| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07932169B2 |
Interconnection for flip-chip using lead-free solders and having improved reaction barrier layers
An interconnection structure suitable for flip-chip attachment of microelectronic device chips to packages, comprising a two, three or four layer ball-limiting metallurgy including an adhesion/reaction barrier layer, and having a solder wettable layer reactive with components of a tin-containing lead free solder, so that the solderable layer can be totally consumed during soldering, but a barrier layer remains after being placed in contact with the lead free solder during soldering. One or more lead-free solder balls is selectively situated on the solder wetting layer, the lead-free solder balls comprising tin as a predominant component and one or more alloying components. |
| US07932167B2 |
Phase change memory cell with vertical transistor
A memory cell in an integrated circuit is fabricated in part by forming a lower electrode feature, an island, a sacrificial feature, a gate feature, and a phase change feature. The island is formed on the lower electrode feature and has one or more sidewalls. It comprises a lower doped feature, a middle doped feature formed above the lower doped feature, and an upper doped feature formed above the middle doped feature. The sacrificial feature is formed above the island, while the gate feature is formed along each sidewall of the island. The gate feature overlies at least a portion of the middle doped feature of the island and is operative to control an electrical resistance therein. Finally, the phase feature is formed above the island at least in part by replacing at least a portion of the sacrificial feature with a phase change material. The phase change material is operative to switch between lower and higher electrical resistance states in response to an application of an electrical signal. |
| US07932165B1 |
Method of making a semiconductor chip assembly with a laterally aligned filler and insulative base
A method of making a semiconductor chip assembly includes providing a metal base, a routing line, a bumped terminal and a filler, wherein the routing line contacts the bumped terminal and the filler, then mechanically attaching a semiconductor chip to the metal base, the routing line, the bumped terminal and the filler, then forming an encapsulant, then etching the metal base to expose the bumped terminal, then etching the bumped terminal to expose the filler, then forming an insulative base, and then grinding the insulative base to expose the filler. |
| US07932161B2 |
Methods and materials useful for chip stacking, chip and wafer bonding
Materials, and methods that use such materials, that are useful for forming chip stacks, chip and wafer bonding and wafer thinning are disclosed. Such methods and materials provide strong bonds while also being readily removed with little or no residues. |
| US07932160B2 |
Planar oxidation method for producing a localised buried insulator
The invention relates to a method of producing a semiconductor device, comprising the following steps consisting in: forming first, second and third semiconductor layers (1, 2, 3), whereby the first and second layers (1, 3) contain a smaller concentration of oxidizable species than the second layer (2); forming a mask (4) on the third layer (3); and oxidizing the second layer (2) with the diffusion of oxidizing species through the third layer (3). |
| US07932158B2 |
Formation of improved SOI substrates using bulk semiconductor wafers
The present invention relates to a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate having one or more device regions. Each device region comprises at least a base semiconductor substrate layer and a semiconductor device layer with a buried insulator layer located therebetween, while the semiconductor device layer is supported by one or more vertical insulating pillars. The vertical insulating pillars each preferably has a ledge extending between the base semiconductor substrate layer and the semiconductor device layer. The SOI substrates of the present invention can be readily formed from a precursor substrate structure with a “floating” semiconductor device layer that is spaced apart from the base semiconductor substrate layer by an air gap and is supported by one or more vertical insulating pillars. The air gap is preferably formed by selective removal of a sacrificial layer located between the base semiconductor substrate layer and the semiconductor device layer. |
| US07932148B2 |
Processes for manufacturing MOSFET devices with excessive round-hole shielded gate trench (SGT)
This invention discloses an improved trenched metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) device that includes a trenched gate surrounded by a source region encompassed in a body region above a drain region disposed on a bottom surface of a substrate. The MOSFET cell further includes a shielded gate trench (SGT) structure below and insulated from the trenched gate. The SGT structure is formed substantially as a round hole having a lateral expansion extended beyond the trench gate and covered by a dielectric liner layer filled with a trenched gate material. The round hole is formed by an isotropic etch at the bottom of the trenched gate and is insulated from the trenched gate by an oxide insulation layer. The round hole has a lateral expansion beyond the trench walls and the lateral expansion serves as a vertical alignment landmark for controlling the depth of the trenched gate. The MOSFET device has a reduced gate to drain capacitance Cgd depending on the controllable depth of the trenched gate disposed above the SGT structure formed as a round hole below the trenched gate. |
| US07932147B2 |
Flash memory device and manufacturing method of the same
A flash memory device may include a device isolation layer and an active area formed over a semiconductor substrate, a memory gate formed over the active area, and a control gate formed over the semiconductor substrate including the memory gate, wherein the active area, where a source contact is to be formed, has the same interval spacing as a bit line, and a common source line area, where the source contact is to be formed, has an impurity area connecting neighboring active areas. |
| US07932146B2 |
Metal gate transistor and polysilicon resistor and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating metal gate transistors and a polysilicon resistor is disclosed. First, a substrate having a transistor region and a resistor region is provided. A polysilicon layer is then formed on the substrate to cover the transistor region and the resistor region of the substrate. Next, a portion of the polysilicon layer disposed in the resistor is removed, and the remaining polysilicon layer is patterned to create a step height between the surface of the polysilicon layer disposed in the transistor region and the surface of the polysilicon layer disposed in the resistor region. |
| US07932145B2 |
Method of forming a bipolar transistor and semiconductor component thereof
A semiconductor component is formed using the following processes: (a) forming a first dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a base electrode for the bipolar transistor over the dielectric layer; (c) forming an oxide nitride structure over the base electrode; (d) forming a first spacer adjacent to the oxide nitride structure and the base electrode; (e) removing a top layer of the oxide nitride structure; (f) removing a first portion of the dielectric layer; (g) forming an epitaxial layer over the semiconductor substrate; (h) forming a second spacer over the epitaxial layer; and (i) forming an emitter electrode over the epitaxial layer and adjacent to the second spacer. |
| US07932142B2 |
Transistor in a wiring interlayer insulating film
A semiconductor device includes a substrate; a first insulating layer provided on the substrate; a conductive layer buried in the first insulating layer; a semiconductor pillar including a lower diffusion layer provided immediately above the conductive layer, the lower diffusion layer being electrically connected to the conductive layer, a semiconductor layer on the lower diffusion layer, and an upper diffusion layer on the semiconductor layer; a gate insulating film provided on a peripheral side surface of the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode provided on the gate insulating film; and a second insulating layer provided such that the gate electrode and a circumference of the semiconductor pillar are buried in the second insulating layer. |
| US07932139B2 |
Methodology of improving the manufacturability of laser anneal
A method of laser annealing a workpiece for reduction of warpage, slip defects and breakage, the method comprising (a) moving a workpiece through a laser beam in a x-axis first direction, (b) moving the workpiece in a y-axis second direction, (c) moving the workpiece through a laser beam in a minus x-axis first direction and repeating (a)-(c) until the workpiece is fully annealed in two successive laser annealing iterations. |
| US07932134B2 |
Method of forming a semiconductor structure
Disclosed is semiconductor structure that incorporates a field shield below a semiconductor device (e.g., a field effect transistor (FET) or a diode). The field shield is sandwiched between upper and lower isolation layers on a wafer. A local interconnect extends through the upper isolation layer and connects the field shield to a selected doped semiconductor region of the device (e.g., a source/drain region of a FET or a cathode or anode of a diode). Current that passes into the device, for example, during back-end of the line charging, is shunted by the local interconnect away from the upper isolation layer and down into the field shield. Consequently, an electric charge is not allowed to build up in the upper isolation layer but rather bleeds from the field shield into the lower isolation layer and into the substrate below. This field shield further provides a protective barrier against any electric charge that becomes trapped within the lower isolation layer or substrate. |
| US07932129B2 |
Vertical side wall active pin structures in a phase change memory and manufacturing methods
A programmable resistor memory, such as a phase change memory, with a memory element comprising narrow vertical side wall active pins is described. The side wall active pins comprise a programmable resistive material, such as a phase change material. In a first aspect of the invention, a method of forming a memory cell is described which comprises forming a stack comprising a first electrode having a principal surface with a perimeter, an insulating layer overlying a portion of the principal surface of the first electrode, and a second electrode vertically separated from the first electrode and overlying the insulating layer. Side walls on the insulating layer and on the second electrode are positioned over the principle surface of the first electrode with a lateral offset from the perimeter of the first electrode. |
| US07932128B2 |
Polymeric material, method of forming the polymeric material, and method of forming a thin film using the polymeric material
A method of forming a polymeric material with a pendant polycyclic aromatic compound precursor includes forming a polycyclic aromatic compound precursor (e.g., a pentacene precursor) including at least one polymerizable functionality, and polymerizing the polymerizable functionality to form the polymeric material with the pendant precursor. |
| US07932126B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
The area occupied by a photo-sensor element may be reduced and multiple elements may be integrated in a limited area so that the sensor element can have higher output and smaller size. Higher output and miniaturization are achieved by uniting a sensor element using an amorphous semiconductor film (typically an amorphous silicon film) and an output amplifier circuit including a TFT with a semiconductor film having a crystal structure (typically a poly-crystalline silicon film) used as an active layer over a plastic film substrate that can resist the temperature in the process for mounting such as a solder reflow process. A sensor element that can resist bending stress can be obtained. |
| US07932124B2 |
Methods of preparing photovoltaic modules
Methods of preparing photovoltaic modules, as well as related components, systems, and devices, are disclosed. |
| US07932121B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element, a transparent member separated from the semiconductor element by a designated length and facing the semiconductor element, a sealing member sealing an edge surface of the transparent member and an edge part of the semiconductor element, and a shock-absorbing member provided between the edge surface of the transparent member and the sealing member and easing a stress which the transparent member receives from the sealing member or the semiconductor element. |
| US07932119B2 |
Laser optical path detection in integrated circuit packaging
A method is provided for detecting laser optical paths in integrated circuit (IC) packages. The method provides an IC die encapsulated as a package in a compound of glass spheres and epoxy. Power is supplied to the IC. The IC is scanned with a laser. Typically, a laser wavelength is used that is minimally absorbed by the glass spheres in the epoxy compound of the IC package, and changes in current to the IC are detected. A detected current change is cross-referenced against a scanned IC package surface region. This process identifies an optical pathway underlying the scanned IC package surface region. In some aspects, this process leads to the identification of a glass sphere-collecting package structure underlying the optical pathway. Examples of a glass sphere-collecting structure might include an inner lead wire, lead frame edge, or die edge. |
| US07932118B2 |
Method of producing mechanical components of MEMS or NEMS structures made of monocrystalline silicon
A mechanical component production method of a MEMS/NEMS structure from a monocrystalline silicon substrate includes forming anchoring zones in one face of the substrate. A lower protective layer, non-silicon, obtained by epitaxy from the face of the substrate is formed on the face. A silicon layer obtained by epitaxy from the lower protective layer is formed on the lower protective layer. An upper protective layer is formed on the silicon layer. The upper protective, silicon and lower protective layers are etched according to a pattern defining the component, until the substrate is reached, providing access routes to the substrate. A protective layer is formed on the walls formed by the etching in the epitaxied silicon layer. The component is released by isotropic etching of the substrate from the access routes, wherein the isotropic etching does not attack the lower and upper protective layers and the protective layer of the walls. |
| US07932116B2 |
Hollow sealing structure and manufacturing method for hollow sealing structure
A manufacturing method for a hollow sealing structure, includes, a process for filling a recessed portion in a principal surface of a substrate with a first sacrificial layer, a process for forming a functional element portion on the principal surface of the substrate, a process for forming a second sacrificial layer on the functional element portion so as to be connected to a part of the first sacrificial layer, a process for forming a covering portion over respective surfaces of the first and second sacrificial layers, a process for circulating a fluid for sacrificial layer removal through an opening in the covering portion in contact with the first sacrificial layer, thereby removing the first and second sacrificial layers, and a process for closing the opening. |
| US07932115B2 |
Method of producing photodiode and the photodiode
A photodiode includes a photosensitive element formed in a silicon semiconductor layer on an insulation layer. The photosensitive element includes a low concentration diffusion layer, a P-type high concentration diffusion layer, and an N-type high concentration diffusion layer. A method of producing the photodiode includes the steps of: forming an insulation material layer on the silicon semiconductor layer after the P-type impurity and the N-type impurity are implanted into the low concentration diffusion layer, the P-type high concentration diffusion layer, and the N-type high concentration diffusion layer; forming an opening portion in the insulation material layer in an area for forming the low concentration diffusion layer; and etching the silicon semiconductor layer in the area for forming the low concentration diffusion layer so that a thickness of the silicon semiconductor layer is reduced to a specific level. |
| US07932113B1 |
Method of fabricating organic light emitting diode display
A method of fabricating an OLED display, includes sequentially forming a TFT array, first electrodes, and a first related layer on a first substrate, respectively forming heat-generating elements on second and third substrates, forming a red organic emission pattern on the second substrate, and forming a green organic emission pattern on the third substrate, aligning and attaching the first and second substrates, applying a voltage to heat-generating elements to transfer the red organic emission pattern to red pixel regions, thereby forming red organic emission layers, aligning and attaching the first and third substrates, applying a voltage to the heat-generating elements to transfer the green organic emission pattern to green pixel regions, thereby forming green organic emission layers, entirely depositing a blue organic emission material on the first substrate, thereby forming a blue organic emission layer, and sequentially forming a second related layer and a second electrode on the first substrate. |
| US07932111B2 |
Substrate removal process for high light extraction LEDs
A method for fabricating light emitting diode (LEDs) comprises providing a plurality of LEDs on a substrate wafer, each of which has an n-type and p-type layer of Group-III nitride material formed on a SiC substrate with the n-type layer sandwiched between the substrate and p-type layer. A conductive carrier is provided having a lateral surface to hold the LEDs. The LEDs are flip-chip mounted on the lateral surface of the conductive carrier. The SiC substrate is removed from the LEDs such that the n-type layer is the top-most layer. A respective contact is deposited on the n-type layer of each of the LEDs and the carrier is separated into portions such that each of the LEDs is separated from the others, with each of the LEDs mounted to a respective portion of said carrier. |
| US07932106B2 |
Light emitting diode with high aspect ratio submicron roughness for light extraction and methods of forming
The surface morphology of an LED light emitting surface is changed by applying a reactive ion etch (RIE) process to the light emitting surface. High aspect ratio, submicron roughness is formed on the light emitting surface by transferring a thin film metal hard-mask having submicron patterns to the surface prior to applying a reactive ion etch process. The submicron patterns in the metal hard-mask can be formed using a low cost, commercially available nano-patterned template which is transferred to the surface with the mask. After subsequently binding the mask to the surface, the template is removed and the RIE process is applied for time duration sufficient to change the morphology of the surface. The modified surface contains non-symmetric, submicron structures having high aspect ratio which increase the efficiency of the device. |
| US07932105B1 |
Systems and methods for detecting and monitoring nickel-silicide process and induced failures
Systems and methods for detecting and monitoring Nickel-silicide process and induced failures. In a first method embodiment, a method of characterizing a Nickel-silicide semiconductor manufacturing process includes accessing a test chip including a parallel coupled chain of transistors, wherein the transistors are designed for inducing stress into Nickel-silicide features of the transistors, and for increasing a probability of a manufacturing failure of the Nickel-silicide features. A biasing voltage is applied to one terminal of the parallel coupled chain, all other terminals of the parallel coupled chain and grounded, and current is measured at each of the all other terminals of the parallel coupled chain. This process is repeated for each terminal of the parallel coupled chain. The measured currents from all possible conduction paths are compared to determine a manufacturing defect in the parallel coupled chain of transistors. |
| US07932103B2 |
Integrated circuit system with MOS device
An integrated circuit system includes measuring capacitance for a base structure between a base gate and a base connector thereof, measuring capacitance for a test structure between a test gate and a test connector thereof, the test structure having the test gate, a test dielectric, and the test connector with the test dielectric extending thereunder, and determining a difference between the capacitances of the base structure and the test structure to determine parasitic capacitance for the base structure between the base gate and the base connector thereof. |
| US07932100B2 |
Method for detecting target substance and target-substance detection kit
The present invention provides a method for detecting a target substance by detecting the presence or concentration of a target substance in a sample solution by bringing the sample solution into contact with a detecting element including a detecting part and a non-detecting part and detecting the presence or number of a magnetic label (magnetic marker) present in the vicinity of the surface of the detecting part and provides a target-substance detection kit. The surface potential ψ1 of the magnetic label in the sample solution, the surface potential ψ2 of the detecting parts and the surface potential ψ3 of the non-detecting part satisfy any one of the following relationships i) to iv): i) ψ1ψ3>0 and ψ2=0, ii) ψ1ψ2<0 and ψ3=0, iii) ψ1ψ2<0, ψ2ψ3>0, and |ψ2|>|ψ3|, and iv) ψ1ψ2<0 and ψ2ψ3<0; and the target substance borne by the magnetic label is captured by a primary capturing body borne by the detecting part, or the target substance captured by a primary capturing body borne by the detecting part is captured by a secondary capturing body borne by the magnetic label. |
| US07932093B2 |
One step oligochromatographic device and method of use
The present invention relates to methods and devices for detecting one or more analytes in a biological sample, preferably a clean liquid sample. This invention in particular relates to improved rapid tests such as “dipsticks”, “lateral flow” devices and “flow-through” devices. The invention in particular relates to oligochromatographic devices that make use of a peptide- or hapten-coupled oligonucleotide and a reagent specifically recognizing the hapten or peptide and a conjugated probe that hybridizes specifically to a target sequence. It allows to detect specifically the presence of a polynucleotides directly or after molecular amplification steps with the use of a specific genuine internal control and a chromatographic control. |
| US07932088B1 |
High efficiency transformation of Plasmodium falciparum by the lepidopteran transposon, piggyBac
The present invention provides molecular methods for efficiently transforming the genome of common disease-transmitting parasites, such as Plasmodium falciparum. The transformation efficiencies are improved up to 100 times over those conventionally known. The methods provide high saturation of the target parasite genome, of 50% or greater, and target non-specifically TTAA-rich sites in the parasite genome. The invention also discloses a model that may be used to functionally annotate the genome of the Plasmodium falciparum, thus permitting the design and screening of compounds that may be useful in the control and inhibiting of diseases caused and transmitted by these parasites, including malaria. Highly efficient and multi-site integrating transposons, particularly piggyBac transposons, which provide for random and multi-site integration into parasite genomes in the presence of a helper plasmid, are also presented. |
| US07932087B2 |
Method of expressing recombinant protein in CHO cells
Method of expressing recombinant protein in CHO cells, by using an expression vector comprising the murine IgG 2A gene locus. |
| US07932086B2 |
Commercially viable process for in vitro mass culture of Jatropha curcas
The present invention relates to a commercially viable process for in vitro mass culture of Jatropha curcas. The process for in vitro mass culture of Jatropha curcas is simple, faster, and suitable for production of disease-free root tubers of uniform quality and employs media with a reduced concentration of phytohormones. |
| US07932084B2 |
Methods and compositions for growing adipose stem cells
The present invention relates to adipose tissue-derived stem cells and to methods and compositions for enhancing growth and differentiation of such cells. The invention further relates to growing such cells in serum-free or low serum growth medium, and formulations thereof. |
| US07932083B2 |
DNA participating in hydroxylation of macrolide compound
The present invention provides a DNA participating in biological transformation of a macrolide compound 11107B. The present invention provides, particularly, a DNA participating in biological transformation of a macrolide compound 11107B represented by the formula (I) into a 16-position hydroxy macrolide compound 11107D represented by the formula (II), the DNA encoding a protein having 16-position hydroxylating enzymatic activity or ferredoxin, to a method of isolating the DNA, to a protein encoded by the DNA, a plasmid carrying the DNA, a transformant obtained by transforming using the plasmid and a method of producing a 16-position hydroxy compound by using the transformant. |
| US07932080B2 |
Double brilliance beta-arrestin: a biosensor for monitoring the activity of receptors and signalling molecules, and method of using same
An intramolecular bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), biosensor for monitoring receptor activity and signalling cascades is disclosed. The “double-brilliance” biosensor sandwiches β-arrestin (β-arr) between Renilla luciferase (Luc) and the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). β-arr associates with G-protein coupled receptors GPCR following receptor activation, bringing Luc and YPF into close proximity that favours energy transfer. In addition to providing new insights into the agonist-induced conformational rearrangements of β-arr in living cells, the double-brilliance β-arr offers a universal biosensor for GPCR activation, allowing the study of native receptors in large-scale screening analysis. The activity of other signalling molecules known to interact with β arrestin could also be monitored by double brilliance β arr. |
| US07932079B2 |
Apparatus for producing and handling a flowing substance
A system (1) for producing a dough starter culture is provided which comprises a plurality of reservoirs (15) pre-loaded with a small amount (“mother level”) of a previously obtained starter culture. Into the reservoirs (15) are inoculated the other ingredients required for the preparation of starter culture and the contents are left to ferment for a specified period of time to produce the required starter culture, which is then discharged as required from each reservoir (15). A “mother level” portion is retained in the reservoirs and is used to produce a next batch of starter culture. The system (1) operates automatically and is programmable so that a first pre-set interval of time which is less then the fermentation time is allowed to elapse from the start of fermentation in a first reservoir (15) before the ingredients are delivered into a succeeding reservoir (15), and a second pre-set interval of time is allowed to elapse after the starter culture is discharged from the first reservoir (15) before a next batch of the ingredients is delivered into the first reservoir (15). |
| US07932078B2 |
Direct inoculation method using frozen concentrated cultures and associated device
A device for the continuous dosage of frozen starter cultures into a liquid fermentation medium is provided. The device comprises a fermentation unit and a container for the thawing of the starter cultures. It further comprises means of retaining the frozen cultures inside the thawing container while allowing the culture in liquid form to feed into a circuit for continuously feeding the fermentation medium to be inoculated. Furthermore, a method of dosing a frozen inoculant into a liquid fermentation medium is also described. |
| US07932077B2 |
High eicosapentaenoic acid producing strains of Yarrowia lipolytica
Engineered strains of the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica capable of producing greater than 25% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, an ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid) in the total oil fraction are described. These strains comprise various chimeric genes expressing heterologous desaturases, elongases and acyltransferases and optionally comprise various native desaturase and acyltransferase knockouts to enable synthesis and high accumulation of EPA. Production host cells are claimed, as are methods for producing EPA within said host cells. |
| US07932073B2 |
Variants of glycoside hydrolases
The present invention relates to variants of a parent glycoside hydrolase, comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 21, 94, 157, 205, 206, 247, 337, 350, 373, 383, 438, 455, 467, and 486 of amino acids 1 to 513 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and optionally further comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 8, 22, 41, 49, 57, 113, 193, 196, 226, 227, 246, 251, 255, 259, 301, 356, 371, 411, and 462 of amino acids 1 to 513 of SEQ ID NO: 2 a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 8, 22, 41, 49, 57, 113, 193, 196, 226, 227, 246, 251, 255, 259, 301, 356, 371, 411, and 462 of amino acids 1 to 513 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the variants have glycoside hydrolase activity. The present invention also relates to nucleotide sequences encoding the variant glycoside hydrolases and to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleotide sequences. |
| US07932072B1 |
Perhydrolase providing improved peracid stability
An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in the ratio of peracetic acid formation to peracetic acid hydrolysis specific activities (PAAF/PAAH ratio). The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications. |
| US07932071B2 |
Thermostable ribonuclease H from Archaeoglobus profundus
A polypeptide having an RNaseH activity from Archaeoglobus profundus and being highly useful in gene engineering; a gene encoding this polypeptide; and a genetic engineering process for producing the polypeptide. |
| US07932060B2 |
Immuno-amplification
A high-sensitivity, low-background immuno-amplification assay is provided, which offers a streamlined workflow suitable for high-throughput assays of clinically relevant samples, such as blood and other bodily fluids. The assay comprises the use of two proximity members that each comprise an analyte-specific binding component conjugated to an oligonucleotide. Binding an analyte brings the oligonucleotide moieties of the proximity members in sufficiently close contact that the oligonucleotides form an amplicon. The presence of the analyte then is detected through amplification of the amplicon and detection of the amplified nucleic acids. The sensitivity of the assay of the present invention is improved by preventing spurious or non-specific amplicon formation by proximity members that are not complexed with an analyte. |
| US07932058B2 |
Rationale, methods, and assays for identifying human and non-human primate taste specific genes and use thereof in taste modulator and therapeutic screening assays
This invention relates to novel rationale and methods for identifying human and primate taste-specific genes, including genes involved in salty taste perception, especially human salty taste perception, but also genes involved in sweet, bitter, umami, and sour taste perception, and genes involved in other taste cell or taste receptor related activities such as digestive function and digestive related diseases, taste cell turnover, immunoregulation of the oral and digestive tract, and metabolic regulation such as in diabetes and obesity, the genes identified using these methods, and assays for identifying taste modulators (enhancers or blockers) and potential therapeutics using these genes. These compounds have potential application in modulating (enhancing or blocking) taste perception, especially salty taste perception and as potential therapeutics. In addition, this invention relates to novel methods for identifying taste-specific genes that can be used as markers for different taste cell types, including sweet, bitter, umami, sour, salty, and other taste cells in mammals as well as assays that measure the activity of the sweet, bitter, umami, or sour receptor in the presence of these genes to identify modulators of sweet, bitter, umami, and sour taste and to identify therapeutics especially for treating digestive or metabolic disorders, taste loss, and oral infections. Particularly, the genes identified herein and antibodies or oligos thereto can be used as markers to identify and/or purify specific taste cells e.g., from taste cell suspensions by use of FACS or magnetic bead cell selection or other known cell purification and isolation procedures. |
| US07932053B2 |
Method for preparing modified collagen outside a host cell
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a modified folded protein, comprising modifying unfolded a-chains comprising a collagenous amino acid sequence and thereafter folding at least part of the modified a-chains into a quaternary protein structure, in particular a helical protein structure. The invention allows for an attractive alternative for making recombinant proteins, such as recombinant collagens and the like, which may be used in a variety of biomedical and other applications. |
| US07932052B1 |
Use of methanobactin
The invention provides compositions comprising and methods employing methanobactin, as well as methanobactin synthetase sequences. |
| US07932047B2 |
Method for detecting neoplastic disorders in a solubilized body sample
The present invention relates to a method for the early diagnosis of neoplastic disorders such as cancers as well as their precursor stages, particularly cancers of the respiratory tract, the urinary system, the reproductive tract, cancer associated with HPV infection or cancer of the anogenital tract, from solubilized body samples. The invention is also directed to test kits usable for this purpose as well as in-vitro diagnostic devices. The development of the kits and in-vitro diagnostic devices for the above purpose is also one aspect of the present invention. |
| US07932046B2 |
Detection method of bio material, fabrication method of chip for detection of bio material, and chip for detection of bio material
Provided are a method for detecting biomaterials, a method for fabricating a chip for biomaterial detection and a chip for biomaterial detection. The method for detecting biomaterials is characterized by comprising the steps of: (S1) immobilizing polydiacetylene liposomes onto a substrate; (S2) linking the polydiacetylene liposomes together and layering them on the substrate; (S3) immobilizing a material which forms a complementary binding with a subject biomaterial to be detected onto the polydiacetylene liposomes; (S4) exposing the resulted polydiacetylene liposome to UV light so as to form a chip for biomaterial detection; (S5) applying the subject biomaterial to be detected to the chip for biomaterial detection for reaction; and (S6) measuring a fluorescent signal from the chip for biomaterial detection. |
| US07932044B2 |
Identification of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) tumors expressing PDGFR-α
The invention discloses a previously unidentified subset of mammalian non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) in which platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) is expressed and is driving the disease, and provides methods for identifying a mammalian NSCLC tumor that belongs to a subset of NSCLC tumors in which PDGFRα is expressed, and for identifying a NSCLC tumor that is likely to respond to a PDGFRα-inhibiting therapeutic. The invention also provides methods for inhibiting the progression of a mammalian NSCLC tumor in which PDGFRα is expressed, and for determining whether a compound inhibits the progression of a PDGFRα-expressing mammalian NSCLC tumor. |
| US07932042B1 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment of psychotic disorders through the identification of the olanzapine poor response predictor genetic signature
Methods and compositions relate to genetic markers of psychotic disorders, e.g., schizophrenia (SZ), are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods for determinations of a OPRP genetic signature are described. Furthermore, the invention provides methods and compositions involving treatment of psychotic disorders using the genetic signature. |
| US07932041B2 |
Systems for genome selection
Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed. |
| US07932039B2 |
Nucleic acid detection assays employing blocker oligonucleotides
The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for detecting the presence or absence of target sequences in a sample, where the sample also contains interfering sequences that are similar or identical to the target sequences. In particular, the present invention provides blocker oligonucleotides that at least partially inhibit the formation of invasive cleavage structures with the interfering sequences but do not substantially inhibit the formation of invasive cleavage structures with the target sequences. |
| US07932036B1 |
Methods of determining acute myeloid leukemia response to treatment with farnesyltransferase
We analyzed bone marrow from 67 patients from a phase 2 study of farnesyltransferase inhibition with tipifarnib (R115777, ZARNESTRA®), in older adults with previously untreated, poor-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for N-Ras mutations, global gene expression, and/or quantitative PCR (qPCR) of specific genes. Microarray profiling identified a two-gene expression ratio (RASGRP1:APTX) which provided the greatest accuracy for predicting response to tipifarnib. We demonstrated that this classifier could predict response to tipifarnib in an independent set of 54 samples from relapsed or refractory AML, with a NPV and PPV of 92% and 28%, respectively (odds ratio of 4.4). Therefore, in both newly diagnosed and relapsed or refractory AML, this classifier improves the overall response rate by approximately 50% while maintaining a high NPV, and significantly improves patient overall survival. The two-gene classifier was also validated by qPCR in thirty AML samples from the same clinical study demonstrating a negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) of 81% and 50%, respectively (odds ratio of 4.3). These data indicate that a simple two-gene expression assay may have utility in diagnosing a population of AML patients who are more likely to respond to tipifarnib. |
| US07932029B1 |
Methods for nucleic acid mapping and identification of fine-structural-variations in nucleic acids and utilities
The invention disclosed herein describes methods for the mapping and identification of fine-structural variations in nucleic acids. |
| US07932027B2 |
Method for determining the methylation pattern of a polynucleic acid
Particular aspects relate to a method for determining the methylation pattern of a polynucleic acid, comprising: a) preparing a solution comprising a mixture of fragments of the polynucleic acid; b) coupling the fragments with a substance being detectable with a detection method; c) contacting a solution comprising the fragments of b) with a DNA microarray having a plurality of different immobilized oligonucleotides, each comprising at least one methylation site, at respectively assigned different locations thereon, the contacting under conditions affording hybridization of fragments with correlated immobilized oligonucleotides under defined stringency, and wherein the immobilized oligonucleotides have a length of less than 200 bases; d) optionally performing a a washing step; and e) detecting, using the physical detection method, such immobilized nucleic acids to which solution fragments are hybridized and/or to which solution fragments are not hybridized. |
| US07932023B2 |
csPCNA isoform modifications and uses thereof
Methods and compositions to detect the presence of csPCNA isoform by identifying one or more posttranslational modifications are disclosed. Methods to identify csPCNA isoform through posttranslational modifications including methylesterification levels are disclosed. |
| US07932021B2 |
Lupus anticoagulant testing
The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic screening and diagnostic assays. In particular, the present invention provides an improved, rapid, and efficient method of screening for antiphospholipid antibodies, such as lupus anticoagulants (LA). The invention also relates to a kit for screening plasma levels for antiphospholipid antibodies in subjects in need thereof, such as those at risk for or suffering from, inter alia, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythromatosus (SLE). |
| US07932020B2 |
Contact or proximity printing using a magnified mask image
Improvements in the fabrication of integrated circuits are driven by the decrease of the size of the features printed on the wafers. Current lithography techniques limits have been extended through the use of phase-shifting masks, off-axis illumination, and proximity effect correction. More recently, liquid immersion lithography has been proposed as a way to extend even further the limits of optical lithography. This invention described a methodology based on contact or proximity printing using a projection lens to define the image of the mask onto the wafer. As the imaging is performed in a solid material, larger refractive indices can be obtained and the resolution of the imaging system can be increased. |
| US07932019B2 |
Gettering members, methods of forming the same, and methods of performing immersion lithography using the same
Provided herein are gettering members that include a monitor substrate and a conditioning layer thereon. Also provided herein are methods of forming gettering layers and methods of performing immersion lithography processes using the same. |
| US07932017B2 |
Method of double patterning a thin film using a developable anti-reflective coating and a developable organic planarization layer
A method of double patterning a thin film is described. The method comprises forming a thin film to be patterned on a substrate, forming an organic planarization layer (OPL) on the thin film, forming an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer on the OPL, and forming a mask layer on the ARC layer. Thereafter, the mask layer is patterned to form a first pattern and a second pattern therein, and the first and second patterns are transferred to the ARC layer and partially or fully transferred to the OPL using a transfer process, such as an imaging and developing process. During a partial pattern transfer to the OPL, the mask layer is removed and the first pattern and second patterns are completely transferred to the OPL using an etching process. Thereafter, the first and second patterns in the OPL are transferred to the underlying thin film using another etching process. |
| US07932016B2 |
Photosensitive composition
Photoresist compositions and methods suitable for depositing a thick photoresist layer in a single coating application are provided. Such photoresist layers are particularly suitable for use in chip scale packaging, for example, in the formation of metal bumps. |
| US07932015B2 |
Optical recording medium
An optical recording medium includes a substrate and a plurality of recording layers laminated via at least intermediate layers, at least one of the recording layers other than a recording layer farthest from a light incidence plane among the plurality of recording layers containing at least one metal M selected from a group consisting of Ni, Cu, Si, Ti, Ge, Zr, Nb, Mo, In, Sn, W, Pb, Bi, Zn and La and an element X which can combine with the metal M upon being irradiated with a laser beam for recording data, thereby forming a crystal of a compound of the element X with the metal M. According to the thus constituted optical recording medium, it is possible to record data in and reproduce from a farthest recording layer from a light incidence plane in a desired manner and it is possible to record data in and reproduce from recording layer(s) other than the farthest recording layer from the light incidence plane in a desired manner. |
| US07932014B2 |
Photosensitive compound, photosensitive composition, resist pattern forming method, and device production process
