Document Document Title
US07943537B2 Stretch laminate material and methods of making same
A stretch laminate comprises a carrier web extending lengthwise in a machine direction and widthwise in a cross direction between opposed side edges, the carrier web including an extensible zone and an inextensible zone disposed side-by-side across the width of the carrier web; and an elastomeric element laminated to the nonwoven layer over at least a portion of the extensible zone.
US07943536B2 Stretch fabrics with improved heat-setting properties
The present disclosure is directed to dimensionally stable stretch or elastic textile articles characterized in that the article has not been subjected to temperatures greater than 160° C. The disclosure is also directed to a method to make dimensionally stable stretch articles characterized by the absence of a traditional heat-setting step.
US07943533B2 Method for surface modification
A method for surface modification is disclosed. The method includes the step of irradiating a material with ultrashort pulse laser light to form a modified region including an amorphous region and/or a strain region on a surface of the material.
US07943527B2 Surface preparation for thin film growth by enhanced nucleation
Various processes and related systems are provided for making structures on substrate surfaces. Disclosed are methods of making a structure supported by a substrate by providing a substrate having a receiving surface and exposing at least a portion of the receiving surface to output from a remote plasma of an inert gas. The remote plasma has an energy low enough to substantially avoid etching or sputtering of the receiving surface but sufficient to generate a treated receiving surface. The treated surface is contacted with a deposition gas, thereby making the structure supported by the substrate.
US07943523B2 Plasma etching method and computer readable storage medium
A plasma etching method for plasma-etching an anti-reflective coating formed on a target object includes the step of placing the target object into a processing chamber having a first electrode and a second electrode provided while facing each other, the target object including an etching target film, the anti-reflective coating and a patterned photoresist film sequentially formed in that order on a substrate. The plasma etching method further includes the steps of introducing a processing gas into the processing chamber; generating a plasma by applying a high frequency power to one of the first electrode and the second electrode; and applying a DC voltage to one of the first electrode and the second electrode.
US07943522B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device using a semiconductor manufacturing unit comprising a reaction chamber, a substrate mounting stage, and a high frequency power supply coupled to the substrate mounting stage, a blocking capacitor interposed between the substrate mounting stage and the high-frequency power supply to continuously perform a plurality of dry etching processing with respect to the same substrate in the same reaction chamber, the method includes: disposing a substrate on a substrate mounting stage, and applying high-frequency powers to the substrate mounting stage while introducing a fluorocarbon-based first gas to perform a first dry etching processing with respect to the substrate, the substrate including an organic material film and a silicon compound film sequentially deposited on a surface thereof and a resist film patterned on the silicon compound film, the first dry etching processing including processing the silicon compound film with the resist film being used as a mask; and stopping application of one of the high-frequency powers, thereby reducing a bias voltage generated to the substrate while introducing a second gas after the first dry etching processing to remove a fluorocarbon-based deposition in the reaction chamber and perform a second dry etching processing with respect to the substrate.
US07943521B2 Method for patterning a semiconductor device
A method for patterning a semiconductor device can include forming a conductive layer over a semiconductor substrate; alternatively forming positive photoresists and negative photoresists over the conductive layer, forming a plurality of first conductive lines by selectively removing a portion of the conductive layer using the positive photoresist and the negative photoresist as masks; forming an oxide film over the semiconductor substrate including the first conductive lines and the conductive layer; performing a planarization process over the oxide film using the uppermost surface of the first conductive line as a target; removing the plurality of first conductive lines using the oxide film as a mask; forming a plurality if trenches in the semiconductor substrate and removing a portion of the oxide film to expose the uppermost surface of the conductive layer; and then forming a plurality of second conductive lines by removing the exposed conductive layer using the oxide film as a mask.
US07943517B2 Semiconductor device with a barrier film
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including forming an opening in an interlevel insulating film disposed on a semiconductor substrate, forming an auxiliary film containing a predetermined metal element, to cover an inner surface of the opening, forming a main film to fill the opening after forming the auxiliary film, the main film containing, as a main component, Cu used as a material of an interconnection main layer, and performing a heat treatment before or after forming the main film, thereby diffusing the predetermined metal element of the auxiliary film onto a surface of the interlevel insulating film facing the auxiliary film, so as to form a barrier film on the interlevel insulating film within the opening, the barrier film containing, as a main component, a compound of the predetermined metal element with a component element of the interlevel insulating film.
US07943515B2 Shared masks for x-lines and shared masks for y-lines for fabrication of 3D memory arrays
A structure and a method of manufacturing a three dimensional memory using a number of bit line masks that is less than the number of device layers. A first bit line mask is used to form a first bit line layer in a first device level. The first bit line layer comprises first bit lines. The first bit line mask is also used to form a second bit line layer in a second device level. The second bit line layer comprises second bit lines. The first bit lines and the second bit lines have different electrical connections to a bit line connection level despite employing the same mask pattern.
US07943510B2 Methods of processing a substrate and forming a micromagnetic device
A method of processing a substrate with a conductive film formed thereover and method of forming a micromagnetic device. In one embodiment, the method of processing the substrate includes reducing a temperature of the substrate to a stress-compensating temperature, and maintaining the temperature of the substrate at the stress-compensating temperature for a period of time. The method also includes increasing the temperature of the substrate above the stress-compensating temperature.
US07943507B2 Atomic layer deposition systems and methods including silicon-containing tantalum precursor compounds
The present invention provides atomic layer deposition systems and methods that include at least one compound of the formula (Formula I): Ta(NR1)(NR2R3)3, wherein each R1, R2, and R3 is independently hydrogen or an organic group, with the proviso that at least one of R1, R2, and R3 is a silicon-containing organic group. Such systems and methods can be useful for depositing tantalum silicon nitride layers on substrates.
US07943505B2 Advanced VLSI metallization
A four layer interconnect structure is disclosed which includes a bottom conductive reactive layer such as titanium, a conductive barrier layer, such as titanium nitride, a conductive layer, such as aluminum-copper alloy, and a top conductive barrier layer, such as titanium nitride. The interconnection structure can be fabricated using conventional sputter deposition technology. The resulting interconnection structure provides a highly conductive thin film structure that provides good contact to tungsten plugs with small contact dimensions, good patternability on fine lines, and good reliability.
US07943502B2 Method of forming a phase change memory device
Provided are a phase change memory device and a method for forming the phase change memory device. The method includes forming a phase change material layer by providing reactive radicals to a substrate. The reactive radicals may comprise precursors for a phase change material and nitrogen.
US07943499B2 FUSI integration method using SOG as a sacrificial planarization layer
A method for making a transistor 20 that includes using a transition metal nitride layer 200 and/or a SOG layer 220 to protect the source/drain regions 60 from silicidation during the silicidation of the gate electrode 90. The SOG layer 210 is planarized to expose the transition metal nitride layer 200 or the gate electrode 93 before the gate silicidation process. If a transition metal nitride layer 200 is used, then it is removed from the top of the gate electrode 93 before the full silicidation of the gate electrode 90.
US07943495B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes forming an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) layer over a semiconductor substrate, and forming a recess over the semiconductor substrate by etching the ONO layer, forming a vertical structure pattern being higher than the ONO layer over the recess, sequentially forming a spacer oxide film and a first gate poly over the side wall of the vertical structure pattern, and forming a nitride film spacer at a partial region of the side wall of the first gate poly, removing the nitride film spacer, and forming a second gate poly in a spacer shape over the side wall of the first gate poly, and forming a first split gate and a second split gate, symmetrically divided from each other, by removing the vertical structure pattern.
US07943490B2 Method of cutting PCBS
The present invention relates to a method of cutting PCB module using a laser. The method includes steps of: providing a coverlay film, the coverlay film including at least one opening defined therein; attaching the coverlay film onto the PCB module such that the through holes of the PCB module are covered by the coverlay film and the laser cutting area thereof is exposed via the at least one opening; applying a laser beam to the exposed laser cutting area of the PCB module to cut the PCB module; and removing the coverlay film. A high positioning precision of the PCB module and better cutting result can be obtained.
US07943485B2 Composite wafers having bulk-quality semiconductor layers and method of manufacturing thereof
Method for producing composite wafers with thin high-quality semiconductor films atomically attached to synthetic diamond wafers is disclosed. Synthetic diamond substrates are created by depositing synthetic diamond onto a nucleating layer deposited on bulk semiconductor wafer which has been prepared to allow separation of the thin semiconductor film from the remaining bulk semiconductor wafer. The remaining semiconductor wafer is available for reuse. The synthetic diamond substrate serves as heat spreader and a mechanical substrate.
US07943479B2 Integration of high-k metal gate stack into direct silicon bonding (DSB) hybrid orientation technology (HOT) pMOS process flow
A method for semiconductor processing provides a DSB semiconductor body having a first crystal orientation layer, and a second crystal orientation layer, and a border region disposed between the first and second crystal orientations. A high-k metal gate stack is deposited over the first crystal orientation layer that comprises an insulation layer, a high-k dielectric layer, a first metal layer, and a second metal layer thereon.
US07943477B2 Method of patterning noble metals for semiconductor devices by electropolishing
An electropolishing process for high resolution patterning of noble metals, such as platinum, for forming various semiconductor devices, such as capacitors or wiring patterns is disclosed.
US07943468B2 Penetrating implant for forming a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device and method to form a semiconductor device is described. The semiconductor includes a gate stack disposed on a substrate. Tip regions are disposed in the substrate on either side of the gate stack. Halo regions are disposed in the substrate adjacent the tip regions. A threshold voltage implant region is disposed in the substrate directly below the gate stack. The concentration of dopant impurity atoms of a particular conductivity type is approximately the same in both the threshold voltage implant region as in the halo regions. The method includes a dopant impurity implant technique having sufficient strength to penetrate a gate stack.
US07943467B2 Structure and method to fabricate MOSFET with short gate
A method of producing a semiconducting device is provided that in one embodiment includes providing a semiconducting device including a gate structure atop a substrate, the gate structure including a dual gate conductor including an upper gate conductor and a lower gate conductor, wherein at least the lower gate conductor includes a silicon containing material; removing the upper gate conductor selective to the lower gate conductor; depositing a metal on at least the lower gate conductor; and producing a silicide from the metal and the lower gate conductor. In another embodiment, the inventive method includes a metal as the lower gate conductor.
US07943464B2 Non-volatile electromechanical field effect devices and circuits using same and methods of forming same
Non-volatile field effect devices and circuits using same. A non-volatile field effect device includes a source, drain and gate with a field-modulatable channel between the source and drain. Each of the source, drain, and gate have a corresponding terminal. An electromechanically-deflectable, nanotube switching element is electrically positioned between one of the source, drain and gate and its corresponding terminal. The others of the source, drain and gate are directly connected to their corresponding terminals. The nanotube switching element is electromechanically-deflectable in response to electrical stimulation at two control terminals to create one of a non-volatile open and non-volatile closed electrical communication state between the one of the source, drain and gate and its corresponding terminal.
US07943462B1 Transistor including a high-K metal gate electrode structure formed prior to drain/source regions on the basis of a sacrificial carbon spacer
When forming sophisticated high-k metal gate electrode structures in an early manufacturing stage, the dielectric cap layer of the gate electrode structures may be efficiently removed on the basis of a carbon spacer element, which may thus preserve the integrity of the silicon nitride spacer structure. Thereafter, the sacrificial carbon spacer may be removed substantially without affecting other device areas, such as isolation structures, active regions and the like, which may contribute to superior process conditions during the further processing of the semiconductor device.
US07943458B2 Methods for obtaining gate stacks with tunable threshold voltage and scaling
Methods of forming complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) structures with tunable threshold voltages are provided. The methods disclose a technique of obtaining selective placement of threshold voltage adjusting materials on a semiconductor substrate by using a block mask prior to deposition of the threshold voltage adjusting materials. The block mask is subsequently removed to obtain a patterned threshold voltage adjusting material on the semiconductor substrate. The methods are material independent and can be used in sequence for both nFET threshold voltage adjusting materials and pFET threshold voltage adjusting materials.
US07943457B2 Dual metal and dual dielectric integration for metal high-k FETs
The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of forming a semiconductor device that includes providing a substrate including a first conductivity type region and a second conductivity type region; forming a gate stack including a gate dielectric atop the first conductivity type region and the second conductivity type region of the substrate and a first metal gate conductor overlying the high-k gate dielectric; removing a portion of the first metal gate conductor that is present in the first conductivity type region to expose the gate dielectric present in the first conductivity type region; applying a nitrogen based plasma to the substrate, wherein the nitrogen based plasma nitrides the gate dielectric that is present in the first conductivity type region and nitrides the first metal gate conductor that is present in the second conductivity type region; and forming a second metal gate conductor overlying at least the gate dielectric that is present in the first conductivity type region.
US07943456B2 Selective wet etch process for CMOS ICs having embedded strain inducing regions and integrated circuits therefrom
A method for fabricating a CMOS integrated circuit (IC) and ICs therefrom includes providing a substrate having a semiconductor surface including PMOS regions for PMOS devices and NMOS regions for NMOS devices. A gate stack including a gate electrode layer is formed on a gate dielectric layer in or on both the PMOS regions and the NMOS regions. An n-type doping is used to create n-type wet etch sensitized regions on opposing sides of the gate stack in both the PMOS and said NMOS regions. Wet etching removes the n-type wet etch sensitized regions in (i) at least a portion of said PMOS regions to form a plurality of PMOS source/drain recesses or (ii) in at least a portion of said NMOS regions to form a plurality of NMOS source/drain recesses, or (i) and (ii). At least one of a compressive strain inducing epitaxial layer is formed in the plurality of PMOS source/drain recesses and a tensile strain inducing epitaxial layer is formed in the plurality of NMOS source/drain recesses. The fabrication of the IC is then completed.
US07943454B2 Method for dual stress liner
A semiconductor device structure is provided which includes a first field effect transistor (“FET”) having a first channel region, a first source region, a first drain region and a first gate conductor overlying the first channel region. A second FET is included which has a second channel region, a second source region, a second drain region and a second gate conductor overlying the second channel region. The first and second gate conductors can be portions of a single elongated conductive member extending over both the first and second channel regions. A first stressed film may overlie the first FET and the first stressed film may apply a stress having a first value to the first channel region. A second stressed film may overlie the second FET and the second stressed film may apply a stress having a second value to the second channel region. The second value is substantially different from the first value. The first and second stressed films can abut each other at a common boundary and present a substantially co-planar major surface at the common boundary.
US07943442B2 SOI device having a substrate diode with process tolerant configuration and method of forming the SOI device
A substrate diode for an SOI device is formed in accordance with an appropriately designed manufacturing flow, wherein transistor performance enhancing mechanisms may be implemented substantially without affecting the diode characteristics. In one aspect, respective openings for the substrate diode may be formed after the formation of a corresponding sidewall spacer structure used for defining the drain and source regions, thereby obtaining a significant lateral distribution of the dopants in the diode areas, which may therefore provide sufficient process margins during a subsequent silicidation sequence on the basis of a removal of the spacers in the transistor devices. In a further aspect, in addition to or alternatively, an offset spacer may be formed substantially without affecting the configuration of respective transistor devices.
US07943437B2 Apparatus and method for electronic fuse with improved ESD tolerance
Method of making an electronic fuse blow resistor structure. In one embodiment, the method includes forming an insulator film, depositing a conductor on the insulator film, and after the depositing, etching the conductor to form a plurality of spaced apart non-conductive regions and a plurality of spaced-apart conductive regions. In another embodiment, the method includes forming the insulator film, forming a conductive sheet, and sub-dividing the conductive sheet into the plurality of conductive regions.
US07943436B2 Integrated circuit devices and methods and apparatuses for designing integrated circuit devices
Methods and apparatuses to design an Integrated Circuit (IC) with a shielding of wires. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a shielding mesh of at least two reference voltages (e.g., power and ground) is used to reduce both the capacitive coupling and the inductive coupling in routed signal wires in IC chips. In some embodiments, a type of shielding mesh (e.g., a shielding mesh with a window surrounded by a power ring, or a window with a parser set of shielding wires) is selected to make more routing area available in locally congested areas. In other embodiments, the shielding mesh is used to create or add bypass capacitance. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US07943433B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor chip has a rectangular main surface with first and second vertices on a diagonal line and first and second sides connecting the first and second vertices. A wire is formed between an electrode and a pad of the semiconductor chip. The wire is enclosed in a cavity of a mold. A liquid resin is poured into the cavity to flow from the first vertex toward the second vertex along the first and second sides. The liquid resin is cured to form a resin portion. The wire is formed such that the wire extends on the side relatively further from the first vertex with respect to a straight line connecting the pad and electrode as seen in plan view. Wires are thus prevented from contacting each other in the process of pouring the liquid resin and accordingly electrical short circuit between the wires can be prevented.
US07943432B2 Mold cleaning sheet and manufacturing method of a semiconductor device using the same
A cleaning sheet with frame for cleaning a molding die comprising a cleaning heat main body that covers the entire mating surface of a molding die and a reinforcing frame which can be disposed along the peripheral edge to the outside of the plural cavities of the mating surface of the molding die, the cleaning sheet main body being formed with first through holes at positions corresponding to the cavities of the molding die, air vent slits and flow cavity recesses at positions corresponding to the air vents of the cavities, second through holes at positions corresponding to the pots of the molding die, and slits at positions corresponding to the runners of the molding die, thereby capable of improving the cleaning effect of the molding die and shortening the time for the cleaning operation to improve the productivity.
US07943431B2 Leadless semiconductor package and method of manufacture
A package to encase a semiconductor package is manufactured by the following steps. First, an electrically conductive frame is provided. This frame has a plurality of leadframes arranged in a matrix with each leadframe having a plurality of spaced leads extending outwardly from a central aperture. The electrically conductive frame further includes a plurality of connecting bars joining outer end portions of adjacent ones of the leadframes. Second, a groove is formed in the connecting bars to form a reduced thickness portion between the outer end portions of adjacent ones of the leadframes. Third, a semiconductor device is electrically coupled to inner portions of said leads. Fourth, the frame and the semiconductor devices are encapsulated in a molding compound. Finally, the molding compound and the frame are cut along the grooves to form singulated semiconductor packages having outer lead portions with a height greater than the height of the reduced thickness portion.
US07943424B1 Encapsulation method for packaging semiconductor components with external leads
This invention discloses a method for packaging a semiconductor device with leads extending outside its encapsulation. The method comprises the following steps: Step 1, providing a lead frame comprising a plurality of lead frame units arranged in two dimensional array, each lead frame unit comprising a die pad and a plurality of leads located along two opposite sides of the die pad, attaching a semiconductor chip onto the die pad and electrically connecting the electrodes on each chip to its corresponding leads; Step 2, Encapsulating the chips, the die pads, and the leads with molding material into a plurality of one dimensional plastic encapsulation bars with the leads of each lead frame unit extending out along two opposite sides of the plastic encapsulation bars connecting to a plurality of tie bars substantially parallel to the plastic encapsulation bars; Step 3, Trimming off the tie bars therefore cutting off the connections between the leads to the tie bars while preserving a portion of the leads extending out of the plastic encapsulation bars; and Step 4, Sawing through the plastic encapsulation bars to form a plurality of individual semiconductor components with leads extending outside its encapsulation.
US07943423B2 Reconfigured wafer alignment
A method of manufacturing semiconductor device comprises placing multiple chips onto a carrier. An encapsulation material is applied to the multiple chips and the carrier for forming an encapsulation workpiece. The encapsulation workpiece having a first main face facing the carrier and a second main face opposite to the first main face. Further, marking elements are applied to the encapsulation workpiece relative to the multiple chips, the marking elements being detectable on the first main face and on the second main face.
US07943420B1 Single mask adder phase change memory element
A method of fabricating a phase change memory element within a semiconductor structure and a semiconductor structure having the same that includes etching an opening to an upper surface of a bottom electrode, the opening being formed of a height equal to a height of a metal region formed within a dielectric layer at a same layer within the semiconductor structure, depositing a conformal film within the opening and recessing the conformal film to expose the upper surface of the bottom electrode, depositing phase change material within the opening, recessing the phase change material within the opening, and forming a top electrode on the recessed phase change material.
US07943417B2 Method for metallization of photovoltaic cells with multiple annealing operations
Method for metallization of at least one photovoltaic cell comprising a substrate based on a semiconductor with a first type of conductivity, a layer doped with a second type of conductivity produced in the substrate and forming a front face of the substrate, an antireflection layer produced on the front face of the substrate and forming a front face of the photovoltaic cell. The method comprises at least the steps of: a) producing at least one metallization on the front face of the photovoltaic cell, b) a first annealing of the photovoltaic cell at a temperature between around 800° C. and 900° C., c) producing at least one metallization on the rear face of the substrate, d) a second annealing of the photovoltaic cell at a temperature between around 700° C. and 800° C.
US07943415B1 Methods of sputtering cadmium sulfide layers for use in cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic devices
Methods are generally provided of sputtering a cadmium sulfide layer on a substrate. The cadmium sulfide layer can be sputtered on a substrate from a target in a sputtering atmosphere, wherein the target comprises about 75% to about 100% by weight cadmium, and wherein the sputtering atmosphere comprises a sulfur-containing source gas. The cadmium sulfide layer can be used in methods of forming cadmium telluride thin film photovoltaic devices.
US07943411B2 Apparatus and method of wafer bonding using compatible alloy
A method of forming an inertial sensor provides 1) a device wafer with a two-dimensional array of inertial sensors and 2) a second wafer, and deposits an alloy of aluminum/germanium onto one or both of the wafers. The alloy is deposited and patterned to form a plurality of closed loops. The method then aligns the device wafer and the second wafer, and then positions the alloy between the wafers. Next, the method melts the alloy, and then solidifies the alloy to form a plurality of conductive hermetic seal rings about the plurality of the inertial sensors. The seal rings bond the device wafer to the second wafer. Finally, the method dices the wafers to form a plurality of individual, hermetically sealed inertial sensors.
US07943408B2 Production process for surface-mounting ceramic LED package, surface-mounting ceramic LED package produced by said production process, and mold for producing said package
The present invention is related to a surface-mounting ceramic LED package and a method for its production comprising: layering a ceramic green sheet which has a hole and a second ceramic green sheet, inserting a mold with a groove to form a partition in the bottom of the ceramic green sheet substrate, and firing the ceramic green sheet substrate.
US07943402B2 Ion implantation process characterization method
A method of characterizing an ion implantation process, the method including a first step of producing a PN junction degraded by the ion implantation of species, the species implantation being obtained by the ion implantation process to be characterized; a second step of measuring a parameter representative of an electrical conduction of the degraded PN junction and a dispersion of the parameter on a surface on which the degraded PN junction is produced, the parameter and the dispersion forming a reference parameter and a reference dispersion, the first and second steps being repeated in time so as to follow the evolution of the parameter representative of electrical conduction with relation to the reference parameter and the dispersion of the representative parameter with relation to the reference dispersion.
US07943395B2 Extension of the dynamic detection range of assay devices
A flow-through assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes multiple detection zones, one of which is premised on “competitive” binding of the analyte and the other is premised on “sandwich” binding of the analyte. The present inventors believe that the combination of these zones may enable the detection of an analyte over extended concentration ranges.
US07943393B2 Method and device for extracting an analyte
The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. In some embodiments, the method involves adjusting the head pressure of the column during the process, or otherwise controlling or regulating the head pressure.
US07943390B2 Supported molecular biofluid viscosity sensors for in vitro and in vivo use
A device and a method for measuring viscosity that includes attaching molecular rotors to a solid surface, exposing the solid surface to a fluid having a viscosity to be measured, and taking optical measurements to determine viscosity. The solid surface is preferably quartz, polystyrene or silicate glass, such as a fiber optic probe or a glass cuvette. The molecular rotors are of the type that includes an electron-donor group and electron-acceptor group that are linked by a single bond so that the groups may rotate with respect to one another, and that exhibit a fluorescence emission when rotation is hindered.
US07943384B2 Apparatus and methods for sorting particles
A flow cytometry system and method for sorting a mixture of particles with a fluid delivery system delivering a fluid containing particles, a flow cytometry apparatus for receiving the fluid, forming the fluid into a stream and using flow cytometry to classify the particles according to certain characteristics; a sorting system for sorting the particles according to the classification and according to a sorting strategy to provide at least one population containing desired particles and; a control responsive to information received from the flow cytometry apparatus for controlling the sorting system to vary its sorting strategy or for controlling the fluid delivery system to vary the rate at which fluid is delivered as a function at least one of purity and quantity of the particles.
US07943379B2 Production of rAAV in vero cells using particular adenovirus helpers
The present invention relates to methods and materials for recombinant adeno-associated virus production. More particularly, in some embodiments the invention contemplates the use of an adenovirus known as Simian Adenovirus 13 (SAdV-13) and Vero cells for production of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV).
US07943376B2 Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-derived neurospheres define a novel class of progenitor cells
The present invention is related to the discovery of a novel class of neural progenitor cells, which proliferate in response to platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and differentiate into neurons and oligodendrocytes but not astrocytes. Progeny of the progenitor cells can be obtained by culturing brain tissue in PDGF without serum, epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor 2, or transforming growth factor alpha. Upon subculturing into EGF-containing media, these progeny cells can proliferate and form neurospheres, whereas PDGF has no such effect.
US07943374B2 Super-size adeno-associated viral vector harboring a recombinant genome larger than 5.7 kb
Prior art teaches an effective packaging capacity for adeno-associated virus and adeno-associated viral vectors of 4.1 kb to 4.9 kb as well as a packaging limit of 5.2 kb to 5.6 kb. However, the inventor discovered that this packaging limit as well as that effective packaging capacity does not apply to all AAV serotypes: Whereas it is true that efficient packaging of AAV serotype 2 is limited to less than 5 kb, the inventor discovered that one can efficiently package more than 6 kb of genetic information into AAV capsids of other AAV serotypes, particularly into capsids of AAV serotype 5 and—to a lesser extent—into capsids of AAV serotype 7. This discovery will be useful in the context of gene therapy where large transgenes will have to be transferred such as the ABCA4 coding sequence, the Factor VIII coding sequence, the B-deleted Factor VIII coding sequence or minidystrophin genes.
US07943373B2 Telomelysin/GFP-expressing recombinant virus
The present invention provides a reagent for cancer cell detection or cancer diagnosis. The present invention relates to a reagent for cancer cell detection, comprising a recombinant virus where a replication cassette comprising a promoter from human telomerase, an E1A gene, an IRES sequence and an E1B gene in this order is integrated in E1 region of the viral genome and a labeling cassette comprising a gene encoding a labeling protein and a promoter capable of regulating the expression of the gene encoding the labeling protein is integrated in E3 region of the viral genome.
US07943370B2 Structure, target substance detection element and target substance detection kit
A target substance detection element that can effectively prevent the nonspecific adsorption of a target substance or impurities and detects the target substance with high sensitivity, a target substance detection kit, and a structure constituting the target substance detection element. The structure has a substrate, polymers present on the substrate surface, and first target substance capturing molecules bonded to the polymers. The polymer is composed of a polymer of a carboxybetaine monomer represented by General Formula (1) below. The first target substance capturing molecules are bonded to some of the carboxyl groups of the polymers. A compound represented by General Formula (2) is bonded to at least some of the carboxyl groups, from among the carboxyl groups of the polymers, that are not bonded to the first target substance capturing molecules.
US07943366B2 Genetically modified yeast species and fermentation processes using genetically modified yeast
Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications', include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.
US07943364B2 Method for producing L-glutamine and L-glutamine producing bacterium
L-glutamine is produced by culturing a coryneform bacterium having L-glutamine-producing ability and modified so that intracellular glutaminase activity is reduced, and preferably also modified so that intracellular glutamine synthetase activity is enhanced. The method of production includes culturing the bacterium in a medium, followed by accumulation of L-glutamine in the medium and collecting the L-glutamine from the medium.
US07943363B2 Methods and compositions for improving the production of products in microorganisms
Methods and compositions are provided for improving the production of products, such as fuel products like ethanol, in microorganisms. In particular, methods and compositions are described for improving ethanol production utilizing genes identified in Clostridium phytofermentans.
US07943357B2 Crystallographic structure of Mnk-1 and Mnk-2 proteins
The present invention relates to crystalline Mnk-1 and Mnk-2 kinases and, in particular, to the crystal structure of Mnk-1 and Mnk-2 kinase domain.
US07943355B2 Sulfotransferase 1E1 sequence variants
Isolated sulfotransferase nucleic acid molecules that include a nucleotide sequence variant and nucleotides flanking the sequence variant are described, as well as sulfotransferase allozymes. Methods for determining if a mammal is predisposed to cancer also are described.
US07943352B2 Apparatus and methods for vaccine development using ultrasound technology
Method and device for the creation of vaccines using ultrasonic waves, comprised of an ultrasound generator and a transducer to produce ultrasonic waves, is disclosed. The transducer has a specific ultrasound tip depending upon the type of delivery method utilized and depending on the shape of the vial containing the solution of the virus, bacterium, or other infectious agent. The apparatus delivers ultrasonic waves to solution either directly through the insertion of the ultrasound tip into the solution, through a coupling medium adjacent to the vial or near the vial, or through an air or gas medium. The ultrasound waves have the effect of destroying the viable virus, bacterium, or other infectious agent and of releasing the appropriate antigens, thus resulting in a vaccine for that virus, bacterium, or other infectious agent.
US07943348B2 Method and apparatus for amplifying nucleic acids
A method and apparatus for amplifying nucleic acids. The method includes introducing into a reaction vessel via different inlet channels a reactant aqueous solution containing reactants for nucleic acid amplification and a fluid that is phase-separated from the reactant aqueous solution and does not participate in amplification reaction, creating a plurality of reactant aqueous solution droplets surrounded by the fluid by contacting the reactant aqueous solution with the fluid in the reaction vessel, and amplifying the nucleic acids in the reactant aqueous solution droplets. The apparatus includes a substrate, a reaction vessel formed inside of the substrate, at least one first inlet channel formed inside the substrate, connected to an end of the reaction vessel, and allowing introduction of a reactant aqueous solution containing reactants for nucleic acid amplification into the reaction vessel, a second inlet channel formed inside the substrate, connected to the end of the reaction vessel, and allowing introduction of a fluid that is phase-separated from the reactant aqueous solution and does not participate in amplification reaction into the reaction vessel, and a heating unit installed on the substrate in such a way to thermally contact with the substrate and heating the substrate.
US07943346B2 Probes and primers for detection of bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes
The present invention relates to methods for universal bacterial detection, for specific detection of the common bacterial pathogens, and for specific detection of commonly encountered and clinically relevant bacterial antibiotic resistance genes directly from clinical specimens or, alternatively, from a bacterial colony. The core of this invention consists primarily of the DNA sequences from all species-specific genomic DNA fragments selected by hybridization from genomic libraries or, alternatively, selected from data banks as well as any oligonucleotide sequences derived from these sequences which can be used as probes or amplification primers for PCR or any other nucleic acid amplification methods. This invention also includes DNA sequences from the selected clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes. Diagnostic kits comprising such primers and probes are also provided.
US07943338B2 Autoimmune conditions and NADPH oxidase defects
The invention relates to methods and materials involved in diagnosing and treating autoimmune conditions. In particular, the invention relates to methods and materials involved in diagnosing arthritis conditions that are accompanied by an NADPH oxidase deficiency, methods and materials involved in treating, preventing, or delaying the onset of arthritis conditions that are accompanied by an NADPH oxidase deficiency, and methods and materials involved in identifying agonists and antagonists of NADPH oxidase activity.
US07943331B2 Whole blood assay
A method and apparatus to estimate the concentration of a target substance (e.g. Cholesterol or CRP) in the plasma component of awhole blood sample without the need to separate the red blood cells from the plasma prior to testing, thereby simplfying the design and construction of the test device. The invention achieves this by measuring the analyte under investigation in a time dependent (bio-/immuno-) chemical reaction and measuring separately, a marker substance (e.g haemoglobin) for the estimation of red blood cell volume, using a non-time-dependent alteration in physical property of the reaction mixture (in this instance, transmission) attributed to inherent filter effects on sample addition. These non-time-dependent changes are not part of the reaction chemistry, and are resolved from the time dependent alteration in physical property caused by the assay chemistry by continuous measurement and mathematical modelling. Algorithms that combine these two parameters are used to estimate the target substance and compensate for variations in the percentage haematocrit of the sample. The method equalises the assay response for subtle variations in patient sample (e.g. haematocrit).
US07943330B2 Tailored glycoproteomic methods for the sequencing, mapping and identification of cellular glycoproteins
The present disclosure relates to tailored glycoproteomic methods, and more particularly to methods for the sequencing, mapping and identification of cellular glycoproteins using saccharide-selective bioorthogonal probes. A method is disclosed for saccharide-selective glycoprotein identification (ID) and glycan mapping (GIDmap) that generates glycoproteins tailored with bioorthogonally tagged alkynyl saccharides that can be selectively isolated, allowing for glycoprotein ID and glycan mapping via mass spectromic proteomics, including liquid chromatography-tandmen mass spectroscopy (LC-MS2). LC-MS2 may be used to identify cellular glycans, and more specifically cancer-related glycoproteins.
US07943329B2 Modulators of neuronal regeneration
The present invention provides methods and compositions related to CNS function and diseases.
US07943328B1 Method and system for assisting in diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome
The present invention provides methods, systems, and code for accurately classifying or diagnosing a sample from an individual as an IBS sample. The methods and systems of the present invention are useful for ruling out one or more diseases or disorders that share a similar clinical presentation as IBS followed by identifying (i.e., ruling in) IBS using statistical algorithm(s) and/or empirical data. In particular, the methods and systems of the present invention use a first combination of learning statistical classifier systems to rule out IBD with an accuracy of greater than about 90% and a second combination of learning statistical classifier systems to rule in IBS in a non-IBD sample with an accuracy of greater than about 80%.
US07943324B2 Endometriosis markers
The present invention relates to methods for determining a risk or identifying a condition associated with the presence of endometriosis in a subject as well as testing a candidate compound for a therapeutic activity for the treatment of endometriosis and sorting patients based on the risk of having endometriosis. Specifically, the methods utilize novel markers for assessing the risk of the patient having endometriosis.
US07943319B2 Utility of RET mutant in diagnosis and treatment of melanoma
The invention relates to a method of detecting a RET mutant in a melanoma cell. Also disclosed is a method of modulating the activity of a RET mutant in a melanoma cell with an agent that interferes with the activity of the RET mutant.
