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US07964214B2 |
Method and composition for hyperthermally treating cells in the eye with simultaneous imaging
A method and composition for hyperthermally treating cells in the eye with simultaneous imaging. The heat (temperature) production inside the eye (target) tissue is imaged. The desired temperature is achieved using a laser and photoacoustic imaging technique. Hyperthermia treatment of tissue in a target site applies a heat source to kill cells without protein denaturation. The method introduces an encapsulated dye that is released at a selected temperature in the target site to indicate that a threshold temperature has been reached to hyperthermally treat the tissue. In one embodiment, the composition releases the dye at a temperature of 42° C. to 50° C., and preferably about 45° C. to 49° C. The composition which can be a liposome composition encapsulating the dye can be introduced to the bloodstream of the patient to flow through the target site. |
US07964210B2 |
Degradable polymeric implantable medical devices with a continuous phase and discrete phase
The invention provides an implantable medical device comprising: a structural element, wherein the structural element includes: a continuous phase comprising a first polymer; a discrete phase within the continuous phase, wherein the discrete phase has a second polymer including discrete phase segments; and anchor segments that have substantially the same chemical make up as the first polymer of the continuous phase; wherein at least some of the anchor segments have partially or completely phase-separated from the discrete phase into the continuous phase. |
US07964202B2 |
Method for treatment of common acne
Dermatological/cosmetic compositions suited for preventing or treating cell differentiation and/or proliferation and/or keratinization disorders, including preventing or treating common acne, comprise, in a physiologically acceptable medium, (i) at least one dispersed retinoid, (ii) dispersed benzoyl peroxide, in free or encapsulated form, and (iii) at least one pH-independent gelling agent, said dermatological/cosmetic composition having physical stability without loss of viscosity over time at a temperature ranging from 4° C. to 40° C., said dermatological/cosmetic composition having a stable flow threshold over time as measured by viscosity measurements for rheograms which measure a shear stress τ for a given rate gradient γ and which measure a rate gradient γ for a given shear stress τ, the yield value (τ0) being extrapolated visually or by calculation. |
US07964198B2 |
Production of vaccines
Means and methods for producing mammalian viruses, the method comprising infecting a culture of immortalized human cells with a virus, incubating the culture infected with virus to propagate the virus under conditions that permit growth of the virus, and to form a virus-containing medium, and removing the virus-containing medium. The viruses can be harvested and be used for the production of vaccines. Advantages include that human cells of the present invention can be cultured under defined serum-free conditions and the cells show improved capability for propagating virus. Methods are provided for producing, in cultured human cells, influenza virus and vaccines derived thereof. This method eliminates the necessity of using whole chicken embryos for the production of Influenza vaccines. The method also provides for the continuous or batch-wise removal of culture media. As such, the present invention allows the large-scale continuous production of viruses to a high titer. |
US07964193B2 |
Antibodies against interleukin-1 β
Antibodies directed to the antigen IL-1β and uses of such antibodies are described. In particular, fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to the antigen IL-1β. Nucleotide sequences encoding, and amino acid sequences comprising, heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly sequences corresponding to contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the framework regions and/or complementarity determining regions (CDR's), specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3. Hybridomas or other cell lines expressing such immunoglobulin molecules and monoclonal antibodies. |
US07964192B1 |
Prevention and treatment of amyloidgenic disease
The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of amyloidogenic diseases. Such methods entail administering an agent that induces a beneficial immune response against an amyloid deposit in the patient. The methods are particularly useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In such methods, a suitable agent is Aβ peptide, active fragments thereof or an antibody thereto. |
US07964190B2 |
Methods and compositions for decreasing T-cell activity
The present invention relates to a novel member of the TNF-Ligand superfamily. More specifically, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding a human Apoptosis Inducing Molecule II (AIM II). AIM II polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of AIM II activity. Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating lymphadenopathy, aberrant bone development, autoimmune and other immune system diseases, graft versus host disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and to inhibit neoplasia, such as tumor cell growth. |
US07964185B2 |
Apicomplex vaccine strains of a family of Sarcocystidae
The invention relates to attenuate mutated strains of apicomplex of a family of Sarcocystidae, containing inactivated MIC1 and MIC3 adhesins and to the use thereof for a vaccine. |
US07964184B2 |
Cysteine variants of interferon-gamma
The growth hormone supergene family comprises greater than 20 structurally related cytokines and growth factors. A general method is provided for creating site-specific, biologically active conjugates of these proteins. The method involves adding cysteine residues to non-essential regions of the proteins or substituting cysteine residues for non-essential amino acids in the proteins using site-directed mutagenesis and then covalently coupling a cysteine-reactive polymer or other type of cysteine-reactive moiety to the proteins via the added cysteine residue. Disclosed herein are preferred sites for adding cysteine residues or introducing cysteine substitutions into the proteins, and the proteins and protein derivatives produced thereby. |
US07964181B2 |
Amino acid surrogates for peptidic constructs
Ring-constrained amino acid surrogates of formula I: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6a, R6b, R7, and y are as defined in the specification, methods for synthesizing ring-constrained amino acid surrogates of formula I, methods of use of ring-constrained amino acid surrogates of formula I, including use in linear or cyclic compounds which include a plurality of amino acid residues and one or more ring-constrained amino acid surrogates of formula I and linear or cyclic compounds which include a plurality of amino acid residues and one or more ring-constrained amino acid surrogates of formula I. |
US07964179B2 |
Cosmetic hair preparation
The invention provides hair cosmetics which can suppress a frictional feeling of hair in running water during rinsing to improve softness and smoothness thereby preventing the hair from being damaged by twisting during rinsing, and comprises organopolysiloxane having an amino-modified organopolysiloxane chain and a polyoxyalkylene chain, and at least one cationic surfactant selected from compounds represented by formula (1) or (2): wherein at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 represents e.g. an alkyl group containing 8 to 35 carbon atoms in total, and the remainder represents a C1 to C5 alkyl group, hydroxyalkyl group etc., X− represents a halogen ion or an organic anion, R5 represents e.g. an alkyl group containing 8 to 35 carbon atoms in total, and R6 represents a C1 to C22 alkyl group etc. |
US07964169B2 |
Molecular conversion processing of greenhouse gases of global warming effect and conversion units employing a solid particle trap
Molecular conversion processing of greenhouse gases of global warming effect and conversion units employing a solid particle trap. This is an industrial process capable of changing the chemical composition of the greenhouse gases from any source, such as the internal combustion engine, factory chimney and others, through the conversion of gas molecules to form new compounds such as clean gases. This is done by molecular conversion processing conversion unit with a solid particle trap, consisting of a plasma conversion chamber that produces a plasma jet, and an electrostatic filter for the collection of solid particles. |
US07964167B2 |
Method and architecture for oxidizing nitric oxide in exhaust gas from hydrocarbon fuel source with a fuel lean combustion mixture
An after-treatment system architecture and method for oxidizing the nitric oxide component of an exhaust stream from a hydrocarbon fueled power source operated with a fuel lean combustion mixture. |
US07964166B2 |
Process for removing contaminants from gas streams
The present invention provides for process for inhibiting the levels of nitrogen oxides in process gas streams from sulfuric acid regeneration and production plants. The process gas stream from the waste heat boiler and the candle mist eliminator is contacted with ozone which will react with nitrogen oxides present in the flue gas. |
US07964162B2 |
Apparatus for handling pipet tips
A pipet tip handling apparatus comprises a deep well plate that has a plurality of wells. Each of a first plurality of pipet tips has a head portion and a shank portion. A first tray is seated on the deep well plate and has openings for receiving the first pipet tips. The shank portions of the first pipet tips extend through the openings in the first tray and into the wells of the deep well plate. Each of a second plurality of pipet tips has a head portion and a shank portion. A second tray includes openings for receiving the second pipet tips. The shank portions of the second pipet tips extend through the openings of the second tray and into the head portions of the first pipet tips. The head portions of the first pipet tips support the second tray. |
US07964160B2 |
Pipetting apparatus with a computer program product and a method for accepting or rejecting pipetted liquid samples
The invention relates to a pipetting apparatus (1) having a pipette tip (2) for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples; a pump (4) for generating negative pressure or positive pressure in the pipette tip (2) that is connected to the pipette tip (2) by means of a pump conduit (3); a fluid chamber (5) defined by the pipette tip (2) and/or the pump conduit (3); a measurement probe (6) functionally connected to the fluid chamber (5) for measuring the physical parameters resulting in this fluid chamber (5) during pipetting; and a device control system (7) with a processor (8), in which an activated computer program product enables the control system (7) of the pipetting apparatus (1) to individually accept or reject pipetted liquid samples on the basis of the physical parameters measured. The pipetting apparatus (1) in accordance with the invention is characterized in that it comprises a data storage device (9) for storing an actual measured curve (41) measured during pipetting and a simulated curve (42) for such a pipetting procedure and also a computer program product that in an activated state enables the processor (8) of this pipetting apparatus (1) to generate this simulated curve (42) and approximate it to the actual measured curve (41) iteratively to create an iterative curve (43) and then matching the pipetting and/or the corresponding pipetted liquid samples to one of a plurality of decision-making criteria on the basis of sections of the measured curve (44) in the actual measured curve (41) that deviate from defined threshold values (45) in relation to the corresponding sections of the curve (46) of the iterative curve (43). A corresponding computer program product and method are included within the scope of the invention. |
US07964157B2 |
Catalytic cracking riser reactor
Catalytic cracking riser reactor extending between an inlet for hydrocarbonaceous feed and catalyst particles and an outlet for discharging cracked products and spent catalyst particles, which riser reactor has been provided with at least one contacting device, wherein the contacting device comprises a composite of refractory material and a metal structure, which metal structure is connected to the outer wall of the riser reactor. If more contacting devices have been provided, they are preferably axially spaced apart and are disposed along the inner surface of the riser reactor. |
US07964156B2 |
Method and apparatus for regenerating an iron-based fischer-tropsch catalyst
Solvent extraction is used to remove wax and contaminants from an iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in a natural circulation continuous-flow system. The wax-free catalyst is then subjected to controlled oxidation to convert the iron to its initial oxidized state, Fe203. Reactivation of the oxide catalyst precursor is carried out by addition of synthesis gas. |
US07964152B2 |
End reactor
The present invention relates to a reactor apparatus for free-flowing media, especially for polymers, for polycondensation of polyesters, comprising a rotor which rotates in a reactor casing having an inlet and outlet, said rotor being supported horizontally via a support apparatus by means of stub shaft arrangements which reach beyond the end walls of the reactor casing, wherein annular film-forming elements and, between the annular film-forming elements, strippers are arranged on the inner surfaces of the reactor casing on the rotor, such that the cylindrical rotor has at least one partly heated section. |
US07964151B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing carbon nanotubes
Provided is an apparatus for producing carbon nanotubes, that is provided with a reaction chamber and a dispersion plate. The dispersion plate is provided with a plate and a gas guiding portion provided on an edge of the plate, and a catalyst supply hole is defined in the central portion of the plate, through which metal catalysts are supplied. The gas guiding portion guides source gas to the central portion of the plate and suspends the metal catalysts discharged from the catalyst supply hole in a specific direction. Thus, the apparatus for producing carbon nanotubes can prevent loss of metal catalysts and improve space utilization. |
US07964145B2 |
Aggregometer
An aggregometer for measuring and recording platelet aggregation with at least one measurement cuvette having two electrodes, with a device for moving the liquid to be examined and with measurement and evaluation electronics connected to the electrodes via contact elements, is characterized in that the measurement cuvette comprises two adjacently arranged, upwardly open partial spaces which are only connected to one another in the lower region, in that the electrodes are designed as metal spheres inserted in the bottom of the measurement cuvette and in that the device for moving the liquid is a pumping device which can be placed on one of the partial spaces in a substantially sealing manner and which periodically and alternately generates low and excess pressure. |
US07964144B1 |
MEMS biosensor with integrated impedance and mass-sensing capabilities
A biosensor device (1) providing an analysis platform for detecting cell growth, comprising of an aluminium nitride (AlN) base (2), a shear horizontal-surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) resonator including an input transducer (4) and an output transducer (5) symmetrically positioned on the aluminum nitride (AlN) base (2), a counter electrode (6) positioned parallel to working electrodes (7) on the aluminum nitride (AlN) base (2), for transmitting frequency voltage towards the living cell (3), a plurality of working electrodes (7) positioned beneath the living cell (3) on the aluminium nitride (AlN) base (2) for receiving frequency voltage from the living cell (3), an impedance analyzer (8) for receiving impedance readings from the counter electrode (6) and working electrodes (7), and a back-etched silicon substrate (9) coupled to the aluminium nitride (AlN) base (2), for reducing current loss, wherein the living cell (3) is positioned in between of the input transducer and output transducer on the aluminium nitride (AlN) base (4). |
US07964141B2 |
Apparatus for handling and classifying microtomized tissue samples
The invention relates to an apparatus for handling microtomized tissue samples (1) which are arranged on an object carrier (2) and are provided with a machine-readable code (3), with a reader (4) serving to detect the information of the code (3) and a controller (5) serving to convert the information for handling purposes. In order to use such an apparatus to classify unsorted object carriers (2) with respect to one another in a patient-oriented manner for evaluation purposes, it is proposed that a transfer apparatus (6) and at least one drive (7) are provided, which are formed in such a way that they can pick up object carriers (2) from a supply device (8) and move them to a presentation carrier (9) which has receptacles (10) for a plurality of object carriers (2), an apparatus (11) which is ready to hold presentation carriers (9) being arranged and formed in such a way that it keeps a large number of presentation carriers (9) ready in a manner such that they are accessible to the transfer apparatus (6), wherein the controller (5) is formed in such a way that it controls the at least one drive (7) on the basis of the information of the code (3) of the object carrier (2) to the effect that object carriers (2) which originate from a patient can be moved by the transfer apparatus (6) to at least one presentation carrier (9) in an order which is assigned to the patient. |
US07964140B2 |
Automatic analyzer
An automatic analyzer is disclosed that has a structure capable of using reagent containers each having an ID, such as a barcode, attached either on the top surface or the undersurface thereof, or alternatively on each of them. This automatic analyzer, therefore, allows information about the reagent ID to be read or written at an arbitrary timing even if the mounting density of reagent containers of the automatic analyzer is increased, thereby improving the function and performance of the apparatus. |
US07964138B2 |
On-demand portable chlorine dioxide generator
An on-demand portable chlorine dioxide generator has a reagent bound medium in a first enclosed volume; a complementary reagent solution in a second enclosed volume, and a structure for selecting between a first position where the complementary reagent solution is forced through the reagent bound medium and a second position where said complementary reagent solution remains isolated from the reagent bound ion exchange medium, where a ClO2 solution is generated only during periods when the structure for forcing is actuated. The ClO2 solution can be discharged for use as a portable sprayer that can be used to treat surfaces infected by anthrax or other biological contaminants. When the bound reagent is chlorite, the complementary reagent is an acid or an oxidant. When the bound reagent is an acid or an oxidant, the complementary reagent solution is a chlorite solution. |
US07964136B2 |
Method of sterilizing polymeric struts and stents
It has been determined that gamma sterilization of biodegradable polymer stents does not cause significant polymer cross-linking and collapse. Using sufficient spacing can lead to stents that display little if any detrimental effects from the procedure. In certain embodiments, using structures in the general region of about 100 micron spacing between the struts leads to highly functional stents that do not fuse. Further, the resulting stent has radially homogenous mechanical properties. Therefore, the stent has a uniform expansion within the lumen. |
US07964133B2 |
Method, device and accessories for manufacturing laminate floor panels by using a press
A method for manufacturing floor panels, wherein one starts from board-shaped elements that are subjected to a press treatment, wherein during pressing at the decorative side of the board-shaped elements to be pressed, a press element is used having a plurality of separately formed press parts. |
US07964130B2 |
Guide anchor for seat belt of vehicle and method for manufacturing the same
A guide anchor for a seat belt, and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The guide anchor comprises a guide plate having a latching hole and a slide guide hole formed therein, a guide piece engaged with a lower circumference of the slide guide hole, and a first molded part for coupling the guide plate and the guide piece. The guide piece comprises a cover, and a second molded part injected into a lower surface of the cover. The second molded part has a recess formed in a longitudinal direction at a lower surface. The cover has cover eaves extending from a lower portion. |
US07964129B1 |
Temperature control method and apparatus
An arrangement to assist in heat transfer through a mold for applications such as injection molding of plastics material including at least one closed chamber within the mold, the chamber being only partially filled with fluid and a remainder of the chamber being filled with substantially only vapor of the fluid within the chamber, at least a portion of the chamber being positioned to transmit heat from a targeted location of the mold into fluid within the chamber, and condensing means adapted by reason of heat exchange to effect condensation of vapor within the chamber, the mold being arranged in that the fluid, such as water, is arranged to be held in the chamber in such a way that the fluid will be distributed to reach or be held at different heights within the chamber. |
US07964128B2 |
Process and apparatus for continuously producing an elastomeric composition
A process for continuously producing an elastomeric composition includes metering at least one elastomer, at least one filler, and at least one minor ingredient; feeding the at least one elastomer, the at least one filler, and the at least one minor ingredient into at least one extruder; mixing and dispersing the at least one filler and the at least one minor ingredient into the at least one elastomer using the at least one extruder; obtaining a subdivided product from a resulting elastomeric composition discharged from the at least one extruder; accumulating an amount of the subdivided product; and stirring the accumulated amount of the subdivided product. An apparatus for continuously producing an elastomeric composition includes at least one extruder, at least one first metering device, at least one second metering device, at least one device for obtaining a subdivided product, and at least one accumulating and stirring device. |
US07964126B2 |
Method of preventing gravity-induced deformation of ceramic green bodies
A method of preventing gravity-induced deformation of a ceramic green body. The method comprises providing a ceramic green body and disposing the body in a fluid medium bath having a density that is greater than or equal to that of the ceramic green body. The green body is suspended and floats freely in the fluid medium, and deformation of the green body due to its own weight is prevented. Outer or peripheral portions of the ceramic green body may also be stiffened when the fluid medium bath comprises an aqueous salt solution comes into contact with the green body and causes gelation of a binder within the ceramic green body. |
US07964125B2 |
Matte finish carrier
A carrier and method of manufacture for a carrier that results in a package of containers includes a plastic sheet having an array of container apertures and a portion having a matte finish where the matte finish includes a lower coefficient of friction relative to a container than a remaining surface of the plastic sheet. A plurality of containers are each positioned within an aperture of the array so that the matte finish of the plastic sheet is positioned along an inner portion of the package and the remaining surface of the plastic sheet is positioned along an outer portion of the package. |
US07964122B2 |
Method of shaping an aspherical optical element
A method of shaping an aspherical optical element, such as a composite mirror element, the method comprising the following steps: fastening, preferably by adhesive, an optical element blank, presenting an optical surface that is to be shaped, to the inside of a ring, the optical surface of the blank projecting beyond an edge of said ring; applying forces and moments to the perimeter of the ring in such a manner as to deform it in controlled manner, thereby also deforming the optical surface of the blank fastened to its inside; shaping said deformed optical surface by abrasion so as to restore it to a shape that is spherical or planar; and extracting the blank from the ring so as to release the stresses deforming said shaped optical surface, thereby enabling it to acquire the desired aspherical shape. |
US07964121B2 |
Polarized lens and method of making polarized lens
Method of making eyeglass lens are disclosed where the lens are made of layers which include an outer, convex hard coating, a layer of hard epoxy, a laminated PVA film where one of the layer of the PVA film is coated with Photochromic powder, a layer of soft epoxy, a base material, and an inner, concave hard coating. Other methods configuration of lens also include a camouflaged patterned lens, a layer of hard epoxy, a polyurethane mixture, a laminated PVA film where one of the layer of the PVA film is coated with Photochromic powder, a layer of soft epoxy, a base material, and an inner, concave hard coating. |
US07964114B2 |
Iron-based water gas shift catalyst
The present development is a catalyst for use in water gas shift processes, a method for making the catalyst and a method of using the catalyst. The catalyst is composed of iron oxide, copper oxide, zinc oxide, alumina, and optionally, potassium oxide, and is produced using a hydrothermal synthesis process. The catalyst demonstrates surprising activity for conversion of carbon monoxide under high to moderate temperature shift reaction conditions. |
US07964109B2 |
Method of cleaning a surface of a cobalt-containing material, method of forming an opening to a cobalt-containing material, semiconductor processing method of forming an integrated circuit comprising a copper-containing conductive line, and a cobalt-containing film cleaning solution
The invention includes methods of cleaning a surface of a cobalt-containing material, methods of forming an opening to a cobalt-containing material, semiconductor processing methods of forming an integrated circuit comprising a copper-containing conductive line, and cobalt-containing film cleaning solutions. In one implementation, a method of cleaning a surface of a cobalt-containing material includes forming a cobalt-containing material over a substrate. The surface of the cobalt-containing material is exposed to an aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture has an acidic pH and comprises acetic acid, a multiprotic acid, and HF. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated. |
US07964105B2 |
Method for improving belt press dewatering
A method for increasing the removal of a higher fraction of liquid from the press cake in any belt press is described. Specifically, the invention incorporates a series of rollers that create multiple pinch points to compress the solid fraction while removing liquid. After each pinch point, the solid material is allowed to separate from the belt, fall by gravity, and repack so that more liquid can be released at each successive pinch point than is possible if the material is fed to multiple rollers and pinch points in series without decompressing as is done is prior art. |
US07964101B2 |
Fluid treatment process
Processes for treating drilling fluid by passing the fluid through a separator including a clarifying zone and a thickening zone, the clarifying zone having inclined plates and the thickening zone having at least one wall with an angle of less than about 60°. The separator may optionally include an agglomeration zone and a removal zone. |
US07964099B2 |
Water filtering device
A water filtering device includes a casing having a first space defined therein and an inner part is received in the first space. The casing includes an inlet at top thereof and an outlet at a lower end thereof. The inner part includes a cover and an inner tube is located therein. A second space is defined between the inner tube and the inner periphery of the inner part. Filtering particles are received in the second space. The inner part includes apertures defined through a lower end thereof and communicating with the first and second spaces. Water enters into the first space form the inlet and enters into the second space via the apertures and is filtered by the filtering particles. The filtered water flows over the open top of the inner tube and enters into the inner tube and flows out from the outlet of the casing. |
US07964097B2 |
Multicapillary column for chromatography and sample preparation
A multicapillary column especially useful for liquid chromatography and sample preparation comprising a plurality of uniform capillaries coated with an insoluble stationary phase, wherein the thickness of the stationary phase is correlated with the radius of the individual capillaries for high efficiency. |
US07964096B2 |
Filter device utilizing returned fuel to prolong filter life
A filter device includes a first connection part 1 adapted to be connected to a fuel pump; a second connection part 21 adapted to be connected to a path for a returned portion of fuel; and a filter member 3 having an inner space 30 communicating with an inlet port 10 of the first connection part 1 and an outlet port 20 of the second connection part 2. A tubular member 22 has a leading edge 22a formed with the outlet port 20 of the second connection part 2. The leading edge 22a of the tubular member 22 is opened to be disposed in the inlet port 10 of the first connection part 1 so as to have a gap between an outer peripheral surface 22b of the tubular member 22 and an opening edge 10a of the inlet port 10 of the first connection part 1. |
US07964091B2 |
Cracking furnace
A cracking furnace having a firebox provided with cracking coils is described. The cracking coils have at least one inlet, at least one inlet section, at least one outlet and at least one outlet section, and burners, and the parts of the coils are shielded. A process for cracking hydrocarbon feeds, and making use of a furnace with the thermal shielding are also described. |
US07964086B2 |
Electrode and method for electrochemically machining a workpiece
An electrode and method for the electrochemical machining of a workpiece is disclosed. The electrode is designed as a cathodically polarized tool electrode. It has a geometry that corresponds to the geometry to be removed from the workpiece, at least in a machining range, and perviousnesses in the electrode to allow an electrolyte to flow through and exit at the electrode surface, at least in the area of the machining range. The perviousnesses are formed by a porous design of the electrode and/or by artificially created openings in the electrode or the electrode surface. The porosity distribution and/or the number, arrangement and configuration of the openings is selected such that a uniform electrolyte flow and/or electrolyte exchange at the electrode surface is ensured at least in the machining range of the electrode. |
US07964085B1 |
Electrochemical removal of tantalum-containing materials
A method of cleaning metal-containing deposits from a metal surface of a process chamber component includes immersing the metal surface in an electrochemical cleaning bath solution. A negative electrical bias is applied to the metal surface to electrochemically clean the metal-containing deposits from the metal surface. The cleaning method is capable of removing metal-containing deposits such as tantalum-containing deposits from the metal surface substantially without eroding the surface, and may be especially advantageous in the cleaning of components having textured surfaces. |
US07964084B2 |
Methods and apparatus for the synthesis of useful compounds
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for activation of a low reactivity, non-polar chemical compound. In one example embodiment, the method comprises introducing the low reactivity chemical compound to a catalyst. At least one of (a) an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent and (b) a polar compound is provided to the catalyst and the chemical compound. An alternating current is applied to the catalyst to produce an activation reaction in the chemical compound. This activation reaction produces a useful product. |
US07964082B2 |
Method for electrophoretic coating
An exemplary electrophoretic coating method and an electroplated shell (800) manufactured thereby is provided. The electrophoretic coating method includes the following steps. A first step (Step S1) is to mold a base shell (500). The base shell includes a base body (50), a shell body (60), and a connecting body (70). The shell body and the connecting body are molded with the base body. The connecting body connects with the shell body. A second step (Step S2) is to pretreat the shell body and the connecting body. Thus, conducting films are formed on the shell body and connecting body. A third step (Step S3) is to electrophoretically coat the preliminarily treated base shell, so as to form electroplated layers on the shell body. A fourth step (Step S4) is to remove the connecting body so as to form/yield the electroplated shell. |
US07964078B2 |
Microfluidic device for cell and particle separation
A microfluidic separation device includes a microchannel formed in a substrate and being defined at least by a bottom surface, a first side wall, and second side wall. Fluid containing particles or cells is flowed through the microchannel from an upstream end to a downstream end. The downstream end terminates in a plurality of branch channels. A plurality of vertically-oriented electrodes are disposed on the first wall and on the second wall opposite to the first wall. A voltage source is connected to the plurality of opposing electrodes to drive the electrodes. The opposing, vertically-oriented electrodes may be used to focus a heterogeneous population of particles or cells for subsequent downstream separation via additional electrodes placed on one of the side walls. Alternatively, the opposing, vertically-oriented electrodes may be used to spatially separate a heterogeneous population of particles or cells for later collection in one or more of the branch channels. |
US07964077B2 |
Automated two-dimensional electrophoresis apparatus and instrument constituting the apparatus
The present invention is to provide a sample separation instrument used in a sample separation apparatus which includes: holding means for holding a first medium supporter which supports a first medium; and driving means for moving fixing means or the holding means in a direction parallel or perpendicular to a plane whose sides extend in the first direction and in the second directions. The sample separation instrument includes an insulator for storing a second medium which allows a sample separated in the first medium in the first direction to be further separated in the second direction different from the first direction, wherein: the insulator includes a first opening and a second opening each of which defines the second direction in which the second medium is electrified, and the second opening has a shape which allows the first medium containing the separated sample to be attached to the second medium along the first direction. The present invention realizes automation of the two-dimensional electrophoresis to enhance the convenience of the two-dimensional electrophoresis, to less depend on the operator's skill, and to enhance the reproducibility of the electrophoresis result. |
US07964075B2 |
Electrodic bridge
The present invention relates to an electrode bridge or sample application bridge for use in electrophoresis, preferably isoelectric focusing, IEF. More closely, the invention relates to an electrodic bridge or sample loading bridge for preventing denaturant depletion from the IPG (immobilized pH gradient) gel and, optionally, for loading samples onto the IPG gel. The pH of the bridge is adjustable for adoption to positioning at the acid as well as basic end of the IPG strips. |
US07964074B1 |
Electroelution of oligonucleotides from gel matrices
The invention can be used to purify and extract a target oligonucleotide from a gel substrate. The current invention extracts the target oligonucleotide so quickly that burn-off against the positive electrode is greatly reduced, yielding high optical density and purity. The need for an osmotic membrane or heavy salt/light salt barrier to capture the oligonucleotide is eliminated. The invention does not require a high salt concentration and therefore does not require a desalting column that is time-consuming and reduces yield. |
US07964073B2 |
Air fuel ratio detection apparatus
Using a gas detection voltage Vs output from a terminal CU, a determination is made at to whether, after startup of an air-fuel ratio detection apparatus (1), a full-range air-fuel ratio sensor (10) has reached a semi-activated state in which a determination can be made as to whether the air-fuel ratio is on the rich or lean side based on a change in a gas detection signal Vic. After determining that the sensor has reached the semi-activated state, the signal Vic is compared with a threshold to determine whether the air-fuel ratio is on the rich or lean side. In the apparatus (1), the potential difference between an outer pump electrode of a pump cell (14) and a reference electrode of an oxygen concentration measurement cell (24) is obtained via a first differential amplification circuit (53) as the gas detection signal Vic, the signal Vic being highly responsive to a change in air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas. |
US07964069B2 |
Device for galvanic coating of a piston
A device for galvanic coating of a piston has a pot-shaped interior for accommodating the piston and an electrolyte fluid, a holder device for fixing the piston in place, a cover that is structured like a shutter and leaves only the surfaces of the piston that are to be coated uncovered, a first electrical contact that is connected with an anode and with the plus pole of a direct voltage source, and a second electrical contact that connects the piston with the minus pole of a direct voltage source. The piston can be simply and quickly attached to the holder device, since the holder device is in plate shape, and has an oblong centering device, the length of which corresponds to the radial inside diameter of the piston to be coated so that the piston can be pushed onto the centering device by way of its underside. |
US07964065B2 |
Screen structure for use in the manufacture of a fiber product
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for feeding chemical into a liquid flow. The method and apparatus according to the invention are especially suitable for applications where very small volumes of chemical must be fed in precise amounts in large process liquid flows. |
US07964064B2 |
System and method to control press section dewatering on paper and pulp drying machines using chemical dewatering agents
The present invention provides an automatic control system, method and paper manufacturing machine using such control system for automatically controlling the amount of press section dewatering via the metered application of chemical dewatering agents applied to a paper web in a paper manufacturing process. The control system includes a feedback controller for controlling the amount of chemical dewatering agent applied to a paper web, and a monitoring device for obtaining a measurement of the moisture of the paper web exiting the press section. |
US07964062B2 |
Paper treating agent comprising a silicone composition
A paper treating agent comprising 100 parts by mass of organopolysiloxane (A), from 100 to 100,000 parts by mass of water (E), and 0.1 to 100 parts by mass of a surfactant (F), characterized in that the agent further comprises 50 to 1,000 parts by mass of a cellulosic resin (C), wherein 0.5 to 2.5 hydroxyl groups per glucose unit of said cellulosic resin are etherized or esterified, and a viscosity of an aqueous 2% solution of said cellulosic resin is from 2 to 100 mPa·s. |
US07964058B2 |
Processing system and method for chemically treating a substrate
A processing system and method for chemically treating a substrate, wherein the processing system comprises a temperature controlled chemical treatment chamber, and an independently temperature controlled substrate holder for supporting a substrate for chemical treatment. The substrate holder is thermally insulated from the chemical treatment chamber. The substrate is exposed to a gaseous chemistry, without plasma, under controlled conditions including wall temperature, surface temperature and gas pressure. The chemical treatment of the substrate chemically alters exposed surfaces on the substrate. |
US07964055B2 |
Films comprising a liquid-absorbant inner layer and an impermeable outer layer
Films comprising a liquid-absorbant layer and an impermeable layer are provided. Processes for manufacturing these films is also provided. The films are suitable for preparation of tubular casings and shrinkbags, in particular, casings for smoked foodstuffs. Also described are foodstuffs processed in the tubular casings. |
US07964053B2 |
Patterned linoleum sheeting
The invention relates to a method for the production of a patterned linoleum sheet, comprising the steps: a) application of a non-linoleum material to at least a part of the surface of a green linoleum and/or introduction of a non-linoleum material into given recesses in the green linoleum, or a′) application of a non-linoleum material in the form of a solution, a paste, a suspension or a dispersion onto the scraped linoleum mixture and calendering of the scraped linoleum mixture provided with the non-linoleum material to give a green linoleum, b) cutting the green linoleum thus obtained into pieces of given length, c) overlaying the cut green linoleum pieces to give a tiled stack of sheets and d) calendering the tiled stack of sheets to give a patterned linoleum sheet. The invention further relates to a patterned linoleum sheet obtained by said method and the use thereof. |
US07964052B2 |
Moulding material
An apparatus for manufacturing a multi-layered preform molding material includes a reinforcement material and a resin material. The apparatus includes a mechanism for joining the reinforcement layers together by impregnation of the resin material into the reinforcement material to form the molding material, thereby obviating the need for any additional bonding to join the individual reinforcement layers before impregnation. |
US07964047B2 |
Manufacturing method of three-dimensional structure and manufacturing device therefor
A manufacturing method of a three-dimensional structure includes (a) placing a second porous sheet on top of a first porous sheet that has a predetermined external shape and at least part of which contains a first functional liquid, (b) bonding at least a range surrounded by a predetermined shape of the second porous sheet onto the first porous sheet, (c) processing the second porous sheet in the predetermined shape, and (d) after step (b), causing a second functional liquid to be contained in at least part of the range of the second porous sheet so that the first functional liquid and the second functional liquid are brought into contact through the first porous sheet and the second porous sheet. |
US07964046B2 |
Apparatus and method for vibration welding
The present invention relates to a method for vibration welding. The vibration welding is performed with a plurality of mechanically decoupled oscillating heads, each of which is connected with a frequency converter. An electrical circuit connects the frequency converters such that one of the frequency converters can be operated as the master and the other frequency converters as slaves. With the help of the controlling effect of the master, both a synchronous and a targeted asynchronous operation of the plurality of oscillating heads can be realized. |
US07964044B1 |
Ferrous metal magnetite coating processes and reagents
A process for forming a magnetite coating on a ferrous metal surface and for chemical reagents used to implement the coating process. The process comprises the step of making the ferrous metal surface more reactive by contacting the surface with an activating reagent and then contacting the activated surface with an oxidizing reagent to form the coating at a relatively low temperature range. The surface is activated by contact with an acid solution to form a surface rich in reactive iron. The activated surface is then oxidized by contact with an aqueous reagent of alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal nitrate, alkali metal nitrite, and mixtures thereof. |
US07964035B2 |
Crystallization apparatus and crystallization method
A crystallization apparatus is provided. The crystallization apparatus includes a visible light source capable of obtaining high energy density output therein. A visible light irradiation system is formed by a plurality of visible laser beam sources arranged in a two-dimensional array. The visible light irradiation system includes a light intensity distribution forming apparatus for patterning light intensity distribution of a plurality of visible laser beams emitted by each visible laser beam source, and an imaging optical system for imaging the light having the light intensity distribution patterned by the light intensity distribution forming apparatus onto an irradiated region on the processed substrate. The visible laser beams emitted by a plurality of solid lasers or semiconductor lasers are overlapped in the light intensity distribution forming apparatus that satisfies an imaging position relationship in an optical axis with respect to the processed substrate. |
