Document | Document Title |
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US07981713B2 |
Group III-V nitride-based semiconductor substrate, group III-V nitride-based device and method of fabricating the same
A group III-V nitride-based semiconductor substrate has: a first layer made of GaN single crystal; and a second layer formed on the first layer, the second layer made of group III-V nitride-based semiconductor single crystal represented by AlxGa1-xN, where 0.9 |
US07981709B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a SiC film, forming trenches at a surface of the SiC film, heat-treating the SiC film with silicon supplied to the surface of the SiC film, and obtaining a plurality of macrosteps to constitute channels, at the surface of the SiC film by the step of heat-treating. Taking the length of one cycle of the trenches as L and the height of the trenches as h, a relation L=h(cot α+cot β) (where α and β are variables that satisfy the relations 0.5≦α, β≦45) holds between the length L and the height h. Consequently, the semiconductor device can be improved in property. |
US07981706B2 |
Photoresist composition and method of manufacturing a display substrate using the same
A photoresist composition includes an alkali-soluble resin, a dissolution inhibitor including a quinone diazide compound, a first additive including a benzenol compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, a second additive including an acrylic copolymer represented by the following Chemical Formula 2 and an organic solvent. Accordingly, heat resistance of a photoresist pattern may be improved, and the photoresist pattern may be readily stripped. As a result, crack formation in the photoresist pattern may be reduced and/or prevented. |
US07981705B2 |
Method of manufacturing a vertical type light-emitting diode
In a method of manufacturing a vertical type light-emitting diode, a multilayered structure of group III nitride semiconductor compounds is epitaxy deposited on an irregular surface of a substrate. The substrate is then removed to expose an irregular surface of the multilayered structure corresponding to the irregular surface of the substrate. A portion of the exposed irregular surface of the multilayered structure is then etched for forming an electrode contact surface on which an electrode layer is subsequently formed. With this method, no specific planarized region is required on the irregular surface of the substrate. As a result, planarization treatment of the substrate is not necessary. The same substrate with the irregular surface can be reused for fabricating vertical and horizontal light-emitting diodes. |
US07981703B2 |
Electronic assemblies without solder and methods for their manufacture
The present invention provides an electronic assembly 400 and a method for its manufacture 800, 900, 1000 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700. The assembly 400 uses no solder. Components 406, or component packages 402, 802, 804, 806 with I/O leads 412 are placed 800 onto a planar substrate 808. The assembly is encapsulated 900 with electrically insulating material 908 with vias 420, 1002 formed or drilled 1000 through the substrate 808 to the components' leads 412. Then the assembly is plated 1200 and the encapsulation and drilling process 1500 repeated to build up desired layers 422, 1502, 1702. Assemblies may be mated 1800. Within the mated assemblies, items may be inserted including pins 2202a, 2202b, and 2202c, mezzanine interconnection devices 2204, heat spreaders 2402, and combination heat spreaders and heat sinks 2602. Edge card connectors 2802 may be attached to the mated assemblies. |
US07981701B2 |
Semiconductor thin film manufacturing method
A method of forming a semiconductor thin film includes a highly sensitive inspection method for detecting lateral crystals and a crystallizing method. In the crystallizing method, the time-based pulse width of a laser SXL is modulated and an approximate band-like crystal silicon film SPSI is formed in a desired region while scanning the substrate SUB1 bidirectionally in the X and −X directions. In the inspection method, an inspection beam PRO1 is irradiated to the substrate just after the laser SXL is turned off. A protrusion TOKI will be formed on the silicon film portion where the laser SXL is turned off if the state of the silicon film is that of a lateral crystal SPSI. The inspection beam PRO1 is scattered by the protrusion TOKI and observed by a detector. If the state of the silicon film is granular crystal GGSI or aggregated film AGSI, such a protrusion TOKI is not observed. |
US07981698B2 |
Removal of integrated circuits from packages
Packaging is substantially entirely removed from an integrated circuit die. The method allows the batch processing of several integrated circuit dies, such that packaging is removed from each die approximately simultaneously. |
US07981688B2 |
Stimuli-responsive magnetic nanoparticles and related methods
Stimuli-responsive magnetic nanoparticles, methods of making the nanoparticles, and methods of using the nanoparticles. |
US07981684B2 |
Methods and biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring psychotic disorders
A method of diagnosing or monitoring a psychotic disorder, or predisposition thereto, comprises measuring, in a sample taken from a subject, the level of a biomarker selected from clusterin precursor, inter α-trypsin inhibitor, IgM, apolipoprotein A2 and α2 H5 glycoprotein. |
US07981677B2 |
Identifying a high oil phenotype in maize by detecting a marker locus genetically linked with a QTL6 region
Compositions related to the quantitative trait locus 6 (QTL6) in maize and methods for their use are provided. The compositions are novel molecular marker loci that are genetically linked with QTL6 and which are associated with increased oil content and/or increased oleic acid content and/or an increased oleic acid/linoleic acid ratio of a plant or plant part thereof. These novel markers are characterized by the presence of at least one polymorphism relative to the corresponding marker locus from the QTL6 region of non-high-oil, non-high-oleic acid maize plants. In some embodiments, the novel marker loci comprise coding sequence for a maize DGAT1-2 polypeptide or biologically active variant thereof. The marker loci of the invention, and suitable fragments thereof, are useful in methods of the invention for manipulating oil and/or oleic acid content and/or oleic acid/lineolic acid ratio of a plant or plant part thereof, for marker-assisted selection of a plant, for example, a maize plant, or plant part thereof, having an increased oil content and/or increased oleic acid content and/or an increased oleic acid/linoleic acid ratio, and for marker-assisted breeding of the high oil and/or high oleic acid trait. |
US07981670B2 |
Method of assessing DNA mutability
The present invention relates to a method and a kit for assessing mutability of a DNA sequence of interest. The method involves using a mutation hotspot sequence as a standard to determine whether the DNA sequence of interest is more or less mutable than the hotspot sequence. The mutation events are detected using a bacterial system in which the DNA sequence of interest and the mutation hotspot sequence are each linked in-frame to a reporter gene such as a killer gene or a color gene so that any nonsense or out-of-frame frame shift mutation in the DNA sequence of interest or the mutation hotspot sequence can be reflected by a loss of the function of the reporter gene product. The kit of present invention contains one or more of the various vectors that are useful for practicing the method disclosed herein. |
US07981669B2 |
Viral vectors
The present invention provides a herpes virus which lacks a functional ICP34.5 encoding gene and which comprises two or more of—(i) a gene encoding a prodrug converting enzyme; (ii) a gene encoding a protein capable of causing cell to cell fusion; and (iii) a gene encoding an immunomodulatory protein. |
US07981668B2 |
System and method for applying reduced pressure to cell culture
A method and system for culturing cells, having a substantially airtight enclosure configured to culture cells. The method and system also have a first conduit configured to provide a reduced pressure to the substantially airtight enclosure and a second conduit configured to provide a culture media to the substantially airtight enclosure. |
US07981667B2 |
Alloyed semiconductor quantum dots and concentration-gradient alloyed quantum dots, series comprising the same and methods related thereto
An alloyed semiconductor quantum dot comprising an alloy of at least two semiconductors, wherein the quantum dot has a homogeneous composition and is characterized by a band gap energy that is non-linearly related to the molar ratio of the at least two semiconductors; a series of alloyed semiconductor quantum dots related thereto; a concentration-gradient quantum dot comprising an alloy of a first semiconductor and a second semiconductor, wherein the concentration of the first semiconductor gradually increases from the core of the quantum dot to the surface of the quantum dot and the concentration of the second semiconductor gradually decreases from the core of the quantum dot to the surface of the quantum dot; a series of concentration-gradient quantum dots related thereto; in vitro and in vivo methods of use; and methods of producing the alloyed semiconductor and concentration-gradient quantum dots and the series of quantum dots related thereto. |
US07981665B2 |
Supports for assaying analytes and methods of making and using thereof
Described herein are supports for assaying an analyte and methods of making and using thereof. |
US07981659B2 |
Bacillus subtilis mutant strain
Novel Bacillus subtilis mutant strains having good productivity of various enzymes are provided through extensive analysis of strains that are derived from Bacillus subtilis via gene disruption. The Bacillus subtilis mutant strains according to the present invention have genomic structures prepared by deletion of regions listed in the columns for deficient regions. Each of these Bacillus subtilis mutant strains exerts significantly improved secretory productivity of a protein when a gene encoding such a secretory target protein is introduced so that it can be expressed, compared with a case in which the same gene is introduced into a wild-type strain. |
US07981655B2 |
Modified cytosine deaminases
The document provides modified cytosine deaminases with increased solubility and high levels of DNA cytosine deaminase activity. |
US07981645B2 |
Enzymatic asymmetric decarboxylation of disubstituted malonic acids
A process for the stereoselective decarboxylation of malonic acid derivatives with mutated decarboxylases is disclosed. |
US07981632B2 |
Sequentially arranged streptavidin-binding modules as affinity tags
The present invention relates to sequentially arranged streptavidin-binding binding modules which may in particular be used as affinity tags. The affinity tags comprise at least two individual modules capable of mediating avidic binding to streptavidin. |
US07981627B2 |
Methods for diagnosing and monitoring liver diseases
A method of diagnosing a liver disorder in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises determining a level of sH2A and at least one additional liver marker in a sample of the subject wherein a change beyond a predetermined threshold in both the sH2A and the at least one additional marker with respect to a sample from a healthy individual is indicative of the liver disorder. Kits for diagnosing a liver disorder are also disclosed. |
US07981626B2 |
Method of detecting endometriosis in human subjects using SEQ ID No. 9 or an epitope thereof
A method for diagnosing endometriosis in a human subject comprising the steps of detecting a test amount of an antibody that specifically binds to SEQ ID NO:9 polypeptide or a truncated peptide comprising an epitope of SEQ ID NO: 9, in a sample from the subject; and comparing the test amount with a normal range of the antibody in a control sample from a subject who does not suffer from endometriosis, whereby a test amount above the normal range provides a positive indication in the diagnosis of endometriosis. |
US07981625B2 |
Prostate cancer glycan markers and autoantibody signatures
Disclosed are methods for probing the immunogenic sugar moieties of prostate cancer cells. The methods detect a number of glyco-epitopes that are highly and differentially expressed among prostate cancers of various Gleason grades. The glyco-epitopes exist on the surfaces of prostate cells. The methods also comprise the detection of autoantibodies in prostate cancer subjects. The antibodies bound to a glyco-motif of N-glycans that is normally “cryptic.” This target is highly expressed in prostate cancers. Lectins and antibodies that detect these glyco-epitopes that expressed in prostate cancer tissues include Euonymus europaeus lectin (EEL); Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus Lectin-I (PTL-I); Griffonia Simplicifolia Lectin-I-A4 (GSL-I-A4); Griffonia Simplicifolia Lectin-I-B4 (GSL-I-B4); Sambucus nigra I agglutinin (SNA-I; Phaseolus vulgaris-L (PHA-L; Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA); Narcissus pseudonarcissus agglutinin (NPA); Artocarpus integrifolia agglutinin (Jacalin); and mAb TM10 (IgM). |
US07981624B2 |
Methods to detect tumors using 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 expression
Compositions for the diagnosis and therapy of prostate and colon cancer, derived from or based on a novel prostate-specific, androgen-regulated, cell membrane associated and secreted serine protease termed 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 are described. A full length cDNA comprising the entire coding sequence of the 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 gene (also designated 20P1F12-GTC1 herein) is provided (FIG. 1). Among the compositions provided are antibodies that bind to 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 proteins and polypeptide fragments thereof, including antibodies labeled with a detectable marker or toxin or therapeutic composition. The invention also provides prognostic and diagnostic methods of examining a biological sample for evidence of disregulated cellular growth by comparing the status of 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 in the biological sample to the status of 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 in a corresponding normal sample, wherein alterations in the status of 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 in the biological sample are associated with disregulated cellular growth. The invention further provides various therapeutic compositions and strategies for treating prostate cancer, including particularly, 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 polypeptide and anti-20P1F12/TMPRSS2 antibody therapy methods and compositions, cancer vaccines, and small molecule therapy. |
US07981621B2 |
In vitro method for diagnosing and monitoring renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using MMP-7 as humoral biomarker for RCC
The present invention relates to the use of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7) and/or its precursors and fragments with MMP-7 immunoreactivity, or of circulating anti-MMP-7 antibodies, as humoral biomarkers in diagnostic in vitro methods for the detection, early detection, monitoring and/or prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in human patients. |
US07981620B2 |
Artificial antibody polypeptides
A fibronectin type III (Fn3) polypeptide monobody, a nucleic acid molecule encoding said monobody, and a variegated nucleic acid library encoding said monobody, are provided by the invention. Also provided are methods of preparing a Fn3 polypeptide monobody, and kits to perform said methods. Further provided is a method of identifying the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide molecule capable of binding to a specific binding partner (SBP) so as to form a polypeptide:SSP complex, and a method of identifying the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide molecule capable of catalyzing a chemical reaction with a catalyzed rate constant, kcat, and an uncatalyzed rate constant, kuncat, such that the ratio of kcat/kuncat is greater than 10. |
US07981618B2 |
Diagnostic and therapeutic methods and compositions involving PTEN and breast cancer
Patients with ErbB2-overexpressing cancers can be given an ErbB2 targeting agent as a therapeutic regimen but not all patients are responsive. The present invention concerns the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic methods and compositions for evaluating potential efficacy of an ErbB2 targeting agent in an ErbB2-overexpressing cancers by evaluating PTEN expression, which is predictive of responsiveness or resistance to ErbB2 targeting agents such as trastuzumab. Low PTEN expression is predictive of a patient who will respond poorly to trastuzumab. |
US07981615B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating diseases associated with T-box and N-Myc
The invention herein provides a mode of treating a disease associated with the regulation of T-Box and N-Myc gene, which includes cancers and heart disease in human and other subjects by identifying and administering a compound which modulates T-Box or N-Myc function. The invention also provides polynucleotides, polypeptides, vectors, cells, tissues and organisms useful in the identification and treatment of metabolic syndrome. A number of desirable cell proliferation and senescence regulating aspects are achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. |
US07981608B2 |
Device and method for high-throughput quantification of MRNA from whole blood
Disclosed are a method, device kit, and automated system for simple, reproducible, and high-throughput quantification of mRNA from whole blood. More particularly, the method, device, kit and automated system involve combinations of leukocyte filters attached to oligo(dT)-immobilized multi-well plates. |
US07981607B2 |
Method for detecting recombinant event
Methods relating to isolating and amplifying chimeric nucleic acid molecules are provided. The methods of the invention are useful for detecting chromosome translocation events associated with diseases or conditions, such as cancer. |
US07981604B2 |
Methods and kits for analyzing polynucleotide sequences
The present invention features methods for analyzing a sequence of a target polynucleotide by detecting incorporation of a nucleotide into its complementary strand, where the polynucleotides may be bound at high density and at single molecule resolution. The invention also features labeling moieties and blocking moieties, which facilitate chain termination or choking. Certain aspects provide for temporal detection of the incorporations; some allow for asynchronous analysis of a plurality of target polynucleotides and the use of short sequencing cycles. Surface chemistry aspects of the sequencing methods are also provided. The method may also be used in kits, said kits designed to carry out and facilitate the methods provided herein. |
US07981603B2 |
Methods for identifying cancer risk
The present invention provides methods and kits for identifying an increased risk of developing cancer in a subject. The methods include analyzing a first biological sample, such as a blood sample, from the subject for loss of imprinting of the IGF2 gene. According to the methods a loss of imprinting is indicative of an increased risk of developing cancer. The method can include analyzing genomic DNA from the sample for altered methylation of the IGF2 or the H19 gene. The altered methylation for example includes hypomethylation of a differentially methylated region of IGF2, corresponding to SEQ ID NO:1 and/or a polymorphism or fragment thereof, or hypomethylation of a differentially methylated region of H19 corresponding to SEQ ID NO:6, or a polymorphism, or fragment thereof. In certain aspects, hypomethylation of the H19 DMR or the IGF2 DMR indicates an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. |
US07981598B2 |
Preventive/remedy for respiratory diseases
It is intended to provide a compound inhibiting the activity of a protein having an amino acid sequence which is the same or substantially the same as one of the amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 and so on, or its salt; a compound inhibiting the expression of a gene of the above protein; an antisense nucleotide containing a base sequence which is complementary or substantially complementary to the base sequence of a DNA encoding the above protein or its partial peptide or a part of the base sequence; an antibody against the above protein or its partial peptide; and so on. The above compound, antisense nucleotide, antibody and so on are usable as a prophylactic/therapeutic agent for respiratory diseases, etc. |
US07981593B2 |
Toner, developer including the toner, and image forming method and apparatus using the toner
A toner including toner particles including a resin, a colorant, a wax, and a charge controlling agent, and an external additive, wherein the toner satisfies the relationships (1) 0.15×Q−2≦T≦0.15×Q−0.15, and (2) 1.0≦T≦2.5, wherein Q represents the charge of the toner in units of μC/g, and T represents the torque of the toner in units of mN·m determined by a method using a cone-shaped rotor while controlling a space ratio of the toner at 58%. A developer including the toner and a carrier. An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member, a transfer device, a fixing device and a double side image forming unit, and using the toner, wherein the receiving material includes moisture in an amount of not greater than 5% by weight after the toner image on the first side is fixed. |
US07981591B2 |
Semiconductor buried grating fabrication method
Methods for forming grating profiles in semiconductor laser structures comprise the steps of providing a semiconductor wafer comprising a wafer substrate, an etch stop layer disposed over the wafer substrate, a grating layer disposed over the etch stop layer, an etch mask layer disposed over the grating layer, and a photoresist layer disposed over the etch mask layer, forming a photoresist grating pattern, transferring the photoresist grating pattern into the grating layers via dry etching, and removing the photoresist layer, selectively wet etching the grating layer to form the grating profile in the grating layer. The placement of the grating layer between the etch mask and etch stop layers controls the selective wet etching step. The method also comprises removing the etch mask layer via selective wet etching without altering the grating profile, and regrowing an upper cladding layer to produce the semiconductor laser structure. |
US07981590B2 |
Method for producing a base material for screen printing, and base material of this type
Method for producing a base material (25) for screen printing, which comprises a protective film (10), a screen (5) and an intermediate resist layer (13) comprising photosensitive material, the method comprising the steps of applying a first resist layer (15) to one side of the protective film (10), drying the first resist layer (15), applying an additional resist layer (17) to the first resist layer (15), and then applying a screen (5) to the additional resist layer (17) under pressure, with that side of the additional resist layer (17) to which the screen (5) is applied being wet. The invention also describes a base material (25) for screen printing, which comprises a protective film (10), an electroformed screen (5) and an intermediate resist layer (13) comprising photosensitive material. |
US07981589B2 |
Fluorinated monomer, fluorinated polymer, resist composition and patterning process
Fluorinated monomers of formula (1) are useful in producing polymers for the formulation of radiation-sensitive resist compositions. R1 is H or monovalent C1-C20 hydrocarbon group, R2 is H, F, methyl or trifluoromethyl, R3 and R4 are H or a monovalent C1-C8 hydrocarbon group, or R3 and R4 may form an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring, and A is a divalent C1-C6 hydrocarbon group |
US07981588B2 |
Negative resist composition and method of forming resist pattern
There are provided a resist composition capable of forming a resist pattern with high sensitivity and high resolution, and a method of forming such a resist pattern. The negative resist composition includes an alkali soluble base component (A), an acid generator component (B) that generates acid by exposure, and a cross-linking agent component (C), wherein the base component (A) includes a polyhydric phenol compound (A1) containing two or more phenolic hydroxyl groups represented by the following general formula (I), with a molecular weight of 300 to 2500. |
US07981582B2 |
Toner and developer compositions with a specific resistivity
A toner having a crystalline or semi-crystalline polyester resin, an amorphous resin and a colorant. The toner preferably exhibits a resistivity of at least 1×1011 ohm-cm. A developer may be produced including the toner and optionally a carrier. If a carrier is included, the carrier preferably exhibits a resistivity of greater than 1×107 ohm-cm. An electrophotographic machine includes the toner exhibiting high resistivity. |
US07981581B2 |
Phthalocyanine composition and photoconductive material, electrophotographic photoreceptor cartridge, and image-forming apparatus each employing the composition
A phthalocyanine composite with high sensitivity and low environmental dependence is provided.It comprises both at least one phthalocyanine compound expressed by general formula (1) and at least one phthalocyanine compound expressed by general formula (2): where, in the general formulae (1) and (2),M1 represents at least one arbitrary atom or atomic group that is capable of binding to a phthalocyanine,M2 represents an atom, or an atomic group containing an atom, selected from the second and subsequent periods of the periodic table and capable of binding to a phthalocyanine, M1 and M2 being different in kind from each other,X1-X4 represent, independently of each other, a halogen atom, anda, b, c, and d represent, independently of each other, an integer between 0 and 4 and satisfy a+b+c+d≧1. |
US07981578B2 |
Additive containing photoconductors
A photoconductor comprising a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and wherein the photogenerating layer contains an aminoquinoline. |
US07981574B2 |
Reticle, and method of laying out wirings and vias
Provided is a reticle used for forming a plurality of vias for connecting first wirings provided in a first wiring layer and second wirings provided in a second wiring layer formed above the first wiring layer. The first wirings and the second wirings are provided along one of a first direction and a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction perpendicularly cross each other. The reticle includes a plurality of via opening patterns for forming the plurality of vias. Each of the plurality of via opening patterns has a rectangular shape, and is arranged to cause each side of each of the via opening patterns to be diagonal with respect to the first direction and the second direction. |
US07981573B2 |
Reflective mask blank, reflective mask and methods of producing the mask blank and the mask
A reflective mask blank has a substrate (11) on which a reflective layer (12) for reflecting exposure light in a short-wavelength region including an extreme ultraviolet region and an absorber layer (16) for absorbing the exposure light are successively formed. The absorber layer (16) has an at least two-layer structure including as a lower layer an exposure light absorbing layer (14) formed by an absorber for the exposure light in the short-wavelength region including the extreme ultraviolet region and as an upper layer a low-reflectivity layer (15) formed by an absorber for inspection light used in inspection of a mask pattern. The upper layer is made of a material containing tantalum (Ta), boron (B), and nitrogen (N). The content of B is 5 at % to 30 at %. The ratio of Ta and N (Ta:N) falls within a range of 8:1 to 2:7. Alternatively, the reflective mask blank has a substrate on which a multilayer reflective film and an absorber layer are successively formed. In this case, the absorber layer is made of a material containing tantalum (Ta), boron (B), and nitrogen (N). The content of B is 5 at % to 25 at %. The ratio of Ta and N (Ta:N) falls within a range of 8:1 to 2:7. |
US07981572B2 |
Fuel cell and production of fuel cell stack
Separators (5A, 5B, 6) and membrane-electrode assemblies (2) of a fuel cell stack (1) are alternately stacked in a guide box (40). The separators (5A, 5B, 6) each have groove-like gas paths (10A, 10B). Powder of an adhesive agent (7) is adhered in advance to the surfaces of the separators (5A, 5B, 6), except the gas paths (10A, 10B), through photosensitive drums (31A, 31B) to which the powder is adsorbed in a given pattern. The separators (5A, 5B, 6) and the membrane-electrode assemblies (2), stacked in the guide box (40), are heated and compressed by a press (43) and heaters (40C) to obtain a unitized fuel cell stack (1). |
US07981567B2 |
Polymer having oxocarbon group, and use thereof
The present invention provides a novel polymer composed of polyarylene in the main chain and having oxocarbon groups which is particularly useful in battery and fuel cell applications. |
US07981563B2 |
Direct carbon fuel cell with pre-wetted carbon particles
A direct carbon fuel cell having an anode electrode of carbon particles pre-wetted with carbonate, a cathode electrode, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode and containing a molten carbonate. The fuel cell includes a wicking feature whereby excess carbonate produced during the operation of the fuel cell is removed. The use of carbonate pre-wetted carbon particles as the anode provides a network of empty voids, facilitating the removal of CO2 gas from the cell, thereby enhancing fuel cell performance. |
US07981559B2 |
Fuel cell system supply having a measuring device and a control device
A fuel cell system that generates electricity using an electrochemical reaction of fuel gas and oxidizing gas, having: a pressure adjustment valve which is provided on a fuel gas supply path for conducting the fuel gas from a fuel gas supply source to a fuel cell and which adjusts the supply gas pressure of the fuel gas; a degree of opening adjustment valve provided downstream of the pressure adjustment valve on the fuel gas supply path, the degree of opening thereof being set in stages or continuously in accordance with a degree of opening signal; and control means that adjusts the degree of opening adjustment signal in accordance with the operating condition of the fuel cell system and controls the state quantity of fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell to a target quantity. In this way, the pressure of fuel gas (for example, hydrogen gas) whose pressure has been reduced by the pressure adjustment valve can be further adjusted to the target pressure by the degree of opening adjustment valve provided downstream of the pressure adjustment valve in accordance with the operating condition of the fuel cell system. |
US07981558B2 |
Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell, a supply flow passage for flowing a fuel gas supplied from a fuel supply source to the fuel cell, a variable gas supply device for regulating the state of the gas on the upstream side of the supply flow passage to supply the gas to the downstream side, a discharge flow passage for flowing a fuel off gas discharged from the fuel cell, a discharge valve for discharging the gas from the discharge flow passage to the exterior, and a control part for closing the discharge valve when the discharge amount of the gas calculated while the discharge valve is opened exceeds a predetermined target discharge amount. The control part stops the gas supply from the variable gas supply device and simultaneously closes the discharge valve, when the discharge amount of the gas calculated while the discharge valve is opened exceeds the target discharge amount. |
US07981553B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte and lithium secondary battery employing the same
A nonaqueous electrolyte which contains a nonaqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt dissolved therein is provided. Also provided is a lithium secondary battery employing the nonaqueous electrolyte. |
US07981552B2 |
Lithium secondary battery and non-aqueous electrolytic solution
The sudden generation of heat being frequently caused in the case of the overcharge of a lithium secondary cell which have a positive electrode comprising a composite metal oxide of lithium and cobalt or a composite metal oxide of lithium and nickel, a negative electrode comprising metallic lithium, a lithium alloy or a material capable of occluding and releasing lithium, and a nonaqueous electrolyte solution comprising a nonaqueous solvent and an electrolyte dissolved therein can be efficiently prevented by the addition, to the nonaqueous electrolyte solution, of an organic compound which, when the lithium secondary cell is overcharged, decomposes into a decomposition product capable of dissolving out the cobalt or nickel contained in the positive electrode and depositing it ion the negative electrode (for example, a tert-alkylbenzene derivative). |
US07981550B2 |
Lithium cell
A primary cell having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2) and carbon particles. The cell can be in the configuration of a coin cell or the anode and cathode can be spirally wound with separator therebetween and inserted into the cell casing with electrolyte then added. The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt dissolved in a nonaqueous solvent mixture which may include an organic cyclic carbonate such as ethylene carbonate and propylene carbon. The cell after assembly is subjected to a two step preconditioning (predischarge) protocol involving at least two distinct discharge steps having at lease one cycle of pulsed current drain in each step and at least one rest period (step rest) between said two steps, wherein said step rest period is carried out for a period of time at above ambient temperature. The preconditioning improves cell performance. |
US07981543B2 |
Electrode with enhanced performance and electrochemical device comprising the same
Disclosed is an electrode slurry comprising: (a) an electrode active material capable of lithium intercalation/deintercalation; and (b) monomers capable of forming a polymer via polymerization. An electrode having a binder polymer formed by applying the electrode slurry onto a current collector and carrying out in situ polymerization of the monomers, and an electrochemical device comprising the electrode are also disclosed. The electrode uses monomers capable of forming a binder polymer via polymerization under heat or light upon drying of the electrode, instead of the conventional PVdF or SBR-based binders. Therefore, it is possible to simplify a process for manufacturing an electrode, to provide an eco-friendly electrode by virtue of the use of an aqueous solvent as a dispersion medium, to improve the ion conductivity of a binder by virtue of the use of a solvent for a battery electrolyte as a dispersion medium, and thus to improve the quality of an electrochemical device. |
US07981537B2 |
Electrode assembly and secondary battery having the same
The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, and a film separator interposed between the positive and negative electrode plate to prevent a short circuit. A ceramic layer is formed between the positive electrode collector and the film separator or between the negative electrode coating portion and the film separator. |
US07981533B2 |
Method for making a master disk for nanoimprinting patterned magnetic recording disks and master disk made by the method
A method for making a master disk to be used for nanoimprinting patterned-media magnetic recording disks uses sidewall lithography. In one implementation, the master disk substrate has a first pattern of concentric rings formed on it by sidewall lithography, followed by a second pattern of generally radially-directed pairs of parallel lines, also formed by sidewall lithography, with the pairs of parallel lines intersecting the rings. An etching process is then performed, using the upper pattern as an etch mask, to remove unprotected portions of the underlying concentric rings. This leaves a pattern of pillars on the substrate, which then serve as an etch mask for an etching process that etches unprotected portions of the master disk substrate. The resulting master disk then has pillars of substrate material arranged in a pattern of concentric rings and generally radially-directed pairs of parallel lines. |
US07981528B2 |
Magnetic sheet with stripe-arranged magnetic grains, RFID magnetic sheet, magnetic shielding sheet and method of manufacturing the same
A water-repelling layer is formed on a resin film, and a stripe pattern region is formed so as to be positioned within a surface region of the water-repelling layer and so as to be relatively hydrophilic with respect to water repellency of the water-repelling layer. A magnetic stripe pattern is formed of needle-shaped magnetic grains oriented and aggregated in the stripe pattern region. The needle-shaped magnetic grains are arranged in a desirable state in a predetermined stripe pattern, with a high magnetic permeability and a magnetic sheet with stripe-arranged magnetic grains that is thin and flexible is obtained. |
US07981527B2 |
Light-emission material and organic light-emitting diode including the same
The invention provides a light-emission material comprising a compound having Formula (I): wherein each of A independently is: each of Rm independently is H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, CN, CF3, alkylamino, amino, alkoxy, halo, aryl, or heteroaryl. |
US07981526B2 |
Display device
A light-emitting device is provide, which includes a first substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, which are disposed above the first substrate and insulated from each other, enabling a difference in electrical potential to be given between the first electrode and the second electrode, a second substrate disposed to face the first substrate and spaced apart from the first substrate, a light-emitting layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the light-emitting layer includes a light-emitting material which emits light through an electrochemical oxidation or reduction thereof and chloride ions, and a barrier electrode interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode to partition the light-emitting layer. This barrier electrode is used as a standard for the electrical potential. |
US07981522B2 |
Organic electroluminescent element
The invention relates to the improvement of phosphorescent organic electroluminescent devices, by the use of materials of formulas (1) to (4), as indicated in diagram 1, in the hole blocking layer. |
US07981519B2 |
Metallic doubler for repair of a gas turbine engine part
A method and system of repairing an engine part having a cracked metal skin bonded to a honeycomb core includes removing a portion of the honeycomb that corresponds to a cracked portion of the metal skin. A crack in the metal skin originates from an edge of the engine part. A portion of the honeycomb is removed to form a slot in the honeycomb beginning at the edge of the part. A doubler is inserted into the slot in the honeycomb and is attached to an underside of the metal skin to form a lap joint between the doubler and the metal skin. In one embodiment, the portion of the metal skin that includes the crack remains. In an alternative embodiment, the cracked portion of the metal skin is removed and a metal patch is attached to the doubler such that the patch replaces the removed metal skin. |
US07981517B2 |
Bituminous compositions and methods of making and using same
This invention relates to bituminous compositions comprising an interpolymer and a bituminous material and methods of making and using same. The interpolymer may comprise ethylene, at least one alpha-olefin, and, optionally, at least one diene and the interpolymer is derived from polymer particles having a surface coating comprising a partitioning agent. Methods of making and using the bituminous compositions are also described. |
US07981514B2 |
Coating composition yielding abrasion-resistant tintable coatings
A coating composition based upon at least partially hydrolyzed epoxy-functional alkoxy silanes and having particular utility in forming tintable, abrasion resistant coatings on lenses. Incorporation in the composition of a non-hydrolyzed epoxy-functional alkoxy silane provides a desired reduction in viscosity. Incorporation in the composition of a polyether surfactant provides a cured coating of the composition with increased tintability. |
US07981511B2 |
Hollow resin fine particles, organic/inorganic hybrid fine particles, and method for producing hollow resin fine particles
It is the object of the present invention to provide a hollow resin particle and an organic-inorganic hybrid particle, which have excellent dispersibility in a binder component and prevent the diffuse reflection of light and can attain an antireflection layer having high alkali resistance when used as a particle constituting an antireflection layer having a low refractive index, and a method of producing the hollow resin particle. |
US07981501B2 |
Laminated composites and methods of making the same
The instant disclosure relates to a laminated composite and methods of making the same. The laminated composite includes a plurality of stacked prepregs having an interface formed between each pair of adjacent prepregs. Each prepreg includes a matrix material and reinforcing fibers dispersed therein. At least one fibrous veil is laminated to at least a portion of at least one of the interfaces, the at least one fibrous veil having graphite nano-platelets attached to at least one surface thereof. |
US07981499B2 |
Methods of forming sheeting with a composite image that floats and sheeting with a composite image that floats
Microlens sheetings with composite images are disclosed, in which the composite image floats above or below the sheeting, or both. The composite image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Methods for providing such an imaged sheeting are also disclosed. |
US07981498B2 |
Honeycomb body with internal cavities
A honeycomb body, especially a particulate filter, particularly for motor vehicle exhaust purification, includes inner walls defining passages with an entry and exit. Cavities free of walls in at least one subregion contain at least one spherical free space having a largest cross-sectional area at least 10 times a cross-sectional area of the passages in the subregion. The honeycomb body is wound, twisted or layered from at least one metal sheet having layers with a structuring forming the passages, at least in the subregion. The sheet-metal layers have holes with an area greater than 10 times the cross-sectional area of the passages in the subregion. The holes form cavities in at least 5 successive layers overlapping with an area at least 10 times the cross-sectional area of the passages in the subregion. The holes are double or more than triple the hydraulic diameter of the passages opening into the cavity. |
US07981495B2 |
Materials methodology to improve the delamination strength of laminar composites
Fiber based z-directional reinforced composites having enhanced inter-laminar strength, impact toughness, transmission properties (electrical and thermal conduction) and coefficient of thermal expansion are provided. The composites include at least two substrates separated by a reinforcement zone that includes a plurality of fibers disposed in a binder resin. At least some, and in one embodiment, a majority, of the fibers are oriented so as to be substantially perpendicular to the substrates. Multi-layered composites having more than two substrate layers can also be formed. Methods for forming such composites are also provided. |
US07981493B2 |
Packing buffer member
A packing buffer member of the present invention is a packing buffer member 200 or 300 that is to be placed inside a pack 400 with an object to be packed 100, and includes first hollow convex parts 210, 220, 230 and 240 (third hollow convex parts 310, 320, 330 and 340) that are formed in a first direction relative to a forming base surface 201 or 301 and that contact with the object to be packed 100 to hold the object to be packed 100 and second hollow convex parts 250, 260, 270 and 280 (the fourth hollow convex parts 350, 360, 370 and 380) that are formed in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the forming base surface 201 or 301 and that contact inside the pack. The packing buffer member 200 or 300 is formed by a plastic sheet. |
US07981490B1 |
Assembly and method of sculptural presentation of epidermal surfaces
An assembly and method for sculptural presentation of plant or animal epidermal surfaces, the assembly incorporating a multiplicity of scallops and a multiplicity of links interconnecting the scallops in a laterally extending series or band, the multiplicity of links being manipulated to extend the multiplicity of scallops in a “clinker-built” configuration; the multiplicity links being further manipulated to extend the multiplicity of scallops helically; a plurality of links among the multiplicity of links being further manipulated to flare or counter-flare a plurality of the scallops; a second plurality of links among the multiplicity of links being further manipulated to corrugate a second plurality of the scallops. |