US07943318B2 Microrna-based methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of lung cancer
The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of lung cancer. The invention also provide methods of identifying anti-lung cancer agents.
US07943313B2 Probe, probe set, probe-immobilized carrier, and genetic testing method
A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 70 to 72 and complementary or modified sequences thereof or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium.
US07943312B2 Enzyme treatment of foodstuffs for celiac sprue
Administering an effective dose of glutenase to a Celiac or dermatitis herpetiformis patient reduces levels of toxic gluten oligopeptides, thereby attenuating or eliminating the damaging effects of gluten.
US07943311B2 Kits and method for determining the risk of adverse effects of irinotecan comprising hybridizing pairs of nucleic acid probes
A method for determining the risk of adverse effects of irinotecan (CPT-11), a synthetic anticancer drug, by detecting polymorphisms in the TATA box within the promoter region of the UDP-glucuronosyl transferase gene. A kit for detecting the adverse effects of irinotecan containing at least one pair of nucleic acid probes.
US07943310B2 Methods for assessing response to therapy in subjects having ulcerative colitis
A method for prognostic or diagnostic assessment of a gastrointestinal-related disorder, such as ulcerative colitis, in a subject correlates the presence, absence, and/or magnitude of a gene in a sample with a reference standard to determine the presence and/or severity of the disorder, and/or the response to treatment for the disorder. The method enables identification of the effectiveness of candidate therapies.
US07943302B2 C20ORF23 as modifier of the IGFR pathway and methods of use
Human C20ORF23 genes are identified as modulators of the IGFR pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective IGFR function. Methods for identifying modulators of IGFR, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of C20ORF23 are provided.
US07943298B2 Prevention and treatment of sub-clinical PCVD
The present invention relates to the use of an immunogenic composition comprising a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antigen for the prevention and treatment of sub-clinical PCV2 infection in animals, preferably in pigs.
US07943296B2 Methods of screening using a natriuretic peptide receptor
This disclosure provides an intracellular fragment of natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA), referred to herein as soluble natriuretic peptide receptor-related fragment (sNRF). It is shown herein that sNRF causes NP resistance. Based on these observations, methods of treating a cardiovascular disorder by inhibiting the activity of sNRF are disclosed. Assays are provided that use sNRF to screen agents for their ability to increase the biological activity of an NPR, for example agents that increase the sensitivity of NPR for NPs (such as atrial natriuretic peptide, ANP), or that decrease growth factor deleterious effects, or combinations thereof. Also provided are agents identified using the disclosed assays, and methods of using the agents, for example to treat or diagnose a cardiovascular disorder, such as heart failure.
US07943295B2 Screening and therapeutic method for NSCLC targeting CDCA1-KNTC2 complex
The present invention is based on the observation that the co-activation of CDCA1 and KNTC2, and their cognate interactions, play significant roles in lung-cancer progression and that methods of inhibiting the complex can be used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer.
US07943292B2 Physiologically acceptable aqueous solutions and methods for their use
Artificial plasma-like solutions and methods for their use are provided. The subject solutions include: electrolytes and an oncotic agent. The subject solutions find use in a variety of applications, particularly in those applications where at least a portion of a host's blood volume is replaced with a blood substitute.
US07943291B2 Conductive film-forming photosensitive material and conductive material
A photosensitive material for forming a conductive film having a support, a silver salt-containing emulsion layer over the support, and one or more optional layers formed over the support or the silver salt-containing emulsion layer side of the support, wherein any one of the silver salt-containing emulsion layer or the optional layer(s) contains conductive fine particles and a binder, and the ratio by mass of the conductive fine particles to the binder (the conductive fine particles/the binder) is from 1/33 to 1.5/1.
US07943288B2 Thin-film magnetic head structure, method of manufacturing the same, and thin-film magnetic head
A method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head structure comprises the steps of preparing an insulating layer 10; forming a first resist layer 51 provided with a first slit pattern 51a corresponding to a very narrow groove part and a second slit pattern 51b corresponding to a temporary groove part integrally extending from the very narrow groove part along outer edges of a main depression onto the insulating layer 10; etching the insulating layer 10 while using the first resist layer 51 as a mask; eliminating the first resist layer 51; forming a second resist layer having an opening pattern corresponding to the main depression onto the insulating layer 10; and etching the insulating layer 10 while using the second resist layer as a mask.
US07943286B2 Reproducible, high yield method for fabricating ultra-short T-gates on HFETs
A method for fabricating ultra-short T-gates on heterojunction field effect transistors (HFETs) comprising the steps of (a) providing a coating of three layers of resists, with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) with high molecular weight on the bottom, polydimethylglutarimide (PMGI) in the middle, and PMMA with low molecular weight on the top; (b) in a first exposure, exposing and developing the layers with a dose of a developer that is high enough to allow the developer to break the top PMMA but low to avoid contributing significantly to the overall dose received in the bottom PMMA layer; and (c) in a second exposure, using an exposure and developing process to define 0.03-0.05 um openings in the bottom PMMA layer.
US07943285B2 Pattern formation method
After formation of an underlayer film and an intermediate layer film, a resist pattern formed by the first pattern exposure with the first resist film and the second pattern exposure with the second resist film is transferred to the intermediate layer film. The underlayer film is etched using an intermediate layer pattern as a mask to form an underlayer film pattern. Herein, the first and second resist films are chemically amplified resist films. The second resist film contains a greater amount of additive which improves the sensitivity of the resist or which improves the alkaline solubility of resist exposed part.
US07943284B2 Compound, dissolution inhibitor, positive type resist composition, and method of forming resist pattern
A positive type resist composition for forming a high resolution resist pattern and a method of forming a resist pattern are provided which use a low-molecular-weight material as a base component, and a compound and a dissolution inhibitor that are each suitable for the positive type resist composition. Here, the compound is a non-polymer having a molecular weight of 500 to 3000, and is decomposed under the action of an acid to produce two or more molecules of a decomposition product having a molecular weight of 200 or more; the dissolution inhibitor comprises the compound; the positive type resist composition comprises the compound and the acid generator component; and the method of forming a resist pattern uses the positive type resist composition.
US07943283B2 Toner compositions
Processes for producing toner are provided which utilize reactive coalescing agents in forming the toner particles, as well as toners produced by such processes.
US07943280B2 Toner containing a laminar inorganic mineral in which part or all of the ions present between layers are modified by organic ions
A toner containing a colorant, a binder resin and a laminar inorganic mineral in which part or all of the ions present between layers are modified by organic ions. The toner can be prepared by a method including dispersing or emulsifying a toner constituent mixture liquid containing the colorant, the binder resin and/or a precursor thereof, and the laminar inorganic mineral, in an aqueous medium. The density of the laminar inorganic mineral measured by XPS for the toner surface before (A) and after (B) mixing and kneading satisfies the following relationship: A>B.
US07943279B2 Copper complex compound and electrophotographic toner containing the same
A copper complex compound represented by Formula (1) is disclosed. in the formula, groups represented by R is a substituent, n is an integer of from 1 to 5 and the total carbon number contained in (R) n is 14 or more. A toner for electrophotography containing the compound is also disclosed.
US07943277B2 Sol gel overcoats incorporating zinc antimonate nanoparticles
The present invention is directed to an electrophotographic element that comprises: an electrically conducting layer, a charge generating layer overlying the electrically conducting layer, and a charge transport layer overlying the electrically conducting layer. The charge transport layer, which can be an overcoat overlying the charge generating layer, includes the reaction product in an aqueous medium of a mixture comprising a silsesquioxane polymer and a amine-free surface treated zinc antimonate and an acid scavenger.
US07943274B2 Mask pattern correction and layout method
A mask pattern correction method is provided. The method comprises the following steps. An original layout, which has a plurality of device patterns, is provided. Then, a simulation process is performed on the device patterns to correspondingly form a plurality of simulated patterns. Thereafter, the simulated patterns are analyzed to select a plurality of unsaturated patterns from the simulated patterns. Finally, the device patterns in the original layout corresponding to the unsaturated patterns respectively are rotated.
US07943272B2 Metal catalyst and fuel cell employing electrode including the same
A metal catalyst including a conductive catalyst material and a coating layer formed of a water repellent material on the conductive catalyst material, an electrode including the metal catalyst, and a fuel cell employing the electrode. By forming the coating layer, having a water repellent material, on the conductive catalyst material, the metal catalyst does not sink in the liquid electrolyte, the distribution and movement of the liquid electrolyte around the metal catalyst can be controlled, and the thickness of the interface between the metal catalyst and the liquid electrolyte can be regulated. Accordingly, an ideal electrode structure having triple phase boundary for electrochemical reaction can be formed. A fuel cell employing an electrode including the metal catalyst has excellent efficiency and overall performance.
US07943271B2 Electrochemical device and methods for energy conversion
The present invention relates to an electrochemical device. The device features an anode constructed of materials such that the device can be chemically recharged. In addition, the device is capable of switching between operating as a fuel cell or as a battery. The switch can occur without cessation of electrical output. In certain aspects of the invention, the device is capable of operating at a temperature of less than 1000° C. Other aspects feature a liquid anode which allows higher output, dispersion of fuel and minimal stresses in an interface comprising the anode. Preferably the anode is a liquid at a temperature of less than 1000° C. The invention also relates to methods for energy conversion in which a continual electrical output can be produced in both the presence of fuel without anode consumption or the absence of fuel.
US07943267B2 Assemblies for electrochemical devices
Assemblies or MEA devices (Membrane Electrode Assembly) comprising a membrane and two electrocatalytic layers on each side thereof, wherein: the area of each of the two electrocatalytic layers is lower than that of the membrane; on each of the two sides of the ionomeric membrane there is at least one subgasket, applied on the MEA non catalyzed area; the edges of the ionomeric membranes being enclosed among said subgaskets.
US07943264B2 Operation control of a fuel cell system
For a fuel cell system, the flow rate and the pressure of the air flow supplied to the cathode side are controlled with the following procedure. First, air is supplied to the cathode at the flow rate and supply pressure required for generating electricity. In this state, the changing rate of the amount of formed water accumulated in the cathode is estimated based on the required electricity generation and the air flow rate. When the accumulated amount of formed water increases in a high rate, to avoid flooding, the cathode outlet regulation valve is intermittently opened to decrease the outlet gas pressure. Also, at a frequency less than that of the pressure decrease, the air flow rate is increased. By executing this operation, the increased air flow rate and the pressure difference between the cathode inlet and outlet, it is possible to promote discharge of the formed water with small loss of energy.
US07943257B2 Electrolyte solvent and rechargeable lithium battery
Disclosed is a rechargeable lithium battery including a positive electrode and a negative electrode in which lithium intercalations occurs, and an electrolyte including a low-inflammability solvent with a heat of combustion of 19,000 kJ/kg or less, and a lithium salt.
US07943256B2 Method for producing battery electrodes, electrodes produced by this method, and batteries containing such electrodes
A method for producing at least one lead battery electrode, comprising the step of disposing an active paste on a support in such a manner as to form said electrode, and locating said electrode in a controlled atmosphere environment to expose said electrode to a gas enriched in ozone, characterised in that said electrode is exposed to an ozone-enriched gas of flow rate less than 100 liters per hour for each square meter of surface of said electrode.
US07943254B2 Anode and battery
An anode capable of relaxing the stress concentration and improving the characteristics and a battery using it are provided. The anode includes an anode current collector and an anode active material layer containing silicon (Si) as an element, wherein an anode active material layer has a metal element increasing and decreasing region in which a metal element is contained as an element, and a concentration of the metal element is increased and then decreased in a thickness direction.
US07943249B2 Liquid composition, process for its production and process for producing membrane-electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells
An electrolyte membrane is prepared from a liquid composition comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of trivalent cerium, tetravalent cerium, bivalent manganese and trivalent manganese; and a polymer with a cation-exchange group. The liquid composition is preferably one containing water, a carbonate of cerium or manganese, and a polymer with a cation-exchange group, and a cast film thereof is used as an electrolyte membrane to prepare a membrane-electrode assembly. The present invention successfully provides a membrane-electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells being capable of generating the electric power in high energy efficiency, having high power generation performance regardless of the dew point of the feed gas, and being capable of stably generating the electric power over a long period of time.
US07943244B2 Display device with metal-organic mixed layer anodes
A display device comprises an anode, a cathode, and a luminescent region disposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein the anode comprises a metal-organic mixed layer operatively combined with an electron-accepting material. An anode may comprise a mixture of a metal-organic mixed layer and an electron-accepting material within a single layer of the anode. Alternatively, the anode may have a multilayer configuration comprising a metal-organic mixed layer and a buffer layer adjacent the metal-organic mixed layer, wherein the buffer layer comprises an electron-accepting material and optionally a hole transport material.
US07943241B2 Composite ceramic body
A composite ceramic body and a method thereof are provided. The composite ceramic body comprising a first bonding body comprising a ceramic containing Si ingredient, and a second bonding body bonded to the first bonding body through a bonding material containing, as main ingredient, a Si compound which includes the element common to the Si ingredient contained in the first bonding body. The first and second bonding bodies can be bonded strongly and uniformly without any adhesive. Since the composite ceramic body has high bonding strength, it is applicable to microchemical chips and reformers.
US07943239B2 Endless belt and process for manufacturing the same, image forming apparatus, functional membrane and process for manufacturing the same, intermediate transfer belt, transfer transport belt, and transport apparatus
An endless belt includes a layer including at least a first composition and a second composition different from the first composition, a content ratio of the second composition relative to the first composition being changed in a layer thickness direction.
US07943236B2 Narrow particle size distribution porous microspheres and method of making the same
Porous polymer microspheres having a size of from about 3 to about 50 microns and a geometric standard deviation of about 1.25 or less are disclosed. The porous polymer microspheres are made by a method including the steps of preparing an emulsion comprised of polymer particles having an average particle size of less than about 3 microns and a diluent, subjecting the emulsion to an aggregating condition to form aggregated polymer particles, optionally coalescing the aggregated polymer particles, and removing the diluent to form the porous polymer microspheres.
US07943232B2 Layered panel structure including self-bonded layers of thermoformable and non-thermoformable materials
A layered panel structure including first and second layers formed, respectively, of (a) non-thermoformable, and (b) thermoformable, fiber-strand-reinforced resin, materials, having therebetween a bonding interface formed by resin drawn from the second layer.
US07943229B2 Suppression of stray light propagation in a substrate
An optical apparatus comprises: a substrate; an optical device, an optical waveguide, or an optical element on the first substrate surface; a reflection-suppressing layer on a second substrate surface opposite the first substrate surface; and an absorbing layer on the reflection-suppressing layer, so that over at least a portion of the second substrate surface the reflection-suppressing layer is between the second substrate surface and the absorbing layer. The absorbing layer absorbs light over at least a portion of an operative wavelength range of the optical apparatus, while the reflection-suppressing layer suppresses reflection from the second substrate surface of light over at least a portion of the operative wavelength range of the optical apparatus to a reflectivity value below that of the second substrate surface with only the absorbing layer present.
US07943227B2 Ceramic heat shield
A heat shield includes a ceramic composite heat shield panel having a generally concave first surface and a generally convex second surface and a pair of thickened panel edge portions provided in the heat shield panel. A heat shield assembly is also disclosed.
US07943226B2 Organic EL panel and method for manufacturing organic EL panel
An organic EL panel including: a substrate; an organic EL device including an anode, an organic EL layer and a cathode layered on the substrate; and a sealing member for sealing the organic EL device on the substrate, and further including a drying agent layer that contacts the organic EL device, and a heat generating layer that contacts the drying agent layer.
US07943222B2 Adhesive-backed extender trim material
A plastic trim strip useful for trimming the installation of doors, windows, and the like. The trim strip has a first side suitable for viewing in a finished installation, and a second side with at least one band of contact adhesive. In storage, the contact adhesive is covered by a peelable backing. The trim strip is formed of material which is capable of some deformation while retaining the elastic memory to retain its original flat shape. The trim strip can be cut, bent, roll formed, etc. to produce the shape desired for the installation. The user then removes the peelable backing and uses the contact adhesive to affix the strip in the desired location. The trim strip is preferably stored in a roll within a dispenser box. The dispenser box allows the compact storage and transportation of many feet of the material.
US07943218B2 Environmentally-friendly multi-layer flexible film having barrier properties
A multi-layer film with barrier properties having two or more layers made from a bio-based film is disclosed. In one aspect, the print web comprises a bio-based film. In one aspect, the barrier web comprises a bio-based film. In one aspect, a bio-based adhesive adheres the print web to the barrier web. The bio-based film can include paper, PCR, polylactide or polyhydroxy-alkanoate. Unlike prior art petroleum-based films, the bio-based film of the present invention is made from a renewable resource and is biodegradable.
US07943211B2 Three dimensional displays having deformable constructions
An improved three dimensional display such as a Holiday decoration having collapsible constructions having a shape memory internal frame. In one embodied form, the unique display includes a collapsible internal frame formed, in part, from metal wire imparted with suitable memory characteristics. Such metals are referred to as “shape memory alloys” (SMAs) because much metals “remember” their original shapes. Accordingly, the present invention uses a deformable internal metal frame supporting an outer sheath formed from suitable materials such as fabric, or plastic film for the skin of the inventive three dimensional displays.
US07943209B2 Liquid crystal molecule, liquid crystal display device, and liquid crystal spatial light modulation device
A liquid crystal molecule includes a structure represented by Formula (1): wherein X1 in Formula (1) is represented by Formula (2); X2 in Formula (1) is a group selected from Formula (3); X3 in Formula (1) is represented by Formula (4).
US07943207B2 Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase that includes two components, wherein the first component is a specific four-membered ring compound having a large maximum temperature, and the second component is a specific four-membered ring compound having a large dielectric anisotropy and a large optical anisotropy, and a liquid crystal display device containing the composition.
US07943205B2 Diffusion barrier coatings having graded compositions and devices incorporating the same
A composite article comprises a substrate having at least a substrate surface and a graded-composition coating disposed on a substrate surface. The composition of the coating material varies substantially continuously across its thickness. The coating reduces the transmission rates of oxygen, water vapor, and other chemical species through the substrate such that the composite article can be used effectively as a diffusion barrier to protect chemically sensitive devices or materials. An organic light-emitting device incorporates such a composite article to provide an extended life thereto.
US07943204B2 Boron ion implantation using alternative fluorinated boron precursors, and formation of large boron hydrides for implantation
Methods of implanting boron-containing ions using fluorinated boron-containing dopant species that are more readily cleaved than boron trifluoride. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including implanting boron-containing ions using fluorinated boron-containing dopant species that are more readily cleaved than boron trifluoride. Also disclosed are a system for supplying a boron hydride precursor, and methods of forming a boron hydride precursor and methods for supplying a boron hydride precursor. In one implementation of the invention, the boron hydride precursors are generated for cluster boron implantation, for manufacturing semiconductor products such as integrated circuitry.
US07943202B2 Apparatus and methods for providing a static interferometric display device
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for fabricating a static interferometric display device. A plurality of sputtering modules is used to form static interferometric elements on a substrate. These elements each have a plurality of interferometric sub-elements that each has an interferometric stack. A first sub-element of each element is formed so that an interferometric modulation of light due to the first element's stack transmits at a first color, and a second sub-element of each element is formed so that a second color is transmitted. The sub-elements of each element are arranged with respect to each other so that all of the elements appear as a third color to a user if all the sub-elements of each element are left unmasked. A printing system is then used to mask one or more sub-elements of one or more elements so as to form, with the elements, a static image having multiple colors.
US07943198B2 Apparatus and method for forming seal pattern of flat panel display device
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for forming a seal pattern of a flat panel display device. An apparatus for forming a seal pattern of a flat panel display panel includes a mother substrate having a plurality of unit display panels formed thereon; a stage to support the mother substrate; a mask on the mother substrate, the mask having openings, each opening being formed on a region corresponding to an outer periphery of each unit display panel; and a pattern forming unit including a seal head to apply a sealant to the mask to form the seal pattern around the outer periphery of each unit display panel of the mother substrate.
US07943194B2 Process for preparing flake-form pigments based on aluminum and on Sioz(Z=0.7-2.0) comprising forming a layer of separating agent
The present invention relates to process for the production of plane-parallel platelets, comprising the steps of: a) vapor-deposition of a separating agent onto a carrier to produce a separating agent 5 layer, b) vapor-deposition of at least one product layer onto the separating agent layer, and c) dissolution of the separating agent layer in a solvent and production of a suspension in which the at least one product layer is present in the form of plane-parallel platelets, wherein the separating agent is selected from the group consisting of anthracene, anthraquinone, acetamidophenol, acetylsalicylic acid, camphoric anhydride, benzimidazole, benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, biphenyl-2,2-dicarboxylic acid, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfone, dihydroxyanthraquinone, hydantoin, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid monohydrate, 4-hydroxycoumarin, 7-hydroxycoumarin, 3-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid, isophthalic acid, 4,4-methylene-bis-3-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid, naphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylic anhydride, phthalimide and its potassium salt, phenolphthalein, phenothiazine, saccharin and its salts, tetraphenylmethane, triphenylene, triphenylmethanol, and also mixtures of at least two of those substances, especially pentaerythritol (C(CH2OH)4), trimesic acid (=1,3,5 benzene tricarboxylic acid), DL-alanine, DL-valine, 2,6-20 diaminopurine, ascorbic acid, 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, o-acetylsalicyclic acid, diphenic acid, terephthalic acid, pyrogallol, cyanuric acid, hexamethyltetramine (urotropin), fumaric acid, and 4-acetylbenzoic acid and also mixtures of at least two of those substances.
US07943190B2 Extraction of phytochemicals
A processing system and methods for extracting phytochemicals from plant materials with subcritical water. The processing system includes a water supply interconnected with a high-pressure pump, diverter valve, a temperature-controllable extraction vessel, a cooler, a pressure-relief valve and a collection apparatus for collecting eluant fractions from the extraction vessel. The processing system controllably varies the temperature of subcritical water within the extraction vessel, and may optionally be configured to controllably vary the pH of subcritical water flowing into the extraction vessel. A plant material is placed into the extraction vessel after which a flow of subcritical water is provided through the extraction vessel for extraction of phytochemicals. The temperature of subcritical water is controllably varied during its flow through the extraction vessel water thereby producing a plurality of eluant subfractions corresponding to the temperature changes, thereby separating the different classes of phytochemicals extracted from the plant material.
US07943182B2 Berry oils and products
The invention includes embodiments of berry oils, cold pressed, and products incorporating the berry oils.
US07943181B2 Natural immunostimulant compositions, methods for obtaining the same and pharmaceutical formulations thereof
A natural immunostimulant composition for the treatment of immunodeficiency, the composition comprising extract of plant Symplocos racemosa and/or plant Prosopis glandulosa and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for obtaining the plant extract, methods for preparing the composition and methods of treating diseases related to immunodeficiency.
US07943180B2 Method for stimulating a host immune system by administering an allogeneic cell material
A method of manipulating allogeneic cells for use in allogeneic cell therapy protocols is described. The method provides a composition of highly activated allogeneic T-cells which are infused into immunocompetent cancer patients to elicit a novel anti-tumor immune mechanism called the “Mirror Effect”. In contrast to current allogeneic cell therapy protocols where T-cells in the graft mediate the beneficial graft vs. tumor (GVT) and detrimental graft vs. host (GVH) effects, the allogeneic cells of the present invention stimulate host T-cells to mediate the “mirror” of these effects. The mirror of the GVT effect is the host vs. tumor (HVT) effect. The “mirror” of the GVH effect is the host vs. graft (HVG) effect. The effectiveness and widespread application of the anti-tumor GVT effect is limited by the severe toxicity of the GVH effect. In the present invention, the anti-tumor HVT effect occurs in conjunction with a non-toxic HVG rejection effect. The highly activated allogeneic cells of the invention can be used to stimulate host immunity in a complete HLA mis-matched setting in patients that have not had a prior bone marrow transplant or received chemotherapy and/or radiation conditioning regimens.
US07943172B2 Film-coated tablet or granules containing as active ingredient a pyridylpyrimidine compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of this compound
Film-coated tablet, consisting of a tablet core with a film coating, or granules containing as active ingredient a pyridylpyrimidine compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of this compound, preferably imatinib or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of imatinib, preferably imatinib monomethanesulfonate, wherein (i) the tablet cores and the granules have been produced by pressing of the starting materials and, prior to pressing of the starting materials, at least one of them has been dry-granulated, preferably compacted; (ii) the tablet cores and granule cores contain the active ingredient in a proportion of 25% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the tablet cores or granule cores, together with (iii) at least one filler-binder, and optionally contain other additives; and (iv) the mean particle size distribution of at least 80% of the active ingredient is in the range from 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm.
US07943167B2 Compositions with hydrophilic drugs in a hydrophobic medium
In various embodiments of the present invention, a capsule is provided including a hydrophobic inner layer and at least one hydrophilic outer layer. The hydrophobic layer may include a hydrophilic component such as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) which may be fully encapsulated, partially encapsulated or part of an adsorption complex. Such capsules experience no or minimal cracking or breaking in the outer layer.
US07943166B2 Methods and compositions for administration of TRPV1 agonists
Compositions are provided that contain a TRPV1 agonist, such as capsaicin, and a solvent system. Topical application of the composition results in rapid delivery of agonist to the dermis and epidermis. Method of using the compositions for reducing nociceptive nerve fiber function in subjects, and for treatment of capsaicin-responsive conditions are also provided.
US07943158B2 Absorbent systems providing antimicrobial activity
An article and process provides a stable technology that reduces the microbial content by providing molecular iodine to the stabilized reagents when at least two reactants are activated by aqueous and/or alcohol materials.
US07943157B2 Cosmetic, pharmaceutical and dermatological products
The invention provides cosmetic, pharmaceutical and dermatological compositions comprising at least one copolymer obtainable by free-radical copolymerization of A) acryloyldimethyltaurine and/or acryloyldimethyltaurates, B) optionally, one or more further olefinically unsaturated, noncationic comonomers, C) optionally, one or more olefinically unsaturated, cationic comonomers, D) optionally, one or more silicon-containing components, E) optionally, one or more fluorine-containing components, F) optionally, one or more macromonomers, G) the copolymerization taking place if desired in the presence of at least one polymeric additive.
US07943155B2 Self-reversible reverse microlatex process for preparing it and cosmetic and industrial uses thereof
A self-reversible reverse microlatex composition comprising an oil phase, an aqueous phase, a water-in-oil surfactant(s), a oil-in-water surfactant(s) and 15% to 40% by weight by weight of a branched or crosslinked polyelectrolyte. The polyelectrolyte is based on a monomer containing a strong or weak acid function, which is partially or totally salified, a copolymer of at least one monomer containing a strong acid function and at least one monomer containing a weak acid function or at least one neutral monomer, a copolymer of at least one monomer containing a weak acid function and at least one neutral monomer, or a copolymer of at least one monomer containing a strong acid function, a monomer containing at least one weak acid function and at least one neutral monomer. The surfactants have a total HLB number of 8.5 to 11. Uses in cosmetics and as an industrial emulsifier and/or thickener.
US07943152B2 Treatment of chronic chalazion and hordeolum with botulinum toxin
Chalazia and hordeola are the most common lesions occurring in the human eyelid, and often recurrences are managed by surgical intervention to remove fatty inclusions within the lid with associated inflammatory reaction. The present invention provides non-surgical methods of treating chalazia, hordeola and cutaneous infections comprising the administration of compositions comprising botulinum toxin. The present invention provides methods that effectively block meibum secretion from the meibomian glands, reduce sebaceous bacterial culture media on skin, and sebaceous secretion from the glands of Zeis. Decreased production of meibum and associated fatty substances resulting from the methods of the present invention, decrease gland blockage and tissue inspissations, resulting in reduced recurrence of chalazia, hordeola and related inflammatory reactions and lesions.
US07943151B2 Immunizing compositions and methods of use
The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccharide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions, including inducing the production of antibody in an animal.
US07943150B2 Immunizing compositions and methods of use
The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions, including inducing the production of antibody in an animal.
US07943147B2 dsRNAs as influenza virus vaccine adjuvants or immuno-stimulants
Vaccine protection against acute or chronic viral infection is facilitated by using as an adjuvant or immuno-stimulant, a dsRNA together with an anti-influenza vaccine.
US07943146B2 Immunizing compositions comprising HIV-1 proviral constructs with an inactive p6 gag TSG101 UEV binding domain capable of producing budding-defective viral particles that remain tethered to the cell surface
The present invention provides methods for preventing and treating HIV infection and AIDS by introducing cells displaying HIV late-domain phenotype into a patient, or by administering to a patient nucleic acids, polypeptides or small organic compounds to cause the formation of cells displaying HIV late-domain phenotype in the body of the patient.
US07943144B2 Herpes simplex virus complex
There is provided an HSV Complex which comprises an avirulent HSV and a targeting agent which allows the HSV particle to infect and lyse a specific targeted cell. The inventors have found a way in which avirulent HSV can be targeted to disease cells, e.g. cancer cells, by incorporating an antibody binding domain into one or more viral glycoproteins.
US07943143B2 Chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT)-defective somatostatin fusion protein and uses thereof
Chimeric somatostatin-based polypeptides, polynucleotides used to encode the polypeptides, the methods for isolating and producing the polypeptides and the uses thereof are provided. In addition, low cost adjuvants for enhanced immunogenic response are provided. Vaccinations that include both chimeric somatostatin-based polypeptides and novel adjuvants are included, useful in facilitating farm animal productivity.
US07943141B2 Activated polyoxazolines and compositions comprising the same
The present disclosure provides terminally activated monofunctional POZ derivatives having a range of functional active groups allowing conjugation of the monofunctional POZ derivatives to a variety of target molecules under a wide range of reaction conditions to produce a hydrolytically stable target molecule-POZ conjugate. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides novel methods of synthesis for the disclosed terminally activated monofunctional POZ derivatives and hydrolytically stable target molecule-POZ conjugates created using the disclosed terminally activated monofunctional POZ derivatives.
US07943137B2 FPRL1 ligands and use thereof
By using FPRL1 ligand, which comprises the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 17 or SEQ ID NO: 21, and FPRL1, an efficient screening for FPRL1 agonist or FPRL1 antagonist can be performed.
US07943136B2 Parathyroid hormone receptor activation and stem and progenitor cell expansion
The invention relates to methods for manipulating hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, epithelial stem cells, neural stem cells and related products through activation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor in neighboring cells.
US07943134B2 Compositions and methods for identifying response targets and treating flavivirus infection responses
Cellular receptors are identified that induce plasma leakage and other negative effects when infected with flaviviruses, such as dengue virus or Japanese encephamyelitis virus. Using fusion proteins disclosed herein, the receptors to which a pathogen, such as flavivirus, binds via glycan binding are determined. Once the receptors are determined, the effect of binding to a particular receptor may be determined, wherein targeting of the receptors causing a particular symptom may be targeted by agents that interrupt binding of the pathogen to the receptor. Accordingly, in the case of dengue virus and Japanese encephamyelitis virus, TNF-α is released when the pathogen binds to the DLVR1/CLEC5A receptor. Interrupting the DLVR1/CLEC5A receptor with monoclonal antibodies reduced TNF-α secretion without affecting secretion of cytokines responsible for viral clearance thereby increasing survival rates in infected mice from nil to around 50%.
US07943130B2 Methods and compositions relating to CCR5 antagonist, IFN-γ and IL-13 induced inflammation
The present invention includes compositions and methods for the treatment of Th1 and/or Th2 medicated inflammatory diseases, relating to inhibiting CCR5. This is because the present invention demonstrates, for the first time, that expression of IFN-γ, IL-13, and CCR5 mediates and/or is associated with Th1 and/or Th2 inflammatory diseases and that inhibiting CCR5 treats, and even prevents, the diseases. Thus, the Invention relates to the novel discovery that inhibiting CCR5 treats and prevents Th1 and/or Th2 mediated inflammatory disease.
US07943129B2 Single-domain brain-targeting antibody fragments derived from llama antibodies
A phage-displayed library of llama single heavy domain antibodies (sdAbs) was enriched for species that selectively bind to and are internalized by human cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells (HCEC). From the enriched library, two sdAbs were selected, sequenced, subcloned, and expressed as fusion proteins with c-myc-His5 tags. Similarly as phage-displayed sdAbs, these soluble tagged sdAbs were shown to selectively bind to HCEC and to transmigrate across in vitro human blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. In contrast to an unrelated llama sdAb, these sdAbs were also detected in the brain after i.v. injection into mice. These small (˜13 kDa) antibody fragments have essential characteristics of brain-specific delivery vectors and can be used to facilitate drug transport across the BBB.
US07943125B2 Attenuated gram negative bacteria
Disclosed and claimed are a mutant of a gram negative bacterium, wherein said bacterium has at least one mutation in a nucleotide sequence which codes for a polypeptide having an identity which is equal or more than 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% with an amino acid sequence coded by a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of nucleotide sequences identified SEQ ID NO: 2, 6, 9, 12, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70, 75, 78, 81, 84, 87, 90, 93; said mutation resulting in attenuated virulence of the bacterium. Immunogenic compositions and vaccines containing such a mutant are also disclosed and claimed.
US07943121B2 IL-1β binding antibodies and fragments thereof
An IL-1β binding antibody or IL-1β binding fragment thereof comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and related nucleic acids, vectors, cells, and compositions, as well as method of using same to treat or prevent a disease, and a method of preparing an affinity matured IL-1β binding polypeptide. IL-1β binding antibodies or IL-1β binding fragments thereof are provided which have desirable affinity and potency.
US07943118B2 Aerosolized fosfomycin/aminoglycoside combination for the treatment of bacterial respiratory infections
A fosfomycin plus tobramycin combination formulation for delivery by aerosolization is described. The concentrated fosfomycin tobramycin combination formulation containing an efficacious amount of fosfomycin plus tobramycin is able to inhibit susceptible bacteria. Fosfomycin and tobramycin are formulated separately in a dual ampoule such that when reconstituted, the pH is between 4.5 and 8.0 or as a dry powder. The method for treatment of respiratory tract infections by a formulation delivered as an aerosol having a mass median aerodynamic diameter predominantly between 1 to 5μ, produced by a jet or ultrasonic nebulizer (or equivalent) or dry powder inhaler.
