiple polymer layers, at least one of the member layers having melting temperature at least 20-C below the melting temperature of the other polymer member layers. The composite porous electrolyte is inserted between the electrodes of a rechargeable lithium battery. In another embodiment the porous polymer separator sheet has an adherent, dissociable lithium compound containing, solid second polymer layer on each of its major faces.
US07923152B2 Nonaqueous electrolyte battery, battery pack and vehicle
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode containing a lithium-transition metal oxide having a layered crystal structure; a negative electrode containing a lithium-titanium composite oxide having a spinel structure; and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode and the negative electrode satisfy the formula (1) given below: 1.25≦X  (1), where X is a ratio of an available electric capacity, represented by “(B/A)”, A is an available electric capacity (mAh) at 25° C. per cm2 of the positive electrode, and B is an available electric capacity (mAh) at 25° C. per cm2 of the negative electrode.
US07923150B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode includes a positive electrode active material that comprises a lithium-containing manganese oxide, and the negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material that comprises silicon and a transition metal element. When the battery voltage is 0 V, the positive electrode and the negative electrode have a potential of 1.8 V or higher relative to lithium metal (Li/Li+). Since the deterioration of the positive and negative electrode active materials is suppressed, this non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has both high capacity and excellent deep discharge cycle life.
US07923149B2 Positive electrode for rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery including same
A positive electrode including a current collector; a positive active material layer disposed on the current collector; and a coating layer disposed on the positive active material layer. The coating layer includes a binder and a inorganic additive. The binder is a poly(vinylidenefluoride-hexafluoropropylene) copolymer comprising 2 to 16 mole % of hexafluoropropylene. The positive electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery suppresses side-reactions between a positive electrode and an electrolyte, at a high voltage.
US07923148B2 Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a negative electrode containing silicon and an additive which retards oxidation of silicon during battery operation
Disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery which has a negative electrode containing silicon as a negative active material, a positive electrode containing a positive active material, a nonaqueous electrolyte and a separator. Characteristically, an additive which retards oxidation of silicon during operation of the battery is contained either in an interior or surface portion of the positive electrode, or in an interior or surface portion of the negative electrode, or in an interior or surface portion of the separator.
US07923147B2 Layered lithium-nickel-based compound oxide powder and its prodution process
A layered lithium-nickel-based compound oxide powder for a positive electrode material for a high density lithium secondary cell, capable of providing a lithium secondary cell having a high capacity and excellent in the rate characteristics also, is provided.A layered lithium-nickel-based compound oxide powder for a positive electrode material for a lithium secondary cell, characterized in that the bulk density is at least 2.0 g/cc, the average primary particle size B is from 0.1 to 1 μm, the median diameter A of the secondary particles is from 9 to 20 μm, and the ratio A/B of the median diameter A of the secondary particles to the average primary particle size B, is within a range of from 10 to 200. In production of a layered lithium-nickel-based compound oxide powder, which comprises spray drying a slurry having a nickel compound and a transition metal element compound capable of substituting lithium other than nickel, dispersed in a liquid medium, followed by mixing with a lithium compound, and firing the mixture, the spray drying is carried out under conditions of 0.4≦G/S≦4 and G/S≦0.0012V, when the slurry viscosity at the time of the spray drying is represented by V (cp), the slurry supply amount is represented by S (g/min) and the gas supply amount is represented by G (L/min).
US07923143B2 Battery separator and battery comprising same
A battery separator comprising a nonwoven fabric, wherein the nonwoven fabric contains (1) superfine fibers having a fiber diameter of 3 μm or less, (2) noncircular fine fibers having a noncircular cross-sectional shape and having a fiber diameter of 3 to 5 μm (excluding 3 μm), the fiber diameter meaning a diameter of a circle having an area the same as that of the noncircular cross-sectional shape, and (3) polypropylene based high-strength composite fibers containing a fusible component on the surface thereof and having a tensile strength of 4.5 cN/dtex or more, and the fusible component contained in the polypropylene based high-strength composite fibers is fused, and a battery comprising the battery separator are disclosed. A battery separator of the present invention has a high electrolyte-holding capacity and is capable of effectively preventing a short circuit, even if the separator is designed to be thinner to enhance the capacity of a battery.
US07923141B2 Cooling device and power supply
A cooling device including an intake duct achieving fluid communication between a vehicle interior and an inner part of a battery case, a fan unit for supplying the air via the intake duct to the inner part of the battery case, and a control device is used. The fan unit includes a fan and a motor driven by a constant voltage system. The control device includes a current value detecting portion and a judging portion. The current value detecting portion detects a current value of an electric current supplied to the motor. The judging portion compares the detected current value and a preset reference current value and, when the detected current value is lower than the reference current value, judges that there is an anomaly in a volume of the air supplied to the battery case.
US07923138B2 Housing for a sealed electrochemical battery cell
An electrochemical cell with a collector assembly for sealing the open end of a cell container. The collector assembly includes a retainer and a contact spring with a peripheral flange, each having a central opening therein. A pressure release vent member disposed between the retainer and the peripheral flange of the contact spring seals the openings in the retainer and contact spring under normal conditions and ruptures to release pressure from within the cell when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined limit.
US07923137B2 Nonaqueous cell with improved thermoplastic sealing member
An electrochemical battery cell with an aperture in the container or cell cover has the aperture sealed by an improved thermoplastic sealing member, which forms at least a part of the cell's pressure relief vent and is made from a material comprising a thermoplastic resin and more than 10 weight percent of a thermal-stabilizing filler, to provide an effective seal and a reliable pressure relief vent over a broad temperature range.
US07923134B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium, method of manufacturing the same, and magnetic recording device
Embodiments of the present invention help to provide a discrete track medium for realizing a high track density in a low price by adopting a configuration, in which filling of a non-magnetic material into a guard band portion and smoothing processing of a medium surface are not required. According to one embodiment, a perpendicular magnetic recording medium, on the non-magnetic substrate, includes at least: a soft magnetic underlayer; a first recording layer including a crystal grain having a magnetic property and a non-magnetic grain boundary having an oxide, as a main component, surrounding the crystal grain; a second recording layer containing a ferromagnetic metal as a main component and not containing an oxide; and at least one non-magnetic layer provided between the first recording layer and the second recording layer. A recording track portion for magnetically recording information and a guard band portion provided between adjacent recording track portions are included in the perpendicular magnetic recording medium. The relationship between the total thickness t1 of the non-magnetic layer in the guard band portion and the total thickness t2 of the non-magnetic layer in the recording track portion is set as t1>t2.
US07923133B2 Coatings and methods for particle reduction
The present disclosure relates to high purity apparati, e.g., magnetic hard disk drives, and more specifically, to coatings for particle reduction of surfaces of such apparati. The provided coatings include thin polymer coatings with reactive pendant groups having crosslinking functionality and ability to anchor to substrate surfaces to suppress particle shedding from substrate surfaces. Provided is a substrate that includes a coating on at least a portion of the substrate that comprises a fluorinated acrylate random copolymer. Methods of reducing particulate contamination are also provided.
US07923129B2 Carbazole derivative and organic light emitting device using the same
Provided is an organic light emitting device including: a pair of electrodes including an anode and a cathode; and at least one layer formed of an organic compound interposed between the pair of electrodes, in which the at least one layer formed of the organic compound layer contains at least one kind of the carbazole derivative represented by the following general formula (I). The organic light emitting device has an optical output with extremely high efficiency and a high luminance and has an extremely high durability.
US07923128B2 Organic electroluminescent device
The invention provides an organic electroluminescent device having at least a light-emitting layer containing a light-emitting material and a host material, a hole injection-promoting layer, and a hole-transporting layer containing a hole-transporting material in this order between a pair of electrodes, in which the hole injection-promoting layer contains a hole-transporting material and has a thickness of 0.1 nm to 0.3 nm, and the relationship Ip1
US07923126B2 Use of a steel composition for the production of an armouring layer of a flexible pipe and the flexible pipe
The invention relates to a use of a duplex steel for the production of an armouring layer of a flexible pipe comprising at least one unbonded armouring layer and at least one unbonded sealing layer wherein the duplex steel comprises in weight percent 0.01-0.05% by weight of carbon (C) at least 0.15% by weight of nitrogen (N) 20.0-23.0% by weight of chromium (Cr) up to 3.0% by weight of nickel (Ni) up to 1.0% by weight of molybdenum (Mo) 3-6% by weight of manganese (Mn) up to 1.0% by weight of copper (Cu) incidental impurities and balance being iron (Fe).
US07923122B2 Decoration panel
A large number of small reflection portions are continuously formed over a back face of a base member opposite the light impinging side, in an arbitrary arrangement. The small reflection portions are each formed to have a boundary surface for reflection, interference, and diffraction of incident light impinging onto the base member, to thereby produce random changes in the brightness of reflection light over the entirety of the decoration panel. A reflection layer is formed on the boundary surfaces of the small reflection portions such that the boundary surfaces function as mirror surfaces and reflect light propagating through the base member toward the front face of the base member.
US07923121B2 Photo-crosslinkable polyolefin compositions
A photo-crosslinkable polyolefin composition comprises a polyolefin, a source of functionality receptive to crosslinking by UV radiation, a cationic photoinitiator and optionally includes a free-radical photoinitiator, a crosslinking accelerator or sensitizer, and other additives such as compatibilizers, inorganic fillers, nanofillers, glass, polymeric and ceramic microspheres, glass fibers, flame retardants, antioxidants, stabilizers, processing aids, foaming agents and pigments. A method for manufacturing a UV-crosslinked polyolefin article comprises forming an article by extruding, molding or otherwise forming the UV-crosslinkable polyolefin composition and subjecting the article to UV radiation on-line with the extrusion, molding or other forming operation.
US07923120B2 Adhesive of (meth)acrylate polymer, peroxide and isocyanate laminated on optical film
Provided herein is a pressure sensitive adhesive for an optical film comprising: 100 parts by weight of a (meth)acrylic-based polymer (A) including an alkyl (meth)acrylate (a1) and a (meth)acrylic-based monomer containing a hydroxyl group (a2), as a copolymerizable component, in content in the range of from 0.01 to 5 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the alkyl (meth)acrylate (a1); 0.02 to 2 parts by weight of a peroxide (B); and 0.001 to 2 parts by weight of an isocyanate-based compound (C), the contents of the peroxide (B) and the isocyanate-based compound (C) being values relative to 100 parts by weight of the (meth)acrylic-based polymer (A).
US07923119B2 Multilayer film for top-seal
The present invention provides: a multilayer film for top-seal to be used for a tray having a surface layer containing a polystyrene-based resin, the multilayer film at least having a first layer and a second layer, the first layer containing 50% by weight or more of at least one selected from the group consisting of (a) a copolymer including a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound; (b) a copolymer resulting from hydrogenation of a copolymer including a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound; (c) a combined resin of: a hydrogenated product of a copolymer including a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound; and an α-olefin copolymer; (d) a mixture of: a combined resin of: a hydrogenated product of a copolymer including a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound; and an α-olefin copolymer, and an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, and (e) a mixture of: a combined resin of: a hydrogenated product of a copolymer including a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound; and an α-olefin copolymer, and a branched low-density polyethylene, the multilayer film having: a gel fraction of from 0.5 to 50% by weight; a thickness of 70 μM or less; a tensile modulus of from 40 to 300 MPa in any direction; and a thermal shrinkage ratio at 200° F. of from 15 to 75% in any direction; a packaged body using the multilayer film; and a process for producing the multilayer film.
US07923118B2 Etching tape and method of fabricating array substrate for liquid crystal display using the same
A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display array substrate includes forming a gate wiring line having a gate pad electrode, forming a data wiring line having a data pad electrode, forming a protection layer over the gate pad electrode and the data pad electrode, and positioning etching tapes on the protection layer over the gate pad electrode and the data pad electrode.
US07923116B2 Optic-purpose precursor composition, optic-purpose resin, optical element, and optical article
The optical element of the present invention has a first member and a second member which have been joined in close contact, and has nd1>nd2 and (nF1−nC1)<(nF2−nC2), where the first member is formed of a resin having both a benzene ring and a fluorine atom, or the second member is formed of a resin having an alicyclic structure. It also makes use of an optic-purpose resin precursor composition prepared by mixing a first resin precursor having nd<1.50 and (nF−nC)>0.003 in an uncured state and a second resin precursor having nd<1.62 and (nF−nC)>0.010.
US07923115B2 Substrate with film and glass for formation film
A substrate with film and a glass for forming such a film are provided, wherein the film has high gas barrier property, high transmittance in visible light region, and high productivity since the film provides effective gas barrier property even if the film is a single layer.A substrate with film having an inorganic amorphous film having a softening temperature of from 100 to 800° C. formed on at least one surface of a substrate; or a substrate with film having an inorganic amorphous film having a glass transition temperature of from 50 to 500° C. formed on at least one surface of a substrate. Further, a glass for forming film composed of a borate glass containing B2O3 as the main component, a phosphate glass containing P2O5, a tellurite type composition containing TeO2 as the main component, a bismuth oxide type composition containing Bi2O3 as the main component or a chalcogenide type composition containing at least one type of element selected from the group consisting of S, Se and Te.
US07923110B2 Metal nanoparticle having a self-assembled monolayer on its surface, and formation of conductive pattern using the same
A metal nanoparticle which is prepared by forming a self-assembled monolayer including a terminal reactive group on the surface thereof, and introducing a functional group capable of being removed by the action of an acid or an base into the terminal reactive group wherein the self-assembled monolayer is built up of a thiol, an isocyanide, an amine, a carboxylate or a phosphate compound having the terminal reactive group, or built up of a thiol, an isocyanide, an amine, a carboxylate or a phosphate compound having no terminal reactive group followed by introducing the terminal reactive group thereto; and a method for forming a conductive pattern using the same are provided. Since the metal nanoparticle of exemplary embodiments of the present invention can easily form a high conductive film or a high conductive pattern through photo-irradiation and photo-degradation and randomly regulate its conductivity when occasions demand, it can be advantageously applied to an antistatic washable sticky film, antistatic shoes, a conductive polyurethane printer roller, an electromagnetic interference shielding, and the like.
US07923109B2 Inorganic nanowires
An inorganic nanowire having an organic scaffold substantially removed from the inorganic nanowire, the inorganic nanowire consisting essentially of fused inorganic nanoparticles substantially free of the organic scaffold, and methods of making same. For example, a virus-based scaffold for the synthesis of single crystal ZnS, CdS and free-standing L10 CoPt and FePt nanowires can be used, with the means of modifying substrate specificity through standard biological methods. Peptides can be selected through an evolutionary screening process that exhibit control of composition, size, and phase during nanoparticle nucleation have been expressed on the highly ordered filamentous capsid of the M13 bacteriophage. The incorporation of specific, nucleating peptides into the generic scaffold of the M13 coat structure can provide a viable template for the directed synthesis of a variety of materials including semiconducting and magnetic materials. Removal of the viral template via annealing can promote oriented aggregation-based crystal growth, forming individual crystalline nanowires. The unique ability to interchange substrate specific peptides into the linear self-assembled filamentous construct of the M13 virus introduces a material tunability not seen in previous synthetic routes. Therefore, this system provides a genetic tool kit for growing and organizing nanowires from various materials including semiconducting and magnetic materials.
US07923103B2 Composite material, having high thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion coefficient, and heat-dissipating substrate, and their production methods
A composite material having a high thermal conductivity and a small thermal expansion coefficient, which is obtained by impregnating a porous graphitized extrudate with a metal; the composite material having such anisotropy that the thermal conductivity and the thermal expansion coefficient are 250 W/mK a more and less than 4×10−6/K, respectively, in an extrusion direction; and that the thermal conductivity and the thermal expansion coefficient are 150 W/mK or more and 10×10−6/K or less, respectively, in a direction perpendicular to the extrusion direction.
US07923100B2 Multilayer articles and methods for making multilayer articles
In one embodiment, the sheet, comprises: a cap layer comprising an acrylic polymer; and a base layer, wherein the sheet is thermoformable. The base layer comprises a cycloaliphatic polyester copolymer and an optionally, an aromatic polycarbonate. The cycloaliphatic polyester copolymer can comprise greater than 10 wt % cycloaliphatic diol or acid or combination thereof, based upon a total weight of the cycloaliphatic polyester copolymer.
US07923096B2 Impulse-absorbing structural component
An impulse-absorbing structural component, particularly for an aircraft, has an impulse-absorbing layer and a covering layer applied thereto. The impulse-absorbing layer is made of a material that has a higher capacity for elongation at its breaking point than does the covering layer, and has a regular pattern of elevations and depressions. If a mass impacts on the covering layer, an intercept bag forms in the impulse-absorbing layer, and absorbs the kinetic energy of the mass. Viewed in the direction of the spread of the intercept bag, the structural component has structure beyond the impulse-absorbing layer, such that the formation of the intercept bag can take place without further interaction with the structural component.
US07923095B2 Method of forming a molded plastic article having molded extensions
A method of forming a molded plastic article with a second surface with molded extensions, and a first surface that is substantially free of sink mark defects. The method involves forming, from a first plastic material, a first molded section with at least one molded extension extending from the second surface. The molded extension is formed in a mold recess with a reversibly positionable slide. After formation of the first molded section, the slide is retracted to a second slide position thus forming within the molded extension a retainer cavity that is in fluid communication with an aperture in the first surface of the first molded section. A second plastic material is introduced into the mold over the first molded section, and a portion thereof passes through the aperture and into the retainer cavity, thereby forming a second molded section that is continuous with each retainer. The first and second molded sections, which together form the molded article, are fixedly attached to each other by at least one molded retainer, and the first surface of the second molded section, which defines the first surface of the molded article (2), is substantially free of sink mark defects. The present invention also relates to a molded article.
US07923093B2 High porosity filters for 4-way exhaust gas treatment
Cordierite ceramic articles with high volume percent porosities of at least 64% but less than 80% have controlled median pore sizes and mean coefficients of thermal expansion that impart substantially improved modulus of rupture strengths (MOR) and thermal shock resistance (TSR) to the ceramic articles.
US07923091B2 Indole compound, optical filter and optical recording material
An indole compound represented by general formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 each represent a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms or a substituent represented by general formula (II); R3 and R4 each represent an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms; R5, R6, R7, and R8 each represent a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, NHR or NR′R″; R, R′, and R″ each represent an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R′ and R″ are taken together to form a ring; R5 and R6, R6 and R7, or R7 and R8 may be taken together to form a ring; Anq− represents a q-valent anion; q represents 1 or 2; and p represents a coefficient necessary to maintain charge neutrality.
US07923085B2 Multilayer dose having a concave surface
A dose, having an axis of symmetry, for the realization of multilayer objects by compression molding, comprising a first synthetic resin and at least one fine layer of functional resin imprisoned at least largely in the resin wherein a part of its surface is concave.
US07923079B2 Liquid-crystalline medium and liquid-crystal display comprising 1,2-difluoroethene compounds
The present invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium comprising 1,2-difluoroethene compounds of the general formula I, in which R1, ring A, Z1, Z2, m, X and L1-6 are as defined in Claim 1. The invention also relates to the use of the medium for electro-optical purposes and to displays containing this medium. Novel 1,2-difluoroethene compounds having 3 or more rings are disclosed.
US07923077B2 Continuous method for producing inorganic nanotubes
Production of nanotubes of carbon or of other inorganic material by moving a carbon-containing substrate, such as a tape or belt of carbon fibers, within a reaction chamber either though an electric arc in a gap between two electrodes or adjacent an electrode so that an electric arc exists between the electrode and the substrate, to cause the nanotubes to form on the substrate. The method enables the continuous or semi-continuous production of nanotubes. Preferably, the process is carried out at atmospheric pressure and nanotubes of high purity are produced.
US07923073B2 Amphiphilic block copolymer-toughened epoxy resins and electrical laminates made therefrom
A curable laminate epoxy composition comprising (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an amphiphilic block copolymer containing at least one epoxy resin miscible block segment and at least one epoxy resin immiscible block segment; wherein the immiscible block segment comprises at least one polyether structure provided that the polyether structure of said immiscible block segment contains at least one or more alkylene oxide monomer units having at least four carbon atoms; such that when the epoxy resin composition is cured, the toughness of the resulting cured epoxy resin composition is increased; (c) a curing agent; and (d) a curing catalyst. The amphiphilic block copolymer is preferably an all polyether block copolymer such as a PEO-PBO diblock copolymer or a PEO-PBO-PEO triblock copolymer.
US07923071B2 Photolithographic patterning of polymeric materials
The invention comprises methods for the photolithographic patterning of features in a photo-curable polymer composition coated onto a plastic substrate. In one embodiment of this invention, the plastic substrate is coated with a reflective film such as a metallic barrier. In another embodiment, the plastic substrate is coated or co-extruded with a polymer barrier layer containing an additive that absorbs the photo-curing radiation. In yet another embodiment the plastic substrate contains an intrinsic additive that absorbs the photo-curing radiation. Combinations of these embodiments are also within the scope of this invention.The methods of the present invention may be advantageously applied to the fabrication of optical waveguides comprising a photo-curable polymer supported on a plastic substrate, but are applicable to the fabrication of any device or object comprising a photo-curable polymer supported on a plastic substrate.
US07923070B2 Atomic layer deposition method of forming conductive metal nitride-comprising layers
This invention includes atomic layer deposition methods of forming conductive metal nitride comprising layers. In one implementation, an atomic layer deposition method of forming a conductive metal nitride comprising layer includes positioning a substrate within a deposition chamber. A first species is chemisorbed to form a first species monolayer onto the substrate from a gaseous first precursor comprising at least one of an amido metal organic compound or an imido metal organic compound. The first species monolayer comprises organic groups. The chemisorbed first species is contacted with a second precursor plasma effective to react with the first species monolayer to remove organic groups from the first species monolayer. The chemisorbing and contacting are successively repeated under conditions effective to form a layer of material on the substrate comprising a conductive metal nitride.
US07923066B2 Organic-inorganic hybrid material comprising a mineral mesoporous phase and an organic phase, a membrane and fuel cell
An organic-inorganic hybrid material comprising two phases: a first, mineral phase comprising a structured mesoporous network with open porosity; and a second, organic phase comprising an organic polymer, said organic phase being essentially not present inside the pores of the structured mesoporous network. Membrane and electrode comprising this material.Fuel cell comprising at least one such membrane and/or at least one such electrode.Process for preparing said hybrid material.
US07923063B2 Method of making glass including surface treatment with aluminum chloride using combustion deposition prior to deposition of antireflective coating
This invention relates to a method of making glass. In certain example embodiments, a major surface(s) of the glass is treated with aluminum chloride (e.g., AlCl3). This treating, or application of an aluminum chloride based layer on the glass substrate, may be performed using combustion deposition. The combustion deposition may be performed at or just prior to the annealing lehr in certain example embodiments, or at any other suitable location. The aluminum chloride barrier layer, applied at a desirable glass temperature, helps to reduce sodium leaching or diffusion from the glass during conditions such as high heat and/or humidity, thereby improving the durability and/or stability of the resulting product.
US07923062B2 Display device
A display device includes a first plastic substrate including a composite layer having a resin-impregnated fiber fabric, an inorganic barrier layer formed on the composite layer, and a planarizing resin layer formed on the inorganic barrier layer; and a display medium layer formed on the planarizing resin layer-side of the first plastic substrate.
US07923060B2 Method of manufacturing ceramic filter
There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a thin and uniform ceramic filter formed with less membrane formation times and having less defects. A ceramic sol whose average pore diameter after the sol itself has been formed into a membrane is larger than that of a ceramic separation membrane and is 10 nm or less is brought into contact with the surface of a ceramic separation membrane having an average pore diameter of 0.5 to 10 nm, and the ceramic separation membrane having the ceramic sol is dried and then fired to repair a defect portion of the ceramic separation membrane.
US07923057B2 Methods and apparatus for reducing irregularities in color filters
Methods, apparatus and systems are disclosed for printing color filters for flat panel displays and avoiding mura effects by depositing a plurality of ink drops on a substrate within a column of pixel wells and intentionally varying the size and/or the relative lateral position of the ink drops deposited in the pixel wells. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.
US07923050B2 Oil composition for coating
An oil-and-fat composition for coating that simultaneously exhibit both significantly conflicting properties: drying quickly at ambient temperature and hardly peeling off (when eaten), and a food product including the oil-and-fat composition. The oil-and-fat composition for coating of the present invention includes an interesterified oil (A) that is nonselectively interesterified and contains 80 mass % or more of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and 35 to 60 mass % of a saturated fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms in its constituent fatty acids, and an interesterified oil (B) that is nonselectively interesterified and contains 20 to 60 mass % of a saturated fatty acid having 12 to 14 carbon atoms and 40 to 80 mass % of a saturated fatty acid having 16 to 18 carbon atoms in its constituent fatty acids. The composition also includes a tri-saturated fatty acid acylglycerol in a content of 10 to 15 mass %.
US07923046B2 Production method of food and beverage products with high content of γ-aminobutyric acid and food and beverage products with high content of γ-aminobutyric acid
A method for producing food and beverage products with a high content of γ-aminobutyric acid, wherein processed tomato products whose filtrate has a coloring degree between 0.02 and 0.2 when sugar content is adjusted to 3% are fermented with lactic acid bacteria, and food and beverage products with a high content of γ-aminobutyric acid obtained by such a method.
US07923044B2 Composition for high-ORAC value dietary supplement
A dietary supplement composition having an ORAC value in excess of at least about 2,500 and which can be readily consumed in a small quantity is provided for supplementing an individual's daily intake. The dietary supplement composition suitably includes organic and/or vegan ingredients and can be consumed in quantities of as little as about 1 tablespoon to provide an amount of antioxidants equivalent to at least the minimum recommended daily intake of five to nine servings of fruits and/or vegetables.
US07923041B2 Compositions and methods for enhancing cognitive function
Disclosed are compositions for promoting general health and well-being, comprising an extract of a botanical raw material, wherein said extract inhibits the carboxyl demethylating activity of a protein phosphatase, and methods of making and using same.
US07923040B2 Homeopathic formulations useful for treating pain and/or inflammation
Homeopathic formulations (a) comprising tinctures and/or diluted extracts preferably subjected to potentization of at least 8 or 9 herbs selected from Bellis Perennis, Calendula Officinalis, Hamamelis Virginiana, Arnica Montana, Hypericum Perforatum, Aconitum Napellus, Ledum Palustre, Bryonia Alba and Ruta Graveolens; or (b) consisting of, as active ingredients, tinctures and/or diluted extracts subjected to potentization of 5, 6 or 7 herbs selected from Bellis Perennis, Calendula Officinalis, Hamamelis Virginiana, Arnica Montana, Hypericum Perforatum, Aconitum Napellus, Ledum Palustre, Bryonia Alba and Ruta Graveolens. The potentized homeopathics are in a penetrating base, preferably clear gel base. The homeopathic formulations are highly effective in treating or relieving pain and inflammation. Also, a method of treating or relieving pain and inflammation by administering any of the homeopathic formulations of the invention to a subject, preferably a subject in need of such treatment or relief. Further, a method of making the homeopathic formulation by mixing the homeopathically prepared herbal active ingredients with a base, preferably a clear gel base.
US07923033B2 Composition of matter comprising particles which contain choline chloride to be administered in a rumen protected and post-ruminally effective form
A composition of matter comprising particles which contain choline chloride to be administered in a rumen-protected and post-ruminally effective form, each particle comprising a core which contains choline chloride and a protective coating surrounding the core and protecting choline chloride by ruminal activity while allowing its release into the post-rumen portion of the digestive tract of a ruminant. The core mainly consists of choline chloride in the form of a dry, crystalline powder and, in combination, the protective coating surrounding the core comprises an outer, continuous layer mainly consisting of carnauba wax and an inner, continuous layer consisting of an hydrophobic substance. A feed pellet containing the composition of matter and a premix for feed which contains the composition of matter. A premix for feed which contains feed pellets containing the composition of matter. Mash feed in unpelletted form containing the composition of matter.
US07923032B2 Buoyant polymer particles for delivery of therapeutic agents to the central nervous system
The invention provides compositions and methods for treating a subject who has suffered from a central nervous system disorder. More particularly, the invention provides sustained polymeric drug delivery systems having a polymer particle, a therapeutic agent, and a buoyancy agent for direct delivery of therapeutic agents into the central nervous system.
US07923030B2 Agent-encapsulating micro- and nanoparticles, methods for preparation of same and products containing same
Substantially leachless, agent-encapsulating sol-gel particles, methods of preparing same and products containing same are provided.
US07923027B2 Process
The present invention relates to a process using ultrasonic cutting for the preparation of an oral delivery device comprising a core which includes a pharmaceutically active agent covered by an outer coating which includes one or more openings communicating from the exterior of the device toward the core.
US07923025B2 Pharmaceutical composition for oral use with improved absorption
The present invention relates to an agent for inhibiting decomposition of a biologically active peptide by a digestive enzyme, which is aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E as an effective ingredient, and an agent for reducing viscosity of the gastrointestinal mucosa and mucous layers distributed over this mucosa. The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting decomposition of a biologically active peptide by a digestive enzyme, or a method for reducing viscosity of the gastrointestinal mucosa and/or mucous layers distributed over the mucosa, by administration of aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for oral use with improved absorption, which comprises a biologically active peptide and aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E. Excellent oral absorption of a biologically active peptide that were considered difficult to absorb by oral administration in the past, can be realized based on the ability to inhibit decomposition of a biologically active peptide, the ability to reduce viscosity of the gastrointestinal mucosa and/or mucous layers distributed over this mucosa, and the ability to improve permeability of a biologically active peptide in the gastrointestinal mucosa and/or mucous layers of the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention.
US07923019B2 Antibiotic/s containing bone substitute material with sustained active substance release
Antibiotic/s containing bone substitute material is described which is characterized in that it is composed of a compacted mixture of granules of calcium sulfate dihydrate, calcium carbonate and at least one representative of the aminoglycoside antibiotics, lincosamide antibiotics, glycopeptide antibiotics, macrolide antibiotics, ketolide antibiotics, the nitroimidazoles, the fluorochinolone antibiotics and the oxazolidinone antibiotics, the steroid antibiotics, the antiseptic agents and the fungicidal/fungistatic antibiotics which are partly or entirely sheathed with a layer of glycerol tripalmitate and/or glycerol tristearate and/or glycerol trilaurate and/or 1-hexadecyl alcohol which connects the granules with each other.
US07923018B2 Vaccine
The invention relates to a vaccine for the treatment of disease caused by Neisseria, the vaccine comprising one or more immunogenic components for Neisseria serogroups, as well as antibodies to the immunogenic components and methods of preventing and treating Neisseria infections. The immunogens are based on elements of the inner core lipopolysaccharide.
US07923016B2 Engineered CXCL12 α locked dimer polypeptide
The present invention provides a novel CXCL12-α2 locked dimer polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of using said dimer in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune disease, and HIV/AIDS.
US07923015B2 Methods for direct visualization of active synapses
A method for visualizing an active synapse wherein said method comprises: (a) exposing cells forming the active synapse to a biomarker comprising at least fragment C of tetanus toxin and a reporter protein; and (b) visualizing the biomarker; wherein the accumulation of the biomarker into dendritic spines of the cells allows visualization of an active synapse. Also, a method for screening molecules capable of modulating synapse activity is provided. A kit useful for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease comprises a biomarker comprising at least fragment C of tetanus toxin and a reporter protein.
US07923011B2 Antibodies to lymphotoxin-alpha
The invention provides various antibodies that bind to lymphotoxin-α, methods for making such antibodies, compositions and articles incorporating such antibodies, and their uses in treating, for example, an autoimmune disorder. The antibodies include murine, chimeric, and humanized antibodies.
US07923010B2 Methods and materials for treating autoimmune diseases and conditions
Disclosed are methods for treating an autoimmune disease or condition in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a compound which inhibits the subject's classical complement pathway. Also disclosed are methods for suppressing hyperacute graft rejection in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a compound which inhibits the subject's classical complement pathway. Compositions which include a specific inhibitor of C1q and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient are also described.
US07923008B2 Methods for decreasing osteoclast formation or bone resorption using an antibody to osteoprotegerin binding protein
A novel polypeptide, osteoprotegerin binding protein, involved in osteolcast maturation has been identified based upon its affinity for osteoprotegerin. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide, or a fragment, analog or derivative thereof, vectors and host cells for production, methods of preparing osteoprotegerin binding protein, and binding assays are also described. Compositions and methods for the treatment of bone diseases such as osteoporosis, bone loss due to arthritis or metastasis, hypercalcemia, and Paget's disease are also provided.
US07923005B2 Process for producing a bio-pesticide composition containing Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens
A process for the production of organic and combination formulation of bio-pesticide containing Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens comprising preparation of mother culture, liquid fermentation as well as solid fermentation of T. harzianum, preparation of mother culture, liquid fermentation as well as solid fermentation of P. fluorescens separately, followed by mixing both the bio-pesticides in the proportion of 1-2: 1-2: preferably 1:1 to get the final combination, formulation.
US07923004B2 4-ethynyl pyrazole derivative compounds and methods for treatment of HCV
Aryl substituted pyrazole derivatives are provided, as well as processes for their preparation. The invention also provides compositions and methods for the treatment of HCV by administering a compound of the present invention, alone or in combination with additional antiviral agents, in a therapeutically effective amount.