A photosensitive compound has two or more structural units, in a molecule, represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 to R8 are selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an acetoxy group, a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, and an alkyl group in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms are optionally replaced by fluorine atoms; R9 is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group; X is a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group or a substituted or unsubstituted naphthalene group; and Y is an oxygen atom or a single bond. |
| US07932010B2 |
Toner, method of manufacturing the same, two-component developer, developing device, and image forming apparatus
There are provided a toner, a method of manufacturing the toner, a two-component developer, a developing device, and an image forming apparatus, which are excellent in a charge rising property, environmental stability, and life stability during printing and which cause less fogging. The toner contains a core particle containing binder resin and colorant, and a coating layer which contains resin and a charge control agent and is formed on a surface of the core particle. At least a part of the resin contained in the coating layer is melt-bonded to the core particle, and the charge control agent is dispersed and immobilized in the coating layer. The dispersed charge control agent has a dispersion diameter of less than 1 μm. |
| US07932008B2 |
Hybrid toner and method of preparing the same
A hybrid toner and a method of preparing the toner are provided. The hybrid toner is of a core-shell type having improved storage characteristics and a toner blocking phenomenon. The toner prevents image contamination caused by dispersion of waxes or colorants onto the surface of the outer layer of toner particles are prevented. The hybrid toner includes particles including: a core of about 100 parts by weight of a polyester-based resin, about 1-20 parts by weight of a wax, about 0.1-10 parts by weight of a colorant and about 0.1-10 parts by weight of a charge control agent; and about 5-500 parts by weight of a vinyl-based resin, about 0.1-10 parts by weight of silica, about 0.1-5 parts by weight of a metal oxide and about 0.1-10 parts by weight of polymer beads. |
| US07932007B2 |
Toner and method for producing the same, and image-forming method using the same
There are provided: a method for producing a toner containing to granulate a toner and to subjecting the granulated toner to at least washing with an alkali washing solution, in which the total organic carbon amount extractable from the alkali-washed toner is 200 ppm/g or less; a toner comprising polyester in which the total organic carbon amount extractable from the toner is 200 ppm/g or less, under the condition that the toner is subjected to washing with the alkali washing solution before extracting; and an image-forming method using such a toner. |
| US07932005B2 |
Negatively-chargeable electrophotographic photosensitive member, image forming process and electrophotographic apparatus
A negatively-chargeable electrophotographic photosensitive member, has, between a cylindrical substrate and a photoconductive layer, a first lower-part layer formed of a non-single crystal material containing silicon atoms and a second lower-part layer formed of a non-single crystal material containing silicon atoms, and on its photoconductive layer has an upper-part layer formed of a non-single crystal material containing silicon atoms. The first lower-part layer is a layer containing a periodic-table Group 13 element, and the upper-part layer has a region capable of retaining electrification charges. |
| US07932000B2 |
Hologram recording medium
The present invention provides a hologram recording medium which can attain high refractive index change, flexibility, high sensitivity, low scattering, environment resistance, durability, low dimension change (low shrinkage) and high multiplicity in holographic memory record using a blue laser. A hologram recording medium (11) comprising at least a hologram recording material layer, wherein the hologram recording material layer (21) comprises at least: an organometallic compound having at least a Ti—O bond, and a photopolymerizable compound; and said medium has a light transmittance is 50% or more at a wavelength of 405 nm, or a light reflectance is 25% or more at a wavelength of 405 nm. The organometallic compound is favorably obtained by subjecting an alkoxide compound of the corresponding metal(s) to hydrolysis and polymerization reaction in an organic solvent which neither contains cyclic ether skeleton nor carbonyl oxygen. |
| US07931995B2 |
Solid electrolyte composite for electrochemical reaction apparatus
A solid polymer electrolyte composite for an electrochemical reaction apparatus that possesses satisfactory ion conduction properties and has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, is provided. the solid polymer electrolyte composite is characterized in that a solid polymer electrolyte is contained in the continuous pores of an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene sheet which has continuous pores and in which the inner surfaces defining the pores are covered with a functional material such as a metal oxide. An electrochemical reaction apparatus containing an electrolyte, wherein said electrochemical reaction apparatus is characterized in that the aforementioned solid polymer electrolyte composite is used as this electrolyte is also provided. |
| US07931991B2 |
Fuel cell
There is provided a fuel cell including a fuel cell stack having a fuel cell unit provided with, in order to enable appropriately controlling a wet state before power generation efficiency of the fuel cell is reduced, a polymer electrolyte membrane having one surface thereof provided with an oxidizer electrode and another surface thereof provided with a fuel electrode. In the fuel cell: the fuel cell unit includes plural power generation cell units and a pair of wet state detection cell units; one of the pair of wet state detection cell units includes an excessively humidified state detection cell unit which is more sensitive of an excessively humidified state than the power generation cell units; and another one of the pair of wet state detection cell units includes a dry state detection cell unit which is more sensitive of a dry state than the power generation cell units. |
| US07931988B2 |
Tin and tin-zinc plated substrates to improve Ni-Zn cell performance
An improved Ni—Zn cell with a negative electrode substrate plated with tin or tin and zinc during manufacturing has a reduced gassing rate. The copper or brass substrate is electrolytic cleaned, activated, electroplated with a matte surface to a defined thickness range, pasted with zinc oxide electrochemically active material, and baked. The defined plating thickness range of 40-80 μIn maximizes formation of an intermetallic compound Cu3Sn that helps to suppress the copper diffusion from under plating layer to the surface and eliminates formation of an intermetallic compound Cu6Sn5 during baking to provide adequate corrosion resistance during battery operation. |
| US07931987B2 |
Lithium-ion battery
A lithium-ion battery includes a positive electrode comprising a current collector and a first active material comprising LiCoO2 and a negative electrode comprising a current collector, a second active material, and a third active material. The second active material comprises a lithium titanate material and the third active material is V2O5. The third active material exhibits charging and discharging capacity below a corrosion potential of the current collector of the negative electrode and above a decomposition potential of the first active material. |
| US07931983B2 |
Lithium ion secondary battery
A lithium ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ion, a negative electrode capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ion, a porous film interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte: the porous film being adhered to a surface of at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode; the porous film including a filler and a resin binder; the resin binder content in the porous film being 1.5 to 8 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the filler; and the resin binder including an acrylonitrile unit, an acrylate unit, or a methacrylate unit. |
| US07931982B2 |
Battery with laminated film covering and fabrication method
A film-covered battery 1 includes battery element 6 and laminate films 3 and 4 for sealing battery element 6. Laminate films 3 and 4 are realized by laminating a heat-seal resin layer and a metal foil layer and seal battery element 6 by arranging the films on either side of battery element 6 with the heat-seal resin layers disposed on the inside and then heat-sealing at sealing areas 3a and 4a on the outer peripheries of the films. The areas of the laminate films 3 and 4 other than sealing areas 3a and 4a are electron beam irradiation areas 3b and 4b that are irradiated by an electron beam. Cross-linked structures are formed in the heat-seal resin layers of electron beam irradiation areas 3b and 4b by irradiation by an electron beam. |
| US07931980B2 |
Electrode assembly and rechargeable battery using the same
An electrode assembly is adapted to prevent the separator from contracting due to heat that is generated near the electrode tab during overcharging, over-discharging, or in the case of an internal short circuit. The electrode assembly also prevents an additional short circuit between the electrode plates. A rechargeable battery that comprises the electrode assembly is also provided. The present invention prevents the electrode tab from being short-circuited due to increased heat generation during overcharging or in the case of a short circuit, thus improving the safety of the rechargeable battery. |
| US07931979B2 |
Battery system containing phase change material-containing capsules in interior configuration thereof
Provided is a battery system in which an interior part of a battery structure includes particles (phase-change particles) containing materials (phase-change materials) having a high latent heat of phase change at a specific temperature, contained in a capsule made of an inert material. The battery system in accordance with the present invention can prolong a service life of the battery by inhibiting temperature elevation inside the battery under normal operating conditions without substantial effects on size, shape and performance of the battery, and further, can inhibit the risk of explosion resulting from a sharp increase in temperature inside the battery under abnormal operating conditions, thereby contributing to battery safety. |
| US07931978B1 |
Electrochemical power source using halogenated organic compounds
Halogenated organic compounds that are inexpensive and are readily available have been used to present the examples of the invention. These chemicals, when in contact with water experience a reaction that releases oxy-halogenated acid. These compounds are weak acids and release hydrogen ions according to their ionization constant keeping a constant level of oxy-halogenated ion. These ions are capable of reacting with catalytic cathodes and can be coupled with anode materials to fabricate galvanic cells. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include cells with flat and cylindrical form factors having a variety of anodes. |
| US07931976B2 |
Magnetic recording element
A magnetic recording element includes a multilayer having a surface and a pair of electrodes. The multilayer has a first magnetic fixed layer whose magnetization is substantially fixed in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the surface. The multilayer also has a second magnetic fixed layer whose magnetization is substantially fixed in a second direction opposite to the first direction substantially perpendicular to the surface. A third magnetic layer is provided between the first and second magnetic layers. The direction of magnetization of the third ferromagnetic layer is variable. A first intermediate layer is provided between the first and the third magnetic layers. A second intermediate layer is provided between the second and the third magnetic layers. The pair of electrodes is capable of supplying an electric current flowing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface to the multilayer. The sectional area taken parallel to the surface at a thickness midpoint of the first magnetic layer is larger than that of the second magnetic layer. |
| US07931973B2 |
Manufacturing method of metal structure in multi-layer substrate and structure thereof
Disclosed is a manufacturing method of metal structure in multi-layer substrate and structure thereof. The manufacturing method of the present invention comprises following steps: coating at least one photoresist layer on a surface of a dielectric layer, and then exposing the photoresist dielectric layer to define a predetermined position of the metal structure; therefore, removing the photoresist layer at the predetermined position and forming the metal structure at the predetermined position before forming at least one top-cover metal layer on a surface of the metal structure. The present invention can form a cover metal layer covering over the top surface and the two side surfaces, even the under surface of the metal structure, by one single photomask. Moreover, a finer metal structure with higher reliability can be manufactured. Furthermore, a metal structure can be used as a coaxial structure is also realized. |
| US07931972B2 |
Elastomeric emulsion polymers for masonry coatings
Acrylate latexes are described which provide properties of good balance of moderate elongation, low dirt pick up, alkaline resistance, UV light resistance, and efflorescence resistance for masonry coatings. These latexes have a large portion of repeating units from C8-C12 alcohol esters of acrylic acid and/or vinyl versatates along with 5-15 weight percent of repeating units from acrylonitrile. They have a glass transition temperature of −50 to +10° C. |
| US07931971B2 |
EMI filter for plasma display panel
A plasma display panel (PDP) includes an EMI filter at a front portion thereof for blocking/shielding substantial amounts of electromagnetic waves. The filters has high visible transmission, and is capable of blocking/shielding electromagnetic waves. In certain example embodiments, a silver based coating of the EMI filter reduces damage from EMI radiation through highly conductive Ag layers, blocks significant amounts of NIR and IR radiation from outdoor sunlight to reduce PDP panel temperature, and enhances contrast ratio through reduced reflection, while maintaining high visible transmission. In certain example embodiments, at least one layer of or including silicon nitride may be Si-rich, and/or at least one layer including an oxide of Ni and/or Cr may be a suboxide, in order to improve heat treatability of the coated article. |
| US07931970B2 |
Two-component polyurethane adhesive for gluing fibrous molded parts
A two-component polyurethane adhesive comprising a polyol component, which contains 2 to 30 wt. % of at least one polyester diol having a molecular weight greater than 1000 g/mole, 5 to 35 wt. % of at least one 3 to 14 functional polyol, 5 to 35 wt. % hydrophobic polyols, 2 to 65 wt. % further additives or auxiliary agents, wherein the sum is to results as 100%, and a cross-linking component made of polyisocyanates in a NCO/OH ratio of 0.9:1 to 1.5:1, wherein the cross-linked adhesive has a Tg greater than 50%. |
| US07931969B2 |
Molecular fan
A molecular fan for dissipating heat, the fan having a chemically functionalized molecular fan thin film coating affixed to a surface in need of heat dissipation. A nanocoating for dissipating heat, the coating having a thin film coating affixed to a surface in need of heat dissipation. A molecular fan thin film coating affixed to a surface in need of heat dissipation for dissipating heat. |
| US07931964B2 |
Microporous layers, an article comprising a microporous layer, and a method of manufacture thereof
A microporous layer comprising a microporous xerogel comprising pores that are substantially continuously interconnected from a first outermost surface of the microporous xerogel through to a second outermost surface of the microporous xerogel; and a crosslinked polymer binder comprising a polymer having a glass transition temperature of about 50° C. or higher, wherein the polymer binder is water soluble prior to crosslinking. |
| US07931963B2 |
Composite material and method of making the composite material
An improved energy absorbing member comprising, an thermoplastic cellular polymer in contact with a structural element such as a metal guard rail or automotive door, wherein the cellular polymer has an average cell size of at least about 0.75 mm and at least one of CE/CT, CV/CT and CH/CT is about 0.25 to about 0.4 said one of CE/CT, CV/CT and CH/CT having a compressive efficiency of at least 70% at a 60% strain, CE, CV and CH being the compressive strength of the cellular polymer in each of three orthogonal directions E, V and H where one of these directions is the direction of maximum compressive strength in the foam and CT equals the sum of CE, CV and CH. |
| US07931962B1 |
Pyrolizing flexible ablator material
A pyrolyzing flexible ablator comprising a flexible substrate and a pyrolyzing material that will pyrolize upon exposure to a heat flux greater than 5 W/cm2, the pyrolyzing material being bonded to the flexible substrate. |
| US07931949B2 |
Biodegradable starch bowl and method for preparing the same
Disclosed is a biodegradable starch bowl prepared by heating and pressurizing a composition for the biodegradable starch bowl comprising unmodified starch of 20˜60 wt. %; pulp fiber powder of 5˜30 wt. %; solvent of 30˜60 wt. %; photo catalyst of 0.1˜2.0 wt. %; preservative of 0.01˜1 wt. %; and releasing agent of 0.5˜5 wt. % to have a desired shape, and a biodegradable film being attached on the inner surface of the bowl. The biodegradable starch bowl according to the present invention has an improved sterilizing property, deodorizing property, preservative property, releasing property, water-resistance and strength. |
| US07931947B2 |
Cellulose acylate film, method of producing the same, stretched cellulose acylate film and method of producing the same
An unstretched cellulose acylate film hardly breakable upon stretching can be produced by melt film forming and as a result, a highly oriented stretched cellulose acylate film can be obtained. Using an extruder with a screw compression ratio of 2.5 to 4.5 and an L/D of 20 to 50, a cellulose acylate resin is extruded into a sheet at an extrusion temperature of 190° C. to 240° C. from a die to a cooling drum, and solidified by cooling to prepare an unstretched cellulose acylate film 16, which is then stretched to produce a stretched cellulose acylate film. |
| US07931946B2 |
Liquid crystal compound containing sulfone group, liquid crystal composition comprising the same, and optical film using the same liquid crystal composition
Disclosed are a novel liquid crystal compound containing a sulfone group, a liquid crystal composition comprising the same, and an optical film using the same liquid crystal composition. More particularly, there are provided a liquid crystal material for a viewing angle compensation film with high quality characteristics, which can improve a contrast ratio measured at a tilt angle to the front and minimize variations in color with viewing angles in a black state, a liquid crystal composition comprising the same liquid crystal material, and a compensation film obtained from the same liquid crystal composition. |
| US07931942B2 |
Process for forming filled bearings from fluoropolymer dispersions stabilized with anionic polyelectrolyte dispersing agents
The present invention provides a process for making a filled fluoropolymer bearing comprising providing an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising fluoropolymer particles and anionic polyelectrolyte dispersing agent in an amount sufficient for stabilization. The dispersion contains less than about 300 ppm fluorosurfactant based on the weight of the dispersion. The dispersion is coagulated to make a mush and a bearing filler is added to the dispersion prior to or after making the mush. The mush containing bearing filler is applied onto a bearing substrate to produce a coated substrate which is sintered and formed into a bearing. |
| US07931941B1 |
Synthesis of metallic nanoparticle dispersions capable of sintering at low temperatures
A process is described for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles by chemical reduction of metal salts in the presence of organic ligands capable of binding to the metal particle surfaces and stabilizing them against agglomeration. The resultant nanoparticles or dispersions of the particles can be sintered into highly conductive films or traces at temperatures as low as 80° C. in 10 minutes or less. |
| US07931938B2 |
Diamond-like carbon-coated cell culture substrates
This present invention describes a method of coating a polymer surface with diamond-like carbon (DLC) to render it useful as a carrier for cells derived from neural crest origin, preferable neuronal cells that form dendrites. The biopolymer to be coated with the DLC will include biodegradable polymers and other implantable biopolymers to act as a carrier system for cell transplantation into the various parts of the body, including the brain, the eye, the central and peripheral nervous system, the lung, the liver, the spleen, the kidney, and the bone and cartilage. The biopolymer can be in sheet form or microparticle form, and can be imbedded with, or incorporated into during its synthesis, attachment or growth promoting reagents to enhance and support neuraonal call attachment and growth. This coating method can also augment other coating agents such as extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells, as well as adhesive molecules such as fibronectin, laminin, and RGDS. The coating step can be a sequential process where the DLC layer will be added on top of an ECM coated surface or an attachment factor coated surface. |
| US07931934B2 |
Medical device having diamond-like thin film and method for manufacturing thereof
A medical device includes a medial device body, and a diamond-like thin film covering the medical device body and containing silicon. The diamond-like thin film has a concentration of silicon which is lower in a surface thereof than in an interface thereof with the medical device body mentioned above, and continuously varies. |
| US07931932B2 |
Processes for producing polymer coatings through surface polymerization
A medical device with a therapeutic agent-releasing polymer coating. The medical device is provided by a method that comprises: (a) attaching at least one reactive species to a medical device surface, which reactive species leads to chain growth polymerization in the presence of monomer; (b) contacting the reactive species with at least one monomer species, thereby forming a polymer coating on the surface of the medical device; and (c) providing at least one therapeutic agent within the polymer coating. The therapeutic agent may be incorporated during formation of the polymer coating or after formation of the polymer coating. The at least one reactive species can comprise, for example, a free radical species, a carbanion species, a carbocation species, a Ziegler-Natta polymerization complex, a metallocene complex, and/or an atom transfer radical polymerization initiator. Alternatively, the medical device is provided by a process comprising: (a) immobilizing least one polymerization catalyst at a medical device surface, which polymerization catalyst leads to polymerization in the presence of monomer; (b) contacting the medical device surface with at least one monomer species, thereby forming a polymer coating at the surface of the medical device; and (c) providing at least one therapeutic agent within the polymer coating. |
| US07931931B2 |
Medicated porous metal prosthesis and a method of making the same
A porous prosthesis for delivering a medication to the site of implantation, and a method of making the same, is disclosed. |
| US07931917B2 |
Nanoparticulate fibrate formulations
The present invention is directed to fibrate compositions having improved pharmacokinetic profiles and reduced fed/fasted variability. The fibrate particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm. |
| US07931913B2 |
Tongue cleaning device with dissolvable blister
A device for cleaning the tongue and mouth is formed to have beneficial surface features. Depressions are formed on one surface of the device to facilitate adhering the device to the roof of the mouth. Dissolvable blisters are formed on one surface to contain and deliver a material, such as mouthwash or medicine, into the mouth of the user. The blisters may formed with different wall thicknesses to provide a time-controlled release of the deliverable material. |
| US07931912B2 |
Enteral nutrition product and method for preparing the same
An enteral nutrition product is provided for enteral administration directly to the stomach or intestines of a patient from an external container upon the application of pressure to the external container. The enteral nutrition product is a semi-solid material having a substantially self-supporting consistency that deforms under an externally applied load without liquefying and that is capable of containing a higher concentration of a nutrient component than a fluid. The semi-solid material includes a mixture of a nutrient solution and a semi-solidifying agent that is one of agar and a whole egg. The self-supporting consistency of the semi-solid enteral nutrition product remains substantially unchanged before, during, and after being enterally administered into the patient, and is further maintained within the stomach or the intestines of the patient such that the enteral nutrition product does not liquefy due to the body temperature of the patient. |
| US07931910B2 |
Pesticidal compositions and methods
The present invention provides an environmentally compatible, pesticidal composition and method for the control of insect pests. The composition includes two components. The first component is a chelating agent, a metal complex of a chelating agent, and mixtures thereof, and the second component is preferably a carrier material. |
| US07931906B2 |
Vero cell-based influenza virus strains and vaccines
The present invention relates to isolated influenza virus strains suitable for increased vaccine production for mammals. The influenza virus strains contain at least one modified influenza protein that results in increased production of the influenza virus from a mammalian host cell, such as a vero cell. The present invention also relates to the vaccines produced from the influenza virus strains. The present invention further relates to isolated modified influenza proteins and isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode for the modified influenza proteins. |
| US07931904B2 |
Modulation of MUC1 activity
The invention provides methods of identifying and making compounds that inhibit the interaction between MUC1 and either p53 or TBP. Also embraced by the invention are in vivo and in vitro methods of inhibiting such an interaction and of inhibiting the expression of MUC1 by a cell. |
| US07931902B2 |
Gene disruptions, compositions and methods relating thereto
The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO226, PRO257, PRO268, PRO290, PRO36006, PRO363, PRO365, PRO382, PRO444, PRO705, PRO1071, PRO1125, PRO1134, PRO1155, PRO1281, PRO1343, PRO1379, PRO1380, PRO1387, PRO1419, PRO1433, PRO1474, PRO1550, PRO1571, PRO1572, PRO1759, PRO1904, PRO35193, PRO4341, PRO4348, PRO4369, PRO4381, PRO4407, PRO4425, PRO4985, PRO4989, PRO5737, PRO5800, PRO5993, PRO6017, PRO7174, PRO9744, PRO9821, PRO9852, PRO9873, PRO10196, PRO34778, PRO20233, PRO21956, PRO57290, PRO38465, PRO38683 or PRO85161 genes. Such in vivo studies and characterizations may provide valuable identification and discovery of therapeutics and/or treatments useful in the prevention, amelioration or correction of diseases or dysfunctions associated with gene disruptions such as neurological disorders; cardiovascular, endothelial or angiogenic disorders; eye abnormalities; immunological disorders; oncological disorders; bone metabolic abnormalities or disorders; lipid metabolic disorders; or developmental abnormalities. |
| US07931901B2 |
T-cell membrane protein (TIRC7), peptides and antibodies derived therefrom and uses thereof
Described are generally a T cell immune response cDNA 7 (TIRC7) encoding a novel T-cell transmembrane protein as well as peptides und polypeptides derived therefrom and antibodies recognizing said (poly)peptides. More particularly, peptide and polypeptide as well as antibodies being capable of inhibiting T-cell stimulation through the T-cell membrane protein (TIRC7) are provided. Furthermore, vectors comprising the aforementioned polynucleotides and host cells transformed therewith as well as their use in the production of the above-defined proteins, peptides or polypeptides are described. Additionally, pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions are provided comprising any one of the afore described polynucleotide, vector, protein, peptide, polypeptide, or antibody. Furthermore, methods and uses for modulating immune responses through the novel TIRC7 membrane protein as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising agents which act on the TIRC7 membrane protein or its ligand are described. Also, the use of said polynucleotide, vector, protein, peptide, polypeptide, or antibody for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for use in organ transplantation, for the treatment of autoimmune, allergic or infectious diseases, or for treatment of tumors is provided. Furthermore, methods for modulating (antigen-specific) T cell unresponsiveness inducing maintaining or reversing T cell unresponsiveness by inhibiting or stimulating an (unresponsive) T cell through the novel TIRC7 membrane protein are encompassed herein. |
| US07931898B2 |
Methods and compositions for inhibiting binding of IgE to a high affinity receptor
The invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting binding of IgE to a high affinity receptor. The methods and compositions are useful in the treatment of allergic diseases and allergy symptoms in mammals. |
| US07931894B2 |
Method of three-dimensionally culturing chondrocytes
It is intended to provide a method of three-dimensionally culturing normal joint chondrocytes; the production and supply of chondrocytes; and a transplantation material to be used in an injured site in a joint tissue. |
| US07931888B2 |
Hydrogen production method
A method of producing a hydrogen product stream in which a steam stream is reacted with a hydrocarbon containing stream within a steam methane reformer. The resulting product stream is subjected to a water gas shift reaction and then to pressure swing adsorption to produce the hydrogen product stream. The hydrocarbon stream is alternatively formed from a first type of feed stream made up of natural gas, refinery off-gas, naphtha or synthetic natural gas or combinations thereof and a second type that is additionally made up of a hydrogen and carbon monoxide containing gas. During use of both of the types of feed streams, the flow rate of the steam stream is not substantially changed and reformer exit temperatures of both the reactant and the flue gas side are held essentially constant. |
| US07931881B2 |
Integrated boiler and air pollution control systems
An air pollution control system includes an emission treatment system configured to receive flue gas, to reduce at least one pollutant therefrom, and to output emission treated flue gas. A first air heater in fluid communication with the emission treatment system includes a heat exchanger for heating forced air introduced thereto above a base temperature and thereby cooling emission treated flue gas from the emission treatment system to a stack discharge temperature. A second air heater in fluid communication with the first air heater to receive heated forced air therefrom includes a heat exchanger for heating forced air introduced thereto to a preheat temperature for combustion in a boiler and thereby cooling flue gas introduced from a boiler to the second air heater to an emission treatment temperature. The second air heater is in fluid communication with the emission treatment system to introduce cooled flue gas thereto. |
| US07931876B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing developer, and developer
The invention provides a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a developer, which can manufacture a developer having a uniform and fine particle shape in a narrow particle size distribution and having a coloring agent highly dispersed therein at the primary particle level, the method and apparatus at the same time enabling continuous and efficient production without opening and closing a reactor. The method comprises the steps of: dissolving a binding resin component in a supercritical or subcritical fluid so that the binding resin component is blended with a coloring agent component; and reducing the solubility of the binding resin component in the supercritical or subcritical fluid so that the binding resin component is precipitated in the form of particles with the coloring agent component dispersed in the interior thereof. In the aforementioned method and apparatus, the reactor provided with at least a stirring mechanism and a mechanism for discharging dissolved components has a developer material carrier comprising a mesh that prevents the passage of treated materials and allows the passage of the supercritical or subcritical fluid. |
| US07931868B2 |
Device for the manipulation of limited quantities of liquids
Device for manipulation of limited quantities of liquids with the following features: the device has at least one solid; the solid has surface areas in which different capillary forces act; one or more first surface areas have a microstructured and/or nanostructured surface; the microstructured and/or nanostructured surfaces have regularly arranged structure elements (A to E); the solid and the structure elements consist of one material and are connected to one another in one piece; one or more first surface areas are provided with reagents; the second surface area encompasses at least one of the first surface areas. |
| US07931864B2 |
Methods and apparatus for analyzing an analysis fluid
A meter and test wand system is capable of cooperatively processing an analysis fluid and communicating results to a user. The system includes a meter case including a case front, a case front, a case front, a case bottom, a first case side member, and a second case side member. The first and second case side members connect the case front to case front. The first case side member has a longitudinal dimension between said case front and said case bottom and a latitudinal dimension between said case front and said case front. The first case side member includes a first case ridge; A test wand is capable of receiving an analysis fluid, and includes a cartridge including a cartridge ridge. The cartridge ridge is sized and shaped to matingly engage with said first case ridge to connect said test wand to said meter case. |
| US07931863B2 |
Sample analyzer
The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is able to move a reagent container containing a reagent which a user desires to replace to a pick up position. The sample analyzer comprises: a holding section comprising a plurality of holding regions for holding reagent containers, and being capable of moving the holding regions; analyzing means for analyzing a measurement sample prepared by mixing a sample and the reagent contained in the reagent container held by the holding section; receiving means for receiving a specification of a holding region from the plurality of holding regions to replace or add a reagent; and control means for controlling the holding section so as to move the specified holding region to a replacement-addition position at which the reagent is replaced or added, when the receiving means receives the specification of the holding region. |
| US07931862B2 |
Sample rack transfer apparatus
A sample rack transport apparatus for transporting a sample rack holding a container containing a sample is provided with a rack transport mechanism for transporting sample racks, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism has actuators, and the samples rack is transported by the operation of these actuators. The control unit is accommodated in a control box. The transport mechanism and control box are supported in a case. The control box is provided below the transport mechanism, and is configured so as to be slidably transferred into and from the case. |
| US07931861B2 |
Sample analyzer
The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which can conduct a stable feeding of container used for preparing a measuring sample. The sample analyzer comprises: a first storage section for storing a plurality of containers, the container used for preparing a measurement sample; a first transport section for transporting the containers stored in the first storage section; a second storage section for storing the containers transported by the first transport section; a second transport section for transporting one by one the containers stored in the second storage section; a detector for detecting a state of transporting containers by the second transport section; a controller for controlling an operation of the first transport section based on a detection result of the detector; a sample preparing section for preparing a measurement sample in the container transported by the second transport section; and an analyzing section for analyzing the measurement sample prepared by the sample preparing section. |
| US07931859B2 |
Ultraviolet sanitization in pharmacy environments
Systems and methods to reduce bioburden on at least a portion of a fluid transfer port include supplying a dose of radiation to the portion in optical communication with at least one source of radiation. In an illustrative example, a medical container, such as a vial or IV bag, receives a dose of ultraviolet (UV) energy substantially at a predetermined region of a fluid transfer site. In some examples, such a sanitization process may precede a fluid transfer operation in which a fluid is transferred into or out of the medical container by passing through the sanitized region. Such fluid transfers may be used in automated or semi-automated pharmaceutical processes, such as drug reconstitution. Various embodiments may further include one or more seal assemblies, each seal assembly having an aperture through which the radiation dose is supplied from the source to a controlled region on the fluid transfer port. |
| US07931857B2 |
Mixing chamber for the application of a surface action agent by vapour and related dispensing device
A mixing chamber, for the application of a disinfecting agent by vapour, exploits the combined and combined and synergistic action of the mixed product and comprises a calming zone, at least one section (15) for inletting vapour in said calming zone, at least one section (7) for outletting vapour, and for directing it to an applicator nozzle, characterized in that it comprises a spray nozzle (5) inletting a disinfecting agent under pressure in said calming zone, drawing it from a suitable tank (3). |
| US07931856B2 |
Method of manufacturing crankshaft bushing
A method of forming a crankshaft bushing or similar component is provided. A compaction die is provided having an axial, generally cylindrical internal opening. An upper and a lower punch are provided with exterior surfaces corresponding to the internal opening of the compaction die. An upper core rod passes through an axial opening in the upper punch. A lower core rod passes through an axial opening in the lower punch. The upper core rod and the lower core rod each may have a generally flat external surface section. A metal powder is compacted in the compaction die by the combined action of the upper and lower punches and the upper and lower core rods. |
| US07931849B2 |
Non-destructive laser optical integrated circuit package marking
A method is provided for laser optically marking integrated circuit (IC) packages in a non-destructive manner. The method provides an IC die encapsulated as a package in a compound of glass spheres and epoxy. An acute angle is defined between a laser optical path and an IC package planar surface. The IC package surface is scanned with a laser, and in response to ablating the IC package surface, a legible mark on the planar surface. |
| US07931843B2 |
Process for producing polyphenylene sulfide filament yarns
The present invention relates to a process for producing a polyphenylene sulfide multifilament yarn, a polyphenylene sulfide multifilament yarn and the use of a polyphenylene sulfide multifilament yarn. The process for producing a polyphenylene sulfide multifilament yarn is characterized in that only after time period between 0.1 sec and 0.3 sec after leaving the spinneret the filaments of the spun yarn are subjected to an active cooling stage. The Polyphenylene sulfide multifilament yarn having a filament linear density of 5 dtex to 30 dtex, an overall linear density of 500 dtex to 2500 dtex, a breaking tenacity in the range of 50 cN/tex to 80 cN/tex and an elongation at break of 8% to 16% for a yarn with a breaking tenacity in the range of 60 cN/tex to 80 cN/tex and an elongation at break of 16% to 30% for a yarn with a breaking tenacity in the range of 50 cN/tex to 60 cN/tex. |
| US07931842B2 |
System and method for making sheets, films, and objects directly from polymerization processes
A system for making sheets, films, and objects including a reactor-dryer for reacting at least one monomer to produce a polymer melt; a flash melter in communication with the reactor-dryer for heating the polymer melt received from the reactor-dryer; a flash tank in communication with the flash melter for removing volatile compounds from the polymer melt; and a control loop in communication with the flash tank for controlling the pressure of the polymer melt from the flash tank to a die forming unit. Methods of making sheets, films, and objects is further included. |
| US07931840B2 |
Method for preparing a spinal implant
A screw formed of cortical bone for use in the human body with an implant having a screw hole for receiving at least a portion of a screw therethrough, includes a shaft with a thread along at least a portion of its length. The thread has an outer diameter dimensioned to pass through the screw hole in the implant. The trailing end of the screw is configured to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the screw hole of the implant so as to prevent the screw from linear motion along the mid-longitudinal axis of the shaft in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion when the screw is threaded through the screw hole to attach the implant to a bone portion of the human body. The screw is formed substantially of cortical bone of a single cortical thickness. |
| US07931838B2 |
Method for making oriented single-walled carbon nanotube/polymer nano-composite membranes
Nano-composite membranes and methods for making them are described. The nano-composite membranes a made from a layer of oriented carbon nanotubes fixed in a polymeric matrix. Methods for efficient, facile, and inexpensive fabrication of the nano-composite membranes using a filtration method are also described. The carbon nanotubes may also be modified with chemical functional groups to promote their orientation in the carbon nanotube layer or to confer to them other properties. |
| US07931837B2 |
Method for controlling the injection molding process of an injection molding machine
A method for controlling the injection molding process of an injection molding machine with an injection molding tool that forms at least one cavity for a molded part to be produced, wherein a melt is introduced into the cavity by an incision. The temporal progression of the temperature of the mold wall is determined and controlled in the course of the injection molding process. |
| US07931836B2 |
Method for making high purity and free flowing metal oxides powder
According to aspects of the present invention, metal oxide powder, such as yttria and alumina powder (feed material), is processed using a plasma apparatus. The process generally consists of in-flight heating and melting of the feed material by the plasma apparatus. The plasma apparatus contains a plasma torch with required power supply and cooling systems, a powder feeder, a chamber to collect the powder and a dedusting system. The heated powder forms molten spherical droplets that are rapidly cooled under free fall conditions. The plasma densification process removes some impurity oxides, modifies the morphology of the particle and increases the apparent density of the powder. |
| US07931833B2 |
Resin-cemented optical element, mold therefor, fabrication process thereof, and optical article