US07981488B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device comprising a liquid crystal cell and two polarizing plates disposed on the both sides thereof, wherein a protective film satisfying the specific conditions of retardation is sandwitched each between the liquid crystal cell and the polarizing plates. The liquid crystal display device can be easily produced at low costs and has a low viewing angle dependency of color. |
US07981487B2 |
Liquid crystalline medium
Disclosed are a liquid-crystalline medium of negative dielectric anisotropy based on a mixture of polar compounds, which contains at least one compound of formula IA and at least one compound of formulae IB, IC and/or ID and the use thereof for an active-matrix display, in particular based on the ECB, PALC, FFS or IPS effect. |
US07981484B2 |
Display device and method of manufacturing the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a display device that has carrier transport layer with relatively uniform film thickness, at pixel forming region of display pixel, and a manufacturing thereof. A manufacturing method of a display device provided with a luminescent element that has a carrier transport layer includes a liquid repellent film forming step to form a liquid repellent film on a surface of a plurality of barrier walls provided on a substrate; a coating step to coat a carrier transport material containing acidic solution that contains carrier transport layer material on a pixel electrode arranged in between the plurality of barrier walls; and a drying step to dry the carrier transport material containing acidic solution under inert gas atmosphere. |
US07981483B2 |
Method to improve electrical leakage performance and to minimize electromigration in semiconductor devices
Embodiments of methods for improving electrical leakage performance and minimizing electromigration in semiconductor devices are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
US07981481B2 |
Method for controlling distribution of fluid components on a body
The present invention provides a method of controlling the distribution of a fluid on a body that features compensating for varying distribution of constituent components of a composition that moved over a surface of a substrate. To that end, the method includes generating a sequence of patterns of liquid upon a substrate, each of which includes a plurality of spaced-apart liquid regions, with voids being defined between adjacent liquid regions. A second of the patterns of liquid of the sequence is arranged so that the liquid regions associated therewith are in superimposition with the voids of a first of the patterns of liquid of the sequence. |
US07981478B2 |
Fluoropolymer coating compositions containing adhesive polymers and substrate coating process
A liquid fluoropolymer coating composition and a process for using the composition to make fluoropolymer coated polymeric substrates. The liquid fluoropolymer composition comprises fluoropolymer selected from homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl fluoride and homopolymers and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride polymer, solvent, and compatible adhesive polymer comprising functional groups selected from carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, aziridine, amine, isocyanate, melamine, epoxy, hydroxy, anhydride and mixtures thereof. In the process, the composition is applied to a polymeric substrate comprising functional groups on its surface that interact with said compatible adhesive polymer to promote bonding of said fluoropolymer coating to said substrate. The solvent is removed from the coating composition applied to the substrate to form a fluoropolymer coating on the substrate. |
US07981475B2 |
Manufacturing method of honeycomb structural body, and sealing material
An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method of a honeycomb structural body which makes the profile of a cross section perpendicular to the length direction thereof less likely to generate dispersion, and also makes the thickness of its sealing material layer thinner, and a sealing material that is suitably used in the manufacturing method of the honeycomb structural body. According to the present invention, the manufacturing method of a honeycomb structural body with a sealing material layer formed on the peripheral portion of a pillar-shaped porous honeycomb member includes a sealing material applying step of applying a paste-like sealing material, which is a raw material of the sealing material layer, onto a circumferential face of the pillar-shaped porous honeycomb member, and a scraping step of fitting a ring-shaped scraper, which can be brought into contact with the circumferential face of the pillar-shaped porous honeycomb member so as to slide thereon, to the pillar-shaped porous honeycomb member and moving said ring-shaped scraper in the length direction, thereby expanding the paste-like sealing material applied onto the circumferential face of the pillar-shaped porous honeycomb member so as to spread over the entire circumferential face of the pillar-shaped porous honeycomb member. |
US07981469B2 |
Encapsulated chromonic particles
A method of making encapsulated chromonic nanoparticles includes exposing crosslinked chromonic nanoparticles to an acid selected from the group consisting of carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, citric acid, boric acid, sulfuric acid, and mixtures thereof in the presence of water to encapsulate the crosslinked nanoparticles in a shell comprising a complex comprising the chromonic material, the multivalent cations, and the acid anions. |
US07981468B2 |
Fluidics coating apparatus and method for surface treating of toner and dry inks
An apparatus (10) for surface treating particulate material (M) with surface treatment particles (S) includes a substantially cylindrical body (12) having a top (18), bottom (16) and sidewall (14). A mixing chamber (42) is defined within the body (12). At least one injector inlet (36) and at least one process air inlet (32) are in communication with the mixing chamber (42). At least one outlet (34) is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber (42). |
US07981455B2 |
Automated food processing system and method
An automated food processing system and method are provided that allow food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system. A conveyor system transports the filled container to a suitable pick-up location. |
US07981453B2 |
Delivery system for low calorie bulking agents
The present invention generally relates to low calorie bulking agents (e.g., cellulose, starch, bran, glucans, hydrocolloids, and the like) coated with a lipid compound to form a base or inner layer and thereafter encapsulating the fiber/lipid complex within a protein compound as an outer layer. In effect, the present invention provides a delivery system for edible fibers wherein the moisture absorption by the edible fibers can be controlled. Using the encapsulated fiber of this invention, the absorption of water by the edible fiber (and thus the swelling of the edible fiber) can be effectively delayed until the encapsulated fiber reaches the stomach and normal digestive processes begin. |
US07981450B2 |
Canola protein isolate
A novel canola protein isolate consisting predominantly of 2S canola protein and having equal to better solubility properties and improved clarity properties, has an increased proportion of 2S canola protein and a decreased proportion of 7S canola protein. The novel canola protein isolate is formed by heat treatment or isoelectric precipitation of aqueous supernatant from canola protein micelle formation and precipitation, to effect precipitation of 7S protein which is sedimented and removed. Alternatively, the novel canola protein isolate may be derived from a selective membrane procedure in which an aqueous canola protein solution containing 12S, 7S and 2S canola proteins is subjected to a first selective membrane technique to retain 12S and 7S canola proteins in a retentate, which is dried to provide a canola protein isolate consisting predominantly of 7S canola protein, and to permit 2S canola protein to pass through the membrane. The permeate is subjected to a second selective membrane technique to retain 2S canola protein and to permit low molecular weight contaminants to pass through the membrane, and the retentate from the latter membrane technique is dried. |
US07981449B2 |
Production process of purified green tea extract
Provided is a process for producing a purified green tea extract of high quality by readily and efficiently purifying a green tea extract in a simple manner. A process for producing a purified product of green tea extract, which includes subjecting an aqueous solution of green tea extract to solid-liquid separation by filtration and/or centrifugal separation to obtain another aqueous solution of green tea extract, said another aqueous solution having a turbidity of from 0.2 to 2.0 as measured with a concentration of non-polymer catechins in it adjusted to 1 wt %, and then allowing the another aqueous solution of green tea extract to pass through a polymer membrane having a membrane pore size of from 0.05 to 0.8 μm such that the turbidity of the another aqueous solution of green tea extract is reduced to lower than 0.2 as measured with a concentration of non-polymer catechins in it adjusted to 1 wt %. |
US07981446B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for delivering nucleic acids into cells
The present invention relates to methods of delivering nucleic acids into cells using a nucleic acid binding molecule containing a multimeric or spacer-incorporated protein transduction domain (PTD). The invention also relates to novel compositions that contain a nucleic acid complexed or conjugated with a nucleic acid binding molecule. The nucleic acid binding molecule may contain a multimeric or spacer-incorporated PTD, and may further contain a nucleic acid binding region. The nucleic acid complexes or conjugations of the present invention may be employed to inhibit expression of a target gene, and/or determine the function of a target gene. |
US07981444B2 |
Dendritic polymers with enhanced amplification and interior functionality
Poly(ester-acrylate) and poly(ester/epoxide) dendrimers. These materials can be synthesized by utilizing the so-called “sterically induced stoichiometric” principles. The preparation of the dendrimers is carried out by reacting precursor amino/polyamino-functional core materials with various branch cell reagents. The branch cell reagents are dimensionally large, relative to the amino/polyamino-initiator core and when reacted, produce generation=1 dendrimers directly in one step. There is also a method by which the dendrimers can be stabilized and that method is the reaction of the dendrimers with surface reactive molecules to pacify the reactive groups on the dendrimers. |
US07981439B2 |
Methods and compositions for deterring abuse of drugs susceptible to abuse and dosage forms thereof
This invention relates to an abuse deterrent dosage form of opioid analgesics, wherein an analgesically effective amount of opioid analgesic is combined with a polymer to form a matrix. |
US07981438B2 |
Use of α-mangostin as a mosquito larvicide
Methods of killing mosquito larvae and controlling an adult mosquito population by using α-mangostin, 3,6,8-yrihydroxy-2-methoxy-1,7-bis(3-methylbut-2-enyl)xanthen-9-one, or a salt, solute, hydrate or solvate thereof. Mosquito larvae are killed by contacting a lethal dose of α-mangostin with mosquito larvae. Adult mosquito populations are controlled by treating a mosquito larvae population with a lethal dose of α-mangostin. |
US07981434B2 |
Surface exposed immunoglobulin D-binding protein from Moraxella catarrhalis
The present invention relates to a surface exposed protein, which can be detected in Moraxella catarrhalis, having an amino acid sequence as described in SEQ ID NO: 1, an apparent molecular weight of 200 kDa and a capacity of selectively binding membrane bound or soluble IgD, to an immunogenic or IgD-binding fragment of said surface exposed protein, and to an immunogenic and adhesive fragment of said surface exposed protein. DNA segments, vaccines, plasmids and phages, non human hosts, recombinant DNA molecules and plants, fusion proteins and polypeptides and fusion products are also described. A method of detecting IgD, a method of separating IgD, a method of isolation of a surface exposed protein of Moraxella catarrhalis and a method for treatment of an autoimmune disease are also disclosed. |
US07981423B2 |
Rage fusion proteins
Disclosed are RAGE fusion proteins comprising RAGE polypeptide sequences linked to a second, non-RAGE polypeptide. The RAGE fusion protein may utilize a RAGE polypeptide domain comprising a RAGE ligand binding site and an interdomain linker directly linked to an immunoglobulin CH2 domain. Such fusion proteins may provide specific, high affinity binding to RAGE ligands. Also disclosed is the use of the RAGE fusion proteins as therapeutics for RAGE-mediated pathologies. |
US07981413B2 |
Methods and compositions concerning antibodies that bind CD84-like polypeptides
The invention provides novel polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides and mutants or variants thereof that correspond to a novel human secreted CD84-like polypeptide. These polynucleotides comprise nucleic acid sequences isolated from cDNA library from human spleen (Hyseq clone identification numbers 2938352 (SEQ ID NO: 1)). Other aspects of the invention include vectors containing processes for producing novel human secreted CD84-like polypeptides, and antibodies specific for such polypeptides. |
US07981409B2 |
Method of reducing aging of skin by applying interleukin-1 alpha
The present invention relates to cosmetic and dermatological methods for treating cellulite, reducing signs of aging skin, and treating stretch marks, the methods comprising applying/administering to the skin of a subject in need thereof the compositions comprising interleukin-1 alpha. |
US07981402B2 |
Alkyl benzene sulfonyl urea photostabilizers and UV-absorbers
Polymers containing one or more novel photoactive moieties, sunscreen compositions including a mixture of a photoactive compound and a polymer containing one or more photoactive moieties are described herein.Polymer of formula (I): wherein the variables are as claimed. Also disclosed are methods for stabilizing a sunscreen composition, methods of filtering out ultra-violet light from a substrate by the addition of one or more of the foregoing polymers, methods accepting the triplet excited state energy with one or more of the foregoing polymer, and methods of increasing the UV-A Protective Value are described herein. |
US07981400B2 |
Shiga toxin B-subunit as a vector for tumor diagnosis and drug delivery to GB3 expressing tumors
The invention relates to new compounds for cancer therapy or diagnosis and more specifically to the use of a non-toxic B subunit of Shiga toxin mutant as a vector for diagnostic products or drugs in over-expressing Gb3 receptor cells, such compounds having the following formula: STxB-Z(n)-Cys-Y(m)-T wherein STxB is the Shiga Toxin B subunit or a functional equivalent thereof, Z(n) wherein n is 0 or 1 and when n is 1, Z is an amino-acid residue devoid of sulfhydryl group, or is a polypeptide, Cys is the amino-acid residue for Cysteine, T is a molecule linked by a covalent bound to the S part of Cys, selected in a group comprising: agents for in vivo diagnosis, cytotoxic agents, prodrugs, or enzymes for the conversion of a prodrug to a drug, Y(m) wherein m is 0 or 1 and when m is 1, Y is a linker between T and Cys, said linker being either cleavable or not cleavable for the release of T after the internalization of the hybrid compound into said cells. |
US07981397B2 |
Partial oxidation of hydrocarbons
A process of catalytic partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, particularly methane and/or natural gas to form a product containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide where the first catalyst at the inlet has a higher thermal conductivity than that of a second catalyst closer to the outlet. The second catalyst closer to the outlet has a higher surface area than that of the first catalyst at the inlet. |
US07981394B2 |
Method for treating tungsten carbide particles
A method for the treatment of tungsten carbide is provided. The starting material contains tungsten carbide particles of a W—C system represented on a phase diagram showing a monophasic domain of a γ phase having a face-centered cubic structure, upwardly delimited by a liquidus line. The particles are subjected to a homogenization treatment in the monophasic domain, and may be subsequently melted to be spheroidized. They are then quenched to freeze at ambient temperature the monophased structure. Optionally, at least one alloying element may be added to the starting material to enlarge the monophasic domain, thereby increasing the hardenability of the monophased particles. |
US07981392B2 |
Hydride compounds with silicon and germanium core atoms and method of synthesizing same
A method is provided for synthesizing silicon-germanium hydride compounds of the formula (H3Ge)4-XSiHX, wherein x=0, 1, 2 or 3. The method includes combining a silane triflate with a compound having a GeH3 ligand under conditions whereby the silicon-germanium hydride is formed. The compound having the GeH3 ligand is selected from the group consisting of KGeH3, NaGeH3 and MR3GeH3, wherein M is a Group IV element and R is an organic ligand. The silane triflate can be HXSi(OSO2CF3)4-x or HxSi(OSO2C4F9)4-x. The method can be used to synthesize trisilane, (H3Si)2SiH2, and the iso-tetrasilane analog, (H3Si)3SiH, by combining a silane triflate with a compound comprising a SiH3 ligand under conditions whereby the silicon hydride is formed. The silane triflate can include HXSi(OSO2CF3)4-x or HXSi(OSO2C4F9)4-x wherein x=1 or 2. A method for synthesizing (H3Ge)2SiH2 includes combining H3GeSiH2(OSO2CF3) with KGeH3 under conditions whereby (H3Ge)2SiH2 is formed. |
US07981391B2 |
Aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions and method of making same
An aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing i) less than 50 wppm alkali metals, alkaline earth metals or combinations thereof in total, irrespective whether the alkali or alkaline earth metals are present in cationic or complex form; ii) less than 50 wppm of amines having a pkB of less than 4.5 or the corresponding protonated compounds in total; and iii) at least 100 wppm anions or compounds that can dissociate to form anions in total, where the wppm are based on the weight of hydrogen peroxide and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is more than 50% by weight based on the total weight of the hydrogen peroxide solution. A process for preparation of said hydrogen peroxide solution and the use of said solution in a process for epoxidation of olefins is also disclosed. |
US07981386B2 |
Mechanically-actuated microfluidic valve
A mechanically-actuated microfluidic valve. The valve comprises an inlet port; an outlet port; a thermal bend actuator; and a valve closure member cooperating with the actuator. Actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the closure member, thereby regulating a flow of fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port. |
US07981380B2 |
Sample cup with thin-film detachment mechanism
A cup assembly for holding a sample to be analyzed spectrochemically, including a sample cell having a generally cylindrical wall longitudinally extending between a first end and a second end thereof and a sleeve having a generally cylindrical wall longitudinally extending between a first end and a second end thereof, and a plurality of projections longitudinally extending from the first end of the sleeve wall. When a substantially planar film is interposed between the sample cell and the sleeve, and the first end of the sample cell is inserted into the first end of the sleeve, the film is retained between the sample cell and the annular sleeve; and the longitudinal projections are positioned to perforate the film when the film is pulled against the longitudinal projections. |
US07981377B2 |
Dehydrogenation of alkyl aromatics
Dehydrogenation of a reactor system of one or more vertically oriented flow reactors equipped with a system for introducing a catalyst extender into the inlet of the reactor. A vertically oriented radial flow reactor comprises inner and outer reactor tubes having perforated wall members extending longitudily of the reactor and defining an annulus containing a dehydrogenation catalyst. A supply line to the reactor is equipped with a rotation vane. An injection nozzle comprising a coaxial flow tube extends into the supply line downstream of the vane. The coaxial flow tube has an interior chamber and an annular chamber surrounding the interior chamber and extending into the supply line along with the interior chamber. The interior chamber is connected to a catalyst extender source and the annular chamber is connected to a source of a carrier gas which is effective to disperse the extender within feedstock flowing into the reactor. |
US07981374B2 |
Method for processing hydrocarbon pyrolysis effluent
A method is disclosed for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis process unit to recover heat and remove tar therefrom. The method comprises passing the gaseous effluent to at least one primary heat exchanger, thereby cooling the gaseous effluent and generating high pressure steam. Thereafter, the gaseous effluent is passed through at least one secondary heat exchanger having a heat exchange surface maintained at a temperature such that part of the gaseous effluent condenses to form in situ a liquid coating on said surface, thereby further cooling the remainder of the gaseous effluent to a temperature at which tar, formed by the pyrolysis process, condenses. The condensed tar is then removed from the gaseous effluent in at least one knock-out drum. |
US07981373B2 |
Reaction device and electronic device
A reaction device can raise heat use efficiency. The reaction device includes a carbon monoxide remover removing carbon monoxide, and a vaporizer provided inside the carbon monoxide remover to vaporize fuel. |
US07981370B2 |
Honeycomb filter and exhaust gas purifying apparatus
A honeycomb filter includes a pillar-shaped honeycomb fired body having cells longitudinally disposed with a cell wall and having first and second end faces on gas inlet and outlet sides, respectively. A catalyst supporting layer is formed in a catalyst-supporting-layer area covering at least about 25% and at most about 90% of an overall length of the fired body and that abuts the first end face. Substantially no catalyst supporting layer is formed in a non-catalyst-supporting-layer area covering about 10% of the overall length that abuts the second end face. A thermal conductivity of the non-catalyst-supporting area is larger than that of the catalyst-supporting-layer area, where gas permeability coefficient k1 (μm2) of a cell wall in the non-catalyst-supporting-layer area and gas permeability coefficient k2 (μm2) of a cell wall in the catalyst-supporting-layer area satisfy inequalities, (k1−k2)≦about 0.5 and about 1.0≦k1≦about 1.5. |
US07981369B2 |
Plant for the generation of electricity
A plant for generating electricity includes a gas turbine, a compressor driven by the gas turbine, a reduction reactor configured to reduce metal oxides, fed with a fuel and having a first circulating fluidized bed, a first cyclone configured to separate the metal oxide solids, and feeding at least a portion of the metal oxide solids to the reduction reactor via a first connecting line, an oxidation reactor configured to oxidize the metal oxides having a second circulating fluidized bed and fed only with pressurized air from the compressor, and a second cyclone configured to separate the metal oxide solids and feeding at least a portion of the metal oxide solids to the oxidation reactor via a second connecting line. |
US07981353B2 |
Method for controlled electrospinning
An electrospinning apparatus and methodology is described that produces medical devices, such as scaffolds that induce the formation of a natural fibrous structure (primarily collagen and elastin) in a tissue-engineered medical device. The apparatus uses collection surfaces designed to manipulate or change the electrostatic field so that the electrospun fibers are arranged in desirable patterns that are similar to or mimic the fibrillar structure of an animal tissue. The manipulation results in fibers that are preferentially oriented in a predefined pattern. In addition, the interfiber space between the fibers and the fiber diameter are consistently within a predefined range. Using these techniques in conjunction with controlling polymer properties enables the production of a scaffold that has the structural and mechanical characteristics similar to the native tissue. |
US07981352B2 |
Method and apparatus for quality surveillance during the manufacture of tablets
A method for quality surveillance in manufacturing tablets in a rotary tablet press which, in a compression chamber, has a rotor with upper and lower rams, a die-plate, a cam system for the rams, at least one compressing station, and a charging system for the powdered material requiring compression wherein the tablets are checked for chemical and/or mechanical properties, wherein at least some chemical and/or mechanical data of the tablets is obtained by means of a NIR or LIF sensor in the compression chamber after the upper rams have left the dies, after a measuring procedure has been initiated by a machine computer in response to the die positions determined by a position generator relative to the NIR or LIF sensor. |
US07981350B2 |
Method and apparatus for injection molding having an inductive coil heater
An injection-moulding device is disclosed, comprising at least first and second mould parts, defining a mould cavity, wherein at least one of the mould parts comprises heating means, for heating the mould part in the vicinity of a mould cavity surface, said heating means comprising an inductive coil having a plurality of windings and being powered by an oscillator. The mould part comprises a top member, at the mould cavity surface, and, beneath the top member, a carrier member comprising grooves for taking up said coil windings, wherein the top member resistivity is lower than 1.5*10−6 Ωm, the top member relative magnetic permeability is lower than 10, the carrier member resistivity is higher than 20*10−6 Ωm, and the carrier member relative magnetic permeability is higher than 50. |
US07981349B2 |
Production of UHMWPE sheet materials
UHMWPE panels of large width may be ram extruded from a slit die in a stable process, by restraining a panel which exits the die below the crystalline melt temperature against movement away from the die by a back pressure device, so as to exert a back pressure between the back pressure device and the die, the back pressure device preferably constructed of a plurality of differentially adjustable elements so as to be able to compensate for changes in processing characteristics over time. Vertically restraining UHMWPE panels as they further cool also greatly improves product characteristics. |
US07981348B2 |
Method of making elastomeric pad for a compressible elastomeric spring
A method of making a compressible elastomeric pad from a preselected polymer material includes the steps of providing a preform including a substantially solid body having a predetermined cross-section disposed normal to a central axis of the preform and a pair of axial ends, each having a substantially flat surface disposed normal to the central axis and a central socket formed within at least one substantially flat surface. Next, providing a pair of forming plates, at least one of the pair of forming plates having a raised annular ring and an axially aligned cavity provided on one surface thereof. Then, positioning the preform between the pair of forming plates and axially aligning the exterior peripheral edge of the annular ring with a peripheral edge of a respective central socket. Finally, forming the pad and removing the pad from engagement with the pair of forming plates. |
US07981347B2 |
Carrier mold
A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. When subjected to pressure by a pushrod the prongs of the carrier mold flex to substantially or partially open one end of the carrier mold. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided. |
US07981346B2 |
Molded micro-needles
Method of hollow micro-projections having side walls and at least one opening in a side wall, by a molding technique. The hollow micro-projections are defined by a first, negative mold defining the exterior shape of the micro-projections and a second, positive mold defining the hollow interior shape of the micro-projections. The method includes injecting a moldable material into the space between the two molds, in a state where they have been brought together. The positive and negative molds each have an essentially cylindrical geometry. In the process of bringing the molds together, the mold halves are laterally off-set with respect to each other, such that the distance between an inner wall of the negative mold and the positive mold in the area, ranges from zero to a finite distance. Micro-projections and arrays of micro-projections are also disclosed. |
US07981345B2 |
Fabrication method of products with closed micro-channels by injection molding
Disclosed is a fabrication method of products with closed channels by injection molding, which includes: a channel substrate mounting step of mounting a channel substrate comprising a plurality of opened micro-channels thereon to a mold; and a substrate cover molding step of molding a substrate cover by the injection molding on an upper surface of the channel substrate mounted to the mold, the substrate cover being coupled to the channel substrate while being molded. With this, the products with the closed channels can be fabricated without any additional coupling process between the channel substrate having the opened channels and the substrate cover, thereby simplifying a fabrication process and enhancing work efficiency. |
US07981343B2 |
Method and apparatus for welding plastic bodies
A method and apparatus for welding two or more subcomponents together is described. The subcomponents may be welded to one another along seams, whereby sections of the seam that comprise similar materials are heated to a degree suitable for joining together those particular portions of the seam. Other sections of the seam may be heated to a different degree depending upon the material characteristics employed in that section of the seam. Embodiments of the apparatus include features for holding the subcomponents, simultaneously heating seams of each component, positioning the mating subcomponents together, and applying pressure between mating subcomponents to join them together. |
US07981340B2 |
Method of degassing a flowable mass in a ring extruder
The method of degassing is performed in a ring extruder wherein at least one process chamber is provided with at least one degassing opening. The radius R of the conveyor element in the degassing zone is smaller by ΔR than the full radius Rv of the conveyor element required for the mutual stripping of adhering product in a closely intermeshing screw operation with adjacent conveyor elements. |
US07981339B2 |
Method of producing non-mutually-adhesive polymer pellet, and apparatus therefor
A method and apparatus are provided for continuously producing a polymer pellet efficiently in which, in storing, transporting or feeding to a processing apparatus, the obtained pellets containing the adhesive polymer do not easily mutually adhere, and handling thereof is excellent. The method comprises a step of deforming at temperatures of about 30 to 150° C. under pressure an adhesive polymer coated with a thermoplastic polymer, and a step of cutting the deformed portion of the coated polymer. |
US07981338B2 |
Resilient biodegradable packaging materials
Biodegradable starch-based extruded products and methods of manufacturing those products are provided. In particular, extruded starch products processed by compression, stretching or compression and stretching provide excellent flexibility, pliability, dimensional stability, resiliency, abrasion resistance and other properties making them attractive for use as packaging materials. |
US07981335B2 |
Method and plant for the manufacture of building products
A plant and method for the manufacture of cementitious products, viz. cast concrete roof tiles (T), the plant comprising a mixing station (2) where the constituents of a cementitious composition, less an air entraining agent, are admixed under atmospheric pressure and further mixed under a partial vacuum of 200 to 340 mBar after the addition of an air entraining agent, the plant also comprising a molding station (4) where the tiles (T) are cast in a gang-mold (6) before being cured in a conventional autoclave for up to 10 hours at 45 degrees C. The cured concrete roof tiles (T) are de-molded after curing and conveyed to a surface preparation zone (12) where a primer coat of a water based epoxy and a surface coating of a water based emulsion paint are applied to at least an upper surface in use of the cast concrete roof tiles (T). The admixed cementitious composition has a Ford Cup flow of between 40 and 60 seconds and a slump test of between 180 and 220 mm. In an alternative method, instead of applying a primer coat, the upper surfaces, in use, of the roof tiles T are subjected to abrasion by grit-blasting to remove a thin layer from the upper surfaces thereby facilitating the subsequent application thereto of a surface coating. |
US07981331B2 |
Salvage coating applicator and process
A method for repairing a wear-induced void associated with a surface of a component including applying a heat-cured ceramic material to the wear-induced void, wherein the heat-cured ceramic material is configured to substantially fill the wear-induced void and providing a volume of material to a bladder configured to retain the volume of material and expand in one or more directions, wherein at least a portion of the bladder is further configured to apply at least one of pressure and heat to the heat-cured ceramic material. The method further includes applying at least one of pressure and heat, via the bladder, to the heat-cured ceramic material. |
US07981324B2 |
Oxocarbon-, pseudooxocarbon- and radialene compounds and their use
The present invention relates to oxocarbon-, pseudooxocarbon- and radialene compounds as well as to their use as doping agent for doping an organic semiconductive matrix material, as blocker material, as charge injection layer, as electrode material as well as organic semiconductor, as well as electronic components and organic semiconductive materials using them. |
US07981323B2 |
Selenium containing electrically conductive copolymers
Monomeric, oligomeric and polymeric electrically conductive compounds and methods of making the compounds having a repeating unit having formula P1, as follows: where X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group capable of bonding to the ring structure. R may include hydrogen or isotopes thereof, hydroxyl, alkyl, including C1 to C20 primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, or alkyl or phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, carboxylic acid, halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano or epoxy moieties. Electrical devices utilizing the electrically conductive polymers is also disclosed. |
US07981318B2 |
Reaction reagent for trifluoromethylation
Provided is a reaction reagent for trifluoromethylation with high general versatility and good efficiency.The reaction reagent for trifluoromethylation contains an iron compound, trifluoromethyl iodide, a sulfoxide and a peroxide, and may further contain an acid. The iron compound is, for example, iron(II) sulfate, ammonium iron(II) sulfate, iron(II) tetrafluoroborate, ferrocene, bis(η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)iron or an iron powder; the sulfoxide is, for example, dimethyl sulfoxide; the peroxide is, for example, hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen peroxide-urea composite; and the acid is, for example, sulfuric acid, tetrafluoroboric acid or trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. |
US07981313B2 |
Use of hydrophobins to prevent ice from forming on surfaces
The use of hydrophobins for preventing the formation of ice on surfaces, especially for the prevention of ice formation on aircraft surfaces. |
US07981311B2 |
Process and methods of purification for the manufacture fluorocarbons
Halocarbons of the structure CF3CF2CH2X, wherein X is either F or Cl or mixtures thereof prepared by: contacting at least one 2-fluorochloropropane with hydrogen fluoride in a first fluorination step in the gas phase or liquid phase under substantially anhydrous conditions, in the absence of added catalyst to partially fluorinate said 2-fluorochloropropane; contacting said partially fluorinated 2-fluorochloropropane with at least the stoichiometric molar equivalent of hydrogen fluoride under substantially anhydrous conditions, in the presence of at least one fluorination catalyst in a second fluorination step; removing said reaction products from contact with said catalyst, and isolating a substantial yield of at least 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane or 1,1,1,2,2,penta-3-chloropropane, or mixtures thereof, respectively. |
US07981308B2 |
Method of etching a device using a hard mask and etch stop layer
A method of etching a device in one embodiment includes providing a silicon carbide substrate, forming a silicon nitride layer on a surface of the silicon carbide substrate, forming a silicon carbide layer on a surface of the silicon nitride layer, forming a silicon dioxide layer on a surface of the silicon carbide layer, forming a photoresist mask on a surface of the silicon dioxide layer, and etching the silicon dioxide layer through the photoresist mask. |
US07981307B2 |
Method and apparatus for shaping gas profile near bevel edge
A method for etching a bevel edge of a substrate in a processing chamber is provided. The method includes flowing an inert gas into a center region of the processing chamber defined above a center region of the substrate and flowing a mixture of an inert gas and a processing gas over an edge region of the substrate. The method further includes striking a plasma in the edge region, wherein the flow of the inert gas and the flow of the mixture maintain a mass fraction of the processing gas substantially constant. A processing chamber configured to clean a bevel edge of a substrate is also provided. |
US07981306B2 |
Supplying RF power to a plasma process
Generating drive signals of at least two RF power generators which supply RF power to a plasma process, in which at least two drive signals, each driving one RF power generator, are generated in an RF generator driver. Each drive signal is generated by a respective function generator, such as a digital sine generator, of the generator driver. |
US07981304B2 |
Process for producing a chip using a mold
A mold capable of a highly accurate alignment with a member to be processed in such a state that a photocurable resin material is disposed between the mold and the member to be processed, and is constituted by a substrate 2010 formed of a first material and an alignment mark 2102 formed of a second material different from the first material. The first material and the second material have transmissivities to light in a part of an ultraviolet wavelength range. The second material has a refractive index of not less than 1.7. |
US07981303B2 |
Method of manufacturing monocrystalline silicon micromirrors
A novel silicon micromirror structure for improving image fidelity in laser pattern generators is presented. In some embodiments, the micromirror is formed from monocrystalline silicon. Analytical- and finite element analysis of the structure as well as an outline of a fabrication scheme to realize the structure are given. The spring constant of the micromirror structure can be designed independently of the stiffness of the mirror-surface. This makes it possible to design a mirror with very good planarity, resistance to sagging during actuation, and it reduces influence from stress in reflectivity-increasing multilayer coatings. |
US07981302B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhanced settling and collection of settled material
Apparatus and methods provide individual blades driven by drives configured to reduce a tendency of sludge to be moved in an undesired return direction. Drive configurations apply “pull” and “pull” forces that only pull on tensile structures, avoiding a need in actual commercial practice for use of extra structural drive members having high resistance to both tension and compressive forces exerted parallel to a sludge movement direction. Each of two separate tensile structures carries one blade, or a separate set of blades, with blade(s) of one structure adjacent to, and alternating with, blade(s) of the other structure. Embodiments move sludge from a corner of a basin and across a floor of the basin. The reduced tendency of sludge movement in the return direction results from moving one tensile structure and blade(s) in the sludge movement direction as the other tensile structure and adjacent opposed blade(s) move in the return direction. |
US07981297B2 |
Wastewater treatment method comprising decantation and fine screening stages
A method for removing helminth egg and other suspended solids from a wastewater stream includes directing the wastewater to a ballasted flocculation system and adding a coagulation agent, flocculation agent and a ballast into the wastewater. Sludge is settled from the wastewater in a settling tank at a rate of at least 10 meters per hour. The method further includes removing helminth egg by filtering the effluent through a fine screen having a mesh diameter of approximately 5 micrometers to approximately 25 micrometers. After passing through the fine screen, the filtered effluent has less than one helminth egg per liter. |
US07981294B2 |
Method for the extraction of components made from organic material
The present invention relates to a process for extracting constituents from organic material, comprising the step of extracting with a monophasic mixture of 50% by volume to 90% by volume of methanol and 50 to 10% by volume of water and optionally 0% by volume to 40% by volume of a further solvent or solvent mixture. |
US07981291B2 |
Method and plant for the treatment of an aqueous waste stream
The invention relates to a method for the treatment of an aqueous waste stream, wherein: (a) an aqueous waste stream is separated into an effluent and waste sludge; and (b) the waste sludge is converted into predated waste sludge in a predation reactor, the predation reactor including a support comprising worms and the waste sludge being fed past the support comprising worms. The invention further relates to an plant in which the method may be carried out, in particular to an plant for the treatment of an aqueous waste stream that comprises a predation reactor having a support comprising worms, wherein the predation reactor has two compartments that are separated by the support comprising worms. |
US07981283B2 |
Adjustable filter basket for a storm water drain system
A nutrient separating filter basket apparatus for a storm water drain system has an adjustable filter basket installed in a storm water drain pipe system to receive storm water runoff therethrough. The filter basket collects organic materials, such as grass clippings, leaves and tree stems therein and is adjustable for different ground water levels. |
US07981280B2 |
Recirculation of blood in an extracorporeal blood treatment system
An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus includes a blood treatment unit, a treatment fluid circuit, and a blood circuit. The treatment fluid circuit has a treatment fluid pump for circulating treatment fluid around the treatment fluid circuit and through the blood treatment unit. The blood circuit has a dual chamber blood pump for circulating blood around the blood circuit and through the blood treatment unit. An arterial line withdraws blood from a patient and delivers the withdrawn blood to the blood treatment unit. A venous line returns the treated blood to the patient. The arterial and venous lines can be switched between a first condition in which they are connected to the patient and a second condition in which they are disconnected from the patient and connected to each other for recirculation of blood through the blood circuit. A controller operates the blood pump, and switches the blood pump between a condition in which the dual chambers operate in phase with each other and a condition in which the dual chambers operate out of phase with each other. |
US07981272B2 |
Process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream in a unit having fixed and moving bed reaction zones
