| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07993972B2 |
Wafer level die integration and method therefor
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a wafer for supporting the semiconductor device. An insulation layer is disposed over a top surface of the wafer. The method includes forming a first interconnect structure over the top surface of the wafer with temperatures in excess of 200° C., forming a metal pillar over the wafer in electrical contact with the first interconnect structure, connecting a semiconductor component to the first interconnect structure, and forming encapsulant over the semiconductor component. The encapsulant is etched to expose a portion of the metal pillar. A buffer layer is optionally formed over the encapsulant. The method includes forming a second interconnect structure over the encapsulant in electrical contact with the metal pillar with temperatures below 200° C., and removing a portion of a backside of the wafer opposite the top surface of the wafer. |
| US07993964B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device including active layer of zinc oxide with controlled crystal lattice spacing
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes forming an oxide semiconductor thin film layer of zinc oxide, wherein at least a portion of the oxide semiconductor thin film layer in an as-deposited state includes lattice planes having a preferred orientation along a direction perpendicular to the substrate and a lattice spacing d002 of at least 2.619 Å. |
| US07993963B2 |
Phase change layer and method of manufacturing the same and phase change memory device comprising phase change layer and methods of manufacturing and operating phase change memory device
Provided are a phase change layer and a method of forming the phase change layer and a phase change memory device including the phase change layer, and methods of manufacturing and operating the phase change memory device. The phase change layer may be formed of a quaternary compound including an amount of indium (In) ranging from about 15 at. % to about 20 at. %. The phase change layer may be InaGebSbcTed, wherein an amount of germanium (Ge) ranges from about 10 at. %≦b≦about 15 at. %, an amount of antimony (Sb) ranges from about 20 at. %≦c≦about 25 at. %, and an amount of tellurium (Te) ranges from about 40 at. %≦d≦about 55 at. %. |
| US07993962B2 |
I-shaped phase change memory cell
A memory device includes two electrodes, vertically separated and having mutually opposed contact surfaces, between which lies a phase change cell. The phase change cell includes an upper phase change member, having a contact surface in electrical contact with the first electrode; a lower phase change member, having a contact surface in electrical contact with the second electrode; and a kernel member disposed between and in electrical contact with the upper and lower phase change members. The phase change cell is formed of material having at least two solid phases, and the lateral extent of the upper and lower phase change members is substantially greater than that of the kernel member. An intermediate insulating layer is disposed between the upper and lower phase change members adjacent to the kernel member. |
| US07993957B2 |
Phase change memory cell and manufacturing method thereof using minitrenches
A process forms a phase change memory cell using a resistive element and a memory region of a phase change material. The resistive element has a first thin portion having a first sublithographic dimension in a first direction; and the memory region has a second thin portion having a second sublithographic dimension in a second direction transverse to the first dimension. The first thin portion and the second thin portion are in direct electrical contact and define a contact area of sublithographic extension. The second thin portion is delimited laterally by oxide spacer portions surrounded by a mold layer which defines a lithographic opening. The spacer portions are formed after forming the lithographic opening, by a spacer formation technique. |
| US07993950B2 |
System and method of encapsulation
Embodiments discussed herein generally include methods of fabricating MEMS devices within a structure. The MEMS device may be formed in a cavity above the structure, and additional metallization may occur above the MEMS device. The cavity may be formed by depositing an encapsulating layer over the sacrificial layers that enclose the MEMS device. The encapsulating layer may then be etched to expose portions of the sacrificial layers. The sacrificial layers are exposed because they extend through the sidewalls of the encapsulating layer. Therefore, no release holes are etched through the top of the encapsulating layer. An etchant then removes the sacrificial layers to free the MEMS device and form the cavity and an opening through the sidewall of the encapsulating layer. Another encapsulating layer may then be deposited to seal the cavity and the opening. |
| US07993949B2 |
Heterogeneous substrate including a sacrificial layer, and a method of fabricating it
The invention relates to a method of making a component from a heterogeneous substrate comprising first and second portions in at least one monocrystalline material, and a sacrificial layer constituted by at least one stack of at least one layer of monocrystalline Si situated between two layers of monocrystalline SiGe, the stack being disposed between said first and second portions of monocrystalline material, wherein the method consists in etching said stack by making: e) at least one opening in the first and/or second portion and the first and/or second layer of SiGe so as to reach the layer of Si; and f) eliminating all or part of the layer of Si. |
| US07993948B2 |
Semiconductor device, method for fabricating an electrode, and method for manufacturing a semiconductor device
A method for fabricating an electrode by (i) depositing a palladium film on a p-type semiconductor layer; (ii) introducing an oxygen gas onto the palladium film to provide an oxygen ambient; (iii) oxidizing the palladium film adjacent to the semiconductor layer by annealing the palladium film in the oxygen ambient; and (iv) forming a palladium oxide film directly in contact with the semiconductor layer. |
| US07993946B2 |
Thin film transistor panel and manufacturing method thereof
A thin film transistor array panel including a substrate, a gate line and a gate-layer signal transmitting line of a gate driving circuit portion formed on the substrate, a gate insulating layer formed on the gate line and the gate-layer signal transmitting line and having a first contact hole exposing a portion of the gate-layer signal transmitting line, a semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating layer, a data line including a source electrode, and a drain electrode formed on the gate insulating layer and the semiconductor layer, a data-layer signal transmitting line of the gate driving circuit portion formed on the gate insulating layer and connected to the gate-layer signal transmitting line through the first contact hole, a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode, and a passivation layer formed on the data line, the drain electrode, and the data-layer signal transmitting line of the driving circuit portion. The data line, the drain electrode, and the data-layer signal transmitting line have a triple-layered structure including a lower layer, an intermediate layer, and an upper layer. The lower layer is made of a same layer as the pixel electrode. |
| US07993944B2 |
Microelectronic imagers with optical devices having integral reference features and methods for manufacturing such microelectronic imagers
Microelectronic imager assemblies with optical devices having integral reference features and methods for assembling such microelectronic imagers is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the imager assembly can include a workpiece with a substrate having a front side, a back side, and a plurality of imaging dies on and/or in the substrate. The imaging dies include image sensors, integrated circuitry operatively coupled to the image sensors, and external contacts electrically coupled to the integrated circuitry. The assembly also includes optics supports on the workpiece. The optics supports have openings aligned with corresponding image sensors and first interface features at reference locations relative to corresponding image sensors. The assembly further includes optical devices having optics elements and second interface features seated with corresponding first interface features to position the optics elements at a desired location relative to corresponding image sensors. |
| US07993943B2 |
GaN based LED with improved light extraction efficiency and method for making the same
A light-emitting device and the method for making the same are disclosed. The device includes a substrate, a light-emitting structure and a light scattering layer. The light-emitting structure includes an active layer sandwiched between a p-type GaN layer and an n-type GaN layer, the active layer emitting light of a predetermined wavelength when electrons and holes from the n-type GaN layer and the p-type GaN layer, respectively, combine therein. The light scattering layer includes a GaN crystalline layer characterized by an N-face surface. The N-face surface includes features that scatter light of the predetermined wavelength. The light-emitting structure is between the N-face surface and the substrate. |
| US07993940B2 |
Component attach methods and related device structures
A method, and associated apparatus, for attaching a component (e.g., an electronic and/or optoelectronic component) is provided which can facilitate low-voiding of an attachment layer. The method includes disposing an attachment material layer over a surface, providing the component having a backside surface, disposing a portion of the backside surface of the component over a first portion of the attachment material layer such that a substantial portion of the backside surface of the component is not disposed over the attachment material layer, and moving the component such that the component is attached to at least a portion of the attachment material layer that is substantially larger than the first portion of the attachment material layer. The attachment material can include a solder. A light-emitting device is also described that comprises a component including a light-emitting die, wherein the component is supported by a substrate, and wherein the light-emitting die comprises a light emission surface and a backside surface disposed opposite the light emission surface. The light emission surface of the light-emitting die has an area greater than or equal to 1 mm2 and an attachment material layer is disposed between the backside surface of the light-emitting die and the substrate, wherein the attachment material layer has voiding of less than 5% of an area of the backside surface. |
| US07993933B2 |
Cyanide and related species detection with metal surfaces
An assay method and kit for detecting a chemical. The method and kit utilize a metal surface capable of surface enhanced Raman Scattering. The metal surface may be provided in the form of one or more nanoparticles, to increase the surface enhanced Raman Scattering capability of the metal surface. The nanoparticles may be treated with one or more additives to further enhance or maintain the surface enhanced Raman Scattering capability of the nanoparticles. |
| US07993932B2 |
Leak sensor for flowing electrolyte batteries
A leak detection system for a flowing electrolyte battery comprising a containment member associated with at least one of a stack of a flowing electrolyte battery and an electrolyte reservoir of a flowing electrolyte battery and a sensing member for sensing a fluid leak within the containment member. |
| US07993924B2 |
cDNA corresponding to the antigenome of nonsegmented negative stranded RNA viruses and process for the production of such viruses
The present invention relates, in general, to a methodology for the generation of nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses (Pringle, 1991) from cloned deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA). Such rescued viruses are suitable for use as vaccines, or alternatively, as plasmids in somatic gene therapy applications. The invention also relates to cDNA molecules suitable as tools in this methodology and to helper cell lines allowing the direct rescue of such viruses. Measles virus (MV) is used as a mode for other representatives of the Mononegavirales, in particular the family Paramyxoviridae. |
| US07993919B2 |
Method of inducing memory B cell development and terminal differentiation
A method is disclosed herein for inducing differentiation of a B cell progenitor into a memory B cells and/or a plasma cell. The method includes contacting a population of cells including a mature B cell or a B cell progenitor with an effective amount of IL-21, and isolating memory B cells or plasma cells. In one embodiment, the B cell progenitor is an immature B cell. A method is also disclosed for enhancing an immune response. The method includes contacting a population of cells including a B cell progenitor with an effective amount of IL-21, and isolating memory B cells or plasma cells. The memory B cells arid/or the plasma cell are then introduced into the subject to enhance the immune response. A method is also disclosed for treating a subject with a condition comprising a specific deficiency of at least one of memory B cells and plasma cells. A method is disclosed for identifying an agent with a physiological effect on one or more of a memory B cell and a plasma cell differentiation. A method is also disclosed for identifying agents that inhibit an activity of IL-21. |
| US07993918B2 |
Tumor suppression using placental stem cells
The present invention provides methods of suppression of tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth using placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations. The invention also provides methods of producing and selecting placental cells and cell populations on the basis of tumor suppression, and compositions comprising such cells and cell populations. |
| US07993915B2 |
Methods and materials for increasing expression of recombinant polypeptides
The present invention provides novel methods and materials for increasing the expression of recombinant polypeptides. Methods and materials of the invention allow increased expression of transcription units that include recombinant DNA sequences which encode polypeptides of interest. The present invention provides expression vectors which contain multiple copies of a transcription unit encoding a polypeptide of interest separated by at least one selective marker gene and methods for sequentially transforming or transfecting host cells with expression vectors to increase transcription unit dosage and expression. |
| US07993911B2 |
Microfluidic droplet queuing network
A multi-port liquid bridge (1) adds aqueous phase droplets (10) in an enveloping oil phase carrier liquid (11) to a draft channel (4, 6). A chamber (3) links four ports, and it is permanently full of oil (11) when in use. Oil phase is fed in a draft flow from an inlet port (4) and exits through a draft exit port (6) and a compensating flow port (7). The oil carrier and the sample droplets (3) (“aqueous phase”) flow through the inlet port (5) with an equivalent fluid flow subtracted through the compensating port (7). The ports of the bridge (1) are formed by the ends of capillaries held in position in plastics housings. The phases are density matched to create an environment where gravitational forces are negligible. This results in droplets (10) adopting spherical forms when suspended from capillary tube tips. Furthermore, the equality of mass flow is equal to the equality of volume flow. The phase of the inlet flow (from the droplet inlet port (5) and the draft inlet port (4) is used to determine the outlet port (6) flow phase. |
| US07993905B2 |
Device containing cytophilic islands that adhere cells separated by cytophobic regions
The invention provides a device for adhering cells in a specific and predetermined position, and associated methods. The device includes a plate defining a surface and a plurality of cytophilic islands that adhere cells, isolated by cytophobic regions to which cells do not adhere, contiguous with the cytophilic islands. The islands or the regions or both may be formed of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM). |
| US07993904B2 |
Process for the preparation of optically active 5-substituted 2-oxazolidinones from racemic epoxides and cyanate employing a halohydrin dehalogenase
A process for the production of an optically enriched oxazolidinone of the formula (2a) or (2b), by reacting an epoxide of the formula (1) with cyanate in the presence of halo-hydrin dehalogenase. |
| US07993901B2 |
Nitrilases and methods for making and using them
The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature. |
| US07993900B2 |
Subtilases
The present invention relates to novel JP170 like subtilases from wild-type bacteria, hybrids thereof and to methods of construction and production of these proteases. Further, the present invention relates to use of the claimed subtilases in detergents, such as a laundry or an automatic dishwashing detergent. |
| US07993896B2 |
Streptomyces griseoplanus α-galactosidases for removing immunodominant α-galactose monosaccharides from blood group B or AB reactive cells
This invention relates to enzymatic removal of type A and B antigens from blood group A, B, and AB reactive cells in blood products, and thereby converting these to non-A and non-B reactive cells. The invention further relates to using unique α-N-acetylgalactosaminidases and α-galactosidases with superior kinetic properties for removing the immunodominant monosaccharides of the blood group A and B antigens and improved performance in enzymatic conversion of red blood cells. The preferred unique α-N-acetylgalactosaminidases and α-galactosidases exhibit the following characteristics: (i) exclusive, preferred or no less than 10% substrate specificity for the type A and B branched polysaccharide structures relative to measurable activity with simple mono- and disaccharide structures and aglycon derivatives hereof; (ii) optimal performance at neutral pH with blood group oligosaccharides and in enzymatic conversion of cells; and (iii) a favorable kinetic constant Km with mono- and oligosaccharide substrates. The conversion methods of the invention use significantly lower amounts of recombinant glycosidase enzymes than previous and result in complete sero-conversion of all blood group A and B red cells. |
| US07993895B2 |
Mitigation of photodamage in analytical reactions
Compositions, devices, systems and methods for reducing and/or preventing photodamage of one or more reactants in illuminated analytical reactions by one or more of incorporating photodamage mitigating agents within the reaction mixture and/or interrogating different observation regions of the reaction mixture for a period that is less than a photodamage threshold period. |
| US07993892B2 |
Production of organic/inorganic composite hydrogel
The present invention provides a production process of an organic/inorganic composite hydrogel, which demonstrates superior mechanical properties, by uniformly dispersing a clay mineral in an organic polymer over a wide range of clay mineral content, and a dried form thereof, to be produced easily in a short period of time. The production process of an organic/inorganic composite hydrogel of the present invention comprises reacting a water-soluble organic monomer (a) in the presence of a water-swellable clay mineral (b) by irradiating with an energy beam in a solution in which a non-water-soluble polymerization initiator (d) is dispersed in an aqueous medium (c). |
| US07993886B2 |
Catalyzed preparation of (meth)acrylates of N-hydroxyalkylated amides
The claimed invention relates to a process for preparing (meth)acrylates of N-hydroxyalkylated amides, in which open-chain N-hydroxyalkylated amides are esterified with (meth)acrylic acid or transesterified with at least one (meth)acrylic ester in the presence of at least one heterogeneous catalyst selected from the group consisting of an inorganic salt and an enzyme. |
| US07993885B2 |
Method for producing L-lysine or L-arginine by using methanol assimilating bacterium
A DNA encoding a variant of a protein having a loop region and six hydrophobic helixes which is involved in excretion of L-lysine to outside of a cell is described, wherein the DNA encodes a mutant protein which does not contain the loop region that is present in the wild-type protein. The mutant protein facilitates excretion of L-lysine, L-arginine, or both to the outside of the cell of a methanol assimilating bacterium when the DNA is introduced into the bacterium. Specifically, lysE24 is introduced into a methanol assimilating bacterium such as Methylophilus bacteria which results in improved L-amino acid productivity, especially production of L-lysine and L-arginine. |
| US07993879B2 |
Fluorescent protein sensors for detection of analytes
Fluorescent indicators including a binding protein moiety, a donor fluorescent protein moiety, and an acceptor fluorescent protein moiety are described. The binding protein moiety has an analyte-binding region which binds an analyte and causes the indicator to change conformation upon exposure to the analyte. The donor moiety and the acceptor moiety change position relative to each other when the analyte binds to the analyte-binding region. The donor moiety and the acceptor moiety exhibit fluorescence resonance energy transfer when the donor moiety is excited and the distance between the donor moiety and the acceptor moiety is small. The indicators can be used to measure analyte concentrations in samples, such as calcium ion concentrations in cells. |
| US07993878B2 |
Antibodies to human IL-1β
An IL-1β binding molecule, in particular an antibody to human IL-1β, especially a human antibody to human IL-1β is provided, wherein the CDRs of the heavy and light chains have amino acid sequences as defined, for use in the treatment of an IL-1 mediated disease or disorder, e.g. osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and other inflammatory arthritides. |
| US07993874B2 |
Phospholipase C enzyme(s)
The present invention provides a phospholipase C enzyme(s) having ability to hydrolyze phospholipid in both acidic and around neutral ranges and the activity in a citrate buffer solution as well as having some degree of heat stability, and having a property not to hydrolyze phosphate esters not containing lipid moieties. The phospholipase C enzyme(s) shows the activity at from acidic to neutral pH and does not substantially hydrolyze any phosphate esters except for phospholipids. |
| US07993873B2 |
Apparatus for arbitrary peptide synthesis
Methods, apparatus, systems, computer programs and computing devices related to biologically assembling and/or synthesizing peptides and/or proteins are disclosed. |
| US07993869B2 |
Method for detecting gluten
Provided is a mAb-based method for the detection of T cell stimulatory epitopes known to be involved in CD. The method has many advantages compared to the existing methods for the detection of gluten since it is the first method that can; (i) detect T cell stimulatory epitopes of gluten; (ii) detect the epitopes separately, (iii) detect T cell stimulatory epitopes present on gliadin and glutenin homologues present in other cereals also known to be involved in CD; and (iv) detect T cell stimulatory epitopes on both intact proteins and small protein fragments. The new method is a valuable tool in the screening of basic ingredients, semi manufactured ingredients and food products that are intended to be used in the gluten free diet of CD patients. Moreover the new method can also be used for the screening of cereals and different wheat varieties for the level of toxicity for CD patients. Thereby the method can help in the selection of cereals and wheat varieties with low toxicity which might form the basis for future breeding programs. In the future these cereals will be used for the production of safe food for CD patients. |
| US07993868B2 |
Saposin D and FAM3C are biomarkers for alzheimer's disease
The present invention provides protein-based biomarkers and biomarker combinations that are useful in qualifying Alzheimer's disease status in a patient. In particular, the biomarkers of this invention are useful to classify a subject sample as Alzheimer's disease or non-Alzheimer's disease. The biomarkers can be detected by SELDI mass spectrometry. |
| US07993860B2 |
Polypeptides recognized by anti-Trichinella antibodies, and uses thereof
The present invention relates to new polypeptides recognized by anti-Trichinella antibodies. The invention also relates to the use of said polypeptides for the detection of anti-Trichinella antibodies and for the prevention of trichinellosis. |
| US07993857B2 |
Determination of AM-binding proteins and the association of adrenomedullin (AM) therewith
The present invention provides methods for the isolation, identification, and purification of adrenomedullin (AM)-binding proteins. Also, provided are methods for utilizing the purified AM-binding proteins, or functional portions thereof, to diagnose, treat, and monitor AM-related diseases, for example, diseases or disorders associated with abnormally elevated AM levels. In addition, the present invention provides a newly identified complex between AM and a specific AM-binding protein 1 (AMBP-1); which has been isolated and identified herein as factor H (fH). The invention also provides AM/AMBP complexes, particularly AM/FH complexes, and antibodies specifically reactive with this complexes. Further provided are methods for identifying and purifying complexes of AM and an AM binding protein using anti-AM/fH antibodies, and methods for treating conditions such as cancer or diabetes utilizing compositions comprising these antibodies. The present invention additionally provides methods for identifying antagonists agents that inhibit the function of AM, factor H, or the AM/factor H complex. The invention also provides methods for treating conditions such as cancer or diabetes using these antagonist agents. |
| US07993854B2 |
Detection and quantification of biomarkers via a piezoelectric cantilever sensor
Quantification of a target analyte is performed using a single sample to which amounts of the target analyte are added. Calibration is performed as part of quantification on the same sample. The target analyte is detectable and quantifiable using label free reagents and requiring no sample preparation. Target analytes include biomarkers such as cancer biomarkers, pathogenic Escherichia coli, single stranded DNA, and staphylococcal enterotoxin. The quantification process includes determining a sensor response of a sensor exposed to the sample and configured to detect the target analyte. Sensor responses are determined after sequential additions of the target analyte to the sample. The amount of target analyte detected by the sensor when first exposed to the sample is determined in accordance with the multiple sensor responses. |
| US07993853B2 |
Methods of nucleic acid target capture
Methods for efficiently capturing a target nucleic acid from a sample by using a mixture that contains a capture probe specific for the target nucleic acid, the target nucleic acid, and a denaturant chemical, which mixture is incubated at elevated temperature for a short time, are disclosed. Compositions that include a capture probe that specifically binds to a target nucleic acid and a denaturant chemical, which when mixed with the target nucleic acid and incubated at elevated temperature for a short time, promote efficient hybridization of the capture probe and target nucleic acid are disclosed. |
| US07993852B2 |
MN/CA IX and cancer prognosis
Herein disclosed are methods that are prognostic for neoplastic/preneoplastic disease in a subject vertebrate, wherein said disease is associated with a tissue that normally expresses MN, but which MN expression is lost or diminished upon carcinogenesis. Exemplary of the types of preneoplastic/neoplastic diseases subject to the prognostic methods of this invention are those of gastric mucosa, gallbladder, biliary ducts, and ductal cells of duodenal glands. An exemplary prognostic method comprises comparing the level of MN gene expression product in a tissue sample from the affected subject, with the average MN gene expression product level found in analogous preneoplastic/neoplastic tissue samples; an above average MN gene expression product level indicates poorer prognosis for the subject. MN gene expression products useful in the prognostic methods include MN protein, MN polypeptide, and/or MN nucleic acids. |
| US07993850B2 |
Method and probes for the detection of a tumor-specific fusion protein
The invention relates to the detection of fusion proteins. Described are a set of at least a first and a second molecular probe, each probe provided with a dye wherein the dyes together allow energy transfer, at least one probe provided with a reactive group allowing juxtaposing at least the first and second probes wherein the reactive group allows modulation of juxtaposing the probes such that there is an increased likelihood of energy transfer between the dyes. A method is provided which permits detecting the presence of a fusion protein in a cell at the single cell level. |
| US07993848B2 |
Staphylococcus protein A domain mutants that bind to TNF-α
A TNF-α binding polypeptide is provided, which is related to a domain of staphylococcal protein A (SPA) in that the sequence of the polypeptide corresponds to the sequence of the SPA domain having 1 to about 20 substitution mutations. Nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, expression vector comprising the nucleic acid, and host cell comprising the expression vector are also provided. Also provided are methods comprising a step of affinity separation or detection, in which step a polypeptide according to the invention is used. Such methods may be used for reducing the content of TNF-α in a body fluid. |
| US07993847B2 |
Plasma or serum separation membrane and filter apparatus including the plasma or serum separation membrane
A Plasma or serum separation membrane that enables omitting centrifugal separation, is free from hemolysis attributed to destruction of red blood cells and realizes easy and rapid separation of plasma or serum from blood; and a filter apparatus including the plasma or serum separation membrane. In particular, a plasma or serum separation membrane being a membrane for separation of plasma or serum from blood and having a void ratio of 30% or below; and a filter apparatus comprising a filter member capable of attaining movement of plasma swifter than movement of blood cells and a plasma or serum separation membrane connected in series with a rear side of the filter member. |
| US07993844B1 |
Artificial chimeras engineered to simulate multiple biological threat agents
This invention provides safe, non-infectious chimeras that include the nucleic acid signature of most bacterial and viral biological threat agents. These chimeras mimic properties of threat agents and are useful as simulants to develop, evaluate, test, and train on nucleic acid-based biodetectors and diagnostic products of interest in biodefense, without the need for accessing or producing virulent agents. |
| US07993836B2 |
Genes affecting human memory performance
The present invention relates to DNA sequences associated with human memory performance. It also provides methods for (i) screening for diseases and pathological conditions affecting human memory, (ii) identifying agents useful for treatment of diseases and pathological conditions affecting human memory, and (iii) agents and compositions useful for treatment of diseases and pathological conditions affecting human memory. |
| US07993829B2 |
HPRP4s modifiers of the p53 pathway and methods of use
Human hPRP4 genes are identified as modulators of the p53 pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective p53 function. Methods for identifying modulators of p53, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of hPRP4 are provided. |
| US07993824B2 |
Compositions and methods for determining the susceptibility of a pathogenic virus to protease inhibitors
The present invention provides an approach for developing an algorithm for determining the effectiveness of anti-viral drugs based on a comprehensive analysis of paired phenotypic and genotypic data guided by phenotypic clinical cut-offs. In one aspect, the algorithm allows one to provide a patient with effective treatment. It helps predict whether an infected individual will respond to treatment with an anti-viral compound, thereby allowing an effective treatment regimen to be designed without subjecting the patient to unnecessary side effects. Also, by avoiding the administration of ineffective drugs, considerable time and money is saved. |
| US07993817B2 |
Structure with self aligned resist layer on an insulating surface and method of making same
A structure is provided with a self-aligned resist layer on an insulator surface and non-lithographic method of fabricating the same. The non-lithographic method includes applying a resist on a structure comprising at least one of interconnects formed in an insulator material. The method further comprises exposing the resist to energy and developing the resist to expose surfaces of the interconnects. The method further comprises depositing metal cap material on the exposed surfaces of the interconnects. |
| US07993816B2 |
Method for fabricating self-aligned nanostructure using self-assembly block copolymers, and structures fabricated therefrom
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for patterning a surface that includes forming a block copolymer atop a heterogeneous reflectivity surface, wherein the block copolymer is segregated into first and second units; applying a radiation to the first units and second units, wherein the heterogeneous reflectivity surface produces an exposed portion of the first units and the second units; and applying a development cycle to selectively remove at least one of the exposed first and second units of the segregated copolymer film to provide a pattern. |
| US07993815B2 |
Line ends forming
Methods of forming line ends and a related memory cell including the line ends are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a first device element and a second device element separated from the first device element by a space; and forming a first line extending from the first device element, the first line including a bulbous line end over the space and distanced from the first device element, and a second line extending from the second device element, the second line including a bulbous line end over the space and distanced from the second device element. |
| US07993808B2 |
TARC material for immersion watermark reduction
A coating material disposed overlying a photo sensitive layer during an immersion lithography process includes a polymer that is substantially insoluble to an immersion fluid and an acid capable of neutralizing a base quencher from the photo sensitive layer. |
| US07993805B2 |
Polyalkylene glycol benzoate containing photoconductors
A photoconductor that includes a supporting substrate, an optional ground plane layer, an optional hole blocking layer, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer, and where the charge transport layer contains a polyalkylene glycol benzoate. |
| US07993804B2 |
Color filter structure and display device using the color filter, and manufacturing method thereof
A color filter being precisely and easily manufactured while solving an alignment problem is provided. Further, a method for manufacturing a color filter structure formed in a display panel that has front and rear substrates opposed to each other is provided. This method is provided with: a first step of forming a composite layer (11, 12, 1G, 1C, 1S, 1D) that includes a pixel drive element in a rear substrate 10; a second step of patterning a first rib 42 along a boundary of a pixel region on or above the composite layer and a second rib 44 arranged in the pixel area, the second rib having a height that is smaller than that of the first rib 42 in accordance with a photolithography technique; a third step of dropping a light transmission material in a reflection region Pr defined by the first rib 42 and the second rib 44 and forming a stepped layer 7 in accordance with an ink jet technique; and a fourth step of, after the stepped layer 7 has been formed, dropping a light coloring material 9 in a region defined by the first rib 42 and forming a color layer in accordance with an ink jet technique. |
| US07993802B2 |
Method for correcting pattern critical dimension in photomask
A method for correcting pattern critical dimension (CD) in a photomask includes forming a multilayer structure over a substrate by stacking at least two thin films capable of forming a compound by application of energy from an energy source; forming a light-shielding layer over the multilayer structure; forming a light-shielding layer pattern that selectively exposes the multilayer structure by selectively etching the light-shielding layer; detecting a correction region requiring a CD correction by measuring a CD of the light-shielding layer pattern; and forming a compound, by which the CD is corrected by a transmittance difference between the multilayer structure and the correction region, by applying an energy to a region of the multilayer structure corresponding to the detected correction region to react the thin films. |
| US07993800B2 |
Multilayer active mask lithography
An active mask emits a patterned energy flux in response to an energy input. |
| US07993798B2 |
Manufacture of fuel cell
A fuel cell is manufactured using a polymer electrolyte membrane (1). A catalyst layer (12) is formed at fixed intervals on the surface of the strip-form polymer electrolyte membrane (1) in the lengthwise direction thereof, and conveyance holes (10) are formed in series at fixed intervals on the two side portions thereof. By rotating a conveyance roller (32) comprising on its outer periphery projections which engage with the holes (10), the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) is fed from a reel (9). A GDL (6) and a separator (7) are adhered to the fed polymer electrolyte membrane (1) at a predetermined processing timing based on the rotation speed of the conveyance roller (32), and thus the fuel cell is manufactured efficiently while the GDL (6) and separator (7) are laminated onto the catalyst layer (12) accurately. |
| US07993792B2 |
Polymer blocks for PEM applications
Block copolymer that can be formed into an ion—Conductive membrane are provided. The block copolymer of the invention includes a first polymer block and a second polymer block attached to the first polymer block. The second polymer block has a main polymer chain and one or more side chains extending from the main polymer chain. The one or more side chains include at least one substitutent for proton transfer. Block copolymers utilizing phosphoric acid groups are also provided. |
| US07993791B2 |
Self-humidifying proton exchange membrane, membrane-electrode assembly, and fuel cell
A self-humidifying proton exchange membrane (PEM) composition, a membrane-electrode assembly, and a fuel cell. The PEM composition comprises (a) a proton-conducting polymer; (b) a catalyst that promotes the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen molecules to generate water in the membrane, and (c) a deliquescent material dispersed in this polymer. The amount of catalyst is preferably 0.01%-50% by weight on the basis of the polymer weight. The catalyst is preferably a metal catalyst selected from the group consisting of platinum, gold, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, and mixtures and alloys thereof. Suitable deliquescent materials include, but are not limited to, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, potassium biphosphate, potassium acetate and combinations thereof. A deliquescent material absorbs and retains an essentially constant amount of moisture to keep the proton mobile in the PEM structure. The fuel cell containing such a PEM composition can be used in a higher temperature and/or lower-humidity environment. |
| US07993787B2 |
Method for fast and reliable fuel cell system start-ups
A method for providing a fast and reliable start-up of a fuel cell system. The method uses a stack voltage response to a load to assess if hydrogen and oxygen are being sufficiently distributed to all of the fuel cells by coupling an auxiliary load to the fuel cell stack until a predetermined minimum cell voltage has been reached or a first predetermined time period has elapsed. The method then determines whether a minimum cell voltage has dropped to a first predetermined voltage and, if so, reduces the maximum power allowed to be below the first predetermined voltage value, determines whether the minimum cell voltage in the stack is below a second predetermined voltage, or determines whether the minimum cell voltage drop rate is greater than a predetermined voltage drop rate. If none of these conditions are met, the method returns to loading the stack with system components. |
| US07993786B2 |
Fuel cell system
The disclosure describes fuel cell systems including a fuel cell stack that generates electricity, an exhaust valve that externally vents a fuel gas from a fuel chamber of the fuel cell stack, and a controller that computes an estimated time to replace an oxidant gas in at least the fuel chamber with a newly supplied fuel gas, wherein at a time of starting-up the fuel cell system the controller maintains the exhaust valve in an open position for the estimated time. In some embodiments, the controller computes the estimated time as a summation of a first time T1 measured from the fuel cell start-up time to a time when contents of a supply conduit are replaced with fuel gas, a second time T2 measured from the time when contents of a supply conduit are replaced with fuel gas to a time when contents of the fuel chamber are replaced with fuel gas, and a third time T3 measured from the time when contents of the fuel chamber are replaced with fuel gas to a time when contents of the exhaust conduit are replaced with fuel gas. The disclosure further describes methods of operating a fuel cell system, particularly during fuel cell start-up. |
| US07993783B2 |
Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having positive electrode with high potential
The storage characteristics in a charged state are improved in a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery containing a lithium cobalt oxide as a positive electrode active material. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material; a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material other than metallic lithium; and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material contains a lithium cobalt oxide as its main component. The non-aqueous electrolyte contains 0.1 to 10 volume % of a compound having an ether group. The positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material are contained so that the charge capacity ratio of the negative electrode to the positive electrode is from 1.0 to 1.2 when the battery is charged until the potential of the positive electrode reaches 4.4 to 4.5 V (vs. Li/Li+) |
| US07993779B2 |
Low conductivity carbon foam for a battery
A carbon foam battery useful for electrical applications is disclosed which includes a relatively low conductivity low density high porosity carbon foam. |
| US07993778B2 |
Lithium ion secondary battery having safety vent responsive to temperature and pressure
A lithium ion secondary battery having a safety vent responsive to temperature and pressure. The lithium ion secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a positive electrode plate, a separator, and a negative electrode plate which are simultaneously wound and laminated, and positive and negative electrode leads extending outward from the positive and negative electrode plates, respectively. A can containing the electrode assembly and having an opening; and a cap plate coupled to the opening of the can, wherein an electrode terminal extends through and is coupled to the center of the cap plate with a gasket interposed therein, the negative electrode lead being connected to the electrode terminal, the positive electrode lead being connected to the cap plate, a coupling hole being formed on the cap plate, and a safety vent adapted to soften at a predetermined temperature is coupled to the coupling hole. |
| US07993777B2 |
Lithium secondary battery
A lithium secondary battery includes a fixing unit in a terminal plate to fix the terminal plate to an electrode terminal to prevent the terminal plate from rotating when an electrode tap is welded to a cap assembly or when the cap assembly is assembled with an upper portion of a can. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a separator, a can for receiving the electrode assembly and an electrolyte, and a cap assembly having a cap plate, an insulating plate, a terminal plate and an electrode terminal and being assembled with an upper opening of the can in order to seal the can. The terminal plate includes a fixing unit to fix the terminal plate to the electrode terminal such that the terminal plate is prevented from rotating. The terminal plate has a terminal hole into which the electrode terminal is inserted, and the fixing unit includes at least one recess formed at a lower surface of the terminal plate and connected to the terminal hole. |