US07964033B2 |
Self-dispersed pigments and methods for making and using the same
A method of modifying a pigment that includes reacting a reactive compound having an X-[Y]n reactive group with a secondary compound N-S-ZM to form a substituted reactive intermediate [Y]a-X-(N-S-ZM)b. A pigment is reacted with the substituted reactive intermediate [Y]a-X-(N-S-ZM)b to attach the substituted reactive intermediate to the surface of the pigment to form a surface modified pigment. X may be a sulfonyl, phosphoryl, or 1,3,5-triazinyl group, Y may be a halogen leaving group, N may be a basic nucleophilic group, S may be an organic group, and ZM may be an ionizable end group. Also, n is an integer between 1 and 3, b is an integer between 1 and 3, and a=n−b. When n is equal to or greater than b, and if b is 2 or 3, each N-S-ZM can be the same or different. |
US07964029B2 |
Process flowstream collection system
A device and process for separating liquid and gas phases in a flowstream containing a liquefied gas or supercritical fluid under pressure mixed with a liquid. A splitter vessel separates the liquid from gas phases and transfers liquid to a collection container while conducting the gas phase out of the splitter. Separation of liquid phase out of the flowstream is provided without additional pressure schemes or solvent extractions imposed on the stream. |
US07964026B2 |
Gasification apparatus
A gasification system having a combustor vessel, an optional scrubber vessel, an optional fixer vessel, an optional cyclone vessel and an optional demister vessel. A wide variety of possibly moist solid or semi-solid carbonaceous fuels may be partially combusted in the combustor to generate a combustible gas and a mineral ash. An improved ash support and removal subsystem reduces clogging and other problems. The combustible gas is conveyed by optional heavy-duty blowers through the optional vessels to remove liquids and particulates and to undergo catalytic chemical reactions to provide a relatively clean, dry, highly-combustible hydrocarbon gas that captures a relatively high fraction of the potential heating value of the fuel. Internal gases, liquids and particulates from the vessels may be recycled inside the system to improve efficiency and prevent liquid waste. A portion of the internal liquids may also be extracted for other uses. |
US07964023B2 |
Regenerative sulfur sorption
A substrate or method for the sorption of sulfur compounds with a high capacity includes providing a substrate that defines at least one layer of ultra-short-channel-length mesh, coating at least a portion of the substrate with a desired sorbent for sulfur sorption, and passing a flowstream through the substrate and in contact with the sorbent during sorption. |
US07964020B2 |
Gas separation process using membranes with permeate sweep to remove CO2 from combustion gases
A gas separation process for treating flue gases from combustion processes, and combustion processes including such gas separation. The invention involves flowing the flue gas stream to be treated across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, then passing the permeate/sweep gas to the combustor. |
US07964019B2 |
Gas separation membrane
A membrane for gas separation includes a porous support layer and a separation layer. The separation layer comprises a mixture of one or more saccharide derivatives and one or more homopolymers. The saccharide derivative(s) may have a cyclic structure with five or six ring atoms, or a linear structure, or may include monosaccharide derivatives which are bound via glycoside bonds, and the number of monosaccharides bound in this manner may be 2 to 1,000. A membrane can be produced by preparing a homogeneous solution which comprises a saccharide derivative and a homopolymer in a solvent; and pouring the homogenous solution onto a support layer. The membrane may be used in a gas separation module the operation of which makes use of the membrane. |
US07964014B2 |
Metal oxide-bearing green pellets for reducing furnace, method of production of same, method of reduction of same, and reduction facility
The present invention provides a method and facility for preventing crumbling and powderization of green pellets when producing high strength green pellets using a powder feedstock and using the pellets in a rotary hearth reducing furnace and for efficiently reducing the same. It comprises kneading by a kneader 5 a feedstock of a powder of a fine particle size (20 to 80 wt % having size of not more than 10 μm) including a metal oxide and carbon-bearing powder fed from a feed storage tank 1 and producing green pellets by a pan type pelletizer 7. The green pellets are screened by a pellet screen 9, then dried by a pellet dryer 11 and reduced by firing in a rotary hearth reducing furnace 13. At that time, the green pellets are continuously conveyed to prevent crumbling. |
US07964013B2 |
FeRh-FePt core shell nanostructure for ultra-high density storage media
Disclosed herein are methods and processes for making FeRh/FePt nanostructures and the use of these FeRh—FePt nanostructures as a magnetic recording media. |
US07964011B2 |
Multi-throat air filter
An air filter is provided having a filter body and a throat connected to a bottom of the filter body. The throat includes a plurality of throat sections. Each of the plurality of throat sections has a different inner diameter. The throat may further included molded trim guides for facilitating trimming of the throat at throat section interfaces. |
US07964010B2 |
Coalescing filter element
A coalescing filter element for removing liquid droplets from a gas stream comprises a wall which is made of a coalescing filtration material and which defines a hollow space within it. An end cap at one end of the element has a port in it through which gas is supplied to the hollow space to flow through the wall of the filtration material. The end cap has a peripheral portion which engages the element wall and a tube which extends into the hollow space defined by the element wall, so that the port in the end cap comprises an inner opening defined by the tube and at least one peripheral opening located between the tube and the peripheral portion of the end cap. The tube extends beyond the peripheral opening(s) so as to deliver gas to a region of the element wall which is remote from the end cap. |
US07964009B2 |
Inertial gas-liquid separator with axially variable orifice area
An inertial gas-liquid separator removes liquid particles from a gas-liquid stream and has a variable orifice area variable along an axial direction and dependent upon axial movement of a plunger relative to a housing sleeve. |
US07964005B2 |
Copper CMP slurry composition
A composition that rapidly passivates copper-containing surface to yield a uniform layer of insoluble copper oxide, the composition being useful in chemical-mechanical planarization of copper-containing surfaces is disclosed. The composition is a solution having a pH of equal to or greater than 9 and having an oxidation potential sufficient to oxidize the surface to form non-soluble copper oxides. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the composition. |
US07964003B2 |
Rejuvenation of stored gasoline
The method of adding to gasoline which has been stored in a container, of relatively small size for a substantial period of time to cause substantial loss of the more volatile gasoline components, an additive composition which comprises a flammable organic liquid having a Reid vapor pressure of 2 to 18 psig, to improve starting capacity of a motor fueled by said gasoline. |
US07964001B2 |
Fuel management systems having a fluororubber article in contact with biodiesel fuel
Disclosed herein is a fuel management system having at least one fluororubber article in contact with biodiesel fuel wherein said fluororubber article comprises i) a polyhydroxy cured fluoroelastomer comprising copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride and at least one other fluoromonomer, and ii) 1 to 10 parts by weight of a diester of a dicarboxylic acid per hundred parts fluoroelastomer. Also disclosed is a method for reducing volume swell of a polyhydroxy cured fluororubber article in contact with biodiesel fuel wherein 1 to 10 parts by weight of a diester of a dicarboxylic acid is incorporated into said article. |
US07963999B2 |
Method for connecting electrodes having apertures
One embodiment includes a method that includes positioning a first substantially planar electrode including material defining a first aperture into a capacitor stack in alignment with a second substantially planar electrode such that a first non-aperture portion of the second substantially planar electrode at least partially overlays the first aperture and joining the first substantially planar electrode to the second substantially planar electrode proximal the material defining the first aperture and the first non-aperture portion of the second substantially planar electrode. |
US07963998B2 |
Hip joint prosthesis
A hip joint prosthesis includes connection means for securing the hip joint prosthesis to a securing device and to an artificial leg, and a control unit for controlling an extension movement in the hip joint and for controlling the step length of the artificial leg. |
US07963996B2 |
Ankle prosthesis methods
Methods of implanting an ankle prosthesis in a subject having an ankle joint in need of replacement. |
US07963994B2 |
Intervertebral disk prosthesis
An intervertebral disk prosthesis is disclosed. The intervertebral disk prosthesis is has a base plate, a top plate opposite the base plate, and an intervening core located between the top plate and base plate. One of the plates has a first concave contact face facing the core, which has a adjacent first convex contact face. A groove is provided around one of contact faces in which an elastic ring is placed. When placed in the groove, the elastic ring is also in contact with the opposite contact face. |
US07963990B2 |
Stent drug delivery system
Expandable intraluminal stents are provided as well their method of manufacture. These stents are made of metal, the metal characterized by a desired porosity, with a drug compressed into the pores of the stent. The stents are formed by subjecting one or more powdered metals in a die cavity to a pressure treatment followed by a heat treatment. The metal may be cast directly in a stent-like form or cast into sheets or tubes from which the inventive stents are produced. The so-formed porous metal stent is then loaded with one or more drugs. |
US07963987B2 |
Sequential implant delivery system
A method and device includes advancing a first stent and a second stent into a stenosed region of a blood vessel to protect or shield the vessel from possible blockage. The delivery device may include placement rings, selectively engagable by positioning members disposed on the outer wall of in inner catheter. The positioning members and the placement rings may be utilized to accurately place multiple stents within an afflicted vessel, in a single invasive procedure. |
US07963986B2 |
Method and system for control of a patient's body temperature by way of a transluminally insertable heat exchange catheter
Methods and apparatuses for temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including an induced state of hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette of any one of several disclosed variations is attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within one of various described re-usable control units. The control units include a heater/cooler device, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. The heater/cooler device may be thermoelectric to enable both heating and cooling based on polarity. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided. The disposable heat exchange cassettes may include an integral pump head that engages with a pump drive mechanism within the re-usable control unit. More than one control unit may be provided to receive the same heat exchange cassette so that a large capacity control unit can be used initially, and a smaller, battery-powered unit can be substituted once the patient reaches the desired target temperature. |
US07963985B2 |
Instrument for ultraviolet irradiation and ultraviolet irradiating apparatus
An instrument for ultraviolet irradiation includes a plurality of light-shielding filters each having different transmittances for ultraviolet radiation emitted from a light source for irradiating the skin of a patient with ultraviolet radiation, and a support member for supporting the light-shielding filters. |
US07963980B1 |
Cervical plate system
An anti-subsidence, anti-translocation, fusion compression cervical plate system with interface visualization, drill guide and temporary pin is provided. In one embodiment the invention provides a vertebral plate for minimizing the ability of an inter-body cage, filled with bone (or BMP-soaked sponges, etc.), to telescope into the vertebral body and to minimize failure due to cages that telescope into adjacent vertebral bodies on a delayed basis after surgery, as well as creation of reverse lordosis due to such telescoping. Another embodiment provides method to reduce the gap between the inter-body cage and the vertebral body end plate intra-operatively using compression from the plate caused by an offset between the screw bores on the plate and the drill holes, as established with an asymmetric drill guide. |
US07963979B2 |
Provisional bone plate
A provisional bone plate formed of an implantable plastic and having a length corresponding to the longest bone plate in a particular family of bone plates. The provisional bone plate includes a head contoured to match the head of a particular bone as well as a shaft for placement adjacent the bone shaft. The provisional bone plate includes a plurality of circumferential notches surrounding the elongate body or shaft of the bone plate. The circumferential notches are substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bone plate and define frangible portions of the bone plate which can be removed from the distal end thereof to alter the length of the provisional periarticular bone plate to correspond to the length of the various bone plates in a family of bone plates. The provisional bone plate is constructed of a biologically suitable plastic, is radiographic, and melts at a temperature less than 200° Fahrenheit. |
US07963978B2 |
Method for implanting a deflection rod system and customizing the deflection rod system for a particular patient need for dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system
A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient. |
US07963977B2 |
Devices and related methods for targeted pressure and temperature therapies for pelvic region disorders and syndromes
Disclosed herein are devices and related methods for using those devices in the relieving and/or treating of pain, discomfort, and/or inflammation in the pelvic region using targeted pressure and temperature delivery. The devices and methods for using those devices to deliver targeted pressure and temperature therapy internally to patients through their rectal or vaginal cavities are disclosed. |
US07963973B2 |
Multiple loop tissue connector apparatus and methods
A tissue connector assembly comprising a multiple loop fastener movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a restraining device attached to the fastener for restraining the fastener in its open configuration provides for a self-closing, multiple suture fastener. A needle may be releasably attached to the fastener. A method for connecting tissues is also disclosed. The method includes inserting a fastener through tissue with the fastener being biased in an open position by a restraining device secured to the fastener, threading the fastener through more than one stitch, and removing the restraining device from the fastener. |
US07963970B2 |
Percutaneous transpedicular access, fusion, discectomy, and stabilization system and method
Apparatus and methods for accessing an inferior vertebra, a superior vertebra, and a disc space therebetween via a transpedicular approach in the inferior vertebra that may include creating a channel normal to the pedicle and using an offset guide to create a second transpedicular channel at an angle to the first, normal pedicle channel where the second transpedicular channel passes into the inferior vertebra, superior vertebra, or the disc space therebetween. |
US07963967B1 |
Bone preparation tool
A bone preparing tool for use with a percutaneous bone access system. The bone access system penetrates the interior of a bone. The bone preparation tool allows a surgeon to prepare the interior of a bone for therapeutic treatments. The tool includes a handle, flexible rod and, bone preparation tip, which may include an off-set wedge, a banana wedge, a tapered tip, and a pedestal tip. Each tip has specialized functionality in bone preparation. The flexible rod and specialized tip are inserted through a curved cannula and employed for bone preparation. This tool is useful when implementing a variety of bone therapeutic treatments which benefit from internal bone access and preparation. Current tools are limited and cannot properly be used on bone that is healed or hardened. This invention allows a transpedicular or extrapedicular approach to a bone and provides sufficient tensile strength but flexibility to affect optimum functionality. |
US07963965B2 |
Bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing vessels
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws. |
US07963961B2 |
Systems for treating a hollow anatomical structure
A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments. |
US07963958B2 |
Portable optical ablation system
The present invention includes an apparatus and method of surgical ablative material removal “in-vivo” or from an outside surface with a short optical pulse that is amplified and compressed using either an optically-pumped-amplifier and air-path between gratings compressor combination or a SOA and chirped fiber compressor combination, wherein the generating, amplifying and compressing are done within a portable system. |
US07963952B2 |
Expandable sheath tubing
An expandable catheter accommodates a medical device that is being removed from a body with a larger diameter than the catheter. The same catheter may be used to reposition a device within the body to an alternative delivery site. A catheter or sheath may be used to deliver a medical device, surgical instrument, or biological sample. |
US07963946B2 |
Method and system for controlled infusion of therapeutic substances
Programmable infusion systems and method for controlled infusion of diagnostic or therapeutic substances (e.g., drugs, biologics, fluids, cell preparations, etc.) into the bodies of human or animal subjects. |
US07963945B2 |
Replaceable supplies for IV fluid delivery systems
The present invention is directed to an integrated cartridge assembly for delivery of the biocompatible fluids to a subject, in which the device comprises an integrated cartridge including a fluid reservoir for housing the biocompatible fluid, a dispenser permanently and fluidically connected to the fluid reservoir, and configured for dispensing the biocompatible fluid to a manifold which is fluidically and removably connectable to the cartridge. |
US07963939B2 |
Syringe having extended blending path
An injection device such as a syringe, which has a helical flow path for a solution in which the solvent and solute have been introduced. The helical flow path is formed by a helically configured member which has general overall configuration of a helical coil spring. Individual coils may be formed to have a groove located along the length of the helix. When compressed, the novel member effectively takes on a cylindrical outer configuration. Because the groove is covered and sealed by the surface of the next turn of the helix when compressed, an enclosed helical flow path is formed in the compressed member. The invention may be an injection device using the novel flow path forming member or alternatively, the flow path forming member itself. |
US07963933B2 |
Osteoarthritis knee orthosis
An osteoarthritis knee brace includes at least one vertical strut with upper and lower portions, at least one pivoting hinge intermediately disposed there between, a shin cuff attached to the vertical strut lower portion and positioned below the hinge and a thigh cuff attached to the vertical strut upper portion and positioned above the hinge. The brace further includes at least one inflatable bladder system for applying a corrective and therapeutic force to the osteoarthritis damaged knee joint and the surrounding areas thereof, and which is removeably positionable thereabout. Still further, the brace includes at least one insert enclosed within the inflatable bladder system for equally distributing the corrective and therapeutic force at each point at which the inflatable bladder system applies a corrective and therapeutic force. |
US07963932B2 |
Apparatus for assisting limb and computer program
An apparatus for assisting limb includes a body attachment, a link for upper leg, and a knee joint unit, a link for lower leg, a lower limb attachment, a drive unit and a knee joint actuator. The body attachment is attached to a trunk of a user. The link for upper leg is placed alongside with an upper leg of the user and coupled with the body attachment. The link for lower leg is placed alongside with a lower leg of the user and coupled with the link for the upper leg via the knee joint unit. The lower limb attachment is attached to one of the lower leg and a foot of the user, and coupled with the link for lower leg. The knee joint actuator is placed in the body attachment so as to apply rotational torque to the knee joint unit via the drive unit. |
US07963931B2 |
Methods and devices of multi-functional operating system for care-taking machine
The methods and devices of a multi-functional operating interface for a care-taking machine. The multi-functional operating interface of the care-taking machine includes: muscle stretch sensor, multiplexer amplifying wave filter, analog-to-digital signal converter, image processing unit, and muscle pattern database and control bus. Aided by the present muscle template training method and potential image data collecting and processing method, it can become an interface that offers the user of a care-taking machine instantaneous and unlimited controllability of the machine, enabling such people, either sick or handicapped, to enjoy more convenience and better life. |
US07963930B2 |
Methods and devices of multi-functional operating system for care-taking machine
The methods and devices of a multi-functional operating interface for a care-taking machine. The multi-functional operating interface of the care-taking machine includes: muscle stretch sensor, multiplexer amplifying wave filter, analog-to-digital signal converter, image processing unit, and muscle pattern database and control bus. Aided by the present muscle template training method and potential image data collecting and processing method, it can become an interface that offers the user of a care-taking machine instantaneous and unlimited controllability of the machine, enabling such people, either sick or handicapped, to enjoy more convenience and better life. |
US07963927B2 |
Electromyography system
An electromyography system and related method for performing automated screw test procedures, involving automatically determining an onset neuro-muscular response to the application of an electrical stimulus to a portion of pediculur bone and communicating to a user an onset electrical stimulus level which causes the onset neuro-muscular response. |
US07963922B2 |
Volume depletion detection
Detection of volume depletion, particularly after an incidence of volume overload is disclosed. Various methods, systems, and devices are disclosed that sense and analyze a physiological parameter related to a patient's fluid level in order to warn patients of potentially dangerous volume depletion conditions while minimizing false notifications. |
US07963920B2 |
Vessel flow monitoring system and method
A system for monitoring blood flow confined by at least one vessel wall, the system including: at least one implantable diffraction-grating transducer being embedded within or adjacent to a vessel wall, the diffraction-grating transducer being suitable for emitting ultrasound into or receiving Doppler shifted ultrasound from the blood flow; and, a source for pulse-exciting the implantable diffraction grating; wherein, the Doppler shift is indicative of the blood flow. |
US07963919B2 |
Ultrasound imaging transducer array for synthetic aperture
Synthetic transmit aperture is provided for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging. A transducer may have separate transmit and receive elements. Broad beams are transmitted, allowing fewer transmit elements and/or more rapid scanning. A multidimensional receive array generates data in response to sequential transmissions, such as transmissions from different angles. The data is combined to increase resolution. A transducer array with offset transmit elements for forming a transmit line source may be used. |
US07963916B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating a likelihood of shoulder dystocia
A system and apparatus implementing a graphical user interface module for displaying information conveying a level of risk of delivery with shoulder dystocia associated to an obstetrics patient. The graphical user interface module displays a set of user modifiable information fields for allowing a user to enter a set of patient information data elements associated to the obstetrics patient. The graphical user interface module also displays a control allowing a user to cause the set of information data elements to be transmitted to a processing unit adapted to derive patient risk data at least in part on the basis of the set of information data elements, the patient risk data conveying a level of risk of delivery with shoulder dystocia. The graphical user interface module then displays the patient risk data with reference to risk assessment information. |
US07963915B2 |
Devices and methods for tissue access
Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion. |
US07963911B2 |
Locomotive endoscope assembly for fluid supply
Apparatus for fluid supply to the interior of a portion of a tubular body portion including a locomotive endoscope head extending along a longitudinal axis and having a first selectably radially extendible sealing element and a second selectably radially extendible sealing element, wherein at least one of the first and second selectably radially extendible sealing elements is axially displaceable with respect to the other, a fluid passageway operative for supplying fluid intermediate the first and second selectably radially extendible sealing elements and a locomotive endoscope head controller controlling the operation of the locomotive endoscope head and being operative for controlling selectable extension of the first and second selectably radially extendible sealing elements, axial displacement of the at least one of the first and second selectably radially extendible sealing elements, and fluid introduction through the fluid passageway. |
US07963908B2 |
Device to lubricate a penis or medical apparatus
A device to lubricate a penis or medical instrument before insertion into the human body or orifice is disclosed. The device can be made from a ring that is covered with one or more membranes and contains lubricating material within the interior volume defined by the ring and the membrane(s). Alternatively, the device can be made from a ring that surrounds foam that is saturated with lubricant. In either embodiment, the membrane(s) or foam contain a penetration zone defined by any number of intersecting slits. A method of using the same to lubricate a penis or a medical instrument, such as an endoscope. |
US07963904B2 |
Method and device for treating body ailments
An apparatus and a method for treating ailments of the human body by electromagnetic waves. The body part to be treated is located inside an induction coil and the coil is energized by a switching device that supplies the coil with current pulses that include higher frequency components that occur during at least a portion of the pulse. Both manual and electronic switching devices are disclosed. The manual switching device uses manually operable striking contactors and the high frequency components are generated by arcing between the contactors. The automatic switching device is an electronic controller that simulates the current pulses produced using the manual method. |
US07963902B2 |
Computer prescribed treatment to reduced damage from radiation therapy and chemotherapy
This invention describes the use of a process for treating neoplastic masses, in which the damage to healthy cells surrounding the mass is reduced as compared to current treatment processes, hi embodiments, computer programs are used to prescribe a timed treatment sequence to mitigate some of the deleterious effects of cancer radiation treatment or chemotherapy. By initiating natural cell repair mechanisms with an application of a low dose of radiation to healthy tissue prior to the full cancer treatment, the post-treatment damage to the healthy cells can be reduced. |
US07963895B2 |
Compound abdominal device
A compound abdominal and upper body exercising device having an outer frame, an inner mechanism that is pivotally connected within the outer frame and on which a user kneels to initiate the exercise, a linkage system between the outer frame and the inner mechanism that interconnects an actuating assembly and the inner mechanism, and a weight support system connected to the inner mechanism. |
US07963893B1 |
Method of pre-tensioning a resistance exercise band
An elastic resistance band that is fabricated by placing two end couplers on each end of a section of elastic resistance material. A pre-tensioned force is applied by incorporating a rigid tensioning member between the two end couplers of the resistance band. The resistance material is stretched during the assembly process, placing the material in a pre-tensioned state. By pre-tensioning the material, the resistance band then provides a more linear force to the end user. |
US07963892B2 |
Dumbbell system for muscles work
A dumbbell system that allows a single arm working and alternatively a simultaneous and symmetrical working of both arms to fortify specific muscles, including biceps, triceps and back muscles. The dumbbell system includes a dumbbell unit and either a single weight plate attachment means, or a double weight plate attachment means to connecting two dumbbell units to each other. |
US07963891B1 |
Lift adapter
A handle adapter utilized with an exercise weight, a dumb bell or a heavy object provides an improved grip upon the exercise weight and positions the weight or heavy objects in a vertical position or in a linear alignment in relation to the hands throughout the exercise or work movement, reducing stress upon the wrist, cartilage, tendons ligaments and joints during movement of the weight during exercise and to improve isolation upon the muscles while reducing the possibility of injury to the effected joints of the hands, arms and shoulders. |
US07963890B2 |
Exercise machine with pivoting user support and multiple cam linkage
An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation about a user support pivot axis between start and end positions. The user support frame has at least a primary support and a secondary support for supporting spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement by the user in performing exercises, and an at least partially flexible connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. The connecting linkage includes at least two axially spaced winding portions mounted for rotation about a common cam axis. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage. |
US07963888B2 |
Sports device
Sports equipment or a sports device is described. It has an elongated body equipped with two handles, which are configured to accommodate hands and/or feet. The elongated body can be elastically flexed in a longitudinal direction. In a preferred embodiment of the sports equipment or sports device, the elongated body is designed for use as a swimming float. The sports equipment or sports device is particularly suited for training, playing and/or exercising. |
US07963885B2 |
Chasing training device
An athletic training device to develop speed and agility. A robot can be programmed or remote controlled to move in an erratic manner so that it can be chased by an athlete. An on-board shut-off unit stops the device when it is removed by the athlete chasing the device. |
US07963884B2 |
Straddle type vehicle
A straddle vehicle comprises a single actuator that controls clutch engagement as well as gear shifting. The actuator can be connected to the clutch and the shiftable transmission with a rotating shaft. When an engine speed reaches or exceeds a preset value during an up-shift operation, an ECU or other controller reduces the engine output to facilitate a smooth gear shift. |
US07963883B2 |
Propulsion system for skidder
A skidder having a diesel engine coupled to a multiple gear ratio transmission driving a pair of wheel sets for a skidder. The diesel engine is controlled by an operator manipulated foot pedal or hand lever to control the power output and ultimately the maximum skidder ground speed. A controller is provided to pre-select the maximum gear into which the transmission may be placed to ultimately limit the maximum ground speed of the skidder so that the operator sets the forward speed in a binary fashion by depressing the foot pedal or hand operated device to a maximum output condition. |
US07963882B2 |
Range-switching device of automatic transmission, and control method of the device
A range-switching device of an automatic transmission has a control device that executes a fail-safe process of prohibiting the changing to the parking range if a parking load greater than or equal to a predetermined value occurs when the vehicle is at rest. |
US07963880B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed. |
US07963878B2 |
Hypocycloidal gear train for varying the speed between two shafts and a bicycle having such a hypocycloidal gear train
The invention relates to a bicycle provided with a gearwheel consisting of a transmission element (3) rigidly connected to a drive shaft (1), a gear rim (4) which comprises an internal toothed gearing and in front of which all other components of a hypocycloidal gearwheel are fixed, a planetary gear (5) which is provided with several gearings and engaged with the gearing of the gear rim (4) by one of the gearings thereof, a sliding member (8) disposed between the plurality of gearwheels (6) and an output shaft (2) and displaceable in the direction thereof between a plurality of positions in each of which one of the gearwheels (6) and said output shaft (2) are rigidly interconnected. |
US07963877B2 |
Eight-speed transmissions
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. |
US07963872B2 |
Transmission chain for use in engine
The plates of transmission chain for an engine are formed with a guide-contacting configuration composed of spaced flat surfaces that come into sliding contact with a flat chain guide, and convex surfaces, continuous with and between the flat surfaces, for sliding contact with a convex chain guide. The convex surfaces are connected by a concave surface that, with the guide surface, forms an oil-retaining clearance. The radius of curvature of the convex curved surfaces of the plate preferably increases gradually from the location where they meet the flat surfaces toward the location where they meet the concave surface. The plates can have the same configuration on the side facing the inside of chain loop as on the side facing the outside of the chain loop. |
US07963868B2 |
Hockey stick
Hockey stick configurations and hockey stick blade constructs are disclosed. The blade is comprised of one or more inner core elements, surrounded by one or more walls made of reinforcing fibers or filaments disposed in a hardened matrix resin material. One or more of the inner core elements comprises an elastomer material. |
US07963867B1 |
Over-molded runner for a lacrosse pocket
An over-molded runner for a lacrosse pocket comprising a substrate portion and an over-molded portion or optionally a completely molded runner providing for improved pocket characteristics. |
US07963866B2 |
Lacrosse head
A lacrosse head includes a base, a scoop, and a pair of sidewalls. The sidewalls include upper and lower rims and further include a dual flare configuration. The first flare is in a rear portion and is characterized by the upper rims of the sidewalls being spaced closer together to one another than the lower rims. The second flare begins from approximately the middle portion of the sidewalls and generally throughout the forward portion and is characterized by the upper rims of the sidewalls being spaced further apart from each other than the lower rims. |
US07963864B2 |
Hand accessory
A hand accessory designed to harness power from strong areas of the hand and channel stress away from weaker areas by means of anchors pressing into tough fleshy areas with connecting structure capable of leveraging a handle away from sensitive bony areas, relocating fleshy areas into supporting and insulating positions, preventing bone bruises and widening the effective grip of the hand for greater control while augmenting the hand's range of motion especially in swinging a baseball bat. |
US07963861B2 |
Golf club head having movable weights
One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports. |
US07963860B2 |
Golf clubs and golf club heads having feel altering systems
Golf club heads include: (a) a body having a ball-striking face and a rear face, the body defining a cavity; (b) a bridge member extending across the cavity, wherein the bridge member is provided to affect, at least in part, a position of a center of gravity of the club head; and (c) a feel altering element provided between the bridge member and the rear face. The feel altering element may affect a wide variety of parameters that relate to the “feel” of the golf club head when it strikes a golf ball, such as the sound produced by the club head during the strike, the vibrational response of the club head during the strike, the swing characteristics of the club head (e.g., weight, center of gravity position, etc.), and the like. |
US07963859B2 |
Method and apparatus for assistive energy type golf club
Apparatus and a method that enables an assistive energy type golf club to sense the approach of the club face toward a golf ball, and to trigger the release of the assistive energy at the optimum time to achieve the desired golf ball velocity and distance. |
US07963858B2 |
Golf putter
A golf putter having an improved club head construction comprising a tapered toe and heel, and cut-out portions to distribute weight towards the toe and heal of the club to preventing twisting and to prevent club head interaction with the ground during stroke. In an aspect, the club head further includes alignment indicator lines on an upward facing mounting surface and a alignment indicator line along a shaft connection portion that extends forwardly of the striking face of the club head. |
US07963857B1 |
Increased diameter arthritic golf club grips
A golf club grip system having grips that have grip diameters ranging from 1.0 inches (25.4 mm) to 1.2 inches (30.5 mm). Additionally, each golf club grip may include an outer wrap and an inner layer. The outer wrap is substantially thinner than the inner layer and consists predominantly of polyurethane and felt. Specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, the outer wrap consists of two separate layers of polyurethane, a layer of felt, and two thin strips of adhesive tape. By utilizing these materials, the outer wrap provides a high traction, i.e., slip resistant, surface with improved shock and vibration dampening characteristics. Additionally, by utilizing the combination of the outer wrap and the inner layer, the grip provides shock absorption with substantially increased resistant to torsional forces. |
US07963854B2 |
Portable automatic golf ball dispenser
A golf ball dispensing apparatus includes a tube configured to receive at least one golf ball, at least one leg configured to attach to said tube, means for releasing a golf ball from said tube, means for supplying power configured to engage said means for releasing a golf ball, an arm configured to receive a golf ball from said tube wherein said arm is configured to engage said tube at a hinge, and means for sensing motion configured to engage said means for releasing a golf ball. |
US07963848B2 |
Gaming machine paying out cumulatively accumulated game media and control method thereof
A gaming machine comprising a controller programmed to execute the processing of rolling and stopping the plurality of dice in the gaming portion, cumulatively accumulating, in a case where a normal BET has not been placed on the outcomes of dice satisfying any of plural kinds of predetermined conditions, or in a case where the outcomes of the stopped plurality of dice do not satisfy any of the plural kinds of predetermined conditions, a predetermined ratio of the game media which have been bet as the normal BET in association with respective outcomes of the dice satisfying any of the plural kinds of predetermined conditions, and offering, in a case where the outcomes of the stopped plurality of dice satisfy any of the plural kinds of predetermined conditions, the game media cumulatively accumulated in association with the outcomes of the plurality of dice. |
US07963843B2 |
Cashless gaming system and method with monitoring
A cashless gaming system and method provide a plurality of games to a plurality of player terminals connected to a central controller. A remote monitoring system may track and/or control activity at the plurality of player terminals. Game software may be stored on the central controller or remote monitoring system and downloaded to player terminals. The present invention may be used with player terminals that do not accept items of value, including coins, tokens, or magnetic cards. |
US07963842B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a player an opportunity to win an additional award amount
The gaming system, gaming device, and method provide a player a chance to win a tax award amount upon the occurrence of a game event that is associated with an award amount meeting or exceeding a tax threshold amount. The tax threshold amount can be an amount which, if won, triggers reporting and/or withholding requirements of a federal, state, or local government or other taxing authority. The occurrence of the game event can qualify the player to participate in a second part of the game in which a portion of the award amount is risked and the tax award amount can be won. |
US07963836B2 |
Card game
A method of playing a card game is disclosed. The method includes: a) dealing on or more cards to each player; b) taking an action based on the cards, where the action is selected from the group consisting of: betting, raising, calling, checking, and folding; c) determining a winning hand based on the numerical point value of the cards of each player who has not folded, such that the numerical point value of the winning hand is closer to a predetermined value than the numerical point value of the cards of any other player who has not folded; and d) providing a reward to a player having the winning hand, where the reward is at least a portion of the amount wagered by the players. |
US07963832B2 |
Engine intake air temperature management system
A system for managing engine intake air temperature may comprise a first air flow control device having an inlet coupled to an outlet of a turbocharger compressor and a first outlet coupled to an inlet of a charge air cooler. A second outlet is coupled via a bypass conduit to the air intake manifold. The first air flow control device may selectively control air flow from the compressor outlet to the charge air cooler and/or bypass conduit. The system may alternatively or additionally include a second air flow control device having a first inlet receiving air external to the engine compartment, a second inlet receiving air from within the engine compartment and surrounding the engine and an outlet providing air flow to the engine. The second air flow control device may selectively control air flow from the first and/or second inlets thereof to the engine. |
US07963829B2 |
Dehider with governor and strengthened blade
A dehider includes a pneumatic motor driving a pair of disk blades in opposed cutting oscillations and a governor that controls the speed of the motor. Governor balls, acting as centrifugal weights, spin with the motor and push against an inclined flange on a valve head to move the valve head towards a valve seat. The motion of the valve head compresses a biasing spring and restricts the flow of pressurized air as the desired speed is exceeded. As speed decreases, centrifugal force decreases and the biasing spring opens the valve to provide additional power to the motor. The disk blades are provided with a cylindrical central lip that substantially increases the area of the central bearing that the blades turn on and produces significantly longer blade life. |
US07963821B2 |
Toy vehicle track set
