| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07927712B2 |
Polymeric film
There is described a biaxially oriented polyolefin single or multi-layer film which comprises at least one core layer comprising a propylenic polymer component and either an ethylenic polymer component (preferably 0.2% to 8% by weight of core layer) or a styrenic polymer component (preferably 0.2% to 25% by weight of core layer). The films have a dynamic loss modulus (E″), at 3 Hz and 25° C., of 28 to 136 MPa (TD) and/or 73 to 135 MPa (MD) as well as a dynamic storage modulus (E′), at 3 Hz and 25° C., of 630 to 2800 MPa (TD) and/or 1300 to 3000 MPa (MD). These films are suitable for use as a label facestock with improved conformability for example to provide improved labels for squeezable containers. |
| US07927709B2 |
Wear-resistant coating and a component having a wear-resistant coating
A wear-resistant coating, in particular an erosion-resistant coating for a component that is exposed to fluidic loads, is disclosed. The wear-resistant coating has one or more multilayer systems applied repeatedly to the surface to be coated, where each of the applied multilayer systems has at least four different layers. A first layer of each multilayer system facing the surface to be coated is made of a metallic material adapted to the composition of the component surface to be coated. A second layer applied to the first layer of each multilayer system is made of a metal alloy material adapted to the composition of the component surface to be coated. A third layer applied to the second layer of each multilayer system is made of a gradated metal-ceramic material and a fourth layer applied to the third layer of each multilayer system is made of a nanostructured ceramic material. |
| US07927707B2 |
Plate material and manufacturing method thereof
A plate material includes a substrate and a coating. The substrate is a plate-like member that does not have protrusions and depressions of submicron order oriented in the thickness direction thereof. The coating is formed on the surface of the substrate with a paint-like material having affinity with respect to the substrate. |
| US07927697B2 |
Double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet for wiring circuit board and wiring circuit board
The present invention relates to a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet for wiring circuit board, which comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed by a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition containing an acrylic polymer and a chain transfer substance, in which the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has characteristics that a gel fraction in the initial stage is from 40 to 70% by weight, and a difference between a gel fraction (% by weight) of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer after the following solder reflow step and the gel fraction (% by weight) of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in the initial stage is 10 or less. The solder reflow step satisfies the following heat treatment conditions. Surface temperature of the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet reaches 175±10° C. within 130 to 180 seconds, the surface temperature reaches 230±10° C. within 200 to 250 seconds, the surface temperature reaches 255±15° C. within 260 to 300 seconds and the solder reflow step finishes within 370 seconds after start of the solder reflow step for the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet. |
| US07927688B2 |
Security information and graphic image fusion
A security information and graphic image fusion system to be used with verification equipment to provide a tamper proof labeled article having security information thereon. The label comprises a printable sheet having at least one invisible IR or UV image, or both, printed thereon, at least one visible image printed thereon, and an over-coating layer thereon. The invisible IR or UV image, or both, provide security information. The visible image provides the graphic image. The label is permanently fused by an in-mold molding process to an article made of plastic, rubber or the combination thereof to render it tamper proof. |
| US07927687B2 |
Optical element, optical lowpass filter, and solid-state imaging device
To provide an optical element, an optical lowpass filter, and a solid-state imaging device of which quality and capability are hard to deteriorate even if they are continually subject to both of a high-temperature, high-humid environment and a normal environment. An optical lowpass filter includes a first birefringent plate, an IR-cut glass, a ¼ retardation film, a second birefringent plate, and a pressure sensitive adhesive as a bonding layer bonding these members. The pressure sensitive adhesive primarily contains a pressure sensitive adhesive main agent polymer composed of a monomer including many hydrophilic groups so as to enhance permeableness of water within the pressure sensitive adhesive. In addition, by selecting a mixing weight ratio of the pressure sensitive adhesive main agent polymer, the permeableness can be further enhanced. Therefore, such an optical element and an optical component can be obtained that are hard to become white turbid under the high-humidity environment by making the pressure sensitive adhesive thereof have efficient and saturated water; and that discharge water that is inside the pressure sensitive adhesive from the periphery thereof to the air so as to recover their optical properties in a short period of time under the normal environment. |
| US07927685B2 |
Laser engraving methods and compositions, and articles having laser engraving thereon
The invention provides a composition having laser engraving properties, comprising a host material and an effective amount of a laser enhancing additive. The laser enhancing additive comprises a first quantity of least one of copper potassium iodide (CuKI3) or Copper Iodide (CuI), and a second quantity at least one substance selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS), barium sulfide (BaS), alkyl sulfonate, and thioester. The composition can be engraved with grayscale images by an Nd:Yag laser and can be added to laminates or coatings. The composition can be used during the manufacture of many articles of manufacture, including identification documents. |
| US07927684B2 |
Low coefficient of friction polymer film
A HVAC system of a motor vehicle includes a film having openings defined therein and moveable between open and closed positions. The film regulates airflow by opening and closing apertures defined in a housing of the HVAC system. The film is disposed in a film valve assembly containing first and second rollers that wind and unwind the film. The film includes a substrate that includes a fiber selected from the group of polyester-based fibers, glass-based fibers, and combinations thereof. An elastomeric layer is disposed on the substrate layer. The substrate also includes a silicone layer disposed on the elastomeric layer for minimizing noise created as the film moves between the open and closed positions. |
| US07927683B2 |
Weak acid bar soap with waterproof protective film
A weak acid bar soap including a body having N-long-chain acyl acidic amino-acid salt, water, and a transparentizing agent and having a shape which has at least base and side; a waterproof protective film attached to lower side surface of said weak acid bar soap. The waterproof protective film is a little bigger than said base of said weak acid bar soap and covers all of said base, extending to a lower part of said side continuously from said base, attached to said lower side surface of said weak acid bar soap to cover at least said lower part of said side, leading edge of said waterproof protective film and said side of said weak acid bar soap are clung tightly to nor make a gap, such that said base and said lower part of said side of said weak acid bar soap are not dissolved by moisture. |
| US07927680B2 |
Temporary facial decal
A temporary facial decal comprising a mask-like substrate having apertures for the eyes and mouth and having a nose opening taken from the group of slit and aperture with the body of the mask having a transferable image thereon covered by a removable protective sheet that is removed from the decal which is then placed on the user's face using the provided apertures for alignment whereupon an agent, preferably water, is used to transfer the image onto the user's face. |
| US07927678B2 |
Multilayer bottle
There is provided a multilayer bottle including an outermost layer and an innermost layer which are each made of a thermoplastic polyester resin, and at least one barrier layer interposed between the outermost layer and the innermost layer. The barrier layer contains at least two components including a polyamide obtained by polycondensing a diamine component containing m-xylylenediamine as a main component with a dicarboxylic acid component containing an α,ω-linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid as a main component, and a thermoplastic resin having a lower molecular weight than that of the polyamide. The multilayer bottle hardly suffers from delamination upon impact or dropping and, therefore, is not required to have a shape with less irregularities or less bends for preventing the delamination, and further has a large freedom of design choice. |
| US07927671B2 |
Trifunctional compound, composition and polymer thereof
The invention includes compounds represented by Formula (1): wherein Ra is a polymerizable group such as (meth)acryloyloxy, an oxirane ring, an oxetane ring or the like; A is 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or the like; Z is a single bond, alkylene having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or the like; Y is a single bond, alkylene having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or the like; and m and n are an integer of 0 to 5. |
| US07927670B2 |
Silica microspheres, method for making and assembling same and possible uses of silica microspheres
The invention concerns silica microspheres (M) having an outer diameter between 50 and 125 μm, preferably between 60 and 90 μm, a wall thickness not less than 1 μm, preferably between 1 and 3 μm and a density between 0.3 and 0.7/cm3, a manufacturing method by injecting silica microsphere precursors (MS, PR1, PR1′, PR2′) into an inductive plasma (P), assembly methods and possible uses of silica microspheres. |
| US07927663B2 |
Method of forming a coating with controlled grain size and morphology for enhanced wear resistance and toughness
Wear resistance of the prior-art Ti(C,N) layers can be considerably enhanced by optimizing the grain size and microstructure. This invention describes a method to obtain controlled, fine, equiaxed grain morphology in Ti(C,N) layers produced using moderate temperature CVD (MTCVD). The method includes the step of doping using CO, CO2, ZrC14 and A1C13 or combinations of these to control the grain size and shape. Doping has to be controlled carefully in order to avoid nanograined structures and oxidization. Doping is further controlled to produce grain size that is from about 50 to about 300 nm, preferably from about 50 to about 150; a lack of any strong preferred growth orientation; and a length-to-width ratio (L/W) of less than 3 and only with a slight to moderate XRD line broadening. |
| US07927643B2 |
Compositions of oxo-terpene derivatives and process for preparing the same
Described is to a process for augmenting, enhancing, modifying, or imparting a berry or citrus aroma or taste to a foodstuff or a beverage comprising the step of adding to a foodstuff or a beverage an aroma or taste augmenting, enhancing, modifying, or imparting quantity of at least an oxo-terpene carbinol, a carbinyl C1-C6 alkanoate, or a C4-C6 alkenoate. |
| US07927642B2 |
Method for making coffee with a crema layer
A method for brewing coffee, including the steps of transferring ground coffee to a brewing chamber, compressing the ground coffee, and forcing pressurized hot water through the ground coffee, thereby causing brewed coffee to emerge through a micro-filter, wherein the ratio of weight of ground coffee contained in the brewing chamber to volume of pressurized hot water forced through the ground coffee is 6 grams per fluid ounce or less. |
| US07927641B2 |
Methods for improving the storage and handling characteristics of condensed whey permeate
A method of improving the storage and handling characteristics of a condensed whey permeate (“CWP”) comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a CWP that: (i) has a total solids content in the range of about 20% to about 75% by weight and has a water content in the range of about 80% to about 25% by weight; (ii) has a lactose concentration of at least 70% by weight of the total solids content; and (iii) is at a pH of less than 8; and (b) treating the CWP with at least a sufficient proportion of alkali to raise the pH to at least 8. Also, a method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a CWP that does not exhibit substantial crystallization; and (b) treating the CWP with at least a sufficient proportion of alkali to reduce the amount of crystallization obtained using a 30 mesh screen for a sample of the treated CWP relative to a sample of the untreated CWP when tested after storing for 7 days at a temperature range having an upper limit that is at least 28° C. (50° F.) below the sufficient temperature to dissolve at a pH of about 7 an equivalent concentration of lactose in water to the concentration of lactose to water that is in the untreated CWP. |
| US07927637B2 |
Blue colorant derived from Genipa americana fruit
The present invention provides a method to make a blue colorant as a liquid and as a powder, wherein the blue colorant is derived from unprocessed raw juice obtained from Genipa americana fruit pulp, and wherein said raw juice is mixed with glycine (liquid) or with glycine plus starch (powder). Except for an additional step of warming up the juice-glycine mix, and in the case of the powder further dehydration of the juice-glycine-starch remix, no further steps are required to make a temperature and PH stable blue colorant which may be applied in textile, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, and other industries. |
| US07927629B2 |
Method and compositions for polymer nanocarriers containing therapeutic molecules
A method of controlling a physical characteristic of polymeric nanocarrier-encapsulated protein particles includes altering or selecting a weight percentage of a hydrophobic polymer block in a total amphiphilic diblock copolymer of a primary emulsion of a double emulsion, freeze-thaw technique. The primary emulsion is formed using a freeze-thaw cycle of the amphiphilic diblock copolymer and a protein having a molecular weight of up to or equal to 300,000 Da. Selection of the hydrophobic polymer block percentage alters one or more characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles, such as shape. Thus, as one aspect, a method of producing filamentous polymeric nanocarrier-encapsulated protein (i.e., active enzyme) particles involves forming a primary emulsion using a freeze-thaw cycle of (i) an amphiphilic diblock copolymer, which has a molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 100,000 Da and comprises a conjugate of the hydrophobic polymer block and a hydrophilic polymer block, wherein the amphiphilic diblock copolymer comprises greater than 81% to about 95% by weight of the hydrophobic polymer block; and a protein having a molecular weight of up to or equal to about 300,000 Da. Various compositions comprising such filamentous-shaped nanocarrier particles, and methods of use for diagnosis and therapy are disclosed. |
| US07927628B2 |
Sustained release preparations and process for producing the same
The present invention provides sustained-release preparations from which a pharmacologically active substance can be released over a long time and a process for producing the same. Such a sustained-release preparation is produced by melt-granulating a low-melting-point substance and a pharmacologically active substance and melt-coating the surface of the thus obtained particles with (1) a fine powder of a water-insoluble polymer or (2) a fine powder of a water-insoluble polymer and at least one member selected from the group consisting of talc, magnesium stearate and titanium oxide. |
| US07927626B2 |
Process of making flowable hemostatic compositions and devices containing such compositions
The present invention is directed to processes of making flowable hemostatic compositions and devices that include the flowable hemostatic composition disposed therein, where a volume of a biocompatible liquid, a volume of a biocompatible gas, and an amount of solid particles of a biocompatible polymer are mixed together to form a substantially homogenous composition including a discontinuous gas phase and the solid particles substantially homogenously dispersed throughout a continuous liquid phase to form a flowable hemostatic composition, and the composition then transferred into a device suitable for applying the flowable hemostatic composition to a site of a body requiring hemostasis under conditions effective to maintain the substantially homogeneous dispersion of the gas phase and the solid particles throughout the liquid phase. |
| US07927624B2 |
Hydrophilic/lipophilic polymeric matrix dosage formulation
An oral dosage form comprising a pharmaceutical tablet of one or more layers, one of which carries a biologically active substance; the formulation of said tablet includes different percentages of hydrophilic and lipophilic polymeric materials, and adjuvant substances. The tablets of the present invention show a release rate which is independent from the amounts of active substance present in the tablet. |
| US07927622B1 |
Methods of transnasal transport/immunization with highly adaptable carriers
The invention deals with the transport of preferably large molecules across nasal mucosa by means of specially designed, highly adaptable carriers loaded with said molecules. One of the purposes of making such formulations is to achieve non-invasive systemic delivery of therapeutic polypeptides, proteins and other macromolecules; the other intent is to overcome circumstantially the blood-brain barrier by exploiting the nasal cavity to enter the body and then to get access to the brain. A third intent is to achieve successful protective or tolerogenic immunization via nasal antigen or allergen administration. |
| US07927618B2 |
Implants, particles
This invention relates to kits for the preparation of a composition, which comprises a carrier phase that forms an implant or particles in the body, on the body or under physiological conditions. The carrier phase comprises at least one solid carrier material and a solvent, wherein the carrier material and the solvent are stored separately in the kit. The kit can also include an additional liquid phase to aid in forming the particles. An active compound included in the carrier phase is generally released in an extended manner. This invention also relates to compositions prepared from this kit and to methods for the preparation of the kits and the composition. |
| US07927616B2 |
Pesticide compositions and methods for their use
Pesticide compositions and methods for their use are provided. Embodiments of the subject pesticide compositions include a pesticide and an assimilable carbon skeleton energy component. Embodiments of the subject compositions may include a pesticide and one or more of a macronutrient component, micronutrient component, vitamin/cofactor component and a complexing agent. Also provided are methods that include preparing an assimilable carbon skeleton energy containing-pesticide composition and methods for administering an assimilable carbon skeleton energy containing-pesticide composition to a plant. Kits for use in practicing the subject invention are also provided. The subject pesticide compositions find use in a variety of different applications, and are particularly suited for use in at least mollifying pesticide-induced phytotoxicity of a plant. |
| US07927615B2 |
Thickener, cosmetic preparation containing the same, and process for producing the same
The present invention is a thickener consisting of a microgel obtained by radical polymerization of water soluble ethylene-type unsaturated monomers dissolved in the dispersion phase in a composition having an organic solvent or an oil component as the dispersion medium and water as the dispersion phase, as well as a cosmetic containing said thickener.Also, the present invention is a method of manufacturing a water-swelling polymer in a radical polymerization system consisting of a composition having an organic solvent or oil component as the dispersion medium and an aqueous solution of a water soluble ethylene type unsaturated monomer as the dispersion phase wherein said system contains a surfactant chosen in such a way that the aforementioned composition forms a single phase W/O microemulsion or fine W/O emulsion at a thermal radical polymerization temperature and said thermal radical polymerization is carried out at a temperature equal to or higher than the phase transition temperature of the radical polymerization system, yet not higher than the phase transition temperature by 20° C. or more. |
| US07927610B2 |
Compounds and methods for diagnosis and immunotherapy of tuberculosis
Compounds and methods for diagnosing tuberculosis or for inducing protective immunity against tuberculosis are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one immunogenic portion of one or more Mycobacterium proteins and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides or DNA sequences and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of Mycobacterium infection in patients and biological samples. Antibodies directed against such polypeptides are also provided. In addition, such compounds may be formulated into vaccines and/or pharmaceutical compositions for immunization against Mycobacterium infection. |
| US07927608B2 |
Streptococcus suis polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding same and their use in vaccinal and diagnostic applications
The present invention relates to the field of Streptococcus. More specifically, the present invention relates to the identification of polypeptides and polynucleotide sequences encoding the same which are involved in the pathogenic mechanism of S. suis. The present invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides in compositions and methods for the prevention, the treatment and diagnosis of S. suis-associated diseases and infections caused by S. suis. |
| US07927606B2 |
Modified free-living microbes, vaccine compositions and methods of use thereof
Free-living microbes are provided in which the nucleic acid has been modified so that the microbe is attenuated for proliferation and/or which comprise genetic mutations that attenuate the ability of the microbe to repair its nucleic acid. Methods of using the modified microbes for the loading, activation, and/or maturation of antigen-presenting cells are also provided. Vaccine compositions comprising the modified microbes and/or the antigen-presenting cells and methods of using the vaccines are also provided. The microbes may be further modified to include heterologous antigens, such as tumor antigens or infectious disease antigens, for use as a vaccine against cancer or infectious diseases. |
| US07927598B2 |
Broad-spectrum δ-endotoxins and method and kit for detecting same and for detecting polynucleotides encoding same
Disclosed are novel synthetically-modified B. thuringiensis chimeric crystal proteins having improved insecticidal activity against coleopteran, dipteran and lepidopteran insects. Also disclosed are the nucleic acid segments encoding these novel peptides. Methods of making and using these genes and proteins are disclosed as well as methods for the recombinant expression, and transformation of suitable host cells. Transformed host cells and transgenic plants expressing the modified endotoxin are also aspects of the invention. |
| US07927596B2 |
Methods of antagonizing binding of CD40 to CD40L with CD40L-specific monovalent polypeptides
The invention relates to antibody polypeptides that monovalently bind CD40L. Antibody polypeptides that are monovalent for binding of CD40L can inhibit CD40L activity while avoiding potential undesirable effects that can occur with antibodies capable of divalent or multivalent binding of DC40L. in one aspect, a monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptide consists of or comprises a single immunoglobulin variable domain that specifically binds and antagonizes the activity of DC40L, preferably without substantially agonizing CD40 activity. In another aspect, the monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptide is a human antibody polypeptide. The invention further encompasses methods of antagonizing CD40/CD40L interactions in an individual and methods of treating diseases or disorders involving CD40/DC40L interactions, the methods involving administering a monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptide to the individual. |
| US07927592B2 |
Method of inhibiting complement activation
The invention relates to C2a inhibitors, which bind to C2a and block the functional activity of C2a in complement activation. The inhibitors include antibody molecules, as well as homologues, analogues and modified or derived forms thereof, including immunoglobulin fragments like Fab, F(ab′)2 and Fv,b small molecules, including peptides, oligonucleotides, peptidomimetics and organic compounds. A monoclonal antibody, which bound to C2a and blocked its ability to activate complement was generated and designated 175-62. The hybridoma producing this antibody was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, under Accession Number PTA-1553. |
| US07927587B2 |
MAPC administration for the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders
The present invention relates to methods for providing lysosomal enzymes to a subject by administering stem cells, preferably Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells (MAPCs). The invention further relates to methods for treating lysosomal storage disorders by administering stem cells. |
| US07927586B2 |
Vaccine for porcine post-weaning diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Vaccines and methods for making and using the same. An example vaccine may be a vaccine against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The vaccine may include an Escherichia coli strain. The Escherichia coli strain may produce K88 fimbria and a fusion protein including a mutant LT enterotoxin linked with a STb enterotoxin. An example method for producing a vaccine for porcine post-weaning diarrhea may include providing a first strain of Escherichia coli. The strain may include the eltAB gene and the estB gene. The method may also include amplifying the eltAB gene, mutating the eltAB gene, generating a genetic fusion of the mutant eltAB gene with the estB gene, and transforming a second strain of Escherichia coli with the genetic fusion. |
| US07927581B2 |
Peptide-based multimeric targeted contrast agents
Peptides and peptide-targeted multimeric contrast agents are described, as well as methods of making and using the contrast agents. |
| US07927579B2 |
Tandem analyses of noncovalently driven effectors for modulatory mapping of activities of protein sites
The present invention provides methods of discovering and mapping secondary binding sites on biological molecules (e.g., proteins), the effects, if any, of site occupancy on the primary function of the molecule, and the screening of small molecules against the secondary binding sites. The invention further provides novel complexes for modification of secondary binding sites and the resulting modified biological molecules. |
| US07927577B2 |
Sulfur collection systems and processes with integrated degassing
Systems and methods for the collection of liquid sulfur with integrated degassing are described, wherein the system and methods include the use of one or more liquid jet pumps or eductors employing a pumped liquid sulfur recycle stream as motive fluid to boost sulfur rundown pressure. The new invention eliminates piping constraints inherent with conventional gravity flow, thus permitting location of the sulfur collection vessel above ground and remote from the sulfur recovery unit. In addition, the described methods provide entrainment and enough agitation in the liquid sulfur such that simultaneously degassing occurs within the sulfur collection piping and associated systems described herein. The instant systems and methods are integrated with the degassing system, meaning that the sulfur will be initially degassed during the collection process, and then further degassing occurs by the methods described herein. |
| US07927576B2 |
ATS tail gas treating process for SRU and SWS off gases
The present invention relates to a system and process utilizing ammonium thio sulfate solution (ATS) as the primary liquid absorption agent that is re-circulated through an SO2 Contactor/Absorber for high efficiency contacting and absorption of sulfur dioxide, SO2 from a combustion gas stream generated by incineration of a Claus Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) off gas stream (often referred to as a Claus tail gas stream) and also additional SO2 generated from incineration of additional sulfur containing streams. ATS is also re-circulated through a separate H2S Contactor/Absorber for absorption of and reaction with a Sour Water Stripper (SWS) off gas stream and additional H2S-Acid Gas (A.G.) streams to produce additional concentrated ATS. The process and equipment also provides the ability to readily switch between using ATS and ABS as the primary absorbent solution for SO2 absorption, depending upon the concentration of SO2 in the off gas feed streams. |
| US07927562B2 |
Collection and assay device for biological fluid
A device for collecting and analyzing a biological fluid is provided. The device contains a sample collecting section having at least one collection pad for collecting a sample of the biological fluid, a sample accommodating section operatively engageable with the sample collecting section for extracting and accommodating the sampled collected by the sample collecting section, a sample analyzing section, disposed within the sample accommodating section and having a sample analyzing means in fluid communication with the sample extracted and accommodated within the sample accommodating section. |
| US07927561B2 |
Rapid particle detection assay
The present invention proves instruments and methods for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte in a fluid sample. The fluid sample is placed in a sample chamber having a small, shallow detection region. The analyte is magnetically labeled using magnetic particles coated with a binding reagent, and is detectably labeled using a fluorescent dye or other detection reagent. The magnetically labeled analyte is concentrated into the detection region using a focusing magnet positioned underneath the sample chamber detection region. Concentrated analyte is measured using excitation optics positioned on top of the sample chamber detection region, adapted to illuminate only the detection region, and detection optics positioned on top of the detection region, adapted to detect only light emitted from the detection region. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a simple, rapid assay for measuring the concentration of CD4+T cells in a whole blood sample. |
| US07927553B2 |
Photocatalytic reactor with movable conformal light guiding plate
A photocatalytic reactor is disclosed herein, which includes a rotatable light guide plate and a light source. The light guide plate is coated with a photocatalyst film on a surface thereof. A light beam emitted from the light source can be coupled into and propagate inside the light guide plate to activate the photocatalysis of the photocatalyst film. Additionally, the rotation of the light guide plate further expedites the photocatalysis so as to enhance the reaction efficiency of the photocatalytic reactor. |
| US07927549B2 |
Method for accessing the contents of a closed collection device with a modified pipette tip
A method for accessing the contents of a closed collection device having a cap and a fluid-holding vessel in fixed association. The method includes penetrating one or more materials of the cap with an air displacement pipette, thereby forming one or more passageways for venting air displaced from within the collection device, where the pipette includes structure for forming the one or more passageways. A fluid present in the vessel is drawn into the pipette before the pipette is removed from the collection device. |
| US07927543B2 |
Method of treating a marine object
The method is for treating a marine object. A composition is provided that has an organic substance. The composition is applied to the marine object. The composition has a first layer and a second layer. A first organic substance on the first layer attracts bacteria. The bacteria consume the first organic substance and during this process use oxygen. The bacteria thus reduce an oxygen level in a boundary layer adjacent to a surface of the marine object. The first layer of the composition erodes to expose the second layer. The bacteria consume a second organic substance of the second layer. |
| US07927540B2 |
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 calendaring the nonwoven fabric mat with embossing calendar 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 minimum filtration efficiency of about 50%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 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 75%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 test procedure. |
| US07927539B2 |
Method for the construction of a laminated compound
A method or procedure for the construction of a laminated compound or mould made up of a number of layers of particle material on top of each other, which are hardened and joined to each other in predetermined onsite areas, which can differ from each other depending on position and expansion, so that from the predetermined hardened areas of the laminated compound at least one mould is formed. The layers are deposited individually one after another in predetermined layer thickness by the dispensing of particle material from a dispensing device during its movement above a working field and according to computer data in predetermined areas. |
| US07927537B2 |
Tape winder and method of processing tape
A tape winder includes: a hub, around which a tape is wound overlappingly and which forms a tape roll on the hub; a first guide roller, defining the position of feeding of the tape into the tape roll being formed on the hub while pressing an outer peripheral surface of the tape roll; and a moving mechanism, moving the first guide roller away from the rotation axis of the hub as the tape roll increases in diameter. A rotation axis of the first guide roller is positioned along a normal to a reference surface and the rotation axis of the hub intersects the rotation axis of the first guide roller at an angle θ. The tape is processed to provide winding curl to the tape through winding the tape on a tapered hub with inclination and a heat treatment to fix the winding curl. |
| US07927530B2 |
Eccentric polyester-polyethylene-bicomponent fibre
A method for producing a skin/core type eccentric biocomponent fiber which is soft to touch and has improved latent crimp. An eccentric skin/core fiber which has a skin portion in relation to the cross-section of the fiber of 35%-70% is produced by melt spinning polyester as a core component and polyethylene as a skin component at a spinning speed of between 600 m/min-2000 m/min. The thus-obtained fiber stretches at a temperature of between 40° C.-70° C. at a ratio Wmax±20% and is then compressed in a crimped manner. The fiber, which is produced in such a manner, is very soft to touch and has an additional latent crimp. The fibrer are particularly suitable for producing hygiene products such as hygienic non-woven fabrics, and all kinds of hygienic textile flat items for producing nappies, bandages, inserts, cotton buds, and the like. |
| US07927529B2 |
Method of forming bioabsorbable drug delivery devices
A bioabsorbable drug delivery device and various methods of making the same. The devices are preferably formed from bioabsorbable materials using low temperature fabrication processes, hereby drugs or other bio-active agents are incorporated into or onto the device and degradation of the drugs or other agents during processing is minimized. Radiopaque markers may also be incorporated into, or onto, the devices. The devices may be generally tubular helical stents comprised of a solid ladder or an open lattice configuration, or a hybrid combination thereof. The tubular helical stents are generally formed from precursor fibers, films or tubes. The solid ladder configuration provides increased radiopacity and increased radial strength, whereas the open lattice configuration provides better endothelialization and fluid flow through the stent. The drug or other agent delivery capacity of the devices may provide local or regionalized drug or other agent delivery, or a combination thereof, with more consistent concentrations of drugs or other agents delivered from the device to the treatment site along the entire length of the device. |
| US07927528B2 |
Preform for manufacturing a material having a plurality of voids and method of making the same
A beaded preform includes a plurality of adjacently positioned beads for forming a plurality of voids in an engineered material. The beaded preforms may be comprised of a filaments (single strand of beads) and mats (two-dimensional and three dimensional arrays of beads). The filaments and mats may be coated to become tows and laminates, respectively, which may then be assembled into composite materials. The preforms may be produced using novel manufacturing apparatuses and methods, and incorporated into known manufacturing processes to produce porous structures, including stress-steering structures, in any material including metals, plastics, ceramics, textiles, papers, and biological materials, for example. |
| US07927527B2 |
Method and mould for manufacturing pellets of hot-melt ink
A method and a mould for manufacturing pellets of hot-melt ink are disclosed wherein use is made of a multiple mould containing at least three dies detachably attached to one another which define mold cavities and corresponding filling holes. In the moulding process, the cavities are overfilled such that after solidification ink protrudes in the filling openings formed in a single die and prior to removal of the pellets from the mould cavities, the die containing the protrusions is separated from the other dies whereby the ink pellets formed are substantially free of holes and/or protrusions hampering the free flow of such pellets when introduced in a dosing system. |
| US07927526B2 |
Silane-based gradient-initiating solution for thermoplastic core having a positive hardness gradient
A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic core having an outer diameter of 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches and having an outer surface and a geometric center, each having a hardness; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer; wherein the thermoplastic core has been exposed to a gradient-initiating solution comprising a silane having the formula: wherein R′ is a non-hydrolysable organofunctional group, X is a hydrolysable group, and n is 0-24, such that the hardness of the outer surface is greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of 5 Shore C or greater. |
| US07927524B2 |
Method for molding golf ball cover over soft core
A method for compression molding a thin cover layer over a large or soft core golf ball, wherein the process includes mold press speed of closure, pressure within the mold cavities, temperature of materials being molded, and the movement of the compression press is controlled by as the mold position rather than any fixed amounts of time. A Ram press is moved in a very controlled fashion during the low pressure stage by a servo controller, and is governed by data fed to a control computer by a linear potentiometer, which allows for a very deliberate movement, especially over the last 0.4 inches of closing. A pressure transducer and thermocouples determine the flow point of the cover layer. Once the cover material starts to flow, the Ram press is triggered into a high pressure close wherein the cover layer is formed and then finally cooled. |
| US07927521B2 |
Method for producing cellulose acylate film and optical compensation film for liquid crystal display plate produced by using the method
According to the present invention, a cellulose acylate film having high thickness precision and no streaks can be formed by producing a film with a cellulose acylate resin by means of the polishing roller method, and a high-performance optical film, which is free from the retardation distribution, can be produced by subsequently stretching the cellulose acylate film thus obtained within a magnification range from 1 or more and 2.5 or less. |
| US07927513B1 |
Method of treating a hot syngas stream for conversion to chemical products by removing ammonia and COS
A method for the high removal of ammonia, COS and HCN from syngas (along with some polishing of particulates) in a cost effective and environmentally benign and sustainable fashion, with the need for little to no chemical addition by using a combination of water based gas scrubbing, HCN scrubbing and biological processing steps. |
| US07927512B2 |
Phosphor and light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a light emitting element 1 that has a light emission peak wavelength in a range from 300 nm to 530 nm, and a phosphor 2 that absorbs light from the light emitting element 1 and converts the wavelength of the light to emit light with a light emission peak wavelength different from the light emitting element. The phosphor is represented by the general formula M15−xEuxM2mM3nO2m+(3/2)n+5 where x, m and n fall within ranges 0.0001≦x≦0.3, 1.0≦m≦2.5 and 0≦n≦2.5, M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Zn, M2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Si, Ge and Sn, and M3 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, Al, Ga, In and rare earth elements. |
| US07927511B2 |
Coding system for value documents
The invention relates to a composition for coding having at least one pair of mutually associated luminescent substances having first and second luminescent substances which emit in a joint emission range located outside the visible spectral range. The emission spectra of the first and second luminescent substances overlap in at least a subrange of the stated emission range such that the emission spectrum of the first luminescent substance is complemented by the emission spectrum of the second luminescent substance. |
| US07927507B1 |
Hydrogen storage compositions
Compositions for hydrogen storage and methods of making such compositions employ an alloy that exhibits reversible formation/deformation of BH4− anions. The composition includes a ternary alloy including magnesium, boron and a metal and a metal hydride. The ternary alloy and the metal hydride are present in an amount sufficient to render the composition capable of hydrogen storage. The molar ratio of the metal to magnesium and boron in the alloy is such that the alloy exhibits reversible formation/deformation of BH4− anions. The hydrogen storage composition is prepared by combining magnesium, boron and a metal to prepare a ternary alloy and combining the ternary alloy with a metal hydride to form the hydrogen storage composition. |
| US07927504B2 |
Methods of preventing frost formation and facilitating the removal of winter precipitation relative to a windshield and compositions for use therein
Disclosed herein is a winter precipitation barrier composition, comprising: a retaining agent, a solvent, and optionally, an auxiliary component, such as a rheology/viscosity modifier, surfactant, detergent, foaming/defoaming additive, humectant, dye, colorant, fragrance, or a combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the retaining agent comprises a primarily hydrophobic monomer or a hydrophilic monomer. |
| US07927499B2 |
Substrate having blind hole and method for forming blind hole
A substrate having a blind hole and a method for forming the blind hole. The method includes: (a) providing a substrate having a lower dielectric layer, a copper layer, and an upper dielectric layer; and (b) forming an upper dielectric layer through hole and a copper layer through hole by etching through the upper dielectric layer and the copper layer with laser, and forming a cavity on the lower dielectric layer by using the laser, in which the aperture of the cavity on the upper surface of the lower dielectric layer is larger than that of the copper layer through hole. Therefore, a blind hole space in a shape of a rivet is formed, so that after the blind hole space is electroplated with an electroplating copper layer, the bonding force between the electroplating copper layer and the copper layer is enhanced. |
| US07927498B2 |
Solar cell and method of texturing solar cell
A solar cell and a method of texturing a solar cell are disclosed. The method includes coating an ink containing metal particles on a surface of a substrate, drying the ink to attach the metal particles to the surface of the substrate, and differentially etching the surface of the substrate using the metal particles as a catalyst to form an uneven portion. |
| US07927497B2 |
Integrated thin-film solar cells and method of manufacturing thereof and processing method of transparent electrode for integrated thin-film solar cells and structure thereof, and transparent substrate having processed transparent electrode
The present invention relates to integrated thin film solar cells, and more particularly, to integrated thin film solar cells, which minimize the loss of integrated solar cells caused at the time of a manufacturing process and become available at a low cost process, and a method of manufacturing thereof, a processing method of a transparent electrode for integrated thin film solar cells, which widens an effective area and reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing a (insulating) gap between unit cells of the integrated thin film solar cells, and a structure thereof, and a transparent substrate having the transparent electrode. The method of manufacturing integrated thin film solar cells, comprising the steps of: (a) forming a transparent electrode pattern separately over a transparent substrate; (b) forming a solar cell (semiconductor) layer over the substrate of the step (a); (c) forming a first back electrode by obliquely depositing a conductive material over the solar cell (semiconductor) layer; (d) etching the solar cell (semiconductor) layer by using the first back electrode as a mask; and (e) forming a second back electrode so that the transparent electrode and the first back electrode are electrically connected by obliquely depositing a metal over the substrate of the step (d). |