The present invention provides a resin-cemented optical element comprising a base member 10 and a resin layer 11 formed on the surface of the base member; the resin layer 11 being in a thickness of 300 μm or smaller at least at some part of a peripheral portion (i.e., a region within 1 mm from the peripheral edge face 17 of the resin layer 11, or a region outside an effective-diameter region), and being in a thickness 12 of 850 μm or larger at a position which is thickest in the resin layer; a mold therefore; a manufacturing method thereof; and an optical article having this optical element. |
| US07931830B2 |
Dielectric composition for use in circuitized substrates and circuitized substrate including same
A dielectric composition which is adapted for combining with a supporting material ( e.g., fiber-glass cloth) to form a dielectric layer usable in circuitized such as PCBs, chip carriers and the like. As such a layer, it includes a resin, a predetermined percentage by weight of a filler, and, significantly, only a minor amount of bromine. A circuitized substrate comprised of one or more of these dielectric layers and one or more conductive layers is also provided. |
| US07931827B2 |
Mixture and method for imprinting textiles
The invention relates to a mixture and a method for imprinting textiles. The mixture used for the imprinting of textiles, includes: A) at least one pigment; B) at least one dispersing agent on the basis of oxalkylated linear or branched alkanes, fatty acids or fatty alcohols, and/or alkyl sulfates or alkyl sulfonates, and/or polyelectrolytes, and/or alkylated, and/or arylated glycosides; C) at least one water-soluble or water-dilutable, radiation-hardenable binding agent with a molecular weight above 2000 g/mol and at least two polymerizable groups for each binding agent molecule, which are cross-linked to the binding agent molecule by at least one urethane group or urea group; D) water. |
| US07931820B2 |
Dry etching gas and method for dry etching
A dry etching gas that comprises a compound having a CF3CF fragment directly bonded to a double bond (provided that the compound is exclusive of CF3CF═CFCF═CF2). Said dry etching gas permits the formation of a pattern such as a contact hole with a high aspect ratio. |
| US07931816B2 |
Method, apparatus and systems for treating contaminants in a waste fluid
The invention relates to a method, apparatus and system for the treatment of organic and inorganic waste in a waste fluid. The method involves a co-current plug flow of fluid in a reactor in which ozone mass transfer conforms to the effective life of the ozone used in the treatment. Hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide can be added to the waste fluid. The combined fluids to be treated travel the reactor through a series of surfaces in a packed reactor. The apparatus includes a diffuser for ozone which assists in the co-current plug flow of fluids. The diffuser can have a porosity of about 10 microns. The invention further envisions a compact system for efficient treatment of waste fluids. |
| US07931815B2 |
Method for reducing oxygen content of fluid streams containing sulfur compounds
A method of using a sulfided iron reagent to remove oxygen from gaseous and liquid fluid streams such as natural gas, light hydrocarbon streams, crude oil, acid gas mixtures, carbon dioxide gas and liquid streams, anaerobic gas, landfill gas, geothermal gases and liquids, and the like is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the reagent is made by mixing, agglomerating and shaping finely powdered ferrous carbonate, preferably siderite which are used to remove oxygen from a hydrocarbon or carbon dioxide stream that also contains sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide. |
| US07931814B2 |
Electrically enhanced aqueous filter and method therefor
An alloy is created by melting aluminum, zinc, rare earth metals such as erbium and/or tellurium, and optionally vanadium. During cooling, the molten alloy is exposed to ultrasonic waves in order to prevent separation of the alloy into layers. The alloy is used for one electrode and a separate conductive element such as stainless steel or carbon is used for the other electrode in a water filter. A constant potential difference and electrical current is created between the two electrodes across the water. In an embodiment where carbon or zeolite is used as the filtration medium, the constant voltage and current increase bonding of ions in the filtration medium with pollutants in the water. In an embodiment wherein a mixed bed resin containing sodium ions and potassium ions is used as the filtration medium, the constant voltage and current increase the bonding of the sodium and potassium ions with residual chlorine ions in the water. The resulting sodium chloride salts and the potassium chloride salts also assist in regenerating the mixed bed resin. |
| US07931810B2 |
Water purification system and method
A water purification system and method. A closed water recirculation loop supplied at one point by a water inlet with water to be purified, and having at least one outlet point of use of the purified water. Also included is a pump and a water purifier on the loop respectively downstream of the inlet point and upstream of the at least one outlet point, in the water flow direction. The system includes two independent valves, including a first valve on the loop upstream of the pump and a second valve upstream of the at least one point of use outlet point. The first and second valves are selectively opened and closed to recirculate all the water treated by the purifier. |
| US07931807B2 |
Method for removing contaminants from ground water
Apparatus and methods for water treatment are described, particularly for the simultaneous removal of nitrate, perchlorate, and other organic contaminates from contaminated water using a membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR). |
| US07931805B2 |
Membrane filter unit and method for the production of the membrane filter unit
The invention relates to a membrane filter unit for liquid or gaseous media, comprising a bundle of capillary membranes which are open on at least one front surface side and which are cast in an area which is close to the end of the open membrane ends, in a sealing layer forming a hardened head part. The open membrane ends protrude on the outer side of the sealing layer. The sealing layer is arranged on a spacer element which has a layer which is penetrated by the capillary membranes and which is non-permeable in relation to the casting material which hardens in order to form the sealing layer. The invention also relates to a method for the production of a membrane filter unit. |
| US07931803B2 |
Fluid filter
A fluid filter (1) comprises a housing (3) provided with a fluid inlet (11) and a fluid outlet (19), filter means (45) being mounted in the house (3) between the fluid inlet (11) and the fluid outlet (19) to filter fluid flowing through the housing (3). Actuation means (43) is provided to move the filter means (45), in use, within the housing (3) to dislodge particles of filtered material from the filter means (45) so as to clean the filter means (45). A filter assembly comprising a plurality of such filters is also provided. |
| US07931800B2 |
Method for extraction of bitumen from oil sands using lime
In a method for enhancing the efficiency of bitumen recovery from oil sands ore, CaO lime (or Ca(OH)2) is mixed into an oil sands ore-water slurry prior to or during the operation of slurry-based bitumen extraction processes. The lime is introduced at dosages effective to reduce the electro-chemical attraction between clay particles and bitumen in the slurry, thereby promoting detachment of clay particles from bitumen droplets in the ore-wafer slurry. This occurs because water-soluble asphaltic acids formed at the bitumen-water interface act as surfactants which reduce or eliminate the activity of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions binding the clay particles and bitumen together. The detachment of clay particles promotes the attachment of air bubbles to the bitumen droplets, thereby forming a bitumen-rich froth which will float to the surface of the ore-water slurry, thus facilitating bitumen recovery. |
| US07931796B2 |
Systems and methods for producing a crude product
Systems and methods for hydroprocessing a heavy oil feedstock, the system employs a plurality of contacting zones and separation zones with at least some of the fresh slurry catalyst being supplied to at least a contacting zone other than the first contacting zone. The contacting zones operate under hydrocracking conditions, employing the slurry catalyst for upgrading the heavy oil feedstock, forming upgraded products of lower boiling hydrocarbons. In the separation zones, upgraded products are removed overhead and optionally, further treated in an in-line hydrotreater. A least a portion of the non-volatile fractions recovered from the separation zones is recycled back to the first contacting zone in the system. |
| US07931791B2 |
Method of detecting analyte-biomolecule interactions
The invention provides methods for detecting an interaction between an analyte and a biomolecule. The method comprises separating at least one biomolecule according to its isoelectric point in the presence of a given analyte and detecting an interaction between the analyte and a biomolecule using fluorescence anisotropy. The method may further comprise collecting the analyte-biomolecule complex and analyzing the biomolecule. |
| US07931788B1 |
Method and apparatus for the detection of pathogens, parasites, and toxins
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for an immunoassay technique that uses amperometric measurements to rapidly analyze different pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, toxins, and parasites. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, at least one conductive membrane is used to provide support for antibody immobilization and serve as a working electrode; it could also be independent rather than the working electrode. This conductive membrane or powder can be fabricated of a conductive material or can be a nonconductive material over which a conductive material is coated. In either case, the proposed technique is adaptable for use with different materials so as to form a membrane having a pore size that is suited to the particular application. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a compact and simple disposable element that can be easily disposed of after use. In still another aspect of the present invention, the immunoassay can be automated using microprocessor control so as to reduce the amount of human intervention in sample analysis. |
| US07931786B2 |
Apparatus and method for agitating liquids in wet chemical processing of microfeature workpieces
Reactors with agitators and methods for processing microfeature workpieces with such reactors. The agitators are capable of obtaining high, controlled mass-transfer rates that result in high quality surfaces and efficient wet chemical processes. The agitators generate high flow velocities in the fluid and contain the high energy fluid proximate to the surface of the workpiece to form high quality surfaces when cleaning, etching and/or depositing materials to/from a workpiece. The agitators also have short stroke lengths so that the footprints of the reactors are relatively small. As a result, the reactors are efficient and cost effective to operate. The agitators are also designed so that electrical fields in the processing solution can effectively operate at the surface of the workpiece. |
| US07931784B2 |
Processing biomass and petroleum containing materials
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation. |
| US07931779B2 |
Screening apparatus and screen basket for screening pulp suspensions
A screen for the screening of pulp suspensions is disclosed, including a screen basket, a rotor for providing pressure and suction pulses in the suspension to be screened along the screen basket, and a dilution liquid header for supplying dilution liquid to counteract thickening of the suspension during operation. The header forms a tubular channel, which divides the screen basket into at least two parts, extends around the basket, and is provided with a plurality of dilution ejection nozzles. Each ejection nozzle forms a channel including at least two channel sections; namely, an entrance channel section that opens into the channel of the header, and an exit channel section downstream of the entrance channel section, wherein the entrance channel section is substantially wider than the exit channel section. |
| US07931778B2 |
Lecithin-starches compositions, preparation thereof and paper products having oil and grease resistance, and/or release properties
The present disclosure relates to lecithin containing starch compositions. The disclosure also relates to processes for preparing the lecithin-containing starch compositions. Further, the disclosure relates to uses of the lecithin-containing compositions in the preparation of paper products that have oil and grease resistant properties, and/or have release properties. Further, the disclosure relates to paper products that include lecithin-containing compositions and to paper products resulting from the processes herein. |
| US07931776B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus including a chamber having an inner wall with a protective film thereon and a sample stage disposed in the chamber in which plasma is generated by supplying high-frequency wave energy to processing gas to conduct plasma processing for a sample on the sample stage using the plasma. The apparatus includes a control device which determines, based on monitor values of a wafer attracting current monitor (Ip) to monitor a current supplied from a wafer attracting power source, an impedance monitor (Zp) to monitor plasma impedance viewed from a plasma generating power source, and an impedance monitor (Zb) to monitor a plasma impedance viewed from a bias power supply, presence or absence of occurrence of an associated one of abnormal discharge in inner parts, deterioration in insulation of an insulating film of a wafer attracting electrode, and abnormal injection in a gas injection plate. |
| US07931775B2 |
Surface treatment device
A surface treatment device (10) is provided for applying a surface treatment medium to an article (60). The device comprises an application member (12, 14) for holding and applying the surface treatment medium to the article. The device has a securing arrangement (40) for securing the application member to the article. |
| US07931771B2 |
Method of manufacturing plasma display device
Here disclosed is a method of manufacturing a plasma display device in which a panel is easily separated from a holding plate if the separation is required. In the method of manufacturing a plasma display device having a panel, in which a pair of substrates having transparency at least on the front side is oppositely disposed so that discharge space and discharge cells are formed between the substrates, and a metallic holding plate that supports the panel via a thermal conductive member, the present invention employs a thermal conductive member made of a pull-to-remove adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the panel or the holding plate, and the panel and the holding plate are put together. After that, the adhesive is cured by application of pressure and heat. |
| US07931767B2 |
Process for manufacturing elastomeric components of a tyre for vehicle wheels
A process for manufacturing elastomeric components of a tire for a vehicle wheel includes feeding a continuous elongated element from a delivery member by exerting a feeding pressure inside the delivery member, rotating a building support around a geometrical rotation axis of the support, carrying out controlled relative displacements between the delivery member and the support to form a tire component, stopping the feeding of the elongated element when formation of the tire component is complete, and exerting a counter-pressure inside the delivery member after stopping the feeding. Rotating the support assists circumferential distribution of the elongated element on the support. Carrying out controlled relative displacements assists transverse distribution of the elongated element on the support. The tire component is defined by a plurality of coils laid in a pre-established deposition pattern depending on a predetermined cross-section outline to be given to the tire component. |
| US07931766B2 |
Film adhesion device and film adhesion method
A film adhesion device includes a table carrying a semiconductor wafer, a pressing member (pressing roller) which presses a film (photoresist film) onto a surface side of the semiconductor wafer placed on the table, a bumper member provided on an outer peripheral side of the table and including a contact surface which is contacted by the pressing member when the pressing member presses the film, and an elevating support mechanism which supports the bumper member elevatably and positions the bumper member at a predetermined height level. |
| US07931760B2 |
Whiskerless plated structure and plating method
A plated structure is disclosed that includes a base formed of a copper-based material containing copper as a major component, a plating film formed of a tin-based material containing tin as a major component and provided over the base, and a tin-copper compound barrier film located at the boundary between the base and the plating film. The density of the tin-copper compound barrier film is greater than that of copper. |
| US07931758B2 |
Thermal mechanical treatment of ferrous alloys, and related alloys and articles
A thermal mechanical treatment method includes hot working a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel, quenching the stainless steel, and aging the stainless steel. According to certain embodiments, the thermal mechanical treatment does not include solution heat treating the stainless steel prior to aging or cryogenically cooling the stainless steel. An article includes a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel having a process history that includes hot working the stainless steel, quenching the stainless steel, and aging the stainless steel. According to certain embodiments, the process history does not include solution heat treating the stainless steel prior to aging or cryogenically cooling the stainless steel. |
| US07931756B2 |
Method and machine of making rare-earth alloy granulated powder and method of making rare-earth alloy sintered body
A method of making a rare-earth alloy granulated powder according to the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a rare-earth alloy powder; generating remnant magnetization in the powder; and granulating the powder by utilizing agglomeration force produced by the remnant magnetization of the powder. Since the agglomeration force produced by the remnant magnetization is utilized, the addition of a granulating agent may be omitted. |
| US07931755B2 |
Method for removing deposit from substrate and method for drying substrate, as well as apparatus for removing deposit from substrate and apparatus for drying substrate using these methods
In a method for removing deposit that has attached to a main surface of a substrate from the main surface of the substrate using air knife units where a slit portion is formed so that a fluid can be discharged in band form, a fluid introduction path having an approximately uniform form in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which a number of air knife units move relative to the substrate is formed between the air knife units and the main surface of the substrate while the air knife units move relative to the substrate, a fluid is discharged toward the fluid introduction path from a slit that is formed in the rear portion of the above described air knife units, and then, passes through the fluid introduction path so as to be led to a wall surface that is formed so as to face the front portion of the air knife units or the fluid which has the appearance of a wall surface, and furthermore, deposit on the substrate that has attached to the substrate is led away from the main surface of the substrate, together with said fluid, via a fluid lead-out path of which the cross sectional area of the low path is greater than that of the fluid introduction path, and which is formed between the air knife units and the wall surface. |
| US07931753B2 |
Method for removing deposits containing magnetite and copper from containers in industrial and power plants
A method to remove deposits containing magnetite and copper from a container, particularly from a steam generator of a nuclear power plant. In a first step, the container is treated using an alkaline cleaning solution containing a complexing agent forming a soluble complex with iron ions, a reducing agent, and an alkalizing agent. In a second step a further complexing agent forming a more stable complex with iron III ions than the complexing agent used in the first step and an oxidant are added to the cleaning solution of the first step present in the container. |
| US07931752B2 |
Method for cleaning semiconductor equipment
A method for cleaning a semiconductor equipment is provided. First, a first cleaning step is performed to the process chamber. The first cleaning step includes conducting a cleaning gas into the process chamber via a short processing gas injector for generating a plasma of the cleaning gas in the process chamber. Then, a cleaning step is performed to a long cleaning gas injector. The cleaning step performed to the long cleaning gas injector includes conducting the cleaning gas into the process chamber via the long processing gas injector. Then, a second cleaning step is performed to the process chamber. The second cleaning step includes conducting the plasma of the cleaning gas into the process chamber via the short processing gas injector. |
| US07931746B2 |
Black pigment compositions, thick film black pigment compositions, conductive single layer thick film compositions, and black and conductive electrodes formed therefrom
The present invention is directed to pigment compositions with the formula BiwMnxCoyCuzO40, wherein w is between 7 and 9, x is between 3 and 13, y is between 2 and 13, z is between 0.5 and 7 and the sum of w, x, y and z is 26. The invention also is directed to thick film black pigment compositions, conductive single layer thick film compositions, black electrodes made from such black conductive compositions and methods of forming such electrodes, and to the uses of such compositions, electrodes, and methods in flat panel display applications, including alternating-current plasma display panel devices (AC PDP). |
| US07931744B2 |
Bituminous mastic comprising ultrafillers and applications thereof
The present invention relates to a bituminous mastic, in other words a mixture comprising on the one hand at least one bitumen-based hydrocarbon binder, More particularly a blown bitumen, and on the other hand fines, including an ultrafines fraction. The invention also relates to poured asphalts and bituminous coatings comprising a bituminous mastic. A method of producing such bituminuous materials is described, as are the road-building and industrial applications of these materials. |
| US07931743B2 |
Yellow ink composition, ink set, recording method using them, and record
A yellow ink composition includes C.I. Pigment Yellow and C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 as coloring agents. The ratio of a C.I. Pigment Yellow 185 content (percent by weight) to a C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 content (percent by weight) is in the range of 0.5 to 15. The yellow ink composition has a C.I. Pigment Yellow 185 content of 10% to 20% by weight and a C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 content of 10% to 20% by weight. |
| US07931734B2 |
Particle separation
Embodiments of a method for selecting particles, such as based on their morphology, is disclosed. In a particular example, the particles are charged and acquire different amounts of charge, or have different charge distributions, based on their morphology. The particles are then sorted based on their flow properties. In a specific example, the particles are sorted using a differential mobility analyzer, which sorts particles, at least in part, based on their electrical mobility. Given a population of particles with similar electrical mobilities, the disclosed process can be used to sort particles based on the net charge carried by the particle, and thus, given the relationship between charge and morphology, separate the particles based on their morphology. |
| US07931727B2 |
Microwave mode shifting antenna system for regenerating particulate filters
A regeneration system comprises a particulate matter (PM) filter including a microwave energy absorbing surface, and an antenna system comprising N antennas and an antenna driver module that sequentially drives the antenna system in a plurality of transverse modes of the antenna system to heat selected portions of the microwave absorbing surface to regenerate the PM filter, where N is an integer greater than one. The transverse modes may include transverse electric (TE) and/or transverse magnetic (TM) modes. |
| US07931726B2 |
Box-V filter and method of fabricating the same
Embodiments of the invention generally include a filter assembly having a media pack having a single web of pleated media having at least two mini-seated regions arranged in non-linear orientation. In one embodiment, a filter assembly includes a media pack defined by a single web of media, and an adhesive layer coupling a flat end of the media pack to a frame assembly to from a lap joint. In another embodiment, a filter assembly includes a media pack sealed to a frame assembly. A discontinuous layer of adhesive couples at least one edge of the media pack to the frame assembly. |
| US07931725B2 |
Fluted filter apparatus
A filter element and filter apparatus, and a method for fabricating a filter element, include a filter element having alternating layers of a face sheet material and a convoluted filter material, with the alternating layers forming substantially longitudinally oriented flutes that extend axially along, or past, a radially acting seal, into previously unused portions of the cavity of a filter housing. In some embodiments, structures such as struts extending partially across an outlet end of the filter element, or a rigid web formed by a layer of resin extending axially a potted length into pome of the flutes from the outlet end resist axially oriented pressure forces on the alternating layers. |
| US07931724B2 |
Seal arrangement for filter element; filter element assembly; and, methods
A filter element arrangement is provided which includes a media pack including Z-filter media, a preform and an overmold sealing a portion of the interface between the preform and the media pack, and also forming an air cleaner seal for the filter element. The overmold preferably comprises molded, foamed, polyurethane. A variety of media pack shapes can be used. |
| US07931721B2 |
Droplet separating system
The invention relates to a droplet separating system for gas washers and similar, comprising at least one droplet separating layer and a rectifier layer which is arranged upstream in the direction of the flow of gas. The rectifier elements of the rectifier layer are arranged in the form of a V or an upturned V having opposite inclinations to the droplet separating profiles of the droplet separating layer. As a result, the rectifier layer is contaminated in a slow manner due to the increased performance of the droplet separating system. |
| US07931720B2 |
Water separator for a steam turbine plant
A water preseparator (1) for steam turbine plants for the separation of water from the operating steam (SW) from a high-pressure steam turbine has a feed pipe (2) which extends over the starting section of a steam transfer pipe (4), wherein the two pipes are separated from each other by a gap (11) through which water (12) together with transporting steam (St) flow into a housing. The water discharges from the preseparator (1) via a water discharge pipe (6). the preseparator has structure for recycling of the transporting steam into the operating steam of the steam turbine plant, wherein this recycling structure has built-in fittings or a baffle (9) of the transporting steam, and also structure (4) for achieving a pressure drop, wherein the pressure drop exists between the gap (11) and a point at which the transporting steam is reintroduced into the operating steam (SW). |
| US07931719B2 |
Revolution vortex tube gas/liquids separator
A centrifugal separator for separating immiscible components of a wet gas stream is formed by an upright cylindrical vortex tube having an internal wall surface, a top with a gas outlet opening therein, a bottom providing a liquid outlet opening and a wet gas stream inlet tangential to the internal wall surface, the inlet being spaced below the top. A helical baffle is secured to the vortex tube internal wall surface and extends from below the top but above the inlet to a lower end spaced above the vortex tube bottom. A plurality of spaced apart vertical outlet fins are affixed to and extending radially from the internal wall surface adjacent the vortex tube bottom, each outlet fin having a top end spaced below the helical baffle lower end. |
| US07931716B2 |
Handheld cleaning appliance
A cleaning appliance includes a main body, a filter and an interlock. The main body includes an airflow generator, a separating apparatus separating dirt and dust from an airflow, and a flowpath between the separating apparatus and the airflow generator delimited by a wall. The interlock has a first part located on the filter and a second part located on the main body outside the flowpath, arranged to communicate remotely when the filter is correctly located in the pre-determined position. The interlock is arranged selectively to allow or prevent operation of the airflow generator depending upon the relative separation between the first and second parts. By providing an interlock which has first and second parts which communicate remotely, the second part located on the main body can be isolated from the airflow path so that the second part is not subject to dirt and dust carried by the airflow. |
| US07931712B2 |
Natural gas steam reforming method with linear countercurrent heat exchanger
The present invention is a natural gas steam reforming method for generating an output gas mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, including the following steps. (1) Combusting a portion of the natural gas with an oxidizing agent to generate heat, superheated steam, and a gas mixture of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. (2) Steam reforming the gas mixture with additional superheated steam under steam-rich conditions to transform a remaining portion of the natural gas into carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. (3) Water-gas-shifting any residual carbon monoxide into additional carbon dioxide and additional hydrogen by utilizing a water-gas-shift catalyst downstream of the steam reforming step, thereby producing an effluent gas mixture that is predominantly carbon dioxide and hydrogen. (4) Boiling water in a top-to-bottom linear countercurrent heat exchanger to generate the superheated steam by transferring heat released in the water-gas-shifting step, where as the water is gravitationally and thermally stratified from top to bottom with a top portion boiling into steam, the steam continues to rise and is additionally heated in the top-to-bottom linear countercurrent heat exchanger. (5) And, utilizing the superheated steam produced as a reactant in the steam reforming step and the water-gas-shifting step to assist in reformation of the natural gas into carbon dioxide and hydrogen. |
| US07931709B2 |
Process and apparatus for generating hydrogen
A process is described for generating hydrogen through the oxidation of fuels that contain chemically bound hydrogen, in particular hydrocarbons, having the following process steps: a) introducing the fuel (1) as well as the oxidation agent (2) into a reactor (3) having a porous material (4′) that is embodied in such a way that flame propagation in a direction opposite the direction of flow is prevented, and b) reacting the fuel with the oxidation agent in partial oxidation so that hydrogen is obtained in gaseous form. In addition, an apparatus for generating hydrogen that has a reactor that contains a porous material (4, 4′), and the reactor (3) is embodied as a tubular reactor that has a central chamber (5) to introduce the fuel and the oxidation agent that extends in the axial direction and is delimited radially toward the outside by a first wall that has porous material (4), and the first wall is delimited radially toward the outside by a second wall that contains the porous material (4′). Also described is an apparatus to generate hydrogen that has a reactor that contains a porous material and is characterized by the fact that its porosity in the direction of flame generation changes so that the pores are larger, that the porous material is disposed in a first zone and a second zone, which zones are adjacent to each other, and that a zone that has a porous material follows the one zone, seen in the direction of flow. |
| US07931705B2 |
Method of lighting a fire from a charcoal-containing fuel package
A combustible charcoal fuel package is disclosed which includes an outer wrapper, preferably formed from burlap or other similar woven material that encloses large pieces of charcoal material, medium pieces of charcoal material and smaller pieces of charcoal material coated or otherwise soaked in a vegetable wax to form an aggregate. The aggregate is disposed at or near the bottom of the burlap wrapper, with the medium-size pieces of charcoal material disposed thereon with the larger pieces of charcoal material disposed on top of the medium-sized pieces of charcoal material. Preferably, all charcoal materials are fabricated from all-natural charcoal logs fabricated from compressed charcoal particles without the use of odor causing binders. |
| US07931703B2 |
Methods for improving low-temperature properties of biodiesel fuel
The present invention is generally directed to novel biodiesel fuel compositions having enhanced low-temperature properties. The present invention is additionally directed to methods (i.e., processes) for making such enhanced biodiesel fuels by improving the low-temperature properties of ester-based biodiesel fuels via in situ enhancement and/or additive enhancement. |
| US07931701B2 |
Composition for dyeing of cellulosic fabric
The present invention provides a composition that permits spray dyeing of a cellulosic, such as cotton, fabric or garment. The composition includes a wetter, an alkali, a reactive dye, and water, and preferably a thickener. The present compositions are made by first mixing together the wetter, reactive dye and water to form a first solution, then mixing the thickener into the first solution to form a second solution, and thereafter mixing or merging the alkali to the second solution within five minutes prior to spray application onto the cellulosic fabric or garment. |
| US07931700B2 |
Composition for dyeing of cellulosic fabric
The composition that permits spray dyeing of a cellulosic, such as cotton, fabric or garment. The composition includes a wetter, an alkali, a reactive dye, a thickener, and water. The present compositions are made by first mixing together the wetter, reactive dye and water to form a first solution, then mixing the thickener into the first solution to form a second solution, and thereafter mixing or merging the alkali to the second solution within thirty minutes prior to spray application onto the cellulosic fabric or garment. |
| US07931693B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing obesity
Method and apparatus for treatment of morbid obesity by placement of a series of flow reduction elements in the small intestine to induce satiety are disclosed. The flow reduction elements restrict the movement of partially digested food and reduce the flow rate through the small intestine which causes the emptying of the stomach and the duodenum to occur slower. The flow reduction elements are attached to an elongated tube and are constructed from various shapes and configurations. The flow reduction elements may be inflated with fluid or may be constructed from self-expandable materials. The device is anchored in the antrum of the stomach with an anchoring member. The transoral gastric device can be inserted with a delivery catheter through the working lumen of an endoscope or alongside an endoscope and may be removed with the aid of an endoscope if desired. |
| US07931691B2 |
External proximal femoral prosthesis for total hip arthroplasty
A external femoral component for mechanically housing onto exterior remnant of natural femur and coupling with articulation elements in order to use in total hip arthroplasty defines as a hollow shell comprised of asymmetrically bell shaped cup, at least one rigid elongated stem downwardly extended from the lower rim of the cup and a plurality of an cylindrical object upwardly protruded from top of the cup for pairing with articulation elements and coupling with anchoring means and the tension anchoring means fixes the hollow shell on the bone surface through an interlocking mechanisms. |
| US07931684B2 |
Minimally-invasive annuloplasty repair segment delivery system
An annuloplasty repair segment and template for heart valve annulus repair. The elongate flexible template may form a distal part of a holder that also has a proximal handle. Alternatively, the template may be releasably attached to a mandrel that slides within a delivery sheath, the template being released from the end of the sheath to enable manipulation by a surgeon. A tether connecting the template and mandrel may also be provided. The template may be elastic, temperature responsive, or multiple linked segments. The template may be aligned with the handle and form a two- or three-dimensional curve out of alignment with the handle such that the annuloplasty repair segment attached thereto conforms to the curve. The template may be actively or passively converted between its straight and curved positions. The combined holder and ring is especially suited for minimally-invasive surgeries in which the combination is delivered to an implantation site through a small access incision with or without a cannula, or through a catheter passed though the patient's vasculature. |
| US07931676B2 |
Vertebral stabilizer
A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a spinal stabilization connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The stabilization rod is shaped to define a fixed number of discrete positions of orientation. |
| US07931673B2 |
Minimally invasive vertebral anchor access system and associated method
A spinal fixation access system includes a vertebral anchor with selectively attached extension members to extend percutaneously from the spine. The surgical procedure associated with this invention involves making small, discrete incisions for the placement of select vertebral anchors. The extension members retract soft tissue, muscle and the like to thereby provide visibility and access to the head of the anchor. Through the extension members, instrumentation such as a spine rod, set screw and other required hardware may be delivered to the anchors. Once a spine rod or other components are secured to the pedicle screws, the extension members are disengaged from the anchors and removed from the patient. |
| US07931671B2 |
Medical sealing device
The invention relates to a medical sealing device (1) for the sealing of a puncture hole in a vessel wall, and comprises an inner member (2), which is adapted to be positioned at an interior surface of the vessel wall, and an outer member (3), which is adapted to be positioned outside the vessel wall, the inner member (2) and the outer member (3) being held together by a retaining member (4), wherein at least one of said inner member (2), outer member (3) and retaining member (4) is made from at least one shape memory polymer. |
| US07931664B2 |
Temporary vascular filter guide wire
A vascular filter guide wire including a collapsible filter that deploys radially in response to axial movement of a core wire relative to a shaft to trap particulate matter arising from treatment of a lesion. |
| US07931660B2 |
Powered tacker instrument
There is provided a powered tacker device for use in installing multiple surgical fasteners through a prosthetic mesh into tissue. The powered tacker device generally includes a handle assembly and a tacker assembly extending distally from the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a motor and self-contained power assembly to rotate the surgical fasteners into tissue. The handle assembly is provided with a drive assembly which allows for rotation, as well as distal longitudinal movement, of a surgical fastener relative to the powered tacker device. The tacker assembly includes an inner tube for containing the plurality of surgical fasteners and a driver which is movable out of alignment with the inner tube so as to install a single fastener at a time into tissue. |
| US07931657B2 |
Apparatus and method for manipulating a flexible strand and soft tissue replacement during surgery
An system and method for performing a surgery, such as an anterior-cruciate-ligament replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod can co-operate with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion. A soft tissue replacement can be affixed to one end of the flexible strand and pulled over a retaining member with the other end of the flexible strand. |
| US07931656B2 |
Acetabular shell impactor
A method and apparatus for implanting acetabular components into an acetabulum utilizing a minimally invasive incision. The method and apparatus utilize a subatmospheric pressure formed in a hollow passage of an elongate body to secure an acetabular shell to a shell-engaging head removably attached to a coupler end of the elongate body. Liner-engaging heads may also be removably attached to the coupler end to install socket liners into an implanted acetabular shell. The elongate body may comprise a bent portion to allow access to the acetabulum through a minimally invasive incision. |
| US07931655B2 |
Methods and tools for femoral resection in knee surgery
Tools for resecting the femur include an anchoring device, a three-way alignment guide and a six way alignment guide attachable to the anchoring device, a resection guide attachable to the three-way alignment guide and equipped with couplings for trackers, an A-P sizer, a femoral sizing block bushing attachable to the six-way alignment guide, a 4-in-i femoral cutting block, a 5-in-i positional alignment guide attachable to the six-way alignment guide, a pair of diodes, and a 5-in-one cutting block. Methods of utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US07931654B2 |
Dual action rod reducing and locking device and method
Provided is a dual action surgical instrument for use in orthopedic surgical procedures that is capable of reducing a rod into position in a rod receiving notch in the head of a bone screw with a first action and subsequently locking the rod into the receiving notch by a second action of the same instrument. A method of using the device is also provided. |
| US07931648B2 |
Surgical glove system
A surgical system including a surgical glove having support systems such as, but not limited to, lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation. The surgical glove may include one or more lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation positioned on distal ends of fingers of the surgical glove. The support systems may be controlled with switches positioned on the fingers upon which each support system is positioned. The switches may be operable with the thumb on the human hand upon which the surgical glove is attached. The surgical system may also include a surgical gown having a connection system for attaching support conduit to the surgical gown. The surgical system enables a surgeon to have a plurality of support systems immediately available and reduces entanglement problems endemic with conventional systems. |
| US07931646B2 |
Method for treating vulnerable plaque
A method for treating a vulnerable plaque associated with a blood vessel of a patient is disclosed. The method includes positioning an electrical lead adjacent a vulnerable plaque lesion, and then delivering at least one electrical pulse to the lesion. |
| US07931641B2 |
Visceral pleura ring connector
A visceral pleura ring connector that may be utilized to anchor and seal the visceral pleura to a conduit or other device entering the lung from a non-native airway. The visceral pleura ring connector may be positioned around the visceral pleura and an insertion device and seal them together without having to make any holes in the pleura. The visceral pleura ring connector may be utilized with a pulmonary pleural stabilizer to hold the visceral pleura of the lung during surgical procedures involving accessing the lung or lungs of a patient directly through the lung and not the native airways. |
| US07931640B2 |
Method for muscle delivery of drugs, nucleic acids and other compounds