A stunt arrangement for a toy vehicle including a launching section configured to launch a propelled toy vehicle into flight, a capturing section configured to receive the toy vehicle from the flight, including a narrowing cross-section configured to align a longitudinal axis of the toy vehicle with a desired direction of travel, and a reorienting section coupled to an outlet of the capturing section configured to upright the toy vehicle if the vehicle exits the capturing section partly or completely inverted. |
US07963820B2 |
Magnetic speaker sound module and balloon with weighted side
A balloon with an attached magnetic speaker sound module. The sound module has a housing containing a magnetic speaker, a power source, and wiring connecting the magnetic speaker the power source. The magnetic speaker is mounted in the housing adjacent an aperture in the housing. The balloon may be constructed of two sides with different weights, with the magnetic speaker adhered to the side with lesser weight so that the balloon floats upright. Alternatively, a counter-weight may be attached to the side of the balloon opposite the magnetic speaker sound module. A method of manufacturing a balloon with an attached magnetic speaker sound module. The balloon is caused to float upright either by constructing the balloon of two sides with different weights and attaching the magnetic speaker sound module to the side with the lesser weight, or by attaching a counter-weight to the side of the balloon opposite the magnetic speaker sound module. |
US07963818B2 |
Correlated magnetic toy parts and method for using the correlated magnetic toy parts
A toy is described herein that is made from correlated magnetic toy parts (e.g., toy building blocks) which have an ingenious coupling means that enable the correlated magnetic toy parts to be attached to or released from one another. The correlated magnetic toy parts could have many different shapes and can be attached to one another to form an abstract shaped toy or a predetermined shaped toy. |
US07963811B2 |
Electrical ground connector
An electrical ground connector assembly including a bus bar adapted to have a plurality of electrical wires separately connected thereto; and a combined electrical connection and mounting post assembly directly connected to the bus bar. The combined electrical connection and mounting post assembly is adapted to directly connect an electrical conductor thereto. The combined electrical connection and mounting post assembly extends from the bus bar in a generally cantilever fashion and is configured to supportingly attach the bus bar to a structure. A portion of the combined electrical connection and mounting post assembly could be mounted to extend through a hole in the structure, or alternatively a portion of the combined electrical connection and mounting post assembly could be mounted to an exterior side of the structure. |
US07963807B1 |
Audio jack connector
Provided is an audio jack connector, including an insulating housing and a plurality of contacts. The insulating housing disposes a plurality of contact-receiving grooves including a third contact-receiving groove and a switching contact-receiving groove. The third contact-receiving groove comprises a locking groove and a third accepting groove. The contacts includes a third signal contact having a latch portion, a spring arm being bent inward from a lower end of the latch portion and then tiltedly extending forward, and a third contacting portion tiltedly extending upward from a tail end of the spring arm. The latch portion is retained in the locking groove, and the spring arm and the contacting portion is received in the third accepting groove. The audio jack connector of the present invention can obtain better mechanical properties by the deflection design of the spring arm of the third signal contact. |
US07963806B1 |
Electrical connector and assembly with aligned contacting arms
An electrical connector assembly includes a header connector and a mateable receptacle connector. The header connector includes a number of header contacts each including a contacting section. The receptacle connector includes a mating face and a number of receptacle contacts extending beyond the mating face. The receptacle contacts include a first contact part having a connecting portion, a first arm extending from a front end of the connecting portion along a first direction and a second arm extending from a rear end of the connecting portion along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first and the second arms are aligned with each other and are configured to engage a common side of the contacting section in the header connector. |
US07963805B2 |
Low profile cable assembly
A cable assembly includes an insulation housing, a plurality of contacts, a plurality of wires and a spacer. The housing includes a mating portion, a pair of flat portions extending from two sides of the mating portion, and a receiving space formed between the two flat portions. Each of the contacts is received in the housing and has a rear surface. The wires are corresponding to the contacts and each wire is connected its corresponding contact. The spacer is attached to the housing and has a front surface attached to the rear surface of the contact. The spacer includes a plurality of slots received in the receiving space. And the wires are respectively received in the slots. |
US07963804B2 |
Power strip
A power strip includes a housing and prong fitting members arranged within the housing. The housing includes a first end including a plug and chambers each comprising two side plates and a bottom plate connecting the two side plates. The prong fitting members defines two/three openings electrically connected to the plug for receiving prongs of a two-prong plug or a three-prong plug. The prong fitting members are slidably connected to the two side plates of the housing. |
US07963799B1 |
Connector
A connector for a fiber channel switch includes an insulation body, a first terminal module and a second terminal module. The first terminal module and the second terminal module are integrated together to form a combination by buckling a first buckling element of the first terminal module and a second buckling element of the second terminal module. The combination is to plug into an assembly slot of the insulation body so as to form major parts of the connector. |
US07963796B2 |
Bridge connectors and circuit board assemblies including the same
A bridge connector configured to electrically and mechanically couple adjacent circuit boards. The connector includes a connector housing that has a mating side configured to interface with board surfaces of adjacent circuit boards when mounted thereon. The housing includes a contact-receiving slot that at least partially defines a restricted space. The connector also includes a bridge contact that is held within the slot and the restricted space. The bridge contact has a pair of contact ends that are spaced apart from each other and project from the mating side. The contact ends are inserted into corresponding through-holes of the adjacent circuit boards when the housing is mounted thereon. The bridge contact is sized and shaped relative to the restricted space to float within the slot such that the bridge contact at least one of shifts and pivots therein. |
US07963792B2 |
Plug detachment prevention structure
Provided is a plug detachment prevention structure, such that when a plug equipped with a plug terminal and a plug retaining section that covers a part of the plug terminal is connected to a jack provided inside a housing, the plug detachment prevention structure retains the plug retaining section to prevent the plug from detaching from the jack, wherein the plug detachment prevention structure is equipped with a ring-shaped elastic section composed of an elastic material in which the plug retaining section is pressure-inserted, and a frame section that is circularly mounted at an outer circumferential side of the elastic section, composed of a material harder than that of the elastic section and detachably attached on an outside of the housing. |
US07963791B1 |
Zero insertion force electrical connector with a metal reinforcer with a head with a driving element
A ZIF electrical connector includes: an insulative base having connected non-accommodating and accommodating areas, and the accommodating area includes containing holes; conductive terminals, each being contained in the containing hole; an insulative upper casing covered onto the insulative base and having a carrying area corresponding to the accommodating area, and the carrying area having through grooves, and each through groove corresponding to a conductive terminal; a metal reinforcer fixed to the insulative upper casing, and having a head corresponding to the non-accommodating area and a reinforced side arm extended separately from both sides of the head, and the head and the two reinforced side arms being enclosed to define an idle space corresponding to the carrying area; a driving element, installed in the head and the non-accommodating area, for driving the metal reinforcer to slide the insulative upper casing with respect to the insulative base. |
US07963790B1 |
Pivoting connector
The current invention teaches a new and novel electrical connector which utilizes a cover with complimentary lower curved engagement aids to ensure the accurate engagement and disengagement of a plurality of data and electrical connections. The electrical connector further allows the one-handed engagement and disengagement of the connector while reducing the lateral forces required and reducing the corresponding stress on the conductor wires. |
US07963789B1 |
Dual force single point actuation integrated load mechanism for securing a computer processor to a socket
A dual force single point actuation integrated load mechanism for securing a computer processor to a socket, the dual force single point actuation integrated load mechanism including a base mounted around the socket; and a load plate rotatably coupled to the base and secured to the base when an activate lever and a hinge lever are secured above the load plate; wherein the activate lever is rotatably coupled with the base and is secured when the activate lever is fully rotated; wherein the hinge lever is rotatably coupled with the base and connected to the activate lever such that rotating the activate lever rotates the hinge lever; and wherein the hinge lever is secured when the activate lever is secured. |
US07963785B2 |
Floating connector for microwave surgical device
A floating connector adapted for use with microwave surgical instruments is presented. The disclosure provides for the use of cost-effective and readily available non-floating connectors in a floating housing which can compensate for dimensional variations and misalignments between the connectors. Multiple connectors of varying types can therefore be used within a single support housing without requiring the costly precision manufacturing processes normally associated with such multiple connector assemblies. The floating connector is suitable for use with electrical connections as well as fluidic connections. |
US07963775B2 |
Electrical connector having at least one hole with surface mount projections
An electrical connector for electrically coupling an electronic module and an electrical component. The connector includes a connector body that has first and second mating surfaces. The connector body includes interconnects that extend through the connector body between the first and second mating surfaces for electrically coupling the module and the component. The connector body has a hole extending therethrough along a central axis. The hole is configured to receive a guide pin from one of the module and the component. The connector also includes surface mount projections that are coupled to the connector body and extend toward the central axis of the hole. The projections engage and flex against the guide pin when the guide pin is inserted into the hole. The projections form an interference fit with the guide pin to hold the connector body in a mounted position. |
US07963769B2 |
Dental adhesive and method of use
A dental adhesive composition comprising (i) at least one non-acidic polymerizable monomer having at least one ethylenically unsaturated group, (ii) optionally one or more acidic compounds, (iii) at least one photoinitiator, (iv) at least one solvent, and (v) about 0-40% by weight of one or more fillers; wherein the weight ratio of non-acidic polymerizable monomers/acidic compounds in the adhesive composition is more than about 4.5; the viscosity of the adhesive composition is less than about 350 centipoise (cP) at 25° C.; and the adhesive composition excluding solvent and filler has an acid number of less than about 0.75 mmol NaOH/g. The dental adhesive composition is used with a dental primer composition, which may be provided together in a kit. |
US07963765B2 |
System of dental appliances having various sizes and types and a method for treating malocclusions of patients of various ages without adjustments or appointments
A system of dental appliances having various sizes and types and a method for treating malocclusions of patients of various ages without adjustments or appointments are provided. The dental appliances may be sized to treat, for example, patients in age ranges of less than six years; six years to twelve years; and twelve or more years. The dental appliances may have preformed and/or customized sockets and/or slots for more than one tooth, such as incisors and/or canines and/or molars and/or premolars and/or deciduous molars and/or adult molars. The dental appliances may be one-size-fits-all type dental appliances. The dental appliances may be used to treat a malocclusion, such as, for example, an overbite, an overjet, crowding, spacing, or temporomandibular joint problems, and may be distributed in an over-the-counter manner. |
US07963758B2 |
External plate locks for mold plates
A locking device for a mold including more than one movable plate. A spring-biased wedge block includes a first side wall and an opposing second side wall that is beveled with respect to the first side wall. A latch bar includes an inclined latch end for engaging with the second side wall of the wedge block. A cam bar includes a cam end for engaging with the first side wall of the wedge block. At least one of the wedge block, the latch bar or the cam bar is formed of a 4340 steel alloy, and at least one of the latch end, the cam end, or the wedge block second side wall is nitrided or nitride coated. |
US07963757B2 |
Apparatus and method for patterning pixels of an electro-luminescent display device
A patterning apparatus for an electroluminescent display includes a molding plate provided with a plurality of convex portions and concave portions; a polymer supplying roller adjacent to the molding plate to apply an electroluminescent material to the molding plate via rotational movement; and a molding roller attached to the molding plate to apply the electroluminescent material on the molding plate to an adjacent substrate via rotational movement. |
US07963755B1 |
Post cure rotational stations
An apparatus for cooling a cured tire comprising: A retractable support member having a distal end connected to a support plate; the support plate having an inflatable bladder mounted about its circumferential edge; and wherein the retractable support member is rotatable about its axis. |
US07963754B2 |
Hydraulic machine
The invention concerns a hydraulic machine with a set of teeth, having a toothed ring with an inner toothing and a gear wheel with an outer toothing, the gear wheel rotating and orbiting in the toothed ring, the inner toothing and the outer toothing touching each other in contact areas, thus separating pressure chambers, and with a valve arrangement controlling a connection between a connection arrangement having a high pressure connection and a low pressure connection, and the pressure chambers. It is endeavoured to achieve a stable operation, particularly with low speeds. For this purpose, each contact area is provided with an opening, which, at the time when a pressure chamber reaches an extreme value of its volume, produces a short-circuiting with the neighbouring pressure chamber. |
US07963752B2 |
Powder metal scroll hub joint
A scroll component including a spiral scroll wrap, a baseplate having a first major surface coupled to the scroll wrap and a second opposing major surface comprising a protruding pilot extending a distance from the baseplate, and a hub fastened to the baseplate adjacent to the protruding pilot. A method of forming a scroll compressor element is also provided. |
US07963751B2 |
Electromagnetic reciprocating fluid device
A magnetic armature is attracted and driven by a magnetic force which is intermittently generated between magnetic poles, and a piston reciprocated by being pushed back by a coil spring is not rotated by the coil spring. When the magnetic armature (28) as attracted between the magnetic pole members (10,12) by the magnetic force comes to a predetermined rotational angle position about the axis, the armature receives a rotational torque that is derived from the magnetic force and acts in a direction opposite to that of the rotational torque applied by a coil spring (30), thereby preventing the armature from being rotated in the predetermined direction. More specifically, the armature (28) has a circular cross-section as a whole and has a chamfered part (28′) parallel to the axis. When the chamfered part enters between the magnetic pole members, the armature receives a rotational torque that is derived from the magnetic force. |
US07963749B1 |
Fan with variable motor speed and disk type unloading device
A fan unit for use in an air delivery system. The fan unit comprises a variable speed control for controlling the speed of the fan wheel in combination with a disk-type unloader assembly for controlling the air flow in response to fan speed changes. The unloader disk assembly includes an actuator that is responsive to changes in the air pressure on the disk and is biased in the closed position. At full speed, air flow through the housing presses the disk to the fully open position. As the fan speed slows and air flow declines, the actuator pulls the disk to an intermediate position, reducing the air flow through the fan. The disk unloader with its air pressure responsive actuator is also useful in fan units without a variable speed control. The fan unit may be used individually or as part of a fan array of like units. |
US07963744B2 |
Cooling of pump rotors
A rotor for a screw vacuum pump has a threaded body in which a central cavity is formed. A coolant is supplied to the cavity from a supply line provided in a shaft attached to the body. A coolant flow guide, which may be either separate from or at least partially integral with the shaft, is located within the cavity. The flow guide has an outer surface adjacent, preferably in contact with, the body to enable heat to the transferred from the rotor to the guide. The guide also has an inner surface defining a bore, and defines at least in part a plurality of axially extending slots radially spaced from and in fluid communication with the bore. In use, coolant flows into the cavity through the bore of the guide, and out from the cavity through the axially extending slots, extracting heat from the guide as it flows both into and out form the cavity. The discharged coolant is conveyed form the slots into a discharge line located within the shaft. |
US07963742B2 |
Variable compressor stator vane having extended fillet
An example variable stator vane assembly includes at least one button, a vane airfoil adjacent to the button, and a fillet defined between the button and the airfoil. In one example, the fillet defines a constant radius and extends beyond the button at least greater than a distance of 60% of a length of an overhang portion of the vane airfoil. |
US07963738B1 |
Vehicle trailer apparatus
A vehicle trailer apparatus for carrying vehicles and other objects has a front bed having a frame of spaced apart frame rails connected by at least one transverse support, a front bed platform over at least a part of the front bed, a tongue with hitch affixed to the front bed frame, at least two spaced apart wheels affixed to the frame via an axle, a rear tilt bed, having a plurality of spaced apart bed rails, hingedly attached to the front bed, a bed platform over at least a part of the tilt bed, the tilt bed selectively pivoted in incline or decline relative to the front bed to at least about a 40 degree angle, whereby adjacent positions of the front bed rear edge, the sleeve of the hinge, and the tilt bed platform front edge are retained in incline and decline of the tilt bed. |
US07963733B2 |
Apparatus for and a method of binding of a perfect bound book
Apparatus for binding perfect bound books of different thickness is disclosed where the amount of adhesive applied to the spine of the book block may be varied in relation to the thickness of the book block. An adhesive application station is provided which has a rotary driven adhesive application wheel partially immersed in a bath of a liquefied adhesive such that as a portion of the wheel rotates up out of the adhesive, the periphery of the wheel is coated with a layer of adhesive. An area of increased thickness of the adhesive if formed adjacent the top of the wheel so that upon effecting relative movement of the book block and the adhesive application station, adhesive is applied to the spine of the book block. The thickness of the layer of adhesive applied to the spine of the book block may be varied in relation to the thickness of the book block generally in accordance with the formula AT=b+mX, where AT is the adhesive thickness, b is the width of an initial gap between the topmost surface of the wheel and the spine, and where mX is a function of the number of sheets making up the book block, or is a function of the measured thickness of the book block. |
US07963731B2 |
Thermoformed separator pad
A pad (20) is particularly suited for separating or restraining cargo and includes a top sheet surface (21) having longitudinally extending spaced ribs (27) forming a plurality of recesses (28) therebetween. A pattern of lugs (31) is formed in the recesses (28). The pad (20) also includes a bottom sheet surface (22) having longitudinally extending spaced ribs (29) forming a plurality of recesses (30) therebetween. A pattern of notches (32) is formed in the ribs (29), and the pad (20) may nest with a like pad (20) by placing the lugs (31) in the notches (32). The pads (20) may stack to form a thicker pad by positioning the ribs (27) of one pad (20) in the recesses (28) of a like pad (20). A flange (33) extends outwardly from one of the edges of the sheet surface (21) which assists in preventing the pad (20) from sliding when in use. |
US07963730B2 |
Tie-down for wheelchairs
Apparatus for securing one or more wheelchairs to a vehicle includes a plurality of straps for holding the wheelchairs to the vehicle. Some of the straps are attached to a movable element that can be moved into or out of the area to be occupied by the wheelchairs. This allows the area to be utilized by other passengers when no wheelchairs are present and also facilitates ingress and egress of the wheelchairs. In the preferred embodiment, movable elements, which carry housings for wheelchair-engaging belts and passenger restraint belts, are mounted to the side wall of the vehicle for pivotal movement about vertical axes between storage positions and operative positions. The apparatus allows an operator to quickly and easily secure or release a passenger in a wheelchair and maintains the integrity of the straps. |
US07963729B2 |
Milling cutter and milling insert with coolant delivery
A cutting insert for use in chipforming and material removal from a workpiece wherein coolant is supplied to the cutting insert from a coolant source. The cutting insert includes at least one discrete cutting location and at least one distinct internal channel that corresponds to the cutting location. The internal channel has an inlet to receive coolant and an outlet to exit coolant. The outlet is proximate to the cutting location, and the inlet is radial inward of the outlet. |
US07963726B2 |
Plastic rock-bolt or dowel
A rock-dowel has a dowel shank and a threaded end at the head or proximal end of the dowel. Three groups of projecting mixing vanes are spaced along the shank. In use when inserted into a pre-drilled hole containing a two-part encapsulating resin and spun, the rock-dowel can thoroughly mix the two part resin encapsulating resin and force the resin casings into the back of the pre-drilled hole. Also disclosed is a nut made from a plastics material defining a first, typically relatively wider, barrel portion and a second, typically relatively narrower, nut portion, the second portion defining a nut section for engagement with a socket, wherein an area of weakness is provided between the first and second portions such that the second portion breaks from the first portion when a particular torque value is applied to the nut. |
US07963725B2 |
Rock bolt
A rock bolt (10) which includes An elongate tubular member (18), which is formed with an inlet (22) through which a pressurized fluid can pass, into an interior of the tubular member (18), thereby to expand the tubular member (18) in a radial direction, an elongate shank (12) with a first end (14) which is secured to the tubular member (18) and a second end (16), and an expansion unit (26) which has a wedge-shaped member (44) at the second end (16) of the shank (12). |
US07963721B2 |
Distributed buoyancy subsea pipeline apparatus and method
Apparatuses including a subsea pipeline (18) extending from a first location (14) to a second location (16) and including at least one distributed buoyancy region (102) to traverse a seabed topographic feature (12) are presented. Methods including laying a subsea pipeline (218) including laying a negatively buoyant section of pipeline (218A), a distributed buoyancy section (202) of pipeline (218), and a second negatively buoyant section of pipeline (218B) from a pipelay vessel (220) to traverse an undersea topographic feature (212) are also presented. |
US07963718B2 |
Edge restraint for water permeable pavement systems
A T-shaped edge restraint for use in water permeable pavement systems. The base (stem) of the T has a plurality of openings to facilitate the use of spikes or anchors or to facilitate curving the edge restraint to accommodate curved sections of the pavement system. |
US07963711B2 |
Packaging and applicator device including a member for reshaping an applicator surface thereof and a method of reshaping an applicator surface
A packaging and applicator device comprising: a body; a block of fluidizable substance that is stationary relative to the body while the substance is in the solid state, said block of substance projecting beyond the body to define at least one surface serving as an applicator surface; and a reshaper member for reshaping the applicator surface, said reshaper member being positionable on the body to co-operate therewith to define at least one cavity into which the substance can flow when fluidized by supplying heat, the substance retaining the shape of the cavity when it returns to the solid state after cooling. |
US07963710B2 |
Label printer
The printer includes a printing unit 12 that performs printing on each of a label L1 and a second raw sheet M2 on the way of feeding out a first raw sheet M1, which is temporarily stuck with labels L1 on a release liner S, and a second raw sheet M2 having no adhesive layer; a peeling unit 13 that peels off the label L1 from the release liner S; first and second holding units 15, 16 that hold a label sheet L2 formed via a cutting unit 14; and a laminating unit 17 that laminates the label L1 and the label sheet L2 with each other so that the reverse surface of the printed surface of the label sheet L2 faces the adhesive layer side of the label L1 are provided. The label L1 laminated with the label sheet L2 is stuck onto an adherend W in a state that the adhesive layer is exposed in a closed loop state in an entire area of the periphery of the label sheet L2. |
US07963700B2 |
Sealing device for antifriction bearing comprising identifying means
A sealing device for an antifriction bearing includes a fixed support and a rotating support, the sealing device comprising a metal frame designed to be associated with a support of the bearing and a sealing joint, the frame including an annular seat and, secured to the seat, electronic identifying means consisting of a transponder connected on a communication antenna, wherein the antenna has an at least semi-annular or annular shape which is designed to be urged opposite the seat, the identifying means being secured to the seat via an insulating material layer which is interposed between the antenna and the seat so as to provide electromagnetic insulation for the antenna. |
US07963696B2 |
Mobile computerized tomography (CT) imaging system with off-center X-ray beam
A mobile CT imaging system comprising a housing having a center opening; and a CT imaging unit mounted to the housing, wherein the CT imaging unit is adapted to scan anatomical objects located within the center opening and generate images of the same, wherein the CT imaging unit comprises: a rotatable drum assembly disposed within the housing, concentric with the center opening; an X-ray tube mounted on the rotatable drum assembly and configured to emit an X-ray beam; and an X-ray detector mounted on the rotatable drum assembly in alignment with the X-ray beam; wherein the X-ray beam is disposed in an “off-center” configuration, adjacent to an entrance of the center opening. |
US07963692B2 |
Monitoring apparatus
A monitoring apparatus is disclosed for monitoring time by a color change indicator, comprising an observable fluid, a first reservoir holding at least a portion of the observable fluid, and a second reservoir abutting the first reservoir. The first reservoir is responsive to pressure on it such that a portion of the observable fluid flows into the second reservoir. The second reservoir is responsive to a lack of pressure in the first reservoir such that a portion of the observable fluid in the second reservoir reverses flow back into the first reservoir once the first reservoir is not under pressure. |
US07963689B2 |
LED-edgelit light guide fixture having LED receiving grooves
A LED lighting fixture includes a cavity receiving a light guide board, and a plurality of LEDs mounted within two reinforcing parallel grooves formed in the light guide board along the length of corresponding opposite lateral sides. The light guide board further includes a clear base portion made of a light transmissive material, and a continuous reflective layer disposed over a surface of the clear base portion, the reflective layer having a portion protruding into the clear base portion. Light from the LEDs is injected transversely into the inside of the light guide board for reflection by the reflective layer to be ejected from the lighting fixture through a surface of the light guide board. |
US07963687B2 |
Light emitting panel assemblies
Light emitting assembly includes an optical conductor having a pattern of deformities on or in front and back sides of the optical conductor to cause light to be emitted from a light emitting surface on at least one of the sides. At least one of the deformities varies, and at least one planar or curved refractive surface is aligned with at least one light source to redirect a portion of the light from the light source entering the optical conductor in a predetermined manner to cause the light emitted from the light emitting surface to pass through an optical film, which redirects the light through a liquid crystal display with no loss. |
US07963682B2 |
Temporary emergency headlight for vehicles
A temporary headlight reflector device for application to a vehicle of a sandwich construction having a temporary elastic or flexible reflective panel with protruding tabs including protective layers releasably bonded by adhesive material to the tab substrate which may be folded over for attachment to the front of a vehicle. |
US07963681B2 |
Race track lighting fixture and race track lighting system
A race track lighting system comprising a plurality of fixtures mounted in spaced relationship to one another on the infield side of the track and projecting light outwardly and downwardly onto the track surface from relatively low poles. Each fixture is asymmetric so as to provide a strong cut-off preventing light from being projected into the eyes of oncoming driver, but a divergent pattern in the direction of traffic flow so as to blend the light from one fixture with the light from an adjacent fixture for the purpose of promoting uniformity in the lighting intensity. The lamp is offset in the fixture and a blocker strip is placed in from of the lamp to prevent direct, uncontrolled light from reaching the track. |
US07963675B2 |
Electrically controllable window treatment system to control sun glare in a space
A system for reducing sun glare through an opening into a space, the system comprising an electrically controllable window treatment operable to alter the amount of daylight entering the space through the opening; a first sensor mounted within the space and characterized by a sensor gain, the first sensor operable to sense a level of illumination in the space; and a control system operable: to compare the sensed illumination level in the space to a dead-band having upper and lower thresholds; to adjust during a time period when glare from the sun can occur through the opening at least one of: (a) the upper threshold of the dead-band, (b) the lower threshold of the dead-band, and (c) the sensor gain of the first sensor; and to adjust the window treatment in response to the sensed level of illumination to reduce the sun glare. |
US07963673B2 |
Versatile illumination system
A lightweight, modular expandable multiple par lamp fixture configurable to form various sizes and intensities of high output area lighting or projected soft light. A high efficiency par lamp includes a high output globe and lightweight reflector, optional collar, and lens. Individual modular fixtures comprising high efficiency par lamps may be stacked to create larger units. The par lamps may be arranged in pods which can be assembled into larger units. A diffusion frame and fabric cover can be attached to the fixture in front of the par lamps to create a soft, deeply projected light. The diffusion frame may have an internal semi-translucent baffle to spread light through diffusive sidewalls. |
US07963672B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a housing defining an opening, an LED module received in the housing, a light-guiding cover covering the LED module and a transparent plate hermetically coupled to the housing via glue. The housing includes a main body, a pair of lateral plates secured to two opposite ends thereof and a pair of cushioning plates tightly sandwiched between the lateral plates and the two opposite ends of the main body. Each cushioning plate defines a recessed side edge, whereby two opposite end edges of the transparent plate, the recessed side edges and tops of the lateral plates cooperatively define a pair of receiving grooves at the two opposite ends of the main body of the housing. An outer edge of the transparent plate is hermetically coupled to the housing via glue filled in the receiving grooves. |
US07963669B2 |
Modular lighting system and lighting arrangement
A modular lighting system having a plurality of light modules, which each have a plurality of light modules accommodating at least one light-emitting diode module. The light modules have at least two mounting clearances, which run substantially parallel, and a mounting rod passes through each mounting clearance for mechanical fixing and electrical contact-making purposes. The mounting clearances are formed on the luminaire body. A lighting arrangement of such lighting systems is also disclosed. |
US07963667B2 |
LED lighting device
The present invention is a light generation device utilizing higher efficiency LED's while also allowing for interface with current lighting interfaces. The LED's are replaceable in the unit and may be interchanged with other LED's to affect lighting mood and style or simply for replacement in the event an LED ceases to function. |
US07963666B2 |
Efficient emitting LED package and method for efficiently emitting light
An LED package comprises an LED for emitting LED light, and a conversion material remote to said LED for down-converting the wavelength of LED light. The package further comprises a reflector directing at least some of the LED light toward the conversion material, the conversion material down-converting the wavelength of at least some of the reflected LED light. A method for emitting light from an LED package comprising providing an LED, reflector and conversion material, and emitting light from said LED, at least some of the LED light emitted toward the reflector. The method further comprises reflecting at least some of the LED light toward the conversion material, and converting at least some of said reflected LED light at the conversion material. At least some of the converted reflected LED light is emitted by the LED package. |
US07963663B2 |
Lighting system
A lighting system, the lighting system being usable in combination with coloured light sources to create a lighting scheme by providing electrical power to the coloured light sources, the lighting system comprising: at least two lamp modules, each of the lamp modules including a module base and a socket matrix mounted to the module base, each of the socket matrices having a predetermined number of sockets, each of the sockets being able to removably receive at least one of the coloured light sources and transmit electrical power thereto; at least two power transmission lines, each of the power transmission lines being electrically coupled to a respective socket in each of the socket matrices; and a controller for selectively providing the electrical power independently to each of the power transmission lines. |
US07963662B2 |
Recessed sealed lighting fixture
In an embodiment, a recessed light fixture includes a structural reflector and two end caps that form a light fixture housing. A first, second and third optics areas are provided. At least one first light source type is mounted near the first optics area. A second light source type is mounted near the second optics area and the second light source type is mounted near the third optics areas, the second light source type having a light output level substantially lower than the light output level of the first light source type. A diffuser is configured to sealably mount to the light fixture housing so as to substantially seal an interior portion of the light fixture. In operation, the light fixture can be switch between an ambient mode and an examination mode while providing a cost effective and attractive design. |
US07963661B2 |
Display light fixtures
Light fixtures adaptable for use with displays such as retail displays and using T-5 type lamps, the fixtures having a lamp housing, a mounting bracket, and lamp housing support arms which extend from the mounting bracket to the lamp housing, the lamp housing having a shroud and shroud end caps at each end of the shroud, the shroud end caps configured for interconnection with an opposing shroud end cap of another fixture whereby multiple fixtures can be interconnected in serial fashion. |
US07963656B2 |
Vehicular meter unit and display device
In a first display mode, a common image function component is displayed to occupy at least a part of a display region of a second specific image function component. In a second display mode, the common image function component is continuously displayed outside the second specific image function component to avoid the overlap therebetween (i.e., such that an exclusive positional relationship is made therebetween). When the display mode is switched, a final transition of the display mode to a display state in the second display mode is made while or after a moving image showing a transition process, in which the common image function component is moved from a display position in the first display mode to a display position in the second display mode, is displayed as a mode transition animation. |
US07963650B2 |
Eyewear with wire frame threaded through lenses
A rimless eyeglass assembly is constructed using a first lens and a second lens with holes for receiving a wire. A wire having a first end and a second end is threaded through the holes of the first and second lens to form eyewear, in some cases including a bridge portion and temples. |
US07963649B2 |
Computer monitor having inkjet printhead
A computer monitor is provided which has a flat panel display for displaying images and an inkjet printhead disposed adjacent a lower portion of the computer monitor. The monitor is configured such that print media to be printed is fed manually into a feed path that directs the print media from a region adjacent the upper edge of the flat panel display, past the printhead for printing, then out of the monitor adjacent a lower edge of the flat panel display. |
US07963648B2 |
Original cover closer
An original cover closer of which the energy absorption capability can be freely adjusted by a damper is described. The development period for the original cover closer is therefore shortened. The original cover closer comprises: an attachment member to be mounted on the main body of a device; a support member pivotally connected to the attachment member and operable to support an original cover; a first and a second slider slidably installed in the support member; a compression coil spring interposed between the first and second sliders and operable to urge the original cover to open; and a fluid damper located in the compression coil spring. Particularly, the fluid damper comprises: a cylinder having a base end fixed to the first slider; a piston slidably installed in the cylinder; an abutment stem integrally provided on the piston and located in order that a tip portion of the abutment stem can come in contact with the second slider; a first fluid chamber formed on one side of the piston; a second fluid chamber formed on the other side of the piston; a viscous fluid with which the first fluid second fluid chambers are filled; a fluid conduit formed through the piston in order that the viscous fluid can move through the fluid conduit from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber and vice versa; and a flow rate regulating needle valve formed in the fluid conduit and operable to adjust the speed of the viscous fluid passing through the fluid conduit when the piston slides in the cylinder. |
US07963646B2 |
Ink-jet inks containing metal nanoparticles
Compositions for use in ink jet printing onto a substrate comprising a water based dispersion including metallic nanoparticles and appropriate stabilizers. Also disclosed are methods for the production of said compositions and methods for their use in ink jet printing onto suitable substrates. |
US07963643B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus includes: a casing; an inkjet head; an ink cartridge which has an ink accommodating unit which accommodates ink to be supplied to the inkjet head and is removably installed into the casing via a front face side of the casing and disposed in a position whereby a central position of the ink accommodating unit is situated below the inkjet head in the vertical direction, at a distance of not less than 10 mm and not more 50 mm from the inkjet head in the vertical direction; an ink supply channel; a coupling unit which separates the inkjet head with and from the ink supply channel; and a negative pressure maintaining unit which includes an ink supply port which has a first opening and closing member, couples with the coupling unit, and is connected to an ink flow channel inside the inkjet head. |
US07963642B2 |
Ink-jet printer
An ink-jet printer, including: a recording head which ejects ink onto a recording medium; a main tank which stores the ink to be supplied to the recording head; a sub tank configured to be extended and contracted in a vertical direction and including first and second ink flow holes provided in a lower portion of the sub tank, such that the first ink flow hole communicates with the recording head while the second ink flow hole communicates with the main tank; and a communication tube which is connected, at one of opposite ends thereof, to the second ink flow hole and which has, at the other of opposite ends thereof, an opening positioned in an inside space of the sub tank, whereby the second ink flow hole and the inside space of the sub tank communicate with each other via the communication tube, wherein the communication tube is configured such that the opening of the communication tube is displaced downwardly in accordance with the contraction of the sub tank. |
US07963641B2 |
Ink jet printer
An ink jet printer is provided with an ink jet head, a sub ink tank, a carriage, a main body, and an ink supply device. The ink jet head includes an ink passage and a nozzle communicated with the ink passage. The sub ink tank is communicated with the ink passage of the ink jet head. The sub ink tank is elastically deformable. The ink jet head and the sub ink tank are mounted on the carriage. The carriage is capable of moving. The main body houses the ink jet head, the sub ink tank, and the carriage. The main body has a space for housing a main ink tank that is to be communicated with the sub ink tank. The ink supply device supplies ink within the main ink tank to the sub ink tank by applying a pushing force to the sub ink tank and releasing the pushing force after applying the pushing force. |
US07963638B2 |
Method of manufacturing liquid jet head, a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric element and a liquid jet apparatus