US07943114B2 Fine hollow powder, thin flaky titanium oxide powder obtained by pulverization of the fine hollow powder and processes for producing the same
The present invention relates to fine hollow powder with a titanium oxide shell, obtained by spray drying an exfoliated titania sol, and thin flaky titanium oxide powder obtained by pulverizing the fine hollow powder, and also to processes for producing the same. The present fine hollow powder and thin flaky titanium oxide powder have a distinguished dispersibility and are useful for additives to cosmetics, pigments, paints, etc., and the present fine hollow powder also has a distinguished flowability and is useful for seed particles for flow measurement.
US07943113B2 Lithium-manganese oxides, method for preparing the same, and lithium adsorbent using the same
There is provided Lithium-manganese oxides expressed as the following chemical formula 1, Li1+xMn1−x−yMyO2+z,  [Chemical Formula 1] wherein 0.01≦x≦0.5, 0≦y≦0.3, −0.2≦z≦0.2, and M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Mn, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, W, Ag, Sn, Ge, Si, Al, and alloy thereof.
US07943109B2 Process for the production of Si by reduction of SiCl4 with liquid Zn
The invention relates to the manufacture of high purity silicon as a base material for the production of e.g. crystalline silicon solar cells. SiCU is converted to Si metal by contacting gaseous SiCU with liquid Zn, thereby obtaining a Si-bearing alloy and Zn-chloride, which is separated. The Si-bearing alloy is then purified at a temperature above the boiling point of Zn. This process does not require complicated technologies and preserves the high purity of the SiCU towards the end product, as the only reactant is Zn, which can be obtained in very high purity grades and continuously recycled.
US07943108B2 Processes for purification of silicon tetrafluoride
Processes for purifying silicon tetrafluoride source gas by subjecting the source gas to one or more purification processes including: contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with an ion exchange resin to remove acidic contaminants, contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with a catalyst to remove carbon monoxide, by removal of carbon dioxide by use of an absorption liquid, and by removal of inert compounds by cryogenic distillation; catalysts suitable for removal of carbon monoxide from silicon tetrafluoride source gas and processes for producing such catalysts.
US07943106B2 Rare earth nanorods
A process for the production of nanorods containing a rare earth metal is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of: (a) increasing the pH of an aqueous solution of the formula MX3, where M is a trivalent rare earth metal cation and X is a monovalent anion so as to produce a reaction product containing X anions in solution and a precipitate in the form of trivalent rare earth hydroxide nanoparticles of the formula M(OH)3, the nanoparticles having a hexagonal crystal structure; and, (b) ageing the nanoparticles of step (a) in the presence of the reaction product containing X anions in solution so as to cause rod-like anisotropic growth of the nanoparticles and form rare earth hydroxide nanorods.
US07943104B2 CE-ZR based solid solutions and methods for making and using the same
In one embodiment, a solid solution material comprises, based upon 100 mole %: about 30 mol% about 95 mol % zirconium, about 0.5 mol % to about 50 mole % cerium, up to about 20 mole % of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of yttrium, rare earths, and combinations comprising at least one of the stabilizers, and about 0.01 to about 25 mole % of a metal selected from the group consisting of indium, tin, and mixtures comprising at least one of the foregoing metals.
US07943102B2 Method for the production of formaldehyde
A method for formaldehyde production through catalytic oxidation of methanol, comprising the steps of feeding to a first oxidation catalytic bed (2) a gas flow comprising methanol and oxygen at a predetermined crossing linear flow rate, obtaining at the outlet of said first catalytic bed (2) a flow of gaseous reaction products comprising unreacted methanol, and feeding the flow of gaseous products to a second oxidation catalytic bed (6) is distinguished by the fact that the flow of gaseous reaction products comprising unreacted methanol is fed to the second catalytic bed (6) with a crossing linear flow rate substantially equal to said predetermined first catalytic bed (2) feeding flow rate.
US07943101B2 Structure for reducing agent container
A canopy is removably secured to the container body, is respectively fitted with: a base of a water level indicator for detecting a remaining amount of liquid reducing agent; a base of a densitometer for detecting a concentration of a liquid reducing agent; and a heat exchanger which surrounds detection portions respectively suspended from the bases of the water level indicator and the densitometer, and through which is circulated engine coolant, to perform heat exchange with the liquid reducing agent, and a supply port and a return port for the liquid reducing agent are respectively formed in the canopy. The water level indicator, the densitometer, the heat exchanger, and the supply port and the return port for the liquid reducing agent are formed integrally with the canopy, so that the water level indicator and the densitometer can be dismounted together with the canopy at the same time.
US07943100B2 Cuvette for in vitro diagnosis
The device comprises reaction unit cuvettes for different types of tests, a vertical axis rotor which is associated with a rotation drive means and provided with a horizontal gear-teeth crown delimiting radially outwardly open cavities for receiving the reaction unit cuvettes, a device for supplying the gear-teeth crown with the reaction unit cuvettes, a device for supplying cuvettes with analyzable biological liquid samples, stations arranged around the crown for carrying out measurements and/or analysis and an automation for managing the sequences of a desired process for each cuvette.
US07943099B2 Reactor and method for reacting at least two gases in the presence of a liquid phase
A reactor for reacting at least two gases in the presence of a liquid phase, provided with an external liquid phase circulation device and including at least one injector for injecting the gases and the externally circulated liquid phase. In the injector the mixing of the gases together and with the externally circulated liquid phase only begins at the outlet of the injector.
US07943096B2 Calibrated catalyst carrier body with corrugated casing
A method for manufacturing a catalyst carrier body includes producing a honeycomb body having at least partially structured layers forming channels through which a fluid can flow. The honeycomb body has an external extent formed at least partially by ends of the layers. At least one corrugated casing and a housing are also produced. The honeycomb body is inserted into the corrugated casing and the corrugated casing with the honeycomb body is inserted into the housing with the housing at least partially surrounding the honeycomb body. The housing is calibrated by reducing at least an internal contour of the housing and preferably also a profile of the corrugated casing. The honeycomb body is connected to the housing with the corrugated casing disposed between the honeycomb body and the housing. A catalyst carrier body produced by the method is also provided.
US07943095B2 Purifier
A purifier is described for use in a gas processing application. The purifier comprises a chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A series of baffles are arranged in the chamber and coated with a getter material selected for its ability to react with species to be removed from a gas stream and form stable compounds. The chamber also houses a source of the getter material, which is periodically activated to refresh the coating of getter material on the baffles.
US07943093B2 Cover slip
A cover slip for forming a chamber of the type for use with a hybridization reaction or similar molecular search. The cover slip has a surface and two substantially parallel, opposed edges bounding the surface. A spacer has a pair of spacer segments, and each spacer segment extends along substantially a full length of a different one of the opposed edges, thereby forming a chamber between the spacer segments, the cover slip and the substrate. The chamber receives the specimen when the cover slip is placed on the substrate with the spacer sandwiched therebetween. The cover slip has a thickness providing a beam stiffness permitting the cover slip to maintain a substantially constant distance between the surface and the substrate when a liquid is introduced between the cover slip and the substrate. In another embodiment, the spacer extends along the perimeter of the cover slip and has discontinuities forming two channels across the perimeter for introducing the liquid therethough. The spacer determines a distance between the cover slip and the substrate; and by extending along most of the perimeter of the cover slip, the spacer substantially reduces evaporation of the liquid.
US07943091B2 Chemical exposure indication device
A chemical exposure indication device is disclosed. The device is removably attachable to a structure and includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface and an indicating layer overlying the first substrate surface. The indicating layer includes a coating material that is chemically reactive with a pre-determined chemical compound that is known to degrade the structure. When the coating material is exposed to that corrosive compound in a pre-determined level associated with degradation of a metallic structure, the coating material provides a visual indication of the presence of the corrosive compound.
US07943089B2 Laminated assay devices
An electrochemical-based assay device capable of detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte of interest that is provided. The device contains two or more substrates, one containing a detection working electrode and another containing an auxiliary electrode, such as a counter/reference electrode(s). The substrates are positioned in a face-to-face relationship so that the electrodes are adjacent to each other during performance of the assay. Besides the electrodes, any of a variety of other components may also be employed in the assay device.
US07943086B2 Apparatus for washing and disinfecting endoscope by using diluted chemicals
An apparatus for washing and disinfecting an endoscope is provided. First and second chemicals and dilution water, which dilutes the chemicals to be used for disinfecting the endoscope, are charged into a tank. The tank includes a first portion, a second portion having an area of base smaller than that of the first portion, a first sensor detecting that the dilution water is charged into the first portion up to a first level, a second sensor detecting that the first chemical is charged into the second portion up to a second level, and a third sensor detecting that the second chemical is charged into the second portion up to a third level. A unit measures a first volume of the first chemical based on a result of the second sensor and measures a second volume of the second chemical based on results of the third sensor and the second sensor.
US07943085B2 Ferritic stainless steel for automobile exhaust gas passage components and welded steel pipe
A ferritic stainless steel for automobile exhaust gas passage components comprises, in mass percent, C: not more than 0.03%, Si: not more than 1%, Mn: not more than 1.5%, Ni: not more than 0.6%, Cr: 10-20%, Nb: not more than 0.5%, Ti: 0.05-0.3%, Al: more than 0.03% to 0.12%, Cu: more than 1% to 2%, V: not more than 0.2%, N: not more than 0.03%, B: 0.0005-0.02%, O: not more than 0.01%, and the balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, whose composition satisfies the relationships Nb≧8 (C+N) and 0.02≦Al−(54/48))≦0.1. The steel enables fabrication of automobile exhaust gas passage components that are excellent in high-temperature strength and weld toughness, and offers a wide range of freedom in selecting suitable pipe-making conditions.
US07943082B2 Water-cooling jacket structure for inspection hole of flash furnace
A water-cooling jacket structure 10 for an inspection hole of a flash furnace 1 is arranged at the periphery of a concentrate burner 7 to inspect and clean the inside of the furnace and the concentrate burner 7, and formed in a cylindrical shape by combining a plurality of jacket plates 11, 12, 13, 14 cast internally with cooling tubes 21, 22, 23, 24 for circulating cooling-water, and configured to adjust its cooling capacity and amount of cooling-water by circulating cooling-water to a single or multiple systems of the respective cooling-water systems of each jacket 11, 12, 13, 14 depending on the heat-load of the flash furnace 1.
US07943081B2 Step and repeat imprint lithography processes
Methods of forming continuous layers on regions of a substrate are described. Generally, an imprint lithography template may contact liquid positioned on the substrate. The liquid may be cured forming a masking layer, and the imprint lithography template separated from the masking layer. Prior to separation, pressurized gas and/or vacuum may be applied between the template and the substrate. Additionally, during separation, pressurized gas and/or vacuum may be applied between the template and the substrate.
US07943080B2 Alignment for imprint lithography
A method of aligning an imprint template with respect to a target region of a substrate is disclosed, the method including depositing a volume of an imprintable medium within the target region; contacting an imprint template to the imprintable medium so that the imprintable medium is compressed and allowing the imprint template, the target region, or both, to move laterally with respect to each other under interfacial tension forces between the target region and the imprint template, wherein a material which is less wetting than the substrate is provided in a configuration which at least partially surrounds the target region of the substrate.
US07943078B2 RTM molding method and device
An RTM molding method includes disposing a reinforcing fiber substrate in a cavity of a mold consisting of a plurality of dies, clamping the mold, and thereafter injecting resin to complete molding, characterized in that divided areas with respect to the surface direction of the reinforcing fiber substrate are assumed, each divided area is one in which injected resin expands over the entire surface in the area and can be substantially uniformly impregnated in the thickness direction of the substrate, and resin introducing paths are formed for respective assumed divided areas for introducing the injected resin into the respective divided areas; and an RTM molding device. When a relatively large molded product is to be molded, a molding step from resin injection to impregnating/curing can be implemented at high speed without generating a non-resin-flowing area, thereby enabling a high-quality molded product to be produced free from voids, etc., with a molding time shortened and production speed and volume increased.
US07943076B1 Method of manufacturing curved composite structural elements
A curved composite element is laid up over a tool having first and second curved tool surfaces possessing differing radii of curvatures. A plurality of composite fiber ply segments are arranged in substantially side-by-side relationship into a group. The ply segments are formed as a group onto the first curved tool surface, and the group is then formed from the first curved tool surface onto the second curved tool surface.
US07943072B2 Method for producing a resin molded article
A resin molded article (1) is formed such that a primary molded article (10), collars (40) and a metal flat plate (50) are molded integrally as inserts in a secondary molded portion (30). A rib (12) extends in a longitudinal direction along a surface of the primary molded article (10) that is adjacent to a surface facing a gate (62), but not a terminal surface (13). Supports (61) are provided intermittently along the longitudinal direction on a cavity inner surface (63) of a molding die (60) for supporting the rib (12). The primary molded article (10) is reinforced by the rib (12), and is not likely to be deformed by resin injected from the gate (62) and is not likely to be displaced.
US07943069B2 Method of setting mold clamping force of injection molding machine
When test molding is performed by sequentially clamping a mold with a mold clamping force (100%, 80%, 70%, . . .) obtained by sequentially lowering a mold clamping force by a predetermined amount from the maximum mold clamping force (100%), a mold clamping pressure Pc in an injection process is detected and a plurality of different monitored elements (Pc, Pcd and Per) corresponding to the variation of the mold clamping pressure Pc are monitored, and thus it is detected that at least one of the monitored elements is varied to exceed a predetermined threshold, a mold clamping force obtained by increasing a mold clamping force at the time of the production of the variation by a predetermined amount is set as a proper mold clamping force Fs.
US07943066B2 Electrically conductive paper composite
The present invention provides electrically conductive paper composites prepared from cellulose fibers modified to bind a conducting polymer to a surface of the cellulose fibers and mixing these with unmodified cellulose fibers and forming paper products from the composite. Conducting paper composites so formed were investigated for their conductivity and strength properties as a function of monomer dosage or percentage of modified fibers in the mixture and for the composites it was found that less monomer (i.e. conductive polymer) was needed to achieve the same conductivity obtained from conducting paper made from only the modified cellulose. A higher tensile strength was obtained with the composite conducting paper than was attained with conducting paper made from only the modified cellulose. The electrically conductive paper composites may also be prepared from cellulose fibers mixed with particulate fillers modified to bind a conducting polymer to a surface of the particulate fillers.
US07943065B2 Conductive carbon nanotube-polymer composite
The present invention relates to a conductive carbon nanotube-polymer composite, comprising carbon nanotubes, and a mixture of polymers in a form of coalesced polymer particles, wherein the mixture of polymer particles in their non coalesced form is defined by the presence of at least two population of polymer particles having a size distribution which is at least bimodal.
US07943061B2 Chiral binaphthyl sulfates for use as liquid crystal materials
The invention relates to chiral compounds, methods of their preparation, and to their use in optical, electrooptical, electronic, semiconducting or luminescent components or devices, and in decorative, security, cosmetic or diagnostic applications.
US07943059B2 Thick film getter paste compositions for use in moisture control
The invention is directed to a screen-printable getter composition comprising: (a) glass frit; dispersed in (b) organic medium. The invention is further directed to a screen-printable thick film getter composition comprising: (a) glass frit; and (b) desiccant material; dispersed in (c) organic medium.The present invention further relates to a getter composition utilizing low-softening temperature glasses comprising, based on weight %, 1-50% SiO2, 0-80% B2O3, 0-90% Bi2O3, 0-90% PbO, 0-90% P2O5, 0-60% Li2O, 0-30% Al2O3, 0-10% K2O, 0-10% Na2O, and 0-30% MO where M is selected from Ba, Sr, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mg and mixtures thereof. The glasses described herein may contain several other oxide constituents that can substitute glass network-forming elements or modify glass structure.
US07943058B2 Tagged scale inhibiting polymers, compositions comprised thereof and preventing or controlling scale formation therewith
Tagged scale-inhibiting polymers, compositions comprised thereof and preventing or controlling scale formation therewith, the tagging units being units deriving from a monomer having the formula X2C═CYY′ wherein X is a hydrogen atom, or a C1-C4 alkyl radical, Y is a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl radical, Y′ is a radical having formula -L-Arom, wherein L is a covalent bond or a divalent organic linking group optionally comprising heteroatoms, and Arom is a group comprising at least two conjugated aromatic rings, said rings comprising conjugated carbon atoms, and, linked to said carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms or other substituents.
US07943057B2 Deicing composition
A deicing composition is provided. The composition includes a potassium or sodium salt of a carboxylic acid and a lithium salt of a carboxylic acid or lithium nitrate, wherein the molar ratio of lithium to potassium or lithium to sodium is from 10 percent to 80 percent.
US07943056B2 Temperature control materials (TCM)
The present invention discloses a composition for temperature control and heat storage consisting of sodium sulfate decahydrate, a compound of copolymers, a kind of fibers, a fusion temperature-depressing salt, a nucleating agent, and water, and a method of making it. The composition has high heat storage capacity and temperature control ability of about 35-65 Kwh/m3 within human comfort temperature level of 16 to 28° C., stable and suitable for temperature control and heat storage in buildings and houses.
US07943055B2 Secondary circulation cooling system
To provide a secondary circulation cooling system using a composition which is less influential over the environment as a secondary coolant, is non-inflammable, has a small pressure drop particularly at a low temperature and has a large heat transfer coefficient.A secondary circulation cooling system comprising a primary cooling means 1 using a primary coolant, a secondary circulation cooling means 13 using a secondary coolant and a heat exchange means 6 to carry out heat exchange between the primary coolant and the secondary coolant, characterized in that a composition comprising a fluorinated ether such as CF2HCF2OCH2CF3, and an alcohol such as ethanol, is used as the secondary coolant.
US07943054B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor integrated circuit device
Cracks are generated in a resist film part used to form an opening part in a photoreceptor part, whereby etching is performed as far as the inter-layer insulating film in unintended portions. In order to prevent this, the resist pattern used as an etching mask is formed in a shape that disperses the stress. The stress is generated because the resist is hardened by post baking after having been exposed and developed. In order to disperse the stress, the opening part of the resist pattern is formed in a planar shape that has no corners.
US07943053B2 Method of forming a micro pattern in semiconductor device
A method of forming a micro pattern in a semiconductor device includes forming an etching object layer and a hard mask layer on a semiconductor substrate. Cross-shaped first auxiliary patterns are formed on the hard mask layer. An insulating layer is formed on the hard mask layer including the first auxiliary pattern. A second auxiliary pattern is formed on the insulating layer between the first auxiliary patterns. An etching process is performed such that the insulating layer remains only on a lower portion of the second auxiliary pattern. The hard mask is etched through an etching process using the first and second auxiliary patterns as an etching mask to form a hard mask pattern. The etching object layer is etched using the hard mask pattern as an etching mask.
US07943050B2 Method for controlling microbial contamination in water
A method for controlling the microbial contamination of water. Impure water is passed through a container packed with a specially-treated antimicrobial zeolite material. Zinc ions incorporated into the framework of the zeolite provide the antimicrobial effect. The method is designed to control bacterial levels while preserving the taste and potability of the water.
US07943042B2 Magnetic filtering film
A magnetic filtering film is used to remove grains from liquid that goes through the magnetic filtering film. The magnetic filtering film includes a rubber film and micro-magnets. The rubber film is made of organic polymer. The rubber film is formed with apertures through which liquid can go. The micro-magnets are distributed in the rubber film for attracting ferromagnetic grains from the liquid.
US07943035B2 Treated oils having reduced densities and viscosities
A treated oil, such as a treated heavy oil, which has a viscosity which is lower than the viscosity of the oil prior to the treatment thereof (i.e., the initial oil). The temperature at which 80 mass % of the treated oil has boiled is within 25° C. of temperature at which 80 mass % of the oil prior to the treatment thereof has boiled. Thus, the treated oil and the oil prior to the treatment thereof, have distillation curves or boiling point curves which are the same as or approximate to each other.
US07943030B2 Actuators for microfluidics without moving parts
A series of microactuators for manipulating small quantities of liquids, and methods of using these for manipulating liquids, are disclosed. The microactuators are based on the phenomenon of electrowetting and contain no moving parts. The force acting on the liquid is a potential-dependent gradient of adhesion energy between the liquid and a solid insulating surface.
US07943027B2 Electrophoresis unit and electrophoretic analysis method
The object of the present invention is that a dynamic range is extended in an electrophoresis unit and concentration differences among a plurality of samples measured simultaneously are increased.An irradiation time to the samples is adjusted during analysis without changing a sampling time. By shortening the irradiation time, a fluorescence amount of the samples is reduced to cause signal intensity detected by a detector to physically decrease. If the irradiation time is very short (several 100 msec), the irradiation time and fluorescence intensity are in a direct proportional relationship. It is known that, if the irradiation time is reduced to 1/n, the fluorescence intensity, that is, signal intensity to be detected will be 1/n. Thus, for data whose irradiation time is reduced to 1/n during analysis, data obtained by multiplying a substantially measured value by n is used for data analysis as a true value to be originally acquired.
US07943026B2 Reference electrode having a flowing liquid junction and filter members
A flowing junction reference electrode comprising a liquid junction member matched with a filter. The junction member and the filter are situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. An array of nanochannels spans the junction member and provides fluid communication between the electrolyte solution and the sample solution. The filter is configured to allow a greater flux of electrolyte than that associated with the junction member. Preferably, the number of pores is greater than the number of nanochannels. The filter is preferably configured to have pores with an inner diameter that is the same or less than the inner diameter of the nanochannels. In some embodiment, the resistance of the filter is made lower relative to the resistance of the junction member by selecting suitable length, number, and inner diameter size for the pores of the filter relative to the nanochannels of the junction member.
US07943022B2 Analyte test strip with improved reagent deposition
An analyte, system, strip and method are described. In one example, an analyte test strip is provided that includes a substrate, electrically conductive material and an isolated portion of the electrically conductive material. The substrate has a generally planar surface that extends from a first end to a second end. The electrically conductive material is disposed on the generally planar surface to define a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other. The isolated portion of the electrically conductive material is disposed between at least two electrodes so that the isolated portion is not in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes.
US07943017B2 Method for operating a pulsed arc evaporation source and vacuum process system comprising said pulsed arc evaporation source
A vacuum process system for surface-treating work pieces uses an arc evaporation source. The system has a first electrode connected to a DC power source and a second electrode, disposed separately from the arc evaporation source. The two electrodes are operated while being connected to a single pulsed power supply.
US07943015B2 Use of copolymers of perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) for photochemical reactions
A photochemical reaction apparatus including a reactor and a light source situated so that light from the light source is directed through a portion of the reactor wall is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized by the portion of the reaction wall comprising a copolymer of a perfluoro (alkyl vinyl ether). The perfluoro (alkyl vinyl ether) is selected from the group consisting of CF30CF═CF2, C2F5OCF═CF2, C3F7OCF═F2, and mixture thereof. Also disclosed is a photochemical reaction process wherein light from a light source is directed through said reactor wall to interact with reactants in said reactor. A process for increasing the fluorine content of at least one compound selected from hydrocarbons and halohydrocarbons, comprising: (a) photochlorinating said at least one compound; and (b) reacting the halogenated hydrocarbon produced in (a) with HF. A process for producing an olefinic compound, comprising: (a) photochlorinating at least one compound selected from hydrocarbons and halohydrocarbons containing at least two carbon atoms and at least two hydrogen atoms to produce a halogenated hydrocarbon containing a hydrogen substituent and a chlorine substituent on adjacent carbon atoms; and (b) subjecting the halogenated hydrocarbon produced in (a) to dehydrohalogenation.
US07943014B2 Apparatus and process for the pyrolysis of agricultural biomass
An integrated combustion chamber and fluidized bed pyrolysis reactor. In one embodiment, the combustion chamber is cylindrical and the pyrolysis reactor is provided annularly about the combustion chamber with an annular wall that provides a common surface for heat transfer. A lift tube in fluid communication with the pyrolysis reactor is provided within the combustion chamber for circulating biomass and an inert fluidizable media upwardly through the lift tube; this advantageously increases heat transfer and leads to more rapid pyrolysis. The media and biomass exit the lift tube into either a freeboard area of the pyrolysis reactor or into a low density region of the fluidized bed. A condensable gaseous product is produced during pyrolysis that has economic value. The apparatus and process are especially well suited to the pyrolysis of low density agricultural biomass. The apparatus is compact and particularly well suited to mobile operation.
US07943012B2 Protecting device for spraying equipment and method of protecting it and its surroundings
A device for protecting a spraying equipment and surroundings in a paper or board machine, for applying a treatment medium onto a moving surface, comprises a protecting cover forming a single chamber having the spraying equipment located therein and which is open towards the moving surface in connection with an application zone. Two wall elements of the protecting cover extend in the cross-machine direction on either side of the application zone, and define machine-wide gaps with the moving surface. The protecting cover includes a sealing arrangement arranged in connection with the gaps to control and restrict passage of air and contaminants through the gaps; a system for a controlled supply of capture air for capturing contaminants within the space; and an evacuating system for a controlled, continuous evacuation of the capture air with contaminants from the chamber. An associated method of using such a device is also provided.
US07943007B2 Configurable bevel etcher
A device for cleaning a bevel edge of a semiconductor substrate. The device includes: a lower support having a cylindrical top portion; a lower plasma-exclusion-zone (PEZ) ring surrounding the outer edge of the top portion and adapted to support the substrate; an upper dielectric component opposing the lower support and having a cylindrical bottom portion; an upper PEZ ring surrounding the outer edge of the bottom portion and opposing the lower PEZ ring; and at least one radiofrequency (RF) power source operative to energize process gas into plasma in an annular space defined by the upper and lower PEZ rings, wherein the annular space encloses the bevel edge.
US07943006B2 Method and apparatus for preventing arcing at ports exposed to a plasma in plasma processing chambers
A method and apparatus for preventing arcing at a port exposed to a plasma in a plasma chamber use circuit components causing a door sealing the port to provide a short circuit path at excitation frequency of the plasma. In one embodiment, the door is a slit valve door sealing a substrate transfer port of an etch chamber.
US07943004B2 Method to hold slipcovers in place to furniture using a heat activated double sided tape
A method of securely holding any style slipcover, fabric, or other covering, in place to furniture using a specially designed, non-permanent, re-usable, heat-activated, double-sided adhesive tape placed on the furniture itself under the slipcover before slipcover installation, whereby upon subsequent heating, the slipcover will not move from its desired position after or during normal use. The slipcover can still be removed from the furniture without the need to apply additional heat to the underlying tape, and the slipcover can be re-installed and re-heated to yield secure attachment to the furniture multiple times. The tape can be removed from the furniture and discarded but will not leave a residue on the furniture.
US07943002B2 Tool and method for packaging lens module
A tool and a method for packaging lens module are provided. The method for packaging lens module includes the following steps. Firstly, a carrier having at least one cavity is provided. Next, a holder is disposed in the cavity. Then, a die is disposed on a surface of a substrate. After that, the substrate is inversely placed on the carrier, wherein the surface where the die is disposed faces the carrier, and the die corresponds to the holder. Then, a cover plate covers the carrier and the substrate, such that the substrate is fixed on the holder.
US07943001B2 Process for producing multilayer board
A process for producing a multilayer board includes the steps of applying a bonding ink to the terminal of the first substrate, the bonding ink including a thermosetting resin containing a filler and a curing agent, the filler being formed of metal particles plated with solder, the metal particles each having a first melting point, and the solder having a second melting point lower than the first melting point; bonding the second substrate to a bonding sheet composed of a thermosetting resin and having a through hole disposed in a portion corresponding to the terminal of the second substrate; and heating and pressurizing the first and second substrates with the bonding sheet in such a manner that the terminals are opposite each other to effect curing of the bonding sheet and the bonding ink and to form an integral structure.
US07942999B2 Fabrication method of rigid-flex circuit board
A fabrication method of a rigid-flex circuit board is described as follows. Firstly, a flexible circuit board and at least a cover layer are provided. The cover layer covers a surface of the flexible circuit board. A protection layer is then formed on the cover layer. Next, a substrate is laminated to the surface of the flexible circuit board. The substrate has a conductive layer and a prepreg disposed between the conductive layer and the cover layer. The prepreg has an opening for accommodating the protection layer. Thereafter, the conductive layer is patterned for forming a patterned conductive layer. Afterwards, the protection layer is removed.
US07942998B2 Method and apparatus for laser welding thermoplastic resin members
A method and apparatus for welding members formed of thermoplastic resin material, with high welding strength and small strength variations. A laser welding apparatus 1 brings a first member 2 formed of a transmissive thermoplastic resin that transmits a laser beam into contact with a second member 3 formed of an absorptive thermoplastic resin that absorbs the laser beam, and joins the thermoplastic resin members by melting their contact surfaces 4 with the laser beam. The laser welding apparatus 1 further comprises a laser beam generator 10 for irradiating the contact surfaces with the laser beam shone from the side of the first member 3 so as to melt at least one of the contact surfaces of the first member and the second member. The apparatus also comprises a clamp mechanism 20 for pressing the first member and the second member together, a temperature sensor 31 as an adjusting means for adjusting the pressing force applied to the first member and the second member, and a personal computer 32 for calculating the pressing force based on the output of the temperature sensor. The clamp mechanism is controlled with the calculated pressing force.
US07942994B2 Bonding tool and method
A bonding tool and method A bonding tool and method for bonding together layers of a MEMS transducer device, including at least one layer of a piezoelectric material, and an intermediate reinforcing layer of titanium, or other metal, comprising: positioning the layers above one another and spaced apart by means of spacing members, heating said layers to a bonding temperature, and retracting the spacing members so as to bring the layers together under pressure to effect a bond between adjacent surfaces of the layers, wherein a press head is employed with a compliant caul for evenly distributing the press force; and permitting said layers to cool to an operating temperature in which said piezoelectric layer is under compressive strain and the titanium layer is under tensile strain.
US07942985B2 Alloy for soft magnetic layer in perpendicular magnetic recording medium
A soft magnetic alloy for perpendicular magnetic recording medium excellent in saturation magnetic flux density, amorphousness and atmospheric corrosion resistance. The alloy is an Fe—Co based alloy and comprises Fe in an amount satisfying 0.25 to 0.65 of Fe/(Fe+Co) ratio, which is an atomic ratio of Fe and Fe+Co; Zr+Hf in an amount of 6 to 100 at %; Na+Ta in an amount of 0 to 2 at %; Al and/or Cr in an amount of 0 to 5 at %; and the balance Co and unavoidable impurities. A part of Zr and/or Hf can be replaced by B, provided that the amount of B to replace Zr and/or Hf is double in at % of the total amount of Zr and Hf to be replaced and that the total amount of Zr and Hf after replacement is 4 at % or more.
US07942982B2 Grain-oriented electrical steel sheet excellent in coating adhesion and method of producing the same
Grain-oriented electrical steel sheet excellent in coating adhesion is provided. The steel sheet contains Si: 2 to 7% mass % and has a primary coating composed mainly of forsterite on its surface. A compound (A) containing one or more elements selected from among Ca, Sr and Ba, at least one rare earth metal, and sulfur is incorporated in the primary coating so as to reside in the interface layer between the primary coating and the steel sheet. As a result, occurrence of primary coating exfoliation at regions that are strongly worked during manufacture of a wound core transformer or the like is prevented.
US07942979B2 Process and apparatus for cleaning wires or the outer surface of a tube
A process for cleaning a wire or the outer surface of a tube using one or more textile or textile-like material strands that runs substantially parallel, but opposite, to the direction of travel of the wire or tube, that may contain at least one cleaning material, and that are arranged to run in the form of at least one loop lying on the wire or tube, characterized in that the speed and the tension of the textile or textile-like material strand is adjusted and regulated. The device of the invention is device for practicing the method for cleaning a wire or the outer surface of a tube, using textile or textile-like material strands which move substantially parallel to, and against, the direction of travel of the wire or tube, the textile or textile-like material strands surrounding the wire or tube in the form of at least one loop lying close thereto in a looping zone and optionally containing cleaning material, wherein the approach and exit angle of one or more of said material strands is flat with respect to the wire or the outer surface of the tube, characterized by at least one apparatus for adjusting and regulating the speed and the tension of the material strands. Such a device or process wherein the speed and the tension of the material strands can be adjusted keeps the approach and exit angle of the material strand with respect to the wire or the outer surface of the tube low. This prevents the material strand from tightening and tearing.
US07942974B2 Method of cleaning a film-forming apparatus
A method of cleaning a film-forming apparatus to remove a silicon-based material deposited on a constituent member of the film-forming apparatus after being used to form thin films includes introducing a first gas including fluorine gas and a second gas including carbon monoxide gas into the film-forming apparatus, and heating the constituent member. The constituent member includes quartz or silicon carbide and the silicon-based material includes silicon nitride, or the constituent member includes silicon carbide and the silicon-based material includes silicon oxide.
US07942973B2 Methods and apparatus for wet cleaning electrode assemblies for plasma processing apparatuses
A method for cleaning an electrode assembly comprising a backing plate bonded to an electrode plate for a plasma processing assembly, the method including the steps of contacting the backing plate and electrode plate with a solvent; spraying the backing plate and electrode plate with water; ultrasonically cleaning the electrode assembly; enclosing the electrode assembly in a flushing fixture defined by a base plate having a plurality of liquid passages and a cover plate configured to cover the base plate, the cover plate including at least one liquid passage; and flushing the electrode assembly in the flushing fixture by introducing a flushing liquid under pressure through said at least one liquid passage in the cover plate.
US07942972B2 Method for separating fructose and glucose
A process for separating fructose and glucose from mixtures of fructose and glucose from a liquid phase feed solution or a solid mixture containing the fructose and glucose is disclosed. The process implements ionic liquids as selective solvents that dissolve fructose and glucose in large quantities, but at different proportions which are then separated by filtration into a precipitate and a solution of ionic liquid enriched with the other sugar. The process also involves separation of the sugars from the ionic liquid enriched with the other sugar which is accomplished by one of various processes such as extraction with water in a centrifuge or cooling to reduce the solubility of sugar and then filtration. The ionic liquid is then recycled.