A method is disclosed for delivering molecules such as pharmaceutical drugs and nucleic acids into skeletal muscle in vivo. The molecule is first injected into the muscle at one or multiple sites. Immediately or shortly after injection, electrodes are placed flanking the injection site and a specific amount of electrical current is passed through the muscle. The electrical current makes the muscle permeable, thus allowing the molecule to enter the cell. In the case where nucleic acid is injected, the efficiency of transfer permits expression of protein encoded by the nucleic acid in an amount that exhibits systemic biological activity and which generates a robust immune response. |
| US07931634B2 |
Bodily exudate capturing article
A disposable intralabial urinary incontinence article having a resilient and liquid impermeable exostructure captures bodily exudates. The exostructure has a top surface and an internal space adapted to receive fluids. At least a portion of the exostructure is a flange that rests at least partially outside the labia. The exostructure also has a neck extending from the top surface that at least partially occupies the vestibular region and rests proximate the vestibule floor. The neck has a fluid receiving opening which is in communication with the internal space. The neck is configured so the fluid receiving opening is positioned generally adjacent the urethral meatus to direct urine into the internal space. The internal space may include an absorbent and the article may include a clitoral guide to aid positioning of the article within the vestibule. |
| US07931633B2 |
Breast milk absorbent pad
A breast milk absorbent pad according to the present invention comprises a pad chassis including a body fluid absorbent layer inclusive of a body fluid absorbent assembly and a body fluid leak-barrier sheet, and a pair of elastically stretchable and contractible members extending along transversely opposite sides of the pad-chassis in a longitudinal direction. The body fluid absorbent assembly is embossed so that the body fluid absorbent assembly may be formed along upper and lower ends thereof with high stiffness regions having a stiffness higher than that in the remaining region. |
| US07931628B2 |
Device for closing tissue openings
A tissue closure device has an elongate body with a first portion and a second portion. A wound closure member is also provided. In operation, a wound closure member is releasably held on a distal end of the first portion. The wound closure member is advanced within the patient until it is placed on top of and over a wound in tissue. Flowable adhesive is injected through a lume of the second portion onto the wound closure member and tissue surrounding the wound closure member. The wound closure member applicator holds the wound closure member in place, allowing the adhesive to at least partially set. The applicator is then removed from the wound closure member. Thus, an adhesive wound closure member is attached to close an opening in tissue. |
| US07931627B2 |
Check valve for medical Y-site
A check valve for use in a Y-site in an infusion system comprises a fixation portion configured to retain the check valve in a common lumen of the Y-site, and a flap member extending axially from the fixation portion. The flap member has an outer surface, at least a portion of which is configured to engage an internal wall of the common lumen overlying an inlet from a main lumen. In one embodiment, the flap member comprises a pocket, which surrounds surrounding the hole and any burr extending from the wall adjacent the hole. In some embodiments, the flap member is resiliently biased towards a sealed position, and can flex to allow fluid flow from the main lumen to the common lumen. |
| US07931625B2 |
Device for administering an injectable product
The invention provides a injection device for administering an injectable product, including a base section adapted to receive a container from which a product dose is dispensed through a needle by displacement of a piston in the container, and a drive unit including a driven member, a drive element and a damping arrangement, the drive unit for applying a force to advance the piston in the container to dispense a dose, wherein the damping arrangement generally counteracts the drive force and counter forces. The invention also encompasses a needle safety sleeve and a blocking structure for use with injection devices. |
| US07931624B2 |
Introducer seal assembly with low profile gimbal seal
A surgical seal assembly for use with a surgical access device includes a seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage dimensioned to permit passage of a surgical instrument through the seal housing, a gimbal mount disposed within the seal housing and having a gimbal seal member defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of the surgical instrument, and an interface seal disposed within the seal housing. The gimbal mount is adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument whereby the gimbal seal member substantially maintains the sealed reception of the surgical instrument. The interface seal includes an interface seal member extending at least along the longitudinal axis and being in substantial contacting sealing relation with the gimbal mount. The interface seal member is adapted to maintain the sealing relation with the gimbal mount upon angular movement thereof. |
| US07931621B2 |
Infusion assembly
An infusion assembly comprises a cannula subassembly and a source subassembly. The cannula subassembly includes a substantially planar base, a cannula projecting from the base so as to be beneath the patient's skin when the subassembly is deployed, and a generally cylindrical docking structure having a center axis substantially perpendicular to the base. A liquid medicament is dispensed from the cannula. The source subassembly is arranged to dock with the docking structure and includes a supply of liquid medicament that couples to the cannula upon the source subassembly docking with the cannula subassembly. The source subassembly also includes a primer that automatically primes the insulin fluid path to the cannula tip when the subassemblies are joined. |
| US07931614B2 |
Injection systems
The invention in general relates to various injection systems and devices that can be used, for example, in needleless injection systems for human, and for domestic and farm animals. In certain embodiments, the invention provides an injection system comprising: an injector defining a first cavity in fluid communication with an orifice configured for needleless injection; a housing defining a second cavity, the housing different than the injector; a first movable member between the first cavity and the second cavity, wherein the first movable member is configured to transfer a fluid from the second cavity to the first cavity; and wherein the first movable member is configured to be substantially stationary until the first movable member is moved by a propellant. |
| US07931607B2 |
Pulmonary therapy apparatus
A vest apparatus comprises a vest having a rear panel, left rear and right rear air bladders supported by the rear panel, and a controller operable to inflate one of the left rear and right rear air bladders and simultaneously deflate the other of the left rear and right rear air bladders to cause lateral rotation of the patient. |
| US07931604B2 |
Method for real time interactive visualization of muscle forces and joint torques in the human body
A method and system are provided for the visual display of anatomical forces, that system having: a motion capture system; a computer, receiving data from said motion capture system; and a computational pipeline disposed on said computer; that computational pipeline being configured to calculate muscle forces and joint torques in real time and visually display those forces and torques. |
| US07931603B2 |
Sensor and guide wire assembly
Sensor and guide wire assembly (1; 21) for intravascular measurement of physical variables inside a living body and comprises a proximal end portion (2; 22) and a sensor element (9; 29), which is located in a distal portion of the sensor and guide wire assembly (1; 21), and is characterized in that a proximal tube (3; 23) is provided, which extends from said proximal portion (2; 22) to a proximal end of a hollow stranded wire (4; 24), which extends to the distal end portion wherein the sensor element (9; 29) is located. |
| US07931596B2 |
Ultrasound interfacing device for tissue imaging
A device (10) used with high frequency ultrasound provides a replaceable barrier between the ultrasound transducer and the tissues being imaged. The device (10) provides an acoustic pathway of minimal effect on the ultrasound signals, and furthermore provides for a safety barrier between a mechanical scanner and the tissues being imaged. The configuration of the device (10) allows it to function as a standoff for the ultrasound transducer to place the focus of the ultrasound beam at the desired depth of tissue for imaging. In addition, the device (10) may be sterilized and replaced as needed, providing sterile tissue contact surfaces. The device (10) has additional features, which are especially advantageous for diagnosis and surgery of the eye. |
| US07931594B2 |
Regional anesthetic method and apparatus
A system and method for regional anesthesia using ultrasound to assist in locating the anesthetic needle are disclosed. One or more piezo-electric crystal transducers is placed either at the tip of the needle or near the tip of the needle on a stylet which is inserted into the lumen of the needle. The transducer(s) are pulsed with ultrasonic frequency, the reflected ultrasonic signals from structures are detected and converted into a digital signal and may be displayed in an oscilloscopic format to indicate anatomical structures forward to the needle and allow the medical professional to avoid errors and/or increase efficiency and accuracy. An array of transducers can be pulsed in a phased array fashion to generate a 2D image, or a single transducer can be pulsed to generate a 1D image. A 2D image can also be obtained by mechanically sweeping a single transducer, for example by means of a miniature motor in or at the base of a needle or stylet. |
| US07931593B2 |
Determining respiratory or circulatory health condition in animals for improved management
A method and system for managing at least one animal is disclosed. The method can include imaging, such as ultrasound imaging, a lung of a live animal, such as a ruminant animal or bovine animal. The imaging can be performed to determine a degree of respiratory damage from past respiratory illness. After imaging, information regarding respiratory damage can be used to select at least one aspect of the treatment, care or disposition of the animal. For example, the information can be used to select the amount or type of feed provided to the animal at a feedlot. The information also can be used to select how long the animal should be housed at the feedlot prior to slaughter. If an animal is diagnosed with a respiratory illness, information about its degree of respiratory damage from past respiratory illness also can be used to select the appropriate medical treatment or lack of treatment. |
| US07931590B2 |
Tissue stabilizer and methods of using the same
Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing tissue, e.g., a beating heart, within a patient's body. In certain embodiments, the subject devices are characterized by having a shaft and at least two contacting members operatively associated with the shaft where the contacting members are capable of assuming a substantial coaxial alignment when in a low profile configuration and also capable of assuming an open, working configuration. In other embodiments, the devices are characterized by having a shaft and at least one tissue contacting member associated with the shaft using a ball and socket mechanism, wherein the at least one tissue contacting member may be caused to pitch and/or roll and/or yaw. In the subject methods, a subject device is advanced to the target site and stabilizes the target tissue using compression, negative pressure or both. The subject invention also includes kits for use in practicing the subject methods. |
| US07931589B2 |
Surgical retractor device and related methods
A surgical retractor device. The surgical retractor device includes a frame having an outer frame member and an inner frame member coupled to the outer frame member for relative movement about a frame pivot axis, and a frame driver operable to rotate the outer frame member relative to the inner frame member about the frame pivot axis. |
| US07931587B2 |
Endoscope with decreased stray light effect that includes a light shielding member that does not pass any light rays emitted from an illuminator
An endoscope includes an illuminator that includes a light emitting surface for illuminating the inside of a living body, an objective optical system for forming an image of a specified object on one side of the objective optical system and illuminated by the illuminator, and a transparent cover that encompasses the illuminator and the one side of the objective optical system. The transparent cover includes an outer surface, and light emitted from the light emitting surface that is reflected by the outer surface satisfies a certain condition that helps prevent rearward dispersed light caused by scratches on, or substances adhering to, the external surface of the transparent cover from entering the entrance pupil of the objective optical system. The endoscope may also include a member for partially shielding the light emitted from the light emitting surface so as to limit the direction in which light is directed from said light emitting surface to the transparent cover. |
| US07931585B2 |
Transmitting apparatus, receiving apparatus, and body-insertable apparatus system
A transmitting apparatus which externally transmits a radio signal containing at least a main information portion, includes a main information output unit that outputs a signal containing the main information portion; a dummy component output unit that outputs a dummy component including one or more alternating-current signals having a predetermined frequency component; a dummy inserting unit that inserts the dummy component into at least a part of a gap portion in the signal containing the main information portion, the gap portion being a portion where the main information portion does not exist; and a radio transmitting unit that externally transmits the signal which contains the main information portion and the dummy component inserted, by radio. |
| US07931581B2 |
Automated surgical connector
Surgical tools for off-pump surgery are described herein. In an embodiment, a surgical connector for coupling an organ to a medical device comprises an inner body. The surgical connector further comprises an outer hollow body slidably disposed around said inner body. Moreover, the connector comprises a distal sealing member disposed around said inner body. The distal sealing member has a collapsed position and an expanded position. The distal sealing member is also capable of being locked in said expanded position. The surgical connector further comprises a proximal sealing member disposed around said outer hollow body, said proximal sealing member is proximal to said distal sealing member. The disclosed surgical connector employs a novel press-fit mechanism. The press-fit mechanism allows a surgeon to attach the connector to an organ without the use of sutures. The surgical connector also incorporates an expandable sealing member that can be locked into the expanded position. |
| US07931579B2 |
Tissue positioner
Apparatus and methods for stabilizing and/or positioning tissues or organs during surgical procedures. One feature of the positioners of the invention includes the use of one or more suction elements used to grip the organ or tissue. The main body of the suction element comprises body defining a polyhedral shaped chamber, an elliptical ring structure and a vacuum port. The invention further includes structures to support the suction element and hold the suction element and attached tissue in a fixed position including catheters, lockable flexible arms, and retractors. |
| US07931572B1 |
Resistance exercise device
A resistance exercise device includes at least one stretchable resistance loop, a pair of handles having openings extending longitudinally therethrough, and a support portion having a pair of openings extending therethrough along opposing edges of the support portion. The support portion is located between the first and second handles. |
| US07931570B2 |
Exercise device
A versatile exercise device comprising a level frame; a frame keyhole sequence; a track parallel to two sides of the frame; at least one resistance medium, and a platform comprising at least two wheels, placed and rolling within said track, a platform frame comprising a platform keyhole sequences, and a top panel. The resistance mediums connect the platform to the frame. Preferably, each of two resistance mediums connects one side of the platform with one side of the frame. |
| US07931569B2 |
Weighted training belt for hockey players
An improved weighted training belt for hockey players consisting of an elongated belt having a length, opposite first and second ends, and complimentary first and second coupling members provided on the first and second ends of the belt, respectively. The belt also includes at least one pair of connector elements positioned between the first and second coupling members, said pair of connector elements being movable along the length of the belt and selectively fixable at any point along the length of the belt. The training belt further includes at least one weight pouch having opposite side straps with a connector element provided on an end of each of the side straps, the connector elements of the weight pouch being complimentary to the pair of connector elements on the belt, the weight pouch configured to support at least one weight, the opposite side straps of the weight pouch each having an adjustable length. |
| US07931561B2 |
Aggressive torque converter clutch slip control design through driveline torsional velocity measurements
A system and method for setting the slip of a torque converter for a plurality of selected engine speeds and transmission gears. The method includes populating a table off-line, typically using a dynamometer, with torque converter slips for a plurality of selected engine speeds and transmission gears. A speed sensor is used to measure vibrations transmitted through the torque converter to the driveline of the vehicle. The sensor signal is sent to an analyzing system where it is converted to the frequency domain. A separate minimum slip value for each selected engine speed and transmission gear is stored in a table so that during vehicle operation, a controller will instruct the torque converter clutch to set the desired converter slip for the current engine speed and transmission gear provided for a particular throttle position and/or engine torque. |
| US07931559B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches. |
| US07931555B2 |
Hybrid drive device
A hybrid drive apparatus includes an engine; an input shaft that is connected to the engine; an output shaft that is connected to wheels; a rotary electric machine; a first planetary gear apparatus; and a second planetary gear apparatus. In an electric torque converter mode, the first planetary gear apparatus reduces an absolute value of a rotational speed of the rotary electric machine and transfers a first resulting rotational speed to the second planetary gear apparatus, and the second planetary gear apparatus combines the first resulting rotational speed and a rotation of the input shaft, reduces an absolute value of a rotational speed of the input shaft, and transmits a second resulting rotational speed to the output shaft. |
| US07931554B2 |
Endless belt
A flexible endless belt includes cords extending generally lengthwise of the belt in multiple turns. An Outer end of each cord may be located in a position that is not substantially laterally outward of other portion of the laterally outermost turn of the cord so as to prevent fraying of the cord at the outer end. When the belt is received on roller in a baler, the outer ends of the cords lead at least a part of respective transition portions. A carcass for the belt may have a first cord wound in a Z-direction along the length of the belt and comprising at least two threads wound in the Z-direction and a second cord wound in an S-direction along the length of the belt and comprising at least two threads wound in the S-direction. |
| US07931551B2 |
Hydraulic control apparatus and method for belt-type continuously-variable transmission
A hydraulic control apparatus includes a continuously-variable transmission; a line-pressure control section configured to produce a line pressure by adjusting a discharge pressure of an oil pump; a first hydraulic-pressure control section configured to adjust a first hydraulic pressure based on the line pressure, the first hydraulic pressure being supplied to the drive pulleys; and a second hydraulic-pressure control section configured to adjust a second hydraulic pressure based on the line pressure, the second hydraulic pressure being supplied to the driven pulleys. The continuously-variable transmission includes a pair of drive pulleys including a first movable pulley and a first fixed pulley; a pair of driven pulleys including a second movable pulley and a second fixed pulley; and a belt wound between the pair of drive pulleys and the pair of driven pulleys. The line-pressure control section is configured to adjust the line pressure to a value set by adding a margin pressure to higher one of the first hydraulic pressure and the second hydraulic-pressure, and configured to reduce the margin pressure when the first hydraulic pressure is higher than the second hydraulic pressure. |
| US07931550B2 |
Programmable lighted archery nock
The present invention generally relates to a lighted archery nock. The lighted archery nock generally includes an accelerometer, a replaceable battery, a light, a housing, and a microprocessor that controls illumination of the light. The microprocessor can control the timing of the light to save battery life and respond to user input transmitted by tapping the nock to re-set the light. The housing is configured with a plurality of fingers that interact with the replaceable battery to hold it in place. |
| US07931549B2 |
Ice hockey stick
An ice hockey stick has a shaft and an adjoining blade. The shaft has a proximal end proximate the blade, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an outer surface. The outer surface has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape transitioning towards the proximal end to one of a generally hexagonal, octagonal, decagonal, or dodecagonal cross-sectional shape, and a front shaft face and an opposing rear shaft face. A width of a portion of the shaft, as measured between the front shaft face and the rear shaft face, tapers towards the proximal end. The blade has a front blade face flush with the front shaft face and a rear blade face opposing the front blade face. The rear blade face is flush with the rear shaft face. The blade also has a heel and a neck affixed to the proximal end of the shaft. |
| US07931542B2 |
Golf club
The invention provides a golf club including a clubhead including a hosel portion having an internal screw portion and a first support surface; a shaft including a neck portion having an external screw portion which screws into the first screw portion and a second support surface opposed to the first support surface, and an adjuster element adapted to be interposed between the first support surface and the second support surface when the clubhead and the shaft are screwed together by the first screw portion and the second screw portion being screwed together, wherein a center axis of an insertion portion on the internal thread is formed is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a center axis of the shaft which results when the clubhead and the shaft are screwed together. |
| US07931541B2 |
Golf grip training tool
A golf grip training tool utilized on a simulated golf club of reduced length. An abutment is angularly placed on the end of the shaft of the golf club and indicia relating to the placement of the golfer's thumbs and index fingers are attached thereto. Utilizing the abutment and the indicia, the golfer would be able to properly place his or her hands on the upper shaft or handle of the golf club to learn the proper grip. |
| US07931540B2 |
Children's playland
An inflatable playland for a child is disclosed, as are different embodiments relating to same. The playland may be designed to emulate different objects, and preferably allows for a child to play on or within same. A module or other device is also included to allow the playland to play a sound and/or display a visual upon detection of a child or other object. |
| US07931539B2 |
Elevating mechanism and Ferris wheel using the same
An elevating mechanism includes a cage, a connecting element, a balancing weight body, a sheave and a power output unit. The cage includes an outer box and an inner box. The outer box for containing a fluid has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is for the fluid flowing into the outer box. The outlet is for the fluid flowing out of the outer box. The inner box is placed inside the outer box for containing a loading body, and suspended in the fluid. The connecting element is wound around the sheave. The power output unit is for driving the sheave. One end of the connecting element is connected to the outer box, and the other end connected to the balancing weight body. The weight of the balancing weight body is equal to the total weight of the outer box, the fluid, the inner box and the loading body. |
| US07931535B2 |
Game operating device
A game operating device (controller) includes a longitudinal housing, and a holding portion held by hand to be wrapped by its palm it is formed in the housing. A direction switch is provided on an upper surface at a position where it can be operated by thumb of the hand holding the holding portion, and a start switch and a select switch are provided backward thereof. An X button 46 and a Y button are further arranged in line on the upper surface of the housing. An imaging information arithmetic unit is provided at a front end of the housing in a longitudinal direction in such a manner that an imaging device thereof is exposed from a front-end surface. A concave portion is formed on a lower surface at a position corresponding to the direction switch. The concave portion includes a valley and two inclined surfaces. An A button capable of being operated by index finger of the hand holding the holding portion is provided on the backward inclined surface. By processing an image signal obtained by imaging an infrared ray from LED modules by the imaging device, it is possible to obtain an operation signal varying according to a position and/or attitude of the controller. |
| US07931533B2 |
Game development architecture that decouples the game logic from the graphics logics
A disclosed gaming machine is designed to execute a modular gaming software architecture. A plurality of gaming software modules may be loaded into RAM on the gaming machine and executed to play a game of chance. Many of the gaming software modules are designed to communicate via application program interfaces so that the logic in many of the gaming software modules may be designed independently of each other. In particular, the modular gaming software architecture allows a game flow software module used to generate a game of chance on the gaming machine to be decoupled from a game presentation software module used to present the game chance. Thus, a group of games may be designed where the games share a common game flow software module but use different game presentation software modules to change the look and feel of the game. |
| US07931528B2 |
Gaming device having free potential winning combinations
Methods to provide an enhanced likelihood of winning an award and to provide enhanced awards based upon the appearance of symbols on free paylines or free hands of cards. In one embodiment base paylines and the free payline are defined using the same symbol matrix and same reel strips. The free payline is an additional payline with same frequencies of wins and losses as the base paylines. The player wagers upon any number of base paylines. The player receives a free payline if a designated number of base paylines are wagered upon. A multiplier enhances the award for winning symbol combinations appearing on the free payline, with the multiplier value equal to the total wager. In another embodiment, a player wagers upon any number of displayed poker hands. The player also receives at least one free hand if a designated number of hands are wagered upon. |
| US07931522B2 |
Removable optical monitoring system for chemical mechanical polishing
A polishing system includes a platen having a top surface to receive a polishing pad, a recess in the top surface, and a cavity inside the platen spaced from the recess, a carrier head to hold a surface of a substrate against the polishing pad on the platen, a monitoring module located in the cavity, the monitoring module including a light source and a detector, an optical head removably mounted in the recess in the top surface platen, and an optical fiber having a proximate end coupled to the monitoring module and a distal end held by the optical head holding the distal end of the optical fiber in a position to direct light through a window in the polishing pad to the surface of the substrate and receive reflected light from the surface of the substrate. |
| US07931521B1 |
Adjustable bra strap
In combination with a bra having a front anchor strap portion and a rear anchor strap portion, an adjustable bra strap includes an elongated enclosed loop of flexible fabric with one end forming an attachment section. One end of the enclosed loop is coupled to the rear anchor strap portion and the other end is coupled to the front anchor strap portion. The enclosed loop extends through a first coupler with the attached coupler being movable longitudinally along one side of the enclosed loop. An element of a fastener is affixed to the attachment section and a complemental element is affixed to a facing portion of the enclosed loop. The element is positioned to mate with and releasably connect to the complement element in a selected orientation. |
| US07931519B2 |
Fingerboard skateboard
A device and a mechanism is provided for incorporation of traditional skateboard maneuvers on a miniature level. The device may be a toy fingerboard skateboard that may be utilized to perform common skateboard tricks. The device may have a spring click mechanism that is incorporated into the toy skateboard design whereby the spring may be placed at the tail kick section of the skateboard. The device may allow for pressure to be placed on the spring click portion of the board thereby increasing the traction to the front of the board which in turn allows the skateboard to lift from the surface in which it is placed. The increased traction and pressure on the fingerboard allows for the performance of different skateboarding tricks that are typically not successful with the fingerboard skateboard because of traction and size limitations. |
| US07931516B2 |
Organic light-emitting apparatus and method of producing the same
Provided is an organic light-emitting apparatus in which a crack or the like produced when removing a passivation layer on an external connection terminal is prevented from developing with the elapse of time and the moisture resistance of a light-emitting area is not impaired. The organic light-emitting apparatus includes a substrate; an organic planarization layer for planarizing unevenness of the substrate; an organic light-emitting device including a lower electrode, an organic compound layer, and an upper electrode; and a passivation layer for covering the organic light-emitting device, in which the organic planarization layer has formed therein a recessed or protruding discontinuous portion for dividing a region including a light-emitting area and a region including an external connection terminal, and the discontinuous portion is covered with the passivation layer. |
| US07931515B2 |
Light emitting device with microlens array
A method of manufacturing a micro-lens array and light-emitting device, comprising forming a first structured polymer film with close packed surface cavities having a mean diameter of less than 20 micrometers and a relatively lower surface energy surface, forming a transparent second structured film with an array of microlenses formed thereon corresponding to the cavities of the first structured film, wherein the second structured film comprises a relatively high surface energy material and has a refractive index greater than 1.45, and wherein the microlenses are randomly distributed, separating the second structured film with the micro-lens array from the first structured polymer film, and attaching the second structured film to a transparent substrate or cover of a light-emitting device through which light is emitted. Use of microlens arrays formed from relatively high surface energy materials enables matching refractive index of microlens array to that of light-emitting devices substrate or cover through which light is emitted and relatively high elastic modulus providing good scratch resistance. |
| US07931514B2 |
Method of making an integral HID reflector lamp
An integral HID reflector lamp may be formed with an HID held in a reflector. An inner element is mechanically coupled to the reflector. The inner element is formed with a first mechanical coupling to mate with the reflector, a second mechanical coupling to mate with a circuit board, and an electrical coupling to at least electrically couple one of the leads to the circuit board. A circuit board has an edge mechanically coupled to the inner element and electrically connected to the leads by an electrical coupling on the inner element. A heat sink spans at least one side of the circuit board and forming an EMI shielding. An outer cover encloses the heat sink, circuit board, and inner element and coupled to the assembly of the reflector, HID lamp, inner element, and heat sink with each elements of the assembly clipped together. |
| US07931513B2 |
Marine propulsion system
A marine propulsion system includes an outboard motor including an engine, a propeller, a shift position switching mechanism, an oil pump, valves, and an ECU. The shift position switching mechanism includes hydraulic clutches arranged to change the connection state between the engine and the propeller. The shift position switching mechanism is switchable among forward, reverse, and neutral. A first valve opens and closes the communication between the oil pump and a first hydraulic clutch. A second valve opens and closes the communication between the oil pump and a second hydraulic clutch. A third valve opens and closes the communication between the oil pump and each of third and fourth valves. |
| US07931509B2 |
Coaxial fitting contact tube construction
Contact tubes and coaxial cable fittings with the tubes, including barrel connectors, right angle connectors, and sockets. The elongated, tubular contact tube extends coaxially within each fitting, establishing at least one female juncture for receiving the center conductor projecting from a coaxial connector. The insulators and bushings center and retain the contact tube within the connectors. The contact tubes are rolled from beryllium, copper alloy sheets having slotted portions defined on one or both sheet ends. The slotted portions comprise a plurality of parallel, curved, slots, each of which borders curved metal strips. Half slots at the bottom and top of the slotted portions adjoin each other after rolling to form an additional slot. Because of the shape of the slots and strips a generally pentagonal configuration is assumed after rolling and contraction of the slotted region, such that contact points overlap. |
| US07931508B1 |
Multi-fit transformer stud mounting and methods of making the same
An electrical connector is provided with a stud connector hole disposed into one end thereof which has a shallow V-groove therein, the flanks of the V-groove provided with threads for both sizes of studs commonly disposed therein wherein the threads of the smaller diameter stud are disposed into the flanks of the V-groove spaced from the threads of the larger diameter stud. The shallow V-groove provides at least two areas of contact on either size stud inserted therein, the areas of contact maintained along the length of the stud. |
| US07931503B2 |
RJ-type connector with secured contacts
An electrical connector comprises an insulating housing defining a receiving room with a front mating opening and a plurality passageways extending rearwards, a plurality of contacts retained in the passageways, and a first spacer member retained in the insulating housing and sustaining said contacts upwardly. Each contact comprises a holding beam with tabs formed thereon and a holding leg downwardly extending from a rear end of the holding beam. Said first spacer member has a plurality of blocking portions which are formed on a rear side of said tabs to resist the tabs frontward so that the contacts can not move rearwards but be retained in the insulating housing stably even during the mating process with a mating connector. |
| US07931500B2 |
Electrical connector system
An electrical connector system may include a plurality wafer assemblies that engage with a substrate. Each wafer assembly includes a housing that defines a plurality of projections extending from an edge of the housing at a mounting end of the wafer assembly. At least a portion of a projection of the plurality of projections of the housing is dimensioned to fit into a corresponding hole in a substrate when the housing is engaged with the substrate. In some implementations, the projection is positioned on the housing to block a line-of-sight between a first signal substrate engagement element of an array of electrical contacts associated with the housing and a second signal substrate engagement element of the array of electrical contacts. |
| US07931496B2 |
Electrical connector
A connector includes a housing to be attached to a front face of a panel. A panel has a mounting opening through which a rear portion of the housing is inserted. The rear portion of the housing has a lance extending in a direction parallel to the front face of the panel. The mounting opening has a concave portion through which the lance is inserted. When the housing is moved in a first direction along the front face of the panel, a locking piece that continues to a concave portion locks the tip of the lance such that the housing is difficult to move in a second direction. |
| US07931494B2 |
Flexible holder for a connector having a receptacle with multiple degrees of motion
A holder is capable of providing flexible support for the connector of a flexible printed circuit board, and has particular applicability for battery recharging cradles for a mobile computing device or hand-held scanner. The holder comprises a receptacle having a rear wall and two side walls, along with protrusions to slidably retain the connector therein. The rear wall connects, using a radiused bend, to a connecting wall, which may form an acute angle relative to the rear wall, and which may neck down to improve rotational capability. The connecting wall transitions, using a radiused bend, to a transverse wall, and from its ends are two cantilever straps extending towards the receptacle, and thereby forming an acute angle relative to the connecting wall. An upward protruding boss on the end of each strap aids translational and rotational flexibility, where the holder is mounted to a surface using orifices in the bosses. |
| US07931492B1 |
Structure of conductive terminal of electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a housing, a conductive terminal, and a pressing member. The conductive terminal is received and fixed in the housing. The conductive terminal includes a fixing arm and a depressed arm extending in the same direction and substantially parallel to each other. The depressed arm has an end forming a depressed portion. The fixing arm is fixed with respect to the housing. The fixing arm has a side forming an engaging portion for electrically engaging an electrical cable and an opposite side forming at least one abutment portion positioned against an inner wall of the housing. The pressing member includes a pivot, which is extended in a given direction to form a depressing portion that is operable to depress the depressed arm. The pressing member is movable to switch between an open condition and a clamped condition. |
| US07931491B2 |
Flat cable connector
A cable connector comprising having a housing with an opening for receiving an end of a flat cable therein. The housing also has a plurality of terminal recesses, and a plurality of conductive terminals disposed in the recesses for connecting to conductive leads of the flat cable. The terminals are provided with solder connecting portions for adhering to conductive pads by soldering, and contact portions for contacting the flat cable conductive leads. The terminals recesses are at least partly defined by terminal holding walls confronting external surfaces of the terminals received therein, by broad width portions, and a cut-away portions formed between parts in the terminals holding walls, the parts facing the terminal solder connecting portions and contact portions, respectively. |
| US07931490B2 |
Indicating the integrity of a connector seal
An embodiment of a device for indicating the integrity of a seal between engaged connectors of a connection assembly. According to an embodiment, a connection assembly includes a first connector having at least one indicator receptacle. The indicator receptacle may receive a removable indicator capable of determining the integrity of a liquid-tight seal within the first connector. Typically, the assembly also includes a second connector operable to interface with the first connector. Further, the indicator includes a cam assembly operable to engage the first connector such that the cam assembly physically indicates when sealing surfaces within the connectors are properly seated with one another. |
| US07931488B2 |
Connection and junction box for a solar module
A connection and junction box for a photovoltaic solar module having flexible flat conductor band protruding from the surface of the solar module, wherein the connection and junction box has an insertion mouth at its side facing the solar module in mounted state, for at least one flexible flat conductor band of the solar module, and comprises a housing for attaching on the solar module, and a connection device for the flexible flat conductor band, positioned in the housing, the connection device has an electrical contact clamp, which is closed when putting the box on the solar module, and thereby catches and contacts the flat conductor band. |
| US07931485B2 |
Connector with side flange
An electrical connector comprises an insertion side and a shielding shell. The shielding shell comprises a frame, and further comprises a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion which may be respectively located on two opposing sides of the frame. Each of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion has a fixing hole, and each has a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The rear surface of the second mounting portion and the front surface of the first mounting portion are substantially on the same plane. |
| US07931484B2 |
Latchable power outlet
A latchable power outlet with greater ease is disclosed, comprising: a base; at least two electrically conductive plates on the base, wherein the at least two electrically conductive plates are employed for making connection with a power supply and electrically conductive tongs; a two-stage self-locking switch structure on the base; a movable frame connected to the two-stage self-locking switch structure, pressing the two-stage self-locking switch structure after being directly or indirectly pressed by the plug; and at least two electrically conductive tongs; wherein the at least two electrically conductive tongs are connected to the at least two electrically conductive plates and clamp the contact prongs of the plug while being pressed by the movable frame, and wherein the at least two electrically conductive tongs release the contact prongs of the plug and are disconnected from the at least two electrically conductive plates while returning to original position. |
| US07931482B2 |
Safety socket structure
A safety socket structure includes a casing, two control pieces, and two contact pieces. The casing is provided with two insertion holes and two through-holes. The interior of the casing is formed with connecting positions corresponding to the insertion holes. The two control pieces are liftably provided in the casing and protrude through the two through-holes to the outside of the casing. The two contact pieces are provided in the casing and abut the two contact pieces, thereby controlling the two contact pieces to extend into the connecting positions selectively. Via this arrangement, a safety socket structure that has a lower cost and is not liable to suffer damage can be achieved. |