| US07927488B1 |
Water purification systems
Water purification systems utilizing oxidation. By passing water through a chamber of air, the impurities within the water, such as iron, manganese, and/or hydrogen sulfide gas, may be oxidized. The oxidized constituents in the water may then precipitate out and be removed by filter media. Thus, by utilizing oxidation, the impurities most commonly found in a consumer's water are readily removed. Additionally, the water purification systems of the present invention may also elevate the pH, i.e., reduce the hydronium ion concentration, of the water when the water is acidic. By raising the pH of the water, the oxidation of impurities, such as iron and manganese, is more complete and also occurs at a faster rate. Additionally, the corrosivity of the water is also reduced when the pH is elevated. |
| US07927487B2 |
Chromatographic column system
Chromatographic column system, in particular a chromatographic column system of the expanded bed adsorption column type comprises a column connected to a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and dimensioned to comprise an expandable filter bed between said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet. A top collector is adapted for collecting substance filtered by said filter bed and top collector actuator is provided for actuation of the top collector. A top stratum position detector is constructed and adapted to detect a top stratum of the filter bed when in expanded state; and a controller is provided communicatively coupled to said top stratum position detector and said top collector actuator, for moving the top collector as a function of a detected top stratum position. A clean and automated way is provided to optimize the collection of filtered substance. |
| US07927477B2 |
Precision flow control system
A precision flow controller is capable of providing a flow rate less than 100 microliters/minute and varying the flow rate in a prescribed manner that is both predictable and reproducible where the accuracy and precision of the flowrate is less than 5% of the flow rate. A plurality of variable pressure fluid supplies pump fluid through a single outlet. Flowmeters measure the flow rates and a controller compares the flow rates to desired flowrates and, if necessary, adjusts the plurality of variable pressure fluid supplies so that the variable pressure fluid supplies pump fluid at the desired flow rate. The variable pressure fluid supplies can be pneumatically driven. |
| US07927473B2 |
Substrate holder, deposition method using substrate holder, hard disk manufacturing method, deposition apparatus, and program
A substrate holder for supporting an insulating substrate includes a conductive substrate holder main body having an opening, a first support member formed to protrude inside the opening from the inner periphery of the opening, and including a clamping member which supports one end portion of the insulating substrate, and a second support member including a clamping member which supports the other end portion of the insulating substrate, and is movable so as to protrude inside the opening or retract from inside the opening. |
| US07927471B2 |
Three-dimensional electrode for electrolysis, ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell and method of electrolysis using three-dimensional electrode
A three-dimensional electrode with higher strength and higher toughness is provided. The three-dimensional electrode is fabricated by bending a plurality of snicks which are formed in a plate-like electrode substrate toward the same direction. The stabilization of the positional relation among the elements generated by the three-dimensional electrode neither mechanically damages the membrane nor causes the insufficient current supply. The three-dimensional electrode is preferably used for brine electrolysis and white liquor electrolysis. |
| US07927470B2 |
Flow-through-resin-impregnated monolithic graphite electrode and containerless electrolytic cell comprising same
An electrolytic cell is provided that can include: a first electrode plate including a first surface that can include a graphite material; a second electrode plate including a second surface that can include a graphite material opposing the first surface; an electrolytic reaction zone between the first surface and the second surface; and an inlet to and an outlet from the electrolytic reaction zone. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can include resin-impregnated monolithic graphite plates. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can form opposite internal walls of a chamber for the electrolytic reaction and thus can be provided without a container for containing the electrode plates. Methods are also provided for flow-through-resin-impregnating porous, monolithic graphite plates to form electrode plates. |
| US07927469B2 |
Electro-chemical processor
A processor for making porous silicon or processing other substrates has first and second chamber assemblies. The first and second chamber assemblies include first and second seals for sealing against a wafer, and first and second electrodes, respectively. The second seal is moveable towards and away from a wafer in the processor, to move between a wafer load/unload position, and a wafer process position. The second electrode may move with the second seal. A light source shines light onto the first side of the wafer. The processor may be pivotable from a substantially horizontal orientation, for loading and unloading a wafer, to a substantially vertical orientation, for processing a wafer. |
| US07927467B2 |
Method of manufacturing discrete track recording medium and discrete track recording medium
According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a discrete track recording medium includes forming protruded magnetic patterns on a substrate, and repeating processes of depositing a nonmagnetic material so as to be filled in recesses between the magnetic patterns and etching back the nonmagnetic material two or more times with rotating the substrate in a plane thereof by an angle less than one revolution. |
| US07927465B2 |
Method and apparatus for microwave reduction of organic compounds
The invention described herein generally pertains to utilization of high power density microwave energy to reduce organic compounds to carbon and their constituents, primarily in a gaseous state. The process includes, but is not limited to, scrap tires, plastics, asphalt roofing shingles, computer waste, medical waste, municipal solid waste, construction waste, shale oil, and PCB/PAH/HCB-laden materials. The process includes the steps of feeding organic material into a microwave applicator and exposing the material to microwave energy fed from at least two linear polarized sources in non-parallel alignment to each other, and collecting the material. The at least two sources of microwave energy are from a bifurcated waveguide assembly, whose outputs are perpendicular to each other and fed through waveguide of proper impedance, such that the microwave sources are physically and electrically 90° out of phase to each other. The microwave frequency is between 894 and 1000 MHz, preferably approximately 915 MHz. |
| US07927459B2 |
Methods for improving the tear strength of mats
Methods for improving the tear strength in non-woven chopped strand mats during the manufacturing process of the mats are provided. In particular, the tear strength of the mat can be improved as the mat is being formed in response to current manufacturing conditions by the addition of a water soluble polyol, such as polyvinyl alcohol, or a cationic dispersant to the binder seal pit. Alternatively, a cationic dispersant may be added to the white water chest to improve the tear strength of the chopped strand mat. The addition of polyvinyl alcohol or a cationic dispersant to the binder seal pit results in an immediate or nearly immediate improvement of the tear strength of the chopped strand mat. Both the polyvinyl alcohol and the cationic dispersant can be utilized to improve the tear strength of a chopped strand mat regardless of the type of binder or components in the white water. |
| US07927455B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus including a sealable chamber that is sealable, a gas supply section that supplies a reactive material gas into the chamber, and a plurality of cathode and anode electrode pairs provided within the chamber, connected to an external power supply, and producing plasma discharges through the material gas, respectively, wherein the plurality of cathode and anode electrode pairs are provided at a distance from one another at which the plasma discharges are prevented from interfering with one another. |
| US07927449B2 |
Sandwiched article for enhancement of a vehicle
A cured sandwiched article may be used to enhance a portion of a vehicle. In some embodiments, a cured sandwiched article may include a core sandwiched between one or more backing layers and one or more top layers cured to conform to a surface of a vehicle. A cured sandwiched article may be made by steps including shaping a core, positioning the core between one or more backing layers and one or more top layers to form the sandwiched article, and curing the sandwiched article. A cured sandwiched article may be connected to a surface of a vehicle by providing adhesive to a bottom surface of the cured sandwiched article, positioning the cured sandwiched article on a surface of the vehicle, and curing the adhesive. In some embodiments, the cured sandwiched article may include a plurality of fiber-optic fibers. |
| US07927447B2 |
Protective materials and methods for producing protective materials
The present disclosure is directed to protective materials and methods for producing protective materials. The protective materials include a plurality of foam elements having a molded surface and a cut surface. The molded surfaces of the foam elements are attached to a fabric sheet such that the cut surfaces each define planes that are spaced from the fabric sheet when the fabric sheet is substantially planar. The protective materials are produced by using a mold to form the plurality of foam elements on one side of a foam sheet, attaching a fabric sheet to the top of the foam elements, and cutting the foam elements from the foam sheet. |
| US07927445B2 |
Vertical manufacturing of composite wind turbine tower
A method of manufacturing a composite tower, includes at least partially filling a form with a curable resin; at least partially curing the resin in the form; raising the form partly over the at least partially cured resin; and at least partially filling the raised form with more curable resin applied against the cured resin. |
| US07927444B2 |
Method and device for forming a longitudinal fiber web
A method is described for forming a longitudinal fibre web (100), wherein synthetic tapes (2) with an elongated cross-sectional contour are positioned substantially parallel to each other for forming a bundle (12), wherein the tapes (2) are embedded in a matrix material (46). The tapes (2) are positioned partially overlapping each other. |
| US07927443B2 |
Medical balloon
A non-compliant medical balloon, where the non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon, is made with a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer over said first fiber layer such that the fibers of the first fiber layer and the fibers of the second fiber layer form an angle and a binding layer coating the first fiber layer and said second fiber layer. The interior surface area of the non-compliant medical balloon remains unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state. |
| US07927442B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing an insulation support with an adhesive layer for a magnetic resonance gradient coil
In a method and apparatus for producing a plate-type insulation support provided with an adhesive layer for a gradient coil for a magnetic resonance device, an adhesive film forming the adhesive layer is used, which has a number of openings distributed over its surface to allow the passage of air and which is applied to the insulation support. |
| US07927439B1 |
Shock compression sensitivity change on command of explosives containing SMART materials
The invention is a method and a composition where, on command, a distributed number of micron size voids are created in an energetic material. The voids are hot spots, which change the shock compression sensitivity of the explosive composition by a factor of 2 to 10. The composition contains SMART materials, which are magnetostrictive materials having a large magnetostrictive coefficient, and in a matter of microseconds following the application of an external electromagnetic field, each of the magnetostrictive nano-structures expands and contracts forming a void, where the sum of the voids increases the shock compression sensitivity of the composition. |
| US07927438B1 |
Electrostatic charge dissipation compositions including energetic particles
An electrostatic charge dissipation composition having at least one energetic particle component and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic component. In another embodiment, the electrostatic charge dissipation composition includes at least one energetic particle component, at least one non-conducting polymer binder, and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic/binder composition. |
| US07927436B2 |
High-strength aluminum alloy extruded product exhibiting excellent corrosion resistance and method of manufacturing same
The present invention provides a high-strength aluminum alloy extruded product exhibiting excellent corrosion resistance and secondary workability and suitably used as a structural material for transportation equipment such as automobiles, railroad vehicles, and aircrafts, and a method of manufacturing the same. The aluminum alloy extruded product has a composition containing 0.6 to 1.2% of Si, 0.8 to 1.3% of Mg, and 1.3 to 2.1% of Cu while satisfying the following conditional expressions (1), (2), (3) and (4), 3%≦Si %+Mg %+Cu %≦4% (1) Mg %≦1.7×Si % (2) Mg %+Si %≦2.7% (3) Cu %/2≦Mg %≦(Cu %/2)+0.6% (4) and further containing 0.04 to 0.35% of Cr, and 0.05% or less of Mn as an impurity, with the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities. The cross section of the extruded product has a recrystallized structure with an average grain size of 500 μm or less. |
| US07927435B2 |
Zirconium strip material and process for making same
Methods for producing zirconium strips that demonstrate improved formability are disclosed. The zirconium strips of the present disclosure have a purity and crystalline microstructure suitable for improved formability, for example, in the manufacture of certain articles such as panels for plate heat exchangers and high performance tower packing components. Other embodiments disclosed herein relate to formed substantially pure zirconium strip, articles of manufacture produced from the substantially pure zirconium strip, and methods for making the articles of manufacture. |
| US07927432B2 |
Cleaning head
When, according to the invention, a cleaning head is provided with a hysteresis coupling (9, 11) between the turbine (3) and the gear in the gear housing (13), the gear will remain separated from the turbine and not be subjected to liquid impact. The hysteresis coupling (9, 11) may be adjusted using electromagnets (9) as an inductor, which allows control/regulation of the rotating movements of the cleaning head to achieve the best possible cleaning pattern. |
| US07927431B2 |
Switch assembly support system for a dishwashing appliance, and associated apparatus and method
A dishwashing appliance is provided, comprising a door assembly defining opposed upper and lower ends. A console cover member is operably engaged with the upper end of the door assembly, and includes a first surface, and a second surface perpendicularly engaged therewith and extending therefrom. A switch assembly within the console cover member has at least one control actuator accessible through the first surface of the console cover member. A support member is configured to operably engage the second surface of the console cover member such that the switch assembly is disposed between the support member and the first surface. The support member is configured to bias the switch assembly toward the first surface so as to compress a gasket member between the first surface and the switch assembly to form a seal therebetween. An associated system and method is also provided. |
| US07927429B2 |
Substrate cleaning method, substrate cleaning apparatus and computer readable recording medium
After a rinse process on a wafer W is performed by feeding pure water to the surface of the wafer W at a predetermined flow rate while rotating the wafer W in an approximately horizontal state, a feed amount of the pure water to the wafer W is reduced, and a pure-water feed point is moved outward from the center of the wafer W. In this manner, the wafer W is subjected to a spin dry process while forming a liquid film in a substantially outer region of the pure-water feed point. |
| US07927427B2 |
Method for detecting the load of items to be washed, and dishwasher machine
A method for determining at least one of the type and the quantity of items to be washed in a dishwasher machine is provided for use with a dishwashing machine having a washing chamber in which the items are placed in receptacles for subsequent washing of the items during a dishwashing program with the respective disposition of the items in the receptacles constituting the load of the receptacles in the washing chamber of the dishwasher machine. The method includes detecting the load of the receptacles by an image detection system that measures distances in a non-contact manner by means of the speed of light such that the measured distances can be evaluated to obtain a three-dimensional image of the washing chamber. |
| US07927422B2 |
Microfluidic protein crystallography
The use of microfluidic structures enables high throughput screening of protein crystallization. In one embodiment, an integrated combinatoric mixing chip allows for precise metering of reagents to rapidly create a large number of potential crystallization conditions, with possible crystal formations observed on chip. In an alternative embodiment, the microfluidic structures may be utilized to explore phase space conditions of a particular protein crystallizing agent combination, thereby identifying promising conditions and allowing for subsequent focused attempts to obtain crystal growth. |
| US07927421B2 |
Light irradiation apparatus, light irradiation method, crystallization apparatus, crystallization method, and semiconductor device
A light irradiation apparatus irradiates a target plane with light having a predetermined light intensity distribution. The apparatus includes a light modulation element having a light modulation pattern of a periodic structure represented by a primitive translation vector (a1, a2), an illumination system for illuminating the modulation element with the light, and an image forming optical system for forming the predetermined light intensity distribution obtained by the modulation pattern on the target plane. A shape of an exit pupil of the illumination system is similar to the Wigner-Seitz cell of a primitive reciprocal lattice vector (b1, b2) obtained from the primitive translation vector (a1, a2) by the following equations: b1=2π(a2×a3)/(a1·(a2×a3)) and b2=2π(a3×a1)/(a1·(a2×a3)) in which a3 is a vector having an arbitrary size in a normal direction of a flat surface of the modulation pattern of the modulation element, “·” is an inner product of the vector, and “×” is an outer product of the vector. |
| US07927418B2 |
Coordinated metal compounds for reducing chromium
Methods and compositions involving the use of nitrogen-containing coordinated metal compounds for stabilizing chromium VI reducing metal cations. Exemplary uses include processes for making cement, and exemplary compositions include cement additives, concrete admixtures, as well as hydratable cement and cementitous compositions. |
| US07927402B1 |
Passive desiccant system
In a method for removing moisture from an optical system at high altitude, the improvement comprises using the difference in flow resistance between the desiccant path and the optical cavity path to enable airflow through the desiccant unit and not through the optical path. |
| US07927396B2 |
Evacuation value arrangements; pulse jet air cleaner systems using same; and, method
Methods, techniques, and constructions are provided for use to apply an evacuation valve arrangement on an air cleaner assembly that is configured for pulse jet operation. An example evacuation valve arrangement is provided which comprises a valve member in the form of a sleeve that extends completely around a sidewall portion of an air cleaner housing of a pulse jet air cleaner. Examples are depicted in which the sidewall portion can comprise: a portion of a housing sidewall section that surrounds an installed filter cartridge, in use; a portion of an access cover; or, a drop tube secured to a portion of the housing, for example either on an access cover or on another portion of a housing. Specific features and alternatives are described. Also, methods of assembly and operation are described. |
| US07927394B2 |
Apparatus and method for enhanced droplet collection in gas flows
Collection apparatus are installed in a horizontal separator vessel to aid conventional coalescing media to remove mist and droplets from a gas flow, typically downstream from a compressor. The collection apparatus have filaments which act to wick the coalesced droplets either from the conventional coalescing media or from the sides of the vessel toward an annular channel which collects the droplets and assists in delivering the droplets, by gravity, to the bottom of horizontal vessel where they are carried to a collection area. Use of the collection apparatus permits a reduction in the size of the separator vessel and further permits vapor load factors of up to about 10 times that in a conventionally designed separator vessel. |
| US07927389B2 |
Superabrasive grain setting method
In a superabrasive grain setting method, a two-dimensionally developed coordinate preparation step is taken, wherein a non-cylindrical area of a mounting surface where a tangential line to the mounting surface in a plane including the axis of the manufacturing mold crosses with the axis of a manufacturing mold is developed into a circular-arc belt-like surface, and a plurality of mounting points are set on the circular-arc belt-like surface in a grid pattern in dependence on mounting positions for superabrasive grains. Then, a rectification step is taken, wherein the grid pattern of the mounting points is rectified in predetermined angular ranges so that the mounting points do not make consecutive point lines in the circumferential direction of the circular-arc belt-like surface. A mounting step is thereafter taken of mounting the superabrasive grains on the mounting surface of the manufacturing mold based on the grid pattern rectified at the rectification step. |
| US07927385B2 |
Processing of fine silicon powder to produce bulk silicon
A method for using substantial quantities of silicon powders as charge and processing it to produce a high quality silicon ingots suitable for photovoltaic use is disclosed. In a fused silica crucible, silicon feedstock containing more than about 5% by weight silicon powder is charged. The crucible with the charged silicon feedstock is placed into a furnace chamber and a vacuum is drawn to remove air. The vacuum is applied slowly. Then, the furnace chamber is backfilled with argon gas and heated to form molten silicon. Afterward, the molten silicon is solidified and annealed to form a multicrystalline silicon ingot. |
| US07927383B2 |
Composition comprising at least one fatty substance and at least one surfactant comprising ethylene oxide, dyeing or lightening process using it and devices therefor
The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing or lightening human keratin fibers, comprising: a cosmetically acceptable medium; at least 25% by weight of at least one fatty substance different from fatty acids; from 1% to 10% by weight of at least one nonionic surfactant comprising ethylene oxide in an amount ranging from 10 mol to 80 mol; at least one dye chosen from oxidation dyes and direct dyes; at least one basifying agent; and at least one oxidizing agent. The disclosure also relates to a dyeing or lightening process using it. Another subject of the disclosure is multi-compartment devices or kits for obtaining, after mixing together the compositions of the compartments, just before its application, a composition according to the disclosure. |
| US07927381B2 |
Process for lightening or lightening direct dyeing or oxidation dyeing in the presence of an aqueous composition comprising at least one fatty substance, and device
Provided is a process for lightening or dyeing keratin fibers, in which the following are applied to the said fibers: (a) an aqueous cosmetic composition (A) comprising at least one fatty substance and at least one surfactant; (b) a cosmetic composition (B) comprising at least one alkaline agent, (c) a cosmetic composition (C) comprising at least one oxidizing agent, wherein the amount of the at least one fatty substance in composition (A) is greater than 20% by weight relative to the total weight of composition (A), and when the process used is a process for dyeing keratin fibers, then cosmetic composition (B) further comprises at least one oxidation dye, at least one direct dye, or both. Also provided is a multi-compartment device. |
| US07927378B2 |
Vacuum assisted prosthetic sleeve and socket
A prosthetic sleeve and socket system, the sleeve including a flap or skirt concentrically arranged about the sleeve and configured to form a sealed chamber between the sleeve and socket when the sleeve is inserted into the socket. An air permeable material is interposed between the skirt and the sleeve to maintain a continuous interconnected air layer therebetween. An expulsion valve is provided to allow air contained within the sealed chamber to be forced out of the chamber ahead of the sleeve when it is inserted into the socket. A powered vacuum pump is also provided for producing and maintaining a partial vacuum in the sealed chamber for keeping the socket and sleeve joined. The system allows for a substantial reduction in size of known sockets and permits, in some instances, the disposal of bulky suspension straps currently in use to force the socket against a residual limb. |
| US07927372B2 |
Scleral prosthesis having crossbars for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders
A scleral prosthesis includes a prosthesis body having first and second side surfaces and a cavity extending through the prosthesis body from the first side surface to the second side surface. The scleral prosthesis also includes a crossbar configured to be inserted into the cavity, where the crossbar is wider than the prosthesis body. The cavity could define a narrower central opening and wider end openings, and the crossbar could have a narrower central portion and wider end portions. Also, the prosthesis body could include multiple cavities, and the scleral prosthesis could include multiple crossbars configured to be inserted into the multiple cavities. Each of the cavities could be located proximate to an end of the prosthesis body. The crossbar could be substantially straight with a cylindrical cross section. |
| US07927371B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing cardiac valve regurgitation
An apparatus for modifying the annulus of a cardiac valve to reduce regurgitation of blood flow through the cardiac valve includes a first annuloplasty ring having a first diameter and being disposed about a first aspect of the annulus of the cardiac valve. The apparatus also includes an elongate flexible body having proximal and distal end portions and being insertable into the first annuloplasty ring. The elongate flexible body has an adjustable mechanism for selectively adjusting the elongate flexible body from a first relaxed configuration to a second tensioned configuration. The first annuloplasty ring is adaptable to obtain a second smaller diameter and to cause the annulus of the cardiac valve to be modified and reduce regurgitation of blood flow through the cardiac valve when the elongate flexible body obtains the second tensioned configuration. |
| US07927367B2 |
Bell-bottom modular stent-graft
A system for repairing body lumens including a modular graft and a method for deploying the graft within the body lumen. The modular graft includes a first component having first and second leg portions which mate with second and third graft components, respectively. The second leg portion has a bell bottom shape. The modular graft further includes expandable members which aid in implanting the modular graft as well as facilitates the mating of its components. In order to repair the body lumen, the first component is placed at the repair site and thereafter, the first and second legs are advanced to the repair site and attached to the first component. |
| US07927363B2 |
Device for treating a blood vessel and associated treatment kit
A tubular endoprosthesis can be radially deployed between a retracted state and an expanded state. It includes an axially rigid support which has at least one retention opening. The device further includes at least one filamentary connection which has a region for clamping the endoprosthesis, at least partially surrounding the endoprosthesis, and a control region which is connected to the clamping region via the retention opening. The support is permanently fixed to the endoprosthesis. |
| US07927361B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing material from an intervertebral disc space, such as in performing a nucleotomy
Instrument and method for removing material from an intervertebral disc. The instrument includes outer and inner tubular members. The outer tubular member defines a passage and a cutting window. The inner tubular member is coaxially disposed within the passage, and defines a central lumen and a cutting tip. The cutting tip forms an open mouth having a plurality of teeth. Upon assembly, the cutting tip is exposed within the cutting window combining to define a shaving head. A powered handpiece is coupled to the inner tubular member, and the shaving head is inserted into an intervertebral disc and positioned such that the cutting tip contacts targeted material (e.g., nucleus, annulus and/or end plate). The handpiece is activated to rotate the cutting tip relative to the cutting window. Contacted material is sheared between an edge of the cutting window and the teeth of the cutting tip. |
| US07927360B2 |
Spinal anchor assemblies having extended receivers
There are provided systems and methods for positioning a connecting member adjacent the spinal column that include one or more anchor assemblies having an anchor engageable to bony structure and an extended receiver having a guide portion and an implantation portion. A connecting member is movable along the guide portion from a location outside the patient to the implantation portion in the patient, where the connecting member is secured to the anchor assembly with an engaging member. The guide portion is formed as a single unit with but separable from the implantation portion to provide a modified low-profile anchor assembly after implantation of the connecting member. |
| US07927358B2 |
Spinal stabilization device
An implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae, the implant includes a stabilizing body expandable along a longitudinal axis from a first size state to a second size state. A cavity is defined in the stabilizing body for receiving a quantity of curable filler material sufficient to expand the stabilizing body from the first size state to the second size state. The implant further includes an attachment member for attaching the stabilizing body to the adjacent vertebrae. The stabilizing body is expandable along an arcuate axis to exert a restoring moment of movement on the attached vertebrae. |
| US07927357B2 |
Adjustable length implant
A method and apparatus for providing an adjustable length surgical implant is provided, wherein the surgical implant is readily adjustable by a surgeon using a surgical tool sized for use with the surgical implant. Adjustment of the surgical implant further requires a small incision through the skin prior to the adjustment of the length of the implant, such that the potential for infection is greatly reduces and the associated trauma of surgery is lessened for the patient. |
| US07927351B2 |
Occlusion device with flexible wire connector
An occlusion device includes a flexible section formed by a wire connector. The flexible wire connector gives the occlusion device improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the device to better conform to the contours of the heart. |
| US07927348B2 |
Stretch resistant coil device
A coil device is provided with a stretch resistant feature. The device includes a wound coil defining a lumen and a stretch resistant member at least partially received within the lumen. A restrictor member is also at least partially received within the lumen and defines an aperture adapted to movably receive a portion of the stretch resistant member to allow the wound coil to stretch and elongate. The stretch resistant member includes an enlarged portion that is larger than the aperture and adapted to engage the restrictor member to prevent or resist stretching of the wound coil. The restrictor member may be provided as a separate element fixedly secured to the coil wire, or the coil wire may include one or more minor turns adapted to perform the function of the restrictor member. |
| US07927344B2 |
Eye positioner
Self-contained eye positioner having an annular vacuum ring composed of a channeled support ring and an overmolded flexible sealing ring having an attached rigid hollow tube secured to a syringe by use of an attachment fixture. The syringe, which also functions as a handle, provides a vacuum source, the vacuum of which is communicated to the annular vacuum ring to suctionally adhere the annular vacuum ring to the eyeball for maneuvering thereof. Accompanying closely associated auxiliary devices are provided for use with the eye positioner. No external vacuum source is required. |
| US07927340B2 |
Drill guide and method for placing a fixation device hole
The invention relates to a drill guide and method for providing a drill guide, where the drill guide is for placing a fixation device hole proximate to a bone tunnel in a bone. The drill guide includes a foot for placement in the bone tunnel in the bone and a leg extending from the foot and having a recess. A locator is placed within the recess and, in a retracted position, the locator is inside the leg. The locator is also hingedly connected to the leg such that, in an unretracted position, the locator rotates and extends outwardly from the recess for locating a fixation device hole. |
| US07927339B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing fractured bone using a fracture reduction cannula with a side discharge port
An elongated shaft is sized and configured to establish an access path to bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone. The elongated shaft includes a generally closed distal end portion and a side opening spaced from the closed distal end. A first tool is sized and configured to be selectively inserted into the shaft and selectively removed from the shaft. The tool includes a region that, when the first tool is inserted into the shaft, is capable of being aligned with and advanced through the side opening to project outside the side opening and contact cancellous bone. A second tool is sized and configured, upon removal of the first tool from the shaft, to introduce into the shaft a bone filling material for discharge through the side opening into the cancellous bone contacted by the first tool. |
| US07927338B2 |
Surgical device for implanting a total hip prosthesis
The surgical device according to the invention comprises both means for per-operative measurement and for memorization of a plurality of positions of a given femoral prosthetic direction and means for per-operative comparison of these positions with the cone of mobility of the prosthesis to be implanted, the position of the axis of revolution of this cone being, during the implantation of the prosthesis, adjustable with respect to the zone of the pelvis where the implantation of an acetabulum of the prosthesis is provided. By using this device, the surgeon can easily and rapidly determine, in the course of the surgical operation, a preferential direction for implanting the prosthetic acetabulum in order to reduce the subsequent risks of dislocations of the implanted prosthesis. |
| US07927332B2 |
Bone reamer
Systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for reaming bones with bone reamers. |
| US07927331B2 |
Method and apparatus for surgical pocket creation and dissection
A surgical instrument for creation of tissue dissection and creation of space is disclosed. The instrument may be used any place in the body where a physician could or would use finger or instrument dissection to create a tissue pocket or space. The pocket dissector can be used under direct vision, laparoscopically, endoscopically, under fluoroscopic guidance or blindly. |
| US07927329B2 |
Temperature sensing return electrode pad
An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes a conductive pad having one or more temperature monitoring zones and a patient-contacting surface configured to conduct electrosurgical energy and a temperature sensing circuit coupled to the conductive pad. The temperature sensing circuit includes at least one diode disposed within the at least one temperature monitoring zone, the at least one diode having a predetermined forward voltage drop that is indicative of temperature of at least one temperature monitoring zone. |
| US07927328B2 |
System and method for closed loop monitoring of monopolar electrosurgical apparatus
An electrosurgical system is disclosed comprising a generator configured to electrosurgical coagulation waveforms. The generator includes a closed loop control system for controlling the electrosurgical coagulation waveforms. The closed loop control system includes a sensor configured to sense a tissue property and/or an energy property and to transmit the tissue property and/or the energy property as one or more sensor signals having an amplitude. The control system also includes a gain controller configured to process the at least one sensor signal to reduce the amplitude of the sensor signals and to obtain a signal to noise ratio of the at sensor signals within a predetermine range. A microprocessor coupled to the generator and is configured to adjust the electrosurgical coagulation waveforms as a function of the sensor signals. |
| US07927324B2 |
Aspirator and method for pneumostoma management
A method for treating a pneumostoma by applying suction to the pneumostoma in order to remove solid or liquid discharge. A pneumostoma aspirator including a bulb or syringe is used to apply negative pressure to a tube which enters the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma aspirator may be used in conjunction with a pneumostoma management device. Alternatively, the pneumostoma aspirator may be used after the pneumostoma management device has been removed. The pneumostoma aspirator may also be used to introduce irrigation fluid into the pneumostoma and/or remove irrigation fluid and discharge from the pneumostoma. |
| US07927322B2 |
Body-adhering personal care product
The present invention provides an absorbent article having longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, a second portion and a first portion. This absorbent article has a topsheet which has a first major surface that forms a body-facing surface. In addition, the absorbent article has a backsheet which has a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface. The second major surface of the backsheet forms a garment facing surface of the absorbent article. On the second portion of the top sheet on the first major surface, a body adhesive is applied. In the first portion of the absorbent article, a garment attachment device for attaching the absorbent article to an undergarment of a user is present. |
| US07927321B2 |
Portable sling toilet
A reliable, private and sanitary device is provided for capturing human waste in the wilderness. A small double ended bag contains a roll of toilet paper in one end and an extendable padded strap in the other. A user pulls the padded strap from the bag, loops it around a tree and around the user's body, and attaches its end to the other end of the strap after extending that end of the strap from the other end of the bag. Then the user can lean back against the padded strap, and deposit bodily waste in a collection bag. The device is light, portable, reusable, and suitable for use by hikers, rafters, and other outdoor enthusiasts in areas where human waste is carried out rather than left behind. |
| US07927319B2 |
System and method for distinguishing leaks from a disengaged canister condition in a reduced pressure treatment system
A reduced pressure treatment system includes a processing unit, a reduced pressure source, and a conduit fluidly connected between the reduced pressure source and a tissue site of a patient. The reduced pressure source is configured to operate at a target power level to apply a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A canister is provided to collect fluid drawn from the tissue site. A sensor is provided in communication with the reduced pressure source to determine a source pressure at the reduced pressure source, and an alarm indicator is provided in communication with the processing unit. The processing unit communicates a leak alarm signal or a canister disengaged alarm signal to the alarm indicator when an actual power level of the reduced pressure source exceeds the target power level for a selected period of time. |
| US07927318B2 |
Waste container for negative pressure therapy
A system for treating a patient with a wound comprises a bandage, a receptacle, and a vacuum source. The bandage comprises a cover to seal about the wound and to define a space above the wound in which a vacuum is to be formed. The bandage further comprises a port providing communication with the space. The receptacle is connected to the port to receive exudate from the wound and is provided to be placed below the wound. The vacuum source is spaced apart from the receptacle, is connected to the receptacle, and is effective to provide a vacuum in the receptacle and in the space. |
| US07927317B2 |
Injection device with extraction mechanism
An injection device comprises: a needle support; an injection needle which is fixedly joined to the needle support and which has a free end which is arranged with spacing from the needle support; and a mechanism for extracting the injection needle, comprising a base and a pushing member which can be moved relative to the base between a position in which the needle is used and a position in which the needle is extracted. The base is permanently connected to the needle support and can be moved relative to the needle support between an inactive position of the extraction mechanism and an active position of the extraction mechanism. |
| US07927316B2 |
Disposable, sterile fluid transfer device
The present invention relates to a sterile transfer device for fluids, be they liquids or gases. It is comprised of a body having a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Preferably, it is a central bore formed through the entire length of the body. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger. The body has a first and a second end. The first end contains a face designed to be attached to the upstream component. The second end is connected to a downstream component such as a filter, pipeline, sample bag and the like. The plunger has corresponding first and second ends. The first end of the plunger when it the closed position is in alignment with the face of the body which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the rest of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components. |
| US07927315B2 |
Piston for a syringe and a prefilled syringe using the same
A sealing stopper or piston for a syringe which includes a skirt part that is capable of serving as a backstop device, and a prefilled syringe using the same. The skirt part provides a backstop function, i.e. it prevents reverse movement of the piston, without increasing production costs. |
| US07927312B2 |
Device for retaining and dispensing a free-flowing substance
A device for retaining and dispensing a free-flowing substance includes a syringe-like retaining body (12) in which a retaining space (46) is formed. A displaceable piston (22) is axially introduced into the retaining space (46) and the retaining body (12) is provided with a dispensing nozzle (18) on its front end facing away from the piston (22). A locking pin (36) through which at least one transverse channel (44) passes, with an axial channel (42) branching off therefrom, is provided on the inside of the dispensing nozzle (18). In a closed position of the locking pin (36), a flow connection between the retaining space (46) and the transverse channel (44) is blocked. In an activation position of the locking pin (36), the transverse channel (44) is connected to the retaining space (46), so that the free-flowing substance can be dispensed from the retaining space (46) via the transverse channel (44) and the axial channel (42). |
| US07927307B2 |
Hypodermic injection system