US07942970B2 Apparatus for making crystalline composition
A composition including a polycrystalline metal nitride having a number of grains is provided. These grains have a columnar structure with one or more properties such as, an average grain size, a tilt angle, an impurity content, a porosity, a density, and an atomic fraction of the metal in the metal nitride. An apparatus for preparing a metal nitride is provided. The apparatus may include a housing having an interior surface that defines a chamber and an energy source to supply energy to the chamber. A first inlet may be provided to flow a nitrogen-containing gas into the chamber. Raw materials may be introduced into the chamber through a raw material inlet. A second inlet may be provided to flow in a halide-containing gas in the chamber. The apparatus may further include a controller, which communicates with the various components of the apparatus such as, sensors, valves, and energy source, and may optimize and control the reaction.
US07942963B2 Magnesium ammonium phosphate cement composition
This invention relates to a cement, which comprises in its main phase of microcrystalline magnesium ammonium phosphate and nanoapatite after hardening and thus at the same time has considerable strength. The material is biologically degradable and is suitable for application in tooth cements, as bone replacement, as bone filler, as bone cement or as bone adhesive.
US07942962B2 Monoazo metal complex, azo-type pigment dispersant, and pigment composition comprising the azo-type pigment dispersant
Disclosed is a monoazo metal complex represented by the formula (1) wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom or a nitro group; M represents a hydrogen atom, a sodium, a potassium, a magnesium, a calcium, a barium or an aluminum; Mn+ represents a n-valent cation; Metal represents Ni, Fe, Cu, Co or Al; m represents an integer of 1 or 2; and n represents an integer of 1, 2 or 3.
US07942961B2 Endodontic filling material
The present invention is a bioactive endodontic material and its use for filling the tooth and bone cavities. The present invention, by using calcium salt, calcium oxide, calcium silicate, and calcium phosphate compounds as essential constituents, and mixing them with a water base solution, prepares a bioactive calcium and phosphate enriched material. The enriched material (cement) comprises high concentration of water-soluble calcium and phosphate, and immediately forms hydroxyapatite during and after setting. The cement is biocompatible, antibacterial, capable to form an effective seal against reentrance of microorganisms into the filled cavity, compatible to handle and set in an aqueous environment, and able to stimulate hard tissue healing.
US07942959B2 Ink for ink-jet recording
An ink for ink-jet recording, by use of which the ejection stability and the storage stability are improved while the occurrence of blurring is prevented, includes water, a water soluble organic solvent and a colored particle as a coloring agent. The volume average diameter of the colored particles is about 1 μm to about 5 μm, and the amount of particles having diameters equal to or greater than about 1.5 times the volume average diameter is about 5 vol % or less with respect to the total volume of the colored particles.
US07942958B1 Composite biocidal particles
A biocidal composition is disclosed comprising composite particles, each of the composite particles containing a shell and a core, the core comprising a metal or a metal-containing compound wherein the metal is a moiety selected from the group consisting of zinc, copper, bismuth, silver, zirconium, and combinations thereof, the shell comprising a pyrithione adduct comprising the reaction product of pyrithione with a portion of the core metal or metal compound. In one aspect, an anti-fouling composition is disclosed comprising (a) an anti-soft-fouling effective amount of copper pyrithione; and (b) an anti-hard-fouling effective amount of a copper-containing salt, or oxide or hydroxide thereof. The present invention also relates to a method of making an antifouling composition comprising particles of copper pyrithione and a copper-containing salt that is effective against hard-fouling and soft-fouling organisms.
US07942956B2 Air purifier
An air purifier with bactericidal and odor removal effect is disclosed. The air purifier comprises a fan module; UV light source; and light catalyst, wherein the fan module withdraws external air into the purifier and the UV light source and the light catalyst are provided at the rear section of the fan module so as to receive the external air withdrawing by the fan module, and the UV light source and the light catalyst are configured to form a passage; the radiation of UV light source onto the light catalyst causes the formation of free radicals in air which decompose bacteria, micro dust and suspension within the air, to clean air odor removal and air drying.
US07942955B2 Static devolatilisation apparatus and method for a liquid containing polymers
The static devolatilisation apparatus serves to treat a liquid (7) containing polymers for the purpose of polymer devolatilisation. Volatile components are separated from the polymers in that the liquid standing under pressure is expanded in at least one phase separation chamber (2) in the upper regions of the container (10). A discharge pump (3) for the devolatilised polymer is located at the base of a sump region. An extraction line (4) for gases (8) is located in the upper region. The separation chamber includes an inlet (20) for the liquid to be treated, lower openings (210) for polymer discharge and at least a single upper opening (220) for gas discharge.
US07942951B2 Apparatus and method for providing heated effluent gases to a scrubber
A low-maintenance scrubber inlet device is provided for delivering effluent gases to gas scrubbers. The scrubber inlet device may comprise an interior volume configured to receive effluent gases and direct the effluent gases into the scrubber while maintaining the temperature of the effluent gases. In some instances, a heated gas is introduced to maintain the effluent gas temperature. The scrubber interface device is configured to deliver the effluent gas stream from the inlet manifold to the gas scrubbing system, and to have a very low susceptibility to clogging.
US07942950B2 Method for controlling a molten metal bath bubbling in a metallurgical vessel and a device for carrying out said method
A method introducing a stirring gas through a vessel bottom, receiving a measurable mechanical vibration by at least one sensor fixed to the vessel or to a supporting frame thereof, filtering the thus detected vibration signals by a high pass filter and preferably by a low pass filter, sampling and digitizing the vibration signals for exposing them to a second filtering which is digital and calibrated upon the vessel vibration responses, sequencing the response, exposing each sequence to the calculation of a temporal moving mean square, and extracting the total effective value RMS (Root Mean Square) of the measured vibration signal therefrom. The effective value is used for controlling the stirring gas flowrate supplied to the vessel. The method can be used for a stirring stand of steel making shop ladles, converters, RH processes, electric arc furnaces, etc.
US07942947B2 Dust filter
A dust filter of an evaporated fuel treatment device is taught that preferably include a filtration member for filtering air introduced to an atmosphere introduction path, and a casing receiving the filtration member therein. The dust filter being disposed on the atmosphere introduction path of the evaporated fuel treatment device. The filtration member has an arcuate shape in cross section, and wherein the filtration member is arranged and structured such that air flows in a radial direction thereof, so as to be filtered.
US07942945B1 CMP slurry for polymeric interlayer dielectric planarization
The proposed slurry can be used to planarize polymeric candidate ILD materials such Benzocylobutene (BCB), SILK, Polyimide, etc. The slurry consists of colloidal suspension of nanoparticle abrasives made up of Tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS)-derived silica and Zirconium-dioxide (ZrO2), its derivatives and any materials modified from ZrO2 and/or TEOS, in a chemically active medium. The base solution of the slurry consists of deionized (Dl) water, buffering agents like inorganic buffer comprised of inorganic acids such as TRIS-Hcl, its derivatives and variants, cleansing agents, surface modified catalysts, and surface reagents. The organic solvents like isopropyl alcohol, methanol, and other organic alcohols ranging from 0.0005 to 0.05% are employed for active dissolution of the chemical surface complex formed as a result of the slurry chemical action. The inorganic buffer is so chosen that the complex salts resulting from the reaction impart hydrophobicity to the polished thin film surface. The advantages of hydrophobicity include: a) reduced particle adhesion on surface, b) less intensive post-CMP clean, c) no surface degradation or contamination, etc.
US07942943B2 Biomass gasifier system with low energy and maintenance requirements
A down-draft fixed bed gasifier is disclosed that produced clean producer or synthesis gas. The gasifier can be installed at a stationary location or can be scaled down to enable placing the gasifier on a trailer that can be moved to the site of biomass generation. The gasifier is vertically oriented and generally cylindrical, and the design allows for a continual input of feedstock into the gasifier with less clogging and without lowering the gas pressure inside the gasifier. The design incorporates an internal catalyst to clean tars from the produced gas, and uses heat from the combustion chamber of the gasifier to heat the catalyst. The flow of air may be either positive flow or negative flow.
US07942942B2 Method and apparatus for biomass torrefaction, manufacturing a storable fuel from biomass and producing offsets for the combustion products of fossil fuels and a combustible article of manufacture
Apparatus for biomass torrefaction which includes a serpentine elongated housing, the housing having three generally U-shaped axial portions having first and second axial extremities and an intermediate section, the first and second axial extremities are disposed in normal use at a higher elevation than the first and second axial extremities, the intermediate section being configured for holding a liquid. Other forms of the invention include the method for biomass torrefaction which includes providing a quantity of biomass, providing a liquid heat transfer fluid, providing at least a first housing for holding the heat transfer liquid, elevating the temperature of the liquid heat transfer liquid, heat treating the biomass by passing it through the heat transfer liquid in the first housing at a temperature and duration sufficient to accomplish torrefaction of the wood. In some forms of the method, the process further includes the step of pelletizing the biomass prior to performing the treating step.
US07942937B2 Process for dyeing the hair using a composition comprising at least one hydrophobic film-forming polymer, at least one pigment, and at least one volatile solvent
The process of the present disclosure comprises applying to the hair at least one composition comprising at least one hydrophobic film-forming polymer, at least one pigment, and at least one volatile solvent, and heating the hair covered with the composition at a temperature above 40° C.
US07942932B2 Spinal implant and method of using spinal implant
The present invention is a brace or spinal implant that can be inserted into vertebra that has had a cavity surgically created therein. The trapezoidal shaped spinal implant includes an opening that allows the surgical team to view the dura mater prior to packing the implant with osteogenic substances.
US07942927B2 Treating valve failure
A device (1) for treating valve failure in a patient is provided. The device has one or more engaging zones (3) for engaging the device with the annulus of the valve being treated. The device also has pre-disposition means for changing the geometry of the device to a predetermined configuration which is suitable for constricting the valve annulus. The device is compressible for percutaneous delivery to the valve. When in the predetermined configuration, the engaged device constricts the valve annulus facilitating substantial closure of leaflets of the valve.
US07942925B2 Implantable intraluminal device and method of using same in treating aneurysms
A method and apparatus for reducing blood flow to an aneurysm proximate to a bifurcation having a source blood vessel a first branch vessel and a second branch vessel, the method comprising: providing a first mesh-like tube of bio-compatible material, the first mesh-like tube exhibiting a porosity index pre-selected to skew blood flow about the bifurcation away from the aneurysm; inserting the first mesh-like tube into the source blood vessel and the first branch vessel; and securing the first mesh-like tube to at least one of the source blood vessel and the first branch vessel, whereby blood flowing from the source blood vessel flows without undue impedance to the first branch vessel and the second branch vessel while being skewed away from the aneurysm.
US07942922B2 Stent having helical elements
An expandable stent comprised of a plurality of helical segments is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stent is generally cylindrical in shape having a cylindrical axis, and comprises a first and second set of helical segments. The helical segments in the first set are substantially parallel and have a first pitch forming a first helical angle with respect to the cylindrical axis. The helical segments in the second set are also generally parallel to each other and form a second pitch that differs from the first pitch, thereby forming a second helical angle with respect to the cylindrical axis. In an alternative embodiment, the stent comprises one set of helical segments and a plurality of circumferential elements that are joined together by the helical segments to form a plurality of cylindrical elements which are joined together to form a stent body. The stent may also have endzones.
US07942921B2 Removable stent
The invention is relative to a stent with a tubular support frame consisting of axially successively following, interconnected annular segments, which support frame is surrounded on its outside by a thread. The thread ends are guided via a deflection from the outside into support frame, where they are coupled by a connector consisting of a material visible in x-rays. Deflection is realized by two deflection elements in the form of eyelets provided on annular segment. Deflection elements are arranged on the circumference of support frame at an interval from one another and are provided on end-side annular segment, viewed in longitudinal direction L of the stent.
US07942919B2 Bifurcated endoluminal prosthesis
The invention comprises:An introducer for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method of treating and angeological disease using a bifurcated stent; an endoluminal stent having perpendicular hoop members, each hoop member formed of wire in a sinuous configuration, at least some of juxtaposed apices in neighboring hoops being secured to one another, such stents also forming axially aligned segments in straight stents, and segments of bifurcated stents in particular embodiments. Certain embodiments of such stents also include barbs, fabric covering and radiopaque markers.
US07942915B2 Phototreatment device for use with coolants
Methods and systems are disclosed for phototreatment in which replaceable containers comprising one or more adjuvant (consumable or re-useable) substances are employed. The adjuvant substance can be, for example, a topical substance or a coolant. Systems are disclosed for using a topical substance to detect contact of a phototreatment device with a tissue, detect speed of a phototreatment device over the tissue, detect regions of tissue that have been treated by a phototreatment device and/or to provide other benefits to the tissue such as improved skin tone and texture, tanning, etc. Safety systems are also disclosed that ensure that a proper consumable substance and/or container is connected to a phototreatment device and/or directed to a proper target. Additionally, cooling systems and methods that utilize phase change materials for extracting heat from a light generating device are disclosed.
US07942914B2 Method and apparatus for surgical repair
A method and apparatus for performing a surgical repair may involve fixation of a repair material, such as a ligament or tendon in knee ligament repair procedure, to an internal cortical contact area in a bone. The cortical bone contact area may be located immediately adjacent an opening in the bone's surface through which the repair material extends. The repair material may be engaged with the contact area by way of a fixation device, such as a device that is attached to the repair material and functions as a stop member. An illustrative fixation device may include an annular portion with an aperture through with the repair material passes. The repair material may be attached to a securing portion that extends from the annular portion.
US07942910B2 Polyaxial bone screw
A fastening system for bone screws used in spinal fixation systems for reshaping the spine of a patient. The bone screw has threads on one end for anchoring in the spine. The other end has a spherical head with a multi sided recess formed therein for engagement with an appropriate driving tool. The system includes a stabilizing rod, a saddle member, a cap member and a set screw with at least one bone screw having a outer diameter that exceeds the diameter of a cavity formed in the saddle, wherein placement of the bone screw is made possible by matching the threads of the set screw to the threads of the bone screw. The head of the bone screw providing proper positioning of the stabilization rod within the patient.
US07942906B2 Spinal stabilization system for the stabilization and fixation of the lumbar spine and method for using same
The present invention includes a system and method for the stabilization and fixation of the lumbar spine. Another aspect of the invention includes a system and method for the stabilization and fixation of the lumbar spine in a minimally invasive manner. The system can include a plurality of pedicle screws, a support rod, a plurality of rod clamps, and a plurality of coupling members. In one aspect, each coupling member can be configured to engage a proximal portion of a pedicle screw and can have a socket portion that is configured to receive a socket engaging portion of the rod clamp, such that the coupling member and the pedicle screw can be pivoted three-dimensionally relative to the rod clamp and the support rod.
US07942905B2 Vertebral stabilizer
A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes a bumper with a resilient central member. The system is designed such that the resilient central member is compressed in both compression and extension of the bumper or vertebral motion segment. The system includes first and second means for connecting the bumper to the vertebrae.
US07942902B2 Bone anchor and spinal alignment system
An anchor for attaching an elongate member to bone. The anchor includes a longitudinal shaft having a tip at one end adapted to enter bone. A thread extends along the shaft for advancing the shaft into the bone and holding the shaft in place in the bone. A head is mounted on the shaft at a position spaced from the tip. The anchor also includes connector mounts spaced along the head. Each mount is adapted to connect the elongate member to the head.
US07942901B2 Connector apparatus
A connector apparatus for linking spinal rods comprises a connector body having a C-shaped engagement portion contiguous a closed engagement portion. The engagement portions each include an opening to receive a rod, each opening including an inner contact surface to engage the rod. Additionally, each engagement portion includes a through-hole to receive a screw, the through-holes being aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connector body. The through-hole and screw corresponding to the C-shaped engagement portion are offset from the corresponding rod when the rod is positioned in the corresponding opening. Additionally, the screws are advanced through the through-holes to urge the rods against the inner contact surfaces to engage the connector body to the rods. The connector apparatus creates a low profile, top tightening fixation system, providing a stable, rigid transverse connection between adjacent spinal rods.
US07942898B2 Delivery systems and methods for gastric reduction
A delivery catheter for a gastric reduction system includes an elongate torqueable tube, a needle translatably disposed within the torqueable tube, an anchor translatably disposed within the needle and a stabilization device for holding a distal tip of the torqueable tube against a tissue wall.
US07942895B2 Working mechanical device and manipulator
A working unit comprises a gear body rotatable in a direction perpendicular to a reference axis, a gear ring including a proximal end surface held in contact with the gear body and rotatable about the reference axis to change the direction of rotation of the gear body, a first end effector body held in contact with an axially distal end surface of the gear ring at an upper portion thereof, and rotatable about a rotational axis perpendicular to the reference axis to change the direction of rotation of the gear ring, and a second end effector body held in contact with the axially distal end surface of the gear ring at a lower portion thereof, and rotatable in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first end effector body rotates, about the rotational axis. The first end effector body and the second end effector body are openable and closable symmetrically with respect to the reference axis.
US07942892B2 Radiopaque nitinol embolic protection frame
An expandable frame for an embolic filtering device used to capture embolic debris in a body lumen. The expandable frame also includes a filtering element. A nickel-titanium alloy is used to form the frame. Due to limited heat treatment, the frame exhibits linear pseudoelasticity when positioned inside the body lumen. The nickel-titanium alloy includes a ternary element such as iridium, platinum, gold, rhenium, tungsten, palladium, rhodium, tantalum, silver, ruthenium, or hafnium so that the frame is also radiopaque.
US07942891B2 Heatless blood vessel harvesting device
A method and device are disclosed directed at harvesting of vessels, such as arteries and veins, especially as required in vessel grafting procedures. The device and method discloses a cannula-like device that provides, identification, capture, manipulation, hemostasis and cleavage of branch vessels from the harvested vessel without need for further devices. In certain preferred embodiments of the disclosed method and device, the disclosed harvesting device achieves branch vessel cleavage and hemostasis without the use of heat producing means such as cautery. In addition, certain embodiments utilize a clip/coil magazine technology so as to enable severance and hemostasis of multiple branch vessels without need for removal of the device from the surgical site. Further embodiments disclose the incorporation and use of irrigants containing CO2, as well as other agents capable of stimulate release of nitric oxide from vascular endothelium are applied to subject vessels so as to enhance the viability of vessels to be harvested as graft material.
US07942890B2 Anastomosis composite gasket
The present disclosure provides structures and/or gaskets for deposition between adjacent intestinal sections in an anastomosis procedure. The structure possesses at least an inner ring of a first material, and a middle ring of a second material. The first material and the second material include a wound treatment material consisting of at least one of an adhesive, a sealant and/or a medicament. The first material is different from the second material.
US07942889B2 Intraocular clip
An intraocular clip including first and second hook members extending generally coplanarly in opposite directions from a spine, the spine being formed with an attachment member attachable to ocular structure.
US07942886B2 Transabdominal needle introducer
A transabdominal needle introducer for the repair of large ventral incisional hernias comprises a handle connected to a long tubular shaft and a disposable needle cartridge at its distal end. The handle has a round knob or head, and a needle pusher to extrude the needles out. The long tubular shaft contains two metal rods disposed inside thereof, one to change the angle of the cartridge, and the other one to extrude the needles. At the proximal end of the tubular shaft there is a rotatable cylindrical control provided with a spiral groove that moves a metal rod destined to pivot the needle cartridge. The second metal rod inside the shaft is assigned to extrude the needles and is connected to a flexible resilient wire that protrudes at the distal end of the tubular shaft and is provided at its distal end with an oval tip that engages a piston-type pusher inside the needle cartridge. There are two straight needles inside the cartridge that are attached to a single strand of suture at each end, and they can be extruded by action of the needle pusher.
US07942884B2 Methods for reduction of a gastric lumen
A method of reducing the cross-sectional area of a gastrointestinal lumen is provided wherein a delivery catheter having a needle, one or more anchors disposed within the needle and a suture coupled to each anchor is advanced into the gastrointestinal lumen, the needle extended through the tissue wall, and an anchor ejected from a distal tip of the needle through the tissue wall. The needle is then repositioned against an opposing tissue wall, another anchor deployed from the needle through the opposing tissue wall, and the tissue walls approximated by applying tension to the sutures.
US07942876B2 Intra-medullary implant with active compression
An Intra-Medullary implant includes: an elongated rigid body having a first end and a second end, adapted to be inserted longitudinally into a bony canal, the body having a generally axial passage through at least a portion of said body; at least one movable slide, movably received in said passage and adapted to be transfixed by engagement with a transverse member penetrated through the bone, said slide also adapted to receive tension from an elongated tensile member disposed longitudinally within said passage; and an anchor, adapted for fixation to the body near its first end and to said tensile member, to hold the elongated tensile member under tension between the anchor and the movable slide.
US07942872B2 Blended monopolar and bipolar application of RF energy
A system including at least two target electrodes and at least one return electrode, at least two RF power sources in electrical communication with the electrodes and operative to generate RF energy waveforms to the at least two target electrodes, one of the at least two target electrodes cooperating with the at least one return electrode to define a monopolar RF energy delivery channel and another of the at least two target electrodes cooperating with the at least one return electrode to define another monopolar RF energy delivery channel, the at least one return electrode being common to both channels, wherein the at least two target electrodes being operable in a bipolar mode of RF energy delivery, and a waveform manipulator operable to control and manipulate the waveforms to the at least two target electrodes so as to selectively provide pure monopolar, pure bipolar and a blend of monopolar and bipolar modes of RF energy delivery.
US07942869B2 Skin treatment device with radiation emission protection
The present invention relates to a skin treatment device (1, F). The device comprises a radiation source (13) in a housing, such that radiation can be emitted through an exit opening in the housing. It further comprises at least one skin presence sensor (43, 63) capable of measuring the presence of skin (7) in a number of respective positions, and a control unit (37). The control unit (37) is constructed to determine a covered portion of the exit opening (15) from a measurement signal of the skin presence sensor and to restrict emission of the radiation (13) to the covered portion of the exit opening (15), e.g. by modifying the control of a radiation beam manipulator (11), or by controlling radiation-blocking means, such as blinds, in the exit opening (15). The invention provides a more efficient and yet safe treatment device (1, 1′), since a larger exit opening (15) can be selected, while unwanted emission of radiation (13) through uncovered portions of the exit opening (15) is still prevented.
US07942864B2 Medical device including a catheter providing wound evacuation and medicine dispensing features and related methods
A medical device including a catheter having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a medial portion extending therebetween. The proximal end portion may have at least one evacuation lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, and at least one evacuation opening extending laterally therethrough and intersecting the evacuation lumen to permit evacuation of waste from a wound. The distal end portion may have at least one medicine dispensing lumen extending longitudinally therethrough and at least one medicine dispensing opening extending laterally therethrough and intersecting the medicine dispensing lumen to permit dispensing of medicine into the wound. The medial portion may have at least one medicine reservoir lumen therein connected in fluid communication with the medicine dispensing lumen of the distal end portion. Also, a barrier may longitudinally separate the evacuation lumen and the medicine reservoir lumen.
US07942863B2 Detecting needle entry into a port of an infusion device
Systems for detecting needle insertion into a port chamber of an implantable medical device include a pressure sensor. The system detects characteristic pressure profiles associated with needle insertion into the port chamber through a septum and may generate a sensory cue to a clinician that proper needle placement has been achieved. Methods for detecting needle insertion into a port chamber of an implantable medical device includes detecting characteristic pressure profiles associated with needle insertion into the port chamber through a septum.
US07942852B2 Aspiration catheter having an internal vacuum accumulator
An aspiration catheter is provided in which vacuum may be accumulated within the catheter and released suddenly within a distal region of the catheter to induce ingestion of intravascular matter into the catheter through an open distal port while avoiding large losses of suction common with catheters having long aspiration lumens. Conventional aspiration using the same catheter can subsequently complement the procedure by fully removing the ingested matter from the catheter.
US07942851B2 Method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids
A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters. An infrared sensing device is mounted proximate a drip chamber to ascertain a drip count, while a temperature sensor is disposed within a holder that is positioned toward the entry site on a patient. A heat controller controls the heaters based on a drip count, while a safety controller disables heater operation in response to liquid temperature exceeding the desired temperature. Thus, the safety controller and heat controller, in combination, control the heating assembly heaters based on liquid temperature and flow rate, respectively. Alternatively, the liquid-filled bag may be heated to a desired temperature whereby the heating assembly includes a single heater controlled by a controller to maintain the liquid at the desired temperature during infusion of the liquid into a patient.
US07942849B2 Catheter with multilayer tube
An interventional catheter for angioplasty and the like, comprising a catheter tube including an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member disposed within the lumen of the outer tubular member, and a balloon attached to the distal end of the outer tubular member and the distal end of the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a first portion having a first stiffness and a second portion having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness. The inner tubular member has an inner surface having a first coefficient of friction and an outer surface having a second coefficient of friction greater than the first coefficient of friction.
US07942848B2 Medical apparatus for distributing a predetermined amount of foreign substance to a predetermined area in living body
A multiple cuff system is disclosed which has more than one cuff some of which may be perforated or permeable in any degree or made of porous materials to let in situ delivery of different drugs, and especially local anesthetics to the target tissues that are the tissues in touch or within the vicinity of the inflated cuff. The local anesthetics suitable to be delivered via the cuff are also introduced. The preferred method for application of the multiple cuffed ETT during surgical operations, can overcome the emergence reactions commonly encountered during lighter levels of anesthesia.
US07942847B2 Multi-layer balloons for medical applications and methods for manufacturing the same
A multi-layered balloon is provided where each layer is formed such that each layer is made from tubing that optimizes the inner wall stretch thus providing maximum balloon strength. The high pressure, multi-layer balloon is provided with layers that allow for slipping, such that the balloon has a very high pressure rating and toughness, yet excellent folding characteristics. Methods for producing such multi-layer balloons using existing balloon forming equipment are also provided. The multi-layer balloons can have alternating structural and lubricating layers, or layers with low-friction surfaces. The multi-layer balloons are preferably manufactured using a variety of methods including nesting, co-extrusion, or a combination of nesting and co-extrusion. The multi-layer balloons have balloon layers having substantially similar, or the same, high degree of biaxial orientation of their polymer molecules such that each balloon layer of the multi-layer balloon will fail at approximately the same applied pressure.
US07942844B2 Remote monitoring for networked fluid infusion systems
A fluid infusion system as described herein includes a number of local “body network” devices, such as an infusion pump, a handheld monitor or controller, a physiological sensor, and a bedside or hospital monitor. The body network devices can be configured to support communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between one another. In addition, the body network devices can be configured to support networked communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between the body network devices and “external” devices, systems, or communication networks. Such external communication allows the infusion system to be extended beyond the traditional short-range user environment.
US07942843B2 Implantation device for soft tissue markers and other implants
System and methods disclosed provide a device for inserting an implant with a medical function into body tissue. The device can include a channel passing through the implant, a cannulus with a channel sized to hold the implant, and a pusher with a channel and sized to be situated inside the channel of the cannulus behind the implant, and adapted to push the implant through a distal end of the cannulus into the tissue. The device can also include a restraining element that extends through the channel of the pusher and at least partly through the channel of the implant when they are so situated in the channel of the cannulus, which restrains the implant, but allows the implant to exit the distal end of the cannulus when the implant is pushed with a force small enough so as not to damage the function of the implant in the tissue.
US07942841B2 Exsangunation device and method
A device for exsanguination from the hand and/or arm is described. In one embodiment, the device includes a gripping portion gripped by the hand of a patient holding the device. There is a cupped portion, and a roll of elastic wrapping material. The cupped portion has an inner space for receiving the roll and a slot for feeding out a length of wrap from the roll. The wrap material is fed out of the slot and wrapped around the hand of the patient so that the constrictive force pushes the blood out. A tourniquet is then applied and the wrap removed. In another embodiment, the device has a gripping portion with an end that is slotted to receive and anchor an end of a roll of wrapping material. With an end anchored, the material is unrolled and wrapped from the anchored end down around the hand gripping the device.
US07942840B2 Fracture brace
Braces are disclosed that are capable of stabilizing an injured limb, particularly an injured wrist. An exemplary brace fits across the injury in contact with the user's hand or foot and, in certain embodiments, in contact with the thumb and/or fingers or toes. The brace typically contains an adjustable casing and in some embodiments a removable support connecting one portion of the user's arm to another. The brace also includes compressible material such as an air cell. Systems and method for use and manufacture of the braces are also contemplated.
US07942839B2 Apparatus for isolating an injured wrist during aerobic exercise
An exercise apparatus and method for isolating an wrist during aerobic exercise on an exercise machine such as a hand operated exercise bicycle or elliptical trainer, configured to be worn on the arm of a person having an wrist injury so that the person may operate the exercise machine with the arm having the wrist injury without pressure on the wrist, wherein weight and force are distributed from the exercise machine to the forearm and upper arm without implicating the wrist.
US07942836B1 Massaging and exfoliating razor cover apparatus and associated method
A massaging and exfoliating razor cover preferably including a deformably resilient body that may have a slot formed therein. Such a slot may be adapted to be positioned over a razor head of the existing razor. In this manner, the body may be stretched to a tensioned position when placed over the razor head of the existing razor. The body may further include a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the body, and a ridge extending outwardly from the body. Notably, the protrusions and ridge are suitably positioned on the body such that the protrusions and ridge independently engage the skin surface and thereby independently massage and exfoliate the skin surface respectively.
US07942831B2 Measuring method and measuring device
The present invention is to present a measuring device which can conduct stable extraction and measurement of interstitial fluid. The measuring device comprises: a device body which comprises an extraction part for extracting body fluid from a living body and a measuring part for measuring a biological component contained in the extracted body fluid; a holding member which holds the device body and has an opening part for defining a measurement area on the living body; and a mounting member for mounting the holding member on the living body; wherein the measurement area on the living body is defined by the opening part when the holding member is mounted on the living body by the mounting member.
US07942828B2 Method for determining fluctuation in attentional state and overall attentional state
The invention provides methods for determining shifts in the attentional state of a subject. These methods are useful for diagnosing subjects with a psychological or behavioral disorder. The invention also features methods for determining the effect of a therapy on the overall attentional state and shifts in the attentional state of a subject.
US07942824B1 Integrated sleep diagnostic and therapeutic system and method
The present invention relates to an integrated sleep diagnosis and treatment device, and more particularly to an integrated apnea diagnosis and treatment device. The present invention additionally relates to methods of sleep diagnosis and treatment. The sleep disorder treatment system of the present invention can use a diagnosis device to perform various forms of analysis to determine or diagnose a subject's sleeping disorder or symptoms of a subject's sleep disorder, and using this analysis or diagnosis can with or in some embodiments without human intervention treat the subject either physically or chemically to improve the sleeping disorder or the symptoms of the sleeping disorder. The diagnostic part of the system can use many different types of sensors and methods for diagnosing the severity of the symptoms of or the sleep disorder itself. The treatment part of the system can use a device to physically or chemically treat the subject's symptoms or sleep disorder itself.
US07942821B2 Doppler velocity detection device and ultrasonographic device using the same
The present invention realizes a Doppler velocity detecting technique capable of performing velocity detection and analysis with a suppressed error while excellently distinguishing a clutter signal, and provides an ultrasonographic device using the technique. In a Doppler velocity detection device comprising means for transmitting/receiving pulse waves to/from a subject a plurality of times, and velocity analyzing means for analyzing a velocity of a moving reflector in the subject on the basis of a reception echo signal, the velocity analyzing means obtains a complex expansion coefficient by linearly connecting an expansion coefficient of an even-numbered degree term and an expansion coefficient of an odd-numbered degree term which is different from the even-numbered degree term by one degree, derived when reception echo time-series signals obtained by arranging reception echo signals of equal lapse time from pulse transmission times in order of the transmission times are expanded as components of a Legendre polynomial starting from the 0th degree, by using an imaginary unit as a coefficient, and obtains a signed velocity signal of a moving reflector in the subject on the basis of-the ratio between the magnitude of each complex expansion coefficient and the magnitude of an interval between the complex expansion coefficients.
US07942820B2 Method and system for evaluation of the hemodynamic model in depression for diagnosis and treatment
The present invention provides a method for determining the cerebral hemodynamic model for depression, using carotid duplex ultrasound to establish percent stenosis of a right external carotid artery and a left external carotid artery, and transcranial Doppler ultrasound instrument to measure mean flow velocity within the cerebral arteries including the right and left internal carotid arteries, right and left middle cerebral arteries, right and left anterior cerebral arteries, right and left posterior cerebral arteries, and basilar artery. Percent carotid stenosis and mean flow velocity values in cerebral arteries are used to determine the cerebral hemodynamic model associated with depression in men and women, respectively.
US07942819B2 Ultrasonic bone evaluation apparatus
An ultrasonic bone evaluation apparatus includes stationary and movable standoffs fitted with respective ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasound, a moving mechanism for moving the movable standoff, an encoder, a controller, and an inner temperature sensor for determining the temperature of an inner tissue of a body part. The moving mechanism moves the movable standoff toward the stationary standoff to sandwich the body part therebetween. The encoder measures the distance between the two transducers whereas the controller determines the time required for the ultrasound to travel between the transducers when the body part is sandwiched between the standoffs. The controller calculates the speed of sound propagating through the body part from distance and time measurement values, corrects the speed of sound through the body part based on the temperature of the body part measured by the inner temperature sensor, and evaluates the bone of the body part based on the corrected speed of sound.
US07942818B2 Obstetric analgesia system
The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a short-acting analgesic agent in the management of pain during labor, wherein the system enables efficient, real-time prediction of contractions for the coordinated administration of analgesia such that the peak effectiveness of the analgesic coincides with the intermittent pain of labor.
US07942815B2 Endoscope insertion portion with a two wire bending portion
An endoscope insertion portion includes a distal end side wire guide which is provided over a distal end side of a operation wire, and a portion of which is fixed to a bending portion, a proximal end side wire guide which is provided over a proximal end side of a operation wire, and a portion of which is fixed to a insertion tube portion, a distal end side abutting portion provided at a proximal end of the distal end side wire guide, and a proximal end side abutting portion which is provided at a distal end of the proximal end side wire guide, and brought into abutment with the distal end side abutting portion when the operation wire is moved backward so that the bending portion is bent.