| US07931479B1 |
Bussed electrical center with combination electrical and mechanical connection
A bussed electrical center has a power cable for feeding electrical power to the bussed electrical center. A printed circuit board subassembly is interposed between a first housing member and a second housing member that are connectable together. An electrically conductive connector has a prong end and a distal end. The prong end is operably connected to the printed circuit board subassembly. A first fastener and a second fastener are positioned on opposite sides of the first and second housing members. When the first and second fasteners are tightened together to a draw the first and second housing members together to mechanically fasten the bussed electrical center together, the distal end and the terminal end are pressed against each other for electrical connection to each other to electrically connect the power cable to the printed circuit board subassembly. |
| US07931478B2 |
Electrical junction box
An electrical junction box comprising: a casing containing a circuit assembly therein; a connector housing disposed on a bottom of the casing and adapted to be coupled to a mating connector; a plurality of terminal metals connected to the circuit assembly and passing through a wall of the connector housing to be drawn into the connector housing; and a waterproof cover formed individually from the casing and disposed in the casing. The waterproof cover includes a first waterproof wall for covering a space above adjacent terminal metals, a second waterproof front wall and second waterproof side walls for partitioning a space between the adjacent terminal metals and a side wall of the casing. |
| US07931476B2 |
Separable electrical connectors using isotropic conductive elastomer interconnect medium
An electrical connector using an isotropic conductive elastomer as the interconnect medium. |
| US07931475B2 |
Solderable elastic electric contact terminal
Provided is a solderable elastic electric contact terminal. The solderable elastic electric contact terminal includes a tube-shaped insulating elastic core, an insulating non-foam rubber coating layer adhered to the insulating elastic core to surround the insulating elastic core, and a heat-resistant polymer film having one surface adhered to the insulating non-foam rubber coating layer to surround the insulating non-foam rubber coating layer, and another surface integrally provided with a metal layer. |
| US07931474B2 |
High-density, robust connector
A high speed connector includes a plurality of wafer-style components, the wafers including two columns of conductive terminals that are supported in an insulative support body by a plurality of channels. Ribs may be provided to help secure one of the terminals in one of the plurality of channels. The two columns of terminals are configured to form broadside coupled terminal pairs and an air channel is at least partially disposed in the wafer between two adjacent broadside coupled terminal pairs. |
| US07931471B2 |
Surgical training aid apparatus
A surgical training aid apparatus for facilitating the training of medical procedures comprising a housing and an anatomical replicating assembly. The housing includes a tray having a bottom surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface. The anatomical replicating assembly is positioned upon the top surface of the tray of the housing, and includes a base layer and at least one body component. The base layer has a bottom surface and a top surface, and, overlays a portion of the top surface of the tray of the housing. The base layer further includes a tackiness. The body component is positioned between the top surface of the housing and the bottom surface of the base layer or on the base layer. The body component likewise includes a tackiness. The body component is releasably coupled to the base layer due to the tackiness of the two components, wherein the tackiness is overcome so as to separate the at least one body component relative to the base layer. |
| US07931468B2 |
All primary combustion burner
In an all primary combustion burner, a partition plate that demarcates a mixing chamber between the partition plate and a bottom wall section of a burner main body and a distributing plate that sections a space between the partition plate and the combustion plate into a first distributing chamber and a second distributing chamber are provided in the burner main body to cause a fuel gas and a primary air to flow into the mixing chamber A pressure loss is minimized to make it possible to satisfactorily mix the fuel gas and the primary air. An outlet is formed on a downstream side of the partition plate. A guide plate section that extends to the downstream side while inclining in a normal direction, which approaches the bottom wall section of the burner main body, from an edge on the upstream side of the outlet, is provided in the partition plate. |
| US07931464B2 |
Apparatus for extrusion-blow molding a bottle for assembly with metal can end
An extrusion blow mold for forming a plastic bottle having a radial flange suitable for roll-form attachment to a metal can end. The mold has a pair of confronting mold halves, each mold half including a body forming portion, a bottom pinch-off portion located below the body forming portion, a top block portion including a blow chamber located above the body forming portion, and a spin-ring forming portion located between the body forming portion and the top block portion. The spin-ring forming portion includes a thread ring insert and a cutter ring insert. The thread ring insert has an inside upper edge including an outwardly extending surface terminating in a step defining a lower surface and a outer edge of a radial flange. The cutter ring insert is positioned immediately above the thread ring insert. The cutter ring insert has a lower surface adjacent an inside edge defining an upper surface of the radial flange including a tapered inner edge extending upward and inward from the step. At least one of the thread ring insert and cutter ring insert includes a relief surface connected to a vent channel to permit gas to escape from the area defining the radial flange. |
| US07931459B2 |
Tool for manufacturing ceramic casting cores for turbomachine blades
A tool for manufacturing a casting core, for a turbomachine blade with a leading edge and a trailing edge, the core includes a thick part on the leading edge side and a thin part on the trailing edge side is disclosed. The tool includes first and second dies of the core that are moveable in a direction with respect to each other between a molding position and a demolding position, sub-components that are moveable relative to the dies, and mechanical ejectors that are provided on the first and second dies. The parts of the dies corresponding to the thin part of the core do not include a movable sub-component. The thin part of the core is demolded along the main direction of opening of the first and second dies. |
| US07931456B2 |
Electroblowing web formation
An improved electroblowing process is provided for forming a fibrous web of nanofibers wherein polymer stream is issued from a spinning nozzle in a spinneret with the aid of a forwarding gas stream, passes an electrode and a resulting nanofiber web is collected on a collector. The process includes applying a high voltage to the electrode and grounding the spinneret such that an electric field is generated between the spinneret and the electrode of sufficient strength to impart an electrical charge on the polymer as it issues from the spinning nozzle. |
| US07931454B2 |
Pump device
A bearing is located with movement of an outer race in the longitudinal direction of a drive shaft being restricted, and the drive shaft is fixed to an inner race with the press fit, so that, it is possible to prevent the drive shaft from escaping. In addition, the inner race is longer than the outer race. Therefore, it is possible to obtain sufficient strength of the press fit of the drive shaft in the inner race while suppressing the size of the outer race (in other words, suppressing the size of the pump device). As a consequence, the size of the pump device can be suppressed while increasing reliability of the function for preventing the drive shaft from escaping. |
| US07931452B2 |
Suction throttle valve of a compressor
A compressor has a suction throttle valve, which includes a suction passage, a suction port, a valve body, an urging member, a valve chamber, a first communication hole, a closing valve and a valve seat. The closing valve closes the hole of the valve body by pressure difference between the valve chamber and the suction port. The valve seat limits movement of the closing valve toward the suction port. The hole of the valve body is closed when the closing valve is in contact with the valve body, and open when the closing valve is in contact with the valve seat. A communication passage is formed in the closing valve or the valve seat, which enables communication between the hole of the valve body and the suction port when the closing valve is in contact with the valve seat. |
| US07931451B2 |
Frame floor pump having universal joint unit
A frame floor pump having a universal joint unit includes a cylinder defining a through hole on an end thereof, an universal joint unit including a shaft received in the through hole of the cylinder, a joint having a first end connecting to the shaft and a second end, and a pipe forming a connecting portion extending therefrom and mounted in the second end of the joint. The joint drives the shaft to turn in the through hole of the cylinder and pivots to various positions with the connecting portion. Hence, the universal joint unit could pivot to any position as a requirement of users. |
| US07931449B2 |
Fan
A bladeless fan assembly (100) for creating an air current comprises a nozzle (1) mounted on a base (16) housing for creating an air flow through the nozzle (1). The nozzle (1) comprises an interior passage (10) for receiving the air flow from the base (16) and a mouth (12) through which the air flow is emitted. The nozzle (1) extends about an axis to define an opening (2) through which air from outside the fan assembly (100) is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth (12). The nozzle (1) comprises a surface over which the mouth (12) is arranged to direct the air flow. The surface comprises a diffuser portion (46) tapering away from the axis, and a guide portion (48) downstream from the diffuser portion (46) and angled thereto. |
| US07931447B2 |
Drain safety and pump control device
A drain protection device and pump controller for pools, spas, fountains and other fluid containment and circulation systems has a vacuum sensor for sensing a level of vacuum present in the suction conduit leading to the pump(s). The vacuum level is monitored by a computer that controls a vent valve that can vent to atmosphere to reduce the vacuum exerted at a drain. In applications with a flooded pump, e.g., above-ground pools, the vent valve may control the discharge of an accumulator that injects fluid pressurized by the return line into the suction conduit to reduce the vacuum therein. The computer also controls the pump(s) present in the circulation system, viz., turns them off to relieve vacuum when a drain is occluded and also runs them at the selected speed based upon a schedule. The vacuum criteria for vacuum reduction may include progressively sensitive values, some of which may be empirically based. Vacuum criteria may be maintained based upon the operational state of the circulation system, e.g., priming, stabilized running or cleaning. Low vacuum limits protect the pump(s) from dry running. A clogged vacuum conduit leading to the vacuum sensor is sensed based upon the presence of vacuum levels that are atypically constant and error processing invoked. |
| US07931441B1 |
Inducer with tip shroud and turbine blades
A two blade row inducer for a low pressure pump in a turbopump of a rocket engine. The inducer includes a first set of blades and a second set of blades or partial blades in which the partial set of blades is covered with a shroud and the shroud includes a row of turbine blades extending outward to form a turbine to drive the inducer. The first set of blades is spiral or screw thread blades that end just upstream from the leading edges of the second set of blades covered with the shroud. In another embodiment, the screw thread blades can extend toward the aft end of the inducer and in-between adjacent partial blades in which the shroud also covers the aft ends of the screw thread blades. A second fluid reacts with the turbine blades to rotate the inducer and pump the first fluid. |
| US07931439B2 |
Coaxial rotor system for helicopters
An improved coaxial rotor assembly for a helicopter includes an upper rotor system having a multiple of upper rotor blades each having outer tips and mounted on and extending outwards from a central rotor shaft and a lower rotor system having a multiple of lower rotor blades each having outer tips and mounted on and extending outwards from the central rotor shaft with the upper rotor system spaced an axial distance from the lower rotor system on the central rotor shaft. A rotor blade support ring extends circumferentially around each of the upper and lower rotor systems which movably engages and supports the outer tips of the upper and lower rotor blades in spaced apart relation such that the upper and lower rotor systems rotate in opposite directions and the rotor blade support ring means prevents contact between the upper and lower rotor systems during operation thereof. |
| US07931438B2 |
Active tower damper
A damper system for damping vibrations of a wind turbine having a tower, a nacelle, and at least one rotor blade is provided. The damper system includes a mass for damping vibrations of a wind turbine and at least one actuator adapted for actively controlling the mass, wherein the at least one actuator is connected to a portion of the wind turbine and to the mass. |
| US07931435B1 |
Wind power megawatts producer
A bamboo wind power megawatts producer is provided in which the surfaces of rotor blades capture and compress the laminar flowing wind through the turbulent rotor vortex wherein great amounts of energy are extracted from the wind in volumetric quantities within the confines of the housing assembly for rotating the power generators to produce great quantities of megawatts of electric currents after which the exhausted wind is dumped to the low pressure area leeward of the operating rotor assembly. |
| US07931434B2 |
Device for producing mechanical energy by means of a divergent, telescopic and auto sustained chimney
A telescopic chimney and methods are disclosed for generation of mechanical energy using air routed through a turbine. Truncated cones stored nested together telescope to interlock when extended end to end to form a conical shape that diverges upwardly. An air output deflector at the exit of the chimney drives the exiting airflow downwards and is optionally divided into six equal radial spans so that airflow can be varied through each by a computer-controlled shutter to compensate for wind forces. An axial cable raises and lowers truncated cones. A method of deploying the chimney includes steps of closing the shutters; filling the truncated cones with heated air; controlling the rise of the truncated with the cable; and, opening the shutters. A method of collapsing the chimney includes the steps of pulling the cable to exert downward force on a truncated cone. |
| US07931432B2 |
Grain spreader
The grain spreader is a device for evenly spreading particulate material in a storage facility, particularly for spreading grain in a silo or storage bin. The grain spreader includes an array of grain receiving chutes suspended for rotation on a shaft and positioned below a hopper outlet. The shaft is mounted to rotate around its longitudinal axis and thereby enable the chutes to rotate when impelled by the force of grain exiting the hopper outlet. The grain receiving chutes are uniquely designed in a manner to cause the grain to be evenly spread in the silo or storage bin. |
| US07931426B2 |
Cutting insert for chip removing machining of workpieces
A cutting insert for chip removing machining of workpieces, including at least one chip-removal surface that carries away chips, at least one side surface that is a clearance surface, and at least one cutting edge formed between the at least one chip-removal surface and the at least one side surface. The cutting edge includes a main-edge segment that carries out a major part of a chip-removing operation, and a wiping-edge segment that, in the chip-removing operation, wipes off and levels a machined surface of the workpiece. The wiping-edge segment forms a depression. |
| US07931417B2 |
Stamp marker
A stamp marker capable of adhering an application liquid to a target. The stamp marker includes a liquid-permeating member and a container containing an application liquid, the liquid-permeating member including a distal member, a base, and a fixing member. The distal member has a surface having a contacting part and a noncontacting part, the contacting part having a shape, so as to copy the shape onto the target by bringing the surface of the distal member into contact with the target to make the liquid adhere to the target, so that an adhesion mark of a predetermined shape is formed on the target. |
| US07931414B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
A printing apparatus and method can control vibration generated resulting from the movement of a carriage to be small even when a desired printing pattern, etc., may change. The carriage is moved based on a plurality of drive conditions, each specifying a different moving distance of the carriage, and a drive condition by which vibration generated at that time becomes not larger than a predetermined magnitude is set as a drive condition of the carriage when printing an image on a printing medium. |
| US07931407B2 |
Systems for supplying oil from an oil source to a bearing assembly
Systems are provided for supplying oil from an oil source to a bearing assembly, the bearing assembly including a cage having a forward rail and an aft rail, and at least one bearing disposed therebetween. |
| US07931404B2 |
Bearing device and motor mounted with the bearing device
A bearing device is composed of a shaft, a sleeve for supporting the shaft so as to be rotatable freely and a housing having a through hole into which the sleeve is inserted. A circumferential groove that extends in a circumferential direction is formed on either one surface of an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve and an inner circumferential surface of the housing. An axial groove that extends approximately in parallel to a central axis of the sleeve is formed on either one surface of the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve and the inner circumferential surface of the housing. The outer circumferential surface of the sleeve is glued to the inner circumferential surface of the housing by adhesive that intervenes in both the circumferential groove and the axial groove. |
| US07931402B1 |
Inflatable gift wrap in the shape of a cake
An inflatable container formed in the shape of a cake and designed to resemble a cake, with a door on one side through which a gift is placed inside the container. A preferred embodiment of the container is in a generally rectangular shape with additional inflatable elements that give the container an overall general appearance of a birthday cake, with ‘candles’ and ‘icing’ that inflate with the inflation of the container. The container is preferably opaque so that the gift inside cannot be seen until opened. |
| US07931401B2 |
Temperature sensor
A temperature sensor including a housing and a temperature sensing element at least partially disposed in the housing. A particulate media, which may include a blend of differently sized particles, is disposed in the housing and at least partially surrounds the temperature sensing element. The particulate media may entrain oxygen to avoid a reducing atmosphere in said housing. |
| US07931397B2 |
Under pedestal tank arrangement
Auxiliary fluid tanks associated with transit concrete mixing and dispensing systems are disclosed which include a hydraulic reservoir tank which is adapted to be stowed inside a mixing drum support pedestal. The hydraulic fluid reservoir tank further includes a shaped outer wall defining an enclosed inner space and includes one or more fluid discharge and return connections in the outer wall. The tank is also provided with an internal baffle shape in line with the fluid return connections such that it is addressed by returning hydraulic fluid and deflects and defuses the returning hydraulic fluid so that it thoroughly mixes with cooler reservoir fluid. An auxiliary water tank can also be nested beneath the hydraulic fluid reservoir tank under the hollow support pedestal. |
| US07931395B2 |
Headlamp assembly for vehicles
Provided is a headlamp assembly for vehicles. The headlamp assembly includes: a plurality of lamp modules on each of which a light-emitting device is mounted and each of which has a heat-dissipation structure for dissipating heat generated by the light-emitting device; and a support bracket which supports the lamp modules, wherein at least one of the lamp modules supported by the support bracket can be aimed individually with respect to the support bracket. |
| US07931394B2 |
Front accessory light cover assembly
A vehicle light assembly that includes a light cover and a cap is described. The light cover includes a light blocking, sealing rib that prevents undesirable light leakage around a housing of the light assembly. The cap includes one or more retention members that upon attachment of the cap to the light cover, prevent unintended detachment of the cap from the light cover. |
| US07931391B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module includes a back plate structure, a light source disposed in the back plate structure, at least one wire connected to the light source, and at least one wire fixing frame fixed on the back plate structure. Each wire fixing frame includes a main part, a first fixing part disposed on a side of the main part, a second fixing part disposed on a side of the main part and opposite to the first fixing part, and an extending part extending in a direction from the second fixing part to the first fixing part. A wire outlet is defined between the extending part and the first fixed part, and a wire inlet is opposite to the wire outlet. A wire hold space is defined among the main part, the first fixing part, the second fixing part, and the back plate structure. |
| US07931380B2 |
Imaging apparatus for providing background separated images
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for producing background separated product images for print and on-line display. An image formation system provides controllable background and foreground lighting of an item to facilitate acquiring images that appear to have no background, a platform for supporting items, cameras configured to acquire both high contrast and high quality images of the item, and automated image processing algorithms for creating item-only images that can be stored in an image library and presented to a user. |
| US07931371B2 |
Systems and methods for wavefront reconstruction for aperture with arbitrary shape
Systems, methods, and devices for determining an aberration in an optical tissue system of an eye are provided. Techniques include inputting optical data from the optical tissue system of the eye, where the optical data includes set of local gradients corresponding to a non-circular shaped aperture, processing the optical data with an iterative Fourier transform to obtain a set of Fourier coefficients, converting the set of Fourier coefficients to a set of modified Zernike coefficients that are orthogonal over the non-circular shaped aperture, and determining the aberration in the optical tissue system of the eye based on the set of modified Zernike coefficients. |
| US07931369B2 |
Tinted lens and method of making same
A lens and a method of making lenses suitable for color blindness correction are disclosed. The corrective lens may be formed of an optically transparent base material, which is tinted to the desired color for correction by immersion in a colorant dye. The color tinted lens is then tinted by a neutral tint dye to render the lens observable as a regular corrective lens. If desired, the dyes may be heated during immersion. |
| US07931368B2 |
Eyeglass manufacturing method using variable index layer
An eyeglass lens and manufacturing method using epoxy aberrator includes two lenses with a variable index material, such as epoxy, sandwiched in between. The epoxy is then cured to different indexes of refraction that provide precise corrections for the patient's wavefront aberrations. The present invention further provides a method to produce an eyeglass that corrects higher order aberrations, such as those that occur when retinal tissue is damaged due to glaucoma or macular degeneration. The manufacturing method allows for many different applications including, but not limited to, supervision and transition lenses. |
| US07931367B2 |
Eyewear with removable audio system
Eyewear includes a left temple and a right temple. Each of the temples has a cavity sized to receive an audio device such as a BlueTooth transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote device like a cell phone or a digital sound device. The BlueTooth transceiver may be placed in the cavity of either temple with the other temple cavity covered with a cover plate. An earphone may be connected to the BlueTooth transceiver through a receptacle. The earphone delivers the audible sound to the user's ear. The receptacle of the BlueTooth transceiver to which the earphone connects is also configured to receive the connector from a charger to charge a rechargeable battery in the BlueTooth transceiver. The eyewear may also be configured with cover plates over the cavity in both of the temples or with an audio device in both cavities to provide audible signals to both ears of the user. |
| US07931361B2 |
Ink-jet head
An ink-jet head according to the present invention includes a passage component, a filter, and a sealing member. The passage component defines an ink passage which includes a middle hole having an opening. The filter partitions the middle hole of the passage component into a first space and a second space. The sealing member seals the opening. The sealing member has a first region which is opposed to the filter with respect to the vertical direction. The filter is mounted to the passage component in such a manner that ink passing through the filter flows from the first space upward into the second space. A surface of the first region of the sealing member facing the ink passage has a portion which is inclined relative to a horizon. |
| US07931360B2 |
Printhead priming system with feedback control of priming pump
A priming system for priming an inkjet printhead having an ink inlet, an ink outlet and a plurality of nozzles, the priming system comprising: an ink chamber having an outlet port connected to the ink inlet via an upstream ink line; an air pump having a pump outlet communicating with a headspace above the ink in the ink chamber; a sensor positioned for sensing ink in a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet, the sensor cooperating with the pump such that the pump is shut off when the sensor senses any ink; and means for minimizing phantom sensing of ink caused by ink bubbles in the downstream ink line, wherein, in a priming configuration, the pump is configured to positively pressurize the headspace until the sensor senses ink. |
| US07931358B2 |
Pagewidth printhead assembly with top-fed ink ducts
A pagewidth printhead assembly comprises an ink conduit structure defining a plurality of longitudinal ink ducts; a pagewidth printhead mounted to said ink conduit structure on a bottom surface thereof, the pagewidth printhead being in fluid communication with the ink conduit structure; a plurality of inlet ports provided adjacent and substantially planar to the ink conduit structure and the plurality of longitudinal ink ducts; and an ink distribution structure including a plurality of ink channels connecting each of the plurality of longitudinal ink ducts with respective inlet ports. The ink channels extend from respective inlet ports above the ink conduit structure so as to feed into respective longitudinal ink ducts from above. |
| US07931356B2 |
Nozzle plate
A nozzle plate suited for a droplet generator is provided. The nozzle plate includes a nozzle layer and at least one filler. The nozzle layer has a nozzle and at least one trench. The nozzle passes through the nozzle layer. The trenches apart from the nozzle are formed on a surface of the nozzle layer around the nozzle. The filler is filled in the trench. The wetting angle of the surface of the filler is different from the wetting angle of the surface of the nozzle layer. The nozzle plate has higher surface wear resistance and lower probability of jamming at the nozzle. |
| US07931353B2 |
Nozzle arrangement using unevenly heated thermal actuators
A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer includes a wafer defining an ink supply channel and a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel; a drive circuitry layer positioned on the wafer; a plurality of actuator devices positioned on the wafer and the drive circuitry layer to cover the nozzle chamber, each actuator device having an internal serpentine conductive core surrounded by a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer; and an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. The plurality of actuator devices are radially positioned around the ink ejection port and adapted to bend into the nozzle chamber, and the internal serpentine conductive core is disposed within the PTFE layer to heat the PTFE layer unevenly. |
| US07931352B2 |
Liquid discharge head and method for manufacturing the same
In a method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head having a support member bonded with an adhesive to a discharge element substrate forming a discharge port for discharging a liquid, the adhesive contains a multifunctional epoxy resin of epoxy equivalent of 150 or less, a curing agent, and a mercapto silane coupling agent. The adhesive is applied to one side or both sides of junction surfaces of both members, both members of the liquid discharge head are positioned, heated and pressed, and the adhesive is cured to bond both members. |
| US07931351B2 |
Inkjet printhead and printhead nozzle arrangement
A printhead for an inkjet printer includes a wafer assembly defining spaced apart groups of ink supply channels; and groups of ink ejection nozzle arrangements extending from the wafer assembly and in fluid communication with respective ink supply channel groups, each group of ink ejection nozzle arrangements including a pair of rows of ink ejection nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes an ink ejection head from which an actuator tail extends. Each pair of rows of ink ejection nozzle arrangements are arranged such that the ink ejection heads of the ink ejection nozzle arrangements in a first row of the pair face toward and are adjacent to the ink ejection heads of the ink ejection nozzle arrangements in a second row. |
| US07931348B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus
In an inkjet printing apparatus, uneven density is reduced while suppressing a landing position deviation caused by a difference of head-to-medium distances in a printing medium conveying direction. Specifically, predetermined patterns for detecting a difference of the head-to-medium distances are printed. Reading of the patterns is performed and then a detection of a difference between the head-to-medium distances is performed based on the reading result. Then, adjustment of the head-to-medium distance is performed based on the difference between the head-to-medium distances detected. Specifically, the respective head-to-medium distances at the upstream side ejection port and the downstream side ejection port are made equal by changing an attitude of the print head. |
| US07931347B2 |
Transporting method and recording apparatus
The invention is a transport method that transports a medium by causing a transport roller to rotate based on a corrected target transport amount, after correcting the target transport amount that is targeted based on a correction value and includes: printing a first pattern on a medium, printing a second pattern after the medium has been transported by causing the transport roller to rotate by a rotation amount of less than one rotation from a rotation position of the transport roller at a time of printing the first pattern, printing a third pattern after the medium has been transported by causing the transport roller to rotate by a rotation amount of one rotation from a rotation position of the transport roller at a time of printing the first pattern, printing a fourth pattern after the medium has been transported by causing the transport roller to rotate by a rotation amount of one rotation from a rotation position of the transport roller at a time of printing the second pattern, calculating a first correction value based on the first pattern and the third pattern, calculating a second correction value based on the second pattern and the fourth pattern, transporting the medium by correcting the target transport amount based on the first correction value or the second correction value depending on the relative position of the medium with respect to the transport roller. |
| US07931344B2 |
Remote control brake system and manifold
A locomotive brake system includes a plurality of electronic air brake controllers for controlling at least a train brake pipe and a locomotive brake pipe interconnected by a communication network. A communication port and a system controller are connected to the network. The system controller controls the configuration of the electronic air brake controllers for standard mode and remote mode of the brake system and assembling EAB network signals for communication between a remote locomotive controller to be connected to the communication port and the electronic air brake controllers. |
| US07931339B1 |
Seat assembly
A seat assembly for improving posture of a user comprises a substantially firm seat portion angled downwardly from rear to front, a back support extending upwardly in a rear area of the seat portion, a pad positioned on the back support and, the back support positionable at least two locations for varying seat depth. |
| US07931337B2 |
Recliner release actuation through active materials
A recliner adjustment system and method utilizing active material based actuation is adapted for use with a recliner defining an engaging surface and operable to adjust the angle of inclination of the surface, and includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the surface from pivoting, an unlocking actuator including at least one active material element configured to release the mechanism when activated or deactivated, a signal source operable to generate and deliver to the element an activation signal, and more preferably, a second adjusting actuator including a second active material element configured to rotationally displace the surface, so as to adjust the angle, when activated or deactivated and the mechanism has been released. |
| US07931332B2 |
Rear-seat occupant protection apparatus
Disclosed is a rear-seat occupant protection apparatus, which is designed to protect, during a frontal collision of a vehicle, a rear-seat occupant (B) seated in a rear seat (5) located behind a front seat (3) equipped with a seat belt (7) having a load limiter function. The rear-seat occupant protection apparatus comprises a collision detection device (25) adapted to detect the frontal collision of the vehicle, and a seat-back displacing mechanism adapted, when the frontal collision of the vehicle is detected by the collision detection device, to permit a seat back (12) of the front seat (3) to be displaced frontwardly at a given timing consecutive with a frontward displacement of a front-seat occupant (A) seated in the front seat (3). The rear-seat occupant protection apparatus of the present invention can adequately protect a head of the rear-seat occupant during the frontal collision of the vehicle. |
| US07931330B2 |
Air conditioning seat
An air conditioning seat includes a seat pad having a seating portion and a side support portion, blowing means for blowing air to an air path formed at the seat pad, a seat cover covering the seat pad, and a net-like cushion member capable of permeating air in a thickness direction and in a plane direction. An air path is formed at the seating portion of the seat pad. A hanging groove in a groove-like shape is recessed and on a boundary line of the seating portion and the side support portion. The an air blow out port of the air path is covered by the net-like cushion member. A communicating path reaching the net-like cushion member of the side support portion from the air path of the seating portion is formed by passing a back side of the hanging member at inside of the hanging groove. |
| US07931325B2 |
Windshield ice removal device
A windshield protection and ice removal device comprises a pair of generally rectangular flexible wire frames enclosed by and supporting a nylon fabric coated by an outer layer of polyvinyl chloride. There are also a pair of opposed side view mirror “gloves” having expandable “wrists” and which are designed to enclose a vehicle's side view mirrors for securing the invention to the vehicle in a manner resistant to wind effects which might otherwise lift the cover from the windshield. Finally, the preferred embodiment also comprises a wire-connected belt terminating in a buckle which is designed to be trapped inside a vehicle's interior by the vehicle's door or side window to render the invention resistant to unauthorized removal from the vehicle's windshield. A relatively thick, cut-resistant wire runs through the belt to make it more difficult to cut the belt and sever it from the rest of the shield device. |
| US07931322B2 |
Console
An automotive console is provided including an accessory receiving body or bodies generally located proximate one or more base portions positioned over or secured to a body, such as, for example, a floor pan/panel of an automobile. The accessory receiving body or bodies may each include a closure panel or the like and an actuator operably associated therewith. The actuator may be a switch, such as an electronic contact, arranged in a predetermined position, such that a portion of the closure panel operably contacts the actuator to deploy an accessory, such as a beverage container or the like. Further, it will be appreciated that upon movement of the closure panel away from the actuator, the actuator will be adapted to stow the accessory. |
| US07931319B2 |
Bumper of a motor vehicle
A bumper of a motor vehicle includes a cross member which is disposed transversely to a side rail of a motor vehicle frame and movable from a standby position in a direction of the motor vehicle. Placed between the cross member and the side rail is a crash box. A coupler maintains a distance between the cross member and the crash box, when the cross member assumes the standby position, and a strut extends at an inclination between the cross member and the crash box to connect the cross member to the crash box. The strut is supported upon the cross member by a linear guide and supported upon the crash box by a swivel joint. |
| US07931317B2 |
Reusable trailer mounted attenuator
A reusable trailer mounted attenuator with a collapsible scissor frame assembly supported by front, intermediate and rear vertical frames. A self-adjusting shock absorber with staged metering is attached to the scissor frame assembly and controls its collapse under impact in a manner that deceleration of an impacting vehicle does not exceed permitted rates irrespective of the weight and speed of the impacting vehicle within the design range. Guides are provided to permit the scissor frame assembly to collapse without twisting and a replaceable strike plate with vertical fins concealed with a cover plate is attached to the rear vertical frame. |
| US07931316B2 |
Vehicle bumper structure
In a vehicle bumper structure, an optical fiber sensor (32) is provided on the upper portion of the front surface of a front wall portion (30A) of a front-bumper reinforcement (30). A front-bumper absorber (28) is provided before the optical fiber sensor (32) and a load transfer plate (34) is disposed between the front-bumper absorber (28) and the optical fiber sensor (32). The vertical width (B3) of the front-bumper absorber (28) and the load transfer plate (34) are greater than the vertical width (B1) of the optical fiber sensor (32), and a lower end portion (34A) of the load transfer plate (34) extends below the lower end of the optical fiber sensor (32). Accordingly, when the optical fiber sensor (32) is offset to the upper portion of the front-bumper reinforcement (30), the front-bumper absorber (28) will not topple down and the impact load is input to the optical fiber sensor (32) even if the input direction of the impact load is slightly inclined. |
| US07931311B2 |
Sealed tubular joint comprising local and initial added thickness(es) by means of plastic expansion
An expandable tubular joint including a male element with a male thread, a first annular lip having a first axially abutting surface, a first inner surface and a first outer surface, and a second abutting surface; and a female element with a female thread, a second annular lip having a third abutting surface, a second outer surface and a second inner surface, and a third inner surface and a fourth axially abutting surface which, together with the second outer surface, defines a first annular housing. The male tubular element includes a local added thickness at a fourth inner surface projecting out from the second abutting surface. After screwing, the first lip is housed in the annular housing and the abutting surfaces rest against one another, in order to enable the formation of an annular shoulder at the first outer surface during diametral expansion. |
| US07931310B2 |
Pipe coupler
A coupler for use with a sealing member for releasably securing together adjacent ends of grooved end pipe and forming a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The coupler includes a pair of arcuate segments, each segment having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section so as to define a pair of depending leg portions and an outer spanning wall extending therebetween, each of the coupling segments further defining first and second end portions. The first end portions of each arcuate segment are joined together in a pivotal connection. A closure including a bail pivotally mounted on a release/locking lever, an attachment hook and a pair of abutment surfaces is provided at the second end portions of the arcuate segments for releasably joining and securing together the second end portions of the segments about the sealing gasket and adjacent pipe ends with the leg portions of the segments projecting into the grooves therein. |
| US07931309B2 |
Modular compressed air maintenance unit
A compressed air servicing device comprises several device modules (3) arranged in a row direction (2) and connected detachably with each other. At least two device modules (3) are detachably connected together by a module connector (4) placed between them, the module connector (4) having a through opening (14) by way of which the two device modules (3) are connected for fluid flow with one another. The module connector (4) is fitted with at least one sensor (15) connected with the through opening (14), such sensor (15) making possible monitoring of status data with respect to the flowing compressed air. |
| US07931308B2 |
Self-centering adapter clamp
An adapter clamp for clamping an adapting tube. The adapter clamp includes: an adapter tube; a first resilient ring placed in the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube and including elastic material for expanding inward and clamping to the outer surface of the adapting tube; a hollow adjustment ring configured to be threaded to the inner surface of the adapter tube to generate a displacement force; and a compression ring providing minimum friction resistant for translating the displacement force from the threading hollow adjustment ring to a longitudinal compressing displacement of the first resilient ring, causing an inner surface of the first resilient rings to fit to the outer surface of the adapting tube. The adapter clamp also includes a second resilient ring placed in the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube; and a spacer placed on the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube. |
| US07931307B2 |
Double-pipe joint