The invention relates to a hypodermic injection system having a direct-drive motor for moving a ram towards an injectate chamber for discharging injectate therein through a discharge orifice. The system can have an injection head attached to a housing having an injectate chamber for holding injectate to be injected, a remote discharge device with a control apparatus or the structure for holding a cartridge containing injectate. The injectate supply could be a bottle, a remote reservoir or a cartridge. An injection head can have a nose actuator for enabling an injection only if the nose actuator has engaged the body to be injected. A clamping device clamps the body to be injected. Control is effected through a microprocessor to which the electrically-operated parts of the invention are attached. Control and output signals are readable through an electronic display. |
| US07927305B2 |
Systems, methods, and devices for injecting media contrast
A system for delivering a contrast medium to a treatment site including a delivery device, and a portable power injector. The delivery device includes a guidewire lumen and a contrast injection lumen, the guidewire lumen and contrast injection lumen being at least partially coaxial. The portable power injector includes an injector body and is configured to contain a contrast medium. The injector body has a plunger disposed therein. The portable power injector also includes a pressure generator, the pressure generator being configured to apply a pressure to the plunger to drive the contrast medium from the injector body and through a distal end of the contrast injection lumen. |
| US07927299B2 |
Knee brace
A knee brace having a hinge assembly comprising an upper segment; a lower segment; a middle linking segment coupled to the upper and lower segments to permit pivotal movement of the upper segment relative to the lower segment; and one or more biasing members anchored to the upper and middle linking segments to resiliently bias the upper and middle segments toward a predetermined alignment. A series of straps connected to the hinge assembly allow attachment of the knee brace to the wearer's leg. |
| US07927297B2 |
Therapeutic treatment apparatus and method
An improved treatment apparatus and method of using in which the device has plural protruding contact elements, each preferably having an undulating contact surface with one or more peaks. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of contact elements are positioned spaced apart from one another in columns. In another device an elongated single column is provided. Mounting brackets are provided that enable a user to position the device easily and to adjust mounting straps and/or belts to a particular body shape. In one example, the device may include bracket apertures into which mounting brackets can be positioned. In another aspect of the invention, adjustable buckles and/or binders are provided can be used to adjust the length of the straps and secure the device to the wearer in use. |
| US07927293B1 |
Means for clearing mucus from the pulmonary system
An apparatus for clearing mucus from the pulmonary system, utilizing two different types of external excitation applied concurrently to the thorax, the first type of excitation consisting of vibrational stimulations, and the second type of excitation consisting of compressive stimulations, with control means provided to regulate the two excitation means. |
| US07927290B2 |
Blood test apparatus
A blood test apparatus wherein a blood collection needle and a blood sensor can be easily attached and detached so that a burden or pain of a patient can be relieved. More specifically speaking, a blood test apparatus wherein a holder, a lancet, a blood collection needle and a blood sensor are united together as a blood sampling cartridge that is detachably mounted to the apparatus body. When this blood sampling cartridge is attached, a plunger involved in the apparatus body holds the lancet and connectors involved in the apparatus body come into contact with the blood sensor. It is preferable that the contact points with the blood sensor of the individual connectors are located at intervals at the same angle centering on a definite point. |
| US07927284B2 |
Quantifying hemodynamic response to drug therapy using implantable sensor
Systems and methods provide for assessing a patient's hemodynamic response to a drug therapy. A patient's hemodynamic response to a drug therapy is monitored using sensor data acquired using one or more sensors. The patient's hemodynamic response to the drug therapy is quantified, such as by quantifying a patient's sensitivity or refractoriness to the drug therapy. The quantified data may be used to optimize a patient's drug therapy, among other uses. |
| US07927283B2 |
Blood pressure algorithm
A apparatus and method for non-invasively measuring blood pressure. Cuff pressure and oscillometric signals are generated. The signals are conditioned by a plurality of linear filters to remove artifacts and local trends. Rank-order filters are applied to the conditioned oscillometric signal to detect upper and lower envelops. The systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure are calculated using a plurality of multidimensional threshold vectors. |
| US07927282B2 |
System and method of determining cardiac pressure
A pressure sensor is deployed in the right atrium and is in contact with the tissue of the fossa ovalis. The fossa ovalis acts as a membrane and the pressure sensor determines the relative and/or absolute pressure within the left atrium while remaining within the right atrium. A variety of embodiment are provided to deploy and anchor the sensor into the proper position. |
| US07927281B2 |
Automated needle pen drug delivery system
A drug delivery system utilizes a hand piece adapted to receive a probe. The hand piece may be made of a first segment and a second segment connected to one another by a swivel joint to accommodate a user's position and preference for switches provided thereon. Alternatively, the switches may be mounted on rotatable bases. A base unit connected to the hand piece delivers a substance to the hand piece via a drug line. The base unit may further include a nerve stimulator for transmitting current to the probe. A drug switch on the hand piece selectively activates a drug delivery and suction to facilitate aspiration. A current switch on the hand piece selectively delivers electric current to the probe. In practice, the hand piece of the invention may be used by a single operator operating an ultrasound wand with a first hand and operating the hand piece with a second hand, thereby reducing personnel typically required to perform certain tasks. |
| US07927280B2 |
Curved 2-D array ultrasound transducer and method for volumetric imaging
An ultrasound imaging system includes an imaging probe having an array of transducer elements that is flat and relatively elongated in the azimuth direction and is curved outwardly in the elevation direction. As a result, when the transducer elements are scanned in a step-wise manner, the acoustic pattern of the probe diverges in the elevation direction. The probe therefore provides a large field of view in the near field despite using relatively few transducer elements. The probe also includes sub-array beamformers to delay signals transmitted and received from the transducer elements in respective sub-arrays. The received signals are coupled to an imaging system which includes a signal path that processes the received signals into signals corresponding to a volumetric image. A display coupled to the signal path can then show a volumetric image of anatomical features in a volumetric region adjacent the array of transducer elements. |
| US07927279B2 |
Ultrasonograph, method for displaying information on distortion of biological tissue in ultrasonic image
An ultrasonograph comprising a probe for measurement by bringing the probe into contact with a subject in a first state, first image creating means for creating a first image of the subject from the information sent from the probe, image display means for displaying the first image created by the first image creating means, means for setting at least one piece of reference information on the first image displayed by the image displaying means, second image creating means for creating a second image of the subject from the measurement information collected by bringing the probe into contact with the subject in a second state different from the first state, means for collecting information on the distortion of a desired region of interest in the second image on the basis of the variation, in the second image, of the reference information set on the first image by the setting means, and display control means for controlling the display of the distortion information collected by the distortion collecting means on the image display means. |
| US07927266B1 |
Trigger finger strengthening apparatus and method
A finger strengthening device is a simulated handgun fitted with an adjustable spring-loaded trigger mechanism. The handgun simulation is selected to match the model of gun to be used, and the exertion required to pull the trigger is initially set at the maximum resistance the shooter can achieve with a steady pull and aim. A method or regimen for proper strengthening is included. |
| US07927264B2 |
Low-impact inertial exercise device
In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, an inertial exercise device has an elongate member with opposing first and second end portions, and a sleeve movably coupled to the elongate member and disposed between the first and second end portions of the elongate member. A first elastic resistance element interfaces between the elongate member and the sleeve. A user-induced rhythmic movement of the sleeve along the elongate member alternatively toward the opposing first and second end portions causes the first elastic resistance element to alternately compress and extend as the first and second end portions of the elongate member oscillate relative to the sleeve. |
| US07927257B2 |
Assisted stair training machine and methods of using
An assisted stair training machine. The machine includes a stationary platform having a planar upper surface positioned parallel to a reference plane and at a predetermined distance above the reference plane; a movable platform having a planar upper surface and being configured to move from a first position to a second position, and a lifting mechanism. The planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the reference plane in the first position, and the planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the planar upper surface of the stationary platform in the second position. The lifting mechanism is configured to move the movable platform from the first position to the second position and from the second position back to the first position at a predetermined speed. |
| US07927251B1 |
Exercise test speed and grade modification
A treadmill test protocol is provided having a linearly increasing work rate profile achieved by linearly increasing walking speed while simultaneously and non-linearly increasing the treadmill inclination. Specifically, according to the protocol it is possible to use a test subject's projected maximum end-test work rate to calculate a treadmill test protocol that starts with a low walking speed and low grade to produce a metabolic rate that is commensurable to that of unloaded cycling in cycle ergometer tests, thereafter having a linear increase in walking speed and simultaneous curvilinear increase in treadmill grade so that when the test subject is tested according to the calculated protocol, the test result yields a work rate and metabolic rate response with a linear slope. Further, the desired maximum treadmill speed can be adjusted so as there is no need for jogging or running for any given test subject. |
| US07927246B2 |
Vehicular drive force distribution device
The rotation of a first rotating element is shifted in speed by a speed shift device, and is transmitted to a second rotating element or a third rotating element of a differential device via a first clutch or a second clutch. In this manner, the torque of right and left driving wheels can be controlled. Furthermore, in conjunction with limitation of the differential motion, the amount of torque transmitted to a fourth rotating element is eliminated by allowing the speed shift device to freely rotate, and the accumulated amount of sliding of friction engagement elements at the time of differential motion limitation can be reduced by completely engaging the first clutch and the second clutch without allowing them to slide. Thus, the differential motion limitation control can be realized without a need to increase the size of the first clutch and the second clutch. |
| US07927244B2 |
Hybrid drive apparatus
A hybrid drive apparatus that includes an input shaft that is connected to an engine; an output shaft that is connected to wheels; a first rotary electric machine; a second rotary electric machine; a first planetary gear apparatus that has at least three rotating elements; a second planetary gear apparatus that has at least three rotating elements; and a plurality of friction engagement elements that selectively connect one rotating element of the first planetary gear apparatus and the second planetary gear apparatus to other rotating elements or that selectively hold the rotating element stationary on a non-rotating member. |
| US07927242B2 |
Downward angle settable hydraulic tensioner
In a hydraulic chain tensioner having a housing, a hollow plunger slidable in a plunger-accommodating hole in the housing, and a hollow sleeve extending into the plunger from a bottom of the plunger-accommodating hole, and a check valve mounted at the opposite end of the sleeve, a passage is provided on the outer surface of the sleeve to accelerate the balance of pressure between a first high pressure chamber between the check valve and the protruding end of the plunger and a second high pressure chamber between the inner end of the plunger and the bottom of the plunger-accommodating hole. In an alternative embodiment, balance is accelerated by communication between the second high pressure chamber and an oil reservoir inside the sleeve on the upstream side of the check valve. |
| US07927238B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for training overhand throwing mechanics
An apparatus is provided for training the overhand throwing motion. The apparatus comprises a first end having a first altitude relative to a throwing surface; an opposing second end having a second altitude relative to the throwing surface; and an unobstructed guiding surface interconnecting the first end to the second end and defining a slope there between. |
| US07927235B2 |
Golf ball
The present invention provides a golf ball having excellent rebound characteristics and flight performance, while maintaining good durability and appearance. The present invention relates to a golf ball comprising a center, an intermediate layer and a cover, the intermediate layer comprises an outermost layer and a second layer adjacent to the underside of the outermost layer, and the cover has many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein the second layer is formed from thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm, the outermost layer is formed from thermosetting or thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 1 to 100 μm, the intermediate layer has depressions on the surface thereof at the position and shape corresponding to the dimples through the cover, and the cover is formed from thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 0.1 to 0.8 mm in land portion having no dimple. |
| US07927224B1 |
Golf club training device
A training device for practicing and learning the technique of juggling or repeatedly tapping a golf ball off the face of a golf club. The device has a lofted club head to which is tethered a resilient ball. A ball receptacle, either a semi-spherical cup or a pair of arcuate arms may be provided on the toe of the head to retrieve or receive a ball. A lip on the sole facilitates retrieval of a ball to begin or resume practice. |
| US07927222B2 |
Portable sandbox
A portable sandbox for carrying sand is provided. The portable sandbox includes a support frame and a carrier body. The support frame includes a front axle and a rear axle, a first and a second pair of upright support members, at least two front wheels where each of the at least two wheels is pivotally connected to an end portion of the front axle, at least two rear wheels where each of the at least two wheels is pivotally connected to an end portion of the rear axle, and a base member comprising a first and a second pair of arms. The carrier body includes a bottom enclosure disposed on the base member of the support frame, and front and rear side panels extending vertically upwards from the bottom enclosure. Furthermore, the portable sandbox includes a handle securely attached to the support frame for pulling the portable sandbox. |
| US07927218B2 |
Gaming machine with common top box substructure
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display and a top box display. The game display is for displaying the wagering game. The top box display includes a standard substructure for attaching subassemblies. The substructure contains fixed connection points allowing subassemblies to be developed in a fashion consistent with the substructure, thus simplifying the ability to swap components and reducing the dependence on unique internal part designs. |
| US07927214B2 |
Transfer of content to closed systems
Mechanisms are disclosed that allow for the communication between closed computing systems and other computing systems. Gaming consoles, for instance, can use the present mechanisms to communicate with PCs, especially when unsigned content is sent from the PCs to the gaming consoles. The disclosed communication mechanism can have multiple channels to send information (which may include code and/or data associated with the unsigned content) from the PCs to the gaming consoles. Such information may be distributed over several channels on the communication mechanism. For instance, the communication mechanism can first send a subset of a set of information from a computing system to a closed computing system. Then, depending on the closed system resources, the remaining set of information can be sent to the closed system. Various heuristics can be used to make a determination of whether to send the set of information following the sent subset of information, including but not limited to, GPU resources, memory resources, and the like. |
| US07927213B2 |
Real-time marketing at gaming machines
A program for rewarding players for gaming at a casino establishment provides a player with real-time incentives while the player is playing at a gaming machine in the casino. Information about the player and/or the player's gaming activity is collected while the player is at a gaming machine in a casino. This information is used by a marketing system to select an incentive to provide to the player. The incentive is then delivered to the player, for example manually by a casino employee or automatically using a printer or other mechanism at the gaming machine. Various types of incentives can be provided to a player, including incentives designed to provide the player with an experience that is favorable to the casino and incentives designed to keep the player gaming in a casino for a longer amount of time. |
| US07927207B2 |
Game machine having a shutter control for blocking variable displays according to a stop control selection having a stopping order
In a gaming machine provided with a function called “super time (ST),” which may change the amount of payout coins, a player moves his sight from a displayed stopping order to a displayed reel during such Super Time (ST) game. In order to prevent fatigue by the sight movement, an image display device is provided with a transparent liquid crystal for image attractions and a liquid crystal film for an electronic shutter. They are laminated and disposed in front of the main reel. The electronic shutter can shield an area partially with a software in reference to a gaming status. For example, the electronic shutter does not shield the area and an image attraction is executed since the player may not make an observation push. For the image attraction after the complete reel stop, the electronic shutter shields the area so as to show a clear attraction image. |
| US07927205B2 |
Gaming machine
A gaming machine is provided with improved visual effects by using a water tank, while facilitating the player's ability to visually recognize the information displayed by a display device. The gaming machine includes: a CPU 106 which controls execution of a game; mechanical reels 30A through 30C, each of which displays multiple kinds of indicating information variably and statically, and each of which is formed of a translucent material; a motor driving circuit 120 that controls the display operation of the mechanical reels 30A through 30C, which provides a function of displaying indicating information variably and statically; and a water tank 500 that is provided behind a display screen 10 for displaying the indicating information provided on the mechanical reels 30A through 30C, retains liquid, and is formed of a translucent material. |
| US07927201B2 |
System for unloading agricultural material
An improved agricultural vehicle is provided utilizing an upper storage container, movable laterally relative to a lower storage container. The dual storage containers allows for ease of loading and unloading a combine with multiple types of agricultural materials, such as stover and corn kernels. The invention also allows grain wagons to carry two separate types of agricultural material, such as stover and corn kernels. |
| US07927190B2 |
Retaining ring with shaped surface
A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions. |
| US07927189B2 |
Superabrasive tool
A tool for use in an abrasive machining process has a body extending along a central longitudinal axis from a first end to a tip end. An abrasive material is located on the tip end. A central recess is formed in the tip end. |
| US07927183B2 |
Polishing pad
A polishing pad provides excellent optical detection accuracy properties over a broad wavelength range (particularly at the short-wavelength side). A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a process of polishing the surface of a semiconductor wafer with this polishing pad. The polishing pad has a polishing layer containing a polishing region and a light-transmitting region, wherein the light-transmitting region includes a polyurethane resin having an aromatic ring density of 2 wt % or less, and the light transmittance of the light-transmitting region is 30% or more in the overall range of wavelengths of 300 to 400 nm. |
| US07927181B2 |
Apparatus for removing material from microfeature workpieces
Machines and systems for removing materials from microfeature workpieces using fixed-abrasive mediums. One embodiment of a method for removing material from a microfeature workpiece comprises rubbing the workpiece against a surface of a fixed-abrasive medium having a matrix and abrasive particles attached to the matrix, and sensing a parameter indicative of frictional force at an interface between the workpiece and the surface of the fixed-abrasive medium. This method continues by moving at least one of the workpiece and the fixed-abrasive medium relative to each other in a direction transverse to the interface based on the parameter. For example, the workpiece and/or the fixed-abrasive medium can be vibrated or oscillated to reduce the frictional force and/or maintain a desired relative velocity between the workpiece and the fixed-abrasive medium. |
| US07927178B2 |
Bee house
A bee house for housing a plurality of bee hives includes a generally rectangular frame and four upwardly extending opaque fixed walls fixed to the frame and a gable roof having a generally triangular cross-section. The roof has a peak and a pair of eaves or outer edges below its peak and defines a longitudinally extending opening between a pair of roof panels at or along the peak. The bee house also includes a plurality of shelves for holding three bee hives on each shelf and an air-conditioner for maintaining the bee house at a temperature of between about 25° C. and 35 C. |
| US07927177B1 |
Pop action toy ball
A pop action toy ball assembly. The pop action toy ball assembly has a lower hemispherical section and a separate upper hemispherical section. The two hemispherical sections are joined together by a connection element. The connection element has one end that is anchored to the apex of the lower hemispherical section. The connection element extends upwardly through the apex of the upper hemispherical section without being affixed to the upper hemispherical section. The lower hemispherical section is selectively positionable between a normal orientation, where a first surface faces outwardly, and an inverted orientation, where a second surface faces outwardly. If the toy ball assembly is impacted while the lower hemispherical section is inverted, the toy assembly pops from its inverted orientation back into its normal orientation. |
| US07927174B2 |
Vehicle with controlled motorized movements
A toy vehicle is provided having a wheel base, a chassis, and a cab. The wheel base has pairs of rear wheels. The chassis is attached to the wheel base about a horizontal rotational axis which is capable of raising and lowering the chassis from a first position to a second position. The cab is pivotally attached to the chassis such that the cab is able to remain in a substantially horizontal position when the chassis is moved. The cab further includes a pair of joints that secure arms, which have at the end a wheel. The joint enables the arms to move when the chassis moves. When moving the cab, the vehicle transforms between the first and second positions, where the wheels attached to the arms are able to move with the cab. |
| US07927170B2 |
Portable device
A portable device comprises a motor for providing vibration, a power source for powering the motor, a switching device for controlling the direction of the motor, propelling means for engaging a surface and for propelling the device when the motor is vibrating, the propelling means extending downwardly at an angle to the vertical, and an input device connected to the switching device, the switching device arranged to switch the direction of the motor when the input device receives a predetermined signal. Advantageously, the propelling means comprise a set of bristles. By using angled bristles, this increases friction in the backwards direction and so causes the device to move forwards when vibrating. The bristles dig into surface when vibration tries to move the object backwards, and the bristles slide over surface when vibration tries to move object forwards. |
| US07927168B2 |
Low-pressure discharge lamp and method for manufacturing thereof
A low-pressure discharge lamp having a tubular glass lamp vessel 10, on an outer surface of which conductor layers are formed as electrodes 21 and 26. The ultrasonic solder dipping layers 31 and 36 are formed at both ends of the vessel 10 as conductor layers. The end surfaces of the glass lamp vessel are blasted and ultrasonic solder dipping layers are formed on the blasted surfaces 41 and 46 by ultrasonic solder dipping. Conductor layers form external electrodes 21 and 26, which are in contact with the glass surface more strongly. A low-pressure discharge lamp having the conductor layers of a uniform thickness can be mass-produced at low cost. |
| US07927166B2 |
Organic light emitting display and method of manufacturing the same
In a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display according to an embodiment, when a thin film transistor substrate including a display area and a non-display area is prepared, an organic light emitting layer is formed on the display area. Then, a first cathode layer is formed on the organic light emitting layer through a first deposition method, and a second cathode layer is formed on the first cathode layer through a second deposition method. The first and/or second deposition method may be performed by using heat. Thus, the light-emitting quality of the organic light emitting display may be improved. |
| US07927163B2 |
Recreational flotation device
A flotation recreational device consists of a buoyant vessel having a semispherical exterior surface and a sufficient internal area adapted to accommodate an operator. The vessel is configured to have a geometrical center which is a metacenter of a spherical buoyant body serving as a base of the partially-spherical exterior surface. The center of sphere is spaced from and located above the center of gravity of the operator, so the radius of sphere is greater than the height of said center of gravity. The stability of a vessel-operator system is determined by a stability of a distance between the metacenter and the center of gravity of the operator. The vessel can be in the form of a circular shell, an elliptical shell, or a barrel. |
| US07927162B1 |
Multi-functional, personal flotation device
A multi-functional, personal flotation device provides a life preserver for a person in combination with an integrated tethering system to aid in retrieval of the wearer. The integrated tethering system may be used alone or in conjunction with an integrated signaling device. The integrated signaling device extends when the life preserver is use. The integrated tethering system facilitates the recovery of a person wearing the multi-functional, personal flotation device. The integrated signaling device or the integrated tethering system may also include a sound or a visual alarm. |
| US07927157B1 |
Bonding and grounding clamp/connector for electrode conductors
By providing a single housing incorporating a central passageway or channel formed therein which is constructed for receiving and retaining a typical grounding rod/grounding electrode conductor and constructing the housing for being quickly and easily mounted and secured in a knockout hole formed in any desired electrical outlet box, junction box, meter box, or similar enclosure, an efficient, easily manufactured and easily assembled bonding and grounding clamp/connector is realized. Preferably, the housing of the clamp/connector of the present invention incorporates a locking screw threadedly mounted to the housing and positioned for quickly and easily securely affixing the grounding rod/grounding electrode conductor in the channel or passageway of the housing once positioned therein. |
| US07927156B2 |
Electrical connector element
An electrical connector element for connection of a conductor to a circuit board, having a housing, at least one clamp connector for the conductor and at least two connector pins for preferably soldered connection to the circuit board, is disclosed. The housing has at least one separating element made from insulating material, projecting from the lower side, facing away from the circuit board in the assembled position, at least partly arranged between the connector pins and extending through the circuit board in the assembled position, in order to permit the connector pins of the electrical connector element to be arranged closer together. |
| US07927152B2 |
Electrical connector with contact spacing member
A contact sub-assembly is provided for an electrical connector. The contact sub-assembly includes a base and an array of contacts held by the base. Each contact extends along a length from a terminating end portion to a tip end portion. The tip end portion includes a tip surface. Each contact has a mating interface located along the length of the contact between the terminating end portion and the tip end portion. The contact sub-assembly also includes a spacing member formed separately from the base. The spacing member engages each of the contacts such that each contact is positioned relative to each adjacent contact in the array. At least a portion of the spacing member engaging each contact at a location along the length of the contact that is between the mating interface and the tip surface. |
| US07927147B1 |
Connector assembly
A connector assembly can include a connector with a ground pin and a case. The case can have an electrically conductive surface. A capacitor is connected to the ground pin. The capacitor is also connected to the electrically conductive surface. The capacitor can be connected between the electrically conductive surface and the ground pin so that the electrically conductive surface and the ground pin are capacitively coupled. |
| US07927134B2 |
Coaxial connector for cable with a solid outer conductor
A coaxial connector with a connector body is provided with a connector body bore. A grip ring is retained within the connector body bore, and an outer diameter of the grip ring abuts an annular wedge surface provided with a taper between a maximum diameter proximate the connector end and a minimum diameter proximate the cable end. The wedge surface may be provided directly on the connector body bore sidewall or alternatively on an inner diameter of a clamp ring coupled to the cable end of the connector body. An inner diameter of the grip ring is provided with a grip surface. A spring contact is retained within the connector body bore. The grip surface and an inner diameter of the spring contact are dimensioned to receive the outer conductor from the cable end there through and to then couple with an outer diameter of the outer conductor. |
| US07927130B2 |
Electronic apparatus and connector module used for this electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus wherein at least one detachable module is inserted into a rack and the module is connected with the rack by male/female connector, wherein it is made possible to detect any bending of pins of the male connector before the module is mounted in the rack and therefore incomplete mounting of the module to the rack can be prevented. A light source with high linearity is provided at each of the pins at the male connector side, while conversely a light receiving unit of light is provided at each of the receptacles at the female connector side. Before connection of the connectors, if all receiving units receive light, normality of the pins is detected. Instead of providing the light receiving units at the female connector side, providing a reflecting part at the female connector side and providing a light receiving unit at the male connector side is possible. |
| US07927128B2 |
Device for a connector having a frame and a casing detachably connected
The invention relates to a device (1) for an electrical contact (2) that comprises a frame part (3) and a casing (4) that is arranged to be detachably interconnected with the frame part (3) as well as a connecting part (34) for a cable and having a contact pin (6) or pin reception part, respectively, situated at mutually opposite portions (3A, 3B) of the frame part (3). The casing (4) has an opening (7) for surrounding receipt of a portion (3B) of the frame part (3) extending through the opening (7). Co-operating fastening members (8-10) are arranged to detachably interconnect the frame part (3) with the casing (4). |
| US07927125B1 |
Cable fixture device with a slider bar
A robust multi-port front panel RF (radio frequency) connector system design using a single lead screw is provided. The system allows for individual connector removal from the header while installed. Additionally, the system employs a user applied torque limiting feature for robustness. This individual connector removal can be provided by way of a slider bar which retains cables in place when in the ‘closed’ or ‘locked’ position. |
| US07927124B1 |
Connector
A connector comprises a first connection portion and a second connection portion. The first connection portion comprises a first receiving hole, a first set of conductive terminals received in the first receiving hole and a first hook portion protruded from an outer surface of the first connection portion. The second connection portion comprises a second receiving hole, a second set of conductive terminals and a second hook portion. Wherein the second receiving hole is formed in the inside of the second connection portion. The second hook portion is protruded from a side plate of the second receiving hole. Wherein, at least one of the first hook portion and the second hook portion is elastic. |
| US07927116B2 |
Electrical card connector with improved ejection mechanism
An electrical card connector comprises an insulative housing, a shield covering the insulative housing, a plurality of terminals received within the insulative housing, and an ejection mechanism. The insulative housing and the shield define a receiving space for receiving an electrical card. The ejection mechanism disposed on one side of the receiving space comprises a base and a movable push rod mounted within the base. A reinforced rib protruding from a surface of the rear portion of the push rod, and a corresponding receiving groove is defined on the base for receiving said the reinforced rib movable therein. A guide groove is defined on the bottom wall of the push rod, and a guide rib protrudes from the base, which is received within said guide groove and movable therein. |
| US07927115B2 |
SIM card connector with switch element
A card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a number of signal terminals (2) received in the insulative housing, an ejector (3) assembled to a side of the insulative housing, a first switch terminal (5), a second switch terminal (6) and a third switch terminal (7). The insulative housing defines a card receiving room. The first switch terminal is urged by the ejector and slidable together with the ejector. The second switch terminal and the third switch terminal each include a first contacting pad (61, 71) extending planar with respect to the insulative housing and parallel with each other. The first and second contacting pads establishing an electrical connection through the first switch terminal in response to a slidable movement of the ejector. |
| US07927112B1 |
Elelctrical connector having board-locking contacts
An electrical connector secured to a PCB having welding areas and through holes, includes an insulative housing defining a receiving cavity and a plurality of contacts arranged in the housing. Each contact defines a contacting portion received in the receiving cavity, a soldering portion extending out of the housing to be connected with the welding area and a connecting portion perpendicular to the soldering portion which is connecting the contacting portion and the soldering portion. At least one contact further includes a board-lock portion bending from a distal end of the soldering portions which is adapted for inserting in the through hole of the PCB. |
| US07927106B1 |
Cylindrical slip ring system
A method and apparatus for transmitting signals. An apparatus comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a third cylinder, and a fourth cylinder. A first cylinder has a first number of conductive segments. The second cylinder has a second number of conductive segments. The first cylinder is located inside the second cylinder such that the first conductive segments remain in communication with corresponding ones of the second conductive segments during rotation of the first and second cylinders relative to each other. The third cylinder has a third number of conductive segments. The second cylinder is located inside of the third cylinder. The fourth cylinder has a fourth number of conductive segments. The third cylinder is located inside the fourth cylinder such that the third conductive segments remain in communication with corresponding ones of the fourth conductive segments during rotation of the third and fourth cylinders. |
| US07927105B2 |
Method and system for creating and delivering prescriptive learning
Method for prescriptive learning. The method includes providing a user independent hierarchy of competencies, competency characteristics and assessments with associated rules that identify learning activities and identifying a user specific path through the hierarchy for a selected competency and competency characteristic based on the hierarchy, scoring of at least one question associated with at least one assessment associated with the selected competency characteristic. The rules and user specific information provide a user specific identification of learning activities. |
| US07927101B2 |
Handpiece and method for preventing occurence of sucking-back in the handpiece
A handpiece and a method for driving the handpiece are provided in which a sucking-back problem can be prevented with a simple structure. The handpiece 10 has a gripping portion 11 to be gripped by an operator, a head 15 mounted at a distal end of the gripping portion; and a wheel 55 rotatably mounted in an interior of the head. The head has an inlet 25 from which air is supplied to the wheel and an outlet 28 from which the air is discharged, the inlet and outlet being defined in the head, at least one buffer chamber 47 defined in the head, where the air is forced in due to a centrifugal force applied thereto by rotations thereof with the wheel and then accumulated under positive pressure, passages 66, 67, 68, and 34 for guiding the accumulated air from a neighborhood of the rotating wheel to an atmosphere, and a circumferential wall 44 mounted between the outlet and the wheel for providing a resistance to the air moving from the wheel toward the outlet. |
| US07927100B2 |
Device for protecting the head of a dental handpiece and sealed packaging for an insert equipped with said device
The invention relates to a protective device for dental equipment of the type including a straight handpiece or a contra-angle. The dental equipment is formed by a body enclosing a motor unit and/or members for transmitting movement and a tool-holder head bearing a tool. The protective device is a sleeve that has the general form of a glove finger, with an opening at one end and a closed base at the other end. The invention also relates to a sealed packaging for an insert formed by a tool-holder head bearing the tool and equipped with the protective device. |
| US07927099B2 |
Dental patient anxiety and pain management system including isolated hand piece interrupt and reset
Disclosed is a dental patient anxiety and pain management system including a patient controllable interrupt device operable by a patient for interrupting a flow of pressurized fluid along a fluid path between a pressurized fluid source to a dental hand piece and for venting the pressurized fluid from a portion of the fluid path between the patient interrupt device and the dental hand piece for reducing the motive force driving the operative element of the hand piece, the fluid flow remaining interrupted until a reset device is operated for allowing the flow of pressurized fluid to resume along the fluid path between the pressurized fluid source and the hand piece. |
| US07927095B1 |
Time varying voltage combustion control and diagnostics sensor
A time-varying voltage is applied to an electrode, or a pair of electrodes, of a sensor installed in a fuel nozzle disposed adjacent the combustion zone of a continuous combustion system, such as of the gas turbine engine type. The time-varying voltage induces a time-varying current in the flame which is measured and used to determine flame capacitance using AC electrical circuit analysis. Flame capacitance is used to accurately determine the position of the flame from the sensor and the fuel/air ratio. The fuel and/or air flow rate (s) is/are then adjusted to provide reduced flame instability problems such as flashback, combustion dynamics and lean blowout, as well as reduced emissions. The time-varying voltage may be an alternating voltage and the time-varying current may be an alternating current. |
| US07927091B2 |
Device for filling a mould with a powder or a mixture of powders
A device for filling at least one mold with at least one powder. The device includes a mechanism to add at least one powder, at least one mechanism to eject the powder added into the device, in the form of a layer, and at least one deflector capable of locally intercepting at least part of the powder ejected in the form of a layer and redirecting the locally intercepted powder towards a determined location in the mold. |
| US07927082B2 |
Highly efficient durable fluid pump and method
A highly efficient fluid pump and pumping method are disclosed. The pump includes a cylinder, a piston in the cylinder defining a first and second volume in the cylinder, and a motive actuator for driving reciprocatively a rod attached to the piston at a rate of substantially sinmx for x=0 to π, where m is a number greater than one, during a power stroke of that piston. |
| US07927073B2 |
Advanced cooling method for combustion turbine airfoil fillets
The present invention is directed to a hollow turbine airfoil having a cooling system designed to provide enhanced cooling to the fillet of a turbine airfoil. The turbine airfoil may include at least one fillet cooling channel, passing proximate to the fillet. A portion of the fillet cooling channel may be positioned proximate to the fillet outer surface without breaching an outer surface of the turbine airfoil. The turbine airfoil may include a vortex plate positioned adjacent to the end wall inner surface proximate to the fillet and an opening of the fillet cooling channel may be in fluid communication with the vortex chamber. The turbine airfoil may also include at least one end wall film cooling channel that may extend obliquely through the end wall and may be in fluid communication with the vortex chamber. |
| US07927072B2 |
Hollow rotor blade for the turbine of a gas turbine engine
A hollow blade includes an internal cooling passage, an open cavity located at the tip of the blade and bounded by an end wall and a rim and cooling channels that connect the internal cooling passage to the outer face of the pressure wall. The cooling channels are inclined to the pressure wall in such a way that they emerge on the outer face of the pressure wall near the top of the rim. A reinforcement of material is present between the rim and the end wall of the cavity along at least one portion of the pressure wall, whereby the rim is widened at its base adjacent to the end wall in such a way that the cooling channels emerge near the top of the rim without reducing the mechanical strength of the tip of the blade. |
| US07927071B2 |
Efficient traditionally appearing ceiling fan blades with aerodynamical upper surfaces