| US07993776B2 |
Connection apparatus of battery cell module
A connection apparatus of a battery cell module having a battery cell cover with connecting plates formed at opposing ends thereof, a main frame having guide channels that receive the cell cover, and a top cover to secured the cell cover to the main frame, the connection apparatus having holes at opposing sides of a bottom of the main frame, connecting units configured for insertion into the holes and for contacting the connecting plates, and a conductive bridge electrically connecting the connecting units is disclosed. |
| US07993770B2 |
Cylindrical lithium ion secondary battery
In a cylindrical lithium ion secondary battery, the width of an electrode tab positioned at a center of an electrode assembly is extended so that it serves as a center pin and functions to release heat. Thus, it is not necessary to separately insert a center pin, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and steps. The cylindrical lithium ion secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly, a case for receiving the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly for sealing the top opening of the case. The electrode assembly comprises a positive electrode plate and negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate has a positive electrode tab, a positive active material region, a positive uncoated region, and a positive current collector exposed through the positive uncoated region. The negative electrode plate has a negative electrode tab, a negative active material region, a negative uncoated region, a negative current collector exposed through the negative uncoated region, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrode plates. At least one of the positive and negative electrode tabs has an extended width at the center of the electrode assembly. |
| US07993768B2 |
Energy storage device and method
A composition is provided that includes a ternary electrolyte having a melting point greater than about 150 degree Celsius. The ternary electrolyte includes an alkali metal halide, an aluminum halide and a zinc halide. The amount of the zinc halide present in the ternary electrolyte is greater than about 20 mole percent relative to an amount of the aluminum halide. An energy storage device including the composition is provided. A system and a method are also provided. |
| US07993766B2 |
Perpendicular magnetic recording medium and method for fabricating the same
A magnetic recording medium is provided in the present invention. The magnetic recording medium including a substrate; a base layer disposed on the substrate; an intermediate layer disposed on the base layer; and a recording layer disposed on the intermediate layer and including a magnetic matrix and a plurality of non-magnetic particles percolated in the magnetic matrix. |
| US07993764B2 |
Perpendicular magnetic recording medium and the method of manufacturing the same
A perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes a soft magnetic backing layer, an underlayer, a nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a magnetic recording layer sequentially deposited on a nonmagnetic substrate. The underlayer can contain cobalt, nickel, and iron and have an fcc structure and exhibit soft magnetic property. The underlayer preferably contains nickel in a range of 30 to 88 at % and iron in a range of 0.1 to 22 at %. The underlayer can further contain Si, B, Nb, N, Ta, Al, Pd, Cr, or Mo. The nonmagnetic intermediate layer preferably contains at least one element selected from Ru, Re, Pd, Ir, Pt, and Rh. The magnetic recording layer preferably has a granular structure. A seed layer can be further provided between the soft magnetic backing layer and the underlayer. |
| US07993762B2 |
Magnetic thin film and method of manufacturing the same, and various application devices using the same
The present invention relates to a magnetic thin film containing a L11 type Co—Pt—C alloy in which atoms are orderly arranged, and can realize an order degree excellent in regard to the L11 type Co—Pt—C alloy to achieve excellent magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic thin film. Therefore, in the various application devices using the magnetic thin film, it is possible to achieve a large capacity process and/or a high density process thereof in a high level. |
| US07993755B2 |
Photochromic molding compositions and articles produced therefrom
A polyamide molding composition is described, comprising at least one transparent polyesteramide in a proportion by weight of from 70 to 99.99% by weight; at least one further polymer in a proportion by weight of from 0 to 30% by weight; at least one photochromic dye in a proportion by weight of from 0.01 to 2% by weight; and also optionally further dyes and/or additives. The invention further encompasses articles manufactured therefrom, e.g. foils, for the coating of photochromic ophthalmic lenses, or the like. |
| US07993753B2 |
Coating liquid, titanium oxide film formed by coating liquid, and forming method thereof
The present invention provides a coating liquid including organic metal complexes represented by Chemical Formula 1. R1-R8 in Chemical Formula 1 is one of the followings (1)-(4): (1) a group represented by CnH2n+1 (aforementioned n is an integral number equal to or larger than 0); (2) a group represented by COOR9 (aforementioned R9 is a group represented by CmH2m+1, and aforementioned m is an integral number equal to or larger than 0); (3) a halogen atom; and (4) CN or NO2. |
| US07993752B2 |
Transparent conductive layer and method
The photovoltaic structure comprises a thin film coating on a transparent substrate, the thin film comprising an effective amount of nanocrystalline silicon embedded in a matrix of amorphous and/or microcrystalline silicon. A transparent conducting oxide layer on a layer of non-conductive transparent oxide provides light-trapping capability as well as electrical conductivity where needed. A chemical vapor deposition (“CVD”) reactor provides improved gas distribution to the substrates being coated in the reactor. An improved sputtering process and an improved RF plasma-enhanced CVD manufacturing method both using high levels of hydrogen in the hydrogen-silane mixture and high electrical power levels for the plasma to increase the speed and to lower the cost of manufacturing. |
| US07993745B2 |
Polylactic acid stretched film
The object of the present invention is to provide a polylactic acid stretched film having biodegradability and excelling in transparency and heat resistance. The main feature is characterized in that a polylactic acid stretched film is composed of a polylactic acid composition containing poly-L-lactic acid and poly-D-lactic acid in which a peak ratio (peak 1/peak 2) of a peak height (peak 1) of a maximum endothermic peak of endothermic peaks within a range of 150 to 200° C. to a peak height (peak 2) of a maximum endothermic peak of endothermic peaks within a range of 205 to 240° C. in DSC measurements is equal to or less than 0.2. |
| US07993741B2 |
Preventing damage with separators
Methods and apparatus for useful for protecting a substrate bearing a coating are provided. A separator in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a film carrying a plurality of particles Each particle preferably has a covered area adhered to the film and an exposed area that is larger than the covered area. |
| US07993739B2 |
Anisotropic foam-film composite structures
Multilayer foam-film composite structures in which the cells of at least one foam layer have an anisotropic orientation exhibit at least one enhanced property of toughness, tear resistance and puncture resistance in comparison with a foam-film composite structure alike in all aspects except for the anisotropic orientation of the cells of at least one foam layer. |
| US07993730B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical device includes: a display panel module having electronic parts provided therein; and an insulating tape that is adhered to the display panel module so as to cover the electronic parts. The insulating tape includes an adhesive portion and a non-adhesive portion. The non-adhesive portion is disposed at a position that covers a region in which the electronic parts are provided, and the adhesive portion is adhered to the display panel module in regions other than the region in which the electronic parts are provided. |
| US07993727B2 |
Advanced grid structure
An advanced grid structure has high strength and low thermal expansion, and includes first, second, and third tape prepreg groups each including a plurality of tape prepregs. Each tape prepreg includes carbon fibers that are aligned in a first, second, or third direction and that form respective first, second, and third grid sides. A plurality of each the first, second, and third grid sides are spaced apart at equal intervals in the respective first, second, or third direction to form respective first, second, and third grid side groups. A structure ratio of the advanced grid structure is larger than 0 and 0.107 or less, 0.053 or less, or 0.040 or less. A thermal expansion coefficient of the advanced grid structure is −0.9 ppm/K or more and 0.9 ppm/K or less. The carbon fibers have a tensile modulus of elasticity of 280 GPa or more and 330 GPa or less. |
| US07993726B2 |
Matting product
A matting construction includes a multilayer thickness for supporting at least a user thereon, the multilayer thickness may have an outer layer which enables a user to ambulate without slipping thereon; a compressible layer for absorbing at least a portion of the weight of the user, and a peripheral frame member disposed between the outer layer and the compressible layer. The peripheral frame member may be disposed at an angle from the horizontal and the frame member is fixedly attached between the outer layer and the compressible layer. |
| US07993725B2 |
Thermoformed product with coined region
A thermoformed product formed during a thermoforming process includes a thermoformed sheet of polymeric material having front and rear surfaces defining a thickness, and having a first section thermoformed to include a non-planar three-dimensional useful structure and at least one second section. Each of the at least one second sections have a first area of reduced thickness and have a second area including attachment structure, with the attachment structure being formed in part by material extruded from the first area into the attachment structure while the polymeric material of the sheet is hot during the thermoforming process. |
| US07993714B2 |
Symbol-bearing fluid receptacle
A symbol-bearing receptacle for a fluid, said receptacle comprising a container for said fluid and a symbol disposed on said container, said symbol having a water reactivity characteristic that differs from the water reactivity of said container. |
| US07993706B2 |
Method of forming a nano-structure and the nano-structure
A method of forming a nano-structure can form a fine pattern easily, and the nano-structure obtained by the method is provided. A method of forming a nano-structure comprising forming a thin film by a liquid phase adsorption on surface of a template formed on a substrate, and removing a portion of the thin film, and removing the template is used. |
| US07993705B2 |
Film formation apparatus and method for using the same
A method for using a film formation apparatus includes performing film formation of a product film selected from the group consisting of a silicon nitride film and a silicon oxynitride film on a target substrate within a reaction chamber of the film formation apparatus; and unloading the target substrate from the reaction chamber. Thereafter, the method includes first heating an inner surface of the reaction chamber at a post process temperature while supplying a post process gas for nitridation into the reaction chamber, thereby performing nitridation of a by-product film deposited on the inner surface of the reaction chamber; then rapidly cooling the inner surface of the reaction chamber, thereby cracking the by-product film by a thermal stress; and then forcibly exhausting gas from inside the reaction chamber to carry the by-product film, thus peeled off from the inner surface. |
| US07993704B2 |
Protective coating systems for gas turbine engine applications and methods for fabricating the same
Protective coating systems for gas turbine engine applications and methods for fabricating such protective coating systems are provided. An exemplary method of fabricating a protective coating system on a substrate comprises forming a bond coating on the substrate, forming a silicate layer on the bond coating, forming a thermal barrier coating overlying the silicate layer, and heating the thermal barrier coating. |
| US07993703B2 |
Method for making nanostructures
A process for making nanostructures on a support, including: supplying a support including a surface layer on one of its faces, covering the surface layer by a catalyst layer structured according to a pattern exposing areas of the surface layer covered by the catalyst and areas of the surface layer not covered by the catalyst, etching the thickness of the surface layer in the areas not covered by the catalyst layer, and selectively growing nanostructures on the areas of the surface layer covered by the catalyst. The process can also be used to make cathode structures with electrically independent nanostructures. |
| US07993701B2 |
Composite structure forming method
A composite structure forming method comprises the steps of first pre-treating brittle material fine particles to impart an internal strain to the brittle material fine particles, secondly causing the brittle material fine particles in which the internal strain has been created to collide with a substrate surface at high speed or applying a mechanical impact force to the brittle material fine particles containing the internal strain therein provided on the substrate surface, to deform or fracture the brittle material fine particles, re-joining the fine particles through active new surfaces generated by the deformation or fracture, forming an anchor section made of polycrystalline brittle material of which part bites into the substrate surface at a boundary section between the new surfaces and the substrate, and further forming a structure made of polycrystalline brittle material on the anchor section. |
| US07993697B2 |
Packed frozen sushi product and methods for preparing and for cooking the same
A packed frozen sushi product comprising a vacuumed, frozen and hermetically sealed flexible plastic bag; an open-topped plastic box placed in the bag; and a frozen sushi product contained in the box; in the plastic bag, the box and the frozen sushi product being frozen together in a unified form, the packed frozen sushi product thereby being adapted for microwave cooking. Water vapor emanating from the sushi product in thawing is allowed to flow through a space formed around the sushi material to heat a shaped rice section and a material or materials, thereby diminishing unevenness in temperature distribution after thawing. By virtue thereof, a packed frozen sushi product suitable for mass production is provided. |
| US07993696B2 |
Container-packed beverage containing vegetable juice and/or fruit juice
Provided is a packaged beverage which can be discharged from the beverage container uniformly because precipitates containing effective components derived from vegetables or fruits can be dispersed quickly by mild shaking, though the formation of precipitates during long-term storage is allowed from the viewpoint of incorporating the effective components in the beverage without damaging them; is excellent in desorption and re-dispersibility of the precipitates; and is easy to drink.A packaged beverage contains a vegetable juice and/or a fruit juice, which contains the following components (A) to (D): (A) from 0.5 to 12 wt. % of polydextrose, (B) from 0.5 to 12 wt. % of (b1) indigestible dextrose or (b2) a degraded guar gum, (C) from 2 to 30 vol. % of an insoluble solid, and (D) 50 wt. % or greater of water; and satisfying the following conditions: (1) ((A)+(b1))/(C)≦8 (wt. %/vol. %) or ((A)+(b2))/(C)≦3.4 (wt. %/vol. %) (2) pH after heat sterilization: from 3 to 5, and (3) viscosity after heat sterilization: 300 mPa·s or less. |
| US07993689B2 |
Grain compositions containing pre-biotic isomalto-oligosaccharides and methods of making and using same
Methods for the production of substrate, tuber, and grain compositions containing isomalto-oligosaccharides are described. The methods comprise (a) contacting a substrate, tuber or grain containing ungelatinized starch with a maltogenic enzyme and a starch liquefying enzyme to produce maltose; (b) contacting the maltose with a transglucosidic enzyme, wherein the steps (a) and (b) occur at a temperature less than or at a starch gelatinization temperature; and (c) obtaining a substrate, grain or tuber composition having an enzymatically produced isomalto-oligosaccharide, wherein the oligosaccharide is derived from the grain. The maltogenic enzyme can be either exogenous or endogenous to the grain. The contacting steps can be sequential or concurrent. The present invention also describes flour, oral rehydrating solutions, beer adjuncts, food, feed, beverage additives incorporating the grain compositions made as described. |
| US07993684B2 |
Method of inhibiting alveolar bone resorption and periodontal membrane loss and composition for internal use to be used therein
Alveolar bone resorption, periodontal membrane loss, and gingival recession can be inhibited by administering 500 mg to 2000 mg per day of calcium, 10 mg to 40 mg per day of soy isoflavone aglycone, and vitamin D3 to persons having a tendency for decreased bone density, postmenopausal women, and periodontal disease patients in a maintenance phase; and even an extended period of administration provides a high degree of safety. |
| US07993683B2 |
Compositions for the treatment of chronic degenerative inflammatory conditions
Compositions comprising: saligenin or derivatives thereof or Salix ssp extracts containing from 10 to 50% of saligenin; substantially pure andrographolide or andrographolide enriched Andrographis paniculata extract containing from 5 to 30% of andrographolide; optionally N-acetyl-glucosamine and/or glucuronic acid or glucuronolactone. |
| US07993682B2 |
Electrolyte purgative
The invention relates to compositions for use in purgatives, to purgatives comprising such compositions, and to methods for inducing purgation of the colon. The composition may comprise at least one water-soluble sodium salt; at least one water-soluble minimally degradable sugar in an amount, by weight, of from about 1 to about 3 times the weight of sodium ions in said composition; at least one water-soluble potassium salt in an amount, by weight, of from about 0.05 to about 1 time the weight of said sodium salt in said composition; and at least one water-soluble magnesium salt, wherein the weight of magnesium ions in said composition is from 0.1 to about 10 times the weight of sodium ions in said composition. |
| US07993680B2 |
Compositions comprising an ultraviolet radiation-absorbing polymer
Ultraviolet radiation-absorbing polymers having a first pendant group that comprises an ultraviolet radiation-absorbing moiety and a second pendant group that comprises at least one siloxane linkage and/or an intermediate length carbon chain are disclosed. Personal care compositions including the ultraviolet radiation-absorbing polymer are provided. |
| US07993679B2 |
Flowable wound matrix and its preparation and use
This invention relates to a flowable collagen/glycosaminoglycan (GAG) material including particles of collagen/GAG matrix that, when hydrated, can be effectively delivered to wounds having varying depths and geometries. The flowable collagen/GAG matrix allows a more intimate contact between the wound matrix and the wound bed, and provides a structural framework that serves as a scaffold for cell ingrowth. |
| US07993678B2 |
Hyaluronic acid derivatives
The present invention relates to the modification of hyaluronic acid (HA) with aryl/alkyl succinic anhydrides (ASA) to produce aryl/alkyl succinic anhydride HA derivatives, to the derivatives as such, and to their applications and uses, particularly in the cosmetic and biomedical industries. The ASA-HA derivatives are expected to have interesting properties that can be used for advanced formulation (bind stronger to the skin compared to non-modified HA), possibly also in delivery systems for actives or drugs by encapsulation (nano/micro capsules) or formation of nano/micro spheres. Further, the low MW ASA-HA derivatives are expected to penetrate the skin more efficiently than non-modified HA of the same MW. |
| US07993676B2 |
Free-flowing, powdery composition containing alpha-liponic acid (derivates)
A free-flowing, powdery composition contains a lipoic acid component and from 0.1 to 25% by weight of the total composition of a silica-based flow aid having a particle size (×100 value) of <800 μm. |
| US07993668B2 |
Nutrient composition and composition for prevention/mitigation of digestive tract depression
As a nutritional composition and a composition for the prophylaxis or improvement of lower gastrointestinal function, which improve lower gastrointestinal function and are effective for the prophylaxis or improvement of diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux or misswallowing caused by administration of a liquid nutritional supplement, the present invention provides a nutritional composition and a composition for the prophylaxis or improvement of lower gastrointestinal function, which comprise at least one kind selected from glutamic acid, 5′-nucleotide and a salt thereof, wherein, when glutamic acid alone is contained, the content thereof on administration is 0.0013-1.3 w/v % as free glutamic acid. |
| US07993666B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating pain comprising a statin
Methods and compositions are provided for reducing, treating or preventing pain and/or inflammation in a patient in need of such treatment, the methods and compositions comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a statin or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a target tissue site beneath the skin. |
| US07993663B2 |
Cosmetic use of 1-aroyl-N-(2-oxo-3-piperidinyl)-2-piperazine carboxamides and related compounds
Cosmetic compositions comprising 1-aroyl-N-(2-oxo-3-piperidinyl)-2-piperazine carboxamides and methods of using such compositions to impart anti-aging benefits to the skin are disclosed. The 1-aroyl-N-(2-oxo-3-piperidinyl)-2-piperazine carboxamides are believed to have modulatory activity against one or more biochemical pathways implicated in skin aging. |
| US07993655B2 |
Vaccine for avian influenza and methods of use
The subject invention pertains to influenza vaccines and particularly avian influenza vaccines (AIV). The invention includes methods for preparing transgenic plant cells to express know HA1 polypeptides having specified homologies that are used to prepare vaccine compositions and methods for inducing protective immunity in an individual, animal, mammal or human. |
| US07993654B2 |
Self-adhesive polymer matrix containing sea algae extract
A self-adhesive polymer matrix which comprises a polymer that forms a gel in water, water, a sea algae extract, and a monohydric or polyhydric alcohol. |
| US07993653B2 |
Use of L. undulata extract as therapeutics for allergic diseases
The present invention relates to a method of preventing or treating allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, anaphylaxis, and asthma, which comprises administering an extract of Laurencia undulata in a therapeutically effective amount to a patient in need thereof. |
| US07993646B2 |
HK1-binding proteins
The invention features hK1 binding polypeptides as well as compositions comprising such polypeptides and methods of making and using such polypeptides. |
| US07993643B2 |
Uses of human monoclonal antibodies against oxidized LDL receptor
Various human monoclonal antibodies that bind to human LOX-1 and inhibit the binding of in-vivo LOX-1 ligands to LOX-1, and the LOX-1-mediated incorporation of the ligands into cells, were obtained by immunizing human antibody-producing transgenic mice (created by genetic engineering) with soluble human oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1). Furthermore, the human monoclonal antibodies were found to be effective in preventing and treating a variety of diseases. |
| US07993642B2 |
Anti-MPL antibodies
Anti-human Mpl antibodies were isolated and purified. Anti-human Mpl diabodies and anti-human Mpl sc(Fv)2 were prepared using genetic engineering techniques and anti-human Mpl sc(Fv)2 was also humanized. The diabodies and sc(Fv)2 were assayed for TPO-like agonistic activity, and were found to have activities higher than those of anti-human Mpl antibodies, or activities equivalent to or higher than those of naturally-occurring human TPO ligand. |
| US07993636B2 |
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha mutants
The present invention has an object to provide a tumor necrosis factor mutant protein, particularly, a tumor necrosis factor mutant protein specific to TNF-R1 or TNF-R2; tumor necrosis factor inhibitor; or tumor necrosis factor preparation containing it as an effective ingredient, and the object is solved by providing a tumor necrosis factor mutant protein where one or more amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of 29th, 31st, 32nd, 145th, 146th and 147th, or the group consisting of 84th to 89th from the N-terminal of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 is/are replaced with other amino acid residue(s); a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor; and a tumor necrosis factor preparation containing it as an effective ingredient. |
| US07993635B2 |
Menthol-containing formulation
It is known that L-menthol controls smooth muscle contraction. In order to use L-menthol in practice as a digestive tract contraction inhibiting agent in digestive tract endoscopy, it is required to devise means of giving a formulation in which an L-menthol-containing formulation remains stable and transparent or little cloudy over a long time after the production and which shows little foaming at the administration. In the present invention, an antifoaming agent is further added to a formulation for inhibiting smooth muscle contraction or a peristaltic contraction in a digestive tract containing a L-menthol emulsion having an average particle size of less than 100 nm.Thus, it is possible to obtain a formulation that remains stable over a long time, has a high light transmittance, and produces little foam when filled into a container and sprayed at a target area to inhibit contraction to facilitate observation of the area in endoscopic examination of the digestive tract etc. |
| US07993633B2 |
Cyclohexylethyl carboxylic acid ester compositions and method for using the same for reducing malodors
The present invention pertains to a method of counteracting a malodor by introducing a malodor counteracting effective amount of an enantiomeric compound selected from the group consisting of (1R)-1-cyclohexylethyl butyrate and (1S)-1-cyclohexylethyl acetate. |
| US07993632B2 |
Composition for coating keratin fibres having a threading nature
Disclosed herein is a cosmetic composition for coating keratin fibers, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable aqueous medium, at least one thickener, wherein the composition has a threading nature dmax of greater than or equal to 12 mm, as well as a method for obtaining at least one effect chosen from a smooth and uniform film deposited on keratin fibers, a lengthening effect, and a separating effect, comprising applying the composition to the keratin fibers. |
| US07993631B2 |
Oil base and external preparation containing same
To provide an oil base having appropriate hardness and viscosity and excellent spreadability, a process for producing same, and a cosmetic material containing the oil baseThe oil base of the present invention is an oil base containing an ester condensate obtained by a reaction between polyglycerol, 12-hydroxystearic acid, and hydrogenated dimer acid, the oil base having a three-dimensional network structure in which hydrogenated dimer acid is condensed with a hydroxyl group of each of the polyglycerol and 12-hydroxystearic acid. |
| US07993630B2 |
Protection of skin from UV and peroxide
The present invention discloses certain heterocyclic complexes of metals of formula (I), especially those of manganese, which enhance the safety and efficacy of sunscreens via urocanate pathway modulation. The present invention also discloses a method for topical application of said complexes, which causes the reduction of topical peroxide including hydrogen peroxide, the reduction of topical inflammation including sunburn, increased sun protection of skin, comprehensive protection from UVA, UVB, and UVC, reduction of radiation-initiated inflammation, the reduction of skin wrinkles, acne, and overall treatment of skin damaged from natural aging and exposure to sun: |
| US07993628B2 |
Higher fatty acid triester and amide derivative having diethylenetriamine-type metal chelate structure
A compound having superior solubility and suitable for a liposome contrast medium selective for a lesion such as vascular diseases is provided which is represented by the following general formula (I) wherein R1 to R3 represent an alkyl group or alkenyl group; X1 and X2 represent a single bond, —O—, or —N(Z1)- (Z1 represents hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group); X3 to X6 represent —O—, or —N(Z2)- (Z2 represents hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group); n represents an integer of 1 to 10; and L represents a divalent bridging group constituted by atoms selected from the group consisting of carbon atom, hydrogen atom, oxygen atom, nitrogen atom, fluorine atom and sulfur atom. |
| US07993626B2 |
Methods and compositions for F-18 labeling of proteins, peptides and other molecules
The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use of F-18 labeled molecules of use, for example, in PET imaging techniques. The labeled molecules may be peptides or proteins, although other types of molecules may be labeled by the described methods. Preferably, the F-18 may be conjugated to a targeting molecule by formation of a metal complex and binding of the F-18-metal complex to a chelating moiety. Alternatively, the metal may first be conjugated to the chelating group and subsequently the F-18 bound to the metal. In other embodiments, the F-18 labeled moiety may comprise a targetable construct used in combination with a bispecific or multispecific antibody to target F-18 to a disease-associated antigen, such as a tumor-associated antigen. The F-18 labeled targetable construct peptides are stable in serum at 37° C. for a sufficient time to perform PET imaging analysis. |
| US07993625B1 |
Pharmaceutical composition of nanoparticles
The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of bioactive nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and a pegylated bioactive agent for oral delivery. The chitosan-based nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability for oral drug delivery. |
| US07993622B2 |
Method for preparing dithionite
The present invention relates to a method for preparing dithionite solution with a reaction wherein sodium bisulfite is reduced with sodium borohydride solution to obtain dithionite, wherein the rise of the pH of the solution is prevented by adjusting the pH with carbon dioxide. |
| US07993620B2 |
Systems and methods for formation and harvesting of nanofibrous materials
A system that receives nanomaterials, forms nanofibrous materials therefrom, and collects these nanofibrous materials for subsequent applications. The system is coupled to a chamber that generates nanomaterials, typically carbon nanotubes produced from chemical vapor deposition, and includes a mechanism for spinning the nanotubes into yarns or tows. Alternatively, the system includes a mechanism for forming non-woven sheets from the nanotubes. The system also includes components for collecting the formed nanofibrous materials. Methods for forming and collecting the nanofibrous materials are also provided. |
| US07993618B2 |
Method for making metal oxide nanocrystal
A method for making the metal oxide includes the following steps: mixing a metal nitrate with a solvent of octadecyl amine, and achieving a mixture; agitating and reacting the mixture at a reaction temperature for a reaction period; cooling the mixture to a cooling temperature, and achieving a deposit; and washing the deposit with an organic solvent, drying the deposit at a drying temperature and achieving a metal oxide nanocrystal. The present method for making a metal oxide nanocrystal is economical and timesaving, and has a low toxicity associated therewith. Thus, the method is suitable for industrial mass production. The metal oxide nanocrystal material made by the present method has a readily controllable size, a narrow size distribution, and good crystallinity. |
| US07993614B2 |
Method for recovering tungsten
A method for recovering tungsten from a reaction mixture obtained by reacting an organic compound with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a tungsten catalyst comprising blowing a gas into the reaction mixture to precipitate tungstic acid (WO3.H2O) and separating tungstic acid precipitated. |
| US07993613B2 |
More efficient ether modifiers for copper extractant formulations
The disclosed invention provides water-insoluble, water-immiscible extraction reagent compositions comprising an extractant reagent comprising one or more aldoxime extractants, optionally including one or more ketoxime extractants, in combination with one or more ether or polyether equilibrium modifiers, or mixtures thereof, selected from the compounds of Formula I-III: |
| US07993610B2 |
Blood centrifuge rotor with fill indicator
A spinnable rotor for a high speed centrifuge includes a housing which defines a chamber interiorly thereof for receiving a whole blood sample and for containing a predetermined amount of red blood cell absorbent gel. The housing includes an upper portion and a bottom portion, the upper portion having a port formed through the thickness thereof. The upper portion has at least a portion thereof formed from a light transmissible material. A light pipe is joined to the upper portion and light transmissively communicates with the light transmissive portion of the upper portion. The light pipe extends at least partially into the chamber and has an open, lower free end. When whole blood filling the rotor chamber contacts the lower free end of the light pipe, the red color of the blood is transmissively communicated to the upper portion of the rotor housing where it is viewable by the user of the centrifuge. |
| US07993609B2 |
Package for chemicals
A container is provided for holding a chemical compound or mixture. Areas are provided on the surface of the container which allow for gaseous by-products from the chemical contained within the container to permeate from a chamber through the surface of the container. A septum is over-molded into the surface of the container. The septum is formed in such a manner that it provides a sealing effect to close an opening in the container. |
| US07993608B2 |
Fluid injection port
Fluid injection port. An elastomeric injection nipple is supported within a compression fitting and the injection nipple includes a slit. A first via is provided that connects the slit in the nipple to a flow channel leading into a fluid reservoir. A venting channel is provided in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and also in fluid communication with a second via. When a pipette is inserted into the slit in the injection nipple, the nipple deforms allowing the second via to be in fluid communication with space on either side of the pipette tip whereby air can be discharged. |
| US07993606B2 |
Adaptive membrane structure
An adaptive membrane structure is provided. The adaptive membrane structure has movable membranes that can be made to change its gas, liquid or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Such adaptive membrane structures can be used to provide protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. The adaptive membrane structures can be used to provide protective enclosures. |
| US07993604B2 |
Spectroscopic pH measurement using optimized mixtures of reagents to extend measurement range
An indicator mixture that allows pH measurement over a broader range of pH or to a higher accuracy than available using conventional spectroscopic techniques. In particular, the mixture of the present invention is comprised of two or more reagents such that when combined, the reagent mixture is capable of either detecting: (1) a pH range broader or more accurate than that the reagents individually, or (2) pH more accurately than the reagents individually. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the mixture. |
| US07993598B2 |
Catalytic reactors
It is suggested to apply mechanical vibratory motions to the interface area between catalyst and the reacting substances in a catalytic reactor in order to intensify flow intensity as well as reaction intensity between the reacting substances. |
| US07993597B2 |
Catalyst support structure
A catalyst for purifying an exhaust gas can include a carrier having a honeycomb structure, an outer pipe for covering a part of the carrier, and a brazing foil for joining the outer peripheral surface of the carrier and the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe on the downstream side of the catalyst. The catalyst can be fixed to a support flange such that an axial direction of the catalyst coincides with the direction in which an exhaust gas flows through an exhaust pipe. An upstream end of the brazing foil can be aligned with the upstream end of a catalyst fixing part of the support flange. An upstream end of the catalyst fixing part can be positioned upstream of the axial middle of the carrier. The brazing foil can be provided in a portion from the upstream end of the catalyst fixing part to the downstream side of the carrier. The catalyst can be supported at its generally middle part by the support flange. An upstream end of the outer pipe can be aligned with the upstream end of the catalyst fixing part. |
| US07993596B2 |
Denox boiler in engine cogeneration plant
A gas temperature control apparatus for a DeNOx boiler in an engine cogeneration plant is installed to maintain a reaction temperature of denitrification catalyst used to remove nitrogen oxide generated from an internal combustion engine in the engine cogeneration plant. The apparatus includes a connection passageway between a high-temperature gas part of a combustion tank of the boiler and an intermediate-temperature gas part formed after a first heat exchange, and a flow control valve mounted in the passageway to thereby control a volume of bypass combustion gas. The apparatus can easily raise temperature of combustion gas even though temperature of the inside water of the boiler does not reach a normal operation state since the flow control valve mounted in the connection passageway between the high-temperature gas part and the intermediate-temperature gas part. thereby greatly reducing a time period to reach an activation temperature of the denitrification catalyst. |
| US07993592B2 |
Process for production of amphoteric electrolyte resin by continuous bulk polymerization and apparatus for the production
A continuous polymerization apparatus is provided for producing an amphoteric electrolyte resin by continuous bulk polymerization at low cost, which apparatus includes a reaction vessel, the reaction vessel including at least four polymerization zones adjacent to each other in series, each polymerization zone being separated by a partition plate, the partition plates admitting a stirring shaft with stirrers, each of the polymerization zones having a thermosensor for sensing temperature within the polymerization zone, a heating device for heating the polymerization zone and a cooling device for cooling the polymerization zone. |
| US07993588B2 |
Catalytic wet oxidation systems and methods
A system and method for the treatment of process streams. A catalyst mediates a wet oxidation process at elevated temperatures and pressures for treating at least one undesirable constituent in an aqueous mixture. A catalyst may be selected for its solubility at a detected pH level of the aqueous mixture. Alternatively, a pH level of the aqueous mixture may be adjusted to solubilize a selected catalyst and/or maintain the selected catalyst in a soluble form. A controller in communication with a pH sensor may be configured to generate a control signal to adjust the pH level of the aqueous mixture in response to the pH sensor registering a pH level outside a predetermined pH solubility range for a selected catalyst. |
| US07993581B2 |
Immunoassay system and immunoassay method
The present invention provides an immunoassay technique which enables efficient detection of antigen-antibody reaction with high sensitivity by a magnetic method using magnetic particles and a SQUID magnetic sensor or sensors. A system based on the technique includes a disk-shaped sample holder which holds on a circle a plurality of sample containers for accommodating marked samples, resulting from marking of samples with magnetic particles by antigen-antibody reaction; rotating means for rotating the holder around its central shaft; magnetizing means for magnetizing the marked samples outside a magnetic shield; and a magnetic sensor for detecting, within the magnetic shield, magnetic fields generated from the marked samples which have been magnetized. By rotation of the holder, areas fixing and holding different ones of the sample containers are successively inserted into the magnetic shield, and the magnetization of the marked samples accommodated in first ones of the sample containers and the detection of magnetic fields generated from the marked samples accommodated in second ones of the sample containers are executed in parallel. |
| US07993579B2 |
Magazine loading of solid products and method of dispensing same
A method of dispensing a first solid product and a second solid product with a solid product dispenser includes placing the first solid product in a product housing of the dispenser and placing the second solid product in the product housing on top of the first solid product, the first and second solid products being different products. A portion of the first solid product is dispensed during each cycle of the dispenser until the first solid product has been partially depleted to a size small enough to allow the second solid product to also be dispensed, then a portion of the first solid product and a portion of the second solid product are dispensed during each cycle of the dispenser until the first solid product has been completely depleted, and then a portion of the second solid product is dispensed during each cycle of the dispenser. |
| US07993578B2 |
Methods and kits for aseptic filling of products
This invention relates to new methods & kits that minimize the risks and challenges associated with sterilization of multi-component medical devices. |
| US07993577B2 |
Cost-effective titanium alloy powder compositions and method for manufacturing flat or shaped articles from these powders
The invention relates to manufacture of titanium articles from sintered powders. The cost-effective initial powder: 10-50 wt % of titanium powder having ≦500 microns in particle size manufactured from underseparated titanium sponge comprising ≦2 wt % of chlorine and ≦2 wt % of magnesium; 10-90 wt % of a mixture of two hydrogenated powders A and B containing different amount of hydrogen; 0-90 wt % of standard grade refined titanium powder, and/or 5-50 wt % of alloying metal powders. The method includes: mixing powders, compacting the blend to density at least 60% of the theoretical density, crushing titanium hydride powders into fine fragments at pressure of 400-960 MPa, chemical cleaning and refining titanium powders by heating to 300-900° C. and holding for ≦30 minutes, heating in vacuum at 1000-1350° C., holding for ≦30 minutes, and cooling. |
| US07993576B2 |
Sintered body and method for producing the same
A method for producing a sintered body includes: a) molding a composition containing a powder primarily made of an inorganic material and a binder including an aliphatic carbonic acid ester based resin in a predetermined shape so as to obtain a compact; b) exposing the compact to a first atmosphere containing an alkaline gas and thus decomposing and removing the aliphatic carbonic acid ester based resin from the compact so as to obtain a degreased body; and c) sintering the degreased body so as to obtain a sintered body. |
| US07993574B2 |
Board lined furnace with side immersion heating elements