A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream in a reforming unit can include passing a gas including a halogen-containing material from a product separation zone through an adsorption zone to remove at least some of the halogen-containing material before the gas enters a first reforming stage having at least one fixed bed reaction zone. |
US07981267B2 |
Capillary electrophoresis device
An object of the present invention is to prevent a variation in heat dissipating effect of a capillary between a holder part and an oven, to improve reproducibility of migration time, and to reduce a variation of migration time among capillaries in a single electrophoresis run. A cylindrical wall is formed in an upper part of a septa that covers a container holding a solution, and the cylindrical wall surrounds a capillary hole through which a capillary penetrates. Accordingly, the capillary is prevented from being directly affected by wind generated between the septa and the oven. |
US07981266B2 |
Electrochemical gas sensor containing electric connection lines or housing contact bridges comprising carbon nanotubes
An electrochemical gas sensor (9) has improved electrochemical measurement properties and housing tightness for an electrolyte at the sites at which the connection lines (11, 21, 31) pass through. The sensor (9) includes a housing (4), containing at least one measuring electrode (1) and a counterelectrode (2) and with electric connection lines (11, 21, 31) from the electrodes (1, 2, 3) to a measuring unit (8) arranged outside the housing (4). The electric connection lines (11, 21, 31) include carbon nanotubes (CNT, Carbon Nanotubes) at least in some sections in the housing (4) in the area of the electrolyte wetting. |
US07981264B2 |
Drift calibration method and device for the potentiometric sensor
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus of the drift calibration of sensors. The method includes shifting the sensing signal and differential technology to remove the drift signal by time during a long measuring. The apparatus includes two voltage sensors and readout circuits, a signal-shifting circuit and a differential circuit, and the apparatus is used for outputting the response signal without time drifting. |
US07981263B2 |
Sputtering apparatus, method of driving the same, and method of manufacturing substrate using the same
A sputtering apparatus includes a susceptor having a substrate and a plurality of target devices facing the substrate and substantially parallel to each other, each target device being rotatable. |
US07981259B2 |
Electrolytic capacitor for electric field modulation
A method and apparatus for adjusting an electric field of an electrochemical processing cell are provided. In one embodiment, a capacitive element is disposed in the processing solution. The strength, shape, or direction of the electric field in the processing solution may be modulated by charging and discharging the capacitive element in a controlled manner. Because the electric field is modulated with out passing a current from the capacitive element to the processing solution, electrochemical reactions do not occur on the interface of the capacitive element and the processing solution, thus, reduces complications caused by unwanted electrochemical reactions. |
US07981255B2 |
Method for producing (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylic esters
There is provided a method for rectifying a vinyl compound liquor. The method includes the steps of a) providing a rectification column operated at a temperature and pressure and b) feeding the vinyl compound liquor to be rectified into the rectification column, wherein the pressure of the rectification column and the temperature of the fed vinyl compound liquor are controlled, such that the temperature of the fed vinyl compound liquor ranges from its bubble point at the pressure of the rectification column to 10° C. lower than the bubble point. |
US07981246B2 |
Method and device for detaching a component which is attached to a flexible film
The invention relates to a film (2) which comprises a component (1) to be detached therefrom. Said film is placed in the area of the component on a detaching tool (5) that is provided with at least one supporting element (6) for the film, which extends in a plane of support (11). The film is sucked against the support element (6) and partially under the plane of support by exerting negative pressure. The area of the supporting element is provided with at least one surface section (8) which extends in the plane of support when the detaching process begins, and which can be displaced, once the component (1) is grasped by a suction tool (4), plane-parallel to the plane of support while the negative pressure is maintained. The invention allows to control the detaching process of the film in a controlled movement without damaging or displacing the component. |
US07981241B2 |
Method for forming a feature in a piece of composite material
A method of forming a piece from a composite material is disclosed in which a mandrel is used that reduces relative movement between the mandrel and the piece during the curing process. |
US07981240B2 |
Method for making vacuum airtight container
Under a vacuum atmosphere, while keeping two members in contact with each other with a bonding material therebetween, one of the members is moved relative to the bonding surface in the horizontal direction, and the bonding material between the members is pressed. The surface oxide film of the bonding material, which is a low melting point metal, is thereby broken effectively, and highly hermetic bonding is performed. |
US07981239B2 |
Process for manufacturing an electronic display device covered with a protective plate
A process for manufacturing an electronic display device comprising a substrate coated with a display having an active zone and a connection zone, the display being attached by an adhesive crosslinkable by radiation to a protective plate. This process comprises: a) application of the adhesive to the display and/or this plate; b) attachment, by bonding, of the plate to the display; c) radiation through the plate in order to crosslink the adhesive; then d) removal of one portion of the plate covering the connection zone, with a view to rendering the latter electrically accessible. Prior to step a) a masking layer that is opaque to the radiation is deposited so that it opposes the crosslinking of the adhesive applied opposite the sole connection zone, and after step d), removed from the connection zone is the uncrosslinked adhesive, which has not been removed with the portion of the protective plate. |
US07981235B2 |
Method and apparatus for making cellular material using slow cure adhesives
A cellular structure is formed on a wheel from an elongated tubular structure. At least one longitudinal line of a slow cure adhesive is applied to the exterior surface of the elongated tubular material. Then the material is wrapped around a collector in a manner to cause the adhesive to be positioned between overlying surfaces of the elongated tubular material and to form a cellular structure on the collector. The cellular structure is cut from the collector before the adhesive has fully cured and is placed on a flat surface where the adhesive has fully cured. |
US07981232B2 |
Method for manufacturing a filtration device
Method for winding textile threads to filter bobbins for filtration purposes of petrochemicals, by, in a first operation, winding 4 layers laid at 30 degrees both ways, in a second operation winding 5 layers laid at 40 degrees both ways, in a third operation winding 9 layers laid at 35 degrees both ways, in a fourth and last operation winding 12 layers laid at 15 degrees one way and just with 50 degree transfer back for each layer, and repeating the first, second, third and fourth operations, the threads used thereby comprising 58% cotton, 16% acryl, 11.5% flax, 11.5% polyester, 2% polyamide, 0.6% acetate and 0.4 % viscose. |
US07981227B1 |
Flex trim container with handles
A modification to the box packaging typically used to store and transport flex trim material rolls or tape that allows the installer to hold and control the package while dispensing the flex trim material or tape directly from the box and placing it directly onto the corner being finished. This is achieved by a combination of perforations and creases which, when pushed in, form a handle on at least one side of the box for grasping the package and a separate hole on the edge of the box through which the flex trim is pulled out of the box and hence dispensed. |
US07981226B2 |
High strength, durable micro and nano-fiber fabrics produced by fibrillating bicomponent islands in the sea fibers
The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to fabrics composed of micro-denier fibers wherein said fibers are formed as bicomponent fibrillated fiber. The energy is sufficient for fibrillating as well as entangling (bonding) the fibers. These fabrics can be woven or knitted and made from made from bicomponent islands in the sea fibers and filaments or can be nonwovens and formed by either spunbonding or through the use of bicomponent staple fibers formed into a web by any one of several means and bonded similarly to those used for the spunbonded filament webs. |
US07981223B2 |
Ultra-high magnetic flux density grain-oriented electrical steel sheet excellent in iron loss at a high magnetic flux density and film properties and method for producing the same
The present invention is a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet characterized in that Bi is present at 0.01 to less than 1,000 ppm in terms of mass at the interface of the substrate steel and the primary film of the grain-oriented electrical steel sheet. The grain-oriented electrical steel sheet is produced by any of the processes of: before decarburization annealing, applying preliminary annealing for 1 to 20 sec. at 700° C. or higher and controlling an atmosphere in the temperature range; controlling the maximum attaining temperature B (° C.) before final cold rolling so that the maximum attaining temperature B may satisfy the expression, −10×ln(A)+1,100≦B≦10×ln(A)+1,220, in accordance with a Bi content A (ppm) and at the same time heating the steel sheet cold rolled to the final thickness to 700° C. or higher within 10 sec. or at a heating rate of 100° C./sec. or more before decarburization annealing, or immediately thereafter applying preliminary annealing for 1 to 20 sec. at 700° C. or higher; or controlling a TiO2 amount B added in relation to MgO of 100 as parts by weight and an MgO coating amount C (g/m2) so that the expression, A0.8≦B×C≦400, may be satisfied in accordance with the Bi content A (ppm). |
US07981222B2 |
Dishwasher having sound attenuating structures
Embodiments of dishwashers with sound attenuating properties are provided. The dishwashers include one or more laminated structures for attenuating sound. The structure may include a layer of an acoustic tape having a plurality of bi-direction fibers configured to redirect and convert sound generated by the dishwasher into heat such that the sound perceivable outside the dishwasher is reduced. The structure may further include one or more layers of foam for absorbing sound and one or more layers of vinyl for converting sound into heat. Panels of the laminated structure may be positioned in, around, and along the toe plate assembly, the door assembly, the base and tub of the dishwasher, and framing elements of the dishwasher. |
US07981217B2 |
Vertical heat treatment apparatus and method of transferring substrates to be processed
Disclosed herein is a vertical heat treatment apparatus which includes a thermal reactor having a reactor opening, a cover that hermetically closes the reactor opening, a holder that holds a large number of to-be-processed substrates via a ring-shaped support plate in such a manner as to arrange the substrates vertically at predetermined intervals, and an elevator mechanism that loads the holder into and unloads the holder from the thermal reactor. A transfer mechanism has a plurality of transfer plates that are arranged at predetermined intervals to carry to-be-processed substrates, and transfers the to-be-processed substrates between the storage container and the holder. The support plate is divided into an outer support plate and an inner support plate. The outer support plate has a cutout section through which the transfer plates can vertically pass to transfer the to-be-processed substrates. The inner support plate is placed at the inner periphery of the outer support plate and provided with a block section for blocking up the cutout section. Therefore, a plurality of to-be-processed substrates can be transferred at a time to the holder having the ring-shaped support plate. This makes it possible to reduce the transfer time, increase the processing volume, and provide increased throughput. |
US07981215B2 |
Electrospun single crystal MoO3 nanowires for bio-chem sensing probes
Single crystal MoO3 nanowires were produced using an electrospinning technique. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed that the 1-D nanostructures are from 10-20 nm in diameter, on the order of 1-2 μm in length, and have the orthorhombic MoO3 structure. The structure, crystallinity, and sensoric character of these electrostatically processed nanowires are discussed. It has been demonstrated that the non-woven-network of MoO3 nanowires exhibits higher sensitivity and an n-type response to NH3 as compared to the response of a sol-gel based sensor. |
US07981214B2 |
Device and process for the crystallizing of non-ferrous metals
In the case of a device for the melting and/or crystallizing of non-ferrous metals, especially of silicon, provision is made, for improving the quality of the crystallized and block-shaped non-ferrous metal, for there to be arranged around a container for receiving the non-ferrous metal at least one controllable cooling element for the active removal of heat from the non-ferrous metal. |
US07981211B2 |
Surface-modified silicas
Surface-modified, fumed silica having the data: BET surface area, m2/g: 25-400; Average primary particle size, nm: 5-50; pH: 3-10; Carbon content, % by weight: 0.1-10; Potassium content (calculated as potassium oxide), % by weight: 0.000001-40; is prepared by subjecting a fumed silica to surface modification in the presence of potassium compounds. It can be used in LSR silicone rubber compositions as a filler. |
US07981210B2 |
Capillary-action, glitter markers and ink compositions for same
The disclosure is generally related to writing instruments capable of making markings containing large diameter glitter pigment particles, and glitter ink compositions for the same. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a capillary-action marker comprising a glitter ink composition, a low density ink reservoir for storing the glitter ink composition, and a porous nib in fluid communication with the low density ink reservoir, wherein the glitter ink composition comprises glitter pigment particles having a particle size greater than about 12.1 microns in at least one dimension. |
US07981206B2 |
Inkjet ink, method for producing the same, ink cartridge, and inkjet recording method
An inkjet ink contains at least one coloring material selected from the group of C. I. Acid Yellow 23, C. I. Direct Yellow 86, C. I. Direct Yellow 132, and C. I. Direct Yellow 173, and a coloring material including a compound expressed by general formula (I): wherein in the formula (I), each M independently represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium, or an organic ammonium. |
US07981205B2 |
Dye compound and ink containing dye compound
A dye compound has the following general formula (1). In the general formula (1), A1 denotes N or CR2. When A1 denotes N, R1 denotes an amino group. When A1 denotes CR2, R1 and R2 form an aromatic ring that has an anionic group. R3 denotes an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group. Cy denotes a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring. |
US07981203B2 |
Hot melt ink
An ink composition which is solid at room temperature and liquid at a higher temperature, containing a substantially non-aqueous carrier composition and at least one dye, formed by at least one salt of the anthrapyridone series. |
US07981199B2 |
Sorber heat exchanger wall and sorber heat exchanger
The invention relates to a sorber heat exchanger wall comprising a fluid side (2) which is delimited by a fluid wall (4) and is impinged upon by a fluid releasing or absorbing heat, and a sorption side (5) that is provided with a sorption bed (6) with a sorbent (7) which accumulates a sorbate so as to absorb or release heat. In order to create a mechanically stable sorption wall that has good heat conducting and material conveying properties, the sorption bed (6) encompasses a highly heat conducting support structure (10,21) for the sorbent (7), which is connected to the fluid wall (4) in a heat conducting manner, and a hierarchical hollow space system. |
US07981197B2 |
Easily removable filter bowl for paint spray guns
A filter bowl and filter cover assembly is provided wherein the filter bowl is adapted to be easily mounted upon and removed from the filter cover by a plurality of bolt fasteners as a result of the bolt fasteners, connecting the filter bowl to the filter cover, being loosened to a predetermined degree and rotating the filter bowl relative to the filter housing in a clockwise direction so as to permit the head portions of the bolt fasteners to pass through key-hole shaped apertures formed within the filter cover. The filter bowl is able to likewise be easily and quickly re-installed upon the filter cover as a result of a reversal of the aforenoted removal procedures. |
US07981195B2 |
System for preventing contaminants from reaching a gas purifier
The present invention is directed to the prevention of an exothermic reaction in the gas purifier of an ultra-high purity gas system. |
US07981193B2 |
Method of controlling a gas separating apparatus
A method of controlling an apparatus for separating product gas and non product gas from an air supply, the concentration of the product gas produced by the apparatus being variable depending on a control signal from a controller and the efficiency of the apparatus in producing product gas depending upon an environmental parameter, the method including sensing the oxygen concentration in the product gas produced by the apparatus, determining an instantaneous demand for oxygen concentration in the product gas, providing to the controller a process variable signal indicative of the sensed concentration of the oxygen in the product gas, and providing to the controller a demand input signal indicative of the demand, sensing the environmental parameter and providing an environmental parameter input signal to the controller, comparing the process variable signal and the demand signal to generate an error signal indicative of a change in oxygen concentration in the product gas required to match the instantaneous demand, conditioning the error signal to derive a control signal to control the apparatus to satisfy the demand, characterised in that the conditioning of the error signal is compensated to derive the control signal, depending upon the environmental parameter input signal. |
US07981192B2 |
Method and device for producing binderless briquettes and briquettes comprising metal chips and metal dusts
The invention relates to a process for producing binderless briquettes from metal chips and metal dusts in which the metal chips are pressed into a cup-shaped form and the upwardly open cavity produced as a result is filled with metal dust, after which the opening is closed with a cover consisting of pressed metal chips. |
US07981189B2 |
Captive tooless fastener for securing an engine intake air filter and clamp assembly for air filter housing
The invention has a captive tooless fastener for securing the engine intake air filter. The tooless fastener comprises shaft and associated bodies. The body has two arms oriented about 180 degrees apart. The shaft is threaded through a sealing washer and an aperture in a closed end cap of the air filter. The shaft is expanded so it cannot be removed from the end cap. The body's threaded inner diameter mates with a threaded portion of a central shaft in an air filter housing. The body's arms are rotated to screw the fastener and the shaft of the housing together. When tightened, the sealing washer closes the aperture. To remove the air filter, the fastener is unscrewed from the shaft of the housing and in the shaft floats in the aperture. A person in the field can remove the air filter by inserting fingers under the arms and pulling. |
US07981188B2 |
Controlled pore size distribution porous ceramic honeycomb filter, honeycomb green body, batch mixture and manufacturing method therefor
A porous ceramic honeycomb filter manufactured from an oxide-based ceramic material having a pore size distribution with d1≧7.0 microns. Preferably, the oxide-based material is cordierite or aluminum titanate. Alternatively, the filter contains a cordierite-containing ceramic body with a narrow pore size distribution with db≦1.00, wherein db=(d90−d10)/d50. Also disclosed is a batch mixture, method and honeycomb green body made from mixture of inorganic source materials selected from the group of magnesia sources, alumina sources, and silica sources, and a pore former having a narrow particle size distribution with dps≦0.90, wherein dps={(dp90−dp10)/dp50}. The pore former is preferably selected from a group consisting of canna starch, sago palm starch, green mung bean starch, and single-mode potato starch. |
US07981184B2 |
Fluid filter
A diamond patterned tubular pleated filter element is disclosed. Also disclosed is a filter cartridge that comprises a core element having an inner diameter, two ends and apertures formed therein, a diamond patterned tubular pleated filter element having an inner and an outer diameter positioned about the core element wherein the ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the diamond patterned tubular pleated filter element is about 1.5 to about 2.5, an open end cap, for transferring fluid into or out of the core element, positioned at one end of the core, and a closed end cap, for preventing fluid from exiting therefrom, positioned at the other end of the core, the closed end cap including structure for positioning the open end cap in filtration housing. Systems and methods for manufacturing the filter cartridge and the diamond patterned tubular pleated filter media itself are also disclosed. |
US07981183B2 |
Filter arrangements; side-entry housings; and methods
An air cleaner includes a housing and an access cover. The internal volume of the housing can be reached through an opening in a side wall of the housing. A filter element having fluted filter media is removable and replaceable from the air cleaner. The housing is constructed and arranged to cam the element into sealing engagement with the housing. The access cover includes structure to help support and ensure proper seating of the filter element within the housing. A method of installing the filter element in the air cleaner includes sliding a portion of the filter element against a slide surface in the housing. A method of servicing an air cleaner includes pushing the filter element against a pivot region in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing. |
US07981176B2 |
Particulate filter and method for its assembly
A particulate filter cartridge has a woven metal fiber filter medium surrounding a perforated support tube. The filter medium is crimped down to the support tube at opposite ends thereof and then welded to the support tube at the crimped regions. A plurality of such cartridges can then be nested within each other and separated by appropriate exhaust gas flow directing baffles to form a particulate filter assembly. |
US07981174B2 |
Electrically regenerated exhaust particulate filter for an engine system and operating strategy therefor
An exhaust particulate filter for an engine system includes an array of filter cartridges positioned within a shell, each of the cartridges having an electrically powered heating element coupled therewith. Exhaust gases are distributed among the cartridges according to a single distribution pattern, and the filter can be regenerated without diverting, dividing or bypassing exhaust gases from the filter. Other aspects include feedback control and feedforward control of regeneration based on sensing an electrical resistance property of each of the electrically powered heating elements. |
US07981168B2 |
Compact heat exchanger made of ceramics having corrosion resistance at high temperature
Ceramic materials that are highly resistant to strong acids such as concentrated sulfuric acid and halides such as hydrogen iodide are employed to make block elements through which a large number of circular ingress channels extend in perpendicular directions and which are joined and piled in the heat exchanging medium section to provide a compact heat exchanger that excels not only in corrosion resistance but also in high-temperature strength. |
US07981166B2 |
Bleaching agent having cationic acyl pyridinium derivatives, co-bleaching activators and hydrogen peroxide
Agent for bleaching keratin fibers comprising in a cosmetic carrier at least one cationic acyl pyridinium derivative of formula (I) where R is a C1-C6-alkyl group, a C2-C6-alkenyl group, a C2-C6-hydroxy alkyl group, a C1-C6-alkoxy-C2-C6-alkyl group, a carboxy-C1-C6-alkyl group, an aryl-C1-C6-alkyl group, a C1-C6-dialkylamino-C2-C6-alkyl group, a heteroaryl-C1-C6-alkyl group, a 3-oxobutyl group, a 2-oxopropyl group, an aryl group, or a heteroaryl group, R′ is a C1-C4-alkyl group, a C2-C6-hydroxy alkyl group, or a C1-C6-alkoxy-C2-C6-alkyl group, X− is a physiologically compatible anion, at least one toxicologically safe co-bleaching activator and/or the physiologically compatible salt thereof, and hydrogen peroxide. |
US07981164B1 |
Knee prosthesis
A knee prosthesis for providing a user with a natural walking gait and flexion resistance. The knee prosthesis includes a support assembly; a flexion resistance member being supported upon the support assembly; a pivot assembly being pivotally connected to the support assembly and being fastened to a user's leg socket; and a flexion resistance drive assembly interconnecting said pivot assembly and said flexion resistance member. |
US07981162B2 |
Satiation devices and methods
A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis positionable at the gastro-esophageal junction region, preferably below the z-line. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed such that an opening at its proximal end receives masticated food from the esophagus, and such that the masticated food passes through the pouch and into the stomach via an opening in its distal end. |
US07981157B2 |
Self-contained expandable implant and method
Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods having internally contained expansion mechanisms. Devices expand linearly to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies of the spine. |
US07981155B2 |
Hydrolic accommodating intraocular lens
An accommodating intraocular lens comprising an optic made from solid silicone and liquid silicone. The optic has a central anterior area or membrane that can vary in radius and thus change power. |
US07981149B2 |
Balloon expandable bioabsorbable stent with a single stress concentration region interconnecting adjacent struts
An expandable, implantable medical device, such as an intraluminal stent (10) fabricated from polymeric materials, includes a plurality of elongated struts (16) in consecutive series and alternating stress concentration junctions (18) interconnecting ends of adjacent struts (16). When the stent (10) is in an expanded condition, the adjacent struts (16) form expanded substantial V-shapes and stresses are concentrated within the junctions (18). The junctions (18) define pivot points (P) for the respective attached, adjacent struts (16). Each of the pivot points (P) is located substantially on a line bisecting the V-shapes formed by the struts (16), when the stent (10) is expanded. |
US07981148B2 |
Stent delivery catheter
Stent delivery catheters comprising a hypotube, which may be a micromachined member, disposed on an outer portion of an inner member that may be an extruded multi-lumen member. The hypotube may be secured to the inner member. The devices may be adapted for delivering a self expanding stent by providing a restraining structure or device over the stent during delivery. One or more actuating members are provided through a lumen in the inner member to actuate the restraining structure and release the stent. Methods of use of such catheters are also described. |
US07981141B2 |
Variable angle adaptive plate
A device for supporting and/or assisting in bone fusion, particularly in the spine, is described. A plate member is provided, along with two or more attachment members that are anchorable to bones. In one embodiment, the plate member has a slot near one end and an aperture at another end. The attachment members include threaded posts for connection to the plate member via the latter's slot(s) and aperture(s). Alternatively, attachment members need not have a threaded post, and attachment members may be connected to the plate member via a bone bolt or similar fixation member. The slot(s) allow a single plate member to be used for a variety of operative situations and anatomies. A device for repositioning bones and a method for using the disclosed devices is also described. |
US07981138B2 |
Surgical suture needle
A surgical needle is disclosed and includes an elongated needle body defining a longitudinal axis The surgical needle has a first end for attachment to a suture and a second needled end for penetrating tissue. The needled end includes lower and upper opposed surfaces and a pair of side surfaces extending between the lower and upper surfaces and being contiguous therewith. The upper surface and side surfaces extend to a pointed tip. The lower surface extends to a cutting edge, which is defined at the intersection of the side surfaces and proximal of the pointed tip. The cutting edge extends in oblique relation relative to the longitudinal axis and terminates at the pointed tip. |
US07981137B2 |
Uniform stress needle
A linear surgical needle is provided having a body portion including a proximal end section; a central section; and a distal end section. The distal end section has a substantially parabolic configuration for producing a substantially uniform stress profile along a length thereof. |
US07981131B2 |
Disposable single-swing-arm incision safety lancet
A disposable single-swing-arm incision safety lancet is provided, which includes a casing (2) and a trigger. It is characterized in that the casing (2) is provided inside with an incision blood-taking mechanism composed of a cam (3), a swing arm (4), a blade (1) and a spring (8). In the incision blood-taking mechanism of the present invention, the cam, being driven to rotate under elastic force of the spring, pushes via the curved surface against the swing arm, which thus swings with the third radius R3 as the radius. The point of the blade 1 is swingingly stretched out of the casing 2 from the blood-taking opening 5 along the arc-shaped path A, thus producing the incising action. The present invention is novel in structure, clever in concept, and reliable in working. Since the movement of the incision blood-taking mechanism is controlled by the spring, the action strength can be controlled through the design of elastic force of the spring. Therefore, the mechanism possesses higher accuracy and controllability compared with the prior art, resolving the existing technical problems on this aspect. |
US07981130B2 |
Medical instrument for cutting biological and especially human tissue
The invention relates to a medical instrument for cutting biological and especially human tissue, having a hollow cutting tube that can rotate by means of an engine around its longitudinal axis, on whose distal end at least one blade is mounted, as well as with a handle in which the cutting tube is mounted for control purposes. In order to produce a medical instrument for cutting biological and especially human tissue in which the powering of the cutting tube is of simple construction and involves minor losses of capacity, it is proposed with the invention that the engine is configured as a hollow-shaft engine mounted on the cutting tube. |
US07981127B2 |
Treatment sheath for endoscopic blood vessel harvesting
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a treatment sheath for endoscopic blood vessel harvesting, comprising a sheath main unit which can be inserted into a body through a cut skin portion in order to harvest a blood vessel in the body, a channel which is formed along a longitudinal direction in the sheath main unit and through which an endoscope is inserted so as to be insertable/detachable, a blood vessel holding member which is disposed at the sheath main unit and which holds the blood vessel to be harvested; and a blood vessel cutting device which is disposed at the sheath main unit and is positioned substantially symmetrically with the blood vessel holding member with respect to the channel and which cuts the blood vessel to be harvested. |
US07981123B2 |
Surgical device for connecting soft tissue
The invention comprises a surgical instrument including an external tube (2) and two elongated members (4) positioned in said tube (2), each of which includes a distal end (10a) for capturing one of the two tissue zones (M1, M2) to be attached. The instrument (1) may further comprise a catching member (22, 25) for each tissue (M1, M2) to be attached; a rod (15, 16) linked to each catching member (22, 25) enabling tension to move axially, said rod (15, 16) being separable from said catching member (22, 25) when a tension is exerted on it beyond a certain threshold; and a member (17a) forming a stop for locking axially each catching member (22, 25) during said tension. |
US07981120B2 |
Trajectory guide with angled or patterned guide lumens or height adjustment
This document discusses trajectory guides that include an instrument guide with at least one lumen angled with respect to an orthogonal or other through-axis. In one example, patterned lumens on the instrument guide provide a mirror image pattern of trajectory axes intersecting a target plane. In another example, height adjustment of the instrument guide extends these or other targeting techniques to a three-dimensional volume. This document also describes a method of manufacturing such an instrument guide, which is also applicable to manufacturing an instrument guide providing parallel lumens. |
US07981119B2 |
Electrical stimulation system and associated apparatus for securing an electrical stimulation lead in position in a person's brain
In one aspect, an apparatus is provided for securing an electrical stimulation lead in position in a person's brain. The apparatus includes a flexible disc comprising a substantially radial slot adapted to secure the lead in position within the brain after implantation. The slot is adapted to elastically expand as the lead is inserted into the slot and is also adapted to elastically contract on the lead to secure the lead in position within the brain after implantation. The apparatus further includes a ring adapted to seat within a burr hole formed in the person's skull. The ring comprises a channel adapted to receive and secure the flexible disc. |
US07981117B2 |
Screw placement guide
A screw placement guide tool for use in minimally invasive surgery has a proximal handle portion, an extension member extending distally from the handle portion, and an alignment element connected transversely to a distal portion of the extension member and having a screw placement guide located thereon. In this aspect of the invention, the tool is configured so that a surgeon may operate the tool using the handle portion external to a patient's body to align the alignment element with implanted screws so that the screw placement guide indicates a desired position for implantation of an additional screw. Systems and methods for placing a rod receiving screw are also provided. |
US07981116B2 |
Radiolucent screwdriver for orthopedic surgery
A surgical tool for inserting a surgical implant in a body and a method of performing a surgical procedure, wherein the tool is composed of materials consisting essentially of radiolucent materials. In one embodiment the radiolucent materials comprise plastic. In another embodiment the radiolucent materials comprise carbon fibers. In still another embodiment the radiolucent materials comprise thin aluminum. The tool has a torque capacity of at least 6 Nm. |
US07981114B2 |
Drilling tool guide wire alignment device
A device for installation of a guide wire for a drilling tool in a correct positional arrangement in a bone. The device includes a tissue protection sleeve, which has at one end a laterally projecting grip or handle. A trocar is provided, which trocar can be introduced into the tissue protection sleeve from the handle end and whose other end is closed. The trocar is rotatable in the tissue protection sleeve and has a central bore hole and a plurality of eccentric axially parallel bore holes, through which a guide wire can be passed. A second handle is provided which extends approximately in the same direction of the first handle and whose one end engages the end of the trocar situated the outside of the tissue protection sleeve, so that the normally freely rotatable trocar is fixed in the direction of rotation relative to the tissue protection sleeve, when both handles are manually clamped against each other. |
US07981109B2 |
System and method for a user interface
Embodiments of systems and methods for an interface for providing a user with feedback are presented. Specifically, embodiments of such an interface may include a head-up display unit which is mounted on a microscope utilized by a user when performing a surgical procedure. The heads-up display unit may include an eye-piece ring which is fitted onto or in one of the eye pieces of the microscope. The heads-up unit receives data regarding one or more parameters from a surgical console or other source and produces audio or visual feedback corresponding to a desired parameter. Any visual feedback produced may then be propagated to the eye piece ring allowing a user of the microscope to obtain the feedback when performing a surgical procedure utilizing the microscope and obviating the need to look at a screen of the surgical console to obtain such feedback. Thus, feedback is provided to a user in a non-intrusive manner such that the user can obtain this feedback without distracting from a surgical procedure. |
US07981103B2 |
Method of treating a stiffened blood vessel
A method of treating a stiffened blood vessel (2) is disclosed. The method comprises at least substantially encasing a portion of the blood vessel (2) with an elastic membrane (6) formed of biocompatible material such the membrane (6) engages the blood vessel (2) to thereby reduce the diameter of the blood vessel (2). |
US07981098B2 |
System for suction-assisted wound healing
A system for treating a wound with suction is provided. The system comprises a wound cover, a pump having an input port and an output port, the input port providing suction to the wound via the wound cover, and a reservoir coupled to the output port of the pump. The reservoir is adapted to receive effluent from the wound and the pump is capable of maintaining a controlled level of suction at the wound. |
US07981097B2 |
Medical device for the treatment and prevention of eye and respiratory tract conditions
A medical device for the treatment and prevention of eye and respiratory tract conditions is provided. The medical device may include a pack with a pump, a filter, and a vaporizer chamber for storing fluid and selectively supplying fluid vapor to ambient air. The medical device may further include a glasses unit comprising a pair of frames and a diffuser. The medical device may further include a tube having a first end configured for connection to the pack and a second end configured for connection to the diffuser. The glasses unit may be separated from the pack when the medical device is in use. Various methods for the treatment and prevention of eye and respiratory tract conditions and a method for modifying a pair of conventional glasses for treatment are also disclosed. |
US07981091B2 |
Small diameter intravascular catheter with screw tip and limited torsional displacement
A catheter to be passed over a guidewire, including a screw portion with a cylindrical hollow shaft and a helical thread portion extending outwardly from the hollow shaft. The screw portion is secured coaxially to a tubular portion formed from a substantially rigid material. The tubular portion has, along a portion of its length, at least two slits having a pattern geometry that limits torsional displacement. The catheter also includes a hub having a lumen joined substantially coaxially to the tubular portion. |
US07981090B2 |
Luer activated device
A luer activated device for infusing and aspirating fluids to and from a variety of fluid systems. The luer activated device includes a housing and employs a variety of valves that permit and prevent the transfer of fluids through the housing into or out of various fluid systems. |
US07981088B2 |
Passive delivery system diluents mixing and delivery
A syringe system for the administration of lyophilized drugs includes a syringe barrel and a stopper and a needled guard each coupled with the syringe barrel. A reconstitution plunger is removably coupled with the stopper. A diluent is withdrawn from the syringe into a vial containing a lyophilized drug, and the diluent and drug are mixed to form a therapeutic agent. The reconstitution plunger is then replaced by an administration plunger. The length of the reconstitution plunger is greater than the length of the administration plunger in order to prevent activation of the needle guard during reconstitution. Alternatively, a single plunger system may be used in which the plunger can transition from an extended length during reconstitution to a shortened length during administration. During administration, a radial element of the plunger contacts latch members of the needle guard, whereupon the shield advances to an extended position covering the needle. |
US07981086B2 |
Surgical access assembly with winepress seal
A surgical access apparatus includes a housing, an access member extending from the housing and having a longitudinal passageway for passage of an object and defining trailing and leading ends and an elongated seal mechanism mounted relative to the housing. The elongated seal mechanism includes a trailing hub and a leading hub longitudinally spaced from the trailing hub, and being adapted for relative rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, a plurality of spokes extending between and connected to the trailing hub and the leading hub, and an elongated seal member disposed within the spokes and adapted to establish a sealing relation about the object. The spokes define a first minimum internal dimension in a first condition thereof in the absence of an object and defining a second minimum internal dimension in a second condition thereof upon insertion of the object and relative rotation of the trailing hub and the leading hub. The second minimum internal dimension is greater than the first minimum internal dimension. The at least two of the spokes are generally obliquely arranged at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis when in the first condition thereof and are adapted to be generally arranged at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis when in the second condition thereof, the second angle being less than the first angle. |
US07981083B2 |
Perfusion or enteral/parenteral feeding pump
This pump with a battery-powered drive device comprises a circular elastic diaphragm (1a) and two valves (2b, 10), which has a diameter of 3 to 25 mm and is subjected to a compressive prestress of between 1'104 and 4'104 Pa capable of enabling it to return to its rest position at a maximum working frequency of between 8 and 12 Hz with a travel of between 0.2 and 2 mm, corresponding to a maximum flow rate of 1.5 to 2.5 l/h. The drive device comprises an electromagnet (5) in direct contact with the diaphragm (1a), a standard power supply battery, the available energy of which is from 7000 to 10'000 J, means for analyzing the supply current for the electromagnet and for detecting, at each pumping drive cycle, a minimum defined intensity of the supply current corresponding to the closure of the gap of the electromagnet (5) and means for interrupting the supply current once this minimum intensity has been reached. |
US07981082B2 |
System and method for reducing air bubbles in a fluid delivery line
A method and pump that accurately senses air in a fluid delivery line pulses or activates and deactivates the air sensor(s) multiple times during the pumping phase of the fluid delivery cycle and can generate alarms based upon a single indication or a cumulative indication of air in the line. The pump can include multiple air sensors spaced along the delivery line so that the method can use the multiple signals therefrom to distinguish real moving air bubbles from false positives and/or air bubbles adhered to the inner wall of the line. |
US07981078B2 |