US07923003B2 Adhesive for medical applications and means for haemostasis
The invention relates to a kit comprising the following individual components: (a) polymers comprising at least one free amino group, (b) bridge molecules selected from the group consisting of monocyclic ortho-dihydroxyaromates, mono-cyclic para-dihydroxyaromates, bicyclic monohydrxyaromates, polycyclic monohydroxyaromates, bicyclic dihydroxyaromates, polycyclic dihydroxyaromates, bicyclic trihydroxyaromates, polycyclic trihydroxyaromates, and mixtures thereof, and (c) polyphenoloxidases, in particular, lignolytic polyphenoloxidases, whereby the individual components b) and c) are not in contact.
US07923000B2 Methods of determining efficacy of treatments of inflammatory diseases of the bowel
Novel methods of determining efficacy of a treatment of inflammatory diseases of the bowel in mammals are provided. The methods are of use in screening and determining the efficacy of treatments of inflammatory diseases of the bowel, and for determining the efficacy response of individual sufferers of inflammatory diseases of the bowel to a given regime. Kits for carrying out the method are also provided.
US07922998B2 Gastrin releasing peptide compounds
New and improved compounds for use in diagnostic imaging or therapy having the formula M-N—O—P-G, wherein M is a metal chelator having the structure: wherein R1-R5 and FG are as defined herein (in the form complexed with a metal radionuclide or not), N—O—P is the linker containing at least one non-alpha amino acid with a cyclic group, at least one substituted bile acid or at least one non-alpha amino acid, and G is the GRP receptor targeting peptide. In the preferred embodiment, M is an Aazta metal chelator or a derivative thereof. Methods for imaging a patient and/or providing radiotherapy or phototherapy to a patient using the compounds of the invention are also provided. Methods and kits for preparing a diagnostic imaging agent from the compound is further provided. Methods and kits for preparing a radiotherapeutic agent are further provided.
US07922997B2 UZM-35 aluminosilicate zeolite, method of preparation and processes using UZM-35
A new family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been synthesized. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula. Mmn+Rr+Al(1-x)ExSiyOz where M represents a combination of potassium and sodium exchangeable cations, R is a singly charged organoammonium cation such as the dimethyldipropylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These zeolites are similar to MCM-68 but are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns and compositions and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes.
US07922995B2 Zeolite compositions and preparation and use thereof
This invention relates to novel compositions of zeolites or microporous metallosilicates characterized by a continuous spatial distribution of the metal and silicon in the crystals and characterized by a crystal surface enriched in silicon relative to the internal part of the same crystals. This invention also relates to a synthesis method of producing these metallosilicates with spatial distribution of the constituting elements. These novel zeolitic compositions can be used in various hydrocarbon conversion reactions. The crystalline metallosilicates can be selected from the group consisting of aluminosilicates, gallosilicates, ferrosilicates, titanosilicates and borosilicates.
US07922993B2 Spherical carbon nanostructure and method for producing spherical carbon nanostructures
A method for producing carbon nanostructures according to the invention includes injecting acetylene gas into a reactant liquid. The injected acetylene molecules are then maintained in contact with the reactant liquid for a period of time sufficient to break the carbon-hydrogen bonds in at least some of the acetylene molecules, and place the liberated carbon ions in an excited state. This preferred method further includes enabling the liberated carbon ions in the excited state to traverse a surface of the reactant liquid and enter a collection area. Collection surfaces are provided in the collection area to collect carbon nanostructures.
US07922989B2 Method for making silicon for solar cells and other applications
A method for preparation of high purity silicon suitable for photovoltaic cells using reduction of silica, which is pre-purified in an aqueous solution, in presence of a reducing agent, preferably carbonaceous agent, where the pre-purified silica has a low amount of boron suitable for photovoltaic cells is described.
US07922988B2 Multilayered catalyst compositions
A layered three-way conversion catalyst having the capability of simultaneously catalyzing the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and the reduction of nitrogen oxides is disclosed. Engine exhaust treatment system and methods of using the same are also provided. The catalytic material can be provided in layers such that a larger amount of oxygen storage component is provided in a downstream zone as compared to an upstream zone. For example, the upstream zone can be configured to have one, two, or three layers, and the downstream zone can be independently configured to have one, two, or three layers. In one or more embodiments, the catalyst supported on a carrier has three layers, where at least two of the layers are zoned to have an oxygen storage component being present in an upstream zone in an amount that is less than the oxygen storage component present in the downstream zone.
US07922987B2 Catalytically coated diesel particle filter, process for producing it and its use
A diesel particulate filter with an oxidation catalyst comprising platinum and palladium deposited thereon is described. Addition of HC storage components to the oxidation catalyst allows the conversion of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide to be improved significantly.
US07922985B2 Analyte test strip for accepting diverse sample volumes
An analyte test strip for accepting diverse bodily fluid sample volumes includes a first insulating layer, a second insulating layer disposed above the first insulating layer, and a third insulating layer disposed below the first insulating layer. The third insulating layer has a platform portion that extends beyond the first and second insulating layers and an upper surface. The analyte test strip also has a patterned spacer layer positioned between the first and second layers. The patterned spacer layer defines a channel between the first and second insulating layers that has a sample-receiving chamber, a first port proximate the platform portion and a second port at an outer edge of the analyte test strip. Moreover, the first port and the second port are in fluidic communication with the sample-receiving chamber. In addition, the upper surface of the platform portion is configured to receive a first (relatively large) bodily fluid sample of at least 5 micro-liters and transfer at least a portion of the first bodily fluid sample to the sample-receiving chamber via the first port. The second port is configured to receive a second (relatively small) bodily fluid sample of lesser volume than the first bodily fluid sample and to transfer at least a portion of the second bodily fluid sample to the sample-receiving chamber.
US07922983B2 Sterilization wrap with additional strength sheet
A sterilization wrap is provided. The sterilization wrap includes a first sheet that is configured for providing a barrier to prevent at least some bacteria from passing therethrough while allowing sterilization gas to pass therethrough. A second sheet is attached to the first sheet. The second sheet is located on the first sheet so that a perimeter of the second sheet is contained entirely within a perimeter of the first sheet.
US07922982B1 Chemical dispensing systems
A chemical dispensing system for a water-filled structure, such as, for example, a swimming pool or a spa, having an interchangeable float adjuster.
US07922977B2 Catalyst system for enhanced flow syngas production
A method and apparatus for converting a hydrocarbon and oxygen containing gas feed stream to a product stream, such as syngas, including catalytically partially oxidizing the hydrocarbon feed stream over a catalyst bed. The catalyst bed has a downstream zone which is less resistant to flow than the upstream zone.
US07922975B2 Resonant sensor capable of wireless interrogation
A resonant sensor for detecting a specific environmental analyte is presented. The resonant sensor comprises a top conductive layer of two ground conductors and a center signal line, a bottom conductive layer of two ground lines shunted together by a shunt line and a sensing layer positioned between the top conductive layer and the bottom conductive layer. A capacitor is created by the overlap of the center signal line of the top conductive layer and the shunt line of the bottom conductive layer. Electrical properties of the sensing layer change in response to binding the specific environmental analyte with the sensing layer. The sensing layer can be an electro-optic polymer. Nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes can be dispersed within the sensing layer to bind with the specific environmental analyte. An integrated antenna can be incorporated into to sensor to receive radio frequencies for wireless, passive sensing.
US07922974B2 Handheld apparatus for analysis with a conveyance path for test elements
A handheld device for analyzing a sample for a medically significant component may comprise an analysis sensor to which an analytic consumable may be supplied along a conveyance path, a drivable conveyance roll configured to grip the analytic consumable protruding into the conveyance path, a motor configure to drive the drivable conveyance roll, and a housing containing the analysis sensor, the drivable conveyance roll and the motor.
US07922972B2 Method and apparatus for separating fluid components
A floating element for separating components of a physiological fluid comprises two parts that are relatively movable. The two parts define a prescribed volume between them when at their maximum separation, and one of the parts may be moved toward the other to express the fluid contained in the volume between the parts. The parts are made of materials having densities so that they assume a desired position in the fluid to allow selected components to be easily obtained and expressed.
US07922968B2 Corrosion resistance improved steel sheet for automotive muffler and method of producing the steel sheet
Provided are a steel sheet for an automotive muffler and a method for producing the steel sheet. The steel sheet includes 0.01% by weight or less of C, 0.1 to 0.3% by weight of Si, 0.3 to 0.5% by weight of Mn, 0.015% by weight or less of P, 0.015% or less by weight of S, 0.02 to 0.05% by weight of Al, 0.004% or less of N, 0.2 to 0.6% by weight of Cu, 0.01 to 0.04% by weight of Co, and a remainder of Fe and unavoidable impurities. The method includes 0.01% by weight or less of C, 0.1 to 0.3% by weight of Si, 0.3 to 0.5% by weight of Mn, 0.015% by weight or less of P, 0.015% or less by weight of S, 0.02 to 0.05% by weight of Al, 0.004% or less of N, 0.2 to 0.6% by weight of Cu, 0.01 to 0.04% by weight of Co, and a remainder of Fe and unavoidable impurities, preparing a hot rolled steel sheet by re-heating the steel slab and by, during a finish rolling process, hot-rolling the steel slab at a temperature that is an Ar3 transformation temperature or more, preparing a cold rolled steel sheet by cold-rolling the hot rolled steel sheet with a cold reduction ratio of 50 to 90%, and performing a continuous annealing for the cold rolled steel sheet at a temperature of 500 to 900° C.
US07922965B2 Slip casting nano-particle powders for making transparent ceramics
A method of making a transparent ceramic including the steps of providing nano-ceramic powders in a processed or unprocessed form, mixing the powders with de-ionized water, the step of mixing the powders with de-ionized water producing a slurry, sonifing the slurry to completely wet the powder and suspend the powder in the de-ionized water, separating very fine particles from the slurry, molding the slurry, and curing the slurry to produce the transparent ceramic.
US07922959B2 Method of manufacturing a composite filter media
A method of making a composite filter media includes, in an exemplary embodiment, forming a nonwoven fabric mat that includes a plurality of synthetic fibers by a spunbond process, and calendering the nonwoven fabric mat with embossing calender rolls to form a bond area pattern comprising a plurality of substantially parallel discontinuous lines of bond area to bond the synthetic fibers together to form a nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric having a filtration efficiency of about 35% to less than 50%, measured in accordance with EN 1822 (1998) test procedure. The method also includes applying a nanofiber layer by electro-blown spinning a polymer solution to form a plurality of nanofibers on at least one side of the nonwoven fabric mat to form the composite filter media, the composite filter media having a minimum filtration efficiency of about 70%, measured in accordance with EN 1822 (1998) test procedure.
US07922954B2 Building wall panels of hollow core construction
Building wall panels having lightweight hollow core interiors include embodiments suitable for interior and exterior walls, for industrial, commercial or residential buildings, and for multi-story structures. Various methods for making these wall panels are disclosed, including the formation of cast gypsum firewall layers.
US07922953B2 Method for manufacturing an end effector assembly
A method of manufacturing a jaw member of an end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is disclosed that includes the steps of providing an electrically conductive tissue engaging plate and a jaw support; covering one side of the electrically conductive tissue engaging plate with an electrically insulative, thermally non-degrading coating; placing and securing the electrically conductive tissue engaging plate and the jaw support into a jaw mold; and introducing a liquid substance into the jaw mold and allowing the liquid substance to cure around the electrically conductive tissue engaging plate and the jaw support. Alternatively, the method includes the steps of: providing an electrically conductive tissue engaging plate and a jaw support; covering one side of the electrically conductive tissue engaging plate with an electrically insulative, thermally non-degrading coating; and securing the side of the electrically conductive tissue engaging plate onto the jaw support with an adhesive.
US07922940B2 Preparation of silver particles using thermomorphic polymers
This invention relates to the synthesis and isolation of colloidal silver particles through the use of thermomorphic polymers and the resulting composition. It further relates to the use of the resulting composition in the preparation of inks for printing with silver-containing inks.
US07922936B2 Luminescent compositions, methods for making luminescent compositions and inks incorporating the same
A particulate luminescent composition is disclosed that, when excited by electromagnetic radiation at a first frequency, emits electromagnetic radiation at a second frequency equal to or within 1500 cm−1 of the first frequency. The luminescent composition comprises substantially spherical particles having a weight average particle size of less than about 10 μm and a particle size distribution such that at least about 90 weight percent of the particles are not larger than twice the average particle size.
US07922933B2 Composition and method for enhanced sanitation and oxidation of aqueous systems
This invention relates to a method for enhanced sanitation and oxidation of aqueous solutions at aquatic facilities. The method provides a means for the in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide from dilute solutions of chlorite anions at near neutral pH, and enhanced inactivation rates of microbiological organisms including cryptosporidium.
US07922930B2 Azeotropic compositions comprising fluorinated olefins for cleaning applications
The present invention relates to azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions comprising a fluorinated olefin having the formula E- or Z -C3F7CH═CHC3F7, and at least one alcohol, halocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, fluoroether, or alkanes and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the one compound selected from the group consisting of alcohols, halocarbons, fluoroalkyl ethers, hydrofluorocarbons, alkanes is either methanol, ethanol, iso-propanol, n-propanol, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, n-propyl bromide, C4F9OCH3, C4F9OC2H5, HFC-43-10mee, HFC-365mfc, heptane, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, these compositions are useful in cleaning applications as a degreasing agent or defluxing agent for removing oils and/or other residues from a surface.
US07922923B2 Anti-scatter grid and collimator designs, and their motion, fabrication and assembly
Grids and collimators, for use with electromagnetic energy emitting devices, include at least a metal layer that is formed, for example, by electroplating/electroforming or casting. The metal layer includes top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of solid integrated walls. Each of the solid integrated walls extends from the top to bottom surface and has a plurality of side surfaces. The side surfaces of the solid integrated walls are arranged to define a plurality of openings extending entirely through the layer. At least some of the walls also can include projections extending into the respective openings formed by the walls. The projections can be of various shapes and sizes, and are arranged so that a total amount of wall material intersected by a line propagating in a direction along an edge of the grid is substantially the same as another total amount of wall material intersected by another line propagating in another direction substantially parallel to the edge of the grid at any distance from the edge. Methods to fabricate these grids using copper, lead, nickel, gold, any other electroplating/electroforming materials, metal composites or low melting temperature metals are described.
US07922920B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus of a low conductance silicon micro-leak for mass spectrometer inlet
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a mass spectrometer micro-leak includes a number of channels fabricated by semiconductor processing tools and that includes a number of inlet holes that provide access to the channels.
US07922916B1 Compression fit storm water curb inlet filter
A curb inlet filter is force fit into the throat of a curb inlet to filter debris and sediment from storm water entering an inlet. The device has a filter media affixed to the lower portion of a semi-rigid “C” shaped frame with upper retention flange. The shape and upper flange of the device combine to create a secure compression fit into the receiving inlet. The design includes an overflow feature above the extents of the filter media for heavy storm events. The “C” shape of the filter and placement within the throat of the curb inlet encourages sediment and debris to be captured within the device away from pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The device can easily be removed from the curb inlet while retaining the collected sediment and debris. The captured contaminants can be disposed of by emptying the contents in a designated area.
US07922906B2 Septic system cleaning method
A composition including the fermentation supernatant from a fermentation of yeast is intended to be conveniently introduced through the wastewater plumbing system of a private home or other facility into a septic system servicing the home or other facility to substantially accelerate the ability of the bacteria resident in the septic system to substantially digest biologically available organic compounds present in the septic system, and methods of accomplishing the same.
US07922904B2 Upward-flow manganese contact column
The present invention provides an upward-flow manganese contact column for feeding raw water to a manganese catalyst-packed layer through a plurality of dispersion nozzles provided at the upper surface of a chamber by forming the chamber for allowing raw water to flow in at the bottom of a column body into which a granular manganese catalyst is packed. Each dispersion nozzle has an umbrella portion above a perpendicular nozzle body, and the umbrella portion is configured so that the lower end of the umbrella portion is elongated below the upper end of the nozzle body. Raw water is supplied to the entire manganese catalyst-packed layer from the lower end of the umbrella portion of each dispersion nozzle. It is capable, of exhibiting stable treatment ability for a long time by suppressing particles of the manganese catalyst from being worn by collisions of the particles.
US07922899B2 Medical apparatus and method for setting up a medical apparatus
A medical apparatus comprises a user interface for setting parameters and includes: a screen for visualizing values of said parameters, a main control unit connected to the interface, a first memory and a video memory both connected to the main control unit for storing data corresponding to images on screen; the main control unit allows setting of a new value for a parameter, displays the new value on a screen region, stores the new value in the first memory, captures from the video memory data representative of said screen region, verifies from said representative data if the displayed value corresponds to the value in the first memory. A method for setting up a medical apparatus is also disclosed.
US07922896B2 Method for reducing fouling of coker furnaces
A method for reducing furnace fouling in a delayed coking process comprising (a) supplying at least one feed to a delayed coking unit comprised of coker furnace, at least two coke drums and a coker fractionator, (b) increasing the aromaticity of the feed to produce a modified stream by combining with the feed upstream of the coker furnace at least one added stream selected from the group consisting of an aromatic gas oil, a hydrotreated aromatic gas oil and combinations thereof, (c) introducing the modified feed stream into the coker furnace, d) heating the modified feed stream to a coking temperature in the coker furnace to produce a heated modified stream, and e) transferring the heated modified stream from the coker furnace to a coke drum.
US07922894B2 HPC process using a mixture of catalysts
The present invention pertains to a process for hydroprocessing a heavy hydrocarbon oil, comprising contacting a heavy hydrocarbon oil in the presence of hydrogen with a mixture of hydroprocessing catalyst I and hydroprocessing catalyst II. The process of the invention combines high contaminant removal with high conversion, low sediment formation, and high process flexibility.
US07922893B2 System and method for preparing near-surface heavy oil for extraction using microbial degradation
A system and method for enhancing the recovery of heavy oil in an oil extraction environment by feeding nutrients to a preferred microbial species (bacteria and/or fungi). A method is described that includes the steps of: sampling and identifying microbial species that reside in the oil extraction environment; collecting fluid property data from the oil extraction environment; collecting nutrient data from the oil extraction environment; identifying a preferred microbial species from the oil extraction environment that can transform the heavy oil into a lighter oil; identifying a nutrient from the oil extraction environment that promotes a proliferation of the preferred microbial species; and introducing the nutrient into the oil extraction environment.
US07922891B2 Methods for detection and quantification of analytes
The present invention relates to a method for detecting and quantitating NADH/NAD+ and/or NADPH/NADP+ as well as NADHJNAD+ and/or NADPH/NADP+ dependent enzymes using a photoelectrochemical cell.
US07922890B2 Low maintenance on-site generator
Method and apparatus for a low maintenance, high reliability on-site electrolytic generator incorporating automatic cell monitoring for contaminant film buildup, as well as automatically removing or cleaning the contaminant film. This method and apparatus preferably does not require human intervention to clean.
US07922888B2 Post and tip design for a probe contact
The present invention relates to A microfabricated tip and post structure comprising a post having a rough top surface that diffuses incident light and a cross-section, and a tip, lithographically plated on the rough top surface of the post, having a smooth reflective surface appropriate for automatic vision recognition, and having a cross-section that is less than the cross-section of the post.
US07922878B2 Electrohydrogenic reactor for hydrogen gas production
A system for hydrogen gas generation is provided according to the present invention which includes a hydrogen gas electrode assembly including a first anode in electrical communication with a first cathode; a microbial fuel cell electrode assembly including a second anode in electrical communication with a second cathode, the microbial fuel cell electrode assembly in electrical communication with the hydrogen gas electrode assembly for enhancing an electrical potential between the first anode and the first cathode. A single chamber housing contains the hydrogen gas electrode assembly at least partially in the interior space of the housing.
US07922877B2 Method and apparatus for plating a semiconductor package
A method of plating a plurality of semiconductor devices includes: applying an electrical power source to an anode terminal and a cathode terminal; placing the plurality of semiconductor devices on a non-conductive platform in a plating solution; moving conductive parts across surfaces of the semiconductor devices to be plated, wherein the conductive parts electrically connect the surfaces of the semiconductor devices to the cathode; and wherein plating particles connected to the anode terminal move to and plate the surfaces of the semiconductor devices.
US07922875B2 Method and apparatus for enrichment of heavy oxygen isotopes
A method of enriching a heavy oxygen isotope by distillation of the present invention includes: a first distillation step of feeding oxygen and ozone generated by an ozonizer 12 into a distillation column 13 filled with a diluent gas, and separating the oxygen, and the ozone and the diluent gas; a photodecomposition step of introducing a mixed gas of the ozone and the diluent gas from a bottom of the distillation column into a photoreaction cell 14, and irradiating the mixed gas with a laser light to selectively decompose the ozone containing the heavy oxygen isotope; and a second distillation step of returning non-decomposed ozone and oxygen containing the heavy oxygen isotope to the distillation column, and separating the oxygen, and the ozone and the diluent gas.
US07922871B2 Recycling carbon fibre
A method of recycling composite material comprising carbon fibers and a resin, the method comprising: providing a furnace comprising at least a heating portion; providing a transporter for transporting the composite material through the furnace; loading the composite material on the transporter and transporting the composite material through the furnace; detecting a percentage of oxygen in an atmosphere in the heating portion when the composite material has entered this portion; and removing resin from the composite material, as it travels through the heating portion of the furnace on the transporter, by means of chemical decomposition at a first temperature, with the resultant generation of fumes; wherein the generated fumes are removed from the heating portion in a controlled manner, such that the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere in the heating portion is controlled.
US07922868B2 Forming fabrics
A papermaker's fabric for use as a forming fabric. The fabric may include bondable or meltable monofilament yarns which may be formed from materials that retain substantial strength and tenacity after thermal treatment. Further, the remaining yarns in the forming fabric may be formed from materials that have a higher melting temperature than the monofilament material that will be thermally bonded or melted.
US07922867B2 Method for producing paper, paperboard and cardboard having high dry strength
Process for the production of paper, board and cardboard having high dry strength by separate addition of a polymer comprising vinylamine units and of ligninsulfonic acid and/or a ligninsulfonate to a paper stock, draining of the paper stock and drying of the paper products.
US07922866B2 Apparatus for aligning electrodes in a process chamber to protect an exclusion area within an edge environ of a wafer
Positional relationships are established in a process chamber. A base is configured with a lower electrode surface to support a wafer, and an upper electrode has a lower surface. A drive mounted on the base has a linkage connected to the upper electrode. A fixture placed on the lower surface moves into a desired orientation of the lower electrode. With the upper electrode loosely connected by the linkage to the drive, the fixture transfers the desired orientation to the upper electrode. The linkage is tightened to maintain the desired orientation, the fixture is removed and a process exclusion insert is mounted to the upper electrode. The drive moves the upper electrode and the insert to define an inactive process zone between the upper electrode and the wafer on the lower electrode to protect a central area of the wafer during etching of a wafer edge environ around the central area.
US07922862B2 Plasma processing apparatus, electrode plate for plasma processing apparatus, and electrode plate manufacturing method
A plasma processing apparatus for performing a plasma process on a target substrate includes a process container configured to accommodate the target substrate and to reduce pressure therein. A first electrode is disposed within the process container. A supply system is configured to supply a process gas into the process container. An electric field formation system is configured to form an RF electric field within the process container so as to generate plasma of the process gas. A number of protrusions are discretely disposed on a main surface of the first electrode and protrude toward a space where the plasma is generated.
US07922858B2 Method and installation for applying foil material onto successive sheets
There is described a method for applying foil material (200) onto successive sheets (S), especially sheets of securities. In a first step, individual sheets (S) are transported in succession along a sheet transport path. In a second step, at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is applied onto the individual sheets (S) along a direction substantially parallel to a direction of displacement of the individual sheets, thereby forming a continuous flow of sheets linked to one another by the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200). In a third step, the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is cut such that the continuous flow of sheets is again separated into individual sheets (S) with portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheet. The cutting is performed at positions located on the sheets (S) such that said portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheets do not extend beyond leading and trailing edges of the sheets (S). There is also described an installation for carrying out the above method.
US07922857B2 Label joining method and label joining apparatus
A receiver base receives from below a front end portion of a label that is fed forward from a folded-back portion of an release paper and droops forward, so that the label is held in a predetermined forwardly and downwardly inclined posture. In a process of separating and feeding the label in such a state where part of a rear end of the label is joined and held onto the release paper, a suction head having a downward suction surface that is inclined forward and downward is brought closer to a top surface of the label being separated so as to suck the label.
US07922849B2 Process and apparatus for manufacturing spun-bonded fabric
Process of manufacturing spun-bonded fabric, using naturally crimped filaments, whereby the filaments are passed through a stretching unit and finally through a diffusor. The filaments are thereupon layered on a layering device, as crimped filaments. The layered filaments together with the layering device are passed through a solidifying device in which the filaments are solidified by means of a fluid.
US07922848B2 Tube clamp device and tube connection device
A tube clamp apparatus and a tube connecting apparatus having high durability and improved operability when an operator locks these apparatuses are provided. A tube connecting apparatus comprises a first clamp and a second clamp, each pressing to hold two flexible tubes 8, 9. The tubes are placed at a lower jaw portion of the second clamp and pressed to a flat state by pressing force applied thereto a direction of an arrow F. A hook section 310 having hook portions divided into plural pieces is set up at an upper jaw portion of the second clamp, and the hook portion B 312 is made of a POM elastic member having, on one side thereof, a protruded portion 314 protruded from other adjacent hook portions. When pressing force is applied to the upper jaw portion, the hook portion B 312 protruded from the other adjacent hook portions is elastically deformed and engaged with a POM-made roller B 317 to prevent back-tracking of the hook section 310.
US07922846B2 Methods of making an insulated, impact resistant glass product
A method of making an insulated, impact resistant glass product from first and second sheets of glass. The first sheet of glass includes a major surface with a perimeter surface portion surrounding a central surface portion. The method comprises applying a raised barrier to the perimeter surface portion to produce a dam of a predetermined height surrounding the central surface portion. A curable fluid material is dispensed over the central surface portion and the curable fluid material spreads outward from the central surface portion to the raised barrier. The second sheet of glass is attached to the raised barrier leaving a gap between a major surface of the second sheet of glass and the cured fluid material.
US07922845B2 Apparatus and methods for bonding carbon-carbon composites through a reactant layer
An apparatus for bonding a first carbon composite to a second carbon composite through a reactant layer includes a housing, and a pair of conductive press plates electrically isolated from the housing. The press plates are adapted to position the two parts to be bonded with a reactant layer therebetween. The press plates are subjected to an electrical potential and a clamping force, sufficient to initiate a combustion reaction that creates a molten ceramic to bond together the carbon-carbon composites.
US07922840B2 Method and installation for producing hot-rolled strip from austenitic stainless steels
A method for producing hot-rolled strip from austenitic stainless steels. In a first step, a cast product is subjected to a rolling operation in a rolling mill with a finishing train, and, in a second step, a heat treatment is carried out to prevent susceptibility to corrosion, especially intergranular corrosion due to chromium carbide precipitation. To establish the final rolling temperature (Twe), a run-in temperature (Tein) of the cast product into the finishing train of the rolling mill that is above 1,150° C., and preferably above 1,200° C., is established by a multistage heating process, especially a two-stage heating process, which comprises a preheating stage and an intensive heating stage, and the heat treatment is carried out by directly utilizing the rolling heat.
US07922839B2 Method for brake rotor assembly and manufacture
A method of assembly and manufacture of a brake rotor, comprising providing a brake rotor mold. The method also includes pouring brake rotor material into the brake rotor mold. Then the method includes rotating the brake rotor mold during hardening of the brake rotor material thereby forming a brake rotor. The method further includes removing an interior portion of the hardened brake rotor material of the brake rotor with a water jet cutting device. The water jet device shapes the brake rotor to a desired shape. The brake rotor is then heat and cryogenically treated.
US07922832B2 Method for preparing permanent magnet material
A permanent magnet material is prepared by machining an anisotropic sintered magnet body having the compositional formula: Rx(Fe1-yCoy)100-x-z-aBzMa wherein R is Sc, Y or a rare earth element, M is Al, Cu or the like, to a specific surface area of at least 6 mm−1, heat treating in a hydrogen gas-containing atmosphere at 600-1,100° C. for inducing disproportionation reaction on the R2Fe14B compound, and continuing heat treatment at a reduced hydrogen gas partial pressure and 600-1,100° C. for inducing recombination reaction to the R2Fe14B compound, thereby finely dividing the R2Fe14B compound phase to a crystal grain size ≦1 μm.
US07922827B2 Cleaning compositions containing water soluble magnesium compounds and methods of using them
The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and methods employing a water soluble magnesium compound. Such compositions can be used for reducing scale, rinsing, hard surface cleaning, ware washing, and corrosion inhibition.
US07922823B2 Compositions for processing of semiconductor substrates
Compositions useful in microelectronic device manufacturing for surface preparation and/or cleaning of wafer substrates such as microelectronic device precursor structures. The compositions can be employed for processing of wafers that have, or are intended to be further processed to include, copper metallization, e.g., in operations such as surface preparation, pre-plating cleaning, post-etching cleaning, and post-chemical mechanical polishing cleaning of microelectronic device wafers. The compositions contain (i) alkanolamine, (ii) quaternary ammonium hydroxide and (iii) a complexing agent, and are storage-stable, as well as non-darkening and degradation-resistant in exposure to oxygen.
US07922822B2 Method for cleaning and sterilizing endoscopic camera
A cleaning and sterilizing method for removing organic matter adhered to the surface of an endoscopic camera instrument, and effectively exhibiting bacteria-killing and virus-killing effects of acidic water uses, as a cleaning bath, an alkaline-water-producing electrolysis bath partitioned by a separating membrane and having electrodes on both sides, and conducts preliminary cleaning of an endoscopic camera instrument inserted in the cleaning bath by ultrasonic cleaning with city tap water. Subsequently, saline solution is provided to the electrolysis bath to conduct electrolysis, conduct ultrasonic cleaning with alkaline water obtained by the electrolysis, introduce acidic water in the acidic water generation bath and conduct sterilization-cleaning, and further to conduct ultrasonic cleaning with city tap water. Then, the endoscopic camera instrument is dried with warm air as the case requires.
US07922818B2 Method and system for binding halide-based contaminants
A method and apparatus are presented for reducing halide-based contamination within deposited titanium-based thin films. Halide adsorbing materials are utilized within the deposition chamber to remove halides, such as chlorine and chlorides, during the deposition process so that contamination of the titanium-based film is minimized. A method for regenerating the halide adsorbing material is also provided.
US07922815B2 System and method for epitaxial deposition of a crystal using a liquid-solvent fluidized-bed mechanism
A system and method for growing diamond crystals from diamond crystal seeds by epitaxial deposition at low temperatures and atmospheric and comparatively low pressures. A solvent is circulated (by thermal convection and/or pumping), wherein carbon is added in a hot leg, transfers to a cold leg having, in some embodiments, a range of progressively lowered temperatures and concentrations of carbon via the circulating solvent, and deposits layer-by-layer on diamond seeds located at the progressively lower temperatures since as diamond deposits the carbon concentration lowers and the temperature is lowered to keep the solvent supersaturated. The solvent includes metal(s) or compound(s) that have low melting temperatures and transfer carbon at comparatively low temperatures. A controller receives parameter signals from a variety of sensors located in the system, processes these signals, and optimizes diamond deposition by outputting the necessary control signals to a plurality of control devices (e.g., valves, heaters, coolers, pumps).
US07922812B2 Method for growing single crystals of metals
A method for growing large single crystals of metals is disclosed. A polycrystalline form of a metal specimen is initially heated in a non-oxidizing environment. A minimum plastic strain is then applied to the heated metal specimen to initiate the growth of a selected grain within the heated metal specimen. Additional plastic strain is subsequently applied to the heated metal specimen to propagate the growth of the selected grain to become a large single crystal.
US07922811B2 Biomass-derived grinding aids
Compositions and methods for increasing grinding efficiency of cement, cement clinker, raw materials for cement, and other inorganic particles. Use of biomass-derived polyols such as diols, triols, or mixtures thereof, optionally with a conventional grinding aid, cement quality improver, and/or hexavalent chromium reducer, are believed to provide less risk of sludging when compared to glycerides obtained from fossil fuel sources.
US07922810B2 Compressive strength improvement of cement and gypsum products
The invention relates generally to a cement or gypsum composition having improved properties, which is prepared by incorporating an enzyme into a cement material such as a cement, mortar, or concrete, or into a gypsum product. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing improved cement compositions and gypsum products, methods of improving the compressive strength of cement compositions and gypsum products, and methods of reducing the cost of such compositions by enabling the use of less expensive aggregates in the manufacturing process. More specifically, the invention relates to a cement composition or a gypsum composition, optionally including at least one aggregate and optionally including at least one pozzolan, comprising a cement material or gypsum optionally including aggregate(s) and pozzolan(s) having blended therein an enzyme.
US07922809B1 Methods and compositions using calcium carbonate
Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.
US07922805B2 Method of preparing oxidized modified pigments and inkjet ink compositions comprising the same
The present invention relates to oxidized modified pigments and dispersions as well as methods of preparing them. Also disclosed are aqueous inkjet ink compositions comprising oxidized modified pigments.
US07922800B2 Ink set, ink system and method for printing an image
An ink set includes a light magenta ink and a dark magenta ink. The light magenta ink includes an effective amount of a pigment having a red/green lambda cutoff ranging from about 585 nm to about 600 nm, and reflecting at least about 14% of blue light at a wavelength of about 470 nm when measured at a density at which the light magenta ink provides a maximum magenta chroma. The dark magenta ink includes an effective amount of a pigment having a red/green lambda cutoff greater than or equal to about 605 nm.
US07922795B2 Ultrathin nanoscale membranes, methods of making, and uses thereof
A nanoscale membrane exposed on opposite sides thereof and having an average thickness of less than about 100 nm, and a lateral length to thickness aspect ratio that is more than 10,000 to 1 is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making such membranes, and use thereof in a number of devices including fuel cells, sensor devices, electrospray devices, and supports for examining a sample under electron microscopy.