A holding furnace for holding a molten metal includes a housing having an interior chamber for holding the molten metal. An insulating board structure is placed into the chamber along at least a side portion of the housing. The insulating board structure contains heat within the housing for maintaining the metal in a molten state. A heater assembly is provided in a side of the furnace. The heater assembly is installed in the side of the furnace with a structural arrangement that protects against leakage of molten metal from the furnace interior to the furnace exterior. |
| US07993571B2 |
Silicon carbide ceramic components having oxide layer
A ceramic component is provided, including a ceramic body containing silicon carbide, and an oxide layer provided on the ceramic body, the oxide layer being formed by oxidizing the ceramic body in the presence of alumina having a submicron particle size. |
| US07993567B2 |
Method and system for aligning fibers during electrospinning
A method and system are provided for aligning fibers in an electrospinning process. A jet of a fiberizable material is directed towards an uncharged collector from a dispensing location that is spaced apart from the collector. While the fiberizable material is directed towards the collector, an elliptical electric field is generated via the electrically charged dispenser and an oppositely-charged control location. The field spans between the dispensing location and the control location that is within line-of-sight of the dispensing location, and impinges upon at least a portion of the collector. Various combinations of numbers and geometries of dispensers, collectors, and electrodes can be used. |
| US07993555B2 |
Structure of molding tools, injection molding device, and molding method
Provided are a structure of molding tools and an injection molding device that can easily perform molding of an optical element even from a resin of low velocity or the like and can suppress any negative effects by air. The structure of the molding tools includes between the molding tools (61, 62) a fixed molding tool (61) and a movable molding tool (62) and an O-ring (63a) for keeping air tightness and a resin seal (63b) for preventing any resin leakage. The O-ring (63a) performs decreasing of the pressure in a cavity (CV) formed by joining the molding tools (61, 62), whereby the vacuum molding in which resin supply and resin curing is carried out under a decreased pressure can be performed. Accordingly, the effects such as prevention of air bubbling due to air trapping by injected resin within the cavity (CV) can be attained. Furthermore, the resin seal (63b) can prevent any resin leakage from the molding tools (61, 62) even when the resin having a low viscosity is used. |
| US07993552B2 |
Filled polymer composite and synthetic building material compositions
The invention relates to composite compositions having a matrix of polymer networks and dispersed phases of particulate or fibrous materials. The matrix is filled with a particulate phase, which can be selected from one or more of a variety of components, such as fly ash particles, axially oriented fibers, fabrics, chopped random fibers, mineral fibers, ground waste glass, granite dust, or other solid waste materials. A system for providing shape and/or surface features to a moldable material includes, in an exemplary embodiment, at least two first opposed flat endless belts spaced apart a first distance, with each having an inner surface and an outer surface. |
| US07993546B2 |
Method and apparatus for precipitation of nano-structured carbon solids
An apparatus for forming nano-structures of carbon solids includes a reactor chamber into which extends a plasma torch configured to generate a plasma plume that extends into the interior of the reactor chamber. CO2 from is applied to the plasma plume where the CO2 is dissociated into carbon and oxygen. A plurality of nozzles also extends into the reactor chamber, which sprays liquid water on the plume, cooling at least a portion of the carbon causing it to form solid carbon nano-structures in a mixture of liquid water. The mixture is conveyed to a flocculation tank. |
| US07993545B2 |
Tablet composition for the in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide for use in antimicrobial applications
A solid composition in the form of a tablet that generates and releases a biocidal solution comprising at least chlorine dioxide with an enhanced weight percent yield is presented. The composition comprises reactants capable of in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide comprising a chlorite donor that is coated with a gel-forming material that slows the rate of dissolution of the high solubility chlorite donor, a free halogen donor, and an acid source, resulting in an unexpectedly high weight percent yield and providing a controlled release of biocidal solution. The compositions of the invention show improved environmental stability which can reduce the cost of packaging and significantly increase the utility of the composition. The controlled release allows the use in multi-tablet chemical dispensers which may otherwise induce potentially explosive conditions or allow rapid release of the biocidal solution thereby inducing a spike in chemical concentration rather than a controlled and sustained release. |
| US07993544B2 |
Clathrate hydrate with latent heat storing capability, process for producing the same, and apparatus therefor, latent heat storing medium, and method of increasing amount of latent heat of clathrate hydrate and processing apparatus for increasing amount of latent heat of clathrate hydrate
An apparatus for production of a clathrate hydrate with enhanced latent heat storing capability includes a gas supplier for supplying a gas to an aqueous solution containing a quaternary ammonium compound, and a cooler for cooling the aqueous solution, the apparatus producing the clathrate hydrate with enhanced latent heat storing capability including both the quaternary ammonium compound and the gas as guests by supplying the gas to the aqueous solution with the gas supplier in the stage of cooling with the cooler. |
| US07993538B2 |
Patterning by energetically-stimulated local removal of solid-condensed-gas layers and solid state chemical reactions produced with such layers
The invention provides a method for forming a patterned material layer on a structure, by condensing a vapor to a solid condensate layer on a surface of the structure and then localized removal of selected regions of the condensate layer by directing a beam of energy at the selected regions. The structure can then be processed, with at least a portion of the patterned solid condensate layer on the structure surface, and then the solid condensate layer removed. Further there can be stimulated localized reaction between the solid condensate layer and the structure by directing a beam of energy at at least one selected region of the condensate layer. |
| US07993534B2 |
Chemical microreactor and method thereof
A method for forming a chemical microreactor includes forming at least one capillary microchannel in a substrate having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, integrating at least one heater into the chemical microreactor, interfacing the capillary microchannel with a liquid chemical reservoir at the inlet of the capillary microchannel, and interfacing the capillary microchannel with a porous membrane near the outlet of the capillary microchannel, the porous membrane being positioned beyond the outlet of the capillary microchannel, wherein the porous membrane has at least one catalyst material imbedded therein. |
| US07993531B2 |
Biological fluid filtration systems and methods
Biological fluid filtration methods are provided for the treatment of gas within a biological fluid filtration system. A quantity of biological fluid is flowed under the force of gravity through a leukocyte removal filter and into a post-filter container. The post-filter container has a maximum vented volume that is approximately the same as the quantity of biological fluid flowed through the filter and into the post-filter container. At least a substantial portion of the gas in the post-filter container is vented therefrom without separately restricting expansion of the post-filter container and without manually manipulating the post-filter container to expel gas. |
| US07993530B2 |
Systems and methods for portable oil filtration
The present invention provides systems and methods of portable oil filtration. In an exemplary embodiment, the portable oil filtration system has a portable device body. Mounted on this portable device body are a motor, a pump, an input valve, an output valve, and a filtration device. Additionally, the portable device body is enabled to be carried by a user. |
| US07993522B2 |
Conditioning system for activated sludge wastewater treatment processes
Wastewaters are treated by an activated sludge process that includes combining wastewater with bacteria-laden sludge in an activated sludge tank to form a mixed liquor, separating the mixed liquor into a clear effluent and activated sludge stream, pretreating at least a portion of the activated sludge stream in a conditioning tank, transferring at least a portion of the activated sludge stream in the conditioning tank to an interchange bioreactor operating in batch or continuous flow mode, processing the activated sludge stream within the interchange bioreactor by selecting desired growth conditions to cultivate at least one type of bacteria in the activated sludge stream, and returning at least a portion of the activated sludge stream in the bioreactor to the activated sludge tank. The process may further include a sidestream reactor to remove phosphates from the activated sludge stream leaving the interchange bioreactor. |
| US07993519B2 |
Filter apparatus
A filter apparatus, including a dual-chambered, centrifugal and compressive filtration apparatus having a central annular filter element, rotating external radial fins extending from adjacent the filter element to adjacent an outer cannister wall and internal fins within the annular filter element. The disclosed filter element is a continuous resilient, cylindrical, helical filter coil including a regular sinusoidal shape defining loop-shaped filter pores between adjacent coils. |
| US07993512B2 |
Electrochemical test sensor
An electrochemical test sensor for detecting the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The electrochemical test sensor comprises a base that provides a flow path for the fluid test sample having a counter electrode and a working electrode on its surface in electrical communication with a detector of electrical current. The electrochemical test sensor further includes a reagent layer directly located on the surface of the working electrode. The reagent layer includes an enzyme that is adapted to react with the analyte. The electrochemical test sensor further comprises a lid adapted to mate with the base and to assist in forming a capillary space with an opening for the introduction of the sample thereto. The capillary space is formed with a three-dimensional portion of the lid. |
| US07993511B2 |
Electrochemical production of an alkaline solution using CO2
An electrochemical system comprising a cathode electrolyte comprising added carbon dioxide and contacting a cathode; and a first cation exchange membrane separating the cathode electrolyte from an anode electrolyte contacting an anode; and an electrochemical method comprising adding carbon dioxide into a cathode electrolyte separated from an anode electrolyte by a first cation exchange membrane; and producing an alkaline solution in the cathode electrolyte and an acid. |
| US07993510B2 |
Electroplating solution, method for manufacturing multilayer printed circuit board using the same solution, and multilayer printed circuit board
The objective of present invention is to provide an electroplating solution capable of forming the upper face of a via-hole and the upper face of a conductor circuit in the same layer in approximately the same plane at the time of manufacturing a multilayer printed circuit board. The electroplating solution of the present invention is characterized by containing 50 to 300 g/L of copper sulfate, 30 to 200 g/L of sulfuric acid, 25 to 90 mg/L of chlorine ion, and 1 to 1000 mg/L of an additive comprising at least a levelling agent and a brightener. |
| US07993507B2 |
Separation method for multi channel electrophoresis device having no individual sample wells
The present invention is related to a method of separation of compounds by electrophoresis in which the compounds such as genes, proteins, etc. may be analyzed very precisely as samples are introduced directly into the separation tubes of the chip at the collection site, and therefore, it is not necessary to have separate fluid paths or individual sample storing apparatus that have been necessary for the conventional electrophoresis; it is easy to make the chips as the structure of the chip becomes extremely simple, and high-density arrangement of the separation tubes is enabled; and further, the compounds such as genes, proteins, etc. may be analyzed very precisely without interference in the storage tubs by using a non-polar solvent as the solvent of the sample storage tub. |
| US07993505B2 |
In vitro analyte sensor and methods of use
In vitro electrochemical sensors that provide accurate and repeatable analysis of a sample of biological fluid are provided. Embodiments include sensors that include a sample chambers having overhangs extending therefrom. |
| US07993503B2 |
Method for preparing by thermal spraying a silicon-and zirconium-based target
Method of producing a target by thermal spraying, especially by plasma spraying, said target comprising at least one compound based on atoms of different types chosen especially from the constituents M belonging to the (Zr, Mo, Ti, Nb, Ta, Hf, Cr) family and silicon, characterized in that at least one fraction of said compound, the constituents of which are bonded by covalent and/or ionic and/or metallic bonds, is injected into a plasma jet, said plasma jet spraying the constituents of said compound onto the target so as to deposit a coating of said compound on a surface portion of said target. |
| US07993501B2 |
Double contact bar insulator assembly for electrowinning of a metal and methods of use thereof
In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell contact bar having a first pole and a pair of second poles. The second poles are opposite in charge to the first pole and each of the pair of second poles are adjacent to and parallel to the first pole. In various embodiments, the contact bar may include an electrode holder capable of holding at least one electrode. |
| US07993490B2 |
Method for applying chemical additives to pulp during the pulp processing and products made by said method
Pulp fibers can be treated with chemical additives with a minimal amount of unretained chemical additives present later in the process water. The present invention is a method for preparing chemically treated pulp fiber. A fiber slurry is created comprising process water and pulp fibers. The fiber slurry is transported to a web-forming apparatus of a pulp sheet machine thereby forming a wet fibrous web. The wet fibrous web is dried to a predetermined consistency thereby forming a dried fibrous web. The dried fibrous web is treated with a chemical additive thereby forming a chemically treated dried fibrous web. The dried fibrous web contains chemically treated pulp fibers. The chemically treated pulp fibers retain from between about 10 to about 100 percent of the applied amount of the chemical additive when the chemically treated pulp fibers are redispersed in water. |
| US07993484B2 |
Two-component structural adhesive having high initial adhesion
Two-component assembly adhesives with high early tack, with component A containing 0.5 to 50% of polysaccharides, water, and water-soluble salt, and component B containing water, water-soluble salt, and polysaccharides, the adhesive also containing a water-soluble, water-dispersible polymer. |
| US07993483B2 |
Corrugated paperboard and adhesive
A cross-linked starch adhesive for use in producing moisture resistant wax free corrugated paperboard and the recyclable paperboard produced using the adhesive. |
| US07993480B2 |
Method and apparatus for placing plies on curved substrates
A ply placement device uses a ply guide to place plies on a curved substrate surface. The ply guide includes a guide surface and a guide edge that are each curved to match the contour of the substrate so that the ply transitions smoothly from its planar form to a curved form as the ply is placed onto the substrate. The ply guide may be flexible or segmented to allow reconfiguration of the guide surfaces to match various substrate contours. |
| US07993476B2 |
Method and system for continuously manufacturing liquid-crystal display element
A method and a system for continuously manufacturing liquid-crystal display elements, using a continuous optical film laminate which comprises at least an optically functional film having an adhesive layer provided thereon and a carrier film releasably laminated on said adhesive layer, the optically functional film including at least one defect-free region and at least one defect-containing region, the defect-free region having a predefined length corresponding to a dimension of a liquid-crystal panel, the defect-containing region including at least one defect and defined as a region having a predefined length which is different from the length of the defect-free region, slit lines being sequentially formed to extend in a transverse direction of the optical film laminate to form defect-free, normal optically functional film sheets and defect-containing optically functional film sheets. |
| US07993475B2 |
Firing agent for gas generating device
A firing agent which is used in a gas generating device of a vehicle occupant protection device together with a non-azide gas generating agent, for firing the non-azide gas generating agent, wherein the firing agent contains a fuel and an oxidizing agent and is configured to burn at a combustion speed higher than that of the non-azide gas generating agent; a method for using the firing agent; and a gas generating device of a vehicle occupant protection device using the firing agent. |
| US07993474B2 |
Aircraft structural member made of an Al-Cu-Mg alloy
The invention relates to a work-hardened product, particularly a rolled, extruded or forged product, made of an alloy with the following composition (% by weight): Cu 3.8-4.3; Mg 1.25-1.45; Mn 0.2-0.5; Zn 0.4-1.3; Fe<0.15; Si<0.15; Zr≦0.05; Ag<0.01, other elements <0.05 each and <0.15 total, remainder Al, treated by dissolution, quenching and cold strain-hardening, with a permanent deformation of between 0.5% and 15%, and preferably between 1.5% and 3.5%. Cold strain-hardening can be achieved by controlled tension and/or cold transformation, for example rolling, die forging or drawing. This cladded metal plate type product is a suitable element to be used as aircraft fuselage skin. |
| US07993468B2 |
Adaptive sanitation system
A method for altering an initiation time of an apparatus sanitation cycle based upon a base line flow rate. The method may include determining an actual flow rate through the apparatus, comparing the actual flow rate to the base line flow rate, and delaying the initiation time of the apparatus sanitation cycle if the actual flow rate exceeds the base line flow rate. |
| US07993467B2 |
Apparatus for removing matte-sticking and method for using the apparatus
An apparatus and method are provided to remove matte-sticking adhered to an inner surface of an inclined rear jacket of an exhaust gas hood for collecting exhaust gas discharged during the converter operation in copper smelting. Scraping means 10a˜10f are each provided with a scraping part 20 for scraping off matte-sticking by moving slidably across the inner surface of the rear jacket 8 by driving means 11 from a sidewall of the exhaust gas hood to at least over the centerline L of the width of the rear jacket 8. The scraping means are arranged in pairs at both right and left sidewalls of the exhaust gas hood 6 in multiple levels along the inclination of the rear jacket 8, thereby allowing the matte-sticking adhered to the rear jacket 8 to be removed over almost its entire surface. |
| US07993463B2 |
Method of processing lignocellulosic feedstock for enhanced xylose and ethanol production
The present invention provides a method of producing xylose from lignocellulosic feedstock. The method comprises disrupting lignocellulosic feedstock; leaching the lignocellulosic feedstock by contacting the feedstock with at least one aqueous solution for a period greater than about 2 minutes to produce a leached feedstock and a leachate; removing the leachate from the leached feedstock; acidifying the leached feedstock to a pH between about 0.5 and about 3 to produce an acidified feedstock, and; reacting the acidified feedstock under conditions which disrupt fiber structure and hydrolyze a portion of hemicellulose and cellulose of the acidified feedstock, to produce a composition comprising xylose and a pretreated feedstock. The xylose may be purified from the pretreated feedstock or it may be converted to ethanol with the pretreated feedstock. |
| US07993458B2 |
Vacuum processing apparatus and method
A gas exhaust unit evacuates the inside of a vacuum transfer chamber at a constant exhaust rate. An gas exhaust valve is kept normally open, and a purge gas (N2 gas) is supplied from a purge gas supply source into the vacuum transfer chamber via a mass flow controller (MFC) and an opening/closing valve. A main control unit controls a pressure in the vacuum transfer chamber to be within a specified range through a flow rate set value for the MFC while monitoring a pressure in the vacuum transfer chamber via a vacuum gauge. The main control unit determines occurrence of abnormality when the pressure exceeds a specified upper limit and then takes such actions as changing a flow rate set value for the MFC, giving an alarm and stopping the operation of a vacuum processing apparatus. |
| US07993457B1 |
Deposition sub-chamber with variable flow
An apparatus and method for depositing film on a substrate includes a plurality of conduits that allow by-product and reactant gases to flow past the edge of a substrate. The apparatus and process of the present invention has several advantages for enhanced chamber performance, particularly for micro-volume chambers using pulsed deposition layer processes. |
| US07993454B2 |
Surface modified quartz glass crucible, and its modification process
A surface modified quartz glass crucible and a process for modifying the crucible includes a layer of a metal oxide on the whole or a part of the inside and/or outside of the crucible, and baking it. At least an inside surface of the crucible is coated with a said metal oxide of magnesium, calcium, strontium or barium. The coated layer of the crucible does not abrade easily and provides a high dislocation free ratio of silicon single crystals pulled by using the crucible. |
| US07993452B2 |
Method of manufacturing epitaxial silicon wafer
A role of a bottom face of a silicon wafer is identified in a manufacturing process of the silicon wafer. And preferable characteristic feature is also identified. In order to obtain the above characteristic feature, a process method to be implemented into the method of manufacturing a normal silicon wafer is provided. For example, the method comprises: a pre-cleaning process for cleaning the silicon wafer having top and bottom faces processed to a mirror finish; and a rapid thermal process or an epitaxial growth process, wherein the pre-cleaning process comprises a hydrofluoric acid (HF) process and a subsequent pure water (DIW) process. |
| US07993451B2 |
Cement stabilization of soils using a proportional cement slurry
A novel cement slurry composed of cement and water that can be used in cement stabilization applications. The cement slurry compound itself is chemically treated, by means of a cellulosic or other thixotropic thickening agent(s) to create a thixotropic system wherein the wetted cement remains in suspension and does not settle out prior to use even without further mixing. A chemical retarder/stabilizer is also used to prevent the slurry from prematurely setting during shipping. A novel apparatus and method for mixing the novel cement slurry is disclosed to insure the exact proportioning of all ingredients and the proper wetting of the cement. |
| US07993448B2 |
Cement-containing composition for use with alkali-resistant fiberglass and poles made therefrom
A cement-containing composition, and in particular to a sand free composition employing effective amounts of cement, a superplasticizer, a metakaolin clay, an acrylic based co-polymer, and water, and which is especially adapted for use in manufacturing poles. |
| US07993438B2 |
High temperature resistant coating compositions
An aqueous phosphoric bonding solution consists essentially of phosphoric acid, a source of magnesium ions, and a leachable corrosion inhibitor. The bonding solution is stable with respect to inorganic metal particles, such as aluminum, which are admixed to the bonding solution for the preparation of a coating slurry. Metal parts coated with the coating compositions have very satisfactory properties such as heat and corrosion resistance. |
| US07993437B2 |
Filter removal bag
Embodiments of the invention generally include a contamination housing assembly and bag for use therein. In one embodiment, a contamination housing assembly includes a housing having an inlet, outlet, and access port. A bagging ring is coupled to the housing and circumscribes the port. A door is provided for covering the port. A bag indicator is coupled to at least one of the containment housing or door and is visible, when in a first position, from an exterior of the containment housing when the door substantially covers the bagging ring. In yet another embodiment, a bag for use with a containment housing is provided. The bag has an open end configured to engage with a bagging ring. The bag includes at least one of a strap or a RF readable tag. |
| US07993434B2 |
Disposable air filter assembly
A disposable air filter and grill assembly is disclosed which eliminates the undesirable need of cleaning conventional air filter grills. The assembly includes a frame which can be mounted within a grid of a drop ceiling or other opening loading to a space to be heated and/or cooled. The frame includes a plurality of clips to removably secure a disposable filter unit therein. The disposable filter unit includes an outer shell within which filter media is positioned. After the unit has been used a sufficiently long period of time and needs to changed, the clips can be disengaged, the disposable filter unit can be removed, and a new unit can be installed. Accordingly, as opposed to cleaning existing grills which often result in a less than properly maintained facility or an aesthetically undesirable facility, the apparatus disclosed herein provides an aesthetically pleasing, functional, and easily maintained system. |
| US07993433B2 |
Method and apparatus for energy reduction in acid gas capture
The invention relates to a new method for removing and recovering of acid gases from a gaseous mixture in an absorption plant by adding an organic acid to a stream of the rich absorbent in the desorber in order to release acid gas by shifting the acid gas equilibrium towards the gas side, and the organic acid is subsequently separated from the absorbent. With this method, the energy consumption of the process is substantially reduced. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing this method. |
| US07993430B2 |
Process for producing molten iron and apparatus for producing molten iron
The disclosure relates to improvements of technology for producing metallic iron by thermally reducing an iron source such as iron ore with a carbonaceous reductant such as coke by including efficiently reducing iron oxides into metallic iron at a lower operation temperature while conducting carburization, and efficiently separating the generated metallic iron from slag-forming components such as gangue components contained in raw material ore whereby metallic iron with controlled carbon concentrations can be produced in high yield. |
| US07993429B2 |
Lubricant for powder metallurgical compositions
An iron-based powder metallurgical composition is provided comprising an iron or iron-based powder and a particulate composite lubricant, the composite lubricant comprising particles having a core comprising a solid organic lubricant having fine carbon particles adhered thereon. A particulate composite lubricant and a method for producing the same also are provided. |
| US07993427B2 |
Filter medium
The present invention relates to a filter composed of a multi-ply filter medium, which comprises at least one non-woven stiffening layer, at least one filtration layer, at least one covering layer and where necessary at least one non-woven microfiber layer, the non-woven stiffening layer comprising fibers of synthetic polymers and the fibers being both partially oriented and oriented fibers. |
| US07993424B2 |
Air cleaner
An air cleaner case of an air cleaner used in an engine provides a lower casing holding a cleaner element thereon, and a cover accommodating the cleaner element therein. The lower casing includes a base on which the cleaner element is mounted, an exhaust duct extending downward from the base so that air purified by the cleaner element is conveyed to the intake side of the engine, an inlet duct extending downward from the base along the exhaust duct, and an inlet cylinder extending upward into the accommodating chamber from the base so as to be continuous with the inlet duct. |
| US07993423B2 |
High efficiency grease filter cartridge
A grease filter has a filtering portion configured such that fumes enter a major face thereof and flow through a grease extraction filter therewithin in a direction parallel to the major face. A frame that fits into an opening of a hood defines a box structure that is configured to allow flow from the end (or ends) of the filtering portion where flow exits. The frame permits the flow to exit to a side opposite the face even when the frame is surrounded, edgewise, by a solid structure of the hood opening. |
| US07993422B2 |
Filter elements; air cleaner; assembly; and, methods
A filter element, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The element generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration, and an axial seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Methods of assembly and use are provided. |
| US07993411B2 |
Medical implant having improved drug eluting features
An implantable drainage device for treatment of a stricture of a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises a drainage tube including an inlet and extending to an outlet to define a drainage lumen formed through the inlet and the outlet. The drainage tube includes a swell layer and a cast layer formed about the swell layer. The swell layer has a first agent dispersed thereabout for regulated drug elution through the cast layer. The cast layer has a second agent disposed thereabout for drug elution therefrom. |
| US07993407B2 |
Orthopaedic prosthesis having a positionable stem
An orthopaedic prosthesis includes a femoral component configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared surface of the distal end of a femur and a plate having an aperture defined therein. The plate is configured to be coupled to the femoral component in one of a number of orientations such that the location of the aperture is adjustable based on the orientation of the plate. The orthopaedic prosthesis also includes a stem configured to be coupled to the femoral component via a bolt. The position of the stem relative to the femoral component is adjustable based on the orientation of the plate. |
| US07993406B2 |
Open intervertebral spacer
Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500′ include a body 505′ having a wall 506′ which defines a chamber 530′ and an opening 531′ in communication with the chamber 530′. In one embodiment the wall 506′ includes a pair of arms 520′, 521′ facing one another and forming a mouth 525′ to the chamber 530′. Preferably, one of the arms 520′ is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505′ does a bone dowel comprise an off-center plug from the diathesis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805. In one specific embodiment the plate 821 defines a groove 822 which is disposed around a fastener 830 attached to the housing 805 so that the plate 821 is sliceable relative to the housing 805. |
| US07993403B2 |
Expandable intervertebral spacers
Laterally expanding vertebral spacer devices are provided for repairing damaged vertebral discs. The vertebral spacer devices maintain the height of a distracted vertebral disc space while providing stability to the spine. In one form of the invention, a vertebral spacer device is provided with a first arm movably coupled to a second arm. The first and second arms are laterally expandable from a first width for insertion into the disc space to a second width after insertion into the disc space. The first and second arms also define a cavity therebetween for placement of bone growth material. |
| US07993402B2 |
Filler, supply device and method for forming a support structure in a bone cavity
The invention relates to dry free-flowing filler (1) for forming a support structure in a bone cavity (4a). The filler comprises a plurality of biocompatible support bodies (2) which are resistant to deformation or fracture under the physiological loads usually occurring in the bone cavity (4a). Said support bodies (2) have a size between 2 mm and 10 mm and an axis (A) and two opposite abutments (2g) spaced apart in the direction of the axis (A). |
| US07993396B2 |
Mitral valve annuloplasty ring having an offset posterior bow
A mitral heart valve annuloplasty ring having a posterior bow that conforms to an abnormal posterior aspect of the mitral annulus. The ring may be generally oval having a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the posterior bow may be centered along the minor axis or offset in a posterior section. The ring may be substantially planar, or may include upward bows on either side of the posterior bow. The ring may include a ring body surrounded by a suture-permeable fabric sheath formed of a plurality of concentric ring elements or bands. The posterior bow is stiff enough to withstand deformation once implanted and subjected to normal physiologic stresses. A method of repairing an abnormal mitral heart valve annulus having a depressed posterior aspect includes providing a ring with a posterior bow and implanting the ring to support the annulus without unduly stressing the attachment sutures. |
| US07993390B2 |
Implantable or insertable medical device resistant to microbial growth and biofilm formation
Disclosed are implantable or insertable medical devices that provide resistance to microbial growth on and in the environment of the device and resistance to microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device. In particular, the invention discloses implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise at least one biocompatible matrix polymer region, an antimicrobial agent for providing resistance to microbial growth and/or a microbial adhesion/biofilm synthesis inhibitor for inhibiting the attachment of microbes and the synthesis and accumulation of biofilm on the surface of the medical device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such devices under conditions that substantially prevent preferential partitioning of any of said bioactive agents to a surface of the biocompatible matrix polymer and substantially prevent chemical modification of said bioactive agents. |
| US07993389B2 |
Guidewire system
A tool-carrying catheter, comprising: an elongate body adapted for insertion into a blood vessel; a tool section attached to a distal side of said body; and a guide-channel adapted to carry at least a guide-wire, wherein said catheter includes an entry port into said guide-channel for said guide wire and wherein said tool includes a distal exit for said guide wire from said guide-channel, defined in a side of said tool. |
| US07993385B2 |
Method and apparatus for caged stent delivery
The method and apparatus for caged stent delivery is provided herein. The device can be used to position and deliver any type of stent to a preselected treatment site within an intraluminal cavity. The device comprises a tubular portion, a plurality of arms attached to the distal end of the tubular portion, and a mechanism to open the arms. In operation, the caged device carries a stent in a constricted form to the treatment site for deployment. The arms of the cage are then opened, the stent released and deployed, and the device withdrawn. Several methods are provided to open the arms, including various pullwires, a piston, an electrolytic joint, and an activator. The arms may be constructed of a shape memory alloy and opened when shape memory behavior is effected. The device may be used with conventional catheters or used with a stent-loaded guidewire. |
| US07993380B2 |
Active compression orthopedic plate system and method for using the same
An active compression orthopedic plate includes a first and a second end cross member, at least one center cross member, at least one longitudinal member slideably coupling the first and second end cross member and the at least one center cross member, and a compressive member configured to exert a compressive force on the first and second end cross members. |
| US07993379B2 |
Bone fastening plate
The present invention refers to a fastening plate to be used in bones, more specifically, to a plate whose shape and arrangement of screws promote the fastening and keeping of fractured bones or bones that have undergone osteotomy in adequate position, angle and inclination. |
| US07993378B2 |
Methods for percutaneous spinal surgery
A method for accessing the spine includes making an incision in the skin of a patient. The skin and tissue can be dilated, and a cannula inserted through the dilated skin and tissue. The cannula includes a distal end positioned adjacent a first working space that includes paraspinous tissue. The cannula can be repositioned through the incision to a second working space adjacent the distal end of the cannula. |
| US07993377B2 |
Method and apparatus for spinal fixation
Disclosed is a fixation device that includes an elongated body including a bone anchor at a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device. In one embodiment, the device is advanced through a spinous process of a first vertebra, inserted through the first vertebra and the bone anchor is rotated into position within a second vertebra. The proximal anchor is distally advanced with respect to the bone anchor to provide compression across the first and second vertebrae. |
| US07993370B2 |
Method and apparatus for flexible fixation of a spine
A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal stabilization device, comprising a longitudinal member having first and second end portions and a flexible portion located between the end portions, wherein the flexible portion comprises at least one spacer and a flexible member located in a longitudinal axial channel of the at least one spacer, wherein the flexible member comprises a biocompatible metal material and the end portions maintain the at least one spacer in a substantially fixed longitudinal axial position with respect to the flexible member. |
| US07993364B2 |
Aneurysm flow barrier
A collapsing clip including of a plurality of collapsed self expanding wire frame segments is contained within the distal end of a catheter. The clip can be maneuvered by a wire traversing through the catheter. The catheter can be placed proximate to the neck of an aneurysm within the neurovascular system. Using the wire, at least one segment can be pushed from the catheter through the aneurysm neck and expanded within the interior of the aneurysm. The wire can pull the expanded segment in a proximal direction. A proximal segment can be pushed from the catheter and expanded on the proximal side of the aneurysm. The collapsing clip impinges the distal and proximal framed wire segments onto the neck of the aneurysm. The framed wire segments are inter positioned so that the diamond shaped spaces between the wires are substantially blocked. The neck of the aneurysm is blocked by the distal and proximal framed wire segments forming a barrier. |
| US07993361B2 |
Device for removing a total vascular occlusion with OCT monitoring
Device for removing a total vascular occlusion with the aid of a CTO catheter with expansion tongs arranged at the front end and OCT monitoring, the CTO catheter being combined with an OCT catheter to form an integrated unit. |
| US07993357B2 |
Method and apparatus for anastomosis including an anchoring sleeve
Apparatus for performing a surgical anastomosis include a tubular body having an onion portion formed near the distal end of the tubular body. The apparatus includes a sleeve having a radius sized and dimensioned to slidably receive the tubular body therein. The apparatus includes a plunger assembly sized and dimensioned to be slidably received within the central lumen of the tubular body. The plunger assembly includes a distal end configured and adapted to deploy the onion portion. |
| US07993355B2 |
Method and device for suture isolation
A method and device provides features for the temporary “parking” of sutures with respect to a cannula. In the preferred embodiments the features are slots that maintain tension on, and orientation of, sutures placed therein. The slots or features may be integral with the cannula or part of a separate device which may be removably affixed to the external portion of a cannula. In addition, the opening(s) used for instrument-passing are off-center, thereby reducing if not elimination outward sprays during use. The invention eliminates the multiple steps inherent in current suture management techniques for arthroscopic procedures, particularly rotator cuff repair and assists in tensioning/advancement of tissue into its repair site. |
| US07993354B1 |
Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing
Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle. |
| US07993352B2 |
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 body configured to seat within a burr hole formed in the person's skull. The apparatus also includes a central elastic membrane coupled to the body and extending across a central aperture of the body. The elastic membrane includes a number of pre-formed openings provided for purposes of securing the lead in position within the brain after implantation. Each pre-formed opening may penetrate through an entire thickness of the elastic membrane. Each pre-formed opening may be selected for insertion of the lead into the brain. Each pre-formed opening is adapted to elastically expand as the lead is inserted through the pre-formed opening and positioned in the brain and is adapted to elastically contract on the lead to secure the lead in position within the brain after implantation. |
| US07993350B2 |
Shapeable or steerable guide sheaths and methods for making and using them
Apparatus and methods are provided for providing access to a body lumen, e.g., to deliver a pacing lead within a patient's heart. The apparatus includes a tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for insertion into a body lumen, and a lumen extending therebetween. An elongate member extends from the distal end of the tubular member. An expandable sheath extends along at least a portion of the elongate member, the sheath being expandable from a contracted condition to facilitate insertion into a body lumen, and an enlarged condition wherein the sheath at least partially defines a lumen communicating with the tubular member lumen. A stylet or other shaped element is insertable into the elongate member for changing a shape of at least a distal tip of the elongate member, e.g., for accessing side branches extending from a body lumen, e.g., within a patient's coronary venous system. |
| US07993348B2 |
Curved acetabular positioner, impactor and reamer handle
An acetabular instrument has a handle portion having one or more solid nonflexible drive shaft elements therethrough. The shaft elements are connected by a U-joint at one of both ends to form a flexible curved drive shaft. One end of a solid shaft element is connected to a knob so that rotation of the knob drives the flexible shaft. The flexible shaft is housed within a hollow curved body preferably made of stainless steel. One end of the curved body it is connected to the handle portion and at the other end to an acetabular cup or acetabular reamer holder. The reamer holder is rotatably driven by the flexible drive shaft. The knob may be made so that it may receive blows from a mallet allowing the instrument to be used as an impactor. The drive shaft may be used to actuate a locking mechanism within the cup or reamer holder which connects the reamer cup to the instrument. |
| US07993346B2 |
Method for placing a malleolar implant