Efficient traditionally appearing ceiling fan blades with aerodynamical upper surfaces and wide tip ends for ceiling fans with blades formed from plastic and/or wood and/or separately attached surfaces that run at reduced energy consumption that move larger air volumes than traditional flat shaped ceiling fan blades. And methods of operating the novel ceiling fans blades for different speeds of up to and less than approximately 250 rpm. The novel blades twisted blades can be configured for ceiling fans having any diameters from less than approximately 32 inches to greater than approximately 64 inch fans, and can be used in two, three, four, five and more blade configurations. The novel fans can be run at reduced speeds, drawing less Watts than conventional fans and still perform better with more air flow and less problems than conventional flat type conventional flat and planar upper and lower surface blades. |
| US07927067B2 |
System and method for controlling stator assemblies
A variable vane control system for use with a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of vanes, an actuation assembly, a mechanical linkage assembly, and a sensor. Each of the plurality of vanes has an airfoil portion disposed in a gas flowpath of the gas turbine engine, and a position of each of the vanes is adjustable with respect to an angle of attack of the airfoil portion of each vane. The actuation assembly is configured for generating actuation force to position the plurality of vanes. The mechanical linkage assembly operably connects the actuation assembly to at least one of the plurality of vanes. The sensor is configured to sense at least one of the position of the airfoil portions of the plurality of vanes and the mechanical linkage assembly, and to generate a position output signal. |
| US07927065B2 |
Wind turbine with additional blade-end support
The present invention relates to a wind power plant. It comprises a stator, a rotor, which is supported by the stator, a circular guide device, which has a plurality of fastening points provided on the periphery, at least two rotor blades, which each at the proximal end thereof are rotatably supported on the rotor and with the distal end thereof are rotatably supported by the annular guide device, and a plurality of tensioning ropes, which under tension connect the fastening points of the circular guide device to the stator for stable holding of the circular guide device in a position that is concentric to the rotor. |
| US07927062B2 |
Methods and apparatus for transferring substrates during electronic device manufacturing
In one aspect, a first apparatus is provided that is adapted to transfer a substrate between a transfer chamber and a processing chamber. The first apparatus includes a robot having a first blade, a second blade spaced from the first blade, and a central hub coupled to the first blade by at least a first arm and coupled to the second blade by at least a second arm. The first blade and the second blade are spaced so as to allow (a) both blades to simultaneously extend through a slit valve that separates a transfer chamber from a processing chamber coupled to the transfer chamber when the robot is positioned within the transfer chamber; and (b) the first and second blades to transfer substrates to and remove substrates from the processing chamber without raising or lowering the first and second blades or the robot. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US07927061B2 |
Mounting system for mounting a forklift on a vehicle
Disclosed is an improved mounting system for mounting a forklift to the rear of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer. The mounting system includes in combination a forklift and a vehicle, the forklift having a frame, a pair of spaced apart front wheels and at least one rear wheel. The forklift also has a pair of forks that are movably mounted to the frame, the pair of forks movable in at least a vertical direction relative to the frame. The vehicle has a rearward end with a fork support that receives the pair of forks of the forklift. The mounting system includes a pair of mounting brackets, each of the mounting brackets being fixedly attached to the forklift frame or the rearward end of the vehicle and having an opening defined therethrough. The opening has a closed perimeter. Also included is a pair of receiving pins, the receiving pins being dimensioned such that they can slide through the opening in each of the mounting brackets. |
| US07927059B2 |
Pipeline padding machine with a debris-resistant escalator assembly
A pipeline padding machine includes a debris-resistant escalator flight. A pipeline padding machine includes an escalator assembly with multiple flight sections attached to a track. A gap between leading and trailing edges of respective adjacent flight sections may be substantially the same when the track is substantially straight, and when the track is at its maximum curvature. Leading and trailing edge portions of each flight section may be angled relative to a longitudinal axis of a corresponding track section by a same angle as that between adjacent track sections when the track is at its maximum curvature. The edge portions of respective adjacent flight sections may be substantially parallel to each other when the track is at its maximum curvature. |
| US07927058B2 |
Pod clamping unit load port equipped with pod clamping unit and mini environment system including pod and load port
The invention is directed to a pod clamping unit for fixing a pod to a support table in a load port, the pod including a pod body capable of storing a wafer in the interior thereof and a lid, the load port having a pod opener that opens/closes the lid. The pod clamping unit includes a clamp portion that is provided on the support table and adapted to engage with a first engagement portion provided on a lower surface of the pod body to restrict upward movement of the pod relative to the support table, a restriction pin that is movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the support table and adapted to engage with a second engagement portion provided on the lower surface of the pod body to restrict movement of the pod in a disengaging direction that causes disengagement between the first engagement portion and the clamp portion, and a vertically driving portion that moves the restriction pin up to/down from the second engagement portion. |
| US07927054B2 |
Binding-in machine
In order to realize a particularly compact binding-in machine (40), the pressing devices (41) with the firmly assigned joint forming devices (42) can be driven along a circulation path that essentially lies in a vertical plane, wherein the pressing plates (41.1) of the pressing devices (41) are oriented parallel to this plane. The pressing devices (41) and the joint forming devices (42) are simply arranged on a rotor (40.3) that rotates about a horizontal axis (40.4), wherein the axis of rotation (40.4) of the rotor is oriented perpendicular to the pressing plates (41.0). This significantly simplifies the infeed and the delivery of the books (1). |
| US07927050B2 |
Interior part mounting clip
According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an interior part mounting clip for mounting an interior part on a panel member including: a pin portion having a smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of a mounting hole formed in a frame-shaped mounting seat formed on the interior part and inserted into and made movable in the mounting hole; a head portion formed at one end of the pin portion and engaging with the mounting seat; and a stem portion formed at the other end of the pin portion and engaging with an engaging hole formed in the panel member. The head portion includes at least three protrusions protruding radially outward of the pin portion, and an outer frame mounted in a manner to be elastically displaced relative to the pin portion through a plurality of elastic portions extending radially outward from the portions of the pin portion between the protrusions. The outer circumference of the outer frame abuts against the inner circumference of the frame-shaped mounting seat and engages with the circumferential edge of the mounting hole. |
| US07927049B2 |
Wheel lug nut management device
A multifunction wheel nut cap is used on motor vehicle to indicate loosening and rotation of a lug nut. On large trucks on which the lug nuts have to be frequently torqued to prevent the lug nut from loosening and turning until it drops from the wheel bolt, the indication of rotation and limiting of the rotation prevents the lug nut loss and requires tightening only when there is an indication that the lug has become loose. The Wheel cap nut device gives a visual warning when a nut has become loose. It also prevents water and contaminants from penetrating the lug nut and bolt threads. |
| US07927045B2 |
Support platform of non-contact transfer apparatus
Provided is a support platform of a non-contact transfer apparatus. The support platform is arranged horizontally and includes first and second members adding a lift force to a first force for lifting peripheral portions of a transferred object, wherein the first force is lower than a second force lifting a central portion of the transferred object. |
| US07927043B2 |
Rockbolts made of steel pipes
A sleeve 10 for introduction of a pressurized fluid, which is attached to a rockbolt main body 1, comprises a cylindrical projecting part 11 of a large diameter and a bearing-plate-holding part 12 of a diameter smaller than an aperture of a bearing plate 6. The projecting part 11 and the bearing-plate-holding part 12 preferably has the same inner diameter. When the rockbolt main body 1 is embedded in a bedrock or ground, the bearing plate 6 locates on an edge of a rockbolt-setting hole of the bedrock or ground, and the bearing-plate-holding part 12 extends through the bearing plate 6 into the rockbolt-setting hole. Since the projecting part 11 and the bearing plate 6 are disposed on a sprayed concrete layer, a projection height of the rockbolt is remarkably decreased. Consequently, lining concrete 8 is applied onto the sprayed concrete layer with ease, and the bedrock or ground is reinforced with high reliability. |
| US07927042B2 |
Elongate element tensioning member
An adjustable yield rock bolt that comprises an elongated tensile support member that interacts with at least one gouging member and a receiving member capable of receiving the elongated tensile support member and hold the gouging member segment there between, wherein the elongated tensile support member extends beyond the receiving member a length that corresponds to a predetermined amount of yield before ultimate failure. The bolt has adjustability by allowing for controlled yield by gouging of the elongated tensile support member for any length of displacement. |
| US07927041B2 |
Deep water flexible riser protection
Flexible riser systems are used to transfer hydrocarbons between a sea bed installation and a vessel floating at the sea surface. The riser is provided with a protection mechanism to protect the riser from impacts. The protection mechanism covers at least the upper part of the riser and may be retractable to an in-active position. When in operation, the riser protection mechanism is either suspended from the vessel or from a submerged turret buoy, forming part of a mooring system for the vessel. At its lower end, the protection mechanism is provided with an annular body surrounding the riser, the annular body having sufficient weight to provide a downwardly acting force in the riser protection mechanism, causing a stretch or a tension in the riser protection mechanism. |
| US07927038B2 |
Method of sealing joints in road surfaces and subsurfaces
A method of sealing and strengthening the joints in an asphalt road surface and subsurface to prolong the useful life of the road utilizes a polymer modified cationic maltene emulsion containing polymer modified maltene oils and resins, and surfactants/and wetting agents. The emulsion is applied to the longitudinal joints and other joints in the asphalt pavement surface. The emulsion reduces voids in the asphalt pavement and chemically improves the asphalt binder properties, thereby altering the modulus of elasticity of the asphalt binders so that the resistance of the pavement to tension is increased, and the water absorption of the pavement is reduced. |
| US07927034B2 |
Application device for topical administration of pharmaceutical compositions and products
An applicator for applying a spreadable composition to the skin or other exterior region of a human or animal body, comprising receiving means for receiving and carrying a unit or measured dose of the composition and a grip for enabling a user to grip and manipulate the applicator, wherein the grip and receiving means are arranged such that a user gripping the applicator by the grip is protected from inadvertent contact with a composition, a unit or measured dose of which is carried by the receiving means. |
| US07927032B2 |
Device for dispensing a cosmetic and/or care product
A device for dispensing a cosmetic and/or care product includes a container having a free edge defining a product dispensing aperture. According to an example, the container has a longitudinal axis intersecting the dispensing aperture, a cap to be mounted on the container between closed and open positions, a sensory stimulation member or device fixed in relation to the container or the cap housing it. A power supply switch is inaccessible in the closed position, and capable of making the sensory stimulation member change state. A switch actuator selectively connects the power supply to the sensory stimulation member during movement of the cap from the closed position to the open position. |
| US07927028B2 |
Protective cover assembly for electronic device including digital camera
A protective cover assembly (40) for digital camera is used for an electronic device (100). The electronic device includes a main body (20) which has a recess portion (210) defined therein. A flash (70) is located in the recess portion. The protective cover assembly includes a cover (49) received in the recess portion. The cover includes a base (46) and a lighttight layer (48) formed on the base. A through hole (462) is defined in the cover, configured for allowing light emitted from the flash to pass the cover. |
| US07927024B2 |
Fiber patch panel
A system may include a housing and a patch panel located within the housing. The patch panel may include a connection plate, and a matrix of fiber connectors connected to the connection plate and arranged to receive optical fibers in a vertical direction. |
| US07927023B2 |
Optical fibre connector
A connector receives and grips an optical fiber in registry with an optical element. Pivoting portions are held in default inoperative position by the spring action of molded hinges, at which position two shutter portions meet, so forming a shutter preventing the ingress of dirt to the optical element. As the optical liber is pushed a small distance into the connector, the pivoting portions are caused to pivot a small amount about the hinges, bringing teeth into contact with the outside jacket of the fiber. The bodies of the inserts are forced radially away from the central axis of the connector, so providing a leaf spring force which keeps the teeth engaged with the jacket of the fiber. The shutter portions move out of the way of the fiber and the spring action applies a force to draw the fiber further into the body of the connector. |
| US07927020B2 |
Decoupling device for mounting a shaft on a base and radial ondular washer
A decoupling device for the bearing arrangement of a shaft carried in a housing, in particular a shaft of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission with a chain that functions as the belt. The decoupling device includes an outer bearing ring configured with a circularly cylindrical outer surface and within which the shaft is mounted, and an inner surface of a housing that encloses the bearing ring outer surface. At least one radial ondular washer is arranged between the bearing ring outer surface and the housing inner surface, which allows a limited relative radial movement between the housing inner surface and the bearing ring outer surface by elastic deformation of the washer. |
| US07927018B2 |
Wheel bearing arrangement comprising an encoder
The invention relates to a wheel bearing arrangement comprising an encoder arranged in a radial annular region between an inner part and an outer part. |
| US07927012B2 |
Probe cover cassette with improved probe cover support
A cassette of tympanic thermometer probe covers includes a frame and probe covers releasably attached to the frame. The probe covers can be individually attached over a probe of a tympanic thermometer to protect the probe from contamination. The probe covers are constructed to releasably secure themselves to the probe. The force required to secure the probe covers to the frame is less that the force which is required to detach the probe covers from the frame so that the probe cover is held by the frame while being attached to the thermometer probe. The probe cover is connected to the frame by frangible connections that are arranged to inhibit pivoting of the probe cover when being attached to the thermometer probe. A method of securing a probe cover to a probe of a tympanic thermometer is also disclosed. |
| US07927011B2 |
Method of estimating surface temperature of a diagnostic ultrasound probe
The present application discloses a method of estimating a surface temperature of an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducer elements and a surface, involving: a) establishing a temperature rise function of the surface of the ultrasound probe due to a single active transducer element; b) selecting one of the transducer elements; c) applying a single transmission pulse signal to the selected transducer element such that the selected transducer element operates once; d) measuring a temperature rise of the surface of the ultrasound probe at predetermined positions on the surface thereof; e) completing the temperature rise function based on the measured temperature rise; and f) estimating a temperature rise of the surface of the ultrasound probe based on the temperature rise function. |
| US07927008B2 |
Detent escapement
This escapement comprises a balance wheel fastened to an impulse element (7a), an escape wheel (1), a detent swing-arm (2) having a stop element (2a) and a disengagement element (2b), a disengagement finger (11d), constrained to rotate with the balance wheel, to come into engagement with the disengagement element (2b) of the detent swing-arm (2) once per oscillation period of the balance wheel. The disengagement finger (11d) is fastened to an inertial member (11) mounted to move freely between two extreme positions in one of which the trajectory of the disengagement finger (11d) passes through the disengagement element (2b) of the swing-arm (2) and in the other of which this trajectory does not pass through this disengagement element (11b), the passage of the inertial member (11) from one position to the other resulting from the inertia force caused by the variations of speed of the balance wheel in each alternation of oscillation of the balance wheel. |
| US07927006B2 |
Device for extracting, fragmenting, mixing and homogenizing especially infectious, malodorous, chemically corrosive or sterile substances
A device for extracting and fragmenting substances, especially infectious or malodorous substances, in a laboratory test vessel (3) is provided. The device includes a processing tool (11) and a stirrer element (33). An interior of the laboratory test vessel (3) is subdivided by a sieve (59) into a collection chamber and a processing chamber. The sieve (59) prevents parts of the substances having a defined rain size from reaching the collection chamber (73). A sample can be taken from the collection chamber using a pipette (45) which is passed through the stirrer element (33) and the sieve (59). |
| US07927005B2 |
Track lighting construction
A track lighting system comprises an extruded track body, having adjacent first and a second track sections; a defined entrance to the track body that is common to both the first and the second track sections, a respective conductive member connectable to an electrical power source disposed at a bottom of each of the first and the second track sections so as to form two independent circuits within the extruded track body; and a separating wall positioned between the first track and the second track. The system further comprises a light fixture insertable through the entrance so as to make electrical connection with one of the conductive members, the fixture comprising: a socket housing a stem connecting the socket housing to a transformer housing containing an electrical circuit having an output transformer; a lamp in electrical connection with the output transformer by wires within the stem; and the transformer housing including a wall having first and second contact slots formed therein. |
| US07927003B2 |
Light guide plate with micro-structured reflective film and light-emitting apparatus
A light guide plate including a transparent light guide substrate and a micro-structural reflective film is provided. The transparent light guide substrate has a light-emitting surface, a bottom surface opposite to the light-emitting surface, and at least one light incident surface connecting the light-emitting surface and the bottom surface. The micro-structural reflective film is disposed below the bottom surface of the transparent light guide substrate and includes a micro-structural layer and a reflective material layer. The micro-structural layer has a plurality of micro-structures, and the reflective material layer covers the micro-structures of the micro-structural layer. Only top ends of the micro-structures and the reflective material layer are laminated on the transparent light guide substrate, such that there is an air gap between the transparent light guide substrate and the micro-structural reflective film. Furthermore, a light-emitting apparatus having the light guide plate is also provided. |
| US07927001B2 |
Backlight assembly and display device having the same
In a backlight assembly and a display device including the backlight assembly, the backlight assembly includes a light dispersion member and a light source having a plurality of light source members, a distance defined between the light sources members adjacent to each other. The light dispersion member includes a lower face portion having alternately arranged ridges and grooves. Each light source is positioned under a respective ridge. An interval between a center of each light source and the respective ridge positioned directly over the light source is from about 0.2 to about 0.55 times the distance. |
| US07926997B1 |
Decorative hybrid fiber optic ATC downlight
A convection-cooled recessed downlight fixture for an air-tight ceiling, having a reflector, (preferably bright aluminum) held in a hole in a ceiling with knock-outs bent down against the upper surface of the ceiling; a lamp housing (preferably black-anodized aluminum), removably attached to the upper end of the reflector, and a bezel assembly including a decorative trim element, is removably installed in the lower end of the reflector and held therein with screws removably engaging the reflector, whereby the bezel and decorative element may be removed from the fixture for re-lamping. |
| US07926995B2 |
Backlight assembly with thin film light pipe
A backlight assembly is provided. The backlight assembly includes a light pipe assembly having a thickness of about 90 microns, a light source and a coupler that receives light from the light source and diffuses the received light from the light source into the first end of the light pipe assembly. |
| US07926994B2 |
Uniform light production system and apparatus
A light production system and apparatus for adjusting the uniformity of light is provided. The apparatus comprises a light reducing portion, having an area less than that of an exit of an integrator, for reducing the brightness of a central area of light emitted from the exit. The apparatus further comprises a mounting portion for mounting the light reducing portion in general longitudinal alignment with a center of the exit, the mounting portion enabled to transmit the light emitted from the exit. |
| US07926992B2 |
Lamp shield driving device and headlamp assembly including the same
A headlamp assembly for providing various beam patterns for a vehicle is provided, which includes a lamp shield driving device. The device comprises a first shield including at least one shield projection formed on a circumference thereof, a second shield to shield at least a part of beam irradiation in a close range, and a shield driving unit to drive the first shield and the second shield in a sequential order to thereby generate a certain beam pattern. |
| US07926990B2 |
Straddle type vehicle and tail lamp thereof
According to some embodiments, a tail lamp 103 includes a body portion 103a arranged at a rear portion of a vehicle, and side portions 103b and 103c extending forward from the body portion 103a along both vehicle widthwise side surfaces. In some examples, the side portions 103b and 103c of the tail lamp 103 extend forward beyond rear ends of the flashers 101. The tail lamp 103 includes a light-shielding panel 304 arranged between the light source of the tail lamp 103 and the flashers 101. |
| US07926989B2 |
Street lamp with direction indicator
An exemplary street lamp for being stalled on the ground includes a light source, a light pervious member and a direction indicator. The light pervious member includes a light incident surface and an opposite light emitting surface for facing the ground. The light source is arranged opposite to the light incident surface. The direction indicator is arranged on the light pervious member for projecting the shadow thereof on the ground to indication a direction at the geographic location of the street lamp. |
| US07926987B2 |
Electronic apparatus with light emitting diode
An electronic apparatus installed outdoors includes a cabinet body having an opening that houses components constituting the electronic apparatus, a lid body that closes the opening, a printed circuit board unit on which electronic components are mounted, and a block made from an opaque material that has a plurality of holes and is disposed between the printed circuit board unit and the lid body. The printed circuit board unit has a plurality of LED's that indicate operating states of the electronic apparatus. The lid body has a window portion covered with a transparent material having a larger area than a region where the LED's are arranged, so that the window faces the region. The block is disposed so that light emission from the plurality of LED's can be observed from the outside of the electronic apparatus through the respective plurality of holes and the window portion. |
| US07926983B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a body member defining a groove, a decorative member may be integrally insert-molded to the body member, a printed circuit board facing the body member and a lamp electrically mounted to the printed circuit board. The lamp is used to illuminate the decorative member. |
| US07926980B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a housing and at least one light source. The housing defines a chamber therein and includes an inner surface defining at least one recess configured with a specified pattern. The at least one light source is fixed in the chamber and corresponds to the at least one recess. The at least one recess is transparent and the at least one light source transmits light to the at least one recess, thereby displaying the specified pattern on an outer surface opposite to the inner surface of the housing. |
| US07926979B2 |
Illumination device
An illumination device includes a light source module, a heat dissipating device and a heat conducting plate. The heat conducting plate is thermally coupled between the light source module and the heat dissipating device. In addition, the heat conducting plate includes a first contacting portion thermally contacting the light source module, and a second contacting portion thermally contacting the heat dissipating device. The thermal conductivity of the heat conducting plate in an extending direction from the first contacting portion to the second contacting portion is greater than that in a thicknesswise direction thereof. |
| US07926975B2 |
Light distribution using a light emitting diode assembly
A fluorescent light tube retrofit with light emitting diodes (LEDs) that evenly distribute light to avoid bright spots is disclosed. One LED lighting unit includes a tubular housing and a plurality of LED assemblies mounted about a circumference of the tubular housing. LEDs face inward from a mounting surface that is angled offset of the tube. Alternatively, at least one LED can be oriented to emit light parallel to a tangent of the housing into a light pipe that curves inside at least a portion of the tubular housing. |
| US07926974B2 |
Light-guiding module and LED lamp using the same
An LED lamp includes a heat sink, a plurality of LED modules mounted on a top of the heat sink and a plurality of light-guiding modules respectively fixed on the LED modules. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of fins extending downwardly from the base. Each LED module includes a plurality of LEDs mounted thereon. Each light-guiding module includes a mounting bracket defining a plurality of through holes therein and a plurality of guiding units respectively received in the through holes of the mounting bracket. The guiding units are respectively in alignment with the LEDs of a corresponding LED module and receive the LEDs in lower ends thereof to reflect and guide light generated by the corresponding LED module in a predetermined manner. |
| US07926969B2 |
Method for controlling brightness and increasing uniformity of light generated by lambertian surface sources
A method for controlling the brightness and increasing uniformity of light generated by Lambertian surface sources has the steps of providing multiple pairs of Lambertian surface sources to produce light emitting on a target surface, each pair of Lambertian surface sources consisting of two Lambertian surface sources; rotating the two Lambertian surface sources of the same pair by a same rotation angle relative to the target surface but in opposite directions; calculating a maximum illumination and a minimum illumination corresponding to the rotation angle; determining whether a ratio of the maximum illumination to the minimum illumination is lower than a threshold; and fixing the Lambertian surface sources at the rotation angle if the ratio is lower than the threshold. |
| US07926967B2 |
Headlight devices and methods
A lighting device includes a head assembly, a battery pack, and a light housing. The light housing includes at least one light source and a diffuser lens. The diffuser lens is pivotably coupled to the light housing. The diffuser lens is configured to pivot between a first position in which the diffuser lens diffuses light emitted by the at least one light source and a second position in which a substantial amount of the light emitted by the at least one light source is not diffused by the diffuser lens. |
| US07926966B2 |
Illuminable device for accessorizing a vessel
An illuminable accessory device for use with a vessel. A pliable, generally cylindrical sidewall can slidingly receive and hold a bottom portion of a vessel. The received vessel bottom portion is slidingly removable from the sidewall. An electrically powered light source surrounded by the sidewall lies beneath the received vessel bottom portion. The light source is enclosed in a light disk through at least a portion of which light from the light source is transmissible. The light disk supports the received vessel. This accessory device can produce various lighting effects, e.g., in a liquid held in a bottle, cup or other container. |
| US07926960B2 |
Interior rearview mirror system for vehicle
An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a mirror assembly having a variable reflectance element. The variable reflectance element includes a metallic mirror reflector on one side of a substrate, with the metallic mirror reflector being partially transmissive to visible light. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an information display positioned to the rear of the metallic mirror reflector, wherein the information display emits light that transmits through the metallic mirror reflector for viewing by the driver of the vehicle. Responsive to a light level sensed by at least one light sensor, the luminous intensity of the information display is adjustable by a control to provide a luminous intensity of at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter to a driver of the vehicle viewing the information display through the metallic mirror reflector of the interior rearview mirror assembly when it is normally mounted in the vehicle. |
| US07926959B1 |
Beam conditioning to reduce spatial coherence
Methods and apparatus relating to electromagnetic beam (e.g., laser beam) conditioning are described. In an embodiment, electromagnetic beam conditioning may be performed utilizing reflectors to temporally differentiate electromagnetic beam subsections and sub-beams resulting in reduced spatial coherence of the beam. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US07926957B2 |
Multi-projection display
A multi projection display includes a plurality of projector units to modulate light from an LED light source according to image information to project, a unit image information generating unit to generate unit image information to be inputted to each of the plurality of projector units, and a unit image information correcting unit to correct the unit image information based on a result of capturing projection images projected onto a transmissive screen. For this reason, a shutter, which results in complicating the construction, is not needed and further it is possible to further reduce the adjustment time. |
| US07926956B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method of controlling same, and program
Disclosed herein is an image forming apparatus that emits a beam corresponding to an image onto an image-projected object to allow the image to be formed thereon. The apparatus includes: a lamp; a lamp power supply; a lens; a brightness sensor that measures a lamp brightness; a memory that stores, as a reference brightness value, the lamp brightness measured at a first time when brightness of the beam on the image-projected object has reached a target value; and a control circuit. At a second time, the control circuit performs first control of generating or updating and storing correspondence information. At a third time, the control circuit performs second control of identifying a level of an output power of the lamp power supply corresponding to the reference brightness value, and driving the lamp power supply with the identified level of the output power. |
| US07926955B2 |
Color wheel module and optical engine comprising the same
A color wheel module and an optical engine comprising the same are disclosed. The optical engine comprises a frame and a color wheel module, wherein the color wheel module comprises a color wheel, a connecting device, and a supporting chassis. The color wheel connects to the supporting chassis. The supporting chassis comprises a first fixing base and a second fixing base, wherein the connecting device connects the first fixing base and the second fixing base to the frame. In view of the center of the color wheel, the first fixing base is disposed opposite to or at an angle with the second fixing base. |
| US07926954B2 |
Light shield used in projector
A projector includes a casing, a light source, and a heat dissipation device. The light source and the heat dissipation device are installed inside the casing. Two openings are formed at two sides of the casing opposing to the light source. A light shield is positioned on one of the two openings. The light shield has a fixing plate, and a plurality of first parallel light-shielding plates and a plurality of second parallel light-shielding plates for blocking light leaking from the openings. |
| US07926952B2 |
Rear projection display device
A rear projection display device (1) includes a screen (10), a projection engine (11) for producing an image light beam, a projection lens (12), and reflectors (13, 14) for projecting the image light beam onto the screen. The projection engine and the projection lens are positioned in rear of the screen within a substantially central portion of the display device. The reflectors are composed of two symmetrically arranged groups of first and second reflectors. The first and second reflectors in each group form a certain angle with each other. The first reflectors divide the image light beam from the projection lens into two image sub-beams, and then reflect them onto the respective second reflectors. The second reflectors reflect the two image sub-beams onto the screen for display a combined single image. By means of the image light beam division and two times of reflection by the reflectors, the depth of the display device is significantly reduced. The height of the display device is also significantly reduced as the projection engine is positioned in rear of the screen. When viewed from a front side of the display device, substantially only the screen can be seen. |
| US07926951B2 |
Laser illuminated micro-mirror projector
A digital image projector includes a plurality of light modulation assemblies and a dichroic combiner. Each light modulation assembly includes at least one laser light source configured to provide an illumination beam, an optional a coated surface, and a spatial light modulator. If the coated surface is present, the respective laser light source is configured to direct the illumination beam to the coated surface, which directs the illumination beam toward the respective spatial light modulator. Otherwise, the respective laser light source is configured to direct the illumination beam directly toward the respective spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator redirects output modulated light back to the coated surface, if present, and out of the corresponding light modulation assembly. The dichroic combiner directs the output modulated light from each of the plurality of light modulation assemblies toward a projection lens for projection onto a display surface. |
| US07926950B2 |
Laser image display device and color image display method utilizing control of the power of plural laser beams to display a pixel
A laser image display device includes: a first laser light source capable of outputting a laser light having a first wavelength; a second laser light source capable of outputting a laser light having a second wavelength; and a color output conversion controller capable of individually controlling power of the first and the second laser light source displaying the pixels constituting an image according to an input signal. When an input signal is contained at the end point of the color reproducible region and the laser light having the first wavelength is driven substantially by a first maximum power while the laser light having the second wavelength is driven substantially by a second minimum power, the color output conversion controller displays in pixels, a color contained in the color reproducible region excluding the end point in the pixels by using the laser light of the first wavelength at a first power below the first maximum power and the laser light of the second wavelength at a second power above the second minimum power. |
| US07926947B2 |
Ophthalmic examination system
An unpolarized light beam emitted from a target presenting light source (12) is collimated by a collimator lens (20), and is made to be incident on a target presenting liquid crystal shutter (22), while an unpolarized light beams emitted from a background presenting light source (14) is collimated by a collimator lens (30), and is made to be incident on a background presenting liquid crystal shutter (32). The liquid crystal shutters (22, 32) have shutter patterns which are reverses to each other. The target and background light beams emerging from said liquid crystal shutters (22, 32) are combined with each other, together with their polarization states, by a half prism (24) acting as combining means. The resultant unpolarized light beam resulting from the combining is projected through a magnifying optical system (26) onto an eye to be examined. Since an unpolarized light beam is projected onto the eye, reliable examination, unaffected by polarization, can be realized. |
| US07926944B2 |
Application of neuro-ocular wavefront data in vision correction
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for diagnosing and treating subjects using neuro-ocular wavefront data. As such, in some embodiments, among others, neuro-ocular wavefront data is obtained, and one or more characteristics of a visual system are ascertained from the neuro-ocular wavefront data. |
| US07926943B1 |
Peripheral vision training and/or testing during central vision fixation
Systems and methods may test and/or train the peripheral visual abilities of an individual. Peripheral visual abilities may be tested and/or trained while maintaining a central visual focus by the individual. A central display element may display central visual indicia, while a peripheral display element may display peripheral visual indicia. Each visual indicia displayed may possess one or more trait and, optionally, one or more property. Inputs may be received at a central input device and/or a peripheral input device, with inputs corresponding to the traits perceived to be possessed by displayed indicia. By determining the correspondence of received inputs to the traits possessed by corresponding indicia, the peripheral visual abilities of an individual may be tested and/or trained in accordance with the present invention. |
| US07926939B2 |
Spectacle lens and spectacle
A spectacle lens is provided with a lens base material and an antireflection film provided on the lens base material (an inner surface and an outer surface seen from a spectacle wearing person). The lens base material is colored with a dye. The antireflection film (antireflection coating layer) is formed by a vapor deposition method such that it slightly reflects incident light in the same color as that presented by the lens base material and transmits all of the remainder. The same color as referred to herein means that the chromaticity coordinate values are equal to each other. |
| US07926938B2 |
Hang-on eyeglasses
A hang-on eyeglasses includes a mounting structure formed of a first positioning member and a second positioning member for fastening to the top and bottom walls of the brim of a covering for the head of a person, and an eyeglasses, which has an eyeglass frame pivotally connected to a pivot holder at the second positioning member and two eyeglasses fastened to the eyeglass frame. |
| US07926936B2 |
Eyeglass lens connector, eyeglasses with interchangeable lenses, and lens-forming substrate
Eyeglass lens connector with single-operation interchangeable lenses. The configuration enables cutting lenses with the connector body alone mounted to the lens substrate, allowing eyeglasses to be assembled by utilizing the connector after the lens is cut on demand from a customer. The eyeglasses have a lens connector (1) connecting a lens (5) to an insertion piece of a lens connecting member (2), and an insertion hole (10) for the insertion piece (3). A guide groove for guiding a tip of the engagement piece (3) is provided along the opening end (13) of the insertion hole (10). The lens connector (1) is secured to the lens (5) by fastening two protruding fastening pins (32) into fastening holes (29) provided in the lens (5). The lens (5) is connectable to the lens connecting member (2) by squeezing the insertion piece (3) into the insertion hole (10). |
| US07926935B2 |
Print media support system and method
A system for supporting print media includes a support manifold, a first media support plate configured to be supported by the support manifold, and a second media support plate configured to be interchanged with the first media support plate and supported by the support manifold in place of the first media support plate. The first media support plate is configured to support print media of a first size, and the second media support plate is configured to support print media of a second size different from the first size. |
| US07926934B2 |
Recording sheet containing cassette and printer apparatus using the same cassette
A recording sheet/ink sheet integral type cartridge, includes a recording sheet containing portion that contains recording sheets by stacking the sheets; and an ink sheet containing portion that contains ink sheets, the recording sheet containing portion including two separating pawls disposed to catch corners of a leading edge of the recording sheet in a feeding direction and separating the recording sheet and a first aperture portion formed in one of two side surfaces of said recording sheet containing portion in a direction orthogonal to the recording sheet feeding direction, and urging the recording sheet, wherein one of the two separating pawls, which is closer to the first aperture portion, is larger than the other. |
| US07926929B2 |
System and methods for producing composite colors having improved saturation using pigment-based inks on generic media
A printing system has a substrate, and first and second colored inks. The first colored ink has particles of a first pigment, and the particles have a first net zeta potential. The second colored ink has particles of a second pigment and a polarity-reversing amount of a surfactant. The particles of the second pigment have a second net zeta potential opposite in polarity to the first net zeta potential. The first and second colored inks are configured to be printed together over a common surface of said substrate to form a composite color. |
| US07926926B2 |
Liquid container
A liquid container includes: a liquid containing chamber for containing a liquid therein; a liquid supply port for connecting to a liquid receiving portion of an apparatus and supplying the liquid to the apparatus; an atmosphere opening port for introducing external air into the liquid containing chamber through an atmosphere opening flow passage as the liquid is consumed, the atmosphere opening port being provided to be located at a lower surface of the liquid container in a gravity direction when the liquid container is mounted on the apparatus; a sealing film that is adhered to close the atmosphere opening port and is removable before the liquid container is connected to the apparatus; and a liquid trap chamber that is provided in the atmosphere opening flow passage to prevent liquid leakage from the atmosphere opening port. |