US07922793B2 Cavitation chamber degassing system
A system and method for degassing a cavitation fluid is provided. The cavitation system of the invention includes a cavitation chamber with one or more cavitation drivers and a degassing system coupled to the chamber. One or more heaters, such as resistive heaters, are coupled to an external surface of the cavitation chamber such that heat from the heaters is transmitted through the wall of the cavitation chamber and into localized regions of the cavitation fluid contained within the cavitation chamber. The heater or heaters increase the temperature of the localized regions of the cavitation fluid to a temperature above the boiling temperature of the cavitation fluid, thereby creating vapor bubbles which capture gas trapped within the cavitation fluid through a rectified diffusion process. A cavitation fluid cooler can be used to insure that the average temperature of the cavitation fluid is below that of the boiling temperature.
US07922792B1 Method for sequestering CO2 and SO2 utilizing a plurality of waste streams
A neutralization/sequestration process is provided for concomitantly addressing capture and sequestration of both CO2 and SO2 from industrial gas byproduct streams. The invented process concomitantly treats and minimizes bauxite residues from aluminum production processes and brine wastewater from oil/gas production processes. The benefits of this integrated approach to coincidental treatment of multiple industrial waste byproduct streams include neutralization of caustic byproduct such as bauxite residue, thereby decreasing the risk associated with the long-term storage and potential environmental of storing caustic materials, decreasing or obviating the need for costly treatment of byproduct brines, thereby eliminating the need to purchase CaO or similar scrubber reagents typically required for SO2 treatment of such gasses, and directly using CO2 from flue gas to neutralize bauxite residue/brine mixtures, without the need for costly separation of CO2 from the industrial byproduct gas stream by processes such as liquid amine-based scrubbers.
US07922791B2 Filtering system for a semiconductor processing tool
The present invention provides a filtering system for a semiconductor processing tool. In one embodiment, the filtering system is associated with the semiconductor processing tool. A system of the invention comprises a first and second filter layer in fluid communication with a gas flow path. The flow path is a gas stream comprising volatile silica containing compounds such as hexamethyldisiloxane and trimethylsilanol. The gas flow path passes through the first and second filter layer to fluidly communicate with the semiconductor processing tool. Preferably, the first filter layer of the filtering system is upstream along the gas flow path from the second filter layer. The medias of the first and second filter layers are selected and arranged based on given contaminant concentrations. The invention also provides a method for filtering gas containing hexamethyldisiloxane and trimethylsilanol in communication with a semiconductor processing tool, which employs a system comprising a first and second filter layer.
US07922789B1 Portable gas fractionalization system
A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel compressor system which includes the use of free piston linear compressors so as to reduce power consumption, noise and vibration reduction.
US07922787B2 Methods for the production of silver nanowires
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to novel methods for the solution-based production of silver nanowires by adaptation of the polyol process. Some embodiments of the present invention can be practiced at lower temperature and/or at higher concentration than previously described methods. In some embodiments reactants are added in solid form rather than in solution. In some embodiments, an acid compound is added to the reaction.
US07922786B2 Nanoparticle production method and production device and nanoparticle preservation method
With this invention, in a nanoparticle production method, wherein nanoparticles are produced by irradiating a laser light irradiation portion 2a of a to-be-treated liquid 8 with a laser light, in which suspended particles are suspended, to pulverize the suspended particles in laser light irradiation portion 2a, laser light irradiation portion 2a of to-be-treated liquid 8 is cooled. In this case, by the cooling of to-be-treated liquid 8, the respective suspended particles are cooled in their entireties. When the portion 2a of this to-be-treated liquid 8 is irradiated with the laser light, the laser light is absorbed at the surfaces of the suspended particles at portion 2a. Since to-be-treated liquid 8 is cooled during this process, significant temperature differences arise between the interiors and surfaces of the suspended particles and between the surfaces of the suspended particles and the to-be-treated liquid at laser light irradiation portion 2a, and highly efficient nanoparticulation is realized.
US07922782B2 Catalytic steam gasification process with recovery and recycle of alkali metal compounds
A high efficiency gasification process for converting carbonaceous solids to methane and apparatus for its practice are described. The process includes reacting steam and carbonaceous solids comprising ash in the presence of alkali metal catalyst in a gasification reactor to produce combustible gases and char particles comprising ash and alkali metal catalyst constituents, treating a stream of such char particles in an alkali metal catalyst recovery system to recover the catalyst constituents as alkali metal compounds, and recycling such recovered compounds. Within the alkali metal catalyst recovery system the process includes quenching the stream of char particles with water whereby such particles are cooled and fractured, dissolving soluble alkali metal catalyst constituents from the fractured solids to form a first alkali metal catalyst solution and washed solids, optionally reacting the washed solids in alkaline solution to form a second alkali metal catalyst solution, upgrading said first and optional second alkali solution to recover the alkali metal catalyst constituents as said alkali metal compounds.
US07922778B2 Time and temperature additive scheduling
A sublimation donor has a first fabric enhancer that sublimates from the donor above a first temperature. That is followed by a second fabric enhancer that sublimates from the donor above a second temperature. Both the first and second temperatures are above 260° F. and the second temperature is at least 10° F. higher than the first temperature. Upon sublimation under a single pass processing unit, first and second catalysts trigger the first and second fabric enhancers to sublimate at the first and second temperatures, respectively.
US07922775B2 Pulsating pressure chamber and method for fluid management
An apparatus and method is provided for securing a prosthesis to the residuum of a limb of an amputee and for providing pressure therapy to the residuum so as to manage fluid within the residuum. The apparatus includes a socket shaped to receive a residuum of a limb of an amputee and configured to connect to a prosthetic limb. The socket forms a chamber between the socket and the residuum when the socket receives the residuum. The apparatus also includes a pressure control device operably connected to the chamber and capable of creating a positive pressure and a negative pressure within the chamber to provide pressure therapy to the residuum, as well as provide securement of the socket to the residuum. The apparatus may also include a liner surrounding at least a portion of the residuum. The control device adjusts pressure within the chamber based on manual and automatic inputs.
US07922772B2 Implants and related methods and apparatus for securing an implant on an articulating surface of an orthopedic joint
A method for mounting an implant at an orthopedic joint includes forming a tunnel through a bone, the tunnel having an open second end on a natural or resected articulating surface of the bone and an open first end at a location on the bone spaced apart from the natural or resected articulating surface. A fastener is advanced into the tunnel from the first end of the tunnel. The fastener, which is at least partially disposed within the tunnel, is then secured to the implant which is disposed over the second end of the tunnel.
US07922770B2 Total knee arthroplasty endoprosthesis with third condyle and rotating polyethylene insert
The invention presents a total knee arthroplasty endoprosthesis having: a) a femoral component with a lower-radius lateral condyle, a larger-radius medial condyle and between them, a third condyle located posteriorly, superiorly and nearest the medial side, b) a tibial component with a central protruding spigot for the rotating polyethylene insert, and c) a rotating polyethylene insert, with three cavities for articulation of the femoral condyles. For initial and moderate flexion the joint functions with load bearing onto the lateral and medial articular cavities, and in advanced and final flexion with load bearing on the third articular cavity. The advantages of this endoprosthesis are enhanced maximum flexion, improved femoral axis alignment, significant posterior stabilization, favourable accommodation of tibial rotation with consequent relief of materials and fixations, and preservation of more articular fluid for lubrication and reduction of polyethylene wear.
US07922766B2 Method for resurfacing a cervical articular facet
Methods for treating spinal pathologies, and more specifically methods for treating articulating surfaces of facet joints of cervical vertebrae. The methods involve providing artificial articulating surfaces for facet joint articular facets. In addition, various types of rasps may be used to prepare the articulating surfaces prior to placement of the artificial articulating surfaces.
US07922763B2 Apparatus for restoring aortic valve and treatment method using thereof
The present invention is an apparatus designed to effectuate restoration of normal aortic valvular function where there is aortic valvular regurgitation, either primary or secondary to diseases of the aorta, such as aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, rheumatic aortic disease, annuloaortic ectasia, etc. are present. The present invention also provides methods of using the apparatus to treat conditions of abnormal aortic valvular function.
US07922762B2 Devices and methods for cardiac annulus stabilization and treatment
Devices and methods generally provide enhanced stabilization, exposure and/or treatment of a cardiac valve annulus. Methods generally involve introducing a stabilizing member beneath one or more leaflets of a heart valve to engage the annulus at an intersection between the leaflets and the interior ventricular wall of the heart. Force is then applied to the stabilizing member to stabilize and/or expose the valve annulus. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member may include a series of hydraulically driven tethered anchors, such as hooks or clips, for engaging and cinching valve annulus tissue to decrease the diameter of a regurgitant valve. Alternatively, other treatments may be delivered by a stabilizing member, such as radiofrequency energy, drugs, bulking agents or shape memory stents. A second stabilizing member may also be introduced above the leaflets for further stabilization.
US07922761B2 Artificial vascular prosthesis
A vascular prosthesis having a tubular structure is provided. The tubular structure is fabricated from at least two layers wherein at least one layer includes a thrombogenic agent.
US07922757B2 Vascular conduit
A vascular system including a catheter having a first end portion, a second end portion and a plurality of lumens wherein the first end portion is dimensioned for insertion into a vascular graft and the second end portion is dimensioned for insertion into a vein of a patient to create a conduit from an artery to the vein.
US07922754B2 Apparatus and methods for delivering prostheses to luminal bifurcations
A catheter for delivering luminal prostheses comprises a catheter body having an expandable member near a distal end. The prosthesis has a side hole, and a guidewire extends beneath a proximal portion of the prosthesis and over the exterior of the expandable member. A distal end of the guidewire is retracted proximally from the closest point on the side opening to reduce possible interference with catheter advancement.
US07922753B2 Bifurcated stent delivery system
A catheter assembly comprises a catheter which includes a catheter shaft and a balloon positioned thereon. A rotatable sheath is rotatably disposed about a portion of the catheter. The rotatable sheath has a first portion inner diameter and a second portion inner diameter, which are different.
US07922752B2 Method of making selective organ cooling catheter
A heat transfer device has first and second elongated, articulated segments, each having a turbulence-inducing exterior surface. A flexible joint connects the first and second elongated, articulated segments. An inner coaxial lumen is disposed within the first and second elongated, articulated segments. The inner coaxial lumen is capable of transporting a pressurized working fluid to a distal end of the first elongated, articulated segment.
US07922749B2 Reducing device
A device for reducing stabilization into a head of a medical implant is provided. The device includes a rotating member and a ram for reducing the stabilization member into a core of the implant head. The ram is threadably engaged with the rotating member and is moved by rotation of the rotating member.
US07922743B2 Structure for applying sprayable wound treatment material
The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments, structures and methods for enhancing the properties of tissue to be repaired or joined. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical stapling apparatus is provided including a wound treatment material dispersion system for delivering wound treatment material to a target surgical site. The dispersion system includes an aperture formed in the anvil assembly oriented to dispense wound treatment material in an outward direction; and a source of wound treatment material in fluid communication with the aperture of the anvil assembly.
US07922741B2 Support frame for an embolic protection device
An embolic protection device comprises a collapsible filter element for delivery through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element comprising a collapsible filter body and a filter support frame contacting the filter body. The collapsible filter body has an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of the filter body having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material to enter the filter body, the outlet end of the filter body having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through passage of blood but to retain undesired embolic material within the filter body. The filter support frame is movable between a collapsed position for movement through the vascular system and an extended outwardly projecting position to support the filter body in the expanded position. The frame has a plurality of engagement segments which are spaced-apart longitudinally and transversely when the filter body is in the deployed expanded configuration to urge the filter body into opposition with the vessel wall. The engagement segments define at least partially a substantially helical engagement track.
US07922740B2 Rotatable catheter assembly
A catheter assembly comprises a catheter shaft, a balloon and a pair of collars engaged to the catheter shaft. Each collar has a body portion and at least one lip portion extending radially outward from the body portion. Each collar has a nonactivated state and an activated state, wherein in the nonactivated state the balloon is rotatable about the collars and each lip portion is constructed and arranged to abut a portion of the balloon to prevent the balloon from moving longitudinally relative thereto. In the activated state the body portion of each collar is sealingly engaged to at least a portion of the balloon.
US07922735B2 Device for cutting the cornea of an eye
The invention relates to a device for cutting the cornea of an eye to correct the refractive power thereof, having a frame that comprises a fixation ring, which may be drawn onto the eye, as well as a receptacle, which may be coaxially displaced relative to the fixation ring and which serves to accommodate an applanator for deforming the cornea within the fixation ring, and a holding device, which is guided on the frame in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis with regard to the fixation ring and which serves to hold a blade, which passes through the frame via a peripheral recess and which is mounted in front of the applanator, being radially displaceable relative to the fixation ring as well as movable around an axis perpendicular to the guiding plane, for the purpose of cutting a pocket through a merely tunnel-like entry into the corneal tissue. In order to obtain advantageous cutting conditions, it is suggested to have the blade pass through the frame recess with clearance, and to have the holding device support a vibrator for setting the blade in oscillatory motion in the cutting plane.
US07922730B2 Subtalar arthroeresis implant trial system
In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, an implantation tool includes an elongate inner shaft having first and second ends. The tool also includes a first post coupled to the elongate inner shaft proximate the first end of the elongate inner shaft. The first post is configured to engage with a component to couple the component with the elongate inner shaft. The tool further includes a hollow outer shaft defining a longitudinal axial bore within which the elongate inner shaft is disposed. The hollow outer shaft is able to slide along the elongate inner shaft from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position. The hollow outer shaft includes a first locking arm. Moving the hollow outer shaft from the first longitudinal position to the second longitudinal position moves the locking arm closer to the first post.
US07922726B2 Surgical tool handle and disposable broach assembly
A surgical tool handle and separate disposable orthopedic tool head assembly is disclosed. The surgical tool handle has a reinforcing member extending from it. The reinforcing member is receivable in an internal bore of the disposable orthopedic tool head and provides structural reinforcement for the tool head. This reinforcement allows the use of disposable materials in the construction of the tool head that otherwise could not be use (e.g., plastic and resin materials) because of an increased risk of breakage or failure relative to metallic tool heads.
US07922721B2 Acetabular reamer
An acetabular reaming system is disclosed of the type having a driver and a tool held together by a quick-release coupling mechanism. The tool (10) has a hollow body (12) defining a domed shape with a rotational axis (14), an apex (16) aligned with the axis (14) and a hemispherical wall (18) extending from the apex (16) to an equatorial rim (20) spaced 90 degrees from the axis (14). The rim (20) has an edge (22) visible to the user that indicates the position of the tool (10) relative to the bone. A first plurality of cutting sites (24) is arrayed along the body (12) and a second plurality of cutting sites (28) is arrayed circumferentially along the edge (22). Preferably, the first plurality of cutting sites (24) present raised first teeth (30, 130, 230, 330) having a profile selected from continuous squared (30), continuous rounded (130), discontinuous squared (230) and tongued (330) profiles. Also preferably, the second plurality of cutting sites (28) present raised second teeth (32, 132, 232, 332, 432) selected from continuous squared (32), continuous rounded (132), discontinuous squared (232), tongued (332) and bladed (432) profiles.
US07922718B2 Open vessel sealing instrument with cutting mechanism
An open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing plate for communicating electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. At least one of the jaw members includes a cutting slot defined along a length thereof which is dimensioned to reciprocate a cutting instrument therealong for cutting tissue disposed between jaw members. An actuator advances the cutting instrument from a first position wherein the cutting instrument is disposed proximal to tissue held between the jaw members to at least one subsequent position wherein the cutting instrument is disposed distal to tissue held between the jaw members.
US07922715B2 Graphical user interface for monitoring and controlling use of medical devices
A device for treating a tissue region is supplied with a separate usage key card. The usage key card comprises a storage medium, which is formatted to contain an identification code unique to the usage key card. The usage key card is adapted to be read by a remote reader, to download the identification code for processing by a controller for the device. Processing of the identification code by the controller either enables or disables operation of the device according to prescribed criteria. A viewable image is generated on a display screen that changes in response to processing of the identification code.
US07922713B2 High efficiency, precision electrosurgical apparatus and method
An electrosurgical apparatus for cutting and/or coagulating living tissue, a method of forming the electrosurgical apparatus, and a method of using the electrosurgical apparatus. The cutting and/or coagulating living tissue is performed with one or two heated loops of resistance wire accompanied by sufficient electrical current across the living tissue to enable said cutting and/or coagulating to be performed. The electrosurgical apparatus may include: a glow blade having one or two glow loops of resistance wire; a radio frequency (RF) generator; and one or two voltage supplies configured to operate concurrently, while the one or two glow loops are heated to said glow, to supply both sufficient RF power and associated electrical current across the living tissue for cutting and/or coagulating the living tissue by the one or two glow loops. A first output of the RF generator is electrically coupled to the one or two glow loops.
US07922712B2 Urinary catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of the catheter into a urinary canal
A catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of the catheter into the urinary canal. The catheter assembly includes a urinary catheter, a catheter package and a sealing member. The urinary catheter defines a conduit and has a proximal end adapted for insertion into the urinary canal and an opposite distal end. The catheter package has a hose with a cavity for accommodation of the catheter, and a catheter outlet adapted to dismantle the proximal end of the catheter from the catheter package. The sealing member is adapted to provide a substantially liquid-tight seal between the catheter package and the urinary catheter while the catheter is being dismantled.
US07922694B2 Drive device for a piston in a container containing a liquid product
A drive device for a piston in a container containing a liquid comprises a first segment positioned between a second segment and an outlet of the container. The first and second segments each have a first shape in which the respective segment is clamped between lateral walls of the container and a second shape in which the respective segment is released from the lateral walls. A first actuator is configured to vary the first segment between its first and second shapes, and the first segment is in its first shape when the first actuator is inactive. A second actuator is configured to vary the second segment between its first and second shapes, and the second segment is in its second shape when the second actuator is inactive. A connecting segment connects the first segment to the second segment and has an actively variable connecting length.
US07922693B2 Apparatus systems and methods for flushing gas from a catheter of a robotic catheter system
Apparatus, systems and methods for flushing a lumen of a catheter instrument to reduce or eliminate bubbles within the lumen. An interface valve is adapted for attachment to a proximal end of the catheter instrument and can receive a working instrument for insertion into the catheter instrument lumen. A fluid supply line and purge lines are coupled to the interface valve and in fluid communication with at least a portion of the interface valve lumen. Flow of fluid (e.g. saline and a gas such as bubbles) through purge lines is controllable using clamps such that fluid flowing into the interface valve lumen can be manipulated to flow in different directions through different portions of the interface valve lumen for evacuation through different purge lines, thus allowing for purging of forward and backward flows to remove gas or bubbles from the catheter instrument lumen.
US07922690B2 Curable material delivery device
An apparatus and method for introducing material into an injection site of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a carrier. The cannula is inserted into an injection site of a patient. The carrier is connected to an injector containing a volume of material. Material may be pre-loaded into the carrier so that the material is delivered to a distal end of the carrier from the injector and the carrier is thus pre-loaded with material. A portion of the distal end of the pre-loaded carrier is inserted into the cannula and material is delivered to an injection site.
US07922688B2 Automated delivery of a therapeutic or cosmetic substance to cutaneous, subcutaneous and intramuscular tissue regions
Automated systems and methods for delivery of a therapeutic or cosmetic substance into cutaneous, subcutaneous or intramuscular tissue, wherein an automated (e.g., robotic) arm is maneuvered to position a delivery device proximate a targeted location (e.g., an existing hair follicle, a location for implanting a skin filler, or a location for intradermal tattoo ink injection) on a patient's skin surface; and a substantially automated process is used to cause the delivery device to puncture the skin surface and penetrate to a desired depth into the tissue at the targeted location, and deliver the substance therein.
US07922686B2 Systems and methods for performing peritoneal dialysis
Systems and methods for providing multiple pass continuous flow dialysis therapy are provided. The present invention includes a fluid circuit connected to a patient via a catheter thereby defining a fluid loop along which a therapy fluid including a dialysate can be continuously circulated into, through and out of a peritoneal cavity of a patient to remove a therapeutically effective amount of excess water and solutes including uremic toxins. The feed rate and discharge rate of therapy fluid into the fluid loop can be controllably regulated in proportion to the circulation rate of fluid in the fluid loop such that the therapy fluid can pass a multiple number of times along the fluid loop prior to discharge.
US07922684B2 Anti-obesity dual stent
The anti-obesity dual stent includes a tubular outer structure within which is located a coaxial tubular inner structure. The outer structure is sized to fit within a duodenum in substantially coaxial relation therewith. The outer and inner structures communicate with the pylorus and papilla of Vater to provide conduits for the chyme and digestive fluid. Alternatively, the anti-obesity dual stent may include a tubular papilla-supplied structure which has a lateral orientation relative to a tubular pylorus-supplied structure. The papilla-supplied and pylorus-supplied structures each are sized to fit longitudinally within the duodenum. The pylorus-supplied and papilla-supplied structures communicate with the pylorus and papilla of Vater to provide conduits for the chyme and digestive fluid.
US07922683B2 Extracorporeal circulator
An extracorporeal circulator comprising a line for extracting blood from a patient, a pump for supplying blood, an artificial lung section performing gas exchange on blood, a line for supplying blood passed through the artificial lung section to the patient, a unit for removing bubbles mixed into the blood, a controller for controlling the flow rate of blood being supplied such that bubbles are not fed to the patient, and a line for detouring blood delivered from the blood pump to return it to the blood pump.
US07922681B2 Protective device against frictional irritation due to wearing thong-type sandals and other footwear
A device is provided which gives protection from frictional injury to the web space between toes due to the wearing of thong-type sandals or other similar footwear. The device is comprised of a flat, flexible, medically inert, and preferably transparent plastic material which is can be configured in a variety of shapes and which has a plantar base portion which fits under the toes and on the bottom of the foot, stabilizing the device from moving, a web spacer portion which fits between the toes and provides protection from frictional injury, and a dorsal flap portion which anchors the device to the top side of the foot.
US07922674B2 Method and device for real time mechanical imaging of prostate
The present invention relates to a method for real time mechanical imaging of a prostate with a transrectal probe. In the method, generating a composite two- and three-dimensional prostate mechanical image from a plurality of partial mechanical images extracted from pressure response data and a probe orientation data starts with examining the prostate by pressing a probe head pressure sensor array against it at various overlapping locations. Merging of partial mechanical images together is accomplished by analyzing an overlap between each subsequent and previous partial mechanical image. Finding the prostate is assisted with a supplemental pressure response data indicating the location of a sphincter known to be about 4-5 cm away from the prostate. Data processing is improved by including probe orientation data to further increase the accuracy and sensitivity of the method. The probe is equipped with a two-dimensional head pressure sensor array, a supplemental shaft sensor array and orientation tracking sensors including a three-axis magnetic sensor and a two-axis accelerometer sensor for calculating elevation, rotation and azimuth angles of the probe.
US07922671B2 Method and apparatus for automatic non-cooperative frequency specific assessment of hearing impairment and fitting of hearing aids
A method and device for automatically assessing loss of hearing sensitivity and compression (recruitment) with user defined frequency resolution by means of extrapolated DPOAE I/O functions and ABRs as well as for automatically fitting hearing aids without any cooperation of the subject tested using a device having a display screen attached to a handheld device generating and collecting otoacoustic emission signals and brain stem response signals into a programmed with a clinical audiogram with fitting parameters for hearing aids calculated on the basis of assessed hearing threshold and compression and identifying the type of hearing required for the individual.
US07922669B2 Ischemia detection using a heart sound sensor
A system comprising an implantable medical device (IMD) includes an implantable heart sound sensor to produce an electrical signal representative of at least one heart sound. The heart sound is associated with mechanical activity of a patient's heart. Additionally, the IMD includes a heart sound sensor interface circuit coupled to the heart sound sensor to produce a heart sound signal, and a signal analyzer circuit coupled to the heart sound sensor interface circuit. The signal analyzer circuit measures a baseline heart sound signal, and deems that an ischemic event has occurred using, among other things, a measured subsequent change in the heart sound signal from the established baseline heart sound signal.
US07922665B2 System and method for pulse rate calculation using a scheme for alternate weighting
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for analyzing pulse data. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a signal containing data representing a plurality of pulses, the signal generated in response to detecting light scattered from blood perfused tissue. Further, one embodiment includes performing a pulse identification or qualification algorithm on at least a portion of the data, the pulse identification or qualification algorithm comprising at least one constant, and modifying the at least one constant based on results obtained from performing the pulse identification or qualification algorithm, wherein the results indicate that a designated number of rejected pulses has been reached.
US07922663B2 Implantable ultrasound system for maintaining vessel patency and perfusion
An apparatus comprising an implantable acoustic transducer, an acoustic transducer interface circuit communicatively coupled to the acoustic transducer, and a controller circuit communicatively coupled to the acoustic transducer interface circuit. The controller is configured to, in response to receiving an indication of a patient condition associated with a development of a blood vessel obstruction, initiate delivery of acoustic energy that mitigates the blood vessel obstruction. Other systems and methods are described.
US07922661B2 Echographic probe wtih sector scanning using a transducer capable of coming into contact with the structure to be examined
The inventive probe comprises a tubular body (1, 2) that accommodates a transducer (11), which emits a focused incident ultrasonic wave toward structures to be examined and which receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by these structures. This transducer (11) is coupled to actuating means (4), comprises a piezoelectric assembly (15) capable of focusing the emitted beams and, adjacent to this assembly, comprises a spherical layer (20) made of a material that ensures a good transmission of the ultrasonic waves.
US07922654B2 Fiber optic imaging catheter
A steerable imaging catheter is provided, including an elongated catheter tube, at least one steering cable extending along the catheter tube to control the movement of the distal end thereof, and a fiber optic cable extending along the catheter tube. The fiber optic cable transmits illumination light from its proximal end to its distal end and transmits an image from its distal end to its proximal end. In one embodiment, two or more steering cables are used, and the catheter tube is configured to have greater flexibility near its distal end than its proximal end so as to concentrate the movement (flexing) of the catheter tube at its distal end. The use of two or more steering cables, together with the catheter tube having varying flexibility, permit better control of the distal end of the catheter tube while reducing undue twisting of the remainder of the catheter tube.
US07922652B2 Endoscope system
An endoscope that is free from a dead area and capable of preventing the physician from overlooking any nidus is an endoscope for taking the inside of digestive organs, and the endoscope is provided with an omnidirectional camera (32), a light (34), a forceps (36) and a rinse water injection port (38) at the tip (24). The omnidirectional camera (32) is a device for taking the inside of digestive organs, and is able to take 360-degree images of its surroundings. A probe-type endoscope (20) is provided with a receiver (26) composed of orthogonal coils, and the receiver (26) is used for estimating the position and attitude of the probe-type endoscope (20). An image taken by the omnidirectional camera (32) is presented on a display unit (28) of an image processing device (22) connected to the probe-type endoscope (20). In the image processing device, a video mosaicking process is performed on a plurality of images obtained by the omnidirectional camera (32) to generate a panoramic image of the inside of a digestive organ.
US07922651B2 Ultrasonic treatment apparatus, endoscope apparatus, and treatment method
An ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a sheath which has an opening at a distal-end thereof; an ultrasonic transducer which is connected to the sheath, the ultrasonic transducer being able to generate ultrasonic vibration which is of treatment energy; an ultrasonic power supply unit which supplies electric power for driving the ultrasonic transducer; a treatment unit which is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, the treatment unit transmitting the ultrasonic vibration to a living tissue; and a high-frequency power supply unit which supplies high-frequency current which is of the treatment energy to the treatment unit.
US07922649B2 Unitized penile erection system and tissue expander
A surgically implantable device is a single unit comprised of a hydraulically activated extendable cavernosal component and a manually controlled fluid transfer system composed of a pump. Flow from the pump is directed by a one way valve interposed between a bypass from an included elastic reservoir, the pump and a second one way valve interposed between the pump and the cavernosal unit. A manually controlled release valve, interposed between the outlet of the cavernosal unit and the reservoir, permits de-activation of the cavernosal unit and returns fluid to the reservoir. These components are housed by a molded tailpiece which stabilizes the device against the symphysis pubis, positions the cavernosal implant properly within the shaft of the penis and presents the controls for easy access. An access port permits adjustment of the fluid volume. The unit has utility as a tissue expander and penile re-construction in event of congenital or traumatic deformity.
US07922647B2 Surgical instrument set and procedure for implanting sound transducer proximate to patient's outer ear canal
A hearing aid system (10) including an implantable device (60), and a surgical instrument (134) for enabling a physician to install the implant (60) in a patient's body in a simple office procedure using only local anesthesia.
US07922643B2 Method for reducing the emission of green house gases into the atmosphere
A method for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, such as for example carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere above a ground surface, the method comprising injecting a gas stream comprising one or more than one greenhouse gas into a subsurface injection formation, where the subsurface injection formation comprises a water-laden layer comprising formation water, and where some or all of the greenhouse gases present in the gas stream become dissolved in the formation water in the subsurface injection formation, sequestering the one or more than one greenhouse gas in the subsurface injection formation, separating non-greenhouses gas in situ from the greenhouse gas, venting the non-greenhouse gas from the formation and thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
US07922638B2 Machine for manufacturing composite filters
Composite filters are assembled initially by an upstream unit as groups of at least two plugs having different filtration properties. A single flow of the groups is directed from the assembling unit onto a pair of drums and divided into two flows, whereupon these are taken up by two pitch-adapting drums rotating substantially tangential one to another about parallel axes, and released to a rotating member turning on an axis normal to the axes of the drums and equipped with a plurality of carriers by which pairs of the groups are transferred from the drums to the twin channels of a garniture tongue along which two continuous rods of composite filters are formed. The carriers are equipped with an arm presenting a portion angled relative to the axis of the rotating member, so that two groups can be picked up at a time from the drums and deposited simultaneously in the channels.
US07922631B2 Apparatus and methods for adjustable supports for exercise machines
Adjustable supports for exercise machines are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a load, a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled to the load, a support frame operatively coupled to the force-transferring assembly, and an exercise station coupled to the force-transferring assembly proximate a support member of the support frame. The support member is operatively coupled to an upright member of the support frame by an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly is adjustable to enable the support member to project from the upright member at a plurality of support positions such that the exercise station is correspondingly adjustable over a plurality of vertical positions. In some embodiments, the support member is pivotable relative to the upright member. Alternately, slideable members may allow the support member to be selectively retracted and extended to provide the desired vertical position adjustment.
US07922630B1 Adjustable bicep curl support pads
A multi station exercise gym includes a pair of bicep curl pivot assemblies pivotally attached to a user support assembly. Each bicep curl pivot assembly includes a pivotally attached support pad assembly. The user support assembly, bicep curl pivot assemblies, and support pad assemblies can be adjusted to multiple positions to support a user's arms during multiple variations of bicep curl exercise. The bicep curl pivot assemblies can also be adjusted into respective storage positions to prevent interference when performing unsupported bicep curl exercises or other exercise movements on the multi station exercise gym. The bicep curl pivot assemblies can also be pivotally attached to a free standing exercise bench.
US07922625B2 Adaptive motion exercise device with oscillating track
An exercise device includes a first foot link and a second foot link. The first foot link has a first portion and a second portion linearly guided along a first axis. The first portion of the first foot link is pivotable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The second portion is pivotable of the first foot link is pivotable about an oscillating third axis perpendicular to the first axis. The second foot link has a first portion and a second portion linearly guided along a fourth axis parallel to the first axis. The second portion of the second foot link is pivotable about a fifth axis perpendicular to the fourth axis. The first portion of the second foot link is pivotable about an oscillating sixth axis perpendicular to the fourth axis.
US07922623B2 Adjustable exercise device and a device for adjusting an exercise device
An adjustable exercise device that includes one or more inclined riser blocks for readily elevating and inclining a platform to enable stepping and other exercises to be readily performed on an inclined platform. The inclined riser blocks may be matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform to elevate and incline the platform. The inclined riser block may include a top face matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform, a bottom face, and a central portion extending between the bottom and top faces and having a front and rear, the central portion increasing in thickness from the front to the rear. The top face extends at an incline.
US07922621B1 Physical exercise condition detecting apparatus of muscle force training machine
In order to measure a physical exercise condition data at a time of pre-testing and a muscle force training to accumulate and indicate them together with various set data, a muscle force training machine having a training apparatus main body and a training load applying apparatus is provided with a rotation detecting sensor which detects a rotating direction and an amount of rotation of a main shaft within the training load applying apparatus, and a data processing apparatus which stores the rotating direction and the amount of rotation from the rotation detecting sensor together with set data at least including a load amount, various body condition information of a training person and other data necessary for measuring in a data base, and processes them to make indicative data in forms of display data, print data and the like.
US07922619B2 Conveyor structure, tread mill, and conveyor
The present invention provides a power-saving tread mill. A power-saving tread mill includes: a pair of rollers 10, 20; and an endless belt 30 wound around the pair of rollers 10, 20, wherein at least one of the rollers 10, 20 has: an armature 24a having iron cores 24c and coils 24c wound around the iron cores 24c; and permanent magnets 23 rotatable with the one of the rollers 10, 20 integrally, and electromagnetic induction produced between the permanent magnets 23 and the armature 24a produces induced electric current flowing through the coils 24c when the one of the rollers 10, 20 is rotated.