A method for implanting a malleolar implant in an ankle joint. A spacer block is positioned between a lower portion of a tibia and an upper portion of an astragalus in the ankle joint. A guide attached to the spacer block is positioned opposite an outer surface of a fibular malleolus. A bore aligned with the guide is formed through the fibular malleolus. The spacer block is removed from between the tibia and the astragalus. A shank of the malleolar implant is engaged with the bore from an inner surface of the fibular malleolus. The shank is advanced into the bore so an inner surface of a head of the malleolar implant engages the inner surface of the fibular malleolus. |
| US07993344B2 |
Guide and method for inserting an elongated member into a patient
The present application is directed to guides for inserting an elongated member into a patient. The guide generally includes an elongated shape with a distal end that is positioned within the patient, and a proximal end that may be positioned outside of the patient. The guide may include a channel formed between sidewalls. The channel is sized to receive the elongated member and guide the member into a predetermined location within the patient. In one embodiment, the guide is used with an insertion device that may include a pivoting carriage for initially inserting the guide and then the elongated member into the patient. The guide may also be used in a freehand technique that is positioned specifically within the patient by the surgeon. |
| US07993342B2 |
Percutaneous spinal implants and methods
An apparatus includes a shaft, a rod, a portion of which is disposed within the shaft, a first knob and a second knob. The first knob is coupled to the shaft and configured to engage the rod such that the rod translates within the shaft when the first knob is rotated. The second knob is coupled to the rod such that the rod rotates within the shaft when the second knob is rotated. |
| US07993341B2 |
Navigated orthopaedic guide and method
A navigated orthopaedic guide is provided for establishing datums used to position subsequent components during an orthopaedic surgical procedure. |
| US07993340B2 |
Instruments and techniques for spinal disc space preparation
A milling instrument assembly is provided for vertebral endplate preparation along a cutting path obliquely oriented to the axis of approach to the vertebra. The milling instrument assembly provides control of the anterior-posterior depth of endplate removal by guiding cutting assembly in the disc space as it moves transversely across a housing assembly. Methods and techniques are included for using the milling instrument assembly in spinal surgery. |
| US07993337B2 |
Circumferential ablation device assembly
A circumferential ablation device assembly which is adapted to forming a circumferential conduction block in a pulmonary vein is described. The assembly includes a circumferential oblation clement which is adapted to ablate a circumferential region of tissue along a pulmonary vein wall which circumscribes the pulmonary vein lumen, thereby transecting the electrical conductivity of the pulmonary vein against conduction along its longitudinal axis and into the left atrium. The circumferential ablation element includes an expandable member with a working length that is adjustable from a radially collapsed position to a radially expanded position. An equatorial band circumscribes the outer surface of the working length and is adapted to ablate tissue adjacent thereto when actuated by an ablation actuator. A pattern of insulators may be included over an ablation element which otherwise spans the working length in order to form the equatorial band described. |
| US07993335B2 |
Ablation probe for delivering fluid through porous structure
Ablation probes are provided for perfusing the tissue, while the tissue is ablated. The ablation probe comprises an elongated shaft and an ablative element, such as a needle electrode. The ablation probe further comprises a lumen that extends through the probe shaft, which will be used to deliver an fluid to the distal end of the probe shaft for perfusion into the surrounding tissue. The ablation probe further comprises a porous structure that is associated with the distal end of the shaft in fluid communication with the lumen. For example, the distal end of the shaft, or the entirety of the shaft, can be composed of the porous structure. Or, if the ablative element is an electrode, the electrode can be composed of the porous structure. Because the pores within the porous structure are pervasive, the fluid will freely flow out into the tissue notwithstanding that some of the pores may become clogged. |
| US07993332B2 |
Electrosurgical generator and system
An electrosurgical system includes a generator for generating radio frequency power, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least three electrodes and. The generator includes a radio frequency output stage having at least a pair of RF output lines, and a power supply coupled to the output stage for supplying power to the output stage. A controller is operable to limit the radio frequency output voltage developed across the output lines to at least a first predetermined threshold value to produce a cutting RF waveform, and a second threshold value to produce a coagulating RF waveform. In a combined mode, the controller delivers both cutting and coagulating waveforms, either simultaneously or by alternating constantly between the first and second threshold values to form a blended signal. The system also includes means for feeding the waveform to the three or more electrodes such that the cutting RF waveform is delivered between a first pair of the electrodes, and the coagulating waveform is delivered between a second pair of the electrodes. |
| US07993330B2 |
Method for rejuvenating and tightening human skin utilizing a cryogenic applicator
A method for tightening and rejuvenating skin utilizing a cryogenic applicator, which includes the steps of holding a handle of a barrel of the cryogenic applicator in a hand, fluidly communicating the barrel with a source of a biocompatible non-toxic cryogenic fluid to supply the biocompatible non-toxic cryogenic fluid through a hollow interior of the barrel, out through a plurality of openings in a distal portion of the barrel, and onto a head of the cryogenic applicator, rolling the head quickly, smoothly, and evenly over the skin being treated for a period of time in an order of hundredths or tenths of a second, and sparging the biocompatible non-toxic cryogenic fluid onto the skin quickly, evenly, and smoothly when the head is rolled on the skin, and thereby tightening and rejuvenating the skin. |
| US07993320B2 |
Incontinence article in the form of pants
An incontinence article comprising front and back belly sections connected at side seams forming belly and back bands, continuous in the hip direction having a hip opening closed in the hip direction, and a crotch section comprising an absorbent body, extending longitudinally between and permanently attached to the belly and back sections, wherein the crotch, belly, and back sections define leg openings, the belly and back sections have an edge contour extending towards a transverse center axis, wherein first elastification means in the belly and back sections extend parallel to each other in the hip direction and wherein, in the belly and back sections, second elastification means extend from two side seam areas towards a longitudinal center axis of the article in a curved shape, thereby fanning out with increasing separation from each other, where the second elastification means fan out, the restoring force from extensive stretching of this area is smaller than that from extensive stretching of an area on the hip side, having only the first elastification means. |
| US07993318B2 |
Absorbent article for men
Absorbent article for men intended for single use and having longitudinal side edges, a rear end edge and a front end edge and having an inner liquid-permeable surface layer, an outer liquid-impermeable surface layer and an absorbent body arranged therebetween. The article has an elastic element attached to the liquid-permeable surface layer along at least parts of the longitudinal side edges of the article. The elastic element is attached to the liquid-permeable surface layer along longitudinal edges lying opposite one another of the elastic element. A cut is arranged between the attachments in the form of a slit or cutout. The cut extends through a front edge of the elastic element in the direction of a rear edge, the elastic element being provided by the cut with inner edges arranged above the liquid-permeable surface layer, and a method for manufacturing such an article. |
| US07993316B1 |
Sanitary device and method
A sanitary device having an absorbent pad with a pocket on one end and on the other end an opening with a pair of petals extending outward therefrom. By holding and marginally squeezing the pocket, the pocket will open and the petals will separate. A penis can be inserted into the pocket using the petals a converging guide. Penile excretions can the be absorbed in the absorbent pad before discarding it. Further embodiments include absorbent pads fabricated from feminine pads and alternative closure elements. |
| US07993309B2 |
Scrubber for medical device cleaner
A luer cleaner (100) including a generally hollow body (112) having an open first end (104), a closed second end (106), and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. The first end (104) is sized to receive therein a luer connector (190) proximal end and includes a plurality of bristles (134) extending generally toward the longitudinal axis sufficiently to engage the outer surfaces of the luer proximal end disposed therein. The second end comprises a compressible reservoir (166) containing a fluid (168), wherein, when the second end is compressed, the fluid is transmitted from the reservoir toward the first end through passageways to wet the luer proximal end. A method for cleaning luer connectors is also disclosed. |
| US07993305B2 |
Splittable valved introducer apparatus
An improved splittable medical device introducer designed to introduce a medical device such as a lead or catheter, into a patient's vasculature without loss of blood or the introduction of air is described. The introducer assembly is designed to easily separate in a smooth tactile manner without disrupting placement of the medical device during removal of the introducer. The introducer is composed of a fluoropolymeric material which combined with an internal stress confining structure propagates a stress initiated by the operator that tears the entire introducer assembly in two without creating a jagged separated edge. |
| US07993294B2 |
Wrist orthosis
Wrist orthosis (11) having a supporting shell (10) that is open in the radial direction for receiving the distal forearm area and having a volar hand support (29) for coming into contact with the palmar surface of the hand and having a closing device (31, 32, 33, 70) for force-locking connection of the wrist orthosis to the wrist area, wherein a dimensionally stable supporting insert that surrounds the wrist area and is designed to conform to the forearm area is provided for lining the supporting shell (10), the supporting insert extending beyond the supporting shell (10) starting from a forearm part with a metacarpal part (73) covering the metacarpal area. |
| US07993293B2 |
Neck brace
A neck brace (10) is disclosed which comprises two sections (12, 14) which are releasably connected to one another along a split line (18). The ring has upwardly facing surfaces (30, 76.1, 20.2) which limit tilting movement of a helmeted head in all directions. The brace further has a column (68, 70) which extends downwardly from the ring for transferring loads to the wearer's back on each side of the spine. |
| US07993292B2 |
Orthotic apparatus and method of operation
Various embodiments of the invention relate to orthotic apparatuses configured to apply a controllable, therapeutic force to a subject. In one embodiment of the invention, an orthotic apparatus includes a frame structure and an actuator system operable to provide input energy of a first type (e.g., fluid pumped by a pump or an applied voltage). At least one strap structure is attached to the frame structure and operably coupled to the actuator system. The at least one strap structure may be configured to convert at least a portion of the input energy to energy of a second type, the energy of the second type being strain energy. Additional embodiments are directed to inflatable structures and methods of operating the orthotic apparatuses and inflatable structures disclosed herein. |
| US07993289B2 |
Systems and methods for the destruction of adipose tissue
Described is a system and method for the destruction of adipose tissue using an energy applicator such as a HIFU transducer. The system has a scan head containing an energy applicator, a mechanical arm for carrying the weight of the scan head, and a therapy controller such as a computer for controlling the operation of the scan head. The therapy controller may be part of a general purpose computer, and may be used as a robotic controller to automate the procedure. Methods are included for destroying adipose tissue in a quick, non-invasive manner. |
| US07993287B2 |
Endoscopic wire guide
An endoscopic wire guide apparatus for insertion through an insertion tube of an endoscope having an accessory port, the endoscope being configured for advancement into a patient. The apparatus comprises a wire guide disposed through the insertion tube for delivery into the patient. The wire guide has a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion has a first diameter and the proximal portion has a second diameter less than the first diameter. The first diameter is more rigid than the second diameter. The second diameter is configured to allow the proximal portion to collapse when proximally extending through the accessory port of the endoscope and the distal portion extends at least partially beyond the distal end of the insertion tube. |
| US07993280B2 |
Rapid shallow breathing detection for use in congestive heart failure status determination
Systems and methods involve use of a medical device comprising sensing circuitry. One or more respiratory parameters are detected using the device. Patient baseline weight is provided, and an output signal indicative of a patient's congestive heart failure status is generated based on a change in the one or more respiratory parameters and a change in the patient's measured weight or predicted weight relative to the patient baseline weight. The respiratory parameters may include one or more of respiration rate, relative tidal volume, an index indicative of rapid shallow breathing by the patient, an index derived by computing a respiration rate and a tidal volume for each patient breath, and an index indicative of dyspnea, for example. |
| US07993277B1 |
Commotio cordis testing
A method of evaluating a chest wall protector comprises determining a flight time to impact on a subject of a projectile launched using a bow, determining an actuation time of a mechanism configured to release a string of the bow to launch the projectile based upon a desired time of receipt of energy from the projectile by a heart of the subject, determining an external location on an exterior surface of the subject corresponding to where a left ventricle of the heart of the subject is desirably close to the external surface, arranging at least one of the subject and the bow such that a flight path of the projectile is directed at the determined external location, disposing a protector device in the projectile's flight path in contact with the subject, actuating the mechanism at the actuation time, and monitoring a heartbeat of the subject before and after transfer of energy from the projectile to the subject. |
| US07993276B2 |
Motion cancellation of optical input signals for physiological pulse measurement
A pulse rate sensor that includes an accelerometer for measuring periodic motion and a piezo sensor for detecting erratic motion is capable of more accurately determining pulse rate by accounting for these types of motion. The pulse rate sensor in accordance with the present invention diminishes pulse rate signal degradation due to erratic motion through a combination of algorithms that control signal boosting, waveform refinement and signal noise suppression. |
| US07993271B2 |
System and method for screening tissue
A system and method for screening tissue is provided. The system provides a computer-based system for distinguishing between normal and potentially abnormal tissue. The system includes computer components for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves, for storing a tissue model, and for analyzing received ultrasonic waves in the context of the tissue model. |
| US07993268B2 |
Method for enhanced performance training
A method for enhanced exercise training or performance utilizing intentional controlled tachypnea and somatic sensory alkalosis biofeedback training to maintain an essentially non-acidic state during exercise. A trainee is instructed to decrease measured transcutaneous CO2 levels by increased ventilation and to correlate measured transcutaneous CO2 levels with subjective somatic symptoms. Studies under exercise conditions measure the intensity of exercise correlating to an onset in blood acid accumulation in the trainee and such level of intensity is in turn correlated with a predetermined heart rate. The trainee is then instructed to use heart rate and somatic sensory changes as a guide to the need for increased ventilation to lower blood CO2. In another embodiment, the method of the instant invention utilizes intentional controlled tachypnea to increase maximum breath holding time. |
| US07993262B2 |
Stimulatory device support apparatus
Disclosed is an apparatus for supporting a stimulatory device. Such device eliminates the need for a user to manually hold and/or position such stimulatory device. Rather, such device remains in a stationary position, and a user may adjust her position relative to the stimulatory device and the supporting apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, a seat is provided upon which a user may lie, rest, or otherwise support herself. In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus is manufactured from a yielding material to provide ease of use and comfort while simultaneously minimizing the possibility of abrasions, injuries, and the like. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a height of the stimulatory device above an upwardly facing surface of the stimulatory device is adjustable by a user. Finally, such device may be used during masturbation, during sexual intercourse, and/or for treatment of sexual dysfunction. |
| US07993261B2 |
Method and apparatus for cystocele repair
A method for cystocele repair comprising the steps of: establishing four pathways in tissue around a bladder of a patient, introducing a strap into each of said pathways, and positioning beneath said bladder of said patient a support member having each said strap connected thereto such that said bladder of said patient is supported by said support member and a bulge of said bladder into a vagina of said patient is reduced. |
| US07993259B2 |
Percutaneous intra-aortic ventricular assist device
A percutaneous intra-aortic ventricular assist device is adapted for implantation in an aorta that has a luminal wall, and includes a tubular stent body, an inner tubular body, a vane member, a carrier member, a rib unit, a first pulled string, a second pulled string, an alternately pulling mechanism, and a synchronizing member. |
| US07993254B2 |
Multi walled container and method
A container and method of manufacture are provided. The container includes a cup with a permanently attached sleeve overlying an exterior portion of the cup sidewall. The sleeve includes a plurality of inwardly directed protuberances providing a gap between a substantial portion of the cup sidewall and the sleeve. |
| US07993253B2 |
Agility device
The agility device is an article of manufacture comprising a base, a stabilized inflatable support disposed on the base, and a top platform positioned on the stabilized inflatable support. The device also has optional handles and expandable base supports for added stability. The device is primarily for use as an exercise device, but also has value as an agility training tool to help users improve their balance and agility, and to improve their reflexes. It is useful for exercise, physical therapy, and for entertainment. |
| US07993245B1 |
Exercise device for pull-ups and hanging
One embodiment of an exercise device placed on top of a door (122) and of the type having an elongated body (102) which has a half circular profile. A base sheet (106) is attached to the base surface (104) of the elongated body (102) and a top sheet (108) is attached to the curved surface (100) of the elongated body (102) such that it drapes past both long edges of the elongated body (102). A primary end sheet (112) is attached to one end of the elongated body (102). The user places the exercise device on the top of a door with the base sheet (106) contacting the door and the primary end sheet (112) contacting the upper sill (118). The user (120) grabs the top sheet (108) in the area of the curved surface (100) and performs a pull-up or hangs freely. |
| US07993243B2 |
Detecting operation of a vehicle on an ascending grade
In a vehicle that includes an engine driveably connected to the vehicle wheels, an accelerator pedal, and an electric motor for transmitting power to at least some of the vehicle wheels, a method for indicating that the vehicle is operating on a grade having positive slope includes determining that displacement of the accelerator pedal is greater than a reference displacement, determining that a rate of change of the accelerator pedal displacement is greater than a reference rate of change of displacement, determining that vehicle deceleration is greater than a reference vehicle deceleration, and producing a signal representing that the vehicle is operating on a grade having positive slope. |
| US07993236B2 |
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 may include clutches and brakes. |
| US07993235B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission of the present invention has 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 may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. |
| US07993233B2 |
Friction coupling with actuator and a ball bearing
A friction coupling assembly includes: an actuator in the form of a ball ramp assembly, a plate package, and a ball bearing. The actuator has two coaxial discs, wherein the faces of the two discs each have ball grooves of increasing depth. Pairs of opposed ball grooves hold balls to axially support the two discs. The plate package is arranged coaxially relative to the discs and has outer plates for fixing to a coupling carrier and inner plates for fixing to a coupling hub. The ball bearing is for axially supporting the at least one rotatingly drivable disc, wherein a first bearing race of the ball bearing is integrally formed with the at least one rotatingly drivable disc. |
| US07993232B2 |
Electrohydraulic torque transfer device with integrated clutch and actuator unit
A power transmission device includes a housing, a rotatable input member and a rotatable output member supported in the housing by a pair of bearings. A friction clutch is operable to selectively transmit a requested magnitude of torque between the input member and the output member. The clutch is axially positioned between the bearings. An actuator is operable to provide an actuation force to the friction clutch to generate the requested magnitude of torque. |
| US07993231B2 |
Hydraulic control device for automatic transmission
A hydraulic control device for an automatic transmission includes a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a third solenoid valve, a preliminary shift speed switching valve, and a hydraulic pressure supply switching valve. A second friction engagement element is engaged at high speed side shift speeds, a low speed that is one of low speed side shift speeds is achieved by engagement of a first friction engagement element and a third friction engagement element, and a high speed that is one of the high speed side shift speeds is achieved by engagement of a second friction engagement element and the third friction engagement element. |
| US07993229B2 |
Power transmission chain and power transmission assembly using the same
An object of the invention is to provide a power transmission chain capable of effectively reducing noises and a power transmission assembly using the same. In the power transmission chain including plural links each possessing through-holes and plural pins inserted through the through-holes for interconnecting the plural links, all the plural pins substantially have the same longitudinal length while the plural pins include plural types of pins which have mutually different rigidities against force acting in the pin longitudinal direction. Furthermore, a locus of contact position between the pin and a strip is defined by an involute of a circle. The pins and strips are combined to form two or more types of pairs which provide the involutes of base circles having different radii. |
| US07993226B2 |
Clamping drive with mechanical damping for a traction mechanism drive
A clamping device with mechanical damping for a traction mechanism drive is provided. The device includes a clamping arm which carries a tension roller on one end thereof and is rotatably mounted in a housing at the other end thereof via a shaft connected thereto in a rotationally fixed manner, and is elastically supported on the housing by a torsion spring. A free end of the shaft is connected to a friction disk in a rotationally fixed manner, and a friction lining is arranged between the friction disk and an axial abutment surface of the housing. The invention reduces the friction lining wear and increases the damping capacity thereof. To accomplish this, a separate friction disk (7″″) is connected to a separate friction lining (8″″) in a positively locked manner without play, and the separate friction lining ((8″″) is in frictional contact with the axial abutment surface (10) of the housing (1). |
| US07993224B2 |
Battery holder for a lighted archery nock
The present invention generally relates to a lighted archery nock. The lighted archery nock generally includes an accelerometer, a replaceable battery, a light, a housing, and a microprocessor that controls illumination of the light. The microprocessor can control the timing of the light to save battery life and respond to user input transmitted by tapping the nock to re-set the light. The housing is configured with a plurality of fingers that interact with the replaceable battery to hold it in place. |
| US07993222B2 |
Table-tennis bat(pen-holding type)
The inventions published consist of ‘split-level step’ between bat handle and contact section. This said step provides the newly inventions here the concept of critical holding points (called as C.H.P.)for the thumb, forefinger and any of other three fingers. These fingers can grip firmly onto the said step. This allows better swing of the bat, angle control, flexibility of bat manipulation and power. These C.H.P. also provides the proper gripping areas so that finger deformation problem is less likely to happen.In addition, it is less strainuous physically for the wrist and fingers, so the better power and performance of the players can be maintained longer naturally throughout the games.Besides, the invented C.H.P.concept can also be achieved (although it is less ideal compared to the ‘split level Step’) without adopting the ‘split-level step’(that is with the bend/joint angle between the split level equals zero degree) by having ‘raised-height-block’ or raised step or ‘prolonged bottom handle’ front and/or at the back of the bat (see Y & Z in FIGS. 3,4,5,6 & 7) so as to act as the C.H.P. as found in the split-leveled step (see X in FIGS. 2,4 & 7) (Note: to use drawing 7 for article publication purpose). |
| US07993219B2 |
Bat swing training device
A bat swing training device for enabling the diagnosis and correction of an individual batter's swing. The training device includes a conventional bat modified to receive a training aid at its distal end in either an exposed extended assembly or an embedded assembly. The training aid provides a snapping sound if an individual swings the bat at greater than a predetermined speed. The position of the batter's hands at the time of the snap indicates whether the batter's swing is correct. |
| US07993215B1 |
Producing golf clubs
A golf club head can, for example, include a striking component with a forward surface to strike golf balls and an arrow-like component, such as a stylus, behind the forward surface; a user can see the arrow-like component pointing approximately in an optimal direction for striking a ball. Also, in addition to a front part with a forward surface between its lateral ends, a club head can include two parts that extend rearward from the lateral ends and support a weight part at a distance from the forward surface. Also, to prevent twisting about a lateral center of mass when a ball is hit, the front part can include upper and lower lobe-like portions with connections at their lateral ends and with a less connected region between, such as a gap or a thin connecting portion. A hosel can be connected to the upper lobe-like portion between the end connections. |
| US07993210B1 |
Golfing apparatus
One embodiment of a golfing apparatus for assisting a golfer in playing golf includes an belt member adapted to be wrapped around a waist of the golfer. The belt member includes a groove. Further, the golfing apparatus includes an attaching member carried by end portions of the belt member. The attaching member is adapted to secure the belt member to the waist of the golfer. Furthermore, the golfing apparatus includes a guiding member adapted to receive a handle portion of a golf club. The guiding member is slidably engaged in the groove to enable a free movement of the guiding member therein. The free movement of the guiding member in the groove guides a swing of the golf club received in the guiding member, thereby assisting the golfer in playing golf. |
| US07993208B2 |
Rotatable teeter totter
Play equipment that combines the movements of a teeter totter and a merry-go-round includes a support for suspending a riding assembly, a riding assembly upon which a rider is supported, such as upon which a rider sits or a rider hangs from, and a suspending means which suspends the riding assembly from the support for both rotational movement with respect to the support and up and down movement with respect to the support. The up and down movement may be achieved by pivotal movement or by swinging movement. The support of the invention may be adjustable to adjust the height of the riding assembly. When seats for the riders are provided, the seats may include restraining means, such as back and side rails to help keep the rider in the seat. The equipment can include a single beam providing a pair of oppositely extending arms as with a traditional teeter tooter, or can include additional beams or arms, such as four arms, to accommodate additional riders. |
| US07993204B2 |
Torsional vibration damper arrangement
A torsional vibration damper with a primary side and a secondary side, wherein rotation of the primary side relative to the secondary side causes displacement of hydraulic fluid from at least one displacement chamber and compression of pneumatic fluid in at least one compensating chamber. A first displacement chamber assembly includes a pair of axially opposed end walls bounding each displacement chamber in both axial directions and a circumferential wall bounding it in one radial direction, and a second displacement chamber assembly bounds it in the other radial direction. At least one circumferential recess provided in one of the first and second displacement chamber assemblies is engaged by at least one projection provided on the other of the first and second displacement chamber assemblies to limit the relative rotation. |
| US07993203B1 |
Control stick adapter
A control mechanism adapter for a game console having a circular base with an upper surface, an under surface, and a central opening, wherein the central opening allows a user's finger to rest directly on the control mechanism of a game console. There are legs on the under surface of said base, and attachment elements on the legs to attach the base to a control mechanism of a game console. The base has two raised control elements on the upper surface and on opposing sides of the base. The open center allows the user's thumb to rest on the same standard control geometry that the user is accustomed to using. The user has the option to press against the raised elements, either laterally or with the tip of the thumb. The raised element feature allows the user to manipulate the control lever with less downward muscular force and with improved dexterity. |
| US07993202B2 |
Server based meter model softcount and audit processing for gaming machines
Systems and methods for metering accounting activities on gaming machines are disclosed. Remote metering can be had for a gaming machine having a master gaming controller, an external cabinet housing a display device and one or more acceptors, dedicated meters, and communication paths between the master gaming controller and display device, and between meters and acceptors. Dedicated meters are located outside and remote from the external cabinet, and are adapted to track continuously at least one item of accounting information associated with the gaming machine. Such meters can be recognized by a gaming regulator as the official meters for the gaming machine, and can be located at a central location in close proximity to other dedicated meters associated with other gaming machines. Such meters can be individual discrete physical devices secured along dedicated communication lines, or can be electronic meters residing on a single server. |
| US07993200B2 |
Game device, control method of game device, and information storage medium
To provide a game device that allows a user to relatively easily judge a time at which a length of a gauge becomes a length with which desired processing is executed. A first gauge control unit (72) controls the gauge to expand or contract according to continued of pressing of an operation member. A second gauge control unit (74) controls the gauge to expand or contract according to the continued pressing of the operation member, and in particular, switches a change to be given to the gauge between expansion and contraction based on a numerical value output from a controller according to a pressing force with respect to the operation member. A gauge control switching unit (70) causes the second gauge control unit (74) to start gauge control when a length of the gauge is set to a predetermined status by the first gauge control unit (72). A game processing execution unit (80) executes game processing based on the length of the gauge when release of the pressing of the operation member is detected. |
| US07993199B2 |
Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming tables. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming table at which that the player is currently playing. |
| US07993190B2 |
System and method for touch driven combat system
An interactive computerized game system including a visual display, one or more user input devices, and a processor executing software that interacts with the display and input device(s) is disclosed. The software displays images avatars. At least one of the user input devices is a touchscreen. During gameplay, the gameplayer may select at least one avatar using the touchscreen and initiate a skill-based action sub-game. The gameplayer may provide additional input using the touchscreen. An animation is displayed in response to user input satisfying an objective of the sub-game. |
| US07993186B1 |
Simple, ultra-safe, lightweight, hand-held oyster-opening device
At present there's no universally adopted Handheld Portable Oyster Opener available to consumers. The Oyster Opener described herein is simple, quick and ultra-safe to operate. It's lightweight, robust, inexpensive, portable and handheld. It can be leveled in use to prevent unwanted loss of Oyster Liquor. This caulk gun style Oyster Opener can be easily carried and used by anyone regardless of their strength or dexterity. It can be used at home and passed around at outings for the safe, simple opening of oysters, large or small. Its intuitive ergonomic design and the synergistic integration of its lightweight functional elements allow a user to rapidly load, ideally position, firmly secure and effectively leverage an oyster open in a safe, regulated and controllably nuanced manner while keeping the oyster level. It allows the cutting of adductor muscles and removal of the top shell while an oyster is in the device. |
| US07993181B2 |
Artificial eye
An artificial eye includes a supporter, a first clipping member, a second clipping member and an electroactive pupil. The second clipping member is positioned on the supporter. A peripheral portion of the second clipping member is positioned on a peripheral portion of the first clipping member. A gap is defined between the first and second clipping members. The electroactive pupil is positioned in the gap and contacts the first and second clipping members. |
| US07993180B2 |
Manufacturing method of field emission element having carbon nanotubes
A method for manufacturing a field emission element, the method includes providing one supporting member and wrapping a carbon nanotube (CNT) film around an outer surface of the supporting member at least once. The CNT film includes a plurality of bundles of carbon nanotubes connected in series. |
| US07993178B2 |
Powered surfboard for preserving energy of a surfer during paddling
An improvement to a conventional surfboard includes an impeller and an electric motor contained primarily within the body of the surfboard, whereby performance of the surfboard is substantially unaffected by the presence of the impeller and the electric motor. The electric motor is operatively connected to the impeller for providing a forward thrust of the surfboard. The improvement to the conventional surfboard also includes a throttle for selective control of the electric motor for operating the impeller to provide a forward thrust of the surfboard, the throttle being configured for use by a surfer lying in a prone position on the smooth top surface of the body of the surfboard. An extent of the surfer's energy that otherwise would be expended during paddling can be preserved for riding waves by using the impeller to provide the forward thrust during paddling. |
| US07993176B2 |
Submersible mooring system
A submersible mooring buoy for a floating vessel comprises a compartmented hull; a plurality of non-buoyant, catenary anchor lines each connected to the hull and a spring buoy such that the hull may be submerged without sinking to the seafloor by flooding selected compartments; and, a plurality of mooring legs anchoring each spring buoy to the seafloor. |
| US07993170B2 |
Terminal fitting and a connector
A terminal (20) has a terminal main body (51) with a projection (55) to be engaged with a retainer (40). A wire barrel (21) to be crimped to a core (11) of a wire (10), an insulation barrel (23) to be crimped to an insulating coating (12) and a rubber plug barrel (24) to be crimped to a rubber plug (15) are successively arranged behind the main body (51). Bottom parts of the wire barrel (21) and the insulation barrel (23) are at low positions having substantially the same height. A front end of the wire barrel (23) is crimped flat to suppress bend-up of the core (11). The front end of the crimped wire barrel (21) is insertable to a position facing a projecting end of the retainer (40) when the terminal (20) is inserted to a proper position in a cavity (31) of a housing (30). |
| US07993168B1 |
Battery terminal
A battery terminal in which opening of the inserting member of the electrode can be controlled so that the battery electrode is connected promptly and firmly, transformation of the electrode can be avoided by preventing excessively tight connection of the electrode, electric resistance is reduced by maximizing contacting surface of the electrode thereby enhancing electric conductivity, and connecting process is conveniently carried out by fastening the bolt which controls the opening of the inserting member at upper portion of the device. |
| US07993166B1 |
Hybrid modular jack
A modular jack (100) includes a housing (200), a number of RJ contacts (400) received in the housing (200), and a rotatable spacer (600) positioning the RJ contacts (400). The housing (200) defines a first mating cavity (24) for receiving an electrical plug (120) for establishing electrical connection therebetween. The housing (200) has a first side wall (242), a second side wall (246) opposite to the first side wall (242) and an inner wall (248) defining said first mating cavity (24). The RJ contacts (400) are fastened to the second side wall (246). Each of the RJ contacts (400) has a flexible cantilever contacting portion (42) and a free end (44). The rotatable spacer (600) has a pivot (62) fixed to the second side wall (242), and a comb portion (66) rotatable with the pivot (62) and positioning the free ends (44) of the RJ contacts (400). |
| US07993164B2 |
Compact power adapter with interchangeable heads
A power adapter for extending power from an electrical power source to a electrical device. The power adapter includes an adapter body, including an exchange surface, having one or more sets of interior electrical contacts. The power adapter further includes an end section that is attachable and detachable from the body. The end section includes (i) a set of end section interior electrical contact elements that make contact with the at least one set of interior electrical contacts, and (ii) a plug connector, electrically connected to the set of end section interior electrical contacts, and adapted to mate with a corresponding electrical receptacle. |
| US07993161B2 |
Low profile connector with combo solder tails
A low profile connector for mounting on a PCB comprising: an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals, a shielding shell and an auxiliary member. Each terminal is provided with a contacting section and a solder portion extending beyond insulative housing for connecting with the PCB. The shielding shell defines a mating opening surrounding the contact portion, and the auxiliary member defines a main portion attached to a bottom surface of the shielding shell and at least one horizontal portion located at one end thereof for mounting on an upper surface of the PCB. The shielding shell further includes a vertical portion perpendicular to the horizontal portion for inserting a hole of the PCB, and the horizontal portion of the auxiliary member has a concavity for receiving the vertical portion which decreasing space that the connector located on the PCB. |
| US07993158B2 |
Refrigerator with a connector protection function
A refrigerator includes a fixed connector fixed to a wall surface of a cooling space; a movable connector detachably coupled to the fixed connector; and a connector protection portion disposed above a coupling surface between the fixed connector and the movable connector, and configured to prevent moisture from being introduced into the coupling surface of the connector from the wall surface of the cooling space. Firstly, the connector protection portion configured to prevent moisture from being introduced into the coupling surface between the fixed connector and the movable connector from the wall surface of the cooling space is disposed above the coupling surface, thereby preventing damage of electric equipment or fire occurrence. Secondly, the coupling surface of the fixed connector is provided towards a front surface or is downwardly inclined towards a front side. |
| US07993154B2 |
Electrical contact with wire trap
An electrical terminal includes a body having a first end, a second end, and a channel having an axis. The channel extends at least through the first end toward the second end, the channel configured and disposed to receive an electrical conductor. A contact gripping element intermediate the first and second ends extends into the channel at an angle from the axis. The contact gripping element is associated with the body. The contact gripping element terminates at an end having a reduced thickness. The contact gripping element is configured to exert a contact gripping contact force on the electrical conductor. |
| US07993153B2 |
Burn-in socket assembly with loading member having positioning clumps
A burn-in socket assembly for receiving an IC package has a base defining a cavity for receiving the IC package and a loading member retained in the cavity. The loading board has a bottom plate for loading the IC package, a plurality of positioning clumps and a plurality of positioning tabs. The bottom plate defines a plurality of passageways. The positioning clumps are assembled upon the bottom plate, and the positioning tabs detachably insert into corresponding passageways of the bottom plate from the bottom to the top to retain the positioning clump to the bottom plate. The positioning clumps cooperatively define a rectangular opening for positioning the IC package. |