| US07926920B2 |
Liquid discharging head and method for producing the liquid discharging head
A liquid discharging head includes a channel unit formed of a plurality of stacked plates having openings and a liquid channel formed of the openings of the stacked plates. A curing material is filled in a step formed due to shift of the openings provided in the adjacent plates respectively, and the curing material forms part of an inner surface of the liquid channel. Consequently, the channel inner surface becomes smooth, and a liquid discharging head with little residual bubbles and with excellent bubble discharging capability is provided. Further, the attenuation of a pressure wave due to the step can be prevented. |
| US07926919B2 |
Liquid discharging head and an image formation apparatus
A liquid discharging head and an image formation apparatus are disclosed. The liquid discharging head includes a base member that has a joining surface, to which a piezoelectric device is joined, and a bottom surface. The width of the joining surface in longitudinal directions of a liquid chamber is less than the width of the bottom surface in the longitudinal directions of the liquid chamber; accordingly, the area of the joining surface is less than the area of the bottom surface. |
| US07926917B2 |
Liquid recording head
A liquid recording head for effecting recording by ejecting droplets from a plurality of ejection outlets formed on a substrate is provided. The liquid recording head includes a plurality of large droplet ejection outlets each having a relatively large ejection amount, a plurality of small droplet ejection outlets each having a relatively small ejection amount, energy generating elements for generating energy for ejecting the droplets from the plurality of large droplet ejection outlets and the plurality of small droplet ejection outlets, a liquid chamber for retaining liquid to be ejected from the plurality of large droplet ejection outlets or the plurality of small droplet ejection outlets, at least two first flow passages for establishing communication between the liquid chamber and one of the large droplet ejection outlets, and second flow passages for establishing communication between the liquid chamber and the small droplet ejection outlets. |
| US07926912B2 |
Liquid discharge method, liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge head is arranged in a manner that in the cross-section of a discharge port in a liquid discharge direction, the discharge port includes at least one projection that is convex inside the discharge port; a first area, for holding a liquid surface connecting a pillar-shaped liquid that is elongated outside the discharge port; and second areas where a fluid resistance is lower than that in the first area so as to pull the liquid in the discharge port in a direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction. The first area is formed in the direction in which the projection is convex, and the second areas are formed on both sides of the projection. |
| US07926909B2 |
Ink-jet recording head, method for manufacturing ink-jet recording head, and semiconductor device
An ink-jet recording head includes a substrate which has a first surface, a second surface opposed to the first surface, and energy-generating elements arranged above the first surface and configured to generate energy used to discharge ink. The recording head also includes discharge ports through which the ink is discharged and arranged to correspond to the energy-generating elements, ink channels communicatively connected to the discharge ports, a supply port which extends from the first surface to the second surface of the substrate and which is communicatively connected to the ink channels, and a film extending over the wall of the supply port. The film further extends on the first surface of the substrate and is covered with a first layer extending from the first surface of the substrate. |
| US07926900B2 |
Method of printing with high spot placement accuracy
A method of printing spots with high spot placement accuracy using print heads with random/unevenly spaced ejector locations and coarse alignment of the multiple print heads. This is performed by accurately determining the spot positions from all the print heads using a vision system and printing at high addressability. The spot placement accuracy will be determined by the addressability as long as the ejected drop position is reproducible and other system errors are negligible. |
| US07926899B2 |
Inkjet printer having robust bubble-point ink pressure regulator
An inkjet printer includes an inkjet printhead and an ink pressure regulator in fluid communication with the printhead via an ink line. The regulator includes an ink chamber having an ink outlet connected to the ink line; an air inlet; a regulator channel having a first end communicating with the air inlet and a second end defining a bubble outlet; and a wetting system for maintaining liquid in the regulator channel. The regulator channel is dimensioned to control a Laplace pressure of air bubbles drawn from the bubble outlet as result of supplying ink to the printhead, thereby regulating a hydrostatic pressure of the ink. |
| US07926894B2 |
Printing apparatus, printing method, program and printing system
A printing apparatus can improve the image quality by improving uneven print density or graininess. A printing apparatus is provided with (A) a carry mechanism that carries a medium along a predetermined direction, (B) a nozzle that performs a moving and ejecting operation for ejecting ink toward the medium while moving relatively with respect to the medium during an interval of a carry operation by the carry mechanism, and (C) a signal output section that outputs a first timing defining signal defining a periodical timing for ejecting ink from the nozzle toward a position corresponding to a pixel configuring an image to be printed, and a second timing defining signal defining a periodical timing for ejecting ink from the nozzle toward a position displaced from the position corresponding to a pixel configuring an image to be printed, wherein the signal output section outputs either the first timing defining signal or the second timing defining signal for each moving and ejecting operation. |
| US07926892B2 |
Method for measuring a gap between an intermediate imaging member and a print head using thermal characteristics
A method uses temperature measurements for a print head and an imaging member to identify a distance between a print head and an imaging member and a heat transfer function. The method includes heating an imaging member to a predetermined imaging member temperature, activating a heat source to heat a print head to a predetermined print head temperature while the print head is at a non-imaging position with reference to the imaging member, moving the heated print head to a print position with reference to the imaging member, the print position being closer to the imaging member than the non-imaging position, deactivating the heat source, measuring a first temperature for the print head in response to a first time period expiring, and identifying a distance between the print head in the print position and the imaging member from the temperature measured for the print head, the predetermined imaging member temperature, and a difference between the predetermined print head temperature and the temperature measured for the print head. |
| US07926886B1 |
Cycle wheel mounting system
Apparatus for mounting a cycle wheel on a cycle wheel frame including two axle segments connected to cycle frame mounting lugs, a freewheel body being mounted on one of the axle segments and a hub being mounted on the other of the axle segments. A lock bolt extends through the hub and the axle segment supporting the hub and threadedly engages the axle segment supporting the freewheel body. |
| US07926885B2 |
Spoked wheel and a spoke made with a composite material
A spoke for a tension wheel, the spoke being made of a composite material and including a tension body, the body having a median portion and two ends, the body being extended beyond each end by a fastening segment, the body and the fastening segments being connected by a transitional zone. The spoke has at least one portion with a cross-sectional surface reinforced relative to the cross section of the median portion, the reinforced cross-sectional portion extending through at least one transitional zone between the tension body and the embedded fastening segment. |
| US07926884B2 |
Spoke, wheel and process for manufacturing a spoke, especially for bicycles
A spoke, in particular for bicycles, having at least a spoke body and spoke ends provided at the spoke body which are provided to be attached to a rim or a hub body, wherein the spoke body consists of a fibrous composite material, the spoke body includes a plurality of fibers which can be spread out fan-like at least at one spoke end as exposed fibers. |
| US07926878B2 |
Rotating armrest mechanism
A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a seat back and an armrest rotatably coupled to the seat back for movement between a generally vertical, stowed position and a generally horizontal, use position. A guide member is disposed between the armrest and the seat back. The guide member includes a tube having an interior defining thread ridges. A guide pin extends through the tube and interconnects the armrest and seat back. The guide pin includes a helical screw thread portion for rotatably engaging the thread ridges to provide for lateral adjustment of the armrest towards and away from the seat back as the armrest moves between its respective stowed and use position. |
| US07926874B2 |
Belt-anchor system for juvenile vehicle seat
A seat base for a child restraint adapted to receive a juvenile seat. The seat base includes a first anchor belt and a second anchor belt for anchoring the seat base to a vehicle seat of a vehicle. The seat base includes a belt anchor system for anchoring the first and second anchor belts to the seat base when the first and second anchor belts are in a use position and for anchoring a vehicle belt of the vehicle to the seat base when the first and second anchor belts are in a stored position. |
| US07926869B2 |
Rear body structure of vehicle
A rear body structure of a vehicle includes a wheel housing inner panel, and a common mounting bracket which is engaged with an outer surface of the wheel housing inner panel in a forward/backward direction of the car body and has insertion holes formed therein such that a two-wheel shock absorber and a four-wheel shock absorber are inserted into the holes, respectively, and an inner quarter connecting member which connects the common mounting bracket to an inner quarter panel to reinforce a rigidity of the bracket. Accordingly, a single common mounting bracket can be applied to a two-wheel drive system and a four-wheel drive system, without the need of separately manufacturing and assembling a bracket for a two-wheel shock absorber and a bracket for a four-wheel shock absorber, and thus the manufacturing cost of the rear body structure can be reduced. Also, since the common mounting bracket, which is commonly applied to the two-wheel drive system and the four-wheel drive system, is fixed to the wheel housing inner panel, in formation of the structure for improving the rigidity of the car body through connection of the common mounting bracket to the inner quarter panel, it is not required to differentiate depending on whether the system is the two-wheel drive system or the four-wheel drive system. Thus, it is possible to provide a very effective structure for improving the rigidity of the car body. |
| US07926868B2 |
Energy absorbing element and motor vehicle body using the same
An energy absorbing element for a motor vehicle body comprises a tube section that is roll-formed from a steel strip. The cross-section of the tube section has at least one concavity. |
| US07926865B2 |
Vehicle structure for automobile
A vehicle structure for an automobile includes: a bumper beam extending in a car width direction; a crash box extending in a longitudinal direction of the automobile and connected at a distal end thereof to a side part in the car width direction of the bumper beam; and a mounting plate having a face to which a base end of the crash box is connected and another face mounted to a distal end of a vehicle frame extending in the longitudinal direction of the automobile by means of fasteners. The crash box is in a substantially cross shape in closed section. |
| US07926864B2 |
Sliding panel/latching-spring cage
A sun visor, such as for a vehicle, includes a spindle about which the sun visor may be pivoted and along which the sun visor may be displaced longitudinally. The spindle has a flattened portion. A latching-spring cage has a first pressure means. A tube receives a displaceable slide, while the slide receives the latching-spring cage, which in turn receives the spindle. A braking moment with regard to longitudinal displacement of the sun visor along the spindle is provided by second pressure means. |
| US07926861B2 |
Interchangeable module for glove box of dashboard of motor vehicle and glove box fitted with such interchangeable module
A module for an object-holding drawer of a dashboard of a motor vehicle can be chosen from a plurality of different modules for accommodating different objects and is provided with a container connected in a fixed position and in an interchangeable manner to a shell by means of an attachment device; the container has an opening closed by a door, which is hinged to the container by means of hinge elements that form part of the attachment device. |
| US07926851B2 |
Extended tab label with backing liner
A pharmaceutical label for placement on a medicinal container, the label includes a front printing face having an adhesive backing and a length that is substantially greater than a perimeter of the medicinal container. The adhesive backing covers substantially an entire area of a backside of the front printing face. A backing sheet liner covers the adhesive backing. The front printing face has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a length corresponding substantially to the perimeter of the container. A border is between the first portion and the second portion. The border defines the length of the first portion. The backing sheet liner has a liner score line formed therein corresponding to the border for removing the backing liner from the first portion and for defining an intact portion of the backing liner on the second portion. The second portion projects from the container when the first portion is attached to the container. The first portion and the second portion have information thereon. |
| US07926850B1 |
Method for managing multiple medications
A comprehensive organizational system for managing medical records for an individual patient and a method for managing the dispensation of multiple medications. The method includes a set of symbols indicating the time of day the medication should be administered in accordance with the prescription instructions and a storage system for duplicate prescription labels corresponding to the prescription labels on the prescription containers. The dosage schedule and amount are translated into the symbols which are applied to each duplicate prescription label. Medications are dispensed to the patient in accordance with the symbols applied to the duplicate prescription labels. |
| US07926849B2 |
Ski pole basket comprising an adjustable supporting surface
The invention relates to an attachment for a ski pole, especially for downhill or cross-country skiing, comprising a tip attachment (3) that is provided with an upward-facing receiving area (4) for a pole tube (1), a downward-facing pole tip (7, 8), and a rigid basket area (5) which essentially extends on a plane that runs perpendicular or at a 60° to 120° angle to the axis of the pole tube (1). In order to be able to easily adjust the ski pole to different snow conditions, a basket plate (9) is disposed in the basket area (5) in such a way that said basket plate (9) can be fastened in a first position (15) and in at least one second position (16) in which the basket plate (9) is displaced relative to the first position substantially along the plane of the basket area (5), the supporting surface that is effective on the ground being larger in the second position (16) than in the first position (15). |
| US07926846B2 |
Suspension subframe structure of vehicle
A structure of a suspension subframe (1) for supporting a plurality of suspension arms (12, 14, 16) of multi-link suspension systems (2), which comprises first and second lateral members (20, 22) each extending in a lateral direction of a vehicle body, a pair of longitudinal members (24, 26) each extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, a pair of right and left upper-arm support portions (52) provided in right and left ends of the first lateral member (20 or 22), respectively, and a pair of right and left lower-arm support portions (50) provided in the right and left ends of the first lateral member (20 or 22), respectively, wherein the first lateral member (20 or 22) is formed to allow a load to be transmitted diagonally between the left upper-arm support portion (52) and the right lower-arm support portion (50) and diagonally between the left lower-arm support portion (50) and the right upper-arm support portion (52). |
| US07926844B2 |
Airbag assembly and method of packing
Embodiments herein include inflatable cushion airbag assemblies and methods for folding, rolling, and packing an airbag cushion within a housing such that the cushion deploys with predetermined characteristics. |
| US07926839B1 |
Head and neck restraint system
A head and neck restraint system for an individual in a motor vehicle includes a securely anchored seat with a conventional lap belt and shoulder belt with the lap belt extending across an individual's lap and pelvic region. The shoulder belt is fixed above and behind the individual's shoulder and extends across the individual's chest. An adjustment mechanism is used to position an airbag in a centered position in front of the individual's chest. The airbag includes a lower frontal portion and two upwardly extending portions along the sides of the individual's head. In addition, the system includes a collar portion and two face protecting portions extending across the upper and lower portions of the individual's face between the two upwardly extending portions. |
| US07926837B2 |
Inflatable vehicle occupant protection device with inflation fluid deflector
An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (16) of a vehicle (12) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable from a deflated condition to an inflated condition. An inflator (32) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the protection device (14). A retainer (70) has an opening (78) for receiving the inflator (32). The retainer (70) includes a base portion (72) and an annular wall (74) that extends transversely from the base portion (72). The annular wall (74) has a deflector portion (88) and a retaining portion (86). The deflector portion (88) is positioned radially outward from the retaining portion (86) and extends substantially orthogonal to the base portion (72) to direct inflation fluid from the inflator (32) into the protection device (14) in a direction substantially parallel to a central axis (37) of the inflator (32). The retaining portion (86) extends radially inward from the deflector portion (88) and clamps a flange (35) of the inflator (32) to a support member (34). |
| US07926833B2 |
All-wheels steer trailer
An all-wheel steer trailer is disclosed which includes front and rear axle beams which are pivotally mounted, above vertical axes, to the forward and rearward ends of a frame. In normal operation, the front and rear axle beams are interconnected so that the rear axle beam will pivot in an opposite direction to pivotal movement of the front axle beams so that the rear wheels of the trailer will track the front wheels of the trailer as the trailer is being turned. The trailer includes a convenient locking assembly which may be quickly utilized to prevent pivotal movement of the rear axle beam with respect to the frame when it is desired to pull the trailer on a highway or roadway. |
| US07926829B2 |
Dual trailer hitch
A trailer hitch includes multiple hitch connectors for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle in different ways. The trailer hitch includes multiple connectors at distal ends of the hitch body. The trailer hitch can be position such that either end is facing the towing vehicle. Mounting plates secure the trailer hitch to the trailer frame and may be adjustable vertically to raise or lower the height of the trailer hitch with respect to the trailer frame. |
| US07926828B2 |
Riding apparatus for disabled persons and kit for making same
A tricycle adapted for use by children with autistic spectral disorder. A tricycle with toe clips, hand grips, seat belt, and adjustable handlebars and seat adapted for use by a child with autistic spectrum disorder. A tricycle with other distracting items to help lure use by a child with autistic spectrum disorder. A kit for the adaptation of a tricycle for use by children, and more specifically for use by children with autism. |
| US07926822B2 |
Adjustment device for suspension means
An adjustment device for suspension means in wheel suspensions of motor vehicles, with the suspension means having a first spring, for example a bearing spring that is arranged between the assembly of the motor vehicle and wheel guide elements, and/or a second spring, for example a preloaded spring that is connected in parallel or in series, as well as an electrically-actuated actuator, by means of which a force adjustment between the motor vehicle assembly and the wheel guide elements is made possible. According to the invention, the electric actuator is provided with an integrated brake or lock that acts in a bistable manner in such a way that in the unpowered state, it can occupy an open or closed position, and can be switched by means of electric actuation from the open to the closed position and vice versa. |
| US07926820B2 |
Stabilizer control apparatus
A stabilizer control apparatus includes a stabilizer bar including both ends supported by right and left wheels of a vehicle, respectively, and an intermediate portion supported to a vehicle body by first and second supporting members, and a switching device arranged between one of the first and second supporting members and the vehicle body and including a cylinder member, a tubular piston member, a spring member, and an engaging/disengaging mechanism. The switching device switches over the spring member from an extendable/retractable position to a neutral position and vice versa. The engaging/disengaging mechanism allows the piston member to axially move relative to the cylinder member when the spring member is in the extendable/retractable position and prevents the piston member from axially moving relative to the cylinder member when the spring member is retained in the neutral position. |
| US07926819B2 |
Seals for transmission drive motors
A seal for use between the housing of an automatic transmission and the housing (can) of a transmission drive motor is disposed at each end of the drive motor housing. The seal includes a preferably metal annulus having inner and outer elastomeric ribbed seals secured thereto. The annulus, which defines a non-hardened “S” shape in cross section, maintains the shape and strength of the seal and the ribbed inner seal provides a fluid tight seal with the motor housing while the ribbed outer seal provides a fluid tight seal with the transmission housing. |
| US07926817B2 |
Sealing apparatus and bearing apparatus having the same
A sealing apparatus includes a slinger which includes a cylindrical portion, and radially-extending portions and provided respectively at axially-opposite ends of the cylindrical portion and an elastic member which includes a base portion fixed to a surface of an inner radially-extending portion of a radially-extending core metal member, and a lip portion connected with the base portion. The lip portion is formed by a first axial lip contacting one radially-extending portion of the slinger and a second axial lip contacting the other radially-extending portion of the slinger. The elastic member is formed such that in an axial cross-section, the distance between a cylindrical portion-opposing surface of the elastic member radially opposed to the cylindrical portion and the cylindrical portion is increasing generally uniformly axially outward. |
| US07926816B2 |
Sealing device with tone wheel
A sealing device with a tone wheel formed to seal between a fixed side member and a rotating side member. A slinger comprises a fitting cylindrical part fitted to the rotating side member and a flanged part radially extendedly formed at one end part of the fitting cylindrical part positioned on the outer side of a sealed portion. The outer surface of the flanged part positioned on the outer side of the sealed portion comprises a tone wheel stuck surface on which the tone wheel formed of a magnetic ring is stuck integrally with each other and an extended surface on which the tone wheel is not stuck and extended to the fixed side member. The sealing device is characterized in that a core comprises at least a fitting cylindrical part fitted to the fixed side member, the one end part of the fitting cylindrical part positioned on the outer side of the sealed portion is projected from the outer surface of the flanged part of the slinger to the outside, a part of the seal lip part is formed to be brought into elastically slidable contact with the extended surface of the slinger from the outside, and the flanged part is held by the seal lip part and the other seal lip part from the inside and the outside. |
| US07926815B2 |
Sealing arrangement
The invention relates to a sealing arrangement comprising at least one seal and a spinning ring. Said spinning ring is provided with a first hollow cylindrical section, a second hollow cylindrical section in the first section which is disposed concentric to the first section, and a disk-shaped ring section that extends at an angle to the first section. The first section and the second section are embodied monolithically on the spinning ring, at least one elastic sealing lip of the seal resting against the first section. |
| US07926812B2 |
Collector-targeted, memorabilia-bearing trading card set with borderless edge portions
Disclosed is a collector-targeted, memorabilia-bearing trading card set. Each comprises a plurality of cards originating from and assembleable into a set. Each card is formed from at least two layers of material, a first layer being at least a portion of memorabilia having a visual attribute exposed on one side of the card and a second layer that comprises a substrate providing an opposite side surface of the card. The opposite side surface has indicia conveying information related to the memorabilia of the first layer and associating it with the set from which it originated. The memorabilia attribute is positioned to have a portion of the attribute divided between at least two of the cards and extending across adjoining, cut edge portions of at least two cards of the set. |
| US07926804B2 |
Transport apparatus
A transport apparatus for transporting a sheet-like article includes an apparatus main body, and a support tray that rotates between open and closed states defined with respect to the apparatus main body. The support tray supports the article during the open state. The support tray includes a flat tray main body, a rotation axis extending from the tray main body in an axial direction of the rotation. The rotation axis is axially supported by the apparatus main body, and an elastic tray protrusion protrudes from the tray main body in a radial direction of the rotation, the apparatus main body having a main-body contact portion facing the tray protrusion. When the support tray rotates relative to the apparatus main body, the tray protrusion elastically crosses over the main-body contact portion to contact the main-body contact portion. The rotation of the support tray stops relative to the apparatus main body. |
| US07926801B2 |
Sheet-feeding apparatus
A sheet-feeding apparatus having simple structure and capable of single-face/double-face scanning/printing sheets at high sheet-feeding efficiency. The sheet-feeding apparatus includes a sheet-feeding path in which sheets can pass through a scanning module and/or a printing module. The sheet-feeding path includes a first passage, a second passage communicating with the first passage and a subsidiary passage formed between the first and second passages. The sheets are selectively fed into and delivered through the first passage, the second passage or the subsidiary passage to be single-face/double-face scanned/printed. |
| US07926800B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus includes an aligning member configured to align an end of a bundle of sheets including a folded sheet by engaging with the edge of the bundle of sheets, and a sheet processing unit configured to process the bundle of sheets having the end aligned by the aligning member. The end of the bundle of sheets engaged with the aligning member is opposite to a folded portion of the folded sheet. |
| US07926797B2 |
Cable splint
A device used to secure a section of cable while one or more fiber is broken out from the cable. The device includes spaced apart clamp assemblies that hold a cable during the splicing process to protect the fairly delicate fibers within the sheathing. The disclosure also relates to a method of splicing using a clamp assembly. |
| US07926796B2 |
Bracing means
Bracing means for supporting a moveably mounted or flexible component during a machining operation that has an expandable member adapted to fit between a component and a support surface. When the expandable member is expanded a bracing member will resist movement and/or flexing of the component caused by forces arising during the machining operation. The expandable member is deformable to substantially conform to the shape of the component and the support surface. |
| US07926794B2 |
Air spring rolling-lobe flexible member made of elastomeric material
An air spring rolling-lobe flexible member, which is made of elastomeric material, has a reinforcement arrangement which is embedded in the flexible member wall (1). The reinforcement arrangement extends along the entire length of the flexible member and is of rubber-coated cord fabric layers (3, 4). The flexible member has a non-symmetric reinforcement arrangement wherein the one outer fabric layer (3) or the several outer fabric layers has/have a stress-elongation characteristic which is different from that of the one inner fabric layer (4) or the several inner fabric layers. |
| US07926788B2 |
Conduit attachment system for a cable puller
An attachment system for a cable puller provides for securing the cable puller to various sized conduits. The attachment system includes a clamping assembly having pivotable arms angled to generally be formed in V-shapes at the ends which engage and trap the conduit at four separate points. The clamping arms have gripping members that radially nest against the conduit threads and an overhang portion which acts as a location stop for the conduit. Each clamping arm has a face which extends past the pivot point. A screw and a nut between the extended portion of the clamping arms act on a push block which in turn acts against the arm faces such that when the nut is screwed inward, it causes the gripping members to be forced against the conduit in order to secure the conduit in place. |
| US07926785B2 |
Valve diaphragm with a compression restraining ring, and valve including same
A valve is disclosed including a body, a bonnet, a flexible diaphragm adapted to be positioned between the bonnet and the body, and an actuator mechanism. The flexible diaphragm has a central portion and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion, wherein the peripheral portion includes a substantially rigid ring extending continuously through or on the peripheral portion. The body has an input port, a central portion, and an output port. The actuator mechanism is operatively coupled to the diaphragm for moving the diaphragm between an open configuration wherein the input port and output port are in fluid communication with each other, and a closed configuration wherein the diaphragm blocks the central portion and prevents fluid flow between the input port and the output port. The bonnet is adapted to house the actuator mechanism, and the actuator mechanism is positioned in the bonnet. |
| US07926784B2 |
Control valve trim and seal
A fluid control device comprises a valve body, a valve plug, a valve cage, and a sealing ring. At least a portion of the sealing ring is disposed within a gap between the valve plug and the valve cage to provide a seal therebetween when the valve plug is in the closed position. The sealing ring includes an L-shaped cross-section that provides an effective seal regardless of the port diameter of the fluid control device, and thus, reduces the number of types of seals required to be stored in inventory for various applications. |
| US07926777B2 |
Apparatus for affixing decorations to homes
An application for a decoration clip includes a portion for inserting between a facial board of a roof and a drip guard and a portion for interfacing with an outer surface of the drip guard. The substantially flat insertion surface is connected to the substantially flat outlay surface, thereby forming an elongated U-shape when viewed from a side. A device for holding the decoration is situated on an outer surface of the portion for interfacing with an outer surface of the drip guard. |
| US07926776B2 |
Bracket for mounting at least one position detecting sensor on an ultrasonic probe
A bracket for use on an ultrasound transducer to releasably mount at least one 3D tracking sensor on the transducer. Each sensor has a pair of axially aligned pins projecting outward from its body. The bracket includes at least one socket having a pair of spaced-apart wall portions, each of which includes a slot arranged to receive a respective one of the pins of the sensor when the sensor is in a first position. From this position the sensor's body can be rotated to a second position, whereupon the spaced apart wall portions releasably engage (snap-fit about) a portion of the body of the sensor to deter the accidental displacement of the sensor with respect to the transducer. |
| US07926774B1 |
Clamping device
A universal clamp allows a camera to be positioned at a variety of angles and then secured for a steady shot. A docking member supports the camera through its universal docking port. A positioning member is connected to the docking member at 90°. The position member engages an attachment member that is used to affix the clamp to an environmental support. A securing member locks all parts once the camera is in position. |
| US07926770B2 |
Multidirectional mounting bracket assembly for exterior siding
A multidirectional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. The assembly has trim member that press fits to a base member along an axis disposed perpendicular to the exterior wall. The base member has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and circumferentially continuous inner and outer walls disposed co-axially to one another and laterally projecting axially. The trim member has a facial plate disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis and a mating wall that press fits between the inner and outer walls. The outer wall carries a plurality of channeling features for cascading water on top of the mating wall. The mating wall generally carries a dam flange and preferably end dams for diverting water through weep holes in the facial plate. |
| US07926769B2 |
Shock-limiting interface, compact (SLIC)
A passive/reactive device protests a Payload from injury or damage due to the shock caused by impact or explosion. When the vehicle or structure mounting the Payload receives a shock pulse, the invention limits the acceleration transmitted from the vehicle or structure to the Payload to an acceptably low, user-adjustable level which is substantially constant or is some other user-adjustable force-displacement function. The invention is capable of doing so even when the peak magnitude of the imposed shock is on the order of thousands of G's, with a rise time to peak on the order of microseconds. The invention can be embodied to operate passively, without any external source of power, sensor system, or CPU, although they can be added to improve certain usability features. The invention also absorbs or dissipates the shock energy in substantially the minimum distance possible without exceeding the user-defined acceleration limit on the Payload. The invention can also react when a shock-producing impact is imminent by repositioning the Payload away from the impact site. |
| US07926768B2 |
Inclined support for a drain hose
An inclined support system for a drain hose enhances drainage of wastewater from a holding tank of a recreational vehicle to a disposal facility. The support system includes one or more sawhorse-like fixtures with legs having slanted lower edges in contact with the ground to provide an inclined drain hose supporting cross member. The legs pivot about the cross member and upon insertion of the drain hose intermediate the legs above the cross member, the upper ends of the legs bear thereagainst to define and stabilize the cant or splay of the legs. Upon removal of the hose, the elements of the fixture are foldable to a compact flattened configuration for storage. In another embodiment, one or more slotted cylindrical elements serve as a support for the drain hose. A plurality of pairs of descending length legs are detachably attachable within opposed channels depending from the support to place the support at an incline and enhance the flow of fluid through the drain hose. The support also serves as a storage unit for the drain hose when the drain hose is in its longitudinally compressed state. |
| US07926763B2 |
Ice management system for rotary-wing aircraft
An ice management system is configured for an aircraft having at least one rotor (11), each rotor having a plurality of blades. The system has an alternating current (AC) electrical power supply for supplying AC power (13), the AC power supply being adapted to be carried by the aircraft remote from the rotor (11). A converter converts the AC power to direct-current (DC) power. At least one ice protection device is carried by the rotor and operated using the DC power. |
| US07926759B2 |
Tail rotor hub
A tail rotor hub system and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a helicopter fuselage connected to a tail rotor assembly that holds tail blades. The assembly includes an elongated tail rotor housing and an elongated blade root fitting that rotates within the housing. A tension torsion strap is connected at one end to the housing and is connected at its other end to the blade root fitting to hold the blade root fitting in the housing when the housing rotates. Coupled between outside walls of the blade root fitting and inside walls of the housing are self lubricating bearings to enable the blade root fitting to rotate within the housing to change the pitch of the tail blades. |
| US07926758B2 |
Apparatus and system for roll-to-roll processing
An apparatus for roll-to-roll processing includes a first roller for converting the transmission of a roll of flexible material from a first direction to a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, a second roller spaced apart from the first roller and extending transversely with respect to the first roller for converting the transmission of the roll of flexible material from the second direction to a third direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, and a third roller spaced apart from the second roller and extending perpendicularly with respect to the first roller for converting the transmission of the roll of flexible material from the third direction to a fourth direction, wherein the roll of flexible material includes a first side and a second side, and wherein the first roller, the second roller and the third roller contact the same one of the first side and the second side of the roll of flexible material. |
| US07926756B2 |
Spinning reel drag knob
A spinning reel drag knob screwed onto a distal end of a spool shaft has a knob member, a nut member and a sealing member. The knob member presses a drag washer of a drag mechanism, and includes a circular rimmed portion and a cylindrical outer periphery. The rimmed portion has a knob portion on a front surface of the rimmed portion to regulate drag force. The outer periphery is formed on a back side of the rimmed portion. The nut member is disposed in the knob member and is unitarily rotatable with the knob member. The sealing member includes an attachment portion, a first sealing portion, and a second sealing portion. The attachment portion is attached to the outer periphery. The first sealing portion contacts an inner peripheral surface of the spool, and the second sealing portion makes contact with a radial outward part of the back side. |
| US07926755B2 |
Biomass mill
The invention provides a biomass mill, comprising a rotatable pulverizing table 5, a recessed groove 6 which is provided in form of ring on an upper surface of the pulverizing table and has an arcuate cross-section, a pressure roller 9 pressed into the recessed groove, a blowout hole 16 for blowing out the air from around the pulverizing table, and a chute 18 for supplying a wooden biomass toward a center of the pulverizing table, wherein the wooden biomass is supplied via the chute, the wooden biomass is pulverized between the pulverizing table and the pressure roller, and the pulverized wooden biomass is carried by blowing the air through the blowout hole, wherein a surface from an outer peripheral of the recessed groove to the blowout hole is flat surface. |
| US07926753B2 |
Material and packaging shredding machine
A shredding machine having loading section including a radially mounted pusher rod for driving materials placed with the loading section toward the cutting device. The radially mounted pusher rod may be spring loaded so as to exert resilient force on the materials during a shredding operation. At the end of a cycle, powered control arm returns the pusher rod to its original position. |
| US07926751B2 |
Systems and methods for grinding coal with secondary air bias and bowl pressure control loops and perforation plates
A grinding system includes a mill housing. A milling unit in the housing has a moveable milling member operable to grind coal. A drive system includes a drive shaft and at least one gear in a gear case drivingly connecting the milling member to the drive shaft. An exhauster is operable to draw air into the housing through an inlet and draw a mixture of air and powdered coal out of the housing through an outlet. A pressurization system is operable to maintain the gear case pressure at a higher pressure than an air pressure in the housing. In one method of grinding coal a gear case pressure is maintained at a pressure higher than a pressure at the housing inlet while the milling member grinds coal into a powder and the exhauster draws a mixture of powdered coal and air out of the housing. |
| US07926749B2 |
Apparatus for treating organic waste material
The apparatus for treating waste (50, W), in particular organic waste, comprises from the above to below: a loading section (2, 101), a grinding section (3, 102) and a section (4, 107) for storing the waste. A possible succession of steps of a functioning cycle of the apparatus starts with opening a loading container (21, 104), for example by using a handle (24, 160), and loading the waste (50, W) that requires treatment inside the apparatus. The container comprises a box-like body (22) and a base (23), which can move with respect to the body for bringing the container from a waste supporting configuration to a waste releasing configuration in the grinding section. |
| US07926746B2 |
Pressure regulating valve gasket
An irrigation sprinkler is provided with a housing configured for a fluid flow therethrough. A pressure regulating device having a gasket configured to variably move between a first position to a second position is disposed within the housing. The pressure regulating device includes an outlet with a variable opening formed from the cooperation of fluid passages in the gasket with a portion of the valve bore. |
| US07926744B2 |
Radially outward flowing air-blast fuel injector for gas turbine engine
An air-blast fuel injector is disclosed which includes an outer air circuit having an exit portion, an inner air circuit having an outlet configured to direct air toward the exit portion of the outer air circuit, and a fuel circuit radially outboard of the inner air circuit and having an exit communicating with the outer air circuit upstream from the exit portion of the outer air circuit. |
| US07926742B2 |
Pressurized tank sprayer with removable cap
A tank sprayer includes a tank configured to receive fluid through an opening in the tank, a removable cap covering the opening in the tank, and a removable pump. The removable cap includes a first handle extending outwardly from a first side of the cap, a second handle extending outwardly from a second side of the cap opposite the first side, and a funnel provided between the first handle and the second handle. The funnel has a substantially conical sidewall and a drain leading to the opening in the tank. The removable pump engages the drain of the cap, wherein the pump is operable to advance air into the tank to pressurize the tank. |
| US07926739B2 |
Method and system for preheating epoxy coatings for spray application
A method and system for the spray application of epoxy materials is provided. The system includes a dual walled tank structure as a reservoir for containing and preheating the epoxy materials in preparation for mixing and spray application. Each component of the epoxy material is preheated before the components are mixed. After preheating, the components are then mixed together and spray applied. The method and system of the present invention provides a high quality spray applied epoxy coating while reducing equipment down time and cleaning. |
| US07926738B2 |
Liquid nebulization system