US07922617B2 Control device for vehicular drive system
The present invention relates to a control device for a vehicular drive system which properly controls a shift in a transmission portion upon receipt of a shift demand to the transmission portion for precluding a given element of the differential portion 11 from high rotation. For a shift demand to an automatic transmission (20), the transmission portion shift limiting means (86) determines a permissible range in terms of a speed ratio of an automatic transmission (20) in consideration of a rotational speed of a given element of a differential portion (11) for thereby limiting a shifting of the automatic transmission portion (20) based on the permissible range. Thus, when the shift demand to the automatic transmission (20) is present, the given element of the differential portion (11) can be avoided from high rotation. This enables the suppression of the high ration of, for instance, first and second electric motors (M1), (M2) and a first planetary gear (P1) or the like, improving durability of the first and second electric motors (M1), (M2) and the first planetary gear (P1) or the like.
US07922613B2 Electric actuator
A hollow yoke is inserted into a bore section of a frame. The yoke is connected to a slider via a slit in the frame. A timing belt is inserted into a belt hole of the yoke. Further, a pair of guide members are provided on both side surfaces of the yoke, which engage with guide grooves of the frame. The yoke is displaced along the guide grooves by the timing belt, under a driving action of a driving section. Accordingly, the slider is displaced in the axial direction along the frame.
US07922612B2 Power supply structure for bicycles
A power supply structure for a bicycle basically includes a battery configured to be supported on a frame of the bicycle, a junction attachable to the frame of the bicycle and first, second, third and fourth cable portions. The first cable portion extends between the junction and the battery providing an electrical connection therebetween. The second cable portion extends between the junction and a bicycle shifter mechanism connecting end providing an electrical connection therebetween. The third cable portion extends between the junction and a bicycle front derailleur connecting end providing an electrical connection therebetween. The fourth cable portion extends between the junction and a bicycle rear derailleur connecting end providing an electrical connection therebetween.
US07922609B1 Arrow nocks
An arrow nock having a telescoping impeller and housing with a resilient spring for enhancing the acceleration of launch. In various embodiments, effective together or independently, the housing and impeller are configured and coupled to: create arrow rotation during launch; grip the bowstring during notching and release it during launch; and generate tracking signals.
US07922606B2 GPS device
A method for dynamic collision avoidance of graphical and textual elements on a display is disclosed. The method comprises displaying an aerial image of a portion of the golf course on a viewport of a golf GPS device, wherein the GPS device comprises a GPS component, a memory for storing a plurality of aerial images of a golf course, and a user input. The method further comprises determining the location of the at least one element of texts on the display in positional relation to the plurality of elements on the display, determining if there is a collision of elements on the display, and adjusting the texts element to avoid collision.
US07922603B2 Golf club assembly and golf club head with bar and weighted member
A golf club head includes a body having a first arm and a second arm extending outwardly therefrom. A bar has a first end connected to a free end of the first arm and a second end connected to a free end of the second arm. A weighted member is positioned along the bar.
US07922602B2 Vertically curved face putter with multiple horizontal contact facets
A golf putter head having a vertically curved putter face with multiple horizontal contact facets. The face has a vertical radius of curvature that is at least 2 inches and no more than 3.5 inches. The face includes a plurality of horizontal contact facets that are vertically curved to match the vertical radius of curvature. The contact facets, along with the radius of curvature, ensure that no more than two of the horizontal contact facets contact the golf ball when struck by the putter head at a speed of less than 15 miles per hour. The putter produces a horizontal linear contact, or impact, geometry that compensates for misdirection of the path of the putter head throughout the stroke of the putter head. At least one of the horizontal contact facets is located at an elevation above the center of curvature and at least one is located below.
US07922598B1 Golfer alignment system
A golfer alignment system for efficiently assisting a golfer in aligning their golf club and body properly while hitting a golf ball. The golfer alignment system generally includes a first alignment member comprised of an elongated configuration, a second alignment member comprised of an elongated configuration, wherein the second alignment member is substantially parallel to the first alignment member and at least one diagonal member attached between the first alignment member and the second alignment member. The diagonal member is attached in an oblique configuration with respect to the first alignment member and the second alignment member.
US07922597B2 Golf putter head with curved sole
A golf putter generally has a nearly flat sole surface, multiple or decorative sight lines used to align the putter with the target, or target line. This new design has an extremely rounded sole surface from heel to toe and from the ball striking face to the rear of the putter head. This works extremely well when putting through taller fringe grasses off the green. The well rounded heel and toe and leading angular surface contribute to stabilizing the orientation of the ball striking face when putting from extremely sloped side hill lies in the taller fringe grasses. It has a single brightly colored sight line from the ball striking face to the rear of the putter head to eliminate a majority of visual clutter. This focuses the golfers eyes completely on the sight line, target line, and center of the golf ball.
US07922594B2 Amusement ride
An amusement ride has guides and at least one carriage movable along the guides. At least three first arms each having a first end and a second end are provided, wherein the first ends are connected pivotably to the at least one carriage. First drives are provided that each are movable along one of the guides, respectively, independently from one another. The at least three first arms are pivotably connected with the second ends to the first drives so that the at least one carriage and the first drives are pivotably connected to one another.
US07922593B2 Driveshaft assembly
A driveshaft with a hollow shaft, a pair of caps and a universal joint. The hollow shaft is rotatable about an axis and has an annular wall member that defines an outer surface, an inner surface and a pair of opposite ends. At least one of the outer surface and the inner surface includes a plurality of longitudinally extending splines. The caps are fixedly coupled to the opposite ends of the hollow shaft to at least substantially close the opposite ends of the hollow shaft. The universal joint is coupled to one of the caps. The splines extend the length of the hollow shaft.
US07922591B2 Shutter clutch
A clutch assembly for a UV module shutter, comprises a shutter shaft, a shutter drive arm, a clutch plate, at least one ball, a clutch thrust washer, and a spring assembly. The shutter shaft has a flange, the flange having a plurality of radially positioned flange detents. The shutter drive arm includes a drive pin, a drive arm cavity, and a receiver slot opening into the drive arm cavity, the drive pin disposable in a drive slot of a shutter end cap. The clutch plate may be disposed in the clutch plate cavity, may have a tab disposed in the receiver slot and a plurality of clutch plate detents. Each of the ball(s) may extend from one of the flange detents and may be partially disposable in one of the clutch plate detents. The spring assembly may exert a bias against the clutch plate and the thrust washer. The shutter shaft may extend through the shutter drive arm, the clutch plate, and the clutch thrust washer.
US07922590B2 Grease reduction insert
An articulating joint apparatus includes a first rotational member having an axis, a second rotational member coupled with and positioned generally coaxial to the first rotational member, and a boot cover assembly for sealing at least part of the first rotational member to the second rotational member. The boot cover assembly is selectively coupled to both the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The joint apparatus also includes an insert positioned at least partially between the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The insert will deform in response to axial movement of the second rotational member relative to the first rotational member.
US07922587B2 Betting terminal and system
At least two betting terminals for playing a game, comprising a network of terminals linked to different game tables, wherein each of the terminals comprises a mechanism to switch on a plurality of games so as to allow a player at one terminal to switch to different tables and place bets at different games at a time.
US07922578B2 Method for providing an undisplayed outcome of an electronic gaming device
A method of providing an undisplayed outcome of an electronic device has been developed. First a wager is received from a player and an electronic outcome is generated. The outcome is not displayed to the player. A cashless payout is generated for the electronic outcome. The outcome is displayed according to the cashless payout.
US07922574B2 Slot machine and playing method thereof
When the number of bets is determined and a game is started, reels start spinning. After a lapse of a predetermined time, fifteen symbols are repositioned in symbol display regions. By dragging and dropping a repositioned symbol to a crater of a volcano, a performance character, an animation effect to represent a volcanic eruption of the volcano and a sound effect corresponding to a volcanic eruption sound of the volcano are outputted. In case the symbol is dragged and dropped to the outside of a display, a warning sign is indicated as well as a warning sound is outputted.
US07922570B2 Fantasy sports auction system
A fantasy sports game for a plurality of participants representing sports teams each wishing to form a fantasy sports team made up of actual athletes, and each operating a participant terminal operable to act as a client on a network, the system comprising: a host controller, the host controller comprising a computer operable to act as a server on the network and to communicate with the participant terminals over the network; and data storage accessible to the host controller. A variance report calculates the total difference in price between all the sold players' prices and the values inputted by the participant team before the auction, and the variance report can also show the difference in price between all the sold players' prices and the values inputted by the participant team before the auction organized by position.
US07922569B2 Coin counter having a distance adjustment function
A coin counter includes a base unit, an adjusting plate adjustably mounted on the base unit, and a coin outlet port mounted on the base unit. The adjusting plate has a first end provided with an adjusting slot and a second end provided with a micro-adjusting slot. The adjusting plate has a mediate portion provided with a guide slot located between the adjusting slot and the micro-adjusting slot. Thus, by provision of the micro-adjusting slot of the adjusting plate, the pitch angle of the adjusting plate can be slightly adjusted to slightly adjust and control the projecting distance of each of the coins so that each of the coins can be projected onto the coin outlet port exactly to facilitate collection of the coins.
US07922568B1 Game carcass spreading device
A device to assist in the field dressing of game animals, comprising two (2) tube portions which telescopingly slide inside of each another and mechanically secured at a desired length, is herein disclosed. The device may be used on different sized animals via a spring-loaded button and a plurality of button receiving holes. Each end of the device comprises a toothed portion which enables the device to better grip a carcass which is to be field dressed. Spiked end caps are also provided for increased anchoring of the device to the carcass. The device is preferably made of light-weight aluminum or similar materials and is provided with a belt mounted holster to allow the user to carry the device in the field. Such features allow the user to clean the animal carcass out while protecting the meat from spoilage by helping to aerate the meat for faster glazing.
US07922563B2 Cutting blade hard-facing method and apparatus
A hard-faced cutting blade and hard-facing method is provided. A hard-facing material is applied to a cutting edge of a cutting blade such that a heat-affected transition zone may be created between the base metal and the hard-facing material. The heat-affected transition zone may create a sufficient bond to help resist delamination and flaking of the hard-facing material from the base metal.
US07922562B2 Systems and methods for reducing electrostatic charge of semiconductor wafers
A chemical-mechanical polishing machine and associated methods are disclosed. One embodiment of the machine includes a polishing pad, a wafer carrier corresponding to the polishing pad and configured to carry a semiconductor wafer, and a transfer station proximate to the polishing pad for holding the wafer during loading and/or unloading. At least one of the wafer carrier and the transfer station is configured to dissipate electrostatic charge from the wafer.
US07922560B2 Brassiere cup and brassiere for women having unevenly sized breasts
A brassiere cup, and a brassiere incorporating the brassiere cups, are provided. The brassiere cup includes an outer fabric layer, an inner fabric layer, and a first, inner layer of foam material positioned between the outer and inner fabric layers. The cup has a lower periphery, and an embossed breast support is positioned at the lower periphery inside of the cup.
US07922559B2 Compositions and methods for the treatment and management of bee hives and the bees therein
Compositions and methods for managing bee colonies to prevent a variety of diseases, infestations and generally improve the health and productivity of the colony are provided. Such diseases may arise from a variety of sources, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and parasites that infest the colony and the hive. Representative diseases preventable or treatable by this compositions and methods disclosed herein include, but are not limited to Foulbrood, Chalkbrood, and Nosema. Examples of infestations treatable and preventable by the compositions and methods disclosed include acarids or mites and insects such as hive beetles and the like. The compositions of the present invention include neutral or acidic solutions of an aromatic sulfonic acid, aqueous salt solutions, and wood sealants. Methods disclosed herein include applying the aqueous compositions to an interior surface of a bee-hive, suspending hive frames by novel corrosion resistant brackets that minimize the absorption of moisture within the hive body and provide bees access to more of the hive's interior for policing, cleaning and housekeeping purposes. The novel brackets and honey produced by bees administered one or more compositions of this invention are also disclosed.
US07922556B2 Interlocking crossbar device and system
What is disclosed is a versatile interlocking crossbar device and system for coupling modular components of toy assemblages, educational models, hobby constructions, component attachments, or the like together using one or more connectors, configured with a set of male connector parts and a set of female connector parts, configured to enable the selective attachment of such parts. The disclosed system is exemplified in this application as a toy vehicle and a ball and demonstrates how the parts and interlocking crossbar device interrelate to one another in a plurality of ways to create varying embodiments. The unique interrelationships spoken of are, for the most part, capable of creation because similar sized openings and recesses are indexed within each body member such that the pieces and interlocking crossbar conform thereto.
US07922555B2 Method of manufacturing plasma display panel
A method for manufacturing a PDP equipped with an exhaust tube (21) for evacuating a discharge space formed by arranging a front plate (22) and a back plate (23) oppositely and sealing the circumferential edge portions of the front plate and the back plate by sealant (31) and then filling the discharge space with discharge gas, the method comprising steps for arranging the sealing side of the exhaust tube around a thin exhaust hole (30) provided in the back plate through a tablet (32) formed of frit glass not containing sealing lead but containing bismuth oxide, assembling the front plate and the back plate while arranging them oppositely, mounting the exhaust pipe on an exhauster while directing the side connected with the exhauster downward, and performing the sealing at a predetermined sealing temperature.
US07922554B2 Production apparatus and method of producing a light-emitting device by using the same apparatus
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a light-emitting device. At least one of a light-emitting film forming step, a conductive film forming step and an insulating film forming step is carried out while holding a substrate in a manner that an angle subtended by a surface of the substrate and the direction of gravity is within a range of from 0 to 30°.
US07922550B2 Slider with foam rails
A slider includes a foam board, a top layer and a bottom layer. The foam board is a polystyrene foam board that is easily formed and molded. Furthermore, a bottom of the foam board has a rail portion protruded with a plurality of foam rails therefrom and the foam rails are parallel with each other. In addition, the top layer and the bottom layer are made of polyethylene materials and comprise interface coatings respectively, so that the top layer and the bottom layer made of polyethylene could heat bonded to the polystyrene foam board without adhesives by the first and second interface coatings.
US07922547B2 Electrical connector having contacts each with free guiding end
The electrical connector includes an insulative housing (1) having a plurality of retention channels (13) extending to an exterior both in horizontal and vertical directions. Each contact (2) is laterally inserted into a corresponding channel (13) and has a free front header (214) with a horizontal retention piece (2141) and at least a side guiding section (2142). The side guiding section (2142) is configured to guide the free front header (214) into an interior of the channel (13) at a first initial insertion position, while the horizontal retention piece (2141) is pressed by a horizontal wall (146) of the channel (13) at a second full insertion position to hold the contact (2) in position. This configuration of the free front header (214) has the function of guiding the contact (2) into the channel (13) with no need of an installation tool.
US07922546B1 Grounding clamp
A grounding clamp for securing a grounding cable to a tray having a number of spaced apart longitudinal and transverse members includes a body portion having a bottom portion and inner and outer end portions projecting from the bottom portion. The inner end portion includes at least two finger-like members projecting from the bottom portion for engaging at least one transverse member between the finger-like members. A portion of the body portion includes a cavity defined by the bottom portion, the inner end portion, and the outer end portion for receiving at least one longitudinal member therein. The cavity further receives the grounding cable. The outer end portion includes a threaded opening therethrough. The grounding claim further includes a threaded bolt that is received in the threaded opening in the outer end portion for securing the grounding cable to the at least one longitudinal member.
US07922543B1 Audio jack connector
An audio jack connector includes a dielectric housing defining an inserting hole, a movable member, a rotation member, two first switch terminals and two-second switch terminals. The movable member is movably received in the dielectric housing. The rotation member is rotatably received in the dielectric housing. Elastic protrusions protrude from one end of the rotation member. Recessed portions form between every two protrusions. Ends of two first and second switch terminals respectively include a prong, and opposite ends are received in the recessed portion. A plug connector is inserted into the inserting hole, and pushes the movable member to move. The rotation member is driven to rotate to drive the ends of the two first switch terminals and the two second switch terminals to move from the recessed portion to the protrusion, causing the prongs to stay contact with the plug connector.
US07922542B1 Audio jack connector
An audio jack connector includes a dielectric housing, a signal terminal and a detection terminal. The dielectric housing defines a receiving trough at a top surface thereof. An opening is defined in the receiving trough with a notch communicated with a rear end thereof. A location slot is defined at a side of the dielectric housing to intersect the notch. The detection terminal is received in the location slot and has an inclined portion inclined towards the notch. The inclined portion has a protuberance provided on an outer surface thereof. The signal terminal is received in the receiving trough and has a concaved portion projected into the insertion hole from the opening and a cantilever arm located to the notch. A free end of the cantilever arm is inclined downward to form a pressing portion for pressing against the protuberance of the detection terminal.
US07922541B2 Cable connector
The disclosure herein describes embodiments of a cable connector that can be easily attached at a variety of points along the length of a cable as desired by a user for a particular application. The cable connector can easily be secured to the cable by snapping or otherwise securing the base and cover of the connector around the cable. The cable connector can include a device interface for coupling an electronic device to the cable connector. The cable connector can supply a power and control signal to the coupled device via terminals adapted to pierce the insulation on the cable and contact the conductors inside. The terminals of the cable connector can sever at least one of the conductors of the cable, disrupting the flow of current through the conductor. The device interface can bridge the severed ends of the conductor to enable unabated current flow when a device is not coupled thereto or redirect the current through an electronic device coupled to the interface. The cable connector enables easily connecting an electronic device in series between the severed ends of a conductor and providing current flow between the ends when the device is disconnect.
US07922537B2 Electrical connector with shielding means for grounding and impedance metching
An electrical connector (100) comprises an insulative housing (1) defining a number of passageways (10) and shielding holes (14) arranged among the passageways, a conductive covering (5, 6) provided on a top surface of the insulative housing, a dielectric covering (7, 8) provided on a top surface of the conductive covering, a number of electrical contacts (2) receiving in the passageways and comprising a number of signal contacts (22) and grounding contacts (21), and a plurality of conductive elements (3) received in the shielding holes (14) and electrically connected to the grounding contacts (21) through the conductive covering (5, 6), the conductive elements (3) being insulated from the signal contacts (22).
US07922535B1 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an inner shielding shell, an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals and an outer shielding shell. The inner shielding shell defines an accommodating chamber therein. The insulating housing has a base body engaged with a rear of the accommodating chamber and a tongue portion extended forward from the base portion to stretch into a front of the accommodating chamber. A ring-shaped cavity is opened in a periphery of the base body for receiving a waterproof washer therein. An outer periphery of the waterproof washer abuts against insides of the inner shielding shell. The terminals are disposed in the insulating housing. The outer shielding shell surrounds the inner shielding shell. The outer shielding shell has at least one soldering arm soldered to a printed circuit board for achieving a ground function of the inner shielding shell through the outer shielding shell.
US07922534B2 Socket connector
A receptacle connector is arranged on an interface of an electronic device for mating with a corresponding plug connector. An anti-incorrect-insertion block is arranged on and protruded from a mating portion of the plug connector. The receptacle connector comprises an insulating housing, conductive terminals assembled in the housing and a first shielding shell for covering on the outside of the insulating housing. A soldering portion welded to a circuit board is arranged on the lower edge of the first shielding shell. The receptacle connector is further provided with a second shielding shell for shielding the electromagnetic signals from the fool-proof opening of the interface. A receptacle connector of the invention shields the fool-proof opening by adding the second shielding shell, thereby preventing the electromagnetic leakage, improving the anti-electromagnetic interference capability of the connector and ensuring an electrical connection of the connector.
US07922533B2 Stacked electrical connector with improved shell for EMI protection
A stacked electrical connector includes an upper mating port, a lower mating port, an insulative separate portion separating the upper and the lower mating ports, and an additional metal shell covering the separate portion. The upper and lower mating ports include first and second metal shells, respectively. The additional metal shell includes a main body shielding a front surface of the separate portion and a pair of side walls extending backwardly from the main body to abut against the opposite walls. At least one side wall includes a lower bending portion attached to the second metal shell in order to form a much larger grounding area for EMI protection.
US07922529B1 High mating cycle low insertion force coaxial connector
The coaxial connector includes a plug and a receptacle. The plug contains a spring-loaded central contact and a fixed shield contact. The receptacle contains a fixed central contact and a spring-loaded shield contact. When the plug and the receptacle are joined, each of the spring-loaded contacts is compressed to positively engage the respective fixed contact to facilitate an electrical connection. Mating edges of the plug and receptacle are chamfered to facilitate concentric alignment and to reduce the required insertion force between the plug and receptacle. The contacts of both the plug and the receptacle are recessed below the mating surface to prevent a person or another conductive surface from making inadvertent contact with an electrically conductive member of the connector.
US07922528B2 Connector and connector system with removable tuning insulator for impedance matching
A connector, and a connector system that implements the connector, that exhibits a value of characteristic impedance that is responsive to a tuning insulator. In one embodiment, the connector includes a connector body that defines a longitudinal axis, and a conductor that is disposed in the connector body so that it is aligned coaxially with the longitudinal axis. The connector also includes a tuning insulator that has a pre-determined effect so that, when the insulator is positioned on a portion of the conductor, the value of characteristic impedance of the connector changes from a first value to a second value.
US07922525B2 USB electrical connector
The present invention provides a USB electrical connector having: a plurality of electrical connection units each including a terminal block and at least two rows of conductive terminals embedded in the terminal block. The conductive terminals are embedded in the terminal block by an overmolding process, and wherein each conductive terminal has one end adapted to be electrically connected with a USB plug and the other end adapted to be connected with a printed circuit board. A joint mechanism joins and holds the plurality of electrical connection units, and a fixture fixes the other end of each conductive terminal connected with the printed circuit board. An outer shielding housing encloses the electrical connection units, the joint mechanism and the fixture. The USB electrical connector of the present invention enables a plurality of rows of conductive terminals to be set in stable and good relative positions.
US07922522B2 Instrument having oblique mounted terminal posts
The present invention is directed to an instrument having at least one terminal post having a longitudinal axis extending therefrom such that the longitudinal axis is at an oblique angle relative to a surface of the instrument. In one embodiment, each terminal post is mounted to a circuit board such that a first surface of each terminal post projects in a first direction. In this embodiment, a rear surface of each terminal post is beveled and coupled to a first surface of the circuit board. The beveled rear surface of the terminal posts defines the oblique angle at which the longitudinal axis of the each terminal post is relative to a surface of the instrument.
US07922520B2 Cable connector including intermediary interconnection board
A cable connector includes a contact assembly including an electrically insulating block body and multiple signal contacts incorporated therein; an intermediary interconnection board having multiple contact connection pads, multiple groups of wire connection pads, and multiple interconnects on its surface, the interconnects connecting the contact connection pads to the corresponding wire connection pads, the contact connection pads being electrically connected to the corresponding signal contacts of the contact assembly; and a cable having multiple wires electrically connected to the corresponding wire connection pads. Adjacent groups of the wire connection pads are offset in a direction in which the interconnects extend in a manner to reduce crosstalk.
US07922519B1 RJ-45 connector
A connector includes a main body, and a cable electrically connected to a rear end of the main body. An elastic latch is formed on a top of the main body. Two protrusions are formed on a rear portion of the top of the main body. A surface of each protrusion is coated with reflecting material, slanted, and opposite to the cable.
US07922513B2 ZIF socket having reinforced cover preventing breakage during maneuvering
An electrical connector includes a base having a number of passageways and a compartment in one end thereof. A cover is mounted to the base. The cover has a plurality of through holes corresponding to the passageways and a driving compartment corresponding to the compartment. The driving compartment has one single-step stopper. One recess is positioned adjacent the stopper and receives a stiffener therein for supporting the stopper. A cam is disposed in the driving compartment and the compartment to drive the cover moving relative to the base along a front-to-back direction.
US07922508B2 Electrical distribution system with a jumper assembly having a telescopic slider
An electrical distribution system for electrifying a plurality of wall panels includes a jumper assembly including a telescoping slider which includes a plurality of conductors housed therein which slide relative to one another, the jumper assembly being configured for connecting to a first electrical distribution device connected to a first wall panel of the plurality of wall panels and for connecting to a second electrical distribution device connected to a second wall panel of the plurality of wall panels.
US07922504B2 Lever-type connector
A lever-type connector capable of securely and efficiently carrying out a secondary latch onto a contact by a retainer and release of the secondary latch is provided. The lever-type connector includes an inner housing, an outer housing, a retainer, a slider, a lever and a first and second retainer operation passageway. The inner housing includes a contact receiving passageway for receiving a contact, which is latched by a retainer inserted into the inner housing. The inner housing is inserted into and received by the outer housing. The slider is movable within the outer housing and having a cam groove into which a cam pin provided on the mating connector is inserted. The lever is attached to the outer housing and moves the slider by rotation of the lever. The first retainer operation passageway is positioned on a side surface of the outer housing, while the second retainer operation passageway is located on the slider. The first retainer operation passageway is in communication with the second retainer operation passageway when the slider is set to a mated position.
US07922503B1 Lever-type connector
A lever-type connector includes a housing and a wire cover. Shafts are extended from the housing. A lever attached to the housing has a pair of parallel plates and a grip portion connecting the parallel plates. Each of the parallel plates is formed with a hole in which the shaft is inserted. A projection provided on the wire cover abuts one of the parallel plates in a state where the lever is attached to the housing so that the grip portion is disposed at a side of the lead-out port. A rotation preventing part is provided at one of the shafts and the hole of the one of the parallel plates and prevents a rotation of the lever in a state where the one of the parallel plates is deformed by the abutment of the projection.
US07922501B2 Substrate earthing mechanism for use in charged-particle beam writing apparatus
A substrate earthing mechanism includes a plate-like spring extending toward a substrate in a direction parallel to a surface of the substrate, and a contact portion coupled to a tip end of the plate-like spring for coming into contact with the substrate to thereby provide electrical conduction therebetween. The plate spring and the contact portion are laid out so that a contact position at which the contact portion is in contact with the substrate and a layout position of the plate-like spring are substantially the same in position as each other in a direction at right angles to the substrate surface in the state that the plate spring is out of its elastic deformation.
US07922500B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector has a plurality of terminals arranged side-by-side in a horizontal direction. Each of the terminals has a first connection portion adapted to be connected with one of two members electrically connectable to each other via the electrical connector, and a second connection portion adapted to be connected with the other member. In the electrical connector, two or more first terminals consisting of a part of the terminals are arranged such that an inter-terminal pitch in the first connection portions thereof is equal to that in the second connection portions thereof, and two or more second terminals consisting of the remaining terminals other than the first terminals are arranged such that an inter-terminal pitch in the first connection portions thereof is less than that in the second connection portions thereof.
US07922499B2 Electrical terminal
An electrical terminal (20) used with board-mounted connector (2) having a housing comprising (21): a fixing portion, a contacting portion (204) and a soldering portion (202). The fixing portion defines barbs formed along opposite edges thereof for securing the terminal within the housing, the contacting portion (204) extends from on side of the fixing portion and the soldering portion extends away from the other side of the fixing portion. The soldering portion (202) extends obliquely towards a circuit board on which the connector (2) is mounted, the soldering portion having a tip end with a reduced thickness thereof.
US07922497B2 Anisotropic conductive connector and inspection equipment of circuit device
An anisotropically conductive connector device and an inspection apparatus for circuit devices including the anisotropically conductive connector device. The anisotropically conductive connector device includes an elastic anisotropically conductive film, including plural conductive path-forming parts each extending in a thickness-wise direction of the film and arranged mutually insulated by an insulating part, a sheet-like connector including an insulating sheet, including a plurality of through-holes each extending in a thickness-wise direction, and plural electrode structures arranged in the respective through-holes in the insulating sheet to protrude from both surfaces of the insulating sheet. The electrode structures are positioned on respective conductive path-forming parts, the insulating sheet is integrally fixed to the insulating part, and the electrode structures include electrode parts that are movable in the thickness-wise direction of the sheet.
US07922490B2 Base for physical dental arch model
A method produces a base for physical tooth models. The method includes providing one or more cast materials in a container, pressing the underside of the physical tooth models into the one or more cast materials to produce impressions in the one or more cast materials, and solidifying the one or more cast materials having the impressions to produce the base that is adapted to receive the physical tooth models.
US07922486B2 Capsule for storage, mixing and dispensing materials
A capsule for storage, mixing, and dispensing of dental material, including an indicator for indicating proper activation of the capsule. The indicator may indicate that a minimum required displacement of an applicator member or of an activator member, or both, has occurred.
US07922483B2 Method of using a polynucleotide encoding 2.5-diketo-D-gluconic acid reductase
Described herein are novel nucleic acids, proteins and methods that can be used to provide new catalysts with desirable traits for industrial processes. In particular, novel reductases isolated from the environment using PCR methods are described.
US07922481B2 Method for setting the air ratio on a firing device and a firing device
The temperature generated by a firing apparatus, particularly a gas burner, depends on the mixing ratio between the quantity of air and the quantity of gas fed to the firing apparatus, characterized by the excess air coefficient λ, at a predefined burner load (air mass flow rate) in such a way that the temperature generated by the firing apparatus reaches a maximum when λ=1. According to the inventive method for adjusting the excess air coefficient, said maximum temperature Tmax is determined, whereupon the desired setpoint value λhy of the excess air coefficient is adjusted and the associated setpoint temperature Tsoll is measured. A characteristic curve which represents the correlation between the respective air mass flow rates and the setpoint temperatures at the setpoint value λhy of the excess air coefficient and allows combustion to be regulated to an optimal hygienic state can be determined from said determined correlation between the setpoint temperatures Tsoll at different predefined burner loads. The inventive firing apparatus is adapted to carry out said method and especially comprises a mass flow sensor in the air delivery zone as well as a temperature sensor in the effective range of the burner flame.
US07922480B2 Combustion apparatus and wind box
The invention provides a combustion apparatus which can inhibit an NOx generation even in the case of promoting a mixing between a high-temperature combustion gas and an air so as to intend to reduce an unburned combustible. In a combustion apparatus provided with a burner burning a fuel within a furnace in a theoretical air ratio or less, and an air port supplying a combustion air for a shortfall in the burner, a supply apparatus for supplying a nitrogen oxide generation inhibiting gas is provided in a mixing region between the both or near the mixing region. Further, the invention provides a wind box which can inhibit an NOx generation even in the case of promoting a mixing between a high-temperature combustion gas and an air so as to intend to reduce an unburned combustible. In a wind box having an air port arranged in a back flow side of the burner and supplying a combustion air for a shortfall in the burner, a supply apparatus for supplying a nitrogen oxide generation inhibiting gas is provided in a mixing region between the both or near the mixing region.
US07922478B2 Control device using a follower member and a cam path to control an element of a machine for processing containers, and a container processor machine including such a device
A control device using a follower member and a cam path to control an element of a container processor machine, the device comprising two cam paths defined by a single rigid assembly (5), means enabling relative movement between the follower member and the rigid assembly (5), between at least two positions, the follower member engaging a first cam path in a first position and engaging a second cam path in a second position. A blow-molding or stretch blow-molding machine including such a device, in particular for controlling the movement of the lengthening rod, or for controlling mold locking/unlocking, or for controlling mold opening/closing.
US07922476B2 Device for the production of confectionery
A device for the production of confectionery, in particular, pralines, in moulds, with at least one upper die which may be lowered relative thereto, mounted on a die plate whereby the die plate has a flexible mounting.
US07922471B2 Extruded structure with equilibrium shape
An extrusion head is disposed over a substrate, and material is extruded through an oblique (e.g., semi-circular or tapered) outlet orifice of the extrusion head to form an associated extruded structure having an equilibrium shape that resists settling after being deposited on the substrate. The extrusion head includes fluidic channels having a flat surface formed by a flat first (e.g., metal) sheet, and an oblique (e.g., substantially semi-cylindrical) surface formed by elongated oblique trenches that are etched or otherwise formed in a second sheet. The fluidic channel communicates with the outlet orifice, which has a flat edge formed by the first sheet, and an oblique edge formed by an end of the oblique trench. The material is extruded through the outlet orifice such that its flat lower surface contacts the substrate, and its oblique upper surface faces away from the substrate. Two materials are co-extruded to form high aspect-ratio gridlines.
US07922464B2 Magnetic drive pump
A magnetic drive pump includes a pump chamber including an inlet port and an outlet port, a partition wall separating the pump chamber from an exterior, a rotational shaft provided at a side of the pump chamber relative to the partition wall, an impeller rotatably supported by a first end of the rotational shaft, an inductor integrally fixed to the impeller to rotate, a magnetic member positioned radially outside of the partition wall and facing the inductor, the magnetic member rotatably supported, a rotation drive device fixed to the magnetic means and actuating the magnetic member to rotate, and a drive device moving at least one of the magnetic member and the inductor in an axial direction of the rotational shaft.
US07922460B2 Refrigerating compressor
A refrigerating compressor includes a compressing element and a hermetic container accommodating the compressing element, which includes a compressing chamber where refrigerant gas is compressed, and a suction muffler (118) having a sound deadening space (119) and communicating with the compressing chamber. The suction muffler (118) includes a tail tube (121) having a first end open into the hermetic container and a second end open into the sound deadening space (119), and a resonating chamber (122) formed attached to the tail tube (121) and having a resonance frequency substantially agreeing with a specific resonance frequency of the hermetic container. This structure allows the resonating chamber (122) to deaden the noises coming from vibration sounds of a suction valve or ripple sounds of refrigerant gas.
US07922459B2 Pressure generation device
A pressure-generating device includes an axle hub having a rotary shaft portion supported rotatably in a nonrotatable cylindrical support portion via bearings; a piston attached to the rotary shaft portion in a unitarily rotatable manner and so as to perform a pumping action, and, in cooperation with the rotary shaft portion, forming a pump chamber therebetween; a cam member and cam followers for converting a rotary motion of the axle hub in relation to the cylindrical support member to the pumping action of the piston; a suction path formed in the axle hub and enabling introduction of air into the pump chamber; and a discharge path formed in the axle hub and enabling discharge of air from the pump chamber.