In a double-pipe joint for connecting and coupling a double pipe (H) consisting of outer and inner pipes (h2, h1) made of a fluororesin tube, an inner joint portion (T1) for coupling the inner pipe formed by: a sleeve (2) which is to be pressingly fitted into an inner-pipe end portion (h1t); an inner-pipe joint body (1) which is to be fitted onto an inner end of the end portion; and an inner-pipe union nut (3A), and an outer joint portion (T2) for coupling the outer pipe formed by: a sleeve (4) which is to be pressingly fitted into an outer-pipe end portion (h2t); an outer-pipe joint body (3B) which is to be fitted onto an outer end of the end portion; and an outer-pipe union nut (5). The inner-pipe union nut (3A) and the outer-pipe joint body (3B) are formed integrally into a nut-equipped body (3). |
| US07931304B2 |
Coin-discriminator voucher anti-counterfeiting method and apparatus
Vouchers and methods for providing vouchers configured to assist in distinguishing unauthorized duplicate or counterfeit vouchers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a voucher can include a substrate, a first indicia on the substrate, and a thermally responsive second indicia on the substrate. At least one of the first indicia and the second indicia can indicate a value of the voucher. A system which assists in detecting alteration of value documents or transmissions, such as a coin counter voucher is provided. Voucher information such as the voucher value is included in the voucher in an encrypted or otherwise modified form. When the voucher is presented for redemptions, the encrypted information is decrypted and compared to independently available voucher information. Failure of the information to match indicates that the voucher has been altered or should otherwise be further checked. |
| US07931296B2 |
Vehicle steering system including irrotational airbag module
A steering system includes a steering column and a steering wheel gear that are offset from each other so that the torque of steering wheel is transmitted to steering column. An airbag module received in a steering wheel hub of steering wheel is independently mounted such that it is not rotated together with steering wheel by using an offset torque transmission structure interconnecting the steering wheel and steering column. Such configuration allows deployment of a cushion having an asymmetrical optimum shape configured to avoid contacting the chest of a passenger. As the airbag module is not rotated, it is possible to significantly improve the design visibility of a logo. |
| US07931294B2 |
Side airbag apparatus
A side airbag apparatus 23 includes an airbag 27 and a guide member 30, which guides inflation and deployment of the airbag 27. The airbag 27 is fixed to a right side wall 24a of a seat frame 24. A part of the airbag 27 protrudes further forward than a front end 24A of the right side wall 24a. The airbag 27 is supplied with gas from an inflator 26, so as to be inflated and deployed in a space between a body side portion of a vehicle and an occupant seated in a front seat 21. The guide member 30 guides the airbag 27 forward when it is inflated and deployed. The guide member 30 includes a guide portion 30c and a first bending portion 30a, which extends from the guide portion 30c. The guide portion 30c is arranged to face a surface of the airbag 27 facing the interior of the vehicle at least in an area forward of the right side wall 24a. The first bending portion 30a is flexed rightward when receiving load from the left. Also, the first bending portion 30a restricts the guide portion 30c from being flexed leftward when receiving the force of inflation and deployment of the airbag 27. |
| US07931293B2 |
Curtain airbag
An airbag is provided. The airbag is configured to extend longitudinally along a side of a vehicle and includes a first section configured to inflate in a longitudinal and vertical direction, a second section coupled to the first section and configured to inflate in a longitudinal and vertical direction, an inlet for receiving inflation gas from an inflator, tabs positioned at the top of the airbag for attaching the airbag to a ceiling of the vehicle and chambers positioned between the tabs along the top of the airbag, wherein the chambers stabilize the airbag during deployment. |
| US07931292B2 |
Sole for a cross-country ski boot including connectors fixed to the sole, and a boot provided with such a sole
A flexible sole for a cross-country ski boot and a cross-country ski boot having such sole. The sole includes at least two members for connecting the boot to a binding device, the connecting members including portions anchored in the sole, the connecting members being fixed to a common anchoring element, the anchoring element being affixed to a predetermined section of the sole, the anchoring element including two anchoring zones, each connecting member being fixed to one of the anchoring zones, and the anchoring element including a central zone extending between the two anchoring zones, such central zone of the anchoring element being sufficiently flexible to enable, during the use of the boot, the bending of the predetermined section of the sole to which the anchoring element is affixed. |
| US07931291B2 |
Fifth wheel coupling assembly with removable locking mechanism
A removable locking mechanism for a fifth wheel hitch is provided which includes a mounting plate removably attachable within a fifth wheel chassis formed to support a fifth wheel hitch plate that has an aperture in the load surface thereof. The mounting plate is formed with a u-shaped throat dimensioned to receive a trailer kingpin and a top surface configured to be co-planar with the fifth wheel hitch plate load surface when seated within the chassis. A locking mechanism for retaining the kingpin against said closed end of the throat is mounted to the underside of the mounting plate and includes a cam arm; and a bumper arm pivotally attached to the cam arm configured to engage a bumper stop formed in the mounting plate underside; a sliding jaw member slidably mounted to the cam arm; and a secondary lock member for preventing unintended disengagement of the lock mechanism. |
| US07931290B2 |
Motorcycle fluid cooler
A motorcycle fluid cooler assembly includes a heat exchanger and a mounting member coupled to the heat exchanger. The mounting member is adapted for mounting the heat exchanger to a first footrest mounting point of a motorcycle frame so that the heat exchanger transversely extends externally to the motorcycle frame when mounted. Fluid ports are coupled to the heat exchanger, and a footrest member is coupled to the heat exchanger. The footrest member is positioned as a rider footrest when the heat exchanger is mounted. |
| US07931288B1 |
Medical wheelchair whose seat having a height adjustable function
A medical wheelchair includes a support frame, a front bracket pivotally connected with the support frame, a rear bracket pivotally connected with the support frame, a mounting bracket pivotally connected between the front bracket and the rear bracket, a seat unit mounted on the mounting bracket, and a drive mechanism mounted between the support frame and the mounting bracket to move the mounting bracket and to adjust the height of the seat unit. Thus, the support frame, the mounting bracket, the front bracket and the rear bracket form a parallelogram linkage, so that the mounting bracket is moved smoothly to prevent the seat unit from being vibrated during adjustment of the height of the seat unit. In addition, the drive mechanism provides a buffering effect to the mounting bracket so that the mounting bracket and the seat unit are moved smoothly and stably. |
| US07931286B2 |
Vehicle lean and alignment control system
A frame and suspension for a vehicle provides automatic lean and alignment. The lean is determined by force sensors, the speed and/or the angle of turn and is provided by actuators in the suspension in accordance with a predetermined protocol in an electronic control unit (ECU). The protocol also provides shock absorption by rapidly tracking a contour of a surface on which the vehicle rides. The suspension is provided by a plurality of arm assemblies each including a lower arm, an upper control arm, and an actuator motively connected to the lower arm and to the upper control arm. The arm assemblies are pivotally connected to the frame on a common axis. The arm assemblies generally form parallelograms and are actuated in concert to remain generally parallel to each other through a range of angles to adjust the lean of the vehicle. The arm assemblies are also actuated independently of each other to accommodate variations in the contour. In one aspect, an actuator controlled by an ECU can be replaced by a mechanical actuator that can be activated manually such as by a driver's own leaning weight. |
| US07931284B2 |
Caster device with detachable casters for portable dehumidifier
A caster device with detachable casters for a portable dehumidifier has a base mounted on a bottom of the portable dehumidifier, multiple positioning assemblies formed on the base and multiple casters respectively and detachably mounted between the positioning assemblies. Therefore, the casters are easily attached to the base for use or detached from the base for clean, repair or replacement. |
| US07931275B1 |
Poker game with dice
The present invention features a poker game kit. The present invention also features a method of playing a poker game with a dealer and one, two, or three players. The present invention also features a method of playing a poker game with a dealer and four players. |
| US07931273B2 |
Sheet stacking apparatus and image forming apparatus
A discharge tray which needs to turn as a cover of an apparatus body opens and closes can be folded. When the cover is opened, the discharge tray is folded, and a wide installation area and a wide occupying area are not required. An image forming apparatus includes the apparatus body which forms an image on a recording paper sheet, an upper cover 130 which opens and closes the apparatus body, and a discharge tray 200 on which a sheet discharged from the apparatus body is stacked. The discharge tray is divided into a sheet stacking portion 133 and trays 210, 220 and 230 in a discharge direction of the recording paper sheet, and the discharge tray is provided over the apparatus body and the cover. The trays are turnably connected such that they can be folded as the upper cover opens and they can be extended as the upper cover closes. |
| US07931272B2 |
Sheet delivery and sheet-processing printing machine
A sheet delivery has an endless conveyor for conveying printed sheets and a secondary gripper with a gripper bar for holding printed sheets received at their trailing edges from the endless conveyor, to be deposited on a delivery stack. A transmission generates an annular circulatory movement of the gripper bar. A first balance weight and a second balance weight are provided for compensating for interference torques and are braced for rotation in relation to one another by a spring. |
| US07931265B2 |
Sheet feeder and image forming device provided with the same
A sheet feeder includes a feed roller feeding a sheet while rotating in a feeding direction, a driving gear that rotates in a predetermined direction and transmits a driving force, a first gear mechanism transmitting the force to the feed roller to rotate the feed roller in a reverse direction opposite to the feeding direction, and a second gear mechanism transmitting the force to the feed roller to rotate the feed roller in the feeding direction. The driving gear includes a first engaging member that engages with the first gear mechanism and transmits the force to the first gear mechanism at a rotational angle of the driving gear within a first range, and a second engaging member that engages with the second gear mechanism and transmits the force to the second gear mechanism at the rotational angle within a second range having no common range with the first range. |
| US07931264B2 |
Image-forming apparatus and control method thereof
In a case that it is determined that a first feeding unit is not ready to feed upon designation of a first print job that requires air feeding, start of the first print job is waited until the first feeding unit is ready to feed. In a case that a second print job that requires roll feeding is accepted during waiting for the first print job, the second print job is executed, and the first print job that requires air feeding is executed after completion of the second print job. |
| US07931257B2 |
Multilayer load bearing structure
Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support. |
| US07931255B2 |
Fabric packing
A fabric packing has a plurality of layers made of a filament of metal or plastic and includes bulges for maintaining the fabric layers at a distance. The bulges have first protuberances of generally trough-shaped configuration and second protuberances formed on the first protuberances, thereby defining respective apexes. The second protuberances are sized smaller than the first protuberances, wherein neighboring fabric layers are supported on one another via the second protuberances. |
| US07931254B2 |
Hoisting device
The invention relates to a hoisting device for use at a wind turbine, in particular for use in a wind turbine nacelle, which hoisting device 1 comprises a reel 4, a drive motor 12, control means 14 and a hoisting line 6. The hoisting line is a rope, which comprises synthetic fiber material, e.g. a high-tech rope. Hereby it is achieved that the hoisting device can be provided in a compact form, compared with traditionally used hoisting means, since the synthetic rope used as a hoisting line is characterized in having a high tensile strength and a low weight, whereby a rope having a comparable low weight can be used for lifting the same load, for which traditionally a steel wire having a relatively large weight has been used. Further, since the weight of the rope itself is relatively small, a drive motor, gear etc. having reduced capacity, power etc., can be used as compared to a traditional hoist, thereby also aiding in reducing the size, weight, complexity, cost etc. of the hoisting device. |
| US07931251B2 |
Expanding gate valve
An expanding gate valve having a valve body defining a valve chamber and flow passages and having spaced sealing surfaces. Gate members are moveable within the valve body between open and closed positions and at the closed position having sealing engagement with the spaced sealing surfaces. A wedge member is positioned between the gate members and has at least one tapered surface having reacting engagement with a tapered surface of one of the gate members so that relative linear movement of the gate member relative to the tapered surface of the wedge member develops a lateral gate expansion force causing expansion of the gate members for tight sealing engagement with the spaced sealing surfaces. A valve stem is linearly moveable to valve opening and closing positions within said valve body and has driving connection with the gate members Upon initial linear opening movement the valve stem causes sequential opening movement of the gate members prior to initial opening movement of said first gate member and releases the sealing force of the upstream gate member to minimize the force that is required for opening for the valve. |
| US07931250B2 |
Sidewall construction of a casting mold
A sidewall construction for casting concrete elements, said sidewall construction comprising a mold surface plate (4) defining the surface of the product to be cast and a support construction (1, 2, 3), where the mold surface plate is fixed to, whereby the support construction is formed of two horizontal aluminum profiles (1, 2) and of at least one vertical aluminum profile (3) connecting the same. |
| US07931249B2 |
Reduced friction molds for injection molded solder processing
A process of reducing friction, which is encountered in molds utilized in injection molded, solder processing, and wherein glass mold plates have mold pits etched therein. The mold pates are subjected to a heat treatment so as to smooth or round-off sharp edges along the periphery of the mold pits. |
| US07931248B2 |
Flat mold for corner-shaped simulated stone products
A mold for manufacturing a corner-shaped simulated stone product has a mold cavity configured to imprint a stone texture on at least a first side face and a front face of the corner-shaped product. The mold also provides a back face with a desirable molded interior angle. The mold cavity can have a flexible edge around a perimeter of the mold cavity to impart a textured surface to a second side face of the corner-shaped product. |
| US07931246B2 |
Vehicle seat track
A track assembly for a vehicle seat includes a first track (22) having a first portion and a second track (24) coupled to the first track (22). The track assembly also includes a first set (104,106) and a second set (108, 110) of friction reducing members provided at first and second locations between the first track and the second track to facilitate sliding movement of the second track (24) relative to the first track (22). A device for preventing the sliding movement of the second track is provided that includes a pin configured to lock the second track in place relative to the first track by engaging a first portion (38) of the first track (22), a first portion (68) of the second track (24), and a second portion (70) of the second track (24). The pin extends between the first set (104) of friction reducing members and the second set (106) of friction reducing members when the second track is prevented from sliding. |
| US07931245B2 |
Plate holder for children and handicapped persons
A plate holder that attaches a dish to a structure using a suction device. The plate holder includes a three sided “C-shaped structure” that can be made of various hard materials and is composed of a top arm, a side arm, and a bottom arm. On the outer-end or the top arm is a notch or hole through which attaches a suction device facing upward that holds a dish so that it is not spilled by a child, handicapped person, wind, or movement of the structure. A circular protective skirt on the top arm sits just below the suction device and serves to balance the plate on the table. On the bottom arm is a hole through which runs a plastic screw with a handle on the outside used to secure and tighten the plate holder to the table. It can be adjusted for different structures by screwing or unscrewing. |
| US07931241B2 |
Method and apparatus for securing cables and the like
A mount for securing a cable tie to a panel having a mounting aperture therethrough of a given expanse, the mount having a cable tie receiving and retaining passage therein, the mount having a relaxed state defining a first mount expanse larger than the given expanse and an unrelaxed state defining a second mount expanse not greater than the given expanse, the mount being insertable into and through the mounting aperture in the unrelaxed state thereof and thereupon assuming the relaxed state thereof and perimetrically closing the mounting aperture. |
| US07931238B2 |
Automatic velocity control system for aircraft
A flight control system for an aircraft receives a selected value of a first parameter, which is either the airspeed or inertial velocity of the aircraft. A primary feedback loop generates a primary error signal that is proportional to the difference between the selected value and a measured value of the first parameter. A secondary feedback loop generates a secondary error signal that is proportional to the difference between the selected value of the first parameter and a measured value of a second flight parameter, which is the other of the airspeed and inertial velocity. The primary and secondary error signals are summed to produce a velocity error signal, and the velocity error signal and an integrated value of the primary error signal are summed to produce an actuator command signal. The actuator command signal is then used for operating aircraft devices to control the first parameter to minimize the primary error signal. |
| US07931234B2 |
Continuous fuselage connection
An attachment system for attaching a tail unit to an attachment surface of an aircraft is disclosed. An attachment surface may be a fuselage, for example. In an arrangement, the attachment system includes a mounting with a first bearing surface that is capable of resting against the tail unit, and a second bearing surface that is capable of resting against the attachment surface. The first bearing surface and the second bearing surface, of which there is at least one, include a common line of contact. In the arrangement, the planes of the first bearing surface and of the second bearing surface are at an angle that differs from 0° and 180°. |
| US07931233B2 |
Protective skin for aircraft
A protective skin (143a, 143b) for an aircraft is disclosed. The protective skin (143a, 143b) forms the leading edges of wing members, horizontal stabilizers, and vertical fins. A portion of the skin material (143a, 143b) is removed in a selected pattern (155a, 157a, 159a, 161a, 155b, 157b, 159b, 161b) from the interior surface of the skin (143a, 143b). In the preferred embodiment, the interior surface of the skin is chemically etched and/or mechanically milled in oval and rectangular patterns so as to create crumple zones (155a, 157a, 159a, 161a, 155b, 157b, 159b, 161b) and generate progressive failure of the metal. This allows the leading edge to absorb the impact energy from a collision with a bird or other object, and prevent the bird or other object from penetrating through the leading edge into the substructure. |
| US07931230B2 |
Personal land and air vehicle
A vehicle (1) for riding on land and flying in air comprises: a cabin (2) with wheels (3, 4), the cabin (2) being designed for accommodating at least one person, a rotor (40) having a rotor axle (41), a rotor base (44) and rotor blades (45) mounted to the rotor base (44); a support bracket (30) carrying the rotor (40), the support bracket (30) having a bottom section (31) extending substantially parallel to the cabin roof, and having at least one leg section (32) extending substantially parallel to the cabin side, the leg section (32) having a free end connected to the cabin (2); wherein the rotor blades (45) are hingedly mounted to the rotor base (44); and wherein the bottom bracket (31) part with the rotor (40) is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1). |
| US07931229B2 |
Rolled medium supporting mechanism for supporting both ends of rolled medium and recording apparatus having the rolled medium supporting mechanism
A rolled medium supporting mechanism includes a supporting member 210 that rotatably supports a rolled medium. The mechanism is provided with a plurality of abutting supporting members 230 arranged in the circumferential direction of the supporting member and supporting the rolled medium by making abutting contact with an inner peripheral face of a hollow shaft portion of the rolled medium when the mechanism is inserted into the hollow shaft portion of the rolled medium. The abutting supporting members are configured to be freely displaced in a roll-diameter direction in accordance with an inner diameter of the hollow shaft portion. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to have a separate component in order to adapt to core members having different diameters, but only displacement of the abutting supporting member is needed. Thus, it is possible to simplify the construction and provide easy handling properties. |
| US07931224B2 |
Round cutter-blade of a paper shredder
A round cutter-blade of a paper shredder includes a body having a surface, a periphery, and an opening formed therethrough; and at least one triangular shaped knife-edge that is integrally formed with the surface of the body and is turned over the periphery of the body. The cutter-blade can cut broken paper into short fragments, thus raising the secure requirement greatly and reducing the cost due to a reduction of thickness of the round cutter-blade. |
| US07931219B2 |
Anti-spin assembly
An anti-spin assembly is arranged in a gyratory crusher. The anti-spin assembly includes an expandable braking receptacle, which is adapted to be expanded by way of a pressure medium. The braking receptacle is arranged in a space between a first surface formed on a part which rotates with the crushing head and a second surface formed on a non-rotary part which is connected to the frame bottom part. The braking receptacle is arranged, when expanding, to engage both the first and the second surface, thereby braking the rotation of the crushing head. |
| US07931218B2 |
Method for increasing efficiency of grinding of ores, minerals and concentrates
A method for reducing particle size of a particulate comprising feeding a feed material to a grinding mill having a power of at least 500 kW, the mill having a specific power draw of at least 50 kW per cubic meter of grinding volume of the mill and the grinding mill including a grinding media comprising particulate material having a specific gravity of not less than 2.4 tons/m3 and a particle size falling in the range of from about 0.8 to 8 mm, grinding the feed material in the grinding mill and removing a product from the grinding mill, the product having a particle size range such that D80 of the product is at least about 20 microns. |
| US07931213B2 |
Portable scent disperser
A portable scent dispensing device includes a base having a warming element for heating scented matter situated thereon, the warming element being configured for electrical communication with a power source. The dispensing device includes a first switch for actuating the warming element with the power source. A hood is directly above the base and includes a fan configured for electrical communication with the power source, the hood being separated from the base to allow the scented matter to be positioned upon the warming element. A first wall extends upwardly from the base and a second wall extends downwardly from the hood. At least one fastener maintains the hood at respective heights directly above the base by maintaining the second wall at respective positions relative to the first wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall collectively surround at least about halfway around the scented matter. |
| US07931212B2 |
Fluid droplet production apparatus and method
A fluid dispersion device comprises a substrate (3) having an outer section (25) and an inner section (26), said inner section (26) of the substrate (3) having an aperture (11), a dispersion element (10) positioned at said aperture (11) of said substrate (3), and an actuator (4) arranged to coaxially surround said aperture (11) of said substrate (3), wherein the outer edge of said inner section (26) of said substrate (3) is coupled to said outer section (25) of said substrate by a plurality of resilient members (81, 82, 83). |
| US07931211B2 |
Injector
A pressurizing piston has a head section, which contacts an axial end face of a piezoelectric actuator to receive displacement of the actuator, and a piston wall section, which is formed in a cylindrical shape and can move in an axial direction in response to the movement of the head section. The head section and the piston wall section are combined such that relative displacement therebetween is possible in a radial direction. An outer sleeve slidably holding an outer periphery of the piston wall section restricts radial movement of the head section. When an expansion-contraction direction of the actuator inclines with respect to the axial direction, inclination of the piston wall section is inhibited by a radial deviation caused between the head section and the piston wall section. Thus, pinching of the piston wall section to the outer sleeve is inhibited. |
| US07931209B2 |
System for controlling an air-conditioning system within an environment, in particular the passenger compartment of a vehicle
Described herein is a system for controlling an air-conditioning system within an environment, in particular the passenger compartment of a vehicle, said system comprising a plurality of sensors designed to detect quantities representing the thermal comfort of the occupants and an electronic control unit (ECU), which calculates, on the basis of said quantities, a temperature indicating the thermal comfort of the occupants of the environment, on the basis of which the actuator devices of the air-conditioning system are driven. |
| US07931207B2 |
Optically variable magnetic stripe assembly
An optically variable magnetic stripe assembly includes a magnetic layer, an optically variable effect generating layer over the magnetic layer, and a reflective layer between the magnetic layer and the optically variable effect generating layer. The reflective layer includes at least one metal portion. |
| US07931203B2 |
Non-contact type IC card
There is provided a non-contact type IC card that prevents electrostatic discharge failure of an IC chip embedded in an IC card.A non-contact type IC card includes at least a magnetic recording layer, a metal reflective layer, and a hologram layer, which are sequentially laminated on a card base member, and an antenna and an IC chip connected to the antenna that are embedded in the card base member. The metal reflective layer is made of a material of which electric conductivity is smaller than 28.9×106/Ωm, or is composed of a thin film of which surface resistivity is 7.02 (Ω/□) or more. |
| US07931202B2 |
Electronic business and information card
An electronic business and information card device having sound recording means and sound producing means operably connected to sound storing means, all disposed within a business-card sized housing. The device is battery powered and features three-button operation. Sound information may be pre-recorded. The device has a lockout means to prevent inadvertent erasure of pre-recorded information and to selectively permit recording of new sound information over previous sound information. The surfaces of the housing are provided with identifying information such as names, logos and contact information. Alternatively, the surfaces of the housing may be left blank for customization by intermediate- or end-users. |
| US07931199B2 |
Computerized card production equipment
An apparatus and method for manipulating images is disclosed. In one embodiment according to the invention, a method for manipulating images comprises: displaying for manipulation at a browser-based user interface a graphical representation of at least a portion of an image held at a remote image store; providing an internet communications link coupling the user interface to a remote image processor; transferring information about manipulations applied to the graphical representation between the user interface and the remote image processor; and causing the remote image processor to access the remote image store and apply, to at least a portion of the image held in the store, manipulations emulating those applied to the graphical representation. In another embodiment according to the invention, there is disclosed a method for applying a personalized image to a financial account access means corresponding to a financial account of a customer. The method comprises: associating financial data, corresponding to the financial account of the customer, with a customer image identifier in a financial account association table maintained securely from a user interface; associating the customer image identifier with user image selection data based on user selections made on the user interface in relation to a graphical representation of at least a portion of an original image held in an image store; and applying the personalized image to the financial account access means, the personalized image being based on the user image selection data associated with the customer image identifier. |
| US07931197B2 |
RFID-based product manufacturing and lifecycle management
Architecture that utilizes RFID technology in product manufacturing and lifecycle management to track the depletion of inventory, verify the correctness of a part, monitor the completeness of an assembled product, and check a returned product to determine warranty procedure. An RFID reader, or reader/writer, can sense information of an RFID tag associated with an item at various stages of product life. The information can be compared with data associated with the RFID-tagged item, and appropriate action can be taken based on the comparison. A machine learning and reasoning component can be utilized to generate automatic action based on the information. |
| US07931195B2 |
Dynamic credit card with magnetic stripe and embedded encoder and methods for using the same to provide a copy-proof credit card
A dynamic credit card is provided in which a secure credit card number (e.g., a secret/hidden credit card number) is encoded based on a timing signal (e.g., an internal counter) to provide a dynamic credit card number. This dynamic number may be displayed to a user via a display (e.g., so that online purchases can be made) or written onto a magnetic stripe such that the number may be processed by traditional credit card merchants (e.g., swiped). At a remote facility, the dynamic number may be decoded based on time (and/or a counter/key number/equation). Thus, a dynamic credit card number may change continually or periodically (e.g., every sixty seconds) such that credit card numbers may not be copied by thieves and used at later times. A dynamic verification code may also be utilized in addition to, or in lieu of, a dynamic credit card number. |
| US07931194B2 |
Methods and apparatus for automated document examination for age verification
Systems and techniques for automated age verification in self service transaction processing. Upon identification of an age restricted product presented for purchase, presentation of a purchaser identification document is requested. Encoded information is read from the document and a purchaser photograph obtained from the document is examined. An image of the purchaser is also captured. The purchaser birth date encoded on the document is evaluated and the captured image of the purchaser is compared with the image of the purchaser photograph. The purchase is authorized if the purchaser birth date indicates that the purchaser meets the age requirements for the purchase and the captured purchaser image matches the photograph. |
| US07931193B2 |
Check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method
An automated banking machine that operates responsive to data read from user cards which accepts checks and dispenses cash to users. The machine operates to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user in exchange for the deposited check. The machine dispenses cash responsive to communications with a transaction host. |
| US07931191B2 |
Post factory dynamic application selection
A system for post factory dynamic application selection which includes an after point of sale configuration manager client module stored on a customer information handling system, a software determination module, and a download module is disclosed. The after point of sale configuration management client module enables the customer information handling system to access a manufacturer server. Based upon customer information, the software determination module determines which software to provide to the customer information handling system. Based upon the determination, the download module downloads software to the customer information handling system. |
| US07931189B2 |
Kit and method to provide mail security for a mailbox
A retrofit mailbox security kit includes a binding strap conformable to an interior surface of a mailbox and a hingeably attached security door. A security tab is rigidly attached to the binding strap. The security door in the closed position and the security tab form a mail insertion aperture extending substantially a width of the mailbox. A lock assembly coupled to the security door can restrain the security door in a closed position. The binding strap may be adhered to the interior surface of the mailbox with rivets or with two-sided adhesive tape. The two-sided adhesive tape may be covered with a removably adhered protective film accessible through a clearance aperture in the binding strap to enable the binding strap to be rigidly attached to the interior surface of the mailbox. |
| US07931185B2 |
Double-shouldered welding device for the friction stir welding of parts, and welding method
The invention relates to a double shouldered welding device for the friction stir welding of parts, in which at least one shoulder has two concentric rings providing two plane concentric bearing surfaces, the rings being arranged so that the smaller-diameter ring is capable of compressing the stirred material of the parts to be welded during advance of the welding device and so that the larger-diameter ring is capable of forming a sink-in stop for the smaller-diameter ring. The invention also relates to a method of friction stir welding by means of the welding device according to the invention, in which said device is force-driven. |
| US07931183B2 |
End-to-end anastomosis instrument and method for performing same
A surgical instrument for performing an end-to-end anastomosis of first and second luminal structures includes a housing having an actuator attached thereto and a selectively removable loading unit attached to a distal end of the housing which supports any array of surgical fasteners at a distal end thereof. The surgical fasteners are simultaneously deformable upon activation of the actuator such that a distal end of each surgical fastener secures each end of each luminal structure to complete the end-to-end anastomosis wherein the resulting eversion is exterior to the luminal structures. |
| US07931181B2 |
Combustion-type power tool with trigger control arrangements
A combustion-type power tool includes a cylinder, a piston, a head, a combustion chamber frame, an ignition unit, a trigger, a control member. The combustion chamber frame is abuttable on the head to provide a combustion chamber in cooperation with the head and the piston. The trigger is operated by a user for driving the fastener into a workpiece. The control member detects that the combustion chamber has been provided and the trigger has been operated, and allows the ignition unit to ignite the combustible gas only when the control member detects that both the combustion chamber has been provided and the trigger has been operated. |
| US07931172B2 |
Pump dispenser used with lotion bottle
A pump dispenser includes a tube seat engaged in a rotating lid of the lotion bottle; a pump arranged on a bottom of the tube seat for drawing the lotion unilaterally; a through hole arranged in the tube seat and communicated with the pump; a pipe movably received in the through hole to be configured for guiding the lotion in the pump; a press head placed over an opening of the pipe exposed out of the top of the through hole to be configured for guiding the lotion in the pipe out; at least one upper trapezoidal body opening upwards and at least one lower trapezoidal body opening downwards arranged on the inner surface of the through hole; and at least one protrusion arranged on the outer surface of the pipe. The protrusion moves into or out of the bottom of the lower trapezoidal body by rotating the head press for preventing or permitting the press head from moving upwards such that the lotion bottle is convenient to be carried. The protrusion moves into or out of the top of the upper trapezoidal body by rotating the head press for preventing or permitting the press head from moving downwards such that the lotion will not be drawn out when the press head is accidentally pressed. |
| US07931171B2 |
Paint cartridge
A tank base (12) is formed of a mount block (13) and a feed tube (16), and a first paint passage (17) is provided internally through the feed tube (16). A baggy tank (19) is composed of a support member (20) and a bag member (21) having opposite ends thereof securely fixed to the support member (20) to define a paint chamber (22) therein. A second paint passage (23) is provided in a fore end portion (20A) of the support member (20). A tank accommodating case (25) is provided to accommodate the bag member (21). The baggy tank (19) is set in position within the tank accommodating case (25) with opposite ends of the support member (20) gripped between the mount block (13) of the tank base (12) and the tank accommodating case (25), bringing the paint chamber (22) into communication with the first paint passage (17) through the second paint passage (23). |
| US07931168B2 |
Portable manway cover hinge device
A portable manway hinge device has a pair of elongated hinge members where each hinge member has a pair of longitudinally-aligned, elongated apertures, a support member slidably connected to each of the elongated apertures where the support member has a pin receiving end, and a linkage member pivotally connected to each of the pair of elongated hinge members. |
| US07931163B2 |
Cap closure
A closure for a container having a body comprises a neck and cap assembly with a foil interposed between the body and the neck and cap assembly. The neck comprises a base fitted to the body with a removable annular flange connected to a pull ring and secured to the foil. A frangible region separates the removable annular flange from the base. A plurality of depending teeth each having a saw tooth profile inclined inwardly to a centre of the base are formed in the base adjacent to or in the frangible region such that on removal of the pull ring the foil is torn by the teeth. |
| US07931159B2 |
Suspension display rack
A suspension display rack has a board, a rail, and multiple brackets. The board has a back-strip. The back strip has two first positioning holes. The rail is mounted on a front surface of the board and has an upper lug and a lower lug formed respectively on a top and a bottom of the rail. The brackets are mounted on the rail and each bracket has a bar engaging with the board, a holder (21) and a seat. When the board is mounted securely on a wall or a tool car, tools can connect to the seats of the brackets for positioning. |
| US07931155B2 |
Dishwasher having a positionable holder
A dishwasher including a basket having a holder whose position may be easily changed using a lever from an active state to a passive state, by folding ergonomically, so that different kinds of kitchenware may be washed, such as saucepans, pans, etc. or plates, glasses, etc. The active position of the holder is utilized to hold such kitchenware such as plates, glasses etc. at right or certain inclined angles in order for the mentioned type of kitchenware to be washed easily at the lower and upper basket. |
| US07931142B2 |
Medical instrument sterilization pouch
The sterilization pouch includes a sealable inner space for receiving one or more medical instruments, a preferred instrument being hinged pliers. The pouch is generally comprised of first and second layers, the layers being sealed around a peripheral edge except a separation in the seal to form an opening for accessing the inner space and a flap for closing the opening. The pouch has an upper portion and a first and second lower portion extending therefrom, the upper portion being comprised of a vertical length just as long or longer than the lower portions to allow for insertion and removal of the instrument through the opening, wherein the opening is along the peripheral edge of the upper portion. A recessed portion separates the first and second lower portions, such as to permit the inner space to connect the first and second lower portions only through the upper portion. |
| US07931140B2 |
Cosmetic container with integrated mixing insert
A cosmetic container with integrated mixing insert which serve for mixing up or thoroughly mixing an application substance contained in the cosmetic container and/or for preventing or delaying the separation of the contained application substance into the phases thereof. In that respect the mixing insert is of a configuration that an application substance is mixed up in the cosmetic container shortly prior to application by a respective mixing operation in order to guarantee homogeneity of the application substance. |
| US07931134B2 |
Clutch for a transmission
The disclosed clutch includes a reaction plate, a friction plate, a friction layer, at least one non-compressible member and a fluid lubricant. The friction layer has a coefficient of friction that is sufficient to prevent relative rotation of the reaction and friction plates when the friction layer is compressed by the reaction plate. Further, the friction layer has at least one groove. At least one non-compressible member is disposed in the at least one groove to prevent further compression of the friction layer by the reaction plate. The at least one non-compressible member is mechanically fastened to the friction plate. |
| US07931133B2 |
System for self-adjusting height and direction of a movable power cable
This invention relates to a system for automatically self-adjusting the height, length and direction of an electrical power cable connecting a movable machine, such as a crane, to a fixed electrical power supply. One end of the cable is wrapped around a reel which is arranged within a housing that is freely rotatable about a vertical axis. That end is connected to an electrical power source. The opposite end of the cable is connected to a machine which is moveable towards and away from, and around, the reel. A motor rotates the reel for winding up, and applying a tension upon, the cable so that the center portion of the cable, which extends between the reel and machine, is held relatively taut and generally horizontal. The central portion of the cable extends through a vertical slot in the housing so that its height, length and direction of extension towards the machine are automatically adjusted in response to the position of the moveable machine relative to the reel. |