Disclosed is a liquid nebulization system comprising a power supply unit, a signal generating unit, a liquid storage unit and a nebulizing unit. The signal generating unit receives power from the power supply unit to generate a main signal and at least an auxiliary signal, wherein the main signal and the auxiliary signal are added together to constructively and destructively interfere with one another to form a driving signal, further causing the nebulizing unit to nebulize the liquid contained in the liquid storage unit using the driving signal. |
| US07926733B2 |
Fluid atomizing system and method
In accordance with certain embodiments, a spray coating device includes a body and a spray formation head coupled to the body. The spray formation head has a fluid delivery mechanism comprising a pintle, a sleeve disposed about the pintle, and a throat between the pintle and the sleeve, wherein the throat decreases in cross-section at least partially lengthwise through the fluid delivery mechanism toward a fluid exit between the pintle and the sleeve. The spray formation head also has a pneumatic atomization mechanism disposed adjacent the fluid delivery mechanism, wherein the pneumatic atomization mechanism comprises a plurality of pneumatic orifices. |
| US07926732B2 |
OCR sheet-inputting device, OCR sheet, program for inputting an OCR sheet and program for drawing an OCR sheet form
An inputting device which includes an image input section for inputting an image of a containing areas in which information to be inputted is filled in and patterns representing at least reference positions to define the positions of corresponding areas and size information of corresponding areas; a memory section for storing the image of the input by the image input section; a pattern recognizing section for detecting the reference positions from the patterns in the image which is stored in the memory section and recognizing size information of the areas; an area specifying section for specifying the positions of the areas from the reference positions detected by the pattern recognizing section and the size information of the areas; and an area inputting section for inputting images in the areas defined by the area specifying section. |
| US07926724B2 |
Article transport material
An article transport material loaded with an article on a base and used for transport includes noncontact communication means for conducting noncontact communications with a noncontact IC tag put on the article and portable power supply means for supplying electric power to the noncontact communication means, wherein the communication direction of the noncontact communication means is directed to the area above the base. |
| US07926723B2 |
Card case
A card case comprises a storage section storing an IC card, which is provided with a finger print sensor and an input unit. The storage section includes a suppressing part suppressing the input unit through insertion of the IC card in the storage section. |
| US07926720B2 |
Optimized non-volatile storage systems
A memory card that adapts its operation according to the application to which it applied or the conditions under which it is operated. This allows the card to dynamical self optimize. In a first set of embodiments, the card uses host profiling where it will learn about the host during host-card interactions and the card's controller will optimize its algorithms accordingly. In another set of embodiments, the host and card will report to one another their capabilities for a quality of service negotiation. A further set of embodiments allows the storage device to memorize access sequences issued by the host under various predefined conditions, such as host reset or a power on boot sequence. The storage device can use this information to optimize operation for the expected commands. On deviation from an expected sequence, the device would memorize the new command sequence and save it, thus operating in a self-adaptive manner. |
| US07926717B2 |
Systems, methods and computer program products for wirelessly preprocessing a transaction while in a queue for a point-of-transaction
A transaction is preprocessed wirelessly in response to a wireless transaction preprocessing user device being in a queue for a point-of-transaction. The transaction that was preprocessed is then completed in response to the wireless transaction preprocessing user device reaching the point-of-transaction. Financial transactions and/or purchase of goods and/or services may thereby be preprocessed wirelessly and then completed at a point-of-transaction. Related devices and computer program products are also disclosed. |
| US07926715B2 |
System and method of managing a ticket order
A system for managing the production of retail tickets in accordance with a ticket order includes a ticketing services bureau adapted to receive the ticket order and a print center to print tickets in accordance with the ticket order. The system additionally includes a client connected to the ticketing services bureau via an electronic network. As part of an interactive ticket proofing process, the client is capable of electronically retrieving an on-screen ticket proof from the ticketing services bureau and, if necessary, dynamically modifying the on-screen ticket proof in real time. The ticketing services bureau then generates an output data file based on the original ticket order, the edited on-screen ticket proof and print characteristics of the printer that will execute the ticket order. In this manner, the print center uses the output data file to generate tickets that closely resemble the on-screen ticket proof approved by the client. |
| US07926712B2 |
Cash dispensing automated banking machine diagnostic system and method
An automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser. Servicing the automated banking machine by on-site servicer is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article which can instruct the machine computer to gather machine diagnostic data and then record the gathered machine diagnostic data onto the portable diagnostic article. The gathered diagnostic data recorded on the portable diagnostic article can then be analyzed by an analysis computer. The machine computer can verify that a portable diagnostic article is authorized to instruct the machine based on obtaining a secret code from the portable diagnostic article. |
| US07926709B1 |
Systems and methods for pharmacy reimbursement claim resubmission
Systems, and methods for reimbursing prescription fulfillment that includes identifying a drug associated with a claim submitted by a pharmacy for reimbursement by a payer (e.g., insurance carrier) and identifying a change in a manufacturer set price associated with the drug. The invention includes monitoring reimbursed claims received from at least one payer, where one of the reimbursed claims received from the payer is associated with the drug and determining if the payer has updated its internal pricing value associated with the drug. The invention further includes generating a report that includes the payer's updated internal pricing value associated with the drug, and/or creating and submitting a reversal transaction to the at least one payer followed by a resubmission of the original claim, where the resubmitted claim value is based on the payer's updated internal pricing value associated with the drug. |
| US07926705B2 |
Method and system for using a recording device in an inspection system
In one aspect, a method of using a recording device in a luggage inspection system is provided. The method includes establishing an inspection workstation including an inspection area and a scanner, and providing a user interface. The method also includes positioning the recording device to record at least one luggage inspection, scanning an identification number, and storing the identification number by date and time. Moreover, the method includes inspecting contents of at least one item of luggage, recording the luggage inspection and associating the identification number with a corresponding luggage inspection. |
| US07926704B2 |
Method, apparatus and program storage device for providing electronic data delivery
The system includes a wholesale server which issues electronic data such as an electronic ticket, an agent server which performs selling processing of the electronic data, and a client terminal which acquires the electronic ticket and the like by communicating with the wholesale server and the agent server. The agent server attaches to an electronic data delivery request for electronic data such as a ticket from the client terminal, a token for an access to the wholesale server or another agent server positioned directly above the agent server, and transmits the request back to the client terminal. The client terminal transmits the electronic data delivery request with the token received from the agent server to the wholesale server. Thereafter, the wholesale server issues electronic data such as an electronic ticket in response to the electronic data delivery request with the token. |
| US07926703B2 |
Consumer package having a viewing angle dependent appearance
A consumer package flat for forming a package is disclosed. The consumer package flat comprises a plurality of panels. At least one of the panels comprises a compound image attached thereto. The compound image is observable through an opening disposed within at least one of the panels. The compound image has a viewing angle dependent appearance so that at least two image attributes selected from the group consisting of flip, motion, depth of field, and zoom are perceived according to an angle at which the compound image is observed. |
| US07926694B2 |
Apparatus for vertically manufacturing poles and columns
The present invention refers to an apparatus and method that allows manufacturing of steel poles and honeycomb columns. It consists of placing previously cut strips of steel in vertical position with a set of top and bottom clamping devices to form a steel tapered pole. The strips of steel are welded together, to form a steel pole or honeycomb column, with a slideable welding device mounted on a ascending and descending moving welding platform. The moving welding platform moves to the top position, the top clamping device is liberated and the finished pole or honeycomb column is tilted 90 degrees to the front of the machine by a hydraulic cylinder that tilts the extraction platform. The finished pole or honeycomb column is positioned in the extraction bed and the bottom clamps release the pole. |
| US07926682B2 |
Apparatus for reconstituting and applying liquids and method of using same
Combined applicator container and concentrate cartridge with the container including a holder for releasably holding the cartridge thereon and a transfer device interposed between the container and cartridge for transferring selected quantities of concentrate from the cartridge to the container. |
| US07926681B2 |
Method and apparatus for dispensing diagnostic test strips
An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a radial array of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. The container has a plurality of radially extending slots formed by a plurality of dividing walls, and each slot is sized to receive a single test strip. A rotatably positionable cover is carried by the container for covering the plurality of radially extending slots. The cover includes an opening, which, when the cover rotates, aligns with one of the slots at a time to allow removal of a single test strip located within the respective slot. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring skin oils on a user's hand. |
| US07926676B2 |
Press with pressure vessel supporting cover for movement between a first position and a second position
A press comprises a pressure vessel having an internal closure. The internal closure comprises a cover and a number of elements for transmitting forces in pressurized operation between the cover and the inner wall of the pressure vessel. Each element has a first contact surface adapted to fit a contact surface of the cover and a second contact surface adapted to fit a contact surface of the inner wall of the pressure vessel. The elements are movable away from the contact surface of the cover and the contact surface of the inner wall of the pressure vessel in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the pressure vessel. A method is provided for opening a pressure vessel. |
| US07926675B2 |
Fixing the position of a pull-tab with an anti rotation bead formed from the panel
The invention relates to a positional fixing of a tab on a sheet metal lid comprising a panel (10) and a seamable edge (12) surrounding said panel, suitable for attaching to a can body. On the panel (10), an openable area is defined by a weakening line (16), and outside said openable area (17), a tab (30,31,32,33) is provided at a mounting place (11). Said tab (30) comprises a grip portion (32), an opening portion (33), and an attaching portion (31), said latter being provided for attaching said tab substantially parallel with respect to said panel (10). Said tab (30) as attached is disposed with its opening portion (33) above said openable area (17). Close to at least one edge (31c) of the attaching portion (31), a strip-shaped projection (21a, 21b, 20) is shaped to protrude out of said panel (10), for limiting a pivoting movement (α) of said tab (30) around said mounting place (11). |
| US07926672B2 |
Yoke for a railway draft gear and method of making
Yokes utilized in railway coupling apparatus are designed according to the invention to have improved stress profiles and increased service life. Investment casting techniques used to make the yokes and other components of the coupling apparatus yield improved surface finishes and tighter dimensional tolerances of the parts without requiring hammering, coating or other post-casting treatment. |
| US07926671B2 |
Powered auxiliary hoist mechanism
A gantry crane (10) is configured in a panel turner application. The gantry crane (10) generally includes a gantry crane structure (14) having a first cross-beam (28) and a second cross-beam (30). A first main hoist mechanism (40) and a first auxiliary hoist mechanism (42) are coupled to the first cross-beam (28), and a second main hoist mechanism (44) and a second auxiliary hoist mechanism (46) are coupled to the second cross-beam (30). The crane (10) includes a hydraulic system configured to reduce the lift capacity of the first and/or second main hoist mechanism (40, 44), and to equalize the hoist capacity between the first and second main hoist mechanisms (40, 44) or the first and second auxiliary hoist mechanisms (42, 46) in certain applications. The auxiliary hoist mechanism (42, 46) are configured for powered movement along the respective cross-beams (28, 30). |
| US07926669B2 |
Rack for holding packs of plastic bags
A rack for hanging four packs of different sized plastic bags of the type having an upper disposable portion and a lower bag portion. |
| US07926665B2 |
Method and apparatus for transferring sheet products from a product stack to a conveyor belt
The method according to the invention of transferring stacked, sheet-like, flexible products (10), in particular printed products (12), to a belt conveyor (20) has a gripper (26) by means of which the product (10) at the bottom of the stack of products in each case is conveyed from a receiving region into a transfer region (19). In the transfer region, the product (10) is deposited on the belt conveyor (20). In order to accelerate the product as quickly as possible to the speed, and in the conveying direction (F), of the belt conveyor (20), the method has a contact-pressure roller (54) which follows the gripper (26) in the transfer region (19). This contact-pressure roller (54) presses the product (10) onto the belt conveyor (20), the gripper (26) releasing the product (10) at least more or less at the same time as the operation of pressing the product onto the conveying belt (64) of the belt conveyor (20) commences. |
| US07926661B2 |
Self-contained, portable kit for carrying personal items
A self-contained portable kit that provides the convenience and ability to easily carry various items of personal value, sentimental value or necessity that bring comfort to the user of the kit, or other items for a variety of uses that are specific and personal to the user. The kit contains a closable, folding wallet having a plurality of sealable containers and a pricking device removably fastened to an inner surface of the wallet for storing a variety of items or substances. A closable pocket is coupled to another inner surface of the wallet for storing a variety of items. A method for producing the self-contained portable kit is also provided. |
| US07926649B2 |
Flat belt made of elastomeric material
A flat belt (2), which is made of elastomeric material (46a, 46b), is made up of a first partial belt (2a) and a second partial belt (2b). The first partial belt (2a) is reinforced with a reinforcement layer (4) made up of cords. A layer separation which is to be feared theoretically is to be reliably avoided and the bonding of the belt material to the reinforcement layer (4) is to be optimized. The first belt part (2a) is provided with slots (44) with the aid of mold drum winding-projections (42); the second belt part (2b) defines a filling of the slots (44) of the first belt part (2a). Preferably, the reinforcement layer (4) is positioned centrally in the neutral bending plane of the finished flat belt (2). The first belt part (2a) and the second belt part (2b) can be made of different elastomeric materials (46a, 46b). Also, at least one of the two surfaces of the belt (2) can be coated and/or provided with a longitudinal profile or transverse profile. |
| US07926645B2 |
Air conveyor
An apparatus comprises a conveying element arranged for conveying objects, an advancing promoting arrangement for promoting a movement of the objects along the conveying element, the advancing promoting arrangement comprising a bristle arrangement arranged along the conveying element and suitable for interacting with the objects; an apparatus for conveying objects comprises a conveying plane element arranged for supporting the objects and a blowing arrangement arranged for advancing the objects in an advance direction, the conveying plane element being selected from a group comprising a rolling arrangement, a fluid cushion arrangement. |
| US07926644B2 |
Three-dimensional motion using single-pathway based actuators
The invention provides novel mechanisms and methods for effecting rotational and translational motion in three dimensions of objects carried by, or coupled to, actuators that move along a pathway. Vehicles or other conveyances (collectively, “vehicles”) that utilize mechanisms and methods can increase the performance of and decrease the cost of transportation, shipping, manufacturing, materials handling and other systems. In one aspect, the illustrated embodiment provides such a vehicle or other conveyance having two (or more) actuators adapted for movement along a pathway. The actuators are propelled or otherwise capable of motion, relative to each other so that the distance between can be increased or decreased. When desired, that distance can also be maintained the same, e.g., regardless of whether the actuators are moving. A pallet, carriage or other moveable part (collectively, pallet) is moveably coupled to the actuators so that at least selected motions by the actuators relative to one another on the pathway effect rotational and/or translational motion of the pallet in three dimensions relative to the pathway, including, for example, movement transverse to the pathway and out of a plane of the pathway. |
| US07926643B2 |
Device for forming a number of rows of objects in particular for producing sandwich biscuits
A method for forming a number of side by side lying rows of objects such as for producing sandwich biscuits. Firstly the products being supplied to the even channels are turned over and, as well as the not turned over products are brought on a conveyor belt. In a second step by means of a continuous rotatable first roller positioned above the conveyor belt and being provided with pins a product can be released from each channel and the next product can be stopped for the formation of rows of turned over and not turned over products running in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. Thereupon by means of rollers at least one of which is movable in axial direction, the turned over and not turned over products are moved in longitudinal and transverse direction to obtain alternate transverse rows of turned over and not turned over products. |
| US07926642B2 |
Device for the buffering of objects
A device for the buffering of objects, with two parallel conveyors which can be driven in opposite directions, and with a transfer installation which can be moved by means of at least one linear guide along the conveyors, for the transfer of objects between the conveyors, where at least one linear guide is arranged with separation above a conveyor. |
| US07926637B2 |
Device for damping vibrations, in particular, torsion vibration damper
A device for damping vibrations, in particular a torsion vibration damper with a primary component and a secondary component, coupled together through a torque transfer device and a damping coupling device. The torque coupling device includes a ramp mechanism for converting a rotation of one of the two elements, primary component or secondary component, into an axial force proportional to the input moment, which acts upon the other element. A device for compensating the resulting axial forces for generating an opposing force, opposing the resulting axial force, wherein the input moment is designed for a mean input torque. A conversion device is also provided, which directly converts an occurring force difference between the resulting axial force and the opposite force into a control variable for operating an actuation device in the device for damping vibrations, whereby an adaptation of the opposite force is performed. |
| US07926634B1 |
Third rail power insulating system
A third rail power insulating system, comprising an insulator assembly and a cover board assembly. The insulator assembly comprises pedestal supporting insulators that are mounted onto a contact rail assembly. The insulator assembly further comprises an insulator anchor bolt assembly, a base shim plate, a bolt assembly, a lubricating shim, and retaining clips. The cover board assembly is also mounted onto the contact rail assembly and it comprises a support bracket assembly, retaining clips, a side cover board, and a top cover board. The support bracket assembly has a general C-shape and comprises a lateral wall, a top wall, a base wall, and a protrusion. The side cover board comprises an elongated plate having at least one hole, and the top cover board comprises an elongated plate having sufficient curvature to contour the support bracket assembly. |
| US07926633B2 |
Compact shock absorber for an aircraft undercarriage, and an undercarriage including such a shock absorber
The invention relates to a shock absorber for an aircraft undercarriage, the shock absorber comprising a main cylinder in which a rod is mounted to slide telescopically, the shock absorber having one or more pneumatic chambers filled with gas, a supply of hydraulic fluid, and throttle means for throttling the hydraulic fluid such that when the shock absorber is shortened, the gas in the pneumatic chamber(s) is compressed and the hydraulic fluid is throttled, in which the pneumatic chamber(s) is/are fully contained in one or more auxiliary cylinders external to the main cylinder, and in each of which a sealed piston is slidably mounted to separate a pneumatic chamber contained in said external auxiliary cylinder from a fluid chamber in fluid flow communication with the main cylinder. According to the invention, the throttle means are disposed at the inlet of a fluid flow connection between the main cylinder and the auxiliary cylinder(s). |
| US07926632B2 |
Shock absorber having a continuously variable valve with base line valving
A shock absorber includes an external control valve which controls the damping characteristics of the shock absorber. The external control valve controls the flow of fluid between the lower working chamber of the shock absorber and the reservoir chamber and between the upper working chamber of the shock absorber. The damping characteristics are dependent on the amount of current being applied to a solenoid valve which controls a fluid valve assembly. A soft fluid valve assembly is disposed in series with the fluid valve assembly to allow for the tuning of the damping forces at low current levels provided to the solenoid valve. |
| US07926626B2 |
Adjusting device for a pneumatic disc brake
An adjusting device for adjusting the wear of the friction surface on the brake lining and brake disc of a pneumatic disc brake having a clamping device that is actuated by a rotary lever is provided. The device preferably can be inserted into a rotary spindle of the disc brake. An anti-friction body is positioned on both axial sides of a drive element, with the one bodies being a ramp coupling with a freewheeling function. The ramp coupling has coupling bushes and clamping balls, and the coupling bush on the driven side being supported on a spring sleeve. A conical seat is configured between the coupling bush and the sprung sleeve cooperates with the ramp coupling to preclude locking of the coupling bushes. |
| US07926624B1 |
Cylinder block brake
A cylinder block brake for a hydrostatic transmission or transaxle is provided. A pawl and return spring are located in a housing adjacent to a motor cylinder block. The pawl has a first, biased position where it is not engaged to the motor cylinder block and a second, braking position where it is engaged to the motor cylinder block. A brake actuation shaft which engages the pawl is located in and supported, at least partially, by at least one housing member. The brake actuation shaft is retained in the housing through the interface of features on the brake actuation shaft with a housing member, the pawl and the center section. The pawl may be installed in a first position or in a second, mirrored position. |
| US07926623B2 |
Hand controlled stopping device for a camera dolly
A braking system allows for smooth and accurate stopping of a camera dolly operating on tracks. A pair of caliper brake modules attached to the dolly frame are sized so that they fit over and at least partially surrounds the track. When the caliper brakes are activated, brake pads are moved towards the surrounded track squeezing it and providing a significant braking force. This permits the dolly to be smoothly brought to a stop with no possibility of the dolly wheel locking and skidding. The braking system can be temporarily attached to the dolly by a removable fastener system, or it can be permanently built into the dolly. A master hydraulic cylinder with a conveniently placed actuating lever is connected to the brake caliper modules by hydraulic lines so that slave hydraulic cylinders can apply the brakes in response to the actuating lever. |
| US07926622B2 |
Lift cable slack monitoring device and method
A lift drive unit has at least one monitoring device for monitoring unallowed raising of a lift cage. The drive unit has a motor unit and a deflecting unit. If a counterweight supported by the deflecting unit, for example rests on a shaft pit buffer, the deflecting unit is unloaded and is raised by way of a spring element of the monitoring device. A sensor of the monitoring device detects the movement of the deflecting unit and switches off the motor of the drive unit via a safety circuit. |
| US07926617B2 |
Quick oil change apparatus and process
A method and apparatus for changing engine motor oil more quickly and simply than previously existing methods. To change oil on a gasoline or diesel engine, the conventional oil filter is removed and an adapter is screwed in its place. An inlet oil port of the adapter connects with the oil filter inlet line and an outlet port of the adapter connects to the oil filter outlet line. The adapter top is sealed with a recessed O-ring extending around the periphery so that oil can be pumped through the adapter into and out of the engine without leaking. The adapter inlet and outlet ports are connected by hoses/tubes to an external container with its own internal piston. The engine is turned on to idle and the engine oil pump pumps used oil from the oil pan out through the adapter outlet port into the external container. An external feed pump or valve can be used with an accumulator to temporarily hold a portion of the new oil pushed out of the piston/cylinder reducing the initial oil flow back into the engine providing enough oil flow and pressure to maintain adequate lubrication and reduce the dilution of new oil with used oil maximizing the quality of the replacement oil and minimizing the amount of new oil required in the displacement process. |
| US07926612B2 |
Transmission and vehicle having transversely mounted transmission and engine arranged in axial direction thereof
A vehicle includes an engine, a pair of side frames extending along a vehicle body in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, a transmission adapted to be axially connected with the engine and adapted to be transversely mounted on the vehicle body, includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a first counter shaft, a second counter shaft, a first gear mechanism, a second gear mechanism, a third gear mechanism, and a transmission case, wherein the first and second gear mechanisms are arranged relatively close to the engine, the third gear mechanism is arranged more remote from the engine than the second gear mechanism, the first counter shaft is arranged above the input shaft and the second counter shaft, and the transmission case forms a cut-out portion at an upper portion of a back wall portion of the transmission case. |
| US07926611B2 |
Shaft drive device
An easily connected universal joint for attaching to an output shaft of an engine. A drive shaft is connected to an output shaft of an engine which is mounted on a vehicle body by way of a universal joint with a wheel being connected to a distal end side of the drive shaft. Projection portions project outwardly from a yoke of the universal joint connected to the output shaft by splines. A swing arm rockably supported on the vehicle body using one shaft with the universal joint being arranged above the shaft. A boot mounted between a distal end of the swing arm and a peripheral portion of the output shaft. |
| US07926608B2 |
Electric-motor three-wheeled vehicle
An electric-motor three-wheeled vehicle includes a motor for applying a drive force to drive wheels, a motor control unit for controlling the motor, a secondary battery for storing electric power generated by a fuel cell, a rear body supporting a pair of left and right rear wheels and a connecting mechanism for connecting the rear body with a front body so as to tilt the front body while the rear wheels are in contact with the ground. The secondary battery is housed in the inside of a luggage carrier above the rear wheels. The motor and the motor control unit, including a motor driver and a main CPU, are mounted between the left and right rear wheels. The voltage converter increases or decreases the voltage of the electric power supplied from the fuel cell. The control drivers controls a supercharger of reaction gas and a electric pump of cooling water. |
| US07926603B2 |
Hood tilt locking system
The present disclosure provides a hood assembly for a vehicle having a hood coupled to the vehicle and pivotal between open and closed positions. A contoured lever is movably disposed between the hood and the vehicle, and a slot having first and second ends is formed within the lever. A lock detent formed within the contoured lever is in communication with the second end of the slot, and a pin mounted to a portion of the vehicle is slidably received within the slot. When the hood is opened, the pin is received within the lock detent, thereby locking the hood in the open position. The hood assembly also includes a release handle pivotally secured to the lever that is sized and configured to engage the pin when the pin is positioned within the slot. |
| US07926597B2 |
Fixed cutter bit and blade for a fixed cutter bit and methods for making the same
A blade, which is useful on a tool that impinges earth strata, that has a blade body with a leading surface. The blade body has a first portion defining at least a part of the leading surface and a second portion. The first portion is made of a first material composition and the second portion is made of a second material composition. |
| US07926596B2 |
Drag bit with utility blades
A drill bit comprises a bit body and a plurality of cutting blades extending radially from the bit body, the plurality of cutting blades further comprising cutting elements disposed thereon. The drill bit also comprises a plurality of utility blades extending radially from the bit body, the plurality of utility blades being free of cutting elements. |
| US07926595B1 |
Filter sub
A downhole filter with a filter housing having a top filter and a bottom filter disposed therein. The filter housing can be in fluid communication with each filter. Each filter can be in fluid communication with a burst disk housing having a burst disk module and a burst disk. Each burst disk housing can be in fluid communication with the filter housing. Fluid can flow through the filter housing and through the filter. When a filter is clogged, the fluid can burst a burst disk, thereby bypassing the filter. The downhole filter can include a middle sub in fluid communication with the top filter and a second portion of the filter housing. The middle sub can threadably engage a bottom burst disk housing. |
| US07926593B2 |
Rotating control device docking station
A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals. |
| US07926592B2 |
Steerable drilling system
A steerable drilling system including a bias unit and a separator. The separator is arranged to remove particulate matter from the supply of pressurized drilling mud to the actuator of the bias unit. The separator includes a hydrocyclone located upstream of the actuators. The hydrocyclone includes a housing defining a substantially conical recess having a large diameter end and a small diameter end. An inlet is in fluid communication with the large diameter end for providing the drilling mud thereto. A first outlet is in fluid communication with the small diameter end for outlet of relatively dirty mud. A second outlet is in fluid communication with the large diameter end for outlet of a supply of relatively clean mud for the plurality of actuators. |
| US07926578B2 |
Liner drilling system and method of liner drilling with retrievable bottom hole assembly
A liner drilling system employs a bottom hole assembly that may be retrieved before reaching the total liner depth. The system includes an outer string made up of a liner and a profile nipple. An inner string including a running tool, drill pipe, and a drill lock tool are lowered into the outer string and rotationally and axially locked to the outer string. Drilling may be performed by rotating the inner string, which also rotates the outer string. The operator may retrieve the inner string by pulling the inner string and the liner upward until the upper end of the liner is located at the drilling rig floor. While supporting the liner at the drilling rig floor, the operator retrieves the inner string, then re-runs it back into the outer string. |
| US07926577B2 |
Methods and apparatus for supporting tubulars
Embodiments of the invention relate to a gripping apparatus for supporting a tubular. The gripping apparatus may include a housing, a slip assembly disposed in the housing, and a leveling ring operable to move the slip assembly in the housing. The gripping apparatus may further include a guide member and a mating member operable to couple the slip assembly to the leveling ring. The longitudinal movement of the leveling ring directs the mating member along the guide member to radially displace the slip assembly relative to the housing. |
| US07926576B2 |
Coiled tubing rig
A technique for utilizing a coiled tubing rig improves its operation and functionality. The coiled tubing rig is adapted to enable improved operation in a variety of harsh environments. The coiled tubing rig also may comprise features that facilitate the interchangeability of well tools, e.g. the interchangeability of bottom hole assemblies, to lower operational cost and to increase the efficiency with which a variety of well related operations can be performed. |
| US07926575B2 |
Hydraulic lockout device for pressure controlled well tools
Well tools are provided which although pressure responsive, may be maintained by a hydraulic lockout in a nonresponsive condition until a threshold actuation step is performed. This lockout may be achieved by a hydraulic mechanism which controls the rate at which pressure is transmitted to a fluid spring during periods of increased pressure at the pressure source. When the tool is desired to be responsive to pressure cycles, a valve may be opened by established a differential between the pressure in the fluid spring and the pressure source. Communication of pressure in the fluid spring to a movable mandrel will then allow operation of the well tool in response to pressure cycles at the pressure source in accordance with the established design of the well tool. |
| US07926574B2 |
Fluid actuated circulating sub
A downhole device used to divert fluid flow out of a work string into an annulus. The downhole device is activated by the movement of a plurality of pistons within the downhole device. Fluid flow through a restriction of the downhole device creates an increase in fluid pressure causing the movement of the pistons. The pistons move a flow tube between various locations within the device. In one location, the flow tube prevents fluid flow to the annulus while in another location the flow tube allows fluid flow to be diverted into the annulus. The downhole device may include a locating sleeve having a continuous j-track allowing the flow tube to be selectively retained at the various locations within the downhole device. Fluid flow through the downhole is used to cycle the device between diverting fluid flow to the annulus and forcing fluid flow down the work string. |
| US07926570B1 |
Method and apparatus for preventing spillage or loss of drill fluids
A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed. |
| US07926569B1 |
Bypass device for wellbores
A bypass device for bypassing a hydraulic piston in a wellbore with an outer tubular body. The outer tubular body can have a fluid control manifold. The fluid control manifold can have two control paths, two high pressure fluid paths, and two valves connecting with two high pressure fluid connecting paths. An inner tubular body can be disposed within the outer tubular body, and a piston chamber can be disposed between the inner tubular body and the outer tubular body. The piston chamber can include two piston chamber sections separated by a hydraulic piston. |
| US07926566B2 |
Method of making a downhole cutting tool, using a single piece tubular with a radially displaceable portion
Disclosed herein relates to a single piece tubular member. The tubular member having a non-radially displaceable portion and a radially displaceable portion, the radially displaceable portion being movable to a position of similar radial displacement as that of the non-radially displaceable portion and a position of relatively large radial displacement in comparison to the non-radially displaceable portion. The tubular member also having at least one cutting arrangement disposed at the radially displaceable portion. |
| US07926563B2 |
Well jet device for well-logging operations and the operating method thereof
A jet pump on pipe string and packer, pump body being provided with steplike pass channel embodied therein and communicates with pumped-out medium supplying channel and active medium supplying channel, connected to active nozzle at the output and to annular space. The pumped-out medium-supplying channel connects to the pipe string downstream of steplike channel via return valve. A hollow steplike cylindrical body sealing unit provided with a top part sealing element arranges in said steplike channel. An annular projection supported spring-loaded steplike piston is downstream. The piston lower position closes unit body holes. When the piston is in top position, the channel for supplying medium pumped-out from the well through the unit holes and pump bodies connects to the pipe string downstream of the pump body. The piston and sealing element include coaxial channels therein, used for passing a cable with logging instrument suspended below the pump body. |
| US07926562B2 |
Continuous fibers for use in hydraulic fracturing applications
Methods and related systems are described for use with hydraulic fracturing and other oilfield applications. A tool body is positioned in a wellbore at a location near a subterranean rock formation being fractured. The tool body contains a plurality of deployable continuous fibers. At least some of the deployable continuous fibers are deployed into fractures within a subterranean rock formation. Each deployed fiber is continuous from the tool body to the rock formation. The number of deployable continuous fibers provides sufficient redundancy to make at least a target measurement relating to the fracturing process. |
| US07926556B2 |
Process for the manufacture of a heat exchanger, including a surface treatment, and heat exchanger thus obtained
Process for the manufacture of a heat exchanger, in particular an evaporator, comprising the preparation, assembling and brazing of components of the heat exchanger, the brazing being carried out under given temperature conditions. Prior to the assembling and to the brazing, a surface treatment operation is carried out that includes applying a coating to a chosen component, the coating including a support, at least one active agent suitable for giving the heat exchanger chosen properties during its operation, and at least one thermal protection agent suitable for enabling the coating to withstand the brazing temperature conditions. |
| US07926554B2 |
Heat dissipation system
A liquid-cooled heat dissipation system includes a heat absorber; a heat dissipating member; two connecting pipes connecting the heat absorber and the heat dissipating member; and a working fluid filled in the heat absorber, the heat dissipating member, and the connecting pipes. The working fluid is capable of circulating in the circuit. The working fluid includes a base fluid, a plurality of nanoparticles and a protective agent dispersed in the base fluid. A percentage by weight of the nanoparticles in the working fluid is in the range from 0.1% to 3%. |
| US07926553B2 |
Cooling system for electronic devices, in particular, computers
The invention concerns a cooling system for electronic devices, especially computers, comprising an evaporator (1), a vapor-distribution and condensate-collection element (3) and a condenser (2) with a plurality of condenser pipes (6) and a block of fins (5) connecting the condenser pipes (6), wherein the condenser pipes (6) are arranged parallel to each other and extend upwards from the vapor-distribution and condensate-collection element (3) and are closed at their upper ends. |
| US07926540B2 |
Window blind with controlling axle
The present invention relates to a controlling shaft, and more particularly to a controlling shaft for controlling blind, comprising a transverse shaft and a plurality of shaft controlling unit provided on the transverse shaft in turn. Due to the connecting relationship between the plurality of shaft controlling units and the transverse shaft, when the transverse shaft rotates, the plurality of shaft controlling units can synchronously rotate with the transverse shaft. Each shaft controlling unit of the plurality of shaft controlling units comprises a plurality of rotating members. When the shaft controlling unit rotates with the transverse shaft, the rotating members of each shaft controlling unit move in different pace. With the synchronous movement of the shaft controlling units with the transverse shaft, the particular points on the outer side of respective plurality of rotating members of any shaft controlling unit at the same level move to different extents. |
| US07926536B2 |
Spring tension control system for the tape application rollers of a tape roll dispensing cartridge assembly
A spring tension control system for the front and rear application roller arms, and for the sealing tape application rollers mounted thereon, of a tape cartridge assembly of a case sealing machine comprises a first spring-biasing mechanism to control the disposition and movement of the front and rear application roller arms upon which are respectively mounted the front and rear case sealing tape application rollers for applying the sealing tape to the vertically oriented front and rear surface portions of the case. In addition, there is also provided a second spring biasing mechanism which operatively cooperates with the first spring biasing mechanism so as to effectively impart an enhanced amount of tension and speed to the rear case sealing application roller in order to achieve enhanced case sealing processing speeds. |
| US07926535B2 |
Tool
A tool for pressing lower rim section of a receptacle wall and a receptacle bottom comprises an inner tool part and an outer tool part. The outer tool part essentially surrounds the receptacle at its lower end. The inner tool part comprises tool segments that are moveable relative to the outer tool part between a retracted and a pressing position, wherein in the pressing position the lower rim sections are pressed together by opposed pressing surfaces of outer tool part and inner tool part. To avoid any contamination of the pressing surfaces and also delamination of the lower rim section of the receptacle, at least one groove is formed in the pressing surface of the tool segment and/or of the outer tool part. |
| US07926533B2 |
Pneumatic tire with increased lower sidewall durability
A pneumatic tire may use a combination of high modulus and low modulus plies to provide increased fatigue compression durability without significantly increasing the weight of the tire. |
| US07926532B2 |
Vehicle tire