In a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric element which includes a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer including a plurality of piezoelectric films, and a second electrode formed opposite a surface of the piezoelectric layer, a step of forming the first electrode metal layer includes forming the first electrode metal layer so as to include one or more iridium layer and permit the iridium layer to have the total thickness in the range from 2 to 5 nm to form the first electrode metal layer; and forming the first electrode film by heating the piezoelectric film at a temperature in the range from 400 to 650° C. for 30 minutes or more after the first piezoelectric film is formed in the step of forming the piezoelectric layer to oxidize the iridium contained in the first electrode metal layer. |
US07963634B2 |
Liquid ejection head, liquid ejection apparatus and method of manufacturing liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head includes: an ejection port through which liquid is ejected; a liquid chamber which is connected to the ejection port, the liquid chamber being filled with the liquid; a pressurization device which is arranged on a wall of the liquid chamber, the pressurization device pressurizing the liquid in the liquid chamber; and a movable member which has a free end on a side of the ejection port and a fixed end on a side opposite to the ejection port, the free end being arranged at a prescribed distance from the wall of the liquid chamber so as to face the wall of the liquid chamber, the movable member including a first layer that is an internal layer, and second and third layers that are respectively arranged on both surfaces of the first layer, the second and third layers having a stress lower than the first layer. |
US07963626B2 |
Liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus
A liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus, including: a main tank which stores liquid; a head unit including a sub tank which accommodates the liquid supplied from the main tank, and an ejecting head which ejects droplets of the liquid supplied from the sub tank; a liquid supply passage communicating, at one end thereof, with the main tank and communicating, at the other end thereof, with the sub tank such that the liquid is supplied from the main tank to the sub tank through the liquid supply passage; a first detector configured to detect presence and absence of the liquid stored in the main tank; a second detector configured to detect presence and absence of the liquid in the liquid supply passage; and a controller configured to perform various operations for the liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus and including an empty judging section which judges that the main tank is empty of the liquid where the absence of the liquid in the main tank is detected by the first detector and the absence of the liquid in the liquid supply passage is detected by the second detector. |
US07963623B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus and ink jet printing method
An ink jet printing apparatus and an ink jet printing method are provided which use a printing head having a plurality of ejection opening arrays and enable high quality printing without causing uneven density in a conveying direction. For this purpose, by providing a plurality of ejection opening arrays to chips constituting the printing head and changing data assigning ratio of each ejection opening array, deviation in impact positions depending on the distance between the ejection opening arrays becomes inconspicuous. |
US07963620B2 |
Carbon brake wear for aircraft
Methods and systems are provided for improving brake performance, including extending the life of carbon brakes on aircraft. One embodiment of the method comprises measuring the speed of the aircraft and the intensity of braking and comparing these to predetermined maximum values for each. If the values are both lower than the maximum values, one or more of the brakes are selectively disabled. |
US07963618B2 |
Systems and methods for providing aircraft runway guidance
There is presented a system and method for providing aircraft runway guidance. One delineated runway alert system for a host aircraft comprises: a processor for executing one or more instructions that implement one or more functions of the runway alert system; a data storage device including geographical runway information; a receiver for obtaining current location data of the host aircraft; an apparatus to provide a current heading of the host aircraft; a data entry device for receiving data indicating a desired runway; memory for storing the one or more instructions for execution by the processor to implement the one or more functions of the runway alert system to: receive the identity of the desired runway; provide an indicia of: the desired runway; and the position of the host aircraft in relation to the desired runway. |
US07963615B2 |
Mining and demolition tool
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a mining and demolition tool are described herein. In an embodiment, a mining and demolition bit tool includes a mining tool base and a mining bit tool tip coupled to the mining bit tool base. The base includes a tapered portion and a stem. The tapered portion includes a first end and a second end, with a surface tapering from the first end to the second end. There is at least one flute positioned along the tapered surface, where the flute is helical in shape. The stem extending from the first end of the tapered portion, and the tip is coupled to the second end of the tapered portion. |
US07963612B2 |
Modular furniture assembly
The invention relates to a modular furniture assembly that is convenient and versatile. One embodiment of the modular furniture assembly comprises a base and a transverse member manually, detachably coupled to the base by a coupler. The base and the transverse member have a defined spatial relationship which enables a variety of different types, configurations and sizes of furniture assemblies to be formed therefrom. Further, the base is configured such that the transverse member can be coupled to the base in a first position to form a first furniture assembly, and can be coupled to the base in a second position to form a second furniture assembly. |
US07963609B2 |
Chair arm that is rotatably folded and assembly-free
A chair arm is rotatably folded and assembly-free, which is applicable for a new type folding chair, said chair arm comprising a back panel pin, an arm, a fixation for the pin, and a connection screw. The back panel and the arm are connected through the screw via a screw hole formed on the top end of the arm with said screw hole being a rotation center. The pin is fixed on a side of the back panel, the fixation for the pin comprises an arm housing, an unlocking hand knob, a locking member, an elastic member and a fixation screw, a slide slot is formed on the inner side of the arm housing facing the back panel, when the back panel is rotated, the screw hole on the top end of the arm functions as a rotation center, the pin on the back panel contacts the locking member through the guide slot on the arm, the locking member slides inside the guide slot on the arm as acted on by the pin, when the pin enters into the inner side of the locking member, the lock member is reset as acted on by the elastic member, and the locking member and the guide slot on the arm form a locking hole for locking the back panel pin. |
US07963604B2 |
Forwardly movable motor vehicle seat
The forwardly movable motor vehicle seat has a seat back (20) and a seat frame with a seat pan. The motor vehicle seat may be moved between a normal position of utilization and a forwardly moved position. An immobilizing device is associated with the seat frame. In particular, the seat back (20) has a seat back hinge (32) and a stopper device (40). The stopper device (40) retains the seat back (20) in the forward tilted position as long as the seat frame is located in a front portion of the travel path. The stopper device (40) enables said seat back to tilt upward into the normal position of utilization when the seat frame is located in a rear portion (74) of the travel path. The stopper device (40) has a first limit stop and a second limit stop, one limit stop being disposed on the seat frame and the other one on the seat back (20). |
US07963602B2 |
Vehicle seating system including seat mounted reversible pelvic bolster
A vehicle system for aiding in the protection of a vehicle occupant is disclosed. The system includes a seat assembly having a seat base and a seat back and a pelvic bolster rotatably attached to the seat back of the seat assembly. The pelvic bolster is rotatably movable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position. A reversible motor drives the pelvic bolster between its stowed position and its deployed position. The system further includes a threat condition sensor operatively associated with the reversible motor. |
US07963598B2 |
Head rest control systems
It is one object of the present invention to provide a control for moving a head rest in response to a signal from a sensor detecting a distance between the head rest and a head of a passenger, in which even if the head of the passenger moves within a predetermined range, the head rest can be prevented from moving depending on the motion of the head of the passenger so as to remove discomfort for the passenger.Therefore, the present invention has a construction as follows.A head rest control system in which a head rest of a seat of a vehicle is constructed to be moved back and forth by a head rest moving mechanism may include a sensor detecting a distance between the head rest and a head of a passenger, and a control device controllably actuating the head rest moving mechanism. The control device is constructed to actuate the head rest moving mechanism when the distance between the head rest and the head detected by the sensor is outside of a proper range of clearance in which it is possible to deal with a back-side collision of the vehicle, thereby moving the head rest to a proper position in which it is possible to deal with the back-side collision of the vehicle. |
US07963593B2 |
Organizer attachable to a chair and task utility system and process of providing same
An organizer and utility apparatus that can be attached to a chair comprises a generally horizontal elongate support which can be in the form of a tube or channeled block. The elongate support has one or more holder attachments that can be joined in a permanent fashion or mutually engaged and disengaged and located according to user preference. The elongate support can be supported directly on a desk, or with an attachable generally vertical support, supported above a floor or desk; Or with such attachable vertical support, engaged to a chair that has a chair attachment mechanism. If the organizer is either freestanding or attached to a chair, it can be converted into a work station by the use of an engageable plane-attachment accessory. If free standing, the vertical support is attached to a stand base. An embodiment of the apparatus has a wire conduit that permits electrical and electronics wire protection and management. In addition to organizing traditional items associated with desk work, it incorporates the possible organization of items such as computer monitors, lamps, electronic devices, and relatively smaller organizers or specific holders. |
US07963590B2 |
Assembly for vehicles including adjustable mirrors
An assembly configured to be attachable to a front portion of a frame for a vehicle, wherein a longitudinal axis extends through the assembly. The assembly includes: a first cross member oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis positioned at a forward end of the assembly; a first side member attached to a first end of the first cross member at a first end thereof, the first side member extending rearward and upward therefrom; a second side member attached to a second end of the first cross member at a first end thereof, the second side member extending rearward and upward therefrom; a second cross member connected to a second end of the first side member at a first end thereof and to a second end of the second side member at a second end thereof wherein an open area is defined by the first cross member, the first side member, the second side member, and the second cross member; a first side mirror assembly movably attachable to the first side member, and, a second side mirror assembly movably attachable to the second side member. In this way, the first and second side mirror assemblies are adjustable to a desired position. |
US07963586B2 |
Interior wall panel for a motor vehicle
Aspects of the invention relate to a panel for a vehicle interior. The panel includes a relatively non-deformable support having at least one shaped portion, and a relatively deformable inlay pad that can be mounted in the shaped portion. The inlay pad may be formed as a foam pad, as an air cushion and/or as a gel cushion. Aspects of the invention also relate to a method for forming a panel for a vehicle interior. |
US07963585B2 |
Vehicle tonneau cover system
A tonneau system for a vehicle bed includes a rail disposed on a top portion of the vehicle bed. A tonneau cover extends over the vehicle bed and includes an elongate retention clip is adjacent the rail and is connected thereto by an interference fit. The elongate retention clip includes a removal tab. A connection clip is slidable along the linear extent of the rail. An elongate band is slidably received in the tonneau cover and in a band aperture of the connection clip. |
US07963584B2 |
Retractable roof and vehicle including the same
A retractable roof includes a roof member 2 including a front roof panel 21, a back roof panel 22, and a linkage mechanism 4 for alternately chaining the position of the roof member 2 between an in-use position and a storage position. The retractable roof further includes an adjusting mechanism 51, 52 for adjusting the geometry in the in-use state of the linkage mechanism 4 by changing the angle of the turning direction of one of links 44 included in the linkage mechanism 4 in the in-use state. |
US07963583B2 |
Top for a convertible vehicle
The invention relates to a system for sensing an object in the pivoting range of a top for a convertible vehicle, the system comprising an electrode for sensing field properties of a field which is assigned to the top, and an evaluation unit for evaluating the sensed field properties. The invention further relates to a method for sensing a top of a convertible vehicle which is moved by a drive, comprising the steps: sensing of a field between the top of the convertible vehicle and the bodywork during movement of the top of the convertible vehicle, adjusting of the sensed characteristic variables to setpoint values, and acting on the drive as a function of the sensed characteristic variables of the field and of the setpoint values. |
US07963582B2 |
Sliding visor
A sun visor for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The sun visor includes a first and second visor body shell. The shells define a retaining channel for a slider on a visor pivot rod and may be engaged and enclosed about the slider. It is also contemplated that the sun visor has a combination slider and detent slidably supported in channels molded into the first and second visor shells. A support arm may be provided and is readily offset from the combination slider and detent and is slidable relative thereto. |
US07963580B2 |
Cargo space cover for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a device for covering a cargo space (12) of a motor vehicle, said cargo space being bordered by an outwardly pivotable vehicle lid (14), in particular a trunk lid, said device comprising an extractable roller blind device (26, 22, 24) which can be driven at least in the retraction direction and which forms a roller blind web (22) which extends over an area in its extracted state between a first end (26) of the roller blind and a second end (24) of the roller blind, and first and second positioning means (32, 34, 31) arranged in the vehicle for positioning the first and/or second ends (26, 24) of the roller blind(s) by means of which the roller blind web (22) can be extracted into a covering position in which the roller blind web (22) extends essentially horizontally over the cargo space (12). To be able to bring the roller blind web easily out of the covering position into a position that facilitates access to the cargo space, according to the present invention, the first positioning means (32, 34) are arranged separately from the vehicle lid (14) and the second positioning means (31) are arranged on the vehicle lid (14) so that the second end (24) of the roller blind is jointly pivotable due to the outward pivoting (A) of the vehicle lid (14) to bring the roller blind web (22) out of the covering position and into an inclined position. |
US07963579B2 |
Self-leveling bottom block assembly
A bottom block assembly includes a block having a central vertical axis, a hook secured to the block for attaching a load to the block, a first pair of sheaves rotatably attached to the block, a first rope reeved about the first pair of sheaves, a second pair of sheaves rotatably attached to the block, and a second rope reeved about the second pair of reeves. The first and second pairs of sheaves are each equally spaced about the central vertical axis. The first pair of sheaves are located higher on the block than the second pair of sheave so that a portion of the first rope located between the first pair of sheaves crosses over a portion of the second rope located between the second pair of sheaves. If either rope fails, the other rope ensures the block remains level with a full load attached to the hook. |
US07963571B2 |
Tubing configuration and sealing method for high pressure tubing on high pressure fuel systems
A high-pressure joint for sealing the high pressure at the tubing ends for a high-pressure fuel system on diesel and gasoline engines. One form of the invention of such a method is disclosed using a harder male fitting and a hard tube end and introducing a replaceable insert made out of a softer material of lower yield strength which will deform at both ends and seal the two mating harder components. This insert will be a throw away part to be replaced every time the system is serviced or repaired and the joint is broken. The cost for this insert is minimum and will reduce the fuel system service or repair cost saving money for the customer. |
US07963569B2 |
Locking pipe joint and a method of making the same
A novel locking pipe joint for use in fluid-carrying pipe systems is described. The locking pipe joint of the present invention provides a system of joints that will withstand the stresses and forces imposed on a pipe system carrying fluids. The joint is constructed on a push-fit principle. Sealing rings are used to make the joint leak-proof. Splines are provided to sustain the longitudinal forces imposed on the joint, and longitudinal ribs are provided on the outer surface of the joined pipes to withstand the torsional loads. The joint is simple in its construction, easy to assemble in field and cost effective. |
US07963568B2 |
Apparatus and method for repairing a core spray line elbow weld joint
An elbow clamp assembly structurally supports or replaces a connection between a main pipe and an elbow pipe. The elbow clamp assembly includes an upper clamp body and a lower clamp body securable on opposite sides of the main pipe in facing relation. The upper and lower clamp bodies are connected by a clamp bolt extendable through the main pipe. An elbow boss is securable to the elbow pipe, and a cross bolt is extendable through the elbow pipe and connected between the elbow boss and the clamp bolt. |
US07963562B2 |
Safety belt system for a motor vehicle
A safety belt system for a motor vehicle is provided. The safety belt system comprising a safety belt, a shoulder portion of the safety belt, a buckle element, a mobile region of the buckle element, which under the action of forces caused by a crash is mobile from an initial position in which the safety belt may slide along the buckle element into a final position, in which the safety belt is fixed to the buckle element. The safety belt cooperating with the mobile region, such that the mobile region is movable by a force acting on the shoulder portion which tensions the shoulder portion in the direction of extension of the belt, from its initial position into its final position. The fixing of the safety belt on the buckle element is carried out by the mobile region itself. |
US07963560B2 |
Pivoting device for a centrifugal traction assembly of a vehicle
The invention discloses an anti-skid mechanism operating device (1) for vehicles comprising an operating unit (2) and an operating arm (3) pivotally supported thereby and intended to carry a rotary anti-skid device (4) and to operate the latter between an active and a passive position. The operating device (2) comprises a worm gear (6) and a driven worm (5) adapted to engage said worm gear (6) for operation of the operating arm (3). The driven worm (5) is resiliently displaceable along an axis (A) of said worm (5). |
US07963559B2 |
Roll bar with integrated lighting
An internally illuminated roll bar has a W-shaped frame with “U” shaped cross-section with opposed side walls, a bottom wall and an open top, first and second outer legs, first and second inner legs, a lateral connecting member connecting the inner legs at the lower ends, one or more lenses for covering one or more portions of the rear side of the frame and discrete light sources mounted between the frame and the lenses wherein the some of the discrete light sources may be powered independently of others of the discrete light sources. |
US07963558B2 |
Method for producing an airbag package for an airbag module
A method for producing an airbag package for an airbag module, which airbag package at least comprises an airbag and a protection covering surrounding the airbag is provided. The method using a first tool that comprises a recess for receiving the airbag package. The method comprising the steps of: covering the recess with an evenly outspread first protection covering part of the protection covering, folding the airbag, and inserting the folded airbag into the recess under interposition of the first protection covering part. |
US07963556B2 |
Air bag module including a gas distributing member
An air bag module (10) comprises an air bag (12), an inflator (14) and a gas distributing member (16) for distributing the gas escaping from the inflator (14) into different directions of flow. The gas distributing member (16) is configured so that it is deformed by the pressure exerted by the escaping gas such that thereby the distribution of the gas to the different directions of flow is influenced. |
US07963554B2 |
Airbag device and steering wheel
To provide an airbag device and a steering wheel capable of improving the operational feeling of horn.An airbag device comprises: an airbag unit 2 having an airbag, an inflator 12 for inflating the airbag, and a cover 13 which is disposed to cover said airbag in the folded state, wherein as the cover 13 is pressed, the airbag unit 2 is moved in the pressing direction; a supporting plate 3 which is fixed to a steering wheel; three springs 4a-4c for biasing the airbag unit 2 in a direction opposite to the pressing direction; and three horn switches 5a-5c which are located outside of the springs 4a-4c in the radial direction of the steering wheel and close to the surface of the cover 13 in relation to the springs 4a-4c. |
US07963552B2 |
Head-protecting airbag
A head-protecting airbag is deployable downward from an upper periphery of a window of vehicle to cover the window. The airbag includes a primary inflatable portion that includes a protection portion for receiving an occupant's head and a secondary inflatable portion that admits inflation gas of the primary inflatable portion and is inflatable secondarily for preventing a pressure increase of the primary inflatable portion. The primary inflatable portion and the secondary inflatable portion are communicated with a tubular conduit that is arranged along the lower periphery of the airbag. The protection portion includes an inlet-side inflatable portion communicated with the conduit and an upper inflatable portion located above the conduit. The conduit includes a main region located facing the outlet port and an enlarged-diameter region that is located facing the inlet port and has a greater opening dimension than the main region. |
US07963543B2 |
Trailer hitch safety assembly
A fully adjustable safety chain assembly comprising at least one trailer mounted safety chain adjusting box, at least one vehicle mounted safety chain adjusting box, and a safety chain having a first free end and a second free end. A slot in each of the at least one trailer mounted safety chain adjusting box and at least one vehicle mounted safety chain adjusting box enables the safety chain first free end and second free end, respectively, to be reversible affixed at a selected position, thereby holding the safety chain at a desired length. A locking mechanism secures the safety chain in place to prevent it from dislodging. |
US07963540B2 |
Bicycle front fork assembly
A bicycle front end assembly is provided which is configured to reduce aerodynamic drag. In particular, an axis shaft of a fork may be mounted to a head tube of a bicycle frame. A fork head may be disposed in front of the head tube for providing a front end assembly which is aerodynamically configured while providing an increased moment of inertia compared with traditional designs to reduce drag of the bicycle and increase steering stiffness. Also, the handlebar may be attached to the fork head such that when the bicycle is steered to the left, the fork head is rotated toward the left and when the bicycle is steered to the right, the fork head is rotated toward the right. In this manner, the fork head is alignable to the travel direction of the bicycle. |
US07963538B2 |
Wheel suspension assembly and a motor vehicle
A motor vehicle and wheel suspension assembly for a rear wheel of a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a wheel spindle housing supporting a wheel spindle carrying the rear wheel and defining a wheel center. A frame structure is adapted to be connected to a vehicle body or an engine-transmission assembly of the motor vehicle. A spring link extends between the frame structure and the wheel spindle housing and carries a vehicle spring. First and second control links extend between the frame structure and the wheel spindle housing to control the wheel spindle housing to maintain the rear wheel substantially in parallel with a longitudinal direction. A first and second camber link extends between the frame structure and the wheel spindle housing, and intersect each other. An instantaneous center of motion is located at a position far outside the wheel and then rearward the wheel, or far inside the wheel and then forward the wheel. |
US07963537B2 |
Suspension unit
A suspension unit comprises a hub about which a suspension arm is pivotable. The hub is secured to a vehicle chassis or hull by means of a connecting element. The connecting element has a flange provided with holes positioned to coincide with pre-existing holes on the vehicle hole or chassis. The suspension unit can thus be retro-fitted to a vehicle in place of an existing suspension unit of a different kind. |
US07963535B2 |
Tag axle pivot mount
An arrangement for pivotally coupling an auxiliary axle frame to a vehicle chassis includes a pair of support brackets, each fastened to one of two opposite longitudinal rails of the chassis. Each bracket is coupled to its associated rail with a set of threaded fasteners extended through aligned openings in the bracket and rail. Each fastener is tightened to a predetermined level of tensile force, after which its movable components are welded together to positively and permanently set the fastener. Each bracket extends behind the chassis to support a rotational coupling device including a pin rotatable about a transverse axis. Opposite arms of the tag axle frame support clevis type coupling features at their forward ends. Each clevis type feature is integrally coupled to one of the pins. An actuator used to pivot the tag axle frame can be coupled to the chassis and frame through similar rotational coupling devices and clevis type features. |
US07963532B2 |
Tilting paint spray pump and cart
A paint pump and cart having a movable carriage to enable tilting of the paint pump secured to the carriage via a pivot mechanism without tilting the remainder of cart. A latching mechanism having a spring biased pin received in one of a pair of apertures provides selective retention of the carriage in an operating or loading position and the latching mechanism is operable to release the carriage to move between the operating and loading positions. |
US07963528B2 |
Working machine
A working machine includes a body and an axle which is mounted so as to be moveable relative to the body, the axle carrying at or towards each end, a ground engaging wheel by means of which the machine can travel over the ground, the machine including a speed sensor sensitive to the machine ground speed, and there being a hydraulic control system including at least one control actuator connected between the body and the axle for controlling movement of the axle relative to the body, and the hydraulic system further including at least one control valve which is operable to restrict fluid flow occurring as a result of the control actuator extending or retracting in response to axle movements relative to the body, depending upon the signal provided by the speed sensor, wherein the control valve is an electrically operated control valve, operated proportionally by a valve controller which responds to changes in machine speed, by adjusting the restriction to fluid flow so as to permit more fluid flow as the machine speed increases. |
US07963525B1 |
Hydrodynamic circumferential seal system for large translations
A circumferential seal system for sealing a high pressure region from a low pressure region separated by a runner with an outer circumferential surface and a seal ring disposed about the outer circumferential surface is described. The seal system includes a plurality of groove sets separately disposed along the outer circumferential surface. Each groove set further includes at least two grooves. At least one groove within each groove set exerts a lifting force via a fluid from the high pressure region onto the seal ring as the runner translates with respect to the seal ring along an axis substantially perpendicular to the rotation of the runner. The continuous feed of fluid onto the seal ring ensures a thin film between the seal ring and the runner regardless of their relative arrangement during axial excursions of the runner resulting from conditions within a turbine engine. |
US07963522B2 |
Internal sliding baffles for controlling air flow in a vacuum transport
A vacuum control assembly for use in an image production device is provided. The assembly has a plenum having a vacuum inlet; a perforated plate fluidly connected to the plenum, the perforated plate having a plurality of perforations; a baffle plate connected to an inside of the plenum such that the baffle plate can slide relative to the perforated plate and can pivot relative to the perforated plate; and a protrusion on the inside of the plenum. The baffle plate is capable of sliding relative to the perforated plate between a closed position and an open position, the closed position being where the baffle plate causes the vacuum inlet to be fluidly connected to a first plurality of the perforations, and the open position being where the baffle plate is pivoted away from the perforated plate, causing the vacuum inlet to be fluidly connected to a maximum number of the perforations. The maximum number is greater than the first plurality, and the baffle plate is pivoted into the open position by coming in contact with the protrusion. |
US07963520B2 |
Sheet loading device, sheet conveying device, and image forming apparatus
A sheet cassette loads and houses therein a plurality of sheets. A separating unit separates the sheets loaded in the sheet cassette one by one. The separating unit is arranged in the sheet cassette in opposite to a feeding roller that conveys the sheets from the sheet cassette. A rib is formed on a rear surface of a bottom plate of the sheet cassette. The rib is pressed by a pressing member. |
US07963519B2 |
Media pick system and method
Various embodiments of a system and method for picking print media are disclosed. |
US07963516B2 |
Actuation of output tray
A media reproduction device has an input tray and an output tray. Commencement of a print job causes the output tray to move from a closed position to an open position. A gear attaches to the output tray, the gear being engaged with a pick transmission to move the output tray to the open position and being disengaged from the pick transmission so the output tray freely rotates while in the open position. |
US07963514B2 |
Rotating machine
A rotating machine includes a receiving member having a base wall. A first cylinder module disposed above the receiving member includes a first cylinder body. Grappling hooks fixedly connecting with the first cylinder module are disposed below the first cylinder body. A second cylinder module mounted on a top surface of the base wall includes a second cylinder body. A rotating module includes a rotatable shaft rotationally settled in the base wall. A top end of the rotatable shaft engages with a salver below the grappling hooks. A gear wheel is located around the rotatable shaft and below the salver. A rack meshing with the gear wheel connects with the second cylinder body, and controlling switches are used for starting the first cylinder module and the second cylinder module. |
US07963506B1 |
Vehicle leveling apparatus
The present invention may be used for leveling a land vehicle. A frame lifting assembly may have a frame cross-member adjustable in length for attachment at each end to each side of a vehicle frame. A folding jack with a force element and a folding leg may be attached to the frame cross-member. The folding leg may have a leg member with a foot attached at a first end to a force rod of the force element. A support arm may be rotatably attached intermediate the first end and the second end of the leg member and may be rotatably attached adjacent a second end of the frame cross-member. A positioning rod may be rotatably attached at the first end of the leg member and rotatably attached to the frame member. The force rod may be movably attached to a fixed element of the force element and the fixed element may be attached to the frame cross-member. A power source may be operable to move the force rod relative to the fixed element to move the leg member between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position. |
US07963505B2 |
Self-contained self-elevating platform lift
In one embodiment, a self-elevating platform lift for moving objects between a first level and a vertically-elevated second level is provided. The platform lift comprises: (A) a platform for supporting the objects; (B) a plurality of lift lines for connection at the second level and for moving the platform; and (C) a motor connected to move with the platform and wherein the motor operably is connected to the lift lines for moving the platform between the first and second levels while being supported by the lift lines. In another embodiment, a lift installation is provided for moving objects between a first level and a vertically-elevated second level comprising: (A) a platform for supporting the objects; (B) a plurality of lift lines fixed at one end to extend downward from the second level for moving the platform; and (C) a motor connected to move with the platform and wherein the motor operably is connected to the lift lines for use in moving the platform between the first and second levels while being supported by the lift lines. |
US07963501B2 |
Butterfly valve
A butterfly valve including a housing having a hollow passage defining a flow path and a shaft mounted to the housing and extending transversely across the flow path. The shaft defines an axis of rotation for a butterfly valve element carried on the shaft. The valve element can be rotated about the axis between an open position permitting flow along the flow path and a closed position restricting flow along the flow path. The butterfly valve element includes a thin, substantially disc-shaped, flow-regulating plate having front and rear faces and a flow-straightening vane extending from one of the faces transversely relative to the shaft. The vane is solid and extends substantially to the wall of the hollow passage thereby defining separate non-communicating flow channels on opposite sides thereof for reducing flow turbulence and for straightening and accelerating flow across the plate. |
US07963499B2 |
Formliner and method of use
A formliner and method of use are provided in order to minimize and/or eliminate visible seaming between interconnected formliners. In some embodiments, the formliner can comprise raised sections that define interrelated inner and outer dimensions. In this manner, a given portion of a first formliner can mate with another given portion of a second formliner in a nested manner. As such, edges of the interconnected formliners can be discreetly hidden along features of the formliner pattern to reduce and/or eliminate visible seaming between the formliners. |
US07963498B2 |
Bracket assembly
An assemblage (8) comprises an electrical connector (10) having body (12) with a tubular projection (14) having a push-through portion (16) having a first diameter and an engaging portion (18) having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. A support (20) for the electrical connector (10) has a major part 22 that is substantially rigid and includes an aperture (24) formed by a plurality of deflectable spokes (26). The aperture (24) has a center opening (28) with a third diameter greater than the first diameter and less than the second diameter, whereby the tubular projection push-through portion (16) slides through the aperture (24) and the spokes (26) engage the second diameter of the engaging portion (18) and mount the electrical connector (10) with the support (20). |
US07963494B2 |
Holder, and assembly of the holder and an electronic device
A holder is for holding an electronic device, and includes a housing, a support frame, and a resilient element. The housing is disposed on a rear face of the electronic device, defines a receiving space, and includes a barrier plate abutting against one side of the electronic device. The support frame is disposed in the receiving space and is movable relative to the housing. The support frame includes a catch member which is exposed from the housing, which is disposed opposite to the barrier plate, and which is engaged with a retaining hole in the rear face, and a push button portion exposed from the housing. The push button portion is operable to permit disengagement of the catch member from the retaining hole. The resilient element is disposed in the receiving space to provide the catch member with a restoring spring force. |
US07963492B2 |
Vertical support structure
A vertical support structure includes a mounting plate and a support member. The support member has a vertically-elongated central panel and a pair of vertically-elongated side panels connected to and extending perpendicularly from the central panel to form a U-shaped-channel as viewed in cross-section. The support member has a top edge and a bottom edge disposed vertically apart from and extending horizontally parallel to one another. The support member has a slot formed at least through the central panel. The slot is disposed between and extends parallel to the top and bottom edges. The mounting plate is slidably inserted into the slot in a close-fitting manner and is connected to the support member such that the mounting plate at least partially projects perpendicularly from the central panel away from the U-shaped channel. A guide element is connected to the top edge and extends upwardly and inwardly toward the U-shaped channel. |
US07963487B2 |
Plastic clamp
A synthetic material clamp includes a band bent ring-shaped, having band ends with toothed coupling sections together forming a latching coupling. Each coupling section has a first latching element with a latching tooth directed toward a band inner side and a second latching element with a latching tooth directed toward a band outer side. The latching elements are arranged on the coupling sections so the first latching element of a coupling section engages upon closing of the latching coupling. The first and second latching elements are located on opposite sides of a plane centrally dividing the band in a longitudinal direction. The latching elements of both coupling sections include on a side facing the plane a supporting surface arranged when the latching coupling is closed, with the supporting surfaces of one of the latching elements engaging the supporting surfaces of the latching elements of the other coupling section. |
US07963484B2 |
Lift-augmenting flap, in particular for a leading edge flap, for an aerodynamically effective wing
A lift-augmenting leading edge flap for a carrying wing of an aircraft, wherein the flap comprises an essentially rigid main body which makes a transition from the first side to the second side of the wing the flap being adjustable by a retention- and actuation mechanism coupled between the flap and wing box, between a first, retracted, position and a second, extended, position, wherein the first transition region of the flap is slidable to rest in each position essentially free of any gap, against the first skin of the wing box or against the wing end cover, in relation to the wing end cover. |
US07963481B2 |
Method and device for supporting the take-off rotation of an aircraft
A method and a device for supporting the take-off rotation of an aircraft, which aircraft comprises on each side of the aircraft at least two main landing gear units, arranged one behind the other, which main landing gear units comprising wheels. For supporting the take-off rotation, in at least one rear pair of the main landing gear units the distance between the wheels of these rear main landing gear units, which wheels roll on the ground, and the fuselage, may actively be reduced. |
US07963480B2 |
Strut for locking the engine of an aircraft
An engine mount for an aircraft engine. The engine mount includes a rigid structure forming a box closed at its forward end by a forward closure rib, and a mounting system including a forward engine attachment having an attachment body fixedly mounted on the rigid structure. The attachment body lies against a forward surface, and the engine mount includes at least one shear pin passing at least in part through the attachment body and forward closure rib. |
US07963472B2 |
Intake limiting device for document shredder
A shredder intake limiting device having a pair of parallel bars, wherein the ends of the bars are supported by a pair of side supports. Each side support comprises a floor surface flanked by two upwardly-diverging sidewall surfaces. The angle of the sidewall surfaces is such that the bars will be prevented from separating beyond a desired limit when sheet material is being inserted downward into the shredder. When sheet material is being pulled upward during removal after a jam, the diverging angles of the sidewall surfaces will allow the bars to travel upward and the horizontal separation distance to increase, thereby allowing the jammed material to be easily removed. |
US07963470B2 |
Discharge from grinding mills
A screening element can be mounted at a discharge passage of a grinding mill chamber. The discharge passage is positioned in use to receive ground particles moving thereinto in a discharge direction. The screening element comprises one or more openings defined therein that are oriented such that ground particles pass therethrough in a direction that is oblique with respect to the discharge direction. The grinding mill chamber may form part of a centrifugal grinding mill. |
US07963468B2 |
Shredder with thickness detector
A shredder is disclosed. The shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, and a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. The shredder mechanism enables the at least one article to be shredded to be fed into the cutter elements. The motor is operable to drive the cutter elements so that the cutter elements shred the articles fed therein. The shredder also includes a detector that is configured to detect a thickness of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller that is operable to perform a predetermined operation responsive to the detector detecting that the thickness of the at least one article is at least equal to a predetermined maximum thickness. |
US07963467B2 |
Safety system for a roller grinding mill, and method for the production of cement
The invention relates to a safety system ensuring availability of a milling or crushing plant with a roller grinding mill, which is provided in a combined plant, more particularly for the mill drying of cement raw material.For bringing about an almost 100% redundancy, in particular six milling rollers are provided. The roller grinding mill is designed in such a way that 80% of the full milling capacity can be provided in four-roller operation. |
US07963465B2 |
Injection valve