US07922458B2 Variable volume, shape memory actuated insulin dispensing pump
A portable pumping system provides insulin or other drugs to a user. A shape memory element is used to actuate the pump and an intelligent system controls the actuator in order to minimize stresses within the system and provide accurate and reliable dosage delivery. The control system utilizes various types of feedback to monitor and optimize the position of the pumping mechanisms. Physical design aspects also minimize stress and the combination of the physical design aspects and the intelligent operation of the system results in a lightweight and cost effective pump that may be used in a disposable fashion if desired.
US07922450B2 Wind turbine blade comprising a trailing edge flap and a piezoelectric actuator
A wind turbine blade comprises a main blade body and trailing edge section movably connected to the main blade body, and an actuator structure internally within the blade. The actuator interconnects the trailing edge section and the main blade body, and it comprises a stack of a plurality of piezoelectric elements, so that the stack of piezoelectric elements is capable of operating as a linear actuator. The actuator structure is arranged such that it is capable of causing the trailing edge section to move or deform relative to the main blade body in response to aerodynamic loads on the blade. The actuator structure is controllable by a control system applying a voltage to the stack of piezoelectric elements in response to, e.g., detected wind or load characteristics.
US07922443B2 Portable air blower
A portable air blower includes a blower fan, a drive unit for driving the blower fan, a casing for covering at least the blower fan and having a side wall with an air intake opening defined therein, and a covering unit for covering the air intake opening. The covering includes an air intake grille fitted to the casing and operable to permit an air to pass therethrough into the air intake opening, but to block foreign matters off therefrom, and a protective shroud held in overlapping relation with the air intake grille for covering the air intake grille on one side of the air intake grille opposite to the air intake opening. The air intake grille has an outermost area having a circumferential edge, which is positioned substantially radially inwardly of an outer peripheral edge of the protective shroud.
US07922442B2 Fan array fan section in air-handling systems
A fan array fan section in an air-handling system includes a plurality of fan units arranged in a fan array and positioned within an air-handling compartment. One preferred embodiment may include an array controller programmed to operate the plurality of fan units at peak efficiency. The plurality of fan units may be arranged in a true array configuration, a spaced pattern array configuration, a checker board array configuration, rows slightly offset array configuration, columns slightly offset array configuration, or a staggered array configuration.
US07922436B2 Apparatus for applying adhesive to the outside surfaces of a book block to be encased in a book casing inside a casing-in machine
An apparatus for the application of adhesive to the outside surfaces of book blocks to be encased in a casing inside a casing-in machine, includes an adhesive application device having two application rollers arranged opposite each other in an adhesive application area and which roll off respectively one outside surface of a book block that is conveyed while positioned on a saddle plate of a circulating conveyor. Each roller includes a recess that forms a shoulder parallel to the rotational axis, for applying adhesive to the fold region of a book block. The rotational position of the recess can be adjusted based on the position of a specific fold on a book block by providing the conveyor and the rollers with separate drives. The drives are controllably connected by a control unit. At least the drive for the application rollers of the adhesive application device comprises a controllable drive element.
US07922432B2 Quick-positioning screw assembly
A quick-positioning screw assembly includes a cap having an inside annular flange and a locating groove or locating rib extending around the inside wall, a mounting socket bonded to a mounting through hole of a first plate member and having a top positioning flange extending around the periphery and detachably forced into engagement with the locating groove or locating rib of the cap, a screw press-fitted into the inner diameter of the inside annular flange of the cap for threading into a screw hole on a second plate member to secure the first plate member to the second plate member, and a compression spring mounted in the cap around the screw and stopped between the inside annular flange of the cap and an inside annular flange of the mounting socket.
US07922431B2 Air cargo centerline restraint system having restraints mounted over floor joists outside the wingbox area for lateral support
A cargo loading system capable of retaining a pallet along a centerline of a cargo aircraft and outside the wingbox area of the aircraft includes a number of devices. Included among these are first and second centerline end restraints mounted on the centerline, at least one caster panel mounted on one side of the cargo hold and across the centerline from a side door of the aircraft, and a plurality of mechanical restraints mounted on a floor of the cargo hold on either side of the centerline and outside the wingbox area. The first and second centerline end restraints each have at least one retractable lockhead configured and dimensioned to engage an end of a pallet. The at least one caster panel includes at least one retractable guide formed at a first end thereof, and at least one retractable guide formed along a first side thereof. Lastly, the plurality of mechanical restraints are mounted with a portion of each mechanical restraint overlying a laterally extending floor joist in the cargo hold, such that a lateral load applied to a given mechanical restraint is transferred to at least one laterally extending floor joist.
US07922424B2 Method of cutting target members using a cutting saw device
A diamond wire saw and method provides a frame that includes a clamp that attaches to a target (e.g. piling, beam, tubular), an elongated toothed rack extending away from the mount and target, and a moving portion that carries the diamond wire and motor drives that advance the moving portion toward the target and along the toothed rack while driving the wire around roller guides.
US07922422B2 Low profile buoyancy adjustment controller and valve system for diver's vest
A buoyancy adjustment device utilizes an inflation valve connected between the diver's breathing gas supply and a compartment to admit gas into the compartment to increase the diver's buoyancy. An exhaust valve connects between the compartment and the outside of the vest, to release gas from the compartment to the surrounding environment to decrease the diver's buoyancy. A hand-operated controller connected to the inflation valve, when caused to move from a neutral position to an inflation position, actuates the inflation valve and admits gas to the compartment. The hand-operated controller is also connected to the exhaust valve via a flexible pushrod so that, when caused to move from the neutral position to an exhaust position, actuates the exhaust valve and releases gas from the compartment. The flexible pushrod is housed in a sleeve that is totally contained within the compartment. Both the inflation valve and the exhaust valve are mounted substantially within the compartment, below the outer wall of the diver's vest and their respective working parts leave only a low profile raised above the outside surface of the vest. A cloth sleeve is positioned inside the front portion of the vest to conveniently store a spare breathing regulator.
US07922420B2 Barriers with kiss-offs
A barrier includes a housing having a front wall and an opposing back wall each extending between opposing sidewalls. The housing also includes a floor and an interior surface bounding a chamber, the chamber communicating externally through an inlet opening. A first inset projects into the chamber from the front wall so as to form a recessed pocket on the front wall. A second inset projects into the chamber from the back wall so as to form a recessed pocket on the back wall. The first inset and the second inset are connected together within the chamber so that the chamber encircles the connection.
US07922417B2 Interlocking structural element for cabinets and enclosures
An interlocking structural element is disclosed for the construction of cabinets and enclosures, including modular cabinets and enclosures. Four equal lengths of the interlocking structural element can be used in conjunction with simple flat rectangular panels to fabricate a single enclosure. Additional lengths may be used to fabricate an enclosure with multiple compartments. The interlocking structural element may be fabricated by extruding metal or other material such as plastic. The element incorporates slots for easy mounting of shelves, printed circuit boards or other objects within the enclosure.
US07922416B2 Portable locking support structure
A portable support structure including a platform member having a primary platform connector and a secondary platform connector. The primary platform connector is configured to receive a primary support connector. The secondary platform connector is configured to receive a secondary support connector. The support structure also includes a primary support member including the primary support connector and a hook member. In addition, the support structure includes a secondary support member having a first end and a second end. The first end is detachably engaged with the secondary platform connector and the second end is in locking engagement with the hook member. The primary support connector includes structures that engage the primary platform connector and rotationally position the primary support member. The hook member includes a hook portion that engages and prevents the secondary support member disengaging upon a rotation of the secondary support member.
US07922412B2 Fluid feeder of applicator
To provide a fluid feeder of an applicator having a structure that allows a fluid to flow into a tubular member and be positively pressurized at the time of an ejecting operation, which can readily eject the fluid even if the fluid becomes unlikely to flow out and which allows the user to readily use over a long period of time even if a high-viscosity fluid is used. In the fluid feeder of an applicator, at the time of the closed state, the periphery of a base of a rod-like part comes into hermetic contact with the inner peripheral surface of a fore part of a tubular member. When the thrust against pressing end is weakened after an open state and then the fluid is pressurized before returning to the closed state, the plunger-like part is inserted into the cylinder surface so as to pressurize the fluid held in the space between the inner surface of tubular member and the outer surface on the front side of a step of a valve member, whereby the fluid is flowed out from an ejection opening that is in a state where the periphery of base of valve member is released from the inner peripheral surface of fore part of tubular member.
US07922411B2 End plug mounting structure for writing instrument
An end plug mounting structure for writing instrument of the present invention can securely mount an end plug onto a barrel and remove it more easily. Even if assembling and removing is performed repeatedly, tightness for the end plug to be assembled on the barrel can be prevented from weakening. A locking hole is provided around cylindrical rear portion of the barrel, an inserting portion with circular cross section inserted into rear portion of the barrel from rear end of the barrel is provided on the end plug, a locking protrusion locked in a locking hole is provided at periphery of the inserting portion, a groove extending forward from rear end of the barrel and in which the locking protrusion moves is provided on inner surface of rear portion of the barrel, thereby the end plug is assembled on the barrel by means of locking the locking protrusion that moves forward in the groove in the locking hole. The locking hole is configured to be adjacent to the groove, so that the locking protrusion moving forward in the groove moves in circumferential direction so as to be locked in the locking hole. A protruding strip extending in lengthwise direction is configured on side bottom of the groove on the side of the locking hole, so that the locking protrusion can stride over the protruding strip to move along circumferential direction.
US07922409B2 Printer and printer control method
A printer which prints to a roll paper medium under the control of the printer and to a printer control method for maintaining consistently in high quality printing even at the end of a roll paper print medium. The printer conveys roll paper 11 through a paper transportation path and prints to the roll paper 11 using a print head 21 carried on a carriage 23 that moves transverse to the transportation path. When the trailing end 11a of the roll paper is detected, the printer advances and then stops the print medium so that the trailing end 11a of the roll paper is positioned on the transportation path outside of the carriage path 53.
US07922403B2 Blade driving apparatus for cameras
A blade driving apparatus for cameras includes a base plate having an aperture section for a photographing optical path; a partition plate having an aperture section for the photographing optical path so that a blade chamber is interposed between the base plate and the partition plate; a cover frame having an actuator chamber between the partition plate and the cover frame; a permanent magnet rotor rotatably mounted on the cover frame so that an output pin is introduced into the blade chamber; a yoke in which tops of two legs constructed as magnetic pole sections are opposite to the peripheral surface of the rotor in the actuator chamber and one of the two legs is fitted into a bobbin around which a coil is wound; and at least one blade rotatably mounted to a shank for at least one blade which is set upright on the cover frame and is introduced into the blade chamber, and introduced into, and removed from, the exposure aperture by the output pin.
US07922400B2 Multi-electrode system
A multi-electrode system comprises a fiber support configured to hold at least one optical fiber and a set of electrodes disposed about the at least one optical fiber and configured to generate arcs between adjacent electrodes to generate a substantially uniform heated field to a circumferential outer surface of the at least one optical fiber. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum.
US07922399B2 Semiconductor apparatus with semiconductor devices and cooling heat sinks
In a semiconductor apparatus, a plurality of light-triggered type semiconductor devices, each having a groove for burying of an optical fiber for supplying an optical gate signal to a housing of the light-triggered type semiconductor device, are connected in series. Device cooling heat sinks, each having a flow path for circulating a coolant medium and a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet communicating with the flow path, are disposed on both sides of the housing of each light-triggered type semiconductor device. The light-triggered type semiconductor devices and the device cooling heat sinks are coupled into a single structure. An optical fiber insertion groove, which corresponds in position to the groove of the housing, is provided on a side surface of the device cooling heat sink, which contacts a groove (4)-side surface of the housing of the light-triggered type semiconductor device.
US07922394B2 Propeller shaft for motor vehicle
In a propeller shaft for a motor vehicle, an outer periphery of an outer end of an annular support member is formed as an expanded poison.
US07922392B2 Hydrostatic profile rail guide
A hydrostatic profile of a rail guide with a guide carriage. Viewed in cross-section through the rail guide, there is an imaginary first straight line parallel to the mid-surface, an imaginary second straight line parallel to an upper bearing surfaces and a third imaginary straight line parallel to a lower bearing surface. An angle alpha is formed between the first and the second straight lines, and an angle gamma is formed between the first and the third straight lines. The angle alpha has values of 10° to 45 ° inclusive and the angle gamma has values of 20° to 55° inclusive.
US07922381B2 Two-way backlight assembly and two-way liquid crystal display apparatus having the same
In a two-way backlight assembly and a two-way LCD apparatus, the two-way backlight assembly provides light emitted from one light source to a first direction where a main LCD panel is placed and to a second direction where a sub LCD panel is placed. Also, a sub mold part for receiving the sub LCD panel comprises a black-colored material so as to prevent reflection of the light. Accordingly, thickness and power consumption of the backlight assembly may be reduced and display quality may be also improved by preventing leakage of the light at ends of the sub LCD panel.
US07922380B2 Light unit and display device having the same
Provided are a light unit and a display device having the same. The light unit comprises a light guide member, a board, and a light-emitting module. The light guide member outputs surface tight upward. The light-emitting module comprises the board where a light-emitting devices disposed and a metal plate on a rear surface of the board.
US07922377B2 Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp includes a light emitting diode (LED) unit supported by a metal-made support member. The LED unit is constituted by an integrally formed aluminum diecast product including an LED support portion for supporting an LED, a reflector including a reflecting face constituted by a face thereof opposed to the LED, a rib projected from a back face of the reflector, and a connecting portion connected to the metal-made support member.
US07922374B2 Vehicle lamp assembly
The present invention provides various lamp assembly configurations for motorized vehicles. In one embodiment, the lamp assembly includes a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED) module, that is operable to generate light. The light source is attached to the vehicle structure, located on the interior of the vehicle adjacent to the aperture. A light guide is operatively connected to the light source. The light guide is configured to transmit light generated by the light source to preselected locations along the exterior of the vehicle structure, and diffuse the light. The light guide is attached to the vehicle structure, located on the exterior of the vehicle adjacent to the aperture in opposing relation to the light source. The cross-sectional area of the aperture formed through the vehicle structure is less than the cross-sectional areas of the LED module body and the light emitting segment of the light guide.
US07922373B2 Image display apparatus including a controller that controls a light amount regulating film based on an amount of extraneous light received by a light receiving element
An image display apparatus includes a laser source for emitting ultraviolet or blue display-use laser light having a wavelength of 420 nm or less; and a display unit including a fluorescent light generating section for generating fluorescent light when irradiated with the display-use laser light, wherein the display unit displays an image using the fluorescent light generated by the fluorescent light generating section, wherein the display unit further includes an extraneous light shielding section for shielding an extraneous light which is emitted from a back side of the display unit and which has a wavelength in a range where the fluorescent light is generated so as to prevent the extraneous light from entering in the fluorescent light generating section.
US07922362B2 Circuit board assembly and backlight module comprising the same
A circuit board assembly and a backlight module comprising the circuit board assembly are provided. The circuit board assembly has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and further comprises at least one laminate, a first conductive wiring structure and a coating. The first conductive wiring structure is formed on the first surface. The coating is formed on the coating area of the second surface, wherein the coating can conduct heat and provide electric insulation. Thus, the circuit board assembly is adapted to outwardly conduct heat from the laminate through the second surface and to promote the heat dissipation efficiency of the circuit board assembly.
US07922361B2 Light-emitting diode illuminating equipment with high power and high heat dissipation efficiency
The invention provides light-emitting diode illuminating equipment with high power and high heat-dissipation efficiency. The light-emitting diode illuminating equipment comprises a casing and N first packaged systems. Each of the first packaged systems comprises a first heat pipe, at least one first heat-dissipating fin, and a first diode light-emitting apparatus. Wherein a heat generated during the operation of the first diode light-emitting apparatus is conducted by the first heat pipe from the flat portion of the first heat pipe to the at least one first heat-dissipating fin, and then is dissipated by the at least one first heat-dissipating fin. In particular, the light-emitting diode illuminating equipment, according to the invention, is very suitable to be used as a street lamp.
US07922360B2 Thermal transfer in solid state light emitting apparatus and methods of manufacturing
Provided are light emitting apparatus including a solid state light emitting element having a first side and a second side, the solid state light emitting element configured to emit light from the first side. Such apparatus further include an elongated thermally conductive element positioned to conduct thermal energy from the second side of the solid state light emitting element.
US07922357B2 External light shielding layer, filter for display apparatus and display apparatus having the same
Disclosed are an external light-shielding layer for a display filter preventing occurrence of ghosting using a difference between refractive indexes of a base substrate and an external light-shielding part, and a display filter and display apparatus including the external light-shielding layer. The external light-shielding layer for the display filter comprises a base substrate made of a transparent resin; and at least one external light-shielding part arranged on a surface of the base substrate and filled with an external light-absorption material, wherein ny of a refractive index of the base substrate is less than or equal to nx of a refractive index of the external light-shielding part.
US07922355B1 Solid state lighting device having effective light mixing and control
A solid state lighting device includes a light mixing cavity enclosed by a diffusive output window, heat sink walls, and a light-redirection member. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart light emitters is secured to an interior surface of the heat sink walls. The diffusive output window and light-redirection member are therefore disposed at opposite ends of the light mixing cavity. A semiconductor lighting device driver is disposed external to the light mixing cavity in electrical communication with the light emitters. Light emitted by the plurality of light emitters is reflected from the light-redirection member and from the heat sink walls prior to exiting the light mixing cavity through the diffusive output window.
US07922341B2 Projection optical system, magnification projection optical system, magnification projection apparatus, and image projection apparatus
In a projection optical system for use in an image projection apparatus illuminating an image display panel forming an image in accordance with a modulating signal with illumination light from a light source, the projection optical system includes first and second optical systems arranged along an optical path defining an upstream-downstream direction in the order described from upstream to downstream on the downstream side of the image display panel. The first optical system includes at least one dioptric system and has positive power. The second optical system includes at least one reflecting surface having power and has positive power. The image formed by the image display panel is formed as an intermediate image in the optical path, and the intermediate image is magnified and projected.
US07922338B2 Illumination device and projection display device
An illumination device comprises: a plurality of laser light sources arranged so as to be identical in a direction of light emission; an optical element for converting laser light emitted from the laser light sources into parallel light at least in one direction; and a fly-eye lens into which the laser light converted into parallel light is entered. Placement of the laser light sources is adjusted in such a manner that incident regions of the laser light on the fly-eye lens are mutually shifted in a row or column direction of lens cells disposed in the fly-eye lens.
US07922334B2 Multistage cooling system for projector
A projector having optical components, a power source unit, and a light source unit. The projector is capable of lowering its internal temperature utilizing: a first, second, and third fan (41, 42, 43) provided near the optical components for introducing external air from outside the projector to cool the optical components; and a fourth, fifth, and sixth exhaust fan (16, 17, 18). The fourth fan (16) blows the air that was taken in by the first, second, and third fan (41, 42, 43) and has cooled the optical components, onto the light source unit to further cool the light source unit. The fifth and sixth exhaust fans (17, 18) discharge the air that has cooled the light source unit and power supply unit out of the projector.
US07922331B2 Polarization conversion unit, polarization conversion device, and projector
A polarization conversion unit includes a polarization splitting element array including a plurality of polarization splitting films for splitting the incident light beam into two types of linearly-polarized light beams, a plurality of reflecting films for reflecting either one of the linearly-polarized light beams obtained by the polarization splitting films, and a translucent member provided with the polarization splitting films and the reflecting films, a plurality of retardation plates each formed of a quartz crystal member and for converting a polarization axis of either one of the linearly-polarized light beams obtained by the polarization splitting films into a polarization axis of the other of the linearly-polarized light beams, and a spacer member having a predetermined thickness and for bonding end sections of the retardation plates to a light beam exit side of the translucent member.
US07922329B1 Slit-lamp photo assembly
A slit-lamp assembly that has a pivoting arm that is removably connected to a vertical column associated with a frame. The pivoting arm supports a plate spindle assembly that supports a camera wherein the plate spindle assembly includes a bracket that secures a digital camera thereto and a light assembly thereto so that the lens of the camera is disposed through a circular opening of the light assembly.
US07922328B2 Accommodation compensation systems and methods
Methods and systems for obtaining an ocular aberration measurement of an eye of a patient are provided. Exemplary techniques involve obtaining a first induced metric for the eye that corresponds to a first accommodation state of the eye, obtaining a second induced metric for the eye that corresponds to a second accommodation state of the eye, and determining a natural metric of the eye based on the first and second induced metrics. An induced metric may include a pupil size or a spherical aberration. Techniques can also include determining a target metric for the eye base on the natural metric, determining whether an actual metric of the eye meets the target metric, obtaining an ocular aberration measurement of the eye if the actual metric meets the target metric, and determining a treatment for the eye based on the ocular aberration measurement.
US07922327B2 Apparatus and method for illuminating and viewing the anterior segment of an eye of a patient
A digital camera that combines the functions of the retinal camera and/or corneal camera into one, single, small, easy to use instrument includes features such as image and laser spot stabilization, an LED light source, stereo corneal imaging, polarizing reflection reduction, visual function testing, and so on.
US07922326B2 Ophthalmic lens with multiple phase plates
An ophthalmic lens for providing a plurality of foci has an optic including an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and an optical axis. The ophthalmic lens further includes a central phase plate, an intermediate phase plate surrounding the central phase plate, and an outer refractive region. The central phase plate comprises a first base curvature having a first radius of curvature and is configured such that the lens is able to direct light to a first focus and a second focus corresponding different diffraction orders of the phase plate. The intermediate phase plate is configured to change the overall resultant distribution of light directed to the second focus. The outer refractive region has no diffractive optical power and surrounds the intermediate phase plate. The outer refractive region is configured to direct light to the second focus and has an aspheric shape configured to reduce an optical aberration.
US07922319B2 Fixing device of shield plate, recording apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus
A shield plate fixing device of an electronic apparatus includes a mechanical section for performing operation in a main body housing, an electronic substrate for controlling operation shielded by two upper and lower shield plates above the mechanical section, and an upper housing for sealing an upper opening of the main body housing above the electronic substrate. The mechanical section, the electronic substrate, and the upper housing are respectively placed in a stacked manner. The upper shield plate is directly fixed to the main body housing, so as to reduce tolerance accumulation in the assembled electronic apparatus.
US07922318B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus, includes: recording head having nozzles that jet ink onto recording medium, wherein ink is cured by irradiating active energy ray and/or applying thermal energy; ink curing device for curing ink jetted onto recording medium, having an active energy ray irradiating unit and/or thermal energy applying unit; and controller that performs image recording by repeating a recording process plural times to form a single band in which process the recording head jets ink and then the active energy ray irradiation and/or thermal energy application is performed. Herein the controller controls the active energy ray irradiating unit and/or thermal energy applying unit such as to change at least one of operating parameters being an active energy ray irradiation amount, active energy ray irradiation timing, and thermal energy application amount, at least a first time and a last time of the repeated times of the recording process.
US07922314B2 Printing mechanism and method of ink formulation
One method of ink formulation may include providing a shipping material in a reservoir of a printing mechanism, placing a concentrated ink in communication with the reservoir, and mixing the shipping material and the concentrated ink together to create a print-ready ink.
US07922312B2 Compact ink delivery in an ink pen
In one embodiment an ink pen for an inkjet printer includes: an ink filter chamber; a pressure regulator chamber downstream from the ink filter chamber along a path of ink flow through the pen; a pressure regulator in the pressure regulator chamber; a filter in the ink filter chamber; an inlet to the ink filter chamber upstream from the filter along the ink flow path; and an outlet from the ink filter chamber to the pressure regulator chamber downstream from the filter along the ink flow path such that ink flowing from the inlet to the outlet passes through the filter. In another embodiment a method implemented in an ink delivery system for an inkjet ink pen includes: chambering ink in the pen; filtering the chambered ink; and then regulating the pressure of filtered ink.
US07922311B2 Ink-jet head and method of manufacturing the same
An ink-jet head has a passage component made of resin and a filter plate through which ink is filtered. The filter plate is fixed to the passage component and has a melting point higher than that of the passage component. The filter plate has an annular region and an inner region, and holes are formed through the filter plate in the annular and inner regions. The passage component has a filter support face that is in contact with the annular region but out of contact with the inner region. A holder is formed on the filter support face. The holder penetrates through at least one of the holes formed in the annular region and covers the other face of the filter plate.
US07922309B2 Ink refill kit capable of efficiently siphoning ink from an ink bottle
An ink refill kit for injecting ink into an ink cartridge includes an ink bottle and an injector. The ink bottle stores ink. The injector siphons the ink from the ink bottle and injects the ink into the ink cartridge. The ink bottle includes an opening, an inner bottom surface, and a single deepest portion. The opening allows the injector to pass therethrough. The inner bottom surface is provided on an inner bottom of the ink bottle. The single deepest portion is provided in the inner bottom surface opposite the opening and having a depth greater than that of the inner bottom surface.
US07922308B2 Liquid detection device, liquid container using the same, and method of producing liquid detection device
A liquid detection device includes a casing main body in which a passage is formed and exposed in an opening, a sensor base that is disposed to face the passage of the casing main body, a sensor chip provided on the sensor base, a film that seals the opening in which the sensor base is held, and a partition wall that divides the passage into an upstream side and an downstream side. The sensor chip has a sensor cavity, and the sensor base has a first hole that guides a liquid from the upstream side to the sensor cavity, and a second hole that guides the liquid from the sensor cavity to the downstream side. The sensor base can come into contact with the casing main body through only the partition wall in a depth direction of the opening.
US07922304B2 Liquid droplet jetting head
An ink-jet head includes a channel unit in which a channel is formed, a piezoelectric unit, and a wiring unit stacked on the piezoelectric unit. The wiring unit has a substrate, an individual supply-terminal group which includes a plurality of individual supply-terminals, a common supply-terminal, and an isolative covering layer, which is stacked on a surface of the substrate facing the piezoelectric unit. In the covering layer, a trap groove which runs between the individual supply-terminals and the common supply-terminal, and surrounds the individual supply-terminal group is formed. Accordingly, there is provided a liquid droplet jetting head which is capable of preventing a shorting between the individual drive electrodes of the piezoelectric unit, and between the individual supply-terminals of the wiring unit, due to the liquid entered from outside.
US07922300B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus, method for manufacturing liquid ejecting apparatus, and ink-jet printer
An ink-jet head includes a common liquid chamber, a plurality of pressure chambers, a plurality of nozzles which eject ink, a plurality of individual ink channels communicating with the common liquid chamber, the pressure chambers and the nozzles, and a piezoelectric actuator which selectively varies the volume of the plurality of pressure chambers. The common liquid chamber is disposed on the side opposite to the nozzles with respect to the piezoelectric actuator. A through-hole which forms a part of the individual ink channels is formed in the piezoelectric actuator. This structure ensures a large region in which the nozzles can be disposed, and allows the nozzles to be arranged at higher density.
US07922298B2 Ink jet printhead with displaceable nozzle crown
A printhead includes a substrate defining a plurality of ink inlet channels; a drive circuitry layer; and a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement comprises a wall portion bounding a respective ink inlet channel, a crown portion defining an ink outlet, and a skirt portion depending from the crown portion. The crown, skirt and wall portions define a nozzle chamber. The printhead further includes an elongate actuator provided within the nozzle chamber and connected to the crown portion at one end and anchored to the substrate at an opposite end; and conductive pads provided at the anchor point of the elongate actuator, the conductive pads being provided between the elongate actuator and the substrate. The elongate actuator receives electrical signals from the drive circuitry via the conductive pads, and upon receipt of electrical signals from the drive circuitry, displaces towards and away from the substrate.
US07922297B2 Ink ejection device including a silicon chip having a heater stack positioned over a corresponding power transistor
A silicon chip has a plurality of ink jetting structures. Each ink jetting structure of the plurality of ink jetting structures includes a heater stack having an electrical heater element. A power transistor is electrically connected to the electrical heater element. A planarization layer is interposed between the power transistor and the heater stack. The planarization layer has a planar base surface on which the heater stack is formed.
US07922296B2 Method of operating a nozzle chamber having radially positioned actuators
Provided is a method of operating a nozzle chamber. The nozzle chamber has a wafer defining a chamber with an ink ejection port and ink supply channel along with a plurality of radially positioned actuators about the port. Each actuator has an internal serpentine core arranged in signal communication with a CMOS layer on the wafer. The method includes the steps of supplying the chamber with ink via the ink supply channel, and passing current through the serpentine cores for a predetermined period of time. The current produces thermal expansion of the actuators into the chamber to increase a chamber ink pressure to eject ink from the ejection port.
US07922294B2 Ink jet printhead with inner and outer heating loops
An ink jet printhead comprising: a substrate; a plurality of chambers supported by the substrate for receiving therewithin bubble forming liquid; a nozzle aperture formed in a surface of each chamber; a beam suspended within each chamber, the beam comprising at least one respective heater element. The at least one respective heater element heats at least part of the bubble forming liquid to a temperature above its boiling point to form a gas bubble therein, thereby causing ejection of a drop of the bubble forming liquid through the nozzle aperture corresponding to the heater element.
US07922291B2 Ink jet head and head unit
An ink jet head, includes: an actuator including a plurality of terminals; a wiring material including a base made of a flexible resin film on which a plurality of lands are arranged in arrays corresponding to the plurality of terminals, the wiring material of which one end is superimposed on a surface of the actuator, and which is extended in a direction parallel to the surface of the actuator; and a drive circuit for driving the actuator, wherein: the wiring material includes a small width portion, of which a width in a direction, perpendicular to an extended direction is smaller than that of the one end superimposed on the actuator, arranged on an extended portion; and the drive circuit is mounted on the extended portion; and wiring patterns are formed on the wiring material, for connecting the drive circuit and the plurality of lands.
US07922289B2 Nozzle plate of inkjet printhead and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a nozzle plate of an inkjet printhead and a method of manufacturing the same. The nozzle plate includes: a substrate including a plurality of nozzles; and a plurality of first grooves formed on the surface of a substrate around the nozzles. In this structure, ink remaining on the surface of the nozzle plate can be efficiently removed.
US07922288B2 Printing system
A printing system includes a first image applying component configured for applying one or more primary colorants to print media for rendering an image. A second image applying component is configured for applying a second colorant, such as black colorant, to print media for rendering an image. A first pathway conveys print media between the first image applying component and the second image applying component. A second pathway bypasses the first image applying component for conveying print media which is printed by the second image applying component. Where an image is to be rendered with the primary colorants and optionally also black, the print media is directed on the first pathway to both the first and second image applying components. Where an image is to be rendered only with black colorant, the print media may be directed to the second image applying component via the bypass pathway. In this way, during black printing, the first image applying component can be placed in a standby mode.
US07922285B2 Method of cleaning a printhead using liquid foam
A method of cleaning an inkjet printhead, by generating a liquid foam on the ink ejection face such that particulate contaminants on the ejection surface disperse into the foam, then transferring the foam, together with the particulate contaminants dispersed within, onto a rotatable transfer surface moving relative said ejection face and, rotating the rotatable transfer surface into contact with a removal surface to remove the foam and the particulate contaminants dispersed within. Ink consumption is minimized by use of a foam and damage to the face is avoided since the rotatable transfer surface does not contact the face.
US07922282B2 Cap apparatus for liquid jetting head and liquid jetting apparatus
A cap apparatus includes a cap which seals nozzles of a liquid jetting head, an absorber which is accommodated tightly inside the cap, a cap holder which is accommodated tightly inside the cap, and a holder which has a holding body which makes a contact with an upper surface of the absorber, a pin which is protruded downward from the holding main portion, and an engaging portion which is provided on a front end of the pin. Through holes which make the cap, the absorber, and the cap holder communicate, are formed in the cap, the absorber, and the cap holder. Since the through holes function as a passage, it is possible to improve an assembling workability of the cap apparatus.
US07922280B2 Maintenance station for an imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes a frame and a maintenance sled movably coupled to the frame. The maintenance sled includes a carrier engagement member. A printhead carrier is coupled to the frame. A carrier motor is drivably coupled to the printhead carrier. A controller is coupled to the carrier motor. The controller controls the carrier motor to drive the printhead carrier at a first velocity and at a second velocity. The second velocity is lower than the first velocity. The printhead carrier is controlled to move at the first velocity toward the maintenance sled, wherein prior to the printhead carrier contacting the carrier engagement member of the maintenance sled, the printhead carrier is decelerated from the first velocity to the second velocity.
US07922279B2 Printhead maintenance facility with ink storage and driven vacuum drainage coupling
A inkjet printhead maintenance facility that has an ink storage reservoir for holding ink ejected from the inkjet printhead during a maintenance operation and, an outlet coupling in fluid communication with the ink storage reservoir and configured for connection to a vacuum source to draw ink out of the ink storage reservoir.
US07922276B2 Ink jet printhead module and ink jet printer
An ink jet printhead module including multiple chip control circuits is provided. The ink jet printhead module is capable of receiving multiple address signals and multiple chip selection signals from a printhead drive unit of the printing apparatus. Each of the chip control circuits is capable of receiving the address signals and a corresponding one of the chip selection signals. Each of the chip control circuits includes multiple switching circuits and an ink jetting circuit set. Each of the switching circuits is capable of receiving a corresponding one of the address signals and the corresponding one of the chip selection signals and outputting a switching signal. The ink jetting circuit set includes multiple ink jetting circuits. Each of the ink jetting circuits is capable of receiving the switching signal from the corresponding switching circuit and determining whether or not to jet out ink based on the received switching signal.