| US07931132B2 |
Damper
The invention relates to a damper having a damper cylinder, in which a piston ram is guided via a piston rod, and for adjusting characteristic damper values, the flow of a damper fluid can be controlled. A piezoelectric valve is disposed inside the damper cylinder, and includes a piezoelectric element and an actuator, and an evaluation and control circuit for adjusting the flow of the damper fluid triggers the actuator via the piezoelectric element. |
| US07931130B2 |
Universal brake assembly
A brake actuator assembly for a railway vehicle braking system comprises a flexible elastomeric member directly and sealably attached to a mounting member employed for attaching the brake actuator assembly to the rigid structure of a braking system and to a push rod member connected to the control linkage. The brake actuator assembly is connected to a source of fluid under pressure enabling inflation of the flexible elastomeric member and initiation of a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The brake actuator assembly of the present invention allows for improved control of the brake shoe forces including visual travel measurement indication which is especially desirable during light load conditions. Currently used brake assemblies employing cylinder type actuators may be retrofitted with the brake actuator assembly of the invention. |
| US07931128B2 |
Elevator device
In an elevator device, a drive unit has a drive sheave, a motor for rotating the drive sheave, and a motor driving portion for driving the motor. The motor driving portion is controlled by a control unit. When a car is running, the control unit monitors a load on at least one component within the drive unit, and generates a control command regarding a running speed of the car in accordance with a state of the load, and outputs the control command to the motor driving portion. |
| US07931127B2 |
Elevator apparatus
In an elevator apparatus, a brake device is controlled by a brake control device. The brake control device is capable of performing braking force reduction control for reducing the braking force of the brake device at a time of emergency braking of a car. The brake control device monitors a running state of the car at the time of emergency braking thereof, and makes a switchover between validity and invalidity of braking force reduction control such that the car is stopped within a preset allowable stopping distance. |
| US07931124B2 |
On-demand lubrication system and method for improved flow management and containment
A method of oil flow management for a gas turbine engine includes moving oil from a tank to a compartment using a pressure pump, moving oil from the compartment to the tank using a scavenge pump, and at least temporarily increasing a rate at which oil is moved with the scavenge pump by a greater amount than a rate at which oil is moved with the pressure pump to create at least a partial vacuum to negatively pressurize the compartment to reduce oil leakage. |
| US07931117B2 |
Glazing unit with improved vibro-acoustic damping properties, method for making such glazing unit and method for acoustic protection in a vehicle passenger compartment
A glazing unit with improved vibro-acoustic damping properties, including at least one glass sheet and at least one vibro-acoustic damping strip fastened onto at least one of faces of the glass sheet and that includes at least one element made of damping material having a loss factor of at least 0.4 and a Young's modulus of less than 200 MPa at 20° C. for frequencies below 5000 Hz. The strip also includes at least one weighting element that has a linear mass of greater than 0.05 kg/m and is fastened onto the element made of damping material, the element made of damping material being inserted between the glass sheet and the weighting element, and no device other than the glazing unit being joined to the strip. |
| US07931113B2 |
Steering control system for vehicle
A steering control section has a first steering angle correction amount calculating section, a second steering angle correction amount calculating section, and a motor rotational angle calculating section. The first correction amount calculating section calculates a first correction amount based on a vehicle speed and an actual steering wheel angle. The second correction amount calculating section calculates a second correction amount through multiplying a control gain corresponding to the vehicle speed with a value calculated by low-pass filtering a differential value of steering wheel angle. The motor rotational angle calculating section calculates a motor rotational angle corresponding to the value adding the first and second steering angle correction amount, and outputs it to a motor driving section so as to drive an electric motor for correcting the steering angle. Thereby, an unstable vehicle behavior due to a resonance of a yaw motion caused in the steering operation can be suppressed. |
| US07931112B2 |
Isolation valve for a load-reaction steering system
A steering system includes a fluid actuator, a first steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid actuator, and a second steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid actuator and disposed in parallel to the first steering circuit. The second steering circuit includes a load-reaction feature and an isolation valve with the isolation valve being adapted to enable and disable the load-reaction feature. |
| US07931111B2 |
Lift device of active hood system
A lift device of an active hood system is adapted to lift up the rear of a hood for a vehicle. The lift device of the active hood system includes a striker placed on the hood, a latch unit placed in an engine compartment for locking and unlocking the striker, and an elastic member placed between the striker and the latch unit for raising up the hood. The lift device lifts up the hood by a mechanism which employs the elastic force of the elastic member. Accordingly, the lift device greatly reduces the impact applied to a pedestrian during a collision of the vehicle with the pedestrian, and improves the device's security. Moreover, the lift device is locked or unlocked by the striker and the latch unit, thereby making it reusable, easy to handle, and reducing its manufacturing and repair costs. |
| US07931110B2 |
Electric motorcycle
An electric motorcycle is provided that can air-cool a power drive unit without the provision of a plurality of cooling fans. In an electric vehicle in which a battery box housing batteries is disposed below a foot rest space and electricity supplied from the batteries is supplied to a running-purpose power-generating motor via a power drive unit, the power drive unit is attached to a swing arm turning around a pivot shaft and the battery box is formed with an air introduction port and an air discharge port used to cool the batteries. A cooling fan is provided which sucks air in the battery box from the air discharge port and sends the air toward the power drive unit. The cooling fan is disposed rearward of the air discharge port of the battery box and close to the pivot shaft. |
| US07931106B1 |
All terrain vehicle
All terrain vehicle including front wheels, rear wheels, vehicle body frame, first roof supports, second roof supports, roof members, seat, front panel, front gear case, front suspensions, vehicle body cover, radiator, and head light units. The vehicle body frame includes upper frames, lower frames, and front frames. The first and second roof supports are each provided at lateral sides of the vehicle body frame. The right roof member connects upper portions of the right first and second roof supports. The left roof member connects upper portions of the left first and second roof supports. The radiator is positioned rearward of the front frames, forward of the front suspensions, and in a transverse center of the vehicle. The head light units are positioned above and longitudinally overlapping with the radiator. |
| US07931102B2 |
Power output apparatus, vehicle equipped with power output apparatus, and control method of power output apparatus
In a 2-motor drive mode with connection of both motors with a driveshaft by means of a transmission, a hybrid vehicle sets torque commands of the motors based on a torque demand set at step S110, in order to minimize the sum of a loss of the motors and to ensure output of a power equivalent to a preset torque demand to the driveshaft. |
| US07931101B2 |
Proportional joystick with integral switch
An input device, such as a joystick, provides proportional input signals related to a position of an actuating member along an actuation surface and also includes a switch that provides an additional signal when the actuating member is moved in a direction perpendicular to the actuation surface. |
| US07931099B2 |
Hydraulic traveling vehicle and control method for hydraulic traveling vehicle
With a hydraulic traveling vehicle, a controller is configured and arranged to switch a merging/diverging valve to a merging state when a working equipment is driven with the merging/diverging valve being in a diverging state and with turning of the hydraulic traveling vehicle being carried out, and when a required flow rate parameter for pressurized oil of the working equipment is greater than or equal to a prescribed threshold value, and to maintain the merging/diverging valve in the diverging state when the required flow rate parameter is less than the prescribed threshold value. |
| US07931096B2 |
Adaptive user interface for rock drilling rig
A control apparatus for controlling a multi-phase rock drilling event carried out with a rock drilling rig. In a display of the rock drilling rig or a control unit thereof, a first section is settable for substantially invariable information sources and a second section for information sources to be changed according to the rock drilling situation. Further, a situation-specific rock drilling definition is set in the control apparatus about at least one information source, information relating to which is to be displayed during the rock drilling situation. The working phase of the rock drilling event is checked, and an information source suitable for the phase is selected on the basis of the definition. Information relating to the at least one selected information source is displayed in the display part during execution of the rock drilling phase. |
| US07931090B2 |
System and method for controlling subsea wells
A technique is provided for control of subsea well systems. The technique utilizes a subsea controller coupled to a plurality of subsea well system components to allow localized control of the subsea well system. The subsea controller can be used in a variety of functional applications, such as balancing power distribution to subsea components. |
| US07931089B2 |
Proppant and methods of use
A proppant consists of a core part and shell of a material different from the material of the core part. The shell comprises a soft material attached rigidly to the core part in such a way that the total surface area of the points where the shell and the core part are joined is less than the surface area of the core part. |
| US07931083B2 |
Integrated system and method for steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD)-heavy oil production to produce super-heated steam without liquid waste discharge
A method and system for producing steam for extraction of heavy bitumen including the steps of mixing carbon or hydrocarbon fuel. The fuel is crude oil, vacuum residue, asphaltin, petcoke or coal. The oxidation gas includes oxygen, oxygen enriched air or air-combustion of the mixture under high pressure and high temperature. The fuel is mixed with low quality contaminated water containing organics and inorganics. The liquid phase transferred to a gas phase includes steam and carbon dioxide, wherein solids are separated from the gas phase. The gas phase is mixed with saturated water to scrub the remaining solids and produce saturated steam. The solid rich water is recycled back for combustion. The saturated steam super-heated dry steam and gas mixture is send to an enhanced oil recovery facility for injection into an underground reservoir. |
| US07931082B2 |
Method and system for centralized well treatment
A method of servicing multiple well locations from a central location that includes the steps of configuring a central location for distribution of well development task fluids to centralized service factories through fluid lines; preparing the treatment fluids at the centralized service factories; and treating wells with the treatment fluids according to well development tasks associated with each well. A system for centralized well treatment operations that includes a centralized well treatment center which pumps well development task fluids to centralized service factories; a plurality of systems with well development mechanisms; a first connection and second connection between a well and the centralized service factories, wherein the connections are directed to flowing and recovering treatment fluids respectively; a third and fourth connection between another well and the well treatment factory, wherein the connections are directed to flowing and recovering treatment fluids respectively. |
| US07931078B2 |
Stuffing box apparatus
A stuffing box apparatus for sealing between a polish rod in a hydrocarbon production well comprises a tubular housing arranged for connection to the well which has a bore therethrough to receive the polish rod. Sealing members are supported in the bore of the housing in an upper stack and a lower stack of smaller outer diameter separated by an intermediate bushing. An upper bushing compresses the upper stack against the intermediate bushing. The lower bushing fixes the lower stack against the bottom of the intermediate bushing. Each of the bushings includes a counter bore formed at one end which receives a wiper member arranged for sealing engagement between the bushing and the polish rod. |
| US07931072B1 |
High heat flux evaporator, heat transfer systems
An evaporator includes an outer fluid enclosure, a liquid inlet port extending through the outer fluid enclosure, a liquid-distribution structure, a wick, and a vapor removal channel. The liquid-distribution structure is joined to the outer fluid enclosure to form a fluidly sealed hermetic chamber. The liquid-distribution structure includes a vapor barrier wall having an outer heat-receiving surface and the liquid-distribution structure is configured to distribute liquid over an inner surface of the vapor barrier wall. The wick is positioned inside the fluidly sealed hermetic chamber and is coupled to a liquid inlet port. The vapor removal channel is defined by and is in fluid communication with the wick and the liquid-distribution structure, and is near the outer heat-receiving surface of the vapor barrier wall. A thermal conductance of the liquid-distribution structure is higher than a thermal conductance of the wick. |
| US07931066B2 |
Roman shade
Upper ends of the first fabric and the second fabric are attached to the head rail, respectively, and the first lift cord and the second lift cord suspended from the head rail in a liftable manner are coupled to the first fabric and the second fabric, respectively. The first lift cord is routed into a rear side of the first fabric and the second lift cord is routed into a rear side of the second fabric so as to come over an upper end of the second fabric. An extension member is provided so as to extend downwardly along with a lower edge of a rear portion of the head rail, and the upper end of the second fabric is attached to a front surface of the extension member. |
| US07931063B2 |
Transfer assembly for manufacturing electronic devices
A method for assembling a device. The method comprises placing a functional element in a first opening formed in a template substrate and transferring the functional element to a device substrate having a second opening formed therein wherein the functional element is held within the second opening and against an adhesive film coupled to the device substrate. |
| US07931061B2 |
Tire inflation system with integrated wheel seal
An axle assembly includes a non-rotating component and a wheel hub supported for rotation relative to the non-rotating component about an axis. The wheel hub includes a hub air passage that has a hub inlet and a hub outlet to be fluidly connected to at least one tire. An air chamber is formed at least in part between the non-rotating component and the wheel hub. The air chamber receives air flow from an air source and directs air flow into the hub inlet. A seal assembly engages the wheel hub to seal the air chamber. |
| US07931049B2 |
Nano or sub-nano FIR and anion metal fuel pipes for motor vehicles and like
A fuel pipe that is made from general, nano or sub-nano metal materials and can be used for motor vehicles and ships includes a nano or sub-nano Far Infrared Ray (FIR) and anion carrier. The structures of the carrier are made up of nano or sub-nano tourmaline granules integrated into the carrier body made from general, nano, or sub-nano plastic, rubber, resin, or metal materials. The carrier can be the whole body, interior or exterior wall, or paste structures set on the inner or outer wall surface of the pipe. The carrier can reach a far infrared emission rate up to 96% from ˜85% by general tourmaline materials and facilitate sufficient combustion by breaking fuel molecular group into pieces. As a result, the novel pipe can achieve an extra 12-percent fuel economy improvement. The percentage of toxic gas in the exhaust will be correspondingly reduced. |
| US07931047B2 |
Arrangement of line connections for installations in an aircraft passenger cabin
The present invention relates to an arrangement of line connections for installations in an aircraft passenger cabin. The arrangement comprises a line connection element for accommodating several line connections; wherein the line connection element has a fixed position in the floor grid; wherein the line connections are adaptable to system lines of aircraft systems; and wherein the installations are adaptable by way of flexible inlet lines on the line connection element. |
| US07931045B2 |
Water sensor apparatus
A water sensor apparatus used in connection with a watering system. The water sensor apparatus includes a main housing comprising an inlet and an outlet. A valve mechanism is provided inside the main housing. The valve mechanism opens and closes the outlet of the main housing in response to a water level collected in the main housing and a water pressure entering the inlet of the main housing. |
| US07931044B2 |
Valve body and condensate holding tank flushing systems and methods
The present invention relates to a valve body and condensate holding tank flushing system and method for use in a delayed coker operation. |
| US07931043B2 |
Diaphragm-sealed valve with process purging groove
A diaphragm-sealed valve provided with a valve cap and a valve body, a diaphragm and a plunger assembly. The diaphragm is compressibly positioned between the valve cap and the valve body. The valve body comprises a process purging channel extending along a main recess of the valve body, under a pre-formed deformation of the diaphragm. A process purging inlet passage and a process purging outlet passage, both opening on the process purging channel, allow for a purging gas to flow in the process purging channel. |
| US07931042B2 |
Vacuum suction system and method of controlling the same
A vacuum suction system comprises a work conveyor table 2 having work receiving openings 5, and a table base 3 having vacuum suction channels 7 which communicate with the work receiving openings 5 of the conveyor table 2. The work receiving openings 5 and the vacuum suction channels 7 communicate with a vacuum generation source 17 via a vacuum pipe 9. A negative pressure sensor 10 is disposed on the vacuum pipe 9. Based on a signal from the negative pressure sensor 10, a compressed air generation source 20 supplies a compressed air to the vacuum pipe 9 and thereby stabilizes the vacuum level in the vacuum pipe 9. |
| US07931040B2 |
Portable shelter
An apparatus in one example is a portable shelter to be set up on a ground surface, the shelter having: first and second arms; a sheet connected at a first edge thereof to the first arm, and at a second, opposite edge thereof to the second arm; first and second legs intended for generally vertical alignment when the shelter is open, so that each leg has a top end and bottom end, the legs having a rotational connection at the top ends thereof to ends of the first and second arms, respectively; means attached to the bottom end of each leg for mounting the legs on the ground surface; whereby the arms and sheet may be rotated to an open position apart from the legs, to provide shelter, and may be rotated to a closed position along the legs. |
| US07931037B1 |
Covering system
A covering system for efficiently and quickly sheltering a plurality of vehicles, objects or other structures from hail or other damaging elements. The covering system generally includes a pair of connecting stations embedded below a ground surface, wherein the pair of connecting stations are aligned with each other and distally separated, a pair of end frames connected to the pair of connecting stations and a canopy interposed between the pair of end frames, wherein the canopy is connected to the pair of connecting stations via the pair of end frames. The canopy includes a pair of wings foldably connected near an apex of the canopy to form a triangular shaped configuration for sheltering a structure beneath. |
| US07931036B1 |
In-use adjustable walker
A walker is disclosed that may be adjusted in width during use for allowing the user to pass safely through narrow doorways or passageways. Walkers of the present invention have crossbars at a front thereof constructed of telescoping tubing and locking/unlocking mechanisms. During use, the telescoping tubes may be unlocked so that a smaller tube may be moved into a larger tube, reducing a width of the walker. In other embodiments, a lead screw assembly may be rotated in order to reduce width of the walker. In yet other embodiments the walker may be automatically increased or decreased in width responsive to the tubes being unlocked. |
| US07931033B2 |
Dish washer
A dish washer includes a steam generating unit that is configured to control the amount of steam in accordance with the amount of items in the dish washer. The steam generating unit is positioned outside of the tub and is configured to generate and supply steam to the tub. The dishwasher includes a fluid supplying passage that supplies washing fluid to the steam generating unit. A steam discharging passage is configured to discharge steam that is generated from the steam generating unit to the tub. |
| US07931032B1 |
Bulk dispensing of chemicals into a residential dishwasher
A fluid dispensing system for a residential dishwasher comprises a fluid reservoir that can hold liquid gel dish detergent in bulk quantities, preferably comprising the contents of at least one bottle of detergent as sold at retail, which is disposed inside a door of the dishwasher. The reservoir is filled with detergent from the inside of the door, to facilitate clean-up if any product is accidentally spilled. As a result, the dishwasher is made easier and more convenient to use, by reducing the repetitive step of loading detergent and allowing “peace of mind” delegation of the dishwashing task. Metered doses of the fluid may be dispensed. In addition to dish detergent, liquid rinse aids may also be dispensed using the disclosed system. |
| US07931030B2 |
Regimens for intra-articular viscosupplementation
The invention provides viscosupplementation methods for treating osteoarthritis and joint injury with HA-based viscosupplements, particularly viscosupplements with an intra-articular residence half-life shorter than 3 weeks. Viscosupplements for use in the methods of the invention may be further characterized in that they contain less than 20 mg/ml HA, at least 5% (w/w) of which is in a gel form, such as, e.g., hylan B. In an illustrative embodiment, hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc®) is administered in a single intra-articular knee injection of 6±2 ml. |
| US07931027B2 |
Earplug with engagement means
An earplug for a hearing aid adapted for engagement with earpieces made of materials with a comparatively high hardness. The earplug comprises a resilient sleeve and a shell, the shell having an outer portion adapted to fit within a user's ear canal and a central bore, the central bore having a first abutment shoulder adapted for retaining the resilient sleeve inside the shell and a second abutment shoulder adapted for providing a stop for the resilient sleeve and for the earpiece. Hereby the resilient sleeve is able to combine relatively relaxed manufacturing tolerances with precise positioning of the earpiece inside the earplug. |
| US07931025B2 |
Patient interface and headgear connector
The present invention provides a connection device for connecting a headgear having straps, a mask and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient. The connection device incorporates a locking member or locking portion which is configured to lock the straps in a particular location. |
| US07931023B2 |
Patient interface assembly for CPAP respiratory apparatus
A patient interface assembly adapted to be connected to a gas supply pump to deliver pressurized breathable gas to the inlet of a patient's respiratory system includes a patient interface structured to provide a seal with the patient and at least one inlet tube provided to the patient interface. Each inlet tube includes a substantially flat lower side wall to face the patient and a substantially arcuate upper side wall. |
| US07931020B2 |
Dissociated discharge EHD sprayer with electric field shield
The invention is directed to devices and methods for electrohydrodynamic (EHD) aerosolization of liquids utilizing a dissociated discharge electrode and an electric field shield disposed between the nozzle and the discharge electrode. Preferred embodiments are designed as inhalers suitable for administration of therapeutic compounds to the respiratory tract of a patient, preferably the lungs. |
| US07931018B1 |
Structure of paintball gun
This specification discloses a structure of the paintball gun. It comprises a body, a pressuring set, and a triggering set. The body has an axial passage whose front end forms a paintball outlet. The triggering set and the pressuring set are disposed in sequence inside the passage. The triggering set has a bushing, a guide pillar, and a bolt. The bushing is fixed inside the passage. The bolt is mounted on the guide pillar and disposed together inside the bushing. Air after being pressurized by the pressing set enters the triggering set. A control valve controls the flow path of the air in the triggering set in order to push the guide pillar backward. The air thus pushes the bolt toward the paintball outlet of the passage for triggering. |
| US07931016B2 |
Paper bullet firing pistol toy
A paper bullet firing pistol toy produces its own projectiles sequentially for shooting. By sliding an operating part on the outside of the toy, a strip of paper is drawn into the body of the pistol, and a piece of the paper is cut and folded into a bullet shape inside the toy. Thereafter, the paper bullet is shot from the muzzle by operating the trigger part, and the toy's mechanisms can be restored to their initial states by restoring the sliding operating part to its initial position, thereby making it possible to shoot paper bullets continuously. |
| US07931013B2 |
Three-pass heat exchanger for an EGR system
The present invention relates to a three-pass heat exchanger for an EGR system, comprising a casing housing at least one cooling chamber for gas circulating through a plurality of pipes and heads on its ends coupled to the gas inlet pipe coming from the exhaust manifold and to the gas outlet pipe connected to the intake manifold of the engine, which is configured as a three-pass heat exchanger, i.e. with three differentiated areas for gas circulation from the inlet pipe to the outlet pipe, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe being located at opposite ends of the exchanger. The exchanger can include a bypass valve and two cooling chambers at different temperatures. |
| US07931007B2 |
Fuel-injection device
The fuel-injection device is characterized by an especially low-noise design. The fuel-injection device includes at least one fuel injector and a fuel rail having at least one pipe connection, the fuel injector being introduced into a receiving bore of the pipe connection, and the fuel rail having a discharge opening to supply fuel to the fuel injector. Provided between the fuel injector and the fuel rail is a pressure-wave guide connecting both, in such a way such that dynamic pressure fluctuations in the fuel injector are able to be routed largely past the volume of the receiving bore of the pipe connection. The fuel-injection device is especially suitable for the direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber of a mixture-compressing internal combustion engine having external ignition, but it is also suitable for the injection of fuel into an intake manifold. |
| US07931004B2 |
Oil sensor placement structure in engine
In an engine, an oil level sensor (47) provided in a bottom part of an oil pan (15) storing engine oil so as to stand vertically upright is placed between a mutually parallel pair of balancer shafts (27, 28) housed in a balancer housing (21) provided between a lower face of a cylinder block and the oil pan (15). This not only enables the oil level sensor (47) to be placed compactly by utilizing effectively dead space formed between the pair of balancer shafts (27, 28), but also enables agitation of engine oil to be suppressed by the pair of balancer shafts (27, 28) and any degradation in detection precision due to engine oil splashing over the oil level sensor (47) to be prevented. |
| US07931002B1 |
Method for starting an engine
A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method skips combustion in at least one cylinder, according to the engine combustion order, to control engine speed when an engine is automatically restarted. The skipped combustion event may be related to a level of IMEP when combustion in a cylinder occurs under an operating condition. |
| US07930998B2 |
Real time in-line water-in-fuel emulsion apparatus, process and system
A water-in-fuel emulsion system comprises a reactor device, a fuel intake connected to said reactor device, a water intake connected to said reactor device, a pump connected to said reactor device, and a circulating emulsion reprocessing inline loop connected to said pump and feeding a load as needed in real time, wherein said reactor device comprises a non-vibrating anvil shaped to create cavitation sufficient to emulsify water-in-fuel from said water intake and said fuel intake. |
| US07930994B2 |
Bird feeder having an adjustable hanging cable
A bird feeder provides a feed hopper constructed concentrically around a vertical central axis and having a plurality of feeding ports evenly distributed around the central axis, and a cable reel mounted to the feed hopper and adapted to store and provide a cable for supporting the bird feeder along the central axis. |
| US07930993B2 |
Dispenser device with remote-controlled dispenser for the release of dispenser materials for an animal and corresponding method
The invention relates to a dispenser device, in particular, a reward dispenser device, comprising at least one dispenser for the release of a dispenser material for an animal, in particular, a dog, whereby the dispenser is provided with at least one dispenser material housing and a fixing device for the carrying thereof. According to the invention, the dispenser device (52) comprises the dispenser (3) and at least one signal emitter (45), the dispenser (3) has a release mechanism (31) for the release of the or a part of the dispenser material (21), operated by remote control, in order to carry the dispenser (3) on the animal (1) the fixing device (5) is embodied as an animal fixing device (4) and the signal emitter (45), not carried by the animal (1), is embodied for the remote control operation of the release mechanism (31). |
| US07930992B2 |
Plasma processing equipment
Resonance can be surely provided under any plasma condition in such a manner that an antenna (3) is arranged in an opening of an upper part of a chamber (1) to produce an electromagnetic field generated by a microwave, a top plate (4) for sealing the opening of the chamber (1) is provided under the antenna (3), a ring-shaped ridge (41) is provided on a lower surface of the top plate (4) such that a thickness thereof in a diameter direction is tapered so as to be varied sequentially. Thus, only one kind of top plate has the same effect as a top plate having various thicknesses, so that absorption efficiency to the plasma can be considerably improved and the plasma can be generated stably over a range from a high pressure to a low pressure. |
| US07930982B2 |
Support for embroidery film
A support for a support material that is to be embroidered, comprising a strip-shaped support that in a conveying direction thereof and/or transversely to the conveying direction is provided with a plurality of window-like openings for passage of an embroidery needle, wherein the window-like openings are adapted to be covered by the support material. A conveying device is provided and has a drive mechanism for displacing the strip-shaped support. An embroidery machine or sawing machine incorporating the conveying device is also provided. |
| US07930980B2 |
Automatically stabilizing table arrangement
An automatically stabilizing table has an elongate support structure (14) supporting a table top (12) at an upper end and having a first pair of feet (50) at a lower end. An elongate guide formation (38) projects from a lower end of the support structure. A displaceable support member (30), having a second pair of feet (32), is engaged with the guide formation such that the displaceable support member is slidably displaceable along the guide formation and is automatically frictionally engageable with the guide formation in response to pivoting of the displaceable support member about a pivot axis which is transverse to the guide formation, to anchor the displaceable support member frictionally against sliding displacement relative to the guide formation. A pair of springs (48) is provided to urge the support member downwardly. The support member is located in channel shaped spokes (20) to inhibit swiveling thereof on the guide formation. The guide formation is preferably a pin received in a bushed guiding passage (36) in the support member. |
| US07930979B2 |
Mounting of drag reducing devices for stacked intermodal rail cars
Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. A first set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto. The attachment frame includes first and second mounting devices configured to be removably mounted to connection openings of the corner fittings of the top container of the first set of containers. The first mounting device(s) may be rotatably locked within the top connection openings, while the second mounting device(s) may be hooks for latching into the bottom connection openings. A method of attaching the aerodynamic drag reducing device is also disclosed. |
| US07930970B2 |
Control unit for work machine
A control unit for a work machine that allows automatically obtaining optimal operability even when the weight of a work arm in the work machine is changed. In a work machine where at least a part of a work arm to be operated by a fluid pressure actuator is provided so as to be replaceable, a control unit for a work machine includes: a pilot-operated control valve that controls the fluid pressure actuator; a proportional solenoid valve that pilot-controls the pilot-operated control valve by a pilot control pressure according to an electrical signal corresponding to a manual operation amount; a measuring means that measures a weight of at least the part of the work arm; and a controller that converts characteristics between the manual operation amount and the pilot control pressure of the proportional solenoid valve to characteristics according to the weight of the work arm measured by the measuring means. |
| US07930968B2 |
Cam pin with roller for bolt carrier
A bolt used in a self loading firearm employing a bolt carrier which in turn carries the bolt. The bolt includes a cam pin receptacle and a cam pin carried by the bolt. The cam pin includes a body having a received end and an exposed end. The received end is received in the cam pin receptacle with the exposed end extending outwardly from a surface of the bolt. A roller is rotatably coupled to the exposed end and rotatable around an axis of the body. |
| US07930963B2 |
Workpiece cutting method and band-saw machine
A workpiece cutting method utilizing a band-saw machine, includes the following steps of: guiding tooth tips of an endless band-saw blade provided on the band-saw machine in a direction of a workpiece by a band-saw blade guiding apparatus; and applying vibrations to the band-saw blade in a cutting direction to the workpiece so as to perform cutting of the workpiece by a vibration applying unit provided on the band-saw blade guiding apparatus. |
| US07930962B2 |
Cutter with laser generator that irradiates cutting position on workpiece to facilitate alignment of blade with cutting position
A cutter including a base, a holder, a cutter blade portion, and a laser generator. The holder is supported on the base portion in an upright posture. The cutter blade portion supports a moving blade. The cutter blade portion is supported on the holder movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cutter blade portion is moved into the lower position to cut a workpiece supported on the base using the moving blade. The laser generator is attached to the holder or the cutter blade portion in an orientation to direct at least a portion of the laser light onto a position on the workpiece that is directly beneath the cutter blade portion when the cutter blade portion is in the upper position. Alternatively, a holder has a shaft support portion, and a slide shaft is axially slidably supported by the shaft support portion. A front end of the slide shaft has a hinge holder which pivotally supports the cutting blade portion. A laser generator is fixed to a front side of the hinge holder. |
| US07930961B2 |
Crown molding cutting apparatus and method
A method and apparatus are provided, for positioning a work piece, such as a piece of crown molding, through use of an apparatus including a work piece support plate pivotably attached along a pivot axis to a base. The base is adapted to rest on a horizontal reference plane, such as the table of a meter saw, for pivoting motion of the support plate about the pivot axis to a desired angle with respect to the base, while the pivot axis is simultaneously positioned to extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal line of intersection between a horizontal and a vertical reference plane, established by the table and fence of the meter saw, to hold the work piece at a desired tilt angle with respect to the vertical reference plane, so that the work piece may be cut in substantially the same orientation as it will be mounted. |
| US07930957B2 |
Closed-loop CNC machine system and method
A closed-loop feedback system and method for performing a machining operation. A tool's operational properties are measured in real-time. The operating parameters of the machining process are adjusted in real-time based on the measured properties. |
| US07930954B2 |
Method for producing forging die, forging die and forged article
A forging die production method comprising a cutting step which employs, as a cutting tool, a ball end mill having a surface which has undergone a hardening treatment and in which a forging die material is cut under conditions where a length of tool extension L (mm), radius R (mm) of a cutting edge of the ball end mill, spindle speed A (rpm) and feed rate B (mm/min) satisfy (B/A)2×(L/(2×R))=0.01 to 0.05. A forging die is produced through the forging die production method. A forged article is produced through forging by use of the produced forging die. |
| US07930952B2 |
Toggle-type positioning platform and toggle-type machine tool
A toggle-type positioning platform including a first platform, a motor, a screw rod, a second platform and a linkage is provided. The motor and the screw rod are disposed on the first platform; the motor is coupled to the screw rod and suitable for driving the screw rod to rotate. The second platform is above the first platform and is suitable for moving back and forth alternately along a predetermined path, wherein an included angle exists between an extended direction of the predetermined path and the screw rod. The linkage is disposed between the first platform and the second platform, and is connected between the second platform and the screw rod. The linkage is driven by the rotation of the screw rod, to drive the second platform to move along he predetermined path. Accordingly, the positioning precision of the toggle-type positioning platform is enhanced. |
| US07930949B2 |
Linear motion assembly with monitoring system and method of monitoring
A linear motion assembly comprising a first body arranged for operable communication with a second body for translation of the first body and the second body relative to one another. At least one of the two bodies carries a sensor that detects and monitors information related to performance-indicating characteristics of the assembly. A control module is arranged in communication with the sensor and monitors at least one performance-indicating characteristic of the linear motion assembly by monitoring corresponding signals received from the sensor. The control module also detects and provides an indication of a discrepancy in the performance-indicating characteristic. |
| US07930947B2 |
Drum plug piercing and sampling device and method
An apparatus and method for piercing a drum plug of a drum in order to sample and/or vent gases that may accumulate in a space of the drum is provided. The drum is not damaged and can be reused since the pierced drum plug can be subsequently replaced. The apparatus includes a frame that is configured for engagement with the drum. A cylinder actuated by a fluid is mounted to the frame. A piercer is placed into communication with the cylinder so that actuation of the cylinder causes the piercer to move in a linear direction so that the piercer may puncture the drum plug of the drum. |
| US07930946B2 |
Device for simultaneous measurement of forces
A device is provided for simultaneous determination of forces, comprising an arrangement of parallel springs with integrated piezoresistive resistances in the form of a full Wheatstone bridge. The parallel springs, have, for example, silicon or fused quartz, are arranged in lines, wherein the parallel springs at their ends are permanently connected by silicon or fused quartz spacers. At the free ends of the parallel springs, measurement-technology elements are arranged. The opposite ends of the parallel springs are fastened to a frame. |
| US07930943B2 |
Differential pressure sensor
In order to reduce hysteresis and other noise components included in the output signal characteristic of a differential pressure sensor, an elastic reaction member which operates together with a diaphragm provided in a chamber of the differential pressure sensor includes a contact portion which contacts the diaphragm, and a plurality of springs which are arranged symmetrically about the contact portion. Each of the springs is a plate shaped or linear shaped spring which is bent into the form of a letter C, U, J, or V, and has one of its ends fixed to a wall which defines the chamber, while its other end is connected to the contact portion. When the contact portion shifts together with the diaphragm, the deformations of the plurality of springs are mutually balanced, so that rotation and horizontal deviation of the contact portion with respect to the diaphragm is suppressed. |
| US07930940B2 |
Ultrasonic transducer
An ultrasonic transducer incorporated into an ultrasonic inspection apparatus for examining existence of defect in a sample dipped in water comprises a transducer main part having an oscillator which projects an ultrasonic wave to the sample, receives the reflected wave from the sample and outputs the received reflected wave as an echo signal, a transmitter substrate producing a drive pulse for emitting the ultrasonic wave to the oscillator, a receiver substrate for amplifying the echo signal, a housing for containing therein both substrates electrically connected, and connecting member for electrically connecting between a signal input/output terminal and the side of the oscillator in the transducer main part, wherein, when a maximum operational frequency of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the oscillator is referred to as fmax [MHz], the connecting member is set at a length of 100/fmax [cm] or less. Even if the sample to be examined is small, a desirable defect inspection can be achieved at an excellent examination accuracy. |