An injection valve for fuel-injection systems has a valve-seat support, a valve needle, a solenoid and a connection piece having a filter, to convey the fuel. Valve opening and valve seat are formed on the one-piece valve-seat support itself, which additionally guides the valve needle so as to be axially displaceable; solenoid coil and connector plug are combined in a separate, plastic-extrusion-coated coil part, the magnetic cup is placed over the coil part, and the connection piece is formed as separate plastic-injection-molded part having an integrated filter. Joining and sealing points between the connection piece on the one side and the coil part, magnetic cup and/or valve-seat support on the other side are bonded. |
US07963463B2 |
Compressed air foam and high pressure liquid dispersal system
The compressed air foam and high pressure liquid dispersal system provides a compressed air foam product in addition to concurrently producing a liquid under pressure for decontamination, general cleaning, vapor suppression, Hazmat remediation, fuel spills, and fire suppression support for durable equipment, vehicles, terrain, facilities, and aircraft. The system includes a power plant for powering the compressed air foam and high pressure liquid sub-systems of the system. The high pressure sub-system further includes a boiler for heating the liquid to a temperature above ambient temperature. The boiler and power plant may use the same type of fuel for decreasing the number of fuel supplies to the system. In addition, the power plant drives an air compressor for providing compressed air for powering the compressed air foam sub-system. The power plant further drives a high pressure water pump for pressurizing the water for the high pressure sub-system. The system includes additional features such as an air chuck that feeds off of the compressed air supply for powering pneumatic tools and inflating flat tires present during such cleaning and decontamination. Also, the system includes a 24 VDC electrical system for charging stalled vehicles and the like present during operations. |
US07963460B2 |
Detachable aromatic nebulizing diffuser
A detachable aromatic nebulizing diffuser includes a base panel, an electric fan, a fluid container, an ultrasonic oscillator, a power jack, a water baffle, a lower housing and a top cover. The ultrasonic oscillator oscillates ultrasonic waves to cause an aromatic fluid in the fluid container into a fine mist that is carried by currents of air caused by the electric fan and guided through an air duct in the fluid container. The fluid container has bottom mounting rods detachably plugged into respective tubular upright posts of the base panel, facilitating mounting and dismounting. The water baffle and the top cover are light transmissive for creating a visual effects upon working of a light source that is carried on the ultrasonic oscillator. |
US07963455B2 |
Thermostat valve
A thermostatted valve used in an internal combustion engine and comprising a housing fitted with at least three ports, namely an engine port to communicate with the engine cooling system, a radiator port to communicate with the radiator, and a bypass port to communicate with a bypass, further comprising a hollow, spherical valve element supported pivotably about a pivot axis within the housing between two end positions, said valve element being fitted with at least two apertures of which one permanently communicates with the engine port and the other is situated in a plane substantially perpendicular to said pivot axis, further comprising a temperature sensor controlled valve element drive, characterized in that the axes of all ports are configured in planes that are approximately perpendicular to the pivot axis of the valve element, in that the valve element is approximately a spherical segment or a laminar sphere of which the open side communicates permanently with the engine port, further that the valve element is fitted with at least one feedthrough which in one of the end positions of said valve element is disconnected from the radiator port while in the other end position it faces this radiator port, in that an approximately spherical sealing system is configured in the zone of the radiator port and in that said drive acts on the valve element) excentrically relative to the pivot axis. |
US07963450B2 |
Near infrared ink security feature
Systems and methods of providing a covert security marking for items such as documents, packaging, credit cards, and other valuable goods to combat the steady increase in forgery, counterfeiting, and other fraudulent activities is presented. A spectrally narrow, near infrared ink system serves as the basis of a covert security feature for items of value. Alternatively, or in combination, metal oxides having a substantially narrow absorption band and a maximum absorption wavelength of electromagnetic radiation in the near infrared range are also utilized. |
US07963449B2 |
Tamper evident adhesive and identification document including same
A composition is provided for adhering a first article to a second article, the composition comprising a thermally active low Tg polymeric resin; and a multifunctional crystalline polymer. The thermally active low Tg polymeric resin can, for example, comprise 50-99% of the composition. The multifunctional crystalline polymer can, for example, comprise 1-50% of the composition. In one embodiment, the multifunctional crystalline polymer comprises 5-20% by weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the multifunctional crystalline polymer has a low molecular weight. |
US07963439B2 |
Method and apparatus for vending a containerized liquid product utilizing an automatic self-service refill system
A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product. In further embodiments, the dispenser may also print discount tickets or coupons that may discount the purchase of the containerized fluid or other promotional merchandise. The machine-readable indicia may include affiliate codes that permit crediting or compensating various affiliates in relation to the container filling. |
US07963436B2 |
Cluster box mail delivery unit having security features
An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interlining elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges. The interfitting elements of the hinge extrusions also permit the doors to be installed on their surrounding door frames quickly and easily, and permit one or both of the master loading doors to be quickly and easily removed for service or replacement when necessary. |
US07963434B2 |
Micro component removing method
A method and an apparatus for removing a micro component surely and leveling solder remaining on a substrate without imposing thermal damage to solder lands, the substrate and components on the periphery. A thermosetting adhesive (15) is provided on the surface (12a) of a micro component (12) opposite to the side of a substrate (11), and the distal end of a component holding pin (13) having cross-section area falling within the surface (12a) of the micro component (12) opposite to the side of the surface (11) is passed through the thermosetting adhesive (15) to abut against the surface (12a) of the micro component (12). Subsequently, solder (16) between the micro component (12) and the substrate (11) is heated to melt and the component holding pin (13) is moved in the direction receding from the substrate (11). Consequently, the micro component (12) is removed from the substrate (11). |
US07963431B2 |
Grasping jaw mechanism
A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an elongated member and a disposable loading unit. The handle assembly includes a mode selection mechanism configured to alternate the surgical device between a first grasping mode of operation and a second clamping mode of operation. The handle assembly includes a rotation control member and an articulation lever. The rotation control member is configured to facilitate rotation of the elongated member with respect to the handle assembly. The articulation lever is configured to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of elongated member. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly configured to clamp and staple tissue in the second clamping mode of operation of the device. |
US07963424B2 |
Integrated beverage and ice dispenser assembly
A beverage dispenser with plural dispensing heads from which different beverages are dispensed. The dispenser has an ice bin from which ice is dispensed. A motor drives an agitator internal to the ice bin. The motor is removably attached to the ice bin by locking pins for easy removal and replacement. Waste ice and beverage is collected in a drip pan. The drip pan is insulated to prevent condensate from collecting around the outer surface of the drip pan. A carbonator is mounted to a front of the dispenser to provide carbonated water. Consequently, the carbonator is easily accessible for maintenance or replacement. Carbonated or non-carbonated water flows through a common manifold to the individual dispensing heads. By setting a manifold valve member associated with each dispensing head, the type of water supplied to the dispensing head, either carbonated or non-carbonated, is selectively set. |
US07963416B2 |
Food package with lid
A food package has a container and a lid. The lid includes a planar surface and a convex dome that is above the planar surface. A transparent window in the convex dome attracts the attention of consumers since it is raised relative to the remainder of the lid. The lid also includes a concave dome that frames a raised logo or raised text within the dome. By framing the logo, the concave dome helps to direct a consumer's attention to the logo or text and helps to protect the logo or text from wear. |
US07963409B2 |
Resealable closures
A closure (2) comprising a solid colour spout (6) and a transparent overcap (4) is adapted to be sealed to a container neck (50) by means of a double-sided foil (8). The overcap (4) has a depending valve (24), which engages with the spout (6) to hold these components together prior to assembly to the container. The spout (6) has a flange (10) adapted to seat on a rim (54) of the container neck and an annular wall (28) that is received within the container neck (50). The foil (8) is welded to the flange (10) and is also used to weld the closure (2) to a rim (54) of a container neck of standard threaded design. The overcap (4) can screw to an external thread on the container neck. The primary ex-factory seal is provided by welding the assembled closure to the neck. The secondary seal is provided by the engagement of the overcap valve (24) with the spout (6). The invention discloses an improved method of assembly. |
US07963408B2 |
Storage tray system
A storage tray system which includes a rack and a plurality of storage trays. The rack includes a plurality of tray runners for supporting the trays in the rack, and which allow sliding movement of the storage trays between open and closed positions. The storage trays can be inclined downwards when in the open position to allow access to their contents. |
US07963403B2 |
Dual surface density baffle for clarifier tank
A baffle system for use in a clarifier tank, having a tank bottom and a periphery and a substantially vertical peripheral wall bounding the interior of the tank, has a plurality of baffles mounted on the peripheral wall of the clarifier tank, each baffle has an upper baffle surface with a lower end and an upper end. The upper end of the upper baffle portion is coupled to the side wall of the clarifier tank wall. The lower end of the upper baffle portion is disposed at a substantially 60° angle away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the upper baffle surface slopes downwardly and away from the side wall. |
US07963397B2 |
Modular, knock-down, light weight, thermally insulating, tamper proof shipping container and fire retardant shipping container bag
The invention provides a knock-down, lightweight, thermally insulating, shipping container made at least in part from a polymer core covered by a thermoplastic sheet layer. In an embodiment of the invention, the shipping container is modular, being adjusted to suit the item(s) to be shipped. In an embodiment of the invention, the base, top panel and walls are made of expanded polystyrene core and combined with high impact polystyrene surface. In one embodiment, a mesh is introduced into the core to strengthen the core making the shipping container tamper proof. A shipping container bag that is light weight, strong, made of a fire retardant material and which forms an ultra violet light, weather and dust barrier can be used to store the shipping container. A system and method for supplying, dispensing, positioning, tracking, transporting, forwarding and storing the light weight shipping containers based on the shipping container bag is disclosed. |
US07963395B2 |
Method of holding together packages and components thereto
The disclosure relates to a connecting element adapted to temporarily holding together a plurality of articles, the connecting element comprising a base member provided with a first adhesion area adapted to hold a first secondary article to said base member and a second adhesion area adapted to hold a second secondary article to said base member, wherein the adhesion areas comprise an electrically weakable adhesive. Also disclosed is a package and an article being provided with adhesion areas comprising an electrically weakable adhesive. |
US07963393B2 |
Connected fastener assembly
A connected fastener assembly is formed by fitting a shaft guide on a shaft section of each fastener, by connecting the fasteners using two connecting sheets made of a synthetic resin and disposed on upper and lower sides of the shaft guides. Since the connecting sheets have through holes thorough which the fasteners pass and connecting sections formed so as to be easy to bend or difficult to bend in the width direction, the connected fastener assembly can be formed into a straight type or a coil type.In a connected fastener assembly, shaft sections of a plurality of fasteners are connected by a connecting band formed of a thin sheet of a synthetic resin. Ring-shaped retaining sections for retaining the shaft sections are formed at constant intervals in the connecting bands. The ring-shaped retaining sections are disposed so as to be overlaid on shaft guides made of soft materials and fitted on the shaft sections. Each of the shaft guides is formed into a cylindrical shape. An outside diameter of each of the ring-shaped retaining sections of the connecting band is larger than an outside diameter of the each of the shaft guides. |
US07963388B2 |
Spline roller for a belt-driven roller conveyor, and method for making
A spline roller having a cylindrical barrel having a length, a first and second end, a centerline, and a circumferential surface, and at least a first drive portion formed integrally into the circumferential surface, having a first end and a second end, at least a first circumferential recess at the first end, and comprising a plurality of the parallel, radially-disposed, splines about the circumference, each spline extending along the length of the barrel from the first circumferential recess. Each spline has a ridge extending from the first end to the second end, and typically has a crown along the length of the ridge. The ridge can be oriented along a line that is parallel to the centerline of the spline roller, to provide a straight spline roller. The ridge can also be oriented along a line that is angled inwardly at a taper angle toward the centerline of the roller, to provide a tapered spline roller. Typically, each roller has a second drive portion adjacent to and axially disposed from the first drive portion. |
US07963386B2 |
Method and device for the selective processing of printed products
Printed products are optionally processed in a preliminary stage (1) and a follow-up stage (2). The printed products are fed in a printed-product stream. The printed products, for optionally processing in the preliminary stage (1), are directed optionally, by means of a diverter (5), to different conveying paths (6.1, 6.2, 6.3), on which processing arrangements (10, 11, 12) are set up. The printed products are processed in the processing arrangements and then conveyed on. In an intermediate region, in which the conveying paths (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) of the preliminary stage (1) run parallel to one another and one beside the other, different conveying paths (7.1, 7.2) of the follow-up stage (2) can optionally be connected to the conveying paths (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) of the preliminary stage (1). Processing arrangements (13, 14) for optionally processing the printed products are also set up on the various conveying paths of the follow-up stage (2). The apparatus allows optional processing in two stages which are completely independent of one another. |
US07963382B2 |
Optical coin discrimination sensor and coin processing system using the same
An method for determining the denomination of a coin with a disk-type coin processing system comprises moving a coin along a coin path with a rotatable disk, generating an encoder pulse for each incremental movement of the rotatable disk, directing a light beam transverse the coin path, detecting the light beam with a light detector, developing a signal at the light detector indicating the presence of a coin in the coin path, counting a number of encoder pulses occurring while developing the signal at the light detector, and comparing the counted number of encoder pulses to a plurality of stored numbers of encoder pulses corresponding to the particular coin denominations. |
US07963381B2 |
Multi-plate centrifugal clutch and vehicle equipped with the same
A centrifugal clutch for a vehicle includes a clutch housing having friction plates, a clutch boss having clutch plates, a pressure plate, and roller weights that press the pressure plate in a direction such that the friction plates and the clutch plates are brought into frictional contact with each other when the roller weights receive a centrifugal force. The vehicle power unit includes a main shaft which has an oil supply passage formed therein. The clutch includes a first oil supply path that supplies oil via the oil supply passage to the friction and clutch plates. The clutch includes a second oil supply path that supplies oil via the oil supply passage to the roller weights. The first and second oil supply paths are formed individually to allow independent adjustment of oil supply to each path. |
US07963376B2 |
System for cooling a disc brake rotor and collecting brake pad waste
The present invention is a system which improves the airflow in a disc braking system by using impellers which are powered by a drive shaft that is rotated via a roller that is contacted with the brake rotor. A housing is provided that fits on a brake disc which holds the impellers, drive shaft, and filters. In an alternative embodiment, twin impellers could be used on either side of the rotor to maximize the air flow through the impellers. It is another object of the present invention to provide an impeller shroud housing that has an inlet to allow air to enter the shrouding. There is a mesh filter on the inlet which can capture particles as air is forced into the shrouding. Another filter on the shroud housing outlet to capture the remaining particles as air is forced out of the shroud housing and onto the rotor to aid in cooling of the braking system. |
US07963375B2 |
Pole wheel which can be connected to a wheel hub of a motor vehicle
A pole wheel is described, which can be connected to a wheel hub of a motor vehicle. The pole wheel comprises an annular-shaped wheel ring extending in a radial plane, and forming an outer edge comprising a plurality of openings arranged at substantially equal angular distances in relation to each other. The pole wheel also includes a dimensionally stable stop formed directly or indirectly on the wheel ring. The stop engages the brake disc connected to the wheel hub such that the brake disc is retained in an axial direction. |
US07963365B2 |
Drag harness improvements
A drag harness comprises two arm loops, each of which has a fixed length and is adapted to receive a separate arm of a wearer, and a pair of gripping loops, each of which has a fixed length. The gripping loops are joined to the arm loops. |
US07963363B2 |
Soundproof cover for automobiles
The present invention relates to a soundproof cover for automobiles, the soundproof cover including: a cover body formed of a metal or a resin; and a sound-absorbing material disposed opposite to a sound source, in which the sound-absorbing material has a soft sound-insulating layer on a surface side thereof facing the cover body, the sound-absorbing material is disposed apart from the cover body, and the sound-absorbing material has a peripheral edge that contacts with an inner wall of an edge of the cover body. |
US07963360B2 |
Ratchet reset mechanism
A ratchet apparatus includes a first member, a rack, and a second member that is selectively movable in first and second directions with respect to the first member. A first pawl is mounted with respect to the first member and is biased into engagement with the rack. The first pawl and the rack are configured such that engagement of the first pawl with the rack prevents movement of the first pawl relative to the rack in the first direction. A second pawl is mounted with respect to the second member for movement therewith in the first and second directions. The second pawl is biased into engagement with the rack. The second pawl and said rack are configured such that engagement of the second pawl with the rack prevents movement of the second pawl relative to the rack in the first direction. |
US07963355B2 |
Vehicle front end structure
A vehicle front end structure is provided with a vehicle body frame forming a frontward portion of a vehicle, a longitudinal acceleration sensor, a frontward vehicle component, a rearward extending part and a bracket. The frontward vehicle component is disposed to protrude farther forward than the vehicle body frame. The rearward extending part is connected to the frontward vehicle component and extends to a rearward position of the vehicle body frame. The bracket fixes the rearward extending part to the vehicle body frame at a connection area such that the rearward extending part is located farther rearward than the connection area of the vehicle body frame, with the bracket being constructed such that the rearward extending part releases from the vehicle body frame when a force acts to move the frontward vehicle component and the rearward extending part rearward. |
US07963353B2 |
Power output device of hybrid vehicle
A trans axle includes motor generators with central rotation axes of respective rotors arranged coaxially, a power split device arranged coaxially with the central rotation axis of a crank shaft and between motor generators, and a power control unit controlling the motor generators. The power control unit is arranged such that a reactor is positioned at least on one side and a smoothing capacitor is positioned on the other side of the central rotation axis of motor generator. The motor generators, the power split device and the power control unit are housed and integrated in a metal case, and fixed on a body of a vehicle (1000) by an engine mount. |
US07963352B2 |
Powered unicycle
A powered unicycle (100) having a wheel (105) driven by a motor (107) and a control system arranged to automatically maintain the fore-aft balance of the unicycle (100) via operation of the motor (107). The unicycle (100) also includes a handle bar (102), coupled to the wheel (105) by a pillar (101), which is operable to steer the wheel (105), and a rider-support (109) which is pivotable relative to the wheel. |
US07963350B1 |
Spherical armored mobile platform
A spherical armored mobile platform (SAMP) is provided for at least one operator to enable protected entry and egress from a militarily hostile environment. The SAMP includes a spherical shell, an armored cockpit and a set of wheels. The spherical shell has inner and outer surfaces and features a plurality of cavities that extend therethrough. The cockpit houses a seat, a guidance controller, a display console, and an electric motor connected to a power supply. The cockpit is contained within said shell. The seat is designed to receive the operator. The wheels are driven by the motor and structurally supported by the cockpit. The wheels engage the inner surface and turn in response to the motor. The cavities are disposed within three-sided boundaries of a geodesic dome. The SAMP can further include a plurality of optical sensors disposed on the cockpit, and a signal integrator to present temporally concatenated visual signals into a mosaic at the display console. The SAMP can also include a projectile-firing gun mounted to the cockpit, and a trigger control to enable actuation of the gun in response to the projectile exiting the sphere at an instance that coincides with a cavity of the plurality of cavities. The SAMP includes a steering mechanism that turns orientation direction of the fore lower and aft upper wheels. The SAMP includes a door on the cockpit that slides between first open and closed positions, and a hatch on the sphere that hinges between second open and closed positions. |
US07963338B1 |
Methods to treat produced water
Methods are disclosed to treat produced water from hydrocarbons production facilities. The disclosed methods can be used to either: (1) de-NORM produced water; or (2) de-NORM and partially de-salt produced water; or (3) de-NORM and partially de-salt and de-ionize produced water; or (4) de-oil, de-NORM, de-salt and de-ionize produced water. |
US07963337B2 |
Composite enhanced metallic drilling riser system
An offshore composite enhanced metallic drilling riser is equipped to enable preloading of the composite shell and the metallic riser. A riser has steel end connectors and a continuous metallic inner liner, encased in a composite shell. A segmented hyperboloid shaped profile is located near each of the end fittings for preloading of the composite and the metallic riser. In one version, both halves of the hyperboloid shape are capable of axial movement by adjusting jack bolts connected to one of the hyperboloid halves. One of the halves is limited in axial movement while the other half moves axially away from the restricted half, the movement simultaneously generates the composite pre-load and the metallic riser pre-load. The other version uses fluid pressure between mating faces of the segments to push them apart. |
US07963335B2 |
Subsea hydraulic and pneumatic power
Systems and methods for providing energy to sub-sea support equipment. Energy can be provided by diverting at least a portion of a fluid from a well producing system to sub-sea support equipment units that can be disposed in the vicinity of the sea-floor, sea-bed, or mud-line. The well producing system can include, but is not limited to, a water injection system, a gas lift system, or combinations thereof. A water injection system designed to provide pressure support to one or more wells can be modified to provide an operational power source to one or more sub-sea support equipment units. |
US07963332B2 |
Apparatus and method for abrasive jet perforating
A abrasive jet perforating tool comprises a generally cylindrically shaped tube with a side, an upper portion, and a lower portion; a plurality of holes tapped and threaded into the side of the tube; threaded abrasive jets mounted in at least some of the plurality of threaded holes; protective plates mounted on the side of the tube around the abrasive jets; gauge rings that slide onto an outer diameter of the upper portion and the lower portion of the tube; and a mechanical casing collar locator connected to the upper portion of the tube. |
US07963331B2 |
Method and apparatus for isolating a jet forming aperture in a well bore servicing tool
An embodiment of a well bore servicing apparatus includes a housing having a through bore and at least one high pressure fluid aperture in the housing, the fluid aperture being in fluid communication with the through bore to provide a high pressure fluid stream to the well bore, and a removable member coupled to the housing and disposed adjacent the fluid jet forming aperture and isolating the fluid jet forming aperture from an exterior of the housing. An embodiment of a method of servicing a well bore includes applying a removable member to an exterior of a well bore servicing tool, wherein the removable member covers at least one high pressure fluid aperture disposed in the tool, lowering the tool into a well bore, exposing the tool to a well bore material, wherein the removable cover prevents the well bore material from entering the fluid aperture, removing the removable member to expose a fluid flow path adjacent an outlet of the high pressure fluid aperture, and flowing a well bore servicing fluid through the fluid aperture outlet and flow path. |
US07963326B2 |
Method and apparatus for utilizing pressure signature in conjunction with fall time as indicator in oil and gas wells
Disclosed is a method of utilizing a pressure signature in conjunction with a plunger's fall time as an indicator of plunger location. The disclosed method can also indicate well and/or plunger conditions. A controller that can see and interpret slope change and/or pressure signature and automatically make changes to plunger fall time is also disclosed. |
US07963325B2 |
Method and system for fracturing subsurface formations during the drilling thereof
A method for fracturing a wellbore while drilling a wellbore includes inserting a drill string into a wellbore. A fluid is pumped into at least one of an interior passage in the drill string and an annular space between a wall of the wellbore and the drill string. At least one of a pressure and a temperature of the fluid proximate a lower end of the drill string is measured and the measurements are transmitted to the surface substantially contemporaneously with the measuring. At least one of a flow rate and a pressure of the fluid is controlled in response to the measurements to selectively create fractures in formations adjacent to the wellbore. |
US07963324B2 |
Flow control actuation
A method usable with a subterranean well that includes actuating a downhole tool (a valve assembly, for example). The method also includes applying at least one of an impulse stimulus and a vibration stimulus to the tool during the actuating to enhance operation of the tool. |
US07963315B2 |
Vehicle air conditioner having hinge for rotating heat exchanger during collision
A vehicle with an air conditioner comprises an instrument panel center member disposed vertically behind an evaporator and fixed to a vehicle structure. The evaporator is disposed obliquely in such a manner that its maximum-area face has a crossing angle relative to a horizontal face and a distance between its front and rear ends is a specified length or greater. The evaporator is configured so as to be rotated between a vehicle dash panel being moved rearward and the instrument panel center member at a frontal crash of a vehicle in such a manner that the distance between its front end and rear end becomes shorter. Accordingly, the evaporator can be prevented from being pushed into a vehicle cabin at the vehicle frontal crash, thereby ensuring the safety of the passenger. |
US07963314B2 |
Casting apparatus and method
A nucleated casting apparatus including an atomizing nozzle configured to produce a droplet spray of a metallic material, a mold configured to receive the droplet spray and form a preform therein, and a gas injector which can limit, and possibly prevent, overspray from accumulating on the mold. The gas injector can be configured to produce a gas flow which can impinge on the droplet spray to redirect at least a portion of the droplet spray away from a side wall of the mold. In various embodiments, the droplet spray may be directed by the atomizing nozzle in a generally downward direction and the gas flow may be directed in a generally upward direction such that the gas flow circumscribes the perimeter of the mold. |
US07963312B2 |
Screen apparatus
A screen is made to be able to be changed in a state in which the screen is made to be detachable from a screen attaching frame portion, a first connector is arranged at one end extracted from the screen of screen tension members penetrating the screen at a plurality of portions in a length direction, the one end is connected to a vicinity of a free end of a slide guide frame portion, other end of a jump member extracted to a screen attaching side is arranged with a second connector, the first connector and the second connector are made to be attachable and detachable to and from each other, and the slide guide frame portion is extracted from inside of the screen attaching frame portion. |
US07963311B2 |
Veneer lay-up squeezing
The invention relates to squeeze pressing of a laid-up veneer assembly having glue applied as glue stripes. The pressing in the method is subjected to the assembly as two uniform fronts advancing in opposite directions from the central area of the assembly. A press for implementing the method comprises press plates to be pressed together, at least one press plate being equipped with a sub-pressing plate extending as an arch at the central area of the press plate to the press opening. |
US07963310B2 |
Method for connecting electronic components, method for forming bump and conductive connection film and fabrication apparatus for electronic component mounted body, bump and conductive connection film
A liquid resin in which conductive particles are dispersed is supplied to between a circuit substrate and a semiconductor chip disposed so as to face each other and an ultrasonic wave having an amplitude in a perpendicular direction to a surface of the circuit substrate to generate a standing wave in a resin. Then, the conductive particles dispersed in the resin are captured at nodes of the standing wave to form connection bodies of aggregation of the conductive particles between connection terminals of the semiconductor chip and terminals of the circuit substrate. Thus, the semiconductor chip is mounted on the circuit substrate via the connection bodies. The terminals are arrayed so as to be spaced apart from one another by half a wavelength of the standing wave and each of the nodes of the standing wave are generated at a position between the terminals in the resin. |
US07963303B2 |
Manual hair dye apparatus and method for using the same
In one embodiment of the present system invention, the operator enters the customer name into the color management system and the computer screen displays the customer's history. If this is a new customer, a history file is created. The operator selects desired color from the color pallet, enters the required amount of finished dye and finally the activator strength is selected. The operator is instructed to place an empty batch container on the scale. The system prompts the operator for the first dye color, and an LED adjacent to the corresponding drawer is illuminated. The operator manually adds the amount indicated on the display panel, while the scale monitors exactly how much has been added and provides feedback to the operator leading to an extremely accurate dispense. After returning the bottle or tube to the designated storage bin, the operator presses “next”, and the next LED is illuminated along with the required amount of the next ingredient. Bar code readers can also be used to control the ingredient solution and control process. The system automatically adds the required activators from the internal storage reservoirs. A batch record is placed in the customers history file. |
US07963300B2 |
Flexible hose article and related methods
The present invention generally relates to flexible hose articles and methods. Some embodiments include hoses that can be reversibly bent and/or shaped. Furthermore, some embodiments can comprise methods for making and/or using such hose articles. |
US07963299B2 |
Heat dissipation
A method and apparatus are disclosed for dissipating heat from a region of flexible pipe covered by a bend stiffener. The method includes the steps of, via at least one channel in an outer surface around a flexible pipe, providing a flow path for water to flow from a region of the flexible pipe covered by a bend stiffener to an uncovered region of the flexible pipe. |
US07963298B2 |
Spherical tube end form for a fluid connection system
A fluid distribution pipe includes an elongate tubular body and a spherical end form integral with the tubular body at an inlet end. The spherical fluid connection end of the fuel rail is formed by plastic deformation. A series of tools and motions is used while the tubing of the fuel rail is clamped in place to form the spherical end form at the inlet end of the tubing. The resulting spherical end form provides the necessary geometry and surface finish to provide a successful seal and flexible connection of the fuel rail with a fuel line with significant cost advantages over current prior art methods. |
US07963287B2 |
Tissue-treatment methods
Polymer insulators and methods of using polymer insulators are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes separating a first portion of a subject's tissue from a second portion of the subject's tissue so that there is a space between the first and second portions of tissue. Deionized water, a buffered saline solution, liquid polymers, gels, particles, foams, and/or gases are disposed between the first and second portions of tissue, and the first portion of tissue is exposed to energy to treat the first portion of tissue. |
US07963286B2 |
Combination bite block, tongue depressor/retractor and airway
A combination bite block, tongue depressor/retractor and airway for establishing and maintaining an open airway while preventing emergence clenching and the resulting dental and soft tissue damage associated with emergence clenching in procedures where anesthesia and/or sedation are used, or when the patient is not in control of their own airway, regardless of the cause. The inventive subject matter includes a tongue depressor/retractor component in both right and left conformations; and a bite block component. The bite block component is a wedge shaped, compressible component that is inserted between the upper and lower molars on either the right or left side of the mouth. The tongue depressor component is comprised by a flat portion of that is inserted into the side of the bite block, and an optional curved portion that retracts the tongue off of the posterior pharynx when in place. |
US07963282B2 |
Kitchen hood assembly with a combination cleaning and fire suppression system
A kitchen hood assembly includes a combination hood cleaning and fire suppression system. The hood assembly includes a hood structure and a riser connected thereto. An exhaust blower forces an exhaust stream of air into the hood and through the riser. A combination hood cleaning and fire suppression system is incorporated into the hood structure. The combination hood cleaning and fire suppression system includes an elongated spray bar that is connected to a water source and includes a surfactant injector that injects a surfactant into the water being directed to the spray bar. In one mode of operation, the spray bar is effective to clean the hood assembly. In another mode of operation, when a fire is sensed in or in the vicinity of the hood, the same spray bar is utilized to inject an aqueous liquid into the hood to suppress the fire. |
US07963281B2 |
Electric toy gun and motion control mechanism thereof
This invention is a motion control mechanism for use in electric toy guns. The mechanism includes a gear set, a piston set that is inside the electric toy gun's body and driven by the said gear set, a primary repositioning spring that is between the said piston set and the toy gun's rear end, and the repositioning set that is installed on the gun body, and moves backward when driven by the said piston set. The said repositioning set is fixed to the piston set, and will move backward when driven by the gear set. It will then reposition itself by the force of primary repositioning spring. The electric toy guns with this invention have the following advantageous features: Since it has a repositioning set, and air release holes, it provides for motions that are more similar to those of real guns. Thus it is more suited for military training and lasts longer. |
US07963277B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation control system
An exhaust gas recirculation system has an EGR valve disposed in an EGR duct connecting an engine intake and exhaust. A diaphragm of said EGR valve is actuated via vacuum from the engine intake, the application of the vacuum is controlled via an electronic valve regulator (EVR). The EVR is provided a fixed signal to cause it to be fully open when it is determined that the engine is about to encounter a condition in which there is insufficient vacuum to open the EGR valve. The EVR is provided a variable signal during other operating conditions in which there is sufficient vacuum to open the EGR valve. |
US07963273B2 |
Cylinder charge temperature control for an internal combustion engine
An engine is operated with a first cylinder to provide a net flow of gases from the engine intake to the engine exhaust while a second cylinder returns combusted gases back to the intake to control a timing of auto-ignition combustion in the first cylinder. |
US07963269B2 |
Ignition timing controlling apparatus and ignition timing controlling method for internal combustion engine
A 90° integrated value calculating unit of an engine ECU calculates a 90° integrated value obtained by integrating a magnitude. A calculating unit calculates a knock magnitude by dividing 90° integrated value by a BGL. A value obtained by subtracting a standard deviation σ from a median value of 90° integrated value is determined as the BGL. An ignition timing control unit controls the ignition timing depending on whether knock magnitude is equal to or larger than a determination value. A median value calculating unit calculates median value of 90° integrated value. A standard deviation calculating unit calculates standard deviation of 90° integrated value. A first stop unit stops updating of median value and standard deviation when 90° integrated value is smaller than a first threshold value or is equal to or larger than a second threshold value. |
US07963266B2 |
Starter apparatus for an internal combustion engine
A starter device for an internal combustion engine (10) has an actuating device and an entrainer (24) can be coupled to the crankshaft (13) of the engine (10). The entrainer (24) and the actuating device are rotatably journalled about a rotational axis (14). The entrainer (24) and the actuating device are connected to each other via a damping spring (23). The damping spring (23) is connected with a first end (26) to the actuating device and with a second end (27) to the entrainer (24). The entrainer (24) and the actuating device have respective supports (21, 42). The damping spring (23) is mounted on the outer periphery of the two supports (21, 42). In the direction of the rotational axis (14), a disc (22) is mounted between the two supports (21, 42) in order to avoid the situation that the damping spring (23) can force itself into a gap between the two supports (21, 42) which gap can arise during operation. |
US07963256B1 |
Motion control harness for a medium to large dog
A restraint harness for a dog, particularly a dog of medium size and larger, including a conventional adjustable dog harness and an attached harness control extension. The harness control extension includes a plurality of straps configured to extend to the hind end of the dog and a motion control cord that is interlaced in and between the conventional adjustable dog harness and the harness control extension. The motion control cord encircles the dog's hind legs and can be tightened around the thighs with minimal force, where such tightening substantially restrains the dog without causing injury to the dog. |
US07963250B2 |
Animal feeder
An animal feeder which is adapted to simultaneously dispense feed and liquid onto a feed material receiving member. |
US07963248B2 |
Plasma generator, substrate treating apparatus including the same and substrate treating method
A plasma generator includes a gas supply member configured to supply source gas and a plurality of electrodes for generating plasma using the source gas. The plurality of electrodes have a long rod shape in a first direction and are arranged abreast in a second direction vertical to the first direction to be spaced apart from each other at the same height. A spaced distance between electrodes is adjusted by means of a distance adjusting unit including a first connector connected to a first electrode, a second connector connected to a second electrode, and a first shaft pin connecting the first and second connectors to each other. The first and second connectors rotate on the first shaft pin to adjust a spaced distance between the first and second electrodes. |
US07963246B1 |
Apparatus for controlled application of an adhesive bead to a workpiece
An apparatus is designed to apply a controlled adhesive bead to a workpiece as the workpiece is manually moved along a stationary adhesive dispensing mechanism. The apparatus comprises a worktable with a motion detection device mounted on a top surface of the table, the adhesive dispensing mechanism mounted to the worktable, an electronic control system mounted to the worktable and operatively connected to the motion detection device and the adhesive dispensing mechanism, and an adhesive source. The workpiece is manually moved under the dispensing mechanism. Regardless of the workpiece movement speed, a consistent sized adhesive bead is applied to the workpiece. |
US07963245B2 |
Liquid application device and ink jet recording apparatus