US07942806B2 Stress urinary incontinence implant and device for deploying same
A suburethral implant for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) includes an elongated plate-like member which is slightly curved in transverse cross-section, and a pair of spaced apart arms having hooked ends or barbs which extend from the plate-like member. A device for deploying the suburethral implant for treating SUI includes a vaginal probe for insertion in the vaginal canal of a patient, and a urethra locator probe for the simultaneous insertion in the urethra of a patient. The urethra probe is spaced apart from and overlies the vaginal probe. The vaginal probe includes a wall in which is formed an exit port. A suburethral implant introducer assembly is extendable and retractable through the exit port on the vaginal probe. The introducer assembly has a distal end on which is removably mounted a suburethral implant. The introducer assembly is extendable through the exit port to pierce the vaginal canal wall of the patient in order to position the suburethral implant in proximity to the patient's urethra. The hooked ends or barbs on the arms of the suburethral implant engage the tissue surrounding the patient's urethra and are affixed thereto during deployment of the implant. The introducer assembly is then retracted into the vaginal probe, whereby the implant is released from the introducer assembly and remains affixed to tissue in proximity to the patient's urethra.
US07942803B2 Delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy
A prescription method of treating tissue comprises the steps of accepting a prescription tissue treatment plan for the tissue to be treated, positioning seeds relative to each other per the prescription tissue treatment plan such that the positions of seeds relative to each other is only established by the prescription tissue treatment plan, and creating a treatment strand by heating and cooling a material to position the plurality of treatment seeds in the material. The prescription tissue treatment plan specifies a number and a spacing of the seeds to be provided in the treatment strand, the spacing of the treatment seeds being unrestricted by any use of spacers and independently set by and according to the prescription tissue treatment plan.
US07942802B2 Vacuum device and method for treating tissue adjacent a body cavity
Devices and methods are provided for applying vacuum near to devices for delivering treatments to tissue adjacent a body cavity, effective to draw adjacent tissue near to such devices and to enhance treatment of the tissue. Body cavities include natural body cavities and cavities remaining after removal of tissue such as cancerous tissue. A device may include an inner balloon assembly with an inflation conduit. A sheath assembly having a fluid-permeable sheath wall may enclose the inner balloon assembly. Vacuum applied to the space between the sheath and the inner balloon is useful to draw tissue into contact with the device, improving treatment effectiveness. Methods for treating tissue with such devices and systems are also provided. Treatments may include providing radioactive material for radiation treatment, providing chemotherapeutic material for chemotherapy, providing thermal treatment, and combinations thereof. Systems may include devices of the invention and a vacuum source.
US07942801B2 Automatic balancing centrifuge using balancer
The present invention relates to a centrifuge including a balancer which contains balls and liquid and enables a rotor to rotate steadily. More concretely, the centrifuge comprises a motor, a motor shaft protruded from the motor, a rotor, and a balancer which includes a space constructed with a balancer body and a cover unit combining with the balancer body and formed to contain balls and liquid.
US07942792B1 Exercise apparatus
An exercise apparatus includes a pair of end cap assemblies, a plurality of disk assemblies and a plurality of weight assemblies. The plurality of disk assemblies and the plurality of weight assemblies are preferably secured between the end cap assemblies, in an alternating fashion. Each of the end cap assemblies also includes a handle that is preferably aligned in the same plane the handle of the other end cap assembly.
US07942789B2 Exercise device
An exercise device includes a support frame and a continuous running surface supported by the support frame. The support frame defines a horizontal plane having a longitudinal axis. The continuous running surface includes a movable belt and a plurality of sections mounted thereon and extending along a longitudinal axis of the belt. Each section includes an upper surface defining at least one inclined portion that is laterally inclined relative to the horizontal plane of the support frame. Adjacent upper surfaces of the plurality of sections define at least one laterally inclined track of the running surface.
US07942785B1 Joint range of motion measurement device and mobility enhancer
One embodiment of a multi-functional device for measuring joint range of motion of the wrist and forearm. In general, the embodiment includes a casing (20) containing fluid (23), and a plural number of calibration scale (24) assemblies. The casing (20) is sized appropriately to be gripped in a user's hand, and enables the user to obtain an assessment of his or her range of motion as various motions are performed. Specifically, the various motions made by the user while gripping the embodiment causes fluid (23) to shift inside of casing (20) as a reaction to the downward pull of gravity. The user obtains an instant visual measurement of joint range of motion by viewing the location of fluid (23) on the calibration scale (24) assemblies. The overall design empowers the user to measure his or her own range of motion, which engages him or her as he or she works to re-gain mobility, and provides a positive motivating influence. The device is also suitable for use when performing exercises and stretches. The device is intuitive, portable, and requires no medical training to use. Other embodiments are described and shown.
US07942782B2 Methods and systems for lingual movement to manipulate an object
An intra-oral system is disclosed for assisting an individual in developing intra-oral muscle control and strength. The system may also be used to enable an individual having limited use of the upper extremities to control an electrical apparatus such as a wheelchair, a bed or a light fixture. The intra-oral system includes a mouthpiece having a plurality of air cells embedded therein. The air cells are configured to receive pressure applied by the tongue of an individual. Movement of the tongue over and against the air cells causes an object to be moved over a display. In one embodiment, the object is moved through an obstacle course or over a simulated track as part of a therapeutic regimen. In another embodiment, a character or icon on the display is selected and activated to manipulate an electrical apparatus. Methods for moving an electrical apparatus using a mouthpiece controlled through lingual movement are also provided.
US07942779B2 Turning portion structure of industrial robot
To facilitate an integrating operation and to make fabricating cost inexpensive. An idle gear for transmitting rotation of an input gear of a drive motor to a cylindrical gear is rotatably supported by an input side end portion of a specific one crank pin, and therefore, the idle gear may simply be supported by the crank pin, further, a length in an axial direction of the cylindrical gear brought in mesh with both of the idle gear the input gear is sufficiently to a degree of being more or less longer than a distance between remote side ends of the two gears.
US07942777B2 Continuously variable automatic transmission for heavy trucks, buses and light automobiles
A continuously variable, automatic transmission for a motor driven vehicle including heavy trucks, buses and light automobiles, wherein the vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and driving wheels. The automatic transmission includes a hydraulic torque converter or other hydraulic device and at least one but preferably a plurality of at least two planetary gear assemblies wherein two corresponding portions thereof are operatively interconnected by a free wheeling connector assembly. As such, torque generated by the engine of the vehicle is variably transmitted from the at least one of the planetary gear assemblies to the driving wheels of the vehicle.
US07942773B2 Banded power transmission V-belt
A single strand banded V-belt is described featuring at least one ply of a band fabric which traverses the bottom surface and each of the side surfaces of the belt body so as to cover the load-carrying section at the position that it intercepts the side surfaces of the belt body. The ply of band fabric does not overlap with itself. The total sum of the number of plies of band fabric positioned on both side surfaces of the belt body exceed the total sum of the number of plies of band fabric positioned on the top plus bottom surfaces of the belt body.
US07942772B2 Silent chain
In a silent chain having interleaved guide rows and joint rows, guide plates at the outer sides of the guide rows are connected by engagement pins which extend through overlapping recesses formed on the outer flanks of the guide row plates, and on the inner flanks of the joint row plates. The engagement pins contact sprocket teeth before the outer flanks of the guide row plates contact the sprocket teeth. Cutouts formed in the guide plates adjacent the engagement pins allow the guide plates to deform and thereby absorb the impact imparted to the engagement pins by the sprocket teeth.
US07942771B2 Bicycle sprocket apparatus with a shift inhibiting structure
A bicycle sprocket apparatus comprises a larger diameter sprocket and a smaller diameter sprocket, wherein the larger diameter sprocket has on its outer periphery a plurality of sprocket teeth, the smaller diameter sprocket has on its outer periphery a plurality of sprocket teeth, and a number of sprocket teeth on the smaller diameter sprocket is less than a number of sprocket teeth on the larger diameter sprocket. The larger diameter sprocket includes a tooth and a first chain receiving tooth disposed immediately behind the tooth in the driving rotation direction, wherein the tooth includes a control side surface and an inclined side surface. The control side surface is disposed on a leading side of the tooth facing the smaller diameter sprocket in the driving rotation direction, and it is shaped to inhibit movement of the chain towards the larger diameter sprocket so that the chain does not engage the first chain receiving tooth when the chain is shifted from the smaller diameter sprocket to the larger diameter sprocket. The first inclined side surface faces the smaller diameter sprocket, and it is inclined relative to a plane of the sprocket to follow a direction of movement of the chain when the chain is shifted from the smaller diameter sprocket to the larger diameter sprocket.
US07942770B2 Compound chain drive guide
A tensioner assembly for a drive system, including a chain, of an internal combustion engine, includes a housing that is fixedly secured to the internal combustion engine. A piston is disposed within the housing. The piston is moveable between retracted and extended positions. The piston generates a force. A pivoting guide operatively extends between the chain of the drive system and the piston. The pivoting guide applies a first portion of the force against the chain. A lever is operatively connected to the piston between the piston and the pivoting guide. The lever translates the force from the piston to the pivoting guide. The tensioner assembly also includes a cam member that is pivotally coupled to the housing and is slidingly engaged with the pivoting guide. The cam member abuts the lever such that movement of the lever by the piston pivots the cam member in a manner that applies a second portion of the force against the pivoting guide in a varying magnitude.
US07942769B2 Oil supply system for supplying oil to slide rails and guide rails
The invention relates to a rail (16a) of a flexible drive, which rail (16a) is intended to guide a drawing means (2). A lubricant which is introduced into the rail (16a) via the lubricant channel (13) brings about a pressure gap (15) which is formed between the inner side of the drawing means (2) and a guide face (9) of the rail (16a). Direct contact of the drawing means with the rail (16a) is suppressed on account of the lubricant which is introduced into the pressure gap (15), which has a friction-reducing effect.
US07942767B2 Bicycle derailleur with multiple mounting adjustments
A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide, wherein the movable member is coupled to the base member so that the movable member moves relative to the base member for moving a chain among a plurality of sprockets; an intermediate member that mounts the base member to a bicycle frame; a first adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the intermediate member relative to the bicycle frame; and a second adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the base member relative to the intermediate member.
US07942766B2 Apparatus and method for stretching the links of a transmission chain while surpassing the limit of elasticity thereof
To obtain a compact structure and to increase at the same time the structural stiffness of an apparatus for plastically deforming and strengthening the links, which are intercoupled by rocker pins, of a complete endless transmission chain, said apparatus comprises a first and a second pair respectively of conical supporting surfaces for the ends which protrude outside said links of the rocker pins of a transmission chain, mounted thereon, said surfaces having a controllable mutual distance, the invention propose to add a third similar pair of supporting surfaces, provided for cooperation with the first and second shaft. This measure also speeds up the treatment of the transmission chain.
US07942765B2 Aerodynamically and structurally superior, fixed-blade hunting arrowhead
An aerodynamically and structurally superior, fixed-blade hunting arrowhead providing higher penetration coupled with a structurally sound, non-deflecting, blade-cutting area to take down wild game quickly and humanely. The assembly includes the ferrule, main blade, and sub-blade, wherein the unitary ferrule has a machined structure that holds and reinforces the blade units as well as incorporates a concave-faceted cutting tip, blade-location channels, cavities for blade snap retention, and rearmost threaded portion for attachment to a standard arrow insert. The main blade is a one-piece element which incorporates two forward-cutting blades and two rear blades, as well as rearmost anchoring projections attaching the blade to the ferrule. The sub-blade is a one-piece element positioned perpendicular to the main blade and is retained in the same manner as the main blade by integrated projections snapping into cavities within the ferrule.
US07942764B2 Baseball bat
A baseball bat includes a hollow grip member having opposite front and rear ends, and an inner peripheral surface that defines a tapered chamber having a diameter reducing gradually toward the rear end. The inner peripheral surface has a first positioning portion disposed between the front end and the rear end. A striking member has an engaging segment received in the tapered chamber, and a large diameter segment extending forwardly from the engaging segment. The engaging segment has an axial hole, a plurality of open-ended slits extending along an axial direction and in spatial communication with the axial hole, and a second positioning portion aligned with the first positioning portion. A pressing member is inserted into the axial hole to press the second positioning portion against the first positioning portion.
US07942761B2 Dual core golf ball having negative-hardness-gradient thermoplastic inner core and shallow negative-hardness-gradient outer core layer
A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic inner core layer that has a geometric center hardness greater than its surface hardness to define a first “negative” hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and is formed from a substantially homogenous thermoset composition, typically rubber, and has an inner surface hardness greater than its outer surface hardness to also define a “negative” hardness gradient. An inner cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer and an outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer. The “negative” hardness gradient of the inner core is typically −1 to −5 Shore C and the “negative” hardness gradient of the core layer is typically at least −1 Shore C but less than −7 Shore C. The difference between the inner core surface hardness and the outer core inner surface hardness, Δh, should be at least −3 Shore C.
US07942759B2 Golf club head
A golf club head 1 has a face part 2, a crown part 3, a sole part 4, a side part 5, and a hosel part 6, which are formed of titanium or a titanium alloy. The golf club head 1 is formed by integrating a head body 10 and a face plate 30 with each other by welding such as laser welding or plasma welding. A thick part 20 is provided only in the central portion in the toe-heel direction of the cross corner portion between the face part 2 and the sole part 4. The width in the toe-heel direction of the thick part 20 is 20 mm or narrower. Therefore, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention can increase a carry on average even if being used by an amateur golfer who is prone to hit a ball by varied hit points across the clubface.
US07942752B2 Water amusement park multiple path conveyors
An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be more involved in a water attraction. An amusement ride system may include system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water. The system may include one or more fluid jets. The fluid jets may function to produce a fluid stream having a predetermined velocity which is selectively greater, less than, or the same as a velocity of a participant at each of the fluid jet locations and are oriented tangentially with respect to the surface of the source of water so as to contact a participant and/or participant vehicle. An amusement ride system may include a system for controlling a participant flow rate through a multi path water amusement ride system. The system may include at least one gate mechanism which functions, upon activation, to inhibit a participant from entering one or more path choices. An amusement ride system may include a system for facilitating entry of a participant on a floatation device. The system may include one or more portions of water including a depth of water which allows a participant to more easily enter a floatation device.
US07942750B2 Constant velocity joint
A joint outer ring of a constant-velocity joint has a stem portion protruding from of a cup portion and inserted to a through hole of a hub in a bearing device. The joint outer ring has an abutment face abutting against an end face of a bearing inner ring fitted to an outer periphery of the hub in an outer bottom face of the cup portion, and is composed of a forged product of a steel material. The joint outer ring has a base material portion composed of a standard structure and an outer surface layer partially formed as a non-standard structure portion. The non-standard structure may be a tempered martensite structure, or a mixed structure including the tempered martensite structure and at least one of an upper bainite structure and a lower bainite structure.
US07942748B2 Annular groove in a shock protection device
A shock protection device having opposing pluralities of frangible splines separated by an annular groove disposed in an internal splined opening in a drive hub, the splines for intermeshing engagement with a splined end of a drive shaft for transferring rotary motion to a cutter head from a driveline. Variation in the width of the annular groove enables precise adjustment of the fracture torque for the shock protection device beyond the adjustment possible through variation in the number or configuration of the individual splines.
US07942745B2 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.
US07942741B2 Verifying whether a device is communicating with a server
A server provides activities and/or services to a player through a device. In response to a request from the device, information known to a player is determined and sent to the device via the server. In this fashion, verification can be made that the device is communicating with the server.
US07942740B2 Verifying a first device is in communications with a server by storing a value from the first device and accessing the value from a second device
A system includes a first server and a second server, which receives a value from a first device, possibly via the first server, and stores the value. In response to a request from a second device, the second server then determines the value and sends the value to the second device. In this fashion, verification can be made that the first device is in communications with the first server.
US07942734B2 Amusement devices and games including means for processing electronic data where ultimate outcome of the game is dependent on relative odds of a card combination and/or where chance is a factor: expected biases such as long shot and favorite bias
Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases such as long shot bias and favorite bias. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases relating to the Monty Hall paradox. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may include wagering on hands of cards, e.g., poker wagering games.
US07942732B2 Wagering game and method having a simultaneous multi-play feature
Wagering games, gaming machines, networked gaming systems and associated methods are disclosed that include a simultaneous multi-play feature. One disclosed aspect provides for multiple sets of reels which spin simultaneously, each reel set corresponding to a particular objective. Another disclosed aspect provides that an award be paid based on the number of achieved objectives at the end of the game.
US07942728B2 Transport apparatus for transporting articles hanging on loops
A transport apparatus for transporting articles hanging on loops or the like, in particular sausage-shaped packs, comprising a shaft which has a first axial portion on which a screw is disposed. A drive moment is applied by way of the outside periphery of the screw and the shaft is supported by way of the outside periphery of the screw.
US07942726B2 Holder for supporting an end surface of a workpiece during polishing
A holder for supporting an end surface of a workpiece during polishing comprises a main body and a framework which are respectively provided with fixing portions corresponding to each other; at least one of the two fixing portions has at least one set of upper and lower contact portions, and the upper and the lower contact portions on each set are respectively disposed above and below a contact plane formed between the end surface of the workpiece and a polishing surface; when the upper and lower contact portions and another one of the fixing portions one another, the main body is capable of keeping parallel to the polishing surface, and the pressure acting on the end surface of each workpiece is capable of being approximately uniform. Hence, the number of end surfaces of the optical fibers can be increased tremendously during polishing so as to enhance the polishing speed and quality.
US07942725B2 Polishing apparatus
A polishing apparatus has a top ring configured to hold a semiconductor wafer on a substrate holding surface, and a pushser configured to deliver the semiconductor wafer to the top ring and receive the semiconductor wafer from the top ring. The pushser includes a push stage having a substrate placement surface on which the semiconductor wafer is placed and an air cylinder configured to vertically move the push stage. The pushser also includes a high-pressure fluid port configured to eject a high-pressure fluid toward the semiconductor wafer.
US07942722B2 Pressable air cushion capable of being inflated and bled and a brassiere cup with the air cushion
A cup includes an air cushion, which has first and second plastic sheets, an elastic plate, a compressible component, and a third plastic sheet; the first sheet has an air inlet; the first and the second sheets are joined together to form an air receiving space between them; an air passage exists between the elastic plate and the first sheet to allow air to flow into the air space; the elastic plate has a displaceable portion, which can be disposed in a first direction to have a concave contour and allow the cushion to be inflated, and which can be disposed in an opposite direction to have a convex contour and allow the cushion to be bled; the compressible component is resilient and interposed between the air inlet and the displaceable portion, and can contain air therein; the third plastic sheet has a hole facing the displaceable portion, and an air outlet exists between the third plastic sheet and the elastic resilient plate.
US07942721B2 Vehicle to projectile launcher reconfigurable toy
A toy is disclosed which is adapted to reconfigure from a simulated vehicle into a simulated toy gun able to launch actual projectiles. In one embodiment, the simulated toy vehicle is provided in the form of a semi or tractor trailer with rotatable wheels which, upon a single rotational movement by the child, can be reconfigured into a toy gun complete with trigger, sliding pump for a firing chamber and visualizing sight or cross hairs as well. In a second embodiment, the vehicle is provided as an airplane or jet which can be reconfigured into a gun able to simultaneously launch multiple projectiles.
US07942718B2 Didactic game piece
An educational game having a number of parts where each part has a contact surface with first and second magnets movably joined to and interior face of the contact surface. A rod that defines a longitudinal axis parallel to the contact surface has the first magnet at one end and a second magnet at the opposite end, with the magnets having their polarity reversed to each other. An elongated housing encloses the rod on the interior face of the contact surface, and it moves the rod on the longitudinal axis along the housing.
US07942714B2 Method of manufacturing field emission device
A method of manufacturing a field emission display includes: sequentially forming a cathode electrode, an insulating layer, and a gate material layer on a substrate; forming a metal sacrificial layer on an upper surface of the gate material layer; forming a through hole to expose the insulating layer in the metal sacrificial layer and the gate material layer; forming an emitter hole to expose the cathode electrode in the insulating layer exposed through the through hole; forming a gate electrode by etching the gate material layer constituting an upper wall of the emitter hole; and forming an emitter of Carbon NanoTubes (CNTs) on an upper surface of the cathode electrode located below the through hole.
US07942713B2 Method of fabricating an electron-emitting device incorporating a conductive film containing first and second particles having different resistance values
An object hereof is to provide a method of making, a gap, which can provide good electron-emitting properties, simply, with low electric power and in short time. A method of fabricating an electron-emitting device, including a process of flowing a current in electroconductive film containing first particles and second particles including resistance lower than resistance of the first particle and thereby forming a gap in a portion of the above described electroconductive film, wherein the ratio of the above described first particle contained in the above described film is not less than 2% and not more than 30% and the ratio of resistance of the above described first particle to resistance of the above described second particle is not less than 5 and not more than 1000.
US07942712B2 Boat propulsion system, and control device and control method therefor
An outboard motor includes a power source, a boat propulsion section, a shift position switching mechanism, a clutch actuator, and a control device. The shift position switching mechanism switches among a first shift position in which a first clutch is engaged and a second clutch is disengaged, a second shift position in which the first clutch is disengaged and the second clutch is engaged, and a neutral position in which both the first clutch and the second clutch are disengaged. When a gear shift is to be made from the first shift position to the second shift position, the control section causes the clutch actuator to gradually increase an engagement force of the second clutch. The outboard motor reduces the load to be applied to the power source and the power transmission mechanism at the time of a gear shift in a boat propulsion system including an electronically controlled shift mechanism.
US07942710B2 Amphibious all-terrain vehicle
An amphibious, all-terrain vehicle utilizing a pair of hydrostatic pumps to independently provide power to hydraulic drive mechanisms of the left and right side of the vehicle respectively. The hydraulic drive mechanisms on a side of the vehicle comprise a plurality of hydraulic wheel motors and a hydraulic propeller motor. Using a novel hydraulic manifold assembly, the vehicle can operate in three distinct modes: wheels only, wheels and propellers, and propellers only. The hydraulic manifold assembly also allow the vehicle to by put in neutral mode for starting. The wheel motors are mounted in a pair of undercarriage assemblies that are outside of the vehicle's body and fluidly connected to the hydraulic manifold assembly thorough a hose chase that extends well above the vehicle's waterline to eliminate the potential for water to enter the body of the vehicle when operated in the water.
US07942707B2 Electrical contact with locking barb
An electrical contact includes a body extending a length from a contacting end to a terminating end. The body includes a base extending between the contacting and terminating ends. A passageway extends through at least a portion of the length of the body. A locking barb is connected to the base of the body. The locking barb extends a length from an engagement end to a locking end. The locking barb is connected to the base of the body at a pivot point located along the locking barb between the engagement and locking ends. The locking barb is pivotable about the pivot point between a locked and an unlocked position. The engagement end of the locking barb extends into the passageway of the body when the locking barb is in the locked position.
US07942703B2 Methods and apparatus for a modular utility connection system
Methods and apparatus for a modular utility connection system according to various aspects of the present invention include one or more utilities routed within a housing. The housing connects each of the routed utilities to a suitable preexisting source. The housing may also be linkably connected to one or more additional housings such that only a single housing need be connected to the preexisting source. The housing also comprises access points to each of the utilities allowing a user access to the utility via the housing rather than connecting directly to the source.
US07942697B2 Electrical interconnection systems and methods of assembling the same
An electrical interconnection system is described. The electrical interconnection system comprises a first contact and a second contact configured electrically couple together. The system also comprises a receptacle assembly including a receptacle shell and a first retaining ring secured within the receptacle shell. The receptacle assembly is configured to couple the first contact to the receptacle shell. The system further comprises a plug assembly including a plug shell and a second retaining ring secured within the plug shell. The plug assembly is configured to couple the second contact to the plug shell. The receptacle shell and the plug shell are further configured to align the first contact and the second contact for coupling together.
US07942694B2 Coaxial cable connector seal
A connector seal including at least one cylindrical coaxial cable connector, and an elastic sleeve rolled upon itself. The sleeve is configured to unroll to enclose at least a portion of the connector. The portion of the connector may be a connection location between two of the connectors. The portion of the connector may have at least one of differing surface shapes and differing diameters. The elastic sleeve may be fastened to an exterior portion of the connector, may be pre-positioned on the connector, and may be configured to be removed entirely from the connector. A release liner covering one side of the elastic sleeve may be rolled up with the elastic sleeve. The release liner may be elastic and may be latex.
US07942693B2 Power outlet with conductive socket contacts coupled to IDC contacts coupled to insulated conductors disposed in channels
A power outlet for effecting an electrical connection between an electric device and insulated conductors of an electric power cable, including a socket having apertures including electrically conductive socket contacts seated therein for effecting electrical connection to corresponding electrically conductive contacts of a plug of the electric device; a plurality of primary channels shaped to at least partially receive, and seat therein, respective lengthwise sections of the insulated conductors of the power cable; a plurality of insulation displacement contacts for making separate electrical connections to said insulated conductors, when received in said primary channels, under relative movement between the insulation displacement contacts and the insulated conductors; a connector, relatively movable with respect to the primary channels, for effecting said relative movement, wherein the insulation displacement contacts are electrically coupled to respective ones of said socket contacts; and said primary channels extend transversely to a lengthwise direction of extent of the power outlet.
US07942691B1 Universal serial bus cable (USB) cable assembly having ports to slidably receive upstream and downstream connectors
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable assembly for connecting a portable electronic device to a host device includes a USB cable, an upstream connector, a downstream connector connected to the upstream connector by the USB cable, and a main body section having an upstream connector port configured to slidably receive the upstream connector and a downstream connector port configured to slidably receive the downstream connector, wherein the USB cable is slidably secured to the main body section. In another aspect of the disclosure, the main body section of the USB cable assembly includes an attachment mechanism which is a through-hole formed in the main body section. In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a USB cable assembly includes an upstream connector, a first downstream connector, and a second downstream connector. A USB cable splits into a first downstream USB cable and a second downstream USB cable for connecting the upstream connector to the first and second downstream connectors.
US07942687B1 Hollow stem design for high density interconnects
An article includes a plurality of stems projecting from a surface thereof. Each stem includes a hollow stalk projecting orthogonally from the surface and a hollow head defined on a distal end of the hollow stalk. The head includes a flange section extending from the distal end of the hollow stalk and having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the hollow stalk at the distal end. A cap section extends from the flange section, defines a distal end of the stem and has a generally convex contour. The cap section has a first wall thickness at the distal end of the stem, a second wall thickness at a junction of the cap section and the flange section and a third wall thickness at a circumferential section intermediate the distal end and the flange section. The third wall thickness is less than the first and second wall thicknesses.
US07942685B2 Lamp socket, display apparatus including the same, and method of assembling lamp
A lamp socket includes a power-up device including a conductive material and supplying power to a lamp electrode, and a housing receiving the power transmitting member. The power transmitting member includes an inverter connector, a first lamp electrode supporter, and an terminal unit. The first lamp electrode supporter is connected to the inverter connector and formed with a lamp electrode receiving section into which the lamp electrode is inserted. The terminal unit has a fixed terminal connected to the first lamp electrode supporter, a free-end terminal supporting the lamp electrode such that the lamp electrode adheres to the lamp electrode receiving section, and a connection terminal that connects the fixed terminal to the free-end terminal in the housing.
US07942684B1 Connector device, receiving connector, and inserting connector
A connector device includes an inserting connector and a receiving connector, wherein the receiving connector is connected to the electronic device; the receiving connector includes a single control plug terminal and two electric power jack terminals made of a conductor material, the electric power jack terminals being configured to receive the supply of the electric power; the control plug terminal can be extended and retracted in an inserting direction of the receiving connector; the inserting connector is connected to the electric power source; the inserting connector includes a control jack terminal corresponding to the control plug terminal and two electric power plug terminals corresponding to the two electric power jack terminals; and the control jack terminal includes a control switch.
US07942682B2 Electrical connector with slider component for fault condition connection
An electrical connector includes a socket that is configured to provide a current path between a connection terminal and a contact pin inserted into the socket during a standard connection. A slider component of the electrical connector is configured to move relative to the socket to make contact with the contact pin and provide a current path between the connection terminal and the contact pin during a fault condition connection.
US07942680B2 Power plate for a socket connector
A socket connector includes a housing having a mating interface configured to mate with an electronic component and a mounting interface configured to mount to a circuit board. Signal contacts are held by the housing and extend between the mating interface and the mounting interface. Power contacts are held by the housing and extend between the mating interface and the mounting interface. The power contacts are configured to transmit power from the circuit board to the electronic component. Each of the power contacts have at least one commoning element. A metallic power plate is coupled to the commoning elements of a plurality of the power contacts to electrically common the power contacts to one another.
US07942678B2 Connector assemblies
A headset connector assembly that includes a connector plate, a casing, and electrical contact members is provided. The connector plate can have a first mating surface, a second mating surface, and at least two apertures existing between the first and the second mating surfaces. The casing can have a first side in contact with the first mating surface and a second side. The casing can include a protruding cavity member for each of the at least two apertures. Each protruding cavity member can extend from the first side and be constructed to fit within one of the at least two apertures. Each protruding cavity member can house an electrical contact member.
US07942675B1 Calculus teaching aid
A calculus teaching aid includes a substrate, a plurality of visual components configured to define a two-dimensional graphical model of the first derivative, and a plurality of symbolic labels configured to define a variety of characteristics of the graphical model. The substrate, visual components and labels are preferably magnetized for secure attachment to one another. The calculus teaching aid may be configured in a plurality of different ways to demonstrate the various aspects of the first derivative.
US07942672B2 Gingiva modeling
Embodiments are provided for modeling gingiva. One method embodiment includes scanning a patient's teeth and gums, or a physical model thereof, to obtain location data, developing a digital model via a computing device, where the model represents a dentition and gingiva from the location data, defining in the model a gingival line at an intersection between at least one tooth and at least a portion of its surrounding gums, measuring a gingival pocket depth at a number of reference locations, and establishing in the model one or more gingival attachment points at the pocket depth from the gingival line.
US07942664B2 Injection nozzle plugging rod
An injection nozzle plugging rod (4) of machines for molding plastic material containers, provided with a locking system suitable for preventing the separation of the parts forming the actuating pneumatic piston of the same rod, said piston being subjected to considerable stresses during the machine operation. Thus, the rod according to the invention is able to prevent the piston binding, and therefore also the locking of the same rod, considerably reducing the number of maintenance interventions and thus increasing the throughput of the molding machine.
US07942657B2 Rotary combustion apparatus
A combustion apparatus having a housing including an inner surface that defines at least one chamber, a rotor, a rotor shaft, an intake shaft, an exhaust shaft, and a gearing mechanism. The chamber includes an intake valve port and an exhaust valve port, and the rotor shaft is coupled to a gear at one end and has at least two opposing flat surfaces received by an opening in the rotor. The intake and exhaust shafts are geared to the rotor shaft and have at least one opening each that is aligned with the intake and the exhaust valve ports. A gearing mechanism selectively controls the duration in which the openings are aligned with the ports. Two or more rotors may be utilized to produce more power and reduce vibration.
US07942652B1 Bi-directional centripetally-powered reciprocating pump
A reciprocating liquid or gas pump is driven by bi-directional force. A prime mover causes eccentric weights to rotate, which in turn cause pistons to be driven in linear paths under bi-directional force. This bi-directional force then drives opposing sets of pistons to pump a fluid. The pressurized fluid can then be used for, e.g., driving a hydraulic motor.
US07942650B2 Liquid discharge control apparatus including a pump and accumulator with a movable member
In a liquid discharge control apparatus which uses a piezoelectric type diaphragm pump, an accumulator having a liquid accumulation cavity and a movable member is communicated to an outlet of the diaphragm pump. In discharge operation of the diaphragm pump, a quantity of the liquid in the liquid accumulation cavity is rapidly increased, and the movable member is elastically deformed so as to increase of the volume of the liquid accumulation cavity. Alternatively, in suction operation, when a back stream of the liquid occurs, the quantity of the liquid in a path communicated to the outlet of the diaphragm pump is decreased due to the back stream. The decrease of the liquid can be compensated by the decrease of the volume of the liquid accumulation cavity of the accumulator. Thereby, variation of the quantity of the liquid discharged from the outlet of the accumulator is reduced and the liquid can be discharged, smoothly.
US07942649B2 Electrically driven pump unit
An electrical driven pump unit having two hydraulic pumps and two electric motors that are fitted in such a way as to make it possible to obtain the unit's power by adding together the power of the two motors.
US07942646B2 Miniature high speed compressor having embedded permanent magnet motor
A high speed centrifugal compressor for compressing fluids includes a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) having a hollow shaft, the being supported on its ends by ball bearing supports. A permanent magnet core is embedded inside the shaft. A stator with a winding is located radially outward of the shaft. The PMSM includes a rotor including at least one impeller secured to the shaft or integrated with the shaft as a single piece. The rotor is a high rigidity rotor providing a bending mode speed of at least 100,000 RPM which advantageously permits implementation of relatively low-cost ball bearing supports.
US07942640B2 Method and apparatus for use in protecting wind turbine blades from lightning damage
A method and apparatus to facilitate protecting wind turbine blades from lightning damage include a turbine blade for use with a wind turbine, wherein the turbine blade includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The second sidewall is coupled to the first sidewall along a leading edge and along an axially-spaced trailing edge such that a cavity is defined between the first and second sidewalls. A relief system is coupled to at least one of the first and second sidewalls. The relief system is configured to discharge flow from the cavity when a pressure within the cavity exceeds a predetermined threshold. A method for assembling the same is described.
US07942639B2 Hybrid bucket dovetail pocket design for mechanical retainment
A method for mechanically attaching a composite or polymeric material to a bucket in a radial airfoil includes creating at least one dovetail shape pocket in the bucket having inclined interfaces with respect to the radial airfoil, and filling the pocket with the composite or polymeric material.
US07942638B2 Turbomachine blade with a blade tip armor cladding
A blade of a turbomachine such as a gas turbine includes a blade vane with a blade tip and a blade base. A blade tip armor cladding is applied on the blade tip. A coating covers at least the armor cladding and includes at least one multilayer coating system, and preferably plural such coating systems stacked repetitively on one another. Each coating system includes at least two different layers stacked successively on one another, with one layer of a metal material closer to the blade tip and one layer of a ceramic material farther from the blade tip.
US07942637B2 Sparcap for wind turbine rotor blade and method of fabricating wind turbine rotor blade
A sparcap for a wind turbine rotor blade. The sparcap includes a first carbon material layer coupled to an inner surface of the wind turbine rotor blade. The first carbon material layer extends along at least a portion of a length of the wind turbine rotor blade. A core material is coupled to the first carbon material layer. The core material is positioned with respect to a buckling prone region of the wind turbine rotor blade. A second carbon material layer covers the core material and is coupled to the first carbon material layer and/or the core material. The second carbon material layer extends along at least a portion of the length of the wind turbine rotor blade.