US07922274B2 Solid semiconductor element, ink tank, ink jet recording apparatus provided with ink tank, liquid information acquiring method and liquid physical property change discriminating method
There is disclosed a solid semiconductor element which very efficiently detects information about a liquid and bidirectionally exchanges the information with the outside. The solid semiconductor element is disposed in a liquid container, and includes at least energy converting unit, information acquiring unit, and information communicating unit. The energy converting unit converts an electromotive force from the outside to a power, and operates the information acquiring unit and information communicating unit. The information acquiring unit acquires the information about the liquid in which the solid semiconductor element is disposed from the liquid, and the information communicating unit transmits the information acquired by the information acquiring unit to the outside.
US07922271B2 Label printer
A user's operation burden can be reduced by giving the data recording command and the label printing command by the use of only an interface for writing data to a recording medium. A label printer includes an extraction portion extracting label information from a recording medium image file which stores data to be written to a recording surface of a recording medium and label information to be printed on a label surface of the recording medium. A label information printing portion prints the extracted label information on the label surface of the recording medium. A file writing portion writes the recording medium image file to the recording surface of the recording medium.
US07922270B2 Pull-in and damping device for a displaceable element
A pull-in and damping device for a displaceable element has a displacement part (2), movable transversely to the displacement direction of the element, with a cam (14), which displacement part (2) is pullable, via spring means (13), from a moved-out position into a moved-in position, the cam (14) co-operating with curved pathways (6, 7), which have a minimum (24) and a maximum (25). The displacement part (2) is held in a clamped way via a clamping device (4) when, during displacement of the displaceable element from the end position into a moved-out position, the cam (14) of the displacement part (2) reaches the maximum (25) of the curved pathways (6, 7), and which clamping holding of the displacement part (2) is released when, during the pushing back of the displaceable element, the cam (14) of the displacement part (2) reaches the maximum (25) of the curved pathway (6, 7).
US07922269B2 Cabinet assembly including a scissors lift
A cabinet assembly is disclosed. The cabinet assembly includes a scissors lift mountable to a utility pole and including a plurality of linkages. The scissors lift is moveable between extended and retracted positions. The scissors lift includes a drive mechanism interfaced with the linkages and configured to move the scissors lift between the extended and retracted positions. The cabinet assembly further includes a cabinet mounted to the scissors lift and moveable between raised and lowered positions.
US07922263B2 Braking apparatus for vehicle
In a braking apparatus for a vehicle, an input piston and a pressurizing piston are movably supported inside a cylinder, thereby sectioning a first pressure chamber, a second pressure chamber, and a third pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber and the third pressure chamber communicating with each other through a communicating path. An ECU causes a control hydraulic-pressure that is adjusted by first and second liner valves to act on the second pressure chamber from the third pressure chamber, thereby assisting the pressurizing piston to enable to output control hydraulic-pressure from the first pressure chamber. A counterforce chamber whose volume decreases as the input piston moves forward is provided inside a cylinder, and a counterforce giving mechanism that can give an operation counterforce to a brake pedal through the input piston by deforming corresponding to decrease of the volume of the counterforce chamber is provided inside the input piston.
US07922260B2 Wheel and wheel disk
A wheel assembly includes a wheel rim and a wheel disk that attaches to the wheel rim. The wheel rim includes an inner region for receiving a wheel hub and defines a rotational axis. The wheel disk includes a section for attachment to the wheel hub and an attachment flange for securing the wheel disk and the wheel rim together. The attachment flange includes a first side corresponding to the inner region and a second side corresponding to the wheel rim, where the attachment flange extends from the section in a direction that is transverse to the rotational axis.
US07922256B2 Circular-shank tool comprising a tool holder
A circular-shank tool including a shank held in a bore of a tool holder by a locking sleeve, the shank being rotatably held in the locking sleeve. The locking sleeve has one or more retaining elements that project inwards and engage in a peripheral groove in the shank of the tool, thus indisplaceably securing the locking sleeve in an axial direction on the shank of the tool. Because the locking sleeve is mirror-symmetrical to the central transversal plane, the locking sleeve can be fixed to the shank in a position that is rotated through 180°.
US07922253B2 Sofa kit
This invention concerns a sofa which solves the problems of the prior art by providing a sofa that can easily be assembled or disassembled by the end consumer at home. The disassembled sofa can be stored in 3 flat boxes. Storage in the flat boxes not only helps the warehouse to store the sofa, but when the end user has purchased the sofa it is easier in such flat boxes to transport it to the location where it will be assembled. The way this invention accomplishes these results is as follows: The parts of the sofa can be broken down into three boxes. Chaise sections can be assembled by placing the seat back flat on the ground and placing the seat frame/arm upright on top of the seat back. A metal threaded rod is used to connect the seat frame and the seat back. A metal nut is used to secure the seat frame to the back using a wrench that comes provided in the package of the kit. The legs are then twisted onto the bottom of the seat frame. The Chaise can be assembled in a left handed or right handed configuration. There is also a love seat portion and an ottoman portion. The love seat portion can also be assembled in a left handed or right handed configuration.
US07922249B2 Adjustable workstation
A workstation for a user comprising a basis, an shaft pivoted on the basis, a seat pivoted on the shaft, a back rest connected to the shaft, at least one shaft piston connecting the basis to the shaft and at least one seat piston connecting the shaft to the seat. The shaft and the seat are arranged to allow a user to sit at the workstation. The at least one shaft piston and at least one seat piston are arranged to allow changing the position of the shaft and of the seat. The orientation of the shaft and the orientation of the seat are adjustable by the user.
US07922248B2 Seating structure and methods for the use thereof
A seating structure has an articulated seat and back. A rear portion of the seat is automatically pivotable relative to a forward portion of the seat as the seat is tilted between upright and reclined tilt positions. An upper portion of the back is pivotable relative to the lower portion between a neutral position and an extended position, with the upper portion being pivotable relative to the lower portion independent of the tilt position of the back. In one aspect, an adjustment mechanism is coupled between lower and upper back support members and pivots the upper support member between at least first and second support positions. A seat with an adjustable seat depth is also provided, along with various methods for operating the different aspects and embodiments of the seating structure.
US07922243B2 Vehicle roof having high inherent stiffness
A vehicle roof having an opening, a folding arrangement, and a device for receiving the folding arrangement. The folding arrangement has at least two slats made of plastic which are arranged parallel to one another, and the folding arrangement can be retracted, while being folded, into the device in order to at least partially unblock the opening. The folding arrangement closes the opening completely when in the closed position. The slats are curved as a result of bracing when in the closed position and are oriented in a substantially flat and plane-parallel manner when retracted into the device.
US07922239B2 Motor vehicle body with an adapter carrier for a roof module, accompanying adapter carrier, as well as a method for its manufacture
A motor vehicle body is proposed with a roof-carrying frame, upon which an adaptor carrier is placed and secured for holding roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module variants, and an adapter carrier suitable for installation in a motor vehicle body according to the invention. A corresponding method of manufacturing is also proposed for a motor vehicle body with a roof-carrying frame.
US07922238B2 Quick changing rear module body vehicle
A vehicle having a driving cab and specialized frame extending rearward from the driving cab and a rear module body which can be easily exchanged on the specialized frame. The specialized frame has two rails, each with an incline, and the rear module body has two open bottom frame channels, which conform to the rails and the inclines. When lowered onto the specialized frame, interaction between the specialized frame and frame channels creates a forward push resulting in a tight fit of the rear module body to the rear of the driving cab. Sliding lock jack assemblies fasten the rear module body to the specialized frame and deploy to unfasten and then lift the rear module body free of the specialized frame. The slide lock jack assemblies conceal in compartments while fastening and rotate 90 degrees to lift.
US07922234B2 Rear lid
A rear lid closes a rear compartment of a passenger vehicle. The rear lid, when fitted, is attached to the vehicle and is composed of an inner part and an outer part. The rear lid contains a spoiler device which can be displaced between an inoperative position and an operative position and interacts with an adjustment device. In order to simplify producibility of the rear lid, the inner part is formed by an assembly carrier which forms the supporting structure of the rear lid and to which at least the adjustment device of the spoiler device is fastened. The outer part is formed by the spoiler device and a panel device.
US07922233B2 Sliding roof for convertible vehicle
A sliding roof for a convertible vehicle may include front, middle, and rear roofs, guide rails for sliding the front, middle, and rear roofs, and lift links for lifting the front and rear roofs such that the guide rail of the middle roof slides toward the guide rail of the rear roof and packaged adjacent to the rear of the vehicle. The sliding roof may include a latch which fixes a side pillar of the front roof to a windshield frame during operation of a sunroof and fixes the side pillar to the sunroof during packaging of the roof, thus ensuring the space of a rear seat of the vehicle.
US07922229B1 Reconfigurable body exterior panel assembly for vehicle
A vehicle has a body with a body opening and a reconfigurable body exterior panel that is mountable over the opening in first and second panel positions. The panel is pivotable about a panel pivot axis and is mounted on a pair of swing arms that are pivotable relative to the body about a bodyside pivot axis. The swing arms are Z-shaped and interact with stops to orient the panel in the first and second panel positions.
US07922228B2 Vehicle interior trim assembly
A vehicle interior trim assembly includes a vehicle structure and a trim member. The vehicle structure defines an interior compartment having at least one trim supporting portion. The trim member is coupled to the trim supporting portion. The trim member has an interior trim surface exposed within the interior compartment and a recessed portion defining a clip receiving lip. The clip receiving lip has a thickness that is less than the overall thickness of the trim member and is dimensioned to support a removable clip. The clip receiving lip includes a first clip engagement surface formed by the interior trim surface, a second clip engagement surface that forms a part of the recessed portion and an edge surface that connects the first and second engagement surfaces.
US07922226B2 Compensating gripper with independent gripper adjustment
A gripping device for gripping a printed product including a rotatable first gripper arm having a first gripper pad and a pivot, a rotatable second gripper arm having a second gripper pad and a pivot, a first link connecting the first gripper arm and second gripper arm and a second link having a spring connected to the first link. A method is also provided.
US07922218B2 Shear ring casing coupler device
A coupler device is for connecting first and second casings to form a casing assembly with a central axis, each casing having an inner end disposed against the inner end of the other casing such that the casings are spaced along the axis. The coupler device includes at least one generally arcuate connector having a first portion engageable with the first casing and a second portion engageable with the second casing so as to connect the two casings, the connector extending at least partially circumferentially about the casing axis. A retainer is disposeable either generally within or generally about the at least one connector and is configured to prevent radial displacement of the connector with respect to the axis so as to maintain engagement of the connector with the first and second casings.
US07922216B2 High-pressure threaded union with metal-to-metal seal, and metal ring gasket for same
A metal ring gasket provides a high-pressure temperature tolerant metal-to-metal seal between subcomponents of a threaded union. The metal ring gasket is received in an annular cavity formed between mating surfaces of the subcomponents of the threaded union. The metal ring gasket is capable of maintaining a fluid seal even at very high temperatures resulting from direct exposure to fire. At high fluid pressures the metal ring gasket is energized because hoop stress induced by the fluid pressure forces the metal ring gasket into tighter contact with the subcomponents of the threaded union.
US07922214B2 Connector structure with lock mechanism
A connector structure securely connectable in a locked state and releasable by an easy operation, comprising a supplying connection part for supplying a fluid and receiving connection part for receiving the supply of fluid. The connector structure also comprises a securing mechanism having an operating member moving according to a connecting operation between the supplying connection part to the receiving connection part, holding the connected state of the supplying part to the receiving part in a securely locked state and releasing the locked state of the supplying part to the receiving part by movement of the operating member according to the next pressing-in operation of the supplying part and an energizing mechanism energizing the supplying part in the separating direction thereof from the receiving part. When in the locked state, the pressurized fluid can be supplied from the supplying connection part to the receiving connection part.
US07922212B2 Barb clamp with smooth bore
A barb clamp for connection to a flexible tube is taught, the flexible tube having an inner bore defined by a predetermined inner diameter for providing a fluid flow path. The barb clamp includes a barb connector having the same predetermined inner diameter as the flexible tube and a tapered end insertable into the tube. A sleeve and collet lock over the tubing and barb connector to prevent liquid material entering between the barb and tube. The tapered end of the barb connector terminates at a point so that there is no transition between the inner diameter of the tube and the inner diameter of the barb connector to provide no pressure differential in the tube between the outside and inside of the barb clamp.
US07922210B1 Multi-layer label with variable data and method for its manufacture
A multi-layer label with variable data and method for its manufacture. First indicia is printed on a first label face ply of a multi-ply label material in registration with an eventual location of at least one of a plurality of multi-layer labels. The first indicia may be variable between at least two of the plurality of multi-layer labels. A second label material is removably adhered to the multi-ply first label material, thereby covering the first indicia. Second indicia is printed on the face of the second label material.
US07922207B2 Activation and deactivation mechanisms for media binders
In order to provide more secure binding of physical media, activation and deactivation mechanisms for media binders are presented. As such, internal spine clamp deactivation mechanisms for deactivating a spine clamp in a media binder are presented, the mechanism including: a tension sheet configured to operate the spine clamp in response to opening the media binder in a range of approximately 270 to 360 degrees (°), normally, greater than approximately 270°; a tear line disposed along the tension sheet and oriented along the spine clamp wherein when the tension sheet is torn at the tear line, the spine clamp is deactivated. In some embodiments, the mechanism further includes a cosmetic sheet disposed between the tension sheet and a cover of the media binder for providing a cover for the spine clamp such that when the tension sheet is torn, the spine clamp remains covered.
US07922205B2 Booster seat equipped with a seatbelt adaptor
A seatbelt adaptor, a system, and a method for enabling a user to improve the buckling and unbuckling of a child in a child booster safety seat in a vehicle, for use in conjunction with a conventional seatbelt restraint system, the seatbelt adaptor comprising a central lengthening device, an adaptor latch plate, and an adaptor buckle and wherein the length of the seatbelt adaptor is suited to improve upon the latching of the buckle of the seatbelt that secures a child seated in the child booster safety seat within a vehicle.
US07922204B2 Vibration-isolating device for steering wheel of traveling working vehicle with wheel steering mechanism
A vibration-isolating device for a steering wheel of a travelling working vehicle equipped with a wheel steering mechanism includes a first steering shaft (32) that transmits rotational displacement, the first steering shaft being operatively connected to the steering wheel (7); a second steering shaft (33) that transmits rotational displacement, the second steering shaft being operatively connected to the wheel steering mechanism (P, 23); and a vibration-isolating connecting mechanism (31) that operatively connects the first steering shaft (32) and the second steering shaft (33) to each other so that rotational displacement can be transmitted. When the angles of rotational displacement of the first steering shaft (32) and the second steering shaft (33) are within ranges of rotation angles for linearly driving the vehicle, rotational displacement cannot be transmitted between the first steering shaft (32) and the second steering shaft (33).
US07922202B2 Energy absorbing device
An energy-absorbing apparatus for occupant protection in vehicles has a receptacle in which a magnetorheological fluid is present, which in the event of an impact is pressed through a flow zone. The apparatus further has a device generating a variable magnetic field and which has a core which is wound with a coil. The magnetic field acts on the magnetorheological fluid in order to regulate the flow properties. The coil together with the core is arranged in the flow zone. The axis of the coil lies perpendicularly to the direction of flow of the magnetorheological fluid, and the flow zone has a sheathing formed of a magnetically conductive material.
US07922199B2 Apparatus and method for controlling an inflatable cushion
A control device for modifying the deployment characteristics of an inflatable cushion of an airbag module, the control device comprising: a releasable retention device, a first end of the releasable retention device being releasably secured to an inner surface of the inflatable cushion at a first location, the releasable retention device being configured to limit deployment of the inflatable cushion in a first direction when the releasable retention device is secured to the first location of the inflatable cushion; and a sensing device for releasing the releasable retention device from the first location, the sensing device being fixedly secured to the inner surface of the inflatable cushion at a second location remote from the first location and releasably secured to the releasable retention device, the sensing device being configured to release the releasable retention device from the first location when the second location of the inflatable cushion travels a predetermined distance during inflation.
US07922193B2 Airbag device
An airbag comprises a bag which is bent in the shape of an arrow ′<′ in a deployed state, and a connection member which is arranged on a side of the bag, facing a vehicle body, and connects the upper and lower ends of the bag with each other. A longitudinal intermediate portion of the bag projects toward a vehicle occupant. A space is defined between the projecting intermediate portion and the connection member. The head of the vehicle occupant initially comes into contact with the intermediate portion and then presses the bag toward the vehicle body. Upper and lower parts of the bag which extend upward and downward from the intermediate portion cooperate with the connection member to define a triangular space.
US07922187B2 Atrophy-reducing movable foot support apparatus
Gentle and substantially linear vertical motion of a wheelchair foot support is expected to provide superior results for maintenance of a wheelchair user's leg muscle mass' thus reducing atrophy of the wheelchair user's legs. Additionally, gentle continuous motion of the foot support is expected to aid in maintaining elasticity of the wheelchair user's leg joint ligaments' thus reducing contractures. Accordingly, an atrophy-reducing wheelchair includes a movable foot support mounted to a linkage that is movably connected to the wheelchair frame. As the wheelchair moves in normal operation, rotation of a wheelchair wheel drives the linkage to provide substantially linear vertical reciprocation of the foot support.
US07922182B2 Device for transporting a child
A device for transporting a child in a child seat includes a main frame for supporting the child seat, a swivable push bar for pushing the main frame from different sides, and pivotable wheels or wheel sets for supporting the main frame whereby the wheels or wheel sets are provided with pivot locks and brakes. The push bar has a brake handle for activating the brakes and the device includes a mechanism for activating the pivot locks of the wheels or wheel sets under the push bar and for simultaneously coupling only the brakes on these wheels or wheel sets with the brake handle.
US07922181B2 Vehicle height adjusting system
A first rotor (24; 124) and a second rotor (25; 125) are arranged in a coaxial and mutually rotatable relationship and are provided with a first driven gear (41; 141) and a second driven gear (42; 142), respectively. A drive shaft (31; 131) is also provided with a first drive gear (43; 143) and a second drive gear (44; 144) which are commonly connected to an output shaft of an electric motor (32; 132), and mesh with the first and second driven gears, respectively, at slightly different gear ratios. The first and second rotors are connected via a thread feed mechanism (36; 136) that converts a relative rotation between the first and second rotors into an axial linear movement between the first and second rotors that is used for changing a distance between a vehicle body part and a corresponding end of a suspension spring in a vehicle height adjusting system (9; 109). Owing to a differential rotation of a high gear ratio between the first and second rotors, a significant torque amplification is possible with a compact arrangement. The use of spur gears instead of a worm gear mechanism minimizes torque loss.
US07922179B2 Cast-in-place gasket for pipe joints
A cast-in-place gasket is provided for an associated pipe joint. The gasket is mounted to a first associated pipe and adapted to provide a seal between the first associated pipe and a second associated pipe. The gasket includes a gasket body formed into an annulus from a resilient material. A first sealing head and a second sealing head protrude from the body in an axially rearward and radially inward direction. The first sealing head is axially spaced from the second sealing head. Each of the first sealing head and the second sealing head include a sealing surface. A first mounting foot and a second mounting foot protrude from the body in a radially outward direction. The first mounting foot is axially spaced from the second mounting foot. An open annular cavity is defined in the body between the first sealing head and the second sealing head. A first lip protrudes from the body proximal to a base of the first sealing head and extends in an axially forward and radially inward direction. A second lip protrudes from the body proximal to the sealing surface of the second sealing head and extends in an axially rearward and radially inward direction. The first lip and the second lip cooperate to inhibit the flow of an associated casting material from contacting the sealing surfaces of the gasket during casting of the associated first pipe.
US07922178B2 Player key for an instant-win lottery ticket and method for validating same
A game ticket is disclosed. The game ticket includes a first and second indicia concealed by a removable opaque covering and indicating visually whether the game ticket is a winning ticket. The first indicia is located with a game play area. The second indicia includes a first player key located within the game player area and a second player key located in a customer key area, wherein whether the game ticket is a winning ticket is determinable upon a comparison of the first and second player keys. A method and apparatus for using the game ticket is also disclosed.
US07922173B2 Apparatus for handling documents of value
An apparatus for handling documents of value comprises at least a first device, which has a transport path portion, along which a document of value is transported to and/or from the first device and/or into the first device, at least a second device, which has a transport path portion, along which a document of value is transported to and/or from the second device and/or into the second device, wherein the devices are arranged such that a document of value can be transported from the transport path portion of the first device into the one of the second device and/or from the transport path portion of the second device into the one of the first device, and at one coupling end of the respective transport path portion in a fixed position in relation to the respective transport path portion a pair of rolls mounted to be rotatable around a rotation axis, between the rolls of which a document of value is clamped when transported and the rolls of which in a section through the rotation axis have a comblike structure, the pairs of rolls being arranged and formed such that the rolls of a first of the pairs of rolls and the respective rolls of a second of the pairs of rolls in the coupling position intermesh in a combing fashion.
US07922172B2 Paper stacking apparatus
A bottom surface of a stacking and accommodating portion is structured such as to be sloped to be lower in accordance with moving away from a paper carry-in side, and a push plate is controlled so as to be moved in a direction moving close to a carry-in port of the paper by detecting a stack paper width determined on the basis of a product of a stacked number count information of the papers and a thickness information per one paper, and the papers are accommodated.
US07922170B2 Sheet type handling apparatus
A sheet type handling apparatus which handles various sheets includes an apparatus body having an introduction port for introducing the sheets; a first lid member rotatably attached to the apparatus body for supporting the sheets introduced into the introduction port; and a second lid member connected to the first lid member for covering the introduction port in association with an action to close the first lid member.
US07922167B2 Sheet conveying device, and image forming apparatus including same
A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes first and second conveying units configured to hold and convey a sheet, a first sheet conveying path between the first and second conveying units, and a registration unit to change a positional condition of the sheet conveyed by the second conveying unit. In at least one embodiment, the second conveying unit includes a moving and guiding unit and a rotary conveyance unit facing each other and forming a sheet holding section therebetween to hold and convey the sheet, and the moving and guiding unit and the rotary conveyance unit are disposed in the vicinity of the first conveying unit so that a distance between the second conveying unit and the registration unit is relatively increased.
US07922165B2 Sheet stacking apparatus, sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus or an image forming apparatus has a discharging member which discharges sheets; a stacking member which stacks the discharged sheets; a sheet positioning member, located on the downstream side of the stacking member in the discharging direction, which receives ends of the discharged sheets in a discharging direction of the sheet discharged by the discharging member; and a pressure member having a pressure surface which presses the sheet received by the sheet positioning member toward a stacking surface of the stacking member; wherein at first a downstream side in the discharging direction of the pressing surface presses the discharged sheets toward the stacking surface of the stacking member, and subsequently an upstream side in the discharging direction of the pressing surface presses the discharged sheets toward the stacking surface sequentially.
US07922164B2 Sheet finishing device and image forming apparatus
At the time when an aligning unit collects and aligns a recording sheet, the front portion of a movable supporting member of a collecting tray is moved toward the recording sheet to close a space in the collecting tray. Moreover, the front portion of the movable supporting member abuts against the front end of the recording sheet. As a result, the front end of the recording sheet does not hang loose in the space.
US07922161B2 Sheet finisher, image forming apparatus using the same, and sheet finishing method
A sheet finisher of the invention includes a saddle stitch unit configured to stitch a center of a sheet bundle, in which printed sheets are bundled, with a staple, a fold unit configured to fold the center stitched by the saddle stitch unit and to form a fold line, and a fold reinforcing unit configured to reinforce the fold line formed by the fold unit, the fold reinforcing unit includes a roller unit that includes a reinforce roller and moves along a direction of the fold line while applying pressure by the reinforce roller to the fold line of the sheet bundle transported from the fold unit, a drive unit configured to move the roller unit along the direction of the fold line, and a control unit configured to control a movement speed of the roller unit, and the control unit causes the roller unit to move at a first speed in an outside of a specified range including the edge of the staple, and causes the roller unit to move at a second speed not higher than the first speed in the specified range including the edge of the staple.
US07922159B2 Clamping apparatus for positioning and fixing work pieces
A clamping apparatus for attaching work pieces to be machined to the work table of a machine tool in a precisely defined position comprises at least one clamping rail to be attached to the work table of the machine, as well as at least one work piece holder. The clamping rail is provided with an elongate protruding portion, the front face thereof constituting a stop surface and which defines a recess between itself and the work table of the machine tool. The elongate protruding portion may be provided with threaded bores for receiving clamping screws. Each work piece holder includes a clamping portion which can be inserted into the recess and clamped therein by means of the clamping screws. The clamping rail includes a flat bottom surface resting on the surface of the work table of the machine tool and running perpendicular to the aforementioned front face of the elongate protruding portion. The side of the work piece holder having the aforementioned clamping portion includes a reference surface adapted to rest against the front face of the elongate portion of the clamping rail.
US07922154B2 Fuel supply assembly
A fuel supply assembly for a two-stroke crankcase scavenged combustion engine that is operated with layered scavenging is presented. The assembly includes a housing and a first and second parallel channels extending through the housing. The first channel is for a fuel/air mixture and the second channel is for auxiliary air. The assembly also includes a partition wall extending in a plane between the first and second channels and arranged upstream and downstream of at least one butterfly valve. The assembly also includes a protruding section which extends across the butterfly along the axis of rotation at least on the downstream side of the butterfly. The housing includes fuel-conveying idling ducts that open in the first channel in the region where the butterfly valve, sealing member on the partition wall, substantially contacting the protruding section at least on the downstream side of the butterfly.
US07922152B2 Valve element opening/closing device
A valve element opening/closing device may include a main body formed with a space, an inflow pipe and an outflow pipe which are connected to the main body, a valve element for opening and closing a flow passage, and a drive part for driving the valve element to open and close the flow passage. The valve element may be arranged on an inflow pipe side with respect an opening of the main body to which the inflow pipe is connected. The valve element is preferably arranged within the inflow pipe.
US07922145B2 Adjustable support stand for pre-cast concrete wall forms
An adjustable support stand is mounted on a pre-cast concrete wall panel form to facilitate the leveling of the form and the support of the form about the production plant floor. The adjustable support stand includes a frame portion that houses a threaded rod positional fixed for rotation within the frame portion to drive a vertical movement of the leg member in response to rotation of the threaded rod. The adjustable support stand further includes a clamping apparatus that detachably mounts the frame portion to the flanges of a steel beam frame member. The actuator member can be a nut welded to the top of the threaded rod to affect movement of the engaged leg member in response to manipulation with a powered or manually operated hand tool, or a gear set and an orthogonal drive shaft that transfers rotation from a hand tool to the threaded rod.
US07922144B2 Fixture for data access device
In a fixture for a data access device having a hole, the fixture includes a fixing base, a switch and an elastic member, and the fixing base includes a bottom plate, a pair of bent boards extended out from the bottom plate, and a through groove disposed on bottom plate and corresponding to the hole, a switch disposed on a side of the bottom plate and pivotally coupled to the bent board, and a positioning pillar corresponding to the through groove and protruded from a side of the switch that faces the bottom plate, and the elastic member is elastically clamped between the bottom plate and the switch, such that if the switch is pressed, the positioning pillar will be passed into or retracted from the hole, so as to simply the fixation and installation of the data access device.
US07922143B2 Seat moving track assembly
The present invention improves the shape of a protruding part of a locking member which allows a lower stationary rail and an upper moving rail of a seat moving track assembly to be coupled with each other, thereby enabling a stable movement with a further simplified configuration component.
US07922139B2 Adjustable projector mount
A mount for attaching a projection device to an overhead structure includes a device interface operably attachable to the projection device and a device orientation adjustment structure operably coupled with the device interface. The device orientation adjustment structure has structure defining up to three independent axes for adjustment of projector pitch, roll, and yaw. A single selectively adjustable friction element may be provided to enable projector position to be fixed about for any one or all of the independent axes. A gear adjustment mechanism may be provided to enable fine adjustment of projector position. Moreover, any one or all of the independent axes may pass through the projector device, preferably proximate its center of gravity so that it is self balanced on the mount to ease adjustment.
US07922138B2 Dental apparatus having an adjustable articulated arm
Disclosed herein is a dental apparatus having a flexible arm for a dental apparatus. A benefit of the inventive flexible arm is the ability to make fine adjustments in orientation of one end of the arm relative to the other. More specifically, the ability to adjust or optimize the horizontal attitude of a movable end of the arm quickly and easily without resorting to expensive and time consuming remanufacture of the arm components. Adjustment of the end of the arm is accomplished via an adjusting mechanism with a rotatable shaft having an offset pin, where rotation of the shaft caused the pin to translate as defined by the offset of the pin center relative to the shaft center.
US07922134B2 Objects including gaming stools with an easy rolling support base
Generally large objects including ergonomic gaming stools are provided with a supporting assembly including an easy rolling support base to enable them to be moved easily along a generally unidirectional line of movement. An easy rolling support base for the supporting assembly includes a shaped disc member to the underside of which are affixed a plurality of freely mounted roller members in predetermined angular spaced relationship. The freely mounted roller members are so mounted that the rollers are in alignment with each other and rotate in the same direction. A roller members connecting plate is provided to facilitate mounting the roller members in predetermined angular position before they are mounted into assembled position on the easy rolling support base and to facilitate repair of a roller member that may fail. The roller members are formed of materials to support the load and shaped to oppose other than unidirectional movement.
US07922131B2 Apparatus for securing items to a microphone stand
A device according to the present invention includes a support bracket coupled, or adapted to be coupled, to a longitudinal support member, such as a microphone stand, and a receiver extending from the support bracket. The support bracket is generally formed in a coil. The receiver may be integrally formed with the support bracket, or may be removably coupled thereto. A plurality of interchangeable receivers may also be provided.
US07922128B2 Cable management apparatus, system, and furniture structures
A one-piece easily manufactured and economical unitary product that both facilitates the routing of cable and the storage of extra lengths of cable is provided in one embodiment by a cable management apparatus including a flange mate-able with an opening and a cable management structure connected to the flange. In various exemplary non-limiting embodiments, the innovation provides multimedia furniture that includes structure for supporting an entertainment device, at least one outwardly facing rear section, wherein the at least one outwardly facing rear section includes an opening through which a cable is receivable and a cable management apparatus disposed on the outwardly facing rear section, the cable management apparatus includes a flange mate-able with the opening and a cable management structure connected to the flange.
US07922123B2 Parachute deployment line and cut knife
A releasable deployment line for a parachute system is provided. The releasable deployment line may include a first segment of material including an aircraft end configured to be operably connected to an aircraft, and a release end configured to be operably connected to a first section of a multi-ring release system. The replaceable deployment line may further include a second segment of material including a container end configured to be operably connected to a parachute container, and a ring end configured to be operably connected to a second section of the multi-ring release system and a third segment of material. The third segment of material may include a parachute end configured to be operably connected to a parachute within the parachute container, and a pin end configured to be operably connected to a retaining pin associated with the first section of the multi-ring release system.
US07922120B2 Wing ice protection heater element network
An ice prevention network comprising a plurality of non-overlapping heater elements arranged in a grid along an airfoil is provided, powered by a multiphase power source, each phase powering selected heater elements that can selectively be powered on and powered off. The grid has a number of zones extending along the airfoil perpendicular to the airflow over the airfoil and a number of sections extending along the surface of the airfoil parallel to the airflow over the airfoil. Each of the heater elements is assigned to a single power phase and arranged such that an arbitrary section may be deactivated without causing a phase imbalance of more than one heating unit and such that a single zone may be activated without causing a phase imbalance of more than one heating unit.
US07922119B2 Telescopic stowage bin
A stowage bin arrangement for fastening a stowage bin for an aircraft, includes a stowage bin unit with a first direction of extension. The stowage bin unit may be fastened to an aircraft structure and be designed such that the stowage bin unit is capable of being telescopically extended along the first direction of extension.
US07922114B2 Expanding-mandrel winder for reel
A winder in which the jaws of the mandrel expand automatically by the weight of the reel, without introducing external energy. The winder has a mandrel of horizontal axis (A) whose jaws are expandable by means of links hinged to the end of a sliding pull rod and connected to the frame by a hinged connecting rod. The winder includes a rocker connected to the frame by a fixed pivot axis (D) and to the mandrel by the physical embodiment of the axis of rotation (A), the two axes (D, A) are parallel. The rocker moves the mandrel vertically between a raised loading position and a lowered use position under the weight of a reel and it brings about, simultaneously, sliding of the pull rod, automatic expansion of the jaws, and automatic clamping of the reel.
US07922110B2 Shredding machine
A shredding machine is disclosed for shredding sheet material such as paper documents. The machine comprises an electric cutting mechanism which is operable to shred the sheet material, and has a collection bin arranged below the cutting mechanism for collection of the resulting shreds. The collection bin is movable in a pivotal manner between a first position in which it permits operation of the cutting mechanism and collects the shreds, and a second position in which it stops operation of the cutting mechanism. The bin is configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to the weight of shreds collected in the bin and the force acting on the collected shreds by fresh shreds exiting the cutting mechanism exceeding a predetermined threshold value.
US07922109B2 Thrust bearing for a gyratory crusher and method of supporting a vertical shaft in such a crusher
A gyratory crusher includes a crushing head on which a first crushing shell is mounted, and a frame on which a second crushing shell is mounted. The crusher has a thrust bearing which is made up of horizontal bearing plates and which is located between a vertical shaft and a piston arranged vertically below the vertical shaft. The crusher further has a first space, which is adapted to receive a variable amount of pressurized liquid, the first space being defined by the piston and a piston housing formed in the frame, and a second space which is adapted to receive, by way of a duct, pressurized liquid from the first space, the second space being located between the vertical shaft and the piston and at least partly accommodated in an opening in at least one of the bearing plates. The first space and the second space are adapted, by the liquid, to transmit forces from the crushing head to the piston housing, in order that the load on the thrust bearing is relieved.