Inflation/deflation system for a catheter
According to the present invention there is provided an inflation/deflation system for a dilatation balloon comprising a receptacle, a pressure member, a sensing system and a data processing and display unit. The receptacle is adapted to contain an inflation fluid to be introduced into the balloon during its inflation. The receptacle also has an inlet/outlet port adapted for connection to the dilatation balloon; The pressure member is adapted to be axially displaced within the receptacle to cause the fluid to exit the receptacle via the outlet port. The sensing system comprises a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is associated with the pressure member to sense its axial displacement. The second sensor is associated with the interior of the receptacle to sense in a non-contact manner the pressure P of the inflation fluid within the receptacle, and to provide a corresponding data signal. The data processing and display unit is adapted to process the signal and display at least a scheme of pressure P within the receptacle vs. the volume V of the inflation fluid exiting the receptacle through the inlet/outlet port. The volume is calculated by the axial displacement of the pressure member. The scheme reflects the corresponding P-V conditions within the balloon when the system is in use. |
US07981073B2 |
Method and device for irrigation of body cavities
A pressure and a vision regulation method and device for irrigation of a body cavity (1), in which an inflow liquid pump (2) pressurizes the irrigation liquid in a feed line (13) and an outflow device (3) or an external suction source (20) drains the irrigation liquid from the body cavity (1) through a tubing (16) into a waste container (17). A control unit (4) controls either the inflow liquid pump (2) only or both the inflow liquid pump (2) and the outflow device (3) depending on an inflow irrigation liquid pressure from a pressure sensor (5). The method and the device are combined with a method for detecting blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobin and/or debris in liquid coming from a surgical site to provide an automatic control and rinsing system with clear vision in the viewing area of the operational site. |
US07981070B2 |
Internal tourniquet for automatically controlling hemostasis within a joint capsule
An internal tourniquet for establishing hemostasis within a portion of a limb to facilitate surgery controls flow of a fluid into a capsule surrounding substantially all of a human joint. Blood concentration in the capsule is sensed; and pressure in the capsule is controlled to maintain a fluid pressure in the capsule within a predetermined pressure tolerance window. The concentration of blood in the capsule is maintained below a predetermined maximum concentration while the fluid pressure is within the pressure tolerance window. |
US07981068B2 |
Cervical collar having height and circumferential adjustment
An orthopedic device in the form of a cervical collar having height and circumferential adjustment includes an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The anterior portion includes a main support piece having depending projections configured to engage a height adjustment mechanism. Each of the anterior and posterior portions also includes a proximal support portion having a three-dimensional anatomically configured shape to support, immobilize, and stabilize an anatomical portion of a wearer. The anterior and/or posterior portion includes circumferential adjustment mechanisms to accommodate different sizes or differing degrees of swelling of anatomical portions. |
US07981064B2 |
System and method for integrating transducers into body support structures
Transducers and resonators are embedded in body support structures in contact with a user to for the purpose of conveying musical sound energy to a user's body at selected frequencies and in selected patterns. Body support structures comprise beds, pillows, chairs, and other structures typically used to support people. The sound may be audio tones and/or music. The transducers and resonators may be incorporated into a foam component or in a coil spring component of the body support structure. Latex-type foams and beds made with springs are candidate body support structures for receiving transducer's and resonators. Electro-active polymers are also used as transducers. |
US07981062B2 |
Mechanically activated objects for treatment of degenerative retinal disease
Mechanically activated objects or devices for use in treating degenerative retinal diseases are provided. Such devices apply mechanical forces to tissues of an eye to effectuate treatment and are configured for chronic implantation (thereby applying chronic stimulation/irritation) in or on the eye. The devices may be configured for contact with a retina of the eye, preferably positioned in a subretinal space. Various embodiments comprise a moving member configured for chronic contact with at least a portion of the eye, which moving member is activated by an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator may be distally located relative to the moving member. Alternatively, the moving member may be supported by a body member that, optionally, also supports the actuator. |
US07981061B2 |
Power apparatus, power system, and power control method
A power apparatus comprising includes: a moving section that moves in accordance with an action of a body part; a motor that outputs, during action of the body part in a first action direction, power to the moving section so as to cause the moving section to move in the first action direction and that recovers, during action of the body part in a second action direction, power generated by the movement of the moving section in the second action direction; and a capacitor that stores regenerative electric power generated by the recovery of the power and that supplies the stored regenerative electric power to the motor when the motor outputs the power to the moving section. |
US07981060B2 |
Ultrasound applying skin care device
An ultrasonic skin care device has an applicator head for applying the ultrasound vibrations to a user's skin. The applicator head has a vibrator element and a horn which are integrated into a combined vibration mass that resonates with an electric pulse to produce the ultrasound vibrations. The device is configured to limit the ultrasound upon detection that the applicator head is out of a normal contact with the skin. A load detecting circuit detects whether the applicator head is in a normally loaded condition or in an unloaded condition with reference to electrically equivalent impedance of the combined vibration mass. The combined vibration mass has a structure that restrains vibrations at a center portion of the vibration mass in order to reduce an undesired parasitic resonance, thereby enabling to discriminate the impedance given under the normally loaded condition from that given under the unloaded condition. |
US07981058B2 |
Intelligent wearable monitor systems and methods
An intelligent wearable monitoring system includes a wireless personal area network for extended monitoring of a patient's motor functions. The wireless personal area network includes an intelligent accelerometer unit, a personal server and a remote access unit. The intelligent accelerometer unit measures acceleration data of the patient, in real-time. The personal server processes the acceleration data, applying linear and non-linear analysis, such as fractal analysis, to generate motor function information from the acceleration data. Motor function information is transmitted to a remote access unit for statistical analysis and formatting into visual representations. A data management unit receives the formatted motor function information and displays the information, for example, for viewing by the patient's physician. |
US07981054B2 |
All-in-one biological specimen collecting, transporting and analyzing device
A device for collecting, shipping and analyzing a pathological specimen comprises a collector stick projecting from the inside of the stopper of a first tubular vessel containing a solution. The bottom of the vessel has a hole sealed by a frangible barrier. When the first vessel is inserted into a second vessel containing a signaling element and having a pintle projecting inwardly from its bottom, the frangible barrier is broken by the pintle and part of the solution flows into the second vessel where it contacts the signaling element. A pin projecting from the inside of a cover for the second vessel punctures the stopper of the first vessel facilitating the flow of solution from the first to the second vessel. The analytical process can be performed in the absence of any contacting or manipulating of the first vessel and specimen collector by simply screwing the cap to its farthest position. |
US07981050B2 |
Methods and devices for automated biopsy and collection of soft tissue
Instruments for performing percutaneous biopsy procedures are disclosed, which have advantageous features for improving functionality and performance over prior art devices. These instruments comprise two types, single-use devices, and multiple-use devices having active tissue capture capability. Improved features include the ability to retrieve and evaluate multiple tissue samples during a single insertion procedure, without physical handling of the samples, as well as constructional features, such as a molded tissue cassette housing, variant vacuum port embodiments suited for different tissue environments, and a method for backflushing the instrument to remove biological debris, among others. |
US07981048B2 |
Method and system for diagnosis of lower urinary tract dysregulation and related conditions
The invention disclosed herein provides a system and method for diagnosing lower urinary system conditions by receiving urodynamic data and subjective symptomatic impressions concerning a patient. The system and method then assigns weighted point values to the urodynamic data, for example, urethal pressure profiles due to sphincter contraction conditions such as urgency (2) and stress incontinence (4), and the subjective symptomatic impressions, quantifies norms for lower urinary system function, as a whole or in part, and quantifies recognized pathologies of lower urinary system conditions as degrees of departure from the norms. The system and method then determines a lower urinary system condition diagnosis of the patient, as a function of the degrees of departure from the norms, by invoking a set of rules to compare the weighted point values assigned and the quantified norms. The invention then reports the lower urinary system condition diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or further diagnostic suggestions. |
US07981041B2 |
Sonographically guided transvaginal or transrectal pelvic abscess drainage using trocar method and biopsy guide attachment
A needle biopsy guide system is disclosed for attachment to an endoluminal ultrasound probe or like sonographic instrument. The device includes a biopsy-guide attachment that allows for trocar catheter placement for abscess drainage or like procedures, using the transvaginal or transrectal route under sonographic control. The device has a base portion, which is attachable to an ultrasound probe. A removable retainer is provided that slides into the base unit to hold a biopsy needle in place. A physician may locate the target area in the body with the ultrasound probe, insert the biopsy needle into the target area, and then remove the insert (retainer) from the base unit and ultrasound probe, and leave the biopsy needle in place in the body. |
US07981040B2 |
Method of ultrasonic detection and localization of contrast agent microbubbles and method for local drug administration by using microbubble carriers
A method of ultrasonic detection and localization of contrast agent microbubbles wherein the decision as to whether or not the received ultrasonic signals indicate the presence of a single microbubble or a small microbubble population is made by analyzing the projections of the spectra of said received ultrasonic signals in multidimensional spaces, and by comparing such projections with the projections in said multidimensional spaces of sample control signals corresponding to known conditions of presence and/or absence of single microbubbles and/or small microbubble populations. |
US07981038B2 |
Sensor guided catheter navigation system
A method and a system for producing images of a subject, such as the heart of a human being. The method may comprise acquiring ultrasound images of the subject with a catheter comprising a position sensor. The method may also comprise capturing a plurality of 4D surface registration points in the acquired ultrasound images corresponding to points on the subject. The method may also comprise registering, in space and time, a high-resolution 4D model of the subject with the plurality of 4D surface registration points. The method may also comprise displaying high resolution, real-time images of the subject during a medical procedure based on the registration of the high resolution 4D model to the 4D surface registration points. Embodiments of the present invention are especially useful in left atrium ablation procedures. |
US07981036B2 |
Method and system for processing doppler signal gaps
A method for processing Doppler signal gaps may include receiving Doppler signals during Doppler signal acquisition to obtain data of in-phase (I) component and quadrate (Q) component signals of the Doppler signals. The method may also include receiving interruption of the Doppler signals and estimating the data of the Doppler signals interrupted in the gap period filling the interrupted Doppler signals with the data of the estimated Doppler signals so that the data of the I and Q component signals in the gap period are filled to form a continuous output. The method may further include generating Doppler spectrum data or Doppler sound based on the data of the filled I and Q component signals. |
US07981033B2 |
Diagnostic probe and kit for tonometric examination of respiratory insufficiency and regional perfusion failure of the body
The invention relates to a tonometric device (20) for examination of respiratory insufficiency and regional tissue perfusion failure in patients, comprising a distal end (22), a section (24) to be introduced into the body, and a fixing part (3). The section (24) to be introduced comprises a first tube (1) to which an additional tubing (4) is connected. A second tube (2) is arranged substantially parallel with the first tube (1). At least the section (24) of the first tube (1) is made of a material permeable for gases, especially for carbon' dioxide, but substantially impermeable for body fluids, preferably of silicone rubber. The device does not comprise any balloon, it can be introduced into the patient stomach without preliminary preparation, and is useful for examination of premature babies. |
US07981032B2 |
Patient monitoring and alarm processing system and user interface
Some embodiments of the invention provide a system to monitor a patient. In some aspects, a signal representing a value of a physiological parameter is received from a monitoring device. The received value is a value that caused the monitoring device to trigger an alarm associated with the psychological parameter. A notification is determined based on the received signal and on a second signal that represents a value of a second physiological parameter. The notification is then presented to an operator. |
US07981029B2 |
Instruments and methods for minimally invasive tissue retraction and surgery
Methods and devices retract tissue for minimally invasive surgery in a patient. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from a first configuration for insertion that minimizes trauma to skin and tissue to an enlarged configuration after insertion to further retract skin and tissue in a minimally invasive manner. Instruments are engageable to the first and second portions and operable to move the first and second portions relative to one another. |
US07981026B2 |
Medical procedure drape
A medical procedure drape, for use during a diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed on a patient supported by a patient cart, including a cover and a holder for the endoscope. The cover superimposes a portion of the patient and a portion of the patient cart. The endoscope holder is fixed to a boundary of the cover and extends above the level of the patient support surface on the patient cart. The endoscope holder retains and supports the endoscope during insertion and at other such times that the endoscopist may wish to set the endoscope aside to perform other tasks. |
US07981025B2 |
Adjustable implant and method of use
A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject, the adjustable implant having a permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system further includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject comprising at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet, whereby rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the permanent magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes drive control circuitry configured to drive the motor of the external adjustment device to achieve a target dimension of the adjustable implant. |
US07981024B2 |
Pelvic implant with anchoring frame
An implant for a pelvis is provided, wherein suturing is not necessary for anchoring the implant in place. The implant includes a flexible sheet and a solid frame, wherein the frame can be compressed or expanded. Upon insertion through the narrow openings of the pelvis, the frame is compressed, and upon delivery at the site, the frame is expanded, and is designed to anchor to the surrounding anatomical structures. |
US07981023B2 |
Elastic sling system and related methods
The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to adjustable length implantable sling assemblies for providing support to anatomical locations. In certain embodiments, the sling includes at least one elastic member to aid in the placement and tensioning of the sling. |
US07981021B2 |
Correction of stress urinary incontinence
Devices for treating stress incontinence, having a horizontal proximal portion supported on the pubococcygeus muscle and a distal portion extending downward and away from the proximal portion at an angle approximating the vagina in an erect female as it passes down and between the anterior segments of the pubococcygeus. The distal portion may terminate with a protrusion that is positioned to provide midurethral support, thereby preserving the urethovesical angle. |
US07981019B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating a composite liquid into at least two components
An apparatus for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component comprising a centrifuge having a rotor with a turntable for supporting a separation bag; a central compartment for containing satellite bags, and fitted with a support member for supporting at least one satellite bag so that a liquid contained in the supported satellite bag drains from the supported satellite bag into the separation bag under centrifugation forces when the rotor is set in rotation. |
US07981014B2 |
Resistance system for fitness equipment
A resistance system for an exercise device includes a frame, a resistance element such as elastic bands, coil springs, weight plates, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. An interference element such as a plate, chain or one or more links is supported by a support plate mounted on the frame. Selective engagement with the resistance element is provided by actuation of a dial, other actuator or controller or directly by the user. Thereby the resistance element can be selectively engaged or disengaged to vary the resistance to the user. |
US07981011B1 |
Combination exercise machine
A combination exercise machine comprises a movable platform assembly to perform leg presses and extended leg calf raises, a movable user support assembly which includes an adjustable brace pad assembly to perform seated isolated calf raises, a multi-function handle bar assembly, and a wrist rolling assembly to exercise the forearms. |
US07981009B2 |
Collapsible training stand
A training device, including a collapsible stand having a central support shaft and a plurality of legs. In a first position, the legs and central support member shaft collapse into each other. In a second position, the legs and central support shaft extend perpendicular relative to each other into a self-supporting stand having the central support shaft in a substantially vertical position. A plurality of striking pads is releasably coupled to the central support shaft by a quick release connector. A T-bar support attaches to the central support shaft. The plurality of striking pads approximate the positioning of the hands of a person in an offensive/defensive position, the head of the person and the torso of the person. |
US07981006B1 |
Track-adjusting mechanism for elliptical exercise apparatus
A track-adjusting method and a track-adjusting mechanism are applicable to an elliptical exercise apparatus using a linkage system to generate a cyclic exercise track. The track-adjusting method and the track-adjusting mechanism provide the elliptical exercise apparatus with additional exercise tracks by displacing at least one set of horizontally symmetrical pivotal joints in the linkage system, so as to allow diverse training programs and improved exercise effects. |
US07981000B2 |
Systems for interaction with exercise device
An exercise device is configured to enable a user to interact with a trainer in real-time communication. The exercise device includes an exercise mechanism having a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user. Communicating with the exercise mechanism is an interface adapted for gathering a first real-time signal from the user. The interface communicates with a communication system for receiving a packetized second real-time signal including a synchronized control signal from the trainer. The exercise device includes an output device configured to reproduce the second real-time signal. The control signals carried by the second signal are used to control the operating parameters of the exercise mechanism in real-time. |
US07980999B2 |
Body motion discriminating apparatus and activity monitor
A body motion discriminating apparatus includes an acceleration sensor for detecting a body motion of a user, a storing unit for storing a threshold, a threshold changing unit for changing the threshold based on physical data expressing a physical feature of the user and registering the changed threshold in the storing unit, and a discriminating unit for discriminating whether a detected body motion is walking or running by comparing a value of a parameter calculated from amplitude and cycle of an output signal of the acceleration sensor with the threshold. |
US07980997B2 |
System for encouraging a user to perform substantial physical activity
A system for encouraging a user to perform substantial physical activity. The system may include sensors that may be worn by the user while the user is performing a substantial physical activity, such as running or playing basketball. The sensors may detect the magnitude of the physical activity and may transmit data regarding the physical activity to a processing system. The processing system may display a reward to encourage the user for participating in physical activity and the reward provided may be based on the physical activity of the user. |
US07980995B2 |
Electro-hydraulic control system with multiplexed solenoid for retarder operation and main pressure modulation
An electro-hydraulic control system is provided that utilizes a shift solenoid and shift valve to multiplex a single pressure control solenoid to control both modulation of a main pressure regulator valve and retarder operation (fill and pressure). |
US07980993B2 |
Vehicle controller and vehicle control method
When a release of an accelerator is detected during a shift of an automatic transmission, instead of discharging the hydraulic pressure for engagement of an engaging device of the automatic transmission immediately after the release of the accelerator is detected during a shift, the hydraulic pressure for engagement of the engaging device of the automatic transmission is gently reduced with a remaining engine torque taken into consideration, the remaining engine torque being caused by the retardation of the decrease in the throttle opening degree. In this way, the torque capacity sufficient for the remaining torque caused by the throttle opening degree control performed when the release of the accelerator is detected during the shift is kept so that a slip in the engaging device of the automatic transmission is reduced. |
US07980991B2 |
Control device for hybrid vehicle drive apparatus
When the power transmitting path in an automatic shifting portion (20) is interrupted, a Co-lock control is executed to allow a differential portion (11) to be placed in a non-differential or nearly non-differential state with rotary elements (RE1 to RE3) kept in a unitary rotation. Thus, an engine (8), a first electric motor (M1) and a second electric motor (M2) rotate at an identical or nearly identical speed. Then, for the purpose of controlling the second electric motor (M2) at a rotation speed below a permit rotation speed, it may suffice for the first and second electric motors (M1) and (M2) to be driven in a direction to lower relevant rotation speeds while monitoring any one of an engine rotation speed, a first-motor rotation speed and a second-motor rotation speed. This allows such a control to be easily executed, thereby preventing the second electric motor from reaching a high speed rotation. |
US07980990B2 |
Power output apparatus, vehicle including power output apparatus, and control unit and method for power output apparatus
When there is no malfunction in either drive shaft rotational speed detection portion (36) or rotating shaft rotational speed detection portion (44), control of internal combustion engine (22), the power split device (30, MG1), the electric motor (MG2), and the shifting portion (60) is performed while speed ratio in shifting portion (60) is changed and an intermittent operation of internal combustion engine (22) is performed so that a drive power required for drive shaft (32a) is output to shaft (32a). When a malfunction occurs in drive shaft rotational speed detection portion (36) or/and rotating shaft rotational speed detection portion (44), the control is performed while at least one of change in speed ratio, intermittent operation, and output of drive power required for shaft (32a) to shaft (32a) is limited so that a drive power that approximates required drive power as closely as possible is output to drive shaft (32a). |
US07980988B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. |
US07980983B2 |
Hydraulically locking limited slip differential
An improved hydraulically locking limited slip differential assembly for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having a fluid pump external to a differential carrier and arranged for preventing slip between the wheels by selectively pressurizing a differential clutch internal to the carrier, and a controller arranged for selectively activating the fluid pump. |
US07980982B2 |
Telescopic actuator
A ring gear of a planetary reduction gear is screwed into an inner peripheral surface of a first housing through an opening thereof, while the thrust-receiving flange of a screw feed mechanism is held by the locknut screwed into an inner peripheral surface of a second housing through an opening thereof. In addition, the locknut and the ring gear face each other in an axial direction with a slight gap provided therebetween when the openings, respectively, of the first and second housings are connected to each other in the axial direction. Accordingly, even if the threaded connection of any one component of the locknut and the ring gear is loosened, the one component is prevented from moving by the other component. |
US07980981B2 |
Step automatic transmission
An automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of planetary gear units; a plurality of frictional elements, the frictional elements assuming engaged/disengaged condition upon receiving a ratio change instruction thereby to establish a desired speed of the transmission with the aid of the planetary gear units; a deceleration detecting means that detects a deceleration of the motor vehicle; a gear ratio detecting means that detects an actual gear ratio that is actually established in the transmission; and an interlock judgment means that judges whether or not the transmission is subjected to an interlock, the interlock being a condition wherein upon receiving the ratio change instruction, at least one of the frictional elements is brought into unintended engagement. The interlock judgment means is configured to carry out judgment of the interlock by analyzing a deceleration of the vehicle and a relation between a gear ratio intended by the ratio change instruction and an actual gear ratio actually established by the transmission while the transmission is not under a ratio change. |
US07980979B2 |
Conveyor belt junction element
A junction for a conveyor belt that includes first and second half-junctions attachable to one end of the conveyor belt. Each of the half-junctions having substantially matching shapes that allow the half-junctions to be interlinked. The half-junctions include a flexible core, and being respectively equipped with cup inserts and bush inserts allowing the passage of an assembly mechanism. Each of the cores extend towards the inside of each half-junction forming a fold at a free edge of each of the half-junctions. The top level of the first half-junction contains the fold and in which a front edge of the bottom level has substantially the same shape as a front edge of the top level, but is shifted towards the rear at least by the distance that separates the front edge of the top level from the cup inserts that are the furthest from the front edge of the top level. The second half-junction has a top level in which the shape of a front edge of the top level matches that of the front edge of the matching first half-junction, and a bottom level containing the fold and the bush inserts. The front edge of the bottom level is shifted towards the front in relation to the front edge of the top level, and its shape matches that of the front edge of the bottom level of the first half-junction. The attachment of the first and second half-junctions with each other is provided by fasteners. |
US07980974B2 |
Apparatus for mounting a bicycle electrical component
An apparatus for mounting a bicycle electrical component comprises a housing member structured to be mounted to a bicycle and an electronic circuit element mounted to a circuit mounting member, wherein the circuit mounting member is disposed in the housing. The circuit mounting member has a shape that varies away from a plane containing the electronic circuit element to conform to a shape of the housing member. |
US07980965B2 |
Multi-layer core golf ball
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a small, hard center enclosed by a soft intermediate core layer and an outer core layer. |
US07980962B2 |
Golf club and grip for golf club
A golf club (2) according to the present invention includes a head (4), a shaft (6) and a grip (8). A maximum thickness portion of the grip (8) is present within a range of 3 to 8 mm from a butt end. When the closest position to a tip side in the maximum thickness portion is set to be a reference position (K), a position placed apart from the reference position (K) toward the tip side by 20 mm is set to be a position (A), a position placed apart from the reference position (K) toward the tip side by 30 mm is set to be a position (B), a position placed apart from the reference position (K) toward the tip side by 50 mm is set to be a position (C), and a position placed apart from the reference position (K) toward the tip side by 200 mm is set to be a position (D), a taper ratio (T1) between the reference position (K) and the position (A) is equal to or higher than 0.255 and is equal to or lower than 0.270, a taper ratio (T2) between the position (B) and the position (C) is equal to or higher than 0.045 and is equal to or lower than 0.060, and a taper ratio (T3) between the position (C) and the position (D) is equal to or higher than 0.015 and is equal to or lower than 0.035. |
US07980961B2 |
Panel grip with modified seam
A grip for the handle of a golf club having at least one panel with a modified seam that is wrapped about an underlisting sleeve. The edges of the panels are coupled together with three attachment interfaces. The grip reduces impact shock and provides a feeling of tackiness in the manner of a spirally wrapped polyurethane-felt grip while allowing the use of multiple color panels and inserts and easy installation onto a golf club shaft. |
US07980959B2 |
Interchangeable shaft system
A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head and a fastener. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The fastener retains the shaft sleeve in the hosel. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features are provided that provide discreet orientations between the shaft and club head. |
US07980956B2 |
Sleeve and sleeve-type flexible shaft coupling
A shaft coupling with a flexible annular sleeve, a driver end piece, and a driven end piece. The end pieces have a plurality of axially projecting prongs arranged so that the driver prongs loosely interlock in the spaces between the driven prongs with a gap between each pair of prongs. The sleeve fits snugly around the periphery of the loosely interlocked prongs. Each prong has at least one prong groove in its outer periphery. Each of two peripheral edges may be shaped to form a groove flank, and each set of two adjacent groove flanks on adjacent prongs may form a gap groove. The sleeve has a plurality of inner teeth including a plurality of groove teeth in alternating arrangement with a plurality of gap teeth. The prong grooves and groove teeth mesh, and the gap grooves and gap teeth mesh. Groove teeth may be bigger than gap teeth. |
US07980953B2 |
Method for labeling images through a computer game
A methodology to determine the contents of an image uses an online game that is played by a large number of people at once. Each player may be randomly assigned a partner to form a pair. Partners do not know each other's identity and cannot communicate with one another. Players cannot see what their partners are typing, and the only thing the two partners have in common is an image that they can both see. One object of the game is to have each player type exactly what his or her partner is typing or has already typed. Once both players type the same string of words or letters, they receive a new image (the players are not required to type the string at the same time). The string upon which the two players agree is used as a label for that image. When trying to agree on a word, players may not be able to type certain specific strings of characters or “forbidden words”. When humans play the electronic game (online or over the Internet), they help computers determine the contents of images. If played by a large number of people, this game could provide a resource capable of classifying a vast portion of images on the World Wide Web. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims. |
US07980951B2 |
Storage medium having game program stored thereon and game apparatus
First acceleration data representing an acceleration applied in a first direction of the input device and second acceleration data representing an acceleration applied in a second direction of the input device different from the first direction are obtained based on a value detected by an acceleration detection section. Next, it is determined whether or not the first acceleration data is smaller than a first threshold value. When the first acceleration data is determined to be smaller than the first threshold value, predetermined calculation processing at least based on the second acceleration data is executed to calculate a first parameter used in game processing. When the first acceleration data is determined to be larger than the first threshold value, the first parameter is set to a predetermined value. The game processing is executed based on the first parameter. |
US07980950B2 |
Game machine and method with changing game field
A game control program includes a coordinates receiving step for receiving coordinates in a virtual apace, coordinates being input by a player, a course generating step for generating a course according to the coordinates input by the player, along which course a character moves in the virtual space, a course segment setting step for dividing said course into a plurality of segments, a geographical feature setting step for setting geographical features of each of the segments according to geographical position of each of the segments in the virtual space, an event setting step for setting events occurring on each of the segments according to a predetermined random factor, and a character moving step for moving the character in a direction substantially along the segment. A game control machine includes corresponding means. |
US07980949B2 |
Guard condition system
A guard condition system for determining whether to block an attack against a character in a multi-character party within an entertainment game is disclosed. A multi-character party may be divided into multiple lines of battle, such that all characters in more forward lines of battle automatically attempt to block attacks by an enemy against any characters in a more rearward line of battle. Whether a block attempt is successful may depend on a variable referred to as a guard condition value, which may be based on the characters in the multi-character party, the characters in the forward line of battler performing the blocking, and/or other modifiers resulting from the battle itself or from temporary rewards and penalties. When an attack is successful, the attacking character may move to the location of the attacked character such that subsequent attacks are immune from blocking attempts. |
US07980944B2 |
Gaming machine, game control method and game system
In a gaming machine of the present invention, a processing device executes: a processing reading from a storage device a program for shifting the game state from a without-insurance mode to a with-insurance mode on condition that a specific number of game media have been inserted, and then executing the program; a processing reading from the storage device a program for providing the player with a predetermined profit when a predetermined variable, accumulatively counted every time a game is played after the game state has been shifted to the with-insurance mode, reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the predetermined variable, and then executing the program; and a processing reading from the storage device a program for shifting the game state from the with-insurance mode to the without-insurance mode when a result of the game in the with-insurance mode satisfies a predetermined condition, and then executing the program. |
US07980937B2 |
Lottery audit system
In an instant lottery ticket system having a lottery administration host computer that includes a ticket validation file, security of the validation file is provided by an audit system that allows periodic audits of the validation file. Audit data, based on ticket data that is used to print the instant lottery tickets, can be compared to the information in the validation file to confirm the integrity of the validation file. The audit data can include all or a portion of the records that should be in the validation file or selected portions of data in the records such as ticket redemption values. Alternatively, the audit data can be computed from the ticket data into a data string for comparison with a data string computed from the validation file. Security can be further enhanced by incorporating time or other variable data in the data strings. The audit data can be transmitted to the host computer or placed on a read only memory for use by the host computer in the audit process. |
US07980936B2 |
Apparatus and method for player interaction
A gaming apparatus includes a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device, the controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a first video image to be generated on the display unit, the first video image representing a first video game, to determine a game event associated with the first video game, to cause a second video image representing a second video game to be generated on the display unit according to the game event associated with the first video game, to animate the second video image, to receive a player's input to stop animation of the second video image, to stop animation of the second video image according to the player's input, and to determine a value payout to be associated with the second video game. |
US07980934B2 |
Gaming method
A gaming method operates to provide expert card-counting information to some or all participants, in exchange for a premium. The premium may be a cash payment, a reduction in the prize amounts or betting odds, some combination of the foregoing, or any other useful remuneration. The house retains its edge via the premium. The method may be implemented for play at a physical or virtual card table. |
US07980932B2 |
Amusement devices and games including means for processing electronic data where ultimate outcome of the game is dependent on relative odds of a card combination and/or where chance is a factor: wagering on hands of cards
Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases such as long shot bias and favorite bias. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases relating to the Monty Hall paradox. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may include wagering on hands of cards, e.g., poker wagering games. |
US07980930B2 |
On-line game based on words, making use of a search engine
A game session of the invention comprises, contained within a very short time lapse, the following successive stages: a) selecting a headword that is communicated to the player; b) for each of the N players, determining a first candidate word presenting semantic proximity with the headword, and transmitting said first candidate word to the gaming site, which submits it to a search engine in combination with the headword in order to receive a numerical score; c) presenting the N first candidate words submitted to the site by the various players and then, for each player, selecting from amongst these N words a second candidate word that, on reflection, the player believes represents that one of the first candidate words that corresponds to the highest score obtained during the first game stage. The final stage comprises calculating, for each player, a performance grade as a function at least of the pertinence of the second candidate word submitted during the second game stage, and classifying the players depending on said performance grades. |
US07980928B2 |
Arrangement and method for utilizing the heat of waste air for heating the bilge area of aircraft
The present application describes an arrangement and a method for utilizing the heat of waste air for heating the bilge area of aircraft, wherein the bilge area is connected to a heat transfer unit via a first air supply pipe, through which a bilge air flow drawn in from the bilge area flows into the heat transfer unit, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises a second air supply pipe, through which a waste air heat flow to be cooled that is created at another location in the aircraft flows into the heat transfer unit in order to heat the drawn-in bilge air flow, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises a first air discharge pipe, through which the cooled waste air heat flow is discharged, and a second air discharge pipe with a bilge inlet section, and wherein at least a portion of the heated bilge flow is returned to the bilge area via the air discharge pipe and the bilge inlet section. |
US07980925B2 |
Fish processing device
A device for processing fish, the device comprising: an open channel through which a fish can pass; a fish processing means associated with the channel; a vertical guide plate pivotally mounted on each side of the channel, having a firing position and a retracted position; a mechanism for moving the fish processing means from a (“firing position”) to a position which allows passage of the fish through the channel after processing (“retracted position”); a mechanism for pivoting each guide plate between the firing and retracted positions (“guide plate pivot mechanism”); a trigger that when contacted by the head of the fish activates the fish processing means; and a mechanism for resetting the device after the processing of a fish, wherein the resetting mechanism is in communication with the trigger and wherein actuation of the mechanism by the trigger facilitates: activation of the fish processing means; movement of the fish processing means and guide plates from their respective firing positions to their respective retracted positions; return of the fish processing means and the vertical guide plates to their respective firing positions after they have attained their retracted positions; and priming of the at least one fish processing means. |