US07942635B1 Twin spool rotor assembly for a small gas turbine engine
A small twin spool gas turbine engine with a hollow inner rotor shaft having solid shaft ends and an outer rotor shaft having a cylindrical portion on the compressor end that forms a forward bearing support surface and a turbine rotor disk on the turbine end that forms a aft bearing support surface. The inner rotor shaft includes solid shaft ends that project out from the cylindrical portion of the outer shaft on one end and out from the turbine rotor disk on the other end. An inner bearing housing is secured on the solid shaft ends of the inner rotor shaft. A threaded nut on the inner rotor shafts ends provide a compressive load to the inner bearing housings which results in a tension preload to the inner rotor shaft solid ends so that the bearing assemblies for the forward and aft ends of the twin spools do not become lose from the engine operation.
US07942634B2 Wind turbine, a method for compensating for disparities in a wind turbine rotor blade pitch system and use of a method
A wind turbine includes a rotor having one or more rotor blades, a pitch system for controlling the pitch angle of the one or more rotor blades, the pitch system having at least one pitch actuator, a pitch controller for generating pitch actuator control signals and sensor elements for establishing values of pitch performance parameters, and a compensation controller to compensate for disparities between the pitch actuator control signals and the values of pitch performance parameters, according to a control algorithm. The compensation controller is arranged to adjust parameters of the control algorithm of the compensation controller in dependency of the disparities.
US07942631B2 Method and apparatus for powering a pitch control system
A pitch control system for a wind turbine having a motor including an armature, a winding, and a plurality of switching components configured to control a first current through the armature independently of a second current through the winding.
US07942629B2 Systems and methods involving wind turbine towers for power applications
A system for determining wind turbine tower base torque loads including a controller configured to determine a torque load of a base of a tower of a wind turbine according to a computation of an effective height of the wind turbine multiplied by a wind force upon a rotor of the wind turbine, and generate a control signal representing the torque load. A method for determining wind turbine tower base torque loads including determining a torque load of a base of a tower of a wind turbine according to the foregoing computation, and generating a control signal representing the torque load.
US07942625B2 Compressor and compressor housing
A housing is incorporated as part of a compressor having blades that impart to a fluid a momentum along a main gas flow direction and a swirl. The housing includes a channel that has at least one channel wall and defines an axis substantially aligned with the main gas flow direction. The channel is configured to duct at least some of the fluid. The channel wall defines an internal cavity that extends axially within the channel wall. A bleed passage connects and provides fluid communication between the channel and the cavity. The channel wall defines a plurality of injection passages providing fluid communication between the cavity and the channel at a location spaced in a direction opposite the main gas flow direction from both the bleed passage and the blades. The injection passages have a portion configured to direct fluid from the cavity into the channel with a component along the main gas flow direction and a component opposed to the swirl.
US07942613B2 Pistol for injecting a sealing product formed by mixing at least two solutions
The pistol is used for injecting through a hole a sealing product formed by a mixture of at least two solutions. It comprises a tubular injection system which is fed, notably under pressure, with each of said solutions, and which ends with an injection head capable of penetrating into the injection hole. The tubular system includes for each solution, an independent transfer conduit emerging from the end of the injection head, so that the mixing of the solutions is performed outside the injection head. Preferably, the first transfer conduit is a tube with a circular cross-section and the other transfer conduit(s) has(have) an annular cross-section, being delimited by one or several tubes arranged concentrically around the first transfer conduit.
US07942612B1 Post hole shoring apparatus
A post hole shoring device is provided for receiving and securing a vertically extended 4×4 post. The post would be placed within a hole, secured with concrete, and the hole formed would be backfilled with the soil removed from the hole. By use of the shoring device around the post at the bottom of the hole, additional vertical support is provided to strengthen the vertical installation and prevent movement of the post. The shoring device can be back-filled over, or even filled with aggregate or concrete to provide additional support at very little cost and without modifying conventional materials or construction techniques.
US07942611B2 Offshore structure support
A pile based braced caisson structural support device includes a number of legs. These legs are configured in a teepee type configuration such that the footprint of the base is larger than the footprint of the opposing end. This structural support can be used as a base for an offshore drilling platform in that the support reduces the lateral forces on the support caused by wave action.
US07942608B2 Anchoring collar
A flowline for hydrocarbon which is capable of being reeled and which is unreeled for being laid on the seabed using the reeled lay method is comprised of successive pipe sections having opposing ends which are joined by an anchor collar that is butt welded to the opposing ends. The pipe sections have a jacket on the exterior of the pipe sections, but the pipe sections are able to be reeled. Anchor collars are affixed by butt welding between the ends of adjacent pipe sections. Each anchor collar has a fixture or protrusion radially outward which has an outer diameter less than or at least not more than the outer diameter of the pipe section jacket. The flowline has the same inner diameter at the pipe sections and the collar, and the pipe has the same outer diameter as the collar, while the protrusion protrudes outward from the exterior of the collar. The flowline is anchored on the seabed by unreeling it from a spool, applying a clamp to the collar before delivering it to the seabed, and anchoring the clamp to the seabed. The jacket may expose the fixture or protrusion or may initially cover it and be removed to enable the clamping.
US07942607B2 Underwater tunnel
An underwater suspended tunnel (6) has a shaft (10) with generally convex upper and lower outer surfaces (12, 13) meeting at longitudinally extending, transversely streamlined and opposed sides (14, 15). One or more apertures (20a, 20b) for carrying traffic extend longitudinally through the shaft (10). The shaft (10) has positive net buoyancy and is tethered at a generally uniform depth below sea level (5) by ties (32) anchored to the sea bed (4).
US07942605B2 Milling drum
In one aspect of the invention a system for removing a layer of a paved surface comprising a vehicle is adapted to traverse a paved surface in a selected direction. The vehicle has a milling drum with an axle substantially parallel and connected to the vehicle within a milling chamber. The drum is adapted to rotate around the axle between the paved surface and the vehicle. A conveyor belt is attached to a forward end of the vehicle and comprises a portion proximate an opening of the milling chamber. The belt is adapted to carry loose aggregate from the milling drum away from the paved surface. At least one nozzle is disposed on an underside of the vehicle and is in communication with a reservoir through a pathway. The at least one nozzle is adapted to direct the loose aggregate towards the portion of the conveyor belt.
US07942604B2 Propulsion and steering system for a road milling machine
A propulsion system is for a road milling machine with a rotatable cutter drum (3). The system includes four crawler assemblies (12) movably coupled with the mainframe so as to define front and rear, and left and right, pairs of crawler assemblies. Four steering actuators (14) are each coupled with a separate crawler assembly and each angularly displaces the crawler about a vertical axis (12a). A first pump (16A) is fluidly coupled with the left pair of crawlers and a second pump (16B) is fluidly coupled with the right pair of crawlers. A control (20) is configured to selectively operate the four actuators in a plurality of different steering modes, one steering mode being a circle steer mode, and to operate the two pumps such that one of the left and right pairs of crawlers are drivable by the first pump in one direction while the other pair of crawlers are drivable in an opposing direction.
US07942598B2 Writing implement
The outer surface of an inner cap 3 is fixedly secured to the inner surface of an outer cap 4. In the opened end portion of the inner cap 3, there is formed a rear end shell portion 31 which projects backwardly. On the outer peripheral surface of the rear end shell portion 31, there is provided a ring-shaped outward facing seal portion. In the front end portion of a barrel 6, there is formed a front end shell portion 61 projecting forwardly. In the inner peripheral surface of the front end shell portion 61, there is formed a ring-shaped inward facing seal portion. When a cap 2 is mounted on the pen tip 8 side of the barrel 6, the outward facing seal portion can be closely contacted with the inward facing seal portion in the radial direction.
US07942593B2 Tape cassette and tape printing apparatus
A CPU 81 displays a virtual tape 201 of a length obtained by subtracting a length (l1+l2) from an antenna 33 to a thermal head 9 from a data value of an “IC chip pitch length L” when it determines that a printing object tape 531 of type 1 is accommodated in a tape cassette 21. A “tape width” is displayed on the right side of the virtual tape 201. A tape length of the virtual tape 201 is displayed below it. A “tape type” is displayed below it. Then, the CPU 81 displays a print area 202 on the virtual tape 201 from a data value of the “print area” while a right side portion thereof serves as a non-print area. It displays the print data inputted into the print area 202 and waits for the return key 4 to be pressed.
US07942592B2 Camera diaphragm device
A camera diaphragm device in which two diaphragm blades, that is, first and second diaphragm blades having respective first and second diaphragm aperture portions whose diameters differ from each other is provided. The diaphragm blades are mounted to blade mounting shafts provided close to each other and in a standing manner, and are separately reciprocatingly rotated by driving pins of respective rotors. When the diaphragm device is set in a minimum diaphragm aperture control state, not only is the first diaphragm blade having the first aperture portion for restricting the minimum diaphragm aperture moved to an aperture portion, but also the second diaphragm blade having the second aperture portion for restricting an intermediate diaphragm aperture is moved to the aperture portion from the same direction. An area of the aperture portion that cannot be covered by only the first diaphragm blade is covered by the second diaphragm blade.
US07942591B2 Bend limiting boot
A connector having a front and back orientation and comprising: (a) a cable having at least a jacket and an optical fiber; (b) a ferrule assembly comprising a rear portion for attachment to said jacket, and a ferrule defining a bore hole for containing said optical fiber; (c) a housing having a front portion configured for mating with a mating structure and a back portion configured for attachment to a boot; (d) a spring biasing said ferrule assembly forward in said housing; and (e) a boot secured to said back portion of said housing and extending rearward around said tight-jacketed cable, said boot having an internal channel large enough to allow axial movement of said ferrule assembly relative to said boot.
US07942590B2 Hardened fiber optic connector and cable assembly with multiple configurations
A fiber optic connector and cable assembly includes a cable with one or more strength members secured to a connector that is connectable to both a hardened and a non-hardened fiber optic adapter. The cable can include multiple cable types with various shapes and strength member configurations. The connector includes a connector housing having a one-piece main body and a cover piece mounted thereon. The one-piece main body defines a plug portion compatible with the adapters. A ferrule assembly is mounted in the plug portion and biased outwardly by a spring. An insert within the connector housing includes a spring stop for holding the spring and a cable retention portion for securing the strength members of the cable. The spring stop and the cable retention portion can be included on a one-piece insert or they can separately be included on separate inserts. The cable retention portion of the insert and the cover piece can take various forms suited for a particular cable of a given fiber optic connector and cable assembly.
US07942586B2 Thrust needle bearing
In a thrust needle bearing employing lubricating oil and having rollers held by a cage and rolling on races, the value of the arithmetic average roughness Ra of roller is 0.03 to 0.15 μm. Even when the bearing is used under the conditions where lubrication is lean or lubrication characteristics are wrong, the rolls can be prevented from being worn at the contact parts thereof with the pocket guide face of the cage and the life of the rollers and races can be increased.
US07942583B2 Rolling bearing cage, ball bearing and roller bearing
A multilayer film 21 is formed by layering layers whose adjoining layers are made of mutually different metals or alloys by an electroplating process on a surface of a metallic annular main body part 20 that has a pocket to accommodate a ball by holding the ball from both sides in the axial direction.
US07942579B2 Rolling guide device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a rolling guide device which can be produced easily and inexpensively by achieving a reduction in the number of parts constituting a slide member (2) and a reduction in machining worker-hours therefor. The rolling guide device includes: a raceway rail (1); and the slide member (2) assembled to the raceway rail (1) through an intermediation of the large number of balls (3), in which the slide member (2) is formed by bending a metal plate member (4) and has a lateral web (20) and a pair of flange parts (21) to be formed in a channel-like configuration, and in which each of the flange parts (21) has a track groove (30) in which the balls (3) circulate, the track groove (30) including a load straight-line groove (31) allowing the balls (3) to roll while bearing a load, a pair of ball deflection grooves (34) and releasing the balls (3) having rolled through the load straight-line groove (31) from the load while changing their direction, and a non-load straight-line groove (34) transferring the balls (3) from one ball deflection groove (34) to the other ball deflection groove (34).
US07942578B2 Container
A container for comprising fluid, said container comprising a front wall and a rear wall of pliant material being sealed together along the edge portion to produce a closed bag having a top portion (6) and a bottom portion (5) connected by two side portions (3, 4), wherein the side portions of the edge of the bag may be superimposed and when sealed together forms a three-dimensional configuration. The container may be self-supporting and stable.
US07942574B2 Portable watch
A portable watch is equipped with a watch exterior member, a crown, a crown lock button, and an urging member. In a case band with which the exterior member is equipped, there are formed a crown mounting hole and a member mounting portion communicating with this hole and vertically perpendicular thereto. The crown is arranged in the hole. The crown has a crown shaft portion passed through the hole and a crown head portion continuous therewith. The crown shaft is provided with a lock groove continuous in the peripheral direction. The lock button accommodated in the mounting portion has a button head portion (operation end portion) protruding from the mounting portion. The button is movable between a lock position where it is engaged with the groove to constrain the crown and a lock canceling position where it is detached from the groove to cancel the constraint of the crown, and is arranged at the lock canceling position through a one-touch operation of the button head portion. The watch is characterized in that the button is arranged at the lock position by an urging member accommodated in the mounting portion.
US07942573B2 Timepiece
A timepiece includes a platen (10) and a barrel mounted on the platen, the barrel including: a drum (20) with a bottom and side walls; a shaft (14) extending through the drum at the center thereof and provided with pivoting elements (40, 54) on the platen; a leaf spring provided in the drum and co-operating with the shaft at one end and with the drum at the other end; and a lid (28) through which the shaft extends and closing the drum, a ratchet wheel (30) being kinematically connected to the shaft for winding the spring. According to the invention, the drum is pivoted via a first ball bearing (34) having a bushing (36) connected to the platen and another bushing (38) connected to the bottom of the drum.
US07942572B2 Process for the continuous production of emulsions
A multistage process for the continuous production of an emulsion comprising subjecting at least two immiscible liquids to a sequence of at least two mixing stages carried out in at least two successive stator-rotor devices, wherein a peripheral outlet from a first stator-rotor device is connected to an axial inlet in the successive stator-rotor device by means of a duct in which the Reynold number ReT inside said duct is higher than 5000, and the peripheral velocity of each rotor of said stator-rotor devices ranges from 5 to 60 m/s.
US07942568B1 Active micromixer using surface acoustic wave streaming
An active micromixer uses a surface acoustic wave, preferably a Rayleigh wave, propagating on a piezoelectric substrate to induce acoustic streaming in a fluid in a microfluidic channel. The surface acoustic wave can be generated by applying an RF excitation signal to at least one interdigital transducer on the piezoelectric substrate. The active micromixer can rapidly mix quiescent fluids or laminar streams in low Reynolds number flows. The active micromixer has no moving parts (other than the SAW transducer) and is, therefore, more reliable, less damaging to sensitive fluids, and less susceptible to fouling and channel clogging than other types of active and passive micromixers. The active micromixer is adaptable to a wide range of geometries, can be easily fabricated, and can be integrated in a microfluidic system, reducing dead volume. Finally, the active micromixer has on-demand on/off mixing capability and can be operated at low power.
US07942567B2 Extruder system with integrated gear pump
An extruder system includes an extruder for axially extruding a rubber or plastic material in a barrel. A gear pump adjusts an amount of extruded material that is discharged by engagement of gears. The gear pump includes a driving pinion and a driven pinion engaged with, and driven by, the driving pinion. A gear casing accommodates the pinions and includes side plates on both axial sides of the pinions. A casing body is arranged between the side plates and encloses a space on a radially outer side of the pinions. The side plate includes a suction side plate that has a suction port arranged opposite to that side of engagement region between the pinions and a discharge side plate that has a discharge port arranged opposite to that side of engagement region between the pinions. The suction and discharge ports are maintained out of axial communication with each other.
US07942566B1 Fly ash treatment system and method of use thereof
The present invention provides a system for treating fly ash and a method of use thereof. The system and method allow for the quick and consistent application of a chemical entity to fly ash so that the characteristics of the fly ash are changed in order to allow use of the fly ash in a new capacity. One specific example is the use of treated fly ash in concrete. The system disclosed herein may be used to treat fly ash as it is produced at a coal-burning power plant or as it is unloaded from a pneumatic truck.
US07942565B2 Illumination device
An illumination device is specified which has a light source (1) suitable for coupling divergent electromagnetic radiation (6) into an optical waveguide (2), the electromagnetic radiation (6) being guided in the optical waveguide (2) on the basis of total reflection the optical waveguide (2) being suitable for changing a main radiating direction (17) of the electromagnetic radiation (6), and the optical waveguide (2) being formed in one piece. Light-emitting diodes are preferably used as the light source (1). The illumination device is particularly well suited to the backlighting of displays.
US07942562B2 Illumination device, in particular for vehicles
The invention relates to an illumination device, in particular for vehicles. The illumination device comprises at least two semiconductor light sources which emit light with different colours, as well as at least one light guide into which the light from the semiconductor light sources is injected, and a light mixer device that is arranged on the entry side of the light guide and has a transparent light-refracting element, by which the spatial distribution of the light from the light sources is mixed so as to generate light that constitutes a colour superposition of the light from the semiconductor light sources. The transparent light-refracting element comprises an end face which forms a light entry face for the light emitted by the semiconductor light sources, the semiconductor light sources being arranged next to one another and in front of the light entry face.
US07942561B2 Light guide having reflective protruding portion, and lighting devices including such light guide
A rod- or plate-shaped light guide includes a first end that receives illuminating light incident thereon, a bottom surface having a reflecting portion thereon for reflecting the light, an emitting face which emits the reflected light, and a protruding portion protruding longitudinally and continuously from the light guide at a second end thereof. The protruding portion has a reduced peripheral dimension compared to a peripheral dimension of an adjacent portion of the light guide, and a reflective body is provided on the protruding portion and covers a longitudinal end face of the protruding portion extending perpendicular to the emitting face. When viewed along an axial direction of the light guide, the reflective body does not jut out from an end face of the light guide even when the body wraps on to a side surface of the protruding portion or expansion occurs.
US07942558B2 Optical device for LED light sources
Optical device and optical component part for the targeted reproduction of light emitted by LED light sources (6). The optical device comprises at least two component parts, a first optical component part (10) in the form of a solid waveguide and another component part for connection to the LED light source (6). In a system of Cartesian co-ordinates, the first optical component part (10) has a length in the y direction shorter than or equal to its length in the z direction and shorter than or equal to its length in the x direction. An envelope of the first optical component part (10) projected in an x-y plane forms essentially a rectangle. Proceeding from an x-y plane, the optical component part (10, 10′) tapers in the z direction to maximum ¼ of the largest width measured along y (By, max), with any design of the y-z flanks of the optical component part (10, 10′).
US07942557B2 LED lamp having active heat dissipation structure
An LED lamp includes a heat sink, a centrifugal blower and a plurality of LED modules. The heat sink includes a base plate defining an air intake adjacent to an end of the base plate and a plurality of fins extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the base plate, between the air intake and an opposite remote end of the base plate. The centrifugal blower is mounted on the bottom surface of the base plate and located between the air intake and the fins. The LED modules are fixed on a top surface of the base plate of the heat sink. The housing engages with the base plate to enclose the centrifugal blower and the fins therein and cooperates with the base plate to define an exhaust port between the opposite remote end of the base plate and a corresponding sidewall of the housing.
US07942554B2 Lighting device with adjustable spotlight beam
A lighting device has a light source, a first magnifier lens, a second magnifier lens, and an adjusting mechanism. The light source generates a light beam. The first magnifier lens is disposed in a path of the light beam. The second magnifier lens is disposed in the path of the light beam. The adjusting mechanism includes first and second male members and first and second sleeve members. The first sleeve member is associated with the first male member and the first magnifier lens. The second sleeve member is associated with the second male member and the second magnifier lens.
US07942551B2 LED array grid, method and device for manufacturing said grid and LED component for use in the same
Disclosed herein is a method for producing an LED array grid including the steps of (i) arranging N electrically conducting parallel wires, where N is an integer>1, thus creating an array of wires having a width D perpendicular to a direction of the wires, (ii) arranging LED components to the array of wires such that each LED component is electrically coupled to at least two adjacent wires, (iii) stretching the array of wires such that the width D increases, and arranging the stretched LED array grid onto a plate or between two plates.
US07942547B2 Light emitting device and electronic apparatus
A light emitting device includes a plurality of light emitting elements aligned along a reference line, a plurality of lenses that collects light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements, and a drive circuit that allows either a first light emitting element or a second light emitting element to emit light. The plurality of lenses includes a first lens and a second lens that is disposed on an opposite side of the first lens with the reference line interposed therebetween, and a distance between the center of the first lens and the reference line is the same as a distance between the center of the second lens and the reference line. The plurality of light emitting elements includes the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element that is disposed on an opposite side of the first light emitting element with the reference line interposed therebetween. A distance between the first light emitting element and the reference line is the same as a distance between the second light emitting element and the reference line.
US07942546B2 Light guide member having light mixing protrusion, flat light source device, and display device
A light guide member capable of reducing an unevenness of luminescent color and further a nonuniformity in luminance when obtaining a white color by a color mixture using a plurality of light sources. Also disclosed are a flat light source device and a display device. A protrusion (4) of a cylindrical shape is formed upward a plurality color of LED light sources 5R, 5G, 5B, e.g., RGB color at a backside face of a light guide member (1), and a conical depression (3) is disposed at the position directly over the protrusion. Lights of each color from LED light sources 5R, 5G, 5B are mixed at the protrusion (4), thereafter reflect at the depression (3) and propagate in a horizontal direction at a light guide portion (2).
US07942542B1 Back lighted replaceable image sheet display apparatus
There is disclosed a backlit display structure with multiple LED's arranged to transmit light into a light guide plate configured to uniformly illuminate the back of a readily replaceable translucent image sheet. The display may be incorporated with a decorative frame which also may be illuminated by the same or different LED's. The display powered by a rechargeable battery pack may also be incorporated in table top boxes for condiments, straws, napkins or other conveniences for restaurant customers where it is useful for displaying replaceable advertising or current featured menu items. In another form the guide plate does not uniformly illuminate an image sheet but only illuminates temporary marks thereon from a crayon or marker, thereby providing an illuminated blackboard.
US07942541B2 Light guide, image display device and method for generating image
A light guide including a transparent substrate; a plurality of guide members formed on a first surface of a transparent substrate, the guides have guide bases separated by an open area on the first surface of the transparent substrate having a width “a”, and the guide bases overlapping an area on the first surface of the transparent substrate having a width “b”, facing sides of adjacent guides each forming an obtuse angle with the first surface of the transparent substrate and, wherein the ratio “b” divided by “a” is substantially equal to N where N is an integer greater than 2 a transparent substrate having an incidence surface and a transmitting surface; and a plurality of guides each formed on the incidence surface of the transparent substrate and each guide having opposing side surfaces each forming an angle with the incidence surface.
US07942536B1 Panoramic cosmetic mirror providing multiple perspectives
A panoramic cosmetic mirror assembly providing multiple images of an individual's face from a variety of angles. This mirror assembly is an assembly of at least five flat mirrors including a central quadrangular flat plane mirror and four additional flat plane side mirrors attached to each side of the central mirror. The plane of each side mirror is beveled forward relative to that of the central mirror to allow each mirror to reflect the images in the other four mirrors. Additional features include the use of magnifying mirrors, electrical illumination and ventilation, and an adjustable stand.
US07942533B2 Large-sized transportable projection screen
A large-sized transportable projection screen comprising an any-shaped fillable hollow body, which is embodied in the form of a structure consisting of fillable tubes. The aim is to develop a large-sized transportable projection screen exhibiting an increased stability and making it possible to obtain an improved projection at daylight. For this purpose, the structure defines a three-dimensional internal space limited on all sides thereof, wherein the tubes are oriented in three directions in space and the internal space is limited by at least one display surface arranged at the level of an edge formed by a part of tubes.
US07942532B2 Projecting device having a heat-dissipating mechanism
A projecting device includes a casing, an optical engine, and a heat-dissipating mechanism. The casing includes a lower casing body and an upper casing body covering the lower casing body. The optical engine is disposed in the casing, and includes a light source module. The heat-dissipating mechanism includes a first blower disposed uprightly in the casing and adjacent to one side of the light source module for driving airflow to cool the light source module and the casing. The first blower has a thickness greater than one half of a length thereof and greater than one half of a width thereof. With the arrangement of the first blower, a sufficient amount of airflow is provided to the system to improve the heat-dissipating effect and to enhance system reliability.
US07942531B2 Edge lit locally dimmed display
An edge lit locally dimmed display has a spatial light modulator illuminated by a light source. The light source is positioned at an edge and behind the spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator is illuminated with a low resolution version of a desired image. The illumination may comprise a series of lighting elements that vary smoothly from one element to another at the spatial light modulator.
US07942527B2 Compact adaptive optic-optical coherence tomography system
Badal Optometer and rotating cylinders are inserted in the AO-OCT to correct large spectacle aberrations such as myopia, hyperopic and astigmatism for ease of clinical use and reduction. Spherical mirrors in the sets of the telescope are rotated orthogonally to reduce aberrations and beam displacement caused by the scanners. This produces greatly reduced AO registration errors and improved AO performance to enable high order aberration correction in a patient eyes.
US07942525B2 Contrast sensitivity testing and/or training using circular contrast zones
The contrast sensitivity of an individual may be tested and/or trained using a plurality of circular contrast zones. The individual may select the circular contrast zone having a different degree of contrast than the other circular contrast zones. For example, the individual may select the circular contrast zone having the highest or lowest contrast of a displayed plurality of circular contrast zones. A plurality of circular contrast zones may be displayed with a spatial arrangement that facilitates inputting a selection of one of the plurality by the individual. A variety of input devices may be used to receive a selection from an individual. Both the accuracy and speed of an individual's contrast sensitivity may be tested and/or trained in accordance with the present invention.
US07942523B2 Method for manufacturing polarized ophthalmic lenses
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a polarized lens. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of treating a polarized film with a composition to form a treated polarized film, providing a front lens mold having a concave surface with a curvature, spin-coating a hard coat composition onto the concave surface of the front lens mold to form a hard coat layer thereon, forming a first adhesive layer on the hard coat layer, placing the treated polarized film on the adhesive layer, curing the adhesive layer with UV or visible light to bond the treated polarized film to the hard coat layer, thereby forming a polarized front lens mold, and forming a polarized lens with the polarized front lens mold.
US07942522B2 Illuminated low-vision spectacles
Lighted reading glasses for individuals with low vision. In one embodiment, the reading glasses include a frame for supporting lenses having an oculus dexter side and an oculus sinister side, at least one oculus dexter lens supported by the frame on the oculus dexter side, and at least one oculus sinister lens supported by the frame on the oculus sinister side, each of the at least one oculus dexter lens and the at least one sinister lens having an induced prism in a range between about 4 PD and about 22 PD and a lens power that is greater than about +4.00 diopters and less than about +20.00 diopters such that each of said lenses focuses at a distance that is greater than about 5 cm and less than about 25 cm, and at least one light source having a predetermined light strength oriented to project light to provide a predetermined lighted area in a predetermined field.
US07942515B2 Solid ink stick having a feed drive coupler
A solid ink unit enables facilitates coupling of the solid ink unit to a drive mechanism. The solid ink unit includes a meltable ink body having a longitudinal axis, a coupler support extending from the meltable ink body, and an opening in the coupler support that extends along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the solid ink body.
US07942509B2 Ink cartridge attachment/detachment device and recording apparatus
An ink cartridge attachment/detachment device that loads an ink cartridge into a main body of a recording apparatus by sliding the ink cartridge into includes an ejection lever and an urging force adjustment device. The ejection lever contacts the ink cartridge and urges the ink cartridge using an urging force of an urging device in an ejecting direction in which the ink cartridge is ejected when the ink cartridge is loaded or when the ink cartridge is ejected. The urging force adjustment device changes a ratio of a force with which the urging device urges the ejection lever in a pivotal direction in which the ejection lever is pivoted to a force with which the urging device urges the ejection lever in a radial direction about a pivotal fulcrum of the ejection lever. The urging force adjustment device reduces the force with which the urging device urges the ejection lever in the radial direction as the ejection lever is pivoted in the ejecting direction, and the urging force adjustment device increases the force with which the urging device urges the ejection lever in the radial direction as the ejection lever is pivoted in a loading direction in which the ink cartridge is loaded.
US07942508B2 Decreased actuation voltage in MEMS devices by constraining membrane displacement without using conductive “landing pad”
The present application is directed to electrostatic actuators, and methods of making electrostatic actuators. In one embodiment, an electrostatic actuator of the present application can include an electrode layer and a mechanical member. The electrode layer can include a removed portion that is free of a landing pad. The mechanical member can be positioned in proximity to the electrode layer so as to provide a gap therebetween. The mechanical member can further include a dimple structure protruding out into the gap and aligned with the removed portion of the electrode layer. When in operation, the mechanical member can be capable of deflecting toward the electrode layer. The electrostatic actuator can be used in a fluid drop ejector for ink jet recording or printing devices.
US07942506B2 Inkjet printer head and method to manufacture the same
An inkjet printer head includes a substrate, an insulating layer having a groove and disposed on the substrate, a heating member having a concavely curved upper surface and disposed on an upper portion of the groove, an electrode to make contact with the heating member to apply electric current to the heating member, a chamber layer disposed on the heating member, and a nozzle layer having one or more nozzles and disposed on the chamber layer. According to the inkjet printer head, the heating member has a curved structure to increase a length of the heating member, so that resistance of the heating member can be increased. Thus, the heating member can stably operate regardless of current variation applied thereto, and the printing work can be performed.
US07942505B2 Inkjet nozzle arrangement having a nozzle rim to facilitate ink drop misdirection
Provided is an inkjet nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The arrangement includes a wafer substrate defining sidewalls and a roof portion to form an ink chamber, the roof portion further defining a nozzle aperture, as well as a heater element suspended inside the ink chamber for thermal expansion and subsequent ejection of ink from the chamber via the nozzle aperture. The arrangement also includes a nozzle rim defined about the aperture on the roof portion, said rim having an inner and an outer lip to facilitate ink drop misdirection during ink ejection to minimise cavitation corrosion of the heater element.
US07942501B2 Electrostatic actuator for ink jet heads
An electrostatic inkjet head providing high pressure to ink in order to enable high quality printing. The electrostatic actuator providing the pressure to the membrane (200) compressing the ink in a chamber (50) with an opening (20) is characterized by an overlapping area of the actuation electrode (300) and the moveable electrode (500) not determined by the area of the membrane (200) covering the chamber (50) with the ink. The maximum pressure that can be applied can be adapted by means of the ratio of the overlapping area (220) of the two electrodes and the area (210) of the membrane (200) covering the chamber (50) with the ink. Use of said head to eject a liquid drug used in an injection system.
US07942495B2 Method of and apparatus for ink jet printing using an electrostatic field
An improved printer and method of printing uses an electrostatic field at the point of ink contact with the print medium to improve ink application. This improved printer and printing method makes possible a higher resolution final image; provides for greater control of the application of ink on the print medium; permits the use of a wider range of inks having variable viscosities, surface tensions, and elasticities; and permits the use of a variety of ink application speeds.
US07942491B2 Serial recording apparatus and method of feeding recording medium
Provided is a serial recording apparatus including: a feed unit which feeds a recording medium; a recording unit which performs recording with respect to the fed recording medium; a movement unit which moves the recording unit in order to performing recording; a transporting unit which transports the recording medium in a direction crossing the movement direction of the recording unit; a controller which controls the recording unit, the movement unit, the transporting unit and the feed unit; and a determination unit which determines whether a target stop position of the recording unit satisfies a target position condition, during the movement of the recording unit, wherein the controller starts a feed operation of the subsequent medium using the feed unit at a timing before the movement of the recording unit is stopped, if the target stop position satisfies the target position condition.
US07942488B2 Custom color printhead module
A custom color printhead module comprises a mixing reservoir having a first opening and a second opening each configured to receive a first colored ink and a second colored ink and to mix the ink in the reservoir to form a custom colored ink. A first and a second reservoir supply valve are connected to the first and second opening, respectively, to open and close the first and second openings to enable and disable a flow of a first colored ink and a second colored ink into the mixing reservoir. A printhead is connected to the mixing reservoir to receive the custom colored ink from the mixing reservoir. A housing is configured to support the mixing reservoir and the printhead and configured for connection and removal from an imaging device.
US07942485B2 Deployable workstation
A desk unit assembly deployable from a closed position to an open position. The desk unit assembly has a desk portion and a chair assembly. The desk portion has a top, two opposed and vertically extending sidewalls, a rear wall and a front wall, the top, sidewalls, front and rear walls define a chamber therebetween. A chair assembly has a seat and a backrest, the seat is disposed within the chamber and the backrest forms a portion of the front wall of the desk portion when the desk unit assembly is in the closed position. The assembly has a generally cubical shape with substantially flat outer surfaces of the two sidewalls, the front wall and the rear wall when in the closed position and when the assembly is in the open position the chamber can accommodate the legs of a user.
US07942482B2 Brake system
What is disclosed is a brake system for a mobile machine, e.g., for a wheel loader, comprising two hydraulic circuits to each of which at least one respective wheel brake cylinder is associated. Control of the wheel brake cylinders is effected through a brake valve arrangement which, in accordance with the invention, is formed by two brake valves each realized with a hydraulic pilot control, wherein the braking pressure at the one brake valve is reported via a control line into a pilot control chamber of the other brake valve.
US07942472B2 Clamping side post for curtain side trailer
A post assembly is suitable for use with a curtain side trailer having a side rail and a top rail disposed above the side rail. The post assembly has a post and a clamping assembly for selectively coupling the lower end of the post to the side rail. The clamp assembly includes first and second clamp fittings. The first clamp fitting is coupled to the post to engage a lower surface of the side rail. The second clamp fitting slidably coupled to the post and to engage an upper surface of the side rail. A linkage is coupled to the post and to the second clamp fitting. Movement of the linkage reciprocates the second clamp fitting between a clamped position and an unclamped position. In the clamped position, the second clamp fitting and the first clamp fitting cooperate to apply a clamping force to the side rail.