| US07930937B2 |
Detection device making it possible to measure the quantity of hot water remaining in a storage reservoir
The detection device for measuring the quantity of hot water remaining inside a storage reservoir and more particularly inside a tank (2) of a water heater (3, 30), comprises a capillary tube (10) containing a heat-carrying fluid which is placed either inside, or outside the tank (2) of the water heater (3, 30) and an indicator device (12) coupled to said capillary tube (10), said indicator device (12) comprising an amplifying device (15) disposed outside said tank (2) and making it possible to transmit under the effect of the expansion of the fluid contained in the capillary tube (10) either a motion to a member (16), or a variation in resistance to an electronic measurement card (24) in such a way as to continuously indicate the quantity of hot water available remaining in the tank (2) of the water heater (3, 30). |
| US07930936B2 |
Tag used for monitoring the tire pressure
A measuring method for measuring physical variables comprises the selection of a working point (AP) lying within a total measurement range (G) of a physical variable (M) to measured, the detection of a measured value (M(t1)) of the physical variable at a first measuring time (t1), the determination of a displacement value (V(t1)) as the result of a subtraction of the measures value (M(t1)) measured at the first measuring time from the working point (AP), the formation of change values (C(t2), C(t3) . . . C(tx)) of the physical variable (M) by acquiring subsequent measured values (M(t2), M(t3) . . . M(tx)) of the physical variable at subsequent measuring times (t2, t3 . . . tx) and addition of the displacement value (V(t1)) to the subsequent measured values. |
| US07930935B2 |
Method for controlling the level of a motor vehicle body
Disclosed is a method for diagnosing the function of a level control system (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one valve (2a, 2b, 14, 26) and a control unit (10). An exchange of pressure medium from one side of the valve to the other side of the valve is possible when the valve is open, and an exchange of pressure medium is prevented when the valve is closed. The valve carries out a change of state, a variable (4, I) influencing the valve output is measured during the change of state, the measured variable influencing the output of the valve is compared with a reference curve, a family of characteristics or a limit value in the control unit (10), and based on the comparison in the control unit (10) it can be established if the valve has carried out the change of state. |
| US07930931B2 |
System and method for quantifying the presence of components in the exhaust of commercial and/or heavy-duty vehicles
A system and/or method for quantifying the presence of one or more components in vehicle exhaust, and more particularly to a non-contact, extractive sampling system and method for quantifying the presence of one or more components in exhaust emissions of commercial and/or heavy-duty vehicles that emit exhaust at an elevated level, under actual operating conditions. |
| US07930929B2 |
Method of transmitting information relating to the operation of an internal combustion engine
A method of transmitting information making it possible to monitor the operation of an internal combustion engine, includes the steps of: measuring the angular position of a crankshaft via an absolute position sensor provided with a digital output, and transmitting at a frequency f1 to an engine control unit the measured angular position information, encoded in a data string containing N1 bits, transmitting at a frequency f2 of the measured angular position information, encoded in a data string containing N2 bits, the number N2 of bits being greater than the number N1, the frequency f2 being less than or equal to the frequency f1. The encoding in N1 bits allows transmission of angular position information at low resolution, whereas the encoding in N2 bits allows the transmission of high resolution information, able to detect misfirings. |
| US07930928B2 |
Method for detecting overpressure inside a compartment associated with a gas turbine nacelle
A method, for detecting overpressure inside a compartment associated with a gas turbine nacelle, includes: a) measuring one or more predetermined operating conditions nominally affecting the temperature inside the compartment; b) determining a reference temperature for the compartment, corresponding to a nominal reference zone pressure, on the basis of the measured operating condition or conditions; c) measuring the actual temperature inside the compartment, corresponding to the actual compartment pressure; and d) using the measured actual temperature in the compartment and the determined reference temperature for the compartment to assess the gas pressure inside the compartment. A system for assessing the gas pressure inside the compartment caused by an associated pressure system failure includes using a quantified mass leakage flow to assess gas pressure inside the compartment. The quantified mass leakage flow may also be used to detect excessive mass leakage flow by comparing the quantified mass leakage flow with a predetermined mass flow leakage. |
| US07930924B2 |
System for the online measurement of volatile and semi-volatile compounds and use thereof
A system and method of measuring volatile and semi-volatile reduced organic compound content and volatile and semi-volatile oxidized organic compound content in a sample, using a dual detection system is provided. The method comprises introducing the sample into a semi-permeable membrane introduction interface, sweeping permeate from the membrane introduction interface with a sweep gas, splitting the permeate into a first stream and a second stream, essentially simultaneously detecting volatile and semi-volatile reduced organic compounds and oxidized and semi-volatile organic compounds with a flame ionization detector and an electron capture detector, and computing differences in detector signals, thereby measuring volatile and semi-volatile reduced organic content and volatile and semi-volatile oxidized organic compound content in the sample. |
| US07930917B2 |
Lock device
A lock device includes: a case member that is attached to a lock target; a sleeve member that is housed inside the case member such that the sleeve member is movable along an axial direction; a plunger member that is housed inside the sleeve member such that the plunger member is movable along the axial direction; a coupling structure in which a key insertion hole that allows insertion of a key is formed, the coupling structure being placed inside the plunger member and coupling together the sleeve member and the plunger member; and a manipulable member that is rotatably coupled to the sleeve member and the plunger member, rotates when just the plunger member moves, and releases the locked state of the lock target. The coupling structure is configured to release the coupling just when a regular key is inserted into the key insertion hole. |
| US07930914B1 |
Anti-theft device
An anti-theft device for preventing theft of a boat fitted with an outboard motor. The anti-theft device is made up of a rear collar and a front collar. In one embodiment the rear collar comprises an elongated bracket having a U-shaped cross-section defined by first and second opposite sidewalls with a joining curved portion there-between. A nut cover is integral with and located at one end of the front collar. Complimentary locking teeth and locking teeth receiving apertures allow a user to affix the front and rear collars around an outboard motor's steering piston. Each of the front and rear collars are provided with locking tongues. In typical use a shackle is threaded through the locking tongues and attached to a padlock to secure the anti-theft device to the steering piston. |
| US07930913B2 |
Quick-release ring-type meter lock with keyless reset
A ring-type meter lock comprising a ring, first and second ends on the ring, a lock housing on the first end, a slot in the lock housing, a latch unit in the lock housing, a lock pin on the latch unit enterable and withdrawable from the slot, a tongue on the second end enterable into the slot, an opening in the tongue receiving the lock pin, a key-receiving configuration in the latch unit, and the lock pin being rotatably supported for unlatching of the latch unit. |
| US07930912B2 |
Washing machine
A washing machine having a lifter is disclosed. The washing machine comprises a housing; a tub provided in the housing and holding washing water therein; a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and receiving laundry therein; and a lifter mounted to an inner surface of the drum to lift the laundry while rotating along with the drum, wherein the lifter is formed to have a nonlinear shape, and wherein the lifter is oriented such that a centerline thereof forms a predetermined angle with respect to a rotational axis of the drum. |
| US07930909B2 |
Steam generator and washing/drying machine having the same
Disclosed are the steam generator and the washing/drying machine having the same, the steam generator including: a case having an opening at one side thereof, a heating unit formed to penetrate the opening, and a fixing assembly mounted at the opening so as to seal the opening and supporting the heating unit, wherein the fixing assembly includes a sealing member for sealing the opening, and the opening includes a leakage prevention portion for preventing a gap formation between the opening and the sealing member when the sealing member is deformed, thereby preventing a leakage between the opening of the case and the sealing member even though the case or the sealing member is thermally deformed. |
| US07930908B2 |
Machine and method for treating both an open width fabric and a fabric in rope form
The machine provides a path (3) for feed of the fabric with a transfer system, for example a pneumatic system. Along the aforesaid path the fabric can be treated in rope form or in open width according to the machine settings. |
| US07930907B2 |
Crimp-free infusible reinforcement fabric and composite reinforced material therefrom
The present invention relates to a composite fabric having a plurality of substantially parallel, aligned tow groups, each of the tow groups having one or more tows wherein a portion of the tow groups contain two or more tows, wherein the spacing between tows in a tow group is less than the spacing between adjacent tow groups. The spacing between adjacent tow groups form flow channels which permit resin to flow evenly and quickly through the fabric. This results in shorter processing time and a more consistent resin distribution, decreasing the likelihood of resin starved areas within the cured laminate. |
| US07930903B2 |
Method for manufacturing a preform as well as a method for forming optical fibres from such a preform
A method for manufacturing a preform for optical fibers by means of a vapor deposition process, wherein plasma conditions are created and wherein the plasma is moved back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the hollow substrate tube between a reversal point near the supply side and a reversal point near the discharge side of the hollow substrate tube, so that the location where the soot deposition associated with one phase takes place is axially spaced from the location where the soot deposition associated with the other phase(s) takes place. |
| US07930897B2 |
Window type air conditioner
A window type air conditioner comprises: a case of which one side is positioned indoors and another side is positioned outdoors; an axial fan mounted in the case for blowing the air in the radius direction thereof; a shroud having the axial fan therein and for guiding the air blown by the axial fan; and an orifice formed at the entrance of the shroud and covering the axial fan not to expose the axial fan to outside in order to prevent sucked air from colliding with the blade of the axial fan in the radius direction. According to this, the entire size of the air conditioner is minimized, noise is reduced, and the air volume passing through the outdoor heat exchanger is increased. |
| US07930894B2 |
Cooling device, projector, and cooling method
A cooling device that cools a heat generator generating heat in response to application or a signal based on a predetermined signal via a cooling fluid includes a cooling fluid cooling section that cools the cooling fluid, a control section that controls the cooling fluid cooling section in accordance with a signal based on the predetermined signal, and a signal processing section that supplies the heat generator with the signal based on the predetermined signal relatively late, and supplies the control section with the signal based on the predetermined signal relatively early. |
| US07930890B2 |
Method for protecting the hot gas parts of a gas turbine installation from overheating and for detecting flame extinction in the combustion chamber
A method for protecting a gas turbine installation from overheating and for detecting flame extinction in the combustion chamber is described, in which air is compressed in a compressor unit and, after being admixed with fuel, is ignited in the form of a fuel/air mixture in a combustion chamber and is burnt, thus giving rise to a hot gas flow which sets a turbine stage in rotation downstream of the combustion chamber so as to perform expansion work. The pressure upstream of the turbine stage, that is the pressure pk of the compressed air in the plenum and/or the pressure within the combustion chamber pcom, is measured, in that a time change of the measured pressure, what is known as the pressure gradient ({dot over (p)}), is determined, in that at least one threshold value is selected, and in that the pressure gradient or a variable derived from the pressure gradient is compared with the at least one threshold value and, if the threshold value is overshot or undershot, a signal is generated. |
| US07930889B1 |
Gas or steam turbine with inlet air cooling
A power plant with an industrial gas turbine engine or a steam turbine to drives an electric generator to generate electric power. The compressor of the IGT or the condenser of the steam turbine is connected to a heat exchanger to cool the compressor inlet air or the steam passing through the condenser. The heat exchanger is located in or near an open source of water that has naturally cold water at a certain depth, and cold water is pumped from the open source and through the heat exchanger to pre-cool the air. The pre-cooled air passing through the heat exchanger will cool the compressor inlet air or cool the steam in the condenser to increase the efficiency of the IGT or steam turbine. |
| US07930886B2 |
Bio signal measuring apparatus and method
A bio signal measuring apparatus. The bio signal measuring apparatus includes an electrocardiogram measuring attached to the skin of a patient to measure an electrocardiogram signal of the patient. A heart sound sensor contacts the skin of the patient to measure a heart sound signal of the patient. A controlling unit obtains bio information including at least a heart rate from the electrocardiogram signal using the heart sound signal. |
| US07930885B2 |
Water wave-based energy transfer system
The water wave-based energy transfer system is a system for generating electrical power from the natural motion of water waves, such as ocean waves. The system includes an anchor adapted for stationary lodgment on an underwater support surface, such as the ocean floor, and at least one buoyant float provided for floating either on or below the ocean surface. At least one primary cable joins the at least one buoyant float to the anchor, and a secondary cable joins the at least one buoyant float to a tensioning device coupled with a power conversion and generation device on the shore. The oscillatory motion of the at least one buoyant float caused by the water waves or swells generates oscillatory motion in the second cable, which drives the power conversion and generation device. |
| US07930883B2 |
Exhaust device of six-cylinder engine
An exhaust device of a six-cylinder engine includes first to sixth cylinders and a manifold extending from the first to sixth cylinders. The first to sixth cylinders are ignited in that order. The exhaust manifold can include first to sixth upstream exhaust pipes extending respectively from the first to sixth cylinders, first to third midway exhaust pipes extending respectively from a joined portion of extended ends of the first and fourth upstream exhaust pipes, a joined portion of extended ends of the second and fifth upstream exhaust pipes, and a joined portion of extended ends of the third and sixth upstream exhaust pipes, and a downstream exhaust pipe connecting extended ends of the first to third midway exhaust pipes to the ambient atmosphere. |
| US07930880B2 |
Method for triggering a regeneration event in a particulates filter of an internal combustion engine
A method for triggering a new regeneration event in a soot-trapping particulates filter disposed in an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine, comprising the steps of determining instantaneous engine speed and engine load; determining instantaneous mass fractions for wet soot and for dry soot in the exhaust gas stream for the instantaneous engine speed and load; determining instantaneous concentrations of wet and dry soot particles in the exhaust gas; determining the rates of accumulation of wet soot and dry soot in the particulates filter; determining the total amounts of wet soot and dry soot accumulated in said soot-trapping device during all engine operation conditions since the latest previous regeneration event; and triggering the new regeneration event when the total amount of wet soot and dry soot exceeds a permissible value. |
| US07930879B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A control device has a throttle valve and fuel injection valves supplying air and fuel to an internal combustion engine, a meter detecting an actual quantity of the air supplied to the engine, a sensor detecting an actual oxygen concentration of an exhaust gas outputted from an exhaust system of the engine, and an ECU controlling the valves. To regenerate an exhaust emission purifier disposed in the exhaust system at a target temperature appropriate to the regeneration of the purifier, the ECU determines a target oxygen concentration corresponding to a target air-fuel ratio and a basic air quantity according to a torque required of the engine and controls the valves according to the actual air quantity and the actual oxygen concentration to supply a basic quantity of fuel and the basic quantity of air to the engine at the target air-fuel ratio. |
| US07930875B2 |
Jet-type steam engine
In an engine, a rotor having a folded jet pipe is rotatably supported in a sealed container filled with a liquid. A heating portion is inserted in a center cylinder at the center of the rotor, and a fluid of a high temperature is passed therethrough to vaporize the liquid sucked through the suction pipe of the rotor. A mixture of steam and liquid is jetted from the jet pipe due to the pressure of the steam that is vaporized to rotate the rotor. A check valve for jetting and a check valve for suction are disposed at the ends of the jet pipe and the suction pipe. The jetted steam is guided to a condenser disposed on the sealed container, and is condensed and is refluxed into the sealed container. A vacuum pump is connected to the condenser, and the pressure in the sealed container is held at the saturated steam pressure. |
| US07930874B2 |
Chain member assembly for a tire chain and chain member for use in such a chain member assembly
A chain member assembly for a tire chain has a link having at least one receiving opening delimited by a wall and a ring member engaging the receiving opening. The wall of the receiving opening has at least in the contact area with the ring member at least two contact surfaces spaced apart from one another and a recessed wall section positioned between the at least two contact surfaces. The ring member has an inner side that rests areally against the at least two contact surfaces. |
| US07930868B1 |
Optical disc advertising label and method
An optical disc advertising and security method that includes the use of a promotional label that is coaxially aligned and adhesively attached to the top surface of an optical disc. The promotional label includes an upper label layer and a lower label layer. Attached to each layer is a laterally extending tab. Printed on the top layer surface of each label layer is promotional indicia. In one embodiment, the upper label layer is slightly larger in diameter than the lower label layer so that the lower label is covered and hidden from view by the upper label layer. In a second embodiment, the promotional label is made of two label layers permanently adhesively attached together with a RFID tag disposed between them. |
| US07930862B2 |
Floorboards having a resilent surface layer with a decorative groove
A set of moisture proof floorboards and a flooring of such floorboards with a resilient surface layer provided with a decorative groove and/or a sealing means. |
| US07930860B2 |
Window drain
A window drain for preventing stains on a building wall and damage caused by frozen rain water, which is installable and sealable easily without impairing the appearance of a building. The present invention relates to a window drain adapted to be positioned at the portion beneath each vertical post of a sash window frame comprising a vertical portion, a sloping portion, a front portion and a horizontal portion for latching itself to an upper portion of an external wall. Further, the present invention relates to the window drain, wherein the horizontal portion has a notch at an end thereof and a sealing pocket. Further, the present invention relates to a window drain, further comprising upstanding portions to regulate a stream of water so that the water is kept between the upstanding portions, at both ends of the window drain wherein one upstanding portion is located at the inner side of the vertical portion of a sash window frame, and the other upstanding portion is located at the outer side of the vertical portion of a sash window frame. |
| US07930859B1 |
Replacement cable marker pole having rotatable collar for attachment of pole to base
A cable marker pole system is described for marking the location of buried utility cabling. The cable marker pole system includes a base for embedding in earth or concrete, and a two-part pole assembly that couples with the base. The two-part pole assembly includes a spring coupling the two pole members to allow the pole assembly to flex if struck. A sign is attached to the top of the pole assembly to indicate what is buried. |
| US07930857B2 |
Deployable prefabricated structure with an extension structure and a deployable floor
A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension deployable from the shell, the extension including an extension frame. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support. The prefabricated structure further comprises a floor panel connected with the shell by a hinge to provide a floor for the extension, wherein the floor panel is undeployed when the extension is held in place within the shell by the extension, and wherein as the extension is deployed, the floor panel pivots at the hinge and the extension guides the floor panel to a deployed position. |
| US07930852B1 |
Portable gun rest with seat
A portable gun rest that will provide a sturdy, and fully adjustable gun rest support for hunters or target shooters. This includes a fully adjustable and padded gun rest cradle, adjustable gun rest arm, and padded seat in which all can rotate three hundred sixty degrees as a single unit, and which has a backrest for comfort and support. The portable gun rest can be folded into a compact unit, and be transported to any location by being attached and worn around a hunter or target shooter's waist. This invention is also well suited for scopes, and cameras and other equipment. |
| US07930849B2 |
Adjustable butt stock
A butt stock for a shoulder held firearm with an horizontally and vertically adjustable cheek rest, reversibility of the cheek rest without loss of any of the other adjustments, a shoulder pad assembly to allow from 0 to 360 degrees of adjustment of the angle of the shoulder pad to the rest of the shoulder held firearm, an adjustable length of pull, and a butt stock body that could function as a cheek rest even if the adjustable cheek rest were to be disconnected. |
| US07930848B2 |
Modular fire control assembly for a handgun
Apparatus for a modular fire control assembly for a firearm. The modular fire control assembly integrates a hammer, a sear, a disconnector, and sear and disconnector springs in a single housing. The force applied by the sear spring is adjustable by a set screw, which enables the sear spring force to be dialed in. The sear spring and set screw are contained in a block in the housing. The sear spring engages a detent that applies spring force to the sear. The sear spring moves in a smooth bore that has a ledge that allows the spring to maintain a minimum force even when the set screw is removed. A self-contained disconnector spring ensures constant spring force on the disconnector regardless of adjustments to the sear spring force. The modular assembly is configured to be received in a lock cavity of the firearm and secured using conventional pins. |
| US07930839B2 |
Inflatable support system for an article of footwear
An impact absorbing flexible support system, comprising a plurality of fluid filled chambers disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows and a plurality of lateral rows, forming a matrix of said fluid filled chambers and an article of footwear containing such a flexible support system. Each chamber is fluidly connected to at least two other fluid filled chambers and has a vertically tapered shape to provide flexibility of movement. The support system is made from air tight thermoplastic film and is inflatable. The support system may have one or more larger fluid filled chamber is disposed amongst said matrix of chambers. |
| US07930838B2 |
Laundry dryer
The present invention relates to a laundry dryer that can prevent as well as remove wrinkles of laundry. A laundry dryer includes a drum in which laundry is held; a hot air heater that heats air to supply hot air to the drum; a steam generator that generates steam to supply the steam to the drum; and a water tank to hold water to supply to the steam generator, the water tank in flow communication with a water supply hole through which water is supplied into the water tank with the water tank kept in flow communication with the steam generator. |
| US07930835B2 |
Aiming of a geodetic instrument
A method for aiming a surveying instrument towards a selected target is disclosed. The method includes, in at least one embodiment, capturing an image using a camera in the surveying instrument; selecting a target by identifying an object point in the image captured by the surveying instrument; calculating first horizontal and vertical rotation angles based on the object point identified in the image; rotating the surveying instrument over the first horizontal and vertical rotation angles to an intermediate line of sight; measuring a distance to a point along the intermediate line of sight; and calculating second horizontal and vertical rotation angles based on the object point in the image and on the measured distance. In at least one embodiment, the method may be implemented using computer software, hardware, firmware or a combination thereof. There is also disclosed a surveying instrument in which at least one embodiment of the method is implemented. |
| US07930834B2 |
Method and apparatus for vehicle service system optical target assembly
A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target attached to the vehicle wheel, the optical target having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of target elements arranged in a known geometric and spatial configuration relative to each other. A two-dimensional image of the optical target is acquired by an imaging system to detect a plurality of target element images corresponding to the plurality of target elements arranged on the optical target. A spatial orientation of the optical target and an alignment of the vehicle wheel is then determined from the plurality of target element images and the known geometric and spatial configuration of the plurality of target elements on the optical target. |
| US07930830B2 |
Scraper with sliding safety guard
An improved scraping tool with a retractable safety guard, for removing debris and dirt from glass, tile and the like. The scraping tool comprises a housing formed of two separable housing portions and a guard member, and is adapted to securely retain a single- or double-edged blade between the housing portions. The separable housing portions are removably secured and held in sealed alignment by a plurality of securing elements, including a releasable housing lock mechanism. Within the housing, a scraping blade is held in a rigid, stationary position by a plurality of posts. A guard member, the ends of which form a pair of upper and lower blade shields, is positioned and secured in sliding engagement within the housing. |
| US07930826B2 |
Method for manufacturing a fastening portion for a steering apparatus
When an outer circumference of a clamping portion 25 and an outer circumference of a circular outer circumference 26 are restrained by a die 6 while inserting a non-circular punch 5 into a circular hole 28, paddings 27, 27 are pressed by a semi-circular inner circumference of the die 6 to thereby be forced into interior of the circular hole 28. The volume of the paddings 27, 27 is set to be substantially the same as a volume obtained by subtracting the volume of a non-circular hole 23 in an extension shaft 2 from the volume of the circular hole 28. The circular hole 28 is deformed, and the paddings 27, 27 forced into the circular hole 28 abut with inclined planes 52, 52 of the punch 5, whereby the non-circular hole 23 is formed in the extension shaft 2. |
| US07930823B2 |
Cell for automated assembling operations and assembling line including a plurality of these cells
A cell for automated assembly operations, in particular for the assembly of parts of multicylinder internal-combustion engines, has manipulator members that are designed for simultaneous assembly of a plurality of elements on a work piece and that are adjustable for varying the distance between the positions of said elements. |
| US07930822B2 |
Method and device for manufacturing a conductive member for non-contact type data carrier
A conductive member for a non-contact type data carrier such as a wireless tag is simply and cheaply manufactured. A method for manufacturing a conductive member for a non-contact type data carrier comprises: a printing process during which, while a base material (4) is run, a bonding agent layer (5) is printed in a predetermined pattern on the surface thereof, and is dried; a bonding process during which a conductive layer (6) is laminated on the surface of the bonding agent layer (5) for heating and bonding; a punching process during which the conductive layer (6) is punched in the above-described pattern on the base material (4); and a separating process during which an unnecessary portion (6b) of the conductive layer (6) is separated from the base material (4). Accordingly, a conventional multilayered laminated sheet is not required to realize reduction in the material. |
| US07930821B2 |
Component placement device as well as a method for transporting substrates through such a component placement device
A component placement device suitable for placing a component on a substrate comprises at least one component feeder, at least one substrate conveyor as well as at least one component pickup and placement device for picking up a component from the component feeder and placing said component on a substrate supported by the substrate conveyor. The substrate conveyor comprises a substrate feeding portion comprising at least two substrate feed tracks extending parallel to each other, a substrate processing portion located near the component feeder, which is connected to the substrate feeding portion and which comprises a single substrate processing track, a substrate discharging portion connected to the substrate processing portion, which comprises at least two substrate discharge tracks extending parallel to each other, as well as transfer means for transferring substrates from a second substrate feed track to a first substrate feed track and from a first substrate discharge track to a second substrate discharge track. |
| US07930820B2 |
Method for structural enhancement of compression system board connections
A MCM system board uses a stiffener arrangement to enhance mechanical, thermo and electrical properties by incorporating an LGA compression connector in a computer system. The present designs of large scale computing systems (LSCS) in IBM use a MCM that is attached to a system board and held together by a stiffening frame. Due to the nature of the manufacturing of the system board, there can be significant gaps formed in the mounting area of the MCM between the board and the stiffener. A method is described that not only fills the void, it also, in addition promotes thermo conduction of excess heat away from the MCM and at the same time promotes enhanced electrical properties of the LGA connections of the MCM to the system board. |
| US07930818B2 |
Stator mounting method
In a stator mounting method in which a coil unit is inserted into a stator core and a lead wire protruding from the coil unit is inserted into and mounted on a terminal portion of the stator core, the lead wire is passed through a lead wire pullout portion located at a predetermined position of a coil frame body, a height from an inner peripheral upper face of the coil frame body to the lead wire pullout portion is equalized with a distance from a core upper face of the stator core to a lead wire insertion position inner peripheral lower face of the terminal portion, and the core upper face of the stator core is held in contact with an inner peripheral upper face of the coil frame body after the lead wire is inserted into the terminal portion. |
| US07930814B2 |
Manufacturing method for a septum polarizer
A method for manufacturing a septum polarizer includes dispensing a layer of adhesive on a first contact surface of a first substrate, attaching the first substrate to a second substrate to form a combined structure, and elevating the combined structure to a first temperature that is above a first cure temperature of the adhesive for a predetermined period of time. The method further includes after attaching the first substrate to the second substrate, applying a continuous metallization coating over each outer surface of the attached first and second substrates, and elevating the combined structure and metallization coating to a second temperature, thereby curing the metallization coating without degrading the layer of adhesive. The metallization coating has a second cure temperature that is lower than the first cure temperature of the adhesive, and the second temperature is above the second cure temperature and below the first cure temperature. |
| US07930811B2 |
Slide door temporary setting jig for vehicle paintwork or interior work
A vehicle slide door temporary setting jig includes a door position holding mechanism for holding a slide door in a desired angular position relative to a vehicle body. The door position holding mechanism has an end extension of one link lever of a linkage projecting beyond an associated link pin, an arcuate guide member pivoted to the free end of an attachment frame and configured to define a path of movement of a tip end portion of the end extension as the link lever turns about the link pin, and a resilient member acting between the free end of the attachment frame and the arcuate guide member and resiliently urging the arcuate guide member against the tip end portion of the end extension. |
| US07930809B2 |
Boot slider
A boot slider includes a body including a compartment. A piston is disposed in the compartment and is moveable between a first position and a second position. A cap is mounted in the compartment in order to restrain movement of the piston. A plurality of arms is connected together by a ring, and the ring is adapted to be retained on the cap. The arms are closed when the piston is in the first position, and the arms are urged open when the piston is in the second position. |
| US07930804B2 |
Implement handle
An implement handle graspable by a hand of an intended user and connectable to an implement head includes a generally elongated body defining a body longitudinal axis, a body forward end for connection to the implement head and a longitudinally opposed body rearward end. The body also defines a body top surface and a substantially opposed body bottom surface. The body is configured so as to define a longitudinal cross-sectional configuration having a substantially fusiform encirclable section tapering rearwards towards the body rearward end and forwardly towards a neck section. The neck section diverges forwardly into an abutment section. The neck and abutment sections together define a thump rest area on the body top surface and an index rest area on the body bottom surface. The abutment section tapers forwardly into a spacing section for spacing the fingers of the intended user from the implement head. |
| US07930801B2 |
Caster
A caster for providing rolling support including a spring-loaded mount. The caster may be substantially concealed in the bottom edge of a hinged, swinging door, and generally located proximate to the free vertical edge of the door. An elongated spring plate is provided as a mount for a roller, causing the roller to accommodate variations in the floor surface, maintain contact with the floor, and support the door. The spring plate has a first portion adapted to be mounted to the bottom edge of a door, and a second portion depending from the first portion. An axle is mounted to the second portion, inside a hub that is mounted to the roller. The axle may be substantially parallel to the first portion of the spring plate. Single roller and double roller caster assemblies are provided. |
| US07930796B2 |
Wiper blade to clean windshields, in particular of automobiles
A wiper blade to clean windshields, in particular of automobiles. The wiper blade (10) has an elongated belt-shaped, flexible spring support element (12), with a separate first component designed as an elastic rubber wiper strip (14) that can be pressed against the windshield (20) located at the bottom belt surface (13) of the support element and with a separate second component located at the other upper belt surface (11) of the support element (12) that is designed as a wind deflection strip (24) that extends at least along a longitudinal section of the wiper blade (10). A particularly low-disruption wiper blade results if the two components (14, 24) are connected together at their sides facing one another. |
| US07930792B2 |
Oral care implement
An oral care implement includes a head platform having a plurality of faces with bristles extending therefrom. The oral care implement can have a pair of opposite bristled faces and the bristles can extend from the faces in opposite directions. The oral care implement can be formed by affixing a first AFT-tufted carrier plate to a first face of the head platform and affixing a second AFT-tufted carrier plate to the second face of the head platform. Optionally, the oral care implement can be formed by in-mold tufting bristles in the first face and affixing an AFT-tufted carrier plate to the second face of the head platform. |
| US07930791B1 |
Mop having removable and rotatable clamp members to retain yarn, the clamp members also retaining additional cleaning members
An improved deck mop to retain yarn comprising an elongated rod having an upper section and a lower section. An exterior rotatable sleeve threadedly surrounds the lower section which includes an interior movable piston which is further connected to a stationary spring. The lower section at its bottom end is connected to a first and second rotatable and removable clamp member comprising a respective bottom brush and bottom scrubber for cleaning. The mop through a respective clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation of the sleeve controls a respective closing and opening movement of two clamp members to thereby respectively hold or release a mop yarn, wherein the closing movement further results in contracting the spring so that the reduced spring stores a compression force having sufficient power to enable it to push the clamp members rotatably apart when the sleeve is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction. |
| US07930789B2 |
Spike/shoe cleaner
Footwear cleaning apparatus includes a receptacle well filled with a cleaning solution and a rotating brush. The rotating brush is supported by telescoping stems that extend and retract the rotating brush. In one embodiment, retracting a cover for the receptacle well activates the rotating brush, thus allowing a user to clean the sole of the footwear. In another embodiment, a sensor senses the presence of a user and automatically activates the rotating brush and telescoping stems for the apparatus to be used. |
| US07930777B2 |
Bedding foundation having nestable stackable components
A stackable wire core assembly for a bedding foundation which may be nestably stacked with numerous other such assemblies for transportation, thereby avoiding the need to compress and tie the assembly for shipping. The wire core assembly includes an upper wire grid, including a border wire and support wires extending between the ends of the border wire. Each support wire has resilient portions extending downwardly from the plane of the upper wire grid, each resilient portion having a flat bottom adapted to be secured to a wooden base frame and curved arms extending upwardly from opposed ends of the flat bottom. |
| US07930776B2 |
Playpen and fabric fixing device used therefor
A playpen includes a top frame, pairs of supporting legs in which the supporting legs of each pair have top ends connected to the top frame at two spaced apart positions and bottom ends extending toward each other, and a fabric enclosure having a lower portion and an upper portion which is attached removably to the top frame. A fixing device includes a plurality of fixing plates adapted to be fixed to the fabric enclosure and each having an engaging hole, and a plurality of foot members each having top and bottom ends, a plate-receiving hole opening at the top end and extending downwardly for insertion of a corresponding fixing plate, two leg-receiving holes for insertion of the bottom ends of one pair of the supporting legs, and a tongue for engaging detachably the engaging hole disposed within the plate-receiving hole. |
| US07930773B2 |
Shoulder pad for contact sports
The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. Unlike conventional designs, the single band secures both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the upper portion of the arch member. The shoulder pad further includes a pair of interior pad assemblies wherein each interior pad assembly is removably connected to an arch member. The interior pad assembly is an integrated unit formed from a front pad, an intermediate pad, and a rear pad joined together to form distinct air management chambers. |
| US07930770B2 |
Panty
The invention provides a panty realizing easy fit of a sanitary napkin for night use to a crotch portion, preventing the napkin from shifting out of position, alleviating digging into the crotch portion, and thus being comfortable to wear without giving feeling of constriction to the wearer. The panty includes a front part, a back part, a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, a slightly elastic member is provided at the substantially center area of the back part, a highly elastic member is provided from a back parts lifting member to the entire area of the front part except for the waist hold part, a fixing member is provided on the substantially center area of the front part, a crotch lifting member is provided at the substantially center area of the crotch part. |
| US07930768B1 |
Bandana hat system
An interior shell component is in a generally hemispherical configuration. The interior shell component has a lower edge forming a generally circular equatorial opening. The interior shell component has a front and rear with sides. The rear has a generally oval-shaped hole. An exterior do-rag component is essentially coincident with the interior shell component. A tail has an upper end above the hole. The tail is formed as an extension of the exterior do-rag component. An adjustment strap is formed in the rear of the interior shell component and the exterior do-rag component. |