US07980920B2 |
Spectacle lens manufacturing method
A manufacturing method of a spectacle lens improving a manufacturing yield and a production efficiency is provided.The manufacturing method of the spectacle lens in which necessary information for a frame machining of a spectacle lens (progressive-power lens 20) including spectacle rim related information is obtained, and both surfaces of a convex surface and a concave surface are edge/polish machined from a spectacle lens blanks. When the convex surface or the concave surface is polish machined, and thereafter, the next surface is machined, the spectacle rim related information and layout information of the edge machining are obtained, and first provisional reference position marks 1 to 3 and second provisional reference position marks 4 to 6 guiding a geometrical horizontal reference and a geometrical perpendicular reference of the lens are inscribed at positions outside of an edge shape 111 as identification marks for the machined surface being polished as a provisional reference marking process, an optical layout is performed for the surface to be machined next based on these provisional reference position marks to perform a lens block to a lens machining tool. |
US07980918B1 |
Playhouse
A playhouse is provided that includes an outer structure and a roof supported by and positioned atop the outer structure. The outer structure and the roof cooperate to at least partially define a first playspace. In one embodiment, the playhouse can further include a fence that at least partially defines a second playspace. The first and second playspaces can communicate with one another such that a person can travel between the first and second playspaces. |
US07980915B2 |
Variable pitch game call
An apparatus for use as a game call contemplate a plurality of rotor mounted acoustical plates having differing tonal qualities which can be selectively positioned for engagement by a complimentary striking plate to produce individually distinct sounds or tones. |
US07980912B2 |
Toy construction system with jaw components
A toy construction set includes jaw pieces having jaws that interconnect with the body portions of other jaw pieces as well as interconnecting with other jaws. Ratchet wheel components are embodied in some jaw pieces and connector pieces, and are engageable by the jaws. The connector pieces include pins that interconnect with sockets in the body portions of the jaw pieces. A swivel piece has pivoting arms that each include a socket to interconnect with the connector pieces. A wheel assembly has an axle piece with sockets that also connect to the pins. Also, struts that comprise a series of space apart ratchet wheels, or regular tubular octagonal polyhedrons, have sockets in their ends to engage connector pieces. |
US07980911B2 |
Method of producing a light emitting apparatus provided with an insulating film between reflective layers and patterned anodes formed of different thicknesses
A light emitting apparatus having light emitting devices having a stack of a light-transmitting anode, a functional layer including at least a light emitting layer, and a cathode for a plurality of pixels corresponding to red, green, and blue colors on a substrate, wherein an optical resonator having a lower-layer-side reflecting layer at a lower-layer side of the anode is formed in the light emitting device, wherein a plurality of the pixels include pixels which correspond to different thicknesses of a anode, and wherein a light-transmitting insulating protective film is formed between the anode and the lower-layer-side reflecting layer to cover the lower-layer-side reflecting layer. |
US07980907B1 |
Amphibious paddle track propulsion system
An amphibious self-engaging paddle track propulsion system mountable on any floater, vessel or vehicle for enabling the ability to selectively travel over land or water, the system having an elongated endless paddle track, plurality of spring-loaded paddles, plurality of paddle supporting terrain treads, plurality of terrain treads, drive sprocket, chain sprocket, rear sprocket, frame, drive sprocket axle and rear sprocket axle wherein the terrain treads are secured to the paddle track and the paddles are secured to certain terrain treads wherein the halter and paddle are hinged together for allowing the retraction and extension of the paddle for land and water locomotion, respectively. |
US07980904B2 |
Driving power output control for personal watercraft
A jet-propulsion personal watercraft comprises a body including a hull and a deck, an engine mounted in the body, a driving power output changing system configured to be able to change a driving power output of the engine, a controller configured to control an operation of the driving power output changing system, and a pressure sensor configured to be able to detect a pressure which is applied to the body from the water on which the body is floating, the pressure having a component in a lateral direction of the body, wherein the controller includes a turning determiner configured to determine whether or not the body is turning, based on a signal received from the pressure sensor; and a driving power output control unit configured to control the driving power output changing system based on information received from the turning determiner. |
US07980898B2 |
Augmented small form-factor connector
A connector that is structured to electrically and physically connect with (i) a first connector type using a first set of electrical contacts, and (ii) a second connector type that uses the first set of electrical contacts and a second augmenting set of electrical contacts. |
US07980893B2 |
Coaxial connector and connector device
A coaxial connector where a plug having a coaxial structure is connected in a direction substantially parallel with a board, the board being where the coaxial connector is mounted, the coaxial connector includes a signal contact having one end connected to a plug pin and another end bent or curved toward the board; and a ground contact having a substantially cylindrical shaped main body part, the main body part surrounding a part of the signal contact, the ground contact being connected to a plug side ground member by a first connecting part formed at one end of the main body part, the ground contact being connected to the board by a second connecting part formed at another end of the main body part, wherein the second connecting part includes a center member and an arm part. |
US07980884B2 |
Structure for connecting flexible substrate and terminal fitting
A structure for connecting a flexible substrate and a terminal fitting is provided, the terminal fitting including: an upper plate; a lower plate; and a barrel which is formed in an upstanding manner on the lower plate, and is inserted into a hole formed in the flexible substrate; the flexible substrate being held between the upper plate and the lower plate by bending the barrel inserted to the hole, wherein a projection is formed in each of the upper plate and the lower plate, and the flexible substrate is held between the projections. |
US07980882B2 |
Electrical plug receiving connector
The invention relates to an electrical plug-in connector (1) for telecommunications and data systems technology, comprising electrically interconnected elastic high-frequency contacts (4) and core connection contacts (10). At least the high-frequency contacts (4) are arranged in a housing (2) comprising a receiving opening (3) for a counter plug-in connector, and the core connection contacts (10) are arranged in two parallel rows (8, 9). The distance between adjacent core connection contacts of a row is smaller than that between core connection contacts of different rows. The housing (2) has an upper edge (5), a lower edge (6) and two lateral edges (7), the two rows (8, 9) of core connection contacts (10) being parallel to the upper edge (5) of the housing (2). |
US07980880B2 |
Connector
The present invention prevents two connector housings of a connector from being in a half-fitted condition by increasing restoring force which separates the two housing. A connector includes: a first connector housing including a lock projection; a second connector housing to be fitted to the first connector housing and integrally including a lock arm which is elastically deformed by the lock projection and is engaged with the lock projection; a lock ensuring member including a body which is attached to the second connector housing and movable between an allowing position and a preventing position, and an interference arm which is integrally provided on the body and includes a pressing projection. The pressing projection presses the lock arm while the lock projection deforms the lock arm at the allowing position, and the interference arm abuts the lock arm so as to prohibit the lock arm from deforming in the preventing position. |
US07980876B2 |
Lock for mobile communication equipment
A system includes an integrated circuit card, a tray configured to receive the integrated circuit card, a connector, and a housing configured to receive the connector. The housing is configured to attach to a mobile communication device, the connector is configured to couple the tray and the integrated circuit card to the mobile communication device, the tray includes one or more one way snaps that are configured to lock the tray and the integrated circuit card to one or more of the connector, the housing, and the mobile communication device, and the tray includes a means for engaging and damaging one or more leads on the connector when attempts are made to disengage the tray and the integrated circuit card from the connector. |
US07980871B2 |
Light string system
A lamp system used in a light string system comprises a light assembly and a socket assembly. The light assembly comprises a light source, a base in communication with the light source, and a bypass activating system. The socket assembly comprises a socket adapted to receive the light assembly and a bypass mechanism having a first position and a second position. The bypass mechanism is in the first position when the light assembly is not seated in the socket assembly. When the bypass mechanism in the first position, current flows across the bypass mechanism. When the light assembly is inserted into the socket assembly, the bypass activating system of the light assembly moves the bypass mechanism into the second position, and current flows through the light source instead of the bypass mechanism. |
US07980870B2 |
Electrical card connector
An electrical card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (10) defining a card receiving room, at least one set of terminals (30) retained in the insulative housing, and an ejector attached on the insulative housing. Each terminal has a soldering portion (303) extending out of the insulative housing and a contacting portion (301) extending towards the card receiving room. The ejector includes a slider (50), at least one spring member (90) and at least one pin member (80) cammedly pushing an inserted card. The slider includes a base portion (501) pressing against the contacting portions of the terminals and a pair of arm portions (503) extending laterally from the base portion. The base portion defines a number of passageways (502) and forms a number of protrusions (5011) extending into the corresponding passageways. The slider blocks the contacting portions from entering the card receiving room at an original position and moves to an inner position for giving way for the contacting portions. The contacting portions extend through the passageways into the card receiving room are supported by the protrusions. |
US07980867B2 |
Portable computer universal serial bus device with an extendable connector secured by multiple locking mechanisms
An apparatus for use within an electrical devices is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a casing having an upper body and a lower body, the casing including a tab disposed on a surface thereof and an adjustable base having a plurality of tab cavities adjacent to the tab. The tab engagingly couples to one of the plurality of tab cavities to secure the adjustable base. The apparatus also includes a connector system coupled to the adjustable base. |
US07980855B1 |
Student reporting systems and methods
The present invention relates to, among other things, the interactive reporting of student progress using learning maps. |
US07980854B2 |
Dental and medical treatments and procedures
A method treating a root canal in a tooth by introducing into the pulp chamber of a tooth and pulsing a laser light into the fluid reservoir so as to disintegrate pulp within the root canal without generation of any significant heat in said liquid fluid so as to avoid elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, or other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C. |
US07980849B2 |
Apparatus and method for flame-perforating films
An apparatus and methods for flame-perforating films. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a flame, and where the flame includes a flame tip opposite the burner and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is in contact with the film, where the burner is positioned such that the distance between an unimpinged flame tip of the flame and the burner is at least one-third greater than the distance between the film and the burner. |
US07980848B2 |
Mold for molding lens
A mold for molding a lens includes a first mold part and a second mold part. The first mold part includes a substantially frustoconical guiding chamber defined therein, and a first molding surface in the substantially frustoconical guiding chamber. The second mold part includes a main body having a substantially frustoconical protrusion with a substantially cylindrical recess defined therein. The substantially frustoconical protrusion has a second molding surface in the substantially cylindrical recess. The substantially frustoconical protrusion is configured for inserting into and matingly engaged in the substantially frustoconical guiding chamber of the first mold part, thus aligning the first molding surface with the second molding surface. |
US07980846B2 |
Machine for making bone shaped fibers
This specification discloses fiber additives for reinforcing matrix materials and an apparatus for forming the same, said fibers having flattened shanks terminated with egg-shaped nodules. The apparatus comprises a roller-former-cutter assembly that forms the fibers in a single operation from continuous filaments using compressive force and a unique cut-out and blade assembly. The fibers described are designed to have an increased pull-out resistance compared to other fiber morphologies. |
US07980845B2 |
Molding apparatus
A molding apparatus includes a first mold half, a first mold core, a second mold half, a second mold core and a plurality of spacers. The first mold core is received in the first mold half and has a first molding surface. The second mold half includes a receiving cavity defined therein and a plurality of parallel grooves angularly equidistantly spaced from each other. The second mold core is received in the receiving cavity and has a second molding surface facing the first molding surface. The first and second molding surfaces are configured for cooperatively defining a molding cavity therebetween. The spacers are configured for being selectively disposed in the corresponding grooves. Each spacer is configured for being sandwiched between the second mold half and the second mold core. The spacers are configured for aligning the second molding surface with the first molding surface. |
US07980842B2 |
Concrete block mold with moveable liner and heater
A mold assembly for an automated dry-cast block machine including a mold cavity formed by a plurality of frame elements, and a moveable liner plate positioned within the mold cavity and having a first major surface facing an interior of the mold cavity and a second major surface opposite the first major surface and facing away from the interior of the mold cavity, the liner plate configured to be moved toward and away from an interior of the mold cavity. At least one heater element is coupled to the second major surface of the moveable liner plate, the heater element configured to move with the moveable liner plate and to maintain the first major surface at a desired temperature. |
US07980841B2 |
Defined ratio dual-wall pipe die
A pipe extrusion die may be provided having an inner flow passageway having a first cross-sectional area, and an outer flow passageway having a second cross-sectional area, both being in communication with an inlet flow passageway. A ratio adjusting tube may be movably disposed in blocking engagement between the inlet flow passageway and the inner flow passageway. The ratio adjusting tube and the outer flow passageway both may be substantially concentric with the inner flow passageway. Material may be distributed from the inlet flow passageway to the inner and outer flow passageways. The method and apparatus may allow for the manual and automatic control of the proportion of material distributed between the inner and outer flow passageways by adjusting the position of the ratio adjusting tube in relation to a passageway between the inlet flow passageway and the inner flow passageway, based on various operating parameters. |
US07980839B2 |
Production of UHMWPE sheet materials
Wide panels of UHMWPE having exceptional flatness and surface quality are ram extruded through a slit die equipped with a plurality of individually adjustable cooling zones proximate the panel exit slit and transverse to the machine direction, which cool the panel while the panel is restrained by a back pressure device and preferably a vertical movement restraint. The process is robust and can be run for long product campaigns. |
US07980837B2 |
Self-aligning rotary pistone machine
A rotary piston machine has a cylinder provided with two ends to form a stator with inlet and outlet apertures, and a piston having a rotor eccentrically mounted within the stator. A vane is connected to the rotor by a hinge and forms an expanding and contracting chamber as the piston rotates. The piston is provided with a sealing means sufficient to restrict movement of gaseous/fluid matter between chambers during operation. The sealing means includes a flexible seal member with a mating lip positioned adjacent to the vane hinge. Each revolution of the eccentrically mounted piston causes the seal member to contact an inner cylinder wall to prevent the escape of displaced gaseous/fluid matter past the vane hinge. The flexible seal member contacts the cylinder wall and bends to form a lip seal resistive to the direction of pressurization. |
US07980835B2 |
Tube retainer system for a peristaltic pump
A retaining assembly comprising a base and a retainer comprising a wall and a notch in the wall. The notch in the wall has an arcuate first portion and an arcuate second portion that converge at a juncture. The first and second arcuate portions of the notch are oriented toward the base and the retainer is slidably translatable from a first open position to a second closed position with the base. |
US07980832B2 |
Wave energy converter
A stationary structure is mounted on the floor of an ocean or other body of water subject to wave motion. The structure provides a floatation body that moves with the waves and is able to drive a sealing plate in a compression chamber. When the water level changes, or wave action magnitude changes, a second sealing plate is able to move automatically to maintain a constant size of the compression chamber. Air compressed in the chamber is let into a tank to maintain a constant elevated pressure in the tank and the air pressure is used to power a turbine to generate electricity. In an alternate embodiment, a mechanical linkage drives the turbine directly. |
US07980830B2 |
Electric pump
A rotary shaft is rotatable relative to a motor rotor. A first end face of the motor rotor is exposed to the outside of a stator. A hammer portion is provided at the first end face. The hammer portion is configured to be movable as the motor rotor rotates. A collision portion rotating integrally with the rotary shaft is configured to collide with the hammer portion. The allowance space between the collision portion and the hammer portion allows the hammer portion to be move relative to the collision portion. Therefore, the electric pump is capable of detaching a rotor from a pump chamber without increasing the size of the pump. |
US07980827B2 |
Method and connecting piece for assembling an arm, preferably a windmill arm, in sections
Method and connecting piece for assembling a first and a second arm section in extension of one another in order thus to form at least a part of an arm, preferably a windmill arm, where two arm sections are connected to at least one connecting piece for mounting between the two arm sections. The connecting piece is provided with a first flange for attachment to the end of the first arm section and a second flange for attachment to the end of the second arm section, the first and the second flange being firmly interconnected. The first and the second flange are each provided with at least one hole for a bolt which extends through the hole from the connecting piece and into the adjacent arm section, this bolt or these bolts securing each arm section to the adjacent flange. |
US07980824B2 |
Rotor for a flotation machine
The invention relates to a rotor of a flotation machine, particularly to a rotor, that is used for dispersing air to a slurry, and which rotor comprises alternating air ducts and slurry grooves and a collar fitted to the rotor for guiding the slurry flow into the interior of the rotor for avoiding undesired cross flow effect of the slurry flow. The rotor of the present invention efficiently prevents sanding effect and provides excellent dispersion of air into the slurry. |
US07980823B2 |
Wind turbine generator rotor, wind turbine generator and wind turbine generator system
Provided is a wind power generating apparatus adopts a rotor blade including a frame body unit composed of a frame body having an opening and a plurality of support frames extending from the frame body, and a sail portion adhered to cover the frame body unit. The frame body unit is configured to be retractable using wires and a servo-motor to decrease the surface area of the rotor blade in high winds. As a result, the rotor blade can rotate easily with a low wind power and can rotate continuously with an inertial power, once it starts the rotations, so that it can run the power generating function at a set value of a rated speed of rotations of 700 to 2,000 rpm. |
US07980821B1 |
Turbine blade with trailing edge cooling
A turbine rotor blade with a trailing edge cooling circuit in which cooling air from an impingement cavity located adjacent to the trailing edge region is connected to a plurality of metering channels that open onto the pressure side wall of the trailing edge region of the airfoil to discharge the cooling air. A row of submerged slots that open onto the suction side wall of the airfoil are connected to the metering channels by a row of small holes that bleed off the cooling air in the metering channel in a progressive manner and discharge the air into the slot. The trailing edge cooling circuit allows for a thinner trailing edge airfoil, reduces the metal temperature and reduces the shear mixing between the cooling air and the mainstream hot gas flow. |
US07980815B2 |
Turbomachine variable-pitch stator blade
A turbomachine variable-pitch stator blade is disclosed. The stator blade includes an aerofoil, extended on one side by a pivot by which it is mounted so as to rotate in a bore of the casing of the turbomachine, and a plate, between the aerofoil and the pivot, perpendicular to the line formed by the aerofoil and the pivot. Since the face of the plate opposite to the aerofoil includes a first zone and a second zone, the first zone being subjected to an intense friction with the wall of the casing because of the transverse forces applied to the aerofoil, the thickness of the plate on the second zone is reduced relative to the thickness of the plate of the first zone. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the weight of the blade without loss of performance. |
US07980813B2 |
Fan outlet guide vane shroud insert repair
A method of repairing a turbine engine component that contains a series of lined apertures. The component is removed from the engine, and then at least one of the aperture liners is also removed. The area adjacent the aperture is machined to remove a portion of the parent material of the component. An insert which replaces the material removed by machining is secured adjacent the aperture. The liner about the aperture is then replaced. |
US07980811B2 |
Turbine with mixers and ejectors
A Mixer/Ejector Wind/Water Turbine (“MEWT”) system is disclosed which routinely exceeds the efficiencies of prior wind turbines. Unique ejector concepts are used to fluid-dynamically improve many operational characteristics of conventional wind/water turbines for potential power generation improvements of 50% and above. Applicants' preferred MEWT embodiment comprises: an aerodynamically contoured turbine shroud with an inlet; a ring of stator vanes; a ring of rotating blades (i.e., an impeller) in line with the stator vanes; and a mixer/ejector pump to increase the flow volume through the turbine while rapidly mixing the low energy turbine exit flow with high energy bypass fluid flow. The MEWT can produce three or more time the power of its un-shrouded counterparts for the same frontal area, and can increase the productivity of wind farms by a factor of two or more. The same MEWT is safer and quieter providing improved wind turbine options for populated areas. |
US07980810B2 |
Vertical axis windmill and wind turbine system for generating electricity from wind energy
A lift-type wind turbine having a substantially vertical rotating shaft and a plurality of substantially vertical blades secured to the shaft. Each blade includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a pivot axis pivotally securing the rear and front portions. The rear portion pivots relative the front portion. The blades additionally include bottom and top edges positioned on each of the front portions. Each bottom edge is arranged substantially equidistant from the shaft proximate a first circumference extending substantially horizontally about the shaft, whereas each top edge is arranged substantially equidistant from the shaft proximate a second circumference extending substantially horizontally about the shaft. The blades are angled relative to the rotating shaft. The blades have an open, drag means position as well as a closed, lift means position, and passively switch between the positions based on wind speed for efficient rotation. |
US07980808B2 |
Automatic transport loading system and method
A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A guidance system follows a travel path to a position near the transport and then a sensor profiles a transport so that a transport path is determined for an AGV to follow into the transport to place a load and for exiting the transport upon placement of the load. |
US07980806B1 |
Conveyor roller assembly installing system
A vehicle supported mine item positioning apparatus for placing, for example, heavy mining conveyor belt items such as roller assemblies, conveyor frame side rails, frame sections or the like in precise positions for attachment to other conveyor structure, wherein the vehicle can get into cramped quarters in the mine alongside the conveyor and extend, retract, rotate and further manipulate an item pick-up crane mounted on the vehicle, whereby the crane with item pick-up means mounted on an end thereof can pick up and place, e.g., a roller assembly in a precise position and posture on a conveyor frame for making said attachment, and further in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is provided with second crane means for lifting a moving conveyor belt off of a roller assembly for replacement of said assembly with or without stopping the belt, whereby worker lifting and manipulation of heavy roller assemblies or other heavy mining structures is eliminated. |
US07980804B2 |
Wheel lift system
A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub. The wheel lift system includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to one another, a plurality of caster wheels attached to the lower portion of the arms, and a first support and a second support extending from the arms respectively for supporting a wheel and tire. A bias member is preferably attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in elevating the wheel and tire. Alternatively, a bias unit may be attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in maintaining elevation of a wheel and tire. |
US07980801B2 |
Screw
A screw characterized by having a screw body having a male screw portion to be screw fastened into a corresponding screw hole and a top hat portion that is integrally formed to be conjoined to one end of the male screw portion and having a top end surface formed thereon; a torque transmission means that is used for transmitting to the top hat portion the running torque required for screw fastening the male screw portion into the screw hole and having a base end surface formed to correspond to the form of the top end surface of the top hat portion; and an adhesive solidification layer that bonds the top end surface of the top hat portion and the base end surface of the torque transmission means to mechanically couple the top hat portion and the torque transmission means. |
US07980798B1 |
Tie-down assembly
An organization and storage assembly movably coupled with a track having a partially enclosed polygonal channelway, and a base, a mounting lug, a lock actuator, and a first organization and storage accessory. The base is at least partially enclosable in, and slidably translatable along, a polygonal channelway. The mounting lug is mounted to the base to extend exteriorly of the channelway when the base is within the channelway. The lock actuator is movably coupled with the base, for engagement and disengagement of the lock actuator under the influence of a biasing element. A first organization and storage accessory is resiliently coupled with the mounting lug, and can be selectively uncoupled from the mounting lug when the base is at least partially enclosed in a polygonal channelway to enable coupling of a second organization and storage accessory with the mounting lug without uncoupling the organization and storage assembly from a track. |
US07980796B1 |
Mechanical lock stop system and method
The disclosure provides for a lock stop system and method. In one embodiment there is provided a mechanical lock stop system for locking and controlled movement of a load. The system comprises a modular extruded part having a plurality of spaced openings on at least one side of the modular extruded part. The system further comprises a lock stop apparatus comprising a linear bearing having at least two sides, wherein the modular extruded part moves through the linear bearing; a release element having an attached hinge; a locking element having a first end and a second end; and a compression spring mounted around at least a portion of the locking element. The release element locks and unlocks the first end of the locking element to the modular extruded part. |
US07980795B2 |
Multi-piece tool assembly and cutting tool
A multi-piece tool assembly includes a male threaded member having an external thread, and a female threaded member having an opening adapted to receive at least part of the male threaded member up to a predetermined depth and an internal thread adapted to mate with the external thread of the male threaded member. When the male threaded member is received in the opening to the predetermined depth, substantially all forces between the external thread and the internal thread are oriented along an axis of the female threaded member, a working portion of the tool assembly being provided on one of the male threaded member and the female threaded member. |
US07980786B1 |
Dual pressure tensioner system
A tensioner system is described for oil and natural gas floating platforms and floating vessels having a plurality of self contained dual pressure cylinders for adjusting simultaneously low and high pressures in low pressure and high pressure channels, wherein the tensioner system is disposed on a floating structure to dampen the effects of sea waves and wind load between casing from a well and the floating structure due to movement of the sea and movement based on wind. |
US07980782B2 |
Traffic safety integrated system, particularly in low visibility conditions and method of use of same
An integrated system for traffic safety (1), particularly in low visibility conditions, for use on a site (2) of a road, railway, airport, harbor or the like, which comprises road markings and/or signs (3). The system (1) comprises at least one light-emitting device (4) for generating at least one light beam (5). One feature of the invention is that it comprises means (6) for controlling the light-emitting device (4) to generate the beam (5). The device has such a predetermined relative position with respect to said site (2) as to selectively interact with the road markings and/or signs (3) and to make the beam (5) only visible to the drivers that drive over the site (2) in a predetermined drive direction, and not to those who drive in the opposite direction. An integrated method for traffic safety, in conditions and sites as described above, including the steps of providing road markings and/or signs (3) on a road site (2) (step a), providing at least one light-emitting device (4) for emitting at least one light beam (5) (step b), emitting the beam (5) (step c) and conforming and orienting it toward the site (2) to selectively hit the road markings and/or signs (3) thereon (step d). |
US07980777B2 |
Fluid dispensing system with separate pump actuator and dispensing pad
A pump dispenser has a large ergonomic actuator designed to ergonomically deliver a composition to a substrate in the consumer's hand without the consumer having to pick up the pump dispenser. The ergonomic design allows the composition to be delivered in a proper aspect ratio to the substrate. The composition can be delivered in such a way that the composition is not aerosolized into the air or delivered to an unintended surface. The method of delivery can be made intuitive to the consumer by providing an actuator skirt that suggests the pumping mechanism or by providing a depiction of a hand or substrate over the pump dispenser. The pump dispenser is also useful for compositions or substrates that are not stable together. The pump dispenser may have a dispensing pad that acts as the pump actuator or alternatively, may have a pump actuator that is separate from the dispensing pad. |
US07980774B2 |
Recording apparatus including temperature detector
A recording control device includes a head driving circuit, a temperature detector, and a controller. The head driving circuit includes a power supply that supplies a driving current to a plurality of driving coils used for driving a plurality of recording wires provided in a recording head. An induced current flows through a circuit which is connected to the plurality of driving coils when the driving current to the driving coils stops. The temperature detector detects a temperature of heat generated in the circuit due to the induced current, and the controller controls an operation of the recording head based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector. |
US07980765B2 |
Bearing apparatus featuring electrorheological fluid lubrication
The present invention, as variously practiced, implements electrorheological fluid (ERF) as a bearing lubricant. Various modes of an inventive rolling element bearing apparatus provide for electrification of inventive electrode components, viz: (first mode) two annular disk electrodes, opposite each other and perpendicular to the two raceway surfaces; or, (second mode) electrically conductive inner and outer races, having an electrically conductive spacer therebetween; or, (third mode) plural electrodes, radially embedded in a race. An ERF lubricative coating remains on one or both raceway surfaces in accordance with Winslow effect principle (first and second modes) or edge effect principle (third mode). An inventive journal bearing apparatus provides for electrification of electrodes that are axially-longitudinally embedded in a journal bearing member, resulting in establishment of edge effect electric flux lines between adjacent electrode pairs, an ERF lubricative coating thereby remaining on the journal bearing member's inward facing surface, contiguous to the shaft. |
US07980759B2 |
Temperature sensing circuit for low voltage operation
The present invention discloses a temperature sensing circuit which is adaptive toward low voltage IC environment, it mainly comprises: a temperature sensing unit, a temperature threshold control unit and a transconductance amplifier. The temperature sensing unit includes a bipolar transistor and PMOS transistors, and senses temperature via detecting voltage. The temperature threshold control unit includes PMOS transistors and NMOS transistors, and makes an over-temperature alert signal persistently sent out until temperature is lowered to a specified value when the temperature sensing unit detects an over-temperature state. The transconductance amplifier includes PMOS transistors and NMOS transistors, and makes the temperature sensing circuit of the present invention adapt to a low voltage IC environment. Further, the circuit architecture of the present invention does not require any use of operational amplifier or band-gap voltage reference source. Therefore, the present invention can reduce the production and design cost. |
US07980758B2 |
Equipment for non-contact temperature measurement of samples of materials arranged under vacuum
The invention concerns an equipment for non-contact temperature measurement (1) of samples of materials (2) arranged in a vacuum chamber (12). A UV lamp (6) illuminates the samples (2) through a window (4), so as to subject them to a predetermined thermal cycle and to perform an environmental test, in particular for materials designed for space missions. An external pyrometer measures the temperature of the samples (2) through a window (6). It is associated with a scanning module (9) including a mobile mirror, with two axes of rotation and three orthogonal axes of translation, arranged on the optical path of the infrared radiation (Rir) so as to obtain a two-dimensional scanning of each sample (2) by means of a measuring spot focused on the surface of the samples. In a preferred embodiment, the samples are of slight thickness and locked pressed against a convex support. The whole assembly is monitored by an automatic data processing system with recorded program (10). |
US07980757B2 |
Bonding strength measuring device
A bonding strength measuring device for measuring the bonding strength between a substrate and a molding compound disposed on the substrate is provided. The measuring device includes a heating platform, a heating slide plate, and a fixing bracket. The heating platform has a first heating area and a first replaceable fixture. The substrate is disposed on the first heating area, and the first replaceable fixture is used to fix the substrate and has an opening exposing the molding compound. The heating slide plate has a second heating area and a second replaceable fixture. The second heating area is used to heat the molding compound, and the second replaceable fixture has a cavity for accommodating the molding compound. The fixing bracket is used to fix the heating slide plate above the heating platform. |
US07980751B2 |
Light shades and lighting systems
Light shades and lighting systems that create a spectral effect when a lighting element is illuminated within the shade, and features that reflect light originating within the shade. Embodiments of the invention incorporate hollow body having a diffraction grating thereon and an internal cavity to retain one or more lighting elements, and in some instances, to also retain one or more lengths of conductor. |
US07980748B2 |
Lighting system including light guide with reflective micro structures on edge surfaces
A light guide includes a light guide substrate having a top surface through which light is to be emitted, a bottom surface, an incident edge surface through which incident light is to be introduced into the light guide substrate, and another edge surface. The another edge surface includes at least one micro structure operative to reflect at least a portion of the incident light, which travels through the light guide substrate and is incident on the another edge surface, back within the light guide substrate. |
US07980746B2 |
Hollow type planar illuminating device
A hollow type planar illuminating device having uniform luminance distribution over the entire light emitting is described. A reflecting surface member is arranged on the bottom side of a hollow unit case, a light emitting surface member is arranged on the side facing the reflecting surface member of the unit case, and a space sandwiched between the reflecting surface member and the light emitting surface member of the unit case forms a hollow light guide space. An LED light source unit emits light into the hollow light guide space with a light collecting lens arranged between the LED light source unit and an end surface of the hollow light guide space. The light collecting lens reduces the directivity angle of light emitted from the LED light source unit in the device thickness direction. |
US07980745B2 |
Broad spectrum fiber optic base laser illumination
The present invention is an illumination device designed to provide efficient illumination in confined spaces and methods of using such a device. The devices of the present invention comprise a laser light source of a specifically selected wavelength or wavelengths, optical fiber(s) and one or more light converters to convert the input laser light to broad spectrum white light or a specific desired wavelength. The light converter may be integral/modular with the fiber optic assembly. The light converter may be constructed of phosphors, nanocrystals or other energy converters which are embedded within a transport material such as polymer or glass. |
US07980741B2 |
Automotive illumination-system device and light-conductor system for an automotive illumination-system device
The invention relates to a light-conductor structure (13) for an automobile lighting device (11), with a coupling section (17) to couple light into the light-conductor structure, a curved reflecting surface (25) to reflect light beams (59) of the light coupled into the light-conductor structure via the coupling section, and at least one decoupling section (30, 45, 51) to decouple the light from the light-conductor structure (13). In order to achieve a light-conductor structure (13) in which fewer limitations to the determination of its geometric shape exist, or whose appearance may be more freely configured, it is proposed that the reflecting surface (25) of the light-conductor structure (13) is curved such that light reflected from the reflecting surface (25) strikes directly with no additional reflection either again onto the reflecting surface (25) or passes into the minimum of one decoupling section (30, 45, 51). |
US07980739B2 |
In-vehicle illuminating device
An in-vehicle illuminating device 1 capable of efficiently guiding luminous flux emitted from a luminous source to a light guiding body. The in-vehicle illuminating device 1 is provided with a rod-shaped light guiding body 13 which reflects, on its inner surface, light rays incident from an optical incidence plane 16 provided at an end 13a to guide the light rays to the other end longitudinally provided, a lamp 19 which emits light to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped light guiding body 13 and is arranged in the vicinity of the optical incidence plane 16, and an light introducing body 20 for introducing the luminous flux emitted from the lamp 19 to the optical incidence plane 16. The light introducing body 20 allows the optical incidence plane 16 to be set within a range of the luminous flux emitted from the lamp 19. |
US07980738B2 |
Multi-source shadowless operating lamp
A multi-source shadowless operating lamp is disclosed, which includes a central base, a link element received in the central base, and a plurality of spotlights mounted on a peripheral of the central base and spaced a distance apart from each other. A light field is defined below the central base and extends perpendicular to the central base. Each spotlight defines a light focus spot through the light field. The focus spots exactly pass the same height in the light field. Each spotlight includes a lamp shell connecting with the central base, a dissipation substrate accommodated in the lamp shell, and a plurality of LED sets. The LED sets at different positions respectively cast light to the focus spot of the spotlight. An angle between the dissipation substrate and the light shell is adjustable to change position of the focus spot of the spotlight relative to the light field. |
US07980737B2 |
Electronic device support