A tire for a two-wheeled motorcycle includes a continuous carcass-type reinforcement structure, having reinforcement elements and anchored on each side to a bead. Each bead extends radially by a sidewall, which meets up radially with a tread. Under the tread is a crown reinforcement structure including at least one working layer, and which does not comprise any circumferentially oriented reinforcement elements. Over the profile of the tire in a radial plane, in its part outside of the two points of tangency of the curvilinear abscissa of the carcass-type reinforcement structure with perpendiculars to the axis of rotation at least one layer of working reinforcement elements is at least partially radially to the inside of the part of the carcass-type reinforcement structure radially to the outside of the two points of tangency. |
| US07926530B2 |
Device for generating tire air pressure
A tire-air-pressure-generating apparatus includes an air pump, a pressure control valve, and an adjustment device, which are disposed coaxially in a shaft portion of an axle hub. The air pump includes a pump chamber located in the interior of the axle hub. The pressure control valve and the adjustment device are assembled into a cylinder head, which is assembled airtightly and removably to the axle hub. The cylinder head includes a suction-discharge path, discharge paths, pressure lead paths, and a suction path. |
| US07926522B2 |
Fuel filler system for automotive vehicle
A capless fuel filler device includes an anti-contamination seal mounted upon an external portion of a fuel filler passage extending through the device. An anti-contamination plug may selectively be inserted into the combination passage so as to sealingly engage the anti-contamination seal. A contaminant drain leading from the valve body's fuel and nozzle passage serves to not only remove liquid contaminants from the fuel and nozzle passage, but also to mitigate any incidental buildup of vacuum within the fuel tank. |
| US07926512B2 |
Stepper motor driven proportional fuel metering valve
A low energy stepper motor driven fuel metering valve (FMV) that eliminates the need for a position sensor is provided. The stepper motor rotates a cam that replaces the flapper valve used in conventional systems. The cam rotation increases the gap between the cam and nozzle on one side of the cam. The gap difference affects the pressures on the spool piston ends, which forces the piston in the direction that will return the cam-nozzle gap to a distance that results in a pressure balance to return. As a result, the relatively low energy stepper motor controls the relatively high energy hydromechanical system via the cam-nozzle-orifice system. The cam is precision machined and assures stroke/degree gain accuracy. The hydraulic system assures the piston tracks the cam essentially perfectly except for the effects of piston stiction forces. |
| US07926504B2 |
Method and systems for detecting and preventing leakage
A valve assembly for use in detecting leaks is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve, a power source coupled to the valve, and a sensor coupled to the power source. The sensor is configured to close the valve when exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid. |
| US07926501B2 |
Subsea pressure systems for fluid recovery
Systems and methods for recovering power fluid from a device under water and for pumping recovered power fluid to a surface of the water, the systems and methods, in certain aspects, including: flowing fluid from a subsurface apparatus to a subsurface recovery system, the fluid initially provided to the subsurface apparatus to power the subsurface apparatus; and the subsurface recovery system including pump apparatus for selectively pumping recovered fluid to a fluid container above a surface of the water. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b). |
| US07926498B2 |
Biomechanically derived crutch
A crutch having a first side direction, a second side direction opposite the first side direction, a third side direction perpendicular to the first side direction and a fourth side direction opposite the third side direction, the crutch including an elongate leg having a top end, a top portion, a middle portion, a bottom portion, and a bottom end, wherein the elongate leg extends from a saddle to a foot and has a handle disposed on the middle portion, wherein the saddle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the handle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the third side direction of an axis extending between the leg and the foot, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the first side direction of an axis extending between the top end of the elongate leg and the bottom end of the elongate leg; and wherein the handle is cantilevered and has a fixed end and a free end. |
| US07926497B2 |
Apparatus and method for holding and tilting an umbrella
Apparatus and methods are provided for holding and tilting an umbrella. The apparatus comprises at least one spring connected to an umbrella pole so that the spring(s) is extended or retracted when the pole angle of the umbrella is adjusted. The apparatus also comprises a pivot between an umbrella holder and a bracket that allows angular motion of the umbrella pole. The apparatus also comprises a rotary bearing capable of rotating around an axis of the umbrella pole. The spring(s) and the pivot can be connected to the rotary bearing. The present apparatus can also include a shade umbrella. Methods for tilting an umbrella are also provided. |
| US07926488B2 |
Frame of an intrauterine system
A frame of an intrauterine system which includes an elongate member having at its first end a transverse member including a first wing and a second wing, first ends of the wings being attached to the elongate member. The first and second wings are symmetrically bent towards a second end of the elongate member so that an angle a formed between the elongate member and the first or second wing is 10°-60°. The second ends of the wings are symmetrically bent towards the elongate member by an angle β that is 40°-140°. |
| US07926486B2 |
Parameter optimization in sleep apnea treatment apparatus
The present invention includes a method and apparatus for the optimized treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The present invention includes a pressure source configured to provide positive airway pressure to a patient who is resting at home. The pressure source receives control signals from control electronics that define a pressure profile to be delivered to the patient. The control electronics select parameters to define the pressure profile based on factors such as a user selection, information received from a sensor, and/or a prescription. |
| US07926480B2 |
Carrier and drive arrangement for a solar energy reflector system
A carrier and drive arrangement is disclosed for use in a solar energy reflector system. The arrangement comprises a) a carrier structure (10) having a platform (12) for supporting a reflector element (11), a frame portion (13) that includes hoop-like end members (14) between which the platform extends and support members (18) which support the frame portion by which of the end members and which accommodate turning of the carrier structure about an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the reflector element, and b) a drive system incorporating an electric motor for imparting unidirectional turning drive to the carrier structure by way of the hoop-like end members (14). |
| US07926479B2 |
Infrared wok heater
An infrared heater for heating a cooking vessel, such as a Chinese wok. The heater includes a block of refractory material, which emits infrared radiation upon heating to an elevated temperature, forming an inverted frustum-shaped cavity or opening. A gas-fired burner having a burner head which produces a laterally directed flame upon ignition of a mixture of a fuel gas and a combustion oxidant supplied to the burner is disposed in the cavity or opening. A planar structure suitable for emitting infrared radiation upon heating to an elevated temperature and forming at least one centralized opening covers the upward oriented base end of the inverted frustum-shaped opening. In accordance with one embodiment, the refractory block is disposed within a cylindrical housing which supports the cooking vessel above the centralized opening during the cooking process. |
| US07926478B2 |
Super abrasive grain wire saw winding structure, super abrasive grain wire saw cutting device, and super abrasive grain wire saw winding method
A superabrasive wire saw-wound structure includes a superabrasive wire saw (10) formed with an average diameter D and a reel (1). The superabrasive wire saw (10) includes a core wire (11), a bonding material (12) surrounding a surface of the core wire (11), and a plurality of superabrasive grains (13) bonded to the surface of the core wire (11) with the bonding material (12). The reel (1) includes a peripheral surface (2) having one end (3) and the other end (4). The superabrasive wire saw (10) which is to be unreeled successively toward a workpiece is wound around the peripheral surface (2) reciprocatingly between the one end (3) and the other end (4) to be multi-layered. A pitch P for winding the superabrasive wire saw (10) around the peripheral surface (2) between the one end (3) and the other end (4) satisfies a relation of D |
| US07926476B1 |
Strap for bow string release
A strap for a bow string release is provided to form a semi-closed (or open) hand receiving condition wrist strap for facilitating quick attachment and detachment of the strap to the wrist. The strap facilitates one-handed coupling about an archer's wrist by selectively maintaining the semi-closed (or semi-open) hand receiving condition so that the archer does not have to manually insert a first end of the strap through a second end of the strap. |
| US07926467B2 |
Droplet generator for engine system
An engine system includes an intake system, an internal combustion engine, and an exhaust system. The internal combustion engine includes a fuel droplet generator, and a fuel injector configured to inject fuel directly into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. |
| US07926466B2 |
Engine control device, engine control method, and motorcycle
An engine control device includes an engine revolution speed information acquisition device for acquiring the revolution speed of an engine, an accelerator opening sensor for detecting the opening of an accelerator operated by a rider of a vehicle mounted with the engine, a throttle opening control unit configured to control an opening of a throttle of the engine on the basis of the opening of the accelerator and other information, and an ignition control unit configured to limit ignition at a crank position before a compression top dead center on the basis of the opening of the accelerator and the revolution speed of the engine. |
| US07926460B2 |
Air supply distributor for an internal combustion engine
An air distributor including a cylindrical tubular body including connecting channels for supplying cylinders of an internal combustion engine, branches of which open in an aligned manner along a generatrix of the tubular body. The tubular body extends upstream into the branches of a 180° elbow that opens at an air inlet, the elbow inclined in relation to the diametral plane of the tubular body containing generatrix. A recess is provided in the tubular body opposite the branches of the first and second distributed cylinders. The recess has a converging/diverging profile around the lowest area between the branches, and the recess can use Venturi effect to reduce drop in swirl in the second distributed cylinder induced by architecture of the inclined elbow distributor, by regulating airflows in the channels. The distributor can mount to an intake face of a diesel engine cylinder head with two intake ducts per cylinder. |
| US07926454B2 |
Method of generating pressure pulses, a pressure pulse generator and a piston engine provided therewith
A pressure pulse generator, including a pressure pulse transmitting body, a chamber, divided into a first and a second part, a first conduit that leads between a high pressure source and the first part of the chamber, a second conduit that leads between a low pressure source and the second part of the chamber, the body being displaceably arranged in the second part of the chamber and being in contact with a pressure fluid in the chamber, and with the environment and being spring loaded in a direction towards the chamber. The pressure pulse generator includes elements for opening/interrupting the communication between the first part of the chamber and the high pressure source, and elements for opening/interrupting the communication between the second part of the chamber and the low pressure source, and an operable valve body for opening/interrupting the communication between the first and second parts of the chamber. |
| US07926450B1 |
Method for application of aroma therapy for a feline
An aroma therapy kit for a feline comprises the combination of a housing, at least one retention element disposed inside the housing, and at least one additive delivered to the at least one retention element. It is further envisioned that multiple retention elements and/or multiple additives may be provided in the kit to provide greater versatility and choice to the scents or fragrances used as aroma therapy with the apparatus. |
| US07926446B2 |
Multi-place coating apparatus and process for plasma coating
A coating apparatus is provided for simplifying the introduction and removal of workpieces into and from a reactor for plasma coating and to increase the throughput. The coating apparatus has a reactor with a moveable sleeve part and a base element, at least one sealed coating chamber being defined between sleeve part and base element when the latter two parts are fitted onto one another. The coating apparatus also has a device for introducing electromagnetic energy into the at least one coating chamber. The reactor has at least two coating places. |
| US07926442B2 |
Drywall tape and mud dispenser
A container is provided having a periphery and a base, which enclose a cavity. The periphery and the base are connected together, the periphery upwardly extending from the base. The periphery has a first slot and a substantially opposing second slot. Each of the first and second slots is sized to permit a first end of a tape located on a roll to be slid through it. A tape holder may be connected to the container so that the tape holder lies outside of the cavity of the container. The roll of tape can be placed on the tape holder so when the tape is pulled through the “mud box”, the tape is thereby unwound. As the tape is manually pulled through the “mud box”, joint compound is thinly applied to one side of the tape. As this is done, the joint compound begins to “adhere” to the tape, conditioning the tape for excellent wall adhesion. |
| US07926425B2 |
Tram steering system
A tram has a lead vehicle and one or more trailing vehicles coupled to it. Each vehicle has sets of front and rear wheels, both sets being steerable independently of the other. A manual controller provides signals to a processor in the lead vehicle, which in turn steers the front and rear wheels along a desired path. A processor on the first trailing vehicle controls front and rear servos to steer its wheels according to the path of the rear wheels of the leading vehicle. The second trailing vehicle has a processor that steers its front and rear wheels according to information provided by the first leading vehicle. Steering sensors on the vehicles sense distance to a steering rail while the vehicles are on a guideway and provide signals to the processors for automatic steering. While on a guideway, the tram uses power collectors to transfer power from the guideway. |
| US07926421B2 |
Printing press system
A printing press system includes a first machine line of a printing press, which is embodied as a newspaper printing press, and is provided with at least one first printing unit having printing group cylinders of a first maximum effective printing width. A second printing press, which is equipped with at least one second printing unit with printing group cylinders that have a second maximum effective printing width, is part of the first machine line. A dryer is located in alignment with the second printing unit. A former structure, having an effective width that is defined by the width of one, or of several formers disposed next to each other, and perpendicular to the feeding direction of the web to be folded, is also provided in the printing press system. At least one turning device is usable to transfer a web or a printed web, which has been printed in the first printing unit, to the former station. The first maximum effective width of the first printing unit is greater than the second effective width of the second printing unit. The maximum effective width of the former structure is the same as the maximum effective printing width of the narrower printing unit. |
| US07926420B2 |
Printing unit having at least two lateral frame parts the distance of which can be changed relative to each other in a horizontal direction
A printing unit has at least two lateral frame parts. The distance between which can be changed, relative to each other, in a horizontal direction. Each frame part receives a printing group or parts of such a printing group. At least one of the lateral frame parts is displaceably supported for movement between a functional position, in which the lateral frame parts meet and are affixed relative to one another, and an open position in which the lateral frame parts are positioned at a distance from each other. The support of the at least one movable lateral frame part has at least one sliding surface which is made using a composite plastic that is composed of multiple materials. |
| US07926417B2 |
Outdoor cooking system
A cooking apparatus is disclosed, wherein the cooking apparatus is configured to be converted between an installed configuration in which the cooking apparatus is connected to a complementary support structure and a portable configuration in which the cooking apparatus is not attached to the complementary support structure. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking surface, at least one burner configured to heat the cooking surface, a body configured to support the cooking surface above the burner, and a connecting portion disposed on the body, wherein the connecting portion includes at least one connector configured to be connected to a complementary connector on the complementary support structure, and wherein the connecting portion is also configured to support the cooking apparatus on a surface other than the complementary support structure when the cooking apparatus is used in the portable configuration. |
| US07926416B2 |
Apparatus for rapid cooking of edible pasta
A machine for rapid cooking of pasta includes: a measuring device (A) to deliver a predetermined amount of pasta and insert it into a steam cooking chamber (B) equipped with an inlet and an outlet ball valves (40, 28) placed respectively at its upper and lower ends: an expansion chamber (C), where the cooked food leaving the cooking chamber (B) is conveyed: at the base of this chamber there being provided a lid (62) adapted to pour the food into a dish (76): a silencing-steam abating device (D) installed above the expansion chamber, a boiler (E) for the production of pressurized hot water with low evaporation index, which makes it possible to maintain the cooking chamber (C) at a stable temperature and with minimum gradient between the base and top, and a drive mechanism which synchronizes and restrains the movement of the intercepting and distributing organs of the machine. |
| US07926412B2 |
Retractable assembly for analytical measurements technology
A retractable assembly, comprising: an assembly housing; a linear drive in the assembly housing; and a tubular holder), movably guided between a measuring position and a service position by means of the linear drive, for fluid-sealed reception of a sensor, with which a physical and/or chemical process variable is determinable. The linear drive includes a piston seated movably in a cylinder and loadable with a pressure-bearing medium on one or both ends and the tubular holder is fixed in the piston. The piston has on its working end active for the measuring position a breach in the direction of the interior of the tubular holder. |
| US07926411B2 |
Valve control unit
A valve control unit that prevents a decline in interlocking operation performance when pilot pressure control of a plurality of pilot-operated control valves is carried out by proportional solenoid valves. First and second proportional solenoid valves include a Common Operation Table of lever operation amount/boom-up pilot pressure characteristics and are inputted with a common boom-up lever operation amount. A third proportional solenoid valve also includes the Operation Table and is inputted with a stick-in lever operation amount common to the fourth proportional solenoid valve. The fourth proportional solenoid valve includes an Operation Table of lever operation amount/stick-in pilot pressure characteristics different from that of the first, second, and third proportional solenoid valves and is inputted with the stick-in lever operation amount common to the third proportional solenoid valve. |
| US07926405B2 |
Simulated firearm
A simulated firearm for discharging a blank cartridge and generating a realistic flash and report from the muzzle. The simulated firearm of the present invention prevents the discharge of lethal cartridges or projectiles. The simulated firearm has a chamber 65. The chamber 65 is reversed so that the entrance to the chamber 65 faces the forward section of the simulated firearm. A blank cartridge is loaded into the chamber 65. The blank cartridge is safely discharged from the reversed chamber. |
| US07926403B1 |
Transient, high rate, closed system cryogenic injection
The new injection system provides rapid, high pressure, high density, and transient batch injection of cryogenic liquids. The system stores and maintains the temperature of liquids in vacuum jacketed tanks, increases pressures using pumps, and stores the high pressure fluid in accumulators. The accumulator periodically injects the fluids at high pressure in measured mass batches into a combustion chamber. The system injects enough liquid or gas in 0.5 to 3.0 seconds to provide 500 to 6500 psi in a closed chamber. |
| US07926402B2 |
Method and apparatus for munition timing and munitions incorporating same
Microcontroller apparatuses and methods of use are disclosed. An explosive projectile system contains a faze and a remote fuze setter. The fuze includes a microcontroller comprising an RC-based clock generator and is configured to sample an accurate timing event sent from a crystal-based or similarly accurate timing device. The microcontroller is then calibrated with the received timing event and results are employed in a manner appropriate for desired implementation. Implementations of the microcontroller may include sampling a detonation delay value, in the form of a time pulse, and calibrating the microcontroller to issue a fire command at delay time after an impact event. Additionally, in a setter calibration application, a microcontroller may receive a carrier signal, calibrate the faze to an accurate time base and then set frequency boundary limits for subsequent data bit transfers. |
| US07926401B2 |
Tissue harvesting device and method
A tissue harvesting method and device for obtaining micrograft tissue particles within the size range of 50-1500 microns, and more preferably 500-1000 microns, and most preferably 600 microns. The particles may be processed after a piece of donor tissue has been excised from the donor site, or processed into the desired size directly at the donor site, and thereafter excised. Cutters having blades or cutting edges spaced in the range of 50-1500 microns are utilized to obtain particles within the desired size range. An elastomer is positioned between the cutting edges to push the excised particles out of the blades for ease of use. |
| US07926397B2 |
Portable saw table assembly
The subject invention provides a portable saw table assembly for cutting a material longitudinally, laterally, and at various angles thereto. The assembly includes a first and a second table rail being parallel and spaced from each other and each extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A saw rail is moveably supported by the first and the second table rails for moving longitudinally along the table rails between the proximal and the distal ends and a mounting plate is moveably supported by the saw rails to allow movement of the mounting plate laterally along the saw rail between the first table rail and the second table rail. A saw plate is rotateably supported by the mounting plate for carrying a saw to cut the material. A guide bar is disposed diagonally relative to the first and the second table rails and engages the saw plate to guide the saw plate diagonally in response to simultaneous movement of the saw rail longitudinally and the mounting plate laterally. |
| US07926396B2 |
Matched velocity transfer apparatus for a sheet material article trimmer
A transfer apparatus for a sheet material article trimmer includes a transfer element configured to grip the sheet material article and move the sheet material article in a transfer direction onto a side table of the sheet material article trimmer. A driver is provided, the driver being configured to move the transfer element at the same speed as the side table during period of time when the sheet material article is gripped by the transfer element and the side table is moving in the transfer direction. |
| US07926393B2 |
Quad wrench
A quad wrench has a head including an internal guide, first and second crowns separated by said internal guide, each of said first and second crowns having a plurality of interior faces, and first and second bolt receiving spaces, each bolt receiving space being at least partially defined by an outer surface of said internal guide and some of said plurality of interior faces, and a shank connected to said head. Each bolt receiving space of each crown is configured to correspond to both a first certain size of bolt and a second certain size of bolt such that a bolt of either certain size received in the bolt receiving space can be rotated when force is applied to the shank, and each bolt receiving space of the quad wrench is configured to correspond to two different certain sizes of bolts. |
| US07926389B1 |
Hydraulic torque wrench with central strain decoupled global hose connect swivel
Centrally mounted in a strain decoupling fashion on a hydraulic torque wrench is a hose connect swivel. A base ring of the swivel features a first fluid transmitting joint that is fluid transmitting connected with axial studs extending from the base ring into mating holes in the torque wrench housing. The base ring is radially spaced apart and surrounding a central housing portion of the torque wrench. The radial spacing provides for a strain and deformation decoupling of the base ring from the torque wrench housing such that leakage in the fluid first transmitting joint is prevented. A second fluid transmitting joint provides together with the perpendicular first fluid transmitting joint for a three dimensional orienting of the hose connect terminal around the torque wrench housing while providing access to the piston side peripheral end of the torque wrench housing for an eventual reaction arm. |
| US07926381B2 |
Idler gear for a generator
A gear set for a generator includes a first gear having a first set of involute teeth and a second gear having a second set of involute teeth circumferentially located about a center axis of rotation. Each set of involute teeth includes respective roll angles, εA-D. For a diametrically smaller one of the first gear and the second gear the roll angle εA is 1.51°-3.51°, the roll angle εB is 7.64°-9.64°, the roll angle εC is 26.03°-28.03°, and the roll angle εD is 32.16°-34.16°, and for a diametrically larger one of the first gear and the second gear the roll angle εA is 15.02°-17.02°, the roll angle εB is 16.7°-18.7°, the roll angle εC is 21.73°-23.73°, and the roll angle εD is 23.41°-25.41°. |
| US07926377B2 |
Device for an industrial robot
A device for adjusting the backlash in bevel gears in an industrial robot which includes a first conical gear wheel with a first axis of rotation and a second conical gear wheel. The device includes a displaceably arranged holder member adapted to fix and rotatably journal the first gear wheel for rotation about the first axis of rotation. |
| US07926373B2 |
Vehicular transmission
A vehicular transmission for an internal combustion engine includes lead grooves disposed on an outer periphery of a shift drum having communication portions connecting a pair of gear train establishment portions extending circumferentially along the shift drum. The communication portions include half neutral portions formed at a center thereof, extending circumferentially along the shift drum. The resulting configuration suppresses an engagement noise to a minimum during changing of a gear position through a sliding motion of a shifter. |
| US07926372B2 |
Sliding track assembly
A track assembly includes a track member, which has two parallel sliding grooves arranged in parallel at two sides and two locating holes spaced between the sliding grooves, a sliding member, which has two sliding rails respectively coupled to the sliding grooves of the track member and two locating holes spaced between the sliding rails, and two torsional springs arranged in the same direction on said track member and respectively connected between the locating holes of the track member and the locating holes of the sliding member such that the torsional springs automatically pushes the sliding rail to the open or close position when the user pushes the sliding rail to the midway toward the open or close position. |
| US07926369B2 |
Actuator
The actuator has a movable mass portion and a pair of drive mechanisms for driving the movable mass portion. Each of the pair of drive mechanisms includes a drive mass portion, a support portion for supporting the drive mass portion, a first elastic connecting portion interconnecting the drive mass portion and the support portion so as to allow the drive mass portion to be pivoted about a pivotal axis with respect to the support portion, and a second elastic connecting portion interconnecting the drive mass portion and the movable mass portion so as to allow the movable mass portion to be pivoted about a pivotal axis with respect to the drive mass portion. The first elastic connecting portion includes a pair of bending bars opposed to each other with interposing the pivotal axis of the drive mass portion therebetween. The first elastic connecting portion includes a pair of piezoelectric elements jointed respectively onto the pair of bending bars so as to bend the pair of bending bars in opposite directions to cause pivotal movement to the drive mass portion. The pivotal movement of the drive mass portion causes torsional deformation to the second elastic connecting portion so as to pivot the movable mass portion. |
| US07926365B2 |
Array type pressure sensing apparatus and pressure measurement method using the same
An array type pressure sensing apparatus suitable for multi-touch sensing and pressure quantification for gray scale identification is provided. The array type pressure sensing apparatus includes a plurality of first axes, a plurality of second axes, a plurality of piezoresistive units, a third axis, a plurality of standard resistors and a control unit. The second axes are disposed crisscross with the first axes, and there is one piezoresistive unit disposed on the cross between one first axis and one second axis. The third axis is disposed crisscross with the first axes, and there is one standard resistor on the cross between one first axis and the third axis. A pressure measurement method implemented using the array type pressure apparatus is also provided. The pressure measurement method is a gray scale identification method by pressure quantification of a linear piezoresistive system. |
| US07926361B2 |
Measuring system with a flow conditioner arranged at an inlet of a measuring tube
A measuring system for registering a measured variable of a flowing medium. A measuring transducer, a sensor arrangement, measuring electronics, a measuring tube and a flow conditioner are included. The sensor arrangement has at least one sensor element which delivers at least one measurement signal. The measuring electronics communicates with the measuring transducer and using the at least one measurement signal produces at least one measured value representing the measured variable. The flow conditioner has lumen tapering in the direction of the measuring tube. During operation, medium flows through the lumen and against an impingement surface of the flow conditioner. |
| US07926360B2 |
Sonar circumferential flow conditioner
Methods and apparatus enable measuring flow of a fluid within a conduit. For example, flowmeters may measure the velocity of production fluid flowing through production pipe of an oil/gas well. The flowmeters rely on detection of pressure variations generated as a result of a backward-facing step as a basis for flow measurement calculations. Pressure sensing occurs away from the step in a direction of the flow of the fluid in an enhanced turbulence region of the flowmeter where the inner diameter remains enlarged as a result of the step. |
| US07926358B2 |
Method for testing fatigue of a lead
A method and apparatus for testing the fatigue of an implantable lead by simultaneously bending and un-bending it at a plurality of successive positions wherein the bending and un-bending positions comprise a substantial length of the lead and wherein the bending radius and sector angle are substantially optional. |
| US07926357B2 |
Retrofitable pavement strain gauge
There is provided a proof body for use in a strain gauge for measuring horizontal strains in a pavement. The proof body is to be inserted in a hole provided in a surface layer of the pavement. The proof body is designed to be embedded in a substitute core designed to be retrofitted in the hole. The proof body is designed to be attached to the walls of the hole, allowing measurement of horizontal strains in the pavement surface layer. |
| US07926356B1 |
Apparatus for measuring the health of solid rocket propellant using an embedded sensor
An invented apparatus for nondestructively remotely measuring the health of an energetic material, includes a piezoelectric capacitance sensor having an exterior surface that is substantially inert to the energetic material. The piezoelectric capacitance sensor provides an analog signal that is commensurately responsive to the modulus of material in intimate contact with the sensor. The apparatus also includes an interrogator for interrogating the sensor as to a capacitance of the piezoelectric capacitance sensor. The interrogator converts the analog signal of the capacitance into a digital representation. The apparatus further includes a means of communicating the digital representation to a remote communication device. |
| US07926355B2 |
Micromechanical part with an opening for fastening to a spindle
This micromechanical part is intended to be fastened to a spindle and has at least one opening (10, 20, 30) whose edges comprise an alternating arrangement of rigid areas (11) and elastic areas (12, 22, 32). It is possible for those ends (13) of the rigid areas (11) closest to the center C of the opening (10, 20, 30) to be connected by a first circle C1 having a diameter greater than the diameter of a second circle C2 connecting those ends (15, 25, 27) of the elastic areas (12, 22, 32) closest to the center of the opening. In this micromechanical part, each rigid area (11) is formed by a convex portion projecting into the opening (10, 20, 30). |
| US07926350B2 |
Method for the non-destructive inspection of a test body using ultrasound
A method for the non-destructive inspection of a test body using ultrasound is disclosed, in which at least one ultrasonic transducer couples ultrasonic waves into the test body and ultrasonic waves reflected inside the test body are received by ultrasonic transducers and converted into ultrasonic signals, which form the basis of the non-destructive inspection. |
| US07926345B2 |
Apparatus for measuring a filling level
An apparatus for measuring the filling level in a liquid vessel, in particular in a reactor vessel of a nuclear-engineering plant, with a plurality of elongate, spaced-apart measurement tubes. Each measurement tube has a number of thermocouples which are distributed in the longitudinal direction. A thermocouple, which acts as a primary signal transmitter, is heated by a heating element and is arranged on a first measurement tube, has assigned to it on the signal side an unheated thermocouple, which acts as a reference signal transmitter and is arranged on a measurement tube which is different from the first measurement tube. |
| US07926341B2 |
System and method for sensing the level and composition of liquid in a fuel tank
In a liquid sensing system, an RF signal is applied to a series-resonant circuit. The coil of the resonant circuit is placed proximate to a fuel tank, causing electromagnetic radiation to propagate into the fuel space. The fuel acts as an electrical load to the resonant circuit in a manner proportionate to the volume of fuel in the tank and/or to variations in electrical properties of the fuel itself. The loading effect of the fuel can change the resonant frequency and/or the Q of the resonant circuit. The loading effect of the fuel is determined by monitoring a change in one or more electrical parameters associated with the excited resonant circuit, such as a voltage across the resistor in the resonant circuit. Changes in this voltage are analyzed by a controller, the result of which is used to output a value indicative of level and/or composition of the fuel. |
| US07926340B2 |
Hybrid method for estimating the ground effect on an aircraft
A method for assessing the aerodynamic ground effects on an aircraft. The method includes determining the variation of at least one aerodynamic coefficient of the aircraft as a function of the height for a range of heights extending from an aerodynamically infinite height to a zero height. In the method, (i) the range of heights is subdivided into at least two consecutive sets of heights; (ii) for one of the sets of heights, the variation of said aerodynamic coefficient is determined by wind tunnel tests using a model of the aircraft; and (iii) for the other of the sets of heights, the variation of said aerodynamic coefficient is determined by digital simulation reproducing by computation the physical reality of the air flow around said aircraft. |
| US07926338B2 |
Method for detecting local runout of a tire
A raw runout signal of a tire is bandpass filtered utilizing appropriate, empirically determined, low and high tire order corners to determine the bandpass of the bandpass filter. A band-limited runout signal is then obtained and is examined for characteristic signal patterns of local runout which are known to exhibit periodically modulated cabin interior sound during vehicle movement, usually driving conditions involving highway speeds and smooth roads, which is audibly detectable by passengers based upon, for example, empirical analysis wherein the maximum gain of the bandpass filter is, preferably, unity. |
| US07926336B2 |
Dynamometer
A dynamometer comprises a frame, an inertial flywheel, and a starter motor. The inertial flywheel is supported by the frame and the starter motor is movably mounted to the frame so as to be selectively engageable with the inertial flywheel. Means is provided for coupling an engine to be tested to the apparatus. The flywheel is brought up to speed by means of the starter motor and then coupled to the engine, which has been separately brought up to speed, via a clutch. The flywheel is supported by the frame in pressurized oil sleeve bearings. |
| US07926335B2 |
Method and device for diagnosing a diverter valve of an internal combustion engine having a compressor
A method for diagnosing a diverter valve of an internal combustion engine having a compressor is provided, for which diagnosis a variation over time of a charging pressure of the internal combustion engine as a result of a predefined triggering of the diverter valve is analyzed, the triggering of the diverter valve taking place in such a way that a diverter valve moved in the direction of its closing position is expected. Depending on the resulting variation over time of the charging pressure, an open jamming diverter valve is diagnosed if the variation over time of the charging pressure is not plausible with an expected variation over time for a diverter valve moved in the direction of its closing position. |
| US07926331B2 |
Detection of fuel property based on change in rotational speed of engine
There is disclosed a fuel property detector for detecting a property of fuel injected by a fuel injector into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The fuel property detector includes an injection commander, a change detector, and a fuel property determiner. The injection commander commands the fuel injector to perform a fuel injection for fuel property detection into the cylinder of the engine. The change detector detects a change in the rotational speed of the engine which is caused by the fuel injection for fuel property detection. The fuel property determiner determines the property of the fuel based on the change in the rotational speed of the engine detected by the change detector. |
| US07926324B2 |
Apparatus for inspecting ventilation of filter cigarettes
An apparatus for inspecting ventilation of filter cigarettes FT has a plate-like packing 18a. The packing 18a covers the opening of a movable cylinder 10 and is relatively pressed with the end face of a filter cigarette FT. The packing 18a includes a hole 18c positioned to coincide with the center of the end face against the packing, an inner circular area 18f surrounding the hole 18c, and an outer circular area 18g surrounding the inner circular area 18f. The outer circular area 18g is elastically deformed more easily than the inner circular area 18f and is brought into tight contact with the outer circumferential edge of the end face pressed against the packing. |
| US07926323B2 |
Thermal conductivity measuring method and apparatus, and gas component ratio measuring apparatus
A heat radiation coefficient C [=Ph/(Th−To)] from a microheater is calculated in accordance with a power Ph applied to the microheater which is supported in air and provided in an ambient gas, a heater temperature Th, and an ambient temperature To at this moment. Further, a thermal conductivity λ(T) of the ambient gas is obtained from the calculated heat radiation coefficient C based on a proportional relation [C=K·λ(T)] between a thermal conductivity λ(T) of the ambient gas and the heat radiation coefficient C at a measurement temperature T [=(Th−To)/2]. |
| US07926313B2 |
Device for detecting the unbalance of a rotatable component of a domestic appliance
Device and method for detecting the unbalance of a rotatable component of a domestic appliance, in which device and method a mass, which is movable in dependence on motions of the rotatable component that are caused by unbalance, and/or a spring force which acts upon the mass, and/or a fluidic damping which acts upon the mass, is/are so defined that, above a predefined frequency, movements of the mass are substantially non-dependent on frequency, or frequency-dependent components of movements of the mass are within a predefined range. |
| US07926310B2 |
Foreign materials filtering apparatus and washing machine having the same
Disclosed are a foreign materials filtering apparatus and a washing machine having the same. Since a filter cover unit and a filter unit are integrally modularized with each other, a user can separate or mount the filter unit from/to a washing water circulating duct by separating or mounting the filter cover unit from/to the washing water circulating duct. Accordingly, the foreign materials filtering apparatus can be easily detachably mounted at the washing water circulating duct. |
| US07926308B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator for jacquard thread-guide bars of warp knitting machines
A piezoelectric actuator for jacquard thread-guide bars for warp-knitting textile machines, comprising a mounting body (6) singularly dedicated to the piezoelectric actuator (3) and onto which one piezoelectric body (8) is mounted, said piezoelectric body (8), a plurality of interface electric contacts (9) operatively connected to the piezoelectric body (8), and a connecting portion (10) apt to interface with a thread-guide portion, the mounting body (6) being configured and predisposed for being able to be removably engaged into a housing seat (5) of a supporting body (7) of a jacquard bar and to carry out an individual and removable mounting of the actuator onto the supporting body (7). |
| US07926297B2 |
Air conditioning system
In an input section (30), a set temperature Ts which becomes a control target temperature of a humidity controller (10), and a set relative humidity Rs which becomes a control target humidity of the humidity controller (10) are set. An air conditioning control section (42) adjusts the temperature adjusting capacity of the humidity controller (10) such that the room temperature may come very close to the set temperature Ts. Further, an arithmetic section (33) calculates, as the target absolute humidity As, the absolute humidity which becomes the relative humidity set value Rs at the set temperature Ts. A humidity adjustment section (41) adjusts the humidity adjusting capacity of the humidity controller (10) such that the absolute humidity of the room may come very close to the target absolute humidity As. |
| US07926293B2 |
Thermoelectrics utilizing convective heat flow
An improved efficiency thermoelectric system is disclosed wherein convection is actively facilitated through a thermoelectric array. Thermoelectrics are commonly used for cooling and heating applications. Thermal power is convected through a thermoelectric array toward at least one side of the thermoelectric array, which leads to increased efficiency. Several different configurations are disclosed to provide convective thermal power transport, using a convective medium. In addition, a control system is disclosed which responds to one or more inputs to make adjustments to the thermoelectric system. |
| US07926288B2 |