US07942470B2 Aerodynamic skirt opening
A skirt assembly kit comprising a skirt panel adapted to be disposed on a trailer to route air about the road trailer is provided, a plurality of upper supports adapted to secure the skirt panel to the road trailer and a plurality of struts adapted to secure the skirt panel to the road trailer. A method of installing an aerodynamic skirt on a trailer is also provided, the method comprising providing a skirt panel, installing the skirt panel on the trailer; and performing an opening in the skirt panel. An aerodynamic skirt kit adapted to mounted to a trailer is equally provided, the aerodynamic skirt kit comprising a skirt panel adapted to define an opening therein adapted to give access through the skirt panel, and an opening closing element adapted to close the opening.
US07942466B2 Vehicle side fairing system
A vehicle side fairing having a first fairing panel fixedly secured to the underside of a trailer box, and a second fairing panel slidably mounted to the first fairing panel. The second fairing panel is releasably secured to the wheel set so that the second fairing panel can be moved with an adjustment in the position of the wheel set.
US07942465B1 Intensive solar photovoltaic mobile power module system
This invention involves an intensive system including a solar photovoltaic mobile power module. The system is set in a shell serving as a whole recreation vehicle (RV), which contains some auto body parts such as a chassis, wheels, a traction frame etc. The front-end face of the RV entirely installed with BIPV solar power glass curtain wall plates is 66-degree angle with the chassis. In addition, the front and rear parts of the RV are equipped with solar panels. The middle part of the RV has windows, while guardrails and a maintenance-ladder are also available in the rear. In the RV, there are facilities such as a bookshelf, a double bed, a bathtub, a toilet seat, a refrigerator, sofas, a desk, a vegetables pool, a console, a wardrobe, a door and a platform.
US07942463B2 Rear-window roller blind with back-seat shelf as a support element
In a rear-window roller blind for motor vehicles in which a rear half of a back-seat shelf, which is located between the rear window and the pull-out slot for the rear-window roller blind, is used as a support element for the roller blind. The back-seat shelf half is made either from a wood material or is a plastic molded part. Through alternative arrangements, it is ensured that the temperature expansion and contraction of the components of the roller blind and its support are accommodated.
US07942459B2 Mounting device for a line replaceable unit in an aircraft and a method for using the same
A mounting device for a line replaceable unit in an aircraft, and a method for using the same. The mounting device provides for easy installation and removal of a line replaceable unit from overhead mounting apparatus or mounting rails in an aircraft, in particular, an Airbus. The mounting device includes a fixing block having a least one opening, and at least one assembly including a shaft portion passing through the opening, a clamping element and a visual position element whose orientation indicates an orientation of the clamping element. The assembly is operable such that the clamping element secures the device to a component of the vehicle when positioned in a first position, and releases the device when positioned in a second position, and the visual position element provides an indication of whether the clamping element is in the first or second position.
US07942456B2 Fluid conduits with integral end fittings and associated methods of manufacture and use
Fluid conduits for plumbing and other uses having integral end fittings are disclosed herein. A fluid conduit configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes a tube, such as a copper tube, having an end portion adjacent to a body portion. The body portion has a first wall thickness and the end portion has a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness. The fluid conduit also includes a seal positioned in an annular groove formed in an interior surface of the end portion. In this embodiment, the tube can be joined to another tube by at least partially compressing the end portion around a portion of the other tube.
US07942454B2 Threads with perturbations
A threaded connection includes a pin member including a pin thread having a pin thread crest, a pin thread root, a pin load flank, and a pin stab flank, and a box member including a box thread having a box thread crest, a box thread root, a box load flank, and a box stab flank, wherein at least one of the pin thread crest, the pin thread root, the box thread crest, and the box thread root has at least one perturbation formed thereon. Upon a selected make-up of the pin member with the box member, a localized clearance or a localized interference exists between the pin thread and the box thread at the at least one perturbation, wherein the localized clearance between the pin thread and the box thread exists across substantially the entire pin thread crest or substantially the entire box thread crest, and wherein the localized interference between the pin thread and the box thread exists across substantially the entire pin thread crest or substantially the entire box thread crest.
US07942449B2 Seat belt apparatus and seat belt retractor
A seat belt retractor includes a frame having a back plate and a side wall protruding from each of multiple side edges of the back plate. The seat belt retractor also includes a spool supported by the frame and configured to rotate and wind a seat belt, a motor configured to rotate the spool, and an electronic control unit configured to drive and control the motor. The electronic control unit is mounted between the side walls of the frame and the back plate is disposed in an inner space of a vehicle body member and faces a vehicle interior direction.
US07942447B2 Frame design for reduced-size vehicle
Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.
US07942446B2 Horizontal hybrid collapsing steering column
The invention provides a steering column assembly having a steering column extending between a pivot end and a steering wheel supporting end. The steering wheel supporting end is operable to engage a steering wheel. The steering column is moveable along a collapse path in response to an impacting force acting on the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column includes a cam-follower surface in fixed relation to the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column assembly also includes a cam surface spaced from the steering column and slidably engaging the cam-follower surface. The cam surface and the cam-follower surface cooperate during movement of the steering column along the collapse path to guide the steering column in rotation upwardly about the pivot end.
US07942445B2 Personal mobility vehicle with anti-tip suspension
A personal ability vehicle (PMV) includes a frame with front and rear subframes. A steering mechanism is mounted on the front subframe and includes a steering front wheel connected to a tiller. The rear subframe includes a suspension mount comprising a pair of rear support legs. An anti-tip suspension includes a pair of trailing arms each mounting a trailing wheel. Each trailing arm is pivotally mounted on a respective support leg whereby the suspension is inevitable through a limited range of motion about a transverse suspension pivotal axis. A pair of spring assemblies are attached to the trailing arms and are adapted for selectively engaging the support legs to provide a counter-rotational torque force around the suspension pivotal axis in order to resist backwards tipping of the PMV, for example, when it is ascending an inclined sloping surface. Relatively uniform proportional, weight distribution on said steering front, main and trailing wheels is maintained throughout a range of loads.
US07942440B2 Channel and diffuser airbag
Disclosed are embodiments of airbag cushions including diffuser panels to redirect inflation gas within the cushion. In an embodiment particularly suited for use as a knee airbag cushion, a diffuser panel is positioned over the inflator opening and in between the front and rear faces of an airbag cushion panel. The diffuser panel defines a plurality of channels such that, upon inflation of the airbag cushion through the inflator opening, the channels redirect inflation gas towards the top corners and sides of the interior of the airbag cushion.
US07942438B2 Airbag with stop leak material
An inflatable cushion assembly for deployment in a vehicle. The assembly has an inflator, an inflatable cushion, and particles of a stop leak material. Upon deployment, the stop leak material becomes temporarily dispersed by and suspended in inflation gas such that the cushion is rendered less porous to inflation gas.
US07942426B2 Pivotal/rigid accessories for power and hand tools
A driving tool assembly includes a drive component adapted to be connected to a power tool or hand tool. A driven component is pivotally connected to the drive component and is adapted to receive a tool bit, drill bit, or otherwise provide a nut driver or socket wrench. A locking mechanism is provided for lockingly engaging the driven component to be in co-axial alignment with the drive component. The drive component includes a shaft or a mandrel having a driving shank formed or provided on one end thereof. The driving shank has a non-circular cross-section formed or defined by three or more curved and planar sidewalls. The number of sidewalls preferably includes three, four or six sidewalls, for engaging with a non-circular cavity of the driven component.
US07942424B2 Lip type seal
For easier separation and sorting by material of constructing parts and better assembly retainability among the constructing parts and installing workability, a lip type seal has a elastic material-made first lip seal member (11) including a cylinder portion (12) fitted into a shaft hole (72) and a first seal lip (14) arranged at a sealed fluid side (A) and contacted with a shaft (73), a resin-made second lip seal member (21) including a second seal lip (23) arranged at an atmospheric air side (B) and contacted with the shaft (73), a metal-made spacer ring (31) arranged at the sealed fluid side (A) of the second lip seal member (21), and a metal-made retaining ring (41) retaining the spacer ring (31) and the second lip seal member (21), and these parts are assembled without bonding, so that the retaining ring (41) is fitted to the first lip seal member (11).
US07942422B2 Multiwall pipe lip seal joint
An elastomeric lip seal joint for sealing the inner liner and grout layers when joining two sections of multiwall pipe having an outer steel casing and an inner liner. The ring-shaped lip seal joint comprises a gasket with insulating material completely covering its outer surface. The insulating material is capable of shielding the gasket from the heat produced when the sections of outer steel casing are welded together. The use of the lip seal joint simplifies the process of joining sections of multiwall pipe. Each side of the lip seal joint is inserted into one of the annular voids at each end of the pipe, thereby sealing the inner liner and grout. A single circumferential weld then joins the outer steel casing. The gasket remains intact during the welding process due to the presence of the insulating material.
US07942416B2 Image forming apparatus, sheet conveying method, and program for sheet conveyance
A technique in an image forming apparatus in which the front and back sides of a sheet are reversed by using a reversal conveyance path is provided for causing the sheet to wait such that the sheet is not damaged when a unit for conveying the sheet to the reversal conveyance path is pulled out for the purpose of clearing a jam or the like.A roller for conveying the sheet is controlled such that the sheet to be turned back and directed into the reversal conveyance path is caused to wait until the sheet can be conveyed into the reversal conveyance path. As a standby position of the sheet while the sheet is caused to wait, a position is set such that an upstream end portion in the second conveying direction of the sheet to be directed into the reversal conveyance path does not extend for a predetermined length or longer into another conveyance unit adjacent to the intermediate conveyance unit upstream from the intermediate conveyance unit in the second conveying direction.
US07942414B2 Image forming apparatus and method of managing discharged sheets
In so-called an image forming apparatus of an in-body paper discharging type, a technology which improves convenience of handling of sheets discharged from the apparatus is provided.The holding unit holding a sheet received by a predetermined sheet receiver is moved between a sheet receiving position positioned above the discharge tray in a body for receiving the sheet discharged from the discharge port by the predetermined sheet receiver of the holding unit and a retracted position at which the holding unit is retracted from above the discharge tray so as to avoid the abutment with the sheet placed on the discharge tray.
US07942410B2 Document imaging system and method
A document imaging system includes a document transport system that transports an original document through an imaging zone in optical communication with an image recording device. A document guide directs the original document toward the imaging zone and a document biasing device urges the trailing edge of the original document toward the document transport system. A printing system utilizing a document imaging system and a method of imaging an original document are also included.
US07942406B2 Roll feeder
A roll feeder reliably produces sheets obtained by cutting a web, as a pack of sheets arranged in a partially overlapping fashion with a quantity of overlap margin of the sheet suitable for use with a printing press and capable of easily controlling overlap. A roll feeder includes a rotary cutter for cutting a web to obtain cut sheets, a lower suction and conveyance belt element for sucking and conveying the sheets cut by the rotary cutter, a lift member for raising upwardly the tail edge of the cut sheet sucked and conveyed by the lower suction and conveyance belt element, and an upper suction and conveyance belt element for sucking the tail edge of the cut sheet raised by the lift member from above and conveying the cut sheet at a speed lower than the speed at which the lower suction and conveyance belt element conveys the cut sheet.
US07942404B2 Device of supplying paper medium
A medium supply device includes a receiving portion including a support plate to form a bottom surface of the receiving portion, a support portion being formed on the support plate to support a central portion of a bottom surface of paper medium, and a guide being formed on the support plate to limit both sides of paper medium around the support portion; a separating portion being provided in front of the receiving portion to pick up and discharge the paper medium; and a pressurizing portion including a block to move forward and backward with respect to the receiving portion and a plate of which a location is adjustable upwardly and downwardly along the block, wherein the guide is formed in parallel with a transferring direction of the paper medium and includes a plurality of protrusions.
US07942402B2 Method for feeding sheets to a sheet processing machine
An apparatus for feeding sheets to a sheet processing machine smoothes out and fixes a sheet through the use of a suction groove disposed transversely relative to a sheet transport direction, before the sheet is gripped by an onward transport device. A sheet-fed rotary printing press having the apparatus is also provided.
US07942400B2 Saddle stitcher with alignment paddle
An improved saddle stitcher incorporating alignment paddle which includes paddle 100, a base 200, and torque producing means wherein the torque producing means rotates the paddle which contacts and jogs passing signature groups, thereby aligning them.
US07942393B2 Angle adjusting device and display module testing apparatus using the same
An exemplary device (27) for adjusting angle of a base plate (2710) includes: two side walls (21) being parallel to and spaced apart from each other, each of the side walls including a pivot hole (217); a base plate disposed between the two side walls and pivotally attached to the side walls via the pivot axles; and a plurality of magnetism members (211, 212 and 2715) disposed on the base plate (2710) and the side wall. The magnetism members configures for holding the base plate stably in a starting position and further configures to allow the base plate to be displaced from the starting position by manual pressure applied to the base plate, such that a tilt angle of the base plate relative to the two side walls is adjustable up or down as desired. An exemplary apparatus (2) for testing display modules using the angle adjusting device is also provided.
US07942388B2 Multi-fragrance diffusion device
A scent diffusion device including an air flow generator; an outlet, the generator and outlet defining a path for the flow of air therebetween; a plurality of scent diffusion modules comprising: a slide moveable by sliding inside a housing between at least one diffusion position and a non-fragrant position; at least one first window in the slide intended to receive a source of fragrant molecules; a second window in the slide, wherein, in the diffusion position, the first window faces a window in the housing and in the non-fragrant position, the second window faces the window in the housing, and wherein the modules are positioned such that window axes of the housings of different modules are aligned on the path; and a device permitting the slides to be brought individually onto one of the positions; the flow of air successively traversing the windows of the housings, the first window and the second window of the slides according to positions of the latter.
US07942386B2 Balanced gate mechanism
A balanced gate assembly utilizing plastic or vinyl fencing materials includes a rotatable center post that balances loads. An inner post assembly includes a bearing along a central axis for supporting the load of the gate. The balanced gate assembly carries loads along the center post to provide for the utilization of light weight materials such as plastic and vinyl.
US07942381B2 Solenoid valve and fuel injection valve having the same
A solenoid valve includes a movable core, a magnetic opposed portion opposed to the movable core, a nonmagnetic cylindrical portion, a first magnetic cylindrical portion axially close to the movable core, and a second magnetic cylindrical portion located radially outside of the magnetic opposed portion. The nonmagnetic cylindrical portion surrounds radially outside of a gap between the magnetic opposed portion and the movable core. A coil is provided radially outside of the nonmagnetic cylindrical portion. A thickness t of the nonmagnetic cylindrical portion, a cross-sectional area S1 of the magnetic opposed portion, and a total cross-sectional area S2 of both the magnetic opposed portion and the second magnetic cylindrical portion having the thickness t satisfy the relationships of t≦0.6 mm and 0.55≦(S1/S2).
US07942375B2 Mount and leveling system
The present invention involves a projector mount and leveling system for securely connecting and aligning a working unit, such as a projector, to the ceiling of a room. The present invention has a ceiling component with upper and lower sections, the upper section of the ceiling component attaches to a mounting surface, typically the mounting surface is a ceiling, a mounting bracket connects to the lower section of the ceiling component; a plurality of offset articulated legs, each offset articulated leg having a proximal end, and a distal end with a threaded leveling barrel opening; and threaded leveling barrels, wherein the offset articulated legs connect to the mounting bracket at the proximal end, and the offset articulated legs connect at the distal ends to a projector with the threaded leveling barrels.
US07942370B2 Vortex detection and turbulence measurement
A vortex detection device suitable for use in fighter aircraft including an angle-of-attack sensor, an angle-of-attack processing unit connected to the angle-of-attack sensor capable of forming a signal representative of current air stream's angle-of-attack, a synthetic angle-of-attack estimation unit capable of forming a synthetic angle-of-attack signal, and a vortex level calculation unit connected to the processing and estimation unit, capable of calculating a vortex level signal, and a vortex detection unit connected to the vortex level calculation unit, for deciding, based on the vortex level signal, if a vortex is detected.
US07942369B2 Windscreen frame and a method of production for a windscreen frame
A windscreen frame, and a method of production for a windscreen frame, designed to hold a windscreen in an opening in a wall, the frame including at least one upper horizontal frame section element, at least one lower horizontal frame section element and at least one vertical mounting, characterized in that it is a single unit in composite material.
US07942361B2 Webbing retracting device
A webbing retracting device that may prevent entering of an end-lock state when a spool rotates in the pull out direction on rebound just after completion of taking up of the webbing belt. A restriction weight is provided on a V gear. The restriction weight moves in the pull out direction relative to the V gear by acceleration when the V gear is rotated in the take up direction, and furthermore, the restriction weight pivots about a support pin under centrifugal force due to rotation of the V gear and attains a contact position. In such a state, even if the inertial mass attempts to displace toward the lock activation direction, the restriction weight interferes with the inertial mass and restricts displacement of the inertial mass toward the lock activation direction.
US07942359B2 Carbon fiber package and process for producing the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a package in an optimal form obtained by winding a carbon fiber bundle having a fineness of 25,000 to 35,000 deniers, which has a high wound density and is less apt to become loose, and a method for producing the same. The present invention is a carbon fiber package obtained by winding a carbon fiber bundle having a fineness of 25,000 to 35,000 deniers on a bobbin in a square-end type, wherein the width per unit fineness of the carbon fiber bundle is in the range of 0.30×10−3 to 0.63×10−3 mm/denier, the traverse angle in the beginning of winding is in the range of 13 to 14°, the traverse angle in the end of winding is 3° or larger, and the fractional portion W0 of the winding ratio W is in the range of 0.07 to 0.08.
US07942358B2 Method for controlling a crusher and a crusher
A crusher and a method for controlling a crusher having a first crushing member and a second crushing member defining a crusher setting of a crushing cavity into which material to be crushed is being fed. The method having the steps of: measuring continuously instantaneous load on the crusher; recording instantaneous load peaks exceeding a predetermined target level for the load peaks; keeping track of the number of the load peaks exceeding the predetermined target level during a predetermined period of time; and controlling loading of the crusher on the basis of the number of the load peaks experienced by the crusher during the predetermined period of time.
US07942355B2 Self-propelled crusher and management system for self-propelled crusher
A self-traveling crushing machine includes: a traveling device; a crushing device that is provided on the traveling device and crushes a to-be-crushed object supplied; an overload escaping section that escapes an overload of the crushing device; and a controller that controls the crushing device. In the self-traveling crushing machine, the crushing device is a jaw crusher in which the to-be-crushed object is supplied to a V-shaped space formed by a fixed jaw and a movable jaw and the movable jaw swings relative to the fixed jaw to crush the to-be-crushed object, and the controller includes: an escape-operation determining section that determines whether or not the overload escaping section has operated; and an information output section that sends the escape operation information to an outside when the escape-operation determining section determines that the escape operation has been conducted.
US07942354B2 Rotary tumbler and metal reclaimer
A rotary tumbler metal reclaimer includes an inner cylinder and a concentric outer cylinder that rotate simultaneously. The inner cylinder includes a first compartment that intakes material for breaking by teeth, a second compartment that receives broken material from the first compartment and crushes the material into smaller particles, and a third compartment wherein particulate material enters the space between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder by attrition through perforated screens. The second compartment includes a crusher having various features for crushing lump material as it rotates. The third compartment provides further breakage and conveyance of particulate material. Particulate material then returns proximate the intake for screening into fine and coarse sizes and then collecting for reuse. Metallics and metallic oxides exit the tumbler through apertures in the rear of the third compartment for collection. The tumbler reclaims metals, metallic oxides, sands, and other materials for reuse.
US07942348B2 Fuel injector
A fuel injector has a solenoid which cooperates with an armature acted upon by a restoring spring, the armature, together with a valve needle, forming an axially movable valve part. A valve closing body which forms a seat seal with a valve seat body is provided on the valve needle, the seat being form-fitted in a seat support which forms the downstream interface to the inlet pipe or the combustion chamber and is made of plastic. The connection fitting, which forms the upstream interface to the central fuel supply, is preferably also manufactured from plastic.
US07942346B2 Hose-end sprayer bottles with safety features
Safety features in and for hose-end sprayer bottles. In a first safety arrangement, there is ensured a more hindered transition of a spool (e.g., product/carrier spool) or adjuster from a first setting to a second setting than from the second setting to the first setting, wherein in the first setting no carrier stream is admitted through the sprayer and in the second setting solely a carrier stream is admitted through the sprayer. In a second safety arrangement, there is arrested displacement of a container interface (e.g., bottle swivel) from a second (essentially advanced) position towards a first (essentially initial) position upon the container interface displacing from the first position to the second position.
US07942344B2 Device and method to prevent the exsiccation of fluid products in a dispensing machine for said products
A device to prevent the exsiccation of fluid products in a delivery head of a dispensing machine for said fluid products. The device comprises a first element able to generate a flow of air mixed with steam or with at least a solvent, and a second element able to convey the flow towards a zone underneath the delivery nozzles of the delivery head and to create in said zone a determinate atmosphere, different from the atmosphere in the environment where the dispensing machine is to be found during use. The device also comprises detection elements arranged in proximity with the delivery head and able to detect one or more significant parameters of said determinate atmosphere, and a regulation circuit able to regulate one or more characteristics of said flow according to the values detected by the detection elements in order to maintain the significant parameters of the determinate atmosphere within a set of pre-determined values.
US07942343B2 Coatings for use in fuel injector components
A coating for fuel injector components adapted for use with low lubricity fuels is disclosed. The invention consists of a metal carbon material coating or a metal nitride coating to the fuel pump plunger or other fuel injection system components. The invention utilizes a coating on the fuel injector plunger that minimizes scuffing or seizure associated with the plunger and barrel.
US07942341B2 Two dimensional dot code, and decoding apparatus and method for a two dimensional dot code
A two dimensional dot code includes boundary dots, a direction dot and a code dot to regenerate an information therefrom. To decode the two dimensional dot code, the boundary dots and the direction dot are used to define coordinates of virtual code dots first and then, the code dot is compared with the coordinates of the virtual code dots. Thus, in order to retrieve the information represented by the two dimensional dot code, the position of the code dot can be rapidly determined without rotational correction of the image taken from the two dimensional dot code.
US07942340B2 Two-dimensional code, and method and apparatus for detecting two-dimensional code
A two-dimensional code includes a polygonal exterior region distinguishable from a background on the basis of brightness or color and an interior region disposed at a predetermined distance from the perimeter of the exterior region. The interior region is divided into cells of a predetermined size so that information is represented by brightness or color of each of the cells. The cells, each having the shape of a hexagon, are disposed so as to abut each other.
US07942339B2 Bank card with a user actuatable switch
An electronic card includes an element for transmitting a signal to a user of the electronic card, an electronic unit, an electric energy source, a switch actuatable by a user of the electronic card and an application introduced into the electronic unit. The electronic unit includes an element for detecting actuation of the switch, arranged for determining whether the actuation ends within a first time interval from the start of actuation (t0), the end of the first time interval occurring after transmission (t1) of a signal perceptible to the card user, or for determining whether the switch actuation ends within a second time interval (T2max) from the start of transmission (t1) of the user perceptible signal, the application being actuated or the actuation thereof being validated when the detection element has detected the end (t2) of the switch actuation within the first time interval or the second time interval.
US07942335B2 Radio frequency system and password management method in radio frequency system
A radio frequency system and a password management method applied to a storage device of the radio frequency system are provided, in which a first access password is stored for deciding whether to permit access to information and a first changed password. The first changed password, a second access password, and a second changed password are received, and the first access password is changed to the second access password, and the first changed password is changed to the second changed password. Accordingly, information access authority in the storage device and a password change authority can be exclusively transferred according to the transfer of management of the storage device, and information leakage caused by a previous manager's password leakage or a third person's password leakage can be prevented.
US07942334B2 Token with an electronic identifier
A token includes a flat body made of a plastic material. The flat body has at least two parallel faces and a cavity which opens to at least one of the at least two parallel faces. The cavity receives an electronic identification device. At least one plug made of a plastic material is included. The plug is inserted into the cavity to retain the electronic device. The electronic device is in the form a pellet having outer film layers enveloping the electronic elements. The film layers are perforated.
US07942331B2 Scanner with modular parts
A modular barcode scanner for identifying various types of barcodes or the like is provided. The scanner has a housing that has a light source mounted therein and a plurality of walls with one wall at least partially disposed to allow a light path originating from the light source to pass out of the housing to reach the bar codes. The scanner further has a top module mounted on the top of the housing comprising a flat member having light receiving and processing optics as well as subsequent electronic processing devices mounted thereon; and a bottom module mounted on the bottom of the housing having an inner surface with a rotating mirror mounted thereon for directing the light path.
US07942330B2 Apparatus comprising image sensor
An apparatus having an image sensor is provided. An image sensor of the apparatus can include a two dimensional image sensor. A lens assembly can be provided in combination with an image sensor. In one aspect, an apparatus can attempt to decode a decodable symbol representation. In one aspect an apparatus can output a frame of image data.
US07942327B2 Magnetic data processing apparatus and noise reduction method for such apparatus
The magnetic data processing apparatus includes a magnetic head and a motor arranged to reduce noise due to leakage flux from the motor. The magnetic data processing apparatus may form a check processing apparatus 1 having an MICR head 2 and a transportation motor 11, which is preferably a stepping motor. The MICR head 2 and the transportation motor 11 are positioned relative to one another so that the rotational axis 42 of the transportation motor 11 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the head gap 23 in the MICR head 2. In the head gap 23 of the MICR head 2 the direction of the leakage flux 44 from the transportation motor 11 is parallel to the long axis of the left and right head gap faces 23a and 23b defining the head gap 23. Because the detection sensitivity of the MICR head 2 is lowest in this direction, noise due to leakage flux 44 from the transportation motor 11 is suppressed and the MICR head 2 can read magnetic ink characters with good accuracy.
US07942325B2 Optimized smart card driver performance
By splitting a smart card driver into multiple components, with one component residing on the mobile communication device and another component residing on the smart card reader, the smart card reader driver component is enabled to do more than merely relay communication between the mobile communication device and the smart card. By transferring part of the communication handling of the smart card driver to the smart card reader, a reduction in communication over the connection between the smart card reader and mobile communication device advantageously results in a more efficient transaction.
US07942324B2 Method for communicating between a reader and a wireless identification marker, associated reader and marker
A method includes transmitting a first digital channel (X0) from a reader to a marker, receiving a second digital channel (Y0) corresponding to the first digital channel and to errors introduced by a noisy channel, introducing artificial errors into at least one of the first or second digital channels, carrying out an advantage distillation phase in such a way that a new first digital channel (X1) is determined for the reader. A new second digital channel (Y1) is determined for the marker such that the advantage is taken with respect to a possible passive attacker. In an information reconciliation phase, an error-correcting protocol is applied to the new first (X2) and new second (Y2) digital channel, and in carrying out a secrecy amplification phase, a hash function (G) is applied to the new first (X2*) and the new second (Y2*) digital channel.
US07942322B2 Work instruction management system, work instruction management method, work instruction management apparatus and electronic paper
A work instruction management device includes a unit that obtains information stored in a radio frequency IC tag and information on a radio frequency IC tag reader, and stores the information in a memory. A tracking support unit obtains product information by matching the stored information with a first table, specifies a manufacturing process by matching the tag reader information with a second table, and stores the obtained information in the memory. Another unit specifies a work instruction sheet for the product manufacturing process by matching the product and process information with a third table, generates work instruction sheet data by setting product color information included in the product information for a background or font color of the work instruction sheet, and stores the data in the memory. A work instruction support unit performs processing for outputting the work instruction sheet data to an output interface.
US07942321B2 Radio frequency identification method and system of disturbing products
A method and system for vending products from a defined area, such as a micro-warehouse with a door. The method includes fitting each product with a radio frequency identification tag, positioning the plurality of products in a micro-warehouse, sensing opening and closing of the micro-warehouse door, scanning the plurality of products in the micro-warehouse upon sensing closing of the door to determine the number and type of products in the micro-warehouse, generating a message based on the number and type of products in the micro-warehouse, transmitting the message to a remote processor or server, and maintaining an inventory in the remote processor based on the message. The system is designed to be accessed by authorized individuals possessing some type of code or identifying mechanism. The micro-warehouses may be cabinets, refrigerators, secured rooms, or similar storage units or areas.
US07942320B2 Park user management system and park user management method using the same
A park user management system having a plurality of radio frequency tag readers installed along usable routes in a park for recognizing information stored in a radio frequency tag provided to each park user and an exercise quantity management module for calculating exercise information of each park user using the respective recognition times of the radio frequency tag recognized by the radio frequency tag readers and providing the calculated exercise information to each park user. The park user management system provides a recommendable exercise, a recommendable exercise section, and a recommendable target exercise quantity to each park user, calculates actual exercise quantity of each park user on the day in question, and provides the calculated exercise quantity to each park user.
US07942316B2 Online purchasing system supporting buyer affordability screening
An online system uses, in various embodiments of the invention, credit report information, loan affordability screening and credit approval and management functionality to facilitate the purchase and finance of products online. The online system may include both sellers of products and lenders that offer financing to buyers seeking to purchase the products. The system may automatically obtain a buyer's credit report information and use that information to determine if the buyer is pre-approved, for example, to obtain financing for a particular product or products. The system also enables use of buyer credit information to identify only those of a seller's products for which the buyer is pre-approved, for example, to finance using one or more loans. The system then enables selection of an identified product or products for purchase, and selection of a loan, for example, for financing of the selected product or products. Credit approval (or pre-approval) may be performed automatically, and along with credit processing, may be performed completely online.
US07942308B2 Composite metal extrusions and a process for producing composite metal extrusions
There is provided a method for producing a multi-colored or multi-alloy extruded shape, such as metal tubing for use in forming rings. At least two contrastingly colored metal components or metal components made from different alloys are arranged in a container. The metal components in the container are compressed so as to form a billet of distorted multi-colored or multi-alloy metal. The billet is extruded thereby forming multi-colored or multi-alloy patterns in the extruded shape.
US07942307B2 Apparatus for applying metallic cladding to interior surfaces of pipe elbows
An apparatus for applying a helical cladding bead to the interior surface of a pipe elbow has a rotor mounted to an elbow carriage so as to be rotatable about a primary axis. The elbow carriage is longitudinally movable parallel to the rotor's rotational axis. A radially-movable elbow collar is mounted to the rotor, and has means for mounting a first end of a pipe elbow. The second end of the elbow passes through a stationary frame with centering means for keeping the elbow's curved centerline tangential to the primary axis. A weld arm, extending from a weld arm carriage into the second end of the elbow, is sinuously configured so that it will not interfere with the elbow. The weld arm is rotatable about the primary axis in coordination with the rotor. A weld head is mounted at the extending end of the weld arm so as to remain spatially fixed regardless of rotation of the weld arm. An integrated drive mechanism rotates the rotor, moves the elbow carriage longitudinally, moves the elbow cradle radially, and rotates the weld arm in synchronization with the rotor, all in a coordinated fashion such that the elbow's center of rotation orbits around the primary axis in a plane perpendicular thereto. The elbow moves through the stationary frame at an average rate equal to one weld bead width per rotation, thus resulting in the deposition of a continuous helical weld bead cladding the interior surfaces of the elbow.
US07942297B2 Fan motor for combustion-powered tool
A fan motor is adapted to be mounted in a combustion-powered tool. The combustion-powered tool has a housing. The fan motor includes a fan unit, a motor for driving the fan unit, a vibration-absorbing unit, and a clamping unit. The vibration-absorbing unit includes a rigid support that is adapted to be mounted fixedly in the housing of the combustion-powered tool, and an elastic member sleeved over the motor and molded on the rigid support such that the rigid support is disposed around the elastic member. The elastic member is disposed between the rigid support and the motor for absorbing vibrations generated by the motor. The clamping unit includes at least one clamping member sleeved over the elastic member for clamping and retaining the elastic member on the motor.
US07942296B1 Combined diaper bag and purse and associated method
A combined diaper bag and purse includes a diaper bag with a plurality of bottle-holding pouches formed at opposed lateral faces of the diaper bag, and a purse conjoining directly to an anterior face of the diaper bag and oppositely situated from a posterior face of the diaper bag. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for detaching the purse from the anterior face of the diaper bag, a primary harness directly anchored to a proximal face of the diaper bag, and a plurality of auxiliary harnesses is directly coupled to the posterior face of the diaper bag. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for independently and slidably biasing each one of the auxiliary harnesses along a linear and horizontal path extending along the posterior face of the diaper bag.
US07942292B2 Pre-measured material dispenser with pivoting reservoir
A device for dispensing a pre-measured amount of material from a container having a closed bottom, a mouth opening and a side wall. The device includes a discharge tube and a measuring reservoir pivotably attached to a lower end of the discharge tube for capturing a pre-determined amount of material. The reservoir is pivotable from a first position in which the reservoir is substantially parallel to the discharge tube to a second position in which the discharge tube and the reservoir are substantially perpendicular to one another. With the reservoir in the first position, the reservoir and the discharge tube are insertable into a container having a relatively narrow mouth opening. With the reservoir in the second position, the discharge opening of the reservoir communicates with an opening in the second end of the discharge tube, in a dispensing ready position.
US07942289B2 Device for closing an opening, particularly a street manhole
The invention relates to a device for closing an opening, particularly a man hole. The inventive device comprises a frame (4) and a cover (6) which is articulated to the frame (4) around a first axis (X-X) by means of a hinge (14). The device also comprises a locking means (16) having a locked configuration, whereby the cover is held open in a first position, and an unlocked configuration, whereby said cover (6) is disposed in a second position in which it can be pivoted around the axis (X-X). The aforementioned hinge (14) is designed such that, while resting on the frame, the cover (6) can pivot around a second horizontal axis (Y-Y). Moreover, the cover is pivoted around said second axis (Y-Y) in order to move same between the two positions. The invention is suitable for cast iron man holes.
US07942288B2 Cooking utensils with metallic non-stick coating and methods for making the same
Disclosed is a cooking utensil coated with a metallic non-stick coating made of a nickel-aluminum-molybdenum (NiAlMo) alloy mainly composed of nickel aluminum (NiAl), and/or a nickel-chrome-chromic carbide (NiCr—Cr3C2) alloy mainly composed of chromic carbide (Cr3C2). A method for coating a cooking utensil with a metallic non-stick coating is also provided. The metallic non-stick coating of the invention possesses high impact, heat and abrasion resistances.