An electronic device support includes a V-shaped base, a supporting leg, a cable and a number of lights. The V-shaped base includes a pair of legs extending from an apex of the V-shaped base. The supporting leg is pivotably connected to the V-shaped base adjacent to the apex. The cable is embedded in at least one of the legs and the supporting leg and includes a connector plug electrically connected to the other end. The lights are rotatably mounted on one of the distal end of the legs of the base away from the apex of the V-shaped base. |
US07980735B1 |
Reflector assembly for a recessed luminaire
A reflector assembly includes a frame that maintains the integrity and shape of a multi-member reflector for a recessed luminaire. The members of the reflector are arranged in a geometric form, such as a rectangle. The frame is disposed around the reflector. The frame includes at least one integral member manipulated around a joint formed between adjacent members of the reflector. For example, the integral member can include a clamp or tab. The frame and the integral member secure the positions of the members of the reflector relative to one another and prevent light from leaking through joints between the members. One or more connectors are coupled to the frame for connecting the reflector assembly to a lighting fixture. For example, each connector can include a torsion spring coupled to a lever configured to engage a corresponding catch of a collar on the lighting fixture. |
US07980733B2 |
Aspherical LED angular lens for wide distribution patterns and LED assembly using the same
The present invention discloses an aspherical LED angular optical lens for wide distribution patterns and an LED assembly using the same. The optical lens comprises a concave surface on a source side and a convex surface on a project side. The LED assembly comprising the optical lens can accumulate light emitted from the LED die and generate a peak intensity of the wide angular circle distribution pattern which is greater than 120° and smaller than 180°. The present invention only uses a single optical lens capable of accumulating light and forming a required distribution pattern to satisfy the requirement of a luminous flux ratio greater than 85% and the requirement of an illumination, a flash light of a cell phone or a flash light of a camera. |
US07980732B2 |
Projector type lamp
An projector type lamp includes a casing formed with a front open end and configured by connecting an upper casing member and a lower casing member to each other; a concave mirror formed on an inside face of the casing; a light source provided at the first focal point of the concave mirror; a convex lens configured to be held between the upper casing member and the lower casing member at the front open end of the casing and adapted to refract a reflected light that is emitted from the light source and reflected on the concave mirror so as to project a substantially parallel pencil beam forward from the project type lamp; provisional fixers provided on the upper casing member and the lower casing member respectively and configured to latch one another so as to provisionally fix the casing members to one another in place; and a fastener configured to fasten the provisionally-fixed casing members together. |
US07980731B2 |
Light-emitting element mounting substrate, light source, lighting device, display device, traffic signal, and method of manufacturing light-emitting element mounting substrate
A light-emitting element mounting substrate (20) in which a surface of a core metal (21) is coated with an enamel layer (22), and a reflective concave portion (23) for mounting a light-emitting element is provided, wherein a groove (24) is provided around the reflective concave portion. |
US07980729B2 |
Illumination device
Disclosed is an illumination device for projecting a substantially uniform light at a remote distance. The illumination device comprises a mounting assembly divided into a plurality of sections, each section comprising a plurality of light emitting sources arranged substantially equi-distant along a circumference of said assembly at an angle to project a light image at the remote distance, an contact plate connected via a central axis with, and fixed to, the mounting assembly, the contact plate providing an electrical contact to each of the light emitting devices, a plurality of lensing assemblies equal in number to plurality of sections axially aligned with the mounting assembly, the lensing assembly aligned with a select one of the light emitting sources in a corresponding section, the light emitting source being positioned in front of a focal point of the lensing assembly, each lensing assembly comprising at least one optically transparent lens determining said lensing assembly focal point, and means for shifting said contact plate and mounting assembly to align a select one of said light emitting devices with a corresponding lensing assembly. In another aspect of the invention, the lens assemblies may be positioned linearly and light emitting sources are positioned along an edge of the mounting assemblies, wherein the LEDs are positioned in front of the lensing assemblies by shifting each of the mounting assemblies. |
US07980722B2 |
Light attachment for inspection tool
A light assembly for an inspection tool having a mirror, the assembly having a mounting bracket attached to the mirror; a light member attached to the mounting bracket; and a power source for the light member. |
US07980719B2 |
Digital light with target effects
A digital light used with stage items. The digital light can form a portion of a stage performers costume, by for example illuminating a logo of the or a shape or color onto that costume. The digital light can also form effects when used in conjunction with phosphor paint. Another aspect includes using the digital light to signal the performer. |
US07980711B2 |
Light-emitting display device-equipped rear-view mirror
Interference of light is prevented from occurring in a rear-view mirror incorporating a light-emitting display device where a dark color mask member is arranged behind a mirror element. A mirror element is formed by forming a semi-transmissive reflective film on one surface of a transparent substrate. On a back surface of the mirror element, a dark color mask member is arranged. An opening a is formed in the dark color mask member Behind the mirror element, a light-emitting display device is arranged facing the opening. A protrusion forming a spacer is formed on the entire peripheral edge of a front surface of the dark color mask member. The spacer provides a clearance gap between the semi-transmissive reflective film and the dark color mask member. |
US07980706B2 |
Projector
A projector comprising a first light source, a second light source, a light combining element, a diffuser and an actuator is provided. The first light source provides a first light beam with high coherence. The second light source provides a second light beam with high coherence. The light combining element comprises a first surface, wherein the first and second light beams enter the light combining element, and are combined into a mixed light beam therein. The diffuser is disposed on the first surface of the light combining element, wherein the first and second light beams enter the diffuser. The actuator is connected to the light combining element, wherein the actuator actuates the light combining element to vary locations where the first and second light beams enter the diffuser. |
US07980700B2 |
Electronic apparatus housing cover, electronic apparatus, and projector
An electronic apparatus housing cover is adapted to be attached to a housing of an electronic apparatus having a connection terminal to be connected to an external apparatus via a connecting cable, and a speaker device adapted to output a sound, and cover the connection terminal and the speaker device. The housing cover includes a cover main body having a box like shape, having an opening on a face opposed to the housing, and having an insertion passage section through which the connecting cable is inserted, and an acoustic effect section provided to the cover main body, and adapted to execute an acoustic effect processing on a sound output from the speaker device. |
US07980697B2 |
Fundus oculi observation device and ophthalmic image display device
A fundus oculi observation device comprises: a first image forming part configured to form a 2-dimensional image of a surface of a fundus oculi of an eye; a second image forming part configured to form a tomographic image having a cross-sectional position in a measurement region of the fundus oculi corresponding to a partial region of the 2-dimensional image; a display; a storage configured to store imaging condition information including characteristic information showing a characteristic of the eye; and a controller configured to match display sizes of the formed 2-dimensional image and a measurement range image showing a range of the measurement region with each other, based on the stored imaging condition information, and cause the display to display the 2-dimensional image and the measurement range image whose display sizes are matched. |
US07980693B2 |
Anaglyphic depth perception training or testing
An anaglyphic image presentation system is provided to evaluate and train a user's depth perception abilities. In embodiments, anaglyphic image target components are presented to a user on a display device. The image target components are then viewed by the user through a set of transmission filter lenses. The transmission filter lenses present and block one or more target components based on the peak wavelength transmission associated with each lens. As a result, a user perceives an anaglyphic target image that is resultant from the perceived image target components when viewed through the transmission filter lenses. |
US07980691B2 |
Fixing mechanism of gut for half rim
A fixing mechanism of a gut 6 holding a lens 20 onto a half rim 1 prevents the gut 6 from being cut off by a large force acting on a bent part of the gut 6. The fixing mechanism includes an attachment part 2 of the half rim 1, to which a part of the periphery of the lens 20 is held, the lens 20, and the gut 6 fixing the lens 20 to the attachment part 2 by pressing the periphery of the lens 20 and thereby pressing the lens 20 toward the attachment part 2. The fixing mechanism further includes holding members 8 and 11 holding each end of the gut 6 on the both sides of the attachment part 2 of the half rim 1, which holding members 8 and 11 are arranged in hollow parts 7 and 10, respectively, formed on both the side parts of the attachment part 2 of the half rim 1. |
US07980687B2 |
Outer cover for ink cartridges
The present invention provides an outer cover to secure a printhead-ink cartridge and can be used in a segregated printhead-ink cartridge which is modified from an all-in-one printhead-ink cartridge. The inner and outer mounting and matching dimensions of the outer cover fit the outer frame edge (2) of the printhead and the printhead rack. The outer cover is an integrated cartridge holder comprising functional parts including locking tabs (4a,4b), at least one outer cover operating handle (3), at least one printhead locking tab (7), at least one printhead operating handle (5), and at least one pressing rib (6). The outer cover ensures that the ink cartridge (8) is securely mounted in the frame of printhead (1) and that the printhead is accurately positioned in the printhead rack. When the ink is depleted only the ink cartridge inside the printhead needs to be replaced. |
US07980685B2 |
Ink supply system with float valve
An ink supply system for an inkjet printer. The ink supply system includes an ink reservoir and a pressure-regulating chamber. The pressure-regulating chamber has an inlet port, an outlet port, an air vent open to atmosphere and a float valve for maintaining a predetermined level of ink in the chamber. The float valve is biased towards a closed position by a positive ink pressure from the ink reservoir at the inlet port. |
US07980684B2 |
Printer having self-referencing printing cartridge
A printer is provided with a body having a slot for removably receiving a printing cartridge, a mesa feature arranged in the slot to cooperate with a complementary slot in the fluid distribution support of the printing cartridge upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer, and protrusions arranged in the slot to cooperate with a flat surface of a plurality of corners of the printing cartridge upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer The printing cartridge has at least one printhead integrated circuit with a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles and a fluid distribution support mounting the printhead integrated circuit. The cooperation of the mesa feature and complementary slot and the protrusions and corners provides information on the location of the nozzles. |
US07980683B2 |
Inkjet printer with ink recycling amount changing units
In an inkjet printer where an ink recycling path for recycling ink is formed by connecting among an ink head, an upstream tank, and a downstream tank, the inkjet printer includes a temperature detecting unit that detects a temperature of recycling ink, a temperature changing unit that is installed in the ink recycled path and changes the temperature of the recycling ink so that the temperature of the recycling ink reaches a predetermined temperature, and an ink recycling amount changing unit that is installed at the upstream tank and changes an ink recycling amount according to the change in temperature of the recycling ink. Time required to make the temperature of the recycling ink reach the predetermined temperature can be shortened. |
US07980681B2 |
Ink-jet head and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed are an ink-jet head and a manufacturing method thereof. The ink-jet head, which has a reservoir storing ink, a chamber being supplied with the ink from the reservoir, a restrictor connecting the reservoir to the chamber, and a nozzle discharging the ink, includes: a chamber plate, in which the chamber is formed; a vibration plate, which is laminated on an upper surface of the chamber plate to cover the chamber and in which a first coil is placed; a first middle plate, which is laminated on a lower surface of the chamber plate and in which the restrictor is formed, and a second coil is placed; and a lower plate part, which is laminated on a lower surface of the first middle plate and in which the reservoir and the nozzle are formed. |
US07980679B2 |
Piezoelectric element, liquid droplet ejecting head, image forming device, and method of manufacturing liquid droplet ejecting head
A piezoelectric element includes: a lower electrode which is formed on a surface of a vibrating plate, and is one polarity of a piezoelectric element which displaces the vibrating plate; a flexurally-deformable piezoelectric body formed on a surface of the lower electrode; and an upper electrode which is formed on a surface of the piezoelectric body, and is another polarity of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric body is formed by a vacuum deposition method. Polarization of the piezoelectric body is oriented in a direction from the lower electrode toward the upper electrode. |
US07980669B2 |
Inkjet thermal actuator with parallel current paths
An inkjet printhead is disclosed. The printhead has an array of ink chambers. Each ink chamber has a nozzle and a thermal actuator for generating vapor bubbles to eject ink through the nozzle. The thermal actuator has a pair of contacts and at least two parallel current paths between the contacts. Each of the current paths has a plurality of heater elements for nucleating a vapor bubble. |
US07980668B2 |
Ejection arrangement for printhead nozzle
An ejection arrangement is provided for a printhead nozzle. The arrangement has a chamber having an inlet defined by edge portions of a first side of the chamber and an ejection port defined in a second side of the chamber, and an ejection member located in the chamber between the edge portions. The ejection member is operable to cause ejection of fluid in the chamber through the ejection port and subsequent refill of fluid into the chamber through the inlet. The edge portions are configured to reduce fluid flow through a space between the edge portions and the ejection member during ejection. |
US07980665B2 |
Printhead assembly with an extrusion for housing bus bars
Provided is a printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer. The assembly includes a substrate channel, and a plurality of printhead modules positioned in the channel to form a pagewidth printhead module assembly. Also included are an extrusion for housing bus bars operatively providing electrical power to the printhead modules, and a cover plate securing a flex printed circuit board (PCB) in the assembly, the PCB forming a data bus to the printhead modules. The assembly further includes compressible conductive strips between the busbars abutting contacts on an upper side of parts of the flex PCB, wherein the substrate channel defines a series of groups of holes through which the printhead modules are supplied with differently colored inks. |
US07980663B2 |
Liquid ejection head
A print head can improve an ink refill speed to reduce the time from the end of one ejection of ink droplets until the beginning of a next ejection of ink droplets and maintain the high quality of images obtained by printing. An ink jet print head has an ejection port portion including a first ejection port portion communicating with atmosphere, and a second ejection port portion having a cross-section which extends in a direction orthogonal to an ejecting direction and which is larger than that of the first ejection port portion. The second ejection port portion is formed between a bubbling chamber and the first ejection port portion. In the ink jet print head, an ejection port portion first axis is located away from an ejection port portion second axis. |
US07980649B2 |
Apparatus and method of ink jet printing
An apparatus and method of ink jet printing is provided that poor ejection less occurs even where making a printing on a printing medium ready to cause a paper powder, such as a fine art paper. An image is to be printed on a printing medium by performing a relative movement of a printing medium and a printing head having a plurality of arrays each having a plurality of ejection openings. On this occasion, the image is printed by using ejection openings in a number changed in accordance with a type of the printing medium, out of a plurality of ejection openings on the two arrays adjacent to each other. |
US07980645B2 |
Droplet applying apparatus, method for measuring gap of droplet ejecting section and method for adjusting gap of droplet ejecting section
A droplet applying apparatus includes a base 11 having a mounting surface 11a on which a substrate 10 is to be mounted, beam members 41, 42 which are fitted to the base 11 so as to be movable relative to the base 11 in the arrow A direction, a plurality of droplet ejecting sections 6 which are fitted to the beam members 41, 42 so as to be movable in the arrow B direction and which eject droplets to the substrate 10 mounted on the mounting surface 11a, reference members each of which is provided at a site of the beam members 41, 42 proximate to the ejecting surface of each droplet ejecting section 6 and whose distance to the mounting surface 11a is known, a distance measuring section 14 for measuring a distance to the ejecting surface of each droplet ejecting section 6 and a distance to each reference member, and a calculation section 15 for, based on a distance between the ejecting surface of the one droplet ejecting section 6 and the distance measuring section 14 as well as a distance between the one reference member and the distance measuring section 14, both measured by the distance measuring section 14, plus a known distance between the one reference member and the mounting surface 11a, calculating a gap between the ejecting surface of the one droplet ejecting section 6 and the mounting surface 11a. |
US07980642B2 |
Drawer assembly
A drawer assembly including a drawer and a sliding guide rail system for slidably opening and closing the drawer within an article of furniture is provided. A support bracket for supporting the drawer is provided at each side of the drawer. The sliding guide rail system includes a pull-out rail disposed within each of the support brackets. One of the support brackets has a slot and the pull-out rail disposed within one of the brackets has a recess. A stabilizer arrangement for stabilizing the sliding movement of the drawer is also provided. The stabilizer arrangement includes a guide bracket and a lever. The guide bracket has a protrusion engageable within the support bracket slot. The guide bracket has a resilient grip portion that allows for the guide bracket protrusion to be adjustable laterally within the support bracket slot when the guide bracket is locked onto the support bracket. |
US07980640B2 |
Auto-return drawer rail
An auto-returning drawer rail is implemented in furniture having a drawer cavity and a drawer, and the auto-returning drawer rail has a drawer rail assembly, an auto-returning device and a buffering device. The drawer rail assembly is mounted in the drawer cavity and has a rail bracket, an outer track and an inner track. The auto-returning device is mounted in the drawer rail assembly and has a base, a sliding block, a connector and two springs. The base is mounted on the rail bracket. The sliding block is mounted slidably on the base. The connector is connected securely to the sliding block between the rail bracket and the base and has two clasping tabs engaging the base. The buffering device is mounted in the auto-returning device to prevent the drawer from returning too fast and has a damper and a drive shaft being connected to the connector. |
US07980639B2 |
Debris guard for track roller frame and machine using same
A tracked machine may be equipped with a debris guard in order to inhibit entry of debris from an exterior to an interior of a track roller frame. An idler, track roller frame, track and debris guard may be configured to create a difficult to traverse serpentine debris entry pathway into the track roller frame. This may be accomplished by flanking opposite sides of a track chain with a pair of guard plates, and further inhibiting debris entry by including an in board guard shield that defines a slot that surrounds a portion of the idler. |
US07980636B2 |
Automated gate control and methods
An automated gate control system for a vehicle with a load carrying portion capable of carrying a load of material selectively distributable through a gate comprises a driver-accessible control module and a gate actuating mechanism. The driver-accessible control mechanism is positionable within reach of a driver of the vehicle. The gate actuating mechanism is controllably linked to and responsive to control signals from the driver-accessible control module to open and to close the gate to distribute material through the gate as desired. As a result, the driver need not exit the vehicle to move the gate before, after or during a material distribution operation. |
US07980635B2 |
Auxiliary mechanism for seat belt apparatus
An auxiliary mechanism for a seat belt apparatus includes a support portion and a guide portion. The support portion supports a webbing in a manner drawable to the front of a seat back. The support portion is movable between a storage position, which is near the seat back, and a projection position, which is spaced further apart from the seat back than the storage position to draw out the webbing toward the front of the seat back. The guide portion guides the movement of the support portion between the storage position and the projection position, and then continuously guides the movement of the support portion along a vertical direction of the seat back at the storage position. |
US07980628B2 |
Convertible folding seat and storage combination
A folding seat combination is configured for use with and installation on a vehicle such as a golf cart type recreational vehicle. The folding seat combination provides selective positioning of seat, footrest, and backrest components, respectively each between upright and downward positions thereof, to alternately accommodate easy transport of either of additional passengers or materials. With the seat and footrest features in their upright positions and the backrest in its upward position, optional golf bag securing straps may be used to secure golf bags in the cart, as so configured for the transportation of materials rather than passengers in such location. With the footrest in an upright position, relatively loose items stored in an otherwise relatively open storage area of the cart may be contained and prevented from bouncing out during operation the cart. |
US07980626B1 |
Picnic table
A picnic table includes at least two leg units, a crossbar, a table top and two benches. Each leg unit includes two J-shaped legs. Each J-shaped leg includes a table top support portion formed thereon, a bench support portion formed thereon, and a recess defined in the table top support portion. The crossbar is located between the leg units. The table top includes planks and tubes for supporting the planks. The table top is supported on the table top support portions while the tubes are received in the recesses. Screws are used to secure the crossbar to the legs, secure the table top to the table top support portions, and secure the benches to the bench support portions. |
US07980625B2 |
Back jack
The Back Jack is an upper body support to be used when a person is working on their hands and knees. The Back Jack has a base with a chest pad on one side and a support rod pivotally mounted on the other side. The chest pad is made of a high quality or memory foam and covered with a vinyl material. The support rod pivot joint can be locked in a working position perpendicular to the base, a transport position parallel to the base, and one or more intermediate positions. The support rod is made of telescoping sections to accommodate workers of different heights. The telescoping sections are adjusted by a spring pin fixed to an inner shaft which fits through holes in an outer shaft. A pivoting rubber foot is mounted to the bottom of the inner shaft. |
US07980624B2 |
Device for actuating the pivoting movement of a vehicle flap
The device for actuating a pivoting movement of a vehicle flap about a pivot axis includes a gas spring having a cylinder and a piston rod protruding from the cylinder. Either the cylinder or the piston rod is coupled to a fixed component of the vehicle body, and the other one of cylinder and piston rod is coupled to the flap at a distance from the pivot axis. A flexurally rigid guide extends parallel adjacent to the gas spring and is fixedly connected to the cylinder of the gas spring. One region of a flexible tension and compression element is guided in the guide and operatively connected to the flap, and a second region is guided in a flexible casing and operatively connected to a reversible drive, so that the flexible tension and compression element can be motor-driven. |
US07980621B2 |
Vehicle rear door articulating mechanism
A vehicle rear door unsequenced articulating mechanism including one or more articulating hinge assemblies having one or more hinge arms pivotally mounted to a vehicle C-pillar at one end thereof via a C-pillar hinge mount and pivotally mounted to a vehicle rear door at another end thereof via a door hinge mount. The hinge arm may include a generally J-shaped profile between the ends thereof for permitting unsequenced articulation of the rear door up to approximately 180° from a rear door closed position. The door hinge mount may include a door stop engageable with a stop surface on the hinge arm for limiting pivotal movement of the vehicle rear door. |
US07980618B2 |
Housing system and housing method for passenger seat
A center seat provided rightward in a left seat is detached from a center seat retention base when a seatback is caused to fold so that the thickness direction of the seatback coincides with the thickness direction of a seating cushion. Then, the folded center seat is caused to move on a floor forward in the vehicle, and is housed into a center seat-housing portion in a console box. |
US07980616B2 |
Pickup truck bed mounted chairs
The disclosure teaches a seating component device for removable installation in a pickup truck. The device includes a first bracket removeably attached to a first side panel of a pickup truck bed and a first cross rail and a second cross rail attached to the bracket wherein each rail extends laterally across the truck bed. The rails connect to a second bracket removeably attached to a second side panel of a pickup truck bed. The device includes two foldable chairs hingeably mounted to the second rail, and a table mounted between the two chairs. |
US07980615B2 |
Axial member with flange, connection member and production methods thereof
A target tubular member with flange, such as a bumper stay, has a flange having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of an axial section and is formed by electromagnetic forming without excessive expansion. The tubular member with flange includes an axial member made of a tubular aluminum alloy extrudate and a flange member joined to an end of the axial member. The axial member has an end flange being integrated at its end and having an area smaller than that of the flange member. The flange member has a hole, and a cylindrical hole flange at the edge of the hole. The axial member fits in the hole of the flange member, the end flange is in intimate contact with the flange member, and the outer periphery of a small-diameter portion of the axial member is in intimate contact with the inner periphery of the hole flange. The hole flange is held between the end flange and a protrusion. The tubular member with flange may be produced by inserting an untreated pipe into the hole of the flange member and expanding the untreated pipe by electromagnetic forming. |
US07980614B2 |
Interior vehicle body structure
A vehicle body structure includes an interior cargo area having an interior wall, a track and a cargo accessory. The track is fixedly attached to the interior wall. The track also includes a pair of parallel spaced apart wall portions defining a track slot therebetween. The cargo accessory includes a cargo supporting portion and an attachment portion connected to one another in a non-threaded manner. The cargo supporting portion is operable to attach the attachment portion to the spaced apart wall portions of the track retaining the cargo accessory in position in a tool-less manner. |
US07980604B2 |
Bearing puller
A novel and improved puller that provides a safe and efficient manner and tooling to remove bearings, bushings, gears, etc. The invention is simple and highly efficient is its design and use due to incorporating multiple design elements into the main collets or bearing adapters. My present invention uses a simple split collet machined accurately to precisely fit the bearing being removed, in addition the same collet incorporates an upper threaded section to allow the removal sleeve to easily and precisely fit to the collet while at the same time the threaded removal sleeve securely keeps the collet together and properly aligned with the bearing and shaft axis to provide easy and accurate operation. Another design integrated into my puller is the ball thrust bearing on the end of the pressure or removal screw. This anti-friction thrust bearing eliminates undue friction and provides very free rotation of the pressure screw. |
US07980600B2 |
Permanent joint comprised of a fitting, a sleeve and a pipe, as well as fitting for fluid conduits and a sleeve for fluid conduit pipes
A permanent joint includes a fitting, a sleeve, and a pipe. The fitting exhibits a base body, an outer body and a supporting body, wherein the outer body and supporting body form a groove between them, the inner peripheral surface of the outer body exhibits at least one latching groove, and the outer peripheral surface of the supporting body exhibits a sealing surface inclined relative to the axis of the fitting. The sleeve exhibits at least one latching projection arranged on the outer peripheral surface and at least one open slit running in the axial direction, wherein at least one fixing projection is arranged on the inner peripheral surface in the area of the latching projection. The sleeve embraces a pipe end under a pre-stress, wherein the pipe end with the sleeve engages into the groove under a pre-stress, and the latching groove and latching projection create a frictional connection. |
US07980593B2 |
Airbag module having a tether holder
A passenger airbag module equipped with an airbag cushion and a tether holder used in a vehicle. The tether holder holds a tether prior to inflating the airbag cushion and inhibits twisting of the tether during deployment of the tether when the airbag cushion is inflated. When the tether is deployed without being twisted or folded, the deployment length of the tether is not reduced. Thus, the airbag is more consistently deployed and inflated. |
US07980590B2 |
Inflatable personal restraint systems having web-mounted inflators and associated methods of use and manufacture
Inflatable restraint systems for restraining an occupant in a vehicle are disclosed herein. An inflatable restraint system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an airbag carried by a web. The web has an end portion coupled to a vehicle and is configured to extend around a portion of the occupant. The restraint system further includes a gas source that is also carried by the web. The gas source is operably coupled to the airbag to inflate the airbag in the event of a rapid deceleration or other dynamic event. |
US07980588B2 |
Automotive airbag cover and method of manufacturing automotive airbag cover
A skin material (5) including an impregnable fiber layer is overlapped and bonded onto a top surface of a base material (3) including a base material cleavage groove (13) having a predetermined depth from a rear surface of the base material (5) toward the top surface thereof. A skin cleavage groove (11) having a predetermined depth and corresponding to the base material cleavage groove (11) of the base material (3) is provided on a rear surface side of the skin material (5), the rear surface side being a bonding surface side to be overlapped and bonded onto the base material (3). Meanwhile, to facilitate cleavage, the skin cleavage groove (11) is provided inside a region of a hardened layer subjected to a hardening process by using a hardening agent. |
US07980585B2 |
Airbag mounting assemblies with double-locking wrappers
Mounting assemblies can be used to retain an inflatable curtain airbag in a packaged configuration and attach the inflatable curtain airbag to a vehicle structure. The mounting assemblies can have a mounting structure and a wrapper that are both coupled to inflatable curtain airbag. The mounting structure is attached to a vehicle structure and the wrapper wraps and retains the inflatable curtain airbag in a packaged configuration. During airbag deployment, the wrapper releases the airbag so that the airbag can adopt a deployed configuration, wherein the mounting structure continues to anchor the inflatable curtain airbag to the vehicle structure. |
US07980582B2 |
Front tow extended saddle
A front tow extended saddle is disclosed. The saddle allows a first towing truck to mount a second truck, facing forward, behind the first truck, in order to tow the second truck to a distant location. The saddle allows the towed truck to face forward during transport, thus allowing for the normal loads and stresses of movement on the towed truck. This configuration is preferable to movement with the towed truck facing-rearward, in which the typical aerodynamic surfaces of a large truck act as a drag during transport, imposing high wind loads and unusual stresses. The front tow extended saddle is also designed to minimize the required vertical rise on the towed truck, which also avoids additional stresses during loading and unloading onto the towing truck. |
US07980581B2 |
Protective device
The device protects the forearm, hand and fingers of a wheelchair occupant from injury through collision with obstacles by providing a shield that curves over the occupant's forearm. The shield ends in a compound curve that extends over the occupant's hand and fingers, curving inwardly toward the armrest. To accommodate the manually manipulated controls for motorized wheelchairs that usually protrude upwardly from the forward end of the armrest, the shield is appreciably longer than the base for the device to form a gap between the base and the shield that accommodates these controls while nevertheless continuing to protect the occupant's hand and fingers. Several ways in which the device can be attached to different classes of wheelchairs and device dimensions suitable for these classes also are shown and described. |
US07980579B2 |
Rear suspension system for bicycles
This application relates to rear suspension system for bicycles, such as freeride, downhill and trail-style mountain bikes. The suspension system includes a rear suspension for coupling the rear wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle frame, a rear shock absorber disposed entirely in front of the seat tube of the frame and a linkage for operatively coupling the rear suspension to the rear shock absorber. The linkage intersects the longitudinal axis of the seat tube for transmitting rear suspension forces around the seat tube to the rear shock absorber. The seat tube is preferably continuous and is disposed so that the bicycle seat is adjustable over a full range of seat positions. The seat tube orientation ensures that the seat is movable between optimum biomechanical positions for both uphill pedaling and aggressive downhill freeriding. Additionally, the seat tube and rear suspension system are configured so that the rear wheel and rear suspension will not contact the seat tube, seat, or bicycle rider even when the rear suspension system is in a fully compressed, forward position. The shock absorber is preferably oriented in an orientation to maximize its stroke length. For example, the shock absorber may be oriented generally parallel to a top tube of the bicycle frame. |
US07980578B2 |
Device of human conveyance
An application for a device for human conveyance includes a front wheel and a rear wheel. The rear wheel interfaced to a sprocket through a ratchet drive system which allows forward rotation of the rear wheel in response to forward rotation of the sprocket and allows free backward rotation of the sprocket. A frame interfaces the front wheel to the rear wheel keeping the front wheel at a constant distance from the rear wheel. The front and rear wheels are rotatably interfaced to the frame. A front end of an arc-shaped spring is affixed to the frame in proximity to the front wheel and a rear end of the arc-shaped spring has a sprocket gear interfaced to the sprocket whereas depression of the arc-shaped spring pushes the rear-end of the arc-shaped spring in a rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel and the sprocket gear turns the sprocket in a forward rotational direction. |
US07980575B2 |
Four-point link
A four-point link for suspending a vehicle axle (36) on a vehicle frame (35) of a vehicle (11). The four-point link includes four link arms (2, 3, 4 and 5) which are fixed to one another by a central region (6) and which extend away from the central region (6) to form a cross. Two first link arms (2, 3) may be connected, in an articulated manner, to the vehicle frame (35) and two second link arms (4, 5) may be connected, in an articulated manner, to the vehicle axle (36). Each of the link arms (2, 3, 4, 5) has an H-shaped profile (13) which is open transverse or vertically with respect to the cross plane (20). |
US07980573B1 |
Spring board
A skateboard having extra sets of gears compared to a regular skateboard and also has a lower support platform is provided. When an individual jumps on the skateboard, the support platform and extra gears cause the skateboard to automatically travel forward due to the interaction between the support platform, the extra gears, and the existing wheels on the skateboard. |
US07980571B2 |
Steerable and liftable independent suspension system
A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle. |
US07980570B2 |
Trolley for a slidable cantilever gate and process for its manufacture
Trolley for a slidable cantilever gate comprising two L-shaped plates, each provided with a load-bearing wall and a base wall which is extended without interruption from the load-bearing wall by means of a substantially orthogonal fold. The load-bearing walls are rigidly connected by means of screws or rivets with the two base walls oriented in opposite directions so as to form a support base on ground. Each load-bearing wall is provided with two first through openings aligned with respective corresponding first openings of the other load-bearing wall so to jointly define two first seats adapted to house first rotatable support means for two pairs of support wheels; and with a second through opening aligned with that corresponding on the other load-bearing wall so to jointly define a second seat for receiving a guide wheel, rotatably supported by second rotatably support means. The load-bearing walls, moreover, are each provided with a first shape with concavity facing that of the other load-bearing wall in order to jointly define a first housing adapted to receive a fixing screw of the pin of the guide wheel, and a second shape with concavity facing that of the other load-bearing wall in order to jointly define a second housing, which communicates with a vertical guide defined in one of the first seats, and houses adjustment means operating on a slide which bears, pivoted, a pair of adjustable wheels, in order to adjust its vertical height. |
US07980567B2 |
Skate
The present invention provides a kind of skate, including a boot and a skating device connected to the boot, wherein the skating device is arranged along the width direction of the boot. The skate further includes a skating device mount for mounting the skating device to the boot, wherein the skating device can rotate 360 degree under the boot. The transverse skating device under the boot enables the sideward sliding direction, which bring more fun to the skaters. When the skating device is rotated to an angle and locked, the skate can slide inclinedly, which bring more challenges to the skaters. The skating device can rotate 360 degree freely or rotate different angle from two boots under the boot, which can cancel the shift of the knock-knee. The skating device can also be adjusted to be in line on the longitudinal direction as a traditional roller skate or ice skate. |
US07980566B2 |
Pneumatic ride level control system
Disclosed is a ride level control system for a motor vehicle composed of a pneumatic spring (1), a connecting line (3) which connects the pneumatic spring (1) to an atmospheric port (5), and a first valve (2) which, in a first switched state, disconnects the connecting line (3) and, in a second switched state, clears it, wherein a vessel (4) is arranged in the connecting line (3) between the first valve (2) and the atmospheric port (5). |
US07980563B2 |
Flat gasket
A flat gasket for sealing a seal gap between engine component sealing faces wherein the flat gasket comprises at least one first and second gasket layer adjacent to the first gasket layer,wherein at least one elastomeric sealing element is disposed at the first gasket layer and is formed from a sealing material which is applied to the first gasket layer and can be cured in situ, wherein at least one cut-out is provided at the second gasket layer, through which cut-out the elastomeric sealing element extends when the flat gasket is in the fitted pressed state, and wherein the flat gasket comprises at least one overflow space which receives excess, as yet uncured sealing material during assembly of the flat gasket and is disposed at least partly laterally next to the sealing element when the flat gasket is in the unfitted, unpressed state. |
US07980562B2 |
Seal arrangement
Seal arrangements utilizing leaf seal elements are susceptible to excessive wear at their tips due to blow-down pressures. When the seal element is forced against a rear surface across the pressure differential between the sides A, B of an arrangement. These tips may be forced into engagement with the rotating shaft and therefore wear on the shaft as well as at the tip occurs. By providing channels which extend laterally across more than one seal element pressure relief is maintained and therefore a limit to blow-down force maintained. The channels also extend radially and normally on a low pressure side of the seal arrangement. |
US07980561B2 |
Paintball targeting system
A paintball target holder includes a frame having plural parts that are movable relative to one another in order to fold the frame and thereby reduce a volume encompassed by the frame. The plural parts include a front part, a back part, and a bottom part. The paintball target holder includes a target mounted to the front part, layers of material mounted between the target and the back part, where the layers of material receive a paintball through the target, and a paintball loader mounted to the bottom part. The paintball loader receives the paintball from the layers of material via the bottom part. |