| US07993152B2 |
Electrical connector having improved restricting portions
An electrical connector (100) electrically connects a chip of a first width. The electrical connector includes an insulative housing (2), a number of contacts (3), a connecting member (4), and an actuator (5) mounted on the insulative housing. The connecting member has a connecting region electrically connectable with the chip. The connecting region has a second width not less than the first width. The actuator is formed with a pair of first side walls (51) and a pair of restricting portions (514) respectively protruding inwardly from the pair of first side walls. The pair of restricting portions are spaced a distance substantially equal to the second width to guidingly restrict the chip in the connecting region. |
| US07993151B2 |
Shielded insertion and connection structure of flat cable connector
A shielded insertion and connection structure for a flat cable connector includes a receiving housing and a hold-down member. The receiving housing forms a receiving compartment and two side walls formed at opposite ends of the receiving compartment. The hold-down member has opposite ends that respectively form pivot structures for pivotal coupling to the side walls and rotation between an open position and a holding position. The hold-down member is made of metal and the receiving housing is at least partly made of metal to form a conduction section, which is connected to a grounding terminal. When the hold-down member is at the open position and a circuit flat cable is inserted into the receiving compartment, the hold-down member is operated to depress and hold the circuit flat cable and the hold-down member is put in electrical connection with the grounding terminal through the conduction section. |
| US07993148B2 |
High density coaxial jack
A coaxial switching jack with a pair of coaxial assemblies mounted within a housing having a pair of front cable connection locations is disclosed. The coaxial assemblies each include a center conductor and an outer shield conductor. The center conductors are connected by a first spring and the shell conductors are connected by a second spring. Insertion of a coaxial cable connector within one of the front cable connection locations deflects the springs from the corresponding coaxial assembly and disconnects the center and shell conductors of the two assemblies. The jack may also be configured to provide an electrical connection between the center and shell conductors of the second coaxial assembly if a coaxial cable connector is inserted within the first coaxial assembly. The connection between the center and shell conductors of the second coaxial assembly may be through a resistor assembly allowing for selection of a desired electrical impedance. |
| US07993144B2 |
Receptacle RF connector having cutouts on a tubular frame of an outer shell
A receptacle RF connector includes an outer shell having a third unsealed tubular frame, at least a cutout is defined around the third unsealed tubular frame and runs through a lower periphery downwardly, each cutout has an upper periphery and is located under a locking tuber correspondingly, the upper periphery of each cutout keeps a predetermined distance with a top face of the dielectric block, so as to avoid the overloaded stress loaded on the receptacle RF connector caused by the plug RF connector. |
| US07993142B2 |
Display board assembly
The present invention provides a display board assembly including a display board having a dry-erase surface, a recess in the dry-erase surface of the display board, and a support member removably received at least partially within the recess and defining at least one receptacle configured to receive at least one of a dry-erase marker and an eraser. |
| US07993138B2 |
Apex locator for endodontic procedures
An electronic device for locating the apex of a root canal within a tooth of a dental patient has a display screen on a display component to provide an image indicating when the apex of a root canal has been located. A free end of a first electrical lead is provided for placement within the root canal or in contact with an electrically conductive tool within the root canal. A free end of a second electrical lead is used to establishing a ground on a conductive portion of the dental patient such as a tissue surface within the mouth. The opposite ends of each of the leads is connected to the display component. Removeably attached to the display component is a lead carrier. The detachable lead carrier and the leads mounted thereon can be sterilized as a unit and then attached to the display component, which is bagged in a sterile barrier, for performing the apex locating procedure. The apex locator has one or more mounting structures for placing the display in a location adjacent the patients head, attached to adjacent instrumentation, or attached to the dental practitioner's hand or arm such that the display image is readily visible by the dental practitioner during the apex locating procedure. |
| US07993136B2 |
Methods for producing non-interfering tooth models
A method produces a physical dental arch model having at least two physical tooth models. The method includes detecting the interference between two physical tooth models. If interference is detected between the first physical tooth model and the second physical tooth model, the positions and orientations of at least one physical tooth model is modified to prevent interference between the first physical tooth model and the second physical tooth model. |
| US07993129B2 |
Injection molding machine
An injection molding machine includes a lock nut open-close mechanism provided on a moveable platen (1) to engage with at least two tie bars (3), and comprises a pair of rods (23, 24) connecting two pairs of lock nuts (21, 22), and a clamping unit (2). The clamping unit comprises an execution element (25) and a pair of connecting bars for open-close action (26,27) symmetrically arranged. A first end of a first connecting bar (26) is connected to the second nut (212) of the first pair of lock nuts (21), and a first end of the second connecting bar (27) is connected to the first nut (221) of the second pair of lock nuts (22). The second ends of the first and second connecting bars are connected to each other and are driven by the execution element (25) simultaneously to open or close the pairs of lock nuts simultaneously. |
| US07993128B2 |
Screw and injection apparatus
An object is to reduce the axial dimension of an injection apparatus, melt a molding material uniformly, and improve the quality of molded products. A screw (20) comprises a plasticizing portion which comprises a body portion (45a) and a flight (53) projectingly formed on an outer circumferential surface of the body portion (45a). A groove-depth setting region is defined over a predetermined section of the plasticizing portion, and in the groove-depth setting region, the ratio γ1 of a groove depth τ1 to a diameter δ1 of pellets of a molding material falls within the range of 1≦γ1≦1.5 where the groove depth τ1 is a depth of a groove (67) formed along the flight (53). In the groove (67), pellets are arranged laterally and caused to advance while rolling along the groove (67). Since the pellets do not aggregate, no solid bed is formed. |
| US07993124B2 |
Heating apparatus for a composite laminator and method
To fabricate a composite item, an infrared heat source is energized and a composite material is dispensed. The composite material includes a reinforcement and a resin. In addition, the composite material is applied to a substrate of previously applied composite material. The infrared heat source is configured to emit a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed by the resin to a relatively greater extent than the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by the reinforcement. |
| US07993123B2 |
Method and apparatus for fabricating three dimensional models
An apparatus and method for fabricating a three dimensional model from a composite model formed or a plurality of successive layers of model material and sacrificial mold material. Each successive layer is constructed by depositing, drop-by-drop, at least one line of sacrificial mold material delineating at least one boundary of the model material within the layer and thereafter depositing the model material onto all delineated regions of the layer by spray deposition. Each successive layer is completed by a planing process which removes the undesired thickness of both the sacrificial and the model materials. Following completion of the composite model, the sacrificial mold material is removable from the composite model, by a process effecting only the sacrificial mold material, to produce the three dimensional model. A device, for depositing the model material at the rate faster than the rate that the mold material is deposited, is also described. |
| US07993121B1 |
Windshield repair apparatus
A windshield repair apparatus includes a base, a pressurizing barrel, a pressurizing bar and a rotary tube. The base includes a bracket and at least one sucking disc. The sucking disc is provided with a perforation for transfixing the pressurizing barrel. An interior of the pressurizing barrel can be inserted with the pressurizing bar and when a rotary tube is screwed on the pressurizing barrel, the pressurizing bar can be squeezed down at a same time, allowing a repairing liquid in the pressurizing barrel to flow more deeply into a crevice of windshield by strong air pressure. |
| US07993118B2 |
Liquid-cooled rotor assembly for a supercharger
A rotor assembly for a supercharger assembly is provided. The rotor assembly includes at least one lobe defining at least one cavity. The at least one cavity is configured to contain a fluid operable to cool the at least one lobe. A supercharger incorporating the rotor assembly is also disclosed. |
| US07993113B2 |
Damper and vacuum pump
A damper is configured for a vacuum pump that evacuates a vacuum system via gas transfer by a gas transfer mechanism in the vacuum pump by the rotating action of a rotating body in the vacuum pump. The damper restrains the propagation of vibrations produced in the vacuum pump to the vacuum system during an evacuation operation. The damper comprises a vibration absorbing device that is positionable between the vacuum pump and the vacuum system during an evacuation operation and that has a damping characteristic in a frequency band that coincides substantially with a rotation frequency of the rotating body of the vacuum pump. |
| US07993112B2 |
Compressor sound suppression
A compressor includes a housing and one or more working elements. A muffler is located downstream of the discharge plenum and a helmholtz resonator is located in the discharge plenum upstream of the muffler. |
| US07993110B1 |
Steam-generator and gas-compressor systems using water-based evaporation coolants, sealants and lubricants
A gas/air compressor system used for compressing a gas/air stream of air, oxygen, oxygen-enriched air and other combustible gases and delivering a moderate-to-high temperature, moderate-to-high pressure fluid to a pipeline connected to one or more injection wells. Fuel with cooling water is injected downhole for combustion in the compressed gas/air stream to be used for in-situ-retorting of oil shale, volatile coal beds, tar sands, heavy oil and other hydrocarbon or carbonaceous deposits. A preferred embodiment of the compressor system includes a compressor housing with a male screw rotor having helical lobes received in helical grooves in a female screw rotor. The housing includes a gas/air inlet for receiving the gas/air stream therein and a series of water/mineral injectors for injecting a water/mineral slurry into the rotating screw rotors. The water/mineral slurry acts as a sealant, a lubricant and also a coolant for male and female screw rotors during the compression cycle. The slurry is non-combustible and non-reactive to combustion-supporting gases. Also, the housing includes a gas/air outlet for discharging the compressed gas/air stream into the pipeline connected to the injection wells used in the in-situ-retorting process. |
| US07993109B2 |
Variable volume, shape memory actuated insulin dispensing pump
A portable pumping system provides insulin or other drugs to a user. A shape memory element is used to actuate the pump and an intelligent system controls the actuator in order to minimize stresses within the system and provide accurate and reliable dosage delivery. The control system utilizes various types of feedback to monitor and optimize the position of the pumping mechanisms. Physical design aspects also minimize stress and the combination of the physical design aspects and the intelligent operation of the system results in a lightweight and cost effective pump that may be used in a disposable fashion if desired. |
| US07993108B2 |
Variable volume, shape memory actuated insulin dispensing pump
A portable pumping system provides insulin or other drugs to a user. A shape memory element is used to actuate the pump and an intelligent system controls the actuator in order to minimize stresses within the system and provide accurate and reliable dosage delivery. The control system utilizes various types of feedback to monitor and optimize the position of the pumping mechanisms. Physical design aspects also minimize stress and the combination of the physical design aspects and the intelligent operation of the system results in a lightweight and cost effective pump that may be used in a disposable fashion if desired. |
| US07993106B2 |
Core for use in a casting mould
A core, for use in a casting mould to form a cavity in a cast component such as a blade or vane of a gas turbine engine. The core has a relatively fragile thin-walled region. A bead is formed along a lateral edge of the thin-walled portion in order to reduce cracking or other damage in the thin-walled portion. |
| US07993096B2 |
Wind turbine with adjustable airfoils
The present invention concerns a wind turbine having a plurality of vertically extending airfoils forming a rotating carousel rotating about a central axis thereof. The airfoils pivot about their leading edges to adjust the pitch angle thereof to maximize energy harvest when the airfoils are rotating both in an upwind direction and in a down wind direction. This pivoting movement results from trailing edges of the airfoils being pivotally secured to rigid spokes or cables of a trailing edge hub. An adjustment mechanism is pivotally mounted between a carousel hub and the trailing edge hub and is used to control the separation between a central axis of the trailing edge hub and the axis of rotation of the carousel as they co-rotate. As the carousel rotates, the offset distance between the two axes determines the maximum achievable pitch angle of each airfoil. The airfoils then continually cycle between a positive and negative value of the maximum pitch angle so that each airfoil is at its most desirable pitch angle relative to its position around the carousel and relative to the existing wind direction in order to create maximum lift. A wind direction rudder is secured to the adjustment mechanism to provide for movement thereof resulting in movement of the trailing edge hub as wind direction changes so that the most desirable pitch angle of the airfoils relative to wind direction is maintained. |
| US07993090B2 |
Working machine with structure for assembling boom thereof
Bosses extending in the boom width direction are provided in a front end part of a main boom body rotated upward, and hooks opening downward are provided in a base end part of a front boom body rotated downward. In a state that the bosses and the hooks are engaged with each other, a scooping action is performed so as to match pin holes thereof. The above hooks and the bosses are arranged so as to satisfy a condition that in a state that an angle between both boom bodies is a maximum angle at the time of work, the hooks and the bosses are moved away from each other and a distance between the hooks and the bosses is increased as the angle is reduced from the maximum angle. |
| US07993089B2 |
Method and system for extracting sorted mail items in mail processing systems
A system for extracting mail items in a mail processing system includes at least one pocket for containing at least one mail item and an extraction device. The pocket has a bottom area and two lateral walls, wherein each lateral wall has at least one opening. The pocket further includes a release mechanism at the bottom area configured to place the bottom area in an open state and a closed state. The extraction device is configured to engage the lateral walls of the pocket so that contact elements of the extraction device extend through the lateral walls and urge the at least one mail item away from inner surfaces of the lateral walls. The extraction device is further configured to cause the at least one mail item to pass through the bottom area when in the open state. |
| US07993086B2 |
High crown anti-rotation bolt
The present disclosure shows an anti-rotation bolt for fastening reactor plates to prevent subsequent SCC problems wherein the bolt head has a circumferential series of anti-rotation tabs extending from the head of the bolt which are moved in by a restrainer cone which is placed on top of the bolt to allow its insertion into the plates and is removed for locking the tabs into detents formed in one of the plates to provide anti-rotation. The cone is again moved over the tabs during the removal of same leaving the bolt undamaged and fit for reuse. |
| US07993078B2 |
Method and apparatus for installing an underground pipe
A method of installing an underground pipe includes a step of placing a leading end of a pipe section at an entry point for the underground pipe. An arcuate soil shoe is attached to an inside surface of the pipe section at or near the leading end of the pipe section, which soil shoe has a passageway therein with one or more outlets. A conduit is positioned to feed a lubricating liquid into the passageway, which liquid passes through the outlets to enter the inside of the pipe section. A driver such as a pneumatic impact tool is placed at a trailing end of the pipe section and used to drive the pipe section into the earth. A lubricating liquid is supplied through the conduit, which liquid passes into the passageway and through the outlets into the inside of the pipe section. |
| US07993076B2 |
Bluff penetrating outfall drainage system
A system and method to remove surface water from a watershed atop a hill behind a bluff to an outfall point near a toe of the bluff, and a method to build the system. The system includes a catch basin structure and a catch basin drain pipe directionally bored from the catch basin structure to the outfall point. The location of the catch basin is determined based on a location of the outfall point and a desired slope of the catch basin drain pipe. The catch basin structure has a catch basin with an opening near its bottom, and a cover structure that provides a sculpted, rounded and smooth transition from the opening to a reducing pipe coupled with the catch basin drain pipe. |
| US07993065B2 |
Printer having printing unit and movable media unit
A printer is disclosed having a media unit which can move relative to a printing unit. Until now, difficulties in aligning the media unit in the printer always resulted in a poor printing quality. To rectify this, the disclosed printer provides that the printing unit is designed so that it can move inside the housing, and elements are provided for aligning the printing unit with the media unit so that the printing unit and the media unit can be aligned with one another when the media unit is pushed in the direction of insertion. A resilient element enables the printing unit to be advantageously tensioned, in a manner that equalizes tolerances, against the support of the media unit in an operating position. This enables an advantageous equalization of work tolerances and positional tolerances, and the position of the print head relative to the medium to be printed. |
| US07993058B2 |
Lamella collimator and beam therapy appliance
A lamella collimator, in particular for a beam therapy appliance, is provided. The lamella collimator has a plurality of lamellae, which can be moved by a motor or motors in a movement direction in order to preset a countour of a beam path on an X-ray beam. Each lamella has a position measurement apparatus with a movable measurement element, which is attached directly to the respective lamella. |
| US07993057B2 |
Redundant temperature sensor for semiconductor processing chambers
Systems are provided for measuring temperature in a semiconductor processing chamber. Embodiments provide a multi-junction thermocouple comprising a first junction and a second junction positioned to measure temperature at substantially the same portion of a substrate. A controller may detect failures in the first junction, the second junction, a first wire pair extending from the first junction, or a second wire pair extending from the second junction. The controller desirably responds to a detected failure of the first junction or first wire pair by selecting the second junction and second wire pair. Conversely, the controller desirably responds to a detected failure of the second junction or second wire pair by selecting the first junction and first wire pair. Systems taught herein may permit accurate and substantially uninterrupted temperature measurement despite failure of a junction or wire pair in a thermocouple. |
| US07993053B2 |
Food blending apparatus
A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical. |
| US07993050B2 |
Two-stage mixing system, apparatus, and method
A two-stage mixing system, apparatus, and method produces a solution including a first substance and a second substance in a predetermined ratio by first mixing the first substance with a first liquid to produce a first solution and then mixing the first solution with the second substance to produce a second solution. Multiple batches of second solution may be produced from a single batch of first solution. Multiple batches of second solution may be produced in parallel. |
| US07993049B2 |
Turntable for on-demand mixing and distributing of a food product
An apparatus for mixing and distributing sauce is disclosed. The apparatus may include a mixing-pump device coupled a linear arm for distributing sauce over a rotating turntable. The turntable may include an improved gripping device for coupling to a pan. The apparatus may also include a self-expelling concentrated sauce vat which couples to the mixing-pump device. The apparatus may also include a self-expelling concentrated sauce cassette which couples to the mixing-pump device. |
| US07993047B2 |
Direct type backlight unit
A backlight unit is disclosed which improves picture quality by preventing a bright line or a dark line from being visible in the center of the display area. The backlight unit includes a plurality of U-shaped lamps arranged in two columns, wherein curved portions of the two opposite U-shaped lamps are symmetrically positioned in the center of a display area. Each of the curved portions of the U-shaped lamps has a non-luminous part so that light is not emitted by the curved portions of the U-shaped lamps. Optical sheets are provided above the U-shaped lamps, and a reflective sheet is provided below the U-shaped lamps. |
| US07993043B2 |
Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp, which is configured to irradiate infrared light in a vehicle forward direction, includes: a projection lens disposed along an optical axis extending in a lamp backward and forward direction; and first and second light source units disposed in the rear of the projection lens. The first light source unit includes: a first light emitting element which is disposed in the rear of a rear focal point of the projection lens and emits the infrared light; and a first reflector which reflects the infrared light toward the optical axis in a lamp forward direction. An infrared light distribution pattern is formed by the infrared light which is reflected by the first reflector to pass through the projection lens. The second light source unit includes: a second light emitting element which is disposed in the rear of the rear focal point of the projection lens and emits visible light; and a second reflector which reflects the visible light toward the optical axis in a lamp forward direction. A visible light distribution pattern is formed by the visible light which is reflected by the second reflector to pass through the projection lens. The visible light distribution pattern overlaps with the infrared light distribution pattern. When the first light source unit is turned on, the second light source unit is turned on simultaneously with the first light source. |
| US07993036B2 |
LED device for wide beam generation
An apparatus and method is characterized by providing an optical transfer function between a predetermined illuminated surface pattern, such as a street light pattern, and a predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source, such as that from an LED. A lens is formed having a shape defined by the optical transfer function. The optical transfer function is derived by generating an energy distribution pattern using the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. Then the projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is generated. The projection is then compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern to determine if it acceptably matches. The process continues reiteratively until an acceptable match is achieved. Alternatively, the lens shape is numerically or analytically determined by a functional relationship between the shape and the predetermined illuminated surface pattern and predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source as inputs. |
| US07993035B2 |
Aspherical LED angular lens for narrow distribution patterns and LED assembly using the same
The present invention discloses an aspherical LED angular optical lens for narrow 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 narrow angular circle distribution pattern which is greater than 15° and smaller than 30°. 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. |
| US07993028B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module includes a case, a lamp, and a lamp clamping mechanism. The case has a bottom plate. The lamp is installed inside the case. The lamp clamping mechanism is connected to the bottom plate. The lamp clamping mechanism includes a base, a second clamping part, and a driving part. A first clamping part is disposed on the base. The second clamping part is installed on the base in a movable manner. The second clamping part is used for clamping the lamp with the first clamping part cooperatively when the second clamping part is moved to a first position so as to fix the lamp on the bottom plate. The driving part is pivotally disposed through the base. The driving part is used for rotating relative to the base so as to push the second clamping part from a second position to the first position on the base. |
| US07993027B2 |
Twin beam theatrical light with radial lenticular homogenizing lens
A theatre lighting apparatus comprising a base, a communications port, a processor, a memory, and a lamp housing is disclosed. The lamp housing may include a lamp, a reflector, an output lens, a motor, and a homogenizing lens. The homogenizing lens may be comprised of a plurality of radially arranged lenticular lenses. The processor may be programmed to enable a motor to vary a position of the homogenizing lens in relation to a position of the output lens. The homogenizing lens may be comprised of a first half and a second half, each of which may have a plurality of radially arranged lenticular lenses. |
| US07993024B2 |
Quick-fitting device for internal lighting of furniture
A device for automatic battery-operated lighting of the inside of a piece of furniture comprises a body provided with fixing means on a surface of the furniture by means of a mounting surface thereof and a chamber containing an electric battery and a light source and from which the control end of a normally closed pushbutton contact protrudes frontally for the connection of the battery to the light source when the furniture is opened. The fixing means comprises a tongue, intended for resting at a corner of the surface of the furniture and a tooth facing the tongue that is intended to be inserted into a hole on set surface of the furniture. A hooking lever is rotatable on the base body from an unhooking position to a hooking position, controlling the movement of means for moving the tooth towards the tongue to cause the tooth to engage in the wall of the hole with a reaction on the tongue resting on the corner of the furniture. |
| US07993021B2 |
Multiple color lighting element cluster tiles for solid state lighting panels
A solid state lighting tile includes a substrate and a plurality of lighting element clusters on a surface of the substrate. Respective ones of the plurality of lighting element clusters include first and second mounting positions configured to receive solid state light emitting devices, and at least first and second ones of the solid state lighting element clusters may be electrically connected in series. The tile further includes a plurality of solid state light emitting devices configured to emit a first color light, and respective ones of the solid state light emitting devices may be mounted in respective ones of the plurality of solid state lighting element clusters. One of the first color light emitting devices is mounted in the first mounting position of the first solid state lighting element cluster and a second of the first color light emitting devices is mounted in the second mounting position of the second solid state lighting element cluster. |
| US07993017B2 |
Projection display apparatus
A projection display apparatus 101 in which the light quantity adjusting means has a simple and readily interchangeable structure, and which can improve image quality by adjusting the quantity of light received by a light valve continuously, without causing illuminance irregularities, and without having unwanted light radiated onto the screen, the light quantity adjusting means 9 having light blocking members 91L, 91R for blocking light in transit to a second lens array 22, and rotational axes 91LA, 91RA for turnably supporting each of the light blocking members on an xy plane, the light blocking members 91L, 91R and rotational axes 91LA, 91RA being positioned so that the rotational axes 91LA, 91RA are disposed in positions symmetric with respect to the optical axis AX on the xy plane, and the turning range from the light blocking initiation position at which the light blocking members 91L, 91R, by being turned, start to block light in transit toward the second lens array 22 to the maximum light blocking position at which the light blocking members 91L, 91R block a maximum quantity of the light in transit toward the second lens array 22 is equal to or less than ninety degrees. |
| US07993016B2 |
Retro-reflective light diffusing display systems
Aspects of the present invention involve novel display screens comprising light diffusion and retro-reflectivity. In embodiments, a retro-reflective light diffusion screen can be used to generate a three-dimensional autostereoscopic display by generating a plurality of viewing windows wherein each viewing window depicts a unique perspective image view. In embodiments, the retro-reflective light diffusion screen comprises a transparent medium layer between the retro-reflector surface and the light diffuser layer to help reduce ghost images. In embodiments, the retro-reflective light diffusion screen comprises a lenticular layer positioned such that the light diffuser layer is between the lenticular layer and the retro-reflective surface and is also positioned so that the light diffuser layer is at a focal plane of the lenticular layer. |
| US07993008B2 |
Optical element and exposure apparatus
An optical element is used for an exposure apparatus which is configured to illuminate a mask with an exposure light beam for transferring a pattern on the mask onto a substrate through a projection optical system and to interpose a given liquid in a space between a surface of the substrate and the projection optical system. The optical element includes a first anti-dissolution member provided on a surface of a transmissive optical element on the substrate's side of the projection optical system. |
| US07993007B2 |
Projector
A reduced product height/thickness projector includes an illuminator, an electro-optic modulator, a projection system, a collector lens, and associated housing. The illuminator including a light source that emits an illumination light flux, a first lens array having a plurality of first lenslets that divide the illumination light flux from the light source into a plurality of sub-light fluxes, a second lens array having a plurality of second lenslets corresponding to the plurality of first lenslets, and a superimposing lens that superimposes the sub-light fluxes from the second lens array on an illuminated area. The central axis of the image formation area of the electro-optic modulator and the lens optical axis of the superimposing lens is shifted from the light source optical axis of the light source. The lens optical axis of the collector lens is shifted opposite from the central axis of the image formation area of the electro-optic modulator. |
| US07993003B2 |
Computerized method for colorblindness testing
A computer implemented method to form, display, and evaluate, a test for colorblindness, wherein the method selects one or more test images, displays those test images seriatim to a test subject using a visual display device. A response is received from the test subject to each of the displayed test images. Each response is compared to a nominal test subject response associated with the displayed test image. The type and number of test images displayed is determined based on the test subject's responses. |
| US07992997B2 |
Ophthalmic lens element
An ophthalmic lens element is disclosed. The, ophthalmic lens element includes a central region of low surface astigmatism and a peripheral region. The central region includes an upper viewing zone for providing a first power suitable for a wearer's distance vision tasks. The peripheral region has a positive power relative to the first power, and surrounds the central region. The peripheral region provides an optical correction for retarding or arresting myopia for a wearer and includes one or more regions of relatively higher surface astigmatism, a lower or near viewing zone of low surface astigmatism, and a corridor of low surface astigmatism having a surface power varying from that of the upper viewing zone to that of the lower viewing zone. The lower viewing zone is for a wearer's near vision tasks. |
| US07992993B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming image
An image forming apparatus for printing on a sheet by a recording head, includes a sheet transport mechanism to transport the sheet in a specified direction; a paper loading unit to contain the stacked sheet before printing; a second transport mechanism to transport the sheet through a second transport path from the paper loading unit to a temporal containing unit a state where a front-back direction of the sheet is kept; and a third transport mechanism to transport the sheet through a third transport path from the temporal containing unit between the recording head and the sheet guide member in a state where the front-back direction of the sheet is kept. |
| US07992987B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus
A fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid includes a storage portion that stores a fluid, a head, and a head capping device. The head discharges fluid supplied from the storage portion from a plurality of nozzles and includes a fluid discharging passage through which other fluid is discharged from the storage portion. The head capping device contacts the head and receives the fluid discharged from the plurality of nozzles and the fluid discharged through the fluid discharging passage. The head and the head capping device respectively include a head side flow passage and a head capping device side flow passage, which cooperatively form a circulation flow passage, through which the fluid that flows from the storage portion through the nozzles and the fluid discharged through the fluid discharging passage are returned back to the storage portion, in a state where the head capping device contacts the head. |
| US07992985B2 |
Liquid cartridge with a storage memory
A liquid cartridge includes an ink cartridge having a first housing portion for containing a liquid and a waste liquid storage cartridge having a second housing portion for containing a waste liquid, and a rewritable nonvolatile storage portion which stores a first threshold, a second threshold, liquid amount information and waste liquid amount information. The first threshold indicates a near liquid end state in which the liquid in the first housing portion is near to end. The second threshold indicates a near full state in which the waste liquid in the second housing portion is near to full. The liquid amount information indicates a liquid amount of the liquid contained in the first housing portion. The waste liquid amount information indicates a waste liquid amount of the waste liquid contained in the second housing portion. The ink cartridge and the waste liquid cartridge are integrally formed. |
| US07992984B2 |
Liquid container
A liquid container for supplying a liquid to a liquid consuming apparatus includes: a liquid containing section that contains the liquid; a liquid supply section that supplies the liquid to the liquid consuming apparatus; a liquid flow section that connects from the liquid containing section to the liquid supply section; a sensor that is provided in the liquid flow section and used for detecting presence or absence of the liquid at a corresponding position thereof; and a stirring member that stirs the liquid, the stirring member is provided at a position between the sensor and the liquid supply section in the liquid flow section. |
| US07992980B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
There is disclosed a liquid ejecting apparatus including a liquid ejecting head having a nozzle and ejecting a liquid from the nozzle, a liquid supply passage which is connected with the liquid ejecting head, and through which the liquid is supplied to the liquid ejecting head, a gas discharge passage which is connected with the liquid supply passage at two different places, and through which a gas in the liquid supply passage is discharged, a gas-permeable film which is disposed at one of the two different places, constitutes a wall which separates the liquid supply passage and the gas discharge passage from each other, and allows gases to pass therethrough but does not allow liquids to pass therethrough, a shut-off valve which is disposed at the other of the two different places, and selectively placeable in an open state to communicate the liquid supply passage and the gas discharge passage with each other and a closing state to disconnect the communication between the liquid supply passage and the gas discharge passage, and a sucking device which lowers an internal pressure of the gas discharge passage by sucking the gas from the gas discharge passage. |
| US07992974B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a main body and a print head. The main body includes a mechanical portion and a control portion. The mechanical portion includes a pump that pressurizes or draws a liquid(s), such as an ink and/or a solvent, and a solenoid valve that switches between flow channels guiding the liquid to flow therethrough. The control portion controls respective operations including printing and running and stopping of the inkjet recording apparatus. The print head includes a nozzle that atomizes the ink pressure fed from the main body into ink droplets, a charging electrode that electrically charges the ink droplets, a deflecting electrode that forms an electric field that deflects the charged ink droplets, and a gutter that collects the ink unused for printing. The nozzle includes a surface-treated layer that repels the ink to a portion where the ink is supplied. |
| US07992973B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and piezoelectric element
A liquid ejecting head includes a pressure generating chamber communicating with a nozzle opening, and a piezoelectric element generating a pressure change in the pressure generating chamber. In this liquid ejecting head, the piezoelectric element includes a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer provided above the first electrode, and a second electrode provided above the piezoelectric layer at a side opposite to the first electrode. The first electrode has a diffusion-preventing layer containing iridium oxide as a primary component, and the diffusion-preventing layer has stress relieving holes that pass through in the thickness direction thereof and that is filled with a material other than iridium oxide. |
| US07992972B2 |
Method of manufacturing liquid jet head, method of manufacturing piezoelectric element and liquid jet apparatus
A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric layer forming step of sequentially and repeatedly performing a heat treatment step of applying a piezoelectric material containing lead to a lower electrode film at a relative humidity in the range of 30% to 50% Rh and then performing a heat treatment to form a piezoelectric precursor film and a crystallization step of firing the piezoelectric precursor film to form a piezoelectric film on the lower electrode film, thereby forming a piezoelectric layer. |
| US07992967B2 |
Liquid drop ejection head and image forming apparatus
A liquid drop ejection head unit includes plural lines of plural nozzles formed on a nozzle plate, plural lines of plural drive elements that generate energy for ejecting liquid drop through the plural nozzles, and plural sheets of flexible printed circuit boards that input signals to the plural drive elements. The sheets of flexible printed circuit boards include input and output terminals for taking in and output a signal to one of the plural drive elements. A wiring board is provided to connect to the input terminals of the plural sheets of flexible printed circuit boards. The wiring board is arranged in parallel to the nozzle line within a width of nozzle plate. The plural sheets of the flexible printed boards are arranged opposing to each other via the wiring board. The input terminals are positioned not to face each other. |
| US07992966B2 |
Printhead assembly having an encased printhead module
A printhead assembly has a casing. A printhead module is positioned in the casing. The printhead module and the casing are configured so that the printhead module is removable from the casing. The printhead module includes a fluid channel member defining a number of ink ducts along its length and positioned in the casing. A number of printhead tiles are arranged on the fluid channel member. Each printhead tile has a printhead integrated circuit. The printhead tiles and the fluid channel member are configured so that ink can be supplied to the printhead integrated circuits from the fluid channel member. |
| US07992965B2 |
Ink jet printhead configured to minimize ink-flow dead zones in the bubble chamber
An ink jet printhead for use in ink jet printing includes a substrate and a nozzle plate. The substrate has an oblong recessed region forming a ceiling and interior side walls of a bubble chamber. The oblong recessed region has a length dimension that is greater than its width dimension. The oblong recessed region has a first end spaced apart from a second end in the length dimension. The substrate has an ink inlet channel passing through the ceiling to form an ink inlet port near the first end of the oblong recessed region. The nozzle plate is attached to the substrate to form a floor of the bubble chamber. The nozzle plate has an ink jet nozzle passing through the nozzle plate. The ink jet nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the bubble chamber at a location near the second end of the recessed region. |
| US07992962B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head, a platen, an absorption member, an electrode, a potential difference generating device. The liquid ejecting apparatus that adheres liquid, which is discharged from openings of a nozzle plate mounted on a liquid ejecting head, to a recording object. The potential difference generating device generates a difference in potential between the nozzle plate and the electrode by applying voltage to the electrode so as to form an electric field, whereby liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting head is electrically attracted toward the electrode. In this manner, it is possible to prevent the electrode and the absorption member from being lifted using components of the existing platen body. |
| US07992961B2 |
Ink-jet head