A liquid application device includes a rotating unit for rotating an application member to apply liquid to a medium in contact with the application member, a liquid application unit including the application member, and a retention member for retaining liquid in a sealed liquid retention space formed to be in contact with the application member. The liquid application unit applies the liquid retained in the liquid retention space to the medium via the application member by rotating the application member. In addition, a control unit controls the rotating unit, wherein the control unit controls, after receiving information of instruction on applying liquid to the medium, the rotating unit to rotate, before the application member contacts the medium, the application member so that the rotating unit performs a preliminary rotation that forms a pool of the liquid in an area. The area is upstream, in a rotational direction, of a contact area between the retention member and the application member at a side where a surface of the application member enters a contact area with the retention member, and the area is downstream, in the rotational direction, of a contact area between the medium and the application member when transferring the medium. |
US07963243B2 |
Portable collapsible boat
The invention is a portable collapsible boat comprising one or more rigid cockpit sections, constructed of a material such as fiberglass, attached to a bow section and a stem section, which are constructed of fabric material covering a skeleton of longitudinal stringers and ring frames, and are attached to the rigid cockpit section(s) by means of a belt, buckles, and/or flanges. The hybrid folding boat combines the best features of rigid boats, such as performance and durability, with the best features of existing folding boats, such as transportability, without suffering from the drawbacks of rigid boats (mainly the extensive storage space required) or folding boats (mainly weight). The hybrid folding boat is lighter, easier to transport, more rugged, safer, easier to assemble, and stiffer than previous folding boats, adapts easily to a sailing rig, and facilitates one or more passengers. Manufacture of the boat is simpler than that of conventional folding kayaks because it has fewer parts and less dependence on precision stitching of the fabric covering. |
US07963242B2 |
Anchor containing a self deploying mooring system and method of automatically deploying the mooring system from the anchor
An anchor holds a variety of mooring system elements, including processor-controlled cable brakes, prior to deployment of the anchor. The anchor is configured to automatically deploy the elements of the mooring system into a desired underwater configuration. A method of deploying an ocean anchor includes controlling cable brakes and results in the elements of the mooring system being deployed into a desired underwater configuration. |
US07963235B2 |
Thermoformed platform having a communications device
Articles constructed of a plurality of scuffed sheets have improved sheet-to-sheet bond strength and surfaces with high coefficients of friction. Articles constructed out of three scuffed sheets include exterior intumescent polymeric surfaces resisting the spread of combustion flames and insulating the interior surfaces from the high temperature of fire. Articles include electronic apparatus sending an emergency 911 call to a remote monitoring station. Articles are advantageously reinforced with optional rigidifying structures without article modification. Members are joined with snap together features providing an assembled article. Articles include handles for ergonomic manipulation by workers. Articles include elements amenably receiving unitization accessories. The article improvements are demonstrated in the form of industrial platforms, particularly material handling pallets. |
US07963234B2 |
Computer table element
The invention relates to a computer table element (1), comprising a body (2), a sliding keyboard panel (3) having an extended working position and a retracted storage position, a bearer (9, 10) mounted pivotably on the body (2) for supporting a flat-panel display (11) in various positions, and a front wall (6) beneath the keyboard panel (3). The keyboard panel (3) has its movement transmitted by a pivot joint (4) to the front wall (6) and by swing arms (5a, 5b) to the display bearer (9, 10), such that the front wall (6) and the bearer (9, 10) swivel towards a vertical plane as the keyboard panel (3) travels from the working position to the storage position. This results in more leg room under the table. |
US07963227B1 |
Multiple report stun grenade
The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a stun grenade device with an elongated cylindrical body having a cylindrical sidewall and opposed top and bottom end faces. The body includes a delay chamber containing a delay material, and has a number of flash charge chambers each containing a quantity of flash charge material. The body defines a number of ignition passages, each communicating from a respective flash charge chamber to the delay chamber. Each flash charge chamber has at least one exhaust aperture penetrating the top or bottom end face. Each flash charge chamber may be formed in an elongated tubular sleeve inset in a frame of a different material. |
US07963226B2 |
Method for operating a printing unit having at least one press unit, and a press unit for carrying out the method
A printing unit has at least one press unit having a plate cylinder with at least one printing plate that can be mounted on the plate cylinder and which carries a printing image. The plate cylinder has at least one cylinder channel in which ends of the printing plate can be fixed or positioned. The printing plate has a leading angled end and also has a trailing angled end, as viewed in the direction of rotation of the printing cylinder during operation of the printing press. The printing plate can be secured to the plate cylinder by insertion of the plate leading end into the cylinder channel and by insertion of the plate trailing end into the same, or another cylinder channel. Initially, the plate trailing end is fixed in its associated cylinder channel and the plate cylinder is rotated in a rotational direction counter to a production direction. The leading plate end is then fixed in its associated cylinder channel during continued rotation of the plate cylinder opposite to a production direction. Once the printing plate is secured, the printing cylinder is rotated in its production direction. |
US07963225B2 |
Method for controlling and/or adjusting a register in a printing machine and a device for controlling and/or adjusting a circumferential register
A register in a printing machine is controlled and adjusted by providing at least one printing unit provided with at least two printing groups in the printing machine. Each printing group comprises a cylinder pair consisting of at least a forme cylinder and a transfer cylinder. The forme cylinder of the first printing group is phase shifted at a first amount for the register adjustment in a circumferential direction. The transfer cylinder of the first printing group is phase shifted in a second amount in the circumferential direction. The amount of the phase shift of the forme cylinder is different from the amount of phase shift of the transfer cylinder. The two amounts of the phase shifts are not equal to zero. |
US07963224B2 |
Drum having a polymer layer with channels on a metal cylinder
Various embodiments and methods relating to a drum having a polymer layer with channels on a metal cylinder are disclosed. |
US07963223B2 |
Apparatus and method for bending a printing plate
An apparatus and method for bending a printing plate is disclosed. A bending machine, in particular for the bending of printing plates which are used in printing machines, includes a pressure pad, which exerts the required clamping force on the printing plate during the bending operation, and which is movable in relation to a holding-down plate, so that a uniform clamping force acts on the printing plate over the entire length of the pressure pad. |
US07963222B2 |
Flexographic printing machine
A flexographic printing machine including at least one printing unit with an ink roller mounted at one end to a first sliding support and a plate-holding roller mounted at one end to a second sliding support, and at least one guide member for guiding the movements of the supports in directions parallel to an imaginary line which perpendicularly intersects the axes of the ink and plate-holding rollers. In addition, first upper and lower screws are provided parallel to said line above and below the axes of the ink and plate-holding rollers in order to move the first support, and second upper and lower screws are provided parallel to the line above and below the axes of the ink and plate-holding rollers in order to move the second support. |
US07963216B2 |
Apparatus for improving surface smoothness and internal firmness of cylindrical food products
An apparatus for improving surface smoothness and internal firmness of cylindrical food products is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor belt for conveying cylindrical food products to a concave rolling zone below an output end, such that each of the cylindrical food products rolls in the rolling zone for an appropriate amount of time. Thus, surface smoothness and internal firmness of each of the cylindrical food products are improved. |
US07963214B1 |
Extrusion processing of high meat quantity feeds using preconditioner with hot air input
The present invention is directed to improved preconditioners (12) especially useful for the production of high meat-content pet foods. The preconditioners (12) include an elongated housing (16) with one or more elongated, axially rotatable mixing shafts (18, 20) therein, each having a plurality of outwardly extending mixing elements (42, 44). The preconditioner (12) is provided with apparatus (56) for directing relatively large quantities of heated non-steam gas into the preconditioner (12) in lieu of most or all of the steam normally used with preconditioners. This serves to heat material passing through the preconditioner (12) without the addition of substantial moisture. |
US07963211B2 |
Reciprocating gas compression installation with controlled leakage rate
The invention relates to a reciprocating installation (1) for the compression of a current gas, comprising: at least one cylinder (2) which defines a compression chamber (3); a piston (4) which co-operates with the cylinder, an actuation rod (6) extending from said piston; a cylinder base (7) comprising a passage (8) for the linear and reciprocating displacement of the piston rod; and a stuffing box-type sealing device (9) between the piston rod (6) and the cylinder base (7). The invention is characterized in that: a source (16) that provides a pressurized insulating gas of no interest is used; the sealing device stack comprises two spacer rings (111, 112), namely a front ring (111) which is disposed at a distance from the cylinder and a rear ring (112) which is disposed nearer the cylinder; and the cylinder base or the body of the sealing device (7) is equipped with a front hole (151) and a rear hole (152), such that, on one side, the two holes are communicated with two external peripheral cells (141, 142) in the two spacer rings respectively and, on the other side, at least the front hole (151) is communicated with the insulating gas source (16), such as to use an internal annular gap in order to generate a tubular insulating gaseous path comprising the insulating gas along the length of the piston rod (6) practically from one end of the sealing device (9) to the other. |
US07963206B2 |
Apparatus for sighting-in a gun
To sight-In a gun—especially a rifle (10)—it has to be held in the same position while it is fired at least twice, the gunsight (14) being adjusted after the first shot so that the gun sight shows the gun aimed at the point of impact of the first shot on the target. Apparatus to hold the gun while sighting-in is performed has a base (16) on which an elogate support frame (40) is mounted. The support frame (40) carries a rear stock clamping arrangement, with which clamping members (21) firmly hold the rear stock (11) of the gun. A gun barrel (13) or front stock (12) locating arrangement (30,31,32,34,37,39), also carried by the support frame, ensures that the front stock (or barrel) of the gun can be repositioned (if it has not been clamped) in the same position after a shot has been fired. Mounting blocks (115, 116) clamped to the base (16) include means to make fine adjustments of the lateral pointing of the gun. Course variation of the vertical pointing of the gun is effected by changing the height above the support frame (40) of a horizontal bar (30) of the front stock locating arrangement. Fine adjustment of the vertical pointing of the gun is effected by movement of pivot arms (24), on which the rear stock clamping members (21) are carried, about a pivot axis (27). Straps to prevent or limit gun movement due to recoil may be included. |
US07963204B2 |
Stressed skin tiled vehicle armor
Vehicle armor includes a body panel of the vehicle having a stressed skin construction with an inside surface and an outside surface. A liner overlies the inside surface of the body panel and a particle-filled elastomer overlies the outside surface of the body panel. Thin, single-layer steel tiles overlie the elastomer layer, with the tiles each having a hardened outer side and a non-hardened inner side. |
US07963203B1 |
Rifle
A rifle with an upper receiver and a barrel attached to the upper receiver and including a bolt carrier, and operating, buffer, and cooling systems. The operating system includes a cylinder and a piston coupled to receive propelling gases from the barrel. As the piston moves between retracted and extended positions the bolt carrier is moved between closed and open positions. The bolt carrier includes a weight movable within a guide frame between rearward and forward limits. The buffer system includes a compression spring in a tube attached to the upper receiver in abutting engagement with the bolt carrier. A partially fluid filled cylinder is attached to a coil of the spring and includes a piston and shaft. The piston is formed so that fluid in the cylinder restricts movement in one direction and allows free movement in a second direction. |
US07963192B2 |
Surgical scissors and method for the manufacture of surgical scissors
Surgical scissors are provided having two scissor blades mounted for pivotal movement relative to each other about a pivot axis and having one cutting edge each. The scissor blades have, proximal of the pivot axis, one sliding surface area each, the sliding surface areas sliding along each other and the scissor blades contacting each other distally of the pivot axis at a moving point of contact of the cutting edges sliding along each other when the scissors are opened and closed. At least one of the cutting edges is provided with a hard material coating, and at least one of the two sliding surface areas have a first hard material coating-free surface. A method for the manufacture of surgical scissors is also proposed. |
US07963190B2 |
Helical gear sets
A gear set for a transmission for use in limited space and capable of transmitting relatively large amounts of power with a small diameter of the gear sets, comprising a series of helical gear elements having stub shafts extending laterally from either side thereof, each of the stub shafts having teeth formed at the remote ends thereof and a central axial bore extending through each gear element and a coupler adapted to engage the teeth on adjacent gear elements join gear elements in driving contact. The gear set having a relatively large effective diameter, and a tension rail extending through the axial bore in the gear elements with retainers at either end of the tension rail so as to effectively permit limited axial movement along the tension rail while preventing inadvertent disengagement. |
US07963187B2 |
Control arrangement and gearbox
The invention relates to a control device for controlling the engagement of desired gears of a gearbox, which control device comprises a control rod with a relating locking arrangement. The locking arrangement comprises a locking element provided with one or more grooves or recesses which each define a predetermined setting position of the control rod. The locking arrangement further comprises a resilient locking means arranged in a recess in the control rod, which locking means has a locking portion which, against the action of a spring force of the locking means, is arranged for movement in said recess in the control rod's radial direction between a protruded position in which the locking portion engages in one of said grooves/recesses in the locking element and thereby counteracts movement of the control rod relative to the locking element, and a retracted position in which the locking portion does not engage in any of said grooves/recesses in the locking element. The invention also relates to a gearbox comprising such a control device. |
US07963185B2 |
Stepper motor driven proportional actuator
A stepper motor driven actuator that eliminates the need for a position sensor is provided. The stepper motor rotates a cam in a control piston valve. In a single nozzle embodiment, pressure balance is maintained by a spring preload on one end of the piston in one embodiment, and by hydraulic pressure acting on a double diameter end portion of the piston in another embodiment. As the cam is rotated, the change in the gap between the nozzle and the cam changes the pressures on the control piston ends, which forces the piston in the direction that will re-equalize the pressure based on the cam-nozzle gap. As a result, the head or rod of the actuator piston receives high pressure flow, thereby moving the actuator. Movement of the actuator rod provides mechanical feedback to the cam, causing the cam to move back to its mechanical null position. |
US07963181B2 |
Drive for adjusting parts of seating and reclining furniture
A drive for adjusting parts of seating and reclining furniture is provided, which includes: an electric motor, disposed within a motor cover of a cabinet and engaged with a gear connected to a lead screw via one end of a drive shaft of the electric motor, and a slider, for moving rectilinearly back and forth in cooperation with the lead screw. The slider is provided with a drive nut therein, which is screwed onto the lead screw to enable the slider to move rectilinearly. One or more positioning grooves are disposed on the slider in parallel with the nut. Guide rails are correspondingly disposed in the positioning grooves. One end of each guide rail is fixed to the cabinet and the other end of each guide rail is fixed to a top stopper. Therefore, a better adjustability is achieved within a limited inner space of the furniture. Moreover, the drive does not need to move, and the stroke length of the drive is independent from the cabinet size thereof, so that the drive has a low manufacturing cost and is easily assembled. |
US07963180B2 |
Wireless sensors in roll covers
An industrial roll includes: a substantially cylindrical shell having an outer surface; a polymeric cover circumferentially overlying the shell outer surface; and a sensing system. The sensing system includes: a plurality of sensors embedded in the cover, each sensor configured to sense a data parameter; and a plurality of wireless transceivers, each transceiver connected to a respective sensor and embedded in the cover adjacent thereto. Each wireless transceiver is configured to transmit data signals from the respective sensor. Related methods and systems are also discussed. |
US07963178B2 |
Fork lift truck with axle load determination for a rear-end axle
A fork lift truck has a rear-end axle provided with a measuring device to determine the axle load. To enable the axle load to be determined using simple means which are reliable in operation, at least one shearing force detector (2 or 3) or normal force detector (6) in the form of a structural component and arranged in the force flux is integrated into the axle. |
US07963177B2 |
Apparatus for attenuating ultrasonic waves propagating within a pipe wall
A damping device for a fluid flow meter mountable on the exterior of a pipe to meter fluid flow traveling within the pipe is provided. The flow meter has at least one ultrasonic sensor operable to transmit ultrasonic signals through a pipe wall in a direction normal to the pipe wall and into a fluid flow disposed within the pipe, which signals create secondary ultrasonic signals circumferentially traveling within the pipe wall at a frequency. The damping device includes a base and a plurality of tines. The base is conformable to an exterior surface of the pipe wall, and has a pipe-side surface and a tine-side surface. The plurality of tines is attached to the base and extends outwardly from the tine-side surface. Each tine is spaced apart from an adjacent tine by a tine-to-tine distance that is less than the wavelength of the secondary ultrasonic signals circumferentially propagating within the pipe wall. |
US07963175B2 |
Clamp-on apparatus for measuring a fluid flow that includes a protective sensor housing
An apparatus for measuring one or more characteristics of a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, sealant, and an array of at least two ultrasonic sensors. The housing is operable to be mounted on the exterior surface of the pipe. The housing has at least one pocket extending between a pipe-side surface and an outer surface. The pipe-side surface mates with the exterior surface of the pipe. The sealant is disposed between the pipe exterior surface and the housing pipe-side surface. The sealant forms a seal around the pocket when the housing is mounted on the exterior surface of the pipe. The array of ultrasonic sensor units are disposed within the at least one pocket. Each sensor unit includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitters are operable to transmit ultrasonic signals through the fluid flow within the pipe. The receivers are operable to receive signals from the transmitters. |
US07963174B2 |
Ultrasonic flowmeter having a rubber transmitting body
An ultrasonic flowmeter includes two ultrasonic transceivers. Each of the ultrasonic transceivers includes a cylindrical transmitting body closely fixed to the outer peripheral surface of a measurement pipe through a fluid flows so as to surround the measurement pipe, and an ultrasonic transducer surrounding the measurement pipe and spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the measurement pipe. The transmitting body is made of a rubber material and has axial end surfaces extending perpendicular to the axis of the measurement pipe. The axial end surface of the ultrasonic transducer is fixedly secured to the axial end surface of the transmitting body, and the ultrasonic transducer is extended and contracted in the axial direction thereof by applying a voltage between the axial end surfaces of the ultrasonic transducer. |
US07963173B2 |
Magnetic flowmeter for measuring flow
A magnetic flowmeter for measuring flow of a flow of process fluid, includes a flow tube arranged to receive the flow of process fluid therethrough. A magnetic drive coil proximate the flow tube is arranged to apply a magnetic field to the flow in response to a drive signal. At least one electrode is arranged to sense an electrical potential of the process fluid which related to the applied magnetic field and flow rate of the process fluid. Temperature measurement circuitry is coupled to the magnetic drive coil and is configured to provide a temperature output indicative of temperature of the drive coil based upon an electrical parameter of the drive coil. Flow measurement circuitry coupled to the at least one electrode is configured to provide a flow output based upon sensed electrical potential. |
US07963172B2 |
Multiphase flowmeter using a combination of pressure differentials and ultrasound doppler readings
A multiphase flowmeter, and a method of analyzing and measuring multiphase flow is described. The body of the multiphase flowmeter consists of the following components. It has a straight flow pipe in which two orifice plates a lodged near the extremities. At each of these two locations, a pressure differential transmitter measures the pressure drop that occurs as the fluid passes through the orifice plates. Along the length between the orifice plates, an ultrasound Doppler sensor measures the volume flow rate of the multiphase fluid, a pressure transmitter measures the in-pipe pressure and a temperature sensor measures the temperature. From the signals obtained from the above sensors, an overall analysis of the multiphase fluid flow is performed providing a complete set of flow measurement data for the mixture and for each of the three phases consisting of oil, water and gas. |
US07963169B2 |
Level indicator or pressure-measuring device with a cup-shaped housing cover
Level indicator or pressure-measuring device with a cup-shaped housing cover (1), having a cylindrical lateral wall (10) and an inspection glass (4) fixed to the base, such that the inspection glass (4) is held in place by a bayonet fitting. |
US07963168B2 |
Inspection apparatus and inspection method using electromagnetic wave
The present invention is to provide inspection apparatus and method of being able to acquire electromagnetic wave response information of an inspection object at high speed as average information using an electromagnetic wave. An inspection apparatus using an electromagnetic wave 2 includes an electromagnetic wave generation and irradiation unit 9 which generates an electromagnetic wave and irradiates the electromagnetic wave on an inspection object 11, and an electromagnetic wave detection unit 10 having a plurality of detection units. The plurality of detection units is arranged so as to detect the electromagnetic wave which is irradiated by the electromagnetic wave generation and irradiation unit and is transmitted or reflected with interacting with different sites of the inspection object 11, and is constructed so as to detect the electromagnetic wave from the different sites in different detection time or detection frequencies respectively. The inspection apparatus acquires electromagnetic wave response information on the inspection object 11 based on detection signals from the plurality of detection units. |
US07963167B2 |
Ultrasonic probe
An ultrasonic probe is configured such that: a piezoelectric element group is housed within a sealed container so as to be rotated and oscillated left and right about a center line that equally divides a plate surface of the piezoelectric element group; and the sealed container is filled with a liquid that serves as an acoustic medium, and in the sealed container there are provided an inlet hole for the liquid as well as an exhaust hole, to the inlet hole there is connected a flexible tube that functions as a diaphragm, and on the flexible tube and the exhaust hole there are respectively provided sealing lids. As a result, there is provided an ultrasonic probe that prevents an occurrence of air bubbles in a liquid that serves as an ultrasonic wave medium, and that realizes excellent ultrasonic characteristics. |
US07963164B2 |
Capacitive sensor assembly for determining level of fluent materials
A capacitive sensor assembly for measuring a level of fluent material in a container includes an electronics section for receiving and processing signals and an antenna probe operably associated with the electronics section. The antenna probe has an electrical conductor and an insulating layer that covers at least a portion of the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor is connected to the electronics section. An enlarged measurement portion is in turn connected to the electrical conductor for detecting the presence or absence of the fluent material. The enlarged measurement portion has a surface area that is larger than a surface area of the electrical conductor over an equivalent height or length to function as a first plate of the capacitive sensor assembly, with the fluent material to be measured functioning as a second capacitive plate. In this manner, a change in detected capacitance of the antenna probe is reflective of a level condition of the fluent material. |
US07963161B2 |
Heating resistor type air flow rate measuring device utilizing an auxiliary passage
An object of the present invention is to provide a structure which prevents a particulate contaminant and a liquid contaminant on which centrifugal separation hardly works, from arriving at a sensor element part. In order to attain the above described object, in a heat resistor type air flow rate measuring device which includes an auxiliary passage taking in a part of a fluid flowing in a main passage, and a plate-shaped sensor element installed in the aforesaid auxiliary passage and for detecting a flow rate of the fluid, and is a heat resistor type flow rate measuring device having an auxiliary passage formed along a curved line at 90° or more in an auxiliary passage portion at an upstream side from the plate-shaped sensor element, the aforesaid auxiliary passage is formed along a curved line at 90° or more on a phantom plane orthogonal to a sensor formation surface of the plate-shaped sensor element and parallel with a flow, and a sensor formation surface side and a rear side of the plate-shaped sensor element have gaps from an auxiliary passage wall surface. |
US07963159B2 |
Inflation system for tires
Preferably, an embodiment of a tire inflation system includes at least an axle housing a pressurized fluid, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, a rotary union axially aligned with the axle and mounted to the hubcap from the exterior of the hubcap, and a lubrication trap axially aligned with the axle, supporting the rotary union and secured to the hubcap from the exterior of the hubcap for rotation with the hubcap. In another embodiment, a tire inflation system includes at least an axle housing a pressurized fluid, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, a rotary union axially aligned with the axle and mounted to the hubcap from the exterior of the hubcap, and a bushing axially aligned with the axle and disposed between the rotary union and the hubcap. |
US07963157B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting decrease in tire air pressure and program for detecting decrease in tire air pressure
An apparatus for detecting a decrease in a tire air pressure includes: a rotation velocity information detection means for periodically detecting tire rotation velocity information for the respective wheels of a vehicle; a frequency characteristic estimate means for estimating, based on this rotation velocity information, a frequency characteristic of the rotation velocity information; and a judgment means for judging, based on the estimated frequency characteristic, a decrease in the air pressure of the tire. The frequency characteristic estimate means includes, with regard to a time-series signal including the rotation velocity information, a parameter estimate means for subjecting parameters of a three-order or more linear model to a time-series estimate; an input signal estimate means for estimating, based on the estimated linear model and the rotation velocity information that is an output signal of the linear model, an input signal to the linear model; a parameter identification means for identifying, based on the estimated input signal and the rotation velocity information, parameters of a linear model caused to have a lower order of a second order; and a resonant frequency estimate means for estimating, based on the parameters identified based on the model caused to have a lower order of the second order, a resonant frequency of the tire in a torsional direction. |
US07963156B2 |
Method to determine a fuel composition
A method to determine the fuel composition of a fuel mixture from a first fuel and a second fuel for the operation of an internal combustion engine. The first and the second fuel have different combustion rates and/or different specific energy contents and the internal combustion engine has at least one pressure sensor in at least one combustion chamber, with which a temporal pressure curve and/or a pressure curve under conditions of angular synchronism is determined. |
US07963154B2 |
Sensor unit for the measurment of a variable in a medium
A sensor unit for measuring a measurement variable in a medium, in particular in an aggressive liquid or gaseous medium, comprises a sensor that is arranged in a sensor capsule and has a sensor region that is arranged on a base body. In order to detect the measurement variable in the sensor region, a measurement opening is provided in the sensor capsule. On a side facing the measurement opening, the sensor region has a measurement surface that is provided with measurement electronics. An electrical supply line is provided on the sensor for the purpose of transmitting a sensor signal that is generated by the measurement electronics. A plated-through hole is provided in the base body. The plated-through hole is used to connect the measurement electronics to the electrical supply line via signals through the base body, on a base side of the sensor that faces away from the measurement opening. |
US07963148B2 |
Gas sensor made of field effect transistor based on ZnO nanowires
The present invention discloses a gas sensor made of field effect transistor based on ZnO nanowires (ZnO-FET) which operates according to the principle of metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and has a charge carrier channel made of ZnO nanowires between source and drain. The gas sensor device disclosed in the present invention has three electrodes-gate, source and drain, so that it is different from the known gas sensor device which has only two electrodes-cathode and anode. The ZnO nanowires as charge channel in the gas sensor device of the present invention is an n-type semiconductor with high specific surface area, and its electric resistance can be controlled by the gate bias, so that the capability of the present device for sensing gas can be largely promoted. |
US07963146B2 |
Method and system for detecting vapors
A method and system may include receiving a sample gas from an ambient environment on a first surface of a selective isolation device within an inlet assembly, dispersing the sample gas in substantially a first direction along the first surface, and circulating a carrier gas through a main assembly coupled to the inlet assembly, the main assembly defining a carrier gas environment. The method and system also may include selectively passing analytes from the sample gas through the selective isolation device to a second surface of the selective isolation device, the selective isolation device separating the ambient environment from the carrier gas environment, dispersing the carrier gas in substantially a second direction along the second surface, and obtaining the analytes in the carrier gas from the second surface. |
US07963142B2 |
Radial compression mechanism with optimum die-to-die gap
Radial compression mechanism includes a plurality of dies each having an elongated arcuate body with an outer end pivotally attached to a hinge plate and an inner working tip. The dies are mounted on the hinge plate in an inwardly spiraling orientation with the outer ends positioned in a circle and the working tips cooperating to define a central product-receiving cylindrically-shaped cavity. The product-receiving cavity is transitional between an open and a closed orientation. The working tip of each die has a sliding surface and a working surface with the sliding surface positioned in parallel juxtaposition to the working surface of an adjacent die and a constant width gap therebetween. Driving mechanism is coupled to rotatably drive all of the dies in unison to transition between open and closed orientations. The width of the gap remains constant during transition and between the open and closed orientations. |
US07963139B2 |
Apparatus for can expansion
An apparatus to expand a diameter of a can or other article comprises a forming turret that includes a stop plate and a forming tooling. The stop plate is configured to be adjacent a dome-end of a can to restrict motion of the can; the stop plate is axially movable relative to a turret axis of rotation. The forming tooling includes a plate and an expansion tool axially movable relative to the turret axis of rotation. The plate includes an opening through which the tool passes. The expansion tool is configured to move into an open end of the can to expand the diameter of the can. |
US07963132B2 |
Locking device with passage
A lock device for use with a key is disclosed. The lock device includes a locking spindle including a plurality of locking spindle bores and a passage extending axially along an axial length of the locking spindle, and a driver structure including a plurality of driver structure bores. An interface between the driver structure and the locking spindle forms a shear line. The lock device also includes a plurality of combination pins in the plurality of locking spindle bores, and a plurality of driver pins in the driver structure bores in the driver structure, the plurality of driver pins being respectively associated with the plurality of combination pins. |
US07963123B2 |
Method and machine for the production of convex glass sheets
A method and machine for obtaining bent glass sheets. Glass sheets are brought to their softening temperature, then they are caused to travel over a shaping bed of advancing elements for advancing them which are arranged along a path having a circular arc-shaped profile, the sheets progressively assuming their shape on entering the bed and over a first shaping zone, then being hardened by tempering or cooling in a second zone of the bed until they leave, and then the bent glass sheets thus obtained are recovered. The shaping bed is produced with a profile extending in a circular arc of more than 90°, and, on leaving the shaping bed, the hardened glass sheets are moved in a direction opposite that in which they were fed in. |
US07963122B2 |
Microprism and microrod lenses, method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing optical glass elements, in particular optical prisms or optical rod lenses, using a drawing process. The geometry of the glass strand which is to be produced is controlled by means of cooling or heating elements positioned at least around portions of the periphery or longitudinal axis of the glass strand, inside or outside the heating apparatus. |
US07963121B2 |
Outdoor unit of air conditioner
An outdoor unit of an air conditioner is provided in which a wind whistling sound and a vibration noise due to airflow are reduced. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, a fan, a motor for driving the fan, and a motor support table for supporting the motor. The fan moves air on the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between refrigerant and air. The motor support table (63) is provided with a rectifying member, and the rectifying member deflects air flowing toward the motor support table in a predetermined direction. |
US07963119B2 |
Hybrid air and liquid coolant conditioning unit for facilitating cooling of one or more electronics racks of a data center
A hybrid air and liquid coolant conditioning unit is provided for facilitating cooling of electronics rack(s) of a data center. The unit includes a first heat exchange assembly, including a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, a system coolant loop and a facility coolant loop, and a second heat exchange assembly, including an air-to-liquid heat exchanger, an air-moving device, and the facility coolant loop. The system coolant loop provides cooled system coolant to the electronics rack(s), and expels heat in the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger from the electronics rack(s) to the facility coolant. The air-to-liquid heat exchanger extracts heat from the air of the data center and expels the heat to the facility coolant of the facility coolant loop. The facility coolant loop provides chilled facility coolant in parallel to the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and the air-to-liquid heat exchanger. In one implementation, the hybrid coolant conditioning unit includes a vapor-compression heat exchange assembly. |
US07963118B2 |
Vapor-compression heat exchange system with evaporator coil mounted to outlet door of an electronics rack
A vapor-compression heat exchange system for facilitating cooling of an electronics rack. The system includes employing an evaporator coil mounted to an outlet door cover, which is hingedly affixed to an air outlet side of the rack, as well as refrigerant inlet and outlet plenums and an expansion valve also mounted to the outlet door cover and in fluid communication with the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil includes at least one heat exchange tube section and a plurality of fins extending therefrom. Respective connect couplings connect the inlet and outlet plenums in fluid communication with a vapor-compression unit which includes a compressor and a condenser disposed separate from the outlet door cover. The vapor-compression unit exhausts heat from refrigerant circulating therethrough. |
US07963114B2 |
Hydraulic brake lever assembly
A hydraulic brake lever assembly includes a master cylinder, a master piston, and a floating piston. Both of the master piston and the floating piston are sealingly and movably received in the master cylinder. The master piston has a passage diametrically defined therein and extending therethrough for receiving a bias mechanism. The floating piston has a through hole for coaxially and sealingly receiving the master piston. The floating piston has two raceways radially and symmetrically extending from the through hole therein. The bias mechanism is movably disposed between the two raceways. Each raceway has a trough defined in a bottom thereof. The bias mechanism moves along the troughs and the raceways to provide the effort of multi-stage movement and different braking feel. |
US07963113B2 |
Cylinder device
A cup seal 21 includes a base portion 21a, an inner circumferential lip 21b slidingly contactable with a plunger 19 and an outer circumferential lip 21c contactable with the bottom surface 26a of the seal groove 26. Further, on the cup seal 21, there are provided elastic projections 21d projecting from the outer circumferential side leading end of the inner circumferential lip 21b toward the cylinder hole bottom portion. The length of the cup seal 21 from the base end face 21e to the leading end portions 21f is set longer than axial length of the seal groove 26. When the cup seal 21 is fitted into the seal groove 26, force is imparted on the inner circumferential lip 21b toward the cylinder hole inner circumferential direction to energize the inner circumferential lip 21b toward the piston all the time. |
US07963112B1 |
Portable wave-swash and coastal-wind energy harvester
In accordance with the present invention, a portable wave-swash & coastal-wind energy harvester, once placed on a sea coast in the swash zone captures the mechanical energy contained in: (a) waves in the swash-zone, and (b) coastal-wind. Energy is extracted through: (a) wave turbines, (b) wind turbines, and (c) wave floats. A rotational transmission system with one-way clutches transmits torque to an alternator, while flywheels attached to the axles maintain steady rotation of axles. A wave funnel faces the waves and causes the wave uprush to converge toward wave turbines. A buoyancy chamber at the bottom produces reduction of weight of the portable wave-swash & coastal-wind energy harvester when water in the chamber is emptied and thereby enhances maneuverability of the unit on land and in water, while a stabilization tank at the top when filled with water provides extra weight and stability of the unit in its operating location. |
US07963111B2 |
Sea wave energy converter
The invention relates to a method for generating energy from an undulating movement of a medium such as seawater, comprising of following the movement of the medium, wherein a direction of movement of the movement changes at a point in time, converting the followed movement into energy, interrupting the following of the movement for an interruption period close to the point in time, wherein conversion of energy comprises of pumping a fluid with the followed movement by feeding and discharging said fluid. |
US07963110B2 |
Systems and methods for improving drivetrain efficiency for compressed gas energy storage
In various embodiments, systems for providing a constant electrical output from a compressed gas energy storage and recovery system include a hydraulic-pneumatic energy storage and recovery system configured to provide a varying pressure profile at least at one outlet, a hydraulic motor-pump in fluid communication with the outlet, and a control system for enabling the constant electrical output by controlling at least one of pressure, piston position, power, flow rate, torque, RPM, current, voltage, frequency, or displacement per revolution. |
US07963109B2 |
Guide structure and exhaust gas purification device
Structure for guiding exhaust gas flow to an exhaust gas sensor in exhaust gas purification device installed in an exhaust passage, wherein a plurality of exhaust gas purification units is disposed in series in a container, the exhaust gas sensor is installed between the exhaust gas purification units and guide plates/pipes direct the exhaust gas flowing to the sensor to increase the exhaust gas sensor's responsiveness. |
US07963108B2 |
Multi-stage regulation of exhaust back pressure
An exhaust system for a two-cycle engine includes an exhaust conduit having both a bypass port and a regulator port for discharging exhaust gases to atmosphere. The bypass port has a fixed size but the regulator port has a variable size that varies over the range of engine speeds. Within a low range of operating speeds, the regulator valve is at least partly closed. Within a mid range of operating speeds, the regulator valve is progressively opened with increases in the operating speed. Within a high range of operating speeds, the regulator valve is progressively closed with further increases in the operating speed. |