US07980557B2 |
Document handler capable of protecting a built-in sensor from extraneous substance
A document handler is provided with a casement 1 which comprises a lower case 6 which has a lower cover 7 for providing a bottom surface of a passageway 5 and a lower tray 8 attached to a bottom of lower cover 7 to form therebetween a lower cavity 3d in which lower optical sensing element 3a of optical sensor 3 is disposed. Even if liquid spilled on a main surface of the table may often enter passageway 5 to the rear from the bill inlet, there is incurred no damage to electric instruments in lower cavity 3d by extraneous substance which is discharged through a drainage 15. |
US07980556B2 |
Image forming apparatus with differential sheet conveying force of discharging rooler pair
An image forming apparatus has an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a discharging roller pair that discharges the sheet, on which the image is formed, onto a stacking portion with a rotation in a first direction, and conveys the sheet to a re-conveying path for conveying the sheet to the image forming unit again with a rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a skew feed correction member that is provided in the re-conveying path, and contacts against a leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the rotation in the second direction to correct skew feed of the sheet. The sheet conveying force when contacting the leading edge of the sheet against the skew feed correction member is smaller than sheet conveying force of the discharging roller pair when discharging the sheet onto the stacking portion. |
US07980544B2 |
Hold flap for sheet postprocessing apparatus
A sheet hold flap 18 is arranged on an upper side of a vicinity of a rear end portion of a sheet table 7 to which a sheet is continuously supplied from a copier or the like. The sheet hold flap is switched to an upper initial position and a sheet holding position by a solenoid 17. There is carried out a control of holding a rear end portion of a sheet P by driving the sheet hold flap to the sheet holding position after taking in a sheet to the sheet table and returning the sheet hold flap to the initial position to escape from a sheet path in taking in a successive sheet. Sheet jamming by floating up the sheet is prevented by holding a sheet on the sheet table until immediately before taking in the successive sheet. |
US07980543B2 |
Printing press folder with parallel process transport tapes
A folder for a web printing press includes a cut cylinder cutting a web into signatures; a first transport belt having a first raised section; a second transport belt having a second raised section, the signatures being received from the cut cylinder so as to be located between the first and second raised sections; and at least one variable speed motor driving the first and second transport belts. A method is also provided. |
US07980542B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus configured to bind a sheet bundle includes a folding portion configured to fold the sheet bundle, a sheet processing portion provided upstream of the folding portion and configured to form a groove at a fold position of at least one sheet of the sheet bundle, and a controller configured to control an operation of the sheet processing portion. The controller controls an operation of the sheet processing portion such that a width of a groove formed on a sheet located on an outer side of the folded sheet bundle is larger than that of a groove formed on a sheet located on an inner side of the folded sheet bundle. |
US07980538B1 |
Clamping jig
An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a jig for holding a workpiece using forces provided by a clamp having a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a connecting member operable for moving the first clamping member relative to the second clamping member. The jig includes an elongated base member and an elongated support member extending upward from the base member. The support member has a clamp engagement surface for engaging the first clamping member of the clamp, a generally vertically oriented upper surface disposed opposite of the clamp engagement surface for engaging a lateral side of the workpiece, a generally horizontally oriented support surface extending from the support member disposed below the upper surface for engaging a bottom side of the workpiece, and an aperture sized and arranged to accept the connecting member of the clamp. |
US07980535B2 |
Demand activated steam dispersion system
A steam dispersion system is disclosed. The steam dispersion system includes a header, a divider dividing the header into at least two interior chambers that are generally not in fluid communication with each other, and at least two steam dispersion tubes, each steam dispersion tube communicating with only one interior chamber. Each interior chamber includes a separate steam flow valve for independently controlling the amount of steam flow to each chamber based on the difference between a measured humidity value and a predetermined desired humidity value. |
US07980534B1 |
Rackable barrier system
A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web. |
US07980533B1 |
Breakaway coupling for road-side signs
A breakaway coupling for use with a ground-installed road sign such as a stop sign typically located at the side of a road. The coupling interfaces between a conventional hollow ground stake and a hollow sign post. The coupling can be used with newly installed stop signs, as well as with currently installed stop signs, without modification to either the post of the ground stake. When the sign post is struck by an automobile, the coupling shears along a preformed score section generally aligned with the bottom of the post such that the post and sign break completely from the ground stake and are propelled away from the automobile. |
US07980526B2 |
Portable inclinating desk for notebook computers
A portable desk for use in home and office environments for comfortably and conveniently supporting a portable computer or other electronic device on the lap or knees of a user. The desk has an upper surface on which the computer rests. The desk is supported on the user's lap by a flexible, bowable support member which is repositionable, thus allowing the user to change the inclination of the desk in order to adjust the viewing angle of the computer screen. A flexible tray for an accessory such as a mouse may be inserted in a slot at either side of the desktop. The tray may be reversibly inserted with a smooth, planar surface or a textured, frictional surface disposed facing upwardly. Ventilation is provided through a transversely recessed convex channel in the upper surface and may also include a small, USB-powered fan to increase heat dissipation. Cable management features may also be provided. |
US07980525B2 |
Locking device for a rail adjustment system
A locking device for a rail adjustment system of a vehicle seat, with a number of locking bolts and with a lever element, which is pivotable about a pivoting axis, for unlocking the locking bolt is provided, wherein the locking bolts can be unlocked by an application of force to an adjusting surface of the lever element in the unlocking direction. Furthermore, a rail adjustment system is provided which comprises an upper rail which can be connected to a vehicle seat, a lower rail which can be mounted in a positionally fixed manner, an articulation shaft and a locking device of the type mentioned at the beginning. |
US07980519B2 |
Telescopic adjustable positioning device
A telescopic adjustable positioning device comprises an outer sleeve; a telescopic tube receiving into the outer sleeve at one end thereof and having a plurality of positioning holes; a retaining seat being a hollow tube and enclosing a connection of the outer sleeve and the telescopic tube; one side of the retaining seat being formed with a receiving portion; a slot being formed in the receiving portion; and a bottom side of the slot having a through hole which is smaller than the slot; a pin capable of passing through the retaining seat and the outer sleeve to be retained to the positioning hole of the telescopic tube; and an operation unit assembled to the receiving portion of the retaining seat. The pin is received in the slot and the through hole; and two springs are attached to the pin. |
US07980518B2 |
Feeding structure for sliding structural body
A feeding structure for a sliding structural body includes: a protector base arranged in one of the sliding structural body and a stationary structural body; a link arm pivotally supported by a shaft portion of the protector base; a harness holder pivotally connected to an end portion of the link arm; and a wire harness which is laid from one end of the protector base to the harness holder so as to be bent in a substantial S-shape, and laid from the harness holder to the other of the sliding structural body and the stationary structural body so as to be moved therebetween. |
US07980514B2 |
Solar array momentum control
One embodiment of the invention includes a spacecraft. The spacecraft comprises at least one solar array panel comprising an array of solar cell sections. Each of the solar cell sections can be configured to generate electrical power from received solar radiation. The spacecraft also comprises a solar array selection controller configured to selectively deactivate a portion of the array of solar cell sections to generate a torque on the spacecraft based on a difference in at least one of solar and thermal radiation pressure between an activated portion of the array of solar cell sections and the deactivated portion of the array of solar cell sections. |
US07980512B1 |
System and method for displaying aerial refueling symbology
In accordance with one or more embodiments, systems and methods for in-flight fuel delivery include an aerial refueling device adapted to provide fuel to a receiver aircraft, an optical component adapted to capture images of the aerial refueling device and the receiver aircraft, an operator input component adapted to interface with an operator and capture control signals as input from the operator, and a display component adapted to display images. A controller is adapted to receive the captured images and the captured control signals, process the control signals by generating graphic display symbology, process the images by generating a combined image having the generated graphic display symbology superimposed on the images, and display the combined image on the display component for viewing by the operator. The controller is adapted to superimpose the graphic display symbology on a portion of the images obscured by the aerial refueling device. |
US07980511B2 |
Device for the transport and medical care of patients as well as for the provision of emergency medical care in an aircraft
A device for the transport and medical care of patients as well as for the provision of emergency medical care in an aircraft, which can be arranged and permanently installed inside the passenger cabin of an aircraft, and has a stretcher and medical care equipment, and screens the patient from the environment at least partially by means of lateral elements. The device is enveloped on all sides by lateral elements, and forms a separated compartment relative to the passenger cabin, the volume of which can be temporarily enlarged by shifting at least one lateral section between the first, emergency medical care mode, and a second, expanded mode for patient transport, wherein the stretcher can be horizontally arranged within the compartment in the first mode, and space is available for a medical assistant inside the compartment. |
US07980508B1 |
Jet propulsion efflux outlets
A V/STOL aircraft includes an aft by-pass powerplant 28 having an aft, rearwardly directed nozzle 30 and twin transverse vectorable nozzles 32. A duct 29 extends forwardly of the powerplant and terminates in a vectorable nozzle 16. The duct supplies relatively cool by-pass air to the nozzle. |
US07980504B2 |
Automated unwind system with auto-splice
A splice is made, between a tail end of first web and a lead end of a second web coiled about an unwind axis, by winding a portion of the first web adjacent the tail end of the first web about a splicing roll mounted for rotation about a splice roll axis oriented substantially parallel to the unwind axis, and then joining the tail end to the lead end by compressing an adhesive between an inside surface of the tail end and an outer surface of the second web. Compression of the adhesive is accomplished by urging the splice roll against the coiled second web while the coiled second web is rotating about the unwind axis in an unwind direction and the splicing roll is rolling about the splice roll axis in a direction opposite to the unwind direction. |
US07980495B2 |
Fibrous materials and composites
Fibrous materials, compositions that include fibrous materials, and uses of the fibrous materials and compositions are disclosed. For example, the fibrous materials can be operated on by a microorganism to produce ethanol or a by-product, such as a protein or lignin. |
US07980493B2 |
Electrostatic atomizer
An electrostatic atomizer equipped with an electrostatic atomization pole having superior resistance to migration. The atomizer includes an electrostatic atomization pole, a liquid supply mechanism that supplies the pole with liquid, and a power supply that supplies the pole with high voltage to electrostatically atomize the liquid held on the pole. A coating is formed on the surface of the pole, and the coating is formed of simple metal or alloy, which displays resistance to migration. |
US07980483B2 |
Injector for a fluid injection system
An injector for an injection system is provided, including a first opening, a second opening, an open position and a closed position. The first opening is for spraying the fluid out of the injector, and the second opening is for allowing the fluid to exit the injector. When the injector is in the open position, the injector sprays the fluid from the first opening and the flow of the fluid to the second opening is substantially blocked. When the injector is in the closed position the injector allows the fluid to exit the injector from the second opening. The injector substantially blocks the spray of the fluid from the first opening when the injector is in the closed position. |
US07980474B2 |
Card-holding device in a card-processing apparatus
In a card processing apparatus a card tray and, a card-transporting device are provided. A device for sensing the position or detention of a card in the card tray and a holding device for a card that has stopped in an irregular manner in the card tray due to manipulation of the card-processing apparatus, are also included. The holding device is activated if a change in the position of the card is not detected even though a conveying signal has been issued to the card-conveying device. |
US07980471B2 |
Method of unlocking restricted extended classes of features and functionalities embodied within a digital image capture and processing system by reading feature/functionality-unlocking type code symbols
A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window, and an area-type image formation and detection subsystem having image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and an area-type image detection array having a snap-shot mode of operation for forming and detecting a 2D digital image of the object during each image acquisition cycle of the image detection array. The system includes a manual trigger switch integrated with the hand-supportable housing, for generating a trigger event, indicative that a code symbol on the detected object is aligned with the visible targeting illumination beam and is ready for illumination and imaging. The system includes an object targeting illumination subsystem for generating and projecting a visible targeting illumination beam within the FOV, in response to the generation of the trigger event signal. The system further includes an LED-based illumination subsystem which is responsive to the second triggering event, for generating and projecting a field of illumination through the imaging window and within the FOV so that light transmitted through the imaging window towards the object is reflected off the object and detected by the area-type image detection array within the hand-supportable housing. An automatic illumination control subsystem controls the operation of the LED-based illumination subsystem during object illumination and imaging operations, so that the targeting illumination beam is momentarily ceased when the LED-based illumination subsystem produces the field of illumination within the FOV. |
US07980465B2 |
Hands free contact database information entry at a communication device
A method, system, and program provides for hands free contact database information entry at a communication device. A recording system at a communication device detects a user initiation to record. Responsive to detecting the user initiation to record, the recording system records the ongoing conversation supported between the communication device and a second remote communication device. The recording system converts the recording of the conversation into text. Next, the recording system extracts contact information from the text. Then, the recording system stores the extracted contact information in an entry of the contact database, such that contact information is added to the contact database of the communication device without manual entry of the contact information by the user. |
US07980455B2 |
Foldable urban waste container
An urban waste container that has a foldable/collapsible body, similar to a caterpillar with a tubular form, that comprises a main body consisting of 3 areas called first module, second module and third module; a top lid; a supporting bracket; and a curved axis/shaft. |
US07980454B2 |
Covered container for enclosing multiple food products
The present invention provides a container configured to selectively enclose multiple food products, including: a tray including a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a back wall, a bottom, and an internal wall disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, the back wall, the bottom, and the internal wall disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall collectively define a first compartment configured to hold a first food product and a second compartment configured to hold a second food product; and a unified cover including a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a back wall, and a top, wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, the back wall, and the top are substantially coextensive with the tray. |
US07980449B2 |
Thermal stir welding apparatus
A welding method and apparatus are provided for forming a weld joint between first and second elements of a workpiece. The method includes heating the first and second elements to form an interface of material in a plasticized or melted state interface between the elements. The interface material is then allowed to cool to a plasticized state if previously in a melted state. The interface material, while in the plasticized state, is then mixed, for example, using a grinding/extruding process, to remove any dendritic-type weld microstructures introduced into the interface material during the heating process. |
US07980446B2 |
Micro-fluidic injection molded solder (IMS)
A portion of compliant material includes four walls defining a slot. The slot has a relatively large cross-section end in fluid communication with a solder reservoir, and also has a relatively small cross-section end opposed to the relatively large cross-section end. The slot has a generally elongate rectangular shape when viewed in plan, with a length perpendicular to a scan direction, a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively large cross section end, and a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively small cross section end. The slot is configured in the portion of compliant material such that the relatively small cross-section end of the slot normally remains substantially closed, but locally opens sufficiently to dispense solder from the reservoir when under fluid pressure and locally unsupported by a workpiece. Methods of operation and fabrication are also disclosed. |
US07980442B2 |
Clinch positioning mechanism of stapler
A clinch positioning mechanism of a stapler is provided. The clinch positioning mechanism includes a driver unit and a clincher unit. The driver unit includes a driver for driving out a staple, and a guide piece. The clincher unit includes a clincher for bending and clinching a leg portion of the staple, and a guide hole for engaging with the guide piece. The clincher unit is arranged being opposed to the driver. At least one of the driver unit and the clincher unit is movably arranged, and the driver and the clincher are aligned with each other by engaging the guide piece in the guide hole at the latest when clinching the leg portion of the staple by the clincher. |
US07980437B2 |
Roof rack system for a vehicle, method for producing the roof rack system and vehicle comprising a roof rack system
The invention relates to a roof rack system (1) for a vehicle, specifically for a passenger car, having at least one roof rail (2), which is configured in one piece and can be located on the vehicle body with an attaching device (13), wherein the roof rail (2) has a contact surface (27) extending over the length of the roof rail (2) which can be placed substantially continuously over its full length on the vehicle body (13) and is conformed to the vehicle body contour, and the attaching device has a retaining element (58) which is located in a cavity (60) of the roof rail (2) in the manner of a slot nut. |
US07980436B2 |
Cargo box gear mounting assembly
A gear mounting assembly for mounting gear within a vehicle rooftop cargo box. The mounting assembly includes a support platform for mounting gear, and which is configured to fit within a vehicle cargo box. The mounting assembly also includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the support platform to the cargo box, configured to allow rotation of the support platform between a stowed position and a rotated position in which gear is “presented” to a user. |
US07980432B2 |
Dispensing closure having a flow conduit with key-hole shape
A dispensing closure has a key-hole shaped flow conduit that provides a sufficient flow restriction to prevent unwanted spurting of the product when the container is initially opened. The dispensing closure includes a closure body with an upper and lower deck, inner and outer skirt, and a flow conduit extending through the upper deck. The outer skirt is configured to mount to a product container. The flow conduit includes including two or more vertically oriented walls and a bottom wall. The bottom wall configured and arranged to be positioned along a horizontal axis. The flow conduit includes one or more entrance orifices having one or more entrance axes and an exit orifice having an exit axis. The entrance axis is stepped or offset from the exit axis whereby the flow conduit provides a non-linear flow path of product from an interior of the closure to an exterior of the closure. |
US07980431B1 |
Extendable pour cap
An extendable pour cap includes a base adapted for attaching to a neck of a container. A flexible spout extends from the base, and is adapted for communicating with an open mouth of the container. The flexible spout has integrally-formed bellows designed for converting the spout between a compressed condition and an extended condition. A first closure element is designed for removably securing a first closure cap over the flexible spout when compressed. A second closure element is designed for removably securing a second closure cap over the flexible spout when compressed. |
US07980430B2 |
Valve carrier ring assembly
A carrier ring assembly is provided for use with a closure for a container. The carrier ring assembly includes a carrier ring and a valve. The carrier ring includes a retention bead and a retention space. The valve is located at least partially within the carrier ring and has a retention portion positioned within the retention space. |
US07980427B2 |
Closing system for a container, for example for trigger dispenser
The present invention relates to a closing system for a container, comprising a neck of the container and a closing body. The body wall comprises at least one flexible tongue and at least one relatively stiff protrusion that, when the tongue is seated in the seating portion, arranges circumferentially sided to a circumferential stopping projection of the neck. In an imminent interference configuration, reached by relative rotation between the neck and the closing body, the protrusion interferes with the circumferential stopping projection for making an obstacle to the further rotation in the same direction of rotation, while the tongue is free from interferences with further obstacles to rotation. |
US07980424B2 |
Piercing fitment assembly
An improved piercing fitment assembly for mounting to a flexible container is provided, whereby the contents of the container are dispensed by piercing a pierceable portion of a cap using a fluid transfer device. The piercing fitment assembly is easy to use as a relatively minimal amount of force is required for piercing and establishing fluid transfer. It also has a locking system which locks the fluid transfer device into a dispensing state and also forms a reliable seal between the cap and the fluid transfer device which minimizes the risk of unwanted spillage. The fitment assembly comprises: a spout connected in fluid communication to the container; a cap having a pierceable portion sealing an end of the spout and a fluid transfer device having a leading tooth to initiate piercing of the pierceable portion of the cap. |
US07980423B2 |
Apparatus for discharging a stream of fluid
An apparatus for discharging a stream of fluid includes a water pump, a trigger mechanism, a ratchet mechanism, a fluid reservoir, and a secondary fluid chamber. A pump handle is used to move a piston that draws the fluid from the fluid reservoir into the secondary fluid chamber before discharge. The pump handle is also used to selectively connect the trigger mechanism to the ratchet mechanism to allow incremental discharge of the fluid from the secondary fluid chamber. A handle is selectively connectable to the ratchet mechanism and configured to manually move the ratchet mechanism to a first position against the urgency of the spring. The handle is also selectably connectable to a pump mechanism, the handle being movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the handle is connected to the ratchet mechanism in the first position and connected to the pump mechanism in the second position. |
US07980422B2 |
Portable beverage dispenser with electronic beverage characteristic display and method
A dispensing urn assembly (10, 10′) with a hollow body (12) with an interior surface for containing beverage (14) and a manually operable faucet (16) for selectively dispensing beverage (14) from the bottom of hollow body with an electronic status display assembly (50) controlled by a microcomputer (62) in response to a temperature probe (44), a level probe (42) and a timer reset switch (46) to provide graphic displays (64,68, 72), numerical displays (66,70, 74) of the temperature, quantity and time elapsed or remaining since the brewing of the beverage and light indication displays (55,57, 59) when preselected values are achieved. A an integrated funnel assembly (30′) with a down-tube (40) and level probes (174-186) carried by the down-tube (40), electronic module (170) and relatively rigid interconnection (200,174) between provides a water tight passageway for leads from the probes to the microcomputer (62) contained within the electronic component housing and forms a single subassembly or module that eliminates the need for switches for activation and operation of the display (162) and may be removed for cleaning or repair. |
US07980421B2 |
Optically keyed dispenser
A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component comprises measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters. |
US07980419B2 |
Device for dispensing caps useful in system and method for dispensing prescriptions
A device for singulating open-ended caps includes: a housing configured to retain a plurality of open-ended caps, the housing having an open lower end; an outer ring positioned below the housing; a drum fixed to and positioned within the outer ring to form a drum assembly, the drum including a hub having a substantially circular wall and a platform that extends radially outwardly from the wall to contact the outer ring, the hub and outer ring forming a circular gap therebetween, the platform being positioned below much of the gap and including a discontinuity; a mounting structure with an exit aperture fixed relative to the housing; and a rotary drive unit mounted to the drum that rotates the drum assembly about an axis of rotation. |
US07980413B2 |
Base for metallic container
An improved metallic can has an integral base that defines a standing ring that is more resistant to buckling than conventional designs. It includes a vertically oriented cylindrical sidewall and a unitary end wall having a recessed central portion and a downwardly flanged rim portion that defines the standing ring. The downwardly flanged rim portion preferably includes a first outer convexly curved annular surface that when viewed in vertical cross-section has a first radius of curvature R1, a second, lower convexly curved annular surface that when viewed in vertical cross-section has a second radius of curvature R2, and a third, inner convexly curved annular surface that when viewed in vertical cross-section has a third radius of curvature R3. Advantageously, the first, second and third radii of curvature R1, R2 and R3 are each different from each other. |
US07980412B2 |
Pizza container
A container or package for pizzas, made of thermoplastic material, including a cover (1) and a dish or plate (2), wherein the cover (1) has a plurality of first holes (8) arranged centrally and a plurality of second holes (6) arranged along its circumference or circular edge (or in the neighborhood of the latter). Several radial channels (11) interconnect these two pluralities of holes (6 and 8). Preferably, the container (1, 2) is transparent; thereby allowing to recognize the kind of food it contains. |
US07980407B2 |
Synthetic resin container
A synthetic resin container having an improved strength without requiring use of increased resin amount has a container body with a plurality of sectioned recesses (3). In the disclosed invention, a label (4) is arranged on the container body (1) for improving the rigidity of the container by surrounding the container body. |
US07980398B2 |
Theft deterrent can dispenser
A theft deterrent dispensing unit particularly for use with cans includes a conveyor section that leads to a dispensing head. A shroud extends over the forward edge of the conveying section. The dispensing head pivots downwardly allowing the leading can to be grasped without interference of the shroud. The rear edge of the dispensing head pivots upwardly, preventing the next adjacent can from moving immediately into the dispensing head until the dispensing head rotates back to a closed position. Likewise, when the dispensing head is rotated to an open position, a barrier is pulled down from the top of the shroud, again preventing an individual from reaching in and grabbing the next adjacent can. A locking mechanism is positioned on the side of the dispensing units to prevent two adjacent dispensing units from being opened at the same time. Finally, the speed at which the dispensing heads move from an open to a closed position is regulated to prevent rapid removal of cans from a single dispensing unit. |
US07980396B2 |
Truss type high pressure center support for liquid filtration
A central support for a liquid filter is described. The support has a truss element disposable centrally in the liquid filter to provide a crush-resistant structure supporting a filter media of the liquid filter, elongated straight members of the truss element, connected at joints to form a coplanar cross section, and longitudinal members of the truss element, connecting the coplanar cross section and additional coplanar cross sections in a column-like configuration. The contact surfaces of the truss element for interfacing with the filter media are adapted to spread forces on the filter media over a desired surface area. |
US07980395B2 |
Cross-flow filtration system
An apparatus and method for filtering working fluid in an appliance with a cross-flow filter located within a recirculation circuit. |
US07980391B2 |
Pharmacy bottle system including a container having a recessed surface
A bottle includes a container and a label. The container includes a front portion, a back portion, an opening and a spine portion. The back portion is spaced from the front portion and generally faces away and in an opposite direction from the front portion. The opening is positioned between the front portion and the back portion of the container to at least partially define a first end of the container. The spine portion extends between the front portion and the back portion of the container to define a second end of the container opposite the first end. The label extends over and is in contact with each of the front portion, the back portion and the spine portion of the container. Other bottle and container embodiments are also disclosed herein and provide additional advantages. |
US07980389B1 |
Automotive seat packaging apparatus
A seat extension tray is described that serves to protect a vehicle seat assembly during shipment, such as for example to an automobile assembly operation. The seat extension tray has a unique configuration adapted to matingly engage a seating surface of the seat assembly. The seat extension tray has a length greater than the maximum width of the seat assembly so that upon securing the tray to the seat assembly, the ends of the tray extend laterally outward beyond the sides of the seat assembly. |
US07980380B2 |
Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having bottle plate support tables therein
A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having bottle plate support tables therein. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. |
US07980378B2 |
Systems, apparatus, and methods for currency processing control and redemption
A coin processing and redemption system includes a coin processing machine configured to receive a batch of coins in an input region and process the batch of coins to determine a value thereof. A dispensing device is provided and is configured to output a redemption ticket bearing a code. The coin processing machine is configured to associate the redemption ticket code with a coin processing transaction prior to the determination of a value of a batch of coins. |
US07980377B2 |
Mounting arrangement
A mounting arrangement, for securing a protective component to a chute or conveyor structure, having a hook-shaped formation which engages with the protective component, a first beaded section located in a first undercut slot in a supporting base, and a retaining mechanism which abuts a side of the first beaded section and which has a second beaded section located in a second undercut slot in the base. |
US07980376B2 |
Wet friction plate
To control initial shudder in a wet paper friction plate, the frictional sliding surface of a wet paper friction member is preconditioned by frictional sliding contact with a mating plate until its bearing length ratio tp at a cutting depth of 10 μm is in the range from 70 to 85%. The preconditioning is optionally preceded by grinding, preferably before the wet paper friction member is attached to a base plate. |
US07980365B2 |
Brake for a utility vehicle
A brake mechanism for a utility vehicle which can be installed around a drive shaft or inside a wheel hub. The brake has a non rotatable fixed body (200), a rotatable body (100) rotatable relative to the fixed body (200), at least one brake disc (207) which is non-rotatably relative to the fixed body (200), and at least one rotating brake disc (107) which is fixed for rotation with the rotatable body (100). An actuating member (234) can press the fixed brake disc (207) and the rotating brake disc (107) against each other and against a stop surface (209) on the fixed body to apply the brake. A spring means (230) also exerts an immobilizing force on the actuating member (234) to press the fixed brake disc (207) and the rotating brake disc (107) against each other to apply the brake. A brake release means (231, 233) can exert a brake release force which counteracts the immobilizing force of the spring so that the actuating member (234) no longer presses the fixed brake disc (207) and the rotating brake disc (107) against each other, and a brake applying means (235) can exert a pushing force on the actuating member (234) in the same direction as the immobilizing force to press the fixed brake disc (207) and the rotating brake disc (107) against each other to apply the brake. |
US07980360B2 |
Transmission system
A transmission system is equipped with rotating member(s) and a shaft member upon which the rotating member(s) is/are carried. A projecting support portion projecting inwardly and supporting the shaft member is formed in the casing of the transmission system with at least a part of the projecting support portion dipping into the lubricating oil in the casing, and the specific gravity of the projecting support portion being set to be lower than that of the lubricating oil. |
US07980357B2 |
Exhaust silencer for microturbines
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for exhaust silencers for engines, such as microturbines, are described. An exhaust silencer reduces noise produced by an engine. While passing through an exhaust silencer, an exhaust stream from the engine makes one or more turns, thereby reducing turbine noise. An exhaust silencer includes a body, a cavity in the body, a baffle plate that partially divides the central cavity, an inlet port formed in a first surface of the body, and an outlet port formed in a second surface of the body. The inlet port is configured to receive an exhaust stream that flows through the cavity, around the baffle plate. The outlet port is configured to discharge the exhaust stream from the body. |
US07980352B2 |
Materials handling vehicle having a steer system including a tactile feedback device
A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame comprising an operator's compartment, wheels supported on the frame, at least one of the wheels being a steerable wheel, and a steer-by-wire system associated with the steerable wheel to effect angular movement of the steerable wheel. The vehicle further comprises a control apparatus. |
US07980350B2 |
Chassis mounted electric, independent, steering axle of a vehicle
A chassis frame (10) has a cross member (22) that bridges right and left side rails (18, 20). Right and left wheel units (14, 16) comprising respective right and left steered road wheels (24, 26) are suspended from the frame by respective multi-link suspensions (33). A steering system (28) steers the wheels. An electric motor (34) and gear box (36) mounted on the cross member is coupled to the right and left wheels by respective drive shafts (38, 40). The weight of a brake system (42, 44) for the wheels is supported by the frame. |
US07980346B2 |
Vehicle control device
An electronic control device reduces, after a time at which constant speed traveling control is terminated (specific control termination time) not by an accelerating operation or braking operation but by, for example, an operation of a control switch, the vehicle driving force to a force corresponding to the amount of accelerating operation at the specific control termination time. Also, the electronic control device changes the vehicle braking force to a force corresponding to the amount of braking operation at the specific control termination time by controlling the braking hydraulic pressures with a hydraulic pressure circuit so that the value of a vehicle propulsive force, which takes a positive value when acting in the same direction as the driving force (and takes a negative value when acting in the opposite direction of the driving force) and which has a magnitude equal to a value resulting from subtracting the magnitude of the braking force from the magnitude of the driving force, is equal to or smaller than the value of the vehicle propulsive force at the specific control termination time. |
US07980345B1 |
Detachable footrest for a vehicle
A detachable footrest for use on a vehicle. The footrest has a surface area sized and shaped to accommodate a foot of a user and at least one support arm attached to a support structure. The footrest also includes two downward projections projecting from the support structure. The downward projections are sized and shaped to fit within hinge mounts of a removed door of the vehicle. The projections are slid into the hinge mounts of the removed door of the vehicle, thereby providing a surface area outside of the vehicle for resting the foot of the user. The footrest may also include a stabilizer projecting from the support structure and fastened to a mounting post located in an interior of the vehicle. |
US07980338B2 |
Agricultural implement having apparatus for stowing PTO driveline shaft when the PTO driveline shaft is not in use
A power take off (PTO) driveline shaft of an agricultural implement may be securely stowed when not in use using a PTO driveline storage device. The storage device is pivotably mounted to the frame of the agricultural implement, such as the hitch, and may be rotated from its own stowed position to a position to provide support for the PTO driveline shaft when the PTO driveline shaft is not connected to the PTO of a tractor or other machine having a PTO output. The storage device includes an arm having a first end that is mounted to the hitch and has a second end that is adapted to fit against the PTO driveline shaft when the device is being used to stow the PTO driveline shaft. When not in use, the storage device may be rotated clear of the PTO driveline shaft and pivoted to a position where it may be securely stowed. |
US07980336B2 |
Omni-directional drive device and omni-directional vehicle using the same
Provided is an omni-directional drive device that does not complicate the arrangement for a power source for a drive source such as an electric motor, and achieves a high durability and an ease of maintenance. A drive force in a first direction is produced by a movement of a first moveable member (10) itself, and a drive force in a second direction is produced by the rotation of first free rollers (14) retained by the first moveable member, the rotation of the first free rollers (14) being caused by engagement with second free rollers (15) that are retained by a second moveable member (11) and rotative actuation of the second moveable member (11). Electric motors serving as drive sources may be mounted on base members (4 and 5). |
US07980334B2 |
Diamond-bonded constructions with improved thermal and mechanical properties
Diamond-bonded constructions include a diamond-bonded body having a thermally stable region extending a distance below a diamond-bonded body surface. The thermally stable region comprises a matrix phase of bonded-together diamond crystals, and interstitial regions comprising a reaction product. The reaction product is formed by reaction between the diamond crystals and a reactive material. The reactant is a carbide former and the reaction product is a carbide. The diamond-bonded body includes a further diamond region extending from the thermally stable region that comprises the matrix phase and a Group VIII metal disposed within interstitial regions of the matrix phase. The thermally stable region is substantially free of a catalyst material used to initially form the diamond-bonded body. The diamond-bonded body may include a material layer formed from the reaction product that is disposed on a surface of the diamond-bonded body thermally stable region. |
US07980332B1 |
Downhole centrifugal drilling fluid separator
In one aspect of the invention, a downhole centrifugal drilling fluid separator has a bore within a tubular body comprising a central axis. The bore is formed to receive drilling fluid comprising particulate matter. At least one fin rigidly fixed within the bore and at least one port formed in a wall of the tubular body. As the drilling fluid flows through the tubular body the at least one fin creates a rotary motion within the drilling fluid forcing a portion of the particulate matter away from the central axis and through the at least one port in the tubular body. |
US07980329B2 |
System for managing variable density drilling mud