A passage unit formed with ink ejection ports, an actuator mounted on the passage unit, and a cover member are provided. Further provided is a side plate member that is in contact with a mounting face of the passage unit on which the actuator is mounted. The side plate member has a side plate and an opposing plate that is connected to the side plate. The side plate extends in the longitudinal direction of the passage unit and along a contour line of the passage unit. The side plate is in crosswise contact with the mounting face. The opposing plate is opposed to the mounting face. The cover member is placed at such a position that the actuator and the side plate member are sandwiched between the cover member and the passage unit. The cover member presses the opposing plate toward the passage unit. |
| US07992959B2 |
Printing system with transient and permanent imaging means
A printing system including a substrate and a dual-mode printing device, the dual-mode printing device including a permanent writing source and a transient writing source, wherein the permanent writing source is adapted to deposit an imaging material onto the substrate and the transient writing source is adapted to develop an image on the substrate by applying a stimulus to the substrate. |
| US07992954B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of increasing throughput of duplex printing
An image forming apparatus operable in a duplex printing mode includes a liquid ejecting head, a conveyance member, a charger, and a controller. The liquid ejecting head ejects liquid droplets to respective first and second faces of a recording medium to form images thereon. The conveyance member conveys the recording medium while attracting the recording medium thereon by electrostatic force. The charger conduct a charging operation of the conveyance member to generate the electrostatic force. The controller is configured to control, based on a state of the first face having the image formed thereon, the charging operation during an image formation on the second face, and control a pause operation of a conveyance of the recording medium after the image formation on the second face. |
| US07992951B2 |
Door opening and closing device for refrigerator
A door opening and closing device for a refrigerator includes plural doors for opening and closing a refrigerator main body; a hinge unit for connecting the corresponding door to the refrigerant main body so that the door can perform rotational motion or translational motion against the refrigerant main body; first interference units provided between the corresponding door and the refrigerant main body, and contacting from a state in which the door is closed to a state in which the door is opened to a designated angle for separating the doors; and second interference units provided between the corresponding door and the refrigerant main body, and contacting from the state in which the door is opened above the designated angle for separating the doors. The door opening and closing device reduces noise and impact generated by the opening and closing of the doors, allowing a user to open and close the doors more softly and smoothly. |
| US07992950B2 |
Method for installing a slide assembly for a computer server using dual flat springs
A method for slidably mounting a slide assembly to a computer server unit rack. Front and rear brackets of the slide assembly include a plurality of dual-diameter mounting pins and a pair of spring elements having different lengths. The mounting pins are positioned within holes in the rack columns and one of the spring elements snaps behind the rack column to hold the slide assembly to the rack. If the holes in the rack columns have one diameter, then the mounting pins extend partially through the holes, and the shorter spring element snaps behind the rack column. For a larger diameter or square rack column hole, the mounting pins extend completely through the holes where the longer spring element snaps behind the rack column. |
| US07992944B2 |
Manually rotatable tool
A degradation assembly comprises a rotary portion and a stationary portion. The rotary portion includes a cemented metal bolster bonded to a tip. The tip comprises a asymmetric, substantially conically shaped tip formed of diamond and a cemented metal carbide substrate. The stationary portion comprises a holder configured to be coupled to a block mounted to a driving mechanism. A compressible element is disposed between and in mechanical contact with both the rotary portion and the stationary portion. |
| US07992942B2 |
Dump device for side dump trailer
The tub is mounted to a frame for alternative movement from a position wherein the tub is centrally located with respect to the longitudinal axis of the frame. The tub may be tilted from a position centrally located to a side dump position which is offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the frame. The apparatus for moving the tub from its centrally located position to its side dump position is a barrel pivotally mounted to the tub and an extension rod which is pivotally mounted to the frame. |
| US07992941B2 |
Armrest attaching structures
An armrest attaching structure for attaching an armrest to a vehicle seat having a seat back frame, the seat back frame having a side frame element that is connected to a base member at a lower end portion thereof, may include an armrest attachment member having an armrest attaching portion and a connecting portion. The armrest attaching portion is connected to the armrest. The connecting portion is connected to the side frame element of the seat back frame at a position closer to the lower end portion of the side frame element than the armrest attaching portion. |
| US07992940B2 |
Actuating device for a fixing rod to be displaced in the longitudinal direction
An actuating device for a fixing rod (7) that is to be displaced in a longitudinal direction and can be rotated to release a latching connection (9, 10) comprises a coupling slide (4) which can be displaced in a bearing sleeve (2) and which, via a coupling arm (5) fitted pivotably to the bearing sleeve (2), drives a coupling head (6) that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the fixing rod (7). The fixing rod (7) can thus be rotated by actuating the coupling slide (4). |
| US07992934B2 |
Shock absorption device and seat including such a device
The invention relates to a shock absorption device making it possible to tilt the back of a seat frontward in case of a shock greater than a predetermined value, the device including a plate and an absorbing shaft, the plate including a brake cavity and a hole through which the absorbing shaft passes, the hole and the brake cavity being separated by a bridge, and the dimensions of the bridge being such as to break when the stress exerted on the back is greater than a predetermined value. The invention also relates to a seat for a passenger vehicle and, more particularly, an aircraft, the pivotal rotation of which is provided with such a device. |
| US07992929B2 |
Support mechanism for opening and closing member
A support mechanism for an opening and closing member slidably moving to open and close an opening formed in a vehicle body, includes a support frame adapted to be arranged at the opening and closing member to support the opening and closing member relative to the vehicle body, a guide rail adapted to be arranged at the vehicle body along a side edge of the opening and including first and second guide portions that are parallel to each other, and a guided member including a cylindrical portion and a bearing portion continuously formed with the cylindrical portion and coaxially supporting a shaft portion that is arranged at the support frame, the cylindrical portion having an outer peripheral surface formed into a tapered shape and contacting the first and second guide portions in a biased manner. |
| US07992925B2 |
Vehicle with improved double leafed door system
A vehicle has a door system having at least a front and a rear door leaf which are each movable between an open and a closed position with respect to the cabin structure. The vehicle includes a door locking system which is provided to lock the door leaves in their closed position in case of collision of the vehicle. The locking system includes a locking mechanism and a triggering mechanism having a front operational portion which is located in vicinity of a front end of the cabin structure so as to be displaced in case the front end of the cabin structure is deformed due to a collision, the displacement mechanically triggering the locking mechanism towards an engaged position. |
| US07992923B2 |
System reducing aerodynamic drag on vehicles
An apparatus for reducing aerodynamic resistance in an over the road vehicle is provided. The apparatus can include a frame assembly and first and second airfoils to be coupled to the vehicle by the frame assembly ahead of first and second tires of an axle assembly provided to the vehicle. The first and second airfoils each include an air deflecting surface with a convex outward portion that extends away from a leading edge that is to be directed into the airflow to transition the portions of the airflow directed toward the first and second tires outward beyond the externally exposed sides of the first and second tires. The first and second airfoils are also spaced laterally apart from each other when coupled to the vehicle by the frame assembly to define an aperture between the first and second airfoils through which at least a portion of the airflow directed toward the axle assembly is to pass while the vehicle is underway. |
| US07992922B2 |
Wing element
A wing element (W) on the spoiler (S) of a motor vehicle is characterized in that the lower side (U′, U″) of the wing element is provided in a manner to substantially planar below a limit speed and therefore has a small end surface in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, and an aerodynamic profiling of the lower side, and therefore an increased end surface, is provided above said limit speed. |
| US07992916B2 |
Vehicle openings
Added openings are provided for sport utility vehicles (SUV), pick-up trucks, two and four door vehicles, vans, minivans, station wagons, or other vehicles. The opening(s) may utilize doors, gates, windows, sunroofs, or lids that provide more physical and/or visual access to the interior space, cargo, and/or seating within the vehicles that currently are not easily accessible, viewed, seen-by, or displayed-on conventional opening means. These openings may also provide the ability to place cargo within the space of the vehicle that current vehicles prohibit from being carried therein, or they may provide decorative, descriptive, or electronic displays for such vehicles, for example, advertising on taxi cabs. Among the embodiments, this invention results in a new 2 door or a 4 door SUV vehicle having added rear side doors, and a new 2 door or 4 door automobile that in effect functions likes a pick-up. |
| US07992915B2 |
Vehicle interior assembly
A vehicle interior assembly that includes a first component and a second component fixedly installed within the vehicle interior assembly at spaced apart locations. A trim panel is fixedly attached to the first component in a fixed positional orientation relative to the first component and is attached to the second component in a predetermined range of orientations in order to compensate for minor alignment variations resulting from the manufacturing and assembly tolerances of the first and second components. |
| US07992912B2 |
Loading base for motor vehicles
A loading base for load spaces in motor vehicles includes two loading base segments arranged one behind the other in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis. A first loading base segment adjacent to the back seats is connected to a rail system, which may be pivoted about a pivot axis aligned in the direction of the transverse axis of the motor vehicle with a lifting device arranged in the region of a rear loading edge, and adjusts the first loading base segment in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis in a translatory manner, so that irrespective of the height of the loading edge easy loading and unloading of loads is possible. The rail system and the lifting device are configured in the manner of a longitudinal seat adjustment device and seat height adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat. |
| US07992908B2 |
Suction device
A suction device has a flexible sucker membrane having a peripherally extending skirt, and an actuator arranged to act to reconfigure the sucker between a suction enhanced configuration and a suction released configuration. The actuator is also operable to lift an outer edge of the peripherally extending skirt which enables more convenient release of the suction device than would otherwise be possible. |
| US07992905B2 |
Forward structure of a motor vehicle
A forward structure of a motor vehicle, particularly of a passenger car, includes a bumper cross member and an energy absorption element, particularly a foam-type impact absorbing element, disposed in front of the bumper cross member in the driving direction. A plurality of recesses are shaped into the forward-side outer contour of the energy absorption element. To ensure optimal energy reduction while the mounting space is reduced, and thereby a best-possible protective function with respect to a leg impact, at least several of the recesses completely penetrate the energy absorption element along its entire depth, whereby a plurality of breakthroughs are arranged in the energy absorption element. |
| US07992904B2 |
Sealing mechanism for ductwork
HVAC ductwork should be sealed along its joints in order to reduce air leakage. The ductwork can be sealed by the combination of a gasket and mechanical locking mechanism. |
| US07992898B2 |
Airbag device
An airbag device comprising an airbag made of a woven fabric which is fastened to a vehicle structure, in particular above a vehicle occupant, and which can be filled with gas by means of a gas generator and in the filled state extends in front of the vehicle occupant is characterized in that a cutout is provided in the head impact region of the airbag fabric which the head of the vehicle occupant can penetrate, and this cutout is closed by a cover that is decoupled from tensile stress in the airbag fabric. |
| US07992897B2 |
Airbag device
To enhance an occupant restraining force of an airbag, and to improve a protective function for an occupant of an airbag device by discharging gas without fail regardless of a position of the occupant, an airbag (10) is divided into a first chamber (10A) on an inflator (2) side and a second chamber (10B) on an occupant side by a partition wall (11), and the first chamber (10A) includes an opening (23) to which a discharge-state switching member (30) having vent holes to discharge the gas in the airbag (10) and being switchable between the discharge/non-discharge states is attached. The discharge-state switching member (30) is coupled to the partition wall (11) by a tether belt (40), so that the tether belt (40) applies tension to close the vent holes when the airbag (10) inflates, and when the airbag (10) receives an occupant, releases the tension depending on the position of the receipt, and opens the vent holes. |
| US07992895B2 |
Bolster deployment pattern
This invention is in the field of safety devices to lessen injuries arising from impact in vehicles, particularly automobiles. A bolster which may be employed to reduce impact severity to passengers from either frontal or side impacts is activated by impact sensing devices. The housing of the bolster has a lateral length L. Upon activation, the bolster is inflated with an activating fluid and extends the lateral length L of the bolster upon activation. |
| US07992888B2 |
Blockless highback binding
A binding comprising a baseplate that is adapted to attach to a gliding board such as a snowboard, the gliding board having lateral and medial sidewalls and a heel loop, and a pivotably highback pivotably mounted to the baseplate. The heel loop includes at least one forwardly disposed tooth, and the highback includes a plurality of rearwardly disposed teeth. The maximum forward lean angle is established by the engagement of the heel loop and highback teeth. In one embodiment the highback adjustably attaches to the baseplate with hardware extending through arcuate slots, such that the maximum forward lean angle is determined by the position of the hardware in the slots. |
| US07992887B2 |
Trailer hitch for a vehicle having a single rear wheel
A trailer hitch for a single rear wheeled vehicle having a single rear wheel mounted between left and right arms comprises left and right hitch arms having first and second ends. The first ends have first apertures. The second ends are connected together. Shock absorbing bushings are disposed inside the first apertures. Left and right mounting brackets have first and second ends. The first ends of the mounting brackets have first apertures and are fastened to the hitch arms, and the second ends connect to the arms. Fasteners pass through the shock absorbing bushings and through the first aperture of the first end of the mounting brackets to fasten the mounting brackets to the hitch arms. A trailer connector is connected to the second ends of the left and right hitch arms. A vehicle having a trailer hitch is also disclosed. |
| US07992880B2 |
Shopping cart transformed into a mobile dispensing display device
A conventional shopping cart is transformed into a mobile dispensing display device for use at retail establishments, tradeshows, sporting events, or other special events by mounting a tabletop panel horizontally on top of a conventional type shopping cart. The tabletop panel is mounted in a substantially covering relationship to the handle bar, child seat backrest and open top of the shopping cart basket. A flexible banner display is removably attached to the outer periphery of the tabletop panel. The banner display being attached to the tabletop panel in a substantially covering relationship to all four sides of the shopping cart. Whereby the unseen covered shopping cart becomes a mobile promotional and sales display device providing products for sale, information, samples or coupons. Products to be sold and/or sampled, as well as coupons or other promotional materials may be placed in the shopping cart basket area or on the tabletop panel. |
| US07992877B2 |
Non contact substrate chuck
A chuck for releasably retaining a substrate, where the chuck has a body with a substrate receiving surface disposed in an X-Y coordinate plane and adapted to receive the substrate. The body has gas pressure delivery channels and gas vacuum drawing channels, where the gas pressure delivery channels and gas vacuum drawing channels are mutually exclusive within the body. The substrate receiving surface has gas pressure delivery portions in communication with the gas pressure delivery channels, for delivering a gas pressure against the substrate while the substrate is retained by the chuck, and thereby keeping the substrate from contacting the substrate receiving surface. The substrate receiving surface also has gas vacuum drawing portions in communication with the gas vacuum drawing channels, for drawing a gas vacuum against the substrate while the substrate is retained by the chuck, and thereby retaining the substrate proximate the substrate receiving surface. Retaining means retain the substrate in X-Y directions from sliding off of the substrate receiving surface. |
| US07992867B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus of the invention has: a movement blocking unit for blocking a movement of a sheet which is moved to a side edge aligning unit by a moving unit, thereby allowing the moving unit to position adjustment slip move on the sheet so as to adjust a relative position with the sheet; and a block cancelling unit for allowing the movement blocking unit to cancel the block of the movement of the sheet when the moving unit slips and moves by a predetermined distance. |
| US07992866B2 |
Apparatus for aligning sheets on stops
An apparatus for aligning sheets in a processing machine includes translationally movable stops or front lays which can be driven through the use of a coupler mechanism or individually actuable electric motors. |
| US07992864B2 |
Sheet processing device and image forming apparatus
A sheet processor includes a processing tray with a first surface that receives sheets and forms a pile of sheets. An endless belt circulates by way of first and second surface sides on a side opposite the first surface of the processing tray. A first roller reverses a circulation path of the endless belt from the first surface side to the second surface side. A second roller is disposed at an interval from the first roller and reverses the circulation path from the second surface side. First and second abutments are attached to the belt and abut an end edge of the pile of sheets. The abutments are attached to the belt so that the first abutment is positioned near the first roller and on the second surface side and the second abutment is near the second roller on the second surface side. |
| US07992863B2 |
Apparatus and method for temporarily increasing the beam strength of a media sheet in a printer
A media sheet deformer provides an adjustable amount of media sheet deformation. The media sheet deformer nonpermanently deforms a media sheet in a printer to increase the beam strength of the media sheet temporarily. The device includes a deformer, a support member, and a positioning member. The deformer is positioned in a media path within a printer. The deformer is configured to deform a media sheet temporarily with an amount of media sheet deformation. The amount of media sheet deformation causes the media sheet to exhibit an arched profile that increases the beam strength of the media sheet. The support member is coupled to the deformer. The support member is movably coupled to a printer frame. The positioning member is coupled to the support member. The positioning member is configured to assert a force on the support member and alter the amount of media sheet deformation. |
| US07992862B2 |
Sheet size detecting mechanism for use in automatic document feeder
A sheet size detecting mechanism includes an adjustable module, a sensing module and a controlling unit. The adjustable module includes a first sheet guide, a second sheet guide, an adjustable part and a circular gear. The adjustable part is a moved to a position where the first sheet guide and the second sheet guide are respectively in contact with two parallel edge sides of a sheet. The circular gear is rotated as the adjustable part is moved. The sensing module includes a sustaining element and a circuit board. The sustaining element is connected to an underside of the circular gear, and synchronously rotated with the circular gear. When the circular gear is rotated by an angle, the sustaining element is in contact with a specified one of the plural sensing regions, so that the circuit board generates a sensing signal. According to the sensing signal, the sheet size is acquired. |
| US07992858B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus, image scanning apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A disclosed sheet conveying apparatus includes a first conveying unit configured to convey a sheet in a first sheet conveying direction; and a second conveying unit arranged on a downstream side of the first conveying unit in the first sheet conveying direction and configured to convey the sheet conveyed by the first conveying unit in a second sheet conveying direction different from the first sheet conveying direction. At least the second conveying unit acts as a holding/conveying unit with a holding section to hold and convey the sheet and includes a moving/guiding unit arranged along an outer side of a sheet conveying path extending between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit. The moving/guiding unit moves/guides the sheet toward the holding section of the second conveying unit, and is arranged in a discontinuous manner along a sheet width direction orthogonal to the first sheet conveying direction so as to contact at least one part of the sheet in the sheet width direction. |
| US07992857B2 |
Paper sheet handling device
A paper-sheet handling device, as shown in FIG. 23, is a device that transports a bundle of paper-sheets obtained by binding a plurality of paper-sheets and is provided with a clamp movement mechanism 80 that contains lower arms 801a and upper arms 801b and transports the bundle of paper-sheets with it being fixed. The clamp movement mechanism 80 contains a clamp-opening-and-closing driving section 881 that drives the upper arms 801b, the clamp-opening-and-closing driving section 881 is provided with cams 87a, 87b, and each of the cams 87a, 87b contains a part having a given curved shape, the part keeping a normal operation range in which the upper arm 801b is moved up to a predetermined position with respect to the lower arm 801a to release the bundle of paper-sheets 3″ and a U-shaped part that keeps a lock position for opening the clamp, the U-shaped part being continuous with the part having the given curved shape. Such a configuration allows a situation in which the upper arms 801b are opened to be locked. This enables workability and operability when a jam removes to be improved and enables release of the lock of a manipulation lever to be prevented from being forgotten. |
| US07992856B2 |
Gripper discharge for sheet processing apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus is provided with a sheet discharge path (first carry-in path P1) that sequentially carries out a sheet, a processing tray that collects sheets from the sheet discharge path in the shape of a bunch, a stacker that holds the sheets from the processing tray, and bunch carrying device disposed in the processing tray to carry out a bunch of sheets toward the stacker. The bunch carrying-out device includes a carrier member disposed movably in the sheet-bunch carrying-out direction of the processing tray, and a sheet engagement member that engages the bunch of sheets on the processing tray. The sheet engagement member is mounted on the carrier member to be able to move to position in the sheet-bunch carrying-out direction. |
| US07992853B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing mail to obtain image data of contents
A method and apparatus for processing documents is provided. Documents having a selected characteristic are placed into a first area, whereas documents not having the selected characteristic are placed into a second area. A sensor in the first area detects the presence of documents in the first area. The documents are conveyed to a scanner that scans the documents to obtain information regarding the documents. The processing of the documents is controlled by a processor. A document is electronically tagged as having the selected characteristic and processed accordingly in response to the detection of the document in the first area and in response to whether the document arrived at the scanner during a pre-determined time frame. |
| US07992850B2 |
System and method for controlling electromagnet lift power for material handlers
A method for operating an electromagnetic lift that includes a generator-driven electromagnet comprises adjusting a position of the electromagnet, in response to a first position command. Upon receiving a lift command, an output power level of a generator is established at a predetermined level above a predefined normal power level. In response to an excess release command, the output power level is set to a first predetermined level below the normal power level. In response to a transport command, the output power level is established as approximately the normal power level. Upon receiving a release command, the output power level is established at a second predetermined level below the normal power level. |
| US07992844B2 |
Venturi apparatus
An improved venturi apparatus for the incorporation of air into a liquid. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a funnel section, a cylindrical section, and a frusto-conical section. Lateral tubes extend from the cylindrical section so as to form an acute angle relative to the central axis of the cylindrical section, thereby preventing leakage of liquid out through the lateral tubes during use and subsequent handling. |
| US07992842B2 |
Gate bracket systems and methods
A bracket system for forming gate assemblies comprising at least two brace members that are rigidly attached to hinge assemblies. The brace members are adapted to be attached to support members to form two corners of a gate box functioning as the structural portion of the gate assembly. The hinge assemblies are adapted to be rigidly attached to a fence post to allow the gate assembly to pivot relative to the fence post. Gate assemblies of arbitrary height and width can be formed using the bracket system. |
| US07992841B2 |
Slide connector and railing system incorporting same
A combination of a rail, an upright, and a slide connector for attaching the rail to the upright includes a first connector part including a mounting arm secured to an underside surface of the rail adjacent one end thereof and a tongue depending generally downwardly from the mounting arm, and a second connector part including a mounting base secured to a side surface of the upright and a generally planar engagement body extending laterally outwardly from the mounting base. The engagement body has a slot therein for receiving the tongue when the rail is translated along an engagement axis from a disengaged position in which the first and second parts are generally free to move relative to each other to an engaged position in which the first and second parts are substantially inhibited from moving relative to each other, thereby attaching the rail to the upright. |
| US07992840B2 |
Pressure rated oil field gate valve
The disclosure provides an efficient design for a pressure rated oil field gate valve that meets the challenges of providing a quality product with minimal increase in price due to the design. It minimizes weight increase in the valve body over valves not meeting strict pressure specifications, due to strengthening ribs at strategic places without having to increase the overall body size as in commonplace in the industry. It provides redundancy of seals with minimal costs and no change in seat pockets over valves not capable of meeting the higher standards. It provides multiple shear points along a valve stem that can still allow a user to operate the valve from external to the valve bonnet. It further provides for additional sealing of the valve bonnet to the valve body by using elasticity in metal over long lengths to maintain a compression seal between the bonnet and the body. |
| US07992837B2 |
Techniques and tools for assembling and disassembling compactable molds and forming building blocks
A system includes one or more compacting wall retraction mechanisms for retracting one or more compacting walls of a compactable lightweight concrete block mold having at least two compacting walls. The compacting wall retraction mechanism(s) facilitate release of a compacted lightweight concrete block from the compactable lightweight concrete block mold. The system can include a mold feed conveyor, and a table for receiving the compactable lightweight concrete block mold from the mold feed conveyor. The system can include one or more tube extraction and re-insertion mechanisms for extracting or inserting tubes of a compactable mold. The system can include one or more end wall lock release mechanisms for releasing end walls to remove a molded block from the mold. Mold assembly and disassembly can be controlled by an electronic or computerized controller. |
| US07992834B2 |
Vehicle seat sliding apparatus
In a vehicle seat sliding apparatus including first and second rails, one of which is movable relative to the other within a range restricted by engagement between raised tabs of the first and second rails, a cover member is provided at an end of the upper rail. The cover extends into the upper rail along its lengthwise direction to reach a portion at which the raised tab of the upper rail. The cover is provided with an extension extending to the raised tab of the upper rail. |
| US07992833B1 |
Adjustable hanger device
An adjustable hanger device includes an adjustable mounting bracket that may be sized for mounting the hanger to support members of various dimensions. The hanger device has a composite structure including both metallic and polymeric components. The mounting bracket is formed of primarily metallic components to provide adequate hang strength, and a thin profile for use in so-called over-the-door hanger devices supported on the top edge of a door below the lintel or frame member when the door is in the closed position. |
| US07992832B2 |
Parallel four-bar mechanism
A parallel four-bar mechanism is disclosed, having the second and third bars being parallel to each other and having their opposite ends hinged to the first and fourth bars respectively. A stopping block is provided with a stopping slot, and a movable stopping pin is configured to be engageable with the stopping slot. When an actuating member drives the stopping pin to disengage from the stopping slot, the second and third bars are able to translate relative to each other; and when the actuating member drives the stopping pin into the stopping slot, the second and third bars are locked with each other, with the second and third bars not being able to translate relative to each other, and thus the whole parallel four-bar mechanism is locked in a preset angular position. |
| US07992831B2 |
Base apparatus for device holder
A base apparatus for providing engagement to advice holder is provided, including a connection unit, a fixed unit, and at least a weight unit. The connection unit is for connecting a clapper or holder of electronic device, and the fixed unit is engaged to the bottom of the connection unit. The weight unit is sandwiched between and partially contained within the boundaries of the connection unit and the fixed unit. The weight unit includes a wrap means, an anti-slip means, and at least a weight object. The boundaries of the anti-slip means and the wrap means are engaged together to form a space for accommodating the weight object. |
| US07992830B2 |
Display support element for wristband and wristwatch
The invention concerns a display support element for a bracelet and/or a wristwatch comprising: a central element for receiving a bracelet or wristband and having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wristband or bracelet, the central element being flexible along its longitudinal axis, and two lateral elements, secured to the central element so as not to hinder the flexibility thereof, the lateral elements defining, with the central element, a substantially closed volume. |
| US07992829B1 |
Pipe and conduit clamp for strut
A clamp apparatus including a first strap and a second strap. The first strap including an attachment end for attachment to an associated structural member, an intermediate portion having a first radius of curvature for contacting an elongate article, and a connection end having a first aperture for receiving a fastener. The second strap including an attachment end for attachment to an associated structural member, an intermediate portion having a second radius of curvature for contacting the elongate article, and a connection end having a second aperture for receiving the fastener. The first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature. |
| US07992826B2 |
Leading edge flap method
A method of reducing drag of a leading edge device having first and second flow surfaces includes coupling the first flow surface to an airfoil and coupling the second flow surface to the first flow surface. The leading edge device may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. The second flow surface may be positioned generally behind the first flow surface during at least a portion of the movement of the leading edge device between the retracted and extended positions. |
| US07992825B2 |
Control surface of aircraft
Aircraft control surface (1), in particular for an aircraft lifting surface (2), that comprises a primary control surface (6) that comprises a hinge axis (10), and a secondary control surface (7) that comprises a hinge axis (11), with the secondary control surface (7) rotating by means of its hinge axis (11) relative to the primary control surface (6), said secondary control surface (7) only partially occupying the span of the primary control surface (6), the length of the secondary control surface (7) along its hinge axis (11) being significantly less than the length of the primary control surface (6) along its hinge axis (10), and moreover the width or chord of said secondary control surface (7) along the direction of its hinge axis (11) narrows significantly towards the tip of the lifting surface (2) according to a law of narrowing designed expressly for adapting the distribution of torsional stiffness along the span of the lifting surface (2) to the distribution of aerodynamic load thereon, whereas the distribution of effective curvature due to the deflection of said control surface (1) is such that it increases the stalling angle of the lifting surface (2). |
| US07992821B2 |
Arrangement and method for installing a component in an aircraft
An arrangement (10) for installing a component (12) in an aircraft comprises a guide device (14) which is connectable to an aircraft structure or is formed integrally with the aircraft structure, as well as an elastically deformable damping element (16; 16a, 16b, 16c) which is adapted to enable the component (12) to be mounted in the guide device (14) in a self-supporting manner. A locking mechanism (26) is adapted to fasten the component (12) in a desired position in the guide device (14) in a releasable manner. |
| US07992819B2 |
Thread spool and bobbin holder
A thread spool holding device has a plastic base plate that holds a series of preferably soft plastic spindles that can be introduced or removed from the base and can be arranged as needed by sliding along a slotted track of the base. Each spindle can hold a threaded spool and has a cross sectional configuration for gripping the center hole of the spool. The spindle ends can also hold a bobbin in tandem with a thread spool. |
| US07992817B2 |
Belt retractor for a safety belt system and method of determining the belt webbing unwinding in a belt retractor
A belt retractor for a safety belt system includes a frame, a belt reel rotatably mounted in the frame, a force limiter, a locking mechanism which couples the belt reel in a restraint case to the frame via the force limiter, and a belt webbing unwinding measuring means which includes a signal transmitter and at least one sensor. The sensor is associated with the signal transmitter and detects a change in a magnetic field. At least upon activation of the locking mechanism the signal transmitter is coupled to the belt reel such that it generates a signal upon rotation of the belt reel. |
| US07992816B2 |
Crushing and milling device
A crushing and mill device includes an outer rotary disk (1) and an inner rotary disk (2) put in said outer rotary disk, wherein, the outer and inner rotary disks communicate the inlet (3) of the feed material, some through holes (20) communicating the outer and inner disk are provided on the sidewall of the inner disk, some carrier plates (4) for carrying the feed material are provided on the places that correspond to the through holes (20) on the disks. The rotations of the outer and inner disks are driven by motors, and the rotations direction of the inner and outer disks are opposite. The sidewall of outer disk has an outlet (10) of the feed material. The feed material enters the inner and outer disks from the inlet, and the feed material is shot off oppositely by the rotations of the outer and inner disk. The feed material passes the through holes of the inner disk and impacts with each other to be broken and milled. The particulates formed by milling are shot off from the outlet on the sidewall of the outer disk. The device can lower energy consumption and raise output. |
| US07992814B2 |
Mobile system and method for crushing rock while isolating electronic components from excessive vibration
A mobile rock crushing vehicle with a detachable electronic control box which can be automatically lifted, by a pair of hydraulic pivoting arms, off the vehicle, lowered and set upon any vibration damping and isolating mass, such as the earth, all by moving a hydraulic lever. The pair of pivoting arms further automatically configure a reduced-vibration transmitting connection when the electronic control box is set upon the ground. |
| US07992810B2 |
Fuel injector with coupler
The invention relates to a fuel injector having a coupler. The reciprocating movement of an actuator is transmitted by the coupler to a pin-shaped injection valve member which is guided into the nozzle body. The coupler has a valve piston and a coupler sleeve, and the valve piston is displaced in the inner diameter area of the coupler sleeve. The inner diameter of the coupler sleeve is greater than the outer diameter of the injection valve member. The difference between the inner diameter of the coupler housing and the outer diameter of the injection valve member is 0.2 mm or less. |
| US07992809B1 |
Manual air-actuated spray paint apparatus and associated method
Provided is a manual air-actuated spray paint apparatus and associated method for evenly disbursing paint in a controlled manner. Such an apparatus preferably includes a portable reservoir for holding the paint therein and a hand-actuated paint applicator removably coupled thereto. A mechanism for simultaneously discharging a single stream of paint and a volume of air may also be included. A discharge spout is removably mated to and in fluid communication with the paint applicator for mixing the single paint stream and the volume of air as they pass through the spout. A trigger is pivotally mated to the housing and is articulated between tensioned and released positions to activate the paint discharging mechanism. When the trigger is engaged, the paint is directed upwardly out of the reservoir and travels out the discharge spout to be applied to the surface intended to receive the paint. |
| US07992805B2 |
Feed nozzle assembly
A feed nozzle assembly for introducing a mixture of a gas and a liquid hydrocarbon droplets into a vessel in the form of a substantially sheet-like spray, which feed nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle body provided at its upstream part with means to supply the gas and means to supply the liquid hydrocarbon to said nozzle body and at the downstream end with a closed outlet end which outlet end is provided with an elongated opening wherein in the opening an insert is positioned such that a continuous loop opening results for discharge of the mixture of gas and liquid droplets. |
| US07992799B2 |
Device and method for the management of data
A system for the data management of a thermal spraying apparatus with a spray gun (2) is made available, wherein the system includes a decentrally arranged device (1) with a memory (4), in order to detect process parameters and to store data of the thermal spraying apparatus and wherein the data contain identification and operating data of the thermal spraying apparatus and the device (1) additionally includes a bus interface (6) for the transmitting of the data. |
| US07992797B2 |
Railroad signal line attachment clip
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for non-invasively attaching components to railroad track rails. More specifically, an anchor is provided that securely fastens to the track rail in a non-invasive manner for holding one or more signal lines to a surface of the track rail. In one embodiment, the non-invasive anchor utilizes a compressive force to clamp to a flange portion of the track rail. In this regard, first and second body members of the anchor may be advanced toward the toward opposing surfaces of track rail to compress the component between a portion of the anchor and a surface of the track rail. In one embodiment, a pawl prevents the withdrawal of these body members from one another such that the compressive force may be maintained once the anchor is applied to the track rail. |
| US07992794B2 |
Backup control for HVAC system
An equipment interface module that can operate one or more pieces of HVAC equipment in accordance with instructions received from a properly operating thermostat, yet can also operate the HVAC equipment when communications between the thermostat and the HVAC controller are lost due to, for example, low battery power at the thermostat, malfunctioning thermostat sensor(s), malfunctioning communication and/or thermostat circuitry, electrical interference, and the like. In some instances, the equipment interface module may regulate the HVAC equipment in accordance with a signal from a remote sensor when communication with the thermostat is lost. |
| US07992790B2 |
Method of producing a contactless microelectronic device, such as for an electronic passport