US07963104B2 |
Emission control system having a coated mixer for an internal combustion engine and method of use
An emission control system capable of remediating an exhaust from an internal combustion engine and having an exhaust passage, an oxidation catalyst, a reducing agent and a source of the reducing agent cooperating with an aperture in the exhaust passage. The aperture is disposed downstream of the oxidation catalyst. The system also includes a mixer arranged within the exhaust passage downstream of the aperture. The mixer includes a plurality of mixing elements. The mixer also includes a coating capable of hydrolyzing the reducing agent. At least a portion of the mixing elements which have a thermal conductivity greater than 8 W/m/° K. The system includes a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst disposed downstream from the mixer. |
US07963100B2 |
Cooling system for high-speed vehicles and method of cooling high-speed vehicles
A cooling system for a high-speed vehicle may comprise a combustor wall at least partially enclosing a combustor and which is cooled using a coolant circulating in a Brayton cycle. The heated coolant may be expanded in a turbine, transfer heat to a fuel within a heat exchanger, and be compressed by a compressor before returning to the combustor wall. The combustor wall may be capable of withstanding high temperatures, higher than the temperature at which fuel coking may take place. Heat transfer takes place between the coolant and the combustor wall, and between the coolant and the fuel. A method of cooling an engine for a high-speed vehicle is also disclosed. |
US07963093B2 |
Steel cord with iron-zinc alloy coating
A steel cord comprises more than one steel filament (10). At least some of the steel filaments have a zinc iron alloy layer (14) partially covered with a zinc cover (16). The zinc cover is only present in valleys formed in the zinc-iron alloy layer. The processability and adhesion level in rubber products of the steel cord are increased. |
US07963092B2 |
Trimmer with cutting height adjustment
A trimmer includes a working head having a housing and a handle that extends outwardly from a rear end of the housing, at least one wheel mounted on the rear end of the housing, a support element for supporting the working head that is located below the housing and mounted on the housing through a shaft, a cutting element coupled to the housing coaxial with the support element, and a cutting height adjustment device which is respectively connected with the at least one wheel and the shaft for adjusting a cutting height of the trimmer via movement of the at least one wheel and the shaft to which the support element is coupled relative to the cutting element. In this manner, no matter the cutting height, a cutting surface of the cutting element can be ensured to be substantially parallel to the ground. |
US07963084B2 |
Deployable triangular truss beam with orthogonally-hinged folding diagonals
A synchronously deployable tetrahedral truss beam with orthogonally-hinged diagonals, having uniquely-connected transverse members and folding chordal members, where a plurality of bays can extend and retract in a coordinated manner without need for a deployment canister mechanism or other assembling means. The triangular cross-section truss can be adapted to deploy pre-attached panels or nodally-attached payload components. These triangular beams can be mounted side-by-side with a common chord to create a synchronously deployable trapezoidal cross-section beam or space-frame. Both the triangular and trapezoidal configurations can be adapted to deploy with a prescribed curvature of the longitudinal axis, and form perimeter trusses which can be post-tensioned for maximum structural performance. |
US07963083B1 |
System and process for installing standing seam roofs
A standing seam roof assembly. The assembly includes at least one first panel with a first side edge turned vertically upward. At least one second panel has a side edge turned vertically upward with the second panel side edge adjoining the first panel side edge. A plurality of clips each have a fixed base with a slot therethrough. At least one base insert has a substantially flat first section installable beneath the first panel, a substantially flat second section installable beneath the second panel, and a plurality of upturned tabs between the first and the second side edge. The upturned tabs are received in the slots of the clips. Adhesive on the first section adheres to the first panel and adhesive on the second section adheres to the second panel. |
US07963082B1 |
Concrete vapor barrier integrity system and method
The present invention provides a device and method to maintain the integrity of a vapor barrier for use with concrete slab on grade construction. In accordance with the present invention an apparatus to repair a punctured concrete slab vapor barrier includes a substantially planar concrete slab vapor barrier patch having a resealable aperture to receive a removable, substantially upright support. The patch is secured to the existing vapor barrier and the concrete is poured and substantially set. The support is removed and the malleable concrete flows, causing the engagement of the resealable aperture, thereby repairing the punctured vapor barrier. |
US07963081B2 |
Roofing system
A roofing system formed of a plurality of support members secured to a load bearing roof deck. A plurality of roofing panels are positioned on the support members and are oriented to form overlapping joints between the panels. Sealant is positioned within the overlapping joints of the panels. A compression bar is positioned over the overlapping joints and is secured to the overlapping joints and support member by a fastener arrangement. |
US07963080B1 |
Composite pre-formed construction articles
A composite building panel that includes a central body, substantially parallelepipedic in shape, containing an expanded polymer matrix, having opposite faces, a top surface, and a bottom surface; at least one embedded framing stud longitudinally extending across the central body between the opposite faces, having a first end embedded in the expanded polymer matrix, a second end extending away from the bottom surface of the central body, and one or more expansion holes in the embedded studs between the first end of the embedded stud and bottom surface through which the polymer matrix expands. A concrete layer can optionally cover a portion of the top surface and/or bottom surface. The building panel can be positioned perpendicular to a structural wall and/or foundation to provide a floor panel. The second end of the framing studs can be embedded in a second central body to provide an insulated concrete form. |
US07963078B1 |
Compression cap sheathing lock
A cap for an anchorage of a post-tension anchor system has an outer tubular portion having an inner wall and an outer wall, an inner tubular portion having an inner wall and an outer wall, an end wall extending between the outer tubular portion and the inner tubular portion, and a sheathing lock affixed to the inner wall of the inner tubular portion. The inner wall of the outer tubular portion is in spaced relation to the outer wall of the inner tubular portion. The outer tubular portion and the inner tubular portion are concentric with each other. The sheathing lock has a body having locking ribs extending radially inwardly therefrom. The locking ribs extend in parallel relationship to each other. The outer tubular portion and the inner tubular portion and the end wall are integrally formed of a polymeric material. |
US07963077B2 |
Rail assembly for a glass door
A rail assembly for a glass door has a rail body, two clamping members, a pushing member and at least one pushing bolt. The rail body has a clamping channel defined in and along the rail body. The clamping members are movably mounted in the clamping channel. Each clamping member has a clamping recess and an inclined guiding surface. The clamping recess is defined in the clamping member at a side facing to the other clamping member. The inclined guiding surface is defined in the clamping member at a side opposite to the other clamping member. The pushing member is mounted movably in the clamping channel, holding the ends of the clamping members inside and has two inclined surfaces abutting respectively with the guiding surfaces of the clamping members. The least one pushing bolt is screwed into the rail body and pushes against the pushing member. |
US07963076B2 |
Devices and methods for flangeless installations
A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other objects, includes a panel that replaces a substantial section of wallboard instead of being installed behind the wallboard. In preferred embodiments a rim extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a distance of less than ½ inch, and preferably by only ⅛ inch or even 1/16 inch. The face of the object can be quite large, up to 40 in2 or more, and still be relatively small with respect to the panel. Panels are contemplated that have a width at least two, three or more times that of the face of the object, and along with optional wings are wider than the stud separation in the wall. |
US07963075B2 |
Inflatable barrier
An inflatable barrier system for a doorway or other opening comprising a front side envelope of rectangular front elevation and dog bone shaped horizontal plane cross section, inflatable with gas and fillable with a hardening foam, combined with an inflatable back side array of tubular air beams configured with self sealant, both connected to a source of gas for inflating the fabric envelope and the back side array of tubular air beams. The front side envelope is configured for frontal resistance to predetermined levels of push, cut, puncture, flame, chemical, and ballistic attack. The system is used as a method for closing a doorway to such attacks by erecting and inflating the system within the opening such that the edges on either side of the opening are gripped between the lobes of the respective ends of the dog bone profile of the front side envelope. |
US07963074B2 |
Fixing device for photovoltaic modules on sloping roofs
A fixing device for fixing a photovoltaic module on a sloping roof having a roof structure and a roof covering with individual roof covering elements includes a roof-side connecting piece disposable beneath the roof covering and a module-side connecting piece disposable on an edge of the photovoltaic module. A flexible retaining element interconnects the roof-side connecting piece and the module-side connecting piece. The flexible retaining element is loadable by pulling and adapted to be guided through the roof covering without altering a position or shape of the individual roof covering elements. |
US07963073B1 |
Relocatable concrete armory vault
A relocatable concrete armory includes an outer vestibule and an inner vault separated by a dividing wall. A vestibule door provides entry to the concrete vestibule. A steel vault door and a security daygate are mounted to the dividing wall and provide entry to the concrete vault. The interior surface of the armory includes insulation panels embedded in concrete. The armory can be integrally lifted via removable lifting cams attached to concrete side walls. The concrete has a compressive strength of at least 15,000 psi. |
US07963071B2 |
Louvre window system
A louvre window system has an end clip (10) which is formed with at least one internal drainage channel (14) which can drain water through the end clip (10). A number of such clips can rotate between an open position and a closed position. The clips (10) are aligned when in the closed position which insures that water can drain from an upper clip through a lower clip. The clips (10) have a low friction design which enables a larger number of louvers to be rotated by a single handle (55) without placing too much load on the handle and on the louvre operating mechanism. A simple efficient louver operating mechanism (27; 37) is used to operate the end clips. |
US07963070B2 |
Slider window for pick-up truck, and/or method of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to a window assembly for a vehicle. A slidable window panel includes at least one top pin and at least one bottom pin attached thereto. A single fixed window panel includes a hole defined therein for receiving the slidable panel. An elongated upper rail includes first and second upper rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one top pin attached to the slidable panel. An elongated lower rail includes first and second lower rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one bottom pin attached to the slidable panel. The upper and lower rails are connected to the fixed panel. The first upper rail channel and the first lower rail channel are provided at a first depth and the second upper rail channel and the second lower rail channel are provided at a second depth. The slidable panel is substantially flush with the fixed panel when closed, but is slightly inwardly and laterally movable when being opened. Safety features may include, for example, teeth provided to the upper and/or lower elongated rails of the window assembly and/or a downwardly extending flange provided to the upper rail of the window assembly. Water management features may include, for example, one or more sealing bulbs provided to the window assembly and/or a draining recess or channel provided to the lower rail of the window assembly. |
US07963069B2 |
Safety device for motorized access passageways
A safety device for motorized pedestrian access passageways, comprising a movement and supporting mechanism of an oscillating access shutter, which includes an electric motor (30) for activating the shutter, and a mechanical control system, which uses a series of levers (12, 13, 14, 14′), associated with respective elastic elements (22, 25), and a pushing element (31), suitable for allowing the automatic opening of the passageway, in the case of a lack of power supply, due, for example, to an electric black-out; in particular, the position in which the shutter almost completely closes the access passageway is an unstable equilibrium position, which is maintained thanks to the action of an electric motor (30), with an incorporated reducer, which contrasts the opening movement of the shutter, and the pushing element (31), which intervenes in the opening, when the shutter is positioned for completely closing the passageway. |
US07963067B2 |
Heat exchanger and applications thereof
A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a liquid-containing medium and a gas comprises a medium inlet and a medium outlet and a flat heat exchanger mat, wherein the mat comprises a number of parallel, equidistant capillaries of heat-conducting material and wires of heat-conducting material which are attached in heat-conducting contact to the capillaries, extend in transverse direction relative thereto and have a mutual distance in the order of magnitude of the diameter of the wires, wherein gas can flow along the wires for heat exchange between this gas and the medium flowing through the capillaries, and wherein the gas flows along the mat and at least a substantial part of the gas is prevented from flowing through the mat, and the gas flows in longitudinal direction of the wires. |
US07963065B1 |
Fishing strike indicator
A fishing strike indicator for providing a visual indication showing that a fish has taken a lure or bait includes an elongate body portion, a clamp for attachment to a fishing pole, a sliding connection joining the clamp to the elongate body portion, a line engaging feature formed as a portion of or attached to the elongate body portion, the line engaging feature engageable with a portion of a fishing line below the fishing pole, whereby tension in the portion of the fishing line below the pole causes the elongate body portion to move upwards thus providing the visual indication. |
US07963063B2 |
Device for preventing dust and moisture from entering a firearm barrel
A muzzle cover for a firearm comprising a soft, flexible and resilient member that slides over and frictionally engages the front end of the muzzle. The cover comprises a substantially cylindrical sheath that is open at a first end to receive the front end of the muzzle therein and which frictionally engages the external surface of the muzzle. A conical tip is integrally formed with the sheath and extends outwardly from the sheath and over the opening to the barrel. The conical tip may extend forwardly away from the front of the sheath or may be depressed inwardly into the bore of the sheath upon application of gentle pressure from a fingertip. The muzzle cover completely disengages from the muzzle when a projectile is fired from the weapon. |
US07963061B2 |
Magazine plug
A magazine plug is configured to be positioned in a magazine of a shotgun to reduce the shotshell capacity of the shotgun. In one embodiment, the magazine plug has an elongated cross-sectional shape. The magazine plug is configured to rotate between a first orientation where the magazine plug can move longitudinally into and out of the magazine and a second orientation where the magazine plug is prevented from moving longitudinally out of the magazine. |
US07963056B1 |
Cable markers for use in close quarters
A cable marker having a collar member with an opening and a pair of legs extending distally from the opening, guide and locking assemblies at the distal ends of the legs, and a base member with cavities for receiving the guide and locking assemblies and a face surface with indicia for identifying the cable. |
US07963054B2 |
Coupling configuration with a device for connecting energy transmission lines
A coupling apparatus having a device for automatic connection of power lines, in particular of hydraulic lines, for the attachment of working tools to a tool mount of a excavator boom by means of a quick-action coupling, wherein, in order to connect the tool mount to the working tool, the quick-action coupling has a hook connection and a blocking unit with a movable bolt element which is operated by an actuating unit. Supply connecting pieces are fixed to the tool mount, and the corresponding power take-off connecting pieces of the working tool are fixed on a mount, which is mounted on the working tool such that it can move between a moved-forward position and a drawn-back position, wherein the mount has a driver piece for engagement with an operating element which is coupled to the movable bolt element. When the blocking unit is closed, the power take-off connecting pieces are connected to the corresponding supply connecting pieces and, when the blocking unit is open, they are detached from the supply connecting pieces. |
US07963053B1 |
Boom mounted excavator for cleaning under bridges inside of pipe and drainage ditches
An excavator provides a frame that includes an undercarriage having a ground engaging propeller (e.g. endless tracks) that enables the undercarriage to move the frame. The frame includes an upper portion that supports an elongated articulating boom having at least two boom sections that are pivotally connected. The frame provides an enclosure having a motor drive and a hydraulic system that powers the boom, and a cab rotatable upon the undercarriage about a generally vertical axis. The boom has a distal end with a bucket that has one or more bucket teeth. A scraper is connected to the boom distal end and provides another end that is extendable to a position generally below the cab and to the vertical axis. A connection joins the boom distal end to the scraper. The connection includes a connection of the bucket to the proximal end of the scraper and to the upper surface of the scraper wherein the bucket tooth connects to the scraper. |
US07963052B2 |
Plow quick connect / disconnect hitch mechanism
A snow plow including a quick connect/disconnect hitch. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle. The hitch frame nose assembly includes a chassis coupler secured at each end of a hitch frame tube with each chassis coupler including a traverse pin. A plow frame is included with the plow frame having a front portion and a rear portion. A plow blade is coupled to the front portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly includes a pair of notched members with each notch member aligned with a corresponding chassis coupler of the hitch frame nose assembly. Each of the notched members is configured to engage the traverse pin in each of the chassis couplers, wherein the snow plow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. |
US07963047B2 |
Braking device of measuring instrument and measuring instrument
A braking device of a measuring instrument includes a body case and a spindle that penetrates the body case to be axially and reciprocably displaceable. The braking device includes a cylinder of which a first end is attached to the body case for accommodating a second end of the spindle, a piston provided on the second end of the spindle and accommodated to be reciprocably displaceable within the cylinder, a closing member provided on a second end of the cylinder to form a damper chamber between the closing member and the piston; a shaft connected to a side of the piston opposite to the spindle and penetrates the closing member; and a knob provided on a distal end of the shaft. A clearance is provided between the closing member and the shaft to circulate air. |
US07963046B2 |
Auto-calculated length determination and display
In one embodiment, a tape measure having a tape, housing, and an input, has an OLED strip overlaid on top of the tape. The housing contains a programmable controller and a rolled-up portion of the tape. A specified fraction of the length of the linear target is provided to the controller using the input. The tape may be extracted from the housing to generate an exposed portion of the tape corresponding to the total length of a linear target. The controller receives information indicative of the total length of the linear target. The controller controls the OLED strip to show, i.e., light up along the tape, a fractional portion corresponding to the specified fraction of the linear target. |
US07963044B1 |
Modular construction level
A construction level with modular detachable sections is herein disclosed. In its detached state, the level resembles a conventional two-foot level with the typical three bubble vials indicating levelness at angles of zero degrees (0°), forty-five degrees (45°), and ninety degrees (90°). If levelness over a larger distance is required, one (1) or both detachable end portions of the level are attached using sliding joints thus allowing the device to extend to a four (4) foot length. The attaching joints allow for the extension without a loss of accuracy. Each end piece has its own bubble vial to verify levelness at any point along the device. In such a manner, the device may also be used as a one-foot torpedo level. The use of the modular construction level allows for the accuracy and precision of a long level with the convenience and usability of a shorter level. |
US07963042B2 |
Micro surgical cutting instruments
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for micro surgical blades, knives and assemblies. |
US07963031B2 |
Package for semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In a package for a semiconductor device, a core substrate has two metal plates, each of which includes a first through hole, a second through hole, a projection, and an insulating layer formed on its surface. The metal plates are stacked in a manner that the projections of the mutual metal plates enter the second through hole of the metal plate on a partner side, and the first through holes of the metal plates form a through hole penetrating the core substrate. A tip end of each of the projections of the metal plates is exposed to a surface of the metal plate on the partner side to form a first terminal portion, and a second terminal portion is exposed from the insulating layer and formed on a surface of the metal plate on a side where the first terminal portion of the metal plate on the partner side is exposed. |
US07963030B2 |
Multilayer printed circuit board and method for manufacturing same
Disclosed is a multilayer wiring board in which a copper foil is bonded by a thermocompression bonding onto an insulating layer having a bump for interlayer connection buried therein, and the copper foil and the bump are electrically connected to each other. The copper foil is provided with an oxide film having a thickness of 50 Å to 350 Å on a surface in contact with the bump and an insulating layer. In a manufacturing process, for example, an oxide coating of the copper foil to be subject to the thermocompression bonding is removed by acid cleaning, and then an oxide film having an appropriate thickness is formed by irradiating the copper foil with ultraviolet light. Consequently, reliability in electrical connection between the copper foil and the burn is adequately ensured, while achieving sufficient mechanical connection strength between the copper foil and the insulating layer. |
US07963029B2 |
Holding/convey jig and holding/convey method
A jig for holding and conveyance includes a plate having a weak-adherence adhesive pattern on a surface and a printed circuit board having a conductive portion and a non-conductive portion on the surface of an insulating substrate. The weak-adherence adhesive pattern is formed at a position corresponding to the non-conductive portion. Alternatively, the weak-adherence adhesive pattern subjected to surface roughening is formed on a surface of the weak-adhesive layer at a position corresponding to the conductive portion. |
US07963027B2 |
Method of manufacturing a switch device
A manufacturing method of a switch device having changeable distances involves uniformly arranging more than two throws on the same circumference and then fixing the throws onto corresponding circular carriers. Included further is fixing a number of throws on the inner cylinder surface of a flat cylinder plate body, and fixing the poles in cylinder shape on to the top of the carrier in a cap shape which can be worn on the tip of a single finger. One end of the lead wires is connected to respective throws and pole, the other end is connected to the pin of the interface of the controlled object by fixing or inserting in order to form the switch device. Distances between the throws and the poles are variable. |
US07963026B2 |
Method of forming an electrical heating element
A method for forming an electrical heating element by flame spraying a metal/metallic oxide matrix, wherein a flame sprayed metal/metallic oxide matrix is deposited onto an insulating or conductive substrate such as to have a higher resistance than is required for a designed use, and an intermittently pulsed high voltage DC supply is applied across the matrix such as to produce continuous electrically conductive paths through the matrix which permanently increase the overall conduction and simultaneously reduce the overall resistance of the metal/metallic matrix to achieve a desired resistance value. |
US07963024B2 |
Method of manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording
A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic data recording. The method allows an upper write coil to be formed directly on a conformally deposited layer of non-magnetic material such as alumina which has been deposited over a magnetic shaping layer and write pole. The method allows the write coil to be constructed without the need for the deposition of a thick alumina fill layer and subsequent chemical mechanical polishing. This, therefore, avoids the necessity of such a chemical mechanical polishing step. |
US07963023B2 |
Process for accurately machining a magnetic tape head
An electrical lapping guide for a magnetic tape head is provided with a resistive transverse stripe with a longitudinal height affixed to a substrate. A pair of leads extend from the stripe with a notch formed therebetween. The notch has a height corresponding to a lapping target limit for associated tape head elements. During material removal of the transverse stripe and the tape head elements, resistance is measured across the stripe and a dramatic increase in resistance indicates that the material removal has reached the notch. A method for accurately machining a magnetic tape head is provided by depositing tape head elements and a resistive stripe with a notch on a substrate. Resistance is measured across leads on either side of the notch for discontinuing machining of the stripe due to a dramatic increase in resistance. |
US07963022B2 |
Method for joining components with shape memory alloys
A method of swaging a head gimbal assembly (HGA) to an actuator arm comprises positioning a tubular element on the HGA adjacent a hole in the actuator arm; restraining the subassembly; providing a rod formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA), the SMA having a martensitic phase at a low temperature and an austenitic phase above a phase transition temperature that is higher than the low temperature, the rod having an initial diameter that is smaller than diameters of the tubular element and the hole; extending the rod through the tubular element and hole; heating the rod above the phase transition temperature such that the rod expands to a second diameter that is greater than the initial diameter to plastically deform the HGA and swage together the HGA and actuator arm to form an assembly; cooling the rod and removing the rod from the assembly such that the rod returns to the initial diameter. |
US07963021B2 |
Inductor embedded in substrate, manufacturing method thereof, micro device package, and manufacturing method of cap for micro device package
An inductor embedded in a substrate, including a substrate, a coil electrode formed by filling a metal in a spiral hole formed on the substrate, an insulation layer formed on the substrate, and an external connection pad formed on the insulation layer to be connected to the coil electrode. The inductor-embedded substrate can be used as a cap for a micro device package by forming a cavity on its bottom surface. |
US07963019B2 |
Method of roll-forming an automotive support member
A roll-forming process for the manufacture of a structural member can be used in the manufacture of an automotive vehicle. The roll-forming process creates a component that has multiple cells with an integral internal web separating the cells, enhancing the strength, rigidity and stiffness of the component for any given size and shape. The roll-forming process starts with a piece of sheet metal and rolls the sheet metal into a desired shape and then rolls the tube back over on itself to create a second cell with the internal reinforcing web positioned between two structural cells of the beam. The rolled form is then welded into the formed shape to create the structural beam. The two cells of the beam can be the same general size or be formed as completely disparate sizes, depending on the design requirements of the structural member. |
US07963011B2 |
Fitting system for securing a panel to a wall or ceiling
A fitting system for securing a panel to a wall frame having a first member removably secured to a second member. The first receiving member includes an outer flange with a center aperture and a ring-like member extending backwards from a bottom surface of the flange to define a receiving passageway. The flange has a plurality of apertures for securing the first member to the wall frame with the ring-like member disposed within a recess in the wall frame. The second insertion member includes an outer flange and a male insertion portion. The outer flange is used to secure the second member to the panel. The male member is adjustable making its insertion within the receiving passageway easier. Attachment clips of the second member mate with an inner ledge of the receiving passageway to lock the two members together and thus secure the panel to the wall frame. |
US07963008B2 |
Slider for slide fastener
The present invention provides a resin-made slider of the type that a pull tab is to be attached afterward, wherein a cantilever pull tab attaching lever is provided from a rear mouth side of an upper blade toward a shoulder mouth and has an engaging portion at a front end portion thereof, an engaged portion is provided on the shoulder mouth of the body so that the engaging and engaged portions can be engaged with each other, a concave portion is provided in the upper blade from a proximal portion toward the shoulder mouth, a gap portion is formed between the upper blade and the proximal portion, and the gap portion allows to form in the upper blade a first upper blade portion separated from the proximal portion and a second upper blade portion disposed from the proximal portion toward the shoulder mouth side and connected to the proximal portion. |
US07963005B2 |
Method and apparatus for fastening objects to an elastic surface
A method and apparatus for attaching an object to an elastic surface includes an elastic surface and a first flexible, linear fastener attached to the elastic surface by at least two opposite ends separated by a distance that is less than a diameter of an object to be fastened to the elastic surface. A second flexible, linear fastener is attached to the elastic surface by at least two opposite ends separated by a distance that is less than a diameter of an object to be fastened to the elastic surface. The first linear fastener and the second linear fastener are separated by a distance sufficient to insert a leading edge of the object between the first linear fastener and the elastic surface and to insert a trailing edge of the object between the second linear fastener and the elastic surface so that the first linear fastener and the second linear fastener hold the object against the elastic surface. |
US07962998B2 |
Roller support assemblies
A roller support assembly is used to support sliding doors, windows or the like. The assembly includes a housing member having spaced apart side walls and interconnecting transverse walls defining a roller receiving zone for receiving and operationally mounting a roller assembly. The roller assembly has a roller body with a rolling peripheral rim and a shaft whereby the roller body is rotatable relative to the shaft having short stub axle parts. The housing side walls including openings that are fully enclosed by the side walls into which the short stub axle parts fit. The housing side walls further include projecting elements extending inwardly from an inner surface of a housing side wall to cooperate with the corresponding roller body side wall surfaces to spay the housing side walls apart as the roller assembly is moved into the roller receiving zone to locate the stub axle parts in the openings. |
US07962995B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning synthetic grass
An apparatus for cleaning a synthetic grass surface, the apparatus comprising a plenum head and a manifold, the plenum head disposed within the manifold and having a compressed air inlet and at least one air outlet through which air can be expelled against the synthetic grass surface for dislodgement of coarse and fine particulate material and to entrain the dislodged particulate material into the manifold which extends above the plenum head, said manifold including an outlet located in an upper region of the manifold for expelling the fine particulate material, and an outlet in a lower region of the manifold for distributing the coarse particulate material back to the synthetic grass surface, wherein the plenum head is mounted for rotation within the manifold about a substantially vertical axis. |
US07962994B2 |
Vacuum electronic switch detection system
A vacuum electronic switch detection system allows multiple user selectable vacuum modes to be chosen with only one micro-controller input available for performing the multiple selectable modes. The switch detection system provides multiple voltage ratio control signals indicative of multiple switch position possibilities. |
US07962993B2 |
Surface cleaning pad having zoned absorbency and method of making same
A floor cleaning pad is provided having a pad body comprising a cleaning surface configured for contact with a floor to be cleaned and an opposed surface configured to be coupled to a floor cleaning implement. The cleaning surface and the opposed surface defining a thickness of the pad body and superabsorbent polymer particles maintained within a zone of the pad body, and the zone of the superabsorbent polymer particles occupying a portion of the thickness and an area less than an area of the cleaning surface. |
US07962992B2 |
Toothbrush with elastomer filled flexible head
An electric toothbrush comprises a head having a bristle face and an opposite face, the head including a longitudinal groove filled with an elastomer; and a handle connected to the head and formed at least in part by a non-compressible material. |
US07962991B2 |
Toothbrush
A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a loop arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice, a central cleaning element disposed within the loop, two opposing arcuate cleaning elements disposed on opposite sides of the loop, peripheral cleaning element with a stepped and tapered construction, elongate distal cleaning elements, and proximal cleaning elements. |
US07962990B2 |
Brush box cleaner module with force control
Embodiments of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for cleaning a substrate using scrubber brushes. One embodiment of the present invention provides a substrate cleaner comprises two scrubber brush assemblies movably disposed in a processing volume. The two scrubber brush assemblies are configured to contact and clean opposite surfaces of a substrate disposed in the processing volume. The substrate cleaner also comprises a positioning assembly configured to simultaneously adjust positions of the two scrubber brush assemblies, wherein the positioning assembly makes substantially the same amount of adjustment to the first and second scrubber brush assemblies in mirror symmetry. |
US07962988B2 |
Toothbrush with powered head
A powered toothbrush includes a handle having a neck. A head is mounted to the neck and has a first surface and an opposed second surface. At least one fixed tuft block is mounted to the head in a fixed orientation and has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly away from the first surface. A movable tuft block is flexibly connected to each fixed tuft block and has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly away from the first surface. A drive assembly is operably connected to the movable tuft block to move the movable tuft block with respect to each fixed tuft block. |
US07962985B2 |
Washing machine and method for controlling the same
Disclosed are a washing machine, in which substances stuck to the surface of a heater are washed off to minimize the generation of scale on the heater, and a method for controlling the same. The washing machine includes a tub; a heater installed in the tub for heating washing water; and a washing device for washing the heater. The washing device includes a spray nozzle for spraying the washing water to the heater, and a washing pump for supplying the washing water in the tub to the spray nozzle. The washing of the heater is performed in the first rinsing operation. |
US07962984B2 |
Tubular pillows having attachable and detachable ends and related methods
Variable-use tubular pillows having attachable and detachable ends and related methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, a tubular pillow in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein may include a pillow body having first and second ends being opposed to one another and being attachable to and detachable from one another. The pillow body forms a tube shape having a central tunnel when the first and second ends are attached. Further, the tubular pillow may include a removable cover for covering the pillow body. |
US07962982B1 |
Operating room table safety strap
A strap unit secures a patient to a table during surgery. The strap unit includes a pad which is interposed between the patient and a strap and the strap has grommets through which screws from clamps fit to securely hold the strap in place. The clamps can be placed anywhere on the operating table so the strap unit can be easily and expeditiously positioned in the most advantageous location. The unit further includes shims which are interposed between the strap and the table adjacent to the clamps to ensure proper and secure positioning of the unit with respect to the patient and operating room personnel. An over-center buckle closes the strap over the patient while allowing easy and secure placement of the strap on the patient. |
US07962980B2 |
Apparatus for continuous collection of human waste products and method for incontinence management
According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for continuous collection of human waste products is disclosed. The apparatus may include a bed frame, a lower plate having a container coupled thereto, an upper plate having an aperture defined therein, a mattress having an aperture defined therein, a mattress cover having an aperture defined therein and an absorbent pad having a bag coupled thereto. The apparatus may allow for continuous collection of human waste products while maintaining the patient in a comfortable position. The apparatus may further facilitate preventing human waste products from contacting the skin of the patient, thereby substantially reducing the occurrence of pressure ulcers. Additionally, the apparatus may reduce the need for the use of Foley catheters for incontinence management, thereby reducing the occurrence of urinary tract infections related to such use. |
US07962977B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for determining a price utilizing a pattern oriented rule implemented table
In use, parameter representing pricing logic is defined in a pattern oriented rule implementation table/(s) and is applied utilizing a rule. Each rule may return a result according to a set of condition-value expressions pairs. Code is generated for determining a price, based on the rule. In various embodiments, the order of the code may be optimized when generated. Given a parameter name, the code may be executed for determining the price in an event scope. |
US07962976B2 |
Method of treating a stain or soiled area of a fabric using a laundry stain and soil pretreatment sheet
A laundry stain and soil pretreatment sheet including a water soluble or water dispersible carrier layer, preferably polyvinyl alcohol, a removable separator layer, and a layer of cleaning agent composition therebetween. The separator layer is removed, the composition layer is adhered to a stain on clothing, and the clothing is laundered to treat the stain. The carrier layer dissolves or disperses during the laundering. A method of treating a stained or soiled area of a fabric using the sheet is also disclosed. |
US07962974B2 |
Plunger system and method
A system and method for a plunger for unclogging a toilet. A plunger system comprising an elongated cylinder, a flexible material at a first end of the elongated cylinder, an air reservoir located inside the cylinder having an outlet extending through the flexible material, and a valve adapted to release compressed air stored inside the air reservoir through the outlet. The flexible material is capable of being expanded to seal the exit port of a toilet. A method for unclogging a toilet with a plunger device comprising the following steps: inserting a first end of a plunger device into an exit port of the toilet, expanding a flexible material attached to the first end of the plunger device to seal the exit port, and releasing a bolus of air into the exit port past the flexible material to unclog the toilet. |
US07962971B1 |
Flip cap system
A headband is positionable in a generally horizontal orientation. The headband has a front left panel and a front right panel. Each of the front panels has a lower edge stitched to the headband at a forward extent. Each of the front panels has a forward edge stitched together over a central extent above a central region of the headband. Each of the front panels has a vertically extending rearward edge. The headband has a left rear panel and a right rear panel. Each of the rear panels has a forward edge stitched to a rearward edge of a front panel. Each of the rear panels has a free rear edge and free lower edge. The lower and rear edges of the rear panels are adapted to be positioned rearwardly in a first orientation and forwardly in a second orientation. |
US07962970B2 |
Ear warmer having a curved ear portion
An ear warmer comprises a frame disposed within a cavity of a shell. The frame includes a band portion and an ear portion. The ear portion includes an inner side disposed adjacent a head of a user when the ear warmer is worn by a user. In one embodiment, the ear portion is curved toward the inner side of the ear portion. In one embodiment, the ear portion is configured to flex when the ear warmer is disposed on a head of a user. |
US07966662B2 |
Method and system for managing authentication and payment for use of broadcast material
An authentication system is disclosed. The authentication system includes a content provider configured to distribute encrypted content, wherein the encrypted content is generated using a content key, and a client having a symmetric key and configured to store the encrypted content received from the content provider and issue a request to the content provider, wherein the request includes a cryptographic function configured to have the symmetric key and the encrypted content as input, wherein the content provider is further configured to verify the client via the request to ensure that the client has received the encrypted content. |