Reformed-fuel-burning gas turbine system and method of operating the same
The present invention provides a reformed-fuel-burning gas turbine system that constantly generates good-quality reformed fuel even when heavy fuel has a different composition.The reformed-fuel-burning gas turbine system according to the present invention comprises a heavy oil heater; a water heater; a reformer vessel for mixing high-temperature, high-pressure water with high-temperature, high-pressure heavy oil to cause a hydrothermal reaction and producing reformed fuel from heavy oil; and a gas turbine which operates on the reformed fuel. The reformed-fuel-burning gas turbine system according to the present invention further comprises a detector for detecting the static dielectric constants or solubility of high-temperature, high-pressure heavy oil heated by the heavy oil heater and high-temperature, high-pressure water heated by the water heater; a first temperature regulating valve for adjusting the thermal dose of the heavy oil heater; a second temperature regulating valve for adjusting the thermal dose of the water heater; and a control device for adjusting the first temperature regulating valve and the second temperature regulating valve in accordance with the static dielectric constants or solubility of the heavy oil and water, which are detected by the detector, in order to control the static dielectric constants or solubility of the high-temperature, high-pressure heavy oil and high-temperature, high-pressure water, which are to be supplied to the reformer vessel. |
| US07926284B2 |
Quench jet arrangement for annular rich-quench-lean gas turbine combustors
A combustor includes an outer liner having a first row and a second row of circumferentially distributed air admission holes penetrating therethrough. The combustor further includes an inner liner circumscribed by the outer liner and having a first row and a second row of circumferentially distributed air admission holes penetrating therethrough. The combustor further includes a plurality of fuel injectors extending into the combustion chamber and configured to deliver an air-fuel mixture to the combustion chamber. Each of the plurality of fuel injectors are associated with two air admission holes in the first row of the outer liner, two air admission holes in the first row of the inner liner, four air admission holes in the second row of the outer liner, and two air admission holes of the second row of the inner liner. |
| US07926281B2 |
Device for injecting a mixture of air and fuel, and combustion chamber and turbomachine provided with such a device
A device for injecting an air/fuel mixture into a combustion chamber mounted within a restricted space is disclosed. This injection device includes a bowl having an external cylindrical wall continued at its downstream end by a divergent section provided, downstream, with a collar having the form of a ring extending radially outward. The divergent section of the bowl is connected, immediately upstream of the flange, by a connecting wall to a cylindrical ring. The cylindrical ring and the connecting wall form a connection rim oriented in the upstream direction. At least one row of vortex holes is formed in the external cylindrical wall, close to its upstream end, and the connecting wall of the connection rim of the bowl is provided with a row of cooling orifices inclined axially at an angle γ to the axis of symmetry of the injection device. |
| US07926279B2 |
Extended life fuel nozzle
A gas sleeve (120) for a combustor (408) of gas turbine engine (400) attaches to a support housing (100) of the combustor (408) to convey a fuel gas and to fit within a fuel rocket (110). The gas sleeve (120) comprises a plurality of apertures (128) formed to provide impingement cooling. The apertures (128) comprise a tilt angle directed toward a structure in need of impingement cooling, for instance a weld joint (114) that attaches the fuel rocket (110) to the support housing (100). The apertures (128) additionally may comprise a rotational angle effective to create a rotationally swirling flow of the portion of fuel gas that passes through the apertures (128). A method of operation using this structure also is provided. |
| US07926276B1 |
Closed cycle Brayton propulsion system with direct heat transfer
A liquid metal fueled Brayton cycle power system with a direct contact heat exchanger. In this invention, a compressor compresses the working gas. A regenerator preheats the compressed working gas and passes the working gas to a reactor/storage tank with liquid metal fuel stored therein. An oxidant is injected into the reactor/storage tank to react with the liquid metal fuel. The compressed working gas bubbles through the liquid metal fuel in the reactor/storage tank and is heated by direct contact with the fuel-oxidant mixture. A turbine expands the heated working gas and thereby withdraws power from the system. The spent working gas exits to the regenerator where it warms the compressed gas. A cooler reduces the working gas temperature and recirculates the gas to the compressor. |
| US07926274B2 |
Rankine engine with efficient heat exchange system
The Rankine engine with efficient heat exchange system provides a rapidly rechargeable thermal energy storage bank operably connected to a heat engine capable of propelling a vehicle. Microwave energy is supplied to the system via a network of waveguides. Thermal storage bank has a slurry in a heat exchanger capable of sustaining operation of the engine without requiring the microwave source. The slurry provides a mixture of powdered stainless steel and silicone oils functioning as the working fluid in the hot side of the heat exchanger. The slurry may be heated by plugging the system into standard AC power for a predetermined microwave heat charging duration. A closed, triple-expansion, reciprocating Rankine cycle engine capable of operating under computer control via a high pressure micro-atomized steam working medium is provided to propel the vehicle. A variety of working fluids are capable of powering the Rankine cycle engine. |
| US07926272B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation system for internal combustion engine
A low pressure EGR system includes a low pressure EGR passage connecting a downstream portion of an exhaust gas cleaner disposed in an exhaust passage to an upstream portion of a supercharger compressor disposed in an intake passage. A device for trapping foreign particles contained in EGR gas to be recirculated is disposed in the low pressure EGR passage. The trapping device may be positioned lower than the passage connected thereto so that foreign particles drop into the device by their own weight. A cross-sectional area of the trapping device may be made larger than that of the passage so that the flow speed of the EGR gas is reduced in the trapping device and the foreign particles are easily trapped. A valve for closing the low pressure EGR passage may be disposed therein to stop EGR when malfunctions are detected in the exhaust gas cleaner or the supercharger. |
| US07926271B2 |
Fresh gas supply device for a turbocharged piston internal combustion engine
A fresh gas supply device for a turbocharged piston internal combustion engine having fresh gas conduction elements is described. The device includes a compressed air connection operatively connected to a tubular interior chamber of the fresh gas conduction elements, and a quantity regulating device for regulating additional compressed air into the interior chamber. An adjustable flap arranged in the interior chamber is used for regulating a flow from an exhaust gas turbocharger through the interior. The housing of the fresh gas conduction elements forms a separate modular unit defining the first and second end connections also usable as supporting elements for the module. |
| US07926268B2 |
Master cylinder
A master cylinder includes a cylinder body, a reservoir connection port formed at a surface of the cylinder body and being in communication with a reservoir, a pressure chamber formed inside of the cylinder body, a reservoir fluid passage connecting the reservoir connection port and the pressure chamber, a valve mechanism accommodated within the reservoir connection port and reducing an amount of fluid flowing in the reservoir fluid passage in a case where the reservoir fluid passage is at a high pressure, and a valve body including a small diameter cylindrical portion and a large diameter cylindrical portion, the small diameter cylindrical portion forming a passage by means of which the reservoir and the reservoir fluid passage communicate, the large diameter cylindrical portion having one end connected to the small diameter cylindrical portion and the other end fixed to the reservoir connection port, the valve body accommodating the valve mechanism. |
| US07926266B1 |
Hydraulic drive apparatus
A cylinder block brake for a hydrostatic transmission or transaxle is provided. A braking member is located in a housing adjacent to a motor cylinder block and has a first position where it is not engaged to the motor cylinder block and a second, braking position where it is engaged to the motor cylinder block. A brake actuation shaft is located in the housing and has a cam portion located along its longitudinal axis. The cam portion is positioned to engage the braking member so that rotation of the brake actuation shaft moves the braking member between the engaged and disengaged positions. |
| US07926265B2 |
Hydrostatic drive
The invention relates to a hydrostatic drive. The hydrostatic drive (1) includes a hydraulic pump (3) and a hydraulic motor (7). The hydraulic pump (3) may be connected by way of a first working line (5) to a first working line connection (8) of the hydraulic motor (7) and by way of a second working line (6) to a second working line connection (9) of the hydraulic motor (7). Furthermore, the hydrostatic drive (1) includes a first storage means (40) for storing pressure energy and a second storage means (41). For recovery of the pressure energy stored in the first storage means, the latter may be connected, at least for one direction of conveying, to a first or second working line (5, 6) which is on the suction side in relation to the hydraulic pump (3) in this direction of conveying. |
| US07926262B2 |
Regeneration device purged with combustion air flow
A regeneration device is disclosed. The regeneration device may include a housing and a perforated plate. The housing may have a passage configured to receive a flow of combustion air, and a separate bore configured to receive an electrical device. The perforated plate may be mounted to the housing to at least partially define an air chamber. Furthermore, the regeneration device may include at least one purge passageway located to communicate combustion air from the air chamber with the bore. |
| US07926260B2 |
Flexible shaft for gas turbine engine
A shaft for a gas turbine engine is provided that includes a first shaft section, a second shaft section, a first flexible linkage, and a second flexible linkage. The first shaft section extends between a forward axial end and an aft axial end along a first axial centerline. The second shaft section extends between a forward axial end and an aft axial end along a second axial centerline. The first flexible linkage includes a bridge section connected between a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm. The first diaphragm is connected to the aft axial end of the first shaft section. The second diaphragm is connected to the forward axial end of the second shaft section. The second flexible linkage includes a diaphragm and a hub. The second flexible linkage diaphragm cantilevers radially outwardly from an inner radial end to an outer radial end, and is connected to the aft axial end of the second shaft section. The hub is connected to the outer radial end of the second flexible linkage diaphragm, and includes an engine shaft coupling connected to the hub. |
| US07926258B1 |
Advanced pulsed plasma thruster with high electromagnetic thrust
A pulsed plasma thruster provides for an advanced lightweight design with solid propellant and predominately electromagnetic thrust in a coaxial geometry. Electromagnetic forces are generated in a plasma by current flowing from a small central electrode to an electrically conducting diverging nozzle electrode. The thruster employs a series of electric current pulses of limited duration and varying frequency between the pair of electrodes creating a series of electric arcs. The electric arcs pass over a propellant surface located between the electrodes, forming a plasma, which is then exhausted from the device to produce thrust. The thruster maintains a low plasma resistance and cavity pressure, which in turn yields strong electromagnetic body forces, resulting in a high efficiency and consistent pulse-to-pulse performance. |
| US07926257B1 |
Advanced pulsed plasma thruster with high electromagnetic thrust
A pulsed plasma thruster provides for an advanced lightweight design with solid propellant and predominately electromagnetic thrust in a coaxial geometry. Electromagnetic forces are generated in a plasma by current flowing from a small central electrode to an electrically conducting diverging nozzle electrode. The thruster employs a series of electric current pulses of limited duration and varying frequency between the pair of electrodes creating a series of electric arcs. The electric arcs pass over a propellant surface located between the electrodes, forming a plasma, which is then exhausted from the device to produce thrust. The thruster maintains a low plasma resistance and cavity pressure, which in turn yields strong electromagnetic body forces, resulting in a high efficiency and consistent pulse-to-pulse performance. |
| US07926256B2 |
Inlet system for an EGR system
An embodiment of the present invention takes the form of a system that may recirculate a portion of the exhaust of at least one turbomachine where it may be mixed with the inlet air and re-enter the turbomachine without affecting reliability and availability of the unit. An embodiment of the present invention provides an inlet system for an exhaust gas recirculation system. This inlet system may take a variety of forms and may optimize the direction that the portion of the recirculated exhaust stream flows within the inlet system. |
| US07926252B2 |
Pneumatic fruit decelerator apparatus and method
A decelerator apparatus for mounting at the end of a pneumatic fruit harvesting or delivery tube. The decelerator comprises a housing with a moving decelerator body aligned with a fruit-receiving inlet connected to the pneumatic delivery tube. The decelerator body, for example a padded rotating wheel, moves at a speed slower than the speed at which the fruit is pneumatically delivered into the housing, and further defines a compressive deceleration path that moves the fruit in a compressive but protective fit toward a housing exit, releasing the fruit after the fruit has been decelerated to the speed of the moving body. |
| US07926250B2 |
Pick-up device for harvesting and supplying cucumber plants to a mobile harvesting machine
The pick-up device 1 disposed in the direction of travel in front of a harvesting machine 2 for cucumbers has a circulating conveyor belt 11 having upward jutting spikes 12 made of rubber or elastomeric plastic and further has an associated circulating cover belt 18 having upward jutting transverse moldings 22, which are tilted forward in the direction of circulation. Directly behind the place at which the spikes 12 reach with their tips the lowest point of their path of circulation, a cutting device 24 is active, which cut off the cucumber plants raised with the spikes 12. A sensing roll 30 resting on the ground 9 controls the height position of the pick-up device in such a way that the blades 27, 28 of the cutting device 24 and the tips of the spikes 12 do not penetrate into the ground 9, but always maintain a short distance from the ground. This configuration ensures an operation which is not disturbed by plant pile-up and even permits use in plasticulture. |
| US07926249B1 |
Transport system for a harvest header
A harvest header includes a transport system for converting the harvest header between a harvesting configuration and a transport configuration. The transport system may be retrofitted to existing headers or may be integrally constructed with a header. The transport system includes wheels that are retracted or rotated into a compact storage position against the rear wall surface of the header in a harvest configuration so as not to substantially increase the width of the header. |
| US07926245B2 |
Mobile bagging machine
Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters. |
| US07926241B2 |
Building panels
A tough, water-proof building panel, made of fiber-reinforced polymer, is useful in making structural walls, ceilings, and floors of buildings. Upstanding such walls can have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions. Panels effectively have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members. Structurally-reinforcing members extend, typically as layer and/or stud, the full height of the wall panel, at spaced locations along the length of the panel. Spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid thermally insulating foam. Optional reinforcing studs are attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extend inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel. Panels can be made by e.g. assembling pre-fabricated blocks and/or webs, by evacuating a mold, and by pultrusion. |
| US07926239B2 |
Flooring profile
The invention relates to a flooring panel having opposed pairs of substantially parallel side edges, a tongue connector member, and a groove connector member. In one aspect, the tongue connector member extends along one side edge and the groove connector member extends along the opposed side edge. The tongue connector member and the groove connector member are configured to cooperatively couple with each other such that portions of the coupled flooring panels are positioned in abutting relationship. |
| US07926237B2 |
Ceiling or wall panel
A wall or ceiling panel secures a grid insert, preferably of an architectural metal mesh, within a frame using a series of spring clips. The spring clips engage the metal mesh and are retained in a securing slot provided at an interior edge of the panel frame. Each spring clip includes at least one engagement member that passes through and engages the grid insert. The spring also includes a securing base that is received and retained within the securing slot of the frame. The panel can also include a securing arrangement for supporting the grid member at a position spaced from the frame to avoid downward bowing of the metal mesh. |
| US07926235B2 |
Monolithic concrete wall expansion joint system
An expansion joint system for a wall is provided herein wherein a first concrete wall component is substantially separated from a second concrete wall component via a rigid plate such that contraction of the first concrete wall component does not create significant stresses in the first or second concrete wall component so as to create cracks in the first or second concrete wall component. Moreover, a compressible material may be disposed between the rigid plate and/or the first and/or second concrete wall component such that expansion of the first concrete wall component compresses the compressible material instead of imposing significant stresses on the first or second concrete wall component so as to be likely to form cracks in the first or second concrete wall component. |
| US07926234B2 |
Floorboards with decorative grooves
Floorboards are shown, which consist of a core and a surface layer and are provided with decorative joint edges which are formed by removing the surface layer. |
| US07926233B2 |
Buildings, building walls and other structures
A tough, water-proof building system, and methods of making the system elements and constructing buildings, which provides wall, ceiling, and floor structural panels and corresponding walls, ceilings, and floors. The walls can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions, such that no concrete need be used except for floor slabs. Panels have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members. Structurally-reinforcing members extend, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of a wall, at spaced locations along the length of the wall. Spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel. |
| US07926231B2 |
Apparatus and method of routing cabling around leveler legs in a thin modular office panel
A modular furniture component such as an electrified relatively thin panel has electrical wiring in a raceway near a downwardly depending adjustable leveler leg and a pluggable multiconductor cable for connecting the raceway electrical wiring with another modular furniture component. The components may each comprise a relatively thin upstanding generally rectangular modular office wall panel having an electrical wiring containing raceway near a bottom edge. Adjacent panels have the raceways generally horizontally aligned with one another. In one form, apparatus and method is disclosed for routing the power and data cables/conductors out of the bottom of the panels next to threaded leveler legs and back up into the adjacent panel. The cable is located closely adjacent a thinnest portion of the adjustable leveler leg and has a portion thereof displaced vertically below each raceway. The cables are enclosed in a removable device that clamshells around the legs with the clamshell located beneath a lowermost portion of the raceway for enclosing portions of the leveler leg and cable. The clamshell cable housings can be in a variety of shapes to accommodate any combination of panel intersections with straight, parallel, 90°, “T”, cross or four-way, and 120° described. In another form, the panel support posts are modified to present a thin portion of leveler legs about which the cables may be routed in horizontal alignment with the raceways. |
| US07926229B2 |
System for insulating attic openings
A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, provides thermal and acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a stairwell, or the opening at one end of a stairway, or an opening in a generally vertical wall that is not necessarily associated with a stairway. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components. |
| US07926228B1 |
Cremation niche
A cremation niche including a concrete masonry block formed as a single unit having an uninterrupted cross section which includes rectangular sides, top and bottom panels and open rectangular front and rear openings providing access into a hollow horizontally disposed interior of the concrete block. The concrete block material consistency and overall outside dimensions are equal to those of a conventional concrete building block. A plastic liner having an open front is snugly fit within and mating against inner surfaces of the concrete block which define the interior. A decorative faceplate covers the front opening, mating with the front surface and against a perimeter of the front opening of the liner. |
| US07926227B2 |
Modular enclosure with living hinges
A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include a plurality of corner panels that are constructed from blow-molded plastic. Each of the corner panels may include a living hinge that generally divides the corner panel in half and allows the corner panel to be moved between a generally planar position to facilitate packaging of the shed and an angled position. The shed may also include a plurality of wall panels constructed from blow-molded plastic and disposed between the corner panels. The living hinge is preferably generally vertically positioned when the corner panels are used to construct the shed and the living hinge preferably extends generally from a top portion of the corner panel to a lower portion of the corner panel. Advantageously, the living hinge may be used to construct other portions of the shed such as shelves, skylights and roof caps. |
| US07926226B2 |
Deployable prefabricated structure with an extension structure that is sealable to the prefabricated structure upon deployment from the prefabricated structure
A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension including an extension frame deployable from the shell. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support, forming corners of the shell frame. A flange extends from at least one of the columns. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support, forming at least one corner of the extension frame. An outer lip is associated with at least one column of the extension farthest from the shell when the extension is deployed. An inner lip is associated with at least one column of the extension closest to the shell when the extension is deployed. The flange provides a first pocket for receiving the outer lip when the extension is seated within the shell and a second pocket receives the inner lip when the extension is deployed from the shell. The first pocket includes a first gasket to seal the prefabricated structure when the outer lip is received within the first pocket and the second pocket including a second gasket to seal the prefabricated structure when the inner lip is received within the second pocket. |
| US07926223B2 |
Chemical application line
A chemical application line is provided having a core chemical application carrier to dispense a desired chemical into a target environment over a period of time. The chemical application line includes a degradable film or paper covering the carrier to provide protection from the chemical when handling. The chemical application line also includes a degradable rope surrounding the carrier to provide strength and durability to the line. |
| US07926221B2 |
Fishing device container
The present invention discloses containers for storing fishing lures, baited or unbaited hooks, terminal tackle, fishing accessories, bait, fishing lines and other fishing devices (“target objects”). The containers are designed for quick and efficient insertion of the target objects into the containers. Fasteners attached to such containers, in addition to closing the opening of the containers, allow for quick attachment and detachment of the containers to and from a fishing rod, thereby capturing and retaining line and thus minimizing entanglement. These fastening devices may also be used to attach the containers to other non-rod objects such as boats or clothing for immediate access to or storage of target objects. All versions of containers may be formed of at least partially clear plastic or other materials for ready identification of the contained materials. |
| US07926219B2 |
Digital scope with horizontally compressed sidefields
An improved digital scope for locating and targeting objects. The scope includes an image detection device that is configured to collect image data of a sighted region. The scope further includes a display screen that is electronically connected to the image detection device and is configured to display image data of the sighted region as a continuous video feed. The left sidefield portion of the sighted region is displayed horizontally compressed in the left portion of the display screen, the right sidefield portion of the sighted region is displayed horizontally compressed in the right portion of the display screen, and the center portion of the sighted region is displayed in the center portion of the display screen without horizontal compression. |
| US07926218B2 |
Laser aiming apparatus using a rocker
Laser aiming apparatus for accurately and conveniently applying elevation and windage adjustments to a laser beam emanating therefrom. A preferred embodiment includes a housing, which may be adapted to be mounted to a gun; a laser module in the housing and including a sleeve having a laser mounted in the sleeve for emitting a laser beam through a front end thereof along the sleeve's longitudinal axis, the sleeve being pivotally mounted in the housing about a first pivot point on the longitudinal axes of the sleeve and the housing; a rocker pivotally mounted in the housing about a second pivot point on the housing's longitudinal axis and spaced from the first pivot point, the rocker coupled to the sleeve for pivoting the sleeve about the first pivot point; and an adjustment apparatus carried by the housing and engaging the rocker for pivotally adjusting position of the rocker about the second pivot point. |
| US07926216B2 |
Recoil suppression system for the stock of a firearm
A recoil suppression system for the stock of a firearm that includes an absorption assembly having an elongated body portion and a generally flat mounting plate having an outer periphery. The recoil suppression system includes a recoil housing with a piston ram, which is received into a cavity of the elongated body when the recoil housing is assembled with the absorption assembly. The mounting plate is generally shaped to fit the rear end of a firearm stock. A rearward projecting flange of the absorption assembly is adapted to fit within the recoil housing. The outer periphery of the mounting plate is equal to or larger than the outer periphery of the recoil housing. The absorption assembly may include a cam and torsion spring to reduce the recoil of the firearm. The recoil suppression system may include an adjustment mechanism to vary the preload force of the torsion spring. |
| US07926215B2 |
Home showing lockbox tag system
A plurality of color-coded lockbox tags that attach to a lockbox and visibly communicate a corresponding plurality of showing instructions relative to the lockbox. Where the underlying lockbox includes an entry mechanism involving an infrared port, the lockbox tag may include an aperture or window to expose an infrared port. A plurality of optional placards may also be provided to augment or override the primary showing instructions of the lockbox tag. |
| US07926209B2 |
Electric iron
An electric iron includes a soleplate and at least one heating element. The heating element includes multi-layer conductive coating of nano-thickness disposed on the soleplate. The heating element further includes electrodes disposed on the multi-layer conductive coating. The multi-layer conductive coating has a structure and composition which stabilize performance of the heating element at high temperatures. The soleplate can be made of ceramic glass. The electric iron can perform heating and ironing functions using alternating current electrical power, direct current electrical power, solar energy power, or one or more batteries. |
| US07926208B2 |
Fast heat/fast cool iron with steam boiler
A method and device for controlling the temperature of a soleplate of an iron, the method having the following steps: energizing a heater element associated with the soleplate, wherein heat energy is transferred from the heater element to the soleplate; and heating the soleplate from 60° C. to a temperature of greater than 100° C. in less than 45 seconds. A method and device for controlling an iron, the method having the following steps: setting a soleplate of the iron to a first temperature; and setting a steam boiler of the iron to a second temperature, wherein the first and second temperatures are different. |
| US07926206B1 |
Tractor with detachable implement handling apparatus
An apparatus generally comprising a prime mover; a push frame mounted on the prime mover for pivotal movement about a body transverse axis; a cylinder assembly operatively interconnecting the prime mover and the push frame for pivoting the push frame about such axis; and a boom pivotally mounted on the prime mover for movement about a transverse axis, and extending forwardly, including a base section having a portion supportable on a surface of the prime mover when the boom is in an inoperative position and an extendable section supportable on the coupler when in an extended, operable condition, having a device for detachably connecting the implement to the extendable section. |
| US07926201B2 |
Dryer with clogging detecting function
A clogging detecting apparatus for a dryer is provided that checks and displays a clogging degree of an air passage. The clogging detecting apparatus includes a judgment device for judging the clogging degree of the air passage, a storing device for storing the clogging degree of the air passage, and a display for displaying the clogging degree to the user. The clogging detecting apparatus provides information on the clogging degree, so that the user precisely checks the state of the air passage. |
| US07926200B2 |
Infrared drier installation for passing web
Infrared drier installation (1) for a passing web (2), which installation ( ) has gas-heated infrared radiant elements (5), arranged one next to the other so as to form a unit (4). Each unit comprises at least two adjacent rows (8) of gas-heated infrared radiant elements (5) stretching out in he transversal′(9) direction of the web (2) substantially over the entire with of the web (2). The infrared drier installation comprises means to recycle, at least partially, the said combustion gases. The drier installation as subject of the present invention is characterized in that the infrared drier comprises means (16) to avoid the suction of cold air between two adjacent rows of radiant elements (5). |
| US07926188B2 |
System and method for creating purportionately accurate figures
A system and method for producing proportionately accurate likenesses in an artwork is presented. The system uses a grid or other distance markers on a transparent surface of a card. By observing a measurement of a feature of a subject with the distance markers and transcribing the measurement of the feature on the artwork an accurate likeness of the subject may be made. |
| US07926183B2 |
Hair cutting comb with removable blade
A hair cutting comb may include a comb body with a cutting section, a cavity in the cutting section for slidably receiving a razorblade, and a longitudinal opening connected to the cavity, where a side portion of the razorblade is exposed by the longitudinal opening. The hair cutting comb may have a retaining clip that, when in a closed position, retains the razorblade in the cavity. |
| US07926172B2 |
Embedded circuit board and process thereof
An embedded circuit board including a glass fiber layer, two dielectric layers, and two circuit layers is provided. The glass fiber layer has a first surface and a second surface corresponding to the first surface. The dielectric layers are disposed on the first surface and the second surface, respectively. The circuit layers are embedded in the dielectric layers above the first surface and the second surface, respectively. The outer surface of each circuit layer is coplanar with the outer surface of each dielectric layer, and a distance between the circuit layer and the glass fiber layer is greater than or equal to 3 μm. In addition, a process of the embedded circuit board is provided. |
| US07926166B2 |
Method of making an electromagnetic interference shield
An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield according to one embodiment generally includes a frame and a cover. The frame includes peripheral walls each having at least one folded portion forming an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall. The cover includes a lid portion and a plurality of edge portions extending downwardly from the lid portion. The shield includes at least one dimple configured to be engagingly received in at least one opening for releasably retaining the cover to the frame. |
| US07926163B2 |
Method of producing an oscillator device
An oscillator device having an oscillating member, a resilient support and a supporting member is produced. The oscillating member is supported by the resilient support for oscillation about an oscillation axis. The oscillating member is formed with a movable element having protrusions for adjusting its mass, the protrusions extending from the movable element parallel to the oscillation axis and being formed in pairs disposed at positions symmetrical with respect to the oscillation axis. A sectional area of each protrusion along a plane perpendicular to the oscillation axis is constant in the oscillation axis direction. A laser beam is projected to a cutting position of protrusions, so as to partly remove the protrusion. The protrusions are cut based on adjusting the cutting position. The sum of the lengths removed from the protrusions by the cutting becomes equal to a predetermined length to thereby adjust an inertia moment of the oscillating member. |
| US07926161B2 |
Fastening system head, fastening system, and method for feeding and fastening elements
A fastening system head for attachment to a movable frame, in particular to a robot, has a carrier to which a fastening tool is attached which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The fastening tool has a holding device for an element fasteneable to a component, and has a fastening drive device to move the holding device along a fastening direction for fastening. The axis of rotation is oriented crosswise to the fastening direction. A feed mechanism is included to feed elements to the fastening tool. At least one additional feed mechanism is provided on the fastening system head, for feeding elements to the fastening tool. |
| US07926148B2 |
Apparatus for the fibre-sorting or fibre-selection of a fibre bundle comprising textile fibres, especially for combing
In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection a fiber bundle which is supplied by means of a supply device to a fiber-sorting device in which clamping devices are provided which clamp the fiber bundle at a distance from its free end, and in which a mechanical device is present which generates a combing action, for removal of the combed fiber material a revolving element is present. To enable the amount produced per hour (productivity) to be substantially increased in a simple manner and to permit a reliable removal and piecing at high production speed, downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least two rotatably mounted rollers with clamping devices for the fiber, which clamping devices are distributed around the periphery of at least one of the rollers and the device for generating a combing action is associated with a said roller, wherein after take-up of the free regions of the combed fiber bundles by the revolving element, the clamping of the ends of the combed fiber bundles is terminated. |
| US07926146B2 |
Hinge assembly for foldable electronic devices
A hinge assembly (100) includes a sleeve (20), a main shaft (10), a follower (30) and an elastic member (40). The sleeve integrally forms an engaging portion (26). The main shaft passes through the sleeve. The follower has a cam surface (322), and is slidably placed around the main shaft and is received in the sleeve. The cam surface engages with the engaging portion. The elastic member provides an elastic force to bias the cam surface against the engaging portion. |
| US07926144B1 |
Rollers and disks for carpet cleaning
The claimed carpet cleaning apparatus incorporates recesses in a rigid surface of a roller, a hand-operated cleaning device, or a rigid disk. The rigid surface compresses the fibers of the soft surface as the device and the recesses decompress the fibers. The repeated compression and decompression, preferably in combination with a cleaning compound, provide the mechanical action necessary for removal of foreign material. |
| US07926143B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is provided which includes a cleaner body in which a ultraviolet (UV) irradiation unit is mounted in a dust receptacle mounting unit, a dust receptacle detachably mounted in the dust receptacle mounting unit, the dust receptacle comprising a UV transmission window formed in a position facing the UV irradiation unit, and a switching device mounted in the dust receptacle mounting unit to switch power applied to the UV irradiation unit according to whether the dust receptacle is mounted. Accordingly, power is applied to a UV lamp only when the dust receptacle is mounted in the vacuum cleaner, so there is no risk that a user is exposed to UV rays emitted from the UV lamp when the user separates the dust receptacle from the vacuum cleaner. |
| US07926142B2 |
Twist mop with retaining clip
A twist mop is disclosed. The twist mop includes a handle with a recessed first end that includes a hole. The twist mop includes a collar that can rotate around the handle. Mop fibers are coupled to a connector that inserts into the recessed end of the handle and are also coupled to a collar that is rotatably mounted to the handle. The connector also includes a hole. A retaining clip is provided to insert in the hole in the handle and in the hole in the connector so as to prevent the connector from becoming inadvertently disconnected from the handle. The retaining clip includes a tab with a gripping surface that may be concave to facilitate improved removal of the retaining clip. The tab may also include angled side walls. |
| US07926141B2 |
Systems and methods of a gutter cleaning system
In embodiments of the present invention, a method of a gutter cleaning system comprises providing a housing configured to fit into a gutter, disposing at least one impeller at an end of the housing, driving the impeller with an impeller drive facility, the impeller drive facility being disposed within the housing, and attaching the housing to a placement facility for guiding the housing along the gutter. |
| US07926140B2 |
Shimless frame support method and apparatus for dock levelers
A dock leveler frame includes a pit supported portion; a deck supporting portion configured to provide support to a deck portion of the dock leveler; and a fastener configured to contact corresponding structure on the pit supported portion and deck supporting portion, the corresponding structure configured to allow the pit supported portion and deck supporting portion to be fastened to each other via the fastener at multiple positions with respect to each other. A method of configuring a dock leveler frame to install a dock leveler in a pit and have a level deck without the use of shims includes: providing a pit supported portion of a dock lever frame; placing a deck supporting portion of the frame is a desired position with respect to the pit supported portion; and fastening the pit supported portion to the deck supporting portion with a fastener inserted into a hole and a slot. |
| US07926139B2 |
Ramp insert
The present invention is directed to a ramp insert for insertion between rails and/or rungs of a ramp. An embodiment of the present invention includes a body that may have an adjustable length. The body may include a first section that may include a track portion and a second section that may include a groove portion. The groove portion may be capable of fitting together with the track portion. The first or second section may be capable of slidably moving with respect to the other section via the track portion and the groove portion. The ramp insert may be placed between the rails and/or rungs of the ramp whereby the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths. Since the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths, the ramp insert may fit many different kinds of ramps having various widths. |
| US07926137B2 |
Can opener, press and lid remover
The can opener, press and lid remover is a kitchen appliance that includes a can opener, a turnkey press, a magnetic lid remover, and a spout. The can opener, press, spout and lid remover are attached to a cylindrical-receptacle provided with a closable opening adapted to receive a can of food. The receptacle has an open top, a closed bottom, and a cylindrical wall extending between the open top and the closed bottom. |
| US07926134B2 |
Spinal supporting sleep pillow
A pillow includes a flexible outer shell including a plurality of internal dividers that define a plurality of compartments. Stuffing material is within each of the plurality of compartments. The pillow has a tapered center region defining a center region longitudinal axis and a top region defining a top region longitudinal axis that is approximately orthogonal to the center region longitudinal axis. The top region has a left portion, a center portion, and a right portion. The tapered center region has a thicker end that is adjacent the center portion of the top region, and a thinner distal end. At least one of internal dividers is located within the tapered center region and is oriented approximately orthogonal to the center region longitudinal axis. At least one of the plurality of internal dividers is located within the top region and is oriented approximately orthogonal to the top region longitudinal axis. |
| US07926129B2 |
Portable hammock and hammock frame
In one embodiment, a frame has an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The frame includes a support member that has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion of the first elongate member is pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the support member. A second elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion of the second elongate member is pivotally coupled to the support member. A third elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the third elongate member is pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the second elongate member. The third elongate member is pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the first elongate member. |
| US07926128B2 |
Auxiliary equipment system for bathroom accessibility
The present invention relates to a system for bathroom accessibility, which is based on a device having at least one horizontal guide fixable to a wall, at least one hooking element, which slides with respect to the guide, and at least one supporting element for equipment that engages the hooking element. The hooking element includes a regulation device for selectively varying the height of at least one supporting element for bathroom equipment. |
| US07926127B2 |
Curved shower curtain rod assembly
The shower curtain rod assembly is adapted to be mounted between opposing surfaces of a shower enclosure. The assembly includes a rod with a two-part arcuate main section extending between first and second spaced, substantially parallel side sections. First and second mounting brackets are provided to engage the side sections and to secure the side sections to the respective shower curtain surfaces. Each of the brackets includes a body defining channel means for removably receiving a side section and a plate for mounting the body to a shower enclosure surface. |