US07922107B2 Spray gun with paint cartridge
A spray paint gun having a disposable cartridge inserted therein such that paint can flow through the cartridge in the spray gun without touching the spray gun. Since no part of the spray gun has paint touching it, there is no cleaning of the spray gun or its components. The cartridges can be easily inserted into the spray gun and easily removed such that different color paints can be used in the spray gun in quick succession without down time for cleaning. There is no use of solvents for cleaning, making the cartridge spray gun environmentally friendly. The disposable cartridges eliminate expensive time consuming cleaning. The cartridges can be breach loaded into the front portion of a spray gun and front portion containing the cartridge can quickly snapped into place and ready for use by a hinged connection to the rear portion or by other connection means.
US07922104B2 Gravity driven fluid supply vessel for dispensing an aromatic odor neutralizer
An aromatic odor neutralizer includes a vaporization chamber containing a wick with an end part immersed in fluid in a storage cup that is gravity fed from an airtight vessel by the use of air pathways exposed when the liquid level in the cup is reduced. The vaporization chamber is located in a dispenser housing with an internal passage between end walls and communicating with vents in the sides for aerodynamic airflow to efficiently absorb vapors from a vaporizer chamber.
US07922097B2 SIM card IC module and SIM card
The invention provides a SIM card IC module and a SIM card having a small antenna gain change. A SIM card 10 includes an IC module 11 including a circuit section 18 having a plurality of electronic components 16 mounted on a mounting surface 14A of a board 14, and an antenna 20 connected to the circuit section 18, and a plate-like base member 12 in which a recessed portion 22 for accommodating the circuit section 18 is provided. The antenna 20 is arranged to be substantially parallel to the mounting surface 14A, and has a three-dimensional structure arranged at a position shifted by a predetermined dimension from the mounting surface 14A along a thickness direction of the board 14.
US07922096B2 Support for a cartridge for transferring an electronically readable item of information from the cartridge to an electronic circuit
The invention relates to: A support (15) for a cartridge (10) provided with one or more electronically readable information carrying areas (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127). The invention further relates to the use of a composite material for a support. The object of the present invention is to provide means, which are capable of securely transferring information with an increased density from a cartridge to an electronic circuit, and which are flexible and may be customized to a variety of physical designs. The problem is solved in that the support (15) for the cartridge (10) is at least partially constituted by one or more electrically connecting supports (151), each comprising a number of closely spaced mutually electrically insulated conductors (1511) embedded in an electrically insulating material (1512, 155) that stretches from one of the supporting surfaces of the cartridge to a contact area (163) for receiving and transferring the information, when said cartridge (10) is positioned in said support (15). This has the advantage of providing a flexible solution, allowing a large information density on a cartridge to be safely transferred to an electronic circuit. The invention may be used e.g. in connection with replaceable medication cartridges for medication delivery devices and with other cartridges from which an item of information is to be electronically transferred.
US07922095B2 Information storage medium and medium processing system
An information storage medium includes storage unit for storing first, second, and third data composed of a data structure including identification information which identifies process target data, length information indicating data length of the process target data, and the process target data, communication unit for communicating with a medium processing device, and data processing unit for accessing the process target data included in the second data on the basis of a first command received via the communication unit, the first command specifying the identification information included in the second data and ordering processing of the process target data included in the second data, and subsequently accessing the process target data included in the first data on the basis of a second command including a preceding data specification and ordering processing of the process target data.
US07922093B2 Semiconductor chips for TAG applications, devices for mounting the same, and mounting method
A TAG chip includes a magnetic coating or an electrostatically chargeable structure. A device for packing semiconductor chips includes an electromagnetic or electrostatic lifter, which picks up singulated semiconductor chips of a semiconductor wafer with a magnetic coating or including an electrostatically chargeable structure from a wafer position and deposits them in a collecting position. A mounting device includes a conveying roller with conveying receptacles for semiconductor chips, which pick up the semiconductor chips in a pick-up position with electromagnetically or electrostatically activatable conveying receptacles and, in a discharge position will discharge, via deactivation of the conveying receptacles, the semiconductor chips onto a corresponding liner or an object.
US07922089B2 Hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system employing automatic object presence detection to control automatic generation of a linear targeting illumination beam within the field of view (FOV), and manual trigger switching to initiate illumination
A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window, and an area-type image formation and detection subsystem having image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and forming and detecting 2D digital images of the object on an area-type image detection array. The system includes an object presence detection subsystem for automatically detecting an object within the FOV, and generating a first trigger event indicative of automatic object detection within the FOV. The system also includes an object targeting illumination subsystem for generating and projecting a visible targeting illumination beam within the FOV, in response to the generation of the first trigger event signal. A manual trigger switch is integrated with the hand-supportable housing, for generating a second trigger event, indicating that a code symbol on the detected object is aligned with the visible targeting illumination beam and is ready for illumination and imaging. Also, the system includes an LED-based illumination subsystem, responsive to the second triggering event, for generating and projecting a field of illumination through the imaging window and within the FOV so that light transmitted through the imaging window and reflected/scattered off the object and detected by the area-type image detection array within the hand-supportable housing.
US07922086B2 Obtaining user assistance
An apparatus, device, method, computer program product, and system that detects a first electronic device in a proximity to a second electronic device; and obtains an end user assistance corresponding to an at least substantially common aspect of the first electronic device and the second electronic device.
US07922082B2 Dynamic card validation value
As described herein, a card services provider dynamically generates a card verification value (CVV) for a transaction card and sends the dynamically-generated CVV to a cardholder. The card services provider generates the dynamically-generated CVV such that the dynamically-generated CVV is substantially unpredictable based on other dynamically-generated CVVs for the transaction card. The dynamically-generated CVV is only valid for a limited period of time and/or for a limited number of economic transactions. The cardholder uses the dynamically-generated CVV as part of an economic transaction with a merchant. Because the dynamically-generated CVV is only valid for a limited number of economic transactions and/or for a limited period of time, it may be difficult for a thief to repeatedly use the transaction card to make economic transactions.
US07922081B2 Identification information managing method and system
A ticket system using an IC card includes a terminal, such as an entrance gate, and a server. A ticket incorporates an IC chip having read-only identification information and the server manages a table of the correspondence between identification information printed on the surface of the ticket and identification information the IC chip has and a table of the correspondence between new identification information and old identification information which are accompanied by a reissue. By distributing data of the correspondence tables to a terminal such as an entrance gate, a cheap ticket system capable of performing mechanical processing can be provided.
US07922077B2 System and method for activating telephone-based payment instrument
A payment instrument in the form of a cell phone is loaded with account information and activated as a payment instrument by reading account information from a nearby RFID device, and entering a user PIN or password. In one embodiment, the account information is read from an RFID tag provided to the user, and the password is entered on the phone keypad. In a second embodiment, the account information is read from an RFID device at an ATM or kiosk after the user inserts a card into a card reader at the ATM or kiosk and enters the password at the ATM or kiosk keypad.
US07922075B2 Security document scanner
A sensing device for use with a security document is disclosed. The security document has disposed thereon or therein coded data including a plurality of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the security document and a signature part. The signature part is a part of a digital signature of at least the identity. The sensing device has a sensor for sensing coded data portions and a processor. The processor determines, using sensed coded data portions, a sensed identity, a plurality of signature parts, and an identifier for each signature part, generates a sensed signature from the plurality of signature parts by arranging signature parts according to respective identifiers, determines a generated identity from the sensed signature, and authenticates the security document by comparing the sensed identity and the generated identity.
US07922074B2 System and method for matching colored lids to cartons
A system and method for matching lids to cartons includes a carton feed conveyor having a plurality of cartons carried at individual flight positions defined along the conveyor, with each of the cartons having a mark applied thereto indicating a type of lid to be applied to the respective carton. A reader is operatively disposed relative to the carton feed conveyor to read the marks. A lid feed conveyor has a plurality of individual flight positions defined thereon, with each flight position on the carton feed conveyor having an assigned flight position on the lid feed conveyor. A lid placer station is supplied with different types of lids from respective separate lid magazines and is disposed along the lid feed conveyor. The lid placer station is in communication with the reader and is configured to select and place lids dictated by the marks from the magazines onto the flight positions on the lid feed conveyor that are assigned to the flight positions on the carton feed conveyor containing the carton and associated mark read by the reader.
US07922066B2 Method of manufacturing a rotary sputtering target using a mold
The process that is the subject of this invention is a method of making a rotary sputtering target having the steps of providing a cylinder of sputtering target material having an adhesion-wetting layer on its inside surface; providing a stainless steel sputtering target backing tube having an outside diameter smaller than the sputtering target material inside diameter, the backing tube having an adhesion-wetting layer on its outside surface; welding an upper and lower stainless steel retaining ring to the backing tube adjacent to the sputtering target material so that the target material is in compression and the backing tube in tension; and introducing molten bonding material into the annulus between the backing tube and the sputtering target material.The apparatus that is the subject of the present invention is a rotary sputtering target apparatus having a cylinder of sputtering target material; a backing tube having a smaller outside diameter than the inside diameter of the sputtering target material; and bonding material disposed between the target material and backing tube, the bonding material bonding them together.
US07922056B2 Staple cartridge and staple leg chip processing apparatus
A stapler 1 is provided with a cutter unit 12 for cutting a leading end portion of a staple leg projected to a back face side of sheets. A staple cartridge 20 containing a number of staples is formed with a chip containing portion 23 for containing a chip of the staple leg. The chip of the staple leg cut by the cutter unit 12 is guided into the chip containing portion 23 of the staple cartridge 20 by a chute 22 formed on the cutter unit 12. The chip of the staple leg is collected in the staple cartridge 20.
US07922052B2 Carrying strap arrangement for supporting stretchers in land vehicles, aircraft and watercraft
A carrying strap arrangement for use in supporting stretchers in land vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft. A carrying strap is attached to a vehicle ceiling and floor by fittings disposed at ends of the carrying strap. At least one support strap is disposed on the carrying strap and is formed into a strap loop to accommodate the carrying handle of the stretcher. The support strap is guided in a sliding manner through a pass-through fitting to form the strap loop. An end of the support strap is secured to the pass-through fitting such that under load the support strap is drawn through the fitting and the strap loop is constricted. A spring element is disposed in the strap loop and expands the strap loop when it is not loaded.
US07922044B2 Dosage-dispensing device for substances in powder or paste form
A dosage-dispensing device for substances in powder- or paste form is equipped with a supply container and a dosage-dispensing head which is connected or connectable to the supply container and has a housing with an outlet orifice of circular cross-section. The dosage-dispensing head further has a delivery- and closure element, wherein the outlet orifice and the delivery- and closure element are arranged on the central lengthwise axis of the dosage-dispensing head, and the delivery- and closure element is designed to be rotatable about the central lengthwise axis in relation to the housing and to be capable of translatory displacement along the central lengthwise axis relative to the outlet orifice. The delivery- and closure element in its basic configuration is of a cylindrical shape and has at least one closure portion that serves to close off the outlet orifice and further has, adjacent to the closure portion, a delivery portion that serves to deliver the substance to be dispensed, wherein the delivery portion has at least one recess that is indented from the cylinder wall.
US07922043B2 Dosage-dispensing device for substances in powder- or paste form
A dosage-dispensing device for substances in powder- or paste form is equipped with a supply container and a dosage-dispensing head which is connected or connectable to the supply container and which has a housing with an outlet orifice of circular cross-section. The dosage-dispensing head further has a delivery- and closure element, wherein the outlet orifice and the delivery- and closure element are arranged on the central lengthwise axis of the dosage-dispensing head, and the delivery- and closure element is designed to be rotatable about the central lengthwise axis in relation to the housing and to be capable of translatory displacement along the central lengthwise axis relative to the outlet orifice. The delivery- and closure element in its basic configuration is of a cylindrical shape and has at least two closure portions that are arranged at a distance from each other along the central lengthwise axis and serve to close off the outlet orifice and further has, between the closure portions, a delivery portion that serves to deliver the substance to be dispensed, wherein said delivery portion comprises at least one recess that is indented from the cylinder wall.
US07922040B2 Apparatus and method for clearing a caulking gun
A device and method of clearing non-fluid caulk from a caulk dispensing tube includes drilling a bit member through a thread cleaning device and into the solid caulk blocking the dispensing tube; then removing the bit member from the dispensing tube and reversing the rotational direction of the bit member, allowing the thread cleaning device to clear caulk off of the bit member after it has been removed from the dispensing tube.
US07922037B2 Device for manually dispensing medications
A device for manually dispensing medications is realized, which allows the operator to perform preliminary manual medication dispensing in advance of several subsequent dispensing steps, while facilitating the operator's ability to recognize the region to which each medication is to be dispensed, there by allowing the operator to easily and precisely perform manual dispensing of various kinds of medications.The device for manually dispensing medications includes: a frame member (44) which allows the operator to insert/extract a preliminary dispensing cassette (20), which is partitioned into a multitude of cells (21), via the top face thereof; a lid member (47), which is formed in the shape of a plate, that serves a lid for opening/closing the top face of the frame member, and which has a multitude of insertion openings in the form of through holes with the layout that corresponds to the layout of the cells formed in the preliminary dispensing cassette (20); a multitude of light-emitting units provided to the lid member such that they are associated with the respective insertion openings (48); a screen display unit (41) which displays the names of medications to be manually dispensed; and a control unit (42) which receives a selection with respect to the medication name, and which turns on, from among the light-emitting units (49) thus provided, the light-emitting units that belong to a region to which the medication thus selected is to be manually dispensed.
US07922036B2 Container for dispensing wipes
The present invention relates to a container for dispensing vertically configured wipes, which provides improved sequential dispensing of the contained wipes while permitting enhanced accessibility to the wipes within the container.
US07922035B2 Tissue stack and dispenser
By controlling the profile of a folded stack when placed into an oval dispenser, it is possible to reduce the compression of the folded stack by the dispenser's sidewall, thereby reducing or eliminating sheet tears when dispensing the sheet-material from the dispenser. In particular, by making the folded stack thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges, as a result of providing a variable width flat stack prior to folding the flat stack, the folded stack will better fit into an oblong or circular dispenser.
US07922032B2 Concentrate cartridge for sport drink
A reusable concentrate cartridge and associated cap and valve for combining a concentrated material and a diluent in a diluting and dispensing container. The concentrate cartridge is provided with a hollow cylindrical body and a hollow tube with a closure. The concentrate cartridge is caused to open by the rotating engagement of a valve member, which causes a depending sleeve to urge the hollow tube within the concentrate cartridge to disengage and release the concentrate material into the diluent container.
US07922030B2 Lid for beverage container
The present invention is a lid for a beverage container comprising; a top wall having a generally circular periphery, an annular side wall depending from the top wall about its circular periphery, a drinking opening in the top wall adjacent to the circular periphery, an enclosed fluid channel provided in the top wall the channel comprising a fluid path which prevents the direct flow of the beverage from the container through the drinking opening wherein the beverage moving along the fluid path does not rise above the level of the beverage in the container, and an annular mounting portion at the bottom of the side wall for sealingly engaging the lip of the beverage container the lid enabling mobility of the beverage container without spillage of the beverage.
US07922029B1 Receptacle having a top inlet, side outlet, and facilitated cleaning
A cylindrical receptacle has an open space accessible from above, and an optional cover. An outer shell, an inner liner, and a pair of oppositely moving doors that slide about the circumference define the receptacle. The vertically extending side wall has an opening circumscribing substantially one half of the circumference formed in the side wall. The pair of doors are operative in a first position to fully enclose the opening and are operative in a second position to provide full access to the opening. Various alternative embodiments incorporate vertical reinforcing supports adjacent the opening, gussets circumscribing the opening for reinforcing the opening, a reinforcing spacer adjacent the receptacle top, a discontinuous spacer adjacent the receptacle bottom, a floor adjacent the base and sloped towards the opening, a feature locking the outer shell and inner liner together, and a taper so the receptacle may be stacked together with like receptacles.
US07922028B2 Pail with lid and flashed lip
A pail includes a base and at least one wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the base to an opening of the pail. A lip protruding outwardly from an upper edge of the at least one wall includes a plurality of flanges. A lid located adjacent the plurality of flanges.
US07922022B2 Hanging condiment container holder
A hanging condiment container holder is provided including a clip portion for removably attaching the holder to an upper portion of a food package, a loop portion for receiving a condiment container, and an extension wall extending between the clip portion and the loop portion. The clip portion may be contoured to the shape of the upper edge or lip of a food package such as a cup. Various clip portions may be employed for removably attaching the hanging condiment container holder to a food package such as a cup.
US07922021B2 Closure for a food container and method for using the same
A closure for a container comprises a base and a top cover. The base comprises a flange trap, a seal lock, and an opening. The top cover comprises a seal boss, a seal lock, a flange boss, and a top surface. The flange trap and flange boss secure the closure to a container when the closure is in a closed position. The seal locks are positioned to engage one another when the closure is in the closed position. The seal boss extends into the container when the closure is in the closed position to help prevent sauce or other liquid from leaking out of the container. A method for using a closure for a container and a container combination provides a closure and a container and arranges the closure so that the container is within the opening of the closure.
US07922019B2 Stopper capsules and method for production thereof
The screw capsule includes two parts, a) an insert with a so-called internal head and an internally-threaded skirt a metallic shell, including an external head and an external skirt, the capsule being typically provided with a sealing element, a tamper-protection element and a member for first opening, characterised in that the external skirt includes at least one piece, typically cylindrical, of height, diameter corresponding to the neck for sealing and at least one radially-expanded section, of height, within a circle of diameter D2>D1, such as to form an annular radial cavity. The above offers the advantage that the expanded section particularly facilitates the manipulation of the capsule (1) and the rotation thereof with relation to the neck for opening/closing the container by unscrewing/screwing up the capsule on the neck.
US07922017B2 Child-resistant closure, container and package convertible to non-child-resistant operation
A child-resistant package includes a container having an open mouth, a conical external surface around the open mouth that widens away from the mouth and a wall extending from the conical external surface. A closure has a base wall, and a peripheral skirt having a first portion adjacent to the base wall and a second portion removably connected to the first portion. An annular first wall extends from the base wall at a position radially inward from the skirt for spring/sealing engagement with the conical external surface of the container. A second wall extends from the base wall at a position radially inward from the first wall and, preferably, at an outward conical angle to the base wall. The second portion of the skirt and the wall on the container have interlocking elements that resist removal of the closure from the container in a child-resistant mode of operation absent a force against the first wall to disengage the interlocking elements. The second portion of the skirt is frangibly removable from the first portion to remove the interlocking elements from the skirt so that the closure is securable to the container in a non-child-resistant mode of operation with the second wall received by snap-fit within the container mouth.
US07922014B2 Storage rack
A rack for supporting containers includes a pair of opposed side supports defining open front and rear ends. A plurality of canted rails for supporting containers are mounted on each of the opposed side supports. At least one stop member is mounted adjacent the front end of at least one of the rails to prevent containers from sliding out of the rack.
US07922011B2 Modular pipe basket
A modular pipe basket for transporting pipe is disclosed. The modular pipe basket will comprise a rectangular base, two or more stanchions and one or more end caps. In another embodiment, the modular pipe basket will incorporate a storage compartment or bin for storing miscellaneous piping accessories. In addition, the modular pipe basket may be equipped with a four point sling pickup system for lifting the basket with a crane along with the means for lifting the basket with a forklift.
US07922009B1 Motorized bicycle storage and retrieval assembly
A motorized bicycle storage and retrieval assembly for loading, storing and unloading bikes. The storage assembly is mountable within or to the top of existing bicycle storage racks. The storage assembly has a frame, a lower track, an upper track and a motor assembly and windable cable interconnects the lower and upper trolley track. The upper track has front and rear bike wheel securement structures which secure a bike to the upper track. A plate assembly is provided to pivot the upper trolley track with respect to the lower trolley track to load and unload bikes. The motorized assembly includes a gear reduction device, a brake device, a wound cable and a switch mechanism to operate the bicycle storage assembly. Further, a safety mechanism is provided to lock the upper track to the lower track.
US07922008B2 Water filter materials and water filters containing a mixture of microporous and mesoporous carbon particles
A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided.
US07922004B2 Diesel filter
A diesel filter includes a filter member and a water reservoir formed below the filter member. The filter member has a case, a cap for closing the opening of the case, an element, and an element-holding member for holding an upper part of the element, and is detachably housed in the case. The element-holding member has an opening that allows fuel to flow out, and the fuel introduced from a fuel inlet port to a portion above the element-holding member is then introduced to the water reservoir via a passage formed between the inner peripheral surface of the case and the outer peripheral surface of the element.
US07922001B2 Stackable and nestable tray
A container having complementary walls that provide 180 nest/stack functionality. Opposing walls, despite being dissimilar, include outer contact surfaces that provide consistent, rigid contact with arms of a storage and retrieval system. One end wall of the container includes alternating inner and outer portions. The other end wall of the container includes complementary alternating inner and outer portions. The outer surface of at least one of the inner portions of one end wall includes a plurality of ribs providing a contact surface. The outer surface of at least one of the outer portions of the opposite end wall has a plurality of ribs extending outwardly to an end wall face. The ribs of the one wall and the end wall face of the opposite wall provide similar contact surfaces for arms of an automated storage and retrieval system.
US07921996B2 Case for portable electronic device
Provided is a case for a portable electronic device. The case includes an outer part; an inner part coupled to an inner surface of the outer part and including a plurality of holes; and fastening members, each including a main body having an outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the hole in the inner part and a flange portion, wherein the flange portion is connected to an end portion of the main body, has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the main body to be depressed into the inner part.
US07921994B2 Package for sale, storage and application of two-part coatings
A package (10) includes a one-piece molded plastic container having a base (14), an outer wall (16), and at least one dividing wall extending across the outer wall to divide the container into at least first and second chambers that are separated from each other by the dividing wall. The container has an open end remote from the base, and a molded plastic lid (12) is provided for receipt over the open end of the container in sealing engagement with the outer wall and the dividing wall. The lid is constructed to seal the chambers from each other and from ambient surrounding the package. In at least one of the chambers, the dividing wall preferably has ribs for engagement by a coating application roller.
US07921992B2 Container having internal reservoir
A container includes a first tray, and a second tray disposed within the space of the first tray to define a reservoir therebetween. The first tray has a first bottom wall and a surrounding first sidewall, which extends generally upwardly from the first bottom wall to define a space therein. The second tray has a second bottom wall and a surrounding second sidewall, which also extends generally upwardly from the second bottom wall. The second bottom wall has at least one aperture defined in a central region thereof, and also has an upper surface, which slopes downwardly toward the at least one aperture. The reservoir defined between the first and second trays is in fluid communication with the aperture.
US07921991B2 Housing container for implant fixture
To minimize titanium materials and accurately and easily fix a dental implant fixture, a housing container includes a glass housing main body, a resin cap, and a resin implant fixture holding member, the cap includes a press part at an inner surface, the implant fixture holding member fits into the bottom side of the housing main body, the implant fixture holding member has, at an upper surface side, three or more groove parts formed radially from a center to an end side, and titanium plate-like guide parts which include, at the center side, projected portions slightly projecting from the upper surface, and include, at the radial end side, erected portions extending up to at least equal to or more than ⅓ of a height from a tip of the dental implant fixture to erect around an outer peripheral surface of the dental implant fixture are inserted in the groove parts.
US07921989B2 Sample conveyor apparatus and sample processing apparatus
According to an aspect of the present invention, a sample conveyor apparatus for conveying a sample holder which permits a sample container to be held therein, the sample container permitting a sample to be received therein, includes, a belt base extending along a conveyance path, a conveyor belt stretched on the belt base and to be run to form the conveyance path, and a frame unit including a pair of guide rails which extend along the conveyance path to guide the sample holder along the conveyance path, the frame unit being detachable from the belt base, the conveyor belt being detachable from the belt base.
US07921986B2 Hoisting and lowering driving engagement multi-row chain
Aspects of the invention provide a hoisting and lowering driving engagement multi-row chain in which the weight of the chain is balanced across the chain width direction so as to improve the load balance. This allows the weight of articles to be hoisted and lowered more stably hoisted and at higher positions, and results in an improvement of endurance of the chain, reduction of driving noise, miniaturization of the chain size, while the biasing or deflecting of intermediate tooth plates and inner tooth plates in the chain width direction is suppressed.
US07921985B2 Conveying method for artificial stone process
A conveying method for an artificial stone process comprises placing stone on a trolley equipped with a catch basin, the trolley traveling along a track set to carry the stone to a processing region which has a top bracing unit, when the trolley carrying the stone to the processing region, the catch basin being braced upwardly and separated from the trolley, an engaging mechanism receiving the catch basin and delivering it to a processing station, thereby processing the stone on the catch basin.
US07921982B2 Methods and apparatus for handling products
Apparatus (10) loads product in the form of bags into a carton held at a tilt angle. The leading ends of the bags on an adjustment conveyor (20) are abutted by a bumper (30) to reorient the bags 90° on the adjustment conveyor (20). The downstream roller (44) of a twist conveyor (40) is tilted to collate bags on a decline conveyor (70). The collated bags are moved on an orientation conveyor (74) to engage a product scoop (110) extending at an inclined position and moved to a vertical position to vertically orient the bags. The orientation conveyor (74) is moved to an offset position to allow the bags to drop onto a lowerator (92) of an accumulator (86) where they can be sandwiched between retainer plates (88, 90). A pusher plate (94) pushes the bags off the lowerator (92) into the carton and is tilted to correspond to the tilt angle of the carton.
US07921979B2 Bottled water distribution method and bottle return apparatus
Drinking water bottle return apparatus having a bin, a door or receiving tray movable between an open position and a closed position, a first sensor detecting when the door or receiving tray in the open position, a second sensor detecting a drinking water bottle entering the bin, and a receipt dispenser that dispenses a receipt in response to detection by the second sensor of a drinking water bottle entering the bin within a predetermined time period after detection by the first sensor of the door or receiving tray in the open position.
US07921976B2 Overload protection device
The invention relates to an overload protection device which has a force-loaded or torque-loaded component, a chamber for receiving a fluid which is at a predetermined pressure, and at least two transmitting elements which are connected to said component in a force-transmitting manner. The transmitting elements serve to transmit a counter-force or a counter-torque, which is generated by the pressure acting upon said transmitting elements, to the component, and is, at the same time, part of a sealing arrangement which occludes an outlet of the chamber due to the fluid pressure. If the force or torque acting upon the component are greater than the counter-force or counter-torque resulting from the predetermined pressure, the sealing arrangement unblocks the outlet, as a result of which the pressure in the chamber drops below said predetermined pressure.
US07921975B2 Hydraulic clutch device
A clutch actuation mechanism having a plurality of friction plates engaged with a clutch outer and a clutch inner in a relatively non-rotatable manner and arranged alternately between a bearing plate portion and a pressing plate portion. A clutch disengage/engage control mechanism for switching disengagement/engagement of the clutch actuation mechanism. A clutch piston having opposite sides facing toward a control hydraulic chamber and a hydraulic canceler chamber. A division wall member forming the hydraulic canceler chamber between the division wall member and the clutch piston for forming an oil passage, which introduces lubricating oil toward the friction plates, in cooperation with the clutch inner. A control hydraulic chamber, hydraulic canceler chamber, and division wall member are arranged within a range corresponding to the space between the outer surfaces of a bearing plate portion and pressing plate portion and radially inward of a clutch actuation mechanism.
US07921972B2 Rotors of high power engines
The invention concerns a system, in particular suitable for high power engines, comprising at least a rotor and means comprising active sections fit for making the rotor(s) rotate by their synchronized deformation, characterized in that the rotor material comprises an Al, Fe alloy with at least one other element, the alloy comprising at least more or less 80% in weight of Al and at least between 0.1 and 15.0% in weight in Fe.
US07921971B2 Lockable manual release device for a brake
An electromagnetically released spring-loaded brake for cooperation with a motor or similar, with the manual release of the brake being effected in a tangential direction by means of a manual release lever 9, and with actuation of the manual release lever 9 causing armature disc 3 to be urged towards coil carrier 1 via three or more transmission levers 10 mounting rolls 16 and camming surfaces 14 on armature disc 3. As a result, the width of the air gap between armature disc 3 and coil carrier 1 is reduced so that rotor 6 with its hub 4 will be free to rotate between friction linings 7 on armature disc 3 and flange plate 8. The object was to create a lockable manual release feature the actuation of which requires a low manual force on manual release lever 9, is very flat and compact in structure, has a relatively small diameter and is actuated in a tangentional direction (FIG. 1).
US07921968B2 Elevator traffic control including destination grouping
An elevator traffic control technique includes destination grouping that is selectively implemented during selected traffic condition. One example includes determining when up peak traffic conditions exist. If so, the passenger-to-car assignments are grouped based upon the passengers' desired destinations, which are determined before the passengers enter elevator cars, Arranging sectors responsive to current traffic conditions in one example is based upon elevator passenger traffic patterns over the most recent five minutes.
US07921967B2 Energy-absorbing device
An energy absorption device for a safety fixing system includes two sections capable of being set in relative motion with friction so that the device is able to absorb energy. The device has elements for adjusting the frictional force between the two sections. A safety fixing system incorporating the energy absorption device is also disclosed. The device maybe used in the safety systems that make use, in particular, of a life-line.
US07921966B2 Linear acoustic liner
A linear acoustic liner for an aircraft includes a cellular core having a first surface and an opposed second surface. A substantially imperforate back skin covers the first surface, and a perforate face skin covers the second surface of the core. The perforate face skin includes an outer face skin layer having a first plurality of spaced openings, an inner face skin layer having a second plurality of spaced openings, and a porous layer disposed between the outer face skin layer and the inner face skin layer. Each of the first plurality of spaced openings are substantially aligned with one of the second plurality of spaced openings.
US07921959B2 Stethoscope protective device
A stethoscope protective device is for easily and hygienically covering the head and at least a portion of the connector tube of a stethoscope. The device can be quickly applied to the stethoscope while eliminating or minimizing the need for contact by a patient of the head and connector tube during examination. In a single-handed operation, the stethoscope head and connector tube can be readily slipped into and secured within the protective device. The device is constructed at least in part of a material that is acoustically transmissive and provides a barrier for reducing the transmission of microorganisms.
US07921958B2 Apparatus for driving steering shaft in motor-driven power steering
An apparatus for driving a steering shaft in a motor-driven power steering system may include a pinion gear having a joining protrusion and a power transmission bearing member provided with a joining groove to be removably inserted with the joining protrusion of the pinion gear, wherein the power transmission bearing member rotates integrally with the pinion gear by being joined each other when the pinion gear is disengaged from a flywheel ring gear of an engine and thereby transmits rotation force of the power transmission bearing member to the wormwheel connected with a steering shaft.
US07921955B2 Stability system for a trike
A stability system for a trike includes an articulating rear wheel assembly and a steering assembly. The articulating rear wheel assembly includes a swing arm and an articulating rear spindle.The articulating rear wheel assembly is connected with the steering assembly such that the wheel assembly rotates in a positive angle or in a negative angle in synchronous relationship with the front wheels of the trike.The steering assembly comprises a plurality of steering components. In some preferred embodiments the steering components may be bell cranks, tie rods, or push/pull rods.
US07921952B2 Parking assistance system
A parking assistance system includes front and rear auxiliary wheel assemblies mounted to a chassis of the vehicle and adjacent front and rear wheels of the vehicle. Each of the front and rear auxiliary wheel assemblies includes two auxiliary wheels and an auxiliary motor coupled to the auxiliary wheels for driving the auxiliary wheels to rotate in a forward or backward direction. A plurality of lift devices are mounted between the auxiliary wheels and the chassis and control upward and downward movement of the auxiliary wheels. At least one parking assistance controller is coupled to the auxiliary motors. A control unit is coupled to the at least one parking assistance controller and manually operable to control a rotating direction and speed of the auxiliary motors via the at least one parking assistance controller, controlling a moving distance and direction of the auxiliary wheels in the forward or backward direction.
US07921951B2 Mounting structure for storage battery device
Two side members are provided so as to be in side portions of a vehicle. Each side member is provided with a kick-up portion curved upward. A cross member is provided so as to interconnect side surfaces of forward portions of the kick-up portions of the two side members. A forward portion of a battery pack is fixed to an upper surface of the cross member via forward brackets welded to the forward portion of the battery pack. A rearward portion of the battery pack is fixed to upper surfaces of rearward portions of the kick-up portions of the two side members via a bridge provided so as to interconnect the two side members.
US07921950B2 Electric traction retrofit
A drive train includes an internal combustion engine (“ICE”) coupled to a transmission having a power takeoff port. A transfer device couples an electric motor to the transmission via the port. The electric motor is enabled in a certain configuration to selectively power the drive train during at least certain intervals when the ICE is powered off.
US07921948B2 Saddle seat type fuel-cell electric vehicle
A saddle seat type fuel-cell electric vehicle includes a body frame having a pair of right and left main frames connected at their front ends to a head pipe and extending downward therefrom and a pair of right and left under frames connected at their front ends to the head pipe and extending downward therefrom along the right and left main frames on the lower side thereof. A pair of hydrogen cylinders extend substantially vertically along the body frame between the front side of the head pipe and the front side of the front end portion of the footrest so as to interpose the body frame in the lateral direction of the vehicle. A fuel supply unit is provided in a space surrounded by the main frames and the under frames with the hydrogen cylinders being surrounded by a guard pipe connected to the main frames.