A method and system for drilling a wellbore is described. The system includes a wellbore with a variable density drilling mud, drilling pipe, a bottom hole assembly disposed in the wellbore and a drilling mud processing unit in fluid communication with the wellbore. The variable density drilling mud has compressible particles and drilling fluid. The bottom hole assembly is coupled to the drilling pipe, while the drilling mud processing unit is configured to separate the compressible particles from the variable density drilling mud. The compressible particles in this embodiment may include compressible hollow objects filled with pressurized gas and configured to maintain the mud weight between the fracture pressure gradient and the pore pressure gradient. In addition, the system and method may also manage the use of compressible particles having different characteristics, such as size, during the drilling operations. |
US07980326B2 |
Method and system for controlling force in a down-hole drilling operation
A method and system of subterranean excavating that estimates a buoyancy force applied to a downhole excavating system from drilling fluid. The estimated buoyancy force is used to derive a true weight on bit (WOB) at the borehole bottom. The derived realized WOB is compared to a target WOB to obtain a change in WOB. Based on the change in WOB, the excavating system is adjusted so the realized WOB approximates the target WOB. The excavating system adjustment includes applying a compensating force to the string. Compensating forces can be produced by manipulating a block assembly or deploying a thruster device in the string. |
US07980322B2 |
Impact adapter for a rock drill
An impact adaptor to convert a rock drill to an impact driver is described. The impact adapter has a boom coupling for securing the adapter in co-operating alignment with the shank of a drifter. The adapter has a casing for slidingly receiving and guiding an anvil therein from a top open end of the casing. The casing has an open bottom end adapted for receiving a top end section of a pile, tube or rod in the casing. Anvil supports are provided in the casing for retaining the anvil captive therein in the absence of the top end section of the pile, tube or rod. The casing has a predetermined length above the anvil supports to permit captive displacement of the anvil and displacement of the top section of the pile, tube or rod therein. The impact adapter is secured to the drifter in a movable or immovable manner and compensates for wear of the shank. |
US07980318B1 |
Penetrator bar for vertical tillage equipment
A method and apparatus for pre-fracturing soil before the soil is cut by coulter wheels to achieve an improved cultivation apparatus wherein a penetrator bar is rotatably mounted on the front of a tillage implement and supports a plurality of adjustable S-tines for penetration of the soil prior to cultivation and resulting interaction of the fractured soil with the coulter blades. |
US07980313B2 |
Method and apparatus for catching a pump-down plug or ball
An improved method and apparatus for catching and holding a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body that accepts a ball or a plug or a dart that flows downwardly into the tool body but disallows escape or discharge of the ball, plug or dart upwardly. The tool body has first and second flow channels or passages, one being generally axially aligned with the tool body. The other flow channel or passage is a second channel or passage that enables fluid flow around a cavity that contains one or more captive plugs (or ball or dart(s)). |
US07980307B2 |
Downhole window finder system
An apparatus for finding a pre-existing downhole window includes a body having a deflector ramp and a cavity, and an extendable dog disposed in the cavity, the dog mechanically moveable between a retracted position and an extended position into the pre-existing window. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an axially moveable sleeve disposed adjacent the extendable dog. A downhole window finding apparatus includes a deflector including a window finding assembly, and a running tool removably coupled to the deflector, wherein the window finding assembly includes an extendable member and an axially moveable sleeve retaining the extendable member. In certain embodiments, a fluid flow path extends through the running tool and the deflector to the window finding assembly. In some embodiments, a shear bolt removably couples the running tool to the deflector and includes a fluid passage fluidicly coupling a flow line in the running tool to a flow line in the deflector. A method of finding a pre-existing downhole window is also disclosed. |
US07980300B2 |
Drillable bridge plug
A drillable bridge plug comprising a mandrel, a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, a plurality of backup rings adjacent the sealing element, a lower slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, an upper slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, an upper cone adjacent the upper slip assembly and engaged with the mandrel with at least one axial locking apparatus and at least one rotational locking apparatus, and a lower cone adjacent the lower slip assembly and engaged with the mandrel with at least one axial locking apparatus and at least one rotational locking apparatus. A drillable bridge plug comprising a mandrel and at least one slip assembly at least partially made of a material having less than 10% elongation. |
US07980297B2 |
Heat sink having protective device for thermal interface material spread thereon
A protective device (10) for protecting thermal interface material (30) spread on a central surface (512) of a bottom of a base (51) of a heat sink (50). The device includes a case (12) and a tab (18) extending from an edge of the case. The heat sink (50) has air channels (552) extending vertically therethrough and around the base. The case comprises an annular frame (120) and a cap (15) protruding downwardly from inside edges of the frame. The cap covers the thermal interface material. The frame is attached to the heat sink around the thermal interface material. The frame blocks portions of the air channels adjacent to the base, thereby to prevent dust or foreign particles from contaminating the thermal interface material through the air channels. |
US07980295B2 |
Evaporator and circulation type cooling equipment using the evaporator
An evaporator includes a hermetically sealed vessel 1A having an inlet 17 and an outlet 16, a refrigerant supply portion 14, in which liquid refrigerant is stored, a heat transfer portion 12, to which the liquid refrigerant stored in the refrigerant supply portion 14 is supplied, heat transfer fins 12A having a heat transfer surface provided in the heat transfer portion 12, a wick 13A provided on the heat transfer surface of the heat transfer fins 12A to transfer the liquid refrigerant supplied to the heat transfer portion 12 towards the outlet 16 by means of capillarity, and a heat radiation fins 15, which is provided on the outer surface of the refrigerant supply portion 14 to prevent the temperature of the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant supply portion from rising. |
US07980293B2 |
Two fluid thermal storage device to allow for independent heating and cooling
A two fluid thermal storage device that may allow for independent heating and cooling includes a plurality of plate members with a set of dividers brazed between two of them. The set of dividers, which may define a series of passageways therein, may include a first sub-series of alternate passageways filled with a phase change material, and a second sub-series of remaining passageways that transports a fluid, the remaining passageways alternating between transporting a cooling fluid through a first fluid circuit and transporting a heating fluid through a second and independent fluid circuit. The remaining passageways that transport the cooling fluid through the first fluid circuit are defined by a first subset of dividers and the remaining passageways that transport the heating fluid through the second fluid circuit are defined by a second subset of dividers. |
US07980292B2 |
Crystalliser holding device
Provided is a crystalliser holding device for billets, blooms and slabs production plants that has a high constructive simplicity, a significantly reduced overall weight and that reduces substantially to zero the need for maintenance. The crystalliser holding device of the invention, in addition to efficaciously guaranteeing the transfer toward the exterior of the heat of the liquid steel introduced into the tubular crystalliser contained therein, also provides a separate circuit for cooling the continuous ingot exiting the crystalliser and the rollers at the foot. It also permits an easy and rapid replacement in the oscillating table in which it is housed. |
US07980291B2 |
Device for keeping warm slabs emerging from a continuous casting installation
An arrangement for maintaining the warmth of slabs which exit from a continuous casting installation and which can be transported on a roller table for further processing. In order to optimize the thermal balance between the continuous casting installation and the hot rolling mill, a supporting part is provided for receiving a slab, which supporting part can be placed on the roller table and transported thereon, and an insulating box which can be placed upon the supporting part and which substantially encloses the latter. |
US07980289B2 |
Endoluminal stent having mid-strut interconnecting members
An endoluminal stent composed of a plurality of circumferential expansion elements arrayed to form the circumference of the stent and extending along the longitudinal axis of the stent, and a plurality of interconnecting members that interconnect adjacent pairs of circumferential expansion elements, the interconnecting members joining struts of adjacent pairs of interconnecting members at approximate mid-points of the struts. |
US07980287B2 |
Adhesive chuck and substrate bonding apparatus
A substrate bonding apparatus includes a first chamber including a first surface plate on which a first substrate is supported, a second chamber spaced from the first chamber and including a second surface plate on which a second substrate to be bonded to the first substrate is supported, an adhesive module provided on the first surface plate and including a plurality of adhesive rubber areas holding the first substrate, and a lift module for lifting at least one of the plurality of adhesive rubber areas. |
US07980278B2 |
Brush cutting head with internally housed drive and bearing assembly
A brush cutting head having internally housed drive and bearing assemblies which can be easily attached/detached from the brush cutter housing without having to dismantle the drive assembly for improved productivity. The brush cutting head includes a hollow support body, a drive and bearing assembly housed at least partially within the hollow of the support body, a drive block mounted to extend within the hollow of the support body, and a motor provided with a torque transmitting driveshaft. |
US07980272B2 |
Microfluidic valve, method of manufacturing the same, and microfluidic device comprising the microfluidic valve
Provided is a microfluidic valve, a method of manufacturing the microfluidic valve, and a microfluidic device that employs the microfluidic valve. The microfluidic valve includes a platform that includes two substrates combined facing each other; a channel having a first depth allowing a fluid to flow between the two substrates; a valve gap that is disposed on at least a region of the channel and has a second depth which is smaller than the first depth; and a valve plug that is disposed to fill the valve gap and is formed of a valve material made by mixing a phase change material, which is solid at room temperature, with a plurality of exothermic particles that emit an amount of heat sufficient to melt the phase change material by absorbing electromagnetic waves. |
US07980271B2 |
Fluid flow controller
A fluid pathway is provided with a flow controller in at least a portion of its length wherein the flow controller comprises an active surface capable of influencing the fluid flow through the fluid pathway, the configuration of the active surface conforming to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section. |
US07980269B2 |
Control valve assembly for load carrying vehicles
A control valve assembly for a load carrying vehicle that includes a storage space and a dumping mechanism that is movable between an open position that allows access to the storage space and a closed position that inhibits access to the storage space. The control valve assembly includes a housing and a valve that is positioned within the housing and is movable between a first position, wherein the dumping mechanism is moved toward the open position, and a second position, wherein the dumping mechanism is moved toward the closed position. First, second, and third actuation systems are in communication with the valve and are operable to actuate the valve between the first position and the second position. |
US07980265B2 |
Valve responsive to fluid properties
A valve for downhole use has the ability to throttle between fully open and closed and is fully variable in positions in between. The valve is preferably responsive to flowing fluid viscosity and uses a three dimensional flow through restrictor in combination with a relatively movable cover. At a given flow, a higher viscosity fluid will create a greater relative movement and make it possible for flowing fluid to bypass more of the flow through member. In a particular application involving production from a zone, an array of such valves can allow more production where the viscosity is higher and less production where the viscosity drops due to, for example, water production. |
US07980259B2 |
Glass washing machine with broken glass removal system
A glass sheet washing machine with a broken glass removal system includes a support, a liquid container or reservoir, a pump, a liquid applicator, and a liquid permeable member. The support supports a glass sheet being washed. The liquid reservoir is positioned below the support. The pump is coupled to the liquid reservoir. The liquid applicator is coupled to the pump. The liquid applicator applies the liquid from the liquid reservoir to wash the glass sheet. Excess liquid falls into the reservoir. The liquid permeable member is positioned between the support and the liquid reservoir to catch pieces of glass to inhibit the pieces of broken glass from falling into the liquid reservoir and is moved to remove the pieces from the glass washing machine. |
US07980257B2 |
Parts washing system
Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed. The biological component within the cleaning fluid includes nonpathogenic microorganisms that break down the organic waste. The cleaning fluid is not toxic to the microorganisms. The pump and conduit assembly, in addition to aiding in the removal of organic waste, functions to aerate the cleaning fluid to maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms. A heater, thermostat, and level control assembly function to maintain the cleaning fluid within a certain temperature range so as to aid in the removal of organic waste and maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms. |
US07980249B2 |
Athletic mouthguard with customizable color insert
This invention relates to a protective mouthguard for use by athletes that incorporates a color customizable feature, allowing users to customize the visible color of the mouthguard. The invented protective mouthguard has a u-shaped base that will fit inside of a user's mouth. The front surface of the mouthguard can be visible when the mouthguard is worn by the user inside of his mouth. A colorable strip is placed inside a cavity in the front wall of the mouthguard and is visible through holes that are placed in the front wall. |
US07980247B2 |
Therapeutic aerosol device
A therapeutic aerosol device in which an aerosol generated by a nebulising device is supplied through a nosepiece to a patient's nostril so that the main aerosol flow supplied is able to emerge from the other nostril. The main aerosol flow is superimposed by pressure fluctuations. In order to guarantee that, due to the pressure fluctuation, aerosol is transported to the paranasal sinuses, a low resistance device is provided in the other nostril. |
US07980245B2 |
Informative accessories
An optimized system for providing medical support to a patient is disclosed. The system has a plurality of modular components that may be assembled to create a connection between a support machine and the patient wherein at least one of the modular components comprises an information tag for the storage of data and at least one of the modular components comprises an information sensor for the reading and transmission of the data. Once read and transmitted by the sensor, the data may be used to optimize the operation of the support machine. |
US07980239B1 |
Bow and arrow holder combination
A bow and arrow holder combination includes a bow that includes a grip, an upper limb, a lower limb and a bowstring extending between the upper and lower limbs. The upper and lower limbs each have a first side and a second side. An upper coupler is mounted to the upper limb and extends outwardly from the first side of the upper limb. The upper coupler releasably engages an arrow. A lower coupler is mounted to the lower limb and extends outwardly from the first side of the lower limb. The lower coupler releasably engages the arrow. |
US07980237B1 |
Integrated fall away arrow rest
A pivoting arrow rest is positioned in a support position for contacting and supporting an arrow shaft in a “ready” position and is rotated by a biasing spring into a recess provided in a riser shelf in response to a triggering event. The biasing spring is contained within the riser. |
US07980231B1 |
Outboard motor with an exhaust gas recirculation system and an idle exhaust relief system
A control system for an outboard motor provides an EGR valve and an idle exhaust relief valve which are under the control of a controller that opens and closes the valves as a function of the rotational speed of a crankshaft of the engine. The EGR valve controls the flow of exhaust gas from an exhaust gas conduit to an air intake manifold. The idle exhaust relief valve controls the flow of exhaust gas from the exhaust conduit to a location at atmospheric pressure. In addition, the idle exhaust relief valve is used to allow air to flow from the atmosphere into the exhaust conduit when the engine is turned off. |
US07980228B2 |
Vehicle fuel vapor management
A fuel vapor recovery system and method for an automotive vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle fuel tank is vented to atmosphere via a passageway having a carbon canister to remove fuel vapors, a bladder, and a normally-closed isolation valve. When fueling the vehicle, the gases in the fuel tank displaced by entering fuel are introduced into the carbon canister where the fuel vapors are stored. The isolation valve is commanded to open to allow such flow through the carbon canister. When the vehicle is parked for a period of a day, it undergoes a diurnal temperature change which causes fuel to vaporize into the fuel system. According to an aspect of the present development, the isolation valve remains closed and the gases are contained within the bladder as it expands or contracts as the volume of gases increases or decreases in response to temperature changes. |
US07980227B2 |
Feed unit for feeding fuel
A feed unit for feeding fuel has a housing formed integrally with the casing of a swirl pot, the housing comprising a fine filter. The fine filter is configured open toward one side and is closed by a cover. The cover is formed integrally with a base plate sealing the casing of the swirl pot. As a result, the feed unit has a particularly low number of components to be assembled and can be produced in a particularly cost-effective way. |
US07980223B2 |
Accumulation-volume fuel injection system for an internal-combustion engine
The injection system comprises a pump designed to send fuel at high pressure to an accumulation volume, for example formed by a common rail, for supplying a plurality of injectors. The pump comprises at least one pumping element actuated with reciprocating motion with a compression stroke at a sinusoidal speed, in synchronism with each step of fuel injection. The injection system comprises at least one by-pass solenoid valve, which is controlled by a chopper control unit for modulating the delivery of the pumping element by varying both the instant of start and the instant of end of delivery during the compression stroke, in such a way that the delivery is synchronous with the injection phase. |
US07980218B2 |
Pump driving device in engine
In a pump driving device in an engine, driving a pump shaft of a pump mounted to an engine body by a valve-operating cam shaft supported by the engine body, a bolt is threadedly engaged with one end of the cam shaft, the bolt having a head portion in which a polygonal hole is formed, and a polygonal shaft portion is formed at one end of the pump shaft so as to be fitted into the polygonal hole. The pump shaft is driven by the cam shaft via the polygonal hole and the polygonal shaft portion. Thus, a large driving torque can be transmitted from the cam shaft to the pump shaft without reducing any effective support surface of a journal portion of the cam shaft. |
US07980213B2 |
Internal combustion engine equipped with a variable valve control system
The invention provides an internal combustion engine equipped with a variable valve control system which switches the actions of an engine valve by sliding a rocker arm in the axial direction of the rocker arm shaft, while enabling the restriction on the sliding movement of the rocker arm to be removed in accordance with the timings of the actions of the rocker arms irrespective of the engine speed. The internal combustion engine includes an actuator that moves a rocker arm shaft in its axial direction, a trigger arm that engages with a rocker arm to prohibit the sliding movement of the rocker arm, and a trigger pin which is configured to be activated by an axial movement of the rocker arm shaft to bring the trigger arm into action, and to disengage the trigger arm from the rocker arm. |
US07980210B2 |
Variable valve drive system for engine
A valve drive device for an engine include a valve for opening or closing an opening of a port to a combustion chamber, a valve drive member for opening or closing the valve and a drive shaft for driving the valve drive member. The device also includes a variable valve timing mechanism for continuously changing a working angle of the valve corresponding to an operation state of the engine by changing a state of drive force transmission from the drive shaft to the valve drive member. A variable valve clearance mechanism is configured such that a valve clearance that is defined as a gap between the valve and the valve drive member can be set at a first value during a first condition in which the working angle of the valve is large to a second different value during a second condition in which the working angle of the valve is small. |
US07980208B2 |
Reciprocating engine
A reciprocating engine (10) operating on the two stroke cycle, comprising a pair of stationary and substantially concentrically aligned mutually opposed pistons (13, 15) and a sleeve (11) adapted to reciprocate about these static pistons. The reciprocating sleeve (11) defining two cavities, each cavity being operatively connected to one of the pistons to define a chamber. The first chamber being a pre-charge chamber (21) and having at least one inlet port (25), and the second chamber being a combustion chamber (19) and having at least one outlet port (35), the two chambers being separated by a pressure operated transfer valve (23). The reciprocating motion of the sleeve (11) can be converted into rotary motion. |
US07980200B2 |
Ectoparasite diagnostic apparatus and method of use thereof
An ectoparasite diagnostic apparatus comprising a vacuum motor, a microscope, a display, a non-flexible pivoting door and a containment chamber, wherein the microscope is in electrical communication with the display. The ectoparasite diagnostic apparatus provides a method of capturing live ectoparasites for observation removing live ectoparasites from a subject animal, disposing the live ectoparasites in the containment chamber, opening the non-flexible pivoting door and inserting a flea control compound, closing the non-flexible pivoting door and observing the effects of the flea control compound on the live ectoparasites via the microscope and the display. |
US07980198B2 |
Doping apparatus, doping method, and method for fabricating thin film transistor
It is an object of the present invention to provide a doping apparatus, a doping method, and a method for fabricating a thin film transistor that can carry out doping to the carrier concentration which is optimum for obtaining the desired electric characteristic non-destructively and in an easy manner. In accordance with the present invention, an electric characteristic of a semiconductor element (threshold voltage in a transistor and the like) is correctly and precisely monitored by using a contact angle, and is controlled by controlling a doping method. In addition, the present invention can be momentarily acquired information by in-situ monitoring the characteristic and can be fed back without a time lag. |
US07980197B2 |
Method and apparatus for dispensing a viscous material on a substrate
A dispenser for dispensing a volume of viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a gantry system coupled to the frame, and a dispenser unit coupled to the gantry system. The dispenser unit includes a housing having a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is configured to move between a pre-dispense position and a dispense position within the chamber. The dispenser unit further includes a dispensing bore configured to receive the piston therein and a nozzle coupled to the housing. A controller is coupled to the piston to control the operation of the piston. The dispenser is constructed such that a volume of viscous material dispensed from the dispensing bore is substantially equal to the volume of the piston entering the dispensing bore when moving the piston to the dispense position. Other embodiments and methods of dispensing viscous material are further disclosed. |
US07980193B1 |
Pressure lock marine horn
A marine horn has a horn path with a pressure lock chamber blocking water which has ingressed the horn outlet mouth from reaching the sound source along the horn path. |
US07980186B2 |
Soil shaping system for precision ground engaging implement
In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel. |
US07980185B1 |
Locking apparatus
A locking apparatus is disclosed including a lock box member and a first auger. The lock box member comprises at least one sidewall, a bottom wall including a first aperture, and a plurality of cover portions. The plurality of cover portions are selectively positionable in open and closed positions. The sidewall, the bottom wall and the plurality of cover portions define an interior portion when the cover portions are positioned in their closed positions. The lock box member further comprises structure to lock the cover portions in their closed positions, wherein the plurality of cover portions cooperate to form a second aperture therebetween when positioned in their closed positions. The first auger is attached to the lock box member. |
US07980184B2 |
Foldably constructed force-resisting structures having interior vertical support ribs
A foldably constructed force-resisting structure comprises a top member and a bottom member foldably constructed and assembled from one or more blanks of sheet material, preferably corrugated paperboard, initially in a flat condition. The top member includes a base panel and at least one side portion folded downwardly from the base panel. The bottom member includes a base panel and at least one side portion folded upwardly from the base panel. The top and bottom members are assembled in nested relation to define an interior of the force-resisting structure between the base panels, which are at least substantially parallel to one another. The force-resisting structure includes a vertical support rib structure in the interior defining an X-shaped or cross-shaped configuration. The support rib structure is foldably constructed from the top member base panel and/or the bottom member base panel and provides vertical support for a load disposed on the base panel of the top member. |
US07980183B2 |
Altitude compensation system for controlling smoke emissions from a naturally aspirated railroad locomotive
A railroad locomotive includes a naturally-aspirated reciprocating internal combustion engine, and a traction generator driven by the engine. A throttle position sensor produces a signal corresponding to the throttle position selected by the locomotive's operator. A load regulator receives a speed signal derived from the throttle position signal and outputs an excitation signal for the traction generator which is modified by a controller in response to air availability so that engine speed and load are controlled independently of the selected throttle position, so as to limit the exhaust smoke output of the engine. |
US07980182B2 |
Roofing rail transportation system
A rail transportation system particularly suited for transporting roofing materials upon an uncompleted roof. Sections of tubes form rails, allowing several rail cars carrying various roofing materials to transport those roofing materials from the edge of the roof to the point of installation. These tubes may be attached to one another, allowing tradespersons to further extend the range of the rails as the installation progresses. |
US07980167B2 |
Axial piston compressor
Axial piston compressor, especially for motor vehicle air-conditioning systems, having a tilt plate (2), especially a ring-shaped tilt plate, which is variable in terms of its inclination with respect to a drive shaft (1) and which is driven in rotation by the drive shaft (1) and is connected to—especially in articulated connection with—at least one supporting element (5) arranged at a spacing from the drive shaft (1) and rotating together therewith, the pistons in each case having an articulated arrangement with which the tilt plate (2) is in sliding engagement, and the supporting element (5) being arranged at the radially outer end of a force transmission element (6) which rotates together with the drive shaft (1) and is fixed in the latter in an approximately radial direction, wherein the force transmission element (6) is in rotatable and/or radially displaceable articulated connection with the supporting element (5). |
US07980166B1 |
Ballistic barrier
A ballistic barrier incorporates a flexible ballistic blanket having a threat side and a protected side, opposing top and bottom edges, and opposing side edges. A plurality of spaced-apart elongated stiffening elements extend longitudinally between opposing top and bottom edges of the ballistic blanket. An elongated structural brace extends laterally between opposing side edges of the ballistic blanket, and is arranged to support the ballistic blanket in a desired lateral configuration. |
US07980165B2 |
Modular blast-resistant panel system for reinforcing existing structures
Various embodiments of the present invention provide a blast-resistant reinforcement assembly and/or system for engaging a surface of an existing structure to protect the structure from an applied force, such as an explosive detonation. The assembly includes one or more energy absorbing panels that may be attached to the structure. The energy absorbing panels include a core material configured to absorb some portion of the applied force by pulverizing in response to the applied force. In some embodiments, the energy absorbing panels also include one or more ballistic-resistant composite panels configured to protect the core material and the underlying existing structure from debris. Some embodiments further provide one or more energy deflecting panels engaged with the plurality of energy absorbing panels so as to be disposed between the energy absorbing panels and the location of the applied force for at least partially deflecting the applied force. |
US07980161B2 |
Method and apparatus for assessing blade life of a guillotine paper cutter
A method and system for assessing when to change or sharpen a cutting blade of a paper cutter is presented. The cutting blade is operated using an electric motor that causes motion of the cutting blade, and the motion of the cutting blade causes the paper to be cut. Data is recorded about usage of the electric motor at least while cutting the paper. Based upon the data, a determination is made as to whether the cutting blade should be changed or sharpened. |
US07980158B1 |
Polyurethane press tooling components
A press punch for pressing a powder includes a generally cylindrical metallic body and a polyurethane layer disposed around the metallic body. The metallic body has a nominal outside diameter and a generally flat bottom face. The polyurethane layer is disposed around the metallic body such that a bottom of the polyurethane layer is flush with the generally flat bottom face of the metallic body and an outside diameter of the polyurethane layer is substantially the same as the nominal outside diameter of the metallic body. In another embodiment, the outside diameter of the polyurethane layer is greater than the nominal outside diameter of the metallic body. |
US07980153B2 |
Actuation system for a gearbox
An actuator device for a motor vehicle transmission, the motor vehicle transmission having:—at least two shafts;—a plurality of gear sets for the achievement of different gear steps;—a plurality of shift mechanisms that may be operated to produce or release a rotationally fixed shaft-gear connection; the actuator device having:—a plurality of output elements that can be moved in order to operatively engage in shift mechanisms of the transmission—a main actuator device having at least one main actuator element that is movable for the engagement of gears, the main actuator element preferably being an output element—a secondary actuator device having at least one movably mounted secondary actuator element, which is movable for the disengagement of gears, the at least one secondary actuator element preferably being an output element, the main actuator device and the secondary actuator device cooperating to produce controlled relative movements of at least two output elements. |
US07980151B2 |
Door drive
A door drive for garage, garden, hall or factory doors, comprising a motor unit which comprises a drive motor and a motor output shaft, an output transmission, which on the input end can be connected with the motor output shaft and on the output end includes a transmission output shaft for driving a door moving element, in particular a door shaft, a release clutch for releasing the motor output shaft with respect to the door moving element as well as at least one damping element for damping drive shocks. The door drive is characterized in that the output transmission includes a transmission housing formed separate from the motor unit and together with the release clutch and the damping element forms a separate, modular drive attachment, which can be connected on the one hand to the motor unit and on the other hand to the door moving element. |
US07980148B2 |
Device for sampling plant material
A device for collecting plant samples includes a punch and die mechanism for taking leaf plugs from plants. The punch itself includes a punch rod coaxially mounted inside a punch tube. In use, the punch tube has a distal end with two, diametrically opposed projections that interact with the formed aperture to cut a plug from a plant leaf. The punch rod then follows to remove a cut leaf plug from the formed aperture. Also included is a hydraulic subsystem for periodically delivering liquid on the punch and die mechanism to prevent plant debris from clogging the device. |
US07980146B2 |
System for sampling the airflow entering the compressor of a turbomachine
An embodiment of the present invention provides an air sampling system for measuring corrosives within an airstream flowing within an inlet system. This air sampling system may include an air sampling unit with a plurality of sampling coupons secured within. Parts of the air sampling system may be externally mounted to the inlet system, allowing for an operator to access the sampling coupons, while the inlet system operates. In operation, an embodiment of the present invention has a sampling line connected to the air sampling system; the airstream flowing within the sampling line passes over the sampling coupons and then returns to the inlet system. |
US07980145B2 |
Microelectromechanical capacitive device
Methods and devices based on a microelectromechanical capacitive sensor are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating an electromechanical capacitive device includes forming a housing of the electromechanical capacitive device using a non-conductive material and applying a conductive material on one or more areas on the housing to form one or more pairs of conductor plates. |
US07980144B2 |
Flexible electronics for pressure device and fabrication method thereof
A pressure device of flexible electronics capable for sensing a large area includes flexible films, electrodes, sensing blocks, and bumps. The flexible films are disposed with intervals and define two spaces. The electrodes and the sensing blocks are disposed on the flexible films and are in a space. The bumps are disposed on the flexible films and are in another space. The air in the spaces maintains a buffer distance of each two adjacent flexible films with the electrodes and the sensing blocks. When the pressure device of flexible electronics is deformed, it is capable of avoiding erroneous signals caused by contact of the sensing block and the electrode or the two sensing blocks disposed on the different flexible films respectively. |
US07980142B2 |
Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device having a plurality of ultrasonic flow rate sensors
The present invention is directed to an ultrasonic flow rate measuring device capable of improving the measurement accuracy. Such an ultrasonic flow rate measuring device comprises first to third ultrasonic flow rate sensors in the measurement passage which are equipped with first ultrasonic wave transmitter-receivers and second ultrasonic wave transmitter-receivers. First to third ultrasonic wave propagation paths connecting the first ultrasonic wave transmitter-receiver and the second ultrasonic wave transmitter-receivers, respectively, intersect at different angles with the flow direction of fluid flowing through the measurement passages. The ultrasonic flow rate measuring device of the present invention obtains a flow rate measurement selectively from one of the first to third ultrasonic flow rate sensors in response to a flow rate Q. |
US07980135B2 |
Microelectromechanical gyroscope with self-test function and control method
A microelectromechanical gyroscope having a microstructure that includes a first mass and a second mass, wherein the first mass is oscillatable according to a first axis and the second mass is constrained to the first mass so as to be drawn along by the first mass according to the first axis and to oscillate according to a second axis, in response to a rotation of the microstructure, a driving device coupled to the microstructure to maintain the first mass in oscillation at the driving frequency, and a reading device that detects displacements of the second mass according to the second axis. The gyroscope is provided with a self-test actuation system coupled to the second mass for applying an electrostatic force at the driving frequency so as to move the second mass according to the second axis. |
US07980127B1 |
Flow meter
A flow meter includes a transparent holder with an inlet and an outlet connected to a first, second and third fastening portions through a first, second, third and fourth connection ribs, a first and second fastening assemblies screwed respectively with the inlet and outlet, a butting member located at one end of the transparent holder, a flow scale plate located on a recess of the transparent holder, and a regulation member coupled to the inlet. The three fastening portions with respectively a first, second and third fastening hole are integrally formed with the inlet and outlet. Through the first and second fastening holes, the transparent holder is firmly fastened to a machine. Thus hydraulic pressure generated in the inlet and outlet does not cause loosening due to screw fastening of the three fastening portions. The structural strength of the transparent holder is increased and assembly is easier. |
US07980123B2 |
Test stand with jointed drive shaft
A jointed flexible drive shaft assembly is provided. The drive shaft has at least one flexible joint comprising a yoke connecting two drive shaft components together in a flexible manner which permits angular offsetting of the axis of rotation of one shaft component relative to the axis of rotation of another shaft component while a pilot and pilot bore cooperate to maintain the axes of rotation fixed against relative lateral offset a predetermined amount. The drive shaft assembly may be used on a test stand to couple a driving element with a driven element thereby reducing the need for a precision alignment between the driving and driven elements. |
US07980122B2 |
Internal combustion engine
A rotation detecting device for detecting the rotational speed of a gear in a transmission without increasing the width of the gear in the axial direction, using any expensive sensor and not limiting the location of a shift drum. An internal combustion engine includes a crankcase in which a crankshaft and a transmission are accommodated. The transmission includes a plurality of gears for shifting, an input shaft for inputting a rotational drive force from the crankshaft, and an output shaft wherein the rotational drive force is transmitted from the input shaft through the gears and to the output shaft to a drive wheel. The internal combustion engine includes rotation detecting devices for respectively detecting the rotational speeds of the gears. The rotation detecting devices respectively include detecting portions opposed to the gears rotating with the rotation of the input shaft and positioned in the axial direction of the transmission. |
US07980119B2 |
Auto-sampler cleaning mechanism
An auto-sampler cleaning mechanism is provided, which is capable of maintaining the supply of a liquid in a non-time-consuming manner when a cleaning solution is supplied. The auto-sampler cleaning mechanism of the present invention includes: a sample-metering sample loop 14 having a sample-injecting needle 15 at a front end thereof, a metering pump 24, a multi-ported valve 11a, a multi-position valve 11b, and a liquid-supply valve 11c. A diaphragm pump 25 is disposed between the port of the multi-position valve 11a and the port of the liquid-supply valve 11b, and used to supply a cleaning solution 26 or a mobile phase 20 to the sample loop 14. |
US07980117B2 |
Sniffer leak detector comprising a detector with a quartz window
A sniffer leak detector comprising a detector with a quartz window, the window being selectively permeable to a tracer gas. The quartz window is located in a suction chamber that is connected to a vacuum pump. To reduce the response time, a gas guidance plate is situated in the suction chamber, the guidance plate and quartz window together delimiting a narrow gas guidance chamber. |
US07980115B2 |
Self-calibrating laser semiconductor accelerometer
A self-calibrating laser accelerometer system that continuously removes bias errors from acceleration measurements under dynamic operating conditions has a frame with a pair of essentially identical mass modulated accelerometers positioned within the frame. Each accelerometer includes a proof mass mounted to the sensing element frame by a flexure suspension. The proof mass is arranged to rotate about an output axis in response to acceleration of the sensing element frame along an input axis. The first proof mass includes a secondary mass that is movable between a first stable position on a first side of the output axis and a second stable position on a second side of the output axis to provide mass modulation of the first proof mass and to provide a selectively reversible polarity to the input axis and to provide self-calibration of bias. |
US07980114B2 |
Electronic balance
An electronic balance is provided, in which a tolerance resulting from temperature variation is variable and a frequency for sensitivity calibration corresponds to the tolerance. A load detecting portion 1 detects a load of an object to be weighed 12, a processing portion 2 converts a detecting signal from the load detecting portion 1 into a mass value, transmits the mass data to a display portion 3, and controls a sensitivity calibrating mechanism 6a to perform a sensitivity calibration by increasing or reducing internal weights 13 on the load detecting portion 1. An operation control program of the processing portion 2 is built with a tolerance input function 21, a sensitivity calibration execution condition calculating function 22, and a sensitivity calibration execution determining function 24. Whenever the temperature variation reaches or exceeds an allowable temperature variation ΔT, a sensitivity calibration is performed. |