US07966661B2 |
Network amplification attack mitigation
An improved network protocol for mitigating network amplification attacks is provided. The absolute network load that any transient distributed attack can cause is bounded based on a resource crediting scheme. The protocol accumulates “credit” upon reception and detection of candidate attack request packets, and draws against that credit when transmitting responsive packets. In some implementations, the time frame of such an attack is also bounded using time limits applied to a resource crediting scheme. Other resources may also be bounded by the resource crediting scheme, including without limitation CPU utilization, storage capacity, power, etc. |
US07966657B2 |
Method for a secure information transfer
A method of securely transmitting information between a user device and a central computing device, located in a self-contained network. The method includes: sending a request from the user device to a second computing device located outside of the self-contained network to connect with the central computing device; transmitting from the second network device to a third computing device located in the self-contained network a message containing a unique identification; storing in a database, via the third computing device, the unique identification when the identification is validated, and sending, via the third computing device, a confirmation message to the second computing device; and initializing a connection with the central computing device through the user device, using information contained in the confirmation message to initialize a connection with the central computing device, and the connection through the central computing device is accepted when access by the user device is authorized. |
US07966654B2 |
Computerized system and method for policy-based content filtering
Firewalls and other filtering gateways have become common security devices for improving computer network security. As more features and functionality are added to these devices they become quite complex to configure. By associating configuration schemes with firewall policies, configuration can be simplified without compromising flexibility. Administrators have more options to filter different traffic streams based on their type and sources. They also have increased flexibility to be able to filter traffic on a per user basis, through authentication mechanisms tied to various filtering options. |
US07966652B2 |
Mashauth: using mashssl for efficient delegated authentication
The present invention provides a method that allows the MashSSL protocol to be used to provide a secure and efficient way for delegated authentication. The invention allows services which already have an SSL infrastructure to reuse that infrastructure for delegated authentication, and to do so in a fashion where the cryptographic overhead is amortized across multiple users, and which provides the user with greater control of what information is shared on their behalf. |
US07966651B2 |
Method for realizing the network security by segmenting the TTL
A method for realizing the network security by segmenting the TTL (time to live), includes: assigning the different TTL segments to the wholesale service provider network, the lower service provider network and the user network in the service provider network-building; realizing the TTL Partition Security Mechanism (TPSM) in the wholesale service provider network and the lower service provider network simultaneously using the assigned TTL segments. And a system for realizing the network security by segmenting the TTL is provided, in the condition of the service provider CsC network-building, TPSM is realized simultaneously in the wholesale service provider network and the lower service provider network. |
US07966650B2 |
Dynamic internet address assignment based on user identity and policy compliance
In embodiments of the present invention, improved capabilities are described for a method presenting a client, providing client information and requesting an IP address from a DHCP server, where the DHCP server may formulate a first IP assignment and a first multiple DHCP options. A policy management facility may be associated with the interception of the first IP assignment and the first multiple DHCP options, which may result in the first IP assignment and the first multiple DHCP options not being sent to the client. The method may send client information to the policy management facility. The policy management facility may formulate a second multiple DHCP options and may send it to the DHCP server. The DHCP server may change first IP assignment and first multiple DHCP option to a second IP assignment and the second multiple DHCP options. The second IP assignment and the second multiple DHCP options may then be forwarded to the client. |
US07966648B2 |
Dynamic quality of service pre-authorization in a communications environment
The claimed subject matter relates to systems and methods for authorizing services. A method includes receiving a set of data relating to Quality of Service (QoS) pre-authorization, and conditionally processing subsequent QoS configuration requests based at least in part on the pre-authorization information. Depending on the pre-authorization information corresponding to a QoS configuration request, the request may be granted, denied, or result in sending of a request for authorization. |
US07966642B2 |
Resource-adaptive management of video storage
A method for providing adaptive video compression includes encoding a video stream in a first compressed format, storing the video stream in a storage device, retrieving the video stream from the storage device, decoding the video stream, encoding the video stream in a second compressed format, and storing the video stream in the storage device. Systems and other methods for providing adaptive video compression are also disclosed. |
US07966638B2 |
Interactive media display across devices
A computer-implemented method includes identifying a computer-based portable program module, automatically altering code in the portable program module to permit display of the module on a television-based display so that the displayed module has a substantially similar appearance on the television-based display as on a computer display, and providing the altered code for execution on a processor connected to a television-based display. |
US07966637B2 |
Hardware module for adding functionality to television
A modular interface allows new functionalities to be added to a television receiver. A module can be added to the television receiver through the interface that will enable additional functionalities on the television. The interface allows copy protection of digital video and audio content by incorporating HDCP technology, thereby also allowing the manufacturer of the interface to control the access to the interface. |
US07966635B2 |
Updating download options for unavailable media content
A method provides download options for purchasable recordable media (PRM). The method includes storing a download option associated with a PRM content instance, updating the option, and transmitting the option to a digital home communication terminal. The option includes a time at which the PRM content instance is downloadable from a digital content delivery system. The update and transmit occurs in response to a change in availability of resources for transmitting the PRM content instance to a subscriber. Another method includes providing a download option to a user. The option is associated with a PRM content instance and includes an indication of a time at which the PRM content instance is available for download from the remote server. The option is updated responsive to a change in availability of the option due to a change in download resources that are associated with transmitting the PRM content instance to the subscriber. |
US07966632B1 |
Visual presentation of video recommendations
A system, method and various user interfaces enable visually browsing multiple groups of video recommendations. A group of video recommendations includes a central video and a set of related videos displayed at its corresponding display distance from the central video and from each other. The corresponding display distance of a video is calculated as a function of the video's recommendation score and correlation with other videos of the group. The recommendation score is generated based on a weighted covisitation measure. Visually presenting recommended videos to a user provides a quick and intuitive way to find videos of interest and visualize the browsing of the recommended videos. |
US07966627B2 |
Emergency ejecting apparatus for optical disc drive
The present invention discloses an optical disc drive including a pickup head for reading data from a disc; a spindle motor for supporting and rotating the disc; a loading/ejecting apparatus for loading or ejecting the disc; and an emergency ejecting apparatus. The emergency ejecting apparatus includes a slider for connecting the loading/ejecting apparatus, a rack, an elastic component for connecting the slider and the rack and a rotator rotated with the movement of the slider. When a user drives the rotator and the elastic component is elastically deformed, the slider is moved in the optical disc drive to drive the loading/ejecting apparatus to eject the disc. |
US07966624B2 |
Using message passing interface (MPI) profiling interface for emulating different MPI implementations
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving an application linked against a first application binary interface (ABI), providing an ABI wrapper associated with the application, and binding the application to a native message passing interface (MPI) library using the ABI wrapper and the profiling message passing interface (PMPI). Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
US07966618B2 |
Controlling data transfers from an origin compute node to a target compute node
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for controlling data transfers from an origin compute node to a target compute node that include: receiving, by an application messaging module on the target compute node, an indication of a data transfer from an origin compute node to the target compute node; and administering, by the application messaging module on the target compute node, the data transfer using one or more messaging primitives of a system messaging module in dependence upon the indication. |
US07966612B2 |
Method, system and computer program for installing shared software components
A method, system, and computer program for installing a shared software component on a computer are proposed. The process is driven by an exploiter of this (new) shared component. If the required shared component is not available on the computer, it is installed at the desired location (specified by the exploiter). On the contrary, if another shared component is already available (for further exploiters), the process verifies whether this available shared component is at the required level. If not, the available shared component is upgraded accordingly; for example, this result can be achieved by causing the available shared component to refuse any new request and then waiting for the completion of any pending request. In this case, the install location of the available shared component is returned to the exploiter, so as to have it point to the available shared component automatically. |
US07966609B2 |
Optimal floating-point expression translation method based on pattern matching
Embodiments of the present invention include code generation methods. In one embodiment, a table of patterns is generated. Each pattern in the table includes an FMA (fused multiply-add) DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph), a canonical form equivalent of the FMA DAG, and a shape corresponding to the canonical form equivalent. Incoming floating-point expressions are matched against the patterns in the table during compilation of a program to obtain optical sequences of FMA, FMS (fused multiply-subtract), and FNMA (fused negate multiply-add) instructions as compiled instructions for computing the floating point expressions. |
US07966602B1 |
Incremental modification detector, and methods, systems, and apparatus for implementing the same
A method for selecting an annotation processor associated with an annotation for reprocessing is provided. The annotation is included in a computer software source code. An annotation snapshot is captured and a hash value is generated for the annotation snapshot. The annotation snapshot hash value is compared with a hash value of a previous annotation snapshot. The annotation processor associated with the annotation is marked for reprocessing when the annotation snapshot hash value is different from the hash value of the previous annotation snapshot. |
US07966600B2 |
Distributed resource understanding tool management
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for a distributed resource understanding tool. In one embodiment of the invention, a distributed resources understanding tool data processing system can include an IDE configured for operation in a local development platform coupled to a remote host, a local implementation of a resource understanding tool coupled to the IDE, a remote implementation of the resource understanding tool associated with the remote host, and resource understanding tool synchronization logic. The logic can include program code enabled to invoke the local implementation of the resource understanding tool, further invoke the remote implementation of the resource understanding tool, combine results sets produced by each of the local and remote implementations of the resource understanding tool to produce a composite results set, and render the composite results set in the IDE. |
US07966598B2 |
Top level hierarchy wiring via 1×N compiler
Embodiments that route 1×N building blocks using higher-level wiring information for a 1×N compiler are disclosed. Some embodiments comprise determining higher-level coordinates for a blockage of a 1×N building block, determining intra-1×N coordinates for a shape of the blockage via the higher-level coordinates, and creating routes of intra-1×N wires of the 1×N building block that avoid the intra-1×N coordinates. Further embodiments comprise an apparatus having a higher-level wiring examiner to examine higher-level wiring of an area near a 1×N building block of a physical design representation. The apparatus may also have a blockage determiner to determine a blockage that affects intra-1×N wiring for the 1×N building block and a coordinate calculator to calculate coordinates of a shape of the blockage, wherein the calculated coordinates may enable a routing tool to avoid the shape when creating intra-1×N wiring for the 1×N building block. |
US07966597B2 |
Method and system for routing of integrated circuit design
The invention relates to a method and a system for routing electric circuits in integrated circuit chip design. Specifically, the invention encompasses the steps of performing a congestion analysis for a given routed placement of cells containing said electric circuits on a chip; defining a critical area on said chip based on congestion information; analyzing actual wiring quality within said critical area; comparing an actual wiring quality of said critical area with a reference wiring quality of said critical area; and rerouting said critical area based on a comparison between the actual wiring quality and the reference wiring quality. |
US07966593B1 |
Integrated circuit design system, method, and computer program product that takes into account the stability of various design signals
An integrated circuit design system, method, and computer program product are provided that takes into account signal stability. In use, at least one condition is identified where an output of a logic element before receipt of a clock signal is the same as the output of the logic element after receipt of the clock signal. To this end, such logic element may be disabled based on the identified condition for power savings or other purposes. |
US07966592B2 |
Dual path static timing analysis
A method to analyze timing in a circuit, generally including (A) simulating reception of an input signal and a clock signal at a first flip-flop, wherein (i) the input signal has a latest transition, (ii) the input signal arrives through a first path and (iii) the clock signal has an active edge, (B) calculating a value of a time difference between the latest transition and the active edge, (C) calculating a delay between the active edge and the latest transition appearing in an output signal, wherein (i) the delay is based on a model responding to the value, (ii) the model characterizes a clock-to-output delay as a function of the time difference and (iii) the characterization covering a range of values, (D) calculating an arrival time of the latest transition at a second flip-flop through a second signal path and (E) storing the arrival time in a recording medium. |
US07966590B2 |
Circuit design data conversion apparatus, circuit design data conversion method, and computer product
A single module includes a shared combinational circuit, a multiplexed sequential circuit, and a common I/F and is substituted for a multiplexed module formed of plural modules of an identical category and type and including plural CPUs. Specifically, the shared combinational circuit is substituted for n combinational circuits, the multiplexed sequential circuit is substituted for n sequential circuits, and the common I/F is substituted for n input pins and n output pins. |
US07966589B2 |
Structure for dynamic latch state saving device and protocol
The invention comprises a design structure for a dynamic voltage state-saving latch electrical circuit comprising a charge device adapted as a storage element, an integrated recovery mechanism, a supply voltage rail connected to the charge device, a hold signal allocated to the integrated recovery mechanism, a data signal input allocated to said charge device, a data signal output distributed from the charge device, and a clock signal allotted to the charge device, wherein said integrated recovery mechanism maintains a state of the charge device independent of the charge device. |
US07966585B2 |
Selective shielding for multiple exposure masks
A system for preparing mask data to create a desired layout pattern on a wafer with a multiple exposure photolithographic printing system. In one embodiment, boundaries of features are expanded to create shields for those features, or portions thereof, that are not oriented in a direction that are printed with greater fidelity by an illumination pattern used in the multiple exposure printing system. |
US07966584B2 |
Pattern-producing method for semiconductor device
Disclosed is a method of producing a pattern for a semiconductor device, comprising extracting part of a pattern layout, perturbing a pattern included in the part of the pattern layout to generate a perturbation pattern, correcting the perturbation pattern, predicting a first pattern, to be formed on a wafer, from the corrected perturbation pattern, acquiring a first difference between the perturbation pattern and the first pattern, and storing information concerning the perturbation pattern including information concerning the first difference. |
US07966581B2 |
Generic non-volatile service layer
Method and apparatus for constructing and operating an integrated circuit in an electronic device. In some embodiments, a generic service layer is integrated in a three dimensional integrated circuit and tested using a testing pattern stored in a non-volatile memory. The generic service layer is reconfigured to a permanent non-testing functional component of the integrated circuit. |
US07966578B2 |
Portable multifunction device, method, and graphical user interface for translating displayed content
A computer-implemented method, for use in conjunction with a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display, comprises displaying a portion of page content, including a frame displaying a portion of frame content and also including other content of the page, on the touch screen display. An N-finger translation gesture is detected on or near the touch screen display. In response, the page content, including the displayed portion of the frame content and the other content of the page, is translated to display a new portion of page content on the touch screen display. An M-finger translation gesture is detected on or near the touch screen display, where M is a different number than N. In response, the frame content is translated to display a new portion of frame content on the touch screen display, without translating the other content of the page. |
US07966575B1 |
Menu display for a graphical user interface
Methods of providing a menu display 1 for a GUI 31 are disclosed together with a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium 34 and apparatus 31 for the same. Methods include the steps of displaying a menu 1 in the form of a group of icons 3, 20, 21 wherein each icon corresponds to a menu option and is selectable by a user, and displaying an icon selector graphic 4 adapted to identify the icon 20 corresponding to a menu option currently selected by a user. A textual label 19 or a submenu 6-11 corresponding to the currently selected menu option/icon 20 may be displayed. Also, the group of icons and the icon selector graphic may be rotatable relative to each other and where the icon selector graphic is stationary and the group of icons rotatable, the center of rotation of the group of icons may be located outside the periphery of a display. Further disclosed is a rotatable menu window 5. |
US07966574B2 |
Method of learning character segments during text input, and associated handheld electronic device
An improved method of learning character segments during text input enables facilitated text input on an improved handheld electronic device. In response to a series of inputs, segments and other objects are analyzed to generate a proposed character interpretation of the series of inputs. Responsive to detecting a replacement of a character of the character interpretation with another character, a character learning string comprising the another character and a number of additional characters of the character interpretation are stored as a candidate. In response to another series of inputs, another proposed character interpretation is generated. Responsive to detecting another replacement of a character of the another character interpretation with a different character, another character learning string comprising the different character and a number of characters of the another character interpretation are compared with the stored candidate. If a set of characters in the another character learning string match characters in the candidate, the set of characters are stored as a segment. |
US07966571B2 |
Methods, apparatus and computer programs for navigating within a user interface
A method, apparatus and computer program are disclosed for navigating within a user interface. Navigation within the user interface is monitored and, if detected navigation instructions satisfy a predefined criterion such as if they exceed a predefined rate of movement, one or more return points or bookmarks within the user interface are recorded to facilitate return to those positions. |
US07966566B2 |
Systems and methods to create follow-up meetings
A system may include reception of an instruction to create a next meeting based on a source meeting, the source meeting associated with a first plurality of meeting particulars, and automatically creation, in response to the instruction, of the next meeting in association with a second plurality of meeting particulars, wherein at least one of the second plurality of meeting particulars provides an indication of the source meeting. |
US07966565B2 |
Method and system for sharing images over a communication network between multiple users
A system and a method for sharing a compilation of digital images over a communication network among a plurality of users on user display devices using a controlling computer. The controlling computers controls the forwarding of the compilation to the plurality of users over the communication network in accordance with a predetermined user sequence. Each of the users have the ability to add an image to the compilation and/or information with respect to the images in the compilation and each of the subsequent users are able to view the compilation of images and/or data provided in association with the images. |
US07966564B2 |
Web page server process using visitor context and page features to select optimized web pages for display
Embodiments of a web page optimization system are described. The system utilizes an accumulated body of visitor data regarding interaction with one or more web pages to determine an optimized web page to display to a visitor. Various types of session data, including network traffic data for the client computer, demographic information about the visitor, and general and specific session data of other visitors in similar browsing sessions are defined and compiled. Continuous full-path optimization from initial visitor interaction with the web page is provided through a visitor context analysis component that analyzes certain parameters related to how the visitor has accessed the web page. A real-time web page optimizer component introduces variations in one or more features of a web page to create a new web page, conducts structured tests of the new web page, compares the performance of the web page with one or more known served web pages and removes from presentation eligibility those pages with inferior performance. This facilitates real-time decision making of which web page to serve to a visitor based on an accumulated visitor context. It further allows the authoring of web pages that are optimized with respect to eliciting a desired user interaction with the web page. |
US07966561B1 |
System and method for indicating information flow among documents
System and method for accessing and displaying information related to information flow and relationships among various electronic tax or financial documents presented by tax programs or other types of financial return preparation programs. A mechanism or mechanisms may enable users to view information related to the flow of information among electronic documents in a tax program starting at the level of a field or a document, or alternatively starting at a high-level outline view or summary of the tax preparation process or a portion thereof. These mechanism(s) may enable a preparer or other user to access graphical and/or textual displays of information related to values in fields of electronic tax or financial documents presented by tax programs and in other types of financial return preparation programs and of the relationships among fields and documents in the tax or financial return preparation process. |
US07966556B1 |
Reviewing and editing word processing documents
Methods and systems, including computer program products, implementing techniques for reviewing and editing word processing documents. The techniques include receiving from a reviewer a plurality of comments about a word processing document. The comments include a first and second comment. The techniques further include associating the comments with the word processing document; and assigning the comments to one or more editors. The first comment is assigned to a first editor, and the second comment is assigned to a second editor. |
US07966550B2 |
Soft bit data transmission for error correction control in non-volatile memory
Data stored in non-volatile storage is decoded using iterative probabilistic decoding. An error correcting code such as a low density parity check code may be used. In one approach, initial reliability metrics, such as logarithmic likelihood ratios, are used in decoding sensed states of a set of non-volatile storage element. The decoding attempts to converge by adjusting the reliability metrics for bits in code words which represent the sensed state. Soft data bits are read from the memory if the decoding fails to converge. Initial reliability metric values are provided after receiving the hard read results and at each phase of the soft bit operation(s). In one embodiment, a second soft bit is read from the memory using multiple subsets of soft bit compare levels. While reading at the second subset of compare levels, decoding can be performed based on the first subset data. |
US07966545B2 |
Apparatus and method for correcting error in a multiple-input multiple-output communication system
A method for performing Forward Error Correction (FEC) in a Turbo-Bell Labs Layered Space-Time (BLAST) Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) communication system. The FEC method includes performing soft decision on a frame received via a plurality of antennas; performing iterative decoding on the soft decision result value a predetermined number of times, and outputting Log Likelihood Ratio (LLR) values for information bits and first parity bits constituting the frame; generating second parity bits by coding information bits calculated from the LLR values, and comparing the first parity bits calculated from the LLR values with the coded second parity bits; and if the first parity bits are identical to the second parity bits, outputting the information bits, determining that there is no error, and if the first parity bits are not identical to the second parity bits, feeding back the LLR values as a-priori information of the soft decision, and returning to the performing of soft decision. |
US07966540B1 |
Transmitting error correction information
A method of operating a communication system to communicate with a plurality of wireless devices comprises determining a first shape for a first wireless signal to reach the plurality of wireless devices, transmitting the first wireless signal encoded with a first communication to the plurality of wireless devices, receiving an acknowledgment from a first device of the plurality of wireless devices indicating that the first device received and decoded the first communication, determining a second shape for a second wireless signal to reach a second device of the plurality of wireless devices, and transmitting the second wireless signal encoded with error correction information for the first communication to the second device of the plurality of wireless devices. |
US07966532B2 |
Method for selectively retrieving column redundancy data in memory device
Column redundancy data is selectively retrieved in a memory device according to a set of storage elements which is currently being accessed, such as in a read or write operation. The memory device is organized into sets of storage elements such as logical blocks, where column redundancy data is loaded from a non-volatile storage location to a volatile storage location for one or more particular blocks which are being accessed. The volatile storage location need only be large enough to store the current data entries. The size of the set of storage elements for which column redundancy data is concurrently loaded can be configured based on an expected maximum number of defects and a desired repair probability. During a manufacturing lifecycle, the size of the set can be increased as the number of defects is reduced due to improvements in manufacturing processes and materials. |
US07966523B2 |
Industrial automation and information solutions having industry specific modalities
The innovation relates to a system and/or methodology for the configuration and creation of industrial automation designs. The system providing for the generation of functional specifications, software and hardware designs, as well as testing and testing schemas. Additionally, the innovation provides a user interface for modification of the designs and specifications. |
US07966521B2 |
Light weight and high throughput test case generation methodology for testing cache/TLB intervention and diagnostics
A test case manager selects a first test case and a second test case from a plurality of test cases. The test case manager provides the first test case to a first processor and provides the second test case to a second processor. As such, the first processor executes the first test case and the second processor executes the second test case. After the execution, the test case manager loads the first test case onto the second processor and loads the second test case onto the first processor. In turn, the first processor executes the second test case and the second processor executes the first test case. |
US07966517B2 |
Method and apparatus for virtual network attached storage remote migration
A system and a method for causing migration of VNASs formed on NAS heads of one NAS system to other NAS heads on the same NAS system or on other NAS systems including independent storage systems. A VNAS management program on each NAS head includes a VNAS assign program, a failure detect program and a load balance program, that all include a capability for causing remote migration of VNASs on the NAS head in case a VNAS fails, the NAS head fails, or the entire NAS system fails. The VNAS management capability may cause VNAS migration if a NAS head is over loaded or if it is lightly loaded and may be powered down after its VNASs have been transferred. |
US07966514B2 |
Scalable fault tolerant system
A fault tolerant system for a highly scalable distributed processing system in which fault tolerant groups (hereafter referred to as “FT groups”) are formed based on the functionalities of applications. A given FT group includes instances of the same applications and also different applications that perform the same function. The instances within the FT group are ranked as a primary and mirrors, which descend in rank. When the primary instance in the FT group crashes, that is, fails or becomes otherwise unavailable, the system utilizes the next ranking available (running) instance in the FT group as the primary instance. The change over to the next ranking mirror application is performed quickly and without loss of functionality through an exchange of “FT messages” under the control of a central monitoring and change-over control sub-system. |
US07966506B2 |
Saving power in a computer system
A power management unit (PMU) may promote a processing core from a working state to a first non-working power saving state after receiving a signal from an automatic core C-state promotion (ACCP) unit. An OS component may detect the idling of the processing core and may initiate the ACCP. The ACCP may initiate the PMU to promote the processing core to a first non-working power saving state. The ACCP may track the residency time of the processing core in the first non-working power saving state and may initiate the PMU to promote the processing core to a next non-working power saving state if residency time of the processing core in the first non-working power saving state exceeds a first value. The ACCP may initiate the PMU to demote the processing core back to the working state if a break event occurs during the residency time. |
US07966503B2 |
Gateway card, gateway device, gateway control method, and computer product
Clients and server are interconnected through a gateway card of a personal computer. The clients and the servers have different communication protocols. When a client makes a request to access a server, the gateway card executes this access request even if the personal computer is in a power-save mode. When a client makes a request to access the personal computer and if the personal computer is in power-save mode, the gateway card changes the mode of the personal computer to a normal mode, executes the access request, and changes the mode of the personal computer to the power-save mode. |
US07966501B2 |
Multi-function peripheral, power supply apparatus, and power supply control method
A digital multi-function peripheral includes a multi-function peripheral unit that has plural functions, a switching power supply unit connected to a commercial power supply as a main power supply for the multi-function peripheral unit, and an electrical storage device charged in advance as an auxiliary power supply for the multi-function peripheral unit. The digital multi-function peripheral further includes a control circuit that monitors a load current flowing to the multi-function peripheral unit, supplies electric power from the electrical storage device to the multi-function peripheral unit instead of electric power from the switching power supply unit when the load current is smaller than a threshold set as an allowable lower limit of power efficiency of the switching power supply unit, and supplies the electric power from the switching power supply unit to the multi-function peripheral unit when the load current increases to be equal to or larger than the threshold. |
US07966499B2 |
System and method for obscuring bit-wise and two's complement integer computations in software
Systems and methods related to concealing mathematical and logical operations in software. Mathematical and logical operations are disguised by replacing them with logically equivalent expressions. Each equivalent expression has at least two expression constants whose values are based on scaling and bias constants assigned to variables in the original mathematical or logical operation. Each of the expression constants may also be based on additive or multiplicative inverses modulo n of the scaling and bias constants. By replacing the original operations with more complex but logically equivalent expressions containing variables that also involve more operations, the true nature of the original operations is disguised. |
US07966497B2 |
System and method for acoustic two factor authentication
A hand-held token can be operated to generate an acoustic or other wireless signal representing a digital signature produced from the private key of a public key/private key pair, with the public key being confidential in that it is known only to authorized entities, such as bank computers. The signal from the token can be received by, e.g., a receiver at a bank ATM that also requires a PIN for account access. The user enters the PIN into the ATM, and the ATM encrypts the signal from the token with the PIN and sends it on to the bank computer over a link that need not be secure, since even if the PIN is guessed there is no way to verify that it is the correct PIN without also knowing the confidential public key held by the bank computer. |
US07966493B2 |
Method of and system for determining if an electronic signature is necessary in order to commit a transaction to a database
A method of and system for intercepting a transaction instantiated by a database application to determine if an electronic signature is necessary to commit the transaction to the database is disclosed. In one embodiment the method comprises calling an application program interface to raise an event in response to a triggering action generated by the database application; initiating a workflow process that executes a rule to determine if an electronic signature is required to approve the transaction; and if execution of the rule results in a determination that an electronic signature is required for the transaction, instantiating a signature collection process. Some embodiments further comprise obtaining an electronic signature in response to the signature collection process and thereafter, verifying the electronic signature and updating a filed of the electronic record to indicate a valid signature was collected if the electronic signature is verified. |
US07966489B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting an appropriate authentication method on a client
In one embodiment, a method for facilitating authentication and ease the configuration of authentication includes receiving a credential type selection and selecting one or more authentication types based on the credential type selection and one or more policies set by the administrators. The policies can be preconfigured or dynamically pushed or fetched and updated to the client. |
US07966484B1 |
Automatic alternating bootable storage devices between different kinds of boot files
Backup for a computer system that automatically creates files that will allow the user the choice of which storage device with a bootable operating system to boot. An embodiment may automatically detect if the operating system is any of a plurality of versions of Windows XP or Windows Vista and create the appropriate files identifying the storage devices containing bootable operating system of the right types for use with these operating systems. |
US07966482B2 |
Interleaving saturated lower half of data elements from two source registers of packed data
An apparatus includes an instruction decoder, first and second source registers and a circuit coupled to the decoder to receive packed data from the source registers and to pack the packed data responsive to a pack instruction received by the decoder. A first packed data element and a second packed data element are received from the first source register. A third packed data element and a fourth packed data element are received from the second source register. The circuit packs packing a portion of each of the packed data elements into a destination register resulting with the portion from second packed data element adjacent to the portion from the first packed data element, and the portion from the fourth packed data element adjacent to the portion from the third packed data element. |
US07966481B2 |
Computer system and method for executing port communications without interrupting the receiving computer
A microprocessor system in which an array of processors communicates more efficiently through the use of a worker mode function. Processors that are not currently executing code remain in an inactive but alert state until a task is sent to them by an adjacent processor. Processors can also be programmed to temporarily suspend a task to check for incoming tasks or messages. |
US07966478B2 |
Limiting entries in load reorder queue searched for snoop check to between snoop peril and tail pointers
A method for reducing entries searched in a load reorder queue (LRQ) when snoop instructions are executed by a processor, including checking load reorder queue (LRQ) entries located between a load_peril_snoop register and a lrq_tail register for addresses matching the address of the snoop; and setting a snooped bit in the LRQ entry for any matches found. |
US07966474B2 |
System, method and computer program product for translating storage elements
A system, method and computer program product for translations in a computer system. The system includes a general purpose register containing a base address of an address translation table. The system also includes a millicode accessible special displacement register configured to receive a plurality of elements to be translated. The system further includes a multiplexer for selecting a particular one of the plurality of elements from the millicode accessible special displacement register and for generating a displacement or offset value. The system further includes an address generator for creating a combined address containing the base address from the general purpose register and the generated displacement or offset value. |
US07966473B2 |
Optimised storage addressing method
The invention concerns a method for read-addressing a site among a plurality of storage units using a coded address derived from an instruction. The method comprises the following steps: a) predicting (104) the storage unit corresponding to the site to be addressed; b) decoding (108) the address of the site to be addressed and determining (109) the storage unit to be addressed; c) managing (105) a potential read and rewrite conflict assuming that the predicted storage unit is the storage unit to be addressed; d) controlling (111) the addressing of the predicted storage unit at the end of the managing step (105); e) at the end of step b), determining (110) whether the storage unit to be addressed corresponds to the predicted storage unit; and f) if the storage unit to be addressed does not correspond to the predicted storage unit, managing (115) a possible read and rewrite conflict in the storage unit to be addressed and addressing the site of the storage unit to be addressed. |
US07966471B2 |
Storage controller and method for control of a data storage device
A storage controller of the present invention can input and output data even when the track size, which is the host management unit, is not consistent with the block size of the storage device. A boundary correction unit adds gap data corresponding to a gap size to data in a buffer memory so that the boundary of the track and boundary of the block inside the storage device match. A guarantee code is added to each logical block received from the host, and these guarantee code-appended blocks are stored in a cache memory. By providing a gap in the storage device every 116 extended logical blocks, the start position of the lead block of a track matches up with the start position of the logical blocks of the storage device. |
US07966469B2 |
Memory system and method for operating a memory system
A memory system, in particular a buffered memory system, e.g., a fully buffered memory system, a method for operating a memory system, and a device for use with a memory system is disclosed. The memory system may include a first buffered memory module, and a second buffered memory module, wherein the first and the second buffered memory modules are adapted to be accessed in parallel. According to a further embodiment of the invention, a device is provided which is adapted to map consecutive accesses to the first or the second memory module to a parallel access of both the first and the second memory module. |