A method of manufacturing a microelectronic device with contactless operation, mainly for electronic passports. An antenna is made on a thin, flexible substrate. A perforated sheet that is thin and calibrated, and that has at least one cavity in its thickness, is placed on the substrate. A microelectronic chip is placed in each cavity of the perforated sheet and the output contacts of the microelectronic chip are connected to corresponding terminals of the antenna. The microelectronic chip is protected by sealing off the cavity that contains the chip. The method is particularly adapted for manufacturing electronic radiofrequency identification devices, in particular for electronic passports. |
| US07992786B2 |
Bar code reader
There is provided a bar code reader arranging a diaphragm member in which a through hole for an emission diaphragm and a through hole for a field diaphragm are formed as one body on an optical path between a laser light source and a scanning unit, in such a way that the both holes extend over an emission optical path along which emitted laser light is emitted, and a return optical path along which return light reflected from a bar code returns. |
| US07992781B2 |
Merchant alerts incorporating receipt data
One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprising receiving an authorization request message for a transaction conducted by a consumer with a merchant, sending the authorization request message to an issuer, receiving an authorization response message, modifying the authorization response message using a server computer to include receipt preference data, wherein the receipt preference data is derived from receipt preferences of the consumer or the merchant, and sending the authorization response message comprising the receipt preference data to the merchant, wherein the merchant generates a receipt for the consumer according to the receipt preference data. |
| US07992780B2 |
Secure identification of dependants
The present invention provides a method for identifying patients using common forms of identification, and specifically readable personal identifiers such as credit cards, and for identifying dependents through a guardian's personal identification. The guardian registers the account with a health care database, and associates the dependent patients with the account. Thereafter, the guardian can process healthcare services for the guardian by providing a readable identifier identifying the account. As a result, the guardian can register the dependent patient for an appointment through a kiosk or other publicly accessible terminal, and can also access scheduling or other services. |
| US07992779B2 |
Method for use in association with identification token and apparatus including identification token
In some embodiments, a method comprises: sensing at least one of movement and position of an identification token; determining if a criteria is satisfied; and enabling operation of the identification token if the criteria is satisfied; wherein determining if the criteria is satisfied comprises determining if the at least one of movement and position satisfies a reference criteria; and wherein the sensor comprises a sensor to provide a signal indicative of at least one of movement and position of the identification token prior to presentation to a proximity coupling device. In some embodiments, apparatus comprises: an identification token comprising: a sensor to provide a signal indicative of at least one of movement and position of the identification token; circuitry, to receive the signal, to determine if a criteria is satisfied, and to enable operation of the identification token if the criteria is satisfied; wherein the circuitry comprises circuitry to determine if the at least one of movement and position satisfies a reference criteria wherein the sensor comprises a sensor to provide a signal indicative of at least one of movement and position of the identification token prior to presentation to a proximity coupling device. |
| US07992776B1 |
Automated banking machine with nonconctact reading of card data
An automated banking machine can receive user card data from a cell phone. The phone stores the card data of several selectable cards, including electronic account number data. The machine generates and displays a random number correlated with a time period. A machine user manually inputs the displayed random number into their phone. A software application in the phone encrypts the selected card data along with the inputted random number data. The phone displays a bar code image containing the encrypted data. The banking machine includes a bar code reader which can read the displayed image. The machine causes the read data to be decrypted. The random number is used to verify the current transaction session. Thereafter, the user may provide other inputs, including PIN input. The process replaces physical insertion of a card yet allows secure input of the card data. Possible data interception from activities requiring card insertion are also reduced. |
| US07992775B2 |
Automated banking machine apparatus controlled responsive to data bearing records
A system controlled by data bearing records includes an automated banking machine that operates to carry out transactions responsive to data read from user cards. Theautomated banking machine includes a deposit accepting device. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Analyzed sheets are stored in a first storage and retrieval device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are stored in a second sheet storage and retrieval device of the machine. |
| US07992773B1 |
System and method for presenting information about an object on a portable electronic device
Systems and methods are provided for enabling a portable electronic device to retrieve information about an object when the object's symbology, e.g., a barcode, is detected. According to one embodiment a method is providing in which symbology associated with an object is detected and decoded to obtain a decode string. The decode string is sent to one or more visual detection applications for processing, wherein the one or more visual detection applications reside on the portable electronic device, and receiving a first amount of information about the object from the one or more visual detection applications. The method also includes sending the decode string to a remote server for processing and receiving a second amount of information about the object from the remote server. The first amount of information is combined with the second amount of information to obtain cumulative information which is displayed on the portable electronic device. |
| US07992771B2 |
Document-management device and document-management method
In a document-management device which supports a task of electronizing paper documents and registering electronic data of the documents to an existing system having a user interface provided to register electronic data, a request receiving unit receives a code assignment request from a user when a user interface screen corresponding to an electronic-data registration site of the existing system is displayed on a client. A code generating unit generates a site identifying code identifying the registration site of the existing system after the code assignment request is received. A screen generating unit generates a screen containing an image of the site identifying code, the screen provided for the user to print an automatic registration request page which is scanned simultaneously with scanning of the paper documents. |
| US07992756B2 |
Hand-held fastener driver
A hand-held fastener driver for fastening elements, having a driving tappet that is movably mounted in a tappet guide and that can be driven using at least one drive spring element is disclosed, having a tensioner for the drive spring element, and having a locking mechanism. In a locked position of the locking mechanism, the drive spring element can be locked in its tensioned position, whereby the tensioner has a tensioning element that is provided with a profile, and said tensioning element can be axially moved along a longitudinal axis of motion using a rotatable counter-element that is engaged with the profile and that can be driven by a motor. |
| US07992755B2 |
Staple feeding mechanism in stapler
A staple feeding mechanism includes the components of only a magazine with a pair of guides and spring receiver being integrated, a driving shaft having a double function and a staple feeding member (inclusive of the feeding nail and spring) movably arranged in the magazine. The feeding nail of the staple feeding member at the home position is lowered by the driving shaft and retracted from the staple cartridge. For this reason, the loading/unloading of the staple cartridge can be done without any hitch. The staple feeding mechanism only requires a necessary minimized number of components and so is simple in structure. Thus, the stapler can be provided at low cost. Particularly, the driving shaft necessary to cause the magazine to make a reciprocating motion is also used as a fulcrum member, thus requiring no new component. This further reduces the number of necessary components and also contributes to space saving. |
| US07992754B1 |
Marker system with marker and installation apparatus
A marker installation apparatus is disclosed for inserting a marker of the type having shaft with a bottom end for inserting into a ground surface and an engagement portion of the shaft separated from the bottom end by an insertion portion of the shaft. The apparatus includes a magazine assembly defining a magazine space configured to receive at least one marker. The magazine space has a push position in the magazine space for receiving the at least one marker. The apparatus further comprises a push assembly mounted on the magazine assembly. The push assembly is configured to engage the engagement portion of the shaft of the marker located in the push position and push the marker from the magazine assembly when the push assembly is actuated. |
| US07992752B2 |
Blanking tool and a method of assembling the blanking tool
A blanking tool includes a lower blanking frame and a receiver tool. The lower blanking frame includes running rails and cross rails. A first cross rail extends substantially perpendicular to the first running rail and coupled to first and second running rails. A second cross rail is disposed substantially parallel to the first cross rail and coupled to the first and second running rails. The receiver tool includes receiver rails mounting assemblies. A first receiver rail is alongside and coupled to the first running rail. A second receiver rail is alongside and coupled to the second running rail. The second receiver rail is coupled to the second mounting assembly that is further operably coupled to the first frame member, and is further disposed on the second frame member. The mounting assemblies slide along the slot relative to one another when the mounting assemblies have an unlocked operational position. |
| US07992747B2 |
Product dispenser assembly and cartridge for holding product
A product holding, displaying and dispensing assembly includes a dispenser housing having a feed channel and a dispensing location together with a pre-packed, shipping cartridge holding a plurality of product units. The cartridge is inserted and held within the dispenser housing as the product units move within the cartridge to the dispensing location where a consumer can access and remove one or more product units. Unlike more conventional dispensers, the assembly of the present invention is configured so that the pre-packed cartridge is loaded into and remains within the housing as the product units are dispensed and advance forward within the dispenser. After insertion, the cartridge is locked in place by an arrangement of the feed track when one or more cans remain in the cartridge, but can be removed easily when the cartridge is empty. A forward facing surface also provides an additional advertising medium. |
| US07992740B2 |
Object-supporting device engageable with a waste container
A waste receptacle cover is configured for placing above an open top waste container. The cover has a main body that received objects therein and a central opening for disposal of the waste into the waste container. A tubular guard surrounds the central opening and prevents the objects from dropping into the waste container, while allowing the user to dispose of the waste directly into the waste container. |
| US07992738B2 |
Pallet container
A pallet container is used to transfer loose cargoes including frame members. The frame member has a rail connected to two posts. Each post is mounted with a nesting. The pallet container has a base frame which is formed by beams; a pair of first side frames and a pair of second side frames respectively formed by the base frame and post members of the invention. Each post member comprising a first post, provided at a corner of the base frame; a second post, spaced from the first post and mounted to the base frame by a reinforced plate, in which a cavity is provided. The pallet container equipped with the post member can be stable to load the frame member by inserting the second post of the present invention into the post of the loaded frame member. |
| US07992737B2 |
Surprise container
Container for products, such as surprises or similar accessories, comprising two half-shells (2, 4), with a containing wall (2a, 2b; 4a, 4b) and with an open mouth (10, 12), able to be coupled together mouth-to-mouth so as to form a closed container (1), where the two half-shells (2, 4) are connected together by means of hinging means (20), with a hinging axis (a-a) such as to allow the movement of one of the, half-shells (2, 4) with respect to the other one between a closed position of the container (1) and an open position. The container (1), in its closed configuration, has a minimum overall dimension of between 20 mm and 55 mm and the containing wall (2a, 2b; 4a, 4b) of at least one of the half-shells (2, 4) has, in the vicinity of the hinging means (20), at least one line (44a/46a; 44b, 46b) with a weakened wall thickness, which extends over a section of said wall (2a, 2b; 4a, 4b) and which is capable of breakage following stresses applied to the body of the half-shell (2, 4) and/or to the hinging means (20) connecting the two half-shells (2, 4) and prone to cause breakage of said hinging means (20). |
| US07992733B2 |
Assist system configured for moving a mass
An assist system is configured for moving a mass vertically, along a Z axis. The assist system includes a vertical actuation system, a cable, a plurality of pulleys, an actuator, and a mass. The pulleys are operatively attached to the support structure and an assist device that is movable attached to the support structure. The cable is routed around each of the pulleys and attached to the support structure. One of the pulleys supports the mass. The mass moves vertically in response to the actuator. |
| US07992732B2 |
Truck rack and loading/unloading system
A multi-use truck bed apparatus, comprising a first rack assembly, a second rack assembly, a base assembly coupled to the truck, wherein the first rack assembly and second rack assembly are coupled to the base assembly, and a lifting mechanism, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a winch coupled to the second rack assembly. |
| US07992730B2 |
Pillar insertion combination rack system
An improved construction pillar insertion combination rack made of metal wire material in a rectangular or polygonal form and in a single layer or multiple layers includes multiple side frames, multiple pillars, multiple clamping members, and a top; each limitation corner of the rack comprised of two rings concentrically arranged with the diameter of the upper ring smaller than that of the lower ring; each side frame including an upper and a lower support rods; a connection rod usually made in a waveform being disposed at where between and soldered to both of the upper and the lower support rods; each pillar containing multiple sections with a circumferential slot being defined by any two abutted sections; the pillar being secured with the clamping member at where it to be inserted into the limitation corner; and the top usually related to a mesh being placed on the frame of the rack; alternatively, an upper frame with multiple upper rings of the limitation corner and a lower frame with multiple lower rings of the limitation corner may be separately made in continuous form to be spot soldered at where both ends meet. |
| US07992721B2 |
Method and apparatus for confirming that a filter drier has been replaced
A filter in some embodiments of the invention includes: a housing defining an interior chamber substantially sealed from outside of the housing; a valve located in the chamber biased to a first position where the valve maintains a seal between the interior chamber and outside of the housing; and an anchor fixed to the housing defining a surface for a spring to urge against and bias the valve to the first position and be compressed against when a receiver enters into the housing a moves the valve to a second position, the anchor defining, at least in part, flow paths wherein a pressurized fluid within the housing can communicate with an interior of the receiver to equalize a pressure within the chamber and the interior of the receiver; and a nipple attached to the housing having an interior passageway configured to permit the receiver to pass through in a substantially sealed manner. A method of attaching a filter to a filter receiver is also provided. |
| US07992718B1 |
Method for enhancing selectivity and recovery in the fractional flotation of particles in a flotation column
The method relates to particle separation from a feed stream. The feed stream is injected directly into the froth zone of a vertical flotation column in the presence of a counter-current reflux stream. A froth breaker generates a reflux stream and a concentrate stream, and the reflux stream is injected into the froth zone to mix with the interstitial liquid between bubbles in the froth zone. Counter-current flow between the plurality of bubbles and the interstitial liquid facilitates the attachment of higher hydrophobicity particles to bubble surfaces as lower hydrophobicity particles detach. The height of the feed stream injection and the reflux ratio may be varied in order to optimize the concentrate or tailing stream recoveries desired based on existing operating conditions. |
| US07992715B2 |
Developing agent container package unit, packing receptacle for developing agent container, and packing method of developing agent container
A developing agent container package unit includes a packing case, a developing agent container received inside the packing case and storing developing agent, and a supporting member to support the developing agent container so that the developing agent container is inclined with respect to one side surface of the packing case. |
| US07992707B2 |
Storage unit
A storage unit is disclosed comprising a container disposed within a housing, the container having a cavity with an opening at the upper end for receiving an item. A cover comprises two or more rounded cover sections pivotally mounted between the container and the housing for movement between an open position and a closed position, the cover sections being biased toward the open position. Vertical downward movement of the container toward the bottom wall of the housing causes the cover sections to overcome the bias and rotate to the closed position. When rotating to the open position, the cover sections recede into a receiving space between the housing and container, thereby exposing the cavity, such that the outer form factor of the storage unit is no larger in the open position than in the closed position. |
| US07992704B2 |
Conveyor clean-out for material transport vehicles
An improved material transport vehicle having an integrated assembly for cleaning out conveyors, elevators, hoppers and the like, and method for clean-out utilizing the same. The cleanout assembly comprises one or more detachable panels strategically located about the material transport vehicle, and means for releasing the same, so as to permit convenient and safe access to the components for removing unused, old or dried material. The detachable panel or panels are integral with a surface of the housings, typically the lower surface thereof. |
| US07992698B1 |
System for preventing gear hopout in a tooth clutch in a vehicle transmission
A system is provided for preventing gear hopout in a tooth clutch in a vehicle transmission, the tooth clutch including an engaging sleeve having sleeve clutch teeth. The tangent function for at least one of driving back-taper angle and braking back-taper angle is larger than the average value of clutch coefficient of friction and spline coefficient of friction multiplied by the sum of unity and the ratio of clutch teeth pitch diameter and spline teeth pitch diameter. |
| US07992696B2 |
Construction machine, as well as clutch for switching the power flow
Construction machine, with working drum mounted at a machine frame, combustion engine for driving the working drum, drive train between the combustion engine and the working drum, and clutch in the drive train, where the clutch is arranged between a drive shaft and output shaft of the drive train, clutch elements on drive side capable of being engaged with clutch elements on output side, where clutch elements on the drive side or on output side are provided with several clutch part elements that are permanently engaged with one another via at least one mechanical coupling, it is provided that a braking device acting between the drive shaft and the output shaft is arranged at the clutch, said braking device being additionally engaged during engagement of the clutch in order to eliminate or reduce any rotary vibrations caused by play of mechanical coupling between clutch part elements. |
| US07992694B2 |
Seal for torque converter lockup clutch
A method and a sealing system for sealing the space between a piston and the hub of a torque converter lockup clutch is provided. According to the method and the sealing system, the seal is pretensioned with its cylindrical surface facing the piston bore. In an embodiment of the invention, the first seal is fastened by a second seal. The invention allows minimization of oil leakage flow and at the same time to linearize its dependency on the differential pressure. Spontaneous sealing may be reduced, thereby directly correlating the contact pressure of the piston—and thus the torque of the torque converter lockup clutch—with differential pressure and eventually allowing for smoother travel. |
| US07992686B2 |
Pallet counter for lift truck
A method for counting the pallets or loads moved by a lift truck using internal sensors is disclosed. The lift truck includes a weight sensor for weighing a load, a height sensor, for measuring a height of the forks, and a distance sensor for determining whether the vehicle has moved. When the data from each of these sensors exceeds a corresponding minimum value, a vehicle control system increments a pallet counter. A count of the number of pallets moved is therefore maintained without the need for tracking specific pallets of for adding expensive components and devices. |
| US07992683B2 |
Multipurpose sawhorse end frame
The multipurpose sawhorse end frame has a top section defining center and lateral slots for receiving 2″×4″ beams and central slots for 2″×12″ planks, a central section with center slots for receiving 2″×4″ beams and lateral support bars for supporting 2″×12″ planks, and a bottom section having feet for supporting the frame. A plurality of diagonal braces maintain rigidity of the end frame and provide the end frame with structural strength. Two or more end frames may be configured as a sawhorse, a scaffold, a workbench, a table, or other temporary construction accessory using scrap lumber and without fasteners. The multipurpose sawhorse end frame may be made from lightweight aluminum or other suitable material. |
| US07992680B2 |
Rigid rail fall protection apparatus having bypassable moveable anchorages
A fall protection apparatus includes a single longitudinally extending rigid rail onto which two laterally spaced apart moveable lanyard anchorages are mounted. The rail has a generally H-shaped cross-section with opposing vertically oriented first and second tracks laterally spaced apart by a connecting member extending between the tracks and substantially continuously along the length of the tracks The apparatus is attached to a structure by a support member, such as an overhead or lower support member, with the support member being attached to an upper or lower surface of the connecting member respectively. Each anchorage is adapted to be independently moveable along the length of one of the tracks, with the tracks being sufficiently spaced apart to permit the anchorages to freely pass by each other and the attachment point. |
| US07992672B2 |
Electric power steering system
An electric power steering system includes a steering wheel, a rack-and-pinion type steering gear box connected to the steering wheel, a steering torque sensor, a pinion shaft, and a steering actuator mounted on the pinion shaft to assist a steering operation conducted by a driver. An overload preventing control is conducted so that a sum of a current conversion value of a steering torque detected by the steering torque sensor and an assist current calculated based on the steering torque becomes equal to a limit value. When the steering gear box has reached a stroke end, the assist current is prevented from excessively increasing, thereby preventing a reduction in durability of the steering gear box or a motor of the steering actuator. |
| US07992670B2 |
Motor vehicle having a unit operated by a cryogenically stored fuel
A motor vehicle having a unit, particularly a drive assembly, which is operated by a fuel that is cryogenically stored in a vehicle tank, is provided, in which fuel is heated by a heat exchange with a warmer medium. The fuel taken from the vehicle tank comes in contact with the cold side of a thermoelectric generator, particularly in the form of a Seebeck element, in order to generate electric current for the electric power supply of the vehicle. The warm side of the thermoelectric generator is preferably acted upon by the warmer medium also used for the heat exchange with the cold fuel, in which case the thermoelectric generator may be integrated in a heat exchanger for the heat exchange between the fuel taken and the warmer medium. |
| US07992668B2 |
Low-angle spline coupling for power transmission units
A power transmission device for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by a power source. A first output shaft is rotatable about a first axis and adapted to transmit torque to a first driveline. A second output shaft is adapted to transmit torque to a second driveline and is rotatable about a second axis. The first and second axes diverge from one another. A transfer unit includes a drive member driven by the first output shaft and a driven member driving the second output shaft. A spline coupling is positioned within a cavity formed in the driven member to drivingly interconnect the driven member and the second output shaft. The second output shaft is axially moveable relative to the driven member. |
| US07992664B2 |
Jalousie for a vehicle
The jalousie for the control of the air flow through the engine cooler of a vehicle has rotatable fins (2), which are supported on one side in an outer housing ring (47) provided for the connection with the engine cooler of the vehicle and on the other side in an inner supporting ring (4). The swivelling of the fins (2) occurs with an adjusting ring (45), whose engaging portions (46) work together with counter-engaging portions (10) provided at the fin ends. The adjusting ring (45) with its engaging portions (46) and the counter-engaging portions (10) of the fins (2) are enclosed together on all sides in a hollow space (49) circumferentially extending around along the adjusting ring (13, 45) for the protection against contaminants and consequently for its safe function, which is limited by two profile rings (47, 50) interlocking with each other all around. |
| US07992658B2 |
Pilot reamer with composite framework
A reamer for subterranean wellbores may include a composite framework, which may include one or more high strength stems, each having one or more reamer bodies coupled thereto. The body may include a plurality of plates coupled together and may include additional components formed integrally therewith or coupled thereto. A method of forming a reaming tool may include forming a high strength stem and a reamer body and coupling the body to the stem. A method of using the reaming tool may include coupling one or more bodies in a drill string and reaming a wellbore. |
| US07992656B2 |
Self healing filter-cake removal system for open hole completions
A method of treating a subterranean formation including providing a well bore that includes a filter cake on at least a portion of the well bore and contacting at least a portion of the filter cake with a filter cake degradation fluid comprising a relative permeability modifier. The method also includes allowing the relative permeability modifier to retain at least a portion of the filter cake degradation fluid in the well bore for a time sufficient to contact the filtercake and allowing the filter cake to degrade. |
| US07992655B2 |
Dual gradient drilling method and apparatus with multiple concentric drill tubes and blowout preventers
Controlling drilling mud density in drilling operations utilizing concentric drill tubes and at least two different density fluids. The mud required at the wellhead is combined with a base fluid of a different density to produce diluted mud in a riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with base fluid, greater control over the pressure in the wellbore and various risers can be achieved. Concentric drill tubes or risers are disclosed, wherein a first annulus defined within one riser is utilized to carry one fluid to the wellbore injection point, while a second annulus defined within another riser is utilized to carry a combination fluid and cuttings back to the drilling rig. In one embodiment with three concentric drill tubes, a third annulus is also define, wherein the various annuli can be utilized in various combinations to deliver at least two different fluids to the wellbore and return a combination fluid from the wellbore. Blowout preventers may also be used in combination with the process to control these pressures. |
| US07992654B2 |
Dual gradient drilling method and apparatus with an adjustable centrifuge
A system for controlling drilling mud density in drilling operations that combines a base fluid of lesser/greater density than the drilling fluid required at the drill bit to drill the borehole to produce a combination return mud in a riser. Concentric tubular members are disclosed, wherein one tubular member, such as the drill string, is utilized to inject the drilling fluid into the wellbore. Another tubular member carries the combination fluid to the surface for separation by a centrifuge system. By combining appropriate quantities of drilling mud with another fluid, the density of the combination fluid carrying drill cuttings to the surface can be regulated. During separation by the centrifuge, a weir plate having an adjustable height is utilized in the centrifuge to regulate the separation of the base fluid from the drilling fluid, producing a high density fluid and a low density fluid. The adjustable centrifuge permits the densities of the two fluids to be readily altered as desired for well drilling operations. |
| US07992648B2 |
Light ultra high pressure fire vehicle system
A firefighting apparatus on a small all-terrain utility vehicle has a U-shaped water tank closely spaced from the driver's cab. A reel for a high-pressure hose is mounted in the U of the water tank. A high-pressure engine driven pump is connected to the reel and a high-pressure hose through a water management system, which directs water from the water tank to the pump, and from the pump to the hose. The pump has a pressure valve which sets the engine idle when the high-pressure water nozzle is closed. A pressure unloader valve recirculates water from the pump outlet to the pump inlet when the nozzle is closed. A check valve is used between the water tank and a point where water recirculates to the pump. A prefilter is connected between the check valve and the water tank. |
| US07992647B2 |
Process and device for fire prevention and extinguishing
The instant invention relates to a fire extinguishing apparatus. Particularly to an apparatus that includes at least one container that includes a fire retardant gel. The gel is formed from dehydrated superabsorbent polymer and water. The pre filled containers include at least one control valve or frangible portion to release the fire retardant to extinguish the fire. |
| US07992642B2 |
Polished bore receptacle
An integral polished bore assembly for use in a wellbore. The assembly includes a barrel having a polished bore; at least one no-go member positioned within the barrel; an elongated locator member having a sealing head and an end, the end extending out of the barrel; and a radial port formed through the barrel. |
| US07992639B2 |
Methods for improved hydrocarbon and water compatibility
Improvement in the compatibility of hydrocarbon and water is achieved by surface active agents newly synthesized by mixed microbial populations. Methods for enhancing the microbial production of surface-active agents in hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters can be achieved by supplementing the mixed microbial population with one or more carbon sources, most notably propionate. Hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters having enhanced levels of surface-active agents can be used to improve hydrocarbon recovery from subterranean formations or for remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites. |
| US07992638B2 |
Downhole disconnect mechanism
A release device includes a first sub, a second sub, and a connector separably connecting the first and the second sub, wherein the connector includes a shear member disposed with the first sub and a collar connected between the second sub and the shear member. |
| US07992634B2 |
Adjustable pipe guide for use with an elevator and/or a spider
One embodiment provides an adjustable guide 10a to steer the end 90 of a pipe string 88 into position to be engaged and supported by a pipe gripping apparatus such as, for example, an externally gripping elevator assembly 10. The adjustable guide 10a may comprise a plurality of angularly distributed guide inserts 30, each having a sloped surface 30A to engage a pipe end 90. Another embodiment provides an adjustable guide 60a to steer a pipe connection into position to pass through a spider 60. The guide inserts 30, 80 of an adjustable guide may be controllably positionable to together form a guide that is concentric with the bore of the tapered bowl of an elevator assembly or a spider. One embodiment comprises a guide insert retainer 11 having a plurality of channels 28, each slidably receiving a guide insert 30 and positionable by rotation of a threaded shaft 40. |
| US07992627B2 |
Microjet module assembly
Low-pressure drop thermal assemblies, systems and methods of making low-pressure drop thermal assemblies for use in high power flux situations. A manifold body is attached to a distributor to form a subassembly. This subassembly is in communication with a substrate surface, which has a semiconductor device in need of thermal management thereon. An enclosed cavity is formed between the target substrate surface and the subassembly, and a seal of the cavity protects critical components residing on the active surface of the semiconductor device. The distributor includes a distributed liquid impingement microjet inlet array isolated from and parallel with a distributed microjet drain array for impinging cooling fluid and removing spent heated fluid in a direction orthogonal to a target surface for maximizing the heat transfer rate, and thereby providing high cooling flux capabilities while enabling low-pressure drops. |
| US07992626B1 |
Combination spray and cold plate thermal management system
A combination spray and cold plate thermal management system for effectively thermally managing a heat producing device during startup. The combination spray and cold plate thermal management system includes a spray unit thermally managing a heat producing device and a coolant reservoir thermally connected to the heat producing device. The coolant reservoir includes a porous media with coolant channels for storing a volume of the waste coolant after spraying of coolant has terminated. The coolant reservoir is fluidly connected to the spray chamber within the spray unit to receive the waste coolant. |
| US07992624B2 |
Heat sink module
A heat sink module includes a heat transfer tube, a plurality of radiation fins respectively riveted to locating grooves around the periphery of the heat transfer tube, and a heat transfer panel fastened to the bottom side of the heat transfer tube and the radiation fin set and kept in contact with a heat source, such as a CPU or a light emitting unit of a LED lamp for transferring heat from the heat source to the radiation fins for quick dissipation. |
| US07992621B2 |
Side dam with insert
A side dam for use in a continuous twin roll caster system includes a body of refractory material having opposed outer surfaces with one outer surface adapted to contact molten metal and casting rolls in a continuous twin roll caster system and retain molten metal, and an opposite outer surface having fastening portions of refractory material adapted to attach the side dam to a side dam holder to hold the side dam in place during casting; an aperture in the outer surface of the body positioned adjacent a nip of the continuous twin roll caster system and adapted to receive a side dam insert; and a side dam insert of a second refractory material harder than the refractory material of the body having a first surface adapted to contact molten metal and form with the outer surface of the body the outer surface of the side dam. |
| US07992618B2 |
Coating-film transfer tool
A coating-film transfer tool is configured to positively absorb rotation of a head part caused when pressed and an effect of lean of the head part, and such a configuration contributes to favorable and uniform transfer. A member 4 is disposed at one end of a support column 2 supporting a head part 1 at the other end. A distance between the axial center of the support column 2 and its periphery varies depending on a position in the rotation direction. Sandwiching plates 3 resiliently sandwich the facing sides of the member 4 with the narrowest gap, when the head part 1 is not pressing a transfer target. When the head part 1 rotates around the axis of the support column 2 in a state pressing the transfer target, the member 4 rotates to forcibly and significantly widen the gap between the sandwiching plates and generate a restoring force. |
| US07992613B2 |
Method and arrangement for the production of composite work pieces comprising layers laminated to each other
A method and an arrangement for the production of composite work pieces of layers laminated to each other, with at least one layer representing a glass plate. First, at least one composite work piece is laminated in a lamination press under the effects of pressure and heat in order to at least activate the adhesive material used for lamination. Then the composite work piece is removed from the lamination press and transported into a curing station and/or cooling station for curing and/or cooling. A testing device for detecting broken glass in the composite work piece is arranged between the lamination press and the curing station or between the lamination press and the cooling station, which detects potentially present broken glass by testing the inherent stability of the composite work piece. |
| US07992612B2 |
Research press
A simulation press having a main body and an actuator attached thereto. The actuator is substantially aligned with the main body. A first plate is coupled to the main body and a second plate is coupled to the actuator. Both plates are adapted to engage a workpiece so as to simulate various modes of deformation of an area or areas on the workpiece when the second plate is moved relative to the first plate. The simulation press further includes a drive controller for controlling operation of the actuator. The drive controller additionally responds to feedback from at least one feedback sensor included with the simulation press. |
| US07992611B2 |
Pneumatic tire with a leno weave flipper or chipper
A pneumatic tire includes an axis of rotation, a carcass, a tread, and a belt structure. The carcass has at least one reinforced ply and a reinforcing structure providing a buffer for absorbing shear strain. The tread is disposed radially outward of the carcass. The belt structure is disposed radially between the carcass and the tread. The reinforcing structure comprises at least one layer of an open construction LENO weave fabric having warp yarns extending in the radial direction and weft yarns extending in the circumferential direction. |
| US07992610B2 |
Device for connecting a tire of an aircraft wheel to a pneumatic unit of the aircraft
A device for selectively connecting a tire to a pneumatic unit of an aircraft, the tire forming part of a wheel mounted to rotate on a hollow axle of the aircraft, the device comprising a stator and a rotor that is mounted to rotate relative to the stator and that includes means enabling it to be rotated by the wheel. The stator is bell-shaped and is designed to be received as a push-fit in the axle, and includes an end wall carrying a first pneumatic port for connection to the pneumatic unit via a tube running along the inside of the axle, the rotor extending substantially inside the stator. |
| US07992609B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread including wavy sipes having branch portions
A sipe inner wall surface of a sipe is provided with a wavy first concave and convex row, a wavy second concave and convex row arranged in a sipe bottom side from the first concave and convex row so as to be spaced, and structured such that a wavelength is made shorter than the first concave and convex row so as to increase the number of waves, and a third concave and convex row extending toward the sipe bottom side in a branched manner while being inclined to a longitudinal direction side of the sipe with respect to a normal direction of a tread surface, and interposed between the first concave and convex row and the second concave and convex row so as to be connected to both elements. |
| US07992605B2 |
Multifunctional tire support device
A tire assembly inserted in a conventional pneumatic tire that allows the driven vehicle to be operated in a normal operating condition as well as in both a low tire pressure and a “run flat” condition. The tire embodies a multifunctional tire support device that permits the tire even when punctured to continue to support the vehicle and never allows the tire to go entirely flat. The support device when installed reinforces the tire tread and its side walls by applying internal pressure against them should they collapse when tire is punctured. The invention embodies a means for supporting the tire with the multifunctional device and provides an additional embodiment that uses the same device with a backup redundant inner tube to provide support to the punctured or ruptured tire and permits it to be operated in a run flat condition. The inner tube is located in the assembly at a distance away from the tread so that any puncture of the tread would not also puncture the inner tube. This provides safety and security for the vehicle operating with this assembly installed in a conventional tire and a standard tire wheel rim. |
| US07992604B1 |
Ripsaw stabilizing device
One aspect of the present invention includes a ripsaw stabilizing device that has a moveable carrier arm subassembly, a hold-down subassembly, a hold-down support engaged to the moveable carrier arm subassembly and a force applying subassembly engaged to the hold-down subassembly and the hold-down support that applies downward force such that downward force is applied to a piece of material being cut on both sides of the blade. Another aspect of the present invention includes a method for making a glue-line quality cut without further processing of the material being cut and without the use of a sacrificial material. Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a ripsaw including one or more ripsaw stabilizing devices of the present invention. |
| US07992602B1 |
Device, kit and method for adding salt to a water softener system
The present invention relates to devices, kits and methods to aid the home owner in the transport of salt to their cellar-based water softening system. The device of the present invention uses rectangular piping because of the greater ease of supporting the piping and greater stability during use. |
| US07992598B2 |
Fluid bin assembly with hoist