US07942286B2 Container lid arrangement
A lid arrangement for a container comprises a peripheral portion surrounding an integrally formed central portion. A first scored portion defines a boundary between the central portion and the peripheral portion. A second scored portion is also formed in the central portion. The second scored portion extends substantially parallel to the first scored portion and a strip is formed in the central portion between the first scored portion and the second scored portion. A tab member is connected to the strip of the central portion. The tab member includes a handle that protrudes from the upper surface of the central portion. When a threshold force pulls the handle of the tab member away from the central portion, the strip separates from the peripheral portion along the first scored portion.
US07942282B2 Retainer for shipping containers
A retainer for securing together upper and lower shipping containers includes interconnected upper and lower retaining members each adapted to be inserted into a hole in a corner piece of a respective one of the upper and lower shipping containers, and at least one swing member disposed inside the lower retaining member. The upper retaining member has a top end aligned with a bottom end of the lower retaining member along an axial line of the retainer. The swing member includes a lower pivot portion connected pivotally to the lower retaining member, and an upper engaging portion which is proximate to the axial line in a non-engaging position and when the axial line of the retainer is substantially vertical, and which moves away from the axial line in an engaging position when the axial line of the retainer is inclined and non-vertical.
US07942277B1 Multi-saddle rack
A powered saddle rack can be mounted in a trailer tack room. A mounting rod rotates from a storage to a load/unload position. A working frame assembly further rotates to the load/unload position. Once in the load/unload position, a rack raising rod is lifted or lowered, thereby raising or lowering several saddle racks up and down. A portable version doesn't rotate.
US07942272B2 Screen system
The present invention provides a screen system (8) suitable for use in a vibratory screen apparatus (1), and comprising: a screen element (11) and a support frame (12) therefor, as well as novel screen elements (11) and mesh panels (19) therefor, and the use thereof. The screen element (11) consists essentially of a mesh panel (19) provided with first and second elongate support members (22, 23) extending along opposite end portions of the mesh panel (19). The support frame (12) has spaced apart first and second elongate frame elements (13, 14) for engagement with the screen element support members (22, 23) and further elongate frame elements (17, 18) extending there between for supporting the mesh panel (19). The screen element support members (22, 23) and said first and second frame elements (13, 14) are formed and arranged for secure interengagement in use of the screen system, with at least one of said screen element support members and the respective one of said first and second frame elements being formed and arranged so that when clamped together, the mesh panel (19) is securely held under tension against said further frame elements (17, 18).
US07942270B2 Fatty acid by-products and methods of using same
Methods and compositions for separating materials are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of separating a first material from a second material. For example, the method can comprise mixing the first material and the second material in a slurry with a beneficiation composition. The beneficiation composition can comprise one or more fatty acid by-products derived from a biodiesel manufacturing process. Air bubbles can be provided in the slurry to form bubble-particle aggregates with the first material and the bubble-particle aggregates can be allowed to be separated from the second material.
US07942269B2 Carrier of reticle pod and the fixing element thereof
This invention is related to a carrier of reticle pod. The carrier of reticle pod comprises an upper cover and a lower cover, and the upper cover is configured to be coupled to the lower cover to form an interior space for accommodation. The lower cover includes several pairs of guide tracks disposed on two opposite lateral sides of inner surface of the lower cover. Clapboards are set into the lower cover via the guide tracks to separate the space for accommodation into a plurality of spaces for accommodation for storing reticle pod. Fixing elements including a clipping portion and a resisting portion are disposed on the top surface of the inner surface of upper cover. When the upper cover closes the lower cover, each fixing element of the upper cover is configured to be coupled to each reticle pod stored in the carrier.
US07942266B2 Electrode packaging to reduce handling damage
Package for electrode rods includes a container for holding a plurality of rods, an insert for the container, the insert having a first section that fits into the container and generally conforms to an internal shape of the container, and a second section that generally conforms to a bundled shape of a plurality of the rods, with a binding that applies tension about the insert second section. In one embodiment the insert may be made of corrugated board.
US07942265B2 Packaging system for absorbent pad disposing units
A packaging system for absorbent pad disposing units that comprises a receptacle and a plurality of absorbent pad disposing units contained within the receptacle. Each of the absorbent pad disposing units comprises a sterile absorbent pad and a dedicated refuse bag in a compressed state which is in cooperation with the absorbent pad. Each of the absorbent pad disposing units can be removed from the receptacle upon demand. The dedicated refuse bag is separable from the corresponding absorbent pad. A spent absorbent pad is can be disposed within the refuse bag when the refuse bag is in an expanded state.
US07942263B2 Beverage container package and dispenser
A package for a number of beverage containers includes an overlay member covering the top ends of the beverage containers. The overlay member has a central, generally planar panel positioned atop the top ends of the beverage containers and a number of perimeter panels each joined to and positioned on a perimeter of the central panel. Each perimeter panel is oriented generally perpendicularly relative to the central panel. A dispenser opening is in the central panel of the overlay member through the beverage containers may be removed from the package. A dispenser flap is adjacent the dispenser opening and a perimeter edge of the overlay member. The dispenser flap may be pulled outwardly from the overlay member by a user to provide access through which the beverage containers may be removed from the package. An overwrap member such as a thermoplastic shrink wrap film envelops the array of beverage containers and the overlay member to provide a robust, unitary package for transport and storage. A line of perforations in the overwrap member is aligned with the dispenser to allow a user to puncture the overwrap member in the vicinity of the line of perforations and gain access to the beverage containers via the dispenser. The package may be supported on a shelf such as within a refrigerator or storage rack with a side of the package facing downwardly and the dispenser positioned proximate the downwardly facing side of the package.
US07942262B2 Packaging structure for building boards and building boards loading structure
A building boards loading structure which loads plural building boards, being similar sheets, on a pallet. The building boards loading structure has plural packages, and the packages have plural building boards and plural bands. The plural building boards are banded at plural locations by the plural bands, and the plural packages are stacked vertically, to provide an upper and lower package in regard to two packages, and loaded on a pallet. The locations of bands in each upper and lower package which is loaded on the pallet are different from each other in relation to the lateral direction. The location of bands in a lowest package which is loaded on the pallet is different, in relation to the lateral direction, from the location of the stringers and an entry in the pallet for inserting a fork of a fork lift truck.
US07942260B1 Cup insert with food holder
A sanitary single-use container for both food (e.g., an individual portion of bread) and drink (e.g., an individual portion of wine or grape juice) is designed to be placed over the mouth of a chalice, as may used in a communion service. The container is compatible with any chalice having a diameter and a wall thickness lying within conventional ranges of values. The container has a skirt portion that, in use, extends far enough down over a side wall of the chalice that someone drinking from the container does not touch the chalice with his or her lip. A sealed, but easily opened, food packet is attached to the skirt.
US07942258B2 Digital processor sensor loop detector and method
A digital processor for use in a conveyor belt rip detector, which provides excitation signals at a selected frequency to inverted and noninverted sensor loops on a conveyor belt and then detects corresponding received signals from the sensor loops. The digital processor then performs FFTs on the corresponding received signals to provide respective received signal frequency spectrums. Next magnitude and phase values of the selected frequency in the respective received signal frequency spectrums are used to determine a qualitative state of the sensor loops. The selected frequency has a lowest detected ambient noise level, and the magnitude value is a normalized magnitude value.
US07942256B2 Multi-stage process handling equipment
An apparatus for handling articles (4) through a multi-stage process, the apparatus comprising at least one rotatable process turret (2) having a number of pockets (3), wherein each pocket (3) is adapted to support an article (4). The pockets (3) are arranged in groups and each group of pockets (3A, 3B, 3C) has associated tooling (5A, 5B, 5C), which carries out one stage of the process. The articles (4) are initially fed into one group of pockets (3A) only. A re-phase means (6) is provided to transfer the article (4) from one group of pockets (3A, 3B) to another (3B, 3C).
US07942255B2 Transport apparatus
A transport apparatus for the low-pressure transforming of a stream of containers into at least two separate single rows is provided. The apparatus has a multiple-lane feed conveyor, a plurality of single-lane discharge conveyors and an acceleration conveyor arranged between the feed conveyor and the discharge conveyors. A plurality of diagonally oriented guides are provided at a distance from one another across the acceleration conveyor, which guides a separated sub-stream of the stream of containers coming from the feed conveyor across the sections of the acceleration conveyor.
US07942251B2 System limiting the transmission of mechanical vibrations by frequency filtering
Linkage system between a first part and a second part capable of movement relative to each other, incorporating a link capable of transmitting forces between the first and second parts and a frequency control loop for said link incorporating means of measuring a distance separating the first and second parts, a frequency filter for said measurements in a given frequency band and means for comparing these filtered values with a set point, said control loop controlling the link such that it transmits forces only in the given frequency band, the frequency control loop being a position control loop, a speed control loop being incorporated in the position control loop, and a force control loop being incorporated in the speed control loop.
US07942248B2 Adjustable damping control with end stop
A damper device comprising a first mode having a first level of damping, a second mode having a second level of damping corresponding to a predetermined function, a sensor system having a first output corresponding to a normal position and a second output corresponding to an end stop approaching position, and a control system operable for receiving the first output and the second output and executing the first mode and the second mode. The damper device is operable in the first mode when the control system receives the first output and is operable in the second mode when the control system receives the second output. A controllable suspension system comprising a damper device, a magnetic probe, a sensor system comprising at least one position sensor operable for sensing the position of the magnetic probe, and a control system electronically connected to the sensor system and the damper device, wherein the control system is operable for receiving an output from the sensor system and executing a predetermined function to control the damper device. Electric signals are supplied to the damper device from the control system during system operation to provide damping sufficient to prevent end stop collisions.
US07942247B2 Vehicle disc brake
In a vehicle disk brake, a motor housing houses in a housing recess a case into which an end of an output shaft liquid-tightly protrudes, and is mounted to a caliper body. A reduction mechanism having an output rotating member is sealed in the case while part of the output rotating member fluid-tightly protrudes from the case so as to be coaxially and operatively connected to a rear portion of the screw shaft. Grease is charged into the case. Thus, the case for housing the reduction mechanism is simply configured while preventing leakage of the grease charged into the case, and mounting of the case to the caliper body is facilitated.
US07942241B2 Fire fighter's personal escape system
A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, organized in parallel segments disposed in an inner pouch. The inner pouch is entirely contained in an outer pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the inner pouch and outer pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.
US07942239B2 Exhaust muffler
A muffler for reducing the sounds of combustion gases exhausted from an internal combustion engine including an elongated fluid passage extending between an inlet and an outlet such that the outlet is in fluid communication with the inlet. Further, the inlet being connectable with the gases exhausted from the engine and the outlet being connectable with the atmosphere. The muffler further including an outer tank surrounding the passage and a tubular connector having a first end in fluid connection with the passage and a second end in fluid connection with the tank such that the connector produces a fluid connection between the passage and the tank. The connectors having a perforated resistance plate to restrict the fluid flow between said passage and said sound chamber thereby reducing the severity of the sound or fluid pulses entering and exiting said sound chamber, perforations in said perforated plate forming an open portion of said plate and said open portion being less than 60 percent.
US07942238B2 Marine muffler with angularly disposed internal baffle
A marine muffler comprises an elongate cylindrical housing having an inlet and an outlet and defining an internal volume partitioned, by an angularly disposed internal baffle, into a lower chamber in communication with the inlet and an upper chamber in communication with the outlet. A vertically disposed duct is insertably secured to the baffle to allow exhaust gas and exhaust cooling water to flow from the lower inlet chamber to upper outlet chamber. The exhaust duct may preferably be further adapted with internal structure forming a plurality of individual flow conduits or passages. The duct is preferably positioned such that a plurality of flow passage inlets are positioned in proximity to the lower cylindrical housing wall, with flow passage outlets positioned in proximity to the upper housing wall. The lower duct wall may further be adapted with sidewall apertures for improving exhaust flow dynamics therethrough.
US07942234B2 Noise suppressor, electronic apparatus, and noise suppression characteristic control method
A noise suppressor for an apparatus having a cooling fan and cooling duct includes a muffler including a reflection plate for reflecting sound from the cooling fan, the reflection plate being provided at a position in the cooling duct confronting the intake plane of the cooling fan and formed substantially parallel to the intake plane. A sound-absorbing part of the muffler is provided on the reflection plate, and a distance d between the reflection plate and the intake plane is set such that d
US07942233B2 Method to personalize a stethoscope
A method for personalizing a stethoscope, wherein the personalization permanently identifies the owner of the stethoscope and also decorates the stethoscope. The personalization does not deter from the normal operation of the stethoscope, and allows for full sterilization of the stethoscope. The diaphragm of the stethoscope, includes an exterior side that is adapted to come into contact with the patient and, an interior side that is not exposed to the outside. A design selected by the owner is applied, in reverse, to the interior surface of the diaphragm. The design is preferably painted on the diaphragm in stages, or layers. Using the present reverse application technique, images painted on the right-half of the interior surface, appear on the left-half, when viewed from the exterior of the stethoscope. Further, in the present application technique, the foreground is painted on, or applied, first, and the background of the personalization is applied last.
US07942230B2 Hydraulic power steering system
A hydraulic power steering system for a vehicle, e.g., an electrohydraulic power steering system for a motor vehicle, includes a servo valve, the relative movement of whose control parts actuates a piston rod of a servo cylinder and changes at least one steering angle of a wheel which is operatively connected to the piston rod, and additionally has an electric servo motor which drives a rack with the servo cylinder for adjusting the steering angle of the wheel in the same direction. In order to provide an electrohydraulic power steering system which is as compactly arranged as possible in the region of its actuator and may be used flexibly for different classes of vehicle, the action of the rack and the piston rod of the servo cylinder is combined, in a parallel arrangement with one another, on an addition member for jointly adjusting the steering angle of the wheel.
US07942229B2 Dual-tuned vibration damper and method for damping vibrations in a power transmission system using a dual-tuned vibration damper
A vibration damper includes a hub, a first mass, a first resilient coupling, a second mass, and a second resilient coupling. The first mass is disposed concentrically about the hub. The first resilient coupling resiliently couples the first mass to the hub. The first resilient coupling has a first spring constant. The second mass is disposed concentrically about the first mass. The second resilient coupling resiliently couples the second mass directly to the first mass. The second resilient coupling has a second spring constant that is less than the first spring constant. The first mass and the first resilient coupling are configured to attenuate vibration at a first frequency. The second mass and the second resilient coupling are configured to attenuate vibration at a second frequency. The second frequency is lower than the first frequency.
US07942228B2 Truck with improved control
A truck has improved control with a plurality of wheels each having a single wheel drive and a device for controlling speed and/or torque of the single wheel drives. The control device has a separate controller train for each wheel drive, with each controller train having a differential controller for correcting divided torque depending on steering angle and a wheel slip controller correcting the divided torque or torque value corrected by the differential controller depending on wheel slip and providing a corresponding single wheel drive torque value.
US07942221B1 Method and system for enabling bi-pedal locomotion
A walking bi-pedal robot includes a right leg and a left leg, each coupled with a pelvis via hip lateral angular joints and hip antero-posterior angular joints. Each hip lateral angular joint enables lateral angular motion and each hip antero-posterior angular joint enables antero-posterior angular motion of the respective leg. Right and left feet couple at the distal end of the respective leg via respective ankle lateral angular joints and right and left cables. One end of each cable is coupled with the exterior side of the respective foot. A pelvis motor couples with the right leg, the left leg, the other end of each cable. The pelvis motor generates lateral angular displacement of each leg about the respective hip lateral angular joint and pulls one of the cables according to the direction of the lateral angular displacement. Leg motors generate antero-posterior angular displacement of the respective leg.
US07942220B2 Differential steering control for a continuously variable transmission machine
A differential steering control system and method for a machine includes a motor for steering the machine in a leftwards or a rightwards direction, a continuously variable transmission for moving the machine in a forwards or a backwards direction, and a control unit connected to the motor and the continuously variable transmission. The control unit determines the speed of the continuously variable transmission and based upon the determined speed, modifies a speed of the motor in order to achieve/maintain a desired turn radius for the machine.
US07942218B2 Cutting element apparatuses and drill bits so equipped
A cutting element assembly for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation. A cutting element assembly includes a cutting element having a substrate. The cutting element assembly additionally includes a superabrasive material bonded to the substrate. The substrate extends from an end surface to a back surface. A base member is also coupled to the back surface of the substrate. Additionally, a recess is defined in the base member and a structural element is coupled to the base member. The cutting element assembly also includes a biasing element configured to selectively bias the structural element.
US07942209B1 Dual blade unit
An apparatus for earth working or material moving includes a first and a second blade oriented substantially parallel to one another. The two blades each have non-working blade faces positioned adjacent one another and working blade faces opposite one another. The two blades are moveable with respect to one another in the vertical direction, but fixed to one another in the horizontal direction. In this way, the working face of a first blade may be used in a first direction, and the working face of a second blade may be used in a second direction. The dual blade unit may be pivotally connected to an extending arm so that the angle of the first and second blades with respect to the direction of travel may be adjusted to the specifications of the user.
US07942204B2 Method and apparatus for rescaling measurements while drilling in different environments
A method of using a survey system comprising at least one sensor. The method comprises operating the survey system to provide information regarding the orientation of the sensor relative to the Earth at a first resolution level while the sensor is a first distance relative to the Earth's surface and operating the survey system to provide information regarding the orientation of the sensor relative to the Earth at a second resolution level while the sensor is a second distance relative to the Earth's surface. The second distance is larger than the first distance. The second resolution level is higher than the first resolution level.
US07942193B2 Heat recovery ventilator with defrost
A defrost system for a heat recovery ventilator/energy recovery ventilator (HRV/ERV), uses the interior space supply air of an integrated fan coil for defrosting a HRV/ERV core without creating negative pressure in the interior space, which wastes energy, without need of an external fifth port from which to draw defrost air from the interior space, which increases costs, and without re-circulating exhaust air into the interior space. During the defrost cycle, automatically controlled dampers close off the fresh air and exhaust air inputs, and exhaust output, and circulate supply air through the heat exchange core and into to the living space.
US07942192B2 Vehicle air conditioner
In an air conditioner constructed to pass an air introduced into an air conditioning unit through an evaporator and a heater core both arranged in the unit, cooler pipes for the evaporator and heater pipes for the heater core are arranged to extend from the same side wall of the air conditioning unit.
US07942189B1 Reusable wax tree sprue rod assembly for tree making in lost wax investment casting and method use
The present invention is a novel sprue rod assembly for lost wax investment casting and its method of use. The sprue rod is reusable because it is made of material with a high melting point, such as metal, instead of wax. The sprue rod assembly also comprises a weight pull system, which causes the sprue rod to fall out of the investment mold when it is heated prior to dewaxing or early during dewaxing. The reusable sprue rod assembly reduces wasted wax, increases the efficiency of dewaxing and decreases flaws from the expansion of trapped wax during dewaxing. In addition, the sprue rods can be stacked to create the desired length.
US07942186B2 Fabric panel adaptable drape, as curtain, shade and valance
A fabric panel adapted for use selectively as a drape, curtain, shade or valance. The panel has a loop at the upper edge region for receiving a curtain rod. A strip extending across the panel down from the upper end. Two fastening tie receivers are disposed on the panel at about the height of the strip. A respective one or more strip ties around the bottom edge region of the panel and also is passed through fasteners at the strip so that the ties may be tightened for selectively raising the bottom of the panel at a plurality of locations across the panel to a varying extent to expose the area beneath the shade to a varying selected extent, or to raise the bottom of the panel higher to a fixed location so that the panel with the ties raising the panel may serve as a valance. A tie around the panel and off to the side defines the panel into a curtain.
US07942183B2 Method of partial painting using hologram transfer film and manufacturing method of painting composition and device for preparing hologram particle
The present invention relates to a partial painting method, and more particularly, to a painting method wherein a printing layer is completely transferred onto a base material surface by attaching a hologram transfer film on the base material surface subjected to transparent painting, heat-treating it to transfer a printing portion and then removing a base material film. Since the printing layer is completely transferred onto and impregnated into the transferred surface of the present invention, there occurs no step and the printing layer is not erased due to a solvent. Further, the present invention relates a method of preparing a painting composition using a hologram transfer film and a painting method using the painting composition. More particularly, there is provided a method of preparing a painting composition, wherein a remaining portion except a base material film of a transfer film having a hologram thin film formed thereon is scratched to use by mixing with a binder solution so that a hologram pattern provided with a three-dimensional effect can be coated through a relatively simple method, and a painting method using the painting composition, a painting composition and a device for preparing hologram particles used in preparing the painting composition.
US07942176B1 Drum shell formation
In the method of forming a drum shell that consists of plywood, the steps that includes forming the shell under pressure and heat into cylindrical configuration, providing inner and outer cooling platens adapted to respectively engage the interior and exterior surfaces of the heated shell, trapping the heated shell between the platens, at elevated pressure, allowing the shell to cool by heat transfer from shell side wall or walls into pressure exerting side walls, and while trapped between such platens, at elevated pressure, and removing the cooled shell from between the cooling platens.
US07942174B2 Feather board apparatus and method
An improved feather board apparatus and method are provided, for use in holding a work piece against a guide surface as the work piece is guided in a feed direction, and for precluding motion of the work piece in a direction opposite the feed direction, through use of a feather board apparatus, having a feather board clamping arrangement which allows for limited amount of pivoting of the feather board about an in feed side clamping point, as the work piece is fed past the feather board.
US07942173B2 Powder filling device
A powder filling apparatus that can prevent a screw portion of an auger screw from contacting an inner surface of a metering portion at a funnel lower end portion. The powder filling apparatus includes a funnel that contains powder, and a circular-cylindrical metering portion provided at a lower end portion of the funnel, an auger screw arranged vertically, and a support device that supports the auger screw rotatably. The auger screw has a lower end provided with a screw portion that is arranged within the metering portion. The funnel is suspended from the support device and supported thereto and the metering portion has a center axis made substantially coincident with an axis of rotation of the auger screw.
US07942172B1 Bottle refilling device
A bottle refilling device that allows an individual to fill a number of bottles at the same time, with the number of bottles preferably being between 12 to 24 bottles. The device has the shape of a flat panel and has an inlet on the top surface of the flat panel to which a funnel can be attached. A series of disbursement nipples are attached to the bottom surface of the flat panel, to which a number of containers can be attached. Each of the containers can be attached to a particular nipple through engagement with a two-part clamp associated with each nipple. A locking slide system is attached to each of the clamps, allowing the clamps to remain in either a closed position or an open position.
US07942171B2 Device and method for filling multiple sandbags at a time
An implement for mechanically filling multiple sandbags at a time is used on a loader bucket of loader-type equipment. The implement has a planar surface in which a plurality of filler apertures are formed in a plurality of rows evenly spaced over its surface area. Each filler aperture has a tensioner ring around the aperture for holding a drawstring held in a sleeve around an open end of the sandbag. A trigger mechanism is movable to a locked position in which the drawstring of the sandbag is pulled tight so that the open end of the sandbag is held in place on the tensioner ring, to an unlocked position in which the trigger mechanism lifts the drawstring off the tensioner ring to allow the sandbag filled with filler material to pull on and cinch the open end of the sandbag closed, and to a release position in which the cinched sandbag is released to the ground.
US07942169B2 Folding type cable protection and guide device
A folding type cable protection and guide device is provided in which a cable is accommodated into a cable accommodating space. The cable accomodating space can be easily adapted to accommodate the cable, even if the cable is a long body. The assembly load is decreased. Further, the use of many different sized metal molds is not required. The form stability of the cable accommodating space is sufficiently ensured during both linear movement and flexion movement, so that smooth linear movement and flexion movement can be attained. The rectangularly shaped cable accommodating space is formed by folding a pair of right and left folded sections 110, 110 extending in a longitudinal direction of the extruded synthetic resin tape 100 along the longitudinal direction of the tape.
US07942164B2 Dual-purpose gas stove switch
A dual-purpose gas stove switch includes a valve body and a valve seat. The valve body includes an inlet passageway, an interior passageway, a nozzle having a mouth, a compensation nozzle, and a compensation passageway in communication with the compensation nozzle. A valve core is received in a chamber formed by the valve body and the valve seat. The valve core includes a blind hole in communication with the mouth via the interior passageway. The valve core includes four holes and a compensation hole. The valve core is rotatable to make the four holes to be in selective communication with the inlet passageway. The compensation hole can be in communication with the compensation passageway and the compensation nozzle. Thus, the switch can be selectively utilized with liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas.
US07942160B2 Valves and pumps for microfluidic systems and method for making microfluidic systems
The present invention relates to microfluidic systems, including valves and pumps for microfluidic systems. The valves of the invention include check valves such as diaphragm valves and flap valves. Other valves of the invention include one-use valves. The pumps of the present invention include a reservoir and at least two check valves. The reservoir may be of variable volume. The present invention also relates to a flexible microfluidic system. The present invention additionally relates to a method of making microfluidic systems including those of the present invention. The method includes forming a microfluidic system on a master, connecting a support to the microfluidic system and removing the microfluidic system from the master. The support may remain connected to the microfluidic system or the microfluidic system may be transferred to another substrate. The present invention further relates to a method of manipulating a flow of a fluid in a microfluidic system. This method includes initiating fluid flow in a first direction and inhibiting fluid flow in a second direction and may be practiced with the valves of the present invention.
US07942158B2 Ultrasonic edge washing apparatus
An edge of a material to be washed is held between forked portions of a vibration transmitting portion. An ultrasonic vibrator is attached to an enlarged portion of the vibration transmitting portion, and the ultrasonic waves supplied from the ultrasonic vibrator irradiate the washing liquid flowing to the forked portion, and the edge of the material to washed is washed by the ultrasonic wave and the washing liquid.
US07942155B2 Portable oral hygiene system
A novel oral hygiene system comprised of a plurality of substantially cylindrical pieces removably attached to each other that may be adapted to contain breath spray, dental floss, a dental floss cutter, toothpicks and breath mints in a compact and highly portable container.
US07942154B2 Cigarette filter material and cigarette filter
The present invention provides a cigarette filter material useful for selectively and efficiently reducing formaldehyde while maintaining a palatable component such as nicotine or tar. The cigarette filter material is obtained by coating-treating a substrate (such as a cellulose acetate fiber) with a solution (particularly, an aqueous solution) containing a polysaccharide having an amino group (e.g. chitosan) and a polar solvent (e.g., water) [and optionally an acid such as a hydroxy acid (e.g., lactic acid)]. A cigarette filter of such a cigarette filter material can efficiently and selectively reduce formaldehyde. For example, the cigarette filter ensures a retention of formaldehyde of not more than 65% while maintaining retentions of nicotine and tar of not less than 80%, respectively, in main stream smoke.
US07942153B2 Method and apparatus for dermatological treatment
The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for skin treatment. The apparatus includes multiple sources of optical energy or several blades that are scanned along a region of skin to form micro-line patterns of damaged tissue. The micro-lines are small in at least one dimension, having a width of less than about 1 mm, and the wounded regions promote beneficial results by stimulation of wound healing and tissue remodeling.
US07942150B2 Nasal assembly
A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.
US07942148B2 Compact oronasal patient interface
A breathing arrangement includes a patient interface, at least one inlet conduit, and a headgear assembly. The patient interface includes a mouth covering assembly including a cushion structured to sealingly engage around exterior of a patient's mouth in use, a nozzle assembly including a pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of a patient's nose in use, and a flexible element connecting the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly. The at least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. The headgear assembly is removably connected to at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly so as to maintain the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly in a desired position on the patient's face.
US07942143B2 Heating cooking appliance and burner system thereof
A heating cooking appliance and a burner system thereof are provided. The height of the burner pot is reduced to facilitate product installation and reduce overall material and shipping costs. To increase user satisfaction with the product, a plurality of mixing tubes are extended in the same direction on one side of the burner pot in the burner system.
US07942137B2 Heat exchanger
The invention relates to a heat exchanger with at least one duct, which can be flowed through by flowing medium from an inlet cross-section to an outlet cross-section, has an inside and outside, and which comprises, on the inside, structural elements for increasing the transfer of heat. The invention provides that the structural elements (11) are variably arranged and/or configured in the direction of flow (P) so that the duct (10), on the inside, has a variable heat transfer that, in particular, increases in the direction of flow (P).
US07942133B2 Control method of an electronic injection fuel feeding system
A control method of an electronic injection fuel feeding system for an internal combustion engine and displaying at least one injector and a non-continuous flow rate fuel pump actuated by a an actuator device; the control method includes the steps of: determining the desired fuel amount which must be injected at each cycle of the internal combustion engine; driving the injector for injecting the desired fuel amount at each cycle of the internal combustion engine; determining an optimal pumping frequency of the actuator device of the fuel pump according to the desired fuel amount which must be injected at each cycle of the internal combustion engine; and actuating the actuator device of the fuel pump at the optimal pumping frequency.
US07942131B2 Injection system having a device for metering fuel into an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine and a method for this purpose
In an injection system having a device for metering fuel into an exhaust system of a Diesel engine, and a method for controlling the injection of fuel into the exhaust system, wherein the injection system has a high-pressure pump which feeds fuel to an accumulator under high pressure and injectors which inject fuel from the accumulator into the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine, a fuel spray nozzle arranged in the exhaust system is in communication with the injection system via a fuel metering unit including a control valve and a metering valve and a pressure regulating valve is arranged between the control valve and the metering valve for controlling the pressure of the fuel being metered by the metering valve for injection into the exhaust system via the spray nozzle.
US07942130B2 Regulator flow noise prevention for fuel system of a vehicle
Vapor reducing structure (25) is constructed and arranged to be associated with a fuel pressure regulator (18) of a fuel system (10′) of a vehicle. The pressure regulator has an outlet (28) for fuel that is in excess of fuel required by an engine of the vehicle. The reducing structure includes a fuel accumulator (26) associated with an outlet of the pressure regulator defining a volume in which fuel exiting the outlet of the regulator can accumulate. Flow restricting structure (30′) is associated with the accumulator and is constructed and arranged to create sufficient back-pressure to eliminate vaporization of the fuel exiting the outlet of the pressure regulator.
US07942127B2 Vehicle stability and surge control
A system and method are described for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having a combustion chamber. In one example, the method may include controlling a stability of the vehicle in response to a vehicle acceleration; and adjusting dilution in the combustion chamber of the engine to reduce surge in response to the vehicle acceleration. The dilution may be adjusted by adjusting cam timing, for example.
US07942126B2 Method for operating an internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine for such a method
In a method for operating a direct-injection auto-ignition internal combustion engine and a correspondingly configured internal combustion engine including a piston top having integrally formed therein a piston recess which merges into an essentially annular stepped space and an injector forming injection jets directed toward the stepped space, the jets are deflected there in such a way that a first part quantity of fuel is directed in an axial direction and a radial direction into the piston recess, a second part quantity of fuel is deflected in the axial direction and the radial direction over the piston top and third part quantities of fuel are deflected into a circumferential direction so as to impinge one onto the other in the circumferential direction and to be deflected radially inwardly, the start of injection and the injection duration being coordinated with one another and with the crank angle of the internal combustion engine in such a way that the third part quantities of adjacent injection jets meet each other in the circumferential direction with a velocity of at least 15 m/s.
US07942125B2 Intake and exhaust system of internal combustion engine
An exhaust system of the internal combustion engine is provided, which includes an exhaust manifold mounted in a multiple cylinder engine of the internal combustion engine and configured to expel air burned in the cylinder when an exhaust valve is opened, a plurality of exhaust pipes connected to the exhaust manifold and configured to dispense an exhaust gas to the outside, a muffler and a plurality of exhaust balancers configured to function as a condenser are selectively mounted in the exhaust system so as to fill a part of the exhaust gas inside and then re-exhaust the filled exhaust gas when the exhaust is completed. The exhaust system improves a power of the engine by lowering exhaust pressure generated from exhaust resistance than that of the cylinder.
US07942121B2 Camshaft system for internal combustion engine
A camshaft system for internal combustion engine includes a camshaft having a thrust ring which is lubricated by oil from a control valve which operates a camshaft phaser with lubricating oil, and with the lubricating oil being furnished to the camshaft at crankcase pressure after the oil leaves the camshaft phaser.
US07942120B2 Variable camshaft timing system
A variable camshaft timing (VCT) system for an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the system includes a spool valve that displaces oil from one phaser chamber to another phaser chamber when the spool valve is moved. The system may respond faster than systems that employ a pump to move oil between phaser chambers.
US07942115B2 System for transformation of rectilinear motion into curvilinear motion, or vice versa, particularly for internal combustion engine
The invention relates to an improved system for transformation of rectilinear motion into curvilinear motion, or vice versa, in an internal combustion engine. The system comprising a rotor element and a stator element, one of said the rotor element and stator element having a closed spiral profile. The spiral profile having a continuous curvilinear portion for at least 270°, and a ramp portion joining the ends of the continuous curvilinear portion.
US07942114B2 Underwater food delivery system and method of use
Disclosed herein is a delivery system for the underwater feeding of aquatic life, wherein the delivery system is compact and secured to a user thereby providing ease of use and ready accessibility of the delivery system while the user is engaged in underwater activities. The delivery system further prevents the backwash of water from the aqueous environment into the delivery system when in use. Additionally, the delivery system comprises a food composition for the feeding of the aquatic life that is not readily water soluble and that has a sufficient viscosity such that the food composition will not readily disperse or dissolve when dispensed into the aqueous environment.
US07942112B2 Method and apparatus for preventing the formation of a plasma-inhibiting substance
A system and method for preventing formation of a plasma-inhibiting substance within a plasma chamber is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus that includes a barrier component configured to be disposed within a plasma chamber. The barrier component includes a wall that defines a plasma formation region where a chemically-reducing species is formed from a fluid. A portion of the wall is formed of a substance that is substantially inert to the chemically-reducing species. The wall prevents the chemically-reducing species from interacting with an inner surface of the plasma chamber to form a conductive substance. The barrier component also includes an opening in fluid communication with the plasma formation region. The fluid is introduced into the plasma formation region via the opening.
US07942107B2 Delivery systems for pressure protecting and delivering a submerged payload and methods for using the same
A payload delivery system for protecting and delivering a payload submerged in a submersion medium includes a containment system. The containment system includes a container and a dehiscing system. The container includes a pressure-resistant shell defining a sealed containment chamber. The dehiscing system is operative to dehisce the shell to open the containment chamber to the submersion medium responsive to a prescribed event and/or a prescribed environmental condition.