US07921939B1 Method for using a top drive with an air lift thread compensator and a hollow cylinder rod providing minimum flexing of conduit
A method for using a top drive is disclosed herein. The method can include: actuating a motor to provide power to the top drive, thereby rotating a stem with a saver sub mounted to a top drive housing having a bearing disposed about the rotatable stem; grabbing, lifting, and positioning tubulars using an elevator; and suspending weight of the top drive to prevent damage to threads of the tubulars during threadable engagement and disengagement of the tubulars using an airbag of an airlift thread compensator. The method can further include: positioning a torque wrench assembly along the tubulars for connecting the tubulars using a hydraulic cylinder disposed inside a torque supporting telescoping tubes; and movably positioning a single hollow cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder to extend into a first and second protected area, thereby preventing axial movement of a flexible hose during operation of the torque wrench assembly.
US07921938B2 Command and control for boring system
A system having a number of land units [100, 4000, 5000] is disclosed which operates to efficiently find and create boreholes [5] to one or more underground targets [1]. Each of the land units [100, 4000, 5000] may be remotely controlled from a central command unit [6000]. The land unit also may be self-controlled, or partially controlled by the central command unit [6000]. The system [10] is reconfigurable to reallocate tasks to functional land units [100, 4000, 5000] which were originally allocated to land units which have been destroyed and are now non-functional.
US07921937B2 Drilling components and systems to dynamically control drilling dysfunctions and methods of drilling a well with same
Drilling tools that may detect and dynamically adjust drilling parameters to enhance the drilling performance of a drilling system used to drill a well. The tools may include sensors, such as RPM, axial force for measuring the weight on a drill bit, torque, vibration, and other sensors known in the art. A processor may compare the data measured by the sensors against various drilling models to determine whether a drilling dysfunction is occurring and what remedial actions, if any, ought to be taken. The processor may command various tools within the bottom hole assembly (BHA), including a bypass valve assembly and/or a hydraulic thruster to take actions that may eliminate drilling dysfunctions or improve overall drilling performance. The processor may communicate with a measurement while drilling (MWD) assembly, which may transmit the data measured by the sensors, the present status of the tools, and any remedial actions taken to the surface.
US07921931B2 Adjustable packer wheel seeding system and method
In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.
US07921926B2 Jointed spearhead assembly
A jointed spearhead assembly can include a base portion that is adapted to be connected to a down-hole object and a spearhead portion having a first end and a second. The second end includes a follower tab with a non-convex first follower interface. The spearhead portion can be pivotally coupled to the base portion.
US07921925B2 Method and apparatus for expanding and separating tubulars in a wellbore
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for expanding a tubular. In one aspect, embodiments of the prevent invention provide an expander tool having at least two expansion members radially extendable from the expander tool into contact with a surrounding inside surface of the tubular, the at least two expansion members radially extendable at different times and axially spaced after radially extending. In another aspect, embodiments include a method for isolating a first portion of a wellbore from a second portion of a wellbore comprising locating an expandable tubular within the wellbore between the first and second portions, the expandable tubular having a weakened portion therein, isolating the first portion from the second portion of the wellbore, and expanding the expandable tubular proximate to the weakened portion to sever the expandable tubular.
US07921918B2 Support apparatus for a well bore tool
A rigless support for a downhole operation, such as cutting of an underwater casing in preparation for plug-and-abandonment. The unit has a movable base that can be positioned on a floating structure, such as a barge or a marine vessel and delivered to the site. A pair of piston rams support a swivel unit therebetween, with the swivel unit being driven by a hydraulic motor and driving a casing cutter.
US07921916B2 Communicating measurement data from a well
To communicate measurement data from a well, data corresponding to measurement data collected by multiple sensors in a well is transformed downhole and passed to an intermediate communications device, which device in turn passes a subset of that data to a destination communications device. The destination communications device applies a second transformation to the data received from the intermediate communications device. The first and second transformations are designed such that meaningful data can be recovered at the destination communications device even though only a subset of the original transformed data has been received.
US07921915B2 Removable injection or production flow equalization valve
One or more valves can be run into a string to land near associated ports in the string for injection or/and production service. When multiple valves are installed they can be initially configured to balance flow into or from a zone. The position of each valve can be altered without removal from the string preferably by a wireline shifting tool. One or more valves can also be removed and replaced when worn preferably using a wireline run tool. The valves can come with an integral sand control feature to facilitate production. Sensors to monitor well conditions and to transmit data to the surface can also be incorporated into the valve module.
US07921913B2 Vacuum insulated dewar flask
An apparatus and method for protecting temperature sensitive components from the extreme temperatures a hydrocarbon producing wellbore. The apparatus comprises an inner housing encompassed by an exterior housing, where a plenum is formed between the two housings. A vacuum is formed within the plenum. The temperature sensitive components are stored within the inner housing. An aerogel composition is placed on the outer surface of the inner housing thereby providing added insulation for protecting the temperature sensitive component. Optionally the aerogel composition can be added to the inner surface of the outer housing. Yet further optionally, a reflective foil may be disposed over the aerogel composition of the inner housing.
US07921904B2 Heat exchanger and method
A heat exchanger including a tube having inlet ends and outlet ends and defining a flow path therebetween. The tube can have a first section and a second section arranged at an angle with respect to the first section. Each of the first section and the second section can include a first subsection and a second subsection arranged at an angle with respect to the first subsection.
US07921902B2 Tubular heat exchanger
The invention relates to a frame part (10) for a tubular heat exchanger. The frame part (10) according to the invention is designed for being fastened (10) to a tubular body that is constituted of a number of parallel tubes through which a heat-exchange medium flows. The tubes run at both ends into a collecting tube which extends at an angle to the tubes. The tubular heat exchanger is provided with a frame part (10) on at least one of the sides of the tubular body that runs parallel to the tubes. Said frame part occludes the tubular heat exchanger from the exterior and can be at least indirectly linked with the collecting tubes. According to the invention, the frame part (10) has at least one predetermined breaking point (20). Said predetermined breaking point (20) is configured in such a mailer that, in the case of rupture, the frame part (10) is divided into two frame sections and that in the area of the predetermined breaking point (20) a frictional connection between the two otherwise separate frame sections is established.
US07921901B2 Sacrificial sleeves for die casting aluminum alloys
Some die cast aluminum alloy articles have internal cylindrical surfaces such as the round internal cylinder surfaces of a cylinder block for an internal combustion engine. During casting solidification molten aluminum alloys shrink against the metallic permanent mold tools used to mold and define such internal surfaces, and tend to stick to the tool surfaces making it difficult to remove the casting. The tendency of some aluminum casting alloys to solder to the tool can further intensify sticking. In this invention, an aluminum alloy sleeve is placed on and over the tool surface before casting and the sleeve isolates the tool from the molten aluminum. The sleeve becomes bonded to the casting and facilitates removal of the casting from the tool. The sleeve may be (and preferably is) fully machined from the internal casting surface. The sleeve may be of the same composition as the casting, in which case handling and recycling of machining chips would be facilitated. The practice of the invention is also applicable to die casting of magnesium alloys using magnesium sacrificial sleeves.
US07921900B2 Processing of metal alloys in a semi-solid state
A process for forming an article includes locating a container containing a charge of semi-solid metal alloy in a passage in front of a plunger arranged to travel relative to the passage to force the charge of semi-solid metal alloy into a desired shape, and displacing the charge of semi-solid metal alloy from the container and forming it into the desired shape by causing relative travel between the plunger and the passage. The plunger can push a displaceable closure member to displace the closure member and the charge of semi-solid metal alloy along an interior volume of the container from a first opening proximal the plunger and closed by the closure member towards a second opening remote from the first opening.
US07921899B2 Method for making magnesium-based carbon nanotube composite material
A method for fabricating a magnesium-based composite material, the method includes the steps of: (a) providing a magnesium-based melt and a plurality of carbon nanotubes, mixing the carbon nanotubes with the magnesium-based melt to achieve a mixture; (b) injecting the mixture into at least one mold to achieve a preform; and (c) extruding the preform to achieve the magnesium-based carbon nanotube composite material.
US07921898B2 Pneumatic automation system for mobile screens
A pneumatic automation system (1) is disclosed for mobile screens (2) comprising at least one of the mobile screens (2), a device for compressing a control fluid, a device for channeling and checking the control fluid, a device for pneumatically actuating a movement of the mobile screen (2) equipped with at least one sliding cursor (4) controlled by the control fluid and supplied by the compressing device through said channeling and checking means, and a device for connecting the cursor (4) with the mobile screen (2).
US07921895B2 Adhesive chuck, and apparatus and method for assembling substrates using the same
An adhesive chuck, and an apparatus and method for assembling substrates using the same are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber, a first adhesive chuck inside the chamber and having a plurality of adhesive protrusions to adhere to a first substrate conveyed from an outside into the chamber via an intermolecular attractive force, and a driving unit to move the first substrate adhered to the first adhesive chuck and a second substrate toward each other to be compressed and assembled to each other. The apparatus can achieve adhesion and separation of a substrate with minimal power consumption, enhancing an operating efficiency. Additionally, the adhesive chuck can overcome a problem of spot generation on a display panel caused by remaining static electricity. Furthermore, since the adhesive chuck is almost free from a problem of electric instability, it can exhibit high stability and efficiency and can be fabricated at lower costs.
US07921892B2 Corrugating machine
The invention relates to a machine for the manufacture of a web of corrugated board which is conveyed in a working direction and comprises at least one smooth liner and at least one corrugated medium that has corrugation tips and corrugation troughs, the corrugated medium being applied by adhesion to the at least one liner at least in the vicinity of the corrugation troughs, wherein a quality assessment device for assessment of the quality of the adhesive bond between the at least one liner and the at least one corrugated medium is provided, which comprises at least one ultrasonic transmitter that is disposed on one side of the web of corrugated board and at least one ultrasonic receiver that is disposed on the opposite side of the web of corrugated board and is allocated to the at least one ultrasonic transmitter; and a control anti evaluation unit which, in a manner for data transmission, is connected to the at least one ultrasonic receiver for evaluation of the signal of the ultrasonic receiver.
US07921888B2 Router table
Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to one example embodiment, a router table may comprise a table top, a mounting can, a sleeve, and an adjustment mechanism. The table top may have an aperture and a plurality of support members; the support members may be configured to support the table top. The mounting can may be attachable to the table top in a vicinity of the aperture. The sleeve may be engaged to the mounting can, and may be configured to receive a router and to position a router bit of the router along an axis extending through the aperture. The adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the sleeve within the mounting can and relative to the table top to thereby move the router along the axis and position the router bit at one of a plurality of positions relative to the table top.
US07921887B2 Router guide assembly for cutting return bends in radiant flooring underlayment panels
A guide system for cutting return bends directly into the underlayment panels of a radiant floor heating system is provided that eliminates the need for the installation of separate return panels. The guide system includes a guide panel having a guide rail on its bottom surface and a pivoting guide on its top surface. The pivoting guide is pivotally movable through a 180-degree arc relative to the guide panel and is configured to receive a router with a plunge or dovetail bit installed therein. In this manner, the router is pivotably movable through a controlled 180-degree semi-circular arc from a point that is aligned with a groove in which the guide rail is installed to a groove in an adjacent underlayment panel allowing the user to pivot the router to cut a return bend into the underlayment in the desired location.
US07921884B2 Load line connection spillage container
An injection-molded load line connection spillage container for catching and retaining liquid spilled when liquids are pumped between storage tanks and tankers provides an injection-molded reservoir and an injection-molded cover attached to the reservoir by hinges. Reinforcing ribs molded into the reservoir provide strength and ruggedness without the need for reinforcing steel collars and saddles. Gussets molded into the reservoir hinge brackets ensure repeated stresses produced by energetic opening of the cover does not result in failure of the hinge brackets. An optional load line mounting assembly permits secure mounting of the load line container directly onto the load line. An optional cleanout assembly provides a valved suction line for removing retained spillage, and an optional sampling assembly provides a valved sample line for sampling the liquid being transferred.
US07921879B2 Control valve for a hydraulic motor
A pilot valve (3) is designed as a directional control valve in which a control slide (20) is movably disposed in a longitudinal bore (22) of the valve body (21) so as to control the flow of hydraulic oil between two working connecting bores (A, B), a pump connecting bore (P), and a reservoir connecting bore (T). A check valve (32) which is biased with the aid of a bias spring (33) is disposed within the control slide (20). The check valve (32) is connected to an auxiliary control groove (28) via a first transversal bore (29) while being connected to the B-reservoir groove (23) via a second transversal bore (31). The check valve (32) is to be opened from working connecting bore B while the auxiliary control groove (28) is arranged between the B control groove (24) and the B reservoir groove (23) and is delimited on both sides by means of sealing cylindrical areas (35, 36).
US07921876B2 Rotary control valve and associated actuator control system
A rotary control valve and associated actuator control system. An actuator control system comprises a rotary control valve including a generally planar face seal, and an actuator operatively connected to the rotary control valve. Another actuator control system comprises a control valve including multiple faces having multiple ports formed therein. Fluid communication is selectively permitted and prevented between the ports in response to relative displacement between the faces. A differential area is configured to apply a biasing force which maintains sealing engagement between the faces, and which increases in response to an increase in pressure applied to the control valve.
US07921874B2 Flow variation valve assembly
A non-implantable valve assembly and a method for controlling flow rates in a medical device are provided. The valve assembly includes a valve member being dimensioned for reception at least partially within a lumen of the medical device. The valve member includes a flow regulator for controlling flow rates in a first direction having a first rate and a second direction having a second rate. The second rate is greater than the first rate.
US07921872B2 Gas valve
A gas valve has housing and a barrier. The housing has a passageway with an upstream port and a downstream port. The barrier is disposed across the passageway and is formed from a material which is porous to compressed gas but which substantially prevents a low-pressure liquid from advancing through the passageway downstream of the barrier. The passageway may also contain a gas conditioner and/or a filter that is preferably disposed downstream of the barrier.In another embodiment, a valve comprises an inlet opening, a passageway extending downstream of the inlet opening, an attachment portion near the inlet opening, and a movable cap adapted to cover the inlet opening. The cap has a range of motion between a first position, wherein the cap covers the inlet opening, and a second position outside of the passageway, wherein the cap is displaced from the inlet opening. The cap is biased towards the first position. The gas valve may further comprise a gas regulator in fluid communication with the passageway.
US07921871B2 Low-profile, less conspicuous retractable garden hose reel
Low-profile garden hose storage apparatus comprises a housing adapted for mounting onto an exterior wall of a building to store a garden hose having first and second ends and an outer diameter ‘d’. A reel, rotatable in the housing, has a central hub and a pair of plates spaced apart at a distance of 1, 2 or 3d. In the preferred embodiment the plates are spaced apart at a distance slightly greater than d such that a single layer of hose may be wound thereon in a ‘pancake’ configuration. A water inlet is coupled to the hub through a swivel fitting, enabling the reel to rotate as water is delivered. The first end of the garden hose is coupled to the hub of the reel between the plates, with the second end of the garden hose extending through an opening in the housing. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for automatically winding the garden hose onto the reel between the plates, thereby retracting the hose into the housing through the opening thereof. The outer surface of the housing may be configured to be less conspicuous. For example, the outer surface of the housing may be configured to appear as house siding, brick or cinder block.
US07921870B2 Slurry valve clutch mechanism
A clutch mechanism for a slurry valve, wherein the slurry valve has a valve seat for seating a valve closure member carried on a valve stem, a drive member threadably engaged with the valve stem, the drive member being rotatable relative to the valve stem to axially move the valve stem and closure member relative to the valve seat to open and close the slurry valve, and a driving means for rotating the drive member, the clutch mechanism comprising: a clutch body having an internally threaded bore for threadably receiving the valve stem; and clamping means actuable with the clutch body for clamping the clutch body to the driving means so as to lock the valve stem and drive member together and allow them to rotate in unison to grind scale from the valve seat and valve closure member when they are positioned against each other.
US07921868B2 Airing and venting elements for pipes and fittings
The invention relates to an airing and venting valve for pipes and fittings carrying fluid, comprising a substantially cup-shaped valve body becoming smaller in cross-section towards the bottom for closing and opening a valve outlet, with a seal cup co-operating with a float of the valve, and a cup seal which is disposed between the valve body and seal cup and is able to move into different closing and opening positions lying across passage orifices of the valve body. By virtue of one aspect of the invention, the seal cup has an internal contour which becomes wider towards the top conforming to the external contour of the valve body. By virtue of another aspect, the valve body is disposed so that it is able to move against its seat at the valve outlet so that it can release and close a passage in the region of the valve body seat.
US07921867B2 Elbow plug external sleeve valve
An elbow fluid flow valve exhibiting reduced flow loss and including a body having a specified shape and size and defining a short radius associated with an elbow shaped fluid passageway characterized by a first fluid flow inlet and a second fluid flow outlet. A cover secures over the valve body, and such that a generally sleeve shaped annulus is defined therebetween. A light-weight and linearly translatable sleeve is mounted exteriorly of the valve body and within the intermediately defined annulus. The sleeve is operable to be displaced between a first location permitting fluid flow to the outlet and a second location interrupting fluid flow. A control element is operably connected to a pair of access ports, in turn communicated with one or a pair of interior regions in communication with locations of the displaceable sleeve and, upon experiencing at least one of a pressure and flow disparity between valve inlet and outlet, facilitates displacement of the sleeve to the second (flow interrupting) location.
US07921861B2 Adjustable lighted walking aid
An adjustable lighted walking aid adapted to be used in low light or dark areas is disclosed and may include a cane having a front light for illuminating obstacles being encountered in front of the user and a back light for simultaneously illuminating the area proximate the feet of the user so that the user may see and thus help avoid upcoming obstacles in front, as well as observe the area at his or her feet while walking. The cane may be used in its generally vertical manner during use to assist properly the stability of the user, and is adjustable in its length to accommodate a variety of users.
US07921858B2 Self-cleaning adhesive structure and methods
An apparatus for transporting an object from one workstation to another, where the object or workstations may be contaminated with unwanted dirt or dust particles. A movable transfer arm connected to a control unit has an end effector including an array of nano-scale projections, where each projection provides one or more distal contact ends. The density of the contact ends is such as to grip a surface of the object with an intermolecular force sufficient to hold the object for movement in accordance with a control unit program. In accordance with a control unit program, after moving the gripped object to the workstation, the end effector is manipulated to release the gripped object, and before, during or after transport of the object, bring the arm's end effector into contact with a cleaning surface.
US07921857B2 Applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows
An applicator for applying a composition to eyelashes and/or eyebrows may include: a stem; and an applicator member at one end of the stem. The applicator member may include: a support that is made of plastics material, and that is elongate along a longitudinal axis. The support may be connected at a proximal end to the stem, and may include a free distal end. The support may include only two branches that extend along the longitudinal axis of the support. The branches may form a single opening therebetween, and together may define a greatest width of the support. At least one row of applicator elements may be disposed on one of the branches. The at least one row may include applicator elements which, over at least half of their length, extend other than over the opening.
US07921853B2 Phototherapy method for treating psoriasis
A system and method for phototherapy, including skin tanning, lupus phototherapy, teeth whitening, hair growth and psoriasis phototherapies are provided. The system (1) includes a chamber adapted for at least one type of phototherapy and at least one UV LED, at least one nanostructure UV light emitting device or a combination of UV LEDs and nanostructure light emitting devices.
US07921852B2 Method and device for forming curved sections in a transparent material
The invention relates to a method for forming curved sections in a transparent material, especially in a cornea, by producing optical breaks at various points in the material by means of pulsed laser beams focused into the material. The laser beam is deviated in a two-dimensional manner from a deviation point in order to form the section by arranging the optical breaks in a sequence. The two-dimensional deviation occurs such that the areas of the optical opening along a curve, whereon the optical openings are arranged in a sequence, are arranged at a distance in relation to the deviation point according to an angle function which is not linear and which is adapted to the curvature of the section. The areas along the curve adjacent to optical openings inside a specific tolerance range are arranged at an even distance.
US07921851B2 Nipple covering system
One aspect of the present invention relates to a covering member for a protruding portion of a patient's body. This cover is flexible and collapsible so that it conforms to the shape of the encased portion of the body. This prevents the cover from being noticed while it is worn under clothing. The cover can contain a medicament or agent for pretreating a portion of the body before an examination or procedure. When the cover is used to apply a topical anesthetic to a portion of the body for a recommended period of time prior to the procedure or examination commencing, the amount of discomfort experienced by the patient can be significantly reduced compared to the amount experienced by the patient who has the anesthetic applied for just a few moments before the procedure begins. Alternatively, the cover can be used to hold a medicament or agent on the intended portion of the body in order to heal a wound or cure a condition such as a skin rash or the like.
US07921843B1 System and method for anchoring solar panels to a flat surface
A mounting system that is used to mount a solar panel array to a flat roof. The system utilizes mounting supports that hold solar panels at an inclined angle. Each mounting support includes a first mounting ledge, a second mounting ledge, a flat base section and an inclined section that is disposed between the flat base section and the first mounting ledge. The first mounting ledge, second mounting ledge, flat base section and inclined section are all integrally formed from a common sheet of metal. A solar panel is attached between two of the mounting supports. Once mounted, the solar panel extends from the first mounting ledge of a first mounting support to a second mounting ledge of a second mounting support. Weights are then placed on the flat base section of the mounting supports to passively anchor the assembly to the roof.
US07921841B2 High-speed cooking oven with optimized cooking efficiency
The present invention is directed to improving the conventional high-speed cooking oven based on a combination of hot air impingement and microwave heating by providing a time-dependent spatial variation in the net air impingement and/or net microwave energy applied to the food product in the oven. This is aimed at optimizing heat transfer and microwave efficiencies in a high-speed cooking oven, thereby enabling the oven to deliver an optimal cooking efficiency in comparison to the conventional high-speed cooking oven. In addition, under the present invention, the cooking efficiency may be further optimized by dimensioning the nozzles for hot air impingement to tighten impingement plumes, subject to the space constraint of the oven's cooking chamber, and dimensioning the cooking chamber of the oven in integer multiples of the wavelength of the microwave energy to match the microwave load. With the optimized cooking efficiency provided by the present invention, the high speed cooking technology may now be extended to ovens operating on a power supply based on a voltage less than 220 volts, preferably between 110 and 125 volts, with more productive results, so that the high-speed cooking technology may find a wider applicability and customer base.
US07921837B2 Gas governor, snatch grip, and link pin for paintball gun
A paintball marker has an inline cylinder that includes a gas governor that reduces gas flow from a compressed gas source to a valve area when the bolt is in a firing position. This bolt operates independent of the valve pin, which increases cycle speed and enables the governor to open and close at an optimum time in the firing cycle. Further, when the bolt/piston is recocking, the gap between the valve pin and governor valve pin enables low pressure gas driving the piston to start pressurizing the cylinder and driving the piston rearwards without resistance from the high pressure gas. The marker also allows a user to remove the inline cylinder without the use of tools, and gives the user a convenient carrying handle for holding the paintball marker, which is commonly called a “snatch grip.”
US07921835B2 Wireless projectile loader system
A wireless projectile loader system is provided. The system includes at least one sensor for detecting a firing operation of a compressed gas gun and sending a signal to a wireless transmitter. The system further includes a wireless transmitter in communication with the at least one sensor, the wireless transmitter adapted to send a wireless signal in response to the sensor detecting a firing operation. The system further includes at least one wireless receiver for receiving the wireless signal in communication with a motor of a projectile loader and adapted to operate the motor in response to the signal transmitted by the transmitter.
US07921831B2 Hydrogen-oxygen fuel supplying system
A hydrogen-oxygen fuel supplying system includes a water hydrolyzing apparatus, a heat dissipation apparatus connected to the water hydrolyzing apparatus, a filter connected to the water hydrolyzing apparatus, a supercharger connected to the filter, a hydrogen-oxygen container connected to the filter, and a pressure adjusting means connected to the hydrogen-oxygen container. The water hydrolyzing apparatus is used to hydrolyze water thereby producing a mixture gas of hydrogen, oxygen, and water vapor. The heat dissipation apparatus is used to dissipate heat generated in the water hydrolyzing apparatus. The filter is used to filter water vapor in the mixture gas. The supercharger is used to compress the hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen-oxygen container is used to store the hydrogen and oxygen. The pressure adjusting means is used to regulate an output of the hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen-oxygen fuel supplying system can reduce pollution of air and environment.
US07921829B2 Engine cooling medium circulation device
A cooling water circulation system (100) is configured so that cooling water is delivered from a water pump (113) toward a cylinder head (111) via a pump delivery pipe (114). Further, the system (100) is configured so that an engine block cooling switching section (170) changes the supply of the cooling water from the cylinder head (111) to a cylinder block (112) in accordance with a cooling water temperature. An EGR cooler branch pipe (151), which branches off from the pump delivery pipe (114), is connected to an EGR cooler (150). The EGR cooler branch pipe (151) is provided with an EGR cooler cooling switching valve (153) that opens or closes in accordance with an operating state.
US07921820B2 Valve timing control apparatus
A valve timing control apparatus includes a driving rotation member, a driven rotation member, an advance angle chamber displacing a rotation phase of the driven rotation member relative to the driving rotation member in an advance angle direction, a retard angle chamber displacing the relative rotation phase in a retard angle direction, a groove provided on at least one of an inner surface of the driving rotation member and an outer surface of the driven rotation member for supplying the hydraulic fluid to a sliding contact portion formed by the inner surface of the driving rotation member and the outer surface of the driven rotation member, an advance angle oil passage, a retard angle oil passage, and a groove oil passage for supplying the hydraulic fluid to the groove.
US07921814B1 Natural collagen pet chew and nutrient and flavor agent delivery method
A method of producing an enriched, natural collagen pet chew by means of vacuum sealing impregnation technology to add nutrients, flavoring, and/or anti-microbial agents to a natural, but demineralized, canine bone chew. A pet mastication article is soaked in acetic acid to reveal a flexible, chewable collagen structure. After the collagen structure is soaked and rinsed, nutrients and other agents are infused into the porous structure of the bone by means of vacuum impregnation.
US07921810B2 Method and apparatus utilizing animals for detecting target substances
A method and apparatus for detecting a target substance in a monitored environment involves, in a training phase, training at least one animal capable of detecting the target substance to execute a particular avoidance action, immediately upon detecting said target substance, in order to avoid particular aversive stimulus; and in an operational phase, exposing the trained animal to a specimen (e.g., air) from the monitored environment or object, and sensing when the animal has executed the particular avoidance action.
US07921807B2 Fluid-filled durable pet bed
An inflatable bed is filled with a fluid, whether it is a gas or a liquid, a desirable, in order to form a comfortable bed. The durable pet bed has at least two layers of bullet resistant fabric therein, with a fluid chamber therein protected on all sides by the bullet resistant fabric layers and capable of receiving a gas, fluid, gel, or liquid to provide comfort and safety for the pet using the bed.
US07921804B2 Plasma generating nozzle having impedance control mechanism
The present invention provides a plasma generating system that includes: a microwave generator for generating microwave energy; a power supply connected to the microwave generator for providing power thereto; a microwave cavity; a waveguide operatively connected to the microwave cavity for transmitting microwave energy thereto; an isolator for dissipating microwave energy reflected from the microwave cavity; and at least one nozzle coupled to the microwave cavity. The nozzle includes: a housing having a generally cylindrical space formed therein, the space forming a gas flow passageway; a rod-shaped conductor disposed in the space and operative to transmit microwave energy along a surface thereof so that the microwave energy excites gas flowing through the space; and an impedance controlling structure which adjusts the impedance of the nozzle.
US07921803B2 Chamber components with increased pyrometry visibility
The present invention generally provides method and apparatus for non-contact temperature measurement in a semiconductor processing chamber. Particularly, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for non-contact temperature measurement for temperature below 500° C. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing semiconductor substrates. The apparatus comprises a target component comprises a material with higher emissivity than the one or more substrates.
US07921801B2 Droplet jetting applicator and method for manufacturing coated body
A droplet jetting applicator includes a coating unit jetting and coating droplets to a to-be-coated object; a storage space storing the to-be-coated object coated with the droplets; an exhaust section exhausting gas in the storage space; an adjustment unit adjusting an outlet flow of the gas exhausted by the exhaust section from the storage space; and a control section controlling the adjustment unit so that the outlet flow is changed in a stepwise manner.
US07921800B2 System and method for coating a fire-resistant material on a substrate
A method for coating a fire-resistant substance onto a carrier veil and products containing fire-resistant substances are provided. The method includes delivering a pliable carrier veil in a traveling web, drawing the carrier veil web through a reservoir defined by a nip of two rollers and containing the fire-resistant substance, where the carrier veil is coated with the fire-resistant substance. The method also includes controlling the amount of fire-resistant substance on the carrier veil web by setting a nip dimension between the two rollers, passing the carrier veil through the nip of the two rollers and providing the fire-resistant substance as a slurry suitable to coat the veil exiting the nip with a layer effective to provide a selected fire resistance. Heat is applied to the carrier veil sufficient to accelerate a curing reaction in the fire-resistant substance. A fire-resistant product includes a glass-based web, and a magnesium oxychloride complex materially coupled to the web, where the complex includes: MgCl2.mMg(OH)2.nH2O; where m is between about 3 and about 7, and n is between about 6 and about 10.
US07921797B2 Bimini top
A retractable bimini top movable between stowed and deployed orientations includes a frame including a first bow and a second bow movable relative to the first bow. The retractable bimini top further includes a cover positioned over at least a portion of each of the first and second bows and a first elastic cord having a first end coupled to the first bow and a second end coupled to the second bow such that the first elastic cord is under tension at least when the retractable bimini top is in the deployed orientation. The first elastic cord has an allowable percent elongation of at least 200 percent.
US07921796B1 Collapsible arch bar
A collapsible arch bar for a water craft includes a pair of side arms pivotally attached to the gunnels on the water craft. A cover member is pivotally attached to the upper ends of the side arms allowing the arch bar to be collapsed rearwardly if the craft is approaching an overhead obstruction. An automated lifting means allows the water craft operator to automatically collapse and re-erect the arch bar, if desired.
US07921795B2 Buoyancy control systems and methods
A buoyancy control system for a submersible object submerged in an ambient fluid, comprising a piston housing, a piston member, a pump, control fluid, and working fluid. The piston housing is supported by the submersible object. The piston member defines a piston portion and a shaft portion. The piston member is supported within the piston housing such that the piston portion and the piston housing define a control chamber and an ambient chamber and the shaft portion and the piston housing define a working chamber. The pump is operatively connected to the working chamber. The control fluid is arranged within the control chamber. At least a portion of the working fluid is arranged within the working chamber. Operation of the pump displaces working fluid within the working chamber to displace the piston member to alter a volume of the control chamber.
US07921794B1 Shallow water anchor system
A rod-shaped anchor has lower and upper ends and a central extent. A fixed plate and a movable plate with adjustment mechanisms couple the plates. The movable plate has an exterior end. A vertical collar slidably receives the central extent of the anchor. Driving mechanisms selectively raise and lower the anchor. A control assembly is operatively coupled with respect to the driving mechanisms.
US07921789B2 Carpet and method of making same
A carpet that can be installed onto a flooring surface without the requirement for registration between adjacent broadloom carpet pieces. The carpet comprises a design member that comprises a plurality of pattern members that are colorized and that define a void area, which has a substantially uniform color and pile height.
US07921787B2 Planter bracket assembly for supporting appurtenances in substantial alignment with the seed tube
A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.
US07921783B2 Hopper car with lading dislodgement fittings and method of operation
A hopper car discharge section may be wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Outflow is controlled by closure members, at least one of which is movable. The closure members come together to a closed condition or position for retaining lading. When apart, in an open position or condition, lading may be discharged. A seal member or seal member assembly is mounted to one or both of the closure members. The closure member may have a lading discharge encouragement feature, which may be in the nature of a tine, or blade, or knife that extends upwardly through the throat of the discharge section. Movement of the door may tend to move the blade, thereby tending to dislodge lading that may be otherwise reluctant to move.
US07921779B1 Industrial ammunition
A projectileless ammunition system (20; 320) includes a metallic case (22; 322). A propellant charge (26; 326) is carried by the case and covered by an over-powder member (24; 324) in the absence of a separate projectile. The ammunition is advantageously used with an industrial ballistic tool operating so that each spent case serves as the effective projectile to be propelled by firing of the next round of ammunition.
US07921778B2 Single phase tungsten alloy for shaped charge liner
A single phase metal alloy usually for forming a shaped charge liner for a penetrating jet or explosively formed penetrator forming warhead consists essentially of from a trace to 90%, by weight, of cobalt, from 10% to 50% by weight, of tungsten, and the balance nickel and inevitable impurities. One preferred composition is, by weight, from 16% to 22%, cobalt, from 35% to 40% tungsten and the balance is nickel and inevitable impurities. The alloy is worked and recrystallized and then formed into a desired product. In addition to a shaped charge liner, other useful products include a fragmentation warhead, a warhead casing, ammunition, radiation shielding and weighting.
US07921772B2 Cover for an automatically re-inked stamp
A cover for an automatically re-inked stamp is design to be mounted detachably on an automatic re-inked stamp and provides a function of preventing the automatic re-inked stamp from inadvertent stamping. The cover has a base having an inner surface and a surrounding edge and two mounting tabs being oppositely mounted on and protruding perpendicularly from the inner surface of the base along the surrounding edge. Each mounting tab has a pulling recess being formed in an inward surface of the mounting tab adjacent to an inner end edge. The pulling recesses make the cover easier to be detached from the automatic re-inked stamp. That makes the automatically re-inked stamp more convenient to use.
US07921771B2 Web-fed printing machine having a turning bar
A web-fed rotary printing machine has at least one printing unit and at least one turning bar that is usable to redirect a travel direction of a web that is to be conveyed. The turning bar has an effective length, for redirecting the web. A projection of this effective length corresponds with the width of the incoming web which is of at least four adjacently arranged printed pages in newspaper format.