A method for filling a dispensing bag includes inserting a collapsed bag within the chamber of a bin, the chamber being bounded by a floor and an upstanding sidewall. A first port formed on the collapsed bag is securely fixed within a port hole formed on the floor of the bin. A hoist mounted on the bin is manipulated so that the hoist raises an upper end of the collapsed bag within the chamber while the first port remains fixed within the port hole so as to expand the collapsed bag within the chamber of the bin. |
| US07992596B2 |
Method and apparatus for weaving tape-like warp and weft and material thereof
A method of weaving including warp and weft being supplied in the form of tapes, and not yarns. The method preferably carried out in vertical format and includes feeding positively flat tensionless warp for shedding and taking-up; selecting, feeding positively and inserting weft tapes of different widths and thickness by gripping in its fore end in flat condition; depositing inserted weft at fabric-fell in a flat condition without beating-up; and taking-up the woven material that includes either the same or different widths of flat wefts. The warps and wefts, preferably of partially stabilized type of fibrous tapes, can be overfed in a tensionless, positive and controlled manner when required to make the fibres of constituent fibrous tapes occur non-linearly in the form of wave/texture during weaving. Extra warps and wefts can be also fed in tandem whereby the warps and wefts become composed of two or more unconnected, mutually slipping, flat tapes in a stacked arrangement. These doubled warps and wefts function effectively as a unit warp and weft during weaving and in the fabric. The method also allows for the production of other materials such as those with slant weft tapes in relation to warp, having a shape within the body of the fabric and warp and weft tapes of shaped edges. A variety of fibrous and non-fibrous materials are equally well processed. |
| US07992593B2 |
Electrically conductive confined space ventilator conduit formed of conductive polymer, electrical grounding circuit for ventilation systems using same, and methods of using and forming same
An electrically conductive confined space ventilation conduit formed of a substantially rigid non-metallic conductive material, such as plastic, and a related process for ventilating an enclosure accessed by a manhole or other port. In one embodiment, the conduit has a pair of outer cylindrical sections and a central section having a cross-sectional shape of a crescent or a segment of a circle where it passes through a port to provide a minimum of obstruction for men and equipment passing through the port. Intermediate sections of varying cross-section connect the central section to the cylindrical outer sections so that the outer sections are offset from the axis of the manhole. The central section is preferably configured to obstruct no more than about 10 percent of a standard manhole opening, while causing either no air flow rate reduction, or a reduction of no more than about 10 percent as compared to the flow rate through a cylindrical conduit similar to said outer sections. The conduit is preferably formed of a conductive or electrically dissipative polyethylene polymer material to allow static electricity to be conducted from the conduit to ground. In a preferred embodiment, a connecting device for connecting the conduit to electrical ground is connected to the conduit. A grounding circuit kit and method of grounding the conduit is also disclosed. |
| US07992590B2 |
Faucet spout with water isolating couplings
A faucet including a spout body formed of metal and having an inlet end, an outlet end and a chamber extending between inlet and outlet ends. A tube formed of a non-metallic material is enclosed within the chamber and has receiving and dispensing ends. Tube defines a passage extending between receiving and dispensing ends. Receiving end is in fluid communication with water source to communicate water through passage. An inlet coupling formed of a non-metallic material and having an inlet opening extending therethrough is molded about receiving end such that receiving end is sealingly received within inlet opening. An outlet coupling formed of a non-metallic material and having an outlet opening extending therethrough is molded about dispensing end such that dispensing end is sealingly received within outlet opening. Inlet and outlet couplings are sealingly coupled to inlet and outlet ends of spout body, respectively. |
| US07992589B2 |
Dual butterfly valve driven by a common drive motor
A valve including a body delimiting an inlet duct opening into a first and second outlet duct. The body includes a first butterfly valve element and a second butterfly valve element. The first butterfly valve element is mounted on a first transmission gearwheel connected to a drive motor and is movable into two closed positions on either side of an open position of the first duct. The first transmission gearwheel is connected to a second transmission gearwheel, on which the second butterfly valve element is connected by a one-way positive drive element. When the first butterfly valve element is moved from an open position to one of the two closed positions in the first duct, the second butterfly valve element is driven from a closed position to an open position of the second duct. The valve includes a member for returning the second butterfly valve element to the closed position. |
| US07992582B2 |
Umbrella and umbrella canopy
An umbrella having a central shaft, a spindle slidably disposed on the shaft, a first plurality of radially extending ribs hingedly attached to the shaft, a second plurality of radially extending ribs secured at first ends thereof to the spindle and secured at second ends thereof to respective ones of the first plurality of ribs and an umbrella canopy supported by the first plurality of ribs, the canopy secured to the first ends of the first plurality of ribs adjacent to the second end of the central shaft and secured to the second ends of the second plurality of ribs at an outer perimeter of the canopy, wherein the canopy includes one or more single-canopy umbrella panels, and one or more double-canopy umbrella panels and wherein the double-canopy umbrella panels includes an upper canopy and a lower canopy, and wherein only the lower canopy is secured directly to the ribs. |
| US07992581B2 |
Canopy device
The present invention relates to a canopy device, in particular an umbrella or parasol, comprising: a rod; a canopy of flexible material connected to the rod close to an end thereof; operating means displaceable along the rod for closing or opening the canopy; and means for tensioning the canopy, which canopy tensioning means comprise a set of first tensioning members and a set of second tensioning members, wherein the first tensioning members are each pivotally connected with one first outer end to the rod and extend therefrom along the canopy to a position close to the periphery thereof, and wherein the second tensioning members are each pivotally connected with a first outer end to the operating means and are connected with a second outer end to a corresponding first tensioning member, wherein the connection between the first and second tensioning members is arranged closer to the periphery of the canopy than to the rod, and is preferably situated substantially close to the periphery of the canopy. |
| US07992580B1 |
Combination parts washer and sink washer
A combination parts washer for cleaning mechanical parts of oil, grease and contaminants. The washer has a cabinet which has two reservoirs. A parts receptacle in the one of the reservoirs receives the parts which are cleaned by ultrasonic waves. An operable sink for manual cleaning is positioned on the top of the cabinet and opens to access the cabinet and reservoir. Fluid from the sink drains to the first reservoir. In the closed position, the sink covers the top of the cabinet and may be used as a sink washer using the attached brush supplied by fluid from the first reservoir. Initial pre-cleaning may be performed in the sink using the brush. Subsequent precision cleaning may be accomplished by immersion and ultrasonic cleaning in the second reservoir. |
| US07992568B2 |
Integrated operating room sheet system and method for using the same
Disposable operating room surgical draping systems are disclosed. Methods of using disposable operating room surgical draping systems are also disclosed. |
| US07992567B2 |
System and method for percutaneous glossoplasty
Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices are also disclosed for manipulating other soft tissue structures, including the soft palate and pharyngeal airway. |
| US07992564B2 |
Respiratory devices
Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided. |
| US07992563B2 |
Methods and devices for improving breathing in patients with pulmonary disease
Methods, apparatus, and kits for enhancing breathing in patients suffering from chronic pulmonary obstructive disease are described. The methods and apparatus rely on increasing flow resistance to expiration in a manner which mimics “pursed lip” breathing which has been found to benefit patients suffering from this disease. In a first example, a device is implanted in a trachea or bronchial passage to increase flow resistance, preferably selectively increase resistance to expiration relative to inspiration. In a second embodiment, a mouthpiece is provided, again to increase resistance to expiration, preferably with a lesser increase in flow resistance to inspiration. In a third embodiment, the patient's trachea or bronchial passage is modified by the application of energy in order to partially close the lumen therethrough. |
| US07992562B2 |
Laryngeal mask airway installation kit, laryngeal mask airway with a stylet, and stylet
A laryngeal mask airway installation kit includes a laryngeal mask airway having a gastric access tube and includes a stylet capable of being inserted into the gastric access tube from the inlet end. When bent, the stylet changes the original shape of the laryngeal mask airway, thus facilitating the installation of the laryngeal mask airway. |
| US07992549B2 |
Method of fueling an internal combustion engine using pressurized and heated fuel
A method of operating an internal combustion engine comprises the steps of (a) pressurizing a liquid fuel to a pressure above 150 psig; (b) heating the liquid fuel to a temperature above 500° F. to produce a heated liquid fuel; (c) suddenly reducing the pressure of the heated liquid fuel sufficiently to vaporize the heated liquid fuel to form a vaporized hot fuel; (d) combining the vaporized hot fuel with oxygen to form a vaporized hot fuel/oxygen mixture; (e) introducing the vaporized hot fuel/oxygen mixture into the internal combustion engine; and (f) combusting the vaporized hot fuel/oxygen mixture within the internal combustion engine. |
| US07992545B2 |
Piezoelectric fuel injector having a temperature compensating unit
The present invention provides a fuel injector, comprising a housing having a sealable injector seat; a fuel injector pin disposed within the housing proximate) the injector seat such that the injector seat may be sealed and unsealed by displacing the fuel injector pin; a resilient element biasing the fuel injector pin in an unsealed direction; a piezoelectric actuator disposed within the housing proximal to the fuel injector pin configured to actuate to force the injector pin towards the injector seat to seal the injector seat; and a thermal compensating unit disposed within the housing proximal to the actuator and configured to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction of a component of the fuel injector. |
| US07992541B2 |
System and method for controlling auto-ignition
A method controlling combustion modes of an engine with at least a first and second cylinder, the engine having a first actuator configured to control at least intake valves of the first and second cylinder and a second actuator configured to control at least exhaust valves of the first and second cylinders, the method comprising of sending a first signal to the first actuator which adjusts operation of at least intake valves of the first and second cylinder and a second signal to the second actuator which adjusts operation of at least exhaust valves of the first and second cylinder, said first and second signals sent at different crank angles, and transitioning combustion modes of said first and second cylinders, said combustion modes including spark ignition and homogeneous compression ignition. |
| US07992540B2 |
Decompression braking device in endothermic engines
A decompression braking device in an endothermic engine (1) is provided of the type comprising a lever axle (2) on which a plurality of eccentric bushings (31) of a corresponding plurality of levers (3) provided with tappets (4) are rotationally and eccentrically mounted for actuating a plurality of exhaust valves (5), and a camshaft (30) for actuating the plurality of levers (3), the device is characterized in that it comprises an actuating member (6, 61) mounted externally to the lever axle (2) and connected to the latter by linkages (8, 9, 10), such that a respective rotation of the bushings (31) by a predetermined angular value (α), with consequent displacement of the hinging axis of the levers (3), corresponds to each excursion of the actuating member (6, 61). |
| US07992536B2 |
Direct fuel injection diesel engine
In a direct fuel injection diesel engine equipped with a pentroof-shaped piston, when fuel is injected into a cavity (25) recessed in a central part of a piston (13), for which the height of a top face changes in the circumferential direction, from a fuel injection point (Oinj) of a fuel injector disposed on a piston central axis along a plurality of fuel injection axes (Li1,Li2), if a cross-section of the cavity (25) passing along the fuel injection axis (Li1,Li2) is defined as a fuel injection cross-section (Sn), a cross-sectional shape (see shaded portion) of the cavity (25) defined by first to third specific points (An, Bn, Cn) on the fuel injection cross-section (Sn) is set so as to be substantially equal for each fuel injection cross-section (Sn). By so doing, the conditions in which fuel and air are mixed in each fuel injection cross-section (Sn) can be made uniform, the engine output can be improved, and harmful exhaust substances can be reduced. |
| US07992534B2 |
Engine balancer system
An engine balancer system is provided in which a balancer housing (17) disposed so as to face an oil pan beneath a crankshaft is formed by joining an upper housing (29) and a lower housing (30) via mating faces (P), and the height of the mating faces (P) is lower on a vehicle front side than on a vehicle rear side. Oil discharge holes (45a, 46) for discharging oil that is within the balancer housing (17) are formed in the mating faces (P) on the higher side of the balancer housing (17) and in the upper housing (29) above the mating faces (P) on the lower side of the balancer housing (17). This enables the position of the oil discharge hole (45a) on the lower side to be as high as possible, thereby suppressing penetration of oil into the interior of the balancer housing (17) through the oil discharge hole (45a). |
| US07992531B2 |
Phase varying apparatus for engine
Heat generation is not caused by friction in a phase varying apparatus for use with a vehicle engine.A phase varying apparatus for use with a vehicle engine varies the opening/closing timing of an intake valve or an exhaust valve. The phase varying apparatus includes a rotary drum (44A) screwed to an intermediate member (30); an electromagnetic clutch (42) including a plurality of magnets (80) that are fixedly arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the rotary drum and that are magnetized alternately in opposite directions and a coil wound around an iron core (60); and ferromagnetic-material-made magnetic flux induction members (82, 84) having a plurality of claws (82B, 84B) close to magnetic poles of a magnet, having a slight gap between the iron core and the magnetic flux induction member, and forming a magnetic path (85) made up of the iron core and the magnets. The magnetic flux induction member is fixed to an outer cylinder part (10) or to an inner cylinder part (20). The rotary drum is accelerated and decelerated by a magnetic force exerted on the magnet by the claws while controlling an electric current to be supplied to the coil, and the inner cylinder part (20) and the outer cylinder part connected to the intermediate member in a spline manner are rotated relative to each other. |
| US07992524B2 |
Cat can't jump—device for training small animals
An animal training device and restraint (10) is comprised of a lead (14) having a length greater than the height of the cat and less than the length of the cat and a device (12) for attaching to the cat's collar or harness on one end and a weight (13), light enough to lift into the air and swing freely when the cat jumps, attached to the other end to provide the animal with some free roaming ability while preventing them from jumping onto furniture or over fences or after birds. |
| US07992521B2 |
Method and device for automatically detecting mating of animals
The inventive device for automatically detecting the mating of animals is wearable by an animal. The device includes a fixing to an animal mechanism, a detector for an attempt of mating a female animal by the animal with the fixing mechanism, and an identifier for an electronic label which is introduced in the body of the female animal and actuated by the detector and/or by the female animal identification device by processing the image of at least one part of the female animal triggered by the detector. The identifier includes a communicator with an electronic label carried by a female animal. The communicator can read the electronic label identifier of each female animal which the animal attempts to mate. The communication can also be provided with a device for storing representative information on the attempted mating in the random access memory of the electronic label. |
| US07992520B2 |
Squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device
A squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device is described. The bird feeder includes a vertically disposed inner housing member which is positioned within a vertically disposed outer housing member with each of the housing members including a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments. The spacing of the housing segments divide feed openings therebetween. A combination feed level control and feed port device is positioned between each of the housing segments of the inner housing member so that feed ports are provided therebetween. The outer housing member has a plurality of feed openings formed therein which register with the feed ports of the combination devices when the outer housing member is in its first position. If a squirrel should move onto the outer housing member, the outer housing member moves downwardly with respect to the inner housing member so that the feed openings in the outer housing member do not register with the feed ports of the combination devices. A spring interconnects the inner and outer housing members to yieldably maintain the outer housing member in its first position. The combination feed level control and feed ports not only function as a feed level control mechanism but also provide feed ports at the lower end thereof. |
| US07992517B2 |
Gantry tower spraying system with cartridge/receptacle assembly
A gantry tower spraying system with a cartridge/receptacle assembly includes a gantry and a spray assembly coupled to the gantry to allow for translational movement of the spray assembly along the gantry. The spray assembly includes a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing a cosmetic liquid for skin treatment, and a spray nozzle coupled to the receptacle for receiving the cosmetic liquid and dispensing the cosmetic liquid in a spray. The receptacle has an inner surface of a size and shape to generally conform to a size and shape of a portion of an outer surface of the cartridge. The spraying system can further be provided with an oscillation mechanism adapted to cause oscillation of the spray nozzle. The bottle can be provided with a keying mechanism for engaging a corresponding key structure of the receptacle. |
| US07992514B1 |
Imparted charge in situ pipelining device
The invention pertains to a lining device that can be pulled through a pipe having an approximate diameter between 1 and 36 inches. The device sprays an electrically charged lining mixture 360° onto the inside pipe surface. The lining mixture is electro-statically charged to facilitate full encapsulation and adhesion to all pipe wall surfaces in a circumferentially uniform thickness. The lining device can be contained in a multipart housing having flexible rod-like components that hold the device in the center of the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The lining mixture is conveyed to the device through heated non expanding hose. The non expanding properties facilitate the delivery of the lining under pressure to the device. The device also incorporates a dwell cone having a knurled edge that atomizes the lining mixture as it is centrifugally thrown onto the pipe wall. The device may further incorporate nitrogen in mixing the lining material. |
| US07992509B1 |
Shellfish habitats
Methods of producing precast concrete structures, installing them to form larger structures along shorelines or underwater and the structures produced thereby are disclosed. Certain preferred embodiments can be employed as underwater shellfish habitats for raising oysters, mussels and the like. |
| US07992499B2 |
Device for neutralizing and destroying buildings for storing noxious substances
The invention relates to the field of penetrative projectiles capable of penetrating buildings whose structures are reinforced such as anti-aircraft shelters for example. The invention consists in a projectile comprising a solid penetrative body designed to perforate a wall of the building, the roof for example. Inside the projectile according to the invention are housed sub-munitions enclosing the charge in the form of bomblets, a device for plugging the hole formed in the wall by the passage of the projectile, and a sequencing and command device. When the wall is penetrated, the rear portion of the penetrative body is separated from the rest of the penetrative body and the plugging device is deployed so as to block the hole that has been passed through. After penetration, the front portion of the penetrative body continues its route toward the ground while the sub-munitions enclosing the bomblets remain suspended in the air under the wall. |
| US07992498B2 |
Reduced collateral damage bomb (RCDB) and system and method of making same
A reduced collateral damage bomb (RCDB) bomb casing is described and disclosed along with the system and method for making it. The RCDB bomb casing may be formed from conventional or penetrating warhead bomb casings. The RCDB bomb casing has a filler material/materials disposed on the interior walls that will assist in controlling the collateral damage caused by the finished bomb but not prevent the appropriate destructive power being delivered to a selected target. |
| US07992497B1 |
Tactical weapons system and method of use
An inert tactical weapons system and method of use thereof, said system being a non-lethal application system designed to deal with terrorists and hostage situations. It consists of pumping an inert gas into a structure in which hostages are being held, the inert gas displacing the oxygen in the air within the structure and rendering all those within unconscious. Prompt venting after the initial incapacitation renders all those affected conscience within a few minutes and does no permanent harm. |
| US07992496B2 |
Decoys for infra-red radiation seeking missiles and methods of producing and using the same
The present invention relates to decoys for heat-seeking missiles and methods of producing and using the same. The decoys are designed to be kinematic or pseudo-kinematic, producing one or more infra-red radiation emitting clouds that give the appearance of a moving infra-red target in the airspace in which the decoy has been released. |
| US07992494B2 |
Detonator ignition protection circuit
An ignition circuit for a detonator is disclosed. The circuit includes; an igniter having a first terminal and an opposing second terminal, a first diode electrically connected in series with the igniter at the first terminal, and a second diode electrically connected in series with the igniter at the second terminal. The first and second diodes each have an anode terminal and a cathode terminal, wherein like terminals of the first and second diodes are electrically connected to the igniter, thereby defining proximal terminals proximate the igniter and distal terminals on an opposing side of each respective diode. An energy source and a switch are electrically connected in series with each other, and are electrically connected across the distal terminals. Current flow through the igniter sufficient to ignite the igniter is prevented until an ignition voltage is applied to the distal terminals that is equal to or greater than the reverse breakdown voltage of the first diode or the second diode. |
| US07992493B2 |
Dampening water control method and printing apparatus
Line patches m and solid patches s are printed with a subject image, each line patches having at least 200 lines per inch and a duty ratio of at least 60%, to detect densities Dm and Ds. A water coefficient W (=Dm/Ds) is calculated from the detected densities Dm and Ds. Whether dampening water is fed at a proper rate or not is determined based on correlation data stored beforehand and showing a relationship between the feed rate of dampening water and the water coefficient W. The feed rate of dampening water is controlled to be a proper rate. |
| US07992490B2 |
Automatic by-pass control system for meat injection machine and method of using same
A by-pass control system for a meat injection system has a variable speed pump that transports fluid to a meat injection machine. Excess fluid is transported to a by-pass control valve. The valve has a moveable piston disposed therein that separates the valve into a fluid chamber and an air chamber. The piston moves back and forth based on the relationship between fluid pressure and air pressure. Sensors are disposed within or through the lid or the valve to sense the position of the piston. A controller is connected to the sensors and the variable speed pump and adjusts the speed of the pump based on the position of the piston. |
| US07992487B1 |
One-step canning kettle and associated method
The invention as presently conceived discloses a cooking kettle apparatus having special features to make food canning a single step process. The apparatus comprises a large diameter pour spout on the upper portion of the kettle that allows even the thickest food to flow through, and a series of interchangeable spout attachments. One spout attachment is a strainer to hold back solids as the cooked product is poured into containers. Another attachment is a straight pour spout with an air induction vent to improve the flow or liquids. The kettle has three handles about the upper portion to allow easy pouring by one person, or for two people when there is a particularly heavy batch of cooked food. The method of use provides a means by which a person can cook jams, jellies, and similar foods in the most efficient manner and with less specialized cooking items. |
| US07992484B2 |
Rotary hydraulic machine and controls
A variable capacity hydraulic machine has a rotating group located within a casing and a control housing secured to the casing to extend across and seal an opening in the casing. The control housing accommodates a control circuit and a pair of sensors to sense change in parameters associated with the rotating group. One of the sensors is positioned adjacent the barrel on the rotating group to sense rotational speed and the other senses displacement of the swashplate. The control housing accommodates a control valve and accumulator to supply fluid to the control valve. |
| US07992483B2 |
Firing frequency controller
A firing frequency controller which includes a cylinder body, a piston assembly, and a unidirectional seal is provided. The cylinder body includes a first orifice, a second orifice and a third orifice, wherein the gas flux through the first orifice and the third orifice are inequality. The piston assembly disposed inside said cylinder body is repeatedly moved. The unidirectional seal is disposed at outside of the piston and adjacent to the inner wall of the cylinder body. The unidirectional seal is contacted with the cylinder body and is kept airtight while moved at one direction. The unidirectional seal is not contacted with the cylinder body and kept non-airtight while moved at another direction. Because of pressure difference, the velocity of piston assembly can be adjusted and then the firing frequency of toy gun can be controlled. |
| US07992480B2 |
Angle indicating device for table saw
A table saw includes a curved channel formed in a supporting base, a cradle attached to the supporting base, an arbor bracket attached to the cradle for supporting a saw blade and a motor, a height shaft attached to the cradle and extended through the curved channel of the base for engaging with the arbor bracket, a tilt shaft attached to the base and engaged with the cradle for adjusting the saw blade relative to the base to selected angular positions, a follower slidably engaged in the curved channel of the base, and a signal generating device attached to the follower for detecting a bevel angle of the arbor bracket and the cradle and the saw blade relative to the base and for precisely showing the angle with digits. |
| US07992477B2 |
Medicine feeding device
A medicine feeding device including a support portion (32) for supporting a seal surface side of a press through pack (5), a press section (33) for pressing the housing recess portions (9) from one side other than the seal surface of the press through pack (5), and a cutter (38) for making a cut slit in the sheet (11) at a boundary portion between the housing recess portions (9) and the seal surface (8) at least before the sheet (11) is broken or the medicine (6) is damaged by the pressure exerted by the press section (33). |
| US07992476B2 |
Food chopper
A food chopping or slicing device preferably includes three primary components, including a lid, a blade tray, and a food reservoir. A trimming blade secures to an edge of the device to cut overlength food items. In some embodiments, a reservoir bottom is removable and the device includes orthogonal volumetric markings. |
| US07992475B2 |
Plate workpiece processing
A plate workpiece processing method includes utilizing one or more cutting devices of a machine tool to perform first and second cutting operations on a plate workpiece. During the first cutting operation, the workpiece is moved relative to cutting device(s) used for the first cutting operation, at least two cut-outs are partially formed in the workpiece with only a common residual connection left that jointly connects the partially formed cut-outs to a remaining portion of the workpiece and that is shortened along one or more cutting lines of the second cutting operation to a size that is larger than a working area of the cutting device(s) used for the second cutting operation. During the second cutting operation, the workpiece is maintained stationary supported by the machine tool, the shortened common residual connection is severed along the cutting line(s) to completely separate the cut-outs from the remaining portion of the workpiece. |
| US07992472B2 |
Torque limiting and ratcheting driver and assembly
A torque-limiting and ratcheting driver. The drive comprises a handle having an enclosed end and an open end, which houses a drive assembly. The drive assembly comprises a drive shaft, a drive clutch member and a camming clutch member supported by the drive shaft. The camming clutch member is coupled to the drive shaft, and the first drive clutch member and second camming clutch member are biased towards one another. The drive assembly has a locking screw supported by the drive shaft, with the locking means located at the enclosed end of the handle. The drive assembly is secured with the housing. The driver also comprises a ratcheting assembly connected to the handle, independently assembled of the drive assembly. |
| US07992471B2 |
Positioning apparatus for hand tool
A positioning apparatus for hand tool includes a shank, a driving head, a switch, and a positioning device. The shank has a connecting end having a receiving space and a slot communicated with the receiving space. The driving head has multiple positioning holes. The switch includes a screw. The positioning device is received in the receiving space. The positioning device includes a spring, a pusher, and a base. The base is received in the receiving space. The base has a recess for receiving the spring and the pusher and a slot communicated with the recess. The spring has one end abutting against a bottom of the recess and the other end abutting against the pusher. The screw passes the switch and fastens with the pusher via the slot in the shank and the slot in the base. The pusher selectively engages with one of the multiple positioning holes. |
| US07992470B2 |
Adjustable gripping tool
A self-energizing and de-energizing adjustable gripping tool for engaging a work piece to impart work thereto includes a first element and second element connected for relative movement. The second element includes an actuation portion having a plurality of slots. The first element includes gripping elements which are each associated with a force transfer element which engages one of the slots such that movement of the second element relative to the first element actuates the gripping elements to engage the work piece. |
| US07992468B2 |
Internally fitting tool for spinning a hollow element
A spinner tool has a shaft that is receivable in a rotation-imparting device, such as a hand-held drill. The shaft carries mounts in which the shaft rotates. Gripper elements are mounted between the mounts for radial movement relative to the shaft. The shaft is configured to move the gripper elements away from the shaft away from the shaft upon rotation of the shaft. This movement of the gripper elements causes the gripper elements to engage the interior surface of a hollow-cylindrical element in which the tool is inserted, so that the hollow-cylindrical element rotates together with the shaft. |
| US07992467B2 |
Shingle removing apparatus
The present invention discloses a shingle removing apparatus which includes a handle, a stripper member, a drive assembly and a drive linkage assembly with lost motion mechanism. The stripper member is adapted for inserting under a shingle has a first end portion and a second end portion. The drive assembly drives at least a portion of the stripper member and the drive linkage assembly causes at least portion of the stripper member to reciprocally move up and down to thereby remove the shingle. The drive linkage assembly provides a lost motion mechanism which allows the stripper member to intermittently not be driven. |
| US07992465B2 |
Drive unit for actuators in a motor vehicle
A drive unit (10) actuates drives in a motor vehicle with a first housing part (12), in particular a pole pot (12), and a second housing part (14), in particular a gear housing or electronic housing (14, 15), which can be connected with connecting elements (40), wherein the first housing part (12) features receptacles (38) for the connecting elements (40), wherein the receptacles (38) are embodied as centering holes (36) for corresponding centering pins (48), which are arranged on the second housing part (14). |
| US07992463B2 |
Shifter for automatic transmission
A shifter for an automatic transmission has a gate plate with a main gate and a sub-gate. A shift lever has a spherical portion and is movable along the main gate and the sub-gate. A switching member enables switching the automatic transmission to a manual operation. The switching member includes a body held in a swingable manner, and a lever holding section integrally formed with the body to rotatably hold the spherical portion. The body is adapted, to be uncoupled from the shift lever so as to place the automatic transmission in a manual mode when the shift lever is swung from the main gate into the sub-gate about the spherical portion and to be coupled to the shift lever so as to return the automatic transmission to an automatic mode when the shift lever is returned from the sub-gate to the main gate. |
| US07992462B2 |
Resin double-helical gear
In a resin double-helical gear formed by injection-molding, smooth meshing of teeth can be performed for rotation of the resin double-helical gear in both directions, and occurrences of thrust-direction load and noise can be prevented.Peak-side tooth flanks 7c and 7d and valley-side tooth flanks 7e and 7f of a tooth 7 in a resin double-helical gear 1 are formed such as to become farther away from peak-side tooth flanks 9c and 9d and valley-side tooth flanks 9e and 9f of a standard tooth 9 in an inward direction, the closer the peak-side tooth flanks 7c and 7d and the valley-side tooth flanks 7e and 7f are to a tooth width direction center section 3 from one tooth width direction end section 4a and another tooth width direction end section 4b. As a result, meshing escape sections g (g1 and g2) and h (h1 and h2) having dimensions in a tooth thickness direction that increase towards the tooth width direction center section 3 are formed on the peak-side tooth flank side and the valley-side tooth flank side. |
| US07992461B2 |
Circulating device for motion guide apparatus
A motion guide device includes a ball nut attached onto a shaft and having helical grooves for receiving ball bearing elements, a tubular member is engaged with the ball nut and includes a ball circulating pathway communicative with the helical groove of the ball nut, and includes an intermediate segment, two curved segments, and two end coupling segments each having a ball guiding channel which includes a wider inner section for guiding and circulating the flexible coupling member of a ball coupler to smoothly move through the ball guiding channel of each end coupling segment and for preventing the flexible coupling member from being twisted. The tubular member is preferably formed by two half members. |
| US07992453B1 |
Erosion-resistant insert for flow measurement devices
An erosion-resistant insert is provided for a flow measurement device having a fluid displacement member. The insert includes a flange and a sleeve extending axially from the flange. The sleeve may be inserted into a recess machined into a fluid conduit of the fluid measurement device to protect the inner wall of the conduit. The insert maintains the inner diameter of the conduit and the beta ratio of the flow measurement device. |
| US07992449B1 |
Method for assessment of cable strength and residual life
A method for determining the condition assessment and residual life span of bridge cables based on a parametric statistical model. The method includes random sampling of individual cable wires, mechanically testing the sampled wires, determining the probability of broken and cracked wires and the ultimate strength of cracked wires using fracture toughness and imputing the above data to simulate stress-strain curves for each wire in the cable, applying strain increments until reaching ultimate elongation. Assessing remaining service life of the cable by determining the rate of change of broken wires detected over a time frame, measuring the rate of change of fracture toughness over said time frame, and applying the rates of change to a time-dependent degradation prediction model. |
| US07992448B2 |
Mechanical-quantity measuring device
A mechanical-quantity measuring device capable of measuring a strain component in a specific direction with high precision is provided.At least two or more pairs of bridge circuits are formed inside a semiconductor monocrystal substrate and a semiconductor chip, and one of these bridge circuits forms a n-type diffusion resistor in which a direction of a current flow and measuring variation of a resistor value are in parallel with a <100> direction of the semiconductor monocrystal silicon substrate, and an another bridge circuit is composed of combination of p-type diffusion resistors in parallel with a <110> direction. |
| US07992444B2 |
Pressure detection device and pressure detection method
The pressure detection device includes a buffer member deformable by a pressure change, including one or more magnets, and a sensor assembly including one or more magnetic sensors to detect a variation of a magnetic field accompanied by deformation of the buffer member. |
| US07992441B2 |
Pressure sensor for measuring pressure in a medium
A pressure sensor module is disclosed. The pressure sensor module comprises a sensing element (1) mounted on a front side (3) of a support member (5). The support member (5) comprises a hole (7) through the support member (5) from the front side (3) to a back side (9). The sensing element (1) covers the hole (7) at the front side (3). A back side barrier (6) provided at the back side (9) of the support member (5) surrounds a surface of the back side (9) of the support member (5) and forms an enclosed area (8), wherein the enclosed area (8) and the hole (7) form a pressure channel (10). A back side protective member (2) fills the hole (7) and at least partially the enclosed area (8). The support member (5), back side barrier (6) and back side protective member (2) form a module that can be placed during production of the pressure sensor in a housing of the pressure sensor. |
| US07992438B2 |
Multiaxial gyroscope
The present invention relates to a multiaxial gyroscope, which comprises a vibration-sensing device, a plurality of elastic connecting parts, a first substrate, and a plurality of electrodes. The first ends of the elastic connecting parts are adapted on the periphery of the vibration-sensing device. The sidewall of the first substrate connects with the second ends of the elastic connecting parts. The plurality of electrodes is located on the periphery of the vibration-sensing device and is opposite to the plurality of elastic connecting parts. The vibration-sensing device comprises a ring and a plurality of vibration blocks. By means of the vibration blocks, the sensing area as well as the driving amplitude of the gyroscope can be increased effectively. Thereby, the intensity of the sensed signals of the gyroscope can be enhanced. |
| US07992437B2 |
Liquid level detector
A liquid level detector for conductive liquids for vertical installation in a tank, the detector having a probe positioned within a sheath and insulated therefrom by a seal so that the tip of the probe extends proximate to but not below the lower end of the sheath, the lower end terminating in a rim that is provided with notches, said lower end being tapered, the taper and notches preventing debris collection and bubble formation, said lower end when contacting liquid as it rises will form an airtight cavity defined by the liquid, the interior sheath wall, and the seal, the compression of air in the cavity preventing liquid from further entry into the sheath and contact with the seal. As a result, the liquid cannot deposit a film to form an electrical bridge across the seal. |
| US07992436B2 |
Electro-optic liquid level sensing system for aircraft beverage brewing
The electro-optic liquid level sensing system detects a level of liquid in a container having an upper opening, such as for a server container of a beverage maker for a transport system, such as for aircraft, trains, trucks, buses and the like. A support housing mates with the upper opening of the container, and a primary liquid level sensor is mounted in the support housing for non-intrusively measuring the liquid level. A secondary liquid level sensor may be mounted in the support housing to sense a predetermined liquid level to prevent accidental overflows. Protective lenses may be placed in front of the primary liquid level sensor. |
| US07992435B2 |
Air flow meter
In a structure in which peripheral part of a diaphragm section of an electrical insulating film is covered with a protective film made of an organic material, the resistor wire on the diaphragm section crosses the peripheral part of the diaphragm section. At a place where a narrow wire of a resistance temperature detector and the like crosses the peripheral part of the diaphragm section, the protective film is thinner than the other part, and the dust impact resistance is reduced. At a place where a heating resistor wire connected to a heating resistor body or resistance temperature detector wires connected to resistance temperature detector bodies cross a periphery of the diaphragm section, a film component protruding from an electrical insulating film is arranged side by side with the heating resistor wire or the resistance temperature detector wires. |
| US07992434B2 |
Christmas tree with internally positioned flowmeter
A measurement device is disclosed which includes a structure adapted to be removably coupled to a Christmas tree, a sleeve operatively coupled to the structure and a flowmeter positioned at least partially within the